News and Updates for May 2024

News & Updates

May 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 8

Upcoming Events

Recent Events

Café Saborosa Continues!

There was music, laughter and even dancing at the May 6 Grand Opening of Café Saborosa (see photo below), the newest offering from ESCCI’s Nutrition Department. Following a successful launch, Café Saborosa will continue to welcome diners every Monday. Make your reservations in advance to try this unique twist on Senior Social Dining at the Mashpee Senior Center.

Leading Change Conference

The Older Adult Behavioral Health Network's annual conference took place at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. In attendance were Deb Nugnes and Emily LePan from ESCCI's Home Care Department, pictured above with Lisa Krinsky from Fenway Health's LGBTQIA+ Aging Project (Lisa in middle).

Embarking on Our 52nd Year!

Sarah Franey congratulates incoming Board President Mary McKenna at ESCCI Annual Meeting, May 14.

Recognition, Celebration and Gratitude

An organization's Annual Meeting is a "time for recognition, celebration and gratitude" remarked outgoing ESCCI Board President Sharon Tennstedt as she welcomed staff, board members and community partners on May 14. Before getting down to the business of the day, attendees were treated to a buffet breakfast and a special presentation by Erin Perry, Deputy Director of the Cape Cod Commission.

Erin shared insights into the unique and changing demographics of our region and how these might inform our work in future years. Over 32% of Barnstable County’s population is age 65 or older, compared to 17% for the rest of the state and country. Noting that fully 50% of homeowners here are 65 years old or older and that 19% are elders living alone, she invited us to preview the Commission’s Regional Housing Strategy, which will soon be released. She shared how the housing crisis is fueled not just by soaring prices but also by declining inventory of properties available for purchase. Yet many older adults seeking to downsize into more accessible or easier to maintain units can’t find anything in their or neighboring towns, and so choose to remain in houses that no longer suit their needs.

Erin’s presentation was followed by board elections and staff recognition. Incoming President Mary McKenna praised ESCCI staff for their tenacity in “problem-solving from the perspective of the person served” each and every day and thanked her colleagues on the board of directors for being “active and visible in the community.”

Mary has an MA in gerontology, as well as degrees in nursing and healthcare administration. Her long career in aging services includes directing the Long Term Care Ombudsman program at South Shore Elder Services, developing programs for the National Ombudsman Resource Center, and service as the Massachusetts State Ombudsman Director for nearly 30 years. Retired now, Mary has any easy familiarity with all aspects of Elder Services operations. She concluded by sharing a few choice details from CEO Maryanne Ryan’s recent performance review noting that “I have known her for over 30 years and our paths have crossed many times. I look forward to this new Chapter as President of ESCCI.”

Employees recognized for their years of service:

20 Years: Carole Koepp, Barnstable Meal Site Coordinator, and Mary McPherson, Data Specialist

15 Years: Gail Murray, Receptionist; Nicole Ferguson-Matthews, Martha’s Vineyard Nutrition Site Coordinator and Penny Forsman, Chatham Meal Site Coordinator

10 Years: Sarah Franey, Community Services Officer

A Hearty Welcome!

New employees enjoyed coffee and donuts with CEO Maryanne Ryan at the quarterly meeting & greet held in their honor on April 23.

Kneeling – Left to Right

Donald Logan (FCSP Outreach Worker), Jessica Rogers (Options Counselor), Eugena McCann (Care Manager), Lauren Surprenant (Care Manager), Susan Shea (I&R Specialist). Standing – Left to Right: Ian Glavin (Care Manager), Mary Goodrich (Geriatric Support Specialist Coordinator), Kathy Felt (Care Manager), Christine Savino (Care Manager), Shannon Daley (Care Manager), Ashley Weeks (Geriatric Support Specialist Coordinator), Michelle Brown-Thompson (Provider/ Contracts Coordinator). Altogether Elder Services employs about 140 people in a variety of roles. Learn about current employment opportunities on our website at www.escci.org/employment/.

How ADUs Can Help Us Age in Place

By Deb Nugnes, Senior Manager Home Care Program

The Cape, renowned for its scenic beauty and coastal charm, has long been a coveted destination for retirees and older individuals seeking a peaceful retreat. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a pressing concern: the availability and affordability of housing for the aging population. As Cape Cod grapples with the challenges of an aging demographic, recent regulatory changes allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer a ray of hope, potentially revolutionizing housing options for seniors and fostering a resurgence in multi-generational living.

Most older residents of Cape Cod plan to age in place. However, current housing options are falling short of meeting their evolving needs. With limited availability of affordable and accessible housing designed specifically for seniors, many find themselves facing difficult choices as they navigate retirement. ADUs present a promising solution by offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative that enables elderly individuals to remain within their communities while maintaining independence.

ADUs, also known as granny flats or in-law suites, are secondary dwelling units located on the same property as a primary residence. These units can vary in size and configuration, ranging from converted garages to purpose-built cottages, and provide versatile living arrangements that can accommodate a wide range of diverse needs. ADUs can alleviate pressure in many housing related issues but have a particular usefulness for seniors. By allowing seniors to downsize without leaving their familiar surroundings, ADUs facilitate aging in place while simultaneously alleviating housing pressures on Cape Cod.