Assessing the Last Year with Gratitude
As I write this article, I have recently passed my one year anniversary at LifePath. Reflecting on LifePath’s achievements over the past year brings a profound sense of gratitude toward the volunteers, staff, organizations, and community members that made it all possible.
Just over a year ago, in May 2023, we began an initiative to help
Connection takes time and effort, but the rewards can be limitless.
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact
Soul-Searching Journey Leads to Focus on Aging
As you read this, I am just past my one year anniversary in my role. Before coming to LifePath, I had been working in healthcare administration for most of my career. I had been fantasizing about my departure from the field for some time before the pandemic came in early 2020 and upended everything we
How Protective Services Can Help
A recent conversation with a walk-in community member highlighted misconceptions around some of the core tenets of LifePath’s work. Our mission is to provide person-centered service coordination, education, and support. We listen to our consumers from a place of compassion and understanding, we provide education and options, we recognize that consumers know what is best
A Huge Thanks to Montague Lodge of Elks #2521!
On Monday, January 29, LifePath was visited by Judy and Steve Dacyczyn. Judy and Steve are both former Exalted Rulers at the Montague Lodge of Elks #2521, and they know how important the nutritious meals and wellness checks from LifePath’s Meals on Wheels program can be to those in their community. Through a competitive grant-writing
Complex, Urgent Situation Requires Immediate Action and Teamwork
The individuals reaching out to LifePath represent a wide cross-section of Franklin County and beyond. They come from diverse backgrounds, all corners of our geography, with different wants and needs, and while commonalities exist, everyone has their own unique story. I’m sharing a story now about an individual with whom LifePath recently connected.
We were first
How LifePath and FRCOG’s Regional Action Plan Is Improving Our Community for Older Adults
Have you been or known an older adult who could not find transportation to a medical appointment? Or who needed to find an affordable place to live? How about someone (or yourself) who is having trouble getting to the grocery store, cooking meals, or feels like they could experience a fall or other medical event
Counteracting Loneliness at a Potentially Difficult Time of Year
Loneliness is a frequent topic of conversation at LifePath. The 2023 release of the Surgeon General’s public statement, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, confirms what we are seeing every day in our work and in our communities.
The Surgeon General’s statement
Volunteer Ombudsmen: Problem Solvers Helping Residents in Facilities
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pamela Porter. Pam retired from LifePath after serving as a Home Care Program Director. She now volunteers in our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Pam agreed to connect so that I could hear more about her perspective as a volunteer ombudsman advocating for long-term care residents.
Long-term care ombudsmen work
Volunteer Drivers Deliver Meals and Wellness Checks, Help People in Crisis
I am writing hoping you are all well and that those affected by recent weather devastation are rebounding. The storms in the last two months have led to deaths in Pennsylvania and New York, and property damage across Western Massachusetts and surrounding areas. For many, the storms may have brought up trauma from Tropical Storm
How Can We Grow Intergenerational Connection and Support in the LGBTQIA+ Community?
One of the pleasures of my new role at LifePath is meeting community members at local events. It has been enlightening and heartwarming to hear stories from individuals served by LifePath, their caregivers, current and former LifePath team members, our volunteers, and community leaders who support LifePath’s work.
One of these events was Franklin County Pride,
Meeting Dolores: How a Daily Walk Led to a New Friend
As spring quickly turns to summer, it is a lovely time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Whether sitting near an open window, or, if able, venturing outdoors, we can reconnect with the natural world and our community. For many, walking is an easy and no-cost way to get outside and realize the