Loving & Affordable Home Care
Call (781) 430-8599
Serving Plymouth, Norfolk & Bristol Counties
2017-sa-badge-118w Cottage Caregivers, LLC BBB Business Review
  • Home
  • Senior Care Services
    • Our Service Area
    • Needs Assessment
    • Family Room
    • Veterans Assist
    • Town Resources
    • General Resources
  • About Us
    • Our Caregivers
    • Leadership Team
    • The Cottage Caregivers Difference
  • Employment
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
You are here: Home / Blog

How to Respond to a Senior Resisting Home Care

March 23, 2023 By Sean McDonnell

Unfortunately, most families are finally able to convince their senior parent to accept in-home care after a medical event such as a fall or other health related hospitalization. Seniors are often hesitant to accept in-home care as they feel they are quite capable of managing on their own. Hiring a caregiver is seen as a threat to their independence and an invasion of privacy. Below are a few suggestions to help you navigate what can be a challenging process at times.

  1. Ally with the more independent parent.

When your parents are both living and reside in their own home together, direct your attention to the less needy one. For instance, suggest that their spouse would be the one to benefit from outside assistance even when they both might. By allying yourself with the more independent parent, you may ultimately be able to get them both to accept the help they require. This is important as well as studies have shown that the primary caregiver in the home will often experience additional health issues to do the fact they are truly caring for two people.

  1. Start with a Caregiver trial period to focus on general support versus personal care

Another approach might be to suggest hiring a caregiver to manage some household chores and NOT actual hands-on care or personal assistance. Often this is seen as less threatening to a loved one’s independence and will serve as a means to “get the caregiver’s foot in the door”. Suggest help with food shopping and traveling to appointments, particularly when driving is no longer an option. If you also let them know it is a trail period they are often more accepting and once they see the value they will almost always continue with the services.

  1. Make it about “You” versus “Them”

If your parent is living alone or with you, redirect the attention on YOU as the caregiver needing the home care assistance for peace of mind. Emphasize that you would be the one to benefit a lot from such help as many parents place concern for their children’ welfare before their own. If a Caregiver can come in to assist your loved one with bathing and personal care, you would have more time to manage other household responsibilities. As a working caregiver, suggest that by having a companion or assistant stay with your loved one, it would relieve you of worries and concerns while away.

  1. Use a Health Professional to help with the discussion

Another idea might be to seek the help and advice of a trusted professional who is someone your parents hold in high regard. They might surprise you by their willingness to accept the advice of a long-time family physician, a former or current home health nurse, or a family friend in the medical field. Many home care agencies will have a Nurse on staff for assessments which can help with the discussion as well.

  1. Don’t take their resistance personally.

In many families, your conflicting role as the child and caregiver hinder your well-meaning attempts at helping your parents. The basis for your actions should not be confused by misguided guilt. Therefore, do not take their rebuttals personally or offensively, but rather focus on a necessary means to an end. As mentioned earlier, it is important to have them get the support they need prior to an event such as a fall or other health related issue due to not getting the support they need as soon as they need it.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

https://www.patriotledger.com/story/lifestyle/2023/01/03/a-good-age-looking-back-at-south-shore-elders-who-inspired-in-2022/69755477007/

January 3, 2023 By Sean McDonnell

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Importance of Minimizing Fall Risks with the Elderly

September 23, 2022 By Sean McDonnell

Seniors are more likely to have a fall because they may have: balance problems and muscle weakness. vision loss. a long-term health condition, such as heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness.

There are key points to help assess the fall risk for your loved one:

• Identify hazards
• Assess the risks
• History of falling within the past year
• Impaired mobility or gait
• Altered mental status
• Medications associated with falls, such as sedative-hypnotics and blood pressure drugs
• Use of assistive devices

Family and Caregivers can help with safe transfers and ambulation

As a family member or professional caregiver, you may find yourself acting in place of a physical crutch for those in your care. You may help seniors sit down, stand up, walk, keep their balance, and move from one position to another. Safely ambulating a patient requires great care and training.
The physical strain that assisted ambulation puts on caregivers can be weighty and potentially dangerous if not well-trained. Understanding transfers and ambulation for a variety of mobility needs is the job of a skilled caregiver.

Transfers involve moving patients horizontally from one flat location to another (i.e., from a bed to a stretcher). In hospital settings, transfers are a more general term for relocating patients from one area or position to another. For example, moving a patient from their bed to a wheelchair and from their wheelchair to the toilet are common hospital transfers.

We hope this helps and reach out to Cottage Caregivers at 781-430-8599 for any questions you have related to working with a professional and experienced home care agency!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Benefits of Choosing Live-in Home Care

June 8, 2022 By Sean McDonnell

There are many families that are considering hiring a caregiver to aid in taking care of their loved ones when they cannot take care of themselves. Hiring a live-in caregiver can often be less expensive in comparison to putting your family members in a skilled nursing facility or hiring multiple caregivers for 24/7 coverage.

By hiring a live-in caregiver, your family can experience the following benefits:

More Flexibility

If you are planning to hire a live-in caregiver for your aging family member, one great advantage is that you do not have to rush around every single day to meet their daily schedule. Your caregiver can be the one handling the responsibilities at home, such as medication reminders, meal preparation, showering, dressing and light housekeeping.

Companionship

Having a live-in caregiver can help you and your loved one develop a more trusting relationship with them. While other types of caregivers may only stop in for a few hours a day, your live-in caregiver will be there at all times. Your aging loved one will receive undivided attention and build a relationship with their caregiver.

24/7 Coverage for Your Loved One


In addition to affordability, a live-in caregiver can offer unsurpassed care and companionship. Your loved one can develop a trusting relationship with his or her caregiver. Likewise, your caregiver will really get to know you or your loved one, including his or her daily activities and preferences. Everything from a favorite lunch to preferred hobbies and pastimes.

There is nothing more important than continuity of care for your loved one day in and day out.  A live-in caregiver is always there, providing the same caring style seven days a week, with no disruption to the clients routine. A live-in caregiver is dedicated to ensuring constant and consistent home health care. Even when your caregiver needs a day off, most agencies provide a trained relief caregiver to ensure continuous and seamless care.

Affordability

Generally, a live-in a caregiver is around $450 per day compared to an hourly 24/7 rate of $768 per day. This is a difference of close to $10,500 monthly which can make a major difference related

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Managing Private Caregivers

October 21, 2021 By Sean McDonnell

Many families struggle with trying to manage the recruitment, screening, hiring, scheduling and managing of private caregivers for their loved one. A challenging task to say the least and couple that with a very tight labor market during Covid-19 and it almost becomes impossible to manage effectively.

The most important aspect of providing the right care for your aging parent or loved on is making sure you have the right caregivers. Hiring the right caregiver has become more difficult due to the caregiver labor shortage. In order to find the caregiver requires they are fully trained, dependable and offer the needed compassion to provide the highest level of care for your loved one. In order to find that right caregiver it takes a significant investment in recruitment, advertising and then vetting through background checks and reference checks. This takes considerable time and cost in order to make sure you find the right caregiver and once that is complete you have the following issues to deal with:

  • Need to manage the schedule of multiple caregivers which often change weekly
  • Back-up plan for last minute call out or possible family related issues for caregivers
  • Confirm the caregivers have the need General Liability Insurance as well as Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance requirements
  • Paying the required Employment taxes, fees
  • Direct supervision of caregivers to make sure they are meeting your loved ones needs

In some cases, a family can find the right private caregiver and if they address the items noted above they can minimize the challenges. In most cases, it does make sense to work with a premium home care agency that can provide you with the highly qualified caregivers who have been fully vetted, fully insured, W2 employees, directly supervised and who have back up caregivers to address call outs, vacations and emergency issues which are part of the daily process of caregiving.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Activities Seniors Can Enjoy Outside

May 24, 2021 By Sean McDonnell

As we head into the warmer months and begin to emerge from this trying year there are many activities seniors can enjoy outside. It is important for our physical and mental health to enjoy the warm weather and fresh air. Soaking up the sunlight helps generate Vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones and muscle. This can also help improve cognitive function and mood. In addition to the physical benefits of natural sunlight and fresh air, being outside provides many emotional benefits as well. Here are just a few ideas to think about as we head into summer!

  • Soak up the sun at a park
  • Catch a grandchild’s sporting event or game
  • Feed the ducks at a local pond
  • Have a nice outdoor picnic with your caregiver or loved one
  • Grab an ice cream and watch kids on the playground
  • Attend an outdoor community event
  • Go to a local farmer’s market to shop around

Whatever your choice just make sure to enjoy times with loved ones and take in the sun as the weather warms up!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Why Choosing a Live-In Caregiver Might Be The Best Solution For Your Loved One!

March 24, 2021 By Sean McDonnell

There are many families that are considering hiring a caregiver to aid in taking care of their loved ones when they cannot take care of themselves. Hiring a live-in caregiver can often be less expensive in comparison to putting your family members in a skilled nursing facility or hiring multiple caregivers for 24/7 coverage.

By hiring a live-in caregiver, your family can experience the following benefits:

More Flexibility

If you are planning to hire a live-in caregiver for your aging family member, one great advantage is that you do not have to rush around every single day to meet their daily schedule. Your caregiver can be the one handling the responsibilities at home, such as medication reminders, meal preparation, showering, dressing and light housekeeping.

Companionship

Having a live-in caregiver can help you and your loved one develop a more trusting relationship with them. While other types of caregivers may only stop in for a few hours a day, your live-in caregiver will be there at all times. Your aging loved one will receive undivided attention and build a relationship with their caregiver.

24/7 Coverage for Your Loved One


In addition to affordability, a live-in caregiver can offer unsurpassed care and companionship. Your loved one can develop a trusting relationship with his or her caregiver. Likewise, your caregiver will really get to know you or your loved one, including his or her daily activities and preferences. Everything from a favorite lunch to preferred hobbies and pastimes.

There is nothing more important than continuity of care for your loved one day in and day out.  A live-in caregiver is always there, providing the same caring style seven days a week, with no disruption to the clients routine. A live-in caregiver is dedicated to ensuring constant and consistent home health care. Even when your caregiver needs a day off, most agencies provide a trained relief caregiver to ensure continuous and seamless care.

Affordability

Generally, a live-in a caregiver is around $425 per day compared to an hourly 24/7 rate of $720 per day. This is a difference of close to $9,000 monthly which can make a major difference related

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Why You Should Work with a Home Care Agency versus Private Caregivers

September 22, 2020 By Sean McDonnell

The ease of hiring the caregiver is one of the bigger differences when working with a home care agency vs. a private caregiver. When looking for a home care agency, it is a very simple process. Finding an independent caregiver, on the other hand, can be a challenge. It is analogous to hiring an employee. One must write up a job description and post that description in various locations. The family and the care recipient will want to meet with the caregiver to “interview” them, and many interviews may be required. However, the difficulty in finding independent caregivers is one of the main reasons families opt for home care agencies instead. There also can be issues related to call outs, vacations and changes to caregivers schedules and without an agencies back up support can leave families without care during critical times.

A rigid hiring practice is critical as well as you want to make sure your caregivers have been fully vetted. Below is just a sample of what Cottage Caregivers provides families to ensure the quality of the caregiver:

Experienced Caregivers, HHA’s & CNA’s
Companion focused approach
Behavioral testing
Completion of Caregiver Exam
Reference checks
National background checks

Other major issues related to hiring caregivers privately, relate to taxes and liability. Families used to have the option of hiring the caregiver as an independent contractor (and therefore, the family would not be responsible for payroll taxes, withholdings, etc.). However, this is no longer an option for families, as the IRS has ruled that caregivers must be classified as employees, not independent contractors. The family must make sure they are following all unemployment insurance, workers compensation policies, state taxes as this can cause major headaches down the line. This also goes for having the proper insurance liability for any private workers in the home.

We hope this helps and reach out Cottage Caregivers for any questions you have related to working with a professional and experience home care agency!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Are Your Aging Parents Ready for Winter?

November 6, 2019 By Sean McDonnell

The winter can be very difficult and dangerous for seniors living alone. It is important to make sure the house is prepared for winter storms and possible loss of power. This is even more important for senior living on the South Shore. Seniors living in Hull, Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Marshfield, Duxbury and Plymouth are even more susceptible to storm issues like road closures, power outages and storm damage. Make sure you follow some of the suggestions below to prepare for winter.

  1. Make sure there are storm windows installed. Make sure all windows are fully closed and latched.
  2. Install an emergency generator for any power outages. If that is not an option have an emergency plan in place to relocate your loved one if the power is out and there is not heat or way to keep food from spoiling.
  3. Make sure the home has emergency food supplies and plenty of bottled water.
  4. Make sure the fireplace and chimney have been professionally cleaned prior to winter. Also, make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have new batteries and test that they are fully operational.
  5. Make sure the gutters have been cleaned from any fall leaves and debris to avoid ice dams.
  6. Make arrangements for snow and ice removal for your loved on so caregivers and visitors and emergency personnel can easily access the home.
  7. Make sure your keep an eye on your loved one for any wintertime depression. It is common for seniors to become more isolated in the winter as their social interaction decreases. Make sure they have the companionship and support they need during these critical months.
  8. You need to make sure your senior gets plenty of Vitamin D during the winter as well. Plenty of milk, grains and specific seafood to keep them healthy as they will be getting less sun during the winter months.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Cottage Caregivers Partners with SafetyNet Tracking Systems

May 7, 2019 By Sean McDonnell

Press Release:  Cottage Caregivers Partners with SafetyNet Tracking Systems

Cottage Caregivers is excited to announce our partnership with SafetyNet Tracking Systems (SafetyNet). Cottage Caregivers provides high level compassionate, professional and dependable senior home care across the South Shore and Southeastern, MA.

SafetyNet operates across 23 states State wide search and rescue capability in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. SafetyNet also offers individualized Medical ID Bracelets for people with a variety of  medical and cognative conditions. The tracking program utilizes proven radio frequency technology and works directly with law enforcement and other public safety agencies to locate individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia and other similar cognitive conditions who have wandered and become lost. All are individually numbered with wearer’s information kept in confidential database for use by SafetyNet, Law Enforcement and authorized entities in the event the person needs to be located using the identification assistance provided by SafetyNet’s 24/7 Emergency Call Center.

Sean McDonnell, President & Owner, stated “We are very excited to partner with SafetyNet to meet the needs of our valued seniors and their families across the South Shore. The safety of the seniors we work with is our highest priority and we believe strongly in the services SafetyNet can offer to our families. We can also offer special SafetyNet pricing to our Cottage Caregivers families.”

Scott Martin, Owner and CEO of SafetyNet Tracking Systems stated “Great to hear all of the good things that Cottage Caregivers is doing for our Seniors and we look forward to working with Cottage Caregivers and their families. SafetyNet is a great, lifesaving program and we are always looking for people and organizations like yours who are as committed to protecting those at risk as we are.”

About Cottage Caregivers, LLC

Cottage Caregivers, LLC is a locally owned business committed to providing professional, non-medical home care to the people of Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol Counties in Massachusetts. We provide customized, affordable, basic home care services, which allow individuals to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own home environment. Cottage Caregivers also partners with Elder Living Advisors to help families find the best senior living options from Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care communities and Skilled Nursing facilities.

Cottage Caregivers is a proud winner of the Best of In-Home Care Award from SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America. This recognition represents the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families.  This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers according to those who matter most – the consumer.

The annual SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Awards celebrates the best of the best in home care and senior living across the United States and Canada.  Of the nearly 100,000 providers currently listed on SeniorAdvisor.com, just over 1,000 were recognized with this award.

Cottage Caregivers is one of the only home care winners in Massachusetts and has consistently ranked at the highest levels in family reviews across multiple online channels including Facebook, Caring.com. Care.com and the Better Business Bureau.

About SafetyNet Tracking Systems

SafetyNet is a Boston Based company that provides protection, tracking and identification for people who are prone to wandering and becoming lost. Unlike GPS or cellular systems SafetyNet has the capability to locate someone virtually anywhere as long as there is SafetyNet trained agencys available. The average search time for someone on SafetyNet is about 30 minutes from the time they are reported missing. 

SafetyNet not only saves lives it gives caregivers peace of mind knowing that if their family member does wander off and becomes lost Law Enforcement and other public safety agencies have the ability to bring them home safe and sound.

To date SafetyNet trained agencies have had over 800 search and rescue calls for SafetyNet clients around the country and ALL have been successful.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »
  • A A A

Contact Us

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Phone

    Subject

    Your Message

    Home Care in Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol Counties Massachusetts

    Hingham, Scituate, Marshfield, Cohasset, Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Duxbury, Plymouth, Hanover, Norwell, Abington, Rockland, Whitman, Canton, Milton and more!

    Connect with Us!

    Facebooktwitterlinkedin

    Recent News & Articles for MA Home Care

    • How to Respond to a Senior Resisting Home Care
    • https://www.patriotledger.com/story/lifestyle/2023/01/03/a-good-age-looking-back-at-south-shore-elders-who-inspired-in-2022/69755477007/
    • The Importance of Minimizing Fall Risks with the Elderly

    Our Location

    Serving South Shore & Southeastern MA

    Address:
    Cottage Caregivers
    51 Mill Street
    Building #8
    Hanover, MA 02339

    Cottage Caregivers
    73 Smoke Hill Ridge Road
    Marshfield, MA 02050

    Office Hours:
    Monday-Friday
    8:30am-5pm

    Phone:
    781-430-8599

    Email:
    info@cottagecaregiverscom.wpcomstaging.com

    Fax: 781-430-8592

    Business Contact Info

    Call (781) 430-8599

    Have Questions? We’re here to help. No obligations.

      Your Name (required)

      Your Email (required)

      Your Phone

      Subject

      Your Message

      Back to top

      Copyright © 2023 Cottage Caregivers, LLC

        ccsc-logo-tiny-rounded-corners

      This agency is a member of Companion Connection Senior Care, a national organization of non-medical home care agencies. All members have access to recognized experts in the field of homecare, as well as the most current educational resources, enabling them to provide the highest level of care.