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Caring for a loved one can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. Often, caregivers may look for a temporary break or respite from their care responsibilities or someone to take over altogether. As a caregiver, transitioning care is challenging to navigate, and many care recipients are resistant to strangers coming into their home to help. The help often is perceived as an invasion of privacy, a loss of independence, or a waste of money. Yet, in-home assistance is often critical in offering caregivers a break and time to relax and rejuvenate.
There are ways to make this transition easier. Here are some tips for making your loved one feel more comfortable with in-home help:
1. Start gradually.
Begin by having the aide come only a couple of hours each week, then add hours as your loved one builds a relationship with the helper. If you feel comfortable with the attendant running errands or preparing meals that can be brought to the house, you can start with those services, which can be done outside the home.
2. Listen to your loved one’s fears and reasons for not wanting in-home care.
Express your understanding of those feelings. If possible, get your loved one involved in choosing the aide. He or she will feel more invested and comfortable with the decision.
3. “This is for me. I know you don’t need help.”
Expressing the need as yours, rather than your loved ones, helps maintain her sense of dignity and independence. You can also add that having someone stay at home allows you not to worry while you are gone. Make it clear that you will be coming back.
4. “The doctor prescribes this.”
Doctors are often seen as authority figures, and your loved one may be more willing to accept help if she feels that she is required to do so.
5. “I need someone to help clean.”
Even if this is not the real reason, often people will allow someone to clean when they “don’t need” care for themselves.
6. “This is a free service.”
This strategy may work if other family members are paying for the home care or if it is, in fact, provided without charge. Your loved one may be more open to using the service since she does not feel that she is spending money on it.
7. “This is my friend.”
By pretending that the attendant is a friend of yours, you are relating the home care worker to the family. This can help with establishing trust and rapport. You can also say that your “friend” is the one who needs company and that by having him or her over, your loved one is helping him out.
8. “This is only temporary.”
This strategy depends on the condition of your loved one’s memory. If she often forgets what you say, then she may also forget that you said this. By presenting the situation as short-term, you will give your loved one some time to form a relationship or become comfortable with home care as part of her daily routine and give you a chance for a well-deserved break.
For more detailed information about hiring someone in your home, see our other article Hiring In-Home Help.
Original Article By Family Caregiver Alliance
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
At HomeWell, we address the immediate needs of our clients while anticipating future challenges to bolster and protect their well-being as they age. We are dedicated to the long-term effects of a masterfully crafted care planone that is both purposeful and proactive. HomeWell is not your average home care agency. With innovative Signature Programs, highly personalized and specialized services, and a culture that prioritizes your peace of mind, you can count on us to bring exceptional care and companionship right to your front door. As we age or face an injury, disability, or chronic condition, simple responsibilities around the home and taking care of our physical health can sometimes become too much to handle alone. However, with the right support, many of these everyday tasks can still be manageable and less overwhelming.HomeWells Personal Care services are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals who can function on their own but require extra assistance with certain aspects of daily life. Our personalized care plans take into account the emotional and social needs of aging in place while providing additional support for activities of daily living. This approach alleviates the burdens of solitude, enhances safety, and offers assistance in navigating the complexities of life at home. Please call us at 941-303-5642 for more information. Please call us at 941-303-5642 for more information.
At HomeWell, we address the immediate needs of our clients while anticipating future challenges to bolster and protect their well-being as they age. We are dedicated to the long-term effects of a masterfully crafted care planone that is both purposeful and proactive. HomeWell is not your average home care agency. With innovative Signature Programs, highly personalized and specialized services, and a culture that prioritizes your peace of mind, you can count on us to bring exceptional care and companionship right to your front door. As we age or face an injury, disability, or chronic condition, simple responsibilities around the home and taking care of our physical health can sometimes become too much to handle alone. However, with the right support, many of these everyday tasks can still be manageable and less overwhelming.HomeWells Personal Care services are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals who can function on their own but require extra assistance with certain aspects of daily life. Our personalized care plans take into account the emotional and social needs of aging in place while providing additional support for activities of daily living. This approach alleviates the burdens of solitude, enhances safety, and offers assistance in navigating the complexities of life at home. Please call us at 941-303-5642 for more information.
We know there is no place like home. That's why we bring the highest quality of care right to your front door. With a personalized care management approach and a dedicated team of compassionate caregivers, you can expect more from HomeWell. Please call us at 941-303-5642 for more information.