Behind The Scenes With MVES' Anya Delacruz

As MVES’ Aging Well at Home Service Coordinator, Anya Delacruz stays quite busy providing the Aging Well at Home Program to residents of two senior housing buildings in Malden. We recently spoke with Anya to learn more about this important program and her role as coordinator. During the interview, we found out that Anya is a twin… but at MVES she is one of a kind!

Residents of two senior housing sites see Aging Well at Home Service Coordinator Anya Delacruz as a friendly face and a valuable resource.

Editor: What is the Aging Well at Home Program?

Delacruz: The Aging Well at Home Program was created to be carried out in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NORCs. NORCs are places where people with similar interests and lifestyles naturally tend to settle and create a community. The goal was to implement the Aging Well at Home Program at a federally-designated NORC and by doing so, foster and enhance the sense of community that naturally exists there.

I’m the coordinator for the program at two NORCs in Malden—350 Charles Street and 630 Salem Street. Through the program, we want to keep elders in their homes with as much independence and comfort as possible, identify older adults who might be isolated and encourage them to become more active and involved, and again, enhance that strong sense of community.

Editor: What types of activities or services do you provide to help realize the goals of Aging Well at Home?

Delacruz: I provide a variety of services. Once a month, I give a Community Resource Update. I pick a topic of interest—like heart disease or transportation, for example—and then I research and present all the available resources on that topic to the residents. Also, I coordinate a group called the Maplewood Crafters. This is a group of older women who gets together once a month to knit and crochet things like scarves, blankets, and baby items. They donate their finished craft projects to nursing homes, the Bread of Life organization, and Malden High School's teen parenting program. Another program I coordinate is Neighbor-to-Neighbor. This is a group of about 15 residents who volunteer to help other residents when needed. They might offer to bring a neighbor to a medical appointment, help run an errand or make a phone call, or just be there for a friendly visit. This group also meets monthly.

There are also certain ongoing services I provide more frequently than once a month. These include providing information and referring people to helpful resources. For example, I meet with people moving into the building to introduce myself and explain the Aging Well at Home Program.

Editor: Do you have a favorite program or service offered through Aging Well at Home?

Delacruz: I love the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program. It’s a really positive group of people who enjoy helping each other. It seems like every time we meet they’re asking, “What else can I do?”

Editor: What is a typical day like for you?

Delacruz: I don’t have a typical day… but that’s what I love about this job. I am always doing something different.

Editor: What is most challenging about your position?

Delacruz: Sometimes I have the feeling that I should be in three places at once! My time is split between the duties of the Aging Well at Home Service Coordinator and those of an MVES Case Manager. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I focus on my role of Case Manager—following up with clients and making home visits. On Wednesdays, I’m at 630 Salem Street for Aging Well at Home and on Thursdays I’m at 350 Charles Street for Aging Well at Home.

Editor: And, what do you find to be most rewarding?

Delacruz: Working with people who really want to give back. So many of the residents help each other, which makes it a really positive experience for them and for me. I like that the residents recognize me when I’m around their buildings and that they come to me with questions or concerns.

Editor: What do you do outside of work?

Delacruz: Think about work! Just kidding! I like to hang out with my brother and my twin sister. My sister recently moved to the Boston area from Connecticut, where I’m originally from, so we’re able to spend more time together now. And, I love going home to visit my whole family.