Take Heart
Have a Heart this month, and all year long.
February can feel so long to those who are isolated due to harsh weather conditions and short days when outdoor activities and socialization is limited. Social connection, even via phone or Zoom, can help combat social isolation and boost spirits. Connection with others, and maintaining strong friendships,
RSVP: Just a Few Hours Can Make All the Difference
Impossible to believe, but February is approaching, and the staff of RSVP hopes everyone had a healthy and peaceful holiday season. We thank our 600+ active volunteers who make a difference in the lives of elders in Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties 365 days a year and want to highlight a few opportunities that are
How LifePath’s Personal Care Attendant Program Makes a Difference
Siiri Paton has been a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to her boyfriend Justin Anderson since 2017, after he experienced a traumatic brain injury and stroke. “It made the most sense for me to do that for him,” recalls Siiri.
LifePath’s PCA Program fosters independence in individuals with disabilities by supporting them in the management of their
Team Ryan Continues to Think Outside the Box
One team that has already rallied its supporters is Team Ryan. For years they infused their Walkathon fundraising with proceeds from bake sales at local events like the Turners Falls Pumpkinfest. But for the second year in a row, this group of inspired individuals, led by team captain Sandra Ryan, collected new household items to
Coming Together for 30 Years: LifePath’s Walkathon Celebrates a Milestone
In 2022, LifePath’s Walkathon celebrates 30 years of bringing together community members whose efforts provide for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers served by our agency. Each year we are so proud of this effort that is anchored in goodwill for LifePath and the work we do.
Our plan is to be together on Saturday,
How People Change
I am an old timer from the field of public health. And what I have learned is that we humans are stubborn, unpredictable, and have a lot to contend with when making a health-related change in behavior. We have addictions; we have difficulty prioritizing ourselves; some of us don’t have enough money or essentials; some
A New Year of Collaboration and Community
2021 was a continuation of the pandemic rollercoaster and a year in which we saw the resilience of the human spirit at its best. Continually pivoting, LifePath remained responsive thanks to dedicated staff, volunteers, and caregivers; funding from grantors; gifts from donors; leadership from our board members; support from legislators which built direct funding into
Legal Notes: Life Estate Deeds and Insurance Coverage
Many homeowners, as they get older, convey their real estate to family members and retain a life estate. When they create a life estate deed they no longer are the sole owners of the real estate and will then own what is known as a life estate interest, and the person or persons they conveyed
Recognizing the Need to Make Our Region More Age-Friendly
This October marks one year since the launch of LifePath’s Age- and Dementia-Friendly Communities Project in Franklin County and the North Quabbin. This initiative, which is based on the age-friendly community model created by the World Health Organization and administered in the United States by AARP, seeks to help make our communities more aware and
Remembering Michael “Mike” Gilbert, A Dedicated Meals on Wheels Driver
Above: Michael Gilbert, center, taken a few years ago at the kitchen. He’s pictured with Ann DeJackome, left, and Betty Mattern, right.
“Mike did Meals on Wheels and loved every single one of his clients. He was very involved in their health and well-being and loved them a lot. He liked everyone he worked with,” says
In Celebration of Volunteers
As I reflect on this past year, there is much heartache to hold with all the COVID related suffering and losses, but what stands out is an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope created by the goodness of the human spirit. At LifePath, we have experienced the outpouring of care and courage, and selflessness and
Legal Notes: Lessons Learned From Audrey Hepburn’s Sons’ Dispute Over Her Estate
Almost 30 years ago, on January 20, 1993, the elegant and talented actress Audrey Hepburn passed away. When she died she had an estate plan in place that seemingly took care of everything, so that her wishes for the distribution of her estate would go smoothly after her death. According to a Daily Mail article