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Helping Hands for Senior Home Care

By Elizabeth Kleber, PhD, RN, Chief Operating Officer, VNA Care

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette. 

The holidays are a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for, create memories with friends and family, and celebrate with the people you love most. At the same time, the season can bring added stress to older adults or those with loved ones managing chronic health conditions.

As our state’s 70-plus population continues to grow and more families navigate these challenges, it’s important to know that trusted resources are available in every community to help seniors and their caregivers enjoy a safe, meaningful holiday season together.

With deep, century-long roots in our communities, home health and hospice organizations provide compassionate, high-quality care to people whenthey need it most and wherethey feel most comfortable: at home. Their importance is growing as the long-term care capacity in Massachusetts is getting smaller – since 2020 alone, 34 nursing facilities have closed, resulting in the loss of more than 3,500 beds. As the population ages and options shrink, home-based care has become not just valuable but vital.

Home health clinicians visit patients through wind, rain and snow, helping people stay healthy, independent and connected to their loved ones throughout the winter. Managing ongoing health issues is one of the most important roles of home health clinicians, particularly because 93% of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic condition. During the holidays when routines shift, diets change and schedules become busier, keeping these conditions in check becomes even more important. Every patient has their own unique goals that home health clinicians help reach. For VNA Care patient Ruth Brandeis, she hoped to remain in her home and keep up her daily walks with her dog, Snowball. With the support of her physical therapist and VNA Care’s broader home health team, Ruth has been able to manage her chronic heart conditions while regaining the independence that means so much to her.

Home health agencies also help patients avoid unnecessary trips to emergency rooms, which often face severe capacity challenges during the winter. By providing skilled nursing for patients recovering from illness or surgery, and identifying potential health risks before they escalate, home health care is proven to prevent complications that can lead to hospitalization or readmission.

Hospice clinicians, meanwhile, provide comfort and peace during the final stages of life. They care for patients with compassion and skill, while also helping family members and friends understand what to expect during these difficult moments. Hospice care can also make the time families have together more meaningful by easing the demands of caregiving and allowing loved ones to focus on connection.

At VNA Care, many of our hospice clinicians serve at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, the region’s first hospice residence and the only inpatient hospice facility for the terminally ill in Worcester. For more than 25 years, the Central Massachusetts community has turned for Rose Monahan for expert care and the reassurance that their loved ones are treated with dignity.

When loss does occur, grief and bereavement support resources are available to help families navigate the days and months that follow. VNA Care recognizes that the holiday season can be an especially difficult time for those missing someone they love, and we remain committed to supporting our community through it.

Anyone who has known a home health or hospice clinician understands the depth of the relationships they form. These clinicians go above and beyond for those in their care, often becoming like a member of their patients’ families. Their presence offers comfort and stability, especially during a season that can feel overwhelming for many older adults and their loved ones.

It can be hard to accept help, but there is no better time than the holidays to lean on the home health and hospice resources in your community. Doing so allows families to spend more meaningful, joyful time together while remaining safe, comfortable and at home.

Read more about the impact of VNA Care's home health and hospice services.