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In early March, A Place at Home franchise owners visited their remote staffing solution partner, Solvo Global, in Medellin, Colombia. Multiple A Place at Home franchisees were welcomed to Solvo Global’s headquarters to tour their offices, meet their remote teammates, and learn about each other’s shared passion for helping others.

During the visit, A Place at Home owners were able to get involved through a variety of different opportunities. An especially impactful experience was through a visit to the Huellas del Ayer Foundation – a Colombian senior-care community. APAH and Solvo partners spent the day with over eighty elderly residents, gardening, enjoying music, playing games, and raising funds for ongoing projects and care. “The charitable event was touching, coming from the same culture. Seeing what they do with very few resources is truly inspiring and made such an impact on us,” said Jessica Dale, a franchise owner based out of New Jersey and a fellow South American.

Aside from connecting with fellow compassionate caregivers, owners and Solvers were able to meet face-to-face to continue to establish strong relationships, talk through future goals, and experience all that Medellin had to offer. Solvo Global continues to support A Place at Home with exceptional and affordable remote support help, allowing our APAH owners to spend more time doing what they do best – providing compassionate and respectful in-home care to seniors.

The CDC reports that one in every four older adults falls every year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths, making it a public health concern. Likely, your loved one’s home is not ready for them to age in, as the U.S. Census Bureau finds that only 10% of homes are prepared to accommodate the older population’s needs.

Learn the eight most crucial home modifications for seniors, allowing them to age in place — including kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom home accessibility ideas.

Essential Aging-in-Place Home Modifications for Seniors

Consider the following home modifications to help your loved one remain safe:

1. Widen doorways: If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, doorways need widening to accommodate them. Doing so allows your loved one to move throughout their home independently.
2. Install grab bars and handrails: In areas like the bathroom and along staircases, grab bars and handrails provide necessary support for seniors prone to falls.
3. Modify the bathroom: Studies show that most injuries that happen in the bathroom are from using the shower or bathtub. So, some aging-in-place bathroom ideas include installing a walk-in shower, a higher toilet seat, and non-slip flooring to prevent bathroom-related accidents.
4. Improve lighting: Adequate lighting can help your loved one see what’s on the floor around them, preventing them from tripping. Check to see that all areas of the home, especially hallways and staircases, are well-lit.
5. Remove tripping hazards: Secure or remove loose rugs and ensure that electrical cords are out of the way to reduce the risk of tripping. Long, shaggy rugs or carpeting can be a hazard, but so can hardwood because it can become slippery. Remove unsafe carpets and use traction tape on slippery hardwood floors to minimize fall risks.
6. Adjust kitchen layout: Lowering countertops and cabinets can make the kitchen more accessible for seniors who use wheelchairs or have difficulty reaching high places.
7. Install ramps: Steps are among the most common fall areas for seniors. Replacing steps with ramps at entryways makes it easier for seniors with mobility issues to enter and exit the home. Also, moving their bedroom to the main floor so they don’t need to climb stairways frequently can decrease the chance of falling.
8. Lever handles: Replace doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to use for those with limited hand dexterity.

These aging-in-place home modifications for seniors don’t have to compromise the aesthetics of your loved one’s home. Choose changes that blend seamlessly with the home’s existing decor. For example, grab bars now come in various styles and finishes that can complement the bathroom’s design. Similarly, ramps can match your home’s exterior, and finishing on lever handles can fit the overall style of your doors and cabinets.

Beyond Home Modifications for Seniors

Creating a home environment that supports the unique needs of older adults involves more than just physical modifications. It’s about creating a space that promotes independence, is easy to navigate, and is comfortable to live in. Ensure that the living space is clutter-free, maintain a comfortable temperature, and consider smart home devices for help with daily tasks.

You and your loved one can also do several things to prevent falls besides making modifications in their home. Contact a doctor if you notice your loved one becoming more unsteady on their feet. Some medications can make seniors sleepy or dizzy, causing instability. A doctor could also prescribe physical therapy to help improve their balance and build their strength to avoid falling. Encourage them to exercise more if they can because that will also strengthen their legs and decrease their fall risk.

Consider the type of footwear your loved one is wearing. Seniors should wear low-heeled shoes with slip-resistant soles, not only outside their homes but inside as well. The National Council of Aging finds that shoes without laces, straps, or buckles also increase fall risk.

How A Place At Home Can Help

You don’t have to make these changes all on your own. A Place At Home can help determine the necessary adjustments that need to be completed for your loved one’s safety.

But even with the best modifications, you might find that your loved one needs additional support. In-home senior care services, like those provided by A Place At Home, offer the extra help your senior needs to thrive while aging in place. From personal care to companionship and even help with household tasks, our in-home care professionals can help ensure your loved one is safe, healthy, and happy in their modified home. Find a location near you and connect with us to get started.

There’s a lot to prepare for when you begin taking care of elderly parents at home. Here are our best tips to set yourself up for success.

1. Understand Your Parents’ Needs

Before taking care of your elderly loved ones at home, it’s important to assess your parents’ health and daily living needs. Review their medical conditions, mobility issues, dietary needs, and daily routines. Consider questions such as whether they’re relatively independent or require help with activities like bathing, eating, or getting around? Knowing this information will help you plan better for their care and create a supportive environment that fits their needs.

2. Create a Safe and Accessible Environment

Modify your home to make it safe and accessible. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom, securing loose rugs to prevent trips, and rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths. Remember, a well-organized space isn’t just about safety; it’s about creating a welcoming environment in which your loved one is comfortable.

3. Organize Medical Information

Keep a record of all medical information, including doctor’s contacts, medication schedules, and any important health history. This information is crucial for emergencies and regular check-ups.

4. Set a Daily Routine

Building a daily routine can provide stability and comfort for your elderly parents. A study published in the National Library of Medicine finds it reduces seniors’ anxiety and stress levels. Schedule regular times for meals, medications, activities, social interaction, and rest.

5. Encourage Physical Activity

Depending on their ability, encourage your parents to engage in physical activity. This could be light exercises, walks, or even physical therapy prescribed by their doctor.

6. Foster Social Connections

Social interaction is vital for the mental health of older adults. A Penn State study shows that seniors who have more pleasant social interactions have better cognitive performance surrounding those interactions. Encourage visits from friends and family or help them connect with others through community groups or online platforms.

7. Financial Planning

Taking care of elderly parents at home often comes with financial implications. Create a budget that includes their medical expenses, caregiving supplies, and any home modifications. To ease the financial burden, consider insurance options, government assistance programs, and possible tax deductions. BenefitsCheckup by the National Council on Aging is a great resource to connect you with programs that can help pay for your loved one’s needs.

8. Use Technology and Resources

Technology is ever-changing and can help you when caring for older adults. The help medical alert systems, video monitors, medication dispensing devices, and health tracking apps provide are invaluable. They not only provide safety but also give you peace of mind.

9. Create an Open Line of Communication

Maintain open lines of communication with your parents. Discuss their preferences and listen to their concerns. By doing so, you help them feel respected and involved in their own care. Also, keep in touch with healthcare professionals for regular updates on their health status.

10. Be Patient and Compassionate

You must have patience and compassion when taking care of elderly parents at home. You’ll have challenging days, but empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in your parents’ lives.

11. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Caring for older adults is often emotionally taxing and demands patience, empathy, and resilience. Your health is just as important as your parents’. Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead. Seek support groups or counseling to manage stress and emotions. Make sure to take time for yourself, get enough rest, eat well, engage in activities you enjoy, and seek support when needed.

12. Seek Professional Help When Needed

Understand that sometimes, the care needs may become too demanding for you to handle alone. Whether hiring a part-time caregiver or seeking advice from healthcare professionals, don’t hesitate to contact companies like A Place At Home.

Let A Place At Home Help

Taking care of elderly parents at home is a significant commitment and takes planning, patience, and support. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by connecting with our compassionate care team at A Place At Home. We specialize in private care for the elderly at home, providing personalized aid that respects the dignity and independence of your loved ones. Our team can help create a custom care plan from our wide range of services that are tailored to your family’s needs. Whether it’s helping with daily activities, medical care, or simply companionship, we’re here to support you. Visit our website to find a location near you to learn more about how we can guide you through your parents’ aging journey.

Researching the best hearing aids for seniors? Learn the differences between ITE hearing aids, BTE hearing aids, and ITC hearing aids to pick the best option for you.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are several hearing aids that cater to different preferences and needs. Here are the common types available:

1. In-the-Ear (ITE): These are custom-made to fit entirely inside the outer ear and help those with mild to severe hearing loss. They’re easier to handle and adjust but are more susceptible to earwax clogging. However, they can be more visible than smaller models and may pick up more wind noise.
2. Behind-the-Ear (BTE): This is the most common type of hearing aid. They sit behind or on top of the outer ear with tubing that routes sound into the ear. They’re capable of more amplification and are easier to clean than other styles, but they are also the most visible type of hearing aid.
3. In-the-Canal (ITC): These are custom molded and fit partly in the ear canal, offering a less visible option with easy battery replacement and volume control. However, their smaller size might make them challenging to handle for some seniors, and the smaller batteries mean shorter battery life.
4. Completely-in-Canal (CIC): These are nearly hidden in the ear canal and are for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC hearing aids pick up less wind noise than other hearing aids. They are the least visible type of hearing aid, but because of that, they use very small batteries with a short life.
5. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): This type is like BTE, but the speaker is inside the ear canal for a more natural sound. The hearing aid has direction microphones and manual control options.

Over the-Counter Hearing Aids

The FDA created an over-the-counter hearing aid category in 2022 that you can buy without a prescription. They’re generally less expensive and are good for those experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they don’t offer the same level of customization and professional support as traditional hearing aids.

Costs and Considerations

The cost of hearing aids and hearing tests can vary widely based on the type, features, and provider. The expense is typically why people avoid getting hearing aids, and unfortunately, they’re not usually covered by Medicare Parts A and B or private insurance plans. However, Forbes finds that Medicare Part C offers hearing aid benefits. The average cost of a pair of hearing aids ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, according to GoodRx. The tinier and more discreet the hearing aid, the more expensive they typically are.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are generally less expensive but might not meet the needs of all seniors. A good hearing aid is an investment in quality of life, so consider both the price and the value it provides.

Navigating the Options

With so many types of hearing aids and new technologies, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. First, the Mayo Clinic recommends that your senior see an audiologist to make sure they’re truly experiencing hearing loss, not a correctable issue such as earwax buildup or an infection. Audiologists and hearing care professionals can offer valuable guidance and support and help you understand the specific needs of your senior loved one. They know what the best hearing aids for seniors are and can offer recommendations for the best hearing aids for your loved one based on their lifestyle and degree of hearing loss.

When choosing the specific hearing aid, ask about a trial period so your loved one can ensure it’s perfect. Additionally, make sure the hearing aid can handle an increase in power in case of increased hearing loss.

How A Place At Home Can Help

Using an in-home care provider, like A Place At Home, that offers healthcare navigation services, such as attending doctor’s appointments, is extremely helpful in making care and treatment plan decisions. Our caregivers can go with your loved one to hearing tests, help them manage and take care of their hearing aids, and offer the companionship and support they need to stay socially engaged and mentally stimulated. Find an A Place At Home location near you to get started.

Loneliness is a significant source of suffering and reduced quality of life for adults over 60. Learn the top 8 signs of loneliness in seniors and how to help.

Prevalence of Isolation and Loneliness Among Seniors

Isolation and loneliness are becoming more common among seniors and older adults. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds that one in four people over 65 feels socially isolated.

As people age, their social circle shrinks from the loss of friends, family, and mobility. Retirement, the death of a spouse, or moving can further exacerbate loneliness. Consumer Affairs says 14.7 million seniors live alone which also increases loneliness and isolation for seniors.

Emotional and Physical Health Concerns

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it can have severe implications for both emotional and physical health. Emotionally, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Physically, symptoms of loneliness can manifest as sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, weakened immune system, and a higher risk of heart disease. The CDC finds that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%. In comparison, Consumer Affairs likens the effects of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s crucial to recognize these signs early to mitigate their impact.

Signs of Senior Isolation

To effectively support your elderly loved one, it’s important to recognize the signs of loneliness. Here are eight symptoms of loneliness:

1. Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
2. Neglecting personal hygiene or household maintenance
3. Changes in appetite such as overeating or a decreased appetite
4. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
5. Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or being a burden
6. Increased irritability or mood swings
7. Increased complaints about aches, pains, or fatigue
8. Substance abuse – The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that about 65% of seniors 65 years and older considered consuming a “high-risk” amount of alcohol in a week.

Proactive Measures to Combat Loneliness

A proactive and compassionate approach is necessary to combat loneliness in seniors. The best way to alleviate the effects of loneliness in older adults is to prevent it from starting. You can do this for your loved one by creating a daily routine that keeps them engaged.

If you’re past the point of prevention, encourage your loved ones to participate in community events, clubs, or religious activities. Regular social engagement can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. Modern technology makes it easier to stay connected. So, teach your loved one how to use video calls, social media, or even texting to keep in touch with friends and family. Visit them regularly, if possible. A consistent presence can significantly affect their overall mood and outlook. Encourage activities for the elderly that are suitable for their mobility level. Exercise can boost mood and create opportunities for social interaction.

Ensuring Social Connection and Mental Stimulation

Maintaining social connections and mental stimulation is vital for seniors facing loneliness. Engaging them in activities for the elderly that they enjoy, encouraging new hobbies, and taking them to community events can offer a sense of purpose and belonging. Simple actions like sharing meals or watching a favorite show together can also promote connection.

How Caregivers Can Help

In-home care providers, such as A Place At Home, can play a crucial role in alleviating loneliness and promoting a sense of belonging. They can provide companionship, help arrange social activities, and offer emotional support. Caregivers can also help identify the early signs of loneliness and take steps to address them before they escalate. They can tailor their care to the unique needs of your loved one, ensuring they are still socially connected and mentally stimulated.

Call A Place At Home for Help

If you’re considering additional support to help combat depression in the elderly, our customized in-home senior care plans at A Place At Home offer the personalized attention and companionship your loved one needs. Our compassionate caregivers are dedicated to ensuring your loved one stays socially connected and mentally stimulated, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness in their lives.

Find a location near you to begin.

Each year, Home Care Pulse, a nationally recognized reputation management company, awards Best of Home Care® to top-ranking home care providers, based on client and caregiver satisfaction survey scores

This year, the A Place At Home franchise system was honored to be ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients. “We want to congratulate A Place At Home on receiving 11 awards,” says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. “Since these awards are based on real, unfiltered feedback from clients and caregivers, A Place At Home franchisees have proven their dedication to providing a great work environment and solid training to employees, while maintaining their focus on client and caregiver satisfaction. We are pleased to recognize their dedication to quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care.”

A Place At Home franchisees took home 11 Best of Home Care® awards.

Based on feedback from their clients and caregivers, A Place At Home franchisees were awarded the following awards:

Provider of Choice: A Place At Home – Little Rock, A Place At Home – Orange Park, A Place At Home – Omaha, and A Place At Home – North Texas
Employer of Choice: A Place At Home – Little Rock, A Place At Home – Palos Verdes, A Place At Home – Omaha, A Place At Home – Orlando, A Place At Home – Orange Park, and A Place At Home – North Texas

Winners of the awards are proud, humbled, and give credit to their caregivers.

“We were so excited for our caregivers and office personnel when I heard that we won Best of Home Care Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice again this year! The relationship between our clients and caregivers IS the service we provide, and winning reaffirmed that our staff is doing great work!” said Rick Perkins, who co-owns two locations in Nebraska. Rick, and his business partner and wife, Kris, became a part of the A Place At Home family almost three years ago. They have a heart for helping others and a servant’s mindset, and it’s no surprise that they took away both honors again.

Another double winner this year is Chris Adams, who serves the seniors in Orange Park, Florida. “I am extremely proud of my caregivers for providing excellent service to our clients. They definitely provide ‘We Are Care’ services. Our caregivers are the strength of our business, and we feel honored to have won these awards.” Chris and the rest of A Place at Home – Orange Park accept this award on the heels of another accomplishment; their caregiver, Molina Schebell, was chosen as A Place At Home’s National Caregiver of the Year in September 2021.

Patrick Fresch, who services the seniors in Palos Verdes, California, pours into his caregivers daily, striving to ensure they’re happy working for A Place At Home – South Bay. His efforts have paid off, as he won Employer of Choice this year. It’s an honor he’s proud of, noting the correlation between caregivers who are happy with their employer and the quality of the care they provide. “It means a great deal to be named an Employer of Choice. Creating a great work environment and caring about my employees creates a great atmosphere and experience for both the employee and the client.”

In Allen, Texas, Joe and Janis Christie, owners of A Place At Home – North Texas, were granted both Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice by the clients and caregivers. Joe Christie says he’s honored that they’ve been able to impact the people in their community positively. “It means everything to us to be chosen by our clients and caregivers over and over again. We are just so grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

One A Place At Home owner took away two of the highest awards Home Care Pulse gave.

This year, the Best of Home Care® Leader of Experience was awarded to A Place At Home – Little Rock. This award recognizes agencies considered best in the nation, as rated by their clients and caregivers. This is the highest honor a home care provider can earn from Home Care Pulse as it is only given to those that have proven they provide quality care in almost every category measured. 

A Place At Home – Little Rock was also chosen as the fourth-rated agency in the nation out of the Top 100 for Experience. Agency owner Natalie Watts spoke of her intentions when she opened her doors two years ago. “I started this business to give back to our community…to be a part of something bigger than just me that could make a positive impact in other’s lives! Two years later, we are ranked #4 out of thousands of homecare companies nationwide for overall satisfaction from our caregivers and clients! That is absolutely amazing! We are so grateful!” Natalie credits her office team and caregivers, saying they are a team of servant leaders who are the heartbeat of her company.

Creating an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations.

A Place At Home is proud to partner with Home Care Pulse to ensure we’re providing the highest quality of care with caregivers that are proud to be a part of our mission. If you or someone you love is looking for award-winning care or would like to provide award-winning care, reach out to learn more.

In under a year, Gary and Arianna Lafreniere, owners of A Place At Home – Merrimack Valley, have provided over 7,000 hours of care to the families in the community and surrounding areas of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

It’s a great start to their mission of helping people stay safe and healthy as they navigate the aging process. They opened their doors in February of 2021. The inspiration behind starting an in-home care agency is Gary’s mom. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. Gary and Arianna were both working full time and raising three young children. Gary remembers when the phone calls with his mom started becoming odd. She would request the same things over and over. When it first started, Gary and Arianna assumed she was becoming forgetful as she aged. They had no knowledge of dementia or what the signs were.

Gary says the day he knew it was something more was when she asked him when his birthday was.

The birthday conversation was the catalyst for a doctor’s appointment that eventually led to a dementia diagnosis. Shortly after that diagnosis, Gary’s mom suffered a fall. Fortunately, she was unharmed, except for a bump on her head. But she didn’t remember the fall at all. Gary clearly remembers thinking at the time how much he’d wished he’d known about the signs and symptoms of dementia before it had become so progressed in his mom. At that point, they knew it wasn’t safe for her to remain in her home. His mom lived by herself, and the family saw her often, but they couldn’t be with her all the time. They moved her into an assisted living community, and eventually, she was moved into Memory Care within the same building.

At the time, Gary and Arianna didn’t know what to do beyond that.

Gary shares, “Our knowledge of what could be done is that we’d have to hire a nurse, and we couldn’t afford that, knowing what a nurse would cost.” Back then, the couple wasn’t aware of in-home care as an option. Arianna says that if they’d known, that’s the route they would have started with. Having a caregiver in the home with Gary’s mom when they couldn’t be there would have provided safety and peace of mind. Fortunately, their experience was not a terrible one. Gary’s mom was safe and comfortable in the senior living community, and the staff that cared for her were genuinely invested in her happiness and quality of life.

“They treated her like she was their mother, and we really began to understand their job and gained an appreciation for caregivers from that perspective.”

The experience with his mom was still on their minds later when the couple began considering what they wanted to do next, professionally. They knew they wanted it to be less about the money and more about helping people. They wanted something rewarding that would allow them to lay their heads on their pillows at night and feel good about their day. Gary says that opening an in-home care agency for seniors was the obvious choice. Arianna agrees, recalling the stress they felt when navigating the situation with her mother-in-law and the energy they’d put toward educating themselves and learning more about the disease.

“You’re kind of left to your own devices. You can research and find resources, but we really didn’t even know that in-home care existed for something like what mom had. So discovering that option really spoke to us.”

The couple decided to open A Place At Home – Merrimack Valley, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the community. The COVID-19 pandemic was in full force. What might have been a daunting idea – opening a new business while businesses everywhere were struggling heavily or closing their doors altogether – ended up being a key reason that the Lafrenieres decided to move forward. Gary says they saw the need for home care in their community. Families who had been preparing for their loved ones to move into assisted living found themselves having to pivot and come up with other solutions that kept their parents and grandparents safer during the pandemic. Gary says they didn’t second guess their decision to open when they did.

“People were bringing their parents home, so they needed us. We never looked at it like, oh, this is bad timing. We just knew we had some challenges we would have to work around.”

Arianna recalls the research they did so they’d know what was needed for them and their caregivers to go into homes safely. They poured their energy into discussions with A Place At Home headquarters, understanding how other locations were handling the pandemic, ensuring they had proper PPE and safety protocols so that the clients and the families they served could be confident in the care of their loved ones. The public health emergency reinforced their desire to open their doors. “It was even more important for us to be up and running and available for those that wanted to bring them home.”

The experience with Gary’s mom left the couple with a desire to advocate for seniors with dementia and their families. In October, A Place At Home- Merrimack Valley were sponsors of the Alzheimer’s Walk. Money raised during the event goes toward further research of the disease that 55 million people live with worldwide. That day, the Alzheimer’s Walk raised half a million dollars. Gary says, “We’ll continue to be there every year, without a doubt. We were proud to be a part of that.”

Now, Gary and Arianna advocate for seniors and their families on a daily basis.

Gary says the word they repeatedly hear when they meet with families is “overwhelmed.” Arianna remembers the sense of being overwhelmed herself as she made the initial phone calls, trying to figure out what to do and how to navigate the situation with her mother-in-law. But, she says now, owning an in-home care business, their experience has set them apart. They’ve been able to help and coach the families they come in contact with.

Gary agrees, sharing that more than anything, their experience with his mom inspired them to help people navigate the waters of “what do I do?”. Even if his mom had been able to stay in her home longer, eventually, she would have had to transition to Memory Care as her disease progressed. So now, when Gary and Arianna meet with families who are going through similar experiences, the couple’s focus is on listening to what the situation is, learning about what the family and their loved one’s needs are, and then offering advice and guidance that will best serve the senior’s health and quality of life. Often, that means providing care in their home. But, sometimes, that’s not a safe or sustainable option. In that case, the Lafrenieres help families navigate the process of finding an assisted living or memory care community that is better suited for their needs.

“That’s where we like to start, to ease that pain of being overwhelmed and give them the comfort of knowing that it’s something we can help with. It’s not something that we just researched. We lived it.”

Less than a year in, the couple is already impacting families in Chelmsford in a significant way. One of their clients is a couple who just celebrated their wedding anniversary. The family began to notice that their mom was struggling to care for herself. Their dad was in good health and helped as much as he could, but the family was at a point where they were considering their options. They either had to move their mom into an assisted living community – separating the couple – or they had to hire someone to come in for extra support.

Together, the family opted to bring care into the home, choosing A Place At Home – Merrimack Valley as their care provider. The decision has been a good one. The couple has grown close to their caregiver, and they recently spent time with their family and friends celebrating their anniversary in a way they wouldn’t have been able to if one of them was living in assisted living.

The effect in their community hasn’t just been with seniors and their families.

Gary and Arianna have profoundly rooted respect for caregivers. After seeing the compassionate way his mother was cared for, the couple is clear about where their priorities lie. Clients are their top concern – right along with their caregivers. Gary shares about their caregivers, “Their lives, their happiness, their jobs – are as much of a priority as the service our clients get.” And it’s not lip service. Gary and Arianna worked with a CNA school in their state to secure scholarships for caregivers that want to advance their careers.

The first caregiver to be awarded a scholarship is almost finished with the course.

When she applied to work with Gary and Arianna, she didn’t have any professional caregiving experience on her resume. She had, however, been a family caregiver for her grandmother. Recalling how the caregivers had treated Gary’s mom like their own, they knew she would be a good fit. At first, Gary and Arianna scheduled her with clients that needed a lower level of care. As her employment progressed, they put her through CareAcademy training to enhance her skill set. She caught on quickly, and because the Lafrenieres believe in investing in their employees, she’s on her way to being a Certified Nursing Assistant, advancing her career in the healthcare industry.

Gary and Arianna are happy to be able to offer support within their community. Chelmsford is where Gary grew up; Arianna grew up in a town 20 minutes north of there, and it’s where they’re raising their family. The couple is grateful to help the seniors and families that need extra support and invest in the futures and ambitions of their employees.

“It’s not just caring for the individuals that need this; it’s about the families in general. Knowing what we went through – the rewarding part is getting to allow someone to stay at home a little bit longer and stay comfortable and happy in their home, but you’re also helping the entire family.”

If you or a loved one are in the Merrimack Valley area and are overwhelmed and in need of support and care, you can find more information about the Lafrenieres and how they can help here.