On Tuesday February 2, 2016, on an unusually warm winter day, Sarah Schwartz, a Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) Case Manager, and Jon Lenicheck, the District Director for Congressman Michael Capuano’s office, visited the homes of two seniors receiving services from Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC). BSHC, a state funded Aging Service Access Point (ASAP), provides services and supports to help people continue to live with independence and dignity in their homes thus avoiding nursing home placement. BSHC also provides much-needed respite and support to caregivers.

Sarah and Jon’s first visit was to the home of Dorothy and her caregiver, Jay. Dorothy has been a BSHC consumer since 2010. Dorothy’s home is filled with pictures of her loving family, and she loves being able to go outside on warm summer days and soak up the sun. She also enjoys attending church on the weekend. With care and support from her caregiver, Jay, and Boston Senior Home Care, Dorothy has been able to live in her own home and continue to enjoy all of the things that make her happy. Last year Dorothy found herself in the hospital at least twice a month. With the care and support of her caregiver Jay, the services provided by BSHC’s vendors and monitored by her Case Manager, Sarah, Dorothy has not had been hospitalized once in the last five months. This allowed her to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas and her birthday at home with her loved ones.

Sarah and Jon also had the opportunity to visit Harold, an 89 year old consumer who still lives independently with the informal support of his nieces and nephew. Being a caregiver can be overwhelming, and navigating the complex system of elder care can be confusing and stressful. For Harold’s family, turning to Boston Senior Home Care for support and guidance has allowed them to provide much needed care to their uncle and given them peace of mind. Sarah has been Harold’s Case Manager from the moment he started receiving services from BSHC over five years ago. Together with his team of service workers, Sarah and Boston Senior Home Care have put services in place to help Harold live at home, where he wants to remain, and alleviate some of the caregiver stress for his family. Having somebody come to Harold’s home every day to prepare his meals and give him a shave three days a week have made a world of difference to a family who already had a very busy life. During the home visit, Jon was not only able to learn about the care Harold receives from Boston Senior Home Care, he and Harold talked about sports and Harold shared with him the great difference that having a shave every couple of days makes to him.

Because of Sarah’s involvement, both Dorothy and Harold have lived independently in their own homes for many years. “Home Care services are part of the puzzle that helps keep people living at home. Having a network of family, friends, and being a part of the community is what helps give our clients purpose” stated Ms. Schwartz.

Congressman Michael Capuano is the congressman for the 7th Congressional district which includes the cities of Chelsea, Everett, Randolph and Somerville, approximately 70% of Boston, about 30% of Milton and 50% of Cambridge. Over 14% of the population in this district is over the age of 60. Congressman Capuano is passionate about seniors living in these communities maintaining their independence. This is one of the reasons his staff reached out to Boston Senior Home Care; to learn more about the work that ASAPs are doing in the community to help consumers continue to live independently in their homes.

“Congressman Capuano understands the value of the services that the ASAPs provide, and he is committed to ensuring that caregivers in the community know where to turn when they need help. We want them to know what services are available to them and their loved ones” said District Director Lenicheck.

Working “hand in hand” with our federal, state and local legislators, and the people that can help make real changes in our communities is key for agencies like ours to ensure that all older adults are receiving the services and supports they need to remain at home and in their communities for as long as possible. It’s not only about saving the State money on long term care costs, it’s about maintaining the quality of life of our elders” stated Meg Hogan, BSHC’s Chief Executive Officer.