Retirement News : Seniors : Resources for seniors

Resources for seniors

Date Added: 25-03-2005

Employment training program for seniors
 
     The Senior Community Services Employment Program offers low income Massachusetts seniors age 55 or older an opportunity to receive paid on-the-job training and relevant work experience that can be helpful in gaining future employment.
 
     Call Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-324-7705 to find out more about this federally subsidized training program.
 
 Greater Medford VNA offers free in-home evaluations, six free, hands-on training sessions and ongoing support for individuals caring for a loved one in the home. The goal is to identify, educate, and support caregivers by providing resources and educational information to optimize the home environment.
 
     For information, to schedule an assessment or to signup for training sessions contact Lisa Cadigan, RN or Carol Bailey RN, at 781-396-2633.
 
     Direct deposit
 
     Concerned about the nation's mailing system? Acting Commissioner Larry Massanari assures that payments to beneficiaries have not been affected.' Direct-deposit eliminates worries about delayed mail, frequent trips to the bank, waiting in long lines to cash a check and the possibility of a lost or stolen check. For information about direct deposit, call Social Security at 800-772-1213.
 
     Program helps elders stay in their homes
 
     Northern Bank and Trust Company, with a branch in Melrose, has entered a partnership with Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders (H.O.M.E.), a nonprofit charitable organization designed to help elderly residents remain in their homes with financial and health-care advice and guidance.
 
     Since 1983, H.O.M.E. has assisted approximately 16,000 elders to remain independent and self-reliant in their homes. This program provides in-home counseling on financial, housing and resource options for needy elders in Massachusetts.
 
     H.O.M.E.'s mission is to assist low- and moderate-income elder homeowners to successfully age in place. H.O.M.E. is able to fulfill its mission through an array of options involving property tax deferrals, home repairs, in-home care and equity conversion.
 
     For information on the H.O.M.E. program, call 781-937-5400.
 
      'Seniors in Motion'
 
     Senior citizens and physically challenged people can now continue to live at home and remain independent with the help of the "Seniors in Motion" program.
 
     The program provides mobility equipment, usually at no cost to the patient.
 
     Call 800-594-1225 for information.
 
     Apply for 'The Ride'
 
     The MBTA's "THE RIDE" provides door-to-door transportation to those who, because of a mental or physical disability, are unable to use other public transportation. Many elderly people do not realize that they may be eligible for this service.
 
     Application forms are available by calling the MBTA at 617-222-5123.
 
     Alzheimer's caregiver program helps families
 
     Help is available for those who care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease. VNA of Middlesex-East offers the Alzheimer's Caregiver program free of charge; the program is designed to help caregivers improve their and their loved one's life together.
 
     The program offers consultation by an occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse and social worker, who work together to help caregivers design a safe home environment for the Alzheimer's patient and teach them how to maximize their stricken loved-one's skills for daily living.
 
     They also teach caregivers how to care for themselves and maintain connections with the outside world. The program offers respite care provided by a trained core of volunteers that allow caregivers time away for appointments, shopping, social activities or just time alone. Telephone support for questions and advice is also available.
 
     For information, call Donna Silva, Alzheimer's Caregiver program coordinator at VNA of Middlesex-East, at 781-224-3399, Ext. 2649.
 
     How to reach the Office of Elder Affairs
 
     The Executive Office of Elder Affairs, One Ashburton Place, fifth floor, Boston, may be reached by calling: Elder Affairs and its newsletter, "Elder Update," 800-243-4636, TDD/TTY: 800-872-0166 or by fax: 617-727-9368; Elder Affairs Online: www.state.ma.us/elder; Elder Abuse Hotline: 800-922-2275; Elder Abuse TTY: 800-922-2275.
 
     Community care ombudsman
 
     The Community Care Ombudsman program is a free program of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs that mediates consumer issues and complaints. It assists Massachusetts elders who are having problems with the health or social services they receive in their home or community, including home health care, homemaker services and adult day care.
 
     The ombudsman program responds to inquiries from elders and their families, investigates and mediates complaints, educates about rights and responsibilities, counsels about concerns with services and refers to appropriate sources.
 
     For consumer issues and complaints, call 800-243-4636 or for people with hearing disabilities, TTY: 800-872-0166.

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