WestMass ElderCare, Inc.

Don't forget we'll be at Holyoke Pride this Saturday. Come by and see us!

As we observe Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let's renew our commitment to creating communities where older adults feel safe, valued, and respected. Whether it's through outreach programs, support services, or simply lending a listening ear, let's show our elders that they are not alone.

Thank you to Clean Queen Car Wash in Holyoke for donating to our upcoming auction!

Know a business who would want to donate or sponsor? Send them our way! All details at:
www.wmeldercare.org/online-auction
All proceeds go directly to support our programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Happy LGBTQ+ Pride Month! 🌈 Let's celebrate love, diversity, and equality for all. This month and every month, let's stand together in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, uplifting their voices and advocating for their rights.

Join our amazing team! Full details at www.wmeldercare.org/jobs

We are so grateful to Greenfield Cooperative Bank for sponsoring our online auction, coming later this summer!

Know of a business who could donate an item or sponsor? Send them our way! Full details at www.wmeldercare.org/online-auction

🌈 Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride: A Tribute to Resilience and Diversity 🌈

Our latest blog post delves into the rich history of Pride, honors the incredible resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and reflects on the ongoing journey towards equality. From the Stonewall Riots to today's vibrant celebrations, discover the stories, challenges, and triumphs that define Pride.

Join us in celebrating love, diversity, and the power of standing together. Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/mMlJ50ShOJx

"Hope will never be silent." - Harvey Milk

WestMass ElderCare is Celebrating 5 Decades of Trusted Community Care!

For half a century, WestMass ElderCare has been dedicated to the communities of Holyoke, Chicopee, Granby, South Hadley, Ludlow, Belchertown, Ware, and surrounding areas. We provide the services that allow older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes. We support overwhelmed caregivers. We provide nutritious meals and a friendly face to those who may not have seen anyone else that day. Our five decades of impact is a rich tapestry woven together by stories of compassion, resilience, and support throughout our communities. And now, as we hit our golden anniversary, we're gearing up for an unforgettable celebration that YOU can be a part of!

Join us for an online auction. You can either donate an item for auction - be it a gift basket or card, tickets to an event, or something creative! We're looking for all price points with a retail value of $50 or greater. View www.wmeldercare.org/online-auction for all the details!

WMEC Wednesdays!

A look back at moving day, August 1992, when WestMass ElderCare moved into the Valley Paper Company building. My, how we've grown and changed!

Hey Ware - we need you! We are in need of volunteer drivers for our Meals on Wheels program, especially in the Ware area. A couple hours a day can make a huge difference! See more details at: www.wmeldercare.org/volunteer

Did you know that many cases of elder abuse occur within the walls of their own homes, often perpetrated by family members or caregivers? It's a stark reminder of the importance of fostering trust and respect in all relationships.

Catch us at Holyoke Pride on June 22nd! And support our Rainbow Social Club with a donation today. www.wmeldercare.org/donate

Elder abuse doesn't discriminate - it can happen to anyone, regardless of their background, income, or social status. Let's stand together to protect the dignity and rights of all older adults in our communities.

Come join our terrific team! See all listings at www.wmeldercare.org/employment

Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, with scams targeting vulnerable older adults. Educate your loved ones about financial safety and encourage them to stay vigilant. Read up on elder financial abuse: https://ow.ly/VAHW50RHpEQ.

It's heartbreaking to know that many cases of elder abuse go unreported each year due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness. Let's break the silence and create a safe environment for older adults in our community to speak out. If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, report it at (800) 922-2275 or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-abuse-of-adults-aged-60

At least 10% of adults aged 65 and older will experience some form of elder abuse in a given year, with some older adults simultaneously experiencing more than one type of abuse. By staying informed and looking out for the signs, we can help prevent it. Read our latest blog article at: https://ow.ly/HXFa50S6Hxm Knowledge is power!

The trauma of elder abuse may result in health issues such as a deterioration in health, hospitalization and increased mortality, clinical issues such as depression and su***de, social issues such as disrupted relationships, and financial loss, all leading to diminished independence and quality of life. If you or someone you know has been subject to abuse, contact Greater Springfield Senior Services at https://www.gsssi.org/adult-protective-services. You can also call (800) 922-2275. The helpline is open 24 hours a day/7 day a week.

Did you know that elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and even neglect? Let's spread awareness and work towards protecting older adults from harm.

Come join our team! See more at https://www.wmeldercare.org/jobs

June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a critical issue affecting our older adults. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, support victims, and advocate for policies that protect older adults from harm. Together, we can make a difference and help keep older adults safe!

Micki Woods has been a part of the WMEC family in Adult Foster Care for nearly 10 years, with October 2024 marking this wonderful milestone. Time flies when working with such an incredible team! 🥳

Before joining WMEC, Micki spent 12 years in Hartford providing homeless services and working in group homes and schools with all kinds of wonderful people. These experiences have shaped him and made him appreciate every smile and every interaction with the consumers.

Speaking of smiles, one of his favorite memories at WMEC is seeing the transformation in the consumers. One who used to stay in his bedroom during home visits now eagerly waits downstairs! And there's a memorable moment when a consumer couldn't think of the word "brunch" and came up with "Lufast" instead. It brought laughter and a new word to cherish!
In his free time, Micki enjoys carving fake pumpkins (real ones for Halloween), flying kites, gardening, and spending time with his amazing family, including 15 nieces and nephews. And yes, he loves to laugh! 😂

With nearly 35 years in Human Services, working with every population imaginable, Micki’s journey started with caring for his grandparents, which inspired his passion for working with older adults.

Here's to many more years of making a difference together! 🌟

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. As we gather with loved ones and enjoy the freedoms they fought to preserve, let's take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day and express our gratitude to those who gave everything for our country.

Want help paying your Medicare costs? Find out more about the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and you could save more than $3,000 a year in healthcare costs. 2024 income limits: $2,844 for individuals and $3,853 for couples. And as of March 1, 2024 there are no asset limits. Learn more now at 617-284-1275 or www.masenioraction.org.

¿Quiere ayuda para pagar los costos de Medicare? Infórmese sobre el Programa de Ahorros de Medicare (MSP) y podría ahorrar más de $3,000 al año en costos de atención médica. Límites de ingresos para 2024: $2,844 para individuos y $3,853 para parejas. Y a partir del 1 de marzo de 2024, no hay límites de activos. Obtenga más información ahora en el 617-284-1275 o en www.masenioraction.org.

Our home care providers gathered with staff today at Holyoke Community College for our annual Provider Meet & Greet.

Meet Lynn Wolf, our Marketing and Development Manager, who has been sprinkling her magic at WMEC for just over a year now! 🌟

With her infectious enthusiasm, Lynn's favorite thing about WMEC is undoubtedly the people - each one caring, compassionate, and contributing to a warm and welcoming culture.

Before joining us, Lynn spent a decade at the Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging as their Communications Manager, honing her storytelling skills.

When she's not crafting captivating narratives for WMEC, Lynn enjoys spending time with her son, playing with her cat (who might just be her furry muse), and surfing social media for the latest trends. You can often find her chatting with friends or diving into a good book, always on the lookout for inspiring stories to share.

For Lynn, the most memorable moments at WMEC are when she receives heartwarming testimonials from our consumers. Hearing how we make a real difference in their lives fuels her passion for storytelling and drives her to continue spreading the word about the amazing work we do.

Next time you see Lynn around, don't hesitate to share your story - she's always eager to hear and showcase the incredible impact of WMEC in our community!

Pets can be more than just furry companions—they're also great for your mental health! Discover the benefits of spending time with your pets and other practical self-care strategies in our latest blog post. Let's take care of ourselves and our furry friends this Mental Health Awareness Month. 🐾Post a photo of your pet therapist below!

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's challenge the notion that self-care is just a passing trend. It's a powerful commitment to ourselves—a promise to prioritize our well-being in a world that often demands our constant attention. Check out our latest blog post for practical self-care strategies and tips to nurture your mental health. Let's make self-care a daily habit, not just a monthly trend.

Come join our team! Full job descriptions and benefits information can be found at https://wmeldercare.org/employment