As I write this, it is still December. When you read it, it will likely already be January. December is a time for reflection; January is a time for new resolutions. Let me tell you my resolutions and suggest some for you. I try hard in these blog posts, and in the seminars and cable interviews I do throughout Metrowest and in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, to provide you and the senior community with a sense of the laws, government programs, and the people who uniquely affect your daily lives.
This year, I will introduce you to persons and programs I think you should know about as you face decisions regarding your future: where to live, how to make your home safe, where to look if you need help for yourself or someone you love, and other points of interest. This information includes geriatric care managers, home care providers, home health agencies (you probably think of them as the VNA), geriatricians, psychiatrists, home safety specialists, reverse mortgage providers, long term care insurance providers, assisted living managers, social and medical daycare providers, and more. I resolve to introduce you to these people who provide care and programs where you live. I hope your resolution will be to meet these people and learn about what they have to offer. This will help you to decide for yourself whom to call when the time comes that you need their services.
In addition, this year I want to introduce you to some programs that do not yet exist but which could exist, especially programs designed to make communities safer and more welcoming places for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia. There are some great programs already developed in other states, and in some communities in Massachusetts that increase public awareness and educate people about how to help those with dementia stay in the community and maintain their sense of personal pride and self- worth. My resolution is to introduce you to these programs. I hope your resolution will be to investigate these programs to see what would work in your community and then start the arduous but rewarding process of joining with your family, friends, and neighbors to build a community where people with Alzheimer’s can live their lives and face their illness knowing that they are safe, respected, and loved.
As usual, you will be able to see all my seminars and interviews on my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/elderlawfrankandmary, and read my posts here. If you have any suggestions for providers I should interview or make part of my presentations, please email me at abergeron@mirickoconnell.com or call my direct line at 508-860-1470.
All the best to you and your family for a very Happy New Year.
