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Visiting Angels Newton/Canton | Newsletter | July 2024 View as a webpage

July 2024 Angel of the Month | Grace Quaye

Here at Visiting Angels Newton / Canton, the confetti and fireworks are flying as we recognize Grace Quaye as our Angel of the Month for July 2024. This is Grace’s second time earning this honor in the four years she has been with us. Grace’s passion for caregiving shines through with every client she meets.

Grace’s journey began long before she joined Visiting Angels in July 2020. She earned her CNA through the Red Cross in 1991 and gained valuable experience in nursing homes and group homes. Grace’s dedication led her to become a Night Shift Supervisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a role she still holds.

In her first year with Visiting Angels, Grace cared for 16 different clients, impressing everyone with the quality of care she provided. Her experience and training have made her a standout caregiver, always going above and beyond for her clients.

Grace’s positive outlook and dedication to caregiving have earned her high praise from clients and colleagues alike. “Care for people the way you want to be cared for,” she says. “Give them love and show them the care they need. Do the job with your heart, and don’t make it about the money. Everyone’s human and needs to be loved.”

Congratulations, Grace, on being our Angel of the Month once again! Your dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of our clients every day. Thank you for all you do!

Read more about Grace here!

Summer Activities for Newton Seniors & Families

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy fun and enriching activities that suit your interests and well-being. Whether you love outdoor adventures or prefer indoor hobbies, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Here are some ideas to help you create memorable experiences this summer:

Discover the Outdoors: Take advantage of the sunny weather by exploring local spots like Newton’s Crystal Lake or the Blue Hills Reservation. Enjoy leisurely walks or find a comfortable spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.
Gardening for Serenity: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening by planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables in your garden or a community space like the Newton Community Farm. Tending to plants can be a rewarding way to connect with nature.
Refreshing Water Activities: Cool off with activities like swimming at Gath Pool in Newton or the Rosemary Recreation Complex Pool in Needham. Water activities are a refreshing way to stay active and beat the heat.
Express Your Creativity: Get creative with summer-themed arts and crafts. Paint and craft decorations for your home, or join group crafting sessions at local spots like the Canton Council on Aging.
Outdoor Dining Delights: Plan picnics or barbecues with friends and family at places like Cold Spring Park in Newton or the Ponkapoag Pond in Canton. Savor seasonal fruits, grilled dishes, and refreshing beverages while soaking in the summer atmosphere.
Indoor Escapes: On hot days, stay cool indoors with relaxing activities like watching classic movies, playing board games, or sharing stories with loved ones. Visit the Newton Free Library for some quiet time with a good book.
Explore Cultural Treasures: Visit local museums and landmarks like the Jackson Homestead and Museum in Newton or the Canton Historical Society to discover fascinating exhibits. Many places offer senior-friendly tours and discounts.
Embrace Seasonal Festivities: Celebrate summer with fun activities, tasty treats, and themed decorations. Some local highlights this year included the 4th of July fireworks at Albermarle in Newtonville and the St. Mary of Carmen Society Italian Festival in Nonantum. Let’s cherish these moments and look forward to more!
Connect with Nature: Take leisurely strolls in nature reserves like the Hemlock Gorge Reservation or bird-watch in tranquil settings like the Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont.
Prioritize Your Comfort: Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing, and pace yourself during outdoor activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Embrace these ideas to make this summer vibrant and fulfilling. Whether you’re seeking adventure outdoors or relaxation indoors, there’s something delightful for everyone to enjoy. Cherish these moments and create lasting memories that bring joy throughout the year.

We hope you are enjoying your summer!

by KTVQ

Inspiring Senior: Larry Sherwood can't wait to compete in the Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Summer Games take place this week in Billings, and no one is more excited about that than this week’s Super Senior.

At the age of 76, Larry Sherwood is one of the oldest athletes competing, and he can hardly wait for the games to get underway.

“Yeah, yeah,” he says when asked if he’s looking forward to the competition.

Sherwood has been competing in the Special Olympics for decades.

“He is our oldest resident, and he is by far the most active out there. He is up for any type of thing. He loves participating in the Special Olympics,” says Katy Rausch, with Residential Support Services.

When asked what his favorite sport to compete in is, Larry says “walk, walk, walk.”

He likes the walking and says he also really likes bowling.

“He celebrates better than anybody. If he makes a basket, he will throw his arms up and celebrate so big and his smile. And when he is running track or walking, he will pretend like he is a train and get going,” says Kim Farley, with the Special Olympics Adult Program.

“Just the joy that he demonstrates when he participates makes our hearts just so happy,” Farley says.

Larry Sherwood, a Super Senior who exemplifies the spirit of the Special Olympics.

Can Long-Term Care Insurance Pay for Senior Home Care?

For residents who live in Newton, MA, and the Greater Boston area, who are considering hiring an in-home caregiver, one of the first questions you may ask is: How will I cover the costs of senior home care in the western suburbs of Massachusetts?

Many people mistakenly assume their Medicare coverage or their health insurance plans cover one-to-one in-home care. However, those only cover limited benefits related to brief rehabilitation stays. Medicare and private health insurance plans do not cover personal care services. Massachusetts residents may qualify for coverage through the MassHealth program. Eligibility criteria and benefits vary by income, but you may only qualify for it after you deplete most of your savings.

Long-term care insurance policies, on the other hand, can cover senior home care costs if you – or a loved one – develop a chronic medical condition, disability, or cognitive problem such as dementia. Long-term care insurance typically covers costs associated with care for the elderly or disabled, including the types of activities of daily living provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton, including personal care and grooming, housework, laundry, meal preparation and planning, and medication reminders. Our senior home care services, offered in Boston neighborhoods, Brookline, Canton, Dedham, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Stoughton, Upper Back Bay, Watertown, Wellesley, West Roxbury, Westwood, and surrounding neighborhoods, are the types of activities most often covered by long term care insurance.

While many families in Newton, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas utilize long term care insurance to pay for in-home care providers, this type of insurance will also cover care at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and hospice care. Many individuals who choose long term care insurance do so because they want to limit the financial burdens placed on their family members related to their care.

Long-term care insurance is becoming more popular because of the need for elder care as baby boomers age. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that at least 70% of those over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime.

Healthy Summer Pasta Salad

This all-American pasta salad gets a healthy boost from summer's vegetable bounty. Don't limit yourself to just tomatoes, corn and zucchini -- string beans and cucumber could also find a happy home here.

Click here for the recipe!

Make a Difference This Summer!

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These Habits Can Help You Live to Be 100

What does it take to live to be 100 years old? If you answered good genes mixed with a little luck, you may be in for a surprise: There are actually a few habits that increase your chances of joining the “centenarian club,” according to a new study.[1]

When it comes to lifestyle choices, physical activity appears to be the most important to extend life into the 100s, followed by never smoking and having a healthy diet, says a coauthor of the study, Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, a professor and researcher at the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai.

These findings highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle in maximizing lifespan, both in younger people and those who are 80 or older, the authors wrote. “Our findings suggest that adhering to a healthy lifestyle is important, even later in life,” says Dr. Gao.