In this issue
	The Future of Social Security Celebrating Success and Commitment Reaching Out to Caregivers Easing the Challenge of Change Addressing Aging Concerns

Celebrating Success and Commitment

Mystic Valley Elder Services recently celebrated its 29th Anniversary on October 26 at the Irish American Club in Malden. Over 180 people attended the annual event as members of both the agency and community were recognized for their contributions to the elderly. "Each annual celebration is an opportunity to recognize the hard work of individuals--both inside and outside the agency," said MVES Executive Director Daniel J. O'Leary. "Many people in the local communities work hard to help elders remain living safely in their homes and the annual celebration allows us to thank a few of these individuals." Read more... »

Reaching Out to Caregivers

Caregivers work hard year round to provide assistance to their loved ones. Devoting themselves physically and emotionally, caregivers take on enormous responsibility in bringing comfort to a friend or family member. MVES staff recognized some of these special caregivers by participating in the 3rd Annual MVES Caregiver Basket Project. "The Caregiver Basket Project gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and thank caregivers for the efforts and sacrifices they make each day," said MVES Caregiver Support Coordinator Kathy Learned. "These baskets not only help caregivers realize how much of a difference they're making in the lives of others, but also bring attention to the importance of the caregiver program." Read more... »

Easing the Challenge of Change

You realize that you can no longer live in your home. You understand that you need to downsize and part with some possessions, but leaving a home in which you've enjoyed so many memories is hard. Facing this major change can be very difficult to handle. How can you make this change easier to manage? Enter Two Sisters Antiques & Collectibles. Two Sisters Antiques & Collectibles is an antique shop located on 473 High Street in Medford that specializes in both buying and selling items from personal estates. Co-owners Linda and Theresa Turino, who are sisters, work with customers to buy and sell items for which customers no longer have a need or space. Whether the customer is downsizing to a smaller home or dealing with the loss of a loved one, Two Sisters works to meet their needs. Remaining sensitive to their customer's feelings, Two Sisters Antiques will arrange a time to meet with the customer in their home and carefully look at and discuss each item. Once the customer has selected the items to be sold, the items can be taken to the antique shop and put on display. Even though Two Sisters buys items outright, it believes the original owners should be comfortable with the process. Read more... »

Addressing Aging Concerns

Question: Not long ago I would have described my parents as a very loving couple. When I was growing up they seemed so happy together-it was a wonderful home environment for a child. Now that they are older (77 and 84), my mother snaps at my father about every little thing. The poor man can't do anything right. She says he is lazy and doesn't get anything done and he tells me all my mother does is nag. I don't understand what has happened to them? Please give me some advice. Answer: Without personally knowing your parents, it is impossible to predict exactly what has happened. However, the scenario is similar to others we have encountered while working with families and their caregivers. It is highly possible that the reality of aging has emotionally thrown your mother off balance. As one recent report stated, old age continues to be viewed and "treated like an illness." Instead of promoting ways to age gracefully, too much focus is put on the beauty of youth. The reality is we are all aging day by day and the healthy approach is learning to deal with the inevitability of one day being considered old. Read more... »