Do you want to know the best way to support senior loved ones who need assistance? It’s introducing locally-based resources a little-by-little.
Not only does this ensure seniors have access to what they need when they need it – it makes the conversations around long-term care plans more palatable.
Rather than announcing it’s time to hire a live-in caregiver, you step in months or years prior, introducing resources, services, and community-based offerings one or two at a time.
Senior residents in Barnstable are fortunate because the local Senior Center here partners with a range of service providers to offer well-rounded senior care resources and support.
Quick-Guide To Senior Care Resources In Barnstable
With that in mind, we’ve curated a Quick Guide to Senior Care Resources in Barnstable and surrounding areas. From driving and meal services to respite care and in-home support – we’ve got you covered.
Transportation
Once seniors lose the ability to drive, they can become lonely and depressed because they’re immediately restricted from the day-to-day activities and outings they enjoy. The best way to convince a senior to hand in his/her keys is to have transportation options ready for review.
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authorities offers multiple public transportation options for seniors.
The Bus
For fully-mobile and independent seniors, the regular bus system is an efficient, convenient and affordable way to get around town and to connect to other major transportation options – such as the train, airports, nearby cities, etc.
Dial-A-Ride
The Dial-a-Ride Transportation (DART) option offers appointment-based, door-to-door services for seniors and those requiring mobility assistance. Rides are available Monday – Saturday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, and limited Sunday options. Service is suspended for most legal holidays. Call (800) 352-7155 for more information.
The Silver Express
The Silver Express is a senior-centric transportation service helping seniors, “…stay connected to their community and age-in-place in their homes, providing them with a sense of independence and reducing social isolation.”
Cars and vans are reserved on a first-come/first serve basis, M-F, from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. Silver Express runs on donations (asking price of $3 one-way or $5 roundtrip) to get seniors to medical appointments, adult day programs, shopping, and banking.
Call 508-862-4752 for more information.
Personal Drivers
Home care providers are available for both companion and driving services. Seniors can go along for the ride or have errands run for them. Most importantly, seniors have access to social engagements, church services, community events, etc. – on their time schedule.
Meal Support & Preparation
Seniors are at risk for malnutrition – no matter how well-off they are – because shopping for ingredients, preparing food, and cleaning up afterward is exhausting. Eating healthy meals and snacks a greater challenge for those with dementia.
Ensuring seniors have access to tasty, nutritious meals on a regular basis is a foundational tenet of quality senior care.
Meals On Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a wonderful option for seniors, delivering a healthy meal to their door, five days a week. Seniors can order extra meals to be delivered during the week so they can heat them up on weekends or holidays. Some senior centers offer Dine-in-Centers, where these meals are served at family-style tables to encourage social interaction.
Meals are a donation-based service (asking price is $3 per meal) but no senior is ever denied. Call 508-394-4630 or 1-800-244-4630 to learn more.
In-Home Meal Preparation
Shopping and/or meal preparation is a top-requested homecare service.
Home care aides can come in once a week, multiple times a week or daily to prepare meals that include the client’s favorite foods, but also adhere to dietary restrictions/recommendations.
Meals can be prepared ahead of time for easy reheating, and the caregiver can always stay to keep the client company.
Adult Day Programs & Respite Care Options
Allowing seniors to age-in-place is proven to promote independence and minimize the stress of major moves or transitions. However, those benefits rely on access to socialization and the activities/events they enjoy.
Senior Centers
Your local Senior Center is the first place to check-in. Even if they don’t offer a full-time adult day program, you’ll have access to a calendar-of-events and programs available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Click Here to view examples of the activities, games, outings, and programs hosted by the Barnstable Senior Center or give them a call at 508-862-4750 for more specific information.
Adult Day Programs
Adult Day Programs are a smart option for caregiving spouses or family members who still work part- or full-time, or for seniors who live further away from family or their peer group.
The Barnstable Adult Day Program is dedicated to adults 60-years+ who have cognitive or physical limitations making it difficult or impossible to remain home alone.
Respite Care For Caregivers
Caregivers need – and deserve – a break. Not only is caregiver burnout a serious issue for the caregiver, it ultimately diminishes the level of care a senior receives.
Homecare agencies provide respite care as little or as often as needed, ranging from a few hours or a day here and there to full week at a time so you have the ability to take a much-needed vacation.
Contact local caregiving agencies to schedule a consultation and learn more about short- and long-term respite care options.
Part- And Full-Time Home Care
Enlisting the help of part- or full-time home care aides costs notably less than transferring seniors into assisted living, and it’s less than half the cost of nursing home facilities in Barnstable.
We recommend scheduling in-home assessments with at least three separate, home care providers.
In addition to choosing the best home care agency for your household, you’ll also glean helpful homecare tips such as how to make the home safer and more accessible and advice on creating prospective long-term care plans based specifically on your loved one’s needs.
Read, Important Information When Choosing Home Care Services and learn about what to evaluate and the types of questions to ask during the selection process.
Accessing Senior Care Resources In Barnstable, MA
This Quick Guide to Senior Care Resources in Barnstable is a great starting point to helping you find the best-suited care for your senior loved one.