TheKey Massachusetts

10/22/2025

Going from the hospital to home after a procedure or fall is a critically important transition for older adults. For many, it also launches their first encounter with home care. Up to one in five will be readmitted within 30 days, with the first 72 hours being the most critical.

When it comes to these four key areas: nutrition and hydration, medication reminders, mobility, and other activities of daily living, proactive support is absolutely essential.

10/14/2025

Survey data shows that most people want to stay at home while they age. But it’s not always clear how to manage aging in place as needs change. Here are three things to consider when trying to determine what type of care your family may need:

• What daily tasks have become challenging?
• Which rooms and/or routines feel less safe than they used to?
• What kind of help would give everyone peace of mind?

Once you have a sense of your questions, needs, and priorities you will feel more confident navigating the care planning process.

Needs will change over time and that's completely normal. Strive to stay flexible and open to what might work best as things evolve.
What questions do you have about care options?

10/01/2025

Are you caring for aging loved ones from hundreds of miles away? You're not alone.

During your next call, listen for these indicators that may signal a need for more support:
• Repeating the same questions or stories.
• Struggling to describe daily routine or giving unclear or contradictory response about medications, appointments, or overall health.
• Rarely mentioning friends or activities they used to enjoy.
• Difficulty following the conversation.

Your action plan starts here:
• Start an honest, compassionate dialogue about what's working and what's not.
• Rally your trusted family or community network to share tasks.
• Consider technology for medication reminders, remote monitoring, or video check-ins.
• Engage professional home care like TheKey to offer hands-on support, real-time updates, and a direct line of connection to your loved one’s wellbeing..

At TheKey, we provide more than care with insight, connection, and continuity. Whether it’s helping with daily routines, catching critical changes in behaviors early, or offering companionship, we’re here to support your loved one’s safety and your peace of mind.

For more tips on creating a long-distance care action plan: https://thekey.com/learning-center/long-distance-caregiving

What has been your biggest challenge with long-distance caregiving? Share in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.

09/23/2025

True caregiving goes far beyond the basics. While background checks and training matter, what really makes a difference is when a caregiver becomes an expert on your loved one. Every person has unique triggers and ways they find peace, knowing these details can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. This attention to personality and individual needs is a central part of how TheKey home care supports client’s whole selves. Dr. Shadi Gholizadeh describes how we provide care that not only addresses unique care needs, but personal preferences, daily routines, and what brings comfort during difficult moments, too.

09/18/2025

In-home care keeps you connected to your community. Personalized home care helps maintain your strong social ties, like Gerri’s grandma, Germaine, while you age in place

💙 Social connection is a lifeline as we age.

Meet Gerri and her 86-year-old grandmother Germaine. Their story shows how the right home care support helps older adults stay rooted in their communities while giving families peace of mind.

• Small daily rituals (like mahjong with friends) preserve identity and joy
• Home is where social connections live: neighbors, acquaintances, and weekly routines that matter

When families have professional support, both seniors and their loved ones can focus on what matters most: enjoying time together. Read the whole article from .

https://www.people.com/featured/original/care-conversations-gerri-landau-thekey

09/15/2025

Helping children navigate conversations with grandparents and aging relatives can feel overwhelming, especially when those adults have cognitive changes. Remind everyone to focus on connection and not to worry about right and wrong answers. There’s no need to correct; just connect.

About TheKey: We're North America's leading provider of personalized home care, helping seniors age safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Ready to learn more about home care options? Visit https://thekey.com or call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family's aging-in-place goals.

09/05/2025

Improving mobility maintains independence. Here are four simple ways to stay steady:

✅Daily Routines - Incorporate movement into your everyday activities. Even standing on different surfaces can all build strength and stability.
✅Try a Class - Classes like Tai Chi or yoga can improve balance (and community).
✅Use Assistive Devices (When Needed) - Use grab bars, canes, or walkers consistently to build strength and practice proactive care.
✅Do a Home Safety Check - Remove clutter in walking paths to move safely through the home.

Ironically, fear of falling often leads to moving less, which increases fall risk. With proper support, you can stay active, confident, and independent. More information and inspiration at our blog (link in bio).

At TheKey, our caregivers are experienced in supporting safe daily movement and mobility. With the right approach, we help older adults stay active, engaged, and independent while honoring their routines and preferences.

09/03/2025

Moraima Gutierrez and her mother Gladys Almonte found that personalized in-home care was essential in preserving Gladys' active social life, maintaining her cherished routines, and supporting her desire to age in place with dignity. Choosing the right care for an aging loved one doesn't have to mean sacrificing the independence and routines they cherish most.

Personalized in-home care that is functional and collaborative gives aging parents the tools they need to stay active and independent, like Gladys. Find the whole interview from below:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/featured/original/care-conversations-moraima-gutierrez-thekey

08/28/2025

When we focus on real engagement, amazing things happen. Our clients experience:

💙Renewed sense of purpose
💙Stronger social connections
💙Better physical and mental health

At TheKey, our Balanced Care Method® goes beyond basic assistance. We help clients rediscover hobbies, maintain friendships, and create new meaningful experiences.

Ready to learn how home care can enrich your loved one's life? Visit our website to explore our person-centered approach to aging in place.

About TheKey: We're North America's leading provider of personalized home care, helping seniors age safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Ready to learn more about home care options? Visit https://thekey.com or call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family's aging-in-place goals.

08/20/2025

PhD, shares how morning movement and natural light exposure are key parts of "sleep hygiene" that can improve nighttime rest for older adults. Small changes in daily routines can make a big difference in sleep quality and overall well-being. Learn more about our whole-person approach to healthy aging at TheKey.com

About TheKey: Dr. Shadi Gholizadeh, PhD, MPH is Senior Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Quality at TheKey and TheKey is North America's leading provider of personalized home care, helping seniors age safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Ready to learn more about home care options? Visit https://thekey.com or call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family's aging-in-place goals.

06/13/2025

When families think about home care, they often focus on the medical aspects—medication management, mobility assistance, and health monitoring. But what makes home care truly special is how our caregivers seamlessly step into whatever role is needed throughout the day.

Throughout any given day, our caregivers might find themselves acting as a sous chef in the morning, helping prepare favorite meals just the way someone likes them. By afternoon, they've switched to personal assistant mode, organizing appointments and helping sort through important paperwork. And by evening, they're a trusted dinner companion, sharing stories and conversation over a home-cooked meal.

This adaptability isn't just nice to have—it's essential for quality home care. Every person has different needs at different times of day, and those needs change as health conditions evolve. Our caregivers are trained to recognize these shifts and respond with both professional skill and genuine compassion.

What's remarkable is how this personalized approach helps maintain independence and dignity. Instead of fitting into an inflexible care schedule, the care adapts to fit the person's life, preferences, and daily rhythms.

05/20/2025

You’ve built a life at home. TheKey’s personalized care services grow with you so you can stay there.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3SIdscu

07/31/2021

Can you afford an in-home caregiver? 🤔
Here are 4 strategies that some families are using to manage the expense:
(1) If your loved one has long-term care insurance, check the policy to see if it covers some of the cost.
(2) Consider a Collective Sibling Agreement, where one or more family members pay for caregiving now with the understanding that they will be reimbursed from the estate once the parent passes.
(3) Explore a reverse mortgage, which allows your parent to use home equity to pay for care.
(4) Look into an annuity, which can turn retirement savings into a guaranteed income that could help cover the cost of caregiving services.
We encourage you to consult with a trusted financial professional who can help you explore all your options.

07/29/2021

You've decided to hire a professional caregiver. But how do you find someone who not only is attentive but also brings support and even joy to your loved one?

Here are 4 tips to get you started:
(1) Insist on consistency, asking to have the same caregiver as much as possible,
(2) Screen caregivers for chemistry to ensure they are a good fit for your senior,
(3) Set high expectations from the start about what you expect of the caregiver and
(4) Spend time yourself getting to know the caregiver you choose. You'll find more great tips and advice in this article.

And it may also help to know that we're highly skilled at matching caregivers with clients, someone who can do so much more for your loved one than simply provide quality care. Want to learn more? Give us a call anytime!

07/27/2021

As a caregiver for your aging mother or father, you probably don't have much time or energy for your friends. You may feel guilty thinking about scheduling social engagements. It's easy to feel that people can't relate to your situation. Or you may be the type of person who prefers to recharge by yourself. The truth is that maintaining friendships is a critical part of self-care. Just a quick call, email, or text can help you feel more connected and let your friends know you care, even if you aren't able to make a lot of time for them. Reach out a little more often if you can... chances are you'll be glad you did.

07/25/2021

Recovering from a stroke can be extremely challenging.
Here are 7 top strategies that can help:
(1) Carefully follow the advice of your team,
(2) Adapt your home to your needs,
(3) Ensure you have your blood tested per your doctors' instructions,
(4) Accept your limitations for the moment,
(5) Do as much as you can,
(6) Maintain your therapy schedule and
(7) Watch your diet.

A professional caregiver can provide essential assistance and support during your recovery.

07/23/2021

Our team is full of heroes. Thank you, dear caregivers. 😍

07/21/2021

If you have a parent with dementia, it's not uncommon that they resist the idea of having a professional caregiver. In this short video, you'll find 5 strategies that can help:
(1) Put yourself in their shoes,
(2) Ask questions,
(3) Be patient,
(4) Give choices and
(5) Take it slow.

Learn more by watching now: https://bit.ly/3AYh5Bf

Many people have difficulty responding when a parent with dementia refuses help. However, it doesn’t have to deteriorate into a battle either. We've gathered...

07/19/2021

A beautiful quote by Leo Buscaglia

07/17/2021

Top 10 Healing Foods to Eat After Surgery https://bit.ly/36yX2LN

Meta for Business gives you the latest news, tips, and best practices for using Facebook to help meet your business goals: www.facebook.com/business

07/15/2021

Yes, you can travel with your elderly parents! And have an enjoyable time!!
A few safety/comfort products to consider packing: a raised toilet seat, a non-slip bath mat, and a couple of nightlights. Happy travels and may you make many great memories!

07/11/2021

Seniors Play Dress-Up with Nature to Personify the Magic Around Us—LOOK
The cast of characters they’ve cataloged includes former farmers, fishermen, zoologists, plumbers, opera singers, housewives, artists, academics—and even a 90-year-old novice parachutist. https://bit.ly/3hpvsqc

This is a 403 error, and it's not as ominous as it sounds. Bitly can only show this page to people who have permission to see it. Maybe what you are looking for can be found at Bitly.com.

07/09/2021

A special thank you to all of our . 💗

07/07/2021

It's Healthy Vision Month!
Here are 5 tips for preserving eye health as we age:

👓 Eat foods rich in beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids,
👓 Include physical fitness in your daily routine,
👓 Take frequent breaks when using technology to give your eyes a rest,
👓 Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection when outdoors and
👓 Get annual eye exams.

07/04/2021

From our Home Care Assistance family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe Independence day.

06/19/2021

How do you enlist your loved one's cooperation when s/he is resistant to care? Here are 5 things that may help:
🙂 Keep them involved in the decision, acknowledging their wishes and concerns,
🙂 Consider a trial period so your loved one gets to experience care and its potential benefits before deciding,
🙂 Bring in another perspective, which could include a sibling, close friend, or medical provider,
🙂 Give them a list of ways that the care can benefit them and
🙂 Be patient and remain positive. Often it takes more than one conversation to arrive at the best solution that everyone can agree to. Need help with a loved one resisting home care? We can help!

06/17/2021

In light of it being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness, check out this Mind Fit episode from Home Care Assistance. In this 30 minute video, you'll find 5 stimulating games. Join the fun and play along… while you also exercise your brain. To learn more, contact us. https://bit.ly/3pC9liX

06/15/2021

Whether your loved one lives across town or hundreds of miles away, at some point, many adult children consider whether their aging parent(s) should move in with them. Having your parent in your home may make it easier to manage care. It can also be more cost-effective than other options such as assisted living. If you choose to have your parent live with you, advance planning is key.
🤔 How accessible is your home environment?
🤔 How will you divide household costs and chores?
🤔 How will decisions get made and conflicts resolved?
🤔 How will care be provided as your parent's needs increase?
Advanced planning and strong communication can help make this a successful transition and positive living situation for all involved.

06/13/2021

A son has described how his mom’s Alzheimer’s disease improved as he took her traveling across the world in her final years. https://bit.ly/2Rvz3Jk

Sean O'Sallaigh is a devoted son who took his mom Mary, who had Alzheimer's, in on amazing global trip in her final years.

06/11/2021

Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer's can be challenging and even downright frustrating.
Here are 3 strategies that are known to help:
👋 When greeting your loved one, use your name. For example, "Hi Mom. It's me, Janie."
☝️ Stick to one subject at a time when talking. Often our adult conversations are fluid, bouncing from topic to topic depending on the thoughts of participants. For those with memory challenges, staying focused on one topic helps minimize confusion.
🙂 Validate what your loved ones say even when their statements are clearly inaccurate. They no doubt believe what they are saying is true, and correcting them can be upsetting and confusing. Let them tell the story that's swimming through their head and listen without expectations.