What Makes a House a Home?
Last week, our Chicagoland FOFO (family of franchise owners) visited our new Arlington Heights office for the first time. Even after trying to find the perfect sign, desk, and doing a little cleaning to make it our own, the office, for the first time, finally started to feel like home!
This got me thinking about what it means to make a house a home, and the impact our caregivers have with their presence.
So, here are my top 5 ways our caregivers add a little warmth between the walls for your loved ones:
- Noise – A caregiver’s mere presence can be reassuring. Many caregivers provide a sense of comfort just by going about their daily activities, and even the sound of their voice or footsteps around the house can be meaningful. Maybe it’s simply pots clanging in the background or having someone chat with you. The noise of daily life tells us about consistency and reassurance.
- The rituals you create — It’s good for older people to
know their caregiver will be there, and comforting for them to have consistency in their lives. Routines and rituals provide structure to our days. They give us things to look forward to, and offer a sense of predictability when thing might be otherwise uncertain.
- The flaws — Our homes may carry scars that tell the stories of our lives. A ding in the wall, or a squeaky floorboard might be more comforting than annoying. These small flaws are reminders that a home was well lived in, and there was action, togetherness and love
- In-home Care — People leave their mark on a home long after they walk out the door. A caretaker’s positive energy may linger, and sometimes it’s simply nice to bring positivity and joy into a quiet space.
- The people you share it with – The people make all the difference, creating memories and warmth in a new space. Homes can tell stories, and each person is part of a new chapter!
