BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Senior Center and a beloved employee have been recognized for leading an outreach program that visits seniors at home, in nursing homes or in hospitals.
Susan Laford, who has been the head of outreach services for the Bernardston Senior Center and Council on Aging for two-and-a-half years, was recognized in an article published in the latest Blue Cross Blue Shield newsletter, written by Ellen Greenlaw.
The Senior Center provides a place for seniors to gather and stay in touch with each other. However, remaining connected can be more difficult for seniors who are unable to travel to the center.
“For older people living alone, staying connected is an important lifeline,” the newsletter reads.
This is where Laford’s work comes in. She makes it a priority to visit seniors who can’t get to the Senior Center.
In the newsletter, Laford said she was inspired to take up this social effort after reading how many residents are in nursing homes. Since starting at the Senior Center, Laford has taken it upon herself to visit every Bernardston senior living in a nursing home once a month. Senior Center Director Hayley Bolton said socializing is a big part of keeping seniors healthy and happy.
“People don’t want to be forgotten,” Laford said in the newsletter.
During the holiday season, the Senior Center collects donations to provide gifts for the seniors Laford visits.
“Susan is phenomenal at her job,” Bolton said. “She’s really dedicated.”
According to Bolton, more than half of Bernardston’s population is over 50 years old. On a busy night, the Senior Center sees as many as 45 people attending events and activities. Bernardston also hosts the only meal program in the area that is held five days a week.
“Everyone here likes to have fun,” said Bolton, who has been Senior Center director for the past six months. “They told me it was the party spot when I interviewed.”
The Senior Center hosts music events, game nights, wellness workshops and more. The holiday party will be held Wednesday, with a holiday meal, gift exchange and music with disc jockey Bobby “Bobby C” Campbell at 10:30 a.m. On Thursday at 11 a.m., students from the Bernardston Elementary School kindergarten class will join the seniors for a day of music with the ROMEOs.
Visit bit.ly/38wugeb for a full schedule of Senior Center events.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.