Oct 04

man wearing "be kind" shirt for Suicide Prevention presentation

Suicide Prevention is Hope

“Suicide prevention is hope” said Steven Karaiskos, PhD, Senior Director of Community Education & Outreach at Samaritans, Inc., in a recent training seminar for Springwell employees.   Dr. Karaiskos is a social learning expert, a suicide prevention advocate, an educator, and a long-time suicide loss survivor. He has spent years supporting those affected by suicide and […]

Jun 03

woman walking to raise awareness for Elder Abuse

Team Springwell is Walking for Elder Abuse Awareness

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Springwell employees and friends have joined the 2nd annual virtual Walk for […]

May 02

older woman featured in story about assistance from Springwell's Protected Services Program

“I Couldn’t Lose My Home!”

Springwell’s Protective Services Team successfully helped Jeanne as she navigated the challenges that came when her home fell into disrepair after her long illness. The house, its big front yard decorated with charming folk art, is tucked away in a corner of her hometown. It has been in Jeanne’s family for four generations, since her […]

Jan 27

older woman looking contemplative

Isolation Compounding the Risks of Elder Abuse During the Pandemic

Since March of 2020 it has been necessary for older adults and other high-risk individuals to stay home as much as possible to avoid exposure to COVID19. While vital to their well-being, it is not without potential cost for those at risk for elder abuse. Victims may experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, self-neglect, […]

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 [...]

Aug 15

The Grandma Scam

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 […]

Jun 14

Heighten Awareness, Prevent and Stop Abuse

Recently, the federal government has been working to determine how many senior citizens nationwide are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The federal Administration for Community Living estimated that 1.5 million cases were reported to adult protective agencies across the country in 2016. About half of those reports led to further investigation. Additional research also […]

Jul 01

New System for Reporting Elder Abuse

Beginning July 1st, 2017 the Executive Office of Elder Affairs has centralized the Elder Protective Services abuse reporting system (elder abuse hotline) to a single phone number. The 24/7 single phone number simplies the process for elder abuse reporting. All calls (day or night, 7 days a week) should now go directly to the Massachusetts-based […]

May 01

This May, Springwell will help you honor your mother

This spring, Springwell is once again enlisting our community in supporting the seniors we serve while also providing a way for donors to honor and celebrate the mothers in their lives. If you were to draw a composite of the typical person who receives services from Springwell, she would be an 80-year-old woman living by [...]

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 […]