Massachusetts - Greater Boston

Choosing the Right CareAfter a hospital stay due to a significant illness or injury, your doctor may suggest further recovery in a post-acute care setting. To decide the best location for your recovery, understanding the different levels of post-acute care is important.  Below are the four different levels of post-acute care recognized by Medicare: Inpatient rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation provides a hospital level of care coupled with intensive therapy to help regain independence after an illness or injury. While at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, patients are required to receive three hours of therapy a day, a minimum of five days per week. Patients will also have frequent visits from a rehabilitation physician and internal medicine doctor. Nursing care is provided 24/7, and a multi-disciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, case managers and more design unique care plans to fit patient goals. Patients treated at rehabilitation hospitals are recovering from serious illnesses or injuries, such as stroke, head or spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, amputations, and hip fractures. The average length of stay is about 12 days. Home health: Home health is care that is provided in the home. Your doctor or other provider can refer you to home health and work with you and the agency to determine how many visits you are eligible to receive. Home health services include nursing, therapy, nursing aides and social workers. Skilled nursing facility: At a skilled nursing facility, patients receive therapy and nursing care in a less intense setting than inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Unlike inpatient rehabilitation facilities, there are no legal requirements mandating the number of hours of care per day that must be provided. Physician visits are also not as frequent, and the multi-disciplinary team is not as varied as that in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The average length of stay is about 30 days. Long-term acute care hospital: If a patient has had a particularly extended (greater than 30 days) and medically complex hospital stay, a long-term care hospital may be recommended. At a long-term care hospital, patients receive nursing and lower-level rehabilitation care for an extended period of time. Many patients referred for this level of care are not yet able to actively participate in rehabilitation and may still require assistance breathing. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Encompass Health, for more information visit: www.encompasshealth.com/marehab

As life evolves, so do our needs at home. For seniors, navigating daily life in a cluttered or disorganized space can be overwhelming and even unsafe. Creating a home environment that is both functional and nurturing is an act of love and respect. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we specialize in transforming homes into spaces that prioritize comfort, safety, and joy. With thoughtful adjustments and a touch of care, senior home organization becomes a gateway to easier living and peace of mind.The Impact of Thoughtful Home Organization on SeniorsA well-organized home offers far more than convenience. It promotes safety, independence, and emotional well-being, ensuring seniors feel confident and comfortable in their surroundings.Why Senior Home Organization Matters:Enhances SafetyReducing clutter and organizing essentials minimizes risks like trips and falls, which are common in senior households.Boosts IndependenceAn organized home allows seniors to find and access what they need without assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy.Reduces StressA tidy, harmonious space alleviates feelings of overwhelm and creates a calming atmosphere.Preserves MemoriesThoughtfully arranging sentimental items honors cherished memories while maintaining an orderly space.Practical Considerations:Conduct a home walkthrough to identify problem areas that need decluttering or reorganizing.Include seniors in the decision-making process to ensure the space aligns with their preferences and habits.Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms where safety and accessibility are paramount.Tips for Senior Home Organization with Love and CareCreating a senior-friendly home doesnt require drastic changes. With a compassionate approach and practical strategies, even small adjustments can make a big difference.Tips for Organizing with Love:Declutter with CompassionWork alongside the senior to sort through belongings. Encourage them to share stories about sentimental items, and help them decide what to keep, donate, or discard.Prioritize AccessibilityArrange frequently used items at waist level to avoid bending or reaching. Use open shelving or labeled containers for easy access.Incorporate Safety FeaturesAdd non-slip mats in bathrooms, secure loose rugs, and ensure lighting is bright and consistent throughout the home.Create Functional ZonesDesignate specific areas for activities like reading, crafting, or relaxing. Keep supplies for each activity neatly organized within reach.Use Simple SystemsImplement straightforward organizational tools such as color-coded bins or daily planners to keep track of medications, appointments, and important documents.A Loving Touch:Personalize the space with photos, favorite colors, and cozy elements like soft throws or pillows.Display sentimental items in a way thats both organized and meaningful, such as a memory shelf or photo collage.Organizing a seniors home is about more than tidinessits about creating a space that supports their well-being and celebrates their life. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy and a commitment to making daily living easier for seniors and their families. By combining practical solutions with a heartfelt touch, we turn homes into havens where seniors can thrive. Lets make 2025 a year of love, care, and beautifully organized spaces for the ones who matter most.

Senior living community is a catchall phrase for independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. For seniors who are ready to downsize, or for those who need more care than can affordably be provided at home, a senior living community can be an excellent choice. Independent living communities offer social activities, meals, and the security of knowing help is nearby. Assisted living and memory care communities do the same, but also provide the care ailing seniors need to live as independently as possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with whether its time to move, consider the following. RED FLAGSImmediate action is needed.        Wandering. People with dementia may get lost in familiar surroundings or they may set out for a location from their past. They are at significant risk if they are alone.        Frequent falls. Injury from a fall often marks the beginning of a steep decline in physical and mental health.         Drastic weight loss. Weight loss may be due to a medical condition, self-neglect, or simply not eating enough because its too difficult to shop and/or prepare meals adequately.        Inconsistency taking medications. Confusion and forgetfulness can lead to under- or over-medicating, resulting in falls, overdoses, or poorly controlled medical conditions.        Self-neglect. Self-neglect shows up as very poor personal hygiene, unkempt appearance, malnutrition and/or dehydration, squalid or unsanitary living conditions, and/or hoarding. YELLOW FLAGSA move should be considered.        Isolation. Studies have shown that socialization     and mental stimulation are key components to healthy aging.         Increased forgetfulness or confusion. These can lead to a senior leaving the stove on, forgetting, or doubling up on medications, and vulnerability to financial predators.        Caregiver burnout/declining health. Caregiving is emotionally and physically stressful. Caregivers may see their own health decline as caregiving needs increase. If a caregiver feels burned out or has health issues of their own, a Plan B should be put in place.        Loss of drivers license. Giving up a drivers license becomes much easier if there are good alternatives. A senior living community provides built in social activities and meals and may provide transportation to local businesses and doctors appointments.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Megan Fisher, CSA and Bill Cleary, CSA. Megan and Bill are owners of Boston-area offices of Oasis Senior Advisors and may be reached at 781-490-0180 or 508-538-8100, or by email at mfisher@youroasisadvisor.com or bcleary@youroasisadvisor.com.

Home Care Heroes: In-Home Caregivers Provide Essential Services During COVID-19 PandemicEvery day, thousands of older adults depend on in-home caregivers to help them manage everyday tasks. These caregivers have become even more essential during this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic which has caused significant public health and safety concerns for the elderly.As the nation tries to find answers, in-home caregivers for the elderly remain resolute in delivering safe and compassionate personal care that is essential to the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults can rely on in-home caregivers to:Maintain routinesPredictable visits from an in-home caregiver can help seniors feel safe and comforted. Caregivers help maintain familiar routines such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, taking medication, and preparing and eating meals.Communicate with loved ones & stay engagedThe virus has changed the way this most vulnerable population socializes and interacts. Caregivers can helpseniors find new ways to connect, whether through setting up a new communications device or encouraging them to write letters. Caregivers can also support new ways to engage, such as participation in on-line classes or virtually touring cities or museums. Engagement with a caregiver reduces boredom and isolation which can be heightened during the pandemic. Their visits provide rewarding companionship.Stock upCaregivers can help seniors obtain necessary household supplies by doing the shopping or arranging for delivery of medication, groceries, and other goods.Give peace of mind to familiesWhen families cant be with their loved ones, caregivers are there to monitor a seniors health and overall well-being. Caregivers practiceproper hygiene to reduce health risks. They exercise frequent handwashing and disinfecting inside a seniors household to keep contagious illnesses and viruses at bay. They look for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, flu and other viruses, as well as depression and anxiety. Their efforts reassure families their loved ones are doing well, emotionally and physically.Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly DeserveDespite the challenges with COVID-19, home care agencies like Visiting Angels partner with families to provide essential home care services for older adults. Caregivers continue to be heroes, taking the necessary steps toprotect the elderly and prevent the spread of COVID-19.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karen Woodrow. Karen is the director/owner of two Visiting Angels locations. Visiting Angels provides compassionate home care for adults who want to remain independent in their own homes. She can be reached at KWoodrow@VisitingAngels.com.