Forum for Caregivers Offers Useful Information

About 20 caregivers and supporters gathered at the on Wednesday for a forum called “Empowering and Supporting Caregivers,” which featured speakers from various care providers.

The event is in its second year and was coordinated by Westwood Commission on Disability and moderated by Sheryl Leary of HESSCO Elder Services, who said that the event was a chance to offer information and support to caregivers.

“I think everyone has come here with a little different reason, but a central theme because you are a caregiver,” said Leary. “First and foremost, I think we need to recognize there is no one way to do this.”

Anne Berry Goodfellow, Chair of the Commission on Disability, said that it was a chance for those affected to talk about information out there, and compare ideas in an effort to manage what is a difficult and demanding task.

“We thought we’d exchange some very valuable information,” said Goodfellow.

Leary explained that depending on the personal situation, there are a number of decisions that need to be made when it comes to care giving. This involves everyone affected, including the caregiver. 

“Since no one situation is the same, we are as flexible as we can possibly be,” said Leary.

HESSCO covers 12 towns including Westwood, and provides information and referral support. Leary said that they are connected to the people involved in care giving by leading them in the right directions and providing useful information.

Bob Guarino, a representative from MassHealth, spoke about eligibility and requirements, which involves medical transportation and types of insurance. While MassHealth pays for certain low- and medium-income people, Guarino said that more people can be approved than one may think.

“Never assume that somebody’s not eligible,” said Guarino. “Always do the application if possible.”

Mary Beth Lynch of Norfolk Adult Day Services spoke at the forum, noting that they have 70 clients per day and they are funded by MassHealth. In fact, Lynch said that if MassHealth didn’t exist, 140 adult day health centers would have to close.

Lynch said that services at Norfolk Adult Day Services are intended for seniors who live at home but need socialization throughout the day, as well as disabled adults of any ago. The seniors, she said, exercise, have meals, do current events and some of the clients even run a country store located on Pleasant Street in Norwood.

“We love to have fun,” said Lynch.

The is another adult day center, and it is actually the only adult day center located in a private home. It is run by Julia Irvine, who said that for more than 10 years, they have had 120 guests. She noted that it is not a facility, but instead an adult day social center that is small and unique. The center is located in a 200 year old farmhouse in Westwood.

Leary noted that, sometimes, the caregiver can be under such great stress that they may need help, but not want to ask for it. Help for caregivers can be as simple as just running to the store and grabbing a carton of milk for them.

“Family caregivers are the number-one providers of long term caregivers in America,” said Leary.

Leary said that since family caregivers are under such high stress and are constantly working, it is beneficial to try to get a break. This could be as simple as taking a night to be with friends or plan a date night with a spouse.

“Even providers have a shift change,” said Leary. “They get a break so it’s okay for you to have a break, too.”

For more information, contact Anne Berry Goodfellow at 781-326-2007.