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Helping elders, caregivers and persons with disabilities live better lives since 1974

Volume 5, Issue 12                                                                     May 2014


As we welcome the warmth of May, we invite you to join us as we look outward to the great season ahead. Step outside to attend an event or sign up to volunteer in our shared community. Whatever you choose to do, we're here to help you make a difference in whatever way we can.
Community spirit & support at 2014 Meals on Wheels Walkathon
This past Saturday's Meals on Wheels Walkathon was a wonderful success! Thank you to the walkers, sponsors, and donors, who all helped to raise money for Meals on Wheels. 
 
The total amount raised is approaching $90,000 and counting! It's not too late to make a gift. Visit www.fchcc.org/donate.htm.
The Meals on Wheels program brings home-delivered meal services and a well-being check to home-bound elders in our community. Your generosity ensures that we are able to respond to all elders in need of home-delivered meals.


Soon we will be posting photos from the event on the agency's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FCHCChelps. Photos from past events are already available to view! You can also visit 2014mealsonwheelswalkathon.shutterfly.com after May 28 to view, download, and order prints of these photos.

Local Quilters Have a Notion to Care
Becki and Lenny Stratton, local shop owners of A Notion to Quilt in Shelburne Falls, have been supporters of the Meals on Wheels program at FCHCC for many years. The store hosts a monthly "Community Challenge," in which store patrons are called on to use their skills and generosity to complete a community service project.
 
In addition to offering the Community Challenge to sew placemats for recipients of the home-delivered meals services this past December, A Notion to Quilt donated a quilt to the prize raffle held at the Meals on Wheels Walkathon this past weekend and gave $150 in donations collected at their All Male Review quilt exhibit.
FCHCC's Stephanie Gale shows off the beautiful quilt that A Notion to Quilt donated to the prize raffle at the 2014 Meals on Wheels Walkathon.

The Community Challenge for May 2014 is to make more quilted placemats for homebound elders who receive Meals on Wheels. Anyone may participate by bringing their items to the shop at 623 Mohawk Trail in Shelburne Falls before the end of the month. Those who donate receive "auction dollars" to redeem during the store's annual auction in December. You may contact the shop with questions by calling 413-625-9644.

Could you make a difference as a Meals on Wheels driver?
Thanks to their daily dedication, volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers impact our community in so many ways. Home-bound elders look forward to visiting with the friendly drivers delivering their lunch; caregivers, family members, and other loved ones are at ease knowing that their loved one will be provided for while they are away; and our towns are strengthened by this simple act of kindness and generosity.



If you think that volunteering with Meals on Wheels could be the meaningful work that you've been looking for, now is the time to act. Volunteer drivers are currently needed in towns across Franklin County. In exchange for their time, drivers receive a stipend and mileage reimbursement. If you have transportation and a couple of hours to deliver noontime meals, give us a ca;; at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259. You can make a difference.

  

Read more about the impact of the Meals on Wheels program at www.fchcc.org/homesupport/mealsonwheels.htm.

One more "Essential Skills for Family Caregivers" session remains
What:
"Essential Skills for Family Caregivers" series
When: 
Tuesday, May 13, 1-3 pm: "Safety at Home"
Where: 
Franklin County Home Care
330 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Contact:AlzheimersAssociation
The Alzheimer's Association
1-800-272-3900



Are you a loved one or a caregiver of someone who has dementia? If so, you may wish you had more effective ways to communicate with, understand, and care for your loved one with dementia of any kind, including Alzheimer's disease.

 

All three classes in the "Essential Skills for Family Caregivers" series from the Alzheimer's Association are free and will provide education and practical tools to those caring for someone with dementia. Improved day-to-day living and overall qualify of life for the person with dementia and the caregiver is the goal. The remaining class will cover the topic of safety in the home.

 

Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. To pre-register, contact the Alzheimer's Association. This program is not open to professional caregivers.

 

Caregiver respite may be available. Contact Laurie Deskavich at ldeskavich@fchcc.org or 413-773-5555 x2211 or 978-544-2259 x2211 for more information.

 

Read more about caregiver program and support options at FCHCC by visiting www.fchcc.org/caregivers/index.htm.

"Conversations about Dementia" workshop set for June
What:
"Conversations about Dementia"
When: 
Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 1-3 p.m.
Where: 
Franklin County Home Care
330 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Contact:AlzheimersAssociation2
The Alzheimer's Association
1-800-272-3900



We are again partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to offer family caregivers and loved ones of those with dementia another free, educational opportunity.

 

At "Conversations about Dementia," presenter Melissa Grenier, LCSW, will hold a discussion about the ways we can have honest and caring conversations with family members about some of the most difficult topics when you are caring for someone with memory problems: the importance of going to the doctor for a diagnosis or follow-up, concerns about driving and making legal and financial plans for the future. You'll also hear from actual family caregivers about these challenging issues via video as well as recommendations for what to do next.

 

Pre-registration is required due to limited seating. To pre-register, call the Alzheimer's Association. This program is not open to professional caregivers.

 

Caregiver respite may be available. Contact Laurie Deskavich at ldeskavich@fchcc.org or 413-773-5555 x2211 or 978-544-2259 x2211 for more information.

 

Read more about caregiver program and support options at FCHCC by visiting www.fchcc.org/caregivers/index.htm.

Are you a good listener? Consider this volunteer training!
What:
FREE Volunteer Training for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
When:
June 17, 18 &19, 2014
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where:
Highland Valley Elder Services
Florence, MA
Contact:Trevor
Trevor Boeding
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director
413-773-5555 x2241
978-544-2259 x2241




Usually it's easiest to talk to someone who you know is there to listen. Volunteers from the Long Term Care Ombudsman program at Franklin County Home Care fill that role for many nursing home and rest home residents. By hearing their concerns, advocating for their rights, and helping to resolve their complaints, Ombudsman volunteers ensure quality of life for the residents of the sites they visit weekly.

 

Good friends and neighbors often make great Ombudsman volunteers. If you think you'd make a good Ombudsman, consider attending the next free volunteer training this month. Contact program director, Trevor Boeding, to get started.

 

For more information about the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, visit www.fchcc.org/other/nursinghomeombuds.htm.

Green River House to host mental health fair

 

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& services for Massachusetts elders, caregivers, persons with disabilities and
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While we invite you to make a difference in your own special way, we also ask that you remember that we're here for you and your loved ones, too. Call on us when you need some assistance, and we'll be there. 
 
The Information & Caregiver Resource Center is your first step to finding the answers to your specific questions about support for elders, caregivers, and persons with disabilities. Resource Specialists can provide you with timely, relevant information to answer your questions and will help you access the services you need. Call 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 during normal business hours or email info@fchcc.org anytime.

You can read more about our programs at www.fchcc.org

  

Sincerely,

  


Roseann Martoccia
Franklin County Home Care Corporation


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