BSHC Collaborates with the Animal Rescue League of Boston

ARL partnership with Boston Senior Home Care expands to seven locations

This article was originally published on the Animal Rescue Leagues’ website, located here.

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Wellness Waggin’ made a stop at a Dorchester apartment development to provide more than a dozen pet owners with low-cost pet wellness services.

The newest stop expands ARL’s growing list of senior housing developments the organization visits regularly through an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care.

For many pet owners in Boston, accessibility to services is a major barrier to maintaining overall pet health, however, ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ is just one program that bring services directly to where they’re needed most, to help pet overcome these types of barriers.

Parking outside the Franklin Field Elderly Community Center, more than a dozen pet owners living in the Franklin Field apartments were able to easily take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality services the Wellness Waggin’ provides.

The Wellness Waggin’ parked outside of Franklin Field Apartments.

For 10 dollars, pets receive a brief veterinary exam, rabies and distemper vaccines, flea treatment and microchip, if needed.

These services would cost hundreds in a traditional veterinary clinic setting.

This newest stop for the Wellness Waggin’ is part of an ongoing partnership with Boston Senior Home Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families throughout Greater Boston, with social services and resources to live safely and independently.

ARL began its partnership with the organization in 2018, and now has seven sites throughout neighborhoods in Boston to provide senior pet owners with basic services and pet supplies.

These wellness events offer a wonderful opportunity for ARL to connect with senior pet owners in Boston, and to provide services that are accessible just steps from their door.

Photos from the Event

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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.

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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.

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Home care services

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.  
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Check out the resources in your community. Many communities offer services such as free transportation to doctor visits, social events, and communal meals.
  7. 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:

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Older Americans Month

Each May, Older Americans Month (OAM) recognizes the immeasurable contributions that older adults make to their communities. Their time, experience, and talents enrich the lives of those around them.

This year’s theme for OAM focuses on combating stereotypes of aging and how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose.

As we age, we experience several significant life changes. How we adapt to and grow from these changes is often the key to healthy aging. Moreover, healthy aging also means finding new things you enjoy, staying physically and socially active, and feeling connected to your community and loved ones. This is certainly true for Elnora Jackson.

Meet Elnora Jackson

At 87, Elnora Jackson teaches Sunday School at her church and regularly partakes in community events. “I try to participate in everything,” said Elnora. “ What I truly enjoy is being with others. I am a people person. I love the people I live with here and the people from my church.”

Elnora lives in Codman Apartments in Dorchester, where Boston Senior Home Care’s Supportive Housing team collaborates with the Boston Housing Authority to offer social programming for the building’s residents. Programming includes art classes, computer classes, bingo, exercise classes, and more.

Outside of connecting with her neighbors and friends, she also holds a special place in her heart for her family. One of her nine children or 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren often visits her. “I love my kids,” said Elnora. “I love my grandkids. So, when they all come around, it’s joyful.”

Elnora says taking care of others and raising a family kept her busy for most of her life. Now, she spends her days staying active and connecting with the people around her. She can often be found spending time with friends in the community room or visiting with neighbors in the building with the assistance of her walker.

Although Elnora is now facing some of the challenges of aging, she’s happier than ever before. “I enjoy life even with my aches and pains,” said Elnora. “I’m just enjoying my life. I never think about dying. I think about living.”

When asked for her advice on aging, Elnora said, “Take care of yourself. Take care of your body, and don’t smoke.”

Of course, good health is not automatic, and Elnora understands the importance of caring for your mind and body as you age. But she also believes participation in community activities, connections to others, and a positive attitude all play a role in her ability to stay happy and healthy.

Her sense of purpose and ability to find meaning and joy in her life inspires us all.

Boston Senior Home Care is excited to celebrate OAM with our partners in the aging community. We ensure that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible.

Ready to Learn More?

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