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Date: 7/11/2022
HOLLAND – While promoting health and aiding seniors and caregivers can be difficult, the Holland Council on Aging (COA) has purchased informational pamphlets in hopes of contentment.
Brenda Palmer, outreach coordinator for the COA, took over this role during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, she said she was doing what she could to help the seniors, but has since become more involved.
Palmer, whose parents live about three hours away, said she was looking for information on how to help care for them long distance. Similar to most, she shared that she was unsure where to go or what to do. After stumbling upon a “beautiful pamphlet,” Palmer said the words on the paper stuck out, reading “Long Distance Caregiving.”
Filled with “great graphics” and about six to eight topics highlighted inside the pamphlet, Palmer said she was able to “get a good general idea of what [the information] was about in 10 to 15 seconds. It’s easy to pinpoint in that moment of need.”
Later, seeing other pamphlets, Palmer shared the idea with colleagues, to which they seemed interested in obtaining pamphlets for the Community Center, located within the COA.
“Our Council on Aging is paying for 45 different [pamphlets],” said Palmer.
The cost for the pamphlets and the stand to hold them is $1,000. The pamphlets will be printed by JourneyWorks, a publishing company. Palmer noted that JourneyWorks collaborates with doctors and specialists, to ensure that all of the printed information is accurate.
Some of the pamphlet topics include ways to control high blood pressure, how support groups can help, what you should know about medical marijuana, raising grandchildren and what to do if a loved one resists care, to name a few.
Although the center has not yet received the pamphlets, Palmer shared that they are currently being processed. Once they do receive them, she said they will be promoting them to visitors, along with handing them out during various presentations.
While Palmer said she “appreciates” the brochures that try to sell something, these pamphlets are designed to give a person exactly what they need.
“I thank the Council on Aging for what they are doing,” said Palmer.
In addition to her work for the COA, Palmer also serves as the Community Center Director.
She noted that the COA is an age and dementia friendly space. “We work with the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), Massachusetts Councils on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Foundation.”
Typically, with the end of year budget, Palmer said they are able to fund various projects that they wouldn’t normally do. This includes the pamphlets along with a patio that is being built.
She explained that the COA and Community Center will be funding the “age friendly” patio. The patio is slated to have spaced out tables to allow for walkers, along with seats – rather than benches – to sit more comfortably. “It will be accessible for everyone,” she added.
If all goes well, Palmer said she is hoping for the patio to be completed by Labor Day Weekend. The entire construction is being carried out by Evolution Landscaping.
The Holland COA and Community Center is located at 40 Brimfield Rd. To learn more about their hours of operation, visit https://town.holland.ma.us/.