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...

“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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

By Maureen Rohan, WMEC Nurse Manager When I spoke to Matt on the phone, he didn’t know what to do anymore. He’d been trying his best to take care of his mother, Janet, who suffered from dementia, but it was getting more and more difficult. She would refuse to shower...

Changing a life is easier than you might think – just ask Alan Forcier. When he retired ten years ago from his career in the computer industry, Alan knew he wanted to give back to his community. Volunteering just made sense. So he began volunteering with WestMass...