Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 29, 2024 Caregivers, need a break? MVES program offers relief to family caregivers 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 famLocal 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) ilies 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. 23rd Annual Harpoon 5-Miler presented by PUMA to Benefit ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Research on May 19th (W akefield, MA) – The 23rd annual Harpoon 5-Miler presented by PUMA, sponsored by Harpoon Brewery to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research, will be held on Sunday, May 19th. Since its inception in 2001, the 5-Miler has raised nearly $3 million for ALS research through The Angel Fund for ALS Research, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. This is the second consecutive year Harpoon Brewery has teamed up with global sports brand PUMA to celebrate the Harpoon 5-Miler. Registration for interested participants age 21+ is open on the website, www.harpoon5miler. comand will close on May 12th at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The race is open to the first 4,000 participants and may close early if the maximum number of runners is reached. There will be no day of registration. “Supporting the Boston community and joining the fight against ALS has been a priority of ours for 23 years, as it will continue to be. Having a likeminded partner, like PUMA, to join us in supporting The Angel Fund in their fight against this devastating illness is incredibly important,” said Dan Kenary, Co-Founder and CEO of Harpoon Brewery. “We are thrilled to be partnering with PUMA for the second year in a row to present our annual 5-Miler race, which is sure to be another great race, for a great cause, with great beer.” Race bibs will be mailed to HARPOON | SEE PAGE 17
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