Older Relatives Raising Children: Many Local Options for Support Available
According to Jan Doody, Parent Educator & Grandparent Resource Coordinator at The United Arc, it is estimated that there are over 150 families in Franklin County in which an older relative is raising a child. Grandparents are often called upon to bring a grandchild into their home when the child’s parents are not able to
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
Understanding Caregiver Respite Scholarships: Support for Those in Need
Caregiver Respite Scholarships are a valuable form of support provided by LifePath directly to unpaid caregivers who provide assistance to support individuals to remain in their homes. The caregivers might be caring for a person with a developmental disability, dementia, or complex medical conditions. Caregivers may also be grandparents caring for grandchildren. The scholarships aim
Three Years of Work Culminate in Launch of Age- and Dementia-Friendly Action Plan
An Age- and Dementia-Friendly Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy developed by a community to ensure that its infrastructure, services, and policies are designed and implemented in a way that supports and accommodates the needs of people of all ages, particularly older adults. These action plans are specifically focused on creating environments that are accessible,
Foot Care for Fall
As the crisp weather signals the change of seasons, and floors become cold in the morning, let’s give our feet some special attention to prepare for the winter months ahead. Feet are literally the foundation for our body: they allow us to be mobile, they pump blood back to our hearts, and they connect us
Staying Hydrated From the Inside Out
Hydration status manifests on the skin. At FootCare by Nurses, we spend time helping elders understand the importance of hydration, along with personalized strategies to do that. Hydration is not only about how much water you drink. Human bodies need the right combination of fluids and salts to function. Broth soups, lemonade, drinking milk, and
Celebrate Residents’ Rights Month!
October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports.
This year’s Residents’ Rights Month theme, Amplify Our Voices, emphasizes a community of long-term
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