May 05

Supportive Housing Helps

Concepcion, who prefers to be called Connie, moved to the Brookline Supportive Housing program in early 2015 when a unit in an accessible building became available through the housing authority. Connie has lived in Brookline for a number of years and loves the area. A United States citizen for over fifty years, with roots in […]

Mar 22

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

After 36 years of teaching, and 22 years of attending to her mother’s needs, Marian still wanted to give back. In 2010, she saw an opportunity to volunteer for the Ombudsman program and reached out to learn more. Ombudsmen play a critical role in ensuring that residents of nursing homes and rest homes receive the [...]

Oct 15

PROTECTING SENIORS AT RISK OF ABUSE

The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or a “trusted individual” that harm, or may harm, a vulnerable senior. Abuse and neglect of seniors occurs in every community across the Commonwealth. As the protective services agency for 17 local towns and cities, Springwell has been […]

Oct 06

Springwell Testimony to the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs

Presentation by Ruth Beckerman-Rodau Chief Executive Officer of Springwell to The General Court of Massachusetts Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Hearing on Health Care and Long-Term Services and Supports October 6, 2015 I appreciate the opportunity to present testimony to you today. Springwell is one of 26 organizations across the Commonwealth that serve as the […]

Sep 14

FAST Teams: A New Approach to Addressing Elder Financial Abuse

Scam artists, fraudulent telemarketers, and even family members have become more sophisticated in targeting and defrauding seniors of more than $2.5 billion annually. Both Massachusetts and Springwell are at the forefront of developing innovative ways to respond to the complicated problem of financial abuse of seniors. Springwell is the lead agency for the greater Boston […]

Sep 12

Meet Officer Jon Bailey

In his 22 years of service on the Waltham Police Department, Officer Jon Bailey has received commendations and awards from a wide array of groups and organizations including the Waltham City Council, the Massachusetts State Senate, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He is the kind of ally that Springwell’s Protective Services Program […]

Jun 08

Better Together: Sharing Tasks & Friendships

Linda G. joined Springwell’s volunteer team in the true spirit of pay-it-forward. “My mother lives in Florida, and she’s always looking for a ride to the grocery store,” she says. “I’m not there to help her, but I thought I could help someone here.” Meanwhile, grocery shopping had become a challenge for Lea G. Macular […]

May 11

Home Care: A Solution that Works

When sixty-seven-year-old Tawney Wray slipped on the ice and needed shoulder surgery two years ago, the active power-walker didn’t know how to cope with being incapacitated. She went from being completely self-sufficient to being unable to lift or carry anything. Luckily, two different professionals in her life referred her to Springwell. Soon Tawney was enrolled [...]

Nov 07

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT PROGRAM GIVES CONTROL TO ADULTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

“I’d be here anyway,” says Lenora’s sister, Liza, “but with the Personal Care Attendant Program and Rachel’s help, I don’t have to worry about missing work, or making ends meet. This is my job.” Lenora, who at 54 years old, has been struggling with the impact that diabetes has had on her life, agrees, “Family is important […]