Lena Cave, Candy Francis, Keliomayra Saavedra, Bella Kimber: At times we realize that the dedication, loyalty, amazing work ethic, and ability to pitch in with very short notice are attributes we simply take for granted with all our caregivers. But when a serious situation befalls one of their colleagues, we are again reminded that these traits, shared by all our caregivers drive them to simply do their best work.

One of our caregivers, a long-term full time live in, was cherished by her elderly charming client and her family. This particular case was moving along smoothly, the primary caregiver in place on weekdays, supported by her “partner” on weekends. Suddenly the primary caregiver was faced with a very serious situation within her family that required her immediate attention and full-time focus. She needed to leave immediately. Since live caregivers and their clients have a solid long-term relationship, we were reluctant to replace this caregiver on short notice with a “sub live in”....

Many people, especially seniors, tend to slow down and stay indoors more during the winter, so when spring finally makes its appearance, it may be difficult to get out of some of those winter habits. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and start a more active lifestyle. Although the key to maintaining good health is to stay active all year round, the cold, snow and ice can make it difficult for the elderly to get out. Getting your body used to a more active lifestyle takes a little preparation, but the following tips will help seniors get active and stay healthy this spring.

EARTH DAY everyday!

Although the world celebrates Earth DAY, given the urgency in this area, we propose it be observed ALL MONTH. Among the initiatives established for observation of Earth Day are the following:

The Global Cleanup: Volunteers picking up litter not disposed of properly by fellow citizens, as in while jogging pick up garbage left by others.

The Canopy Project: Working with global partners to reforest areas in need of rehabilitation. To further reduce methane, Biden must reform the agricultural industry. This would reduce methane gases released from livestock as well as emissions of greenhouse gases caused by deforestation for fields and pastures

Improving Your “Foodprint”: BBC Climate Change Food Calculator shows how your food intake compares to emissions of driving, heating a home.

Eat Lower Carbon compares carbon footprint of different meals

Food Carbon Emissions Calculator calculating your “foodprint” accounting for transport, waste, and quantity purchased.

The Meat Calculator Amounts of water and carbon dioxide saved by reducing your meat consumption.

Ri Turner, a former IBS (irritable Bowel syndrome) sufferer changed her diet, her health and her life when she converted to a vegan diet. She did it as an experiment, found it an easy plan to follow but sought more information about it. For those who suffer with IBS, food triggers vary from person to person. But dairy and processed meat products are common culprits for many sufferers. For Turner, it was difficult to pinpoint these foods as the problem until she cut them out.

But finding veganism wasn’t an easy road, since she didn’t know anyone close to her who followed the lifestyle.

As she began to explore vegan alternative diets, she was very discouraged by the lack of any people of color in websites, blogs or vegan cookbooks. She was in particular seeking a “Vegan Influencer” to provide such basic information. Ironically, the roots of plant-based eating derive from African, Indigenous, Asian, and Caribbean, cultures, though mainstream media often portrays it as a white millennial trend.

So, this energetic entertaining and knowledgeable young woman became a Vegan Influencer. She started her own blog, YouTube videos, and founded her own wellness magazine, called For the Healthy Hoes. To visit, click here.

One of my favorite You tube videos is Vegan Grocery Haul 101 with Ri (In Small Town America) EAT KINDLY With Me

“Where I come from, I’ve never heard of anyone not eating meat. That was just absurd to me,” she says. “But I looked more into it, I started watching a lot of YouTube videos, reading books, documentaries, and everything like that. And I was like, ‘ok I’m going to try this.’ And I did, and I stuck with it, and honestly it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

And we are very glad you did Ri !

We are privileged to have received referrals from and be able to coordinate care with many Assisted Living facilities, rehab facilities, and Medicare Home Care and Hospice agencies. Our growth is in large part due to the trust the staff in these organizations have put in our caregivers. We are likewise impressed with them and we are committed to referring to them on a regular basis