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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a brain disease similar to its “cousins” Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in some ways, and very different in others. It is surprisingly common, affecting over 1 million Americans, although it tends to be under-diagnosed, mistaken for other forms of dementia.
Senior Care in Bridgewater MA: Lewy Body Dementia
Symptoms of LBD
LBD affects the way that a person thinks. It can also affect movement, behavior, and mood. Hallucinations are common in Lewy body dementia, so people can sometimes think they see things that aren’t really there. Walking may become stiff, slow, and challenging. Sleep can become disrupted by physically acting out their dreams. They may yell out or flail their arms or legs about, which can lead to them falling out of bed. It’s very disruptive for them as well as a bed partner. Symptoms tend to fluctuate in severity. It is a progressive disease, so it tends to gradually get worse over time.
Medications Affect People with Lewy Body Dementia Differently
Not all healthcare workers realize that Lewy body dementia can affect the way the brain reacts to certain medications. Talk to your loved one’s doctor and educate yourself about your loved one’s medications. Understand which medications your loved one may be sensitive to, so you can speak up if he or she ends up in the emergency room. The hospital can be a frightening place for people with dementia, and it can provoke behaviors that can be difficult to manage. Some of the medications that hospitals use to help people feel calmer may have the opposite effect on people with Lewy Body dementia.
Prepare for the Unexpected
People with Lewy Body dementia may demonstrate unpredictable behaviors. Medical conditions such as infections or even pain can cause them to become extremely confused and unpredictable. It can help to have emergency information ready at a moment’s notice. This can include:
A list of the person’s medications and over-the-counter supplements along with all dosages
A list of allergies and drug sensitivities
Copies of health insurance cards
Copies of healthcare advanced directives or living wills
Contact information for doctors, family members or support people
Take Care of Yourself
Being a caregiver for a family member with Lewy Body Dementia can be physically and emotionally challenging, and exhausting at times. You can expect to feel many different emotions, from pride and satisfaction to impatience, anger or resentment. Your relationship and role with your loved one may change, which can trigger feelings of grief. Some caregivers turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like misusing alcohol or drugs, under these conditions. By eating right, sleeping regularly and taking care of your mental health, you can manage the ups and downs. However, when you’re taking care of someone with Lewy Body, it’s hard to do these things alone. It’s important to get help when you need it.
There is Help Available
It is important to reach out for and accept help from others when caregiving for a family member with Lewy Body Dementia. In-home respite care is available through senior home care agencies. A professionally trained and vetted caregiver can come into your home and take care of your loved one while you take care of your own health needs, other responsibilities, or even just take a much-needed break. By taking care of your own needs, you will be in a much better position to meet the needs of your loved one with Lewy body dementia.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Senior Care in Bridgewater, 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
How much of the day do you think your elderly parent spends sitting around watching television or doing nothing at all? In other words, do you suspect your parent is bored and not enjoying their days much? Elderly care can be the perfect solution to your parent’s boredom.
Caregiver in Bridgewater MA: Add Fun to Your Parent’s Day
Below are 5 ways elderly care can add fun to your parent’s day.
#1: Lively Conversation
Elderly care providers are screened for many things, including friendly personalities with a desire to spend time helping older adults. That means your parent’s elderly care provider will genuinely enjoy having conversations with them. They bring a friendly demeanor with them each time they visit and will be willing to talk about any topic your parent enjoys. Elderly care providers can also help your parent to reminisce about their lives by asking questions to start the conversation.
#2: Board or Card Games
If your parent has a competitive streak, an elderly care provider can play board or card games with them to help pass the time. Although the provider may not know how to play every game, they are willing to learn whenever possible. So, whether it’s a classic game of scrabble or something new, if your parent likes games, an elderly care provider can offer them some friendly competition.
#3: Outings
Being stuck inside the house all the time is certainly no fun. Yet, many seniors have difficulty getting out because of physical disabilities or an inability to drive. Elderly care providers can not only offer them transportation, they can accompany them to the places they enjoy visiting, such as a museum or store.
#4: Baking
If your parent likes to bake but has some trouble doing it on their own these days, an elderly care provider can help. Elderly care providers can assist with some of the steps that might be difficult, like opening cans and jars. They can also read steps of the recipe, which could be difficult if your parent has poor vision. And, there’s no need to worry about your parent forgetting to turn the oven off or burning themselves while lifting a heavy pan. An elderly care provider can do those things for them.
#5: Crafts
Crafts are an excellent way for older adults to pass the time. When your parent makes crafts, it can give them a sense of purpose. They can make crafts to give as gifts or to donate to non-profit organizations. They could even make crafts to sell. Whatever the reason, an elderly care provider can help them by driving them to craft stores to purchase supplies, helping with the difficult steps, and simply admiring the work they produce.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Bridgewater, 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
Anxiety disorders affect as many as 1 out of every 10 senior citizens.
The most common anxiety disorders are a social anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Almost 3 out of 10 have symptoms of anxiety but not enough to actually declare it a disorder.
That’s just anxiety. Depression is another issue seniors face. It’s estimated that almost 3 out of 10 seniors are clinically depressed, and more than 3 out of 10 feel depressed from time to time.
Both conditions make it very easy to want to withdraw from others. Anxiety can make you feel like your dying or going crazy. Depression ensures you lose your enthusiasm for things you once enjoyed. When your dad has both of these mental health issues, it can seem impossible to have good days or feel happy about much of anything. The problem is that loneliness and isolation can make anxiety and depression worse, and the mental health issues can make you want to be isolated from others. It becomes a problematic cycle.
Signs of Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression share some of the same symptoms. Both can affect your sleep patterns. They can lead to appetite changes. They can change how active you are with others and by yourself at home.
-Depression has you feeling down for weeks. It’s not just every now and then. You don’t have any energy. You move slower and have a hard time concentrating. You may feel completely worthless and ashamed.
-Anxiety has several symptoms depending on the type of anxiety. People with panic disorder may feel the heart start beating fast. With that can come chest pain, nausea, diarrhea, feeling faint, and difficulty breathing. Generalized anxiety disorder can make you feel exhausted, tense, and shaky, plus unexplained headaches and muscle pain may start up.
-OCD tends to make someone feel out of control unless certain things are done. For example, someone with OCD may not be able to sleep unless a ritual like washing hands twice, checking window locks, and drinking exactly 4 ounces of water is completed prior to going into the bedroom.
Do You Suspect Your Dad Has Either of These Conditions?
If you think your dad may have anxiety or depression and is isolating himself, arrange a doctor’s appointment. Mental health may be easy to brush off, so don’t let his doctor convince you it’s fine if you know something is wrong. Ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
Once you know, make sure your dad takes any medications or attends therapy sessions. If you can’t drive him due to your work schedule, call a home care agency and ask about caregivers. They can arrange appointments and get your dad to them on time. Home care can help your dad in many other ways. Make the call and start helping him feel better.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Bridgewater, 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
