Q. I know November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, and I’d like to recognize the people who do that kind of work. Can you share what they do and how they help older adults stay independent?
A. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share a little bit about the AgeSpan Home Care program in recognition of National Home Care and Hospice Month. Here at AgeSpan, the Home Care program is at the core of our mission. Last year, our caring, capable care managers helped nearly 5,400 older adults access the services and support they need to live safely and independently at home.
When someone calls or is referred to us, a care manager visits their home to complete an assessment and create a customized care plan. AgeSpan contracts with local agencies to provide the services, and care managers check in on a regular basis to make sure the plan meets ongoing needs.
We’re incredibly proud of the professionals who come to work every day to make a difference in the lives of older adults and their families – people like Care Manager Ann Souza, who recently celebrated 40 years of caring for clients at AgeSpan. For Ann, being a care manager is all about connection.
“Seeing my clients is the best part of my day. Every visit is different,” Ann says. “When you’re out there in the field, you learn how to work with all kinds of people, and you learn to stand your ground and speak up for what your clients need.”Ann is just one of the many care managers providing personalized, compassionate care for older adults across the 28 cities and towns we serve.
If you work with a care manager, or if you have a family member or friend who is a home care worker, take a minute this month to thank them for all they do. They play an important role in helping people live and age well in their communities – and we’re all better off as a result.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
