WestMass ElderCare Reflects on Accomplishments at 49th Annual Meeting

HOLYOKE — WestMass ElderCare (WMEC) hosted its annual meeting on Nov. 13, taking time to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. Executive Director Roseann Martoccia presented an overview of the highlights, emphasizing the significant impact WMEC has had on the lives of more than 12,000 individuals throughout Western Mass.

Among the key milestones shared was the successful implementation of two new programs: the Hospital to Home Program and the CARE (Caregiver Assistance, Respite and Enrichment) Program. The Hospital to Home Program, developed in collaboration with Holyoke Medical Center, involves hospital liaisons working with discharge teams to secure services for individuals transitioning from hospital care back to their homes. The CARE Program is aimed at providing caregivers with paid essential respite care. Both programs were made possible through grants received from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

This year’s annual meeting, although small and intimate, set the stage for next year’s anticipated public and celebratory event, as WestMass ElderCare gears up to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

In addition to the organizational updates, Helene Florio, president of the WMEC board, concluded her four-year term. She received commendations from state Sen. John Velis and state Rep. Pat Duffy for her service to the board.

Furthermore, two long-serving board members bid farewell to their roles. Jim Tillotson, who served for 19 years, and Jim Bell, with 16 years, are ending their service on the board. Both members received citations, from state Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Rep. Shirley Arriaga for Tillotson and from state Rep. Aaron Saunders for Bell.