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 […]

Written by on September 1, 2020

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 [...]

Written by on July 13, 2020

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 [...]

Written by on July 2, 2020

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 [...]

Written by on June 25, 2020

Natasha and Sylvia, Springwell social workers

Care Managers Get Creative Amid COVID19 Risks

When COVID19 hit, everyone had to think differently about many aspects of daily living that previously were just part of normal routines. How do we get groceries? How can I fill my prescription? I need to talk with my physician, but how do I do a virtual visit? I’m alone and home bound so how [...]

Written by on June 22, 2020

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 […]

Written by on June 11, 2020

Linda LaSalle

Linda LaSalle of Newton: Volunteer Home Delivered Meal Driver

Prior to the COVID19 pandemic, Linda LaSalle loved her work as a music therapist for older adults at Milton Hospital and in her private practice. When the shelter at home order went into effect, Linda’s music therapy was halted. During a period of quiet reflection, Linda realized that she needed a role to help her [...]

Written by on May 15, 2020

David Simpson

David Simpson of Watertown: Volunteer Home Delivered Meal Driver

When COVID19 hit Massachusetts, David Simpson was between jobs and had just started to interview for a new job as an advertising production manager. Since the hiring process was slowed due to the pandemic, David looked for a valuable way to spend his time. He saw the request for volunteer home delivered meals drivers on [...]

Written by on May 11, 2020

Jodi Wolk

Jodi Wolk of Brookline: Volunteer Home Delivered Meal Driver

Before the COVID 19 pandemic took hold in Massachusetts, Brookline resident, Jodi Wolk focused her energy on her interior design business and playing tennis. For now, she has put those pursuits aside to volunteer for Springwell, delivering meals daily to homebound seniors. Jodi learned about Springwell’s urgent need for volunteer drivers through the Brookline Mutual [...]

Written by on May 8, 2020

Joe Coen

Joe Coen of Newton: Volunteer Home Delivered Meal Driver

Joe Coen, a lifelong Newton resident, retired on March 4 after working in MIT’s Event Office for 21 years. An energetic man, Joe planned to travel, send his friends postcards and visit Boston sites in a way that he never had time for while working. A week later the world changed due to the COVID-19 [...]

Written by on May 5, 2020