CCC Among First Accredited Home Care Agencies in Massachusetts


November 29, 2010
Posted By Jim Reynolds | Comments (2)

Over the Thanksgiving weekend we received notice that Caring Companion Connections is among the first home care agencies in the state to earn accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts (HCA). The alliance’s accreditation protocol promotes quality service, caregiver training and competency, ethical business standards, and superior employment practices in an industry that lacks meaningful licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The accreditation was all the more rewarding because Caring Companion Connections is only the third west of Boston to be accredited among independently-owned, private-pay home care agencies — i.e., we are not a franchise, and we are not affiliated with a hospital or other large organization. This is a family business.  My dad started in Florida in 1992 at his kitchen table, and now my two sisters and I have independent agencies in our home states. Being recognized within the industry is a point of pride for all of us.  Our recent mention by National Public Radio’s Aging in America broadcast series was a big boost; this accreditation is another.

Our metro-west Boston area office is directed by Deborah Bier, PhD — like me, a long-time Concord resident. We have just expanded with a new Boston office to better serve clients and families in the city.  We are proud to be in the initial group of agencies to promote accreditation standards, all of which are a part of Caring Companion’s commitment to a higher quality of care. These standards help consumers choose agencies worthy of trust, as they come to see the many advantages of keeping people independent in their homes and as part of the community.

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We’re Now a Provider Through MinuteMan Senior Services


November 17, 2010
Posted By Dr. Deborah Bier | Comments (0)

CCC is proud to say that we have been selected as part of Minuteman Senior Services’ “Partners in Caring” provider network.  We were carefully vetted so they could ensure their elderly consumers that we provide high quality service.  MinuteMan is one of the five ASAP (Aging Services Access Point) agencies that covers our current service area of Boston and Metrowest Boston.

Minuteman has no financial interest in any of their vendors — only that they can ensure we provide the highest level of excellence, and that we work completely in concert with their mission to help older people and those with disabilities remain independent and a part of the community. They monitor our work with them very closely. We have loved our contacts with Minuteman staff — they are clearly highly dedicated, caring and hardworking people, whose values of service and integrity we share.

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Going Home for the Holidays?


November 11, 2010
Posted By Dr. Deborah Bier | Comments (1)

With Thanksgiving coming up and the December holidays right afterward, this is a time when the family visits with our elder loved ones and finds — often to our surprise and consternation — that things have changed since they last time we were together.  Mom or dad might have deteriorated in ways the family hadn’t understood until we were gathered in person.

When should you be alarmed? Jewish Family Service of Greater Boston makes this recommendation about things to look for when we visit our elders in their homes — all of which are signs that their safety and well being may be at risk: (more…)

ARTZ: Alzheimer’s at the Movies (Brookline, MA)


November 6, 2010
Posted By Dr. Deborah Bier | Comments (4)

Last month, I volunteered at the ARTZ “Alzheimer’s at the Movies” event held at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA. This interactive film program is a one-of-a-kind experience designed  for people with memory loss and their care partners. During the presentation, short film clips from classic films were shown, followed by audience discusssion and reminiscence, guided by moderators. There were (I’m guessing here) about 300 dementia patients plus numerous caregivers. It was a fabulous experience for everyone, and I strongly encourage your checking out the repeat of this event on December 14, plus their other events.

ARTZ is Artists for Alzheimer’s™,  an initiative of the Hearthstone Alzheimer’s Foundation, that draws on the support and collaboration of artists and cultural institutions, as resource, to share, educate and inspire. Their underlying premise is that the emotional engagement available through the arts reach and enliven Alzheimer’s patients in ways nothing else can.

I came away affirmed and with more experience in 5 crucial things I already believe about dementia. I want to share them here because we don’t see them often enough in print, and because they each can make a real different for those living with dementia and their loved ones. These are: (more…)

 
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