Annual Report

As we celebrate the close of 2023, we reflect on a year marked by stability and significant investment for WestMass ElderCare (WMEC). The COVID public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, generating an activity level at our agency best characterized as “full steam ahead.”

With a focus on recovery and rebuilding, this year has brought exciting opportunities for growth and expansion in several program areas, providing targeted new services that respond to demonstrated needs in our community. In response to the removal of MassHealth pandemic protections, four new Certified Application Counselors have joined our team to help minimize disruptions in coverage and navigate benefits for consumers with MassHealth. Beginning in December 2022, WMEC partnered with Taino Restaurant in Holyoke to provide older adults authentic Latino meals and vital social connections in this community setting. Critical mental health supports were created for older adults in our community through WMEC’s Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, which provides visits to people in their homes and at community sites, as well as ongoing resources and counseling.

WMEC was also awarded two grants to innovate service delivery models. In our “Hospital to Home” collaboration with Holyoke Medical Center, two WMEC Care Managers work alongside the HMC discharge team ensuring efficient and seamless transitions home by swiftly organizing services and resources. Additionally, the CARE (Caregiver Assistance, Respite and Enrichment) program offers family caregivers the navigational support of our Family Caregiver Specialist as well as flexible respite care options. Read more about these exciting initiatives on the center pages.

We also invested in key building renovations this year, renewing our commitment to keeping our office “home” here in Holyoke. This included remodeling and expanding our Nutrition Program’s packing and delivery space, thanks to a Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

In 2024, WMEC will celebrate our 50th Anniversary milestone year. As we move into our next half century, our core services and recent innovations reinforce our resolve and commitment to caring and compassion for our staff, consumers and caregivers. WMEC continues to be driven and inspired by our mission to preserve the dignity, independence and quality of life of older adults and persons with disabilities desiring to remain within their own community. Our staff’s dedication and hard work make our daily mission possible. We eagerly anticipate planning for the upcoming milestone while continuing to honor our consumers’ wishes to remain at home with their chosen supports.

As you’ll read in the pages that follow, WMEC’s core services, all centered on addressing health disparities and improving health equity, have positively impacted thousands of older adults and persons with disabilities in our community this year. This would not be possible without a true team effort. We express gratitude for the advocacy and support of local officials, and state and federal legislative delegations. We are grateful for the invaluable guidance, time, and skills of WMEC’s Board of Directors, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, and Money Management Advisory Council. We thank each consumer and caregiver for their trust and the opportunity to support their commitment to home and independence for themselves or their loved one. We appreciate all the contributions of our staff, volunteers, the direct care workforce, and our community partners that empower us to continue to care for our community, one person at a time.