The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year when we decorate our homes, enjoy holiday traditions, and cook our family’s favorite meals. It’s also time to celebrate with family and friends. and celebrate is exactly what AgeSpan is going to do as we enter our 50th year of serving older adults.
Yes, there is cause for real joy this holiday season and it all starts with you. AgeSpan celebrates you, our loyal donors, and your gifts that help people like Claire remain safe at home and Michael get his independence back.
Claire, who is celebrating her 100th birthday, lives with her daughter, Melissa, and both struggle with a variety of health issues. Between her own conditions and her caregiving responsibilities, Melissa started feeling overwhelmed.
She called AgeSpan and now Claire receives 24/7 in-home care that includes homemaking, personal care, and Meals on Wheels, along with two homemakers who have become as close as family.
Melissa says, “For me, it means peace of mind. I can go out knowing we have trusted people caring for my mother.” Her mom agrees, ‘I’m very happy with my services, my home- makers, and I absolutely adore the only man in my life – Hector, my AgeSpan care manager.”
Your gifts also helped Michael, who survived a stroke, has a speech impediment and other disabilities, celebrate his independence in supportive housing.
He loves his part-time job, so when his car’s transmission went, he saved for repairs. His AgeSpan resident service coordinator stepped in and requested assistance from our DiStefano Family Care Fund to cover the other half of the repairs so he can keep working.
Remember, aging is everyone’s future, and, like Claire and Michael, we all want the choice to remain safe in our own home and as independent as possible. Please be as generous as possible this holiday season and celebrate with us knowing your gift makes an enormous impact on the lives of the people we serve.
Donate online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/AgeSpanGive or text AgeSpan to 50155. Or, mail your gift to AgeSpan, Attn: Development Office, 280 Merrimack St., Suite 400, Lawrence, MA 01843
Thank you, and best wishes for a healthy, peaceful holiday season.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help locating healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org for more information. You can also call us at 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the Chief Executive Officer of AgeSpan.
This was first published in the Eagle-Tribune.
