Ask Joan: Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month
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…
Stuck in the Middle: Dawn Marie Lopresti’s Search for Accessible Housing
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…
AgeSpan’s Annual Meeting & Inspiring Lifelong Learning Awards
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…
Ask Joan: New GUIDE Program focuses on dementia, caregivers
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…
Ask Joan: Staying warm this winter on a fixed income
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…
“A Godsend for Us”: How AgeSpan’s PCA Program Supports Family Caregivers
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…
Ask Joan: Getting more comfortable as a caregiver
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…
Rooted in Care: The Transformative Power of Community Health Workers
When Milagros got the keys to her apartment at the Methuen Housing Authority in the fall of 2025, it marked the end of a housing search that took years. It was also the first time in her life she had a place to really call her own. In her 68 years, life has thrown a…
Ask Joan: Don’t be fooled by AI-assisted Medicare scams
Q. I’ve heard scammers are using new technology like AI to trick people with Medicare. What should I watch out for during open enrollment? A. You’re right to be on alert during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scammers are more active during this time and increasingly, they’re using AI. The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program reports…
Ask Joan: National Drug Take Back Day: A chance to get rid of expired, unused meds
Q. I was visiting my parents recently and went into their medicine cabinet to get some aspirin. I noticed that they had quite a few expired medications in there. My mom told me she wasn’t sure what to do with them. I know I should help them with this, but I’m not sure where to…
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