The Older Americans Act: A Pathway to Better Aging in America
Imagine a time when older people didn’t have the support they needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives after retirement. That’s what things were like before the Older Americans Act came into existence. This law, also known as the OAA, is an important law that has made life better for older people across the United
Nutrition Notes: The Growing Interest in Mushrooms
Interest in culinary and medicinal mushrooms has blossomed in recent years. Julia Coffey, founder and owner of Mycoterra Farm and Mass Food Delivery in South Deerfield, MA, has been keeping pace with expanded public interest through her mushroom growing and food delivery businesses. I met with Julia at her farm on a sunny, summer day
Time For Your Yearly Medicare Plan Review!
During the months of September and early October, your current Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO, POS) with drug coverage or your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will be sending you information regarding the upcoming changes to your coverage in 2024. This information will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to keep your current
Neighbors Helping Neighbors—You Can Make a Difference
One of the joys of living in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region is the sense of community you get from these small towns. I’ve lived in the North Quabbin area for the past five years, and one of the first things I noticed was how tight-knit the community is, with neighbors who wave
Building Confidence on Our Feet: Strategies for Fall Prevention
While falls can affect anyone, they present a particularly serious concern for older adults. As we age, consequences of falls can be more severe, often resulting in fractures, hospitalizations, and diminished quality of life. Yet, fear of falling can actually increase our risk. In honor of Falls Prevention Awareness week (September 18-22), let’s explore some
Debbie Mumblo: A Walking Success Story at 71 Years Old
Meet Debbie Mumblo, a remarkable person with a passion for walking that has brought her not only personal joy, but also numerous health benefits. At 71 years old, with four children and 14 grandchildren, Debbie is an inspiration to all. She’s not just the Office Coordinator and Morning Receptionist at LifePath, where she’s worked for
The Fontanellas’ Home is Made Safe and Accessible Through LifePath and the Helping Homebound Heroes Program
Charles Fontanella was born in 1931—“only a few years ago,” he jokes. As a twenty-year-old soldier in the US Army, he saw a photograph of one of his fellow soldier’s cousins: a girl named Jean. Charles wrote her a letter, and the two kept up a correspondence until their marriage in January of 1955.
Today, they
Recipes and Tips for Everyday Home Caregiving
A few months ago, I received a gift in the mail. The gift was a book about everyday home caregiving. The book was first published in 1997 for twelve dollars. Now it only cost one dollar from a thrift store. I imagined whose hands this book was held in before mine—sharing a hope, in the
LifePath Volunteers Enhance Safety and Function (At No Cost) in Your Home!
Last month, I wrote about the essential services provided by our Meals on Wheels drivers and how two recent “saves” helped individuals in crisis in their homes. The daily wellness check provided with meals resulted in individuals receiving urgently-needed medical care that they were unable to summon on their own. That article generated considerable
Is It Possible To Love One’s Job? LifePath Employees Explain Why They Do.
On July 26, employees gathered at the LifePath offices in Greenfield to celebrate their coworkers’ milestones and enjoy some ice cream with all the fixings. When asked why she likes her job, Melissa Hatch, a ten-year LifePath veteran and Home Care Program Director said, “I have to start by giving credit to my incredible team.
LifePath First Nonprofit in Western Mass to be Certified as a Service Enterprise by National Volunteer Organization Points of Light
LifePath is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise. Achieving Service Enterprise certification is a prestigious accomplishment for an organization. In fact, organizations that certify join the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational
LifePath Is Creating a Community Engagement Center for Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Caregivers!
Things are changing in Western Massachusetts for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, alike! The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded LifePath over $450,000 for the creation of an innovative Community Engagement Center (CEC) where caregivers can find respite and information. In late fall, there’ll be a place for caregivers to connect, access services and supports,