Elder Community Care's team of trained social workers and mental health clinicians can help you or your loved ones.
Resources
If you are concerned about a loved one, friend, or neighbor:
Elder Community Care (ECC) can meet with the elder in his/her own home and assess their needs. ECC can provide:
- In-home counseling
- Telephone call befriending service
- Access to 24 hour emergency response
- In-home personal monitoring system
- Referral to community resources
ECC can also speak with you about ways to talk to your friend or loved one about getting help. Anyone can make a referral to the ECC program.
Call: 508-573-7250
A trained clinician will contact the elder to discuss available services and the ECC program. If you think you would be helpful in making a connection with the elder, let us know.
Warning signs that could indicate a need to make a referral to ECC:
- Significant changes in personal appearance
- Significant changes in the conditions of the home
- Changes in emotional state
- Complains of not eating or difficulty sleeping
- Unusual anger/hostility/irritability
- Seeing, hearing, tasting or smelling things that are not there
- False irrational beliefs
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Changes in mental state
- Confusion, disorientation
- Forgetfulness that affects quality of life
- Inappropriate responses
- Increased nervousness or fidgeting
- Recent losses
- Appears sad or blue
- Complains about health problems all the time
- Homebound/Lack of social relationships
- Personality changes
- Economic problems
- Caregiver stress
- Suicidal thoughts or statements (If you have immediate concern about an elder call 911 or Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services at 508-872-3333)
Any one or combination of the above symptoms could indicate a person needs help.
Call ECC 508-573-7250, to discuss your concerns and whether ECC services would be appropriate. If ECC is not appropriate we will help direct you to services and resources that are appropriate.
Don't forget about your own needs as a caregiver!
Caring for an aging family member or friend can be very difficult and overwhelming at times. There are services that can help you!
You may need help if you:
- Feel like your loved one's condition is getting worse in spite of your best efforts
- Are drinking alcohol more often than usual
- Are becoming impatient, irritable and frustrated with your loved one
- Feel exhausted or overwhelmed
- Have no support system providing assistance or relief from caregiving
- Feel like you should be able to handle this on your own
Call BayPath Elder Services Family Caregiver Program 508-572-7200 to find out about services available for caregivers.