Technology to Manage Caregiver Stress

Technology to Manage Caregiver Stress

Disclaimer: Boston Senior Home Care is not affiliated with any of the products, applications, or companies mentioned in this article and does not receive any financial compensation or commission from the links provided. These recommendations are shared for informational purposes only.

With each day comes new technology that can help caregivers manage the many responsibilities of caring for a loved one. But with so many options, it can be hard to cut through the noise and find the best tech tools to support your caregiving journey. To help you out, here are five apps and tech tools available for caregivers.

1) Mindfulness Apps

Caregiving can be stressful, so it’s important to pause and recharge. Mindfulness apps are a simple way to remind yourself to take a break, breathe, and stay present. Many offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and gentle stretches to help ease stress and boost emotional balance.

One free option is Mindfulness Coach, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It includes audio sessions, a learning library, and helpful tools to build a mindfulness routine at your own pace.

2) Medication Scheduling Apps

On busy days, it’s easy to lose track of when to take or give medications. While a simple alarm can help, sometimes a more detailed system is needed to stay organized.

Apps like Medisafe offer a clear overview of your medication schedule, send reminders when it’s time to take or refill a prescription, and help you plan ahead. It’s a great way to take the guesswork out of managing multiple medications for both you and your loved one.

3) Meditation and Exercise Apps

Meditation and light exercise are great ways to boost your mood and stay healthy. MindMate is an all-on-one app that includes mental exercises, workout routines, and healthy recipes to help users be mindful of their physical health. Having all of your important health metrics centralized into one app makes it easy to remember and track, which can also help people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias be more consistent with daily exercise and wellness checks.

4) Home Cameras

Caregivers who provide round-the-clock support may worry about stepping away, even for a quick errand. But constant stress can lead to burnout. Home monitoring cameras like Ring or Blink can offer peace of mind by letting you check in on your loved one remotely, anytime.

Placing cameras near key areas like the bedroom or kitchen can help you notice important routines, like how often a loved one is eating or moving around. For those at risk of wandering, an outdoor camera can also be a helpful tool, offering crucial clues in case of an emergency.

5) Online Meeting Technology

In other cases, caregivers may find it difficult to make time for appointments at far-away doctor’s offices, or to go to in-person events. Online meeting technology such as Zoom or Google Meet allow caregivers to participate in these events from the comfort and convenience of their own home, cutting down on travel time and stress while allowing for more regular check-ins.

An example of a helpful virtual resource is Boston Senior Home Care’s online caregiver support groups. At these support groups, caregivers can connect with a community of other caregivers, share valuable information and practical solutions, and learn healthy skills to reduce caregiver stress. To learn more or sign up, email [email protected].

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Understanding Hoarding and How to Help

Hoarding can show up in lots of different ways. Sometimes it starts small, like holding onto things that seem useful “just in case.” Over time, those items can build up and create safety issues, especially for older adults.

To learn more, we spoke with Toshiba Bodden, Tenant Resource Counselor at Boston Senior Home Care. Through her work with older adults in supportive housing, she’s seen many kinds of hoarding and how to gently help someone start to declutter.

What Can Cause Hoarding?

Hoarding doesn’t have a single cause—and it certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. For many people, it’s a combination of life changes, practical challenges, and emotional attachments that cause an unsafe amount of items to pile up in the home.

“A person may start with a collection of valuables. But over time, the collection can grow to an overwhelming size. When it becomes too large to manage safely, it can turn into a hoarding situation,” Toshiba explained. In her experience, people with hoarding tendencies often want to declutter, but are unsure of how to start.

According to Toshiba, here are a few common situations that can lead to clutter piling up:

  • Downsizing to a smaller space and feeling unsure about what to keep or give away
  • Joint pain or other physical limitations that make it tough to sort, lift, or organize
  • Forgetting what’s been stored, especially when things are tucked away in hard-to-reach spots
  • Mindfulness of throwing things away and a preference for passing items on to loved ones

In many cases, the items being kept hold personal meaning, such as old work tools, hobby supplies, childhood keepsakes, or gifts from loved ones. What looks like clutter might actually be a meaningful collection of memories, so it’s important to approach the situation with respect.

Why Hoarding Can Be a Problem

While it’s natural to hang on to things that feel important, too many items in the wrong places can start to cause real safety concerns.

Here are a few home safety concerns that Toshiba has encountered:

  • Tripping hazards such as boxes, bags, or clothes on the floor
  • Clutter blocking pathways and exits, which can be dangerous in emergencies
  • Stacks of newspapers, bins, or books that could fall over and cause injury
  • Piles of paper, food wrappers, or damp laundry that could attract insects, rodents, or mold

Keeping a home clean doesn’t just make it more comfortable for the resident – it also helps keep the neighborhood and community safe and pest-free.

How You Can Help

When it comes to supporting someone with clutter or hoarding tendencies, patience and empathy go a long way. Toshiba recommends starting with a simple, judgment-free conversation. Ask what the items mean, where they came from, and why they’re being kept. Often, there’s a deep story behind each item.

Sometimes, what a person needs most is a little support and encouragement. That might look like:

  • Having someone who can help sort through things and make decisions without pressure
  • Reassuring them that their items will be appreciated, especially if they hope to pass them along to someone else
  • Coordinating donation drop-offs or finding an organization that offers free pick-up

Patience, understanding, and teamwork can make a big difference for a person with hoarding tendencies, and help turn a tough task into a meaningful experience.

To explore resources in Massachusetts, visit MassHousing’s Hoarding Resources page.

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Cleaning Out Your Medicine Cabinet

We’ve all been there. Over time, our medicine cabinets can quietly turn into a jumble of expired pills, half-used ointments, and mini hotel shampoos we thought we’d use someday. A quick clean-out can make a big difference in helping you find what you need when you need it, and clearing space for the essentials you actually use.

1) Check Expiration Dates

Annual spring cleaning is a good time to check all of the expiration dates for the medicines and other items in your cabinet, and get rid of expired items. However, throwing medicines into the garbage can pose a risk to children, pets, and the environment.

Instead, check your local pharmacy or police department for a medication take-back program. Using these services ensures that your medication and personal information are disposed of safely and securely.

Learn more about prescription drug take-back programs in Massachusetts.

2) Throw Away Items You Don’t Use

If you haven’t used that tiny sample cream or half-empty bottle in the last year, it might be time to say goodbye. A little extra space goes a long way.

3) Restock the Essentials

Once you’ve cleaned out expired items from your cabinet, be sure to replace commonly-used household staples. It’s good practice to stock up on everyday essentials such as bandages, allergy meds, pain relievers, and cold medicine.

4) Simplify with Support

Juggling multiple prescriptions? Talk with your doctor about simplifying your routine or switching to different medicines. Many pharmacies offer refill syncing or delivery services that can cut down on chaos.

5) Organize by Necessity

Keep frequently-used items up front, and less-used items in the back. UV light-blocking containers can help protect certain medications from losing their strength over time.

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Black History Month: Celebrating Caregivers of Color

Black family gathered around a grandmother reading to them.

Black older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers face unique challenges in finding high-quality, culturally-competent supports. In honor of Black History Month, we explore resources to help Black families age in place and celebrate their heritage.

Resources for Black Caregivers and Older Adults

Did you know that…

  • More than one in five Black caregivers pay for care-related expenses,
  • One in three African American and Black caregivers report being more isolated and strained due to caregiving,
  • And that one in four Black caregivers report that they have no family, friends, or family to help them with caregiving duties?

Together, these paint a distressing picture of how urgently Black and African American caregivers need support. From navigating the healthcare industry to finding qualified and culturally-competent services, Black caregivers face unique challenges that can worsen over time.

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help African American and Black caregivers. Let’s explore some programs and organizations that could provide much-needed support:

1) Caregiving While Black (CWB) Course

Co-produced by Black caregivers, persons living with dementia, and healthcare professionals from Emory University, CWB is an online education course tailored for Black and African American caregivers of a person living with dementia.

The CWB course addresses the disparities that Black and African American families face when accessing healthcare and caregiving resources. The course is built around finding solutions and answers to three main themes:

To learn more and sign up for the CWB course, visit their website here.

2) Programs by the Roxbury Presbyterian Church

For Boston locals, the events and opportunities from the Roxbury Presbyterian Church can help you work through difficult topics.

Some of these programs include:

  • Men’s trauma recovery
  • Racism and healing
  • Community trauma healing
  • Loss, grief, and hope through words, poetry, and song
  • A support group for mothers who lost children

For Black and African American Roxbury residents, these programs are a unique opportunity to connect with others who have experienced challenges in life.

The mission of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church is to create and implement educational and economic development programs for the Roxbury community. Programs are secular and open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

For a full list of programming, please visit the RPC’s website here.

3) Caregiver Solutions Program

According to Generations, Black caregivers felt that their race and ethnicity contributed to limited access to education and resources for healthcare and caregivers support.

That’s why Boston Senior Home Care’s Caregiver Solutions program is here to provide equitable and individualized resources for Black caregivers. Our skilled caregiver advisors are here to listen to your personal story and connect you to trustworthy supports for your needs.

The Caregiver Solutions Program can provide referrals and access to:

  • Financial assistance
  • Adult Day Health programs
  • Mental health counseling services
  • Guardianship and estate planning specialists
  • In-home care services
  • Support groups
  • Technology and security monitoring services

Through on-demand language line technology, our information and referral specialists can assist caregivers and families speaking languages such as Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and more. To connect with an expert and learn about culturally-aware caregiver resources, call us at 617-292-6211.

4) The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA)

If you’re looking for resources for Black older adults outside of Massachusetts, the NCBA is a go-to point of contact. The NCBA is the leading national organization on issues impacting African American and low-income minority older adults.

The NCBA provides culturally-aware programs and services to help Black older adults gain employment, access healthcare services, and find affordable housing. To view a full list of their resources and programs, visit their website here.

5) Caribbean Foundation of Boston

For Bostonians of Afro-Caribbean heritage, the Caribbean Foundation of Boston provides culturally-aware services to the older adults and physically challenged people of Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury.

The Caribbean Foundation of Boston provides the following services:

  • Home health aides
  • Friendly visitor program
  • Urban community homemaking

The goal of the Caribbean Foundation of Boston is to promote a lifestyle of independence and supportive care so that people can remain at home. To learn more, please contact the Caribbean Foundation of Boston at 617-445-1228.

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Boston

Beyond support for everyday caregiving and aging needs, let’s explore exciting ways you and your loved ones can celebrate Black History Month in Boston this year.

1) Black Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

On February 22nd, the City of Boston is hosting a free luncheon to honor the contributions and sacrifices of Black Veterans. The event will be held at Boston City Hall from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. To learn more and RSVP, contact the City of Boston Veterans Services Department at [email protected], or call 617-241-8387.

2) Museum of African American History

As the birthplace of Boston’s Abolitionist Movement, the Museum of African American History has several exciting exhibits and activities planned throughout February. Visit their website to view upcoming events featuring the legacies of heroes such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, and William Cooper Nell.

3) Age Strong’s Black Heritage Celebration

The Boston Age Strong Commission is hosting their annual Black Heritage Celebration on Friday, February 28th. This luncheon event is a wonderful way to gather and celebrate Black community leaders.

To RSVP or learn more, please contact Nuria Silva at 617-635-3979 or email [email protected]. Transportation may be arranged for parties of more than 10 people.

Boston Senior Home Care and the Caregiver Solutions program remain dedicated to supporting caregivers, older adults, and people with disabilities of all races and ethnic backgrounds. We’re here to be a resource for African American families to help them age with health and pride.

To speak with a qualified information and referral specialist about finding culturally-aware support for you and your loved one, contact us at 617-292-6211.

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The Importance of Kinship Caregivers

A grandparent and grandchild playing a game together.

In honor of National Caregivers Day on the 21st of this month, let’s explore a type of caregiver you may not have heard about, kinship caregivers. Though they might be rarer, kinship caregivers play an important role in families.

What Is a Kinship Caregiver?

A kinship caregiver is a caregiver that isn’t directly related to the child they’re caring for. They might be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or cousin to a child of a relative. Kinship caregivers can also include close family friends, religious community members, or schoolteachers who are like family to the child. Another word for kinship caregivers is “relative caregivers.”

According to data from grandfamilies.org, more than 114,000 children in Massachusetts live in homes where a relative is the head of household. Family members or other kin often step in as caregivers due to circumstances including parental substance use, incarceration, and mental health challenges.

What’s the Difference Between Kinship Caregivers and Family Caregivers?

Another term you might have heard is a “family caregiver.” Though family caregivers can be anyone caring for an older adult or person with a disability or illness, kinship caregivers specifically refer to non-direct relatives caring for a child.

As an example, while a person caring for their aging parent with a disability would be a family caregiver, they wouldn’t be a kinship caregiver. Meanwhile, a godparent caring for a child would be a kinship caregiver, but not a family caregiver. An uncle caring for a nephew with a disability would be both a family caregiver and a kinship caregiver.

Family caregivers and kinship caregivers are equally important. Together, they ensure that no family member is left behind.

Identifying kinship caregivers helps us recognize the unique challenges that might come from being an indirect relative of a care recipient. For example, kinship caregivers might face additional challenges gaining legal custody of a child in their care.

What Supports Are There for Kinship Caregivers?

Are you a kinship caregiver in need of support? Don’t worry – there are plenty of government and local resources available to help you navigate all sorts of caregiving challenges. Let’s take a look at the top three supports for kinship caregivers in Massachusetts.

1) Kinship Navigator

Kinship Navigator is a state-run referral-based support program that assists kinship caregivers in accessing services that support the stability and permanency for children. They act as a point of contact to help kinship caregivers identify their needs and direct them to the appropriate state departments or community resource.

The Kinship Navigator program supports anyone providing kinship care, including:

  • Kinship foster and guardianship parents caring for children involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • Guardians of a minor via Juvenile or Probate and Family Court
  • Informal caregiver arrangements and caregiver affidavits

Kinship Navigator can help kinship caregivers find:

  • Financial assistance
  • Food and nutrition assistance
  • School or childcare
  • Mental health and counseling providers
  • MassHealth

Kinship Navigator hosts live drop-in Zoom sessions from 9 AM to 12 PM Mondays through Fridays. To learn more, visit their website here.

2) Child Welfare Information Gateway

The Child Welfare Information Gateway is an information website run by the Children’s Bureau of the government. For new kinship caregivers, their webpage contains many helpful fact sheets on topics such as:

  • Navigating the child welfare system
  • How to collaborate with relatives to promote reunification
  • Background checks
  • Supports for Black kinship caregivers

3) The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

For kinship caregivers raising grandchildren, the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a government-run resource for Massachusetts residents on issues affecting kinship caregivers.

The Commission provides useful resources to help grandparents find:

  • Experienced legal services
  • Financial tips
  • Support Services

To learn more, visit the Commission’s website here.

4) KINnections Program

Boston Senior Home Care has assumed management of the KINnections program, which serves as a hub for information and resources for kinship caregivers.

Currently, the KINnections Program runs two support groups: one virtual, and one in person. These support groups share resources and recommendations such as:

  • Caregiver resources and information
  • Respite care supports
  • Caregiver education programs

If you’re a kinship caregiver or grandparent raising a grandchild, join our support groups to share experiences, learn about resources, and form lasting bonds. Email [email protected] to learn more or sign up.

There are a lot of resources for kinship caregivers, and it can be confusing to figure out which supports are best for your unique situation. We’re here to help you navigate kinship caregiver supports. Reach out to us at 617-292-6211 to find the best programs, resources, and information to help you and your family thrive.

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Boston Senior Home Care Expands Caregiving
Programs and Supports for Kinship Families

BOSTON (December 16, 2024) – Boston Senior Home Care, a trusted provider of home- and community-based services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in the city of Boston, has expanded its services by continuing the operations of the KINnections program, a hub for information and resources for kinship caregivers, which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who step in to raise children in their family. Boston Senior Home Care has assumed management of the KINnections program following the strategic decision of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) to transition the program name after 25 successful years.

“Boston Senior Home Care is honored to continue the important work of the KINnections program,” said Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Senior Home Care. “When family members open their hearts and homes to children in need, they deserve all the support we can give. Through our Caregiver Solutions and KINnections programs, we stand beside kinship caregivers every step of the way, helping them nurture the precious bonds that make a family strong.”

As Boston Senior Home Care assumes leadership of the KINnections program, the need for kinship caregiver support continues to grow. According to data from grandfamilies.org, in Massachusetts, more than 114,000 children live in homes where a relative is the head of household. Family members often step in as caregivers due to circumstances including parental substance use, incarceration, and mental health challenges.

Through its Caregiver Solutions Program, Boston Senior Home Care is operating the KINnections program support groups, which are offered through virtual and in-person modalities. These groups provide flexible options for caregivers to connect with peers. Participants can share experiences and resources, find emotional support, and build community with others in similar situations.

“Caregiving enriches lives across all generations, from supporting older adults and people with disabilities to nurturing children within extended families. By welcoming the KINnections program to our services, we’re expanding our ability to meet the diverse needs of kinship families,” said Alicia Gomez, Chief Operations Officer of Boston Senior Home Care. “Our goal is to empower them with the tools, support, and resources they need to continue providing exceptional care while prioritizing their own wellbeing.”

In addition to support groups, the KINnections program also provides:

  • Comprehensive Resources and Assistance – Information on critical services, such as housing, food, transportation, legal aid, and health care
  • Respite Care Supports – Programs to support caregiver respite, including access to community-based after-school programs and camps
  • Caregiver Education Programs – Tailored resources on topics like child development, mental health, and positive parenting strategies

Program support through care captains, resource sharing, and connections will remain the same under Boston Senior Home Care’s management.

“MSPCC is pleased that the important work of KINnections will be in the capable and caring hands of Boston Senior Home Care. Caregivers in the Boston area will be well served by this wonderful and effective organization,” said Nancy Allen-Scannell, Executive Director of MSPCC.

To learn more about the Boston Senior Home Care KINnections program, visit bshcinfo.org.

About Boston Senior Home Care and KINnections:

About Boston Senior Home Care: Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) is a private, nonprofit human services agency based in Boston. Since 1974, it has been dedicated to making a difference by connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities with social services and resources to live independently. BSHC also provides support and guidance to caregivers by helping them care for their loved ones while focusing on their self-care needs. For more information, visit bshcinfo.org.

About KINnections: The KINnections Program connects grandparents and relatives raising children to a variety of resources, information & activities in their community that support and strengthen families. KINnections provides a comprehensive array of support services. Since 1974, it has been dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with social services and resources to live safely and independently in their homes and communities.

About the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC): MSPCC’s comprehensive array of programs and services includes child abuse prevention and intervention programs, mental health treatment, and adoptive and foster care support. Services are provided both in the home and through community-based locations across the state of Massachusetts. In addition, MSPCC is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families and advocating for laws on their behalf. See more at www.mspcc.org.

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Boston Senior Home Care Celebrates 50 Years with Gala

AG Campbell and Karen Chen were presented awards and Patricia Lynch was remembered for her lasting legacy.

BOSTON (Oct. 18, 2024) – State leaders and community advocates gathered as Boston Senior Home Care celebrated 50 years of service to older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston on October 17, 2024.

The gala celebrated BSHC’s efforts to expand access to home and community-based services and underscored the organization’s vision to deepen its partnerships with community organizations and continue to champion policies that ensure everyone has the support they need to live with dignity and independence. “This year’s gala is a particularly special milestone, and we are thrilled to bring together people from so many sectors who embody our mission in their work and strive to make Massachusetts more inclusive and equitable,” said BSHC CEO Margaret Hogan, “We have come so far but there is always more work ahead.”

State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz presented Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell with the Elder Justice Advocacy Award for her leadership in establishing initiatives that protect older adults. State Sen. Lydia Edwards presented Karen Chen, Executive Director of the Chinese Progressive Association, with the Community Advocacy Award for her grassroots work empowering Boston’s Chinese American community. The organization also remembered lawyer and lobbyist Patricia A. Lynch, a beloved advocate for people with mental illness and substance use disorder.  State Rep. and Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata introduced the Patricia A. Lynch Excellence in Public Service Award, which was presented posthumously following Lynch’s passing in July.

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Embracing the Holiday Season: Cherishing Time with Loved Ones

As we enter the final months of the year, the upcoming holiday season brings about a sense of gratitude and reflection. It’s a time to forge lasting memories, cherish moments spent with others, and celebrate longstanding traditions. In this blog post, we explore ways to spend quality time with loved ones during the holidays.

Here are five simple strategies to create sincere and heartfelt holiday memories with family and friends:

  1. Set the mood
    Play your favorite holiday tunes. Sharing music with others can spark happy memories and help relieve stress. There’s nothing like a classic holiday tune coming on to lift your spirits.  
  2. Decorate together
    Decorating is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with others. If the person you’re caring for has treasured holiday decorations, be sure to use them. Discuss each piece as you take it out of storage and ask where they prefer certain decorations to be placed. Prioritize their favorite items by putting them where they can be seen and appreciated the most. Just be sure to decorate in a way that doesn’t pose any potential safety hazards. 
  3. Prioritize holiday favorites
    Ask what traditions or treats they look forward to the most each holiday season and focus on making those things happen to the best of your ability. Sharing special moments can bring a sense of contentment and cheerfulness into your life and can be a source of comfort. 
  4. Reminisce
    Encourage your loved one to tell stories of the past. Sharing memories with others can provide an opportunity for laughter and a feeling of being connected. Another great way to reminisce is to go through photo albums and talk about the years gone by.
  5. Simplify holiday meals
    Reducing your workload on the day of holiday events can help you and your loved ones appreciate these gatherings more. Instead of making a large meal from scratch, focus on preparing only a few favorite recipes and using premade dishes to round out the meal. It can also help to split up the grocery shopping and cooking among other family members and guests.

By embracing the holiday season, and spending quality time with loved ones, you can start the new year with a renewed sense of joy and purpose. Remember, Boston Senior Home Care’s Caregiver Solutions program is available to support you every step of the way. For more information and to enroll in the program, click HERE. 

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Take steps to prevent falls

For an older adult, falls can be serious and threaten their ability to remain independent. However, falls do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. There are ways for you and your loved ones to prevent falls. In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Week (Sept 18-22), here are four things the CDC recommends to help prevent you or your loved ones from experiencing falls:  

1. Talk to your Doctor

  • Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your risk of falling.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines for any side effects that may cause dizziness or sleepiness.
  • Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling, or feel unsteady.

2. Do Strength and Balance Exercises

  • Do exercises that make your legs, and core stronger and improve your balance. Ask your doctor about the best exercise program for you.

3. Have Your Eyes and Feet Checked

  • Have your eyes checked by a doctor annually. Get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for activities such as walking.
  • Have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.

4. Make Your Home Safer

  • Get rid of trip hazards (i.e., throw rugs, electrical cords, pet toys).
  • Add grab bars inside your shower or bath and next to the toilet.
  • Put railings on both sides of the stairs.
  • Make sure your home is well-lit.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on bathroom floors.
  • Wear well-fitting shoes around the house.

Stay healthy and independent in your community by reducing your risk of falling. One quick and simple way to assess your risk is by using the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) Falls Free CheckUp tool. On top of their risk assessment tool, the NCOA provides a useful infographic that you can print and share with others.

In addition to these beneficial tactics, Boston Senior Home Care offers a variety of health and wellness programs and healthy aging workshops that empower individuals to take charge of their health by learning self-care techniques and ways to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about the programs we offer, click here.

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Staying Safe in the Summer Heat

Hot weather can be dangerous and too much heat is not safe for anyone. However, for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions, the thermometer doesn’t have to hit 100 degrees to cause heat stress or even heat stroke.

Tips for Staying Cool

Caregivers can help prevent a heat-related emergency by keeping a loved one cool, watching for signs of heat stress, and following these tips for dealing with the summer heat:

  • Wear cool clothing. Make sure to dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, preferably of natural fabrics like cotton.
  • Keep cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, the City of Boston opens public cooling centers during periods of extreme heat.
  • Cover windows. During the day, draw the curtains on all windows that are in direct sunlight. Open windows at night and use fans to circulate cooler air.
  • Avoid direct sun and stay indoors during the hottest hours, 11 AM to 4 PM. When outdoors, make sure it’s during cooler hours and that there is shade or cover available.
  • Eliminate or limit physical activity. If a physician approves light exercise such as walking and movement exercises, limit it to short periods during cooler hours. Eliminate entirely on very hot days.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Give the person in your care plenty of water even if they say they’re not thirsty. Be careful with caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or energy drinks.
  • Monitor medications. Find out if the person’s medications increase his or her risk for heat stress. Be sure to ask a physician about all the medications being taken, including over-the-counter items.
  • Be alert! Remember that a cognitively-impaired person may not be able to tell you when they’re feeling hot or ill. Also, older adults tend to feel colder than younger people so they may not sense the danger of hotter weather.

Signs of Heat-Related Illness

If you are caring for an older adult or person with a disability, it’s important to learn the signs of heat-related problems. Seek medical assistance for any of the following signs and, if you suspect heat stroke, call 911.

  • Headache, nausea, and fatigue are common signs of heat stress.
  • Heat syncope can include sudden dizziness, pale, sweaty-looking skin that is moist and cool to the touch, weakened pulse, and rapid heart rate.
  • Heat exhaustion can be a warning that the body is getting too hot. Watch for thirst, giddiness, weakness, lack of coordination, nausea, and profuse sweating. Urination decreases and the person may vomit.
  • Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Body temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the person may become confused, combative, behave bizarrely, feel faint, and stagger. Pulse is rapid. Skin is dry, flushed and may feel hot. Lack of sweating. Breathing may be fast and shallow. Pupils may widen or dilate.

Important Points to Remember

Older people, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions can have a difficult time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to be high to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or to an emergency room to find out if treatment is needed.

To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, remember to:

  • Get out of the sun and into a cool place, ideally air-conditioned.
  • Drink fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Shower, bathe, or dab off with cool water.
  • Lie down in a cool, dark place and rest.

Signing up for Alert Boston is a great way for caregivers and older adults to be notified in the event of an emergency. If the City of Boston declares an extreme heat event, you will receive a direct message via text, call, or email. For more information on resources, call 3-1-1 or visit boston.gov/heat.

For additional information on keeping your loved one safe, please feel free to contact Boston Senior Home Care. Our Caregiver Advisors will connect you with the resources and expertise you need to navigate your caregiving journey.

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