Friday, September 26, 2008

September 11th Meeting Notes

We brainstormed the Parenting Never Ends Workshop. Notes were sent to all task force members, if you have something to add please e-mail Laurie at lgrant@beverlyma.gov. The workshop will be held in January - giving us November's meeting to brainstorm case scenerios and fine tune.

Cheryl Krisko is adding bio's from task force members to the blog- please e-mail your info to cheryl.krisko@seniorcareinc.org

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Meeting on July 10, 2008

A special thank you to Lynne Johnson who joined the group at our July 10th meeting. Lynne shared information on the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. Check out the web-site http://www.nsgcd.org/

It was discovered through our round table discussion that many agencies are experiencing an increase in the number of elders who are in one way or another supporting their adult children. The group decided to collaborate and plan a workshop in late Fall to support seniors who find themselves parenting once again. The workshop is our effort at early intervention to prevent senior's from finding themselves in difficult situations.

Brainstorming Ideas so far: a panel: legal, home making, housing options; provide a list of available resources, how to say no, if not working out; have a cake to celebrate parents; dealing with everyones stuff- clutter and hoarding issues; how can multiple families live under the same roof and make it successful; skills/tools to deal with children returning; seniors meet each other, a chance to talk and offer/receive support.

To do: List of possible presenters, possible funding sources, how to market event- who do we want to attend. Please post your ideas - we will discuss/finalize at the next meeting.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

July 10th Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 9 a.m. The group will welcome
Lynne Johnson, President of the MA National Organization of Chronic Disorganization and a Professional Organizer. Lynne will start at 9 a.m., so make sure you make it on time !!

Coffee and Refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

We're Back !!!

We're back ! The Hoarding Task Force next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8th at 9 a.m. I hope to see you all there, there is plenty to discuss and catch up on. RSVP to Laurie at (978) 921-6017 or RSVP on the blog under comments.

Agenda: May 8, 2008
  • Introductions and welcomes to new members
  • Discuss role of committees and projects for 2008
  • The First Responder Protcal business card is here ! Help distribute the cards to your organizations and package for Beverly Police/Fire/Ambulence.
  • May 14th showing of Pack Rat at the Beverly COA, community and professionals invited 1:30-3 p.m., discussion to follow. Volunteers needed to help with this event.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Committees

The Task Force decided to form committees to help gather information and further support our mission. If you were not present at the November meeting, please think about which committee interest you. Committees will meet seperately and report back to the group at our task force meetings.

Education and Training: Ellen Ellis, Cheryl K., Suzanne

Support Group Development: Susan Kaplan, Deborah S.

Advocacy: Anne Springer

Fundraising: Diane Moses

Monday, November 26, 2007

First Responder Protocol


First: Ask yourself Fire, Medical or Police Emergency? Call 911
Second: If emergency, secure the scene- do not allow anyone inside the living unit who is not listed above.
Third: Would you leave this person alone?
Address imminent danger:
Elder Protective Service 1-800-922-2275
Disabled Person Protection Commission 1-800-426-9009
Child Protective Services 1-800-543-7508
Animal Cruelty: MSPCA Hotline 1-800-628-5808
Fourth: Concerns about housing unit and animals?
Contact:
Health Department: 978-921-8591
Building Department: 978-921-6025
Fire Prevention: 978-927-2200
Animal Control: 978-921-6040
Fifth: After emergency concerns have been addressed

Monday, August 20, 2007

Conference Evaluations "Knee Deep in Clutter" Conference held on June 19th at Beverly COA

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to return the conference evaluations. We obtained some very good information.

The demographics of our attendees were as follows: There were social workers, protective services workers, case managers, public health personnel, nurses, elder services, housing, fire and ambulance personnel. Most worked for local municipalities or non-profits, with several people from state agencies, hospitals, and private businesses. People had worked an average of 12 years in their field. The vast majority attended because they had a personal interest in the topic and/or wanted to address the issue in their town.

Most respondents felt that they had learned something useful about hoarding, and that the presentations were relevant to their work. People were particularly interested in the research into the clinical and treatment aspects of the condition.

The most useful parts of the evaluations were the suggestions on the need for more information and work on the problem. These suggestions included: a list of specific resources/referrals for Essex County, more networking workshops, more information on treatment approaches/cognitive behavioral therapy, information on motivational interviewing, discussion on how to overcome resistance to treatment, and many other thought-provoking ideas. It is the hope of the City of Beverly Hoarding Task Force that we can use this blog as one forum to address some of these issues.