Helping holiday hands for seniors

Karrol Schemmer has multiple sclerosis and a couple of new knee replacements. That doesn't stop the 72-year-old Brea, Calif., resident from celebrating the holidays in her own personal style.

She just needs a little help. And that's why Donna Rodriguez is there for a couple of days a week.

"I feel more secure with her around because she is trained," Schemmer says. "When you're coping with two knee replacements on top of everything else, a trained caregiver gives peace of mind."

Schemmer has been coping with multiple sclerosis since 1977. She knows more than she wants to about relying on others for help.

Rodriguez helps out four hours a week. Meanwhile, Schemmer expects to soon graduate from a scooter to a walker — with a seat!

"I call it my Cadillac walker," she says.

Her husband, Dr. Ken Schemmer, is a surgeon. He's around to help her in the evenings.

She has a cleaning woman also, an important addition since her children moved away.

"All of our clients vary in needs," says Heather Yost, owner of Senior Helpers in Yorba Linda, Calif., where Rodriguez is employed.

Some want to stay home and age in place rather than move to assisted living, she says. Others need 24-hour care, including bathing and incontinence care.

"There is a great need today," Yost says. "The senior population is constantly growing, and there will be a huge increase as the baby boomers reach 65. People are living longer.

"So there is greater demand for caregivers. The important consideration is that these caregivers are professional and that they are insured and bonded."

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Jane Glenn Haas writes for The Orange County (Calif.) Register. E-mail her at jghaas@cox.net