National Social Workers Month

Social Workers – A Caring Profession

March is National Social Workers Month when we recognize the importance of social workers and the critical role they play in helping improve the lives of others. This year’s theme from the National Association of Social Workers is “Social Work Breaks Barriers,” which focuses on how social workers help individuals, families, and communities overcome personal, economic, and social challenges. Social work is considered a caring profession. Helping others and making the community a better place is a driving force in social work. 

Social Workers Break Down Barriers

Social workers are highly skilled professionals trained to examine and holistically address life’s problems. They elevate and empower people, giving them the ability to cope with personal roadblocks and help them navigate the health and social services network so they can get the resources they need. Social workers can be found in organizations throughout the community including schools, hospitals, clinics, senior centers, child welfare organizations, addiction treatment centers, and community-based organizations like Boston Senior Home Care. 

“A social worker’s role is to help individuals and families achieve their fullest potential, which often requires breaking down economic, social or political barriers to getting them the services they need,” said Susan Tena, MSW, LICSW, Senior Director of Program Development. “They help people overcome challenges by developing interventions or care plans to help them get the services and supports they need. For example, if a family is struggling to afford healthy food, a social worker can help them apply for nutritional assistance, such as SNAP.”

The primary mission of the social work profession is to help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. “At Boston Senior Home Care, our social workers are experts at understanding the needs of the culturally diverse and often underserved people we care for,” said Abigail Swanson, LICSW, Caregiver Advisor in the Caregiver Solutions program. “Many of our consumers live in difficult circumstances where emotional suffering and stress are commonplace including our caregiver and home care programs.  Social workers work collaboratively and individually and play a key role in connecting consumers with support services while acting as an advocate and advisor.”  

Connecting caregivers with in-home services and supports to help them care for an aging loved one or family member is a powerful example of how social workers make a difference in people’s lives. For example, they can help arrange for in-home safety modifications such as grab bars to be installed in the home, and arrange for respite care or an adult day health program.

Community-based organizations, such as Boston Senior Home Care, rely on the commitment, expertise, and compassion of social workers who work tirelessly to address the needs of those we serve. During Social Work Month, let’s take time to thank social workers for dedicating their lives to helping people live healthy and fulfilling lives.

If you need services and supports but don’t know where to turn, contact us. We are here to help you!

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Keeping Older Adults Active During Winter

Staying active can be a struggle for many of us. And, in the winter, it can be even more of a challenge. Yet, we know that physical activities and exercise can improve sleep, balance, circulation, and mood. All these benefits work to reduce blood pressure, complications from diabetes, and the risk of falling. The important thing is to find activities that are safe and fun. Below are some simple exercise ideas to stay active this winter in ways that are right for you.

Older adults taking part of a chair yoga class.
Older adults taking part of a strengthening exercise class.

Gentle exercises

  1. Stretching – one of the best ways to improve flexibility and prevent injury. Not only is it free, but you can do it just about anywhere. Stretch while lying in bed – move various body parts slowly and stretch stiff muscles. Stretching can be done with assistance or independently.
  2. Walking is another great low-impact activity. Walking around the house, yard, or outside for any amount of time is beneficial to the body and mind. This exercise can be done by yourself but it can be more enjoyable with another person.
  3. The sit-to-stand exercise is great for mobility and independence. The ability to stand up from a chair makes a huge difference in everyday life, especially for older adults. It helps with essential activities like getting up from the toilet, out of bed, or out of a chair. No equipment is needed and it can be done just about anywhere you put a chair.

Moderate exercises

  1. Tai Chi is a great moderate and low-impact exercise routine. Check out these easy and gentle Tai Chi routines.
  2. Household chores – believe it or not, cleaning up around the house can be great exercise. Activities like folding laundry, dusting, or light vacuuming can promote mobility and cardiovascular health.
  3. Chair yoga has many benefits including loosening and stretching painful muscles, reducing chronic pain, decreasing stress, and improving circulation. It also reduces anxiety, helps lower blood pressure, protects joints, and builds strength and balance.

    Throughout the year, the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission hosts free virtual yoga and chair yoga classes. For more details and to register for activities and events, click here.

Advanced exercises

  1. Water exercise and swimming are low-impact activities that can help you stay in shape. It’s also an excellent alternative if you cannot go outside for long periods due to weather conditions or limited mobility. Swimming has many health benefits, including cardiovascular conditioning, improved strength, increased flexibility and balance, and weight control. Consider going with a friend to a local class at the YMCA or senior center.
  2. Dancing is a fun and engaging activity that doesn’t feel like exercise and can be done at your own pace. Play you and your loved one’s favorite music at home and have a dance party in the living room. Or, look for local social events.
  3. Strength training is a great way for older adults to maintain muscle mass and balance. It can also help maintain flexibility, bone density, and independence. Follow along with these strength training workouts from the National Institute on Aging. Remember to start slow and build up slowly. Pushing too hard doesn’t help and could cause injuries. Most important, consult your physician before starting any exercise routine.

    For strength and balance workshops in the city of Boston, check out the great health and wellness workshops offered by the Age Strong Commission, here.

Staying safe is the top priority

Exercise is beneficial in many ways, but the priority is to make sure you stay safe before, during, and after physical activities. Each person’s health and abilities are different, so it will take time to find the amount and type of physical activity that works well for you.

Safety tips:

  • Before starting, check with your physician to make sure that exercise is safe for you.
  • Check in with brief conversations during activities. If you can speak without being short of breath, the pace and exercise are comfortable. If you can’t hold a conversation because you’re breathing heavily, stop or slow the pace.
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of water before, during, and after exercising.
  • Use the buddy system and partner with a friend or neighbor when exercising.
  • Some other ways to keep safe outdoors include wearing a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), or GPS tracker. These devices are particularly useful to help locate you in the event of an emergency.
  • If you or your exercise partner feel dizzy, weak, or are experiencing pain, stop immediately and rest. And, talk to your doctor about any future exercise.
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Spending Time with Loved Ones

Holiday gatherings are cherished traditions for many families. It’s a time when we get to eat delicious food and enjoy being together. The holidays also allow us to spend time with older loved ones and note any changes in their health, or home environment. During your visit, you may see subtle or substantial signs that an older adult in your life needs help to safely age in place. It’s important to be proactive and keep your eyes and ears open.

A multigenerational family eats together at a dinner table. Older adults enjoying time with a younger child at the dinner table. It is important to watch older adults throughout your holiday visits.

Ten tips for observing older adults during your visit:

1. Do a home safety inspection. Make sure to test smoke alarms and check the house for loose wiring and improper lighting. Pay close attention while inspecting stairways and walkways. 

2. Take a look around the kitchen. Place dishes and pans on convenient, easy-to-reach shelves.

3. Assess the house for excess clutter, dust, or other signs that assistance with housecleaning is needed.

4. Check the refrigerator and pantry to ensure there’s enough food and other supplies. Ensure there are enough supplies for beyond the holidays.

5. Install grab bars in the bathroom.

6. Check for scatter rugs and uneven flooring that could cause a fall. Falls are one of the most dangerous problems for older adults.

7. Research local resources for older adults. Things like grocery delivery and transportation services can help keep them safe.

8. Know where important papers, such as insurance cards and advance directives are located.

9. Get an updated medication list from their doctor or pharmacy. Check medicine cabinets for expired medications.

10. Identify one or two neighbors who would be willing to drop in occasionally. Exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses and encourage them to contact you if they have concerns.

If you think an older adult in your life needs assistance, such as personal care, medication reminders, or light housekeeping, Boston Senior Home Care can help. Our highly-trained staff will work with you to ensure that your loved ones remain safe and independent at home. 

For more information, call us at 617-292-6211 or email us at [email protected] 

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National Family Caregivers Month

Today, there are more than 65 million family caregivers in the U.S.

That number is expected to grow each year, and many of us will eventually become or need a caregiver at some point in our lives.

In honor of National Family Caregivers month, we’ll describe what a caregiver is and the help available to them.

Are you a caregiver?

Put simply, a caregiver provides care for another person. They often care for older adults, and people with disabilities or illnesses. Generally, there are two kinds of caregivers, paid and trained professionals and unpaid family caregivers. Most people fall under the category of family caregivers.

Family caregivers usually provide care to a child, spouse, partner, other relatives, or a friend. They do it because they love and respect that person and want to be there for them, or out of a sense of duty or loyalty.

Family caregiving can be a rewarding experience. However, depending on the level of care someone needs, it can be challenging.

Services and supports are available

If you find yourself fitting the definition of a family caregiver, you’re not alone. There are many programs available to help you. One example is an Adult Foster Care or Adult Family Care (AFC) program. This program pays eligible caregivers to provide live-in care for someone who needs full-time care. You can find more information about AFC program requirements and benefits here.

Caregiver Solutions from Boston Senior Home Care offers help to caregivers. Our Caregiver Advisors will work with you to put a caregiving plan in place. Our services include:

  • In-home support, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation
  • Respite care, adult day health, and companion services
  • Caregiver counseling, education, and training
  • Referrals to social services and supports
  • Support groups to connect with other caregivers
  • Specialized support for older adults with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease
  • User-friendly technology to keep everyone connected and engaged
  • Electronic pets that look and feel like real dogs and cats to help comfort loved ones with anxiety or dementia

There’s no charge for the program and enrolling is fast and easy. If you or a caregiver you know needs support, please call 617-292-6211 or submit an online referral.

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