Monthly sessions for those assisting loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia

LONGMEADOW—Glenmeadow has announced the creation of a new Caregivers Support Group for both professionals and family members who are assisting someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

Meetings will be held at the life plan community at 24 Tabor Crossing twice per month on the first Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the third Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. In September, sessions will be held Sept. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Sept. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. A free light meal will be offered.

Anne Thomas, president and CEO of Glenmeadow, said the creation of the group is a direct result of a strategic planning initiative outlined last year.

“We are committed to enhancing the services we provide in the area of dementia care because we know the need is great,” Thomas said. “Many family members and professionals in this region need support as they provide care to loved ones and clients with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

“As a nonprofit with a mission to serve seniors and their families, we wish to embrace the need and offer free information and support,” she added. “We hope this new offering will provide practical knowledge as well as comfort.”

Glenmeadow’s Caregivers Support Group will offer information and support to professionals and those caring for a loved one. It is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about dementia and to understand their individual feelings about the life-changes associated with it.

Participants will learn practical caregiving techniques, get mutual support, learn about local resources, and find solutions to challenging behaviors.

Glenmeadow staff members Laura Lavoie, director of life enrichment; Ruth Dickinson, R.N., wellness nurse; JoAnn Paier, R.N., health care coordinator; and Emily Perkins, director of Glenmeadow at Home and a certified care manager, will lead the group.

The program is free but reservations are required by calling Laura Lavoie at 413-355-5905.

About Glenmeadow

In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end, establishing The Springfield Home for Aged Women. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and, in 1992, it began to admit men.

In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas.  This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community.  Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997.  Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property.

Continuing care retirement communities are now referred to as life plan communities, responding to the needs of the aging population with new opportunities for care, plus creative, educational and personal exploration. Glenmeadow offerings, which include everything from senior living options and handyman services to personal care and travel programs, are provided at its Longmeadow campus and across the region through Glenmeadow at Home. Glenmeadow strives to fulfill its mission of nurturing the whole person in mind, body and spirit.

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LONGMEADOW— Paul Nicholson, Chair of the Board of Directors for Glenmeadow, announced recently that Anne Thomas has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer and will begin work with the nonprofit on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Thomas most recently served as vice president of residential health at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, and she has over 25 years of experience in working with seniors.

“She has strong operational, interpersonal, team-building and financial management skills,” Nicholson said. “Most importantly, though, her career has been devoted solely to older adults, and she is passionate about the people she serves, including the staff members she leads.”

“She has demonstrated that she is a driven leader,” he added.

In the brief interim until Thomas begins her new position, Glenmeadow Controller David Leslie and Assistant Administrator Anne Miller will share the responsibilities of former President and CEO Timothy V. Cotz, who retired on Oct. 5.

Cotz announced his retirement in March to “give our board the opportunity to seek my successor in a thoughtful, planned way.”

Witt/Kieffer, an executive search firm with a specialty in senior living, conducted a national search, which narrowed the field to three finalists; each spent a day at Glenmeadow meeting with residents, board members and staff.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College in Rhode Island and a master’s in social work from Hunter College in New York.

“I am truly excited about the opportunity to lead Glenmeadow as its next CEO,” Thomas said. “Glenmeadow has earned its stellar reputation by its deep dedication to improving the lives of older adults. As a core value, I have always believed later life should be the best part of life. This philosophy is embedded in the Glenmeadow community, so I was immediately attracted.”

Throughout the interview process, Thomas said she talked with many residents, employees and board members, all of whom expressed their genuine love for Glenmeadow. “Having always worked in elder care, I know the difficulty of achieving this level of confidence,” she said. “My initial goal will be to develop strong relationships with residents, employees and board members. It will be my true pleasure and honor to guide the team. I cannot wait to get started.”

Glenmeadow is a life plan community known for its holistic mission and innovative programs and outreach to the wider community. Once offering services only to residents, the organization now provides services to people living across the greater Springfield area. Through such innovations as Glenmeadow at Home, the Lifestyle Pass and Glenmeadow Learning, area residents have access to services from transportation and care management to education.

Glenmeadow employs a staff of 200 and is proud of the longevity of its employees.

To learn more about Glenmeadow and the history and offerings of its various programs, visit www.glenmeadow.org.

About Glenmeadow

In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and in 1992, it began to admit men.

In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas. This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community.  Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997.  Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property.

The post New Glenmeadow President and CEO to Begin Work on Nov. 1 appeared first on Beetle Press.