If you were planning to drive from Boston to Southern Florida, you would likely expect to stop at gas stations, restaurants, and a hotel or two. It would be absurd to head out on a nonstop journey with no supplies or planned stops but that is often the case when a spouse or child suddenly becomes the primary caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other dementia condition.
For many families, there comes a time when aging parents or loved ones can no longer care for themselves safely, and a decision must be made about their future care. Some families opt to have their loved one move in with them, but often the choice boils down to assisted living or home care.
Every winter can be a challenge for senior citizens and others who depend on the support of caregivers to remain comfortably at home with a sense of independence.
When you arrive at the modest cottage in Hyannis you are treated to a warm welcome. The couple stands together as they have for the last 74 years. They are Holocaust survivors who endured unspeakable tragedies and then went on to contribute goodness and positivity to their fellow survivors and the world. Now they need around the clock support to remain safely together at home.
Alexandra Reeve Givens, the daughter of “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve, was interviewed by National Public Radio host Scott Detrow for an Oct. 16 story about the new documentary, “Super/Man,” that explores Reeve’s life before and after he was paralyzed when he was thrown from a horse in a 1995 equestrian competition.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has proposed expanding Medicare coverage for the in-home care services.
Homecare Choices is always looking for compassionate caregivers to provide our clients with the great care they deserve and make a positive impact on their quality of life. Most of the time that positive impact is mutual as people who enjoy caregiving recognize the gift of time with elders and the many rewards of the job. If you are interested in becoming a caregiver, the following information will provide a better understanding of the role and how to get started in this rewarding new position:
Good caregivers have essential qualities that provide job satisfaction and other rewards in equal proportion to the positive impact they have on clients, an increasingly important equation as demand for in-home caregivers accelerates.
In a recent post urging post-COVID support for restaurants, the Visit Cape Cod Facebook page framed the message in this timely, engaging way: “Your social life called – it misses you.”
Maria Melo of Falmouth has joined Homecare Choices as a Care Manager and member of the leadership team to kick off the New Year.
