Wishing one and all the very best of health, happiness and prosperity for 2013!
Have a safe and wonderful New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wishing one and all the very best of health, happiness and prosperity for 2013!
Have a safe and wonderful New Year!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Wee Care Nanny wants to wish one and all a joyous holiday season and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. We truly appreciate your patronage and look forward to working with everyone in 2013!
Warmest regards,
Marc, Mellisa, Carol, Anne
& The Staff at Wee Care Nanny Agency
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Determining if an Aging Parent Needs In-Home Care
Wee Care has excellent live-in/out companions available and can help ease the transition if you determine a parent needs in-home assistance.
Should Your Parents Still Be Living on Their Own
Written By : Mark Myers
As we age, giving up independence is one of the hardest things to do. Determining when it is the right time for a senior to move out of their home can be difficult. Here are tips that will help know how to make the decision when you parents should not be living alone any longer.
First, you must know this decision will be met with resistance, especially if your loved one is not injured and can still get around. You will need to be prepared to help them through this with sensitivity and understanding.
But there are some very basic activities they must still be able to accomplish if they are going to continue safely living on their own.
Questions to ask and observations to make: Continue article here
Posted by Wee Care Companions
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
As we approach our 12th year serving the NY and CT Tri-State region, we want to say thank you. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you, serve your communities, and for the many wonderful relationships we have formed throughout the years. We wish you and your loved ones a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
The staff at Wee Care Nanny Agency
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Warning Signs that an Elderly Parent May Need Help at Home
Should Your Parents Still Be Living on Their Own
Written By : Mark Myers
As we age, giving up independence is one of the hardest things to do. Determining when it is the right time for a senior to move out of their home can be difficult. Here are tips that will help know how to make the decision when you parents should not be living alone any longer.
First, you must know this decision will be met with resistance, especially if your loved one is not injured and can still get around. You will need to be prepared to help them through this with sensitivity and understanding. Continue article here
Posted By Wee Care Companions
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
National Nanny Recognition Week- Ways to Show Appreciation For Your Nanny
National Nanny Recognition Week
Thank you to all the dedicated and loving professional nannies for the wonderful care you provide to your charges. Wee Care sincerely appreciates the valuable service you provide to families year after year.
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Friday, September 14, 2012
Another Nanny Scam on Craigslist
Another troubling story of deceit on Craigslist. Story in the NYT about people trying to scam nannies on the posting site. Caveat emptor!
The Willing Nanny, the Happy Family: Too Good to Be True
The e-mail arrived two weeks ago.
“I am a Nanny/Babysitter,” it read, “looking for a live out position starting ASAP.”
It was from a woman named Flavia Wasescha. She was responding to an ad on Craigslist posted by Venus Clemons, who was looking for a baby sitter for her 18-month-old son, Jamie.
Ms. Clemons replied with an e-mail...continue reading herePosted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Monday, August 6, 2012
Teaching Senior Citizens How to Use Computers - 10 Tips
Teaching Seniors Computers - 10 Tips
Written By : Michael Gorzka
I've been teaching library computer classes since 1997. Here are my top 10 tips for teaching seniors how to use a computer.
Continue article here
Posted By Wee Care Companions
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Results from Four on the Fourth Race in New Canaan, CT July 4, 2012
Happy Fourth of July- Results from 4 on the 4th Road Race in New Canaan, CT July 4th, 2012
We had a great time this morning at the race and
enjoyed seeing everyone. We look forward to
providing the refreshments and games for the kids again next year.
Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July.
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Monday, June 25, 2012
Four on the Fourth Road Race in New Canaan, CT on July 4, 2012
4 on the 4th road race in New Canaan, Connecticut
July 4th is the 30th annual (Four on the Fourth) Independence Day Race in New Canaan, CT. Great way to start off the day with a 4 mile run along scenic Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan.
Please stop by and say hello as Wee Care Nanny Agency will again be sponsoring post-race refreshments at the finish line and giving out frisbees and beach balls for the children.
July 4, 2012
9 AM St. Mark's Church, Rt. 124, New Canaan, CT
Saturday, June 23, 2012
5K Road Race and Fireworks Show In Pound Ridge, NY on June 30th
Saturday, June 30, 2012
9:00 AM (5K)
10:00 AM-11:00 AM (Kids’ Races)
Race and Fireworks Information
And the spectacular annual Fireworks show starts around dusk in the Pound Ridge Town Park.
It is a great day of fun for the whole family and we hope to see you there.
Saturday, June 30th 2012
Pound Ridge Town Park 199 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Helping Seniors to Stay Active and Engaged
Creating Interactive Activities for Seniors
Written By : SeniorsList
While contemporary living has simplified life for many individuals, it has also made it easier to fall into living an inactive lifestyle. In the past, many seniors lived productive and meaningful lives where they took an active part in society. Today, many people find that retirement does not bring about all of the relaxation and enjoyment they had hoped for. This is why it is so important to stay active by finding life-fulfilling activities. Instead of watching endless amounts of TV or other passive activities, there are many interactive activities available that are likely to provide more enjoyment.
Social Interaction (continue article here)
Posted by Wee Care Companions
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
As we know being a caregiver can be a very challenging and rewarding experience. All caregivers need to also remember to always make the time to properly look after themselves.
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
Written By : Catharine Allado
Caring for an aging parent or loved one is a very challenging task. It requires a lot of time, patience and understanding. Most of the time, caregivers become very busy taking care of others that they tend to forget to take care of themselves. This can result in to stress, anxiety, frustration and exhaustion, which may eventually lead to "Caregiver Burnout."
Caregiver Burnout can occur when a caregiver becomes overwhelmed and tired emotionally, physically and mentally. This makes it more difficult for caregivers to continue care and constantly meet the demands of their elderly loved one.
Prevent Caregiver Burnout (Continue Article Here)
Posted by Wee Care Companions
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
Written By : Catharine Allado
Caring for an aging parent or loved one is a very challenging task. It requires a lot of time, patience and understanding. Most of the time, caregivers become very busy taking care of others that they tend to forget to take care of themselves. This can result in to stress, anxiety, frustration and exhaustion, which may eventually lead to "Caregiver Burnout."
Caregiver Burnout can occur when a caregiver becomes overwhelmed and tired emotionally, physically and mentally. This makes it more difficult for caregivers to continue care and constantly meet the demands of their elderly loved one.
Prevent Caregiver Burnout (Continue Article Here)
Posted by Wee Care Companions
Monday, June 4, 2012
It's Summertime, Make Sure All Children are Using Lots of Sunscreen
Interesting article in the New York Times about teaching children at an early age to take sun exposure seriously. Studies show childhood is the most important time for avoiding sunburns and sun induced harm that can cause skin cancer and deadly melanomas.
Slathering on Sunscreen, Early and Often
By JANE E. BRODY
"Unless sun protection practices are established early in life as inviolable habits, akin to using seat belts in a vehicle, children become increasingly lax as they get older about preventing sunburns that can lead to life-threatening cancers decades later." Read the article here.
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Friday, May 11, 2012
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
I think our 16th President said it best- "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."- Abraham Lincoln
Happy Mother's Day from all of us here at Wee Care Nanny Agency. We wish you and your family all the best, and hope you have a wonderful and memorable day.
Happy Mother's Day from all of us here at Wee Care Nanny Agency. We wish you and your family all the best, and hope you have a wonderful and memorable day.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tips for Caregivers to Improve their Client's Quality of Life
Improving Quality of Life
Written By : Dr. Marion Somers
One important thing to do when starting out as a caregiver is to assess
your elder's quality of life, and look for ways to improve it. However,
you have to know someone's background in order to help improve his or
her quality of life. So as soon as I begin with a new client, I gather a
sample skill inventory. This is a basic checklist that reveals who
someone is, what his or her hobbies are (or were), and what other areas
he or she may be interested in exploring or learning about. The answers
you get will begin to point you in a clear direction so you can help
improve your elder's quality of life. Continue article here
Posted By Wee Care Companions
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
What Happened to all the Irish Nannies in the New York Metropolitan Area?
We were proud to take part and be a sponsor of "National Nanny Training Day" in NYC on April 30, 2012. We connected with old friends, met some wonderful nannies and had a great time. Orla O'Sullivan, a writer for the Irish Echo, reported on the event. The article discusses how nannies of Irish decent, once so common in the NY metro area, are now becoming extinct in Manhattan and the surrounding suburbs. Sad but true!
Mellisa Peckham, of Wee Care Nanny Agency was interviewed for the article. Read the article here
I hope you enjoy it.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Last Chance to be a Part of National Nanny Training Day in NYC on Saturday, April 28th 2012
Wee Care Nanny Agency is proud to be a sponsor of National Nanny
Training Day "NNTD" being held at the wonderful Don't Tell Mama
Cabaret Restaurant in Manhattan (343 West 46th Street) on April 28,
2012. A few Tickets are still available at the door and a registration
link is located at the bottom of this post.
What is National Nanny
Training Day?
NNTD offers a full day of training for nannies featuring
many experienced industry leaders speaking on a variety of topics like caring
for the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and recreational needs of your charges. In short, you will get some additional insight on how to
be an excellent caregiver, and build and maintain a great working relationship with the family.
What do you get?
4 amazing childcare related workshops:
4 amazing childcare related workshops:
- How to Keep Your Cool When the Children Are Driving You Crazy - Dr. Michael Sweeney - Metropolitan Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Essential Skills for Nannies - Listening, Communication , Negotiating and more- Denyse Kapelus - owner Professional Nannies Institute in Manhattan
- Child Development - The importance of Play- Sarah Phillips Mathews -Sarah Lawrence College Child Development Institute
- "In the mind of parents" what parents are thinking during interviews, trials and during your time as a nanny" what to do and not to do to have the best relationship possible? - Tammy Gold - Gold Parent Coaching
Buffet Luncheon
Network with other local nannies and
agencies
Gift bags, door prizes and other fun
activities!
Attendees can
enter: http://nannybizreviews.com/2012/03/nntd-raffles/
**Our charity for this event
is for the USO - Military Program United Through Reading. We invite you to bring
in a book donation for this terrific causes for our US Troop Families. The
program has a wish list of books to choose from. We will be making cards to be
sent along with the books.**
New York City -
National Nanny Training Day
Sponsored by: Smartsitting.com
Saturday, April 28th, 2012
Registration 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
Location: Don't Tell Mama Cabaret
Restaurant
343 W 46th St
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 757-0788
10:00 - 3:45 Workshops and lunch
REGISTER NOW: NNTD in NYC has only 20 more tickets available. These
tickets are CASH Only and payable at the door (as venue must be paid in cash).
You must pre register at http://nycnntd2012.eventbrite.com/
to reserve your spot http://nycnntd2012.eventbrite.com/
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The FBI Requests the Public's Help in Apprehending a Fugitive that May Pose Online as a Tutor or Nanny
An alleged child pornographer who may advertise online as a tutor or male nanny was recently added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Eric Justin Toth, 30, was indicted in Maryland in 2008 for producing child pornography. Since warrants were issued for his arrest several years ago, Toth has been travelling across the country. Authorities are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Toth's capture.
This information comes to us from Jessica Barefoot at the FBI Office of Public Affairs. Wee Care Nanny and our colleagues at the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies are hopeful that by spreading the word we can alert the public and help law enforcement apprehend him. Click the links below for his "Wanted" poster and more information from the FBI:
Wanted Eric Justin Toth
Fugitive from Washington, D.C. Area Named to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List http://www.fbi.gov/
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Friday, March 30, 2012
National Nanny Training Day in NYC on April 28, 2012
3 WORKSHOPS - How to keep your cool when the kids are driving you crazy
Words to pictures children literacy/child development
Essential Skills for Nannies - communication, listening, negotiating, etc
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Car Insurance and Other Matters to be Addressed When Asking a Nanny to Use Her Own Vehicle for Work
This article comes to us from Tom Breedlove from Breedlove & Associates. Tom discusses some insurance issues to be cognizant of when asking the nanny to use her own vehicle for work related tasks, including transporting the children.
We would add that another related issue to be mindful of is that many nannies do not have newer vehicles, which could pose some safety concerns. You need to make ceretain the car is in excellent mechanical condition and the nanny is truly comfortable using it for work, and has the proper insurance in place. Of course, if the nanny offers to use her own vehicle, the family should cover wear and tear, reimburse for gas and any additional cost for added insurance. All these matters need to be properly addressed well before the nanny starts her new job.
We would add that another related issue to be mindful of is that many nannies do not have newer vehicles, which could pose some safety concerns. You need to make ceretain the car is in excellent mechanical condition and the nanny is truly comfortable using it for work, and has the proper insurance in place. Of course, if the nanny offers to use her own vehicle, the family should cover wear and tear, reimburse for gas and any additional cost for added insurance. All these matters need to be properly addressed well before the nanny starts her new job.
The Legal Review shares findings from real-world situations
in an effort to illuminate potential tax and legal landmines
and how to help families avoid them.
| AUTO INSURANCE Most caregivers are asked to drive as a regular part of their job -- using either the family's car or their own car. Either way, the errands and excursions can create exposure for families if auto insurance is not properly addressed. In this issue of The Legal Review, we've created a hypothetical case in order to illustrate the potential issues related to on-the-job automobile usage. |
| |
| The Situation A family hires a full-time nanny to take care of their 2 children. The family knows they will need the nanny to perform regular driving duties so they search for -- and find -- a candidate who has her own car and auto insurance. Once the nanny says she has her own vehicle and insurance, the family moves to the next item on their checklist. They don't give another moment's thought about auto insurance because they assume that the nanny's coverage is adequate. |
| |
| The Law The state laws for auto insurance vary widely -- with each state having its own requirements for minimum coverage in the areas of liability and property damage. Within each state, the various insurance providers typically have some latitude to include or exclude certain "extraneous" provisions. What's covered by one provider may be excluded by another -- and use of a vehicle by a nanny for "business" purposes (as opposed to personal use) falls into the category of "extraneous" provisions. The bottom line: to truly understand what's covered and what's not, you have to call your insurance agent. If an employer asks an employee to drive as a regular part of the job, it's important for the employer to understand their coverage -- and that of their employee -- because of a legal concept known as "vicarious liability." Generally, employers are vicariously liable for the acts of their employees. That means that, if the nanny were to hurt someone while driving on the job, the employer may have secondary liability for damages caused by their employee. |
| |
| The Mess One day, the nanny is in a hurry to get the kids across town to a very important piano recital. In trying to beat a red light, the nanny hits an oncoming vehicle. The passenger in the other vehicle is injured.
The family now finds out that the nanny's insurance policy is a "basic" policy, which means that it only meets the state-required coverage minimums. In this particular state, the minimum required coverage is:
The injured party sues for $25,000 in property damages and $100,000 in liability for medical bills, lost wages and pain & suffering. |
| |
| The Outcome The plaintiff wins the lawsuit and is awarded full damages.
The nanny's auto insurance provider covers the property damages and liability up to the limits. (Note: Some insurance companies may deny this claim on the grounds that the accident happened during "business" use and, therefore, does not fall under the personal use stipulations of the policy).
Because the nanny is under-insured, the employer is responsible for the balance of the damages because they are held to have vicarious liability for the actions of their employee. The employer's insurance company does not pick up the tab because the nanny was not included on the family's policy. |
| |
| How the Whole Thing Can Be Avoided
Obviously, this case is extreme. But it's not out of the realm of possibility given the number of serious accidents on our roads and the litigious nature of our society.
The good news is this kind of nightmare scenario is easy to avoid. Families who have an employee driving on their behalf should contact their insurance agent and discuss auto insurance coverage for their nanny -- regardless of whose car will be used. The family and their agent should look at the nanny's coverage and the family's coverage collectively. Once a variety of factors have been analyzed (i.e. who's car is being driven, how many business use miles will be driven as a regular part of the job, what are the liability limits for each policy, etc.), the agent can provide a customized recommendation for minimizing exposure from auto accidents. |
| |
| |
If you have additional questions about this or any other aspect of household employment tax and labor law, please call 888-BREEDLOVE (888-273-3356) or visit us online. We're here to help.
Sincerely,
Tom Breedlove
Breedlove & Associates, LLC
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Dateline NBC Investigation finds Thousands of Day Care Centers Have Workers with Criminal Records
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Helping Senior Citizens Stay Active and Engaged
Activities for Seniors
Written By : SeniorsList
We wanted to share this with our many wonderful elder care companions that provide loving care and help enrich their client's lives.
There are many misconceptions about what senior citizens can and can’t do. For some reason, it is believed that once a person reaches the age that allows them to be referred to as senior citizens they can no longer live an active life. This however is not the case. As long as they are in good physical health, there should be no reason for them not to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle. In fact, they will undoubtedly be excited about being involved in any activity that arouses them. No matter their age, daily activities should be a top priority.
Research shows that being socially active has positive effects on the general health and well-being of individuals throughout their lives. People with a variety of social ties have a lower death rate and decline in memory. Social activities are in fact, just as significant for seniors as exercise. Maintaining speed, muscle strength and dexterity through young adulthood into older age is a result of being socially active. Doing volunteer work, going to social gatherings and sports events or maybe visiting friends are all factors in maintaining good physical health...Continue article here
Posted by Wee Care Companions
Friday, February 17, 2012
Online Babysitting Sites-Caveat Emptor
More Negative Press for SitterCity
This article comes to us from the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA). Wee Care Nanny is a long-time member and currently serves on its board.
In the past 4 weeks, there have been two additional news stories involving the online matching service, SitterCity. In one case, a Massachusetts woman was accused of stealing $40,000 in jewelry from two families she found on the website. This individual had cleared a SitterCity "background check", which we know does little more than provide a false sense of security to vulnerable parents. Another more tragic case involves a second grade teacher who has been indicted on child pornography and abuse charges. He has also been accused of participating in a child exploitation ring. While we cannot stop these terrible events from occurring, we would like to encourage all APNA agencies to continue to educate parents about the value of proper screening, reference evaluation, and background checks; all services that are included in the APNA agency process.
We at Wee Care Nanny Agency find these two cases extremely disturbing and heartbreaking. We believe the public needs to be better educated about online listing services.
Tragically, in our opinion, the proliferation of online bulletin boards like SitterCity, Care .com, Craigslist, etc. has led to increased crimes against children by inexperienced, unstable or even criminal minded individuals masquerading as professional caregivers. These sites have no barriers to entry. Anyone can post their profile on these sites and hold himself or herself out as an experienced and qualified caregiver. No one is bothering to verify the job seeker’s information before it is posted, or in some cases at all.
In light of this, we thought this was a good time to re post the article we wrote in June 2009 titled "Greenwich Nanny's Arrest Prompts Hiring Advice". We hope this provides insight on how to properly vet and hire a professional nanny, babysitter or other type of caregiver.
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency
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