Aging is inevitable; thankfully, spending one's golden years in an "old-folks home" no longer is. As our population grows older, society has been forced to find ways to better serve both our seniors and those who love them. One of the most welcome developments are reputable in-home care businesses that provide invaluable services (think: bathing and hygiene care; medication monitoring; transportation to doctor's appointments; light cleaning; meal preparation and much more). Myles McNamara, owner of Comfort Keepers In-home Care and a certified senior advisor, shares his thoughts about the business.

What inspired you to go into in-home care?
My mother was a family caregiver for my grandmother. I lived the dynamics that I now try to solve for other families.

What motivates someone to call a company like yours?
The biggest fear of a senior is to be displaced from their home, to be put in a facility. The guilt, stress and strain of "The Sandwich Generation," those adult children caring for their own children and family as well as their parents, is growing exponentially as the Age Wave hits. To see the face of a senior when, with a helping hand, they realize they can remain in their own home, is amazing. When an adult child can rest assured that their loved one is being looked after, is safe, and happily in their own home is equally awesome.

What facts should families know before bringing someone into their home?
In-home care is a non-licensed industry in California; anyone can hang a shingle. There are companies out there doing scary things to undercut price. They wrongly classify their caregivers as independent contractors to avoid accountability. Things like criminal background checks, liability insurance, worker's comp protection, proper training and supervising of the caregivers in the field - they put all that burden and potential exposure back on the client without their knowledge.

How can readers learn more about living well and aging in place?
I do a weekly radio show on KHTS 1220AM, called "Aging with Power," every Tuesday at 11 a.m. I have subject matter experts on to help educate and empower people as we all deal with our own aging, or that of a loved one. So tune in, and if there is a particular subject you're interested in, e-mail me at scv@comfortkeepers.com.
Visit Comfort Keepers In-Home Care at 24355 Lyons Avenue, Suite 110 in Newhall or call
287-4200.