Combatting the Holiday Blues

The holidays are a festive time with family and friends, but for some elderly people the holidays can also be a time of extreme sadness and loneliness. The memories of friends and family who have been lost can be difficult and painful. Energy levels can also decrease, and getting around becomes harder with the change in weather. Depression and feelings of helplessness increase.

It’s extremely important to give the elderly extra time and attention during this season and to make it a point to visit with and listen to them. 

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

• Remind them how important they are to you and your family at holiday celebrations
• Consider being with them as they open up their mail and receive holiday cards
• Look into the religious organizations that your loved one is involved with and make arrangements for him/her to attend an event
• Decorate his/her room or home to make it festive
• Bring the holiday to them. Most assisted living/ skilled nursing homes have common rooms for small gatherings and parties
• Prepare a special dinner for them
• Make them feel loved. Include them in singing traditional songs, listening to music, opening presents and spending time together

Do what you can to make your elder loved one feel important and loved. It will make getting through the holiday blues so much easier and less painful. A little extra effort on your part can go a long way in making the holidays festive and joyous for everyone.

New Outlook Homecare Sponsors Neponset Valley Chamber’s Promo Video

Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce We are so proud to have been asked to sponsor the new promotional video for the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce. We have greatly enjoyed being a part of the Chamber and attending networking events, along with being active participants in the Eldercare Alliance. Being a member of the Chamber has been a crucial part of our marketing efforts. To see the video in its entirety, click on the image above or here. To find out more about how you can join the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit their website.

It’s Time to Get Your Flu Shot

Flu season is upon us. The flu shot is vital for senior citizens and caregivers. Older adults’ immune systems are weaker and more susceptible to diseases. A caregiver’s immune system can be impaired by caring for an ill person.

For seniors, the flu can be a severe illness and may cause death. 71 – 85% of flu-related deaths and 54 – 70% of flu-related hospitalizations happen in people who are age 65 and older.

The CDC recommends that everyone should get vaccinated before the end of October, especially adults over the age of 65. That’s because flu activity starts as early as October. After getting the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for the protective flu antibodies to develop in the body. So, the sooner your older adult and you get the shot, the sooner you’ll have protection against the flu.

Flu shots are available in a variety of places including your doctor’s office, pharmacies, and health clinics. The flu shot is free under Medicare. There is no co-payment needed. Other private insurances consider the flu shot a preventative service, so it will likely be covered and of no cost to you.

Don’t wait, get your flu shot today. To find a location nearest you, go to the CDC’s Vaccine Finder website and enter your zip code or city and state to find flu shot clinics near you.

Be well this season.

Looking for Child Care or Infant Care?

Did you know that we have certified baby nurses and nannies on our staff? Kids will be back to school before you know it. It’s time to think about your child care needs. We’d love to meet with you and discuss your children and their care. We look forward to caring for your family.

New Outlook “Goes Purple” in Needham

New Outlook Homecare was honored to be a co-sponsor of Needham Goes Purple‘s lemonade stands, a local campaign in association with The Longest Day to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. On June 10th, 14 lemonade stands were set up throughout Needham with the goal of raising awareness and donations in support of Alzheimer’s research. It was a 90+ degree day – a perfect day for lemonade. Thank you to Ed Shems for designing the wonderful lemonade cups on behalf of New Outlook Homecare.

Thanks to the co-sponsors, local restaurants and a huge push by organizer, Suzanne Lissy, over $7,000 was collected with additional funds still coming in. If you missed the lemonade stands on June 10th, there are still opportunities to make a contribution. Visit www.needhamgoespurple.org for additional details or consider making a donation directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.

New Outlook Homecare to Participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

On Sunday, September 24, 2017, New Outlook Homecare will once again participate in the Greater Boston’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Our team will join close to 5,000 people walking either 1.5 or 3.5 miles toward a common goal – to raise awareness and funds for research to end Alzheimer’s disease.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and last year, 15.9 million caregivers provided care for someone with the disease. It is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

We are looking for team members to join us on September 24^th. If you are interested in joining Team New Outlook Homecare, please visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=391271&fr_id=10472&pg=team to register. There are no fees to walk and there is no fundraising obligation.  Each team member will get an awesome team shirt and flower.

If you are unable to walk, but still want to contribute, consider making a donation or volunteer on walk day.  We look forward to seeing you on September 24^th.  For more information, contact Marcy.

Mick Morgan’s 5K Run For HESSCO

On March 18, 2017, New Outlook Homecare had the great pleasure of participating and sponsoring in the Mick Morgan 5K Run for HESSCO (Health and Social Services Consortium) to benefit Meals on Wheels, a national program that supports meals for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Despite the cold weather (27°F), it was a beautiful day filled with energy, silly St. Patrick Day costumes and enthusiasm.

The race went along a challenging route with a lovely view of the Walpole Country Club. There were many hills, but runners persevered. As a first time runner, it was incredibly motivating to see neighbors coming out of their homes to cheer us on and push us to complete the 3.3 miles to the finish.

We look forward to participating again next year and hopefully, it’ll be a warmer day. Either way, we will be running and supporting HESSCO.

Meet Our Caregivers – An Interview with Gina Jean Jacques

Meet Gina Jean Jacques. She moved to the United States from Haiti seven years ago. Below, is an interview with Gina that will help you get to know her a little better. 

How long have you been working with New Outlook Homecare?

I’ve been working here since September 2016

Why did you get into homecare in the first place?

I love helping people especially older people. I enjoy helping them with various things.  

Why were you interested in working with Pearly Evans and New Outlook Homecare, specifically?

I have a  friend who referred me to Pearly and she’s really lovely.

What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy the daily activities.

How has working with the elderly affected you?

It brings me great joy and peace to work with the elderly.

What caregiving certifications do you have?

I have a Home Health Aid Certification and I am a Certified Nurse Assistant.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to work at New Outlook Homecare?

It is important to just be patient with the clients and give the best of yourself always.

What advice would you give to a potential client who is deciding to employ New Outlook Homecare to look after a loved one?

You will have no regrets because we’re one of the most qualified agencies of all the competition.

Meet Our Caregivers

Meet Our Caregivers  Rachel Constant grew up in Haiti and has been in the USA for six years.  How long have you been working with New Outlook Homecare? I’ve been working with the company over five years.  Why did you get into homecare in the first place? When my grandma was dying in Haiti, I took care of her and it stuck with me.  Why were you interested in working with Pearly Evans and New Outlook Homecare, specifically? Pearly’s nice and everyone’s nice within the company. Pearly’s a good person. What is the best part of your job? Taking care of elderly people.  How has working with the elderly affected you? When you’re young, you don’t care as much about things, but now I’m more caring and loving. It changes you completely.  What caregiving certifications do you have? I have a Home Health Aid Certification What advice would you give to someone who wanted to work at New Outlook Homecare? I’ve been here for over five years and if it wasn’t a good company, I would have quit a long time ago. It’s a good company and I recommend it. What advice would you give to a potential client who is deciding to employ New Outlook Homecare to look after a loved one? It’s the best choice you could make. I know this first-hand as a caregiver with the company.

Meet Our Caregivers – An Interview with Deion Clarke

Meet Deion Clarke who  joins us from Guyana, South America. 

How long have you been working with New Outlook Homecare?
  I’ve been with the company since August 2016.

Why did you get into homecare in the first place?
  I love doing it. I have a passion for it.

Why were you interested in working with Pearly Evans and New Outlook Homecare, specifically? 
My daughter had worked with her and recommended her because she’s a good employer.

What is the best part of your job?  
Caring for the clients and their needs.

How has working with the elderly affected you?
I have a passion for it and I love doing it. Working with the elderly has affected me greatly. I love helping them.

What caregiving certifications do you have?
In Guyana, I received a nursing certification. 

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to work at New Outlook Homecare?
It’s a good company and I’ve had good experiences. I recommend Pearly; she is a good employer.

What advice would you give to a potential client who is deciding to employ New Outlook Homecare to look after a loved one?
It’s a good company and a good choice. Pearly and all of her staff are great caregivers.