A Legacy of Leadership: Marie Kissel’s 40 Years of Service at AgeSpan
If you want to know when an AgeSpan program started and how it evolved, need advice when making a decision that might impact staff or clients, or want to get to the bottom of one of the organization’s urban legends, Marie Kissel has your answer. AgeSpan’s Director of Clinical Support Services recently marked 40 years…
Ask Joan: Getting Comfortable in Your New Home
Q. My wife and I just sold our home and moved into a retirement community. At first, I was excited about our new place, but I haven’t really been feeling like myself since we moved. Do you have any tips on managing this change? A. Moving to a new home is the beginning of a…
Ask Joan: Celebrate National Volunteer Week by Getting Involved
Q. I recently retired after a long and fulfilling career. I am enjoying the slower pace, but I do wish I had something more to fill my days. Do you think I should look into volunteering? A. Congratulations on your retirement! You are not alone in your desire to stay busy and involved in your…
AgeSpan Celebrates Volunteers
Throughout the year, AgeSpan depends on hundreds of dedicated volunteers to help deliver the programs and services it offers. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering AgeSpan’s mission to support older adults and their families. To honor and celebrate these everyday heroes, AgeSpan held a Volunteer Appreciation Open House on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at…
Four Decades of Compassion: Ann Souza’s Enduring Legacy at AgeSpan
A lot has changed in the last 40 years at AgeSpan. Technology has transformed the way we work, with computers replacing typewriters, cell phones replacing pagers, and paperwork becoming digital. The agency has grown, and so have the services it offers, helping older adults live longer, healthier lives. But through all the change, some things…
Ask Joan: Alcohol can interact with medications
Q. My mother still likes to have a glass of wine or two most days, which seems okay, but I’m wondering what the risks are given her age. A. Many people enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Alcohol can affect each of us differently so it’s important to discuss usage with your…
Ask Joan: Sleep is the elixir for good health
Q.I know my parents struggle with getting good sleep as they get older. Is there anything I can suggest for them? A. Sleep plays such a vital role in our physical, mental, and emotional health. But as we age, getting restful sleep can become more challenging. Factors such as changes in our sleep cycle, health…
Ask Joan: Practical Steps to Create a Safer, More Organized Home
Q. I struggle with helping my parents keep their living space organized. What are some steps I can take to get them moving in the right direction? A. As people age, their homes often accumulate belongings, making it difficult to navigate or maintain an organized living space. Decluttering is not just about tidying up but…
Ask Joan: What accessory dwelling units mean for older adults
Q. I read that Accessory Dwelling Units are now permitted by-right statewide in Massachusetts. How can older adults take advantage of this new law? A. Massachusetts’ new law permitting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by-right statewide, which took effect in January 2025, offers significant opportunities for older adults to age in place and maintain their independence….
Ask Joan: Patient Safety Awareness Week offers plenty of tips
Q. I can’t make it to all my parents’ medical appointments, and I’m often worried about keeping up with all the information they are being given. What can I do to ensure their safety? As we observe Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 9-15), it’s important to acknowledge the critical role caregivers play in ensuring the…
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