Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) consumers recently received an unexpected but joyous visit from their care managers who delivered nearly 200 care bags full of clothing, linens, games, books and other items that the individuals had on their “wish list” donated by Agero and Tufts University Advancement Division, both of Medford.

Agero and Tufts University Advancement Division staff let MVES know how many gifts they will pledge to shop for each year. Case managers then nominate an older adult served by MVES who they feel is in need of items for personal use and enjoyment. Since the case managers know the older adults they serve so well, they create a “wish list” of items they know they would like and use. Each wish list is unique to that elder. Employees of these companies then “adopt” and shop for these older adults, collecting items on the list ultimately fulfilling their wishes.

“I am so thankful to the staff at Agero and Tufts University Advancement Division for helping us to brighten the days of our consumers. Each year I submit 2-3 names and the their employees always go above and beyond what is asked of them, as they did for these consumers,” said Amanda Simpson, health services care manager with Mystic Valley Elder Services.

According to Amanda, one of her consumers Mary Ellen, who asked for a lighthouse themed gift, “was shocked and thankful, anxiously looking forward to sunny days so that the solar lighthouse’s light would spin and she could watch it on her porch from her living room.”

Another consumer of Amanda’s, Millie, was thrilled that she was able to use the pharmacy gift card she was given to pay for her prescriptions this month, and stated that “No one had ever thought of such a helpful gift. This is wonderful!”

“We were much moved to see the multiple items so thoughtfully chosen to brighten the day of an elder in need,” said Jenny Vanasse, director of development at MVES. “One individual received a gift and she was so happy. But she was especially happy that they even gave a gift to her beloved cat Ruby.”

 Mystic Valley Elder Services consumer Millie was thrilled that she was able to use the pharmacy gift card she was given to pay for her prescriptions this month.

 

 Mystic Valley Elder Services consumer Mary Ellen was shocked and thankful for her gift, anxiously looking forward to sunny days so that the solar lighthouse’s light would spin and she could watch it on her porch from her living room.