"Doug Hano has struggled for years to find reliable care for his wife, Kirsten, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Once a “rock star” in the advertising industry, Kirsten, 58, now needs help with most basic tasks, including dressing, taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and eating. A string of inexperienced or unreliable home care workers, one of whom was present when Kirsten tripped on a curb outside and fell, leaving her requiring stitches, have left Hano frustrated and heartbroken.
“Here I am trying to spend extra money for peace of mind or better service,” he said, “but it’s very clear that the availability of good folks is limited.”
Massachusetts is one of only four states without a licensing process for private, nonmedical home care agencies, said Harrison Collins, director of legislative affairs for the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, an industry group representing about 200 agencies that provide help with the tasks of daily living, including bathing and toileting, household chores, and basic companionship."
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