Riverside Care Advisors

Celebrating World Social Work Day & National Social Work Month! Every year, World Social Work Day is observed on the third Tuesday in March, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and impact of social workers across the globe. This day highlights the vital role social workers play in advocating for social justice, human rights, and community development, while also promoting best practices in the field. Social workers serve many essential roles in our communities: ? Assessing needs & challenges of individuals and families ? Advocating for clients to access vital resources ? Educating & guiding people through crises ? Responding to urgent situations with care and expertise At Riverside Care Advisors, we are honored to work alongside exceptional social workers who bring compassion, expertise, and advocacy to the aging life care field. ?? Christel Charlesworth, LICSW – A Life Enrichment Specialist has been with Riverside Care Advisors for three years. Christel is a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional who uses innovative, person-centered techniques to support individuals living with dementia. With her gentle approach, creativity, and deep understanding, she fosters engagement and connection, helping clients find joy and purpose in everyday life. Rachel Zalvan, LICSW, MPH, CMC – A Certified Aging Life Care Manager has been with Riverside Care Advisors for over five years. Rachel brings extensive experience in care planning, mental health support, and family dynamics. Her ability to balance practical solutions with heartfelt advocacy ensures that every client receives the highest quality of care, tailored to their unique needs. Social workers are indispensable in the field of Aging Life Care, helping older adults and their families navigate life’s most challenging transitions with empathy, expertise, and resilience. Join us in celebrating Christel, Rachel, and all social workers for the profound impact they make every day in the world. https://lnkd.in/eUypekB2 #WorldSocialWorkDay #NationalSocialWorkMonth #SocialWorkersAreEssential #AgingLifeCare #DementiaCare #MontessoriApproach #CareManagement #CompassionInCare

Bringing Joy Through the Senses: How Dementia Shapes Perception People living with dementia experience the world in ways that may seem unexpected to us. Their brains process sensory input differently, making them more likely to react to colors, sounds, and textures in ways that can bring both confusion and joy. ?? Why does this happen? The frontal lobes of the brain, which help us filter and inhibit reactions, are often affected by dementia. This means that certain stimuli—bright colors, movement, sounds—can capture attention in ways that others might ignore. ?? Seeing the World Differently Dementia can distort depth perception and spatial awareness. A static object may appear to be moving, or a simple parking line might seem like a step or wall to avoid. But just as these sensory changes can cause challenges, they can also create moments of joy. At Riverside Care Advisors, we have seen firsthand how sensory engagement can bring happiness: ?? The Client Who Loves Red One gentleman we work with notices every red car when he is on life enrichment trips. No matter where we are—at the park, by the water, or driving through town—his face lights up as he excitedly points out each red vehicle. “There’s another one!” he exclaims, delighted every time. For him, the color red brings connection and familiarity, a small but meaningful way he interacts with the world. ?? The Choir Member Who Still Sings Another client, a former choir member and musician, has difficulty recalling daily details, but the moment a familiar tune plays, every word and note comes back effortlessly. She sings with passion, dances to the rhythm, and even remembers the compositions she once performed. Music brings her into the present, filling her with joy and a sense of self that dementia cannot take away. ?? Harnessing Sensory Engagement for Joy Instead of minimizing sensory experiences, we can use them to create positive moments: ? Encouraging conversation about vibrant artwork ?? Using painting to express emotions through music ?? Playing familiar sounds or favorite songs for comfort By embracing these sensory connections, we can bring happiness, ease anxiety, and foster meaningful engagement—one color, one song, and one joyful moment at a time. #DementiaAwareness #DementiaCare #SensoryEngagement For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/4hkz6Ou https://lnkd.in/eUypekB2

Supporting Clients Through Sundowning After Daylight Savings For professionals working with individuals living with dementia, the Spring Forward time change presents unique challenges. The disruption of circadian rhythms and the body’s natural hormonal adjustments can worsen sundowning symptoms, leading to increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening. ?? Why Does Daylight Savings Impact Dementia Symptoms? Dementia affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, making adaptation harder. Heightened sensitivity to change – Clients may experience increased disorientation, anxiety, or confusion due to shifting daylight hours. Mood & behavior changes – Caregivers often report more frequent sundowning episodes like pacing, wandering, or agitation. ?? Common Unmet Needs That Can Trigger Sundowning: ??? Hunger or thirst ?? Fatigue from a long day ?? Need to use the restroom ?? Physical discomfort or pain ?? Emotional Needs Often Expressed as Agitation: ?? Anger | ?? Sadness | ??♂? Loneliness | ?? Fear | ?? Boredom ? Proactive Strategies: ? Maintain a structured routine – Consistency helps regulate internal body clocks. ? Maximize natural light exposure – Morning sunlight supports circadian rhythms. ? Engage in calming sensory experiences like aromatherapy ? Incorporate familiar activities – Simple, purposeful tasks like folding laundry or setting the table can ease distress. ? Create a soothing evening environment – Reduce noise, dim harsh lighting, and play soft music. At Riverside Care Advisors, our Care Management & Life Enrichment Services provide tailored strategies to help support clients through sundowning challenges and enhance quality of life. Interested in learning more about Riverside Care Advisors? Call Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC, Owner of Riverside Care Advisors at 617-686-2960 https://lnkd.in/eUypekB2 #DementiaCare #SundowningSupport #DaylightSavings #SpringForward #CircadianRhythms #CareManagement #LifeEnrichment #AgingLifeCare #GeriatricCare #CaregiverSupport #RiversideCareAdvisors

Introducing a New Networking Group for Holistic Aging & Wellness Professionals! Are you a professional who works in the health and wellness field: naturopathic doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, or cannabis nurse looking to connect with like-minded professionals in the Northshore of Boston? Join us in creating a community-driven networking group dedicated to bringing awareness to local resources that enhance the health and wellness of older adults. Our goal is to foster collaboration and education so that aging adults have access to the best holistic care options available. ? Why Join? ?? Expand your professional network ?? Share knowledge and best practices ?? Learn about innovative wellness solutions for older adults ?? Strengthen referral relationships within the community ?? Date: March 27, 2025 ? Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ?? Location: Riverside Care Advisors | 37 ? Forrester Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 RSVP: https://bit.ly/3QEiMNn #HolisticAging #WellnessNetworking #ElderCare #CommunityResources #IntegrativeHealth #HealthyAging #TheWellnessExchange #Networking #RiversideCareAdvisors https://lnkd.in/eUypekB2 [email protected]

Honoring Caregivers on National Caregivers Day – February 21st As professionals in the field of aging life care, we understand the physical, emotional, and mental toll caregiving takes. Whether it's family members stepping into a caregiving role or professional caregivers providing critical support, the demands of this work are immense. National Caregivers Day, observed on the third Friday of February (February 21 this year), recognizes all types of caregivers—family, professional, independent, private duty, and informal. Many serve without financial compensation, driven by compassion and dedication. At Riverside Care Advisors, we know that even the most experienced professionals can face caregiver fatigue and burnout. Our Aging Life Care team partners with families, elder law attorneys, and care providers to develop sustainable care plans, coordinate resources, and ensure the highest quality of life for aging individuals. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of all caregivers and recognize the importance of collaborating to support them. Together, we can help ease the burden and improve outcomes for those we serve. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hkz6Ou #NationalCaregiversDay #ElderCare #CaregiverSupport #AgingLifeCare #RiversideCareAdvisors #CollaborationInCare

Introducing a New In Person Networking Group for Holistic Aging & Wellness Professionals! Do you work on the Northshore of Boston? Specifically, around Newburyport, Danvers, Cape Ann, Salem, Andover or Southern New Hampshire? Are you a Naturopathic Doctor, Dietitian, Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, Personal Chef, Chiropractor or Cannabis Nurse looking to connect with like-minded professionals? Join us in creating a community-driven networking group dedicated to bringing awareness to local resources that enhance the health and wellness of older adults. Our goal is to foster collaboration and education so that aging adults have access to the best holistic care options available. Looking forward to meeting you!

Celebrating One Year with Karen Nolette! This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Karen Nolette’s one-year anniversary with Riverside Care Advisors! As a Life Enrichment Specialist and Personal Trainer, Karen has brought so much joy, energy, and companionship to our clients. Karen has a special gift—she quickly befriends everyone she meets! With our clients, she gains their trust, and, most importantly, makes every visit fun! Clients rave that she has become their best friend, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s enjoying lunch at a favorite spot, taking a scenic ride to the beach, shopping for new clothes or visiting the nail salon. Karen makes every outing special and ensures that each client’s day is a little brighter. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication are what make her such a valued part of our team. Happy One-Year Anniversary, Karen! We are so grateful for you and the incredible impact you have on our clients’ lives! If you or someone you know could benefit from the expertise of an Aging Life Care Manager, contact Riverside Care Advisors at ?? 617-686-2960 or schedule a discovery call with Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC, Owner of Riverside Care Advisors here: bit.ly/4hkz6Ou #WorkAnniversary #AgingLifeCare #LifeEnrichment #PersonalTrainer #ElderCare #AgingWell #RiversideCareAdvisors #CelebratingOurTeam

Celebrating One Year with Karen Nolette! This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Karen Nolette’s one-year anniversary with Riverside Care Advisors! As a Life Enrichment Specialist and Personal Trainer, Karen has brought so much joy, energy, and companionship to our clients. Karen has a special gift - she makes a friend everywhere she goes! When it comes to our clients she gains their trust, and, most importantly, makes every visit fun! Clients rave that she has become their best friend, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s enjoying lunch at a favorite spot, taking a scenic ride to the beach, shopping for new clothes, or visiting the nail salon. Karen makes every outing special and ensures that each client’s day is a little brighter. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication are what make her such a valued part of our team. Happy One-Year Anniversary, Karen! We are so grateful for you and the incredible impact you have on our clients’ lives! Join us in celebrating Karen in the comments! If you or someone you know could benefit from personal training or life enrichment, contact Riverside Care Advisors at ?? 617-686-2960 or schedule a discovery call with Rhiannon Stare here: bit.ly/4hkz6Ou #WorkAnniversary #AgingLifeCare #LifeEnrichment #PersonalTrainer #ElderCare #AgingWell #RiversideCareAdvisors #CelebratingOurTeam

Celebrating the Incredible Work of Kristen Arcand, OT, Aging Life Care Manager! At Riverside Care Advisors, we are fortunate to have a team of compassionate, skilled professionals dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and their families. Today, we’re highlighting Kristen Arcand, OTR/L, whose expertise and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of the clients she serves. Nothing speaks louder than the words of a grateful family: “Having Kristen's help has been a wonderful gift to our family. After meeting my parents, she followed their cues and fostered a trusting relationship. Her clinical expertise and professional manner have been key in assisting with doctor's appointments, troubleshooting medical equipment challenges, and addressing medication questions. My brother and I are so happy to have Kristen involved, but I know no one appreciates her more than my parents. She supports them as they enjoy the independence of living at home. Kristen is an excellent communicator and approaches challenges with positivity and a can-do attitude—this goes such a long way when navigating the complexities of medical care can be so frustrating. Our work with Riverside Care Advisors has far exceeded our expectations, and we are so happy to have these supports in our community.” With gratitude, Ashley W., PhD, RN, FAAN Kristen’s ability to build trust, advocate for clients, and navigate complex healthcare challenges with a positive and solutions-oriented mindset is what makes her such an asset to our team. We are so proud of the impact she has on the families we support! If you or someone you know could benefit from the expertise of an Aging Life Care Manager, contact Riverside Care Advisors at ?? 617-686-2960 or schedule a discovery call with Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC, Owner of Riverside Care Advisors here: bit.ly/4hkz6Ou #AgingLifeCare #CareManagement #ElderCare #AgingParents #HealthcareAdvocacy #RiversideCareAdvisors #ClientAppreciation #TeamSpotlight