Art of Aging: Local in-home care spreading holiday magic

Thursday, December 19, 2019
The holidays are a time to get together with family and friends, but for seniors who lack a social circle, it can be a very lonely time.

To help, one local in-home care company is spreading some holiday magic to those in their care.
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"This should be fun. I'm sure she's going to really love this," said Lisa DiMeo, owner and president of Synergy Homecare Philadelphia

85-year-old Marguerite Valentino was recently surprised by some elves.

The initiative started about five years ago.

"So the Elders' Elves program gives us a chance to come and bring some holiday cheer to them," said DiMeo.



"We have a tree. We have some decorations here, so it should be fun, a little party, a little music. We have a radio," said caregiver, Antonina Screnci.

"They're gonna decorate it up and do things for me," said Valentino.
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This small gesture can reap big rewards.

"Look at what I got!" said Valentino, holding up an elf. "It counts a lot to me, what they're going to do, because it proves that they're thoughtful. Well see I try to be independent, but I'm very sick and I need help, especially now that my vision is going. And this is going to make a big difference."

Screnci, Valentino's caregiver, says this program is very important to those it touches.

"She loves the holidays. Marguerite is a fun character. She loves to sing, she'll pick you up in an instant," she said.



DiMeo says increased socialization is a great way to help seniors who may be missing their family.
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"And they decided that we needed to do a little bit of something, a little bit more special for them at the holidays to make them feel that they're cared for and loved," she said.

"She likes a friend to talk to, so it's very important for us to come every day because she needs that to be happy," added Screnci.

"But I'm happy I got Nina. I still joke around," said Valentino.

Elders' elves will also help with familiar holiday traditions, such as baking cookies.

"This is a good thing that they're doing, but some people just do it once a year. They take care of you all year," said Valentino.
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