Chronic Disease Self Management Program Starts Oct 15th

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is once again offering a popular, 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 usewith health professionals, family, friends.

Meetings will be held on Mondays, October 15th, 29th, November 5th, 19th, 26th, and December 3rd from 1:00 to 3:30. They will take place at the Cambridge Council on Aging, 806 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. The location is easily accessible by public transportation. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Call Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (617) 628-2601 ext. 3151. This program is made possible with the generous support of W.R. Grace and the Charles H. Farnsworth Trust.

Many Seniors Face Credit Card Debt

According to the National Consumer Law Center, the average credit card debt among persons 65 to 69 rose a staggering 217% between 1992 and 2001 to $5,844. Of the 70% of households headed by someone 65 years of age or older and earning less than $50,000, one in five spent more than 40% of his or her income on debt payments, including mortgages. Bankruptcy filings by elders are rising, as well. Many elders are “aging into debt.”

Seniors with credit card debt often turn to credit counselors for help. These counseling groups set up “debt management plans” (DMPs): You send the credit counseling agency a lump sum, and they distribute it to your creditors. You get a “break,” like lower fees or interest rates. You are also relieved of having to negotiate with a bunch of creditors separately. But there are some problems with today’s debt management plans. Some counseling companies use aggressive and deceptive marketing tactics, charge higher costs for services, and are connected to for-profit businesses.

The NCLC has published 7 “warning signs” for consumers who are looking for a credit counseling agency:

1. High Fees: If an agency is vague or reluctant to talk about fees, go elsewhere.
2. “Voluntary” Fees: Some counseling agencies don’t let consumers know that their fees are voluntary. When you ask about what the agency charges, be sure and ask if they consider any fees to be voluntary.
3. The Hard Sell. If the person on the phone sounds like they are reading from a script and are pushing debt “savings” or the possibility of a future “consolidation” loan, hang up.
4. Employee Commissions: Some agencies will pay their employees a commission for opening a new debt management plan. Such agents are more likely to be focusing on their own wallets than yours.
5. Avoid the “30 minute” plans: Any agency that offers you a debt management plan in less than 30 minutes, hasn’t spent enough time looking at your finances.
6. One Size Fits All. A debt management plan may not be appropriate for you. If the agency doesn’t offer any educational options, such as classes or budget counseling, consider one that does.
7. Aggressive Ads: Some agencies use deceptive ads. Many others charge unreasonable fees or offer no real counseling. Don’t select an agency based on advertising alone. Ask your family or friends if they know a reputable company.

For more information about how to control debt, go to www.nclc.org.

Serving Seniors Celebration Slated for October 17th

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services will once again host its annual “Serving Seniors Community Celebration”, on Wednesday, October 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at The Somerville City Club. The event and awards ceremony honors the accomplishments of senior citizens, caregivers, volunteers and professionals working to help older people in Somerville and Cambridge. The event will feature a Make Your Own Sundae Buffet and is open to the public. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by October 10th to (617) 628-2601 ext. 630.