Greetings,In our last bi-monthly newsletter, I mentioned we had nominated one of our caregivers Jane, as the Caregiver of the Year for Visiting Angels nationwide. We were notified at the end of January, she was selected to move onto Round 2 of nominations! This round, we must submit video testimonials about Jane from the client, family members, office staff, and our owner Karen. By the time you read this, we will have submitted the video testimonials and will hear back by March 21st if Jane is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. The winner of this years Caregiver of the Year award will be announced at the Visiting Angels 26th Annual Conference being held in June and will receive $5,000. There are many team members deserving of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, yet Janes exceptional qualities really stand out. Id like to share an excerpt from the written nominations highlighting Janes contribution.Jane has worked with our team for almost three years. She is dedicated to her work and committed to her clients. She is always on time and never calls out, no matter the weather conditions. The dignity of those in her care is a top priority for Jane while maintaining a positive attitude. Shes willing to go-with-the-flow in any circumstance. For example, when her client resists wearing oxygen and doesnt remember why they need to wear it, Jane knows how to navigate the situation with grace and patience. On the other hand, she holds her ground with difficult clients, and even though it may be uncomfortable, she handles it with respect and kindness.Nominating a caregiver of the year is not just a process, its an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and compassion of someone whose role is to serve others. Being a part of this journey of recognition has been rewarding because it highlights the invaluable contributions of caregivers nationwide and the importance of acknowledging their efforts. Its been a reminder of the power of appreciation and the significance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work. Im pleased to be a part of a nationally known and locally owned company, like Visiting Angels, who understands the importance and joy of recognizing others. In the end, nominating a caregiver is about acknowledging the countless acts of kindness and the immeasurable impact caregivers have on the lives of others. Whether or not Jane wins nationwide, she is our Visiting Angels of Medford, MA Caregiver of the Year 2023, and that is something to celebrate! I look forward to giving you another update regarding the award in May. All for now,Abby

As a primary caregiver for a senior loved one, you may sometimes feel drained and exhausted. Like most family members, you probably never expected to be a caregiver for an older loved one and did not imagine the challenges.Caregiving responsibilities can be demanding on your physical and emotional well-being. Carving out time for yourself can seem impossible, especially with the added demands of family and work life.Fortunately, professional respite care is an excellent resource for times when you need a much-needed break or a breather.Why is Respite Care Important?Respite care is temporary, short-term assistance to support your loved one at home while you work, travel, manage other responsibilities, or handle personal tasks. Respite care can provide essential relief from the stresses of caregiving so you can focus on yourself.A respite care plan can continue your seniors desire to age in place at home when you need coverage for an unexpected event, a vacation or out-of-town work trip, or even just a pause from your regular caregiving routine.While caring for an older adult is a rewarding job, it can also be arduous. Taking breaks from your senior care duties is essential for your physical and mental health. In fact, family members responsible for senior care are at a higher risk of caregiver burnout, which can cause depression, anxiety, and fatigue.A respite care plan can give you time to relax, refresh, and attend to your personal needs before you experience caregiver burnout. Routine respite care can improve your resilience, energy levels, and balance between various aspects of your life so you can continue to support your loved one.Unfortunately, many primary caregivers wait until they are exhausted and overwhelmed to investigate respite care options. The best time to establish a respite care plan is before these feelings begin.Planning for respite care allows you and your loved one to research multiple options, including other adult day care, assisted-living facilities, or in-home care. Understanding your options in advance will give you time to make the best choice for your loved one and budget.What Are the Advantages of In-Home Respite Care?In-home respite care can be a fantastic option for older adults who want to age in familiar surroundings.While adult day care and assisted living facilities provide on-site respite care, they entail your senior to leave home. Unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful and tiring for older adults. In addition, some centers do not provide transportation and may require seniors to attend a certain number of days or hours per week on an ongoing basis.When you choose in-home care from Visiting Angels, a professional caregiver will come to your loved ones home and provide personalized and compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.Visiting Angels offers flexible scheduling options that range from a few hours to 24/7 care and can be scheduled a few times a year or on a recurring basis. An established relationship with a Visiting Angels respite care professional can make it easier for you and your loved one if you experience an event or emergency requiring you to change your loved ones care schedule.CONTACT US today to learn more about our helpful respite home care services. We are available 24/7, call us at 781-395-0023 for any questions you may have.