Stay in your home with help, assistance and live life at home

Lubbock resident Catherine Baldwin Benge has experienced the benefits of Comfort Keepers two ways - first as a family member of a client, then as a client herself.
Catherine first worked with Comfort Keepers in 2005 when she turned to the company to supplement her mother's care. Catherine's mother, Pearl Cox, was a resident at Grand Court and enjoyed visits from Comfort Keepers' caregivers for about a year or so before she passed away.
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"Comfort Keepers always did well with her, so I called them when I was looking ahead for assistance with my needs," Catherine says. "I felt like they were easy to communicate with and the people they sent were always efficient. They have a way about them which makes adjusting to care easier."
Catherine, who was a teacher for 21 years, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, about two and a half years ago. Until a few months ago, she managed quite well on her own, but last autumn her symptoms progressed to the point where extra assistance with daily tasks was necessary. That's when Catherine again turned to Comfort Keepers, this time for her own care.
Today Catherine is visited by a Comfort Keepers' caregiver four times a week for two hours in the morning. In addition to cooking breakfast, changing linens and helping with laundry, the caregiver assists Catherine with bathing, curling her hair, and getting dressed. Catherine says they will soon be adding stretching exercises to the morning routine.
"They are easy to deal with," says Catherine, who is particularly complimentary of her caregiver Cindy. "Anything I want to do, she's able to do."
Catherine says she especially appreciates the flexibility of Comfort Keepers' services. For example, Cindy will arrive very early in the morning to help Catherine get ready for an early morning flight out of Lubbock. On Sunday mornings, Cindy comes early so Catherine is ready for church on time.
Comfort Keepers, located at 8207 Hudson Ave. in Lubbock, provides an array of in-home, non-medical care services that includes companionship, meal preparation, personal care, incidental transportation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and more. As with Catherine, many clients simply require assistance with the activities of daily living. Comfort Keepers can help where needed so clients maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes. Comfort Keepers provides services in the home, assisted living facility, hospital or retirement community.
For Catherine, who lives with her husband, Charles, and son, Tim Baldwin, Comfort Keepers is an excellent supplement to the medical care she receives, as well as a help to her family. The extra level of non-medical assistance Comfort Keepers can provide ensures that all Catherine's needs are met, and that in turn allows her to remain at home.
"My goal is to stay at home, and choosing Comfort Keepers allows me to stay here where I'm comfortable," says Catherine. "They're very dependable and trustworthy, and they've adapted as my needs wonderfully."
For additional information about Comfort Keepers, visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/ To see the complete article on this story, click here:http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/020209/bus_383901810.shtml