Direct Care Professionals Award

By admin|2019-12-19T18:10:48+00:00December 19th, 2019|

HESSCO recognizes Karen Guinen from Multicultural Home Care as an outstanding home maker.

Karen has developed great relationships with her consumers.
She provides exceptional home making services while engaging her consumers in conversation. Karen is an outstanding listener and companion who puts people at ease. She has a gift for really connecting with her consumers. Karen has greatly improved the quality of life for many.

By admin|2019-12-17T15:53:19+00:00December 17th, 2019|

HESSCO recognizes Enive from Anodyne Homemaker Services as an outstanding home health aide.

Enive has developed meaningful long term trusting relationships with her consumers.
She has brought a lot of joy to her consumers by going above and beyond to be sure they are well cared for and comfortable. Enive is very thoughtful and caring and enjoys assisting people.

For her on-going dedication, compassion and commitment, please join us in congratulating Enive on receiving the HESSCO Outstanding Direct Care Professionals Award!

November is National Family Caregiving Month

By admin|2019-11-18T16:18:04+00:00November 18th, 2019|

           Family Caregiver Specialist

Haley Stansberry is the Family Caregiver Specialist at HESSCO. She provides practical tips and resources for caregivers. Haley embraces the mission of HESSCO which is to help older adults and individuals living with disability remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible.

Haley meets with people by visiting them at their home, with family members or at the office. She listens to each person’s unique situation and develops an individualized assessment plan with action items. She provides detailed information about local support groups, counseling, workshops, on-line webinars, educational events and virtual support groups.  A contingency caregiving plan is also developed, in case something unexpected should arise. The HESSCO Family Caregiver Support Program is available at no cost to the caregiver and there are no income requirements.

First Stop ASAP

By admin|2019-06-27T15:09:45+00:00June 27th, 2019|

There are literally hundreds of listings for elder care resources. The good news is we are quite fortunate to have so many options. The bad news, however, is knowing where to start and determining what services are the right fit for you. Your designated ASAP could help. An ASAP, or Aging Services Access Point, is just that…a Point of Access to available Aging Services. There are 26 ASAPs, covering every city and town in Massachusetts. These are private, non-profit, state-designated agencies under contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide seniors and caregivers with access to a variety of programs and services.

Trained Information and Referral (I&R) Specialists as well as Options Counselors are available, free of charge, to field calls. I&R Specialists ask questions to assess the callers’ needs. They aim to help the caller understand their situations and empower them to make informed decisions about possible solutions. They have a vast knowledge of available resources, as well as the cost and qualifying criteria associated with the services. They conduct preliminary screenings to determine eligibility for subsidized home care, family caregiver support, and/or home delivered meals. The caller will be asked questions about their age, physical limitations, diagnoses and income. If a caller is seeking more than a phone call, Options Counselors are available to provide a more in depth 1:1 phone or in person meeting.

After the initial call, a meeting is scheduled for an intake assessment. From there, the senior has a Care Manager who helps coordinate their service plan and is their go-to person if their needs change. At any point in the process, referrals to other agencies can be made, in lieu of or in addition to, ASAP services. Each ASAP researches and maintains a directory of reputable community resources and are able to guide callers in the appropriate direction. ASAPs subscribe to the “no wrong door policy” and assist individuals living with a disability by directing them to appropriate agencies.

To reach the Aging Services Access Point that serves your city or town, call 1-800-AGE-INFO or visit www.800ageinfo.com.

This article was submitted by Debbie Fradkin, Community Relations Manager, HESSCO, the ASAP covering South Norfolk County, and may be reached at 781-784-4944 or DFradkin@verizon.net

Don’t Get Left Out in the…Heat

By admin|2019-06-10T13:03:06+00:00June 10th, 2019|

Official “summer” is just around the corner, but the warmer weather is already upon us. The risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion is real, especially for the elderly.  Below are some tips to stay cool as well as a link to an updated list of local cooling centers.  If you don’t have air conditioning, don’t hesitate to take advantage of these resources.  And as always, check on elderly family, friends and neighbors.

Tips to Stay Cool

Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.  Do not try to do too much on a hot day.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.  Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.  They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.  Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun.  Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.  Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
• Avoid too much sunshine.  Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.  If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods.  Make sure that they have plenty of drinking water.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.

Cooling Centers 2019