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Armbrook Village Earns Platinum LGBTQ Accreditation
WESTFIELD — Armbrook Village re- cently reached the Platinum accreditation level from SAGECare, demonstrating the senior community’s dedication to provid- ing a network of support and acceptance for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- gender, and questioning) residents.
SAGECare is an organization that provides LGBTQ cultural-comptenecy training and consulting to service provid- ers. Achieving this level of accreditation highlights that over 80% of Armbrook’s staff have been trained to better navigate and appreciate the variety of issues facing the aging LGBTQ population.
SAGECare is a division of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving
the lives of LGBTQ older adults. It is estimated that there are currently around 3 million LGBTQ older adults in the U.S., and that number is expected to grow to around 7 million by 2030, according to
SAGECare. The accreditation process involved an in-person training for Arm- brook Village’s team of managers, paired with a training module for frontline associates.
The program educated associates on the unique challenges that older LGBTQ adults confront today and the best practices for creating an environment
of inclusivity. This achievement marks
a milestone in Armbrook’s ongoing ef- forts to build a network of support and acceptance for LGBTQ individuals. This culture of acceptance empowers associ- ates, residents, and their families to fully celebrate who they are.
“All of us here at Armbrook were ex- tremely excited to develop an even more understanding and inclusive communi- ty,” said Beth Cardillo, executive director of Armbrook Village. “It’s important for us to not only listen, but to empower each individual to share their experiences and feel comfortable doing so.”
Brattleboro Retreat Introduces Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — For some people with major depressive disorder, first-line treatments such as anti- depressants and psychotherapy do not provide lasting relief. For these people, the Brattleboro Retreat, a specialty psychiatric hospital for people of all ages, now offers tran- scranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Approved by the FDA in 2008 as a treatment for depression, TMS is a type of safe, well-tolerated, and non-invasive brain stimulation that painlessly applies elec- tromagnetic pulses to the brain via a magnetic coil. This treatment stimulates growth of new neural pathways in areas of the brain that are either underactive or overactive. When treatments are applied daily on weekdays for up to six weeks, these neural pathways are strengthened, helping to improve brain function and mood.
According to Kurt White, vice president of Outpatient Programs and Community Initiatives, TMS is effective
for the majority of patients, with minimal risks and side effects. “Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of TMS patients had either full remission of their depression symptoms or measurable improvement,” he said. “Unlike ECT, which itself is highly effective, TMS is an outpatient procedure without the need for anesthesia and without significant side effects.”
White explained that some TMS patients feel mild headaches after their first few treatments, but this typically fades, and the procedure itself is painless for most people. Also unlike ECT, in which a seizure is induced, TMS carries a very small risk of seizures — fewer than one in 30,000 treatments. TMS is available at the Brattleboro Re- treat with a prescription from a licensed medical doctor.
“All of our psychiatrists here who prescribe TMS are TMS-credentialed and understand the function and benefits of the process,” White said, adding that the proce-
dure’s benefits are cumulative and typically involve daily treatments during weekdays for up to six weeks, followed by a three-week tapering period with less frequent treat- ments. “While the first appointment requires a bit of time for measurements and calibrations, most sessions will last just a few minutes to a quarter-hour, plus time to check in with the technician. Aside from travel time, the treatment takes about a half-hour a day and has minimal impact on daily living.”
To learn more about TMS treatment, visit brattleboro- retreat.org/tms. Those who wish to know if they qualify for the treatment are advised to speak to their doctor or therapist. They may also fill out a pre-intake form online at brattlebororetreat.org/admissions or call (802) 258- 3700. TMS is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers. Verification of insurance acceptance is provided free of charge by the Brattleboro Retreat.
them with a placement that best fits their interests and time commitment. All HMC volunteers attend an orienta- tion class and receive training for their specific responsi- bilities. A photo identification badge is also provided.
For more information about the Volunteer Services Program at Holyoke Medical Center and to apply, call Laroche at (413) 534-2579 or email volunteer@holyoke- health.com.
Holyoke Medical Center Seeks Volunteers
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) is currently seeking adult volunteers to assist in a variety of different tasks at the hospital.
“Volunteers are vital resources that supplement the
work of our team by offering many special services that are important to our patients, their families, and the hospital staff,” Fund Development Manager Janet Laroche said. “We are looking for people who enjoy the satisfaction that comes
from helping others, who have a desire to give back to the community, and who want to add to the exceptional care offered to our patients. This is also a wonderful opportunity for college students needing to complete community service hours as part of their curriculum.”
Holyoke Medical Center has a variety of opportunities available and is actively recruiting volunteers. Volunteer Services works with each applicant individually to match
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