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Greetings,
Although this winter wasn't the worst we've seen in
New England, it still feels great to know that spring is
upon us.
In this issue, read about the Glendale Tower Olympics,
find tips on staying active this spring, and meet a
married couple who volunteers for MVES. Don't miss our
Q&A column for some helpful advice and read Dan
O'Leary's recap of MVES' annual legislative breakfast.
| Residents Of Glendale Towers Go For The Gold |
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An estimated 27 million Americans tuned into some
portion of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy this
year, according to Reuters. The 2006 Olympics at
Glendale Towers, a supportive housing building for
elders and disabled individuals in Everett, may not have
attracted such intense media attention and public
interest, but that was just fine with the building's
residents. "We have fun no matter what we do around
here!" said Dorothy MoGurk, resident of Glendale
Towers.
MoGurk was one of approximately 30 participants in the
first ever Glendale Tower Olympics on March 29, 2006.
This small scale version of the Olympics didn't include
traditional events like figure skating, snowboarding, or
bobsledding, but instead featured events like
horseshoes, darts, ring toss, and the crowd favorite,
shuffleboard.
Read more... »
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| The Benefits Of Being Active |
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Recently, I watched with awe as a man at the gym ran
on a treadmill. His pace was quick, his breathing
steady and strong. After he finished his workout, I
approached him to tell him how impressed I was. I
figured he was in his mid-sixties, and the run that he
had just completed was impressive at any age. After
speaking with him for a while, he introduced himself as
Dave and told me his age. Imagine my surprise when
he told me--in his own words--that he was "a very
young 78."
Dave is one of many seniors I've met at the gym. All of
these individuals have something very important in
common. They have all managed to ward off the
diseases that commonly afflict seniors. My own 76-
year-old mother takes in a brisk walk every morning.
Her doctor attributes her wonderful health to her daily
exercise program, and tells her that working out every
day is necessary to ensure a good quality of life,
especially as we age.
Read more... »
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| Behind The Scenes With A "Couple" Of Volunteers |
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As husband and wife, Tom and Barbara Maccarone
share more than their last name, their home, and their
love for each other. They share an interest in helping
people. In fact, both volunteer for MVES. But the
Maccarones are connected to MVES even beyond their
volunteerism--their daughter, Julie Souliotis, is a case
manager here! We recently caught up with Mr. and Mrs.
Maccarone to get their take on volunteering for MVES.
Editor: Mr. and Mrs. Maccarone, which
MVES programs do you volunteer for?
Mrs. Maccarone: I've been a Money Management
volunteer since October. I am paired up with the
sweetest woman who has lost her vision and is unable
to see her mail or bills. I visit her home twice a month
for a few hours to help her read her incoming mail, write
checks, and balance her checkbook. She is as sharp as
a tack, but needs help because she can't see her mail.
Read more... »
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| Taking Steps To Prevent Falls |
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Question: My 86-year-old mother has fallen
several times in the last month. The rest of the family
is worried she might soon need nursing home
placement. We don't know how to bring up the subject
and what plans we should be making. Can you point us
in the right direction?
Answer: Slow down! This is difficult time, but don't put
the cart before the horse. Your answer may or may not
be a nursing home. Although falls are the most common
cause of fatal injuries in older adults and one of the
biggest factors leading to eventual nursing home
placement, there could be many ways to help your
mother continue to live safely in her own home.
Read more... »
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| Compelling Profiles, Important Services |
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Several weeks ago, MVES and Senator Richard Tisei
sponsored the annual legislative breakfast at MVES. As
in the past, the event provided a venue for dialogue
between MVES area legislators, MVES staff, and MVES
clients.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the event was when a
client and a caregiver took the floor and spoke about
how MVES has helped them in very different ways. I've
included abbreviated versions of their stories below. I
think you'll be interested.
Chris, as she prefers to be called, was referred to MVES
in November of 2004 after suffering a stroke and a
heart attack. Unfortunately, during this vulnerable time
a family member financially exploited Chris. As a result
of this incident, Chris lost most of her belongings and
needed help with moving into her apartment. MVES
Protective Service workers helped her become settled
in her new apartment by obtaining household items and
providing emotional and social support. The Money
Management Program at MVES also has been helping
her straighten out her financial situation.
Chris suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure,
arthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, and
vertigo. She currently receives personal care services
for assistance with bathing and dressing once weekly
and homemaking services once weekly. These services,
the initial assistance from Protective Services, and the
Money Management Program have helped Chris remain
in her own apartment.
Read more...
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