Colony Care at Home

11/08/2025

11/05/2025

We're developing a new website and educational materials to help patients and caregivers learn about POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment).

We are conducting consumer research to review these materials and are looking to speak with:
✅ Adults (18+) living with serious illness or declining health
✅ Caregivers of people with serious illness

Participants will receive $150 for their time.

We are especially interested in participants in Boston, the North Shore, and Springfield, particularly from communities of color.

Know someone who might be interested? Share this link or have them call (857) 331-1357 and ask for Janice Rosenblum:
👉 https://www.research.net/r/9GY3SBV

11/04/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize the compassion, strength, and commitment of the millions of people who provide care and support to loved ones every day.

Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month in Massachusetts, honoring the vital role caregivers play in strengthening our families, communities, and the Commonwealth.

If you are a caregiver, Massachusetts offers programs and resources to support you:
✅ Family Caregiver Support Program – connect with a local caregiver specialist for one-on-one guidance, training, and respite options
✅ Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) – provides eligible workers job-protected paid time off to care for a family member
✅ Caring for the Caregiver Webinar Series – practical tips and expert advice to help you care for yourself while caring for others
✅ Caregiver Support Groups – connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving

Learn more and find local resources at https://www.mass.gov/support-for-family-caregivers

10/31/2025

Springfield Police Provide Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Pedestrians as we Fall Back

Springfield, Mass. --- Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday November 2nd. In addition to setting your clocks back an hour and changing or checking the batteries in your smoke detectors, the Springfield Police Department wants to remind pedestrians and bicyclists to stay highly visible as it will be getting dark out earlier.

Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “The Springfield Police Department wants all our pedestrians and bicyclists to make it to their destination safely. As it gets darker out early, remember you want to be seen. Wear bright colors or reflective vests and never assume a driver sees you or will stop. Follow these tips below as they have been proven to save lives.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “As the days start to get darker earlier, Police Superintendent Larry Akers and I want to encourage everyone, especially our pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to be safe. When walking or bicycling wear bright colors or reflective vests and use the cross walks. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and not speed. We are getting close to the holiday seasons and we all want everyone to be safe and healthy.”

Safety Tips for Bicyclists:
• Bicyclists must have a white light that is visible for 500 feet attached to the front of a bike
• A red reflector must be attached to the rear of the bicycle
• You need to have pedal or ankle reflectors
• Side reflectors are required on either the bicycle or worn on the clothes of the rider
• All bicyclists must follow the rules of the road that apply to motor vehicles, with the expectation that they can pass on the right

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
• Wear bright colored clothes and hats
• Cross streets at crosswalks and intersections for added safety benefits
• If no crosswalk is available cross under a street light
• Make eye contact with drivers any time you cross the street, do not assume drivers see you or will stop if you are in a crosswalk

10/31/2025

Please be safe and watch out for Trick or Treaters! Enjoy!

10/29/2025

10/29/2025

Halloween is this Friday, and we hope you're able to enjoy tricks, treats, and the general spooky spirit. 👻😋 This is your weekly reminder that there are various Mobile Food Banks throughout Western Massachusetts available to the public (and this is no trick!). For a full list of Mobile Food Bank Distributors, use: https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/mobile-food-bank/ - We also encourage everyone to share this post because it may help someone you know, thank you! 💚

Remember: everyone is welcome to visit a Mobile Food Bank and get free groceries regardless of other services you might receive. We have an automated phone line to check if a Mobile Food Bank or Brown Bag is canceled due to weather, the number is: (413)-419-0079.

10/29/2025

New sign and new paint … exciting