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?
Rivers of Hope Receives Home Care Agency Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc.
Brockton, MA – Rivers of Hope, a community-based organization that provides care and support for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, is proud to announce that it has received Home Care Agency Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our clients and to empower them to self-advocate for their rights to self-sufficiency.
We offer a range of care services, including Adult Foster Care, Companionship, Homemaker, Personal Care Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant, Home Health Aide, and Private Duty Nursing.
The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc. is a leading provider of accreditation for home care agencies in the state, and its accreditation program recognizes organizations that meet the highest standards of quality and care.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc.,” said Francineglide Victoria, Founder/CEO at Rivers of Hope. “Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support for our clients; this accreditation is a testament to their hard work and commitment.”
The accreditation process includes a comprehensive review of an organization’s policies, procedures, and practices and its commitment to quality and patient-centered care. The method also includes a review of an organization’s compliance with state and federal regulations and its commitment to ongoing education and professional development for its staff.
“We are proud to be among the few home care agencies in the state to receive this prestigious accreditation,” said Omoleye Olorunfunmi, Director of Service at Rivers of Hope. “This recognition shows who we are as an agency and our effect on the communities we serve, and we intended to continue to do our best to serve them.”
For more information, visit our website at www.riversofhopes.com.Contact: Francineglide Victoria, Founder/CEO at fvictoria@riversofhopes.com 508.857.0629 ext 100
It’s already July, which means this 4th of July weekend will be filled with fun, family, and fireworks. But Independence Day might be a little bittersweet for elderly people who have trouble living independently. Age-related challenges can make it difficult for many seniors, particularly those who need in-home care, to completely enjoy the holiday.
Our commitment to our customers’ happiness and our love for this magnificent country go hand in hand. No matter their age or any challenges that come with their senior years, we think all Americans should be able to fully enjoy the Fourth of July. Every July, our caregivers assist in making our Rivers of Hopes clients holidays more enjoyable. We would be honored to assist you in providing the same care for an older family member.
Beat the Independence Day Heat
Nothing says America quite like a backyard 4th of July celebration with close friends and family, cold sodas and hot dogs fresh from the grill, warm summer sun, and red, white, and blue fireworks. However, like with any summertime outdoor event, heat and sun exposure can mount up, especially for elderly people and anyone receiving home care from their loved ones.
Every time you host an outdoor summer party, make sure your elderly loved ones are well-shaded and well-hydrated. Also, make sure they have access to a nice, air-conditioned space where they may relax and cool off.
Make Seniors Comfortable
It’s crucial that senior family members feel at ease if you’re organizing an outdoor celebration. After all, if they don’t have the opportunity to rest and relax a little bit, even the healthiest seniors can experience joint pain or tiredness.
A sturdy, high-quality movable chair can be a godsend for seniors, particularly for those who need in-home care due to physical age-related challenges. “Be sure to have your loved one test his or her chair in advance for comfort and to keep it available for them throughout the event.”
Rivers of Hope 4th of July Activities
Some elderly people simply don’t have the stamina or energy to enjoy a lengthy Fourth of July gathering outside. Others might not feel at ease in a busy, active, and unsettling environment, such as individuals who need home care for memory impairments.
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 +1 (508) 857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Father’s Day can be made even more enjoyable with senior-friendly activities.
Spending quality time with the significant man (or men) in your life is a considerate approach to show him how much you care on Father’s Day.
We’ve compiled a list of 16 fun Father’s Day activities for seniors that will appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities to assist you in planning something he’ll like.
9 engagements for senior citizens who enjoy going out
These nine activities are ideal for senior citizens who enjoy getting out of the house. They can be done in groups with family and friends or individually for some quality time.
Play a round of mini golf (or regular golf).
In the backyard, play activities like cornhole, horseshoes, lawn bowling, bocce ball, or lawn darts.
Enjoy a casual meal at their favorite restaurant (consider sitting outside or ordering takeaway when Covid-19 cases are on the rise) or a picnic or BBQ at a nearby park.
Take a walk at the park, on an easy hiking trail, or around the neighborhood to enjoy nature.
Bring a sports enthusiast to a live game – whether it’s a local or national team, it’ll be a blast.
To savor the arts or take in some scenery, go to a local museum, photographic show, or well-known tourism point.
Attend a local auto event to see classic vehicles, muscle cars, or anything else that makes your engine rev!
Give him a soothing massage or a traditional professional shave and haircut.
Take a stroll in a retail mall. They’re relaxing areas where you may talk, people watch, and do some shopping. There are also numerous restrooms, seating places, and food and beverage options.
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
Find out how we can help make 2022 the greatest year yet for a senior you love!
Everyone, but especially older persons who are more susceptible to dehydration, should drink enough water.
According to a UCLA research, 40 percent of seniors may be chronically dehydrated.
Dehydration is a common result, and it can lead to a range of major health issues, including UTIs, falls, kidney stones, and more.
Adults aged 65 and up had the highest rates of dehydration hospitalization.
We explain why dehydration is so frequent in seniors, the moderate and serious dehydration symptoms, the health hazards of being dehydrated, how much water a person requires, and the benefits of staying hydrated to help keep your older adult well and safe.
Why is elderly dehydration so common?
Because their bodies contain less water, older folks are more likely to become dehydrated.
They’re also more likely to have health problems or use prescriptions that make them more prone to dehydration, such as blood pressure meds that expel water from the body.
Seniors should also:
Are less susceptible to the sensation of thirst
Have a reduced ability to maintain fluid equilibrium in the body
Kidneys that are less effective, causing urine to contain more water
Frequently utilize drugs that have unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea or excessive perspiration.
Symptoms of dehydration in seniors
Early dehydration symptoms in older adults often go unrecognized because many of the signs of mild dehydration could easily be caused by other health conditions or medication side effects.
But it’s far easier to correct mild dehydration than deal with the complications of serious dehydration symptoms.
Being familiar with the signs helps you take action sooner rather than later.
Mild dehydration symptoms
Dry mouth
Dark-colored urine or very small amount of urine
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle cramps in limbs
Headaches
Feeling weak or unwell
Being sleepy or irritable
Serious dehydration symptoms
Low blood pressure
Confusion
Difficulty walking
Fast, but weak pulse
Bloated stomach
Wrinkled skin with no elasticity – try the “pinch test”
Dry and sunken eyes
Breathing faster than normal
Severe cramping and muscle contractions in the body
Convulsions
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
Find out how we can help make 2022 the greatest year yet for a senior you love!
Stories foster community and bring us together (even if we can’t be physically present). Stories are a terrific way to learn about and engage with others, whether you’re a group of friends, a neighborhood community, or an organization. Remember that everyone has various interests, technology access, and comfort levels as you plan. The finest activities for sharing are ones that make individuals feel encouraged and at ease.
Start with these suggestions:
Make arrangements for senior citizens to share or read stories. Call a community center or a group to see if they’d like elderly people to share their experiences in a workshop. Alternatively, investigate if a local school would like to sponsor a “Senior Day” where older persons speak to pupils, or call libraries to arrange for older adults to read to young children.
Arrange for local kids to conduct interviews with senior citizens in the neighborhood and create brief biographies. Plan a program where students read their stories aloud. Make an invitation to your local newspaper, weblog, or radio station.
Host a storytelling party using video chat technology. Give each individual five minutes to deliver a story based on a subject or question.
Select a theme or question and give each person five minutes to tell a story that relates to it. Check out this Great Questions list from StoryCorps for ideas.
Ask your social media followers to share their wisdom, tips, and stories online using a unique hashtag or by posting to a forum you manage. Be sure to provide guidance (e.g., length), what you’d most like to hear, and a contact person for questions.
Organize a selfie challenge on social media. Create a theme phrase (e.g., “Aging my way means…”) and use a related hashtag (e.g., #OlderAmericansMonth, #AgeMyWay). Ask community members to fill in the blank and take a photo holding a paper with the sentence, and then post on social media using your hashtag. You can even design a simple template with the phrase that can be printed out to make it easier to join in.
Events
A unique OAM event is a wonderful way to commemorate, share information, and engage with people of the community. This type of activity can be done in a variety of ways, many of which can be done electronically. For any event, always observe local health and safety regulations. Our event planning tips can help you think through the process no matter the size of your group or the style of your event.
Start with these suggestions:
Set up a game night. You can either plan ahead of time the games to play or have everyone bring their favorite to share with the group. Play games for people of all ages and abilities to create an inclusive environment. Prizes or prizes can add to the enjoyment of the event.
Organize a musical performance. Music has the ability to connect, heal, and bring joy to people. Hire a band and allow participants demonstrate their musical abilities, or simply play songs from an app and let everyone make requests. Consider employing a theme or genre to organize the event.
Organize a lesson, workshop, or presentation on issues of interest to senior citizens. For example, to develop balance and strength, you may hold a class.
Or, try teaching community members something new – how to find local resources, how to engage through technology, or how start a new career or hobby. If possible, have an older adult lead the workshop.
Host a fundraising event, like a community walk or bake off, to benefit local programs or centers that serve older adults. No matter the format, be sure to promote the work of individuals and organizations that support older adults in your area. This is not only nice for those recognized, but also creates awareness about available resources. For a fundraising event, raffles and contests work well to engage attendees.
Group Project
Organize a project where individuals can contribute separately before their effort is combined to make the final masterpiece to celebrate and engage with your community. This is a fantastic method to create something to display in person or online. Consider surveying your participants to determine where their abilities and interests lay before deciding on a project.
Start with these suggestions:
Create a physical or virtual bulletin board with photographs, jokes, quotes, and/or positive news. This project works well with the selfie challenge idea mentioned earlier (under Stories). Printouts can be put to the board whether they are completed online or in person.
Plant a flower or produce a communal garden. Alternatively, provide seeds and a pot for participants to plant at home. Collect all of the potted plants afterwards and exhibit them as a single giant container garden.
Create a mosaic art project, a painted rock garden, or a mural in which each participant may add their own personal touch. Don’t have access to a permanent changeable space? Instead, use canvases. Search “mini canvas collage” to spark your creativity.
Coordinate one or a series of community betterment activities. There are numerous options for activities, from picking up litter to collecting donations for those in need. Find more inspiration from Create the Good Project Ideas.
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.
Did you know that Black American women die from heart disease at a higher rate than white women?
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States? Major risk factors include diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease. According to research, these illnesses are alarmingly common in Black American communities. In fact, Black women are more likely than white women to die of heart disease.
What is heart disease?
The term “heart disease” refers to several types of conditions, such as:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. It frequently results in a heart attack.
Arrythmia is a term for an irregular heartbeat (too fast or too slow)
Cardiomyopathy causes your heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body, which can lead to heart failure.
Why is it more common in Black American women?
According to studies, Black American women have the highest rates of hypertension (high blood pressure), one of the leading causes of heart disease. Researchers have also discovered that a gene makes Black Americans more vulnerable to the effects of salt, raising their chance of having high blood pressure.
According to the CDC’s Healthy People 2030, Black women are twice as likely to develop heart disease, owing to the highest prevalence of diabetes and obesity, as well as the second highest prevalence of high cholesterol and hypertension, according to Dr. Nicole Thomas-Sealey, Vice President of Clinical Education at AdvantageCare Physicians.
What steps can you do to reduce your risk?
“Many people are suspicious of Black women because of their history of oppression and health inequalities in the not-too-distant past – and present.” To improve patient outcomes, all physicians must be aware of these concerns early in the patient-provider relationship and address the need for trust,” says Dr. Thomas-Sealey.
“Once this barrier is lifted, many Black women who may have been reluctant to reducing heart disease risk factors will be able to do so.” Many illness processes require a high level of trust, open communication, and respect.”
National Wear Red Day and Go Red For Women are two campaigns that help bring these challenges to light and seek solutions.
Patient education and empowerment can be tools to help women advocate for themselves during medical appointments, as research shows that Black American women are less likely than others to receive preventive treatment such as blood pressure medications and advice from doctors or nurses about weight control and quitting smoking. Follow these guidelines:
Understand the symptoms and indicators of heart disease.
Examine your family’s history of heart disease and share it with your doctor.
Find a Primary Care Provider you trust; Rivers of Hopes members can search for an in-network doctor here.
Don’t forget to get your annual physical.
We either love them or avoid them, but no matter what our stance on New Year’s resolutions, there is something incredibly refreshing about stepping into a whole new year, providing us with a clean slate and the chance to make any modifications we want to improve total well-being or to accomplish a brand new goal or dream.
For family caregivers, New Year’s resolution lists tend to be particularly significant, mainly because they affect not merely the caregivers themselves, but their senior loved ones. It’s important, however, to keep resolutions sensible. Resolving, for instance, to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, while caring for a family member who has problems with sundowning issues in Alzheimer’s, could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Try instead to think about one of the following resolutions especially developed with family caregivers in mind:
I shall reach out for help and support, and take assistance when offered.
I give myself permission to say “no” to requests to prevent dealing with more than I am able to handle.
I will make my own health (both physical and mental) a priority, making sure that I set up and keep medical-related checkups and appointments.
I will remind myself that self-care is not selfish, and that by taking good care of myself, I’m able to take better care of my loved one.
I will take note of my energy level, and make a plan in order to avoid allowing myself to reach the point of exhaustion, burnout, or depression.
Starting with a no-cost in-home consultation, we will listen to the particular needs and challenges of your loved one, and develop a customized plan of care to fulfill those needs, through many different services such as:
Help with personal hygiene, dressing, ambulation and transfers
Running errands, such as buying groceries and picking up prescriptions
Accompanied transportation to medical appointments and enjoyable outings
Light housekeeping and laundry
Meal planning and preparation, according to any prescribed dietary plans
Engagement in conversations, reminiscing, games, and exercise, along with other pastimes that are of interest to the older adult
Caffeine: Are you worried about your elderly loved one drinking too much caffeine?
Maybe they are drinking a lot of pop throughout the day. Maybe they are drinking too many cups of coffee in the morning or throughout the day. If this is the case, learning more about the cons of elderly people drinking too much caffeine might help to talk them out of drinking so much pop or coffee. Keep reading here to find out more about the downfalls of the elderly drinking a lot of caffeine.
Restlessness and Insomnia
Two of the things that might occur if your elderly loved one drinks too much caffeine are restlessness and insomnia. When you visit your elderly loved one, do they seem to be exhausted all the time? Is your elderly loved one saying they don’t sleep enough at night? Research shows that if someone is drinking 400 milligrams of caffeine or more a day, it can cause them to become irritable and restless. If someone consumes too much in the evening, this could cause them to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. If these are issues your elderly loved one has, then maybe you or a senior care provider could get them to drink a cup of caffeine-free tea before bed, instead of coffee or pop.
Not Absorbing Nutrients
Did you know that caffeine can prevent the body from absorbing certain nutrients? The last time your elderly loved one had bloodwork done, did the results show they have vitamin deficiencies? Some of the nutrients that caffeine can prevent the body from absorbing include Vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. When the body isn’t able to properly absorb these nutrients, there are higher risks for skin issues, bone weakness, and anemia. If this is an issue your elderly loved one has, be sure to talk to them about cutting down their caffeine use.
Increased Bladder Activity
How often does your elderly loved one urinate throughout the day and night? Did you know that coffee increases the amount that a person needs to urinate? This, in return, can dehydrate the body causing further issues. If your elderly loved one is urinating a lot during the day and/or nighttime, you or their senior care providers should talk to them about drinking less caffeine. It might be a good idea to suggest that your elderly loved one replaces caffeinated beverages with healthier drinks.
Caffeine: Conclusion
These are some of the cons of the elderly drinking too much caffeine. While your elderly loved one does not necessarily have to quit drinking caffeine, they may need to cut down. You should have them track the amount they are drinking to determine how much they should cut out of their diet.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Care in Randolph, 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
Dementia is a disease where the brain condition deteriorates and leads to health issues with behavior, critical thinking skills, and memory. Professional Caregivers are trained to help seniors with Dementia.
There are several different types of dementia. Understanding the similarities and differences helps you understand the senior care services your parent will need as the disease progresses.
Senior Care in Rockland MA: Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It affects almost 5.8 million Americans and that number keeps increasing. Alzheimer’s affects people differently, and that can make it hard to plan for care until symptoms appear.
Some people with Alzheimer’s become exit-seeking and tend to wander away from their homes. They can’t remember how to get back. If a parent is exit-seeking, supervision is important. If you’re sleeping and your parent gets up and goes outside, it’s an issue. Caregivers can help out while you get enough sleep.
An Alzheimer’s patient may develop delusions and become easily agitated. That can lead to panic attacks, rage, and physical attacks. It gets hard to care for a parent who continually hits, slaps, bites, and kicks. Respite care that allows you to take breaks is important to help you manage stress.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It often follows a stroke or mini-stroke where blood flow to the brain has been interrupted. A sudden headache, slurred speech, confusion, issues with balance and walking, and disorientation are common signs.
If vascular dementia is suspected, a healthy diet is important. Your parent should have someone preparing meals that focus on whole grains, fresh vegetables, seafood, and healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil. Exercise is also important. Professional caregivers help with both of these.
Lewy Bodies
One type of dementia occurs when protein deposits build up in the brain. These proteins known as Lewy bodies build up in the cortex and impact decision making, attention spans, memory retention, hallucinations, and a changed gait.
Caregivers can help with mobility. They’re available to help your parent shower and get dressed and to offer support during moments of fear during hallucinations.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s affects the nervous system and shares many of the same symptoms as Lewy body dementia. It’s estimated that two percent of American adults over the age of 65 will get this form of dementia. Symptoms may progress slowly at first, but within 10 years, the signs of memory loss and cognitive impairment are present.
What Else Caregivers Help With
No matter which type of dementia is present, your parent shouldn’t be driving. Caregivers help with transportation. They can schedule appointments and make sure your parents get to the office on time. They help with medication reminders, too.
Is it time to talk about senior care? Call an agency and discuss your parent’s dementia symptoms and your concerns. The right senior care plan helps make a difference in both your parent’s and your life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Senior Care in Rockland, 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
