Meet the Founder

Emma Donnelly

Thanks for visiting our website!

As the founder and manager of Meriatrics LLC, I'm passionate about promoting and advancing the all-important social needs of older adults.

Originally from Andover, MA and a resident of NH for the last 18 years, I've had the pleasure of providing extensive care/support to the elderly, including personal care, geriatric/memory support, home health assistance and end-of-life care. It is through those experiences that the concept of Meriatrics was conceived.

I'm also the author and self-publisher of The Reminder Book", a resource of comfort and support for older adults in transition, whether due to mild memory loss or moving into long-term care. The book was originally created in 2008 and is soon to be re-launched as a Meriatrics' product offering.

From 1979-2012, I enjoyed a long and interesting career as a flight attendant for United Airlines. I've also provided educational (SPED) support services to MA/NH public school students (and still substitute on occasion).

Over the years, I've also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA, Lawrence, MA) for abused/neglected children, as well as a citizen/ratepayer advocate in Methuen, MA, where I was also a candidate for mayor.

In my spare time, I enjoy the beach, fitness, travel, writing, cooking, dancing, golf and all Boston sports -- but not necessarily in that order!

Thank you for your interest in Meriatrics. It's my hope that our work will positively impact our clients, the families/caregivers who devotedly support them and advocacy efforts at large to enhance older adult quality of life.

With warm regards,

Emma

Founder's Message

Human connection is a golden thread woven through the tapestry of our lives. No matter our age, we are social beings. And our quality of life (as we all learned during pandemic quarantining) is largely dependent on connecting and sharing with others.

Yet, when it comes to older adults, there's often a culture of indifference, whether due to ageism, insensitivity or a lack of understanding as to conditions that negatively impact older adults' social-emotional well-being. Consider the following:

Social deficits for older adults usually result from conditions outside of their control, such as the death of a spouse, failing health, reduced mobility, loss of a driver's license, etc.

Living independently does not guarantee social engagement.

In-home care and support programs tend to combine services (i.e. personal care, medical treatment, housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, etc.), often limiting time for quality one-on-one social engagement with clients.

Long-term care programs provide group socialization and activity, but may not have the staffing or funding to address specific individual needs.

Family and friends may be unable to provide the desired level of social support, due to busy schedules, competing responsibilities, reduced proximity, etc.

It's our pleasure to uniquely serve the social needs of older adults. Please call on us anytime at 603.396.0426.