Life at Home with an ABC Caregiver

Miss Helen, a resident of Arlington, has traveled widely in Europe and the United States, but she has never been to Africa. These days, however, with Joyce, her live-in caregiver from Kenya, she is learning new things and tasting new dishes, along with the foods she has always loved.

Helen, now 88 years old, has lived in the same house since she was ten. Recently a bad fall left her barely able to walk. After many weeks in the
hospital and rehab, Helen was ready to come home again. “I love being at home,” she says. “I’m not interested in assisted living.” But, she knew she would not be safe alone. Jeannette Sheehan, CEO of ABC Home Care, brought Joyce to meet Helen at the rehab center, and they decided together this would be a good match.

For the past three years Joyce has maintained the household for Miss Helen, and Helen, who pays for the meals, has turned her dining room into a bedroom for Joyce. Joyce helps Helen get up in the morning, and assists her with a sponge bath or shower. She makes sure all of Helen’s needs are met each day, whether this means turning on the air conditioner, making her a cup of tea, or helping her into bed at night.

Joyce is also with Helen as a companion. The two of them enjoy watching Family Feud and Oprah together, and they have tea at three o’clock each afternoon. On occasion Joyce’s own family comes to visit Helen.

ABC Home Care’s supervising nurse Clare visits regularly to ensure that all is well. Clare says that Helen has made amazing progress despite her original medical problems. It is likely that the relationship she shares with Joyce has been part of her healing and successful recovery.

For more information on any of our services including the Live-in Program please call ABC Homecare at (781) 245-1880, or email us at info@abchhp.com.