May/June 2021
Home Care News by Angels
Greetings!

A little flower that blooms in May.
A lovely sunset at the end of a day.
Someone helping a stranger along the way.
That’s heaven to me.
—SAM COOKE—

May/June Dates to Note:
  • Sunday, May 9: Mother's Day 
  • Monday, May 31: Memorial Day 
  • June 14: Flag Day 
  • Sunday, June 20: First Day of Summer 
  • June 20: Father's Day 

Thank you for reading this issue of "Home Care News by Angels"! We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions about our newsletter—please email us at [email protected].
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Expresses Thanks to Visiting Angels Caregivers
We, Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties, together with all Visiting Angels offices across America, are honored and proud to receive this public recognition by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on behalf of all our exceptional Angel caregivers.

Our full Office Staff and team of RNs are working around the clock for our current clients, our quickly increasing number of new clients, and our Angel caregivers to provide close supervision to help keep them all protected, informed, and safe. We provide our Angels with protective equipment such as face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to ensure the safety of our clients as well as our employees.

5 Things NOT to Say to An Aging Parent Relying On You for Care

Maybe things are starting to change for your aging parent. Whether you expect those changes—or you’re just unprepared for how they make us feel—it’s important that family caregivers do not make these life changes even harder by saying something insensitive. Because the reality is, your aging parent knows things are changing, too. And because you’re only human, anger from frustration can often get the best of you. So it’s important to monitor your own behavior to avoid unintentionally hurting your loved one.

6 Outdoor Activities for Seniors and Caregivers

Spring is in the air, and whether you’re eight years old or eighty, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are a family caregiver to an older person, or an Angel caregiver, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you and a senior will be able to safely enjoy together.

Gadget Corner
Our Gadget Corner features unique products which have extra benefits for the NJ senior care population.*

Weighted Giving Heart Pillow: The Demdaco weighted Giving Heart Pillow is the perfect gift to show you care. The incredibly soft heart pillow is slightly weighted (1.85 lbs) to "feel" like a hug. This thoughtful item comes packaged for gift-giving with a bow and bookmark. Visit www.demdaco.com for more information.

DynaShield Mosquito Repellent: The DynaShield Mosquito Repellent by DynaTrap is a portable and chemical-free way to keep mosquitos away. Using a blend of natural essential oils, the battery-powered DynaShield gently fills the air with a pleasant summer scent that repels mosquitos. Take this to the beach, on a picnic, on your patio, or anywhere you'll be outside. It also provides a soft glow when it's on after dark. Visit www.qvc.com for more information and to watch a product presentation.

*Visiting Angels does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. Items shown are for informational purposes only.

Have a helpful gadget you'd like us to feature in Home Care News by Angels? Let us know!
We're Delighted to Hear from Families About Our Exceptional Care!

A Five-Star Review:
"Visiting Angels' services are much needed in this century when the population is living into their 90s and 100s. My family has been fortunate to have used your services twice in the last 5 years with wonderful results. Our most recent aide cared for my 97-year-old father, WWII/POW, with the utmost respect. My dad can be very moody and extremely hard to deal with because of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and his recently diagnosed paranoid dementia. From the beginning, our aide threw his whole self into the process of understanding my dad's personality disorder and creating a care plan to better adapt to my dad's uniqueness. He kept the family informed about any problems he was encountering. He also was not afraid to show us he did not have all the answers and was willing to learn. He is a truly gifted and dedicated aide. His next client will be lucky to get his special style of care: patience, calmness, and a positive encouraging style.
Wendy T, Burlington County, NJ

Visit our Client Reviews page to read more terrific testimonials!
Celebrating Our Hardworking Employees

We are so proud of our wonderful, hard-working employees who go beyond the call of duty. Below is why our Angels are so special...

Paule A: Paule has been with Visiting Angels since September 2017. During this time, she has displayed a strong work ethic and professionalism. Clients truly appreciate her; a recent client commented, “Paule deserves recognition on her skills and pleasant personality. She’s a very nice person and a wonderful helper aide. I value her and all her help.” While making clients happy is key in our business, a good caregiver employee will also adhere to office procedures: communicating with the office, turning in duty sheets, clocking in/out, accepting assignments and fill-ins, completing required documentation, showing up to assignments, etc. Paule does all described without complaint!
 
Marian M: Marian has been a loyal Angel since July 2017 and has remained consistent and reliable through the years. Clients value her kind disposition and thoughtfulness. One client recently commented how much they appreciated that Marian turned off her cell phone so she wouldn’t be distracted (this is precisely why we have a “no cell phone” rule when caregivers are with clients). Marian is faithful with office requirements, as well. She completes and submits duty sheets, clocks in/out, is cooperative in updating her employee file to remain compliant, accepts fill-in assignments, and communicates regularly. It's a pleasure having Marian on our Visiting Angels' team!

We appreciate and thank you, Paule and Marian!

Read about our past Angels Who Soar...
Senior Humor

THE STUDENT NURSE

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being discharged.

However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.

On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

"I don't know," he said. "She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown."

New Jersey's COVID-19 Information Hub
The State of New Jersey has a COVID-19 Information Hub where people can register for the COVID-19 vaccine and book directly at vaccine locations throughout the state. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all adults who live, work, or are being educated in the State. The state's goal is to vaccinate 70% of the adult population within 6 months. To learn more, visit covid19.nj.gov.
Angel Recipes

Chopped Vegetable Salad with Garlic Dressing

June is Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. This salad will brighten any table with its colorful vegetables! Read the recipe here.
May/June
Celebrity Birthdays

Jackie Jackson, 70, May 4
George Clooney, 60, May 6
Willie Mays, 90, May 6
Dennis Rodman, 60, May 13
Enya, 60, May 17
Ronald Isley, 80, May 21
Bob Dylan, 80, May 24
Melissa Etheridge, 60, May 29
Idina Menzel, 50, May 30
Stacy Keach, 80, June 2
Jill Biden, 70, June 3
Mark Wahlberg, 50, June 5
Suze Orman, 70, June 5
Bonny Tyler, 70, June 8
Michael J. Fox, 60, June 9
Boy George, 60, June 14
Marla Gibbs, 90, June 14
Elon Musk, 50, June 28
May is Older American's Month

During challenging times, communities find strength in people and people can find strength in their community. In the past year, family, friends, and neighbors have found new ways to support each other.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). Communities of Strength is this year's theme. It recognizes the important role older people play in encouraging the connection and engagement that build strong communities.

4 ways to share and connect:
 
Look for joy in everyday moments: Take time to recognize and celebrate those small moments and simple pleasures. Why not start a journal filled with grateful/joyous thoughts and share it with others? You can share on social media, write your thoughts in a card to a friend, or call a friend or family member to share a happy thought or a message of thanks.

Connect with neighbors: Even if you can't gather closely together in person, you can still reach out to your neighbors. Ideas: leave a small gift on a neighbor's doorstep, offer a helping hand with outdoor tasks, deliver a home-cooked meal, or have a restaurant meal delivered to them.

Learn new skills: If you want to practice overcoming challenges, learning something new will help. Why not take an online course or take a socially distanced outdoor exercise class? You'll get to learn and have fun with others in your community. Do you have a skill to share? Seek out opportunities to teach someone what you know.

Share your story: We all benefit when we hear others' experiences. The person telling the story feels heard and validated, and the person hearing the story will learn another perspective. Why not take time to "interview" family, friends, and/or neighbors? These sessions can open up new conversations and strengthen our connections with each other.
Our Office
Mascot, Max
Visiting Angels of Mercer & Burlington Counties
609-883-8188
Our New Jersey Service Area

Burlington County: Beverly, Birmingham, Bordentown, Bridgeboro, Browns Mills, Burlington, Chesterfield, Cinnaminson, Cookstown, Columbus, Delanco, Delran, Edgewater Park, Evesboro, Evesham, Eastampton, Fieldsboro, Hainesport, Jacobstown, Jobstown, Juliustown, Kresson, Lenola, Lumberton, Mansfield, Marlton, Masonville, Mount Laurel, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Holly, New Lisbon, North Hanover, Palmyra, Pemberton, Pine Grove, Rancocas, Riverside, Riverton, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Vincentown, Westampton, Willingboro, Wrightstown

Mercer County: Allentown, Ewing, Ewing Township, Hamilton Township, Hamilton Square, Hopewell, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Lawrenceville, Lambertville, Princeton, Princeton Township, Princeton Junction, Robbinsville, Skillman, Titusville, Trenton, Upper Freehold Township, West Windsor, West Windsor Township, Windsor, Yardville
About Our Care

Visiting Angels is a New Jersey-licensed, non-medical in-home care company committed to providing an exceptional level of security, comfort, and peace of mind to our clients and their families.

Our certified home health professionals are ready to provide assistance with activities of daily living to seniors, adults with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, and to those who have memory issues. Visiting Angels' services help families spend more mutually-rewarding and meaningful time with their loved ones and also helps provides peace of mind to those who face the challenges of long-distance caregiving.

Our services include tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, shopping, hygiene assistance, bathing, dressing, and grooming care. Visiting Angels' in-home care helps make it possible for seniors and other adults to continue living at home safely. License HP0107200.