The AFC program is a program for adults age 18 and older with a developmental, intellectual, physical or mental disability who cannot live alone safely. AFC Adults live with trained paid caregivers who provide daily care.
Slide One - copy
For Caregivers
If you are currently taking care of a family member in your house, they might qualify for Adult Foster Care program. This service is a MassHealth funded program for individuals 16 years old and other in need of daily help to complete their ADL’s.
Slide One - copy - copy
Careers / Employment
Make a difference in the lives of others every day! We are currently have job opening for Administrative Support (Full-Time), RN (Fee for Service), and Care Manager (Fee for Service) for our Adult Foster Care program. Please in the subject section let us know which position you are applying for.
Slide One - copy - copy - copy
Referrals
Rivers of Hope is focused on serving all individuals and families who require our services. So, if you have someone in mind who can benefit from our services, provide us with the opportunity to serve them. Refer them now.
Slide One - copy
ADULT FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
The AFC program is a program for adults age 18 and older with a developmental, intellectual, physical or mental disability who cannot live alone safely. AFC Adults live with trained paid caregivers who provide daily care.
Submit Your Referrals! Know someone who needs our help?
Daffodil Days, which are normally conducted in March, use this cheerful symbol to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Every year, cancer claims the lives of almost 600,000 Americans and affects countless others. The daffodil has been a symbol of optimism and endurance in the face of cancer since the 1950s. The vibrant blossom symbolizes the dedication of researchers and doctors seeking to find a cure for cancer and enhance treatment for all types of cancer. Cancer research groups all throughout the world have adopted the daffodil as an emblem of hope and tenacity in the face of disease, beginning with the Canadian Cancer Society.
HISTORY OF DAFFODIL DAY
Cancer is a term used to describe a group of disorders in which the body’s cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing damage to surrounding tissue. Cancer can strike at any time and in practically any part of the body. Growths, or tumors, are formed when cells continue to multiply without ceasing. Malignant tumors, which spread throughout the body, are dangerous because they interfere with organ functions. Nearly four out of every ten people will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives, therefore everyone should be informed of the risks and preventive methods.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us.
Researching care alternatives for an aging loved one can be stressful, and deciding what is best for your family can be difficult.
Moving to a residential care facility, for example, necessitates significant lifestyle changes.
For many families, home care is the greatest option since it allows their loved one to remain in their own home and live their lives as they have done in the past. There are numerous advantages to receiving home care; we’ve listed the top ten below.
Here are 10 advantages and benefits of home care:
Comfort
Personalized Care
Faster Recovery
One-on-one Attention
Cost Effectiveness
Peace of mind
Independence
Companionship
Family Involvement
Pet Ownership
1. Comfort
The main advantage of home care is that it allows your loved one to remain in the environment that is most comfortable and familiar to them. They can sleep in their own beds, use their own bathrooms, and go about their daily activities without interruption. For those suffering from increasing memory disorders such as dementia, being in familiar settings might be extremely helpful.
2. Personalized Care
A home care plan is tailored to your family’s needs rather than conforming to the schedules and routines of a care facility. Whether your loved one merely wants assistance for a few hours a day or requires full-time live-in care, home care is adaptable to each client’s needs.
3. Faster Recovery
Patients recover from surgery and sickness faster and more successfully in the comfort of their own homes, according to research. They also had a lower risk of infection from germ exposure in a medical facility, as well as fewer hospital readmissions.
4. One-on-one Attention
Because of the intimate nature of home care, your loved one can be the caregiver’s primary focus. Their mission is to give your loved one the level of attention and care that will keep them safe and comfortable. Because an in-home caregiver usually just has one client, their needs are fulfilled considerably more quickly than they would be in a residential institution.
5. Cost Effectiveness
Because home care is paid by the hour, there is a lot of leeway in terms of out-of-pocket spending. In the Bay Area, prices range from $24 to $35 per hour, with a reduction for 24-hour live-in care. Home care can be substantially less expensive than a residential nursing facility, which can cost up to $550 per day for persons who require support on a part-time basis. Home care costs can also be covered by long-term care insurance plans.
6. Peace of mind
You won’t have to worry about your loved one being alone and falling or being hurt while doing everyday things like showering or cooking. Instead, you’ll be able to relax knowing that they’re in good hands.
7. Independence
For seniors contemplating care alternatives, losing their independence is a major issue. Home care has the advantage of allowing your loved one to maintain control over many elements of their everyday lives. They can maintain their independence by deciding when they wish to eat, sleep, and interact. A caretaker can assist seniors who no longer drive in getting to social activities and running errands, allowing them to live freely.
8. Companionship
Seniors who live alone frequently experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness, both of which can contribute to health problems. A caregiver provides a familiar face, cheerful conversation, and a genuine human connection to your loved one, all of which can have a significant impact on their general health and well-being.
9. Family Involvement
Home care allows your family to play a bigger role in your loved one’s care. You will have a direct line of communication with your loved one’s caregiver with a professional home care organization, and a care manager will provide you with frequent updates on care.
10. Pet Ownership
Because your loved one can stay at home, they won’t have to give up their favorite pet. Companionship from pets has been demonstrated to alleviate loneliness in elders, minimize heart disease, and soothe dementia patients. Seniors can benefit from pet companionship even if they require some assistance caring for the animal with the support of a caregiver, family members or companion.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
What can we do to encourage my elderly mother to drink more water? She is prone to urinary tract infections and appears to be dehydrated all of the time, no matter what we do. We also wanted to know if coffee and tea are okay to drink, or if they should be avoided to avoid dehydration.
A: Dehydration is a serious issue for senior citizens. Even when it’s not particularly hot outside, it’s not uncommon.
One of the best methods to lessen the risk of dehydration is to assist an older person in increasing her fluid intake, as you’re attempting to do.
So, how do you go about doing it? The best techniques, according to studies and practical experience, are:
1. Providing a drink to the elderly person on a regular basis, preferably on a timetable
2. Providing refreshments that the person appears to enjoy,
3. When it comes to elderly individuals, don’t expect them to drink a lot at one sitting.
4. Taking care of any urinary incontinence difficulties that are preventing the client from drinking frequently.
The Fundamentals of Dehydration
What is dehydration and how does it happen?
Dehydration occurs when the body’s cells and blood vessels do not have as much fluid as they should.The body normally acquires and loses fluid as a result of what we eat and drink, as well as urination, sweating, and other physical activities. However, if we continue to lose more fluid than we consume, we may become dehydrated.
When a person becomes dehydrated, the body is programmed to send a thirst signal to the brain. The kidneys are also intended to begin concentrating urine, resulting in less water loss.
Why are older people more prone to dehydration?
Unfortunately, as we become older, the body’s processes for preventing dehydration become less effective. Thirst signals in older persons have decreased, and they are also less able to concentrate their pee.
Other factors that put older adults at risk include:
Chronic problems with urinary continence, which can make older adults reluctant to drink a lot of fluids
Memory problems, which can cause older adults to forget to drink often, or forget to ask others for something to drink
Mobility problems, which can make it harder for older adults to get something to drink
Living in nursing homes, because access to fluids often depends on the availability and attentiveness of staff
Swallowing difficulties
Acute illness or another occurrence can also cause dehydration. Problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and infection can cause people to lose a lot of fluid and become dehydrated. Hot weather, of course, raises the danger of dehydration.
Finally, older persons are more likely to use medications that raise the risk of dehydration, such as diuretics, which are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.
In a study of older persons in residential care in the United Kingdom, blood testing revealed that 46% had impending or current dehydration.
How is dehydration treated?
The treatment of dehydration depends on:
Whether the dehydration appears to be mild, moderate, or severe
What type of electrolyte imbalances (such as high/low levels of sodium and potassium) appear on laboratory testing
If known, the cause of the dehydration
Mild dehydration can usually be treated by having the person take more fluids by mouth. Generally, it’s best to have the person drink something with some electrolytes, such as a commercial rehydration solution, a sports drink, juice, or even bouillon. But in most cases, even drinking water or tea will help.
Mildly dehydrated older adults will often perk up noticeably after they drink some fluids, usually within 5-10 minutes.
Moderate dehydration is often treated with intravenous hydration in urgent care, the emergency room, or even the hospital. Some nursing homes can also treat dehydration with a subcutaneous infusion, which means providing fluid through a small IV needle placed into the skin of the belly or thigh. This is called hypodermoclysis, and this is actually safer and more comfortable for older adults than traditional IV hydration.
Charlotte’s mother, Louise (age 76), had been talking about visiting her relatives in Montana for some time. Louise had grown up there but had moved to Ohio with her husband a few years after they married. The two of them had driven to Montana several times throughout their lives, taking their children with them. Charlotte had many happy memories of those road trips with her parents. But, now that her dad had passed, her mom hadn’t been able to visit her relatives.
Charlotte decided to surprise her mom with a road trip. Before the trip, she planned her route and packed their bags. Unfortunately, when it came down to the trip, Charlotte discovered she hadn’t taken some of her mom’s special needs into consideration and they were woefully unprepared.
Elder Care in Braintree MA: Traveling with Seniors
There’s nothing quite like taking a family road trip. But, when you’re taking an older adult with you, a road trip can be a little more challenging. It requires a little extra preparation and you’ll need to pack some extra items to keep them comfortable and safe. Below are a few items to pack.
Extra Medications
If you’re planning a 7-day trip, you may think you need to take just 7 days-worth of medicine. In truth, you need to pack more. You never know what might happen during the course of the trip. You may end up staying a little longer than planned. Or, they might lose a pill down the sink or misplace a bottle. To avoid losing all their medications, it’s a good idea to portion them out by day and place them in separate containers.
Senior-Friendly Music
When putting together a playlist for the ride, take the senior’s taste in music into consideration. It’s okay to play some music you like but try to include some of their favorites as well. That way you avoid arguing over music or having to ride in silence.
Important Phone Numbers
Be sure to take along contact information for the older adult’s doctor and other medical professionals just in case something happens during the trip. If you should find yourself in the emergency room, it can be helpful for the hospital’s staff to be able to contact the senior’s regular medical providers.
Your Patience
Seniors may need to stop more often to use the bathroom or stretch their legs. And, they may move more slowly on stops. You’ll need a little extra patience to avoid arguments and keep the trip pleasant.
A home care provider can assist your aging relative to pack for a road trip. Home care providers can assist with the laundry to make sure that everything the senior wants to pack is clean. Home care providers can also ensure that the older adult takes enough medication along with them. They can also help the senior to create a list of some of the music they like so you can include them on your playlist.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Brockton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Home Care Services in Brockton MA: Home Care Assistance
Time.
For many families considering hiring home care to help with an aging parent or loved one, time is a big reason they look for outside help. You may be struggling to balance the needs of your parent and the needs of your own family, which might include children and a career and a life where time is invaluable and finding extra time seems like an impossible feat.
If your parent is getting to the point where they are in need of your time on a daily basis, home health care may be the perfect option to step in and give you back the time that you need to take care of your other familial obligations, while ensuring that your loved one is being professional cared for.
Health concerns.
For aging seniors, it is not uncommon for them to have health issues requiring certain routines, care, or medications. For some people, remembering to take medications can be difficult, and dangerous if not done correctly. Home care aides can help your senior parent with things such as managing diseases like diabetes, checking blood pressure, and taking medications in the proper dosage and at the proper times.
Safety.
If the safety of your parent who may be in their home by themselves is a concern to you, know that you are not alone. Due to mobility issues or cognitive concerns, every day household appliances and areas like stoves, ovens, fireplaces, or bathrooms can become dangers to a senior alone at home and are very real worries for their children. The peace of mind that comes along with hiring home care professionals is invaluable.
Companionship.
Sometimes, your parent just needs companionship that a relative or child cannot offer. They may have experienced the loss of a spouse or might struggle with feelings of depression or isolation and need someone to talk to and offer a listening ear.
Hiring home health careisn’t always for the need of help with complex medical concerns; sometimes children of aging seniors just want to know that their parent is not alone, and will have someone in their home that they can converse with and build a relationship of trust with.
Stress relief and back-up.
We hear from children of seniors that often times caring for their aging parents can be overwhelming, as they juggle their life and self-care needs with the responsibilities that come with an elderly family member requiring daily help. Lack of sleep, time, self-care, and understanding of how to navigate the daily tasks of two households can be exhausting and eventually can take a toll on your health as well.
Hiring compassionate caregivers to come into your loved one’s home to relieve you of the stress and time and frustrations you may be experiencing can allow you to take care of yourself, which is important.
If your parent doesn’t need full-time care, consider hiring home care help for a certain number of hours per day or even per week to give you a break that you need to get some of your other obligations taken care of, or even just to relax by yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Brockton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
You might not realize it, but there might be times as a caregiver that you’re doing just a little too much for your senior. It’s a delicate balancing act and you both might need to do some digging to find the right answer here.
What Does She Absolutely Need from You?
Do you and your senior both understand what she really needs from you? If not, it can be difficult for each of you to feel as if this is going the way that it should. Talk to your aging family member about what kinds of help really feel beneficial to her. You might be surprised at some of her answers. Some of the things you do that you might have thought of as essential help might be things she would rather handle herself.
Let Her Ask You For Help
One way you can get around some of these issues is that you can let your senior know that you’ll wait for her to expressly ask you for help. When you make that commitment, you do what you can in the environment for her but you don’t take over a task unless she lets you know she wants help. That allows her to make the choice and gives you a clear signal that you’re not likely to misinterpret.
Put the Focus on What She’s Able to Do on Her Own
There’s probably so much that your senior is still able to do on her own. If you’re both paying more attention to what she’s lost or to what she can’t do anymore, that’s going to be a pretty negative focus overall. When you shine a light on the tasks and activities that your senior can still do on her own, that gives your senior a big boost to her self-esteem.
Ultimately, You Want Her to Be Safe and Happy
What you really want, and why you are more likely to step in and handle so much for your senior, is for her to be happy and as safe as possible. But that happiness and well-being means looking out for her emotionally, too. So let her know that you still have confidence in her ability to do some things and that you support her in doing so. That’s going to do a lot for both of you.
There’s a definite balance between helping your senior just enough and helping too much. Working with home care providers can help you to get clearer on those boundaries.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Brockton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Rivers of Hope celebrates a successful year of uninterrupted service to the community, we take this opportunity to thank you for helping us succeed.
Rivers of Hope is an organization that is committed to excellence and puts its members first. The organization benefits from strong leadership; committed staff; and its ability to provide support to people who speak English, Haitian Creole,
Spanish, and Cape Verdean Creole. The organization has deep roots in the community,
which benefit it in continuing to market the program.
AREAS OF STRENGTH:
Forward-thinking and collaborative leadership of Rivers of Hope always prioritizes the organization’s mission, ensuring that the members are first in consideration.
CARF surveyor stated in her accreditation report result, “The caregivers and members commented on the caring, professional manner with which the staff members interact with them. The trust and appreciation of the caregivers and members have for the staff were evident”
The CEO’s leadership, mentoring, and support of the company’s members and caregivers is commendable.
Rivers of Hope is culturally sensitive to the needs of its members and caregivers. We have staff members who speak the languages of the community.
The CEO was nominated for or received various community awards in 2018 such as the Best Haitian American Professional, and Entrepreneur of the Year.
CARF surveyor stated in her accreditation report result, “The staff members go over and above in providing support to the families. They are conscientious and serve as excellent advocates. Furthermore, they respond quickly to problems so that issues are promptly addressed as they arise. Examples of these qualities include looking for grants for adaptive equipment, assisting caregivers in getting the right insurance, and working with the members’ day program when there is a problem. Staff members provide solutions to members as they are expected to, but they also advocate for the caregivers…The case files are well organized. Progress notes in the case files are thorough and individualized, and they provide an easy-to-follow narrative of the provision of services.”
We’d like to thank our caregivers and members for being understanding, and patient with us this past year. Truly, we could not have lasted this long without each one of you. THANK YOU!
I cannot forget to thank our AMAZING and KNOWLEDGEABLE multidisciplinary team.
For the upcoming year, I see Rivers of Hope doing big things!
In July, Rivers of Hope will celebrate its 3rd years of servicing the community. Our theme is Evening of Celebration at Generation Banquet Hall. We are creating a Director Corner section on our website, and having quarterly newsletters distribute via email and printed upon request.
Once again, we at Rivers of Hope thank you for your continued support.
Thank you!
Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement:
Rivers of Hope is a family oriented, community-based organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of services and advocacy for children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Our mission is to empower patients to self-advocate for their rights to autonomy. An extension of our mission is to provide financial, educational, and instructional support to family members who will be assisting the individuals. Utilizing a person-centered approach of care maximizes our member’s independence, rights to beneficence and non-maleficence, fosters inclusion within families and builds community connections. Rivers of Hope is committed to patient and family advocacy in order to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.
Vision Statement:
Rivers of Hope strives to foster confidence within individuals of the community so that they can make decisions with confidence & live with dignity. We do this by offering a plethora of person-centered solutions in ways they understand so that they can advocate for themselves. With self-determination and respect, Rivers of Hope empowers the community with knowledge and resources so that each individual can live their best life.
Programs
Adult Family (Foster) Care (AFC)
The program supports individuals in the homes of their families or their own homes. The program is for individuals that are 16 years old plus with developmental disabilities or physical disabilities, and for adults with physical disabilities, or with mental illness. Through this program, the individual will receive services and financial support they need while living at home with their families or companion/friend. The caregiver (the person that lives with the individual) will assist the individual with ADL’s, provide healthy meals, companionship, personal care assistance, and 24-hour supervision.
Companionship:
As your loved one ages, it becomes difficult to be there for them emotionally and physically 24/7. This is when a companionship becomes of great importance. Companionship provides clients with someone to interact with on a frequent basis, making everyday life a lot easier. These regular interactions are also very important to boost brain stimulation, which is critical to the client’s overall well-being. A companion ensures that clients are enjoying life in the comfort of their home, as well as accompanying them to activities and events in their community. It is proven that companionship promotes longevity.
Dependent Care:
This is a more hands-on assistance level of care, where clients who are mostly immobile or those who are suffering from various ailments need more help with regular daily tasks. Our caregivers are Certified Nursing Assistants who are trained to provide care with the utmost respect for the client’s need for independence. Our main goal is to keep our clients safe and happy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Brockton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
The macula is an area of the retina that enables clear central vision.
When a person has macular degeneration, the macula starts to thin. That can make central vision blurry or cause vision loss. Macular degeneration is a condition that commonly affects people who are 50 or older. It sometimes starts in just one eye but eventually affects both. The condition is progressive, meaning it gets worse as time goes on. However, that doesn’t mean that it always leads to total blindness. Having the condition treated as soon as possible can lead to better outcomes, so recognizing the symptoms is crucial to early detection.
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
Macular degeneration starts so gradually that the initial symptoms may go unnoticed. Vision may begin to fade, but it happens slowly, so the older adult may not even notice it. With time, they may develop a spot in the center of their vision where things look grey or blurry. Often, the doctor might spot signs of the disease before the senior does. That’s why it’s important that your aging relative has regular and comprehensive eye exams.
When symptoms do become noticeable, they may include some of the following:
Distorted vision.
Poor central vision in one eye or in both.
Having to use brighter lighting to see when reading or doing close-up work.
Trouble with vision adapting when entering an area with low light.
Printed words appearing more and more blurry.
Changes in the brightness of color.
Trouble recognizing faces.
If the older adult complains of changes in their central vision or notices that colors aren’t as bright, make an appointment with their eye doctor.
Vision loss due to macular degeneration can make doing some important things difficult or impossible for seniors. However, home care can help them to overcome some of those problems and continue to live independently.
Some of the things that home care can do to help are:
Help Respond to Mail: Poor vision can make it hard to read the mail, including bills and other important documents. A home care provider can go through the mail with the older adult each day and help them to respond, as needed, such as by paying bills.
Offer Transportation: Driving may be unsafe because of vision loss. Home care can drive the senior to medical appointments, to run errands, and to see friends.
Reading: The loss of central vision can make it impossible to read, which can be a great loss to a senior who enjoys reading books, magazines, or newspapers. A home care provider can read to your older family member.
Having someone to help with daily tasks that are difficult because of vision loss can make the difference between your aging relative being able to remain in their home or having to move in with relatives or into a long-term care facility. Home care can be scheduled to come in for a few hours daily, just a few times per week, or for full days or nights.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Brockton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Dear Friends,
Adult Family (Foster) Care (AFC)
