Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 29, 2024 Caregivers, need a break? MVES program offers relief to family caregivers EHS students and teachers receive Narcan training Students learned about the importance of administering Narcan when needed and the negative effects of addiction S tudents and teachers at Everett High School Local families are shown attending Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Memory Café featuring Fill My Heart With Song. A Memory Café, which is designed for people with memory loss and their loved ones to create positive experiences and develop a support network, is just one of the MVES programs that support family caregivers. (Courtesy of MVES) Y ou’ve probably heard the phrase “Caregivers need care, too.” It’s certainly true, but it’s often easier said than done. If you are a family caregiver who could use a little support, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) can help. MVES is a nonprofit that specializes in supporting older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. MVES has found that many caregivers aren’t aware of the guidance and services available to them – some think they can’t afford it, while others believe their income is too high to qualify for help. In reality, there are resources to assist all caregivers and families, regardless of their income. You don’t have to do it alone. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts awarded MVES a grant to develop new ways to support caregivers. The grant empowered MVES to provide monetary stipends to families that don’t qualify for MassHealth, so that caregivers can take advantage of in-person and online programs that suit their needs. MVES was also able to create a quarterly Saturday program at The Community Family’s adult day health center. Designed for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, this program gives caregivers a much-needed break during weekend hours. Navigating your options: These opportunities are only one part of MVES’ Caregiver Support Program. It can be overwhelming to find the right information, care and resources. For over 45 years, MVES has helped families navigate the options and find solutions that work for them. The MVES Caregiver Support Program also offers: • A wide variety of MVES services, whether your loved one needs them now or later, including: transportation, Meals on Wheels, in-home services and insurance counseling • In-person and virtual support groups • Workshops, training and educational resources • Referrals and help applying for programs • Memory Café events for families dealing with memory loss • Help for grandparents raising grandkids • Guest speakers and other special events You are eligible for the Caregiver Support program at MVES if you fit any of these descriptions: • You care for an adult age 60 or older • You care for someone with dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) • You are age 55 or older and care for a child under 18 (grandparent or other nonparent relative) • You are age 55 or older and care for an adult with a disability For more about the Caregiver Support Program, or any of the services offered by MVES, please contact 781-324-7705 ext. 100 or visit www.mves.org. (EHS) received training on how to administer Narcan – a medication that is used to reverse an opioid overdose – when needed. The training, which was led by Fenway Health (ACCESS Drug User Health Program) Overdose Aftercare and Outreach Specialist Brielle Carelli, educated students on how to administer Narcan and when to use it. In addition to Carelli, Everett Public Schools Youth Substance Prevention Specialist Juliana Blodgett, Everett Fire Department Outreach Addiction Specialist Paul Guarino and Assistant Director of Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Eric Mazzeo spoke about their roles in the community and how they will be interacting with youth going forward. The students also had the opportunity to learn about the effects of addiction and alcoholism on individuals, families and communities. The goal of the training was to engage with EHS students and teachers on what the meaning of harm reduction is and how Narcan can save lives. Additionally, the training helped spread awareness to all high school students about fentanyl, the dangers of counterfeit pills and the importance of administering Narcan. If you or someone you know is dealing with Substance Use Disorder, there are resources available. The Everett Fire Department offers the Roadmap to Recovery program, which helps individuals and families navigate through community services that can access recovery resources. Roadmap to Recovery can be reached by calling or texting Paul Guarino at 617-879-0489. The Everett Recovery Connection (ERC) is a program within the Public Health Department that focuses on connecting the community to addiction and recovery support services. The ERC can be reached by contacting Substance Abuse Services Coordinator Chris Simonelli at 617-579-6421. Everett Fire Department Outreach Addiction Specialist Paul Guarino speaking to students. Everett Public Schools Youth Substance Prevention Specialist Juliana Blodgett speaking to students. Assistant Director of Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Eric Mazzeo speaking to students. Fenway Health Overdose Aftercare and Outreach Specialist Brielle Carelli speaking to students.
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