MVES Caregiver Red Carpet Event Honor Caregivers

A special celebration was held on November 14

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) organized the Caregiver Red Carpet event in honor of National Family Caregivers Month, and also to recognize the dedication of caregivers year-round. Lisa Gresci, 7News reporter, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. More than 200 guests, including many elected officials and dignitaries, joined MVES at Anthony’s of Malden to help celebrate.

Gresci quoted the late Rosalynn Carter during her remarks: “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” She then invited all the caregivers, past and present, to stand up and be recognized. Gresci led the guests in a round of thundering applause in recognition of the dedication of our community’s caregivers.

Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs Assistant Secretary Jodi Breidel presented a proclamation of November as Family Caregiver Month in Massachusetts – signed by Governor Maura Healey. Noting there are nearly one million unpaid caregivers in the state, Breidel observed, “That means family caregivers play a crucial role in home and community support systems by helping thousands of individuals who are in need – with disabilities and also special needs – to live and thrive in the communities of their choice.”

Video messages recorded by U.S. Senator Edward Markey and U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark were played, addressing the daily efforts of caregivers and the work that has been done, and remains to be done, to support them from Washington.

The MVES Caregiver Red Carpet was a truly joyful event, with guests enjoying luncheon, dancing to music by the Sandi B Band and having fun with props and costumes at a photo booth. There was an Innovator Showcase featuring products and services uniquely designed to support caregivers and their loved ones. A series of raffles were a highlight, with all winners being drawn from the caregivers.

State Senator Patricia Jehlen and Mayors Gary Christenson of Malden, Breanna Lungo-Koehn of Medford and Jennifer Grigoraitis of Melrose were on hand to help make it a special day for caregivers. MVES Board and Committee members and partners from local Councils on Aging also helped celebrate.

MVES CEO Lisa Gurgone noted the sacrifices and dedication of each and every individual who supports their loved one. “Your commitment to caring for others is really inspiring and so important,” she said.

To learn more about Caregiver Support at MVES, please visit www.mves.org or call 781-324-7705. Anyone caring for an adult age 60 or older, or for someone with memory loss, is eligible. The program is also open to anyone age 55 or older who is caring for an adult with a disability or for a child under 18, such as a grandchild. (Courtesy photo)