|
|
Helping elders, caregivers and persons with disabilities live better lives since 1974
|
|
Volume 5, Issue 11 April 2014
|
|
Spring has arrived, and with it comes plenty of opportunities for you to renew your dedication as a volunteer, a caregiver, or a supportive member of our community. Please join us for one or more of these free, upcoming events.
|
|
Become a Healthy Living Leader!
|
What:
Free Volunteer Workshop Leader Trainings:
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls (MOB)
The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSM)
When:
MOB: April 17, 2014, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
CDSM: April 21, 22, 28, 29, 2014, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Where:
Highland Valley Elder Services
320 Riverside Drive
Florence, MA
Contact:
Lesley Kayan
413-773-5555 x2297
978-544-2259 x2297 
Learn to co-lead workshops in your community using highly acclaimed, evidence-based curriculum. Lunch will be provided! MOB curriculum includes positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent, setting realistic goals to increase physical activity, changing environment to reduce falls risk factors, and learning simple exercises to increase strength and balance. CDSM topics include pain and fatigue management, physical activity and exercise, muscle relaxation, weight management, healthy eating, dealing with difficult emotions, communication skills, medication management, and making informed treatment decisions. Read more about the Healthy Living Program at www.fchcc.org/healthy-aging.htm. |
|
Are you a good listener? Consider this volunteer training!
|
What:
FREE Volunteer Training for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
When:
April 16, 17, and 18
Where:
Pittsfield, MA
Contact:
Trevor Boeding
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director
413-773-5555 x2241
978-544-2259 x2241
Usually it's easiest to talk to someone who you know is there to listen. Volunteers from the Long Term Care Ombudsman program at Franklin County Home Care fill that role for many nursing home and rest home residents. By hearing their concerns, advocating for their rights, and helping to resolve their complaints, Ombudsman volunteers ensure quality of life for the residents of the sites they visit weekly.
Good friends and neighbors often make great Ombudsman volunteers. If you think you'd make a good Ombudsman, consider attending the next free volunteer training this month.
For more information about the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, visit www.fchcc.org/other/nursinghomeombuds.htm.
|
|
In case you needed a reason to go cookbook shopping...
|
During the entire month of April, World Eye Bookshop in Greenfield and Florence will donate 10% of all cookbook sales to Meals on Wheels. There's no better reason to stop in and purchase that cookbook you've always wanted!
After you've enjoyed some tasty new meals, have even more fun supporting seniors! Join us for the 2014 Meals on Wheels Walkathon on Saturday, May 3. Register today at www.fchcc.org/MOW.
|
|
Two more chances to attend "Essential Skills" sessions
|
What:
"Essential Skills for Family Caregivers" series
When:
Tuesday, April 8, 1-3 pm: "Understanding Behaviors"
Tuesday, May 13, 1-3 pm: "Safety at Home"
Where:
Franklin County Home Care
330 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Contact:
The Alzheimer's Association
1-800-272-3900
Are you a loved one or a caregiver of someone who has dementia? If so, you may wish you had more effective ways to communicate with, understand, and care for your loved one with dementia of any kind, including Alzheimer's disease. All three classes in the "Essential Skills for Family Caregivers" series from the Alzheimer's Association are free and will provide education and practical tools to those caring for someone with dementia. Improved day-to-day living and overall qualify of life for the person with dementia and the caregiver is the goal. The remaining two classes will cover strategies to manage the difficult behaviors and safety in the home. Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. To pre-register, call the Alzheimer's Association. This program is not open to professional caregivers. Caregiver respite may be available. Contact Laurie Deskavich at [email protected] or 413-773-5555 x2211 or 978-544-2259 x2211 for more information. Read more about caregiver program and support options at FCHCC by visiting www.fchcc.org/caregivers/index.htm. |
|
The rewarding work of helping elders remain in their own homes
|
RSVP volunteer Arthur Hannan has been a Money Management volunteer at Franklin County Home Care for almost 13 years.
"Working with these clients is very rewarding," says Art. "It is a good group at FCHCC. It is a pleasure working with all of them."
 | |
Art Hannan with the Money Management Advisory Council in 2013.
|
After an initial training, Money Management volunteers visit area seniors on a regular basis and help them with household finances and bill paying. These clients might not be able to remain in their homes without the help provided by Art and the other volunteers in this important program.
Art, who is also on the Money Management Advisory Board, combines his knowledge and respect for his clients to calm even the most anxious senior. "They are so courageous," he said.
For more information about serving seniors through the Money Management Program, call Lorraine York-Edberg, Money Management Program Director, at 413-773-5555 x2275 or 978-544-2259 x2275 or email her at [email protected].
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Whether or not you're able to take part, we hope you'll remember to call on us when you need some assistance. The Information & Caregiver Resource Center is your first step to finding the answers to your specific questions about support for elders, caregivers, and persons with disabilities. Resource Specialists can provide you with timely, relevant information to answer your questions and will help you access the services you need. 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
  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
