The COVID pandemic redefined the lives of many people, among them Stacie Peters.

Peters, of Sun City, was a care giver for autistic children in 2020, but when COVID struck she could no longer visit the homes of the children under her care because of the restrictions. She was cast adrift professionally. It was a chance encounter with an elderly lady in a Sun City parking lot needing assistance that allowed her to chart new waters.

“It was like an epiphany,” she said. “I took care of my parents when they had cancer so I knew what to expect, but I was surprised at how well I could take care of them without getting emotional.”

Peters became a care professional with Home Instead of Sun City, one of a network of independently owned and operated in-home care franchises that immerse themselves into an older adult’s life to assist with common activities such as bathing, medication management, meal preparation and other aspects of life for those aging in place. One of their most important roles is providing companionship – a regular visitor who can monitor any issues that may arise. They become an extra set of “eyes and ears” for families and can advocate on behalf of their patients with others.

“A lot of the kids or family members don’t live here, so we become an extension of the family,” she said. “We give the families piece of mind. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I’m very much needed. I’ll be here until I need care myself.”

Peters had retired, but discovered she still wanted to do more. Now, at the age of 69, she spends her days taking care of her clients, who have also become friends. She looks forward to visiting with them. She has been with the company for more than three years.

Although Peters works with Home Instead on a flexible work schedule of her own, she often fills in for others when there is an opening; and there is an expanding need for in-home health care.

A January 2024 study by Home Instead found that one out of five Americans saw a noticeable decline in an aging loved one’s well-being while visiting during the holidays. Of those who noticed a decline in their loved one’s well-being: 

• Two-thirds (65%) were concerned about physical changes, such as mobility and hearing.
• Two-thirds (64%) were concerned about changes in their ability to care for themselves, including struggles to maintain daily hygiene, nutrition and household tasks.
• More than half (57%) were concerned by changes in their loved one’s cognitive skills, including being disoriented, forgetful and unable to manage their medications.
• Nearly half (44%) were concerned by emotional changes, including that their loved one seemed depressed and lonely.

Statistics show more than 90% of older adults plan to age in their own home for as long as possible. Without support, this becomes more difficult and dangerous because of cognitive and mobility changes that come with aging. One-third of those surveyed said they were afraid their aging loved one will lose independence, and nearly half (48%) don’t feel capable or know how to help their loved one. Home Instead offers free online resources to help families know where to start.

Consistent with the survey findings, many Home Instead franchises across the United States are experiencing a substantial increase in service inquiries, with some experiencing an all-time high in requests.

Jason Fish, owner of the Sun City franchise, said his business has experienced a 35% increase in service inquiries since the holidays.

“We need a minimum of 30 more care pros for this year,” he said. “Here, they all go through a training course for adult daily living and the type of specialized care needed for their patients.”

The hours are flexible and can be as few as wanted or a full work week. Peters typically works 32 hours a week, she said.

“They set their own schedule and we find the patients to match it,” Fish said.

Care can be provided in the person’s home or even at another medical facility.

“Some people need one-on-one care,” Fish said. “Some facilities call us when they get that (the patient) needs more individual care. In other cases, the family will want someone with their loved one to provide companionship.”

For more information, visit homeinstead.com at https://www.homeinstead.com/location/817/.