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Visiting Angels Newton/Canton | Newsletter | April 2025 View as a webpage

April 2025 Angel of the Month | Gina N.

What client would ever say April showers bring May flowers when our Angel of the Month Gina Nelvy is on the job? In fact, we’d go so far as to say that she makes it feel like May is in bloom all year round! Gina first worked for Visiting Angels in 2012 and returned to our agency in 2023 after a hiatus. During her time, she’s warmed the hearts of 13 different clients with undeniable charisma and charm that’s all her own. While any care professional would admit that their job is never easy, Gina believes success starts and ends with making sure the client is comfortable.

“I have a great level of compassion for my elders. I just want to have positive interactions with them, make them happy, and encourage them to be their best,” Gina said with conviction.

A giver by nature, Gina couldn’t deny that she loved helping others and always saw herself doing something in healthcare. When one of her high school teachers strongly encouraged her to enroll in the school’s health academy, she did. After graduating, Gina went on to complete her clinicals at Boston Medical Center and eventually earned her CNA license in 1999.

By the time Gina first joined us in January 2012, she had already gained five years of valuable experience as a nursing assistant at Stone Ledge Nursing Home. As a highly skilled and experienced caregiver, Gina developed a sterling reputation throughout Visiting Angels in just one year. We were so thrilled to see her return in December 2023 at the urging of Adeline St. Louis, another stalwart Visiting Angels care professional. Office and Staffing Coordinator Ryan Allen recalls when Gina first contacted us about returning to the agency.

Visiting Angels Owner Larry Michel Advocates in D.C. for Senior Home Care and Caregiver Support

On April 2, Larry Michel, owner of Visiting Angels Chelmsford, MA, and Newton, MA, joined a select group of Visiting Angels franchise owners in Washington, D.C. for a Fly-In Day dedicated to advocating for greater access to personal home care for seniors across the nation. 💙

During the visit, the group met with congressional offices to discuss two key legislative proposals aimed at supporting seniors and strengthening the caregiver workforce:

1. The Credit for Caring Act – This bipartisan bill would provide a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 annually for working family caregivers. It is designed to ease the financial burden for those who provide essential care to loved ones at home.

2. A Dedicated Home Care Visa – This proposed visa would offer streamlined, temporary work authorization for direct care workers. The goal is to help address the ongoing caregiver shortage while maintaining a clear boundary between temporary employment and long-term immigration status.

While in D.C., Larry met with staff from the offices of Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as local Representatives Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), who represents the Chelmsford area, and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), representing Newton. Larry also joined fellow Visiting Angels owner Sue Heinle of Pennsylvania in a meeting with staff from Rep. Congressman Lloyd Smucker’s (R-PA-11) office.

Both legislative proposals are nonpartisan in nature and focus on supporting one of our most vulnerable populations—America’s seniors. Larry is proud to represent the Visiting Angels network in this effort to push for meaningful change and ensure that families have the resources and support they need to care for loved ones at home. 🏡

Non-Medical Care for Seniors with MS

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) requires more than just medical attention—it demands understanding, patience, and personalized care that honors the dignity and independence of your loved one. At Visiting Angels, we recognize that MS is more than a medical condition—it's a daily experience that touches every aspect of a senior's life.

Our specialized non-medical care services support each unique MS experience with specially trained caregivers who adapt to your loved one's changing needs. From daily activities to emotional support, our dedicated caregivers empower seniors with MS, providing compassionate care that helps them maintain the highest possible quality of life.

Challenges of MS in Aging Seniors

Around 1 million people in the U.S. live with multiple sclerosis (MS). This condition happens when the body’s immune system attacks its own nervous system, causing problems with mobility, speech, and vision.

While the exact cause of MS remains a mystery and there isn't a cure yet, there are various ways to manage it. Medications, physical therapy, and devices—such as canes and wheelchairs—can help people with MS maintain independence.

MS is often diagnosed in early adulthood and is a lifelong condition. As the U.S. population ages—and as treatments improve—more seniors with MS are seeking options to age gracefully at home.

The National MS Society states that 85% of seniors with MS need some form of help at home.

Tips to Help Your Senior Manage MS

Because MS affects mobility and muscle strength, the disease can cause an increased risk of falling for seniors. You can reduce the risk of falls by removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, repairing uneven floor surfaces, and enhancing lighting. Additionally, encourage your loved one to wear properly fitted shoes.

‘70’ Really is the ‘New 60’ – Aging Adults Function Better Today Than Previous Generations in Both Body and Mind

By Good News Network

Age-related declines experienced by older adults have significantly slowed down, according to a new study published last month in Nature Aging.

Improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation across the 20th Century likely played key roles in the improvements of cognitive, locomotive, psychological, and sensory capacities.

The study—from the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at the Mailman School of Public Health—uncovered significant improvements in the health of older adults in England when compared to previous generations.

Instead of measuring health as the presence or absence of disease, researchers applied a new approach that examined trends in people’s functioning – their cognitive, locomotive, psychological, and sensory abilities.

Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, the new analysis found that older adults today experience higher levels of physical and mental functioning than previous generations did at the same age.

Pasta Primavera

Nothing says spring like pasta primavera! With crisp zucchini, sweet peas, leeks, and colorful peppers, this dish is bursting with seasonal flavor 🌱. Each veggie adds its own texture and aroma, making it perfect for veggie lovers and carb fans alike. Keep reading for quick tips to make it shine! ✨

Click here for the recipe!

Join Our Caring Team at Visiting Angels Newton/Canton 💙

Have a heart for helping others? We’re looking for compassionate caregivers to make a real difference in seniors’ lives.

Provide companionship, comfort, and support—while helping seniors stay independent at home. Be part of a rewarding, supportive team that values what you do.

Apply today and start making a difference—one smile at a time.

Apply today!

Explore our award-winning services at VisitingAngels.com/Newton

Serving Newton, Brookline, Canton, Dedham,

Jamaica Plain, Natick, Needham, Norwood, Roslindale,

Stoughton, Upper Back Bay, Watertown, Wellesley,

West Roxbury, Westwood, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton

29 Crafts Street, Suite 320

Newton, MA 02458

617-795-2727 or 781-828-9200

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