Is In-Home Care Better Than Nursing Home Care?

Determining the best overall care for an elderly loved one can be an overwhelming decision. It begins with assessing the pros and cons of different senior care options and weighing relevant concerns such as personal preferences, financial considerations, and health. You may even experience feelings of guilt and doubt that can make decision-making more challenging.

As you consider what to do next and where to turn, the question of whether in-home care is better than nursing home care or an assisted living facility could arise. Here are seven benefits of in-home care:

Familiar surroundings

Perhaps the most apparent benefit of in-home care is that it allows older adults to remain in their homes, which limits disruptions associated with relocation and enables them to maintain their routines. Sudden changes in surroundings or habits can be particularly distressing for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Customized care program

Whether your senior needs part-time care during specific hours of the day or 24/7 home care assistance, in-home care offers a variety of flexible scheduling options and a complete “menu of services” that can be customized to individual needs. Your loved one will be matched with a compatible home caregiver who can assist with specific tasks during the hours when care is needed.

Lower cost

In-home care is often less expensive than a nursing home or assisted living facility. Although many high-quality senior facilities offer comprehensive services, this “one-size-fits-all” model may result in your loved one paying for amenities that aren’t needed. Care options provided by in-home personal care providers can save many families money by paying only for required services on the days and times they need them most — without compromising on the quality and availability of care.

Additionally, remaining at home eliminates moving or storage costs that may come with a move to an older adult facility.

The personal relationship with a caregiver

In-home caregivers offer one-on-one care, which helps them develop a more personal relationship with clients. This level of personalized attention enables caregivers to learn about your senior loved one’s likes, dislikes, and interests. This approach also helps caregivers anticipate needs, communicate effectively, provide companionship, and identify issues that should be brought to your attention.

Safety/health benefits

Unfortunately, nursing homes have been among the hardest hit during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Opting for home-based senior care may reduce the chance your loved one catches a serious illness by limiting their exposure to other nursing home residents, caregivers, and staff members.

Privacy

Nursing home residents share outdoor spaces, visiting rooms, dining facilities, recreation spaces — and sometimes even a bedroom and bathroom — with other residents. In-home personal care allows your loved one to maintain their privacy and have access to familiar spaces on their terms and timeframes. Although a caregiver will be invited into their home, our personal care professionals are trained to respect your loved one’s privacy by providing assistance and companionship when needed and taking a step back when requested.

Encourages independence

Your loved one may require limited assistance with specific tasks. In that case, a move to a nursing home could force them to give up their cherished independence sooner than necessary. For example, your loved one may need help with grocery shopping. However, they still enjoy planning and preparing meals without assistance. Your loved one may not have the option to continue planning and preparing meals at a nursing home. An in-home caregiver allows your loved one to continue performing meal planning and preparation tasks independently while helping them receive assistance in other areas.

As a family caregiver, your loved one’s well-being is a top priority. Visiting Angel’s professional caregivers provide outstanding in-home care services for older adults – and peace of mind to family members. If you are considering home care for your loved one, our Visiting Angels care coordinators would be happy to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free in-home care consultation.

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, dementia care, 24 hour care, live-in care, companion care, respite care, transitional aid, and in-home elder care services in Watertown, Brookline, Stoughton, Canton, Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While non-medical 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.

Reasons to Hire a Professional In-Home Caregiver

When someone you love needs help to manage daily activities at home, it’s essential to take proactive steps to keep them safe, comfortable, and content. For many families, hiring a professional home caregiver is an effective and attentive way to promote their loved one’s health and happiness.

For older adults, mobility issues and other aspects of aging can lead to fears they’ll lose their independence and that they may have to leave their home and community. With the help of a professional home care provider, seniors who struggle with basic tasks, like cooking and grocery shopping, can receive the care they need and stay comfortably in their homes.

Benefits of Hiring a Certified Caregiver

Certified caregivers, such as an HHA or CNA, can assist with a wide range of day-to-day tasks while enriching your loved one’s life in the process. These tasks often range from preparing meals and cleaning up around the house to bringing your loved one to their appointments and making sure he or she keeps up with all of their medications.

Certified home caregivers can also provide discreet support with more intimate tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and using the bathroom. With this assistance, your loved one can maintain their personal hygiene — which is vital for their health and self-image — while minimizing the pain, discomfort, or risk of a fall.

While the concept of inviting a stranger into your loved one’s home may feel unnerving at first, the best care professionals are skilled at building warm, trusting relationships, so their clients feel at ease. That companionship can be crucial for seniors who have grown more isolated at home.

If you live in another area and aren’t able to visit your relative regularly, a professional caregiver can be there to provide daily support. Caregivers providing long-distance care can also give out-of-town family members regular updates about their loved one’s day-to-day life and condition.

Additionally, if you’re one of the millions of people across the country tending to a senior family member, hiring a caregiver can offer the relief you need to rest, recuperate, and keep up with other aspects of your life. Respite care allows you time to focus on your own needs while ensuring your family member has the support they need as well.

Visiting Angels can Meet Your Loved One’s Needs

As you approach this decision with your family, consider your loved one’s preferences alongside their care needs. Does your Mom want to remain at home as most seniors do? Which activities does she find more challenging to perform on her own? Are there times of day when she could benefit from more support than your busy schedule can accommodate?

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can help you address these questions during a free in-home care consultation. Then, we can work together to create a care plan and select the right caregiver(s) for your loved one.

We offer customized home care services that are available at any time, day, or night. Our caregivers assist seniors with a wide range of needs. These include:

• Walking assistance
• Medication reminders
• Grocery shopping and preparing meals
• Transportation to appointments and for other errands
• Laundry and other essential housekeeping duties
• Hygiene and grooming care
• Specialized care for dementia
• End of life and palliative care

Our compassionate caregivers are bonded and insured and have each undergone a rigorous vetting process to verify their skills and experience. Based on your loved one’s care needs and personality, we’ll recommend an in-home caregiver whom we believe will be the best fit.

If you're interested in more information about how in-home care can help your elderly loved ones, contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton at 617-795-2727 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 home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, round-the-clock care, companion care, senior care, respite care, transitional aid, and home care services in Brookline, Watertown, Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While non-medical 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 at 617-795-2727 for a free in-home consultation!

Maintaining a Healthy Routine for Your Senior Loved One During COVID-19

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 Elderly

It 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:

Get adequate sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for senior health. Older adults become sleepless for different reasons, but their sleeping patterns may be thrown off during the coronavirus pandemic. Make sure they get at least seven hours of shut-eye per night. Visiting Angels’ caregivers can help your elderly loved one establish a nighttime routine that helps them relax and sleep easier and more peacefully.

Eat healthy meals

Specific foods can do wonders for overall health and wellness, especially for the elderly. If they have medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease, their physician may recommend specialized diets. With your help or an in-home care provider, your senior loved one can stick to a nutrition plan and schedule.

Stay active

It’s never too late to promote healthy aging for older adults. Regular exercise, including yoga, is an excellent way for seniors to remain active, particularly during social distancing and isolation related to COVID-19. Home health aides can ensure seniors stay active by assisting them with low-impact exercises.

Avoid dehydration

Does your senior drink enough water daily? Seniors lose water content in their bodies during the aging process. They can aggravate existing chronic conditions or create more severe health problems (kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and heat stroke) if they suffer dehydration. Many elderly individuals may not understand the importance of water due to mental lapses or issues. A caregiver must play a vital role in ensuring the elderly consume enough water to maintain healthy levels.

Keep up to date with medications

Seniors need to follow medication instructions from a doctor or pharmacist strictly. A regular at-home medication plan can provide proper daily routines for your senior loved one, especially if they have a life-threatening or chronic health condition. Visiting Angels’ home care specialists can provide older adults with much-needed medication reminders to ensure daily adherence and consistency.

Practice safe hygiene

Good hand hygiene reduces health risks for seniors. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the elderly must wash their hands frequently with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds each time) to prevent exposure to germs. If they need help with personal hygiene, home care aides can assist them with bathing, dressing, grooming, and more.

Connect with family and friends virtually

During isolation or social distancing, you can still see and talk with your elderly family members, even if they live a long distance. Routine calls or video chats are events they may look forward to and appreciate. There are plenty of creative ways for seniors to stay active and keep communicating while maintaining social distancing.

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!

How to Talk to Your Elderly Loved One About COVID-19 Precautions

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 Elderly

Before 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-19

To 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 Case

When 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 Communication

No 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.

Home Caregivers Provide Essential Services for Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic

Thousands of senior adults across the nation depend on in-home caregivers to help them manage everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, medication reminders, and preparing meals – especially during the unprecedented crisis of the coronavirus pandemic.
As COVID-19 affects more and more individuals and communities across the U.S., home caregivers remain resolute in delivering safe and compassionate personal care that is essential to the health and well-being of older adults. Their efforts reassure families their elderly loved ones are doing well, emotionally, and physically, in their home.
Whether it’s shielding older adults from the flu or a harmful virus, home care providers practice proper hygiene to reduce health risks for seniors. They exercise frequent handwashing and disinfecting inside a senior’s household to keep contagious illnesses and viruses at bay. They also take special precautionary measures to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces such as:

• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Counters
• Cabinets
• Phones
• Remote controls
• Handles on toilets and faucets

Home Caregivers on the Frontlines in the Fight Against COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused significant public health and safety concerns for the elderly and those with underlying conditions. The virus has changed the way this most vulnerable population socializes, interacts, and communicates with family members, friends, and neighbors. As the nation tries to find answers, many elderly adults rely on HHA or CNA-certified home caregivers for physical and emotional guidance inside the comfort of their homes.

Visiting Angels’ caregivers have stepped up their everyday workload by helping their clients comprehend and practice social distancing. They also plan and discover new ways to reduce distress, boredom, and isolation for seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the techniques they are employing include:

• Maintaining a routine

COVID-19 has altered the way many people go about their day. Drastic changes to daily routines may upset some seniors, mainly if they are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Predictable visits from an in-home caregiver can help seniors feel safe and comforted. Senior home caregivers also help maintain familiar routines as much as possible and ease the process of adapting to sudden necessary changes.

• Helping seniors to communicate with loved ones

Visiting Angels caregivers help seniors find new ways to connect with their loved ones. Whether setting up a new communication or virtual device or encouraging seniors to write letters, caregivers encourage clients to stay in touch with family and friends.

• Helping older adults “stock up”

Visiting Angels’ caregivers also help seniors obtain necessary household supplies by arranging for the delivery of life-sustaining medications, groceries, and other goods.

• Giving serenity to families

Visits from home health aides also provide peace of mind for families who are separated from seniors due to social distancing or because of long-distance caregiving. Through a partnership with Constant Companion, an Amazon Alexa-based system, Visiting Angels offers a useful senior home care tool that responds to voice-activated medical alerts and keeps seniors connected to their families and communities.

• Notifying family members

Visiting Angels keeps an open line of communication with an elderly loved one’s point-of-contact and new communication frequent updates. Caregivers continually check and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If caregivers observe any disturbing symptoms, they will immediately alert the case manager as well as family members. In addition to monitoring a senior’s health and wellness, in-home caregivers watch for signs of depression and anxiety while looking out for changes in overall well-being.

Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly Deserve

Visiting Angels’ 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 are fulfilling Visiting Angels’ mission of partnering with families to provide essential home care services 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 as well as 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 home Alzheimer's care, dementia care, 24 hour care, companion care, senior care, respite care, transitional aid, and home care services in Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Canton, Stoughton, 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 at 617-795-2727 for a free in-home consultation!

Helping to Manage Sundowner’s Syndrome

Living with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge for the entire family. Whether your family has professional Alzheimer’s care assistance or if you are caring for your loved one alone, it can seem as if each day is full of new challenges and developments. 

One of the things that makes Alzehimer’s care so challenging is that those living with the disease can have different needs at different times of the day. Late afternoon and early evening can be especially hard for those who experience Sundowner’s Syndrome.

What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?

It is a change in behavior, temperament, or personality that occurs in the late afternoon or early evening.  This occurrence is also known as “sundown syndrome” or “sundowners” or “sundowning.”

The experts at WebMD cite that 1 out of 5 people in need of Alzheimer’s care suffer from Sundowner’s Syndrome. Doctors do not know what causes the sundowning behavior. However, the part of the brain that tells you if you are awake or asleep typically breaks down in Alzheimer’s patients. Some scientists think these neurological changes affect the inner body clock. 

Sundowning can manifest in several ways. Your loved one may become:

• Agitated
• Restless
• Irritable
• Confused
• Disoriented
• Demanding
• Suspicious

People with Sundowner’s Syndrome may even yell or pace around the room, sometimes hearing or seeing things that are not there. They may also exhibit mood swings. These behaviors can become progressively worse and can range in duration from a short time to the entire night.

Suggestions for Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome

As a family caregiver, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and empathy to help your loved one feel as peaceful as possible.

1. OBSERVE
   Take careful notice of events that trigger the behavior. Does the evening news instigate agitation? Is the late afternoon a time of significant activity in your home? Anything that disturbs the regular order of the day could prompt a behavioral change. Nutritional triggers can also stimulate behavior. Assess and possibly limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake.
   
   
   
2. DISTRACT
   If this is their new reality, you must endeavor to understand it. Don’t express frustration with your loved one, but use activities, such as music or television shows, they enjoy as a calming tactic. It will divert their attention from troubling thoughts yet soothe them with the familiar things they love. Consider companion care from a professional home care agency to assist your loved one during the most challenging hours of sundowning behavior.
   
   
   
3. ADJUST
   In addition to natural light, the use of bright lights in the room during the day will ward off the evening shadows and maintain the daytime glow until it is time for bed.
   
   
   
4. SIMPLIFY
   Adjust their sleep environment to one that is welcoming and serene. Light-blocking curtains can create a cocoon-like setting that encourages a restful night’s sleep.
   
   
   
5. CONSULT
   Check with your loved one’s doctor* about natural supplements and discuss the possibility of recommending anti-anxiety and even anti-depressant meds. Use caution when purchasing anything over the counter unless the doctor has confirmed there is no interference with already prescribed medications.

Finally, try to have patience. It may take a little time to figure out what combination of solutions works for your loved one. When it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, everyone is different. If you need professional at-home living assistance, we are here to help.

Together with your family, we will give your loved one all the respect and love they deserve with the finest in Alzheimer’s care. To request a free in-home consultation, and find out more about our caregiver services, call us today at 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 dementia and Alzheimer’s care, companion care, respite care, transitional aid, and elder home care services in Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, Westwood, Norwood and nearby towns. While non-medical 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. If you find yourself or a loved one in need of in-home senior care services, don't hesitate to contact us!

* This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation for treatment of any kind. If you are concerned about your loved one's health, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or about their progression after diagnosis, please contact their physician. Visiting Angels does not provide medical care and does not provide recommendations on the type of treatments available for dementia or Alzheimers, nor do we endorse any specific treatments.

A Cure for Senior Loneliness

A recent study, the National Poll on Healthy Aging, found that one in three seniors is lonely. “Living alone, in particular, was highly associated with feeling lonely. Among those living alone, 60% reported feeling a lack of companionship, and 41% felt isolated.” In the report, in-home care services were listed as one of the solutions to help alleviate this problem.

The emotional impact aside, this research also showed that loneliness has significant repercussions on senior health. “Chronic loneliness can impact older adults’ memory, physical well-being, mental health, and life expectancy. Some research suggests that chronic loneliness may shorten life expectancy even more than being overweight or sedentary, and just as much as smoking.”

Loneliness is a condition that can develop over time. It may start with increasing geographical distances between families as seniors are often left behind when adult children relocate for job opportunities. Then, one by one their contemporaries begins to pass away. Those seniors who survive their siblings tend to feel more isolated. Medical problems or the death of a spouse can make seniors even less likely to engage, compounding their feelings of loneliness.

The study goes on to say that “encouraging and supporting meaningful social connections and more frequent interactions — through activities such as volunteerism, participation in community or religious groups, or home visiting programs — may help mitigate loneliness and its associated health challenges.”

This is one of the many reasons why adding professional home care providers to your loved one’s life can have such a positive impact.

Has Your Family Considered Homecare Assistance?

Many people are balancing children, a career, and managing a household. It can feel like there are not enough hours in the day when you don’t have an opportunity to stop by and visit your loved one. You start to wonder: Did they eat a nutritious meal for breakfast,  wearing their medical alert pendant? Did they remember to lock the front door and take their evening pills?

Being a family caregiver is a lonely road. Many people don’t understand the challenges until they have experienced it themselves. If you’re on this road, now may be the time to explore home care assistance.

Stephanie Cacioppo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, is also director of the university’s National Institute on Aging-supported Brain Dynamics Laboratory. She states, “The misery and suffering caused by chronic loneliness are very real and warrant attention. As a social species, we are accountable to help our lonely children, parents, neighbors, and even strangers, in the same way, we would treat ourselves. Treating loneliness is our collective responsibility.”

That’s where Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can be of assistance to you and your loved one. The responsibility you feel can be shared with our compassionate home care aides and your family. We are here to ease the stress you are feeling while also providing your loved one with friendly, joyful companionship.

Our home care assistance can include help with a wide range of tasks and activities. We can provide reminders to take medications, transportation to appointments or therapies, provide assistance with household chores, and help with personal care and hygiene needs. We’ll be there to ease your burden while helping to combat the loneliness your loved one may be feeling.

At Visiting Angels Newton/Canton of Massachusetts, we understand the power of a team when it’s focused on the same objectives. To request a free in-home consultation, and find out more about our home care assistance services, contact us today at 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 Alzheimer’s and dementia care, respite support, companion care, transitional aid, and senior home care services in Norwood, Westwood, Natick, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Brookline, Watertown, Canton, Stoughton, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale and nearby towns. While non-medical 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.

Our caregivers are all CNA or HHA certified. They complete a full orientation training that includes a dementia care program that utilizes cognitive impairment simulation scenarios. We also offer specialized training opportunities for our office staff and caregivers throughout the year.

We have received the Best of Home Care – Leader in Excellence, Trusted Provider, Best of Home Care Provider, and Best of Home Care Employer by Home Care Pulse for six consecutive years. We have also earned Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe for five years, and are proudly accredited by the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.

Gentleness Is Key to Personal Home Care Services

At Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, our personal care program is vital to the safety and well-being of seniors. Unlike companion care, which covers less intensive caregiving needs, personal care provides seniors with assistance for daily living activities such as dressing, grooming, and bathing.

Given the sensitive nature of these activities, personal care providers need special skill sets to perform these tasks. One particularly important quality—that is often overlooked is gentleness. And not just physical gentleness, but emotional gentleness, too.

Physical Gentleness

When you consider the activities personal care entails, physical gentleness seems like a given. After all, you don’t want to be rough when helping seniors in or out of the shower or when brushing their teeth. 

Gentleness may suddenly seem like a tall order. When you help a person into and out of the shower, it takes a great deal of physical effort, and your main priority is injury prevention, not comfort. Meanwhile, simple activities like tooth brushing can be tricky to get right. Even with the best intentions, home care aides may struggle to apply the right amount of pressure or use the proper brushing technique. A mistake in one direction can lead to oral health problems. An error in the other direction can inflict pain during brushing, especially to sensitive gums.

Without training or experience, caregivers can fail to strike the right balance when performing personal care tasks. And seniors who receive assistance may be unwilling or unable to speak up, causing them to endure pain and discomfort quietly.

That’s why it’s so crucial that personal home care providers perform their jobs well and gently. For example, they know how to safely transfer seniors into the tub or shower without causing discomfort or comb an elderly adult’s hair while navigating painful knots. In short, they know how to attend to their clients’ physical well-being without compromising physical comfort. 

Emotional Gentleness

In personal care, it’s not enough to be physically gentle. Caregivers must also exhibit emotional gentleness toward seniors who feel uncomfortable and sensitive when needing personal care, which makes sense when you consider many of the private acts personal caregivers provide. Few of us would feel comfortable dressing or bathing in someone else’s presence. These emotions are only compounded by the loss of independence that many individuals feel in these moments. 

Navigating these moments takes a great deal of emotional intelligence and compassion on the part of caregivers; it’s a critical part of the job. If a client receives care and feels embarrassed or powerless afterward, a caregiver has failed to impact their quality of life positively.

Compassionate caregivers understand this and take an equally gentle approach to the emotional components of personal care. They talk clients through care when appropriate, they stay quiet when silence is needed, and they remain attentive to the emotional sensitivities of caregiving. They also take time to check in regularly with their care recipient asking questions and seeking feedback to ensure they are not overstepping any unforeseen boundaries. 

At Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, we are passionate about providing in-home living assistance that is gentle, both physically and emotionally. Our caregivers are chosen because they share this same passion. We take the time to get to know your loved one personally, to understand their needs, and to put them at ease. Dignified, compassionate, gentle home care is always our top priority. 

Contact us today to request a free personal care consultation!

Our Caregivers

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has an outstanding team of Caregivers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to our Clients. Our Caregivers are CNA or HHA certified. They must provide three professional references and have professional experience in the home care field. We perform both the MA state criminal record check (CORI) and national background screening(s) on each potential employee. Caregivers must pass an extensive home care exam and are interviewed at length by two Case Managers. Our new Caregivers complete a full orientation training, which includes a specialized dementia care program.

About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton:

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our Alzheimer's home care, dementia care, companion care, senior care, respite support, transitional aid, and senior home care in Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns.

We are honored to have been awarded Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe for five years. We have also earned the Best of Home Care – Leader in Excellence, Trusted Provider, Best of Home Care Provider, and Best of Home Care Employer by Home Care Pulse. We are proudly accredited by The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.

While non-medical 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. Call us at 617-795-2727 for information.