Sep 01

Older adults in an outdoor setting participating in an exercise class while maintaining social distance

Staying Active at Home During COVID-19

Due to the ongoing risks of COVID-19, many “in person” health and wellness classes for older adults have been canceled. However, there are many options for at-home workouts to help you remain active and healthy throughout the pandemic. If you prefer group workouts, many senior centers and gyms are offering exercise classes and instructional videos […]

Jul 13

Zach Strecker listening on phone in his role as a Friendly Visitor for Springwell

Conversation with a Friendly Visitor is just a phone call away

Due to the risks of COVID19, seniors have never been more isolated, and need to hear that there are people in the community who care about them. To help keep everyone physically distanced yet socially connected, Springwell’s Friendly Visitor program has transitioned smoothly to tele-visits. When Zach Strecker learned about Springwell’s Friendly Visitor program, he [...]

Jul 02

Paul Bemko ready to make phone call as Friendly Visitor

Friendly Visitors Transition to Calls

“It’s being a friend and making a difference in someone’s life,” says Paul Bemko when asked about being a volunteer in Springwell’s Friendly Visitor Program. Due to the risks of COVID19, seniors have never been more isolated, and need to hear that there are people in the community who care about them. To help keep [...]

Jun 25

Senior man, woman with their caregiver at home.

Effective Communication Strategies Through the Stages of Dementia

Springwell has remained open and providing services during the COVID19 pandemic, and that includes our regular program of staff development and education. Josh Obeiter, Dementia Ambassador and volunteer trainer recently led an annual remote web-based training for Springwell staff on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. The focus was how to communicate effectively with those living [...]

Jun 11

Volunteer Home delivered meal driver

What a difference a volunteer makes!

In 2015 at age 52 Ann McWalter sustained a traumatic brain injury which ended her career as a physical therapist overnight. “I wanted to be a physical therapist since I was 14. My career gave me a sense of identity, purpose and meaning. I loved the challenge of figuring out how to help people with […]

Mar 10

Home care Manager with senior citizen, Lea and her daughter

A Partnership that Works

Lea loves her in-home care workers. Her dedicated daughter Barbara is grateful for help that makes her busy life possible. Springwell coordinates it all. At 92, Lea has been blind for three years and has found adjusting to her loss of vision challenging. She spent much of her active adult life as a pharmacist, a […]

Mar 05

Two women smiling at each other on a couch

Ava and George: The Value of a Good Plan

Ava sits comfortably in her living room looking out her picture window at the birds, surrounded by beautiful furniture, some of which she has designed. She knows she is still able to enjoy her home and this view because of the careful planning and preparation she and her husband George did before challenges of health [...]

Mar 05

sign that says Home Safety is our priority

Understanding and Helping with Hoarding Disorder

When Springwell staff members meet with older adults in their homes about services and resources, they often assess safety of the residence and offer recommendations to help keep the person safe while living the way they like. A recommendation may be as simple as removing a scatter rug or adding a grab bar in a […]

Apr 20

wife and husband, Debbie and Robert at home supported by Elder Independence fund

Elder Independence Fund: Filling in the Gaps

Robert and Debbie were enjoying their careers, their hobby of swing dancing, and long walks together, when Robert suffered a stroke in 2012. For months, Debbie worried because she had no idea how she would take care of him when he came home from the hospital. Debbie’s first contact with Springwell was with our Caregiver […]