Number of “Villages” Supporting Older Adults Grows
Home upkeep, running errands, staying connected, and working with home technology can all become harder as we age. Some people worry that not being able to manage these tasks will mean they will have to move in with a relative or into assisted living or a nursing home. But many tasks can be easily accomplished
Legal Notes: Estate Planning and Guns (Part Two)
Gun Trusts
The last article in this two-part series addressed the importance of proper management of firearms when a gun owner becomes incapacitated or dies. This article discusses gun trusts as an effective solution.
John owns a collection of antique rifles passed down from his father. He names Daughter in his will as personal representative. Daughter wants
An Outpouring of Love for Meals on Wheels Recipients
LifePath received offerings of love for our Meals on Wheels recipients by way of more than 500 Valentine cards. The cards evoke what is special about commemorating Valentine’s Day—the chance to show love, receive love, and remember love.
Students at Northfield Elementary School showed their understanding as they answered questions regarding their card making. Here
What Does an Age-Friendly Community Mean to You?
If you are familiar with the term Age-Friendly Communities, then you know it is a global movement that promotes healthy aging and adequate support for older adults to remain independent and to fully participate in their communities. You might also know that AARP is the national sponsor of the program in the U.S., and that
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