Over the years of caring for her adult daughter, 60-year-old Ann always had her husband Dave to lean on. When he passed away suddenly in the summer of 2024, she found herself at a loss. That’s when she learned about the AgeSpan Family Caregiver Support Program and...
Ask Joan: It’s the perfect time to reassess your finances
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. It seems like every week I get invited to another free financial seminar. I’ve never gone to one, but I have always been curious. Are they a good way for a retiree to get good financial advice? I want to keep better track of...
Ask Joan: As the year closes, much to be grateful about
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for spending part of your year with me here in this column. Over the past 12 months, we have explored topics from fraud prevention to the joy of having a pet. We’ve...
Ask Joan: Winter safety tips can ease the challenges
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. My parents are in their 70s and still living in my childhood home. They’re very independent but I do worry about them more during the winter months, when it might be harder for me to get to them if they need help. Are...
Pfizer Volunteers Deliver Joy through Holiday Wish Project
Holiday cheer was in the air at AgeSpan’s Lawrence headquarters, as employees from Pfizer delivered hundreds of gifts for older adults and their families. For more than a decade, the Holiday Wish List Project has been providing gifts for those who might otherwise be...
Ask Joan: Surviving our feelings during the holidays
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. My mom is in her 80s and has always loved the holidays. This year, she says she’s just not in the mood to celebrate. Should I be concerned about this? How should I handle it? A. The holiday season can be a time of joy and...
Ask Joan: Lifelong learners deserve plenty of applause
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer 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...
Ask Joan: Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer 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...
Ask Joan: New GUIDE Program focuses on dementia, caregivers
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer 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...
Ask Joan: Staying warm this winter on a fixed income
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer 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...
