BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA. Ten local caregivers were honored with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Family Caregivers Month in November. The luncheon was held at Fireside Grille in Middleboro, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts,
recognized caregivers who were nominated by their family members and peers in celebration of their selfless work of caregiving.
Caregiver Appreciation Awards were presented to:
Nydia Alvarez of Brockton, a dedicated caregiver and advocate for a family member:
Kim Benson of Bridgewater, a primary caregiver to two adults since 2011;
Joan Coulstring of Whitman, a primary caregiver to two young children;
James Doherty of Abington, a dedicated caregiver to an adult for several years;
Mary Flanagan of Duxbury, a primary caregiver to a family member for five years;
Michelle Kirshkaln of East Bridgewater, a dedicated caregiver to a family member for four years;
Kim Marie Moran of Pembroke, the primary caregiver to a family member and a caregiver to a friend’s family member for several years;
Marlene McDonald of Foxboro, a primary caregiver to two family members for a few years;
Marge Nutter of Stoughton, a dedicated caregiver to a family member for years; and
Kevin Sipola of Plymouth, the primary caregiver to a family member and a speaker at OCES Caregiver Support Group meetings.
“It is our pleasure to honor these remarkable individuals for their steadfast dedication, extraordinary compassion and care,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “We thank everyone who nominated these special caregivers for recognition.”
She continued, “All caregivers have a vital role of enhancing the lives of others. OCES remains committed to supporting caregivers.”
Family Caregiver Support Program
Each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex. OCES has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that provides caregiver support in the creation of a personalized plan outlining available resources (including OCES programs and other community information) applicable to their caregiving situation. These resources may include caregiver support groups as well as educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and more. The FCSP works with people of all ages including grandparents raising grandchildren.