"At UCP we found eternal love." -Jack & Doris

Jack and Doris' story is the first of our six word stories photo series.  Be sure to check back each week to read more stories from individuals we serve!

This photo was chosen as the winning submission from our Walk & Roll Photo Conest that took place during the 5th Annual 'Life without Limits Walk & Roll'.  Congratulations to Nicole for capturing a photo of these brave girls sitting by a sleeping lion!

Thank you to all those that took part in the photo contest, it was a lot of fun looking through all of them!

We are pleased to announce that UCP is now an authorized provider of AFC (Adult Family Care) Services. 

What is the AFC Program?

The AFC (Adult Foster Case) Program is a MassHealth funded program that enables a person who needs assistance with daily care to live in the community in a supportive family environment. The caregiver may choose to move into the home of the person needing assistance or he/she may move into the caregiver’s home.  This home may be a house, a condominium, or an apartment and may be owned or rented by either party.  The home must have a private bedroom available for the person needing care and must be accessible to his or her needs.  Our team of professionals, including a Registered Nurse and a Care Manager, will visit on a monthly basis to ensure that the caregiver has the tools and resources necessary to successfully care for and meet the needs of the individual requiring assistance.  The AFC program prevents or delays nursing home placement while improving care for the individual and his/her quality of life.

Please visit our AFC page for more details or contact Jordi Haviland, Director of In-Home Supports, at (617) 600-2456.

Dudley's tips for staying in shape

Written by Dudley

It's important for me to stay in shape for better range of motion, breathing, and better blood flow to my leg muscles.  I need to stay active and motivated at all times because I spend a lot of time in a wheelchair.  What you don't use you will lose.  If you dont move around because it's difficult then you will become stiff.  You should move around and stretch your muscles to get a better range of motion.

I excersice almost every day.  I stretch my legs before I excercise.  I lifting my knees up and down about 15 times.  I walk for short distances in my apartment, do squats, and sit ups.  I walk from room to room with breaks and repeat this two times a day.  To me, it's better than just sitting in my wheel chair.  I do the best I can in the condition I am in.