THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 14, 2021 Page 7 MVES Social Engagement Program continues helping older adults feel more socially connected S ocial isolation is a prevalent concern for approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older who are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely, according to a report conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. And with the COVID-19 pandemic altering people’s lives, including in the ways in which they interact with others, isolation among older adults is at an all-time high. Social isolation can affect everything, including mental health, nutrition and mobility. There are many reasons for social isolation beyond the pandemic. Some older adults might not have family, might be estranged from their family, might not be as technologically savvy as younger folks and might rely on transportation or Adult Day Health in order to socialize. To address this issue, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) launched the Social Engagement Program a year ago to help improve the health and well-being of isolated older adults in the community by providing meaningful social connections. The Social Engagement Program connects to older adults through supports that could include the following: the Telephone Reassurance Program, where a volunteer calls the isolated individual and provides a social contact and friendly conversation; the Card and Letter Writing option where participants and volunteers socialize through an exchange of cards and letters; the Email Pen Pal Program which provides socialization through email; and the Friendly Visitor Program, in which the individual receives home visits that focus on in-person socialization and companionship (when it is determined safe to do so). Trained and carefully screened volunteers are paired with community members and provide the visits, cards and letters, calls and emails. MVES continues to respond to the increased social isolation faced by many older adults during this difficult past year. Cheryl, a 61-year-old, was struggling to recover from hip replacement surgery. She was feeling isolated and very stressed-out and wanted a listening ear and friendly support. Cheryl was very worried about her adult African American son, the recent racial protests and how her family might be impacted. She needed someone to talk with who would understand her reality and lived experiences. That’s where the Social Engagement Program came into Cheryl’s life. Cheryl was matched with an MVES Social Engagement Program volunteer who had shared experiences and could relate to Cheryl’s family experiences and feelings. It has been a very supportive match for Cheryl and made such a positive difference in her life. When Cheryl speaks of her volunteer, she shares, “We’re buddies. We really talk and laugh. We talk about serious things, too.” Cheryl enjoys their phone calls and is looking forward to days ahead when she can spend time in person with her Social Engagement Program volunteer. The Social Engagement Program is not only benefitting Cheryl, but more than 50 other socially isolated older adults who have their own unique life challenges. MVES is playing an important role in the community to combat the effects of social isolation. From increased well-being calls to ongoing home-delivered meals and other in-home services to providing resources for family caregivers now worrying about their elderly loved ones from afar, MVES is committed to remaining a consistent presence in the lives of those community members it is privileged to serve. If you would like to learn more about the Social Engagement Program, please contact Linda Cornell at 781-388-4839 or lcornell@mves.org. Due to the increased demand from community members, MVES is seeking volunteers for the Social Engagement Program. If you would like to learn more about volunteering for the program, please contact Leah Mulrenan at 781-388-2375 or lmulrenan@ mves.org. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net PROTECT your PET! Eastern Bank Bldg. on RT-1 605 Broadway, #301 • Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-6844 www.bostonnorthdental.com RABIES CLINIC The City of Malden and Malden Police Dept. are pleased to announce the return of the Annual Rabies Clinic Dr. Priti Amlani Dr. Bhavisha Patel • Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Implant Restoration • Zoom Whitening • Teeth in a Day – All on 6 Before • Invisalign • CEREC Crowns (Single visit crowns) • Root Canal Treatment • Sederation Dentistry Full Mouth Rehabilitation After On SATURDAY, JUNE 12th from 10 a.m.-12 noon @ the Malden Central Fire Station, 1 Sprague St., Malden, MA 02148 *The cost is Only $10.00 per shot *ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED *ALL CATS MUST BE IN CARRIER *PLEASE COMPLY with all SOCIAL DISTANCING REGULATIONS This Clinic is organized by the City of Malden and the Malden Police Department. For further information contact Malden Police Animal Control at 781-397-7171 x1302 Malden Police Department 800 Eastern Ave. Malden, MA 02148 Please protect your Pet by getting them Vaccinated! This Rabies Clinics is open to All Malden residents AND Non-Residents are welcome to bring their pets, also
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