Meet the Founder

Emma (Cormier) Donnelly, founder of "Meriatrics" and manager of Meriatrics LLC, has enjoyed a life-long affinity with both older adults and young children.

Her vision for Meriatrics has been inspired by many years of providing companion care, geriatric support, end-of-life care and dementia support to family and friends, as well as an avid interest in lifestyle medicine research.

As the daughter, sister, and friend of many Alzheimer heroes, she understands and appreciates the importance of social connection. She's also incredibly sensitive and intuitive to unexpressed or inarticulable client needs.

Emma has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is licensed in both MA and NH as a nursing assistant (MA Lic. # CNA1020710; NH Lic. # 079827-24). She has also completed dementia support training through the CARES program ("Five-Step Method"/"Safety Topics") and is CPR/AED-certified (American Heart Association).

From 1979-2012, Emma was a flight attendant for United Airlines, Inc. She has also provided intermittent K-5 educational support services (regular and special education) in NH/MA public schools.

Formerly a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Lawrence, MA, Emma has also mentored young girls (BigSister, CA). Prior to the passing of her late husband, John F. Donnelly in 1994, she served tirelessly as a citizens' advocate in Methuen, MA, where she was also a candidate for mayor.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys the beach, golf, travel, writing (prose and poetry), cooking, dancing and fitness and is an avid fan of all Boston sports teams, especially the N. E. Patriots.

Our Message

Human connection is a golden thread woven through the tapestry of our lives. No matter our age, we are social beings. We do not, cannot, and will not thrive in isolation. Yet the social needs of many older adults go unmet for so many reasons:

Life circumstances beyond their control (i.e., death of a spouse, reduced mobility, not driving, etc.)

Smaller social circles due to the passing of friends; sandwiched caregiving

Stacked home/healthcare services that don't prioritize social enjoyment

Reduced staffing/changing ratios in care facilities

Cultural indifference; ageism; insensitivity to older adult needs

These barriers prevent many older adults from accessing the social enjoyment they want, need, and deserve. And the repercussions are alarming. The time for prioritizing social wellness is very much upon us.

Whatever our age, we're all on the spectrum of aging. So, let's be mindful of those on the path ahead of us; we'll soon be walking in those shoes! Reach out to older-adult family members, friends, and neighbors. Share a smile and give them a few minutes of your time. (You'll both benefit!) Listen attentively; show them that you care. Above all, encourage them to stand tall in the autumn of life, to keep their face to the sunshine and bloom wherever they're planted.

And if there's anything we can do to help along the way, please give us a call.

Blessings,