May news & updates
May 2021 | Issue 4
COVID-19 Updates
Lifting Restrictions Across the Commonwealth
As of Friday, April 30, 2021, the outdoor mask mandate has been lifted which now means that if you are outdoors and practicing social distancing, you will no longer be required to wear a mask.

Furthermore, COVID-related business restrictions will be relaxed starting May 10th and the state is anticipated to fully re-open by August 1st if all goes well. This is a big step in life going back to the pre-COVID normal that we knew and have been waiting for!

This being said, it is important for all to remain vigilant in the time being as we work toward a full reopening. Wear masks where required, continue to practice social distancing and get vaccinated if you're not already!
Looking for a vaccine location or clinic near you?

Use Mass.Gov's online vaccination location search tool to find out where you and/or your loved one can go to get your vaccine!

Please note that to access this website you will need to use a computer. If you do not have a computer, please call 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance.
You may feel like you are the only one with lots of questions about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine but we assure you...YOU'RE NOT!

Visit our page to get answers to some of our clients' most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact your Primary Care Physician.
Employee Spotlight
ABC Celebrates National Nurses Day
May 6th is National Nurses Day and ABC Home Healthcare is celebrating our nurses especially on this day for all of their hard work and dedication to keeping clients living safely and independently at home.

This has been a whirlwind of a year for all of us as we faced an unprecedented global pandemic but this is especially true for the healthcare workers (like our nurses and home care workers) who served on the front lines from day one. We are so grateful for our essential workers and we celebrate their successes today and always.

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE NURSES
FOR ALL YOU DO

Clare | Joy | Beth
Jess | Jeannette | Laurie | Paul
May is Older Americans Month
Honoring all Older Americans this Month as They Help Build "Communities of Strength"
May is a great month for so many reasons but it is by far our favorite month because it is Older Americans Month! Older Americans Month (formerly Senior Citizens Month) was established by the late President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and celebrates senior citizens and the impact that they have had and continue to have in our communities. The fitting theme for 2021 was announced in March as "Communities of Strength."

Older adults have experienced so much and, as a result, they are filled with wisdom and stories that can support and inspire others.

At ABC we value our seniors and feel grateful that we help to make aging in place possible. To our clients and their families, we appreciate you- thank you!
Elder Law Month Inspires Future Planning for Increased Peace of Mind
In addition to it being "Older Americans Month", the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has also designated the month of May as "Elder Law Month."

Whether it is your goal to age in place in the comfort of your own home or relocate to a long-term care facility in the future, it is never too early to plan for your future and consulting with an Elder Law Attorney is the best place to start!

Why an Elder Law Attorney is Not Your Average Attorney
The legal world is very similar to the healthcare world- there are many specialties and there are experts who are better equipped than others when it comes to taking care of you and providing the proper guidance and expertise when it is needed. While just about any attorney can help you draw up a generic will and/or trust, to ensure you are adequately set up to achieve your aging in place goals, you will really want to seek guidance from a certified elder law attorney.

Supporting the Communities We Serve
ABC Home Healthcare Proudly Sponsors Minuteman Senior Services' "Spring Forward Fun Run & Walk" Event
At ABC, we work with many local aging service access points (ASAPs) like Minuteman Senior Services and we are always proud to be able to sponsor their fundraising events.

We are proud to be a "Sprinter Sponsor" for this year's Fun Run & Walk event and we hope that you will consider donating (and/or participating) to this incredible organization if you can!
Summer is Coming...Here is How to Prepare for Rising Temperatures
We are all so looking forward to summer when we can, once again, enjoy spending time outdoors!

However, with summer on the horizon, it is important that we not only focus on enjoying the sunshine but that we focus on recognizing warning signs for heat illness. It is vitally important that we ensure our loved ones are adequately protected in these upcoming warm months. One way to do this is by making an appointment with a local HVAC company for routine maintenance to be sure that your system is ready to work when it's needed!

Supporting a More Dementia Friendly Community for All
ABC Home Healthcare Professionals is proud to say that we have our own Dementia Friends Champion right here in-house!

Our Business Development Manager, Michelle McNall, has just completed the course required to be able to train others within the community on how to become more dementia friendly and inclusive for all!

Are you interested in learning more about Dementia or would you, your family or your organization benefit from a Dementia Friends training?

The Fun Stuff
Can You Guess It?

"Gone with the Wind" is the highest-grossing film of all time (taking inflation into account) and the Academy Awards were first presented in 1929.

Speaking of firsts, what was the first film to release a soundtrack?

HINT: It is a Disney classic!


Fun With Words

Word searches are a fun way to pass the time but, more importantly, they are a great exercise for the brain!


Did you solve it? Find the answers here
Rhubarb-Brown Butter Bars Make a Perfect Spring Morning Snack!
These delicious homemade granola bars make a great snack and pair well with a cup of coffee!

Here's what you will need to make these:

  • 1 orange or 1/2 of a grapefruit (for zest and its juice)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb rhubarb, sliced crosswise and divided
  • Non-stick cooking oil spray
  • 1 1/4 cups blanched hazelnuts, raw pecans and/or raw or blanched almonds
  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp. Morton Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda