Take Steps to Prevent Falls

Falls are the top cause of accidents in people over the age of 65, and the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths for seniors. One in three people over the age of 65 fall each year. More than 15,000 elders die each year from falls, and 2 million end up in emergency rooms. The most common injury from falls is a hip fracture. One in four people who have a hip fracture die within a year.

Poor eyesight or poor hearing can lead to falls, as can a basic illness, which affects your strength and balance. The side effects of some medicines can cause dizziness. Medicines for depression, sleep problems and high blood pressure often cause falls. Some medicines for diabetes and heart conditions can affect your balance. Have your doctor check all your drugs for correct dosage and possible interactions. Get your eyes checked every year, and see your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, weak or unsteady on your feet; if you feel confused; or if you fall.

To reduce the risk of falls, experts say older people should focus on strength training exercises to keep muscles strong. Exercise programs like yoga and tai chi improve balance.
Because your home can also be a fall-hazard, due to poor lighting, scatter rugs, cluttered furniture-here are some tips to lower your risks:

• Wear shoes with nonskid soles (put away your house slippers).
• Be sure your home is well lit in every room used.
• Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways.
• Remove throw rugs or use carpet tape to fasten them.
• Don’t place electric cords across pathways.
• Put grab bars put in your bathtub, shower and toilet area.
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways.
• Don't use stools and stepladders. Get help for jobs with climbing.
• Wax your floors with a non-skid wax, or not at all. Put non-skid treads on your stair, nail down well any stair rugs.
• Repair your sidewalks and walkways so they are smooth and even.
• Anytime you get up from bed, sit on the side of the bed before you stand up, to give your blood pressure time to adjust.
• Have a commode by your bed to avoid a trip to the bathroom at night.

Fall-related medical expenses cost Americans more than $20 billion annually. Congress has been considering a number of falls prevention bills, but no major education effort has passed. Meanwhile, each week, another 30,000 people over the age of 65 are seriously injured in a fall.

For more information on living safely and independently, contact the SCES Aging Information Center at: 617-628-2601 ext. 3151

State House Lobby Day to Support Home Care April 9th

Our message to our elected officials this year is: don’t put all your eggs in one basket! The House budget is coming out on April 11th, and will be debated the week of April 23rd. Mass Home Care is sponsoring a state house event the day after Easter, April 9th to remind lawmakers that when it comes to long term care supports---EQUAL CHOICE means not putting all your eggs in one basket.

The rally will take place at 2:00 p.m., Nurses Hall at the State House.
We’re going to take around some little chocolate Easter eggs to our elected officials, to remind them that "home, sweet, home" is where people want their care.

If you would like to join a group of concerned citizens from Cambridge and Somerville at the State House on April 9th, please call Mary Ann Dalton at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services: 617-628-2601.

Supportive Living Enhances Elderly Housing Experience

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), in partnership with the Housing Authorities in both Cambridge and Somerville, offers an innovative program that provides an "assisted living-like" environment in elderly housing. Supportivie Living, which is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, works with existing elderly housing buildings to upgrade and coordinate services so that residents can age in place. It is a form of assisted living that is available to individuals with limited income.

Cambridge and Somerville are home to two of the state's 22 Supportive Living sites. The program at the Manning Building in Central Square Cambridge was launched in 2000, and Supportive Living got underway a few month's later at Properzi Manor, Union Square, Somerville.

SCES has had to implement a number of program elements at each building in order to call it a Supportive Living site. Each building has a dining room where residents can go for one or more meals each day. Each building has a Support Living Coordinator/Case Manager who coordinates the services of individuals who need help with activities such as personal care, homemaking, transportation, and benefits counseling. This case manager also serves as the liaison to the Tenant’s Council and coordinates activities. Finally, there is a personal care worker/homemaker available on-site 24 hours per day.

The Supportive Living Program is an important strategy in assisting older people to remain in an independent living situation for as long as possible. With the additional help provided by the program, individuals who become increasingly frail can receive the support they need to stay in their own apartments. This not only ensures an enhanced quality of life for older people, but also helps to keep older people out of high cost care settings such as nursing homes.

Volunteers Needed to Escort Elders

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is seeking caring, dependable people (with and without cars) to accompany elders to medical appointments and other destinations. Escorts receive a stipend of $10 per trip ($15 for a trip that lasts 4 hours or more).

The organization is able to provide round-trip transportation to and from physicians’ offices for some of the elders it serves. However, for other types of trips, SCES is seeking escorts who are willing to use their own car.

The escort service assists elders who have no family or friends to accompany them on these vital trips out of the house. Escorts are needed to act as a friendly companion and to offer a reassuring arm. If you are interested in helping elders remain safe and independent in the community, this may be a good opportunity for you.

For further information or to schedule an interview, please call 617-628-2601 ext. 3153. Additional information is available at http://www.eldercare.org/.

Community Based Services Gateway to MassHealth Benefits

Enrollment in MassHealth offers a myriad of benefits, but strict financial eligibility criteria limits the insurance plan to individuals with very low incomes. However, in July 2005, MassHealth amended the Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS) for frail elders to raise the income ceiling from 100% of the poverty level to 300% of the federal SSI standard. The relaxed income standard means that frail elders (i.e. clinically eligible for nursing facility services) who are enrolled in the Home Care Program, the Enhanced Community Options Program or the Community Choices Program, and whose incomes are 300% of the federal SSI standard can access MassHealth benefits.

The services covered by the Waiver Program include: Homemaker, Personal Care, Respite Care, Home Health Aide, Supportive Home Care Aide, Companionship, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, Chore, Grocery Shopping/Delivery Services, Home Delivered Meals, Laundry Services, Skilled Nursing, Supportive Day Care Programs, Home-based Wandering Response System, Transitional Assistance and Transportation. Waiver clients also have access to Title XIX state plan services such as adult day health and home health services available to MassHealth members.

The Home Care Program, the Enhanced Community Options Program and the Community Choices Program are administered locally by Aging Services Access Points, such as Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). For more contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.

Adult Family Care: Unique Option for Independent Living

Adult Family Care (AFC) is a program which matches those who need extra assistance living successfully in the community with families and individuals who can provide a private bedroom, meals, limited personal care, transportation assistance, and medication reminding.

Hosts are paid monthly by Medicaid and receive room and board reimbursement from the participant. Hosts undergo a thorough assessment process to ensure the best possible match with a potential participant. AFC staff provide ongoing support and training to the participant and host. Hosts can have up to three AFC participants in their home.

AFC participants are people living with a variety of different medical diagnoses, ranging from epilepsy, to traumatic brain injury, to HIV/AIDS, and many more. Some participants work, while others attend Adult Day Health programs. Participants are age 18 or older and have a chronic medical diagnosis that requires assistance with at least one activity of daily living per day (e.g. feeding, bathing, dressing, ambulating). Participants cannot be immediately related to the host, but can be friends and may already be living together.

Medicaid pays the host $19.00 per day in TAX-FREE income (approximately $570 per month), while the participant pays at least $400 per month in room and board. Private pay options are available for non-Medicaid clients.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) provides the AFC Program in the Greater Boston area as far north as Ipswich, and in the western suburbs. Potential hosts and participants should contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.

Relief Available for Caregivers

When caregivers are able to access outside assistance, they often find that their quality of life is greatly improved and that the relationship with the person for whom they care is enhanced. One important resource that is often overlooked is the state’s Respite Program which is administered locally by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.

The state-funded Respite Program offers caregiver relief and is available to people of all income levels on a sliding fee scale, and offers a wealth of services such as case management, adult day programs, and assistance with personal care. Other services offered by the program include food shopping, home safety adaptations, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, meals-on-wheels, memory disorder consultation, personal emergency response systems, supervision/companionship, and transportation for medical appointments.

To qualify for the respite service, the care recipient must be 60 years or older (younger care recipients may be eligible if there is a Memory Disorder). The care recipient must need assistance with basic activities of daily living and the caregiver must be actively involved in overseeing care. Long distance caregivers may also qualify. Caregivers may be family members, friends, or partners.

To learn more about the Respite Program, please contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151

Where to buy and sell used home care equipment

There’s is a new service on the internet that will allow people to buy and sell equipment for individuals with disabilities-with free listings. If you have some equipment that you no longer need---like a wheelchair, grab bar for the shower, hospital bed, tub seat, lift chair-there is now an "assistive technology" website with free listings.
The Assistive Technology Exchange of New England offers any device that helps a person with a disability to live more independently or safely. Supplies and equipment such as ventilators, oxygen equipment, and catheters will not be accepted. Items posing hygiene or safety risks also will not be listed.
The goal of the AT Exchange in New England is to put equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. People from states outside New England can list. The listings on the Exchange will include items for vision, hearing, speech communication, learning, cognitive, developmental, mobility, seating and positioning, daily living, environmental adaptations, transportation and vehicle modifications, computers, recreational, sports and leisure. The Exchange is not for vendors or distributors, it’s for the individual who has an item, or is looking for an item. Companies are welcome to donate equipment.
Anyone can browse the AT Exchange on the internet, but to sell or buy, you first have to register, which is easy to do. Each person who signs up gets a unique user name and password. Every listing submitted is reviewed by a staff person at the Exchange for approval. Staff at the AT Exchange can help review current listings for you, or post items on your behalf. You must update your listing at least once every 90 days, or it will be removed from the Exchange. Items posted within the last 7 days are identified with a "new" symbol . You can even search for items that have been added within the past 7, 14, or 30 days. Currently, there are only a few items listed, but check out this new service, and spread the word. In a few months, you may find something you really need for a loved one, or a friend.
To contact The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England, go to their website at http://www.getatstuff.com/ or, you can reach them by email at ATinMA@getatstuff.com or by phone toll free 1-866-682-9955 (in state), 617-204-3851 (voice), 617-204-3815 (TTY), 617-204-3887 (FAX).

Support for Elders, Caregivers, and Disabled

The Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Aging Information Center is a free resource for anyone seeking information and advice on a wide variety of aging, disability and caregiving issues. The Aging Information Center is staffed with seasoned elder care professionals who can guide individuals and families through the sometimes confusing maze of service options.

Each year, thousands of people call the Aging Information Center to find information about housing, transportation, home care, health insurance, personal care, long term care planning, memory problems, respite care, volunteering and more.

To speak with a member of our Aging Information Center staff, please call 617-628-2601, ext. 3151.

Choices Program Offers Real Alternative to Nursing Homes

The Community Choices Program is offered by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services and other Aging Service Access Points across the Commonwealth to very frail, nursing home eligible invididuals. With the help of this program, these individuals have the opportunity to remain at home rather than receive care in an institutional setting.

Community Choices provides intensive services to individuals who are at imminent risk of nursing facility placement and whose needs cannot be adequately met by other State Home Care programs. They receive a range of services that can help avoid nursing home placement - services such as homemaking, personal care, companion, and adult day health. Eligible individuals are: age 60 and over, are eligible for MassHealth, are at imminent risk of nursing home placement, and need additional supports to remain at home.

For more information about the Community Choices Program, please call the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.

Respite Program Open to All Income Levels

When caregivers are able to access outside assistance, they often find that their quality of life is greatly improved and that the relationship with the person for whom they care is enhanced. One important resource that is often overlooked is the state’s Respite Program which is administered locally by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.

The state-funded Respite Program offers caregiver relief and is available to people of all income levels on a sliding fee scale, and offers a wealth of services such as case management, adult day programs, and assistance with personal care. Other services offered by the program include food shopping, home safety adaptations, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, meals-on-wheels, memory disorder consultation, personal emergency response systems, supervision/companionship, and transportation for medical appointments.

To qualify for the respite service, the care recipient must be 60 years or older (younger care recipients may be eligible if there is a Memory Disorder). The care recipient must need assistance with basic activities of daily living and the caregiver must be actively involved in overseeing care. Long distance caregivers may also qualify. Caregivers may be family members, friends, or partners.

To learn more about the Respite Program, please contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151

Property Tax Relief Available for Senior Citizens

If you are age 65 or older, you may be eligible for a state "refundable credit" to help pay for your local property taxes. This credit, known as the circuit breaker, could save you up to $870 when you file your state income taxes for 2006 this spring-even if you owe no state taxes. In fact, reading this column could be worth $3,340 in credits.

The circuit-breaker is a tax credit elders can claim on their state income tax form for the property taxes they paid during the tax year on the residential property they own, or rent, as their principal residence. Your credit is based on how much your property taxes, including water and sewer charges, exceed 10% of your "total income" for the year. For renters, the credit is the amount by which 25% of your annual rent exceeds 10% of your total income for the taxable year.

For tax year 2006, the maximum credit allowed for both renters and homeowners is $870. You apply for the credit on your state income tax Form 1, not from your local city or town assessors.

To be eligible, the taxpayer or spouse, if married filing jointly, must be 65 years of age or older by the end of 2006. The taxpayer's "total income" cannot exceed $46,000 for a single filer, $58,000 for a head of household, or $70,000 for taxpayers filing jointly. For homeowners, the assessed valuation of your home as of 1/1/06, cannot exceed $684,000. The credit is based upon the actual real estate taxes or rent paid by a taxpayer.

You can't apply if: 1) you file " married filing separate" status; 2) you get a federal or state rent subsidy; 3) you rent from a landlord who is not required to pay real estate taxes, or 4) you are the dependent of another taxpayer.

If you file for the $870 credit before 4/15/07, you can also claim up to an $840 credit for 2005, $820 for 2004, and $810 for 2003. That's a total of $3,340 in credits if a person has never used the circuit breaker before. For more background on this credit, call the state Department of Revenue at 800-392-6089, press "1" and then wait for customer service to answer. If you don't use a tax preparer, get a family member or friend to help you fill out the forms and Schedule CB on your tax form.

Do You Know an Older Person Who Needs A Ride?

The Volunteer Escort Transportation Program of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) offers rides to older people who find it difficult to use public transportation. Volunteer drivers provide rides to a variety of local destinations; however, trips to medical appointments are given priority.

Rides can be scheduled by calling 617-628-2601 and asking for extension 3118. Requests should be made at least 10 days in advance.

This program is made possible with a generous grant from the Cambridge Homes Fund.

Caregiver Financial Relief

An innovative program that has helped Massachusetts elders and younger adults with disabilities remain in the community is undergoing a major transformation. The MassHealth Adult Family Care Program (AFC) matches individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living with host families who provide those services in a home setting. Services can include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, incontinence management and other personal care.

The new Enhanced Adult Family Care program will now be able to meet the needs of individuals requiring a higher level of care. In addition, it broadens the spectrum of caregivers who are eligible to participate to include most family members. Families or hosts, as they are called in the program, receive about $18,000 to provide care that prevents or delays institutional care. "People express a clear preference for being cared for in a home setting," said John O’Neill, Executive Director of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, which provides the program in a number of communities in Greater Boston. "Enhanced Adult Family Care is a wonderful option for MassHealth beneficiaries who would like to receive care from a loved one in a home setting."

The guidelines of the new Enhanced Adult Family Care Program are based in part on another state program called, Caring Homes which is open to non-MassHealth eligible elders with complex medical needs. "This program is built on the foundation of family care giving," said Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care. "Sons and daughters will love this program because it allows them to be paid caregivers to their parents." The Enhanced Adult Family Care program will not only allow elders and persons with disabilities to move into a caregiver’s home, but will allow a caregiver to move into the individual’s home.

Participants must be 16 years or older and meet MassHealth financial and clinical eligibility standards. Caregivers may be any friend or family member other than a spouse, parent, or legally responsible relative and must meet qualifications specified by the state. MassHealth pays for Enhanced Adult Family Care if an individual is financially eligible for MassHealth and requires physical assistance with at least three of the following activities: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, ambulating, eating; or, physical assistance with two of the activities above and management of behaviors that require caregiver intervention such as wandering, verbally abusive behavioral symptoms, physically abusive behavioral symptoms, socially inappropriate or disruptive behavioral symptoms, or resisting care.

To learn more about Adult Family Care, Caring Homes or other in-home services, call the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.

Need Help With Money Management?

Staying on top of day-to-day expenses can be difficult for everyone, but elders and people living with disabilities often find it especially challenging. Elders with failing vision may struggle to read a bill or write a check. Homebound individuals may be unable to run an errand at the bank. Many others are trying to cope with mounting debt or falling victim to financial exploitation.
For some of these individuals, living independently would be impossible without assistance managing their day-to-day finances.

The Money Management Program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) provides trained and insured volunteers to work one-on-one with elders and people with disabilities who need help writing checks, paying bills, running bank errands, or making a monthly budget. For a time commitment that averages only a few hours per month, a volunteer develops a relationship with an individual in his or her community who just needs a little help to stay independent.

The Money Management Program is always accepting new volunteers, so please contact Al Solomon or Lizz Thrall at 617-628-2601 if youre interested in learning more about the program.

SCES Hits the Airwaves

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services has launched a monthly television program called Active Aging which will air on SCAT and CCTV.

Active Aging will feature an array of useful information for older people and people living with disabilities. The program will highlight positive aspects of aging, and how older people and people living with disabilities can stay active and engaged in life.

Somerville Air Time
Tuesdays at 4:30 PM on SCAT (channel 3 for Comcast and RCN)

Cambridge Air Time
Tuesdays at 8:30 AM and Thursdays at 2:00 PM on CCTV (channel 10)

Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic Diseases

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is offering a six-week program entitled, "Healthy Living with Chronic Conditions". The program which was developed by the Stanford University School of Medicine, offers individuals living with arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and other chronic conditions to learn strategies to more effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Instructors explore techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; teach exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance; explain appropriate use of medications; and, offer effective communication techniques to use
with health professionals, family, friends.

Meetings will be held on Thursdays, March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th and 12th from 1:00 to 3:30. They will take place at the Miller’s River Apartment Building, 15 Lambert Street, Cambridge. The location is easily accessible by public transportation. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required by February 28th. 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.