Blog

Ask Joan: Lifelong learners deserve plenty of applause

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We had a wonderful celebration of lifelong learning at our recent AgeSpan Annual Luncheon and Inspiring Lifelong Learning Awards event – honoring five remarkable older adults from the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. I always enjoy having the opportunity to gather with volunteers, partners, staff, and supporters to recognize the work we’ve done together and…
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Ask Joan: Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month

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Q. I know November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, and I’d like to recognize the people who do that kind of work. Can you share what they do and how they help older adults stay independent? A.  I’m happy to have the opportunity to share a little bit about the AgeSpan Home Care…
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Stuck in the Middle: Dawn Marie Lopresti’s Search for Accessible Housing

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After nearly a year of uncertainty, 61-year-old Dawn Marie Lopresti is finally getting a home of her own. She’s moving into an apartment through the Beverly Housing Authority after spending 11 months at Prescott House Nursing and Rehabilitation in North Andover. She knows she was lucky to stay there so long – not because she…
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AgeSpan’s Annual Meeting & Inspiring Lifelong Learning Awards

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AgeSpan celebrated the accomplishments of the past year and honored five exceptional older adults at the Annual Luncheon and Inspiring Lifelong Learning Awards event. More than 275 people attended the gathering, which took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, MA.   Our Inspiring Lifelong Learning Honorees included Pastor José Estrada of Haverhill, John Hamilton of Salem, Robert Kinsman…
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Ask Joan: New GUIDE Program focuses on dementia, caregivers

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This week, I’m excited to share some wonderful news about a new program at AgeSpan that will make a real difference for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The GUIDE Program, which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, is a new initiative that provides compassionate, person-centered care for people with dementia and greater…
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Ask Joan: Staying warm this winter on a fixed income

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Q. Now that the weather is getting colder, I have been worrying about my heating bill. I am a 78-year-old widow on a fixed income, and I have always been careful about keeping the heat low, but I don’t know if that will be enough this year. Do you have any tips for saving money…
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“A Godsend for Us”: How AgeSpan’s PCA Program Supports Family Caregivers

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Over the past few years, 75-year-old Lynda M. has been in and out of the hospital. She is living with a spinal condition and has had a couple of falls. She’s also had pneumonia—twice. For every emergency and appointment, her daughter, Sarah, has been there to help with her care, all while trying to work…
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Ask Joan: Getting more comfortable as a caregiver

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Q. My wife was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia. I have had to help her with things here and there as her condition has developed, but I never expected to be her caregiver. In my generation, men just didn’t learn how to do a lot of these things. How can I adjust to this new…
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