The winter holiday season has finally arrived. As we look forward to spending time with friends and family, shopping, and enjoying our favorite holiday meals, we also experience some shake-up in our routines. These changes are often more acutely felt by the elderly. Being 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 time. Below are tips that will help you prepare for a joyful and comfortable holiday season: Encourage Healthy EatingIndulging in delicious dishes is one of the most sacred holiday traditions. Not only do these nostalgic flavors bring back marvelous memories, but they also bring the family together in a shared experience that shouldn’t be denied to seniors. It’s essential to keep an eye on balance throughout the holidays. Holiday meals are special occasions to look forward to, not to stretch out for days on end. In between those rich holiday meals, make sure your loved one has something light and nutritious within reach. They’ll feel better physically and have an easier time sticking to their doctor’s dietary guidelines. Make Exercising a Holiday RitualThe cooler winter months often lead us toward a more sedentary lifestyle, even as our calorie intake increases thanks to the holidays. While it’s normal to want to spend more cozy time indoors as the weather cools off, less movement can make us feel more sluggish. It can also trigger a spell of the holiday blues. Ensure your loved one benefits from exercise by making fun physical activities part of their holiday experience. For example, you could have the whole family bundle up and go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood after each family meal. Or, you can help your loved one get in the holiday spirit by doing a few laps around the mall while window shopping. Spending time in nature and watching the leaves change colors is also a great way to enjoy being active. Manage Gift-Related Financial StressMany seniors love to dote on their children and grandchildren with holiday gifts. Unfortunately, those on a fixed income often feel the financial strain as they struggle with the desire to be generous within their limited means. To minimize stress for all your family members, including seniors, suggest opting for a “Secret Santa” or “white elephant” gift exchange so everyone can experience the joy of giving without going over budget. Prevent Falls While Visiting FamilyThe last thing you want is for your loved one’s holiday joy to be marred by a dangerous fall. If they visit other family members this season, take time to practice fall prevention to make the home safe and accessible. This could include removing rugs that present a fall hazard and installing nightlights if the senior stays overnight. Take a BreakThe holidays can be a stressful, chaotic time, especially for those who are constantly on the go. As a family caregiver, it’s crucial to remain aware of your stress levels and take time off from your caregiving duties as needed.
One of the best ways to make your health and well-being a priority during this busy season is to book respite care visits 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. For more information about in-home elder care services, please contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton 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 at-home living assistance, companion care, respite support, live-in and 24/7 home care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, transitional aid, and private duty care services in Natick, Wellesley, Dedham, Needham, Stoughton, Brookline, Canton, Watertown, 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 10 best places to work in Massachusetts in 2021 based on diversity and inclusion. Our dedicated and well-trained caregivers love their CNA jobs and HHA jobs.
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Caring for Senior Parents With Different Needs
As loved ones grow older, they begin to need additional care at home. You may feel overwhelmed and sometimes discouraged about providing for them appropriately — especially if they have different care needs. You might look to a live-in senior care facility as an option, but these facilities may separate your parents to address their individual care requirements. For a couple who has spent decades together, this sudden separation can be emotionally distressing and could lead to increased feelings of depression and social isolation. In-Home Senior Care Can Help Both Parents To help your senior parents age in place safely, comfortably—and together--Visiting Angels Newton/Canton offers a range of personalized programs to match each parent’s home care needs, including:
Get the Right Home Care Services for Both Parents Helping your senior parents age together safely and comfortably at home can be challenging, especially when each spouse has different care needs. If you need help finding the right at-home living assistance for each parent without separating them, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton’s senior home care is your best solution. Our care coordinators can provide a free home care consultation to discuss the best services and programs to help your senior parents with their personalized home care needs. If you're interested in more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones, contact us at 617-795-2727. Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly DeserveAt Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, our priority remains its caregivers' health and safety 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 services 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 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 Norwood and Boston area neighborhoods, including Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Stoughton, Upper Back Bay, Watertown, Wellesley, West Roxbury, Westwood, and neighboring communities. 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. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many unexpected disruptions in our daily lives, especially for elders dealing with isolation at home and social distancing. The older adult population continues to be most vulnerable to the disease, and family members and in-home caregivers are making necessary precautions to protect senior loved ones during the coronavirus. While the sudden changes created by COVID-19 are preparing us all for a “new reality,” it’s also important to instill regular routines and schedules for seniors during this time. Daily Routines are Important for the ElderlyIt may be challenging to think of practical ways to maintain or enhance the well-being of older adults under these complex conditions. With some lifestyle changes, your elderly loved ones can reduce their risk of getting infected from COVID-19 and other viruses. Making sure they stick to healthy routines and remain calm, comforted, and safe has never been more critical. Here are some tips you should encourage seniors in your life to follow as they adapt to new healthy routines:
Hopefully, some of these tips can help your senior loved ones, and you establish a “new norm” that is beneficial, healthy, and safe. Despite the pandemic, elderly in-home caregivers remain resolute in delivering safe and compassionate personal care that is essential to the health and well-being of older adults. If you are struggling and need assistance, respite care services are also available to provide a break for as long as you want. The home-care professionals at Visiting Angels can help you find the work-life balance you need while caring for your senior family member. If you’re interested in more information about how at-home care can help your elderly loved ones, contact us today or call 617-795-2727. 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 home Alzheimer’s care, companion care, elder care, dementia care, respite support, transitional aid, and home care services in Canton, Stoughton, Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While essential personal in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation! The Coronavirus is presenting a serious worldwide public health threat, and older adults and people with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. The coronavirus pandemic has caused family caregivers to feel more anxious about their senior loved ones’ health and safety — especially when some senior adults are rejecting changes to their behaviors to protect against contracting COVID-19. However, there are ways family caregivers can protect elderly loved ones and help them understand why coronavirus is a cause for concern. Get the Facts About COVID-19 And the ElderlyBefore talking to your older loved ones about COVID-19, you should arm yourself with facts and information from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or state and local health departments. Providing them with information from a healthcare provider or community organization is an effective way to boost credibility. You should also correct any misinformation that may be driving their inaccurate beliefs or behavior. Understand Seniors’ Position About COVID-19To help your elderly loved ones realize the seriousness of COVID-19, you need to uncover the reasons behind their behavior — and the best way to do this is by asking questions. You might start by asking them what they have heard about COVID-19, what they think about the pandemic, and what they have done to prepare. What you learn might surprise you. For example, a senior who is coping with cognitive decline may not understand or remember information they hear about COVID-19 and forget to follow essential safety precautions. Older adults may incorrectly believe the virus won’t affect them because they are in good health, aren’t THAT old, have “survived worse,” or never get sick. Some older adults may not understand how their refusal to follow public health guidance could contribute to the spread of the virus — or, they could simply be reluctant to take orders from the government or their loved ones. It’s also vital for family caregivers to remember a senior’s reason for failing to take COVID-19 seriously could be related to other factors, such as fear of isolation, concern over changing routines, or anxiety over an uncertain situation. Whatever the cause, learning more about the reasons behind your loved one’s stubbornness can help you develop the best persuasion strategy. Make Your CaseWhen making your case, it’s critical to use the right tone and approach. Pressuring, badgering, or talking down to your elderly loved ones could make it less likely they will listen to your advice. Make sure you let them know you aren’t trying to upset them and are only concerned about their health and safety. Make sure you address their specific concerns as much as possible. For example, if your loved ones are concerned about losing touch with family members, you could help them develop a plan to keep in touch and provide them with creative ways to communicate during social distancing. If they are concerned about missing their favorite activities, you could help them research safe alternatives or find new ways to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic. If they have concerns about being able to take care of themselves or obtain supplies during lockdowns, you could arrange for qualified home care workers to provide essential services during the coronavirus if they need help with daily activities. You could also mention the steps that you, or someone your loved ones know and respect, have taken to prepare or comply with public health guidelines. Be Open to Two-Way CommunicationNo matter how your older loved ones respond, it is essential that you avoid harming your relationship. Simply let them know you will be available to help them and answer any future questions they may have. Part of protecting your older loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic means doing your best to help them understand the seriousness of the situation and teaching them how to keep themselves — and others — safe. If you’re interested in more information about how in-home care services can help your elderly loved ones, contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton today. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton: Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home living assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, elderly companion care, respite support, transitional aid, and home care services in Stoughton, Canton, Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While primarily personal in nature, the senior home care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation! 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 we are communicating to our caregivers to follow best practices, including hand-washing, and staying home if they are feeling ill or have traveled to Level 3 CDC countries. |
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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