Be A Smart Consumer This Holiday Season
Avoid Seasonal Solicitations - Beware of those attractive low introductory rates you receive before the holidays. The fine print in credit card contracts is filled with traps to catch the unwary. An introductory 0% interest rate can quickly leap to over 20% with just one slightly late payment. If you are going to use a credit card, shop around for one with a long-term low interest rate (APR), and read on to find out what you're in for.
Don't Let Your Guard Down - Once you choose a card, your credit card company can still change the rules if it wants to – including the interest rate. Read your mail - a nondescript mailing may include a change in terms relating to your interest rates, fees or due dates. The company can even change your interest rate on debt you've already accumulated.
Rent-to-Own = Concealed Costs
Deceptive Deals - Rent-to-own contracts for appliance and other major purchases are deceptive and costly. You could pay two and one-half times more for a product by renting it than you would if you simply bought it at a retail store. In fact, the rent-to own outlets don't even tell you how much of your monthly payment is interest - so beware.
Don't Miss a Payment - If you do miss a payment to the rent-to-own store, the item is likely to be repossessed, leaving you with nothing for the payments you have made up to that point.
The Comeback of Layaway Plans
Paying Patiently - Layaway plans are a good way to give your credit card a rest. The good news is that stores usually do not charge interest or large fees for this service.
Know the Details - Before making a purchase on the layaway plan, find out what the layaway fees are and what happens if you miss or are late with a payment. Do you lose all of your past payments if you miss one? Is there a cancellation fee if you change your mind?
Debit Cards - The Pros and Cons
It's Your Money - With a debit card, you are spending money in your own bank account, unlike a credit card where you are borrowing money that you have to pay back later, along with interest and fees.
There's Less Protection - You have much less protection if a debit card is lost or stolen. Also, with a credit card, you have protections if you get in a dispute with a merchant.
Abusive Overdraft Fees - If you use a debit card to make purchases, make sure you don't spend more than you have in your account. Your purchases may be approved, but the bank can hit you with an overdraft fee of as much as $39 for EACH over-limit purchase, no matter how small. Many banks will automatically enroll you in an overdraft "protection" program where they'll approve your purchases at a store -- or a withdrawal at an ATM -- and then sock you with a hefty fee each time you make a purchase.
Sources: Americans For Fairness In Lending (AFFIL) , Greater Boston Legal Services
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Change in Income Limits for Fuel Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), commonly called “Fuel Assistance” has announced a change to its guidelines. The income limit for fuel assistance was just raised to 60% of state median income, or $27,876 for one person and $36,454 for a couple. This means that to be eligible for fuel assistance, your household's gross income must be less than or equal to 60% of the estimated state median income for your household size. To find out if you qualify, you can take the Eligibility Check.
You should be aware that the new fuel assistance brochures which you might have received from SCES or another resource have the outdated figures in them because they were printed before the new guidelines were established.
The standards are higher than in the recent brochure.
For more detailed information (in English, Spanish and Portuguese), please visit: http://www.massresources.org/ or call 1-800-632-8175.
You should be aware that the new fuel assistance brochures which you might have received from SCES or another resource have the outdated figures in them because they were printed before the new guidelines were established.
The standards are higher than in the recent brochure.
For more detailed information (in English, Spanish and Portuguese), please visit: http://www.massresources.org/ or call 1-800-632-8175.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Meals-On-Wheels Program Needs Your Help!
This holiday season you can give a gift that will make a real difference in the life of an older person in Somerville or Cambridge. Your donation to the Meals-On-Wheels program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) will help to ensure that every older person who needs a meal can get one. This year the number of meals we serve through this program has risen by 10 percent, and yet funding is stagnant as we all face cutbacks in these hard economic times.
Each weekday, over 600 homebound older people in our community rely on us to provide a hot, nutritious lunch delivered to their doorstep. Bag suppers and frozen meals are also provided for those who cannot prepare an evening or weekend meal.
The Meals-On-Wheels Program provides more than just food. It offers an important opportunity for contact with the outside world. For many older people, the meal delivery provides the only chance of the day to talk with another person. It also offers an important safety check. Each year Meals-On-Wheels drivers are responsible for saving a number of older people in distress. This December, SCES will make sure that our most vulnerable neighbors are not neglected, by personally delivering festive holiday bags filled with groceries, fruit, and a holiday card.
However, SCES needs your help to carry on our work. Limited government funding makes it difficult to meet the demand for Meals-On-Wheels. A $15 donation will purchase three meals for a person in need. A gift of $25 will help SCES deliver 5 meals. A $50 donation will purchase 10 meals, and $100 will provide 20 meals!
Please make checks payable to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services and mail to Meals-On-Wheels Appeal, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143. For more information, call (617) 628-2601 ext. 3201 or visit http://www.eldercare.org/ and donate on-line. SCES is a private, not-for-profit agency.
Each weekday, over 600 homebound older people in our community rely on us to provide a hot, nutritious lunch delivered to their doorstep. Bag suppers and frozen meals are also provided for those who cannot prepare an evening or weekend meal.
The Meals-On-Wheels Program provides more than just food. It offers an important opportunity for contact with the outside world. For many older people, the meal delivery provides the only chance of the day to talk with another person. It also offers an important safety check. Each year Meals-On-Wheels drivers are responsible for saving a number of older people in distress. This December, SCES will make sure that our most vulnerable neighbors are not neglected, by personally delivering festive holiday bags filled with groceries, fruit, and a holiday card.
However, SCES needs your help to carry on our work. Limited government funding makes it difficult to meet the demand for Meals-On-Wheels. A $15 donation will purchase three meals for a person in need. A gift of $25 will help SCES deliver 5 meals. A $50 donation will purchase 10 meals, and $100 will provide 20 meals!
Please make checks payable to Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services and mail to Meals-On-Wheels Appeal, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143. For more information, call (617) 628-2601 ext. 3201 or visit http://www.eldercare.org/ and donate on-line. SCES is a private, not-for-profit agency.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic Diseases
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, in cooperation with the Somerville Council on Aging, 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. The program is open to adults of all ages. 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, and friends.
The meetings will be held on the following Mondays: December 15th, 22nd, 29th;January 5th, 12th; February 2nd (skipping January 19th and 26th), 1:30 to 4:00 PM. They will take place at Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required: call Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (617) 628-2601 ext. 3151.
The meetings will be held on the following Mondays: December 15th, 22nd, 29th;January 5th, 12th; February 2nd (skipping January 19th and 26th), 1:30 to 4:00 PM. They will take place at Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required: call Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (617) 628-2601 ext. 3151.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Caregiver Support Group
If you are caring for an older relative, spouse or close friend and feeling isolated or overwhelmed, you are not alone. Come share experiences and practical support. The Caregiver Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street in Somerville. If you are interested, please contact Nancy O'Connor at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.
Mass Home Care Rally at State House
February 26th at 11:00 AM in the Nurses Hall, followed by visits to legislators.
Join elder and disability advocates in rallying for Community Care for Older People and People with Disabilities. Let your legislators know you want to see the Equal Choice legislation that was passed become a reality in Massachusetts.
Limited Transportation available for seniors by calling:
Cambridge M.S.A.C. - 617-349-6220
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services - 617-628-2601, x3153
Join elder and disability advocates in rallying for Community Care for Older People and People with Disabilities. Let your legislators know you want to see the Equal Choice legislation that was passed become a reality in Massachusetts.
Limited Transportation available for seniors by calling:
Cambridge M.S.A.C. - 617-349-6220
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services - 617-628-2601, x3153
Nursing Home Alternatives - Community Options Increasing in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has committed itself to a "Community First" philosophy, which means that care at home or in the community is the first resort, and nursing home care the last resort. There are many options these days to help you live at home. Knowing who to talk to is the place to start.
First it's important to understand that many people do need nursing home care. But for others, nursing home care is not necessary. 24% of the people in nursing homes in the Commonwealth can eat, bath, dress, walk and toilet by themselves. Massachusetts has a very high rate of institutionalization compared to the rest of the country. In 2006, 101,300 Massachusetts residents spent some time in a nursing home. Three out of four of these people were age 75 or over, and 68% were women. About 90% of the nursing home beds in this state are occupied, compared to the national average of 84%. Massachusetts has the 14th highest number of nursing home beds per person age 85+. We have the fifth highest percentage (30.2%) in the nation of people over the age of 85 who have had at least one stay in a nursing home. At the same time, 27 other states in the country spend a greater percentage of their money on community based care than Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is slowly trying to "rebalance" how it spends its tax dollars on long term care.
Even though the number of people spending some time in a nursing home has been rising slightly, the total number of "patient days" has been falling. The bed days paid for by Medicaid fell by -17% over the past five years. This is partly because more and more people are going in for shorter and shorter stays. They are coming back out with home care supports. More people are taking advantage of short-term rehabilitation, and then returning home.
Knowing whether nursing home care is right for a loved one involves talking with your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) agency. Every city and town has an ASAP. These agencies have staff who specialize in counseling families on what kind of long term care they need: everything from day care programs, to new residential options. In some circumstances, the state now allows family members (with the major exception of spouses) to be paid as a caregiver. Other programs allow you to hire your own worker. You can live in the home of another person, or have care brought into your home.
Begin by checking out your options before you need them by calling Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, the ASAP for the two cities, at 617-628-2601. To find out about options in other communities, call your local ASAP at 1-800-Age-Info, and press "3." Or go to www.800ageinfo.com and click on "Age Info Centers" to see a map covering the entire state. When you call the ASAP, ask to speak with an Information specialist, and tell him or her you want to learn about alternatives to nursing homes. They can also help you search anywhere in the country.
First it's important to understand that many people do need nursing home care. But for others, nursing home care is not necessary. 24% of the people in nursing homes in the Commonwealth can eat, bath, dress, walk and toilet by themselves. Massachusetts has a very high rate of institutionalization compared to the rest of the country. In 2006, 101,300 Massachusetts residents spent some time in a nursing home. Three out of four of these people were age 75 or over, and 68% were women. About 90% of the nursing home beds in this state are occupied, compared to the national average of 84%. Massachusetts has the 14th highest number of nursing home beds per person age 85+. We have the fifth highest percentage (30.2%) in the nation of people over the age of 85 who have had at least one stay in a nursing home. At the same time, 27 other states in the country spend a greater percentage of their money on community based care than Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is slowly trying to "rebalance" how it spends its tax dollars on long term care.
Even though the number of people spending some time in a nursing home has been rising slightly, the total number of "patient days" has been falling. The bed days paid for by Medicaid fell by -17% over the past five years. This is partly because more and more people are going in for shorter and shorter stays. They are coming back out with home care supports. More people are taking advantage of short-term rehabilitation, and then returning home.
Knowing whether nursing home care is right for a loved one involves talking with your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) agency. Every city and town has an ASAP. These agencies have staff who specialize in counseling families on what kind of long term care they need: everything from day care programs, to new residential options. In some circumstances, the state now allows family members (with the major exception of spouses) to be paid as a caregiver. Other programs allow you to hire your own worker. You can live in the home of another person, or have care brought into your home.
Begin by checking out your options before you need them by calling Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, the ASAP for the two cities, at 617-628-2601. To find out about options in other communities, call your local ASAP at 1-800-Age-Info, and press "3." Or go to www.800ageinfo.com and click on "Age Info Centers" to see a map covering the entire state. When you call the ASAP, ask to speak with an Information specialist, and tell him or her you want to learn about alternatives to nursing homes. They can also help you search anywhere in the country.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Depression and the Elderly
Depression affects more than 6.5 million Americans who are 65 years or older. In Massachusetts, roughly 161,000 seniors deal with depression.
Most older people with depression have been suffering from episodes of the illness during much of their lives. For others, depression has a first onset in late life. Depression in older persons is associated with dependency and disability, and causes great suffering for the individual and the family.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Many older people and their families don't recognize the symptoms of depression, aren't aware that it is a medical illness, and don't know how it is treated. Others may mistake the symptoms of depression as signs of dementia. Also, many older people think that depression is a character flaw and blame themselves for their illness and are too ashamed to get help. Others worry that treatment is too costly. Older persons with depression rarely seek help.
Untreated depression has fatal consequences in terms of both suicide and non-suicide mortality. The highest rate of suicide in the U.S. is among older white men. Depression is the single most significant risk factor for suicide in that population. Many elders who commit suicide have reached out for help: 20% see a doctor the day they die, 40% the week they die, and 70% in the month they die.
Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and delusions and hallucinations. Older depressed individuals often have severe feelings of sadness, but these feelings frequently are not openly shown. When asked if they are "depressed", the answer from persons suffering from depression is "no". Some general clues that someone may be suffering from depression in such cases are persistent and vague complaints and help seeking, along with frequent calling and demanding behavior.
Clinical depression doesn't go away by itself, and lasts for months. It needs to be treated professionally. Any unresolved depression can impact the immune system, which makes the depressed individual more susceptible to other illnesses. This complication is often found in older individuals. Older women are at a greater risk because women in general are twice as likely as men to become seriously depressed. The stresses of maintaining relationships or caring for an ill loved one and children also fall more heavily on women, which could contribute to depression. 80% of clinically depressed individuals, including older persons, can be effectively treated by medication, psychotherapy, and other approaches.
Depression is a chronic disease. Getting well is only the beginning of the challenge, staying well is the real goal. The Aging Information Center at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services can connect older individuals, their families, and caregivers with mental health and other aging resources in the area. Call 617-628-2601 ext. 3151 for more information.
Most older people with depression have been suffering from episodes of the illness during much of their lives. For others, depression has a first onset in late life. Depression in older persons is associated with dependency and disability, and causes great suffering for the individual and the family.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Many older people and their families don't recognize the symptoms of depression, aren't aware that it is a medical illness, and don't know how it is treated. Others may mistake the symptoms of depression as signs of dementia. Also, many older people think that depression is a character flaw and blame themselves for their illness and are too ashamed to get help. Others worry that treatment is too costly. Older persons with depression rarely seek help.
Untreated depression has fatal consequences in terms of both suicide and non-suicide mortality. The highest rate of suicide in the U.S. is among older white men. Depression is the single most significant risk factor for suicide in that population. Many elders who commit suicide have reached out for help: 20% see a doctor the day they die, 40% the week they die, and 70% in the month they die.
Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and delusions and hallucinations. Older depressed individuals often have severe feelings of sadness, but these feelings frequently are not openly shown. When asked if they are "depressed", the answer from persons suffering from depression is "no". Some general clues that someone may be suffering from depression in such cases are persistent and vague complaints and help seeking, along with frequent calling and demanding behavior.
Clinical depression doesn't go away by itself, and lasts for months. It needs to be treated professionally. Any unresolved depression can impact the immune system, which makes the depressed individual more susceptible to other illnesses. This complication is often found in older individuals. Older women are at a greater risk because women in general are twice as likely as men to become seriously depressed. The stresses of maintaining relationships or caring for an ill loved one and children also fall more heavily on women, which could contribute to depression. 80% of clinically depressed individuals, including older persons, can be effectively treated by medication, psychotherapy, and other approaches.
Depression is a chronic disease. Getting well is only the beginning of the challenge, staying well is the real goal. The Aging Information Center at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services can connect older individuals, their families, and caregivers with mental health and other aging resources in the area. Call 617-628-2601 ext. 3151 for more information.
Dr. Weil Takes On Aging Well
Dr. Andrew Weil, noted complementary care physician and author of best selling, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, turns his attention to aging well in a book entitled, Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being. Subject of a Time Magazine cover story in October of 2005, Weil’s book provides advice on accepting, rather than fighting the aging process, and adopting behaviors which maximize physical, emotional and spiritual health. The author takes a hard line on the "anti-aging" industry, seeing our culture’s fight against aging as counterproductive. Instead he provides inspiration and insight from his many years of practicing integrative medicine which seeks to combine the best of traditional medicine with alternative medicine. He also looks to cultures such as Okinawa and Sardinia where long life spans are common and "aging gracefully" is the norm. His "12-point program for healthy aging" focuses on proper nutrition, moderate exercise, stress reduction and rest. Weil wants us to view aging not so much as a battle, but an important journey. He writes, "Aging can bring frailty and suffering, but it can also bring depth and richness of experience, complexity of being, serenity, wisdom, and its own kind of power and grace."
Finding a Good Nursing Home
In Massachusetts, 80% of the people who enter a nursing home come from a hospital first. If a hospital discharge planner says your Mother must be out in 24 hours, and gives you a list of area nursing homes---you are suddenly under pressure to make a decision. But the goal in our state is to make nursing home care a last resort, so be sure to ask for home care alternatives as your first resort. And then:
- Extend your hospital stay: Use your appeal rights under Medicare to extend the hospital stay for two days. Ask for a "notice of non-coverage." That will buy you additional time.
- Check out alternatives: Call 1-800-Age-Info, press "3" to be connected to your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP). Ask to speak with a nursing home screener. Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is the ASAP for the two cities (617-628-2601 ext. 3151). If your relative is on MassHealth, inquire about the "community choices" program as an alternative to nursing home care, or the personal care assistance program.
- Get the names of local facilities: Your ASAP can give you a list of nursing homes and put you in touch with your local nursing home ombudsman. Ask that person about their experiences with area homes-good and bad.
- Look for report cards: The federal government maintains a "Nursing Home Compare" website at www.medicare.gov that will give you info on local homes. Also go to www.consumerreports.org and look for their "Nursing Home Quality Monitor."
- Check the ownership: Look first at the independent, non-profit homes, rather than at a for-profit chain. Non-profits or religious groups usually have a mission to help people, not just their bottom line. Ask if the home has changed owners multiple times. If the facility is part of a large chain, you may have a harder time complaining about bad care.
- Visit Several Times: If you’ve got one or two homes on your list, make unannounced visits. Stop by after breakfast to see how many people are still in bed. Visit at dinnertime and taste the food yourself. If residents are eating in their rooms, that’s not a good sign. Ask the nurse aides how many residents they each care for. The smaller the number, the better.
- Read the Reports: Ask for the home’s Form 2567. That’s the state inspection survey. If you have difficulty obtaining it, that’s not good. A survey with lots of violations indicates problems. Ask if the administrator and the director of nursing have worked at a facility for several years, that’s a positive sign. Frequent turnover of key staff can indicate bad morale or mismanagement.
- Talk to the administrator: What is his or her philosophy of care? Is this philosophy written down and given to families to read?
- Do advance research: Nursing homes are an expensive investment. Do some research before a family member needs care. Ask your ASAP about what alternatives exist in the community for people who might need nursing home care, and learn those options first.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Volunteer Medical Escorts Sought
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is seeking caring, dependable people 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).
SCES is seeking escorts with and without cars. 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 available at http://www.eldercare.org/.
SCES is seeking escorts with and without cars. 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 available at http://www.eldercare.org/.
Looking for Coaches for Falls Prevention Program
Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is looking for volunteers to help provide this program, throughout the cities of Cambridge and Somerville.
This is an evidenced based program, adapted by MainesHealths' Partnership on Healthy Aging, from the clinical model developed by Boston University. It is conducted in 8 two hour sessions, using group discussion, problem solving strategies, videos and strength and flexibility exercise. Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.
Volunteer coaches need good communication skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches also need to be able to lead low to moderate level exercise. Coaches need to commit to doing two trainings per year, monitored by a Master Trainer. The time commitment for a year is only 38 hours inclusive of their certification training. All materials and training provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.
Falls are the number one cause of injury deaths in people 65 and older, as well as the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Falls don't just happen, they are preventable. Being a volunteer coach could help bring those numbers down in your community.
Anyone interested should contact Janet Hand @ 617-628-2601 ext.3153.
This is an evidenced based program, adapted by MainesHealths' Partnership on Healthy Aging, from the clinical model developed by Boston University. It is conducted in 8 two hour sessions, using group discussion, problem solving strategies, videos and strength and flexibility exercise. Older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.
Volunteer coaches need good communication skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches also need to be able to lead low to moderate level exercise. Coaches need to commit to doing two trainings per year, monitored by a Master Trainer. The time commitment for a year is only 38 hours inclusive of their certification training. All materials and training provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.
Falls are the number one cause of injury deaths in people 65 and older, as well as the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Falls don't just happen, they are preventable. Being a volunteer coach could help bring those numbers down in your community.
Anyone interested should contact Janet Hand @ 617-628-2601 ext.3153.
Friday, January 18, 2008
PCA Program: Best Kept Secret
The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program is one of the best kept secrets in the state. The PCA program is for people on MassHealth (Medicaid) who have a chronic disability that requires them to have help living independently at home. Someone who needs help with two or more supports--like bathing and dressing--would qualify. One of the unusual features of this program is that the individual with disabilities gets to hire the person who helps take care of them. This "attendant" can be a friend, or even a family member. Spouses, however, are currently not allowed to be a paid PCA.
These workers are able to provide for a wide range of personal care needs, like eating, bathing, dressing, walking, taking medications, etc. They can also help with shopping, cooking and cleaning.
The consumer has the power to hire and fire their worker, but the details of payroll and taxes are handled by an outside agency. This program is especially good for someone who wants to play a direct role in selecting the person who will provide their personal care support at home.
We say this is a "secret" program, because of the total enrollment, only 1 in 4 consumers are over the age of 65. The PCA program has been around since the 1970s, but today there are only 15,000 people using this help-and less than 4,000 of them are seniors. As the program become better known, more elders are enrolling.
The MassHealth program pays for this service, and around $265 million in salaries are paid to PCAs in the Commonwealth. Today there are 28 agencies that manage this program for consumers---but the service is available regardless of where you live in Massachusetts. The average annual benefit under the PCA program is $17,500-which is roughly 6 times higher than the annual benefit in the state's home care program. Yet there are 8 times as many elders in the home care program than in the PCA program.
In the spring of 2006, the state allowed family members for the first time to become paid caregivers under the PCA program. Today, more than 2,000 family members are being paid to be personal care attendants. One of the most significant changes in the PCA program came in early November, when it was announced that 94% of the 22,000 PCA home care workers had voted to form a union. The state currently pays personal care assistants $10.84 an hour, with no benefits or health insurance coverage, and no sick days or vacation time. This means that PCA workers will now negotiate wages directly with the state. Higher wages and benefits should improve the availability of workers, and make it easier for the disabled to find someone to care for them.
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services offers the PCA Program in a number of communities in the Greater Boston area. For more information, call the Aging Information Center at SCES at 617-628-2601 ext. 3201
These workers are able to provide for a wide range of personal care needs, like eating, bathing, dressing, walking, taking medications, etc. They can also help with shopping, cooking and cleaning.
The consumer has the power to hire and fire their worker, but the details of payroll and taxes are handled by an outside agency. This program is especially good for someone who wants to play a direct role in selecting the person who will provide their personal care support at home.
We say this is a "secret" program, because of the total enrollment, only 1 in 4 consumers are over the age of 65. The PCA program has been around since the 1970s, but today there are only 15,000 people using this help-and less than 4,000 of them are seniors. As the program become better known, more elders are enrolling.
The MassHealth program pays for this service, and around $265 million in salaries are paid to PCAs in the Commonwealth. Today there are 28 agencies that manage this program for consumers---but the service is available regardless of where you live in Massachusetts. The average annual benefit under the PCA program is $17,500-which is roughly 6 times higher than the annual benefit in the state's home care program. Yet there are 8 times as many elders in the home care program than in the PCA program.
In the spring of 2006, the state allowed family members for the first time to become paid caregivers under the PCA program. Today, more than 2,000 family members are being paid to be personal care attendants. One of the most significant changes in the PCA program came in early November, when it was announced that 94% of the 22,000 PCA home care workers had voted to form a union. The state currently pays personal care assistants $10.84 an hour, with no benefits or health insurance coverage, and no sick days or vacation time. This means that PCA workers will now negotiate wages directly with the state. Higher wages and benefits should improve the availability of workers, and make it easier for the disabled to find someone to care for them.
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services offers the PCA Program in a number of communities in the Greater Boston area. For more information, call the Aging Information Center at SCES at 617-628-2601 ext. 3201
Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic Diseases
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, in cooperation with Cadbury Commons, 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.
(More information is available at the Stanford website)
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html
The program is open to adults of all ages. 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.
The meetings will be held on the following Mondays from 1:00 to 3:30 PM: February 11th and 25th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 31st. They will take place at Cadbury Commons Assisted Living, 66 Sherman Street Cambridge, MA 02140. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required: call Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (617) 628-2601 ext. 3151.
(More information is available at the Stanford website)
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html
The program is open to adults of all ages. 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.
The meetings will be held on the following Mondays from 1:00 to 3:30 PM: February 11th and 25th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 31st. They will take place at Cadbury Commons Assisted Living, 66 Sherman Street Cambridge, MA 02140. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required: call Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (617) 628-2601 ext. 3151.
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