Juniper Homecare promotes Aging in Place BY STACEY DRESNER
WEHA Bear Fair forges a lasting relationship between Juniper Homecare and the Alzheimer's Association Helping the ever-increasing senior adult population “age in place” is the goal of Juniper Homecare in West Hartford. “Providing the best possible care to help people stay at home is our main priority,” said Anton Brel, Juniper’s vice president of operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juniper’s services have literally been a lifesaver – providing homecare services to seniors who are not only at high risk of infection but were also extremely isolated during the quarantine period. Juniper caregivers, including more than 30 registered nurses, underwent countless COVID tests and took painstaking precautions that included wearing full PPE – Personal Protective Equipment – to be able to enter clients’ homes to provide the housekeeping, personal care, healthcare, and companionship which allow seniors to stay in their own homes safely and comfortably. Juniper’s four adult day centers around the state – in West Hartford, Hamden, Hartford, and New Britain –
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with a total enrollment of around 200 meal in a bag, knocked on the door and seniors, were forced to close for a few left it there – and we made sure our drivmonths during the height of COVID, ers would see the person come out and but Juniper’s Meals on Wheels program pick it up. Much of it we did probono, and its Elmwood Kitchen jumped in to just making sure people were okay and provide meals not only to their hometheir necessities were taken care of. care clients but to seniors who could no “We provided the families with longer attend the adult day centers. tremendous peace of mind. Just “I think that COVID opened everyknowing that someone was always body's eyes to the fact that staying at seeing mom and dad or grandma and home is probably the best possible way grandpa every day.” to age,” Brel said. “We worked with the Always looking for the next advanceConnecticut Association of Adult Day ment in senior adult care, Juniper has Centers and the Department of Social become the largest in-state provider Services, and we were of Connecticut’s Adult Family able to institute a wellCaregiving program. Through ness check and a Meals this program, family members on Wheels delivery. So, can become Direct CareGivers the people who would (DCG) for loved ones 65 and normally be getting that older in the same household kind of care were not left and can receive payment up to hanging. $28,000 tax free, depending on "We had the regular the level of care that the person nurses and the staff needs. Seniors must qualify calling on our people for the program under Title 19 twice a day. Anything and must meet certain income they might need – such as thresholds. medication – we would “It’s really unique. Honestly, deliver. it's like a lifeline for many It was a tough time, but people,” Brel said, emphasizing we doubled our meal prothe benefit especially for those gram during that period living with multi-generations in Founder and president because state agencies one household. and insurance companies Andrei Brel (above) “So, grandma might be living were calling us. Our meal and Anton Brel, with them, and they want to keep program was completely Juniper’s vice president her at home. If she gets sick, then of operations. touchless. We put the the options are that maybe she
