Most seniors want to age at home for as long as possible. Still, seniors living with chronic health conditions or physical and emotional limitations may need 24-hour living assistance at home. This constant care is likely to be impossible for families to manage and sustain. One option is to move in with a family member. Another option is to move them to an assisted living facility. A third option is full-time or 24-hour in-home care, where professional caregivers provide 24/7 assistance — day and night — in the comfort of their own home. Why Some Seniors May Need 24-Hour Home CarePoor eyesight, memory loss, mobility issues, and deteriorating health are some of the things that can make simple everyday tasks challenging and frustrating for older adults. Professional one-on-one caregivers from Visiting Angels can handle these daily responsibilities and offer safety, support, and companionship. Here are some advantages of round-the-clock care: SafetyProfessional home caregivers from Visiting Angels are trained to identify tripping and accident risks and other potential household hazards for seniors. They can act as your eyes and ears to monitor and protect your loved one. Reliable care at a reasonable costNursing homes and other facilities for the elderly can be costly. Knowing you’re getting reliable, affordable home care is a cost-effective advantage of a 24/7 live-in home care aide. Support from friends and familyWhen your loved one is comfortable in their home, they can welcome and entertain family and friends. Visitors can come when they want, unlike nursing homes with permanent visiting hours. This flexibility enables more people to spend quality time with senior loved ones. Personalized care & lifestyle maintenanceWhen seniors move into a nursing home, many things change — a new room, surroundings, people, and schedules. All of these transitions can disorient and upset the elderly. In-home caregivers will ensure the care they need without disrupting their routine. A one-on-one support system enables a high level of personal care for seniors. Meals, activities, and other requests can be tailored to your loved one’s preferences. A home caregiver can tackle light everyday chores and keep the house clean and orderly according to your loved one’s wishes. They can also help with day-to-day transportation to and from doctor appointments, grocery store visits, and other out-of-home activities. Meaningful companionshipIn addition to physical assistance, a 24-hour professional caregiver offers emotional support and one-to-one companion care. A 24-hour home care aide provides seniors with an acquaintance they can rely on and prevent loneliness. Respite for family caregiversMany family caregivers can become overwhelmed when supporting an elderly loved one and may benefit from respite care service. 24-hour care service can provide families a brief break by offering a helping hand with household responsibilities. Families can rest easy knowing there is always a considerate, competent professional taking care of their loved ones.
Visiting Angels’ 24-hour home caregivers provide dedicated and compassionate care for seniors, keeping them safe and comfortable while giving you peace of mind. Take the first step to learn more through a complimentary home care assessment. During a Visiting Angels’ in-home care assessment, we’ll meet with you and your loved one to determine how 24-hour care can deliver the best outcome. Our Select Your Caregiver® program enables you to choose your loved one’s caregiver(s). Thanks to our in-depth care assessments, we’ll suggest caregiver matches that closely meet your needs, making it easy to select the proper care professional for your loved one. To learn more, please contact us at 617–795–2727. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA has been providing high-caliber in-home care services for seniors and people with disabilities for over eighteen years. Countless families have benefited from our private duty care, companion care, respite support, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, live-in and 24/7 home care, transitional aid, and home care services in Watertown, Brookline, Natick, Wellesley, Dedham, Needham, Stoughton, Canton, Jamaica Plain, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Upper Back Bay, Westwood, and neighboring communities. As a result of our exemplary home care service, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has won the Best of Home Care Leader in Excellence Award; the Best of Home Care Provider of Choice Award; and the Best of Home Care Employer of Choice Award from the national client satisfaction survey firm, Home Care Pulse, for six years. We have been honored to receive the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work award for seven years and one of the ten best places to work in Massachusetts in 2021 based on diversity and inclusion. Our dedicated and well-trained caregivers love their HHA jobs and CNA jobs. Helping Senior Loved Ones with Dementia
If you provide care for elderly loved ones with dementia, you most likely have witnessed their battle with memory loss and other cognitive limitations. It can be heart-wrenching to hear them forget family members and friends, fail to recall recent events, or talk about deceased loved ones who they believe are still alive. You may be feeling helpless and discouraged, but there are strategies you can use to reduce stress, circumvent confusion, and maintain a healthy relationship with your aging loved one. 5 Ways to Cope with Dementia and Confusion Dementia can cause your elderly loved ones to say outlandish things or become befuddled when out in public. You may feel embarrassed as they clumsily interact with neighbors, talk to store owners, or even chat with strangers. Dealing with loved ones exhibiting dementia-related behavior, in private and public, can be disturbing. The following tips can help you manage tricky interactions caused by your senior’s illness: Step into their reality Seniors with dementia can find it hard to keep track of reality and memory or imagination. If you pull seniors with dementia into the “real world” by correcting them, you can sometimes cause more confusion, stress, fear, or even anger — which only worsens their symptoms. Experts recommend, whenever possible, that you affirm and join your loved one’s reality. If your senior occasionally speaks as though they live in the past, keep the conversation going without correcting them as long as it is not causing them harm. For example, if your senior thinks it’s Saturday, but it’s Wednesday, there is no need to correct them – just let it go. Use distractions and diversions Experts encourage using situational distractions to help people with dementia stay calm and avoid worsening symptoms. For example, if telling your senior you are taking them for a medical checkup causes distress, you may tell them, instead, that you are going on a trip to the park and will stop for a doctor’s appointment on your way back. You may also choose to distract your senior from topics that cause stress or if you find they are stuck repeating themselves. Changing the subject to the weather or asking them to assist with a simple task can help diffuse the situation. Assistance folding laundry or watering plants can help to shift their focus. Some people may feel guilty about using therapeutic distractions or diversions, and that is perfectly normal. Just remember the goal is to make your loved one feel comfortable and find a balance that works for both of you. Use brief explanations and gentle corrections Sometimes, you may have to correct a confused senior. In situations like this, do so as gently and briefly as possible. Reduce confusion and other negative emotions by phrasing your corrections as suggestions. For example, you could say, “Why don’t we take a walk together?” instead of, “I can’t let you go out alone because you’ll get lost or fall.” Be sure to use simple words and phrases that your loved one will recognize. Physical reminders, such as photographs, can also help gently reorient a senior with dementia when necessary. Respond to feelings, not words Ask yourself what emotion might be behind your loved one’s words. If they are lashing out, perhaps it’s because they are afraid. In this case, you can reassure them that everything is okay and perhaps offer them a hug or hold their hand. It is important to respond calmly at all times. Take care of yourself Although following these tips can help reduce stress for you and your senior, caring for a senior with dementia can still be very demanding. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to avoid caregiver burnout. If you find yourself hurt by comments your senior has made, try to remind yourself they aren’t doing it on purpose. If you need additional support in caring for your elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or memory loss problems, consider hiring a Visiting Angels caregiver. We have partnered with leading dementia specialists to develop a series of dementia care certification programs. Basic dementia care training is available to all Visiting Angels caregivers, and many home health aides are certified in advanced dementia care protocols. Our Visiting Angels care coordinators are available to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free care consultation. Contact us today! About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high-caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home senior care, respite care, elder companion care, live-in and 24-hour care, dementia and Alzheimer's care, transitional aid, and at-home living assistance services in Stoughton, Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Upper Back Bay, Watertown, Wellesley, West Roxbury, Westwood, and neighboring communities. The non-medical care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. With the flu season upon us and the COVID-19 pandemic surging in Massachusetts, it’s imperative to keep seniors safe from harmful viruses. If your senior loved one contracts a respiratory virus, it is crucial to determine as soon as possible if it’s related to the flu or COVID-19 so that he or she receives the proper care. Being prepared and keeping up with the latest information and guidelines can be your best defense this flu season. How are COVID-19 and the Flu Similar?COVID-19 and the flu are viral respiratory infections that are transmitted similarly, either through airborne droplets containing the virus or by touching contaminated surfaces. Both present related symptoms, such as:
Distinctions Between COVID-19 and the FluAlthough the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory infections, the same viruses do not cause them. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says there are some critical distinctions between the flu and COVID-19 and recommends the following tips to help you tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19: Look at the symptoms Some symptoms are more prevalent in cases of COVID-19, such as:
Look at the onset of symptoms COVID-19 and the flu differ in how quickly symptoms begin. Flu symptoms usually appear very suddenly, while COVID-19 symptoms generally develop over the course of a few days. COVID-19 symptoms are more likely to come and go or suddenly worsen. Get tested The only way to know for sure if your senior loved one has the flu, COVID-19, or another ailment is through a test conducted by a medical professional. If he or she develops any of these symptoms, call a doctor and request a COVID-19 and an influenza flu test – especially if your loved one is over 65 or has underlying medical conditions such as lung injury, diabetes, or heart disease. Seek medical attention immediately if your senior is exhibiting severe symptoms, including:
Take Steps to Protect Your Senior Loved OnesEveryone needs to follow public health guidelines to stay safe from COVID-19 and the flu. These guidelines are especially critical for people over the age of 65 because they risk developing serious or even life-threatening complications. While this flu season is more complicated, you can help keep your loved ones safe by practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and wearing a mask. For extra protection against the flu, call your senior’s physician and ask if a flu shot is recommended or needed. Also, make sure all other vaccines — especially the pneumococcal vaccine — are up to date. If you need additional assistance, Visiting Angels’ dedicated caregivers are available to monitor and safeguard your loved one’s health and wellness at home during the flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also alert you immediately if he or she develops any signs or symptoms of illness. Our Visiting Angels case managers are available to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free home care consultation. Contact us today to receive more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones! Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly DeserveOur priority remains the health and safety of its caregivers and the elderly clients they serve every day. As an award-winning home care agency in Greater Boston, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton follows and adheres to the latest health and safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the challenges associated with COVID-19, in-home caregivers fulfill Visiting Angels’ mission of partnering with families to provide essential at home living assistance for older adults. Visiting Angels’ in-home caregivers continue to be homecare heroes on the frontlines, taking necessary steps to protect elderly loved ones and themselves and doing whatever it takes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have a loved one who could benefit from elderly care at home, call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton today to schedule a free in-home consultation. A care manager will work with you to choose the best fit for your family member and you. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, respite care, live-in and 24-hour care, companion care, transitional aid, and in-home care services in Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Stoughton, Watertown, Wellesley, Westwood, as well as Boston neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Upper Back Bay. The essential personal care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life.
The holiday season offers many long-awaited experiences, from spending time with family and friends to enjoying favorite holiday meals. However, if you provide eldercare for a loved one, you may wonder how the holidays will affect your typical routine, especially this year. Most of us experience some shake-up in our routines around the holidays, but these changes are often more acutely felt by seniors. We have outlined some tips below to help make caring for a senior living at home more comfortable on everyone involved during the holidays. Make a Senior Care Plan for the HolidaysBeing prepared for the holidays will make your job as a family caregiver easier to manage. It will also ensure your loved one stays comfortable and content through what is often a chaotic season. Here are just a few of the ways you can prepare:
One of the best ways to make your health and well-being a priority during this busy season is to get respite care service from a professional elder care provider. Being proactive about meeting your own self-care needs will make this time of year much more enjoyable and give you the energy required to provide the quality of care your loved one deserves. Visiting Angels Provides Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly Deserve.Visiting Angels’ priority remains the health and safety of its caregivers and the clients they serve every day. As an award-winning home care agency in Greater Boston, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton follows and adheres to the latest health and safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the challenges associated with COVID-19, in-home caregivers fulfill Visiting Angels’ mission of partnering with families to provide essential at-home care for older adults.
Visiting Angels’ in-home caregivers continue to be homecare heroes on the frontlines, taking necessary steps to protect elderly loved ones and themselves by doing whatever it takes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home dementia care, Alzheimer's care, respite care, live-in and 24-hour care, companion care, transitional aid, and in-home care services in Brookline, as well as Boston neighborhoods including Canton, Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Stoughton, Watertown, Wellesley, Westwood, and neighboring communities. The essential personal care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. How Caregivers Can Help Seniors Prepare For the Holidays and the Fall/Winter Seasons Change11/19/2020 Professional home caregivers can help seniors enjoy holiday fun and create meaningful memories in a well-tended home. As you look forward to Thanksgiving, Jewish holidays, or other celebrations, you may contemplate how to involve your elderly loved one in the festivities. Professional home care can make a positive difference and alleviate those concerns. One year, Lisa helped Norma host family members for a Thanksgiving meal at Norma’s home. “Norma shared her recipes, and I had her guiding me in making them,” Lisa says. At the same time, she arranged for Norma to help where she could, with tasks like shopping and prepping ingredients. Having a home care helper allowed Norma to shop for and prepare food and enjoy the day surrounded by family without leaving her home. Professionals who perform home care services can help your loved one continue family holiday traditions by putting up festive decorations around the house and planning menus or special foods. To make gift-giving more manageable, a professional caregiver can assist with shopping, either in local stores or online sites and help with gift wrapping. Sending holiday cards or notes could be made possible for your loved one with the help of a home care professional. These caregiving professionals could work with your senior to purchase cards and stamps, address envelopes and mail the cards out. Caregivers can help seniors attend virtual holiday religious services or other online activities by assisting them with setting up and using their smartphones or computers. Even a seemingly small thing, like helping your mom or dad find a familiar and favorite holiday show on television, can make your loved one feel connected to special times of the year. Holiday preparations and customs can keep seniors engaged with friends and family, give them events to look forward to, ward off loneliness and lift them out of their daily routine. They can also cement relationships with their professional caregivers and spend time reminiscing together about holiday memories and traditions. Remote visits with extended family can also be a time to check on your loved one’s overall well-being. On the other hand, if you are a family caregiver, respite home care allows you to take time off during the holidays to take care of your own needs. Home Caregivers Help Seniors With Seasons ChangeOf course, not every day is a holiday. Even mundane matters can be more comfortable for your elderly loved one with the help of personal home care assistance from a professional caregiver. With the change of seasons, new maintenance tasks often pop up around the house and outdoors. If you arrange for landscaping, furnace inspection, leaf raking, window washing, or snow removal for your loved one’s home, a professional home care provider can ensure those services are performed regularly and thoroughly. Helping your senior schedule, managing and paying repairers and service providers is also a responsibility that professional home caregivers can take on. At this time of the year, professional companion-care for the elderly can help your senior sort clothes, putting warm weather clothing away in storage, and pulling out seasonal coats, hats, and gloves. Any clothing that no longer fits or isn’t needed can be taken to a charity. Having your loved one involved in some housekeeping tasks can help him, or her feel productive and needed. Lisa asks seniors in her care to help her with simple chores like drying dishes or dusting. “It keeps their hands busy,” she says. “It’s like occupational therapy, too.” Fall is an enjoyable time for private home care aides to help seniors in their care enjoy some time outdoors before winter arrives. A walk or ride in the neighborhood offers seniors a pleasant view of fall foliage and provides the opportunity for them to feel like an active part of their community. Home Caregivers Prepare Seniors For WinterShorter days can make all of us–regardless of age–feel like hibernating. A professional caregiver can keep an eye on your loved one’s behavior as the nights get longer, watching for mood changes and helping him or her remain as active and engaged as possible during the fall and winter months. If you’re concerned about an elderly loved one during this time of year, contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton to find out if an in-home caregiver could help both you and your senior enjoy holidays and every day. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, 24 hour and live-in care, companion care, senior care, respite care, transitional aid, and in-home care services in Watertown, Brookline, Stoughton, Canton, Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. The essential personal care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. We are Staying Diligent As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in our area, we are monitoring the situation and the advice from public health authorities. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton remains committed to our responsibility as your senior home care provider during this time. We recognize that our Visiting Angels home caregivers allow seniors to age safely and comfortably in their own homes, wherever that may be, and that some of our clients cannot get through the day or night without a home care aide. We want to assure you that our caregivers follow best practices, including hand-washing and staying home if they feel ill or have traveled. Our staff and caregivers are vigilant about wearing face coverings, gloves, and other protective gear when working with clients or in our home office.
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AuthorVisiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning in-home care agency that provides high quality home care to seniors and disabled adults in Greater Boston, MA. Archives
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