Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Bellmont
After six months of retirement, Steve Bellmont, of Lynnfield, had a desire to continue contributing to a cause. He discovered our friendly visitor/shopper program and thought it would be a good match for his skills and interests. Five years later, Steve is known as the program’s “step up” volunteer because Diane Kessler, the Home Care…
What should I do if I suspect elder abuse?
Q: We have lived next door to a sociable, elderly widowed woman for several years. Her son recently moved in with her after losing his job. Since that time, none of us neighbors have seen her, and we’ve heard loud voices coming from the house. I have tried calling, but the son always answers the…
Get help selecting a Medicare plan
Q: My husband and I are both retiring in the next few months after reaching our full retirement age for Social Security. We can’t keep the health insurance we have through our employers, but we haven’t been able to agree on what coverage is best for us. It’s often hard to sift through all the…
What is hoarding and can it be treated?
Hoarding is a progressive and chronic condition. According to the International OCD Foundation, hoarding is a complex disorder made up of three connected problems: collecting too many items; difficulty getting rid of items; and problems with organization. Hoarding is not about the stuff someone has in their home. The stuff is a result of many…
Having meals delivered for seniors
Q: My father has a medical condition that makes him at risk for contacting COVID, and his physician has instructed him to remain at home as much as possible. I am worried about his nutrition. Is there a way he could receive meals delivered to his home? A: Our agency operates Meals on Wheels, a…
Concerns about voting
Q: This year, I am concerned about voting in person because of COVID and the flu season. Due to my age and chronic health condition, I am not going to take a chance on exposing myself by potentially being in long lines of people waiting to vote. Can you provide information on absentee voting? What…
Four Ways to Volunteer During COVID-19
We’ve been fortunate to have community members who have stepped up and helped out social services agencies like ours since the start of the COVID-19. Now, four months into the pandemic, the need for volunteers continues. “Initially, we received inquiries as to how a person could help,” says Sheila Hewitt, our Volunteer Coordinator. “People had…
Is it safe to keep a medical appointment?
Q: I have a follow-up medical appointment next month. This was scheduled the last time I saw my physician six months ago. I have been very careful avoiding people as much as possible ever since the pandemic started. I really don’t know if I want to keep the appointment and take a chance I could…
Discussing home care with parents
Q: Over the last few months my sister and I have been calling our elderly parents on a daily basis to make sure they are managing during these difficult times. We have begun to realize it may not be possible for them to remain living in their own home. They both have chronic health conditions…
Do I really need a will?
Q: Over the last several months, I have been thinking a lot about the future. If I get sick right now, I really don’t have my legal and financial affairs in order. I finally filled out my Advance Directive which I had avoided for a long time. I also put a relative’s name on my…
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