The welfare of our consumers and staff come first!
BayPath Elder Services is in close contact with the
MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs
, the
Department of Public Health
, and other state and local agencies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to follow their guidance, as well as the CDC recommended best practices. We are also in close communication with our extensive network of in-home service providers and community partners during this crisis.
We are continuing to provide services
and thank all of our consumers for being patient with us as we make the necessary adjustments to enforce all possible precautions to safeguard wellness.
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Updates as of April 24, 2020
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A note from Christine Alessandro, Executive Director
To the MetroWest community,
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the Executive Director of BayPath Elder Services for close to 22 years. During this time, the agency has grown tremendously, offering programs and services for older adults, caregivers and younger persons with disabilities. I am proud of the staff of the agency for their dedication to our mission and the consumers we serve.
I am thankful for all the volunteers over the years whom have supported us by delivering meals on wheels, participating in the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, providing Money Management to community based elders or Ombudsman services to our area long-term care facilities, and provided support to many other programs.
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Christine Alessandro, Executive Director of BayPath, steps down after 22 years with the agency.
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I am also grateful for the relationships and partnerships with the senior centers and councils on aging in each of the 14 communities that we serve.
It is time for me to move onto the next chapter, which is caregiving for family members. I hope my 22 years of experience at BayPath has provided me with the knowledge and skills to be “on the other side”. I am looking forward to moving closer to family, and hopefully not as much snow in the winter!
Joe Quirk
will be joining the organization as the new Executive Director, and I would like to welcome him to MetroWest. Joe has extensive experience in the aging network, both at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and most recently at Mystic Valley Elder Services. He will be reaching out to many of our partners in the community as he becomes familiar with the area.
Thank you for your support and assistance during my tenure at the agency. I wish everyone health and happiness in the coming months and years.
Warmest regards,
Christine
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Home Delivered Meals
BayPath's Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery continues to run on a Tuesday and Friday schedule providing three meals on each delivery day so that our consumers are covered for the days in between deliveries. BayPath is also delivering shelf-stable groceries and groceries from our emergency food pantry as needed.
The Nutrition Program is taking new referrals for individuals 60 years old and older, who are homebound and have limited support. To inquire about eligibility for MOW, call our main number
508-573-7200 and leave a message, which will then be routed to the Nutrition Department.
If you have an interest in volunteering to supply those in need with home-delivered meals, you call our main number
508-573-7200 and leave a message that you would like to become a MOW driver. We will return your call as quickly as possible.
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A message from our Elder Community Care program
We are all navigating uncharted avenues as we try to go about our daily routines. With this uncertainty, comes increased anxiety and stress, especially when you are also responsible for another's wellbeing. If you or anyone you know is in need of a neutral third-party professional to speak with, please be aware of the Call2Talk helpline.
Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. It operates 24/7 and provides confidential, compassionate listening to assist people – including those who may be despondent or considering suicide – during stressful times. Call2Talk is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center and partners with Crisis Text Line to respond to people by text.
Call2Talk also provides TeleCheck – a telephone check-in service for isolated older adults living at home in partnership with BayPath Elder Services and Advocates, Inc.
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If you have any questions, please call BayPath's Elder Community Care Triage Coordinator
Edmilse Diaz at 508-573-7237 or via email:
ediaz@baypath.org
.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, puedes llamar a la Coordinadora de asuntos de personas mayores de BayPath, Edmilse Díaz, al 508-573-7237 o por correo electrónico:
ediaz@baypath.org
.
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Our LGBTQ+ Initiative is moving our safe spaces into cyberspace!
These safe cyberspaces are open to all generations of LGBTQ+ folx and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Family, Friends, and Allies)!
You do NOT have to be visible or share, you can switch off your webcam and microphone, though we would love to know if you're doing OK!
If you're not sure how to use Zoom (the app we use to see and speak to each other online), reach out to our LGBTQ+ Initiative Coordinator
Julie Nowak
, and she will walk you through the simple set up. Soon you'll be Zooming around cyberspace, enjoying classes and chats and webinars!
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Take your lunch hour at the virtual Pathways Cafe!
Our launch into online gatherings went well this past Wednesday (April 22,) with nine people joining us to chat in our virtual Pathways Café.
It was BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), and we got to see some of our friends who live farther away, and learn how some of our colleagues are making other new online spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
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Enjoy chatting or listening to peers by joining or Virtual Coffee Hour!
Julie will host a casual online conversation every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in our new Pathways Virtual Coffee Hour.
Guests are warmly welcome to drop by, say hello, see friendly faces, and let everyone know they're doing OK. (And if you're NOT doing OK… this space exists so you can talk about what is on your minds to get support.
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It's strange but wonderful that being forced apart, has actually helped us strengthen the support network for our more isolated Rainbow Community members in Massachusetts!
To inquire about dates, and how to connect, please contact Julie at
jnowak@baypath.org or on our confidential phone line:
508-573-7288
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Something fun to do while spending time at home - The Social Distancing Survival Kit
Courtney Cassels
, BayPath's Resident Service Coordinator at Mission Springs in Holliston, MA, created a wonderful Social Distancing Survival Kit for the residents. It is filled with great tips on how to not let the stress of the pandemic get to you, as well as interesting crossword puzzles and adult coloring pages.
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For all COVID-19 related
press releases from the
Baker-Polito Administration,
click here.
For the full list of
the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts,
click here.
For
updates, emergency orders, and guidance associated with the COVID-19 State of Emergency,
click here.
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Coming together online
Alzheimer's Association is offering several workshops as well as online support groups for family caregivers. Once you register, ALZ.org sends you all the login info you need.
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Keeping our BayPath Consumers Informed
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Keep up with proven facts regarding coronavirus
The best way to stay informed is from data produced by a credible medical agency.
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As previously mentioned, BayPath will continue to update our website and social media platforms as rapidly as possible.
(See below for links.)
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