Sep 05

Little Things Add up to Big Things

As we go through life, challenges that we least expect can become daunting.  While we can access medical care through insurance policies, programs and clinics, it is often the subtle or chronic physical and mental challenges that make other types of help valuable to improve safety and quality of life.   When informal supports are not [...]

May 15

Malnutrition in the Elderly

Springwell’s Nutrition Program is helping seniors better understand the risks of malnutrition and make them aware of solutions to this common problem. Malnutrition is dangerous because it leads to bone loss which can trigger falls and fractures. Diets low in calcium, a lack of adequate sun and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to bone loss. Bone [...]

May 07

Why are we concerned about older drivers?

Debra A. Kerrigan, MS, OTR/L, from the Drive Safe Program at Newton Wellesley Hospital, visited Springwell to discuss ways to help seniors and their families understand if it is time to curtail or stop driving. While many older adults are safe drivers, the majority of older adults will outlive their ability to drive safely by [...]

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 […]

Apr 02

Diet Fads: Facts and Fiction for Seniors

For National Nutrition Month, Meghan Ostrander, Nutrition Director at Springwell, presented a special program titled, Fad Diets- Pros and Cons at Community Dining sites in Springwell’s service area. Ostrander succinctly laid out claims, as well as potential benefits and risks, of four of the new most popular diet trends. Before starting any new diet plan, [...]

Jan 10

Thriving through social connection

Social isolation can challenge senior citizens who find it more difficult to get out of the house than when they were younger. A friendly visitor can make a valuable difference in their quality of life. Ruth, an energetic 90 year old artist, relocated to Waltham two years ago to be near medical care and her […]

Nov 21

Companionship & Community – Better Together

When you enter the home where 93-year old Tecla has lived since 1973, her welcome is warm, friendly and lively. As you chat and learn about her early widowhood, her determination to raise her two children independently, and her long work life cleaning homes, her resilience is inspiring. Tecla is animated on many topics, but […]

Sep 27

Senior Isolation Is A Health Issue

September 28 is Good Neighbor Day 2018 and the AARP Foundation has invited us all to make it an opportunity to come together and celebrate our neighbors. According to AARP, “studies show that isolation and loneliness are as bad for your health as smoking or obesity – especially if you’re over 50. Isolation is more […]

Jul 05

Summer Pleasures for Caregivers

Caregiving is a year round endeavor that doesn’t just stop so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful days of summer when they arrive. Caregiving can make it challenging for both the caregiver and the care recipient to find time and energy to appreciate the season. Here are some ideas that we hope will help you […]

Jul 02

Special Delivery: More than a Meal

Beverly looks forward to greeting Chi Wong, a Springwell Home Delivered Meals driver each weekday around noon. Chi delivers a nutritious meal to Beverly who finds it difficult to buy groceries and cook for herself. Beverly lives in the Watertown home that she and her husband, Stuart, bought over 60 years ago. Beverly’s career as […]