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

October 2024 Angel of the Month | Fatmata Kemokai

Congratulations, Fatmata Kemokai, on being named our Angel of the Month for October 2024!

It may be the month for trick or treating, but when Fatmata’s clients see her at the door, they welcome her into their homes with open arms. Her smile and jovial nature make her visits all treats! Since joining the team in June of 2023, Fatmata has warmed the hearts of five different clients and their families with her caring, compassionate nature. While it can be tough at times, it all starts with being a reliable companion, Fatmata says.

“Everyone needs someone to talk to. Most of my clients, when I first meet them, they’re too lonely,” Fatmata explained. “You have to give them attention like they’re your own mother or father. They need that love and compassion.”

Fatmata earned her CNA license in 2009 and quickly got to work honing her skills as a care professional, working at Vinfen while taking classes at Roxbury Community College. When she graduated in 2013, Fatmata had almost five years of hands-on experience. She went on to work at a local hospital and multiple homecare agencies, accumulating over 15 years of experience by the time she was recommended for hire by a respected care professional on our team.

Office and Staffing Coordinator Ryan Allen remembered when he first interviewed Fatmata. “I was pretty new in my role at the time, so I wasn’t entirely comfortable telling jokes and trying to find ways to lighten the mood just yet,” he explained. “I remember Fatmata’s laugh was so joyful, though. I could tell she really loved what she did.” And given her accomplishments with Visiting Angels clients over the past year and a half, it’s clear that she wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!

“It’s just me,” Fatmata said very matter-of-factly. “I like to be with people, and I don’t like seeing people suffer, especially older people.”

Read more about Fatmata here!

Fall Into Healthy Habits: Tips for Staying Active and Well as the Weather Cools

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, it can be tempting to cozy up indoors and become less active. However, staying healthy and active is especially important during the fall, as it sets the foundation for a strong immune system and overall well-being heading into winter. At Visiting Angels, we’re here to support seniors in maintaining healthy routines, no matter the season. Here are some tips to help you stay active and well as the weather cools:

Keep Moving with Gentle Exercise

Staying active doesn’t have to mean strenuous workouts. Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, and chair yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. A short walk in the fresh fall air, bundled up with a cozy scarf, is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of the season. If it’s too chilly outside, indoor exercises like light stretching or simple movements can keep you active without leaving the house.

Eat Seasonal, Nutritious Foods

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, pumpkins, squash, and sweet potatoes. These are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. Warm, hearty soups and stews made with fresh ingredients can provide nourishment and comfort during the cooler months. Caregivers from Visiting Angels can help with meal preparation, ensuring seniors enjoy nutritious and delicious meals that suit their dietary needs.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about hydration when it’s not hot outside, but staying hydrated is just as important in the fall. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and incorporate hydrating foods like fruits, soups, and herbal teas into your diet. Proper hydration supports everything from digestion to cognitive function, keeping you feeling your best.

Stay Connected and Social

As the weather cools and outdoor activities become less frequent, it’s important to stay socially connected. Loneliness can negatively impact health, especially for seniors, so take time to reach out to friends, family, or caregivers. At Visiting Angels, our caregivers provide companionship and support, helping seniors stay socially engaged even when it’s too cold to venture outside.

Keep Warm and Dress Appropriately

As the temperature drops, it’s essential to dress warmly, especially for seniors who may be more sensitive to the cold. Layering clothes, wearing hats and gloves, and making sure the home is properly heated are simple ways to stay comfortable and avoid the risks associated with cold weather. Visiting Angels caregivers can assist in ensuring the home is warm, safe, and comfortable during the fall and winter months.

By adopting these healthy habits, seniors can enjoy the fall season while staying active and well. At Visiting Angels, we’re here to help seniors maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle throughout the year, providing support with everything from light exercise and meal prep to companionship and care. Together, we can make this fall season a healthy and enjoyable one!

Show your gratitude each and every day when it comes to elders

As we enter the Holiday season (kicked off by Thanksgiving), most people find a bit of a tug at their hearts… All those Hallmark cards seem to bring a tear to your eye that much quicker. And yet, after the Holidays are over, it’s back to our normal ungrateful selves where we easily become overwhelmed by the problems and concerns of everyday life.

But, just stop and consider what our lives would be like if we donned our Pollyannaish attitude every day of the year – of course that’s unrealistic (not to mention a revolting idea), but to make being thankful more often a normal part of our existence could make this a happier world -- and you a healthier person -- for studies have definitely shown that “grateful people are happier, healthier, and better able to withstand hardship.” (Kim Painter, USA Today)

So here are some tips for becoming more grateful today and every day:

Create a grateful ritual: Close your eyes and take a couple of minutes to think of the people and things that you are grateful for, including loved ones and friends in your life.

Send a thank-you note: You know, it’s nice to get a little note thanking you for something you did. You don’t need to send someone a formal thank-you card (although that’s a nice touch), but just a little note (or e-mail) saying thank you for a specific thing the person has done for you can go a long way. And it only takes minutes.

Give a free hug: Often we can go too long without showing our affection and gratitude, even to those who are closest to us. Don’t neglect this important part of your relationship.

Give thanks for today: You don’t even have to thank a person…you can thank life itself! Wake up and greet the day with gratitude. Be thankful you’re alive!

Super Senior: John Hanson is making the grade with Bridger Students

If you see a black Porsche Boxter outside Bridger Elementary, then you know John Hanson is here.

“These little kids look forward to seeing him each and every day,” says teacher Francie Phillips.

You’ll find John working with the students on their reading skills just about every school morning.

“I'm selfish. I get more out of it than I get,” he says.

John, a veteran who served from 1959 to 1965, started helping in Phillips' second-grade classroom after his wife passed away.

“This gets me up and showered and shaved in here-- and probably keeps me out of jail,” he jokingly says.

Mississippi Pot Roast

This is not your typical pot roast. Made with store-bought flavor shortcuts like ranch dressing dip mix, French onion soup mix, and pepperoncini peppers, you won't have to do much prep work to ensure an ultra-tasty dinner.

Click here for the recipe!

Join Our Team as an In-Home Caregiver!

Do you have a heart full of compassion and a knack for bringing joy to others? Visiting Angels Newton/Canton is on the lookout for dedicated caregivers who love making a positive impact.

If you’re ready to make every day a little brighter for seniors, we’d love to have you on our team!

Apply today!

🍂 Autumn leaves and pumpkins, please! 🎃There’s nothing like the cozy comfort of fall to make us appreciate the beauty of the season. What’s your favorite fall tradition with your family?

Surf's up! 🏄‍♂️ Age is just a number for these incredible ladies! The Granny Grommets are making waves, proving that passion and adventure have no expiration date. 💙