QC Family Focus: December 2015

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Shannon Swanson
Manager, IL Branch, Good Samaritan Society Services@Home
It is hard to believe the
year is coming to a close. December
is here! With it comes the hustle
and bustle of the holiday season.
Christmas shopping, parties, setting
up travel plans, and getting all that
last-minute shopping finished.
Sometimes the month moves so
quickly, it is hard to remember the
true meaning of the holiday season.
As a faith-based
organization, the Good Samaritan
Society honors this season of Christmas as recognition of the
birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, this new “Christmas
season” that has developed through the years is one of
spending time with family and friends. Annual gatherings
have been developed, whether they are work-related, an ugly
sweater party with close and lasting friends, or the yearly
dinner made and enjoyed with your immediate and extended
family. Everyone’s Christmas Season is a little bit different,
and everyone’s feelings about the Christmas Season vary as
well. For some, this truly is the most wonderful time of the
year, filled with excitement and joy.
In my job as a healthcare professional, I am able
to see the Christmas season through the eyes of those I
serve. Family gatherings may have split when the oldest
generation was no longer able to hold them. One such
story was told to me by our Clinton Services@Home®
Manager, Jennifer Green. It was the story of a woman who
once hosted all her family dinners for years, and lovingly
prepared every dish herself. But in time, she was no longer
capable of doing so without help.
“We have a client who is your ‘picture perfect’
grandma,” Jennifer said. “She always wants to bake or
cook her favorite family dishes and meals, yet her arthritic
hands and feeble body won’t allow her to do it on her own.
She counts on our caregivers to help make her famous,
yet traditional meals and cookies. Without the help of
Services@Home®, none of this could continue.”
Services@Home® staff and caregivers make it our
goal to help our clients and their families continue to have
the most traditional Christmas season they can. They
assist in a variety of ways – from helping with cooking
meals and wrapping presents, to driving our clients to and
from their children’s gatherings, or simply attending their
Christmas church service with them. This time of year, we
proudly make it our mission to let our clients know that
just because their circumstances may have changed, their
holiday traditions will not.
J ust because your
life changes doesn’t
mean you have to
change everything.
Services@Home from the Good Samaritan
Society can help you find the best solutions
to fit your needs, so you may never have to
leave the place you call home.
To learn more about our services in The Quad
Cities and surrounding areas call (844) 359-4446.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
28 December 2015 - QC Family Focus