Three Ways to Live Better in the New Year
Every time the calendar restarts, older adults, caregivers, and entire communities find new inspiration to improve their lives. However, many people bite off more than they can chew, often keeping their convictions only until February 1. That doesn’t need to be the...
WMEC Director’s Message January 2022
Greetings! The New Year marks the opportunity to reflect, refresh, and restart. As we continue to manage the pandemic's impact on our own situation, we begin 2022 with both a sense of caution and hope for the future. Many of us make resolutions at the beginning of...
4 Ways to Support Seniors in the New Year
As one year turns into the next, caregivers often reflect on ways to better support older loved ones during the coming months. Caregiving is no easy task, but thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. Make connecting with WestMass ElderCare (WMEC) a part of your...
Supporting the Supporters: Family Caregiver Support Services
“How can I sum up WestMass ElderCare’s Family Caregiver Support Services? We helped to give a caregiver her life back. Before I became WMEC’s Family Caregiver Specialist, I was a Care Manager in the HomeCare department. One of my consumers from South Hadley was caring...
Director’s Letter October 2021
WestMass ElderCare joins the community in recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Though some events have been held virtually like the Springfield Puerto Rican parade on September 19, the spirit of the celebration continues...
Breaking Barriers for Spanish-Speaking Elders: Bilingual Language Services
Jesus Marin, Home Care Manager When I provide bilingual services to seniors in Western Mass, I’m doing much more than speaking in their preferred language. The work helps to build deep connections, cultural understanding, emotional support, and so much more. Today,...
Four Surprising Benefits for Caregivers of AFC Programs
When you care for family members and people in your community, you’re rewarded in more ways than you can imagine. WMEC's Adult Family Care (AFC) program — formerly known as Adult Foster Care — supports caregivers who generously give help by opening their homes to...
Providing Fresh Food and Security for Consumers of All Ages
By Katie Dafoe-Raymond, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist The burst of sweet juice from a bite of a cool, refreshing watermelon or a mouth-watering peach. The smell of a freshly cut, ripe cantaloupe. The crunch of local sweet corn or snap of a peapod. Nothing says...
Living Independently in Your Community — WMEC’s Housing Services
The joy of celebrating someone’s 100th birthday. The frustration and relief of acquiring an electric wheelchair after 6 months. The honor of being told "Mi hija, haz todo lo que puedas hacer por mi," — "My daughter, do everything you can for me." Our housing team...
Unity, Spirit, and Love – A Look at the Rainbow Supper Club
When he came out, Wally was overwhelmed. Even in his 50s, he often asked himself, “How am I going to be able to do this?” He needed support, education, and, above all else, friendship. He wasn’t sure who or what could help him find his footing—that is until a friend...
