Caregiving is one of the most selfless acts a person can take on, yet it is also one of the most challenging. In Boston and the South Shore, countless family caregivers juggle work, family responsibilities and personal well-being while ensuring their loved ones receive the support they need. The reality of caregiving is more than just physical assistance – it’s emotional, financial and often overwhelming.
At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we understand the caregiving journey and we’re committed to providing solutions that ease the burden while maintaining the highest standard of care.
The Growing Challenge of Family Caregiving
Did you know that 53 million Americans are balancing work, family and caregiving? Many family caregivers spend an average of 26 hours per week providing care – often at the cost of their own well-being. In our region, where the cost of living is high, many caregivers face additional financial stress. Nearly half of caregivers live paycheck to paycheck, and 47% experience anxiety and depression due to the demands of caregiving.
For many, stepping into the caregiver role is not a choice but a necessity. With 85-90% of seniors preferring to age in place, families are stepping up to provide care in ways they never expected. Unfortunately, this often means women are twice as likely to leave the workforce to care for aging parents or spouses. Despite these sacrifices, many caregivers do not share their challenges with their employers, leading to increased stress and isolation.
Navigating Care Options in Boston and the South Shore
With in-home care unregulated in Massachusetts, families often struggle to determine the right path. Many are unaware of the essential questions to ask when choosing care, such as:
- Is the care led by a nurse? At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, all care is overseen by our registered nurse Director of Care and Client Services, ensuring clinical oversight and a personalized approach.
- Are caregivers trained and certified? Our caregivers are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) or Home Health Aides (HHA) who undergo continuous education and background checks that exceed legal requirements.
- Is the care plan evidence-based? Our Life Profile™ assessment evaluates over 225 risk factors, ensuring a proactive and personalized care plan tailored to each individual’s needs.
- How does the provider balance needs and wants? Through our Age Friendly Care™ approach, we emphasize what matters most (wants) as context to support a senior’s needs: mentation (mind), mobility, medication and maintaining independence.
Economic Realities of Caregiving
Caregiving is not just an emotional and time commitment – it’s an economic one. Families often struggle to balance financial responsibilities while ensuring their loved ones receive the care they deserve. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we practice economic respect – helping families manage care without unnecessary financial strain. We embrace smart technology to enhance care without adding extra cost and always prioritize transparency, honesty and integrity.
Making Informed Decisions About Care
Education is key to successful aging and empowered caregiving. Whether you're a family caregiver looking for additional resources or seeking round-the-clock professional care for a loved one, we’re here to guide you. Our goal is to provide highly individualized care based on specific needs, ensuring peace of mind for families across Boston and the South Shore.
If you’re navigating caregiving challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. Call us at 617-500-6999 or contact us using the form here on our website to learn how we can help make caregiving easier while ensuring your loved one receives the highest level of support.