Town of Wakefield Awarded Grants to Support Wakefield Seniors
The first grant is focused on caregiver support and early detection of dementia and Alzheimer’s. According to the National Institutes of Health, caregivers of persons living with dementia are at higher risk of depression, substance abuse, and exacerbation of underlying illnesses. Improving caregiver well-being can help keep persons with dementia living in the community rather than being placed in long-term care.
The COA and HHS staff are dedicated to fostering community understanding of dementia, knowing that the earlier Alzheimer’s and dementia are diagnosed, the sooner individuals and their families can receive information, care, and support. Early diagnosis can allow the individual to have an active role in decision-making for the future. At the same time, families can educate themselves through classes, support groups, and other vital resources. Wakefield will utilize grant funds to help increase early detection by promoting best practices with local healthcare providers, increasing public awareness of symptoms, and addressing concerns about stigma. In partnership with Mystic Valley Elder Services, teams will lead caregiver support groups and offer care for loved ones suffering from dementia during these groups. They will also offer public education sessions and continuously analyze the support needed for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The second grant is focused on bringing back and expanding Wakefield’s congregate meal program. Congregate meal programs provide a vital connection point for our community’s senior population. This funding will allow the COA to expand upon their previous program and increase offerings by 400 percent.
The initiative includes many opportunities for participation and offers both lunch and dinner options:
- The ASAP Meal Program, through Mystic Valley Elder Services, allows Wakefield seniors to have a well-balanced lunch while they socialize with other adults.
- Eat Local, a monthly program, connects Wakefield’s COA and local restaurants to cater a lunch at the Senior Center. The events also provide an opportunity for residents to learn about new activities, trips, and assistance programs.
- In partnership with Wakefield’s HHS department, the monthly Lunch and Learn program will have a focus on educating residents about public health, human services, and elder topics.
- Community Dinners will provide an opportunity for Wakefield non-profit groups, boards, and committees to discuss issues that are important to our senior population.
- The Quarterly Cultural Meals program is designed to celebrate the growing diversity in Wakefield’s population, including our senior population. Wakefield has growing immigrant groups, especially Chinese, Indian/South Asian, Central American/Hispanic, and Brazilian. These meals will not only engage these new residents, but also provide opportunities for everyone to learn about and enjoy the foods of other cultures.
- Healthy Cooking Classes are designed to increase social connections while teaching seniors how to prepare healthy, flavorful options with smaller serving sizes. Funds will be used to hire a cooking instructor who will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to bring back to their own kitchens.
- The Wakefield Food Pantry Annex at Wakefield’s Senior Center will continue to be supported as we raise awareness for and remove stigma from food insecurity programs.
Many of these programs have started, and more will continue to roll out in the next few months. Information on programs can be found in the Council on Aging Monthly newsletter or by calling Senior Center staff at 781-245-3312.