For over 30 years, the Western Mass Elder Care Conference has been a cornerstone event for healthcare professionals throughout New England. Known for its educational value, networking opportunities, and sense of camaraderie, the conference brings together social workers, nurses, case managers, and other elder care professionals for a day of shared learning and inspiration.
When the conference was left without a host several years ago, JGS Lifecare stepped in to ensure its continuation—recognizing the importance of this annual gathering for those who serve our aging population. As a trusted leader in elder care services and an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, JGS Lifecare took on the planning and oversight of the event, reinforcing its commitment to community support and clinical excellence.
“When it came to my attention that the conference no longer had agency backing, I couldn’t let it go,” says Mary-Anne Schelb, Chair of the Conference Committee and Regional Director of Business Development for JGS Lifecare. “The conference is so well liked—and so needed. Professionals depend on it not only for continuing education, but also for meaningful connections with peers from across the region.”
Each year, the conference features dynamic keynote speakers in both the morning and afternoon, as well as a selection of targeted workshops offering tools and strategies that professionals can immediately apply in their practice. In recent years, a dedicated professional development track has also been added, broadening the scope and impact of the event. Attendees can earn CEUs—often covering up to half of their annual requirements—all in a single, enriching day.
The Western Mass Elder Care Conference is more than an educational forum—it’s a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in elder care. It also serves as a valuable platform for agencies and organizations to highlight their services, programs, and products as sponsors or vendors.
While JGS Lifecare leads the initiative, the conference thrives thanks to the dedication of a committed planning committee—some members of which have been involved since the very beginning. “I consider myself fortunate to work alongside such passionate colleagues,” adds Schelb.
By sustaining and elevating this vital event, JGS Lifecare continues to demonstrate its leadership in elder care and its unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors throughout the region.
About JGS Lifecare
JGS Lifecare is a leading health care system serving seniors and their families. JGS Lifecare services include nursing home care (The Leavitt Family Jewish Home), rehabilitation services (Sosin Center for Rehabilitation), orthopedic specialty rehabilitation (Northeast Rehab Associates), assisted living (Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence), adult day health care (Wernick Adult Day Health Care), home health and hospice (Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice (formally Spectrum)) and independent living (Genesis Lifecare). For more information, call JGS Lifecare at 413-567-6211 or visit JGSLifecare.org.
About Legacy Lifecare
Legacy Lifecare is a network of charitable, nonprofit senior care organizations that have come together to sponsor and share a common managerial infrastructure. Founded in 2018 by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare and JGS Lifecare, the mission of Legacy Lifecare is to enable its nonprofit Affiliates to thrive by providing access to managerial resources ordinarily only available to large, primarily proprietary organizations. The Legacy Lifecare model provides the “best of both worlds” for its Affiliates: cost-effective access to the sophisticated systems and personnel needed to compete in today’s complex world, while preserving each organization’s unique identities, missions, and local governance. Legacy Lifecare also provides consulting services to mission-driven organizations. Legacy’s purpose is best encapsulated in its tagline: “Securing Legacies, Together”. For more information, email Legacy Lifecare at info@legacylifecare.org or visit LegacyLifecare.org.