tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39372299164276084192011-04-21T14:05:28.663-07:00ELDERCARE UPDATESSomerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-72557864293360888262009-02-02T06:17:00.000-08:002009-02-02T06:25:39.084-08:00Health & Wellness Expo: ElderFair ’09The 10th Annual ElderFair Health and Wellness Expo for seniors and caregivers will be held on Tuesday, April 21st, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Healey School, 5 Meacham Street , Somerville , MA. The event will feature an exciting array of activities including health screenings, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and physical activity demonstrations. Meet special guest Senator Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-84702053652420453152008-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:002008-12-05T07:50:47.172-08:00Tips From The Consumer Rights UnitBe A Smart Consumer This Holiday SeasonAvoid 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-11504334667262468492008-11-21T10:19:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:24:40.834-08:00Change in Income Limits for Fuel AssistanceThe 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-53274612098863915972008-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:31:45.349-08:00Meals-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-72656921098140534882008-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:11:49.460-08:00Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic DiseasesSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-63621005364132679752008-02-20T06:19:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:20:02.467-08:00Caregiver Support GroupIf 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.Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-83263468425928735022008-02-20T06:07:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:14:18.442-08:00Mass Home Care Rally at State HouseFebruary 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. - 617-349Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-29701796249014848242008-02-20T05:51:00.000-08:002008-02-20T05:56:53.393-08:00Nursing Home Alternatives - Community Options Increasing in MassachusettsThe 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, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-27210825070750634442008-02-04T08:22:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:41:37.466-08:00Depression and the ElderlyDepression 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-31194262766422109732008-02-04T08:19:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:41:52.847-08:00Dr. Weil Takes On Aging WellDr. 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 behaviorsSomerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-82498495069123465182008-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:18:33.943-08:00Finding a Good Nursing HomeIn 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. Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-81853178907001061862008-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:50:57.800-08:00Volunteer Medical Escorts SoughtSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-8225674901244955492008-02-01T06:35:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:06:30.918-08:00Looking for Coaches for Falls Prevention ProgramChances 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 MainesHealthsSomerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-46628103542951841502008-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:12:17.661-08:00PCA Program: Best Kept SecretThe 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-79306193038096729902008-01-18T06:34:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:12:44.900-08:00Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic DiseasesSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-80394136410002827862007-11-27T10:33:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:15:46.148-08:00Caregiver Support Group in SomervilleIf 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.Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-23203348347931538392007-11-27T10:23:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:51:50.125-08:00Medicare Enrollment ResourcesBeneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members can begin to review 2008 Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online through the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at http://www.medicare.gov/.The enhanced plan finder options offer more information and greater clarity on available drug plans, including out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy networks, and important Medicare Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-59976054916825272322007-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:42:54.178-08:00Families Can Receive Up to $18,000 per Year to Care for Sick/Disabled RelativesCaring for a Sick or Disabled Relative or Friend? The Adult Family Care Program pays family members and friends to provide care at home. Receive up to $18,000 per year to provide care that prevents or delays institutional care. Call the Aging Information Center at Elder Services: 617-628-2601 ext. 3151 and ask about Adult Family Care. Sick or disabled individual must be 18 years or older and Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-51505463186958843312007-11-16T08:43:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:57:10.991-08:00Elders Can Get Protection from Utility Shut OffsIf you heat with gas or electricity, there are shutoff protections for seniors---year round. Some other low-income households have limited protection during the period November 15 to March 15th. The utility companies call this a "winter moratorium" on shut-offs. However, if everyone in your household is over 65, the company cannot terminate your service for failure to pay a past due bill without Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-37355700601192003502007-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:56:21.264-08:00Health and Human Services Announces Medicare Beneficiaries will have Access to Lower Premium Drug Plans in 2008HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that more than 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to at least one plan in 2008 with premiums lower than they are paying this year. The open enrollment period for 2008 begins Nov. 15th and ends Dec. 31st.In every state, beneficiaries will have access to at least one prescription drug plan Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-76115431608722465782007-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:002008-11-20T09:35:55.834-08:00Alzheimer's Partnership Event: November 14thThe Cambridge Somerville Alzheimer's Partnership invites you to attend their annual November event entitled Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Dr. Stephen Pinals, Associate Director, Geriatric Psychiatry of the Cambridge Health Alliance will be speaking on the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. This free event will be held at the Macht Auditorium at the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-40843377078405699822007-10-11T09:53:00.000-07:002008-11-20T10:00:42.062-08:00AoA and OAA Programs Achieve Highest Rating from White House Budget OfficeThe White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released the results of its Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) assessment of Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. AoA programs were classified as "Effective." This is the highest rating and has been awarded to only 18 percent of the government programs evaluated by OMB.As an Area Agency on Aging, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-21963608268619549702007-09-27T09:29:00.000-07:002008-11-21T10:13:08.656-08:00Chronic Disease Self Management Program Starts Oct 15thSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-42822022836049115252007-09-17T06:13:00.000-07:002008-11-21T10:14:22.499-08:00Many Seniors Face Credit Card DebtAccording 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. Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-32383566983853733042007-09-17T06:04:00.000-07:002008-11-21T10:08:11.857-08:00Serving Seniors Celebration Slated for October 17thSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-25031759367745446012007-06-05T10:09:00.000-07:002007-06-05T10:18:30.054-07:00Protecting Yourself From Telephone SCAMSAccording to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lose more than $40 billion a year to telemarketing fraud. People over 50 years of age account for about 56% of all victims. Last year almost 9 million Americans were robbed of private financial information. A recent phone operation into Massachusetts was the Canadian Lottery scam. A caller, posing as an IRS representative, told elders they had Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-74969066562343405562007-06-05T10:00:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:44:43.225-08:00Special Program Pays CaregiversAn 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-19315078489162542222007-04-09T08:13:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:45:02.064-08:00Protect Your Money and Identity With Direct DepositDo you still get your Social Security or other federal benefit by check? You should know there’s a safer, easier option - direct deposit.Each month millions of Americans get their Social Security payment sent to their homes. What you may not realize is that criminals know when these benefit checks arrive in mailboxes, and can target them for theft and forgery. Last year alone, about 57,000 U.S. Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-48865251561642006112007-04-02T12:15:00.000-07:002009-02-02T06:26:57.459-08:00ElderFair Health & Wellness Event Slated for Wednesday, June 27thThe 8th Annual ElderFair Health and Wellness Expo will be held on Wednesday, June 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. The event will feature an exciting array of health and wellness activities.Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services holds ElderFair each year to honor of Older American. The daylong event features a free lunch, entertainmentSomerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-981215209370126312007-03-23T06:42:00.000-07:002008-11-21T10:06:56.476-08:00Take Steps to Prevent FallsFalls 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-14880797820108842332007-03-23T06:15:00.000-07:002008-02-20T06:12:44.361-08:00State House Lobby Day to Support Home Care April 9thOur 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-56093358533159034932007-03-16T06:42:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:46:01.749-08:00Supportive Living Enhances Elderly Housing ExperienceSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-70419778550912250812007-03-16T06:21:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:51:15.805-08:00Volunteers Needed to Escort EldersSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-79880470857632152562007-03-12T06:53:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:46:37.108-08:00Community Based Services Gateway to MassHealth BenefitsEnrollment 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-76447667934420770532007-03-12T06:31:00.000-07:002008-11-21T09:46:55.105-08:00Adult Family Care: Unique Option for Independent LivingAdult 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-52010451046734495142007-03-09T06:14:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:47:18.509-08:00Relief Available for CaregiversWhen 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-84787962251657352172007-03-09T05:56:00.000-08:002008-11-21T08:32:08.638-08:00Where to buy and sell used home care equipmentThere’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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-33230657643107514062007-03-07T08:36:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:47:55.337-08:00Support for Elders, Caregivers, and DisabledThe 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-39638158742887115562007-03-07T08:23:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:06:56.363-08:00Choices Program Offers Real Alternative to Nursing HomesThe 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-88028397545556679982007-03-06T07:31:00.000-08:002008-02-20T06:18:27.869-08:00Respite Program Open to All Income LevelsWhen 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-20275863153960423842007-03-06T07:23:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:48:16.454-08:00Property Tax Relief Available for Senior CitizensIf 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-7695259172973436182007-03-05T10:31:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:50:34.218-08:00Do 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-37319216520461412612007-03-05T10:16:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:48:50.889-08:00Caregiver Financial ReliefAn 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-83772204962161654442007-03-01T09:06:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:16:01.949-08:00Need 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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-4186346734556833282007-03-01T09:02:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:49:05.323-08:00SCES Hits the AirwavesSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-57422253353857747192007-03-01T08:53:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:13:26.360-08:00Unique Program Offered for People with Chronic DiseasesSomerville-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 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-20685404977754111692007-02-28T07:59:00.000-08:002007-03-01T08:48:52.581-08:00Don't Forget One Time Refund for the Telephone Excise TaxDid you have long-distance telephone service between Feb. 28, 2003, and Aug. 1, 2006? If so, there is a good chance the government owes you money.The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is offering a one-time refund for the telephone excise tax, which the government used to collect on long-distance telephone service. Recent federal court decisions held that the three-percent tax, which began in 1898, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-49972590260540463222007-02-28T07:49:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:49:18.130-08:00Many Medicare Beneficiaries Under Age 65 Not Accessing Medicare Savings ProgramsThe Medicare Advocacy Project (MAP) believes that many Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 in Massachusetts are not able to access the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) benefits that they are legally entitled to. Unless eligible for MassHealth Standard, beneficiaries under age 65 do not receive MSP benefits. MAP is working to correct this problem and is looking for affected beneficiaries.MassHealth Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-47114476309817378582007-02-28T07:17:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:49:37.375-08:00No Medicare Part D Late Fee for Low-Income EnrolleesCMS Acting Administrator Leslie V. Norwalk announced the elimination of the 2007 late enrollment penalty for any beneficiary eligible for the low income subsidy for a Part D plan even if they failed to sign up by the program's initial deadline.Generally, Medicare beneficiaries who are qualified to join a prescription drug plan, or Part D, but choose not to enroll during their initial enrollment Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937229916427608419.post-75550969774718217302007-02-22T08:40:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:40:52.158-08:00Massachusetts Seeks to Enroll Older People in Food Stamps ProgramOnly a few years ago, Massachusetts ranked last in the nation with 60% of the people eligible for food stamps not on the program. But over the past 5 years, an aggressive outreach plan has turned those numbers around. Today, Massachusetts ranks number one in the percentage of new food stamp users.In 2001, there were 222,519 state residents using food stamps. Today, there are 445,381 people Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)http://www.blogger.com/profile/18435834805519409114noreply@blogger.com