Volunteer for Benchmark’s The Branches of North Attleboro Community Wins 2019 Excellence Award from Massachusetts Assisted Living Association

Jay Elias, a volunteer at The Branches of North Attleboro assisted living and memory care community in North Attleboro, Mass., was named a recipient of the Volunteer Award by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) at the organization’s annual Excellence Awards Dinner in May. The awards are presented each year to individuals at every level of assisted living who have demonstrated their desire to make a positive difference in the lives of residents and who, in the view of their peers, stand out as role models in the industry.

Elias, the General Legal Counsel at Dyer-Lake Funeral Home in North Attleboro, puts in countless hours of his own time to create thoughtful, engaging programs for The Branches’ residents. They not only learn from his monthly lecture program but also leave his lectures feeling more positive. Staff at The Branches note that Elias’ “lectures are one of the most popular activities we have. He challenges and inspires our residents, and they always look forward to his next one.”

“We are honored to recognize the amazing employees, caregivers and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring the highest quality of care for assisted living residents across the Commonwealth,” says Brian Doherty, President and CEO of Mass-ALA. “In their commitment to treating all with dignity and respect, our 2019 award winners embody the values and high standard of care for which the assisted living industry is known.”

Kelly Arnao, senior executive director of The Branches communities, says, “Jay is an integral part of our volunteer program in North Attleboro, and we are thrilled to have him recognized. His incredible passion for working with older individuals comes out in every interaction with them. Even as a busy attorney, he manages to find a tremendous amount of time to help ensure our residents remain happy, active and engaged. It truly does ‘take a village,’ and we are fortunate to have Jay as part of ours!”

The Volunteer Award recognizes a person who is not a resident or employee at an assisted living residence but has given their time and talents at a Mass-ALA provider member organization to enhance the quality of life for the residents within the community.

About Mass-ALA
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA, formerly Mass-ALFA) is a non-profit association dedicated to professionally operated assisted living residences in Massachusetts that provide housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels. Established in 1990 as a state affiliate of Argentum (formerly ALFA), Mass-ALA has grown to hundreds of members including assisted living providers and associated professionals. Mass-ALA serves as the voice of assisted living in Massachusetts, providing information and education, and advocating on behalf of our members and the seniors they serve.  Mass-ALA promotes a model of care which treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy and encourages independence and freedom of choice.

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The Branches of North Attleboro