We solve one of the most difficult challenges facing families today...caring for loved ones requiring essential personal home care services.

Keeping Seniors Safe in Public During COVID-19

As communities reopen across the country, many seniors are looking forward to going back to the hair salon or barber, the grocery store, a relative's house, or a favorite local restaurant. At the same time, many family caregivers are trying to determine how to protect their senior loved ones from COVID-19 outside the home.

Click for senior safety tips for public settings - and some information on how professional caregivers can assist you in protecting your senior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elderspeak: What It Is and Why It Can Be Harmful

"Elderspeak" is a unique pattern of speech - similar to baby talk - that younger individuals often adopt when speaking to the elderly. The tone of elderspeak can seem condescending, express unwanted pity, and potentially foster resentment among older adults.

The characteristics of elderspeak include:
  • Slow and careful speech
  • Simplified grammar
  • Assumption of helplessness
  • Exaggerated affectionate words ("sweetie," "honey," "dear," "buddy")
  • The use of "we" or "us" instead of "you"
Many older adults tolerate this treatment daily, even when they're perfectly capable of understanding normal speech patterns. This degrading interaction can be harmful to their mental and physical well-being.



Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk from flu; many of whom are also at high risk for COVID-19 or serious outcomes. 


When should I get vaccinated?

You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begins spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated early (for example, in July or August) is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults.

People 65 years and older are at high risk of developing serious complications from flu compared with young, healthy adults.

Visiting Angels of Pikesville has been bringing hope, independence and peace of mind to seniors and their families since 2005. As essential in-home caregivers, we understand, first-hand, the impact of Alzheimer's. We know the trials the disease brings to families and loved ones, and this is why we Walk.

Our joy and mission is to offer compassionate care to those affected by Alzheimer's, and we hope to celebrate the day when there is a cure. Until that time comes, caring for those with Alzheimer's is a necessary and rewarding job we embrace. In the past five years, Visiting Angels has generated more than a million dollars in donations nationally to support the fight to end Alzheimer's disease. And it's a fight we will continue to support!
 
The Baltimore Walk to End Alzheimer's is in 23 days! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event will not be a large, in-person gathering at Canton Waterfront Park, but our Team still is walking - each of us in our own neighborhood to raise awareness throughout the community. Together, we are committed to raising funds to advance research to treat and prevent Alzheimer's, and provide programs and support to improve the lives of millions of affected Americans. 

Our team has raised $1,440.00 already, but our goal is $1,500.00. We've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to us, and we hope you'll support our fundraising efforts.

Click here to donate and THANK YOU for your support!

While COVID-19 continues to affect the health and well-being of people around the world, it presents unique challenges for the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and the 16 million individuals who provide unpaid care for them.


3 Smoothie Recipes That Are Perfect for Fall

When you think "smoothie," does your mind automatically conjure up warm-weather fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches? Us too. But just because summer's over doesn't mean you have to step away from the blender. In fact, many of your favorite fall flavors (think cranberries, pumpkin, and cinnamon) are ideal companions for an anytime-of-the-day smoothie. 


Lunch is often the meal that gets the least attention. It tends to be the one that we eat because we have to - or worse, skip because we don't have the time or energy for it. But lunch is an important part of your day. Nourishing your body with nutrients at lunchtime will supply you with the energy you need to conquer the rest of your day. To ensure you'll never dread or skip it again, here are some clever ways to spice up your midday meal without having to empty your wallet.


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