| |
|
People who care about people. People like you.
|
Volume 6 | Issue 12B |
Mid-June 2015
|
|
Family members are most often well-intentioned when they converse with their parents or other loved ones around the topic of the need for help or support.
That said, it is often not an easy conversation and one which does not have ready answers. Sometimes the person for whom the help is intended seems resistant or not open to wanting or needing help, which leaves family concerned and not sure about what to do next.
Dr. Leslie Kernisan offers suggestions for when such a situation presents in your family.
[
read more
]
The path might be difficult, but you're not alone. If you would like to explore resources and options for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help. Contact us by phone at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or by email.
|
Free summer training for new volunteers!
Advocate for elders & persons with disabilities in your community
|
|
What:
When:
July 27 to July 29
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(break for lunch)
Where:
Northampton, MA
Contact:
Trevor Boeding,
Program Director
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
413-773-5555 x2241
978-544-2259 x2241
"An Ombudsman is someone that they can feel at ease with, laugh with, and talk to," says Ombudsman Annmarie. "My goal is to make people feel better, comfortable, good about themselves, and happier or more content."
(include a copy of driver's license or other government issued photographic identification)
|
Please print, complete, and return to:
Trevor Boeding
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Franklin County Home Care Corporation
330 Montague City Road, Suite 1
Turners Falls, MA 01376 |
|
|
"I love her. I feel very honored to be taking care of her."
An Adult Family Caregiver shares a story of love and enrichment
|
|
Kerry Stone of Warwick is a mother of three and, after 25 years of teaching art to children, says Kerry, "I've been devoting my life to doing my own art."
For several years now, Kerry has found artistic inspiration from Gail Spooner, Kerry's 66-year-old-aunt, who has Down syndrome and with whom Kerry shares her home. Kerry and Gail both love creating art, and both have inspired each other with their art.
|
|
| Kerry (right) loves caring for her aunt, Gail (left), with support from Adult Family Care. If she ever needs assistance, AFC nurses and social workers are a phone call away. |
"Her mother was my favorite grandmother," says Kerry. They had weekly dinners at her house, and Kerry grew up with Gail. "I love her. I feel very honored to be taking care of her." Kerry thinks her grandmother would be proud of her for taking care of Gail.
Kerry Stone is a caregiver with our Adult Family Care (AFC) program. Kerry's brother and his wife took care of Gail in their New Salem home for eleven years. When their children grew up, they were ready to move on with their lives. They asked Kerry to become Gail's new caregiver. Kerry connected with FCHCC and began taking care of Gail.
"I've grown from the experience. I feel like I'm more in tune with Gail - it took a little while. At first I was a little worried that I was giving up my freedom, but she's really fit in well to our family."
Continue reading Kerry & Gail's story... Learn more about Adult Family Care.
|
|
After 30 years, a final column
FCHCC bids a fond farewell to Nutritionist Cynthia Rothschild
|
"How is it possible? I have been writing "Nutrition Notes" for
The Good Life for the past 30 years! I've written articles on whole grains, vegetarian diets, pesticides in foods, spices and herbs, liquid supplements, eating locally, heart health, sodium, food gifts for seniors, and genetically modified foods, just to name a few...."
Franklin County Home Care Corporation thanks Cynthia Rothschild for her long career of providing nutrition education sessions and consultations, nutritional analysis of meals, and advice columns to the many elders, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers and loved ones in our community. Best wishes in your next endeavors, Cyndie!
|
|
Tips to stay safe on hot summer days
|
While it may feel like it's been here since the beginning of May, the very first day of summer is actually Sunday, June 21.
Whether or not you enjoy the heat and the sun that summer brings, we should all be prepared to handle extreme heat, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight.
|
|
|
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, always move the person to a cool place.
|
Heat-related disorders that may threaten our health include:
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
|
|
|
Quick Links
|
Search
or call
1-800-AGE-INFO
(1-800-243-4636)
for information
& services for Massachusetts elders, caregivers, persons with disabilities and
their families.
|
|
|
|
|
Here at FCHCC, we offer many different programs and services designed to meet your unique needs.
Think of us as the guide to what you need. We don't know all of the answers, but we know who to ask. If we can't help you, we'll tell you who can. It all starts with the Information & Caregiver Resource Center. Call
413-773-5555
or
978-544-2259
during normal business hours or email
[email protected]
anytime.
Sincerely,
Roseann Martoccia
Franklin County Home Care Corporation
 
|
|
|
|
| |
|
