Greetings !
Here at Always There Home Care, we are grateful you are slowing down to read our newsletter, which is full of items that relate to home care, home health care, aging & eldercare, as well as some useful tips for daily living.
Please enjoy in the spirit of community and cooperation in which this newsletter was sent.
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Please take some time to watch our video!
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Regina McNamara RN, MSN President & Kelly McNamara, Chief Operating Officer
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Photos in top banner: Ryan (Regina’s Grandson) on Canada Day); Our Friend and former client Gloria bravely washes and styles her own hair! ; Scott Marissa Ryan and Nora arrive in their new home From Ottawa to Montreal area New school, New friends, closer to old friends and family. And finally the end of Marissa’s long medical training journey A practice in rheumatology !!!
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FEATURE ARTICLE:
20 Things I Would Want If I Got Dementia
By
Rachael Wonderlin / Posted March 4, 2018
I wrote this a few years ago, but just added four more “things” to my list.
If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things. The original list was also published in my book, When Someone You Know is Living in a Dementia Care Community.
- If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.
- If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
- If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.
- If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.
- If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
- If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
- If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
- If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
- If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.
- If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated...
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Photo top banner and middle of page: Grace and Luke (our Graphic Designer’s children) standing outside of the Washington Masonic building in D.C. while visiting family.; Angie’s daughter (former caregiver now friend) ; Mishelle and Darcey enjoying their time together.
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Alan Weiss Takes on
THE NEW NORMAL
“Normal” means conforming to what is typical and expected. Consequently, “new normal” means absolutely nothing to me, and waiting to “return to normal” makes waiting for Godot seem to be far superior short-term satisfaction.
No matter what has happened or what is going to happen the only significant aspect for us is what we intend to do about it. Predictions are wrong, trajectories are off. Crystal balls, tea leaves, and scapulimancy provide no solace ( the art or practice of discovering what will happen in the future using supernatural means.)
But the world is not out of control. We are experiencing the dynamics of fear, mass illnesses, social unrest, and economic uncertainty. We need to seize control where we can. We can most easily do that through our own actions: to work with more innovation, support friends generously, vote for what we believe in, and act sanely and refuse to panic.
Don’t cede control of your life. More things will happen. The key is what we intend to do about it.
How “unnormal” are things? Recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a distinguished immunologist no one had ever heard of a year ago, threw out the first pitch of Major League Baseball’s drastically curtailed season. The good doctor threw far left, and the ball went to the backstop, uncatchable. ■
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KUDOS
from Kelly
OUR EVERYDAY HEROES
Marisha Pruitt:
Its no surprise Marisha would be selected again for Kudos, she continues to be a shining star at Always There Home Care.
Her endless effort to go above and beyond for her client is just one reason why everyone she cares for quickly becomes attached to her. Her kind, sweet spirit and positive demeanor go a long way with her clients.
Marisha has mastered the importance of incorporating the “little things” into her clients’ care. Helping with hair styling for a client unable to do her own is just one example of Marisha’s sharing her own expertise with her most grateful clients. We continue to be surprised and impressed by her many talents!
Marisha has proven to be an outstanding caregiver; her flexibility has become an asset to the company and she has risen to every occasion. Whenever we need her…she is ALWAYS THERE willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.
Marisha’s future is bright and we look forward to seeing it!!
All caregivers mentioned in this column will receive a bonus and our sincere gratitude! Many thanks to all of you for once again extending yourselves to ensure that we are of course Always There…!!
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A Pandemic Poem
By Phyllis Cole-Dai
ON MY 58TH BIRTHDAY: 58 PANDEMIC PRAYERS
May we all survive to another birthday.
May we greet the sun each morning and rejoice in being alive.
May we breathe the miracle of fresh air.
May we honor every moment as a chance to begin anew.
May we root our faith in richer soil than worry.
May we let separation knit us close.
May we see faces besides our own in the mirror.
May we recognize all people as kin
May we cherish them as much as ourselves.
May we stay home to keep them safe.
May we nurture the body that houses our soul.
May we have adequate shelter, food, water, medicine, and rest.
May we share freely from our abundance.
May we resist the temptation to hoard.
May we ask for help without hesitation or shame.
May we draw comfort from the company of animals, flowers, and trees.
May we befriend the sounds of silence.
May we welcome the intimacies of solitude.
May we dive to the depths of our being and bring up blessings we didn’t know we had.
May we be sanctuary for one another.
May we refuse to dwell in the blindness of denial, indifference, or contempt.
May we tame our temper and carry no grudge.
May we empathize even with those we dislike.
May we gift one another with radical attention.
May we listen to one another as if lives depend on it...
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REGINA'S REFLECTIONS
The World is upturned, Destabilized, Confusing and Hurtful.
Is There a Path to Hope??
It is time to take a step back and review the year 2020, one of the most challenging in our nation, and also one of the most divisive in our history.
- The pandemic management and forecasting have been uneven, difficult to understand by the average lay person and conflicting, depending on information sources.
- 21 million Americans are unemployed, but the weekly jobless claims report stated 30 million are claiming continuing unemployment benefits. Data is confusing and misleading
- The pandemic management and forecasting have been uneven, difficult to understand by the average lay person and conflicting depending on information sources.
- We all require/demand accurate numbers. Incorrect and inaccurate data reporting can confound, provoke unwarranted levels of fear, and either discourage or provide reason for optimism
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Where Do I Go to Get Tested for COVID-19?
Posted 07/02/2020
HEALTHCARE OFFICIAL GUIDELINES TESTING
Testing is available in many locations throughout Connecticut. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care provider.
Many employers, including Always There Home Care will request that you be tested.
TESTING SITES
Drive-up and walk-up testing is available at some acute care hospitals, urgent care centers, community health centers and certain pharmacy based testing sites. Please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org to find a testing location near you.
NO PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER
Community health centers across the state that can administer a test. Please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org to find a testing location near you.
WALK-UP COVID-19 TESTING SITES
There are many walk-up testing sites available in Connecticut. Please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org/search to find a testing location near you.
NO HEALTH INSURANCE?
Make an appointment to get tested at a hospital or community-based health center or one of their pop-up locations. Confirm that they accept people without health insurance. Please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org/search to find a testing location near you.
Go online to be pre-screened for CVS rapid testing and get an appointment.
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Photos above left: Nijhea daughter of our Senior caregiver community liaison Dawn Reed at another graduation. Nijhea is headed for University of Hartford in the criminal justice program; Shannell daughter of caregiver Dora and Graduate of East Hartford high
Headed to Syracuse university in pre med track
Congrats to all !
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FUNNIES FROM AL NIXON
From Al, Our former client now FFF (Forever Funny Friend) and regular contributor. During the time of Covid we have been so grateful to him for keeping us laughing!
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PROVIDERS WE LOVE
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
- Seabury Active Living Retirement Community, and Seabury at Home, Bloomfield
- Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Middlebury CT
- Masonicare Home Health and Hospice - Danielson, Derby, East Hartford, Mystic, Norwalk and Wallingford
- Regional Hospice Danbury Serving CT and NY
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Photo left to right: Our Graphic Designer’s daughter, Grace, was the flower girl in her Godmother’s wedding over 4th of July week; Regina’s Grandniece, Phoenix, on her christening day along with big sister Zoë and parents Billy and Kate.
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800.348.0485 ~ We are Always There
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