Fall Prevention for Seniors

Each year, countless seniors break and fracture bones due to slips, trips, and falls. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths to individuals age 65 and older. Something as simple as tripping over a rug or slipping on a wet spot on the kitchen floor can be life-threatening. Hip fractures are a particular danger. The recovery period can take up to 12 months, may require transitional care, and comes with a significant risk of life-threatening complications.

Older adults are more prone to falling due to failing eyesight, hearing problems, stiff or painful joints, less muscle tone, and poor coordination, among other reasons. Heart diseases, diabetes, thyroid problems, blood vessel problems, and nerve damage can also affect their balance. Sometimes medications cause dizziness and can result in a fall.

Your senior loved one may wish to age in the comfort of his or her own home. It is crucial, then, to implement fall prevention measures to keep their living space safe.  Visiting Angels home care services has a Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Resource Guide that can help you identify risk factors in your senior loved one's home and take steps to reduce the risks of suffering a fall. It contains essential information about

·         Physical, emotional, and social impacts of falls

·         Environmental risk factors

·         Precautions you can take

·         Easy home modifications to reduce seniors' risk of falling at home

·         Lifestyle changes that can further reduce fall risks for seniors

Having a companion home caregiver can help your loved one stay safe and comfortable in their home, preventing falls and injury. The caregiver can help to maintain a safe and tidy home. He or she can lend a helping hand with day-to-day tasks. If your senior loved one's physical health puts them at high risk for falls, private duty care services could help with activities such as dressing, bathing, and mobility.

Fear of falling should not stop your senior from staying active. A home caregiver can engage your senior in an exercise program that's right for them, such as taking walks or gardening. Your loved one will get regular exercise to improve strength and muscle tone and keep joints, ligaments, and tendons flexible.

Home caregivers for seniors will provide peace of mind in the event of an injury or accident. In a worst-case scenario, a senior could fall and remain on the floor, be injured for several hours or days because they live alone, cannot move, or are unable to make a phone call. Professionally-trained caregivers regularly check in, call and visit elderly clients to ensure they are cared for and safe. Should a senior suffer a fall or accident, an HHA-certified home caregiver will be able to get help quickly.

For more information on fall prevention and home care services, please call 617-795-2727.

 

About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning 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 Brookline, Boston, Canton, Dedham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Stoughton, Watertown, Wellesley, Westwood, and nearby 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.

Call us at 617-795-2727 to book a free in-home consultation with one of our knowledgeable case managers today!

Keeping Your Senior Loved One Safe During Winter

The winter season is upon us, and we are already experiencing the effects of cold weather. Snow, ice, and low temperatures are especially hard on senior citizens. Snow-covered walkways and frigid gusts of wind increase the risk of falling. We have some winter safety tips that will benefit seniors throughout this cold season.

It’s important for family members and caregivers to inform seniors of the temperature each day. Frigid air often has drastic effects on the environment, causing slippery ice to form on sidewalks and driveways. When your aging relative needs to leave the house, give them an update on weather conditions before walking outside with them. You’ll never regret taking the time to investigate the weather so everyone can be prepared and practice proper winter safety.

Don’t forget to bundle up! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most elderly adults produce lower body heat due to slower metabolism. This means that they require more insulation to protect them from cold air. Remember to provide seniors with extra layers of clothing and coats to keep them from experiencing the harsh winter weather.

One of the best ways to ensure winter safety is to remind seniors to take their vitamins and supplements consistently. This is especially important during hazardous winter weather conditions. Seniors are more prone to falling during the winter months, so it’s essential to keep their bones healthy.

In addition to the temperature-related winter tips for seniors, you’ll also want to craft a thorough emergency plan for the real possibility of a fall. Even when you are extremely careful, slips and falls are a constant danger for seniors. Think of possible scenarios and create practical plans to help your elderly relatives practice effective winter safety strategies. If your loved one needs help around the house, please call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton. Our introductory meeting includes a free fall prevention analysis, and our caregivers can help your loved one live safely at home this winter.

Winter safety measures for seniors should not be taken lightly. Winter is often one of the most challenging seasons for seniors, especially those isolated from others. Fortunately, proper preparation can alleviate most issues. We hope these winter safety tips help you and your loved one stay secure this winter. If you need help caring for a loved one, call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton to be connected with one of our home care companions.

If you’re interested in more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones, 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 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.

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.

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.

What Skills Matter Most for Personal Care?

If you have a loved one who requires in-home care, you will want to determine which type of services they need. The two most common types are companion care and personal care. Companion care focuses on activities like errands, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Personal care covers these tasks, but also includes activities that require physical assistance, such as dressing and bathing.

Both types of services require different skills from home caregivers. However, the physical aspects of personal care can be quite skill-intensive. Also, individual care recipients often suffer from chronic health conditions or a form of disability, further highlighting the importance of having experienced caregivers.

So if you’re looking for a personal caregiver to assist a loved one, here are the skills that matter most.

Skills to Look for in Personal Care Providers

Physical Assistance

Personal care or private duty care is typically distinguished from companion care by tasks involving physical assistance. These include things like dressing and grooming, bathing and toileting, mobility assistance, or helping an individual from one position to another.

Any time that a caregiver provides physical assistance, they need to ensure the client’s safety and comfort: This requires more skill than many people realize.

So if you’re hiring personal care services, it’s crucial that you find a home care provider who can keep your loved one safe and comfortable.

Cleanliness & Hygiene

Many individuals who receive personal care are at increased risk of bacterial or viral infections. 

If an infection occurs, many of them are also at increased risk of hospitalization.

Caregivers can help prevent infections in elderly adults by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. They take care to frequently clean and sanitize their hands. They help clients maintain high standards of personal hygiene by assisting in their bathing, dressing, and laundry needs.

Personal care is only one part of preventing infections among care recipients. However, it’s vital that you choose a home care aide who understands the role of cleanliness and hygiene.

Knowledge & Awareness

If you speak with professional caregivers or care administrators, they’ll tell you how necessary experience is to care providers.

One area where this knowledge proves useful is client monitoring. As caregivers tend to their clients, they monitor for changes in behavior, cognition, coordination, strength, emotional wellness, and other areas. This way, they can detect signs of decline early and alert the client or the client’s family, and case manager promptly. Caregivers may also keep care logs upon the client’s family’s request.

Many of these changes are subtle or gradual, so they go unnoticed without a caregiver present. However, with a knowledgeable and observant personal care provider, they’re less likely to go undetected.

Well-informed caregivers also know how to respond in unusual and urgent situations. Many caregivers have the fundamental skills for day-to-day caregiving, but when the unexpected happens, you want an experienced and educated professional.

Communication & Compassion

The best caregivers have excellent interpersonal skills, and personal care providers are no exception.

Think about some of the activities that personal care entails. Few people feel comfortable dressing, bathing, or going to the bathroom with the assistance of another person. It takes an extraordinary level of respect, understanding, and care to put clients at ease during these activities. The best personal care providers possess these qualities in spades.

Skilled caregivers are also capable communicators, both with their clients and their clients’ families.

Caregivers who communicate poorly will often leave clients confused about why specific care tasks are being performed or feeling like their wishes and preferences aren’t being considered. Proper caregiver-client communication can resolve these issues, improving quality of care.

It’s also important that caregivers communicate with family members of their clients. Without adequate communication, problems can go unreported, important care tasks can go unperformed (or get performed twice), and trust between care providers and family members might erode. Active communication will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals.

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has an outstanding team of caregivers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to our clients. Contact us today at 617-795-2727 for a free in-home consultation!

When to Hire a Personal Caregiver

Many seniors require assistance with personal care for their comfort, safety, and overall quality of life. Families often struggle with when to hire a personal caregiver even as the need for skilled caregiving grows.

There are a few different reasons for this. Professional caregiving can be costly, so families sometimes have apprehension about affordability. Others don’t fully understand the distinction between personal care and companion care. Also, some elderly adults may resist hiring a personal caregiver. Typically, this stems from feelings of unease or embarrassment about what this type of care entails.

However, personal care is essential for any senior who wishes to age in place and maintain quality of life. Because of this, it’s vital to understand this type of caregiving and when it becomes a necessity.

UNSURE WHETHER TO HIRE PERSONAL CARE SERVICES FOR AN ELDERLY LOVED ONE? THE FOLLOWING GUIDE SHOULD HELP.

When Does Personal Care Become Necessary?

Generally speaking, there are two different types of home care services. First, there’s companion care, which covers basic caregiving needs, such as help preparing meals, light housekeeping, and running errands. Next, there’s personal care or private duty care, including more intensive caregiving tasks, including assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, and bathing.

Usually, personal care becomes necessary when seniors can no longer safely perform these tasks by themselves. However, personal caregiving may also be required in other situations, such as lack of mobility, an increased risk of falling, or a chronic physical health condition (such as arthritis, diabetes, or COPD).

Based on the above, the need for personal caregiving may seem cut and dry. However, that’s rarely the case. Age-related physical difficulties don’t come about all at once. Instead, they develop gradually over time. That makes it easy to miss signs that advanced care may be necessary.

The best way to catch these warning signs is to become familiar with them. Below, we’ve collected five key factors that indicate it may be time to hire a personal or private duty care service.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Private Duty Care

Advice from Health Care Professionals. If a doctor or nurse believes that your loved one cannot safely live at home without professional senior home care, they may recommend that you hire personal or private duty care.

Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living. Has your loved one admitted that they struggle with necessary personal activities, like dressing or bathing? You may wish to talk with them about whether they might benefit from personal caregiving.

Fear for Personal Safety and Health. As their physical health declines, many seniors start to fear for their safety and well-being. A professional caregiver can reduce risks of injury and illness, keeping your loved one safe, and dispelling unwanted fears.

Unexplained Injuries or Self-Neglect. Many elderly adults become embarrassed when they are no longer able to care for themselves. In these cases, they’re unlikely to admit the need for care. However, family members can often spot signs of decline, including unexplained cuts, scrapes, and bruises, or signs of self-neglect.

Noticeable Loss of Mobility or Strength. At a certain point, the age-related physical decline becomes evident. When your loved one struggles to move from point A to point B regularly or doesn’t have the strength to perform everyday tasks, it’s time to start thinking about in-home care services.

Next Steps: In-Home Consultations & Hiring Home Caregivers

Even if you’re unsure whether or not your loved one requires skilled caregiving, we strongly recommend speaking with local home care providers. A consultation comes with zero risks, and if you hire a care service earlier rather than later, you raise the chances of your loved having the ability to age in place safely.

If you live in the Greater Boston area, please contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton to learn more about personal and private duty care services. We offer free consultations conducted in the comfort of your loved one’s home.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your loved one’s care needs, recommend a basic framework for services, and work with you to develop a care plan and schedule that fits your budget and your loved one’s lifestyle. Every client is carefully matched with a compatible caregiver, and through Select Your Caregiver®, you can be confident your loved one will get a caregiver who is the right fit for their needs and personality.

Choosing the right home care provider is a difficult decision, and you want the best for your loved one. Our experienced and compassionate home caregivers have served countless seniors and disabled adults in Greater Boston with dignity and respect for over 14 years. 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 five years in a row. We have accreditation by Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts and have been awarded Boston Globe Top Places to Work.

Call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton at 617-795-2727 today to learn more about personal care and book a free in-home consultation with us.

How to Care for an Older Loved One With No Immediate Family Nearby

Worrying about aging family members is the reality for many adult children, whether their loved ones live alone or with a spouse whose health or memory is failing; however, it’s especially hard when you live far away. You know Dad’s getting to an age where he cannot be entirely independent. What happens when you or your siblings are not around to drop in on him?

With families more spread out than ever, long-distance caregiving has become the norm for many. The upside? Technology and other community-based services, tools, and resources make it possible to create a network of care for an elderly loved one in a different city or state. Here are some ways to care for your aging loved one when you don’t live locally.

Use Video Chat to Communicate

If you’re not doing it already, encourage your loved one to use video chat technology like Zoom, Skype or FaceTime to keep in touch. When you can’t drop by in person, plan a video call with your father — an excellent way to find out how he’s doing. Maybe Dad looks content and healthy but sounds sad on the phone because he misses you. On the other hand, he may sound cheery on the phone — trying to put your mind at ease — but when you see his face in real time, you see how your mother’s passing is wearing on him. As you check in more regularly this way, take notes and keep track of subtle hints he may need more help or signs that he is lonely and may need some friendly visitors.

Make a Family & Friend Visit Schedule

Social isolation is one of the biggest pitfalls of growing older at home. For many aging couples, even caregiving can result in isolation, despite not being alone. As your Mom cares for your father through a dementia diagnosis, both can suffer socially. She may start to feel internally isolated as the man she’s loved for decades starts changing. The relationship becomes less of a partnership and more of stewardship.

It is also harder to stay connected to friends; seniors may receive fewer visitors while getting out into the community less frequently.

Friendly visitors — relatives, good friends, neighbors or even volunteers from a local community organization – can provide the companionship a lonely loved one needs. Try to keep a calendar of who is coming and when so that visitors honor their commitments and do not randomly show up unannounced. Don’t have any cousins or relatives to call? Contact your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging to learn about organizations that provide these types of visits.

Automate Bills & Pills

The advent of secure online banking, and prescription delivery services, means you don’t always have to sit at Mom’s desk to help renew her prescriptions or pay her bills. It may be helpful to get everything set up in person first when you are in town (maybe even visiting Mom’s local bank branch and pharmacy to touch base) but then automate as much as possible so you can manage it when you return home.

It’s important not to gloss over this vital part of senior care. Our elderly loved ones – especially those facing declining mental faculties – can and will forget about things like medication and bills. Save your parent time and lots of money in charges by ensuring their obligations are automated. For prescriptions, consider professional help as prescription management will aid your loved one and possibly avoid costly hospital admission.

Shop & Ship Online

If Dad needs an abundant supply of incontinence products and he has trouble getting to the grocery store, Amazon Prime and grocery delivery services through significant stores like Target, Instacart or Peapod can step in when you are not around. Some of these online shopping options offer discounts on repeat items, so if you know Dad needs adult diapers every two months, you may be able to save some money by setting up recurring orders.

Foster Community Engagement Opportunities

Set up Uber transportation or a city transit ride so Mom can go to the library or her favorite hairdresser once a month. Reach out to your parents’ community center, if possible, to find out what support services they might offer for older adults who don’t have family in the area. If your Dad still drives, research local volunteer opportunities that may help him get out of the house for a bit and stay socially connected.

You may not imagine it a necessity, but know that your parent may not know how to become socially involved with others, despite feeling lonely. Aging can take a toll on our loved ones, and they may feel increasingly less motivated to leave the house. That’s when your encouragement is helpful.

Add a Professional Caregiver to the Team

Distance does make things a little more complicated when your parents are aging as it is not always realistic for you to move closer to them or to uproot them and bring them to your home territory. There are ways to foster their independence and success at home. Once you’ve built a care network through the avenues described above, you may also want to consider a professional caregiver from a trusted home care provider.

What can a professional caregiver do to help? There is a wide range of non-medical home care services available, from meal prep and laundry, to help with light housework, to medical appointment transportation and more — some partner with a professional caregiver solely for the companionship benefits. Moreover, you can still organize and coordinate this care, even if you don’t live locally.

A professional home caregiver can be your eyes and ears on Dad, or the extra hands Mom needs around the house. To learn more, visit visitingangels.com/newton.

About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton senior home care agency provides quality in-home care services to seniors and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our dementia home care, Alzheimer’s care, companion care, respite support, transitional aid, and elder home care services in Wellesley, Natick, Newton, Needham, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Canton, Westwood, Dedham, Watertown, Stoughton, Roslindale, Norwood, and nearby towns. The services provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton will be sure to make a positive impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. Call us today at 617-795-2727 for more information.

Home Caregivers Can Be Your Eyes and Ears for Your Loved Ones

https://www.visitingangels.com/newton/faq

Your Mom and Dad may be enjoying their golden years, but as time goes on, issues may naturally arise. Maybe Mom has a slow-progressing eye condition and is gradually losing her independence. Alternatively, Dad has begun to forget the names of you and your siblings randomly. Which may be a sign he is experiencing the early stages of dementia.

It is natural to become anxious and concerned when you start to notice these changes. Your instinct may be to step in and care for your parent. However, you can't neglect balancing other needs: a full-time job, children, and family. Self-care can quickly become an occasional priority as you are trying to juggle your personal life simultaneously while helping your aging loved one. Too many pressures can cause you to burn out both emotionally and financially.

It is essential to understand Mom or Dad’s conditions as their needs evolve. It is nearly impossible to gauge the level of care your loved one will need, even if you have become their primary caregiver. The natural aging process can expose your parent to a range of health issues, and certain conditions may remain undiagnosed until there is an injury or illness.

Maybe you’ve thought about asking your parent to move in with you. However, most elderly would like to age in place and maintain their independence. Per a joint report by the Home Care Association of America and Global Coalition on Aging: “Nine out of ten Americans 65 and older want to stay at home for as long as possible, and 80 percent think their current home is where they will always live.”

Technology is not Enough

You may think using smart telehealth devices or installing a home-monitoring system is the answer. However, stand-alone technology can hardly replace the expertise of a trained professional such as an HHA or CNA who has cared for older adults just like your parents.

Even if you’re seeing Mom and Dad on a regular basis, it doesn’t mean you can manage the care alone. For instance, severe mood swings may not manifest in an elderly until sundown, a time when you’re likely to feel drained from a long day. During moments of irritability and high-agitation, your parent can’t depend on a digital health device to restore a sense of calm; however, a trained, professional caregiver can be a calming presence, and be your eyes and ears for Mom and Dad when you can’t be there.

Emotional Safety and Physical Security

A quality home care provider can address safety before it's too late. For example, if your parent is losing balance, your mom’s professional caregiver has been trained to “fall-proof” the home.

Further, this person can serve as a human firewall. Lonely seniors become easy prey for fraudsters. An unsuspecting elderly adult is a target for scam artists. Make sure your elderly loved one doesn’t end up a victim. Every day, scammers are trying to gather personal information and are banking on confused seniors to give it to them. Fraudsters may try to engage a lonely senior who is hungry for more interaction. It’s just another scenario where a caregiver can mitigate potential harm for your loved one.

Professional Care after a Hospital Visit

If your mom or dad was recently discharged from the hospital, it is imperative to provide specific care to help prevent costly readmission. Quality in-home care services can dramatically reduce the chances of your loved one relapsing or getting re-injured. Around-the-clock care for the first month after hospital discharge is always recommended. Elderly adults have a much lower chance of recovery if they are re-hospitalized in this 30-day window, which is why reducing hospital readmissions is crucial.

Will you be around to ensure your parent strictly adheres to a doctor’s discharge care plan? If not, you can rely on a professional caregiver to follow the medical directive and care plan, keeping your loved one safe and out of the hospital.

What about if the doctor assigns Mom or Dad a meal plan? Will you be there to prepare the recommended foods for your parent?  Professional caregivers will prepare nutritious meals for your loved one as part of their routine.

It is no secret that early detection is the key to better health outcomes. While caregivers are not medical professionals, they do possess the education and experience necessary to recognize initial signs of dementia, Alzheimer's or symptoms of depression. They can be your eyes and ears while working extra hard to foster a positive attitude in your loved one.

A home care provider is an objective third-party who takes a measured approach. Should there be a problem, you won't lose precious time before addressing the issue.

Hire a Caregiver from a Reputable Homecare Agency

No doubt you wish to hire a caregiver that you can trust to care for your loved one. That means professional skills, experience, and an attitude of respect and compassion towards the elderly. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has an outstanding team of caregivers who are CNA or HHA certified. Each has at least three years’ professional experience in the field of home care services. 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. We provide continuous support with events, training, and awards. We even take care to assign caregivers that fits the personality traits of our clients to ensure the best outcome.

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 elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our dementia home care, Alzheimer's care, companion care, respite support, transitional aid, and elder home care services in Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Newton, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley, Westwood, Watertown, Natick, Roslindale, Norwood, and nearby towns. While non-medical in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a positive impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. Call us at 617-795-2727 for information or visit our website at https://visitingangels.com/newton.

Combating the Stress of Elderly Care

It is stressful being a Caregiver for an elderly parent or loved one, no matter how much you may love them.  There is a significant amount of disruption to your life and schedule, as well as the worry and sorrow of watching someone you love to become more helpless.  There are also feelings involved with elderly care including frustration, guilt, resentment, and hopelessness.  Feeling unappreciated for all the work you do also contributes to anxiety.  There are some ways to combat the stress of elderly care including getting help and support, maintaining your health, and staying organized about your loved one's health and care.

Allowing yourself assistance and support is critical to managing stress when caring for someone.  Hold a family meeting and include your loved one to identify problems and solutions.  Together you can work out a  care plan and share responsibilities so that you do not try to do everything alone. Also seek additional help from professionals, community resources, or support groups for any specific medical conditions like Alzheimer’s or cancer.

 Maintaining your personal health is important in helping you deal with the stress of elderly care.  Getting proper nutrition, rest, and exercise allows for your stable physical and mental health.  Neglecting your health problems will allow stress to catch up with you easily.  You will not continue to be a strong caretaker if you put your needs last.  This can lead to emotional exhaustion, depression, and illness.  Understanding and communicating your feelings is also part of maintaining your health.  There are fewer negative effects of stress for people who admit their feelings and express them.

It is important to stay organized and have awareness about the details of your loved one's care.  You should be educated about legal matters, finances, and support services, and have knowledge about their medical condition.  This helps the day to day process move along more smoothly, so that you do not become overwhelmed with logistics.  In case of an emergency, a list of your loved one’s doctors, hospital, pharmacy, and medications should be on hand to make an urgent situation less stressful.

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton is a home care agency offering compassionate and experienced Caregivers to help your loved one remain in their home.  Visiting Angels Newton/Canton allows you to maintain your schedule and provides a respite for family members through services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal hygiene assistance, and companionship.  If your loved one needs home care services in Canton/Stoughton or other areas listed below, please contact us or call 617-795-2727.

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton provides home care services for elderly and disabled clients in Brookline, Watertown, Dedham, Needham, Newton, Roslindale, Wellesley, Natick, Westwood, Norwood, Canton and surrounding areas.

Different Types of Home Care Providers

There are many services that home care providers can deliver, from professional medical care to support services.

Physicians and Nurses

Patients can be visited in their homes for medical treatment by Physicians, Registered Nurses and Licensed Nurse Practitioners. These medical professionals can treat patients and provide skilled services including injections, intravenous therapy, wound care, patient education, and patient assessments.

Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists

Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists also aid individuals as home care providers. Speech Therapists work with patients to restore speech, and they also aid patients in breathing, swallowing, and muscle control. Occupational Therapists use techniques and equipment for patients with physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems. This helps patients to function in their daily lives more independently.

Physical Therapists use exercise and massage to restore mobility and strength to injured patients. Social Workers are an important category of home care providers. They coordinate services for a patient, and can evaluate patient needs to find resources for an individual. Dietitians counsel on nutrition and give dietary guidance for patients based on their needs.

Homecare Aides

A home care provider that assists patients with general activities in their homes is a Homecare Aide or Home Caregiver. They help with walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, and dressing. They also perform tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, companionship, and medical reminders. They work with physicians, hospitals, social workers, and the families to develop individualized programs.

 

Unlike homecare aides, Homemaker and Chore Workers do not help a senior client with personal care nor do they provide companionship.  They only assist in household duties like laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, and shopping.

At a high quality home care agency such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, homecare aides are trained to provide assistance with compassion and always treat their clients with dignity and respect. They have been instructed and provided guidance by CDP certified Case Managers in homecare services for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to help them take better care of clients with these illnesses. They may also possess skills such as the use of Hoyer lifts and other mobility devices. Also, a good personality match between the caregiver and the client can help to ensure an excellent outcome in their relationship.

When hiring homecare aides, it is a good idea to consult Home Care Pulse, a client satisfaction survey firm that conducts interviews with homecare users and compiles reviews for caregiver agencies nationwide. Home Care Pulse gives awards to the best home care agency in each state annually. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton of Massachusetts is proud to have received these awards for years, including Best of Home Care Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards.

If you are interested in non-medical homecare services in Wellesley, Newton, Canton, Dedham, Needham, Brookline and nearby cities and towns in Massachusetts, please contact us at 617-795-2727 or visit our website at https://www.visitingangels.com/newton.