Our News Categories
Fall Prevention
September 20, 2024
Fall Prevention Tips From Home Helpers Home Care of MetroWest, MA
I can’t begin to tell you how many times the caregivers at Home Helpers have told me about how our senior clients have fallen in their homes, at church, on stairs leading into their residences, etc. Usually, ...
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Hobbies for Seniors
August 29, 2024
At Home Helpers of MetroWest, MA, Home Care Includes Social and Emotional Support: Pet Ownership Can Help
I have an adorable canine companion named Buddy. He regularly accompanies me to the office and always offers unconditional love and unlimited tail-wags to everyone he mee...
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Mental Health
August 29, 2024
At Home Helpers of MetroWest, MA, Home Care Includes Social and Emotional Support: Pet Ownership Can Help
I have an adorable canine companion named Buddy. He regularly accompanies me to the office and always offers unconditional love and unlimited tail-wags to everyone he mee...
Read More
Health and Wellness
July 26, 2024
One of the many goals of Home Helpers MetroWest is to make life easier for seniors to maintain their independence. To live independently, seniors should take the necessary steps to maintain their health and wellness.
Reagan Greenwood at aPlaceforMom explains, “Maintaining h...
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March 01, 2020
How to Protect Yourself from CoronavirusOf people who are at risk, seniors and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease are at the highest level of vulnerability to the virus. This higher risk is mainly due to compromised immune sy...
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February 01, 2020
Your heart is where your life is! A healthy heart beats between 60-90 beats per minute and that may slow down a little as we age. That means your heart could eat more than 140,000 times each day! It’s crazy to think that the organ we depend on for the very breath of life i...
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February 01, 2020
Did you know that a diet high in protein is incredibly important for seniors? Protein is particularly important right before medical procedures or surgery and can help the healing time during an acute illness when the body doesn’t digest protein as easily. For our seniors,...
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September 01, 2019
It can be difficult at times to determine the difference between normal memory lapses as we age, and a more serious cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you notice your elderly loved one forgetting names, dates, or appointments on a regular basis, it could...
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August 01, 2019
As seniors grow older, you may notice increasing problems with balance. This increases the risk of falling, which can have terrible consequences. Their bones are more fragile and falling can easily mean a broken hip. The good news? There are many exercises that are simple an...
Read More
April 01, 2019
You’ve probably heard of Parkinson’s Disease or know someone who suffers with it. It is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, making movement, balance and muscle control become very difficult. Over time, it can cause total loss of control over ce...
Read More
November 01, 2018
It’s no secret that physical activity is a huge benefit to people of all ages, especially seniors. The hard facts of scientific research show that exercise WILL improve overall health! These benefits of good health can come with even a small amount of exercise, no matter h...
Read More
October 01, 2018
As you begin to move into your senior years, choosing healthy food is a smart thing to do. No matter how old you are, making good choices is the best thing you can do. When you approach the age of 60, your body begins to change, and your metabolism slows down. The food you e...
Read More
September 01, 2018
Did you know that drinking caffeine can lower the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease? For many years it has been thought that consuming caffeine has a negative impact on one’s health, but in recent years it’s now becoming clear that drinking coffee in moderate amounts is ind...
Read More
April 01, 2018
Getting out of the house to enjoy some outdoor activities with the senior in your life is easier than you might think. Spring has sprung in most areas of the country and any doctor will tell you that getting outdoors is good for all of us, especially after a long winter! Sun...
Read More
December 01, 2016
Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing condition that any elderly adult should have to go through. Even if they are able to feel as though they need to empty their bladder, many seniors with this condition are unable to make it to a restroom before an accident occurs.This i...
Read More
Living Independently
July 26, 2024
One of the many goals of Home Helpers MetroWest is to make life easier for seniors to maintain their independence. To live independently, seniors should take the necessary steps to maintain their health and wellness.
Reagan Greenwood at aPlaceforMom explains, “Maintaining h...
Read More
Senior Care
July 01, 2024
Here are some senior care basics to keep them safe from communicable diseases:
Encourage proper hand hygiene: Remind seniors to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face.
Practice social distanc...
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June 28, 2024
Taking care of our elderly loved ones is a full-time commitment, but even the most dedicated caregivers need a break sometimes. Whether you're a primary caregiver in need of some well-deserved rest or you have other obligations that require you to be away, it's important to ensu...
Read More
June 27, 2024
A caregiver at Home Helpers is married to a man who never hesitates to see his primary careprovider or medical specialists or get health screenings whenever necessary. This is unusualbecause most men refrain from seeing doctors and undergoing health screenings, much moreso than ...
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April 01, 2020
Have you wondered what the symptoms are of the coronavirus? You’re not alone! It seems COVID-19 is all we’ve heard about for the last three months each time you turn on the TV or listen to the news. It’s important to know what to look for, who is more vulnerable, and w...
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March 01, 2020
These are scary times, but as with any type of pandemic, knowledge is power. How do you cope with COVID-19 as a senior? We have some tips for you that will leave you empowered and encouraged, so keep reading!Everyone needs social time with loved ones, yet it seems that is ex...
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February 01, 2020
Are you one of the millions of Americans who think that tumbles and falls are just par for the course in older adults? The truth is, falling can be devastating for seniors and should be prevented at all costs. It’s not normal to fall and no matter how old you are, there ar...
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February 01, 2020
Did you know that a diet high in protein is incredibly important for seniors? Protein is particularly important right before medical procedures or surgery and can help the healing time during an acute illness when the body doesn’t digest protein as easily. For our seniors,...
Read More
February 01, 2020
It is never easy to have a conversation with a senior loved one that has to do with giving up the keys to the car for good. After all, driving represents independence and freedom for most people, so it can be really difficult to know when the time is right to ask your loved ...
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January 01, 2020
These days it seems that robocalls are just a part of daily life that we have to contend with. While it might seem easy to you and I to read through the calls and emails that are obvious scams, it’s not always so easy for seniors. They may not deal with technology enough t...
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January 01, 2020
Everyone loves to share memories, but there’s something extra special about sharing and talking about memories made many years back. For seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, memories are especially special because the disease robs them of the ability ...
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December 01, 2019
Seniors often have a difficult time during the holiday season, but especially when it comes to New Year’s Eve. There are always fun activities and parties as we bring in the new year, and your senior loved ones may feel a bit down when they can’t party as the once did. T...
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December 01, 2019
“Holiday blues” among seniors is very real and should be handled carefully. Older adults often have emotional, mental, and physical needs not taken into account during the holidays, and it can be a difficult time for them. While there are several things that can influenc...
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December 01, 2019
It can be a tough decision to move an aging parent into your home, but once the decision is made, there are some things you can do to make the process as easy as possible. Here are some tips to help you plan for the big move.Assess the Way They Currently LiveYou may not noti...
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August 01, 2019
All of us get anxious from time to time, no matter how old we are. But for seniors, anxiety can be harder to cope with as they age. If you have an older loved one who is struggling to get through normal daily tasks due to anxiety, it’s time to speak to a doctor and get a p...
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August 01, 2019
As seniors grow older, you may notice increasing problems with balance. This increases the risk of falling, which can have terrible consequences. Their bones are more fragile and falling can easily mean a broken hip. The good news? There are many exercises that are simple an...
Read More
June 01, 2019
If you’re fortunate enough to have your own father in your life as a senior or are a caregiver for a senior dad, there are lots of ways to make their Father’s Day fun and special! Let’s look at some great ideas…1. Try Bowling. Bowling is fun, no matter how old y...
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April 01, 2019
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, you already know that it can be difficult for them to appropriately express anger. So, what to do when that anger seems to be spewed at you? Read on.What is the Root of the Anger?It’s not uncomm...
Read More
April 01, 2019
You’ve probably heard of Parkinson’s Disease or know someone who suffers with it. It is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, making movement, balance and muscle control become very difficult. Over time, it can cause total loss of control over ce...
Read More
March 01, 2019
Have you ever heard of a TIA? It is an abbreviation for “transient ischemic attack” that refers to having a “mini-stroke.” If the older adult in your life suddenly seems out of sorts or acts in a bizarre way, they may be experiencing a mini-stroke. They are more comm...
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February 01, 2019
Just the thought of a senior loved one developing Alzheimer’s or dementia can be frightening. We have pretty much been told nowadays that Alzheimer’s reduces people down to nothing more than a shell of what they used to be. Family and caretakers often feel they have to j...
Read More
December 01, 2018
Christmas has passed and now 2019 is upon us! This means more parties and more celebrating for most of us. However, if you have a senior loved one, late night parties aren’t exactly an easy thing to endure. New Year’s Eve often includes staying up late and partying hard,...
Read More
November 01, 2018
It’s no secret that physical activity is a huge benefit to people of all ages, especially seniors. The hard facts of scientific research show that exercise WILL improve overall health! These benefits of good health can come with even a small amount of exercise, no matter h...
Read More
October 01, 2018
As you begin to move into your senior years, choosing healthy food is a smart thing to do. No matter how old you are, making good choices is the best thing you can do. When you approach the age of 60, your body begins to change, and your metabolism slows down. The food you e...
Read More
September 01, 2018
Did you know that drinking caffeine can lower the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease? For many years it has been thought that consuming caffeine has a negative impact on one’s health, but in recent years it’s now becoming clear that drinking coffee in moderate amounts is ind...
Read More
September 01, 2018
The seniors who make it to the age of 75 or 85, or even 100 have triumphed and survived many threats to their physical and emotional health. Through these events, they have become much wiser and possess a maturity that only comes with age.Depression, worthlessness, and anxie...
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April 01, 2018
Getting out of the house to enjoy some outdoor activities with the senior in your life is easier than you might think. Spring has sprung in most areas of the country and any doctor will tell you that getting outdoors is good for all of us, especially after a long winter! Sun...
Read More
March 01, 2018
Seniors have a variety of needs that require transportation that is reliable and safe. If the day has come when your older loved one can no longer drive themselves safely, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Family or friends may not always be available...
Read More
January 01, 2018
Almost every part of the United States can be struck by a winter storm. While some may just bring a little snow or ice, there are severe storms that can last for several days and cause numerous problems like traffic accidents, power outages and a slowdown of community servic...
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October 01, 2017
Cataracts can cause some serious problems for an aging adult. In the beginning, they're not as intrusive. But as they develop, cataracts can significantly diminish what your senior can see, even with increased lighting. One of the best tools that you can put in place for you...
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August 01, 2017
When your parents were young, there may have been little thought given to how much time they spent out in the sun unprotected. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1970s that sunscreens designed to block out ultraviolet (UV) rays were introduced. As a result, your parent may have ...
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May 01, 2017
Hepatitis C can be caused by many things, including exposure to infected blood, an unsterile tattoo needle, and blood transfusions. It is most common in people who were born between 1945 and 1965, but a definitive explanation for this is not yet known.If your aging loved one...
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May 01, 2017
Celiac disease is a genetic disease that affects the autoimmune system. In other words, it involves your body working against itself, trying too hard to protect you from things you might not necessarily need protection from.The ingestion of gluten is the main instigator of t...
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April 01, 2017
When you're taking care of your elderly loved one, one of her chief concerns can be keeping herself as independent as she can for as long as she can. Some of these bedroom tools can make all the difference for your loved one.Bed Rails and PolesBed rails and poles can help yo...
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March 01, 2017
Senior Care in Concord MAYour elderly loved one's brain health is one of the most important items for you to focus on as her caregiver. But how can you make sure that your loved one's brain stays as healthy as possible? There are a series of different categories that can hel...
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February 01, 2017
Caregivers in Concord MAAs your parent gets older, one of the first changes they may notice is the fact that their eyesight is not what it used to be. Chances are low vision is to blame for your loved one’s eyesight problems, and they are not alone. Approximately 1 out of ...
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January 01, 2017
Eating can be very complicated for a loved one who has dementia. She may even stop eating as much as she used to or you may find her resistant to the idea of eating. Here are some of the reasons why that might be happening.She Forgets What She's DoingIt's entirely possible t...
Read More
December 01, 2016
Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing condition that any elderly adult should have to go through. Even if they are able to feel as though they need to empty their bladder, many seniors with this condition are unable to make it to a restroom before an accident occurs.This i...
Read More
July 01, 2016
Respite care is someone who can step in and provide respite, or a rest, for you, the primary family caregiver. Your logical first choice is probably another family member, but it can be difficult to find the right help.Talk with Your Family Members about Your NeedsSit down a...
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June 01, 2016
Caregivers in Framingham MAAquariums can be a lot of fun to look at for people of all ages, from the brightly colored fish to the fun décor that is lined up on the bottom of the tank. As interesting as they are to look at, did you know they also provide several health benef...
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Senior Home Care
June 28, 2024
Taking care of our elderly loved ones is a full-time commitment, but even the most dedicated caregivers need a break sometimes. Whether you're a primary caregiver in need of some well-deserved rest or you have other obligations that require you to be away, it's important to ensu...
Read More
News
June 28, 2024
We are currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Home Help Caregivers. As a Home Help Caregiver, you will be responsible for assisting clients with daily activities, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and providing com...
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August 01, 2017
This month we are profiling Ken Taylor, one of Home Helpers’ veteran Caregivers. Ken has provided care for Home Helpers for over six years.A certified HHA, Ken is from Ghana, West Africa and moved to the United States over 15 years ago. Ken attended Acton Technical in the ...
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June 01, 2017
The Veteran’s Administration Respite Care Benefit Q&A with Patty Lieber, Social Worker for the Veteran’s AdministrationPatty Lieber is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) for the Veteran’s Administration (VA) and Homeless Veteran’s Clinic. She also cov...
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July 01, 2016
Community Outreach in Framingham MA by Home Helpers Metro West BostonPearl Street Cupboard and Café in Framingham Serves Over 50 Hot Meals on June 30th, thanks to volunteers and the United Way of Tri-County team.United Way’s Barbara LaGrenade, the Volunteer Center Directo...
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Men's Health
June 27, 2024
A caregiver at Home Helpers is married to a man who never hesitates to see his primary careprovider or medical specialists or get health screenings whenever necessary. This is unusualbecause most men refrain from seeing doctors and undergoing health screenings, much moreso than ...
Read More
Senior Health
June 27, 2024
A caregiver at Home Helpers is married to a man who never hesitates to see his primary careprovider or medical specialists or get health screenings whenever necessary. This is unusualbecause most men refrain from seeing doctors and undergoing health screenings, much moreso than ...
Read More
May 23, 2024
Greater Boston is a magnificent Massachusetts gem with more than 650,000 residents as of2022, and 31,000 aging adults over age 65, which includes more than 8,500 seniors aged 85+.1This segment of the population keeps growing each year as Baby Boomers continue to ease intotheir g...
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Senior Living
May 23, 2024
Greater Boston is a magnificent Massachusetts gem with more than 650,000 residents as of2022, and 31,000 aging adults over age 65, which includes more than 8,500 seniors aged 85+.1This segment of the population keeps growing each year as Baby Boomers continue to ease intotheir g...
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Care Tips
March 01, 2020
Although dementia is most commonly diagnosed in seniors, it can also happen to middle-aged people, as well as those who have suffered a brain injury. Many people still go on to live long lives after diagnosis, so it’s important to understand the condition and how you can t...
Read More
March 01, 2020
How to Protect Yourself from CoronavirusOf people who are at risk, seniors and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease are at the highest level of vulnerability to the virus. This higher risk is mainly due to compromised immune sy...
Read More
March 01, 2020
These are scary times, but as with any type of pandemic, knowledge is power. How do you cope with COVID-19 as a senior? We have some tips for you that will leave you empowered and encouraged, so keep reading!Everyone needs social time with loved ones, yet it seems that is ex...
Read More
December 01, 2019
It can be a bit more challenging to help a patient with Alzheimer’s continue to enjoy things they once enjoyed before this life-altering diagnosis. After all, we all need a sense of community and fellowship with friends in order to maintain a sense of well-being and peace....
Read More
March 01, 2018
Seniors have a variety of needs that require transportation that is reliable and safe. If the day has come when your older loved one can no longer drive themselves safely, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Family or friends may not always be available...
Read More
February 01, 2018
Ice, snow and other winter weather is difficult for everyone, but when you are a caregiver it can take even more challenges. Doctor’s appointments, social activities, church, grocery store runs….all of this can be far more difficult in the winter months.Remaining indoors...
Read More
February 01, 2017
Caregivers in Concord MAAs your parent gets older, one of the first changes they may notice is the fact that their eyesight is not what it used to be. Chances are low vision is to blame for your loved one’s eyesight problems, and they are not alone. Approximately 1 out of ...
Read More
Dementia
March 01, 2020
If you have a loved one with dementia, you probably already know how frustrating it can be to communicate sometimes. Limited understanding and cognitive decline can be very overwhelming for both the patient and the caregiver, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are so...
Read More
March 01, 2020
Although dementia is most commonly diagnosed in seniors, it can also happen to middle-aged people, as well as those who have suffered a brain injury. Many people still go on to live long lives after diagnosis, so it’s important to understand the condition and how you can t...
Read More
January 01, 2020
Everyone loves to share memories, but there’s something extra special about sharing and talking about memories made many years back. For seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, memories are especially special because the disease robs them of the ability ...
Read More
December 01, 2019
It can be a bit more challenging to help a patient with Alzheimer’s continue to enjoy things they once enjoyed before this life-altering diagnosis. After all, we all need a sense of community and fellowship with friends in order to maintain a sense of well-being and peace....
Read More
November 01, 2018
It’s no secret that physical activity is a huge benefit to people of all ages, especially seniors. The hard facts of scientific research show that exercise WILL improve overall health! These benefits of good health can come with even a small amount of exercise, no matter h...
Read More
January 01, 2017
Eating can be very complicated for a loved one who has dementia. She may even stop eating as much as she used to or you may find her resistant to the idea of eating. Here are some of the reasons why that might be happening.She Forgets What She's DoingIt's entirely possible t...
Read More
Caregivers
March 01, 2020
Caregivers these days suffer from something known as compassion fatigue and burnout. While you may not have heard these terms before, they are very real, and you might identify with them as we continue to live in a state of emergency due to Covid-19. Just how do you stay pos...
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January 01, 2020
If you are feeling a bit guilty when it comes to taking care of your older loved ones, you are not alone. Negative emotions are quite common as you walk the caregiving process, and it’s important to know what to do with those emotions as they come up.On top of feeling nega...
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July 01, 2019
It’s often thought that those diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s will steadily lose their quality of life. While cognitive decline is certainly part of the process, there are things you can do as a caregiver to maintain as much quality of life as possible. Regardless...
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August 01, 2018
Many of us are becoming familiar with the term “aging in place.” It is the desire of most seniors to stay at home as long as possible as they require more care. Keeping them in their own environment allows your senior loved one to feel more secure and safe. This is espec...
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June 01, 2018
You might have heard the term “aging in place.” It refers to the elderly, dementia, and Alzheimer’s patients aging at home for as long as possible. There really is no place like home and most people want to stay surrounded by the comforts of home as long as their healt...
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June 01, 2018
Is Caregiving New to You?If caregiving is new to you, it’s normal to feel some anxiety about your new position and what it may require of you. This article will give you the skinny on what you need to know to be the best caregiver you can be!Understand the Needs of Your Pa...
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August 01, 2017
This month we are profiling Ken Taylor, one of Home Helpers’ veteran Caregivers. Ken has provided care for Home Helpers for over six years.A certified HHA, Ken is from Ghana, West Africa and moved to the United States over 15 years ago. Ken attended Acton Technical in the ...
Read More
March 01, 2017
Criticism isn't easy to take as a family caregiver. You're likely overwhelmed, tired, and worried that you're not doing a good enough job as it is, and now someone is criticizing you. Figuring out how to cope is essential.Try to Detach from the CriticismAs a caregiver, you'r...
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December 01, 2016
As a family caregiver, you might believe that you don't really have any way to take time for you. The trick is to schedule your time so that you can make that time for yourself.Schedule Time for Yourself into Your CalendarSit down with your calendar and choose some time that...
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Alzheimers
January 01, 2020
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be frightening to everyone. Not only does it create memory loss, but also makes any communication at all very difficult as the disease progresses. If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, we know this can be a scary tim...
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December 01, 2019
Alzheimer’s Disease presents many challenges, not the least of which is something called sundowning—a period in the late day/early evening when agitation or irritability can set in for no apparent reason. Confusion tends to worsen as the sun goes down, hence the name. Th...
Read More
December 01, 2019
It can be a bit more challenging to help a patient with Alzheimer’s continue to enjoy things they once enjoyed before this life-altering diagnosis. After all, we all need a sense of community and fellowship with friends in order to maintain a sense of well-being and peace....
Read More
April 01, 2019
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, you already know that it can be difficult for them to appropriately express anger. So, what to do when that anger seems to be spewed at you? Read on.What is the Root of the Anger?It’s not uncomm...
Read More
February 01, 2019
Just the thought of a senior loved one developing Alzheimer’s or dementia can be frightening. We have pretty much been told nowadays that Alzheimer’s reduces people down to nothing more than a shell of what they used to be. Family and caretakers often feel they have to j...
Read More
Holiday Season
December 01, 2019
“Holiday blues” among seniors is very real and should be handled carefully. Older adults often have emotional, mental, and physical needs not taken into account during the holidays, and it can be a difficult time for them. While there are several things that can influenc...
Read More
December 01, 2019
Seniors often have a difficult time during the holiday season, but especially when it comes to New Year’s Eve. There are always fun activities and parties as we bring in the new year, and your senior loved ones may feel a bit down when they can’t party as the once did. T...
Read More
December 01, 2018
Christmas has passed and now 2019 is upon us! This means more parties and more celebrating for most of us. However, if you have a senior loved one, late night parties aren’t exactly an easy thing to endure. New Year’s Eve often includes staying up late and partying hard,...
Read More
Family Caregiving
February 01, 2017
Elderly Care in Wellesley MAEmphysema makes breathing more difficult, and for adult children of seniors with emphysema, this can be scary. To start with, it is recommended to learn as much about emphysema as possible in order to help parents who suffer from the symptoms of t...
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