On Tuesday, November 15, over 30 parents gathered in person at the Lexington Community Center to attend the presentation “How DDS Supports Older Caregivers.”
DDS staff members Liz Sandblom, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations,·and Ellen Kilicarlsan, Director of Family Support Services, presented policy and the results from a recent study that was conducted by The Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research at the Shriver Center. Information from this study was used to develop their strategic plan on how to support Older Caregivers.
The audience also heard from Rebecca Anderson, Director of Family Support from the Northeast Region; Area Directors Lynlee Jordan and Michelle Vercellone; and Assistant Director Ken Underwood.
The panel spoke of new pilot initiatives throughout the state and encouraged caregivers to have a conversation about future planning with DDS. Panelists also stressed connecting to your local Family Support Center to help navigate services and locate community resources.
The presentation was filmed by Lex Media and will be available at a later date on their YouTube Channel.
The Arc is grateful to the Dana Home Foundation for funding this series.
As a parent of a 52-year-old gentleman who has Down syndrome, I’ve begun the process of looking for information and what is available in the south valley area for caregivers. I was encouraged to see that programs like that in Lexington are slowly filtering out of Boston. As our “children “ are entering their 50s and beyond, we are already in our 70s and beyond. Many of us want to learn more but do not drive at night or go to unfamiliar high traffic areas any more. I’m looking forward to other local DDS and Arc associations coming out to the rest of the state with programs like this. It is a much needed support.