A Heartwarming Adoption Story: Vinny and Gemma

A man holding his dog, standing next to a woman. — *Vincent “Vinny” Raneiri, his dog Gemma, and Marlene Choi*

For some older adults living alone, pets are an important connection and source of happiness. In January, Boston Senior Home Care was pleased to sit down with one such older adult and hear about how having a dog has changed his life.

Vincent “Vinny” Raneiri has lived in Boston’s North End since childhood. As he aged, he moved into Ausonia Apartments, a public housing community for low income older adults and people with disabilities in the North End. For 12 of his 30 years in Ausonia, Vinny was accompanied by his rescue dog, Boot.

When asked why he enjoyed having a pet, Vinny responded, “I feel more comfortable with company. It makes me feel good. It gets your mind off your sickness, and keeps you busy.”

However, when Boot fell ill, Vinny was devastated to learn that he would have to be put down.

“I was depressed and everything. It’s terrible to be alone when you’re sick. I knew that I had to find another dog to feel better.”

After a period of mourning, Vinny felt that it was finally time to find a new companion dog. However, the search wouldn’t be easy. For two months, Vinny visited many animal shelters around Massachusetts, only to be met with challenges at every turn.

“They felt that I was too old to have a dog. One of them wanted me to have a dog that was 10 years old with health problems. Another place said that I needed to have a dog to get a dog,” he confided. After visiting countless shelters, Vinny was beginning to feel hopeless.

Luckily, Marlene Choi from Boston Senior Home Care noticed his trouble. As the Tenant Resource Counselor for Ausonia, Marlene was in contact with The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), an organization that frequently visited Supportive Housing apartment buildings to host Pet Wellness Events. At these walk-in clinics, residents are able to get free nail trimming and grooming services, as well as pet food and supplies, at no charge.

The next time the ARL came to visit Ausonia, Marlene was quick to introduce Vinny to Anna Yorks, the ARL’s Community Programs Coordinator and experienced animal specialist. Vinny was invited to visit the ARL’s animal shelter in Boston’s South End.

The minute Vinny walked into the room, one young puppy ran up to him and kissed him on the cheek.

“I let her come to me. She had two sisters, but I knew Gemma was the one,” he recalled fondly.

The adoption process at ARL was remarkably quick. All of the animals at the shelter are vaccinated and fixed ahead of time, so Vinny was able to walk out with Gemma on the same day he met her.

“All other places, they wanted a background check, where I live, this and that. With the ARL, you just walk in and they treat you like a normal human being. The whole team is very nice.”

Since adopting Gemma, the residents at Ausonia have noticed how Vinny has been happier.

“I’m really glad that he was able to adopt. After he adopted Gemma, you could see a whole change in his face. He’s so happy now. It’s amazing how a pet can completely change someone’s emotions,” Marlene shared.

Vinny will continue to visit the ARL when they come to Ausonia for Pet Wellness Events. He recommends them to any older adult looking to adopt a pet.

“At The Animal Rescue League of Boston, we firmly believe that pets are family,” Anna declared. “As the Community Programs Coordinator, I find joy in helping keep pets and their families together by partnering with communities and organizations, including Boston Senior Home Care. When I met Vinny at our most recent Pet Wellness Event, I was confident he could find his next four-legged family member through one of our shelters. I received the wonderful news about Vinny adopting Gemma in December and am so excited to meet her at our next Pet Wellness Event.”

Companionship is an important part of mental and emotional health for people of all ages. By partnering with The Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston Senior Home Care is happy to help Supportive Housing residents like Vinny care for pets and age with loving companions.

Boston Senior Home Care Celebrates 50 Years with Gala

AG Campbell and Karen Chen were presented awards and Patricia Lynch was remembered for her lasting legacy.

BOSTON (Oct. 18, 2024) – State leaders and community advocates gathered as Boston Senior Home Care celebrated 50 years of service to older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston on October 17, 2024.

The gala celebrated BSHC’s efforts to expand access to home and community-based services and underscored the organization’s vision to deepen its partnerships with community organizations and continue to champion policies that ensure everyone has the support they need to live with dignity and independence. “This year’s gala is a particularly special milestone, and we are thrilled to bring together people from so many sectors who embody our mission in their work and strive to make Massachusetts more inclusive and equitable,” said BSHC CEO Margaret Hogan, “We have come so far but there is always more work ahead.”

State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz presented Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell with the Elder Justice Advocacy Award for her leadership in establishing initiatives that protect older adults. State Sen. Lydia Edwards presented Karen Chen, Executive Director of the Chinese Progressive Association, with the Community Advocacy Award for her grassroots work empowering Boston’s Chinese American community. The organization also remembered lawyer and lobbyist Patricia A. Lynch, a beloved advocate for people with mental illness and substance use disorder. State Rep. and Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata introduced the Patricia A. Lynch Excellence in Public Service Award, which was presented posthumously following Lynch’s passing in July.

A Tribute to Older Workers

March has no shortage of holidays and observances, from the well-known Saint Patrick’s Day to the recognition of Social Work Month. However, one observance that is gaining significance is National Older Workers Week, which is celebrated annually during the second week of March.

While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 provides legal protection against discrimination for workers aged 40 and above, older workers continue to face challenges due to prevailing perceptions about age affecting performance, productivity, and skills. National Older Workers Week is designed to showcase the valuable contributions that older adults bring to the workforce.

Today, reaching the age of 65 no longer signifies retirement for many people. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more people over age 65 are staying in the workforce longer than ever before. But, what motivates them to do so?

According to older workers themselves, the reasons are diverse. Many say that they enjoy their work, want to continue to learn new things and value social engagement. For them, work is not merely a means of financial support but a source of enrichment and fulfillment.

Employers also see the importance of hiring and retaining older workers because they promote an inclusive work culture that brings together a range of ideas and perspectives. Research shows that age diversity improves productivity and morale, sparks innovation, and helps reduce turnover.

At Boston Senior Home Care, we recognize and value the contributions of all employees, regardless of age. Our workforce comprises individuals from diverse age groups, cultural backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, representing the communities we serve. In fact, employees over the age of 50 represent approximately one-third of our total staff.

We celebrate and embrace the unique attributes of all our employees for a workforce that is equitable, inclusive, and respectful. Working together in this rich environment helps us understand the needs of those we serve and is an incredibly powerful way to build trust in the community. If you are interested in learning more about job opportunities at Boston Senior Home Care, visit our website HERE.

As we commemorate National Older Workers Week, let us reaffirm our appreciation for the invaluable contributions of older workers and strive towards creating workplaces that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Aging in Place: Strategies to remain independent at home

Maintaining independence at home as we get older is called “aging in place.” Most older adults prefer to stay close to family and friends and where they are familiar for as long as possible. However, doing so requires careful consideration, thoughtful decision-making, and planning. The best time to develop a plan to age in place is before in-home services and supports are needed.

Let’s look at a few helpful tips to help you get started.

Take a good assessment of your home to ensure it is safe, accessible, and easy to maneuver around. Remove potential fall hazards such as electrical cords and scatter rugs. Move everyday items such as clothing, dishes, food, and other necessities within easy reach. Use nonslip mats in your bath or shower and have grab bars installed to lessen your chances of a fall.
Lighten up your home by placing night lights in your bathroom, bedroom, and hallways. Place a lamp beside your bed and a flashlight within easy reach for use in a nighttime emergency. Be sure to keep your cell phone handy as well.
Clear all entrances, exits, and stairways of clutter and debris and make sure they are also well-lit. Be especially mindful in winter, when snow and ice can accumulate on walkways and stairways making walking hazardous.
Maintain a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. It’s never too late to add more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to your diet. Consider an exercise plan tailored to older adults or begin a walking routine to maintain your strength and prevent the loss of muscle mass.
Be proactive with your physical and mental health. Maintain regular checkups with your doctor to detect and address any health issues. Try to reduce stress and engage in social activities you enjoy.
Check out the resources in your community. Many communities offer services such as free transportation to doctor visits, social events, and communal meals.
Accept help when you need it. It can be hard to give up doing everything on your own. Accepting help to age in place is a sign of wisdom and strength.

If you or your loved one is age 60 or older, you may qualify for Home Care services through the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) network. Case managers at the 26 ASAPs across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can work with you on developing a care plan to ensure your independence, safety, and quality of life at home.

To learn more, click on the organizations below: