Elder Services of Worcester Area has shared some fantastic events, resources, and activities! 

Virtual Making Connections Memory Café with Leonardo Ciampa Organist at Emanuel Lutheran Church Performing Holiday Music

Join Deb, Patty, Jenn, and the gang for the next virtual gathering of Worcester's Making Connections Memory Café.

Tuesday December 15th @ 2:00PM featuring Leonardo Ciampa Organist at Emanuel Lutheran Church performing holiday music

This meeting will be held via ZOOM. Please reach out to one of the team to RSVP and get the log-in info. Email: memorycafe@eswa.org to RSVP.

Gifts Appropriate for the Caregivers in Your Life

With the holidays quickly approaching, I have been asked by clients and family members alike what the best gifts for caregivers are this season. After some reflection about all the things caregivers do for the people they are taking care of, I made a few adjustments to my answer.

There is no amount of money that will ever fully recognize the amount of stress, love, and care that any family or professional caregiver goes through each and every day. However, here are a few ideas that may help the caregivers in your life feel recognized, appreciated and pampered.

Read more on The Senior List

Safe and Festive Pandemic Holiday Activities

Even though this holiday season is quite different because of the pandemic, there are still many safe festive activities you and your loved ones can participate in, both in your home and around the area.

• Visit a Christmas tree farm.
• Decorate your Christmas tree.
• Watch your favorite old holiday movies.
• Drink homemade hot cocoa in your pajamas.
• Write letters to out-of-town friends and relatives.
• Bake some of your family's favorite holiday recipes (or try out new recipes)
• Look at old family holiday photo albums.
• Make homemade potpourri to make your home smell amazing.
• Decorate a wreath
• Dress up your pet in a festive sweater.
• Walk or drive around your neighborhood to see all the lights.
• Light an evergreen-scented candle.
• Donate canned goods to a local food bank.
• Go on an outdoor adventure and take photos of the wintry scenery.
• Take a long drive and sing along to the holiday radio station.
• Do random acts of kindness; anonymously leave notes and candy canes spreading holiday cheer on people's cars.
• Start a new holiday tradition with your family.

There are also many safe holiday activities taking place right here in Central Massachusetts. Keep your eye on your local newspaper events page, or view the calendar of events on the website below.

Click here to view event calendar on Discover Central Massachusetts

Assistive Technology and Apps for Family Caregivers

Presented by the Greater Worcester Alzheimer's Partnership, An affiliated Partnership of the Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter

Tuesday December 8th, 1:00PM- 2:30PM on ZOOM

Experience different digital tools available to help manage caregiving responsibilities, find support and access new information. We will review technology and devices that can assist caregivers in a wide range of activities including medication management, home monitoring, stress relief and social engagement. 

Presenters:

• Laura Black Silver, LICSW, Caregiver Specialist, Tri-Valley Inc.
• Debbie Dowd Foley, Caregiver Specialist, Elder Services of Worcester Area
• Nichol Kanis, MS, CDP, JHC Lifecare Management

To Register: Please call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit communityresourcefinder.org. Once you register, a link to join the ZOOM session will be sent to you. 

This Holiday Season, Focus On Combating Loneliness And Building Resilience

The end of the year typically brings a welcome opportunity to rest, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the festivities that make the season special. But with the Covid-19 pandemic worsening, traditional large holiday gatherings are no longer safe, and a recent survey reveals that two-thirds of Americans are concerned that they or a loved one will fall ill from the virus. This disruption of holiday tradition may harm Americans’ mental health, especially as the population is being asked to stay vigilant in the tenth month of the pandemic.

Click here to read more on Forbes

Open for Business as Usual!

Aging Services Access Points, like ESWA and our partners across Massachusetts are considered essential, providing Meals On Wheels, investigating Elder Abuse, providing case management and vital in home-care to the most vulnerable of our communities', the elderly and people living with disabilities. We remain open for business as usual, working remotely, and we are still accepting referrals. Please reach out to your local ASAP if you are concerned about an elder during this crisis. www.eswa.org