Massachusetts - Greater Boston

Our MobilityWorks@home experts are often asked, Should I get a wheelchair ramp or a lift for my home? The answer depends on factors such as the users mobility, staircase height and number of floors, to name a few. While our trained technicians can help you choose which type of mobility solution is right for your needs, the overview below discusses a few key benefits and differences that can help guide your decision.Wheelchair RampsWheelchair ramps are designed for your specific space and include pre-assembled ramps, handrails and platforms. They do require some effort to navigate, unlike vertical platform lifts, and as a result, are better suited for scooter and power wheelchair users. They can be configured for almost any site, and are both cost-effective and low maintenance depending on the amount of ramp needed. Because they come pre-assembled, installing a wheelchair ramp is typically a quick and easy process that doesnt require anchoring into concrete footings or pads. Wheelchair ramps sold through MobilityWorks@home have a built-in anti-slip surface and do not rust or warp, making them a durable mobility solution.Wheelchair Ramp BenefitsBest for low-rise environmentsIdeal for scooter or power wheelchair usersEasy installationLow maintenance750-pound weight capacityCost-effectiveVertical Platform LiftsVertical platform lifts resemble an elevator with a platform that can be raised and lowered to transport a user safely to another floor. While they are often seen in businesses, churches, and schools, they are also often used outside residential homes as a porch lift. These lifts are operated mechanically and require little effort from the user, making them an easy-to-use option for almost anyone in need of mobility assistance. They are more effective than wheelchair ramps in high-rise environments involving a large staircase or multiple levels that need to be accessed. Installing a vertical platform lift does require a concrete pad toanchor the equipment, making the installation process more complex than that of a wheelchair ramp.Vertical Platform Lift BenefitsBest for high-rise environmentsEasy to operateSuitable for almost anyone, including manual wheelchair usersWeather-protected controls and switches750-pound weight capacityRequires less space than a wheelchair rampCustomized to Your Specific NeedsThere is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to accessing your home safely and comfortably. Thats why our MobilityWorks@home technicians are trained to find the wheelchair ramp or lift that fits your home and your needs. Give us a call or contact us today so we can help you stay in the home you love.

It's a fact that older adults want to age in place in their own homes. Unfortunately, the independence of some seniors is threatened unless someone can help them with their activities of daily living.  Many older adults are finding a solution to this problem by hiring a trained, experienced caregiver through an insured and bonded agency to live with them. Is this the right option for your loved one? It's important to ask the live-in care agency if the same caregiver will be in the home for an extended period, is there a written plan of care, are there field supervisory visits, home safety evaluations, and if the caregiver is an employee. Why is Continuity of Care Important? Over time, older adults establish trust in the one person caring for them continually. Likewise, live-in caregivers become familiar with their clients' daily rhythm; and, therefore, can provide a consistent routine and identify and report warning signs, such as changes in behavior, that would otherwise go undetected. Live-in Care Agency Considerations Care coordination and a plan of care are vital for successfully caring for your loved one. Daily communication with the live-in caregiver and regular field visits by experienced supervisors are a must. Live-in caregivers that are employees, are covered by liability, workers' compensation insurance and have payroll and taxes that the agency processes. Live-In care is beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions. According to John Hopkins Medicine, of the 5.2 million people in the United States who have Alzheimer's disease and different types of dementia, 70 percent remain at home, an option shown to keep people healthier and happier and help them live longer. Live-in caregivers help with toileting, preparing meals, light household tasks, among other daily living activities. Older adults with chronic health conditions or disabilities will get personal care from someone they trust to bathe, dress, and groom them.  Live-In Care Benefits The Entire Family Live-in care offers family members the option to visit their loved ones without restrictions. Also, family members can focus on their careers and families and truly enjoy time with their loved ones while not being a full-time caregiver.  Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults, when medically possible, have always preferred to stay home surrounded by things familiar to them. Home is where they raised their family, it's where their memories are, and it's where they feel safe and the most comfortable.  This article was written by FCP Live-In who offers line-in care throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other states.    

Health effects of untreated hearing loss  About 48 million Americans are living with hearing loss. While 80% of hearing loss cases can be successfully treated with hearing aids, only one in four people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.1 Most people are not aware that untreated hearing loss is associated with serious illnesses and conditions, including: Dementia: The 2020 study from the Lancet Commission2 shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia. According to the report, dementia risk varies based on the level of hearing loss:3 Mild hearing loss doubles the dementia risk Moderate hearing loss triples the risk Severe hearing impairment increases the dementia risk up to 5 times The study states that "hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitivestimulation." By being proactive and treating hearing loss as soon as possible, the risk for cognitive decline and dementia can be reduced. Heart Disease: The Centers for Disease Control found that cardiovascular disease and hearing loss are linked due to blood flow. Its believed that heart disease can reduce blood flow to the ear and cause damage to different parts of the auditory system. This damage typically results in sensorineural hearing loss, which is permanent and often managed with amplification.4  Depression: Hearing loss, left untreated, can have serious emotional and social consequences,especially for older people. Poor hearing often leads to anxiety, insecurity and social withdrawal. Feelings of loneliness often culminate into depression. Older adults who use hearing aids are less at risk of suffering from depression.5 Increased risk of falling: What you can hear (and don't hear) directly affects your balance. Even mild hearing loss can triple your chances of falling. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help serve as a "balance aid."6 Not everyone with hearing loss will develop the conditions outlined above, but being educated about the potential risks can help you make smart decisions about hearing loss treatment. Today's hearing devices are equipped with many features that could greatly enhance your quality of life. Helping to protect your overall well-being is certainly one of the better reasons to seek treatment for hearing loss.  1www.hearinghealthfoundation.org; 2G Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. July 30, 2020; 3G Livingston, A Sommerlad, V Orgeta, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet. July 20, 2017; 4Hull, R. H., & Kerschen, S. R. (2010). The influence of cardiovascular health on peripheral and central auditory function in adults: A research review. American Journal of Audiology,19, 9-16;5Bigelow, RT, Reed, NS, et al. Association of hearing loss with psychological distress and utilization of mental health services among adults in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Jul 1;3(7):e2010986; 6www.healthyhearing.com/report/53220-Hearing-loss-falls-balance-hearing-aids

Harmony Mental Health Assisted Living Program Named 2024 Recipient of LeadingAges Program Innovation Annual Achievement AwardFramingham, MA (October 10, 2024) Mary Ann Morse at Heritage Assisted Living is proud to announce that its Harmony Mental Health Program has been named the recipient of the LeadingAge 2024 Program Innovation Annual Achievement Award. This distinction honors groundbreaking programs that transform aging services through creative, innovative approaches.The award was presented at the LeadingAge 70th Annual Meeting of Membership on October 9, 2024, at the College of the Holy Cross. Lisa Kubiak, President & CEO of Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp., and Brian Kelly, Executive Director of Mary Ann Morse at Heritage, accepted the award on behalf of the organization."Receiving this award is an incredible honor that underscores our dedication to providing compassionate, specialized care for aging adults facing mental health challenges," said Kubiak. "The Harmony Program began as a separate, secured community and has evolved - thanks to the vision, hard work, and commitment of our team - into an integrated, supportive environment. Its a model that reflects our belief in the power of a holistic approach to care, allowing our residents to transition and thrive within a safe, nurturing community."The Harmony Mental Health Program has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach in meeting the distinct mental health needs of older adults, including those facing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Acknowledging the increasing demand for comprehensive mental health services, the program offers an innovative alternative to traditional assisted living by providing a transitional, step-down option for seniors requiring specialized mental health support following psychiatric hospitalization."I believe our comprehensive approach fills a crucial gap in mental health care by combining therapeutic support, social integration, and residential comfort, adds Chet Olson, Harmony Program Director. Our goal is to enhance residents' mental wellness, foster social skills, and support their journey towards greater independence, ultimately preparing them for transitions back to traditional assisted living or home settings whenever possible."Located on the eight-acre campus of Mary Ann Morse at Heritage, alongside traditional and memory care assisted living programs, the Harmony program fosters a nurturing, non-institutional environment. It prioritizes individualized care and psycho-social support, empowering residents to live fulfilling lives within a compassionate community setting, where their mental and emotional well-being is the focus. Residents receive assistance from partnering clinicians and other health professionals, including McLean Hospital-affiliated psychiatrists, care managers, therapists, a social worker, and a dedicated nurse practitioner.About Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare, a nonprofit organization, offers a continuum of senior living and healthcare services and has been a trusted community resource for over 30 years within the MetroWest region. Mary Ann Morse at Heritage provides traditional, memory care, and mental health assisted living programs for todays seniors. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center offers short-term outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, as well as long-term care, including memory, respite, and hospice care. Mary Ann Morse Home Care provides 24/7 Medicare-certified home health and personal in-home care. As a nonprofit, we are deeply committed to our mission of helping seniors live their best lives and embrace healthy aging, no matter where they are on lifes journey. www.maryannmorse.orgAbout LeadingAge MassachusettsLeadingAge Massachusetts is dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. Together with its national partner, LeadingAge, it provides tools, resources, and knowledge to support members in overcoming day-to-day challenges while encouraging strategic thinking for the future. The organization represents the full spectrum of not-for-profit aging services providers across the state, championing mission-driven organizations that are integral to their communities. Its members are collaborative, respected, and forward-thinking, committed to meeting the needs of older adults. LeadingAge Massachusetts serves as the trusted and influential voice in the field of aging services. For more information, visit www.leadingagema.org.  For more information on the Harmony program, please visit www.maryannmorse.org or contact Chet Olson, Program Director, 508-665-5329, colson@maryannmorse.org