The nonprofit that helps senior citizens in Wendell, New Salem, Leverett and Shutesbury live at home for as long as possible is planning three talks for members this month.
Village Neighbors has scheduled “Four Feet Under: Your Options in After-Death Care” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, “How Are Elders Protected From Abuse and Neglect?” at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, and “Lighter, Brighter Holidays for Caregivers: Strategies for Decreasing Stress and Increasing Joy” from 1 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 16.
According to a Village Neighbors newsletter, “Four Feet Under” will be a Zoom conversation with local end-of-life educator Dina Stander about practices and options in after-death care, such as home funerals, natural and green burials, and turning ashes into stones. The conversation is being presented in collaboration with Amherst Neighbors, Village Neighbors and the Northeast Death Care Collaborative.
“No question is too bold, no topic is taboo,” the Village Neighbors newsletter reads.
Participants can register for this free event at bit.ly/2YcWlqS. You do not need to log-in or join Amherst Neighbors to participate.
“How Are Elders Protected From Abuse and Neglect?” will be a Zoom presentation about protective services featuring Dean Lagrotteria, regional elder protective services program director at LifePath, and Michelle Billings, protective services supervisor at LifePath.
If you prefer in-person events or don’t have internet access and are fully vaccinated, you can visit the Wendell Senior Center to join the Zoom meeting. RSVP at generalinfo@villageneighbors.org or call Village Neighbors at 413-345-6894 to inform the organization if you will attend in person or via Zoom.
Participants can also submit questions to that email address. According to the newsletter, topics will include indicators of abuse or neglect, what types of concerns are investigated, and what happens after a report is made.
“Older adults have the right to safety and choice,” Lagrotteria said in a statement. “We can all help protect those rights by checking on our loved ones and reporting signs of elder abuse.”
“Lighter, Brighter Holidays for Caregivers” will be two free virtual meetings of caregivers strategizing how to manage the challenges of the holiday season, the newsletter explains. Topics will include simplifying, prioritizing, managing difficult feelings, handling family dynamics and de-stressing. The meetings will be facilitated by social worker Kim Lange, of LifePath.
Participants are asked to register by Nov. 5. Electronic devices may be available, if needed for participation. Contact Kim Lange at klange@lifepathma .org or 413-773-5555, ext. 2376.
Reach Domenic Poli at:
dpoli@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 262.