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...
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...
Finding the Light in the Time Zone of Now
Most of us have experienced the sensation of time passing more quickly than we realized. “Was that really three years ago? Seems like yesterday.” Or, the exact opposite; a faded memory of something having happened years previously, when in fact it was a more recent...
Safeguarding our Mental Well-being During COVID-19
By now all of us have heard the guidelines and recommendations put forward by the experts regarding safeguarding our mental health. During the past months I feel I have experienced a range of emotions amongst my own circle of friends and family. “How are you...
Are You Aware of Elder Abuse?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. The day shines a light globally on the problem of neglect, physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. The intent of the day is to educate people on the...
We Stand Together in our Fight Against COVID and in Our Grief
June is the month for which I reflect on missing my mother, gone six years now. Words I never thought I would hear myself think, let alone say aloud; thank god both my parents are already deceased. I have shared that sentiment with other friends who have lost their...
Finding Your Inspiration and Moving Forward
When you live in New England, spring is anticipated with bated breath. Well, what a spring it has been. Coronavirus came along and at the least, ruined many plans, and at its worst, left dizzying numbers of sick and precious lost souls and a trail of economic...
Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week in Massachusetts
Between 2-6% of the population struggles with hoarding behavior making it a highly common mental health issue. Because this is such a common and often misunderstood mental health diagnosis, Governor Baker has proclaimed May 25 – May 29, 2020 Massachusetts’ second...
Providing Home Delivered Meals During Coronavirus
If ever there was a time to highlight the Meals on Wheels program, it would be now. It was only a couple of months ago that some of our community politicians had signed up to participate in ‘March For Meals’…a campaign in the month of March to highlight the importance...
Legislative Proclamation for Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week Signed for 2020
For a second year in a row, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed a legislative proclamation, declaring May 25 – 29, 2020 to be Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week. The legislative Proclamation came into existence due to the diligence of Eileen Dacey,(MSW,...