Nov 05
Marilyn is a true jack-of-all-trades: a scuba diver, a former professional singer, and a skilled craftswoman. For 25 years, she helped her lifelong friend Jeanne turn craftiness into a thriving home renovation business. The business worked so well because of the depth of their friendship and their teamwork. Eventually they also became housemates, when Marilyn […]
Sep 15
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million older Americans experience a fall each year. Among older adults, one out of five falls cause a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. As a result, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among people over age […]
Jun 06
“We welcome calls from anyone seeking information about aging or caregiving,” shares Jeanne Shapiro, Information & Referral Supervisor. The Information & Referral (I&R) team assists thousands of individuals and families, as well as other community professionals each year. They provide expert information, navigational support, and referrals to helpful and necessary services. The I&R team is [...]
May 26
As we age, chronic illnesses seem to take hold and can have a way of taking over our lives. Is your chronic illness managing you or can you manage it better to improve your quality of life? We hope the ideas below help you and your family or caregivers manage your chronic illness. Gain a [...]
May 19
A top priority at Springwell since our 2022 merger has been getting better acquainted with key organizations in the twenty-two communities we now serve. By better understanding how services for older adults are delivered in each town, we are learning who we can partner with to help support healthy aging and how to enrich those […]
Jan 14
Over the next eight years, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has committed to ensuring that 2,400 residents of long-term care facilities, like 71-year-old Jeanine at Timothy Daniels House, will get the help they need to transition back into the community. In June, with the help of the Community Transition Liaison Program at Springwell, Jeanine happily moved [...]
Nov 03
If you are lucky enough to have a few grandchildren, you may sometimes get a call that starts with “Hi Grandma, it’s me..” which then leaves you to rapidly sort through names in your head and quickly respond, “Is that you, Richard?” The phone connection may not be completely clear or your hearing may not [...]
Sep 26
Every four years, the Massachusetts State Plan on Aging is revised based on the needs of older adults (age 60+) and family caregivers. The Plan serves to shape the policy development and programs that the Executive Office of Elder Affairs will pursue to promote independence, empowerment, and well-being so those in need will have resources [...]
Jul 25
Caregiving responsibilities don't take a break - not even for the beautiful days of summer when they arrive. In fact, caregiving can make it challenging for both a caregiver and their care recipient to find time and energy to appreciate the opportunities presented by warmer weather. Here we are re-sharing some some ideas with a [...]
Nov 01
Disagreement about care decisions is one of the most difficult dilemmas that many caregivers face. The identified care recipient may deny that they need assistance, while their support community may believe that extra care would enhance their safety and comfort and give them a needed break from daily responsibilities. Maintaining independence and dignity is […]
