NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Recent news, events and updates from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging.
CMAA Connects: Building Community in Worcester
What does it look like to do outreach to older adults, caregivers, and their families? Let’s dive into what our agency has been up to in a new series called “CMAA Connects.”
Recently, our Community Workforce Expansion Project (CWEP) workers have been doing field trips and in-person outreach across the Worcester area. We’ve focused on building connections in places that have significant elder populations, including Seabury Apartments and Chandler Street. Our goal is to advance outreach capabilities to older adults from all backgrounds and communities in Central Massachusetts, especially for BIPOC elders. The Elder Workers involved with this project are a key part in making this possible and we are lucky to have such wonderful support from our community members.
Here’s a roundup of this month’s incredible work in image form:
Make sure to sign up for our mailing list to get the latest updates. Let’s connect!
Dr. Dixon Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment
We’re excited to announce that our President & CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, has been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. This council will provide offer advice on issues related to the economic wellbeing and prosperity of Massachusetts’ Black community.
Congratulations, Dr. Dixon! Head over to our Press page to learn more about this achievement.
Grandparents Raising Grandkids: The Challenges They Face and Where to Find Help
There are 2.5 million grandparents raising grandkids in the U.S. To give some perspective, that’s enough people to fill 263 Polar Park stadiums. In fact, the number of grandparents raising their grandkids in Massachusetts has increased by 30 percent over the last decade (U.S. Census Bureau).
That being said, grandparents raising grandkids is not a new phenomenon and is actually a typical part of many cultures. The recent rise in these multigenerational situations may be due to other factors, though.
One of the reasons more grandparents are taking on this role is due to increases in life expectancy. This not only means that grandparents are more likely to be alive to see their grandkids grow up, but also that they may be needed to help care for them for a longer period of time.
Another reason for the rise in grandparents raising grandkids is the COVID-19 pandemic. With parents feeling the impact of the pandemic physically, emotionally, and professionally, the caregiving role is often split or fully reliant on a grandparent. This leaves grandparents in a difficult situation as they try to adapt to things like online learning and juggling multiple schedules. Older adults may also not be physically or mentally prepared to take on the caregiving role again after raising their own children.
There can be a power struggle between the grandparents and the parents of the grandkids. Grandparents may feel like they know better than the parents, or that they should be the ones making decisions about the children. However, it’s important to try to respect the parents’ wishes and to work together for the best interests of the grandkids. Tensions such as this can grow when things like custody and guardianship come into play, not to mention discussions about covering the cost of raising kids, especially during inflation.
Additionally, many older adults are on fixed incomes and may not have the financial resources to support their grandkids. With most grandparents raising grandkids informally or outside the foster care system, financial support can feel tough to come by. This is especially true for BIPOC elders and communities.
Grandparents may also face a unique situation when their new role is because of their adult child’s struggles. As seen through the opioid epidemic and the rise in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, grandparents may be raising their grandkids while simultaneously trying to support their adult children. This can put a strain on relationships and have serious impacts on overall community well-being. If one person is struggling, we are all struggling.
So with all these challenges, where can someone find support? Here are some resources to get you started:
The Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center
In December 2022, Congressman Jim McGovern secured $1.2 million to fund the development of a Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center along with hiring six BIPOC community health workers. This effort is aimed at providing culturally competent support for grandparents raising grandkids across the region. This will be led by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. and will be up and running by May 2023. Call the 508-852-5539 or email info@seniorconnection.org for more information.
Support Groups
There are many support groups for grandparents raising grandkids in Massachusetts offered through the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Learn more at www.massgrg.com or email Colleen Pitroni, Coordinator for The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at colleen.pritoni@Mass.gov
SNAP benefits
SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and dependent on income. SNAP benefits include:
- Monthly funds on an EBT card to buy food
- $40, $60 or $80 a month put back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local produce via the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
- SNAP Path to Work offers free education and training opportunities
- Free nutrition education classes
WIC
If your grandchild is under five years old, they are eligible for WIC. This is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and other services at no cost. Do you receive WIC? If so, you may be eligible for discounts on other resources. Call 1-800-942-1007 to learn more.
CommunityHelp Navigator
A partnership between Reliant Medical Group and UMass Memorial Health, this online tool helps connect you to local resources and programs by topic. Visit https://communityhelp.auntbertha.com/
Providing equitable resources for grandparents raising grandkids is a key element in strengthening our communities. It’s time to take action and help one another. As Dr. Moses S. Dixon, President & CEO of the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging says, “there have always been challenges with grandparents who are raising their grandkids. COVID-19 highlighted the need to support grandfamilies in more detail. When that need became evident to us, CMAA stepped up and partnered with some foundations to provide much needed support.”
If you’re a grandparent raising grandkids and looking for some help, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging is here. Call 508-852-5539 to get connected to the support you need. You can also visit www.seniorconnection.org and follow us on social media at @cmaaging.
$1.2 Million Secured for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Community Health Equity in Central Mass
Big news! Thanks to the hard work of Congressman Jim McGovern, CMAA has secured $1.2 million to support grandfamilies and community health in Worcester.
This funding will help us continue our work with grandparents raising grandchildren and promoting health equity in Central Massachusetts. Stay tuned for what’s next!
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – December 22, 2022
THE LATEST AT CMAA
From all of us here at the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, we want to wish all of our fellow community members, partners, and supporters a safe holiday season! Thank you for helping us make 2022 a fantastic year. Take a look at this special holiday message.
Holiday Hours For CMAA
We will have some adjustments to our hours over the next few weeks. Please note that CMAA will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd in recognition of Christmas and New Years. We will reopen for normal hours on December 27th and January 3rd, respectively.
New Videos This Month
We’ve been hard at work on several new videos this month. From interviews about aging to caregiver support, we’re here to help!
As an Agency on Aging, we help distribute resources across Central Massachusetts to help older adults and caregivers receive the support they need. Follow us on social media @cmaaging or give us a call at 508-852-5539 to get connected.
LEARN MORE
Buy a Reusable Bag & Support CMAA
Support older adults, our communities, and the environment this December! For the entire month of December, when you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop located at 940 West Boylston St. in Worcester, a $1 donation goes to CMAA. Your purchase helps fund important programs and resources for older community members and caregivers.
Volunteer Opportunity in Central Mass
About 70% of older adults will need some form of long-term care. How do issues get resolved in these settings, though? With your help, we can make a difference.
Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, etc. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Email OMB@seniorconnection.org
LEARN MORE
RESOURCES & AWARENESS
Heating Assistance
Heating costs are rising, but did you know that relief is available? We want to highlight a program that may be able to assist you with your energy bills this winter: LIHEAP. Also known as Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, this program helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills and past due balances on utility bills.
MORE INFO
COVID-19 Boosters and Flu Shots
Have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccine or booster? What about your flu shot?
With COVID-19, the flu, and RSV rates rising, staying up to date on vaccines is a great way to prevent serious complications. Here’s some more information about getting your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time.
UPCOMING EVENTS
It’s beginning to look at a lot like the holiday season in Central Massachusetts! There are tons of community events happening over this next month, so take a look at the following round up of links:
- Discover Central Massachusetts Events Calendar for January
- Visit New England Holiday Events 2022-2023
- Downtown Worcester Events
We also recommend checking in with your local senior center or council on aging to find out what holiday-themed events and programs they have planned.
Dr. Dixon Receives the Key to the City of Worcester
We have exciting news! Our President and CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, was awarded the key to the city of Worcester. Dr. Dixon’s dedication to improving the well-being of older adults and caregivers across Worcester was recognized by Mayor Petty, who presented a very shiny key and declaration. We’d like to extend a big congratulations to Dr. Dixon for this incredible achievement!
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – November 29, 2022
THE LATEST AT CMAA
Wow! Can you believe it’s already the end of November? Scroll on for a roundup of what our Agency has been up to this past month, local resources, and fun upcoming events!
The Key to the Heart of the Commonwealth
We have exciting news! Earlier this month, our President and CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, was awarded the key to the city of Worcester.
Dr. Dixon’s dedication to improving the well-being of older adults and caregivers across Worcester was recognized by Mayor Petty, who presented a very shiny key and declaration.
We’d like to extend a big congratulations to Dr. Dixon for this incredible achievement!
FAQ Video: What is CMAA?
We often get asked “what is CMAA?” Well, here’s a quick video that explains it all!
As an Agency on Aging, we help distribute resources across Central Massachusetts to help older adults and caregivers receive the support they need.
Our service area covers 61 towns and cities across the region, from Pepperell and Winchendon all the way down to Sturbridge and Franklin. (Fun fact: we are the largest AAA in the whole state!) We use our broad network to refer folks to the right direct services, support grantees, and ensure that relevant services are provided to folks in the area. This includes Meals on Wheels and other local programs.
LEARN MORE
Buy a Reusable Bag & Support CMAA
Support older adults, our communities, and the environment this December! Starting Thursday (12/1) and for the entire month of December, when you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop located at 940 West Boylston St. in Worcester, a $1 donation goes to CMAA. With your purchase, you can help fund important programs and resources for older community members and caregivers.
Volunteer Opportunity in Central Mass!
About 70% of older adults will need some form of long-term care. How do issues get resolved in these settings, though? With your help, we can make a difference.
Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, etc. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Email OMB@seniorconnection.org
LEARN MORE
RESOURCES & AWARENESS
National Family Caregiver Month
Did you know that November is National Family Caregiver Month? We want to take a moment and recognize the achievements and contributions of family caregivers. Thank you for all that you do and your commitment to helping others. Although November is the official awareness month, we encourage everyone to support caregivers all year!
Check out our video with several tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s.
WATCH HERE
Medicare Open Enrollment is Wrapping Up!
It’s Medicare Open Enrollment time. Are you ready?
Open enrollment runs until December 7, so don’t delay! If you need support with the Medicare process or general questions, here are some excellent resources:
- CMAA (give us a call if you’re stuck!)
- The SHINE Program (offers counselors to help with Medicare process)
- MedicareResources.org (article about what will change for 2023)
- How to Report Medicare Fraud (Medicare.gov)
Time to review your policies, learn about the latest updates, and make any relevant changes!
Local Input Needed: Worcester NowNext Survey
As part of their eighteen-month citywide planning process, Worcester NowNext is looking for your input!
Have a say in Worcester’s housing, transportation, and economic opportunity. Now is your chance to shape the city’s future by completing a questionnaire about the priority goals for Worcester’s Citywide Plan.
Click here to complete the questionnaire.
UPCOMING EVENTS
It’s beginning to look at a lot like the holiday season in Central Massachusetts! There are tons of community events happening over this next month, so take a look at the following round up of links:
- Guide to Holiday Lights in Worcester and Beyond (Worcester Macaroni KID)
- Discover Central Massachusetts Events Calendar for December
- Visit New England Christmas & Holiday Events 2022-2023
We also recommend checking in with your local senior center or council on aging to find out what holiday-themed events and programs they have planned.
The Impact of the Social Security Benefits Increase
How will the Social Security Administration benefits increase impact the lives of older adults? Our President & CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, shared some thoughts with Spectrum News 1.
Click here to watch the segment.
A Champion of Health and Wellness at CMAA
We are pleased to share that our President & CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, will be honored as a 2022 Champion of Health and Wellness Honoree by the Massachusetts Health Council. His work promoting health equity for older adults and caregivers in Central Massachusetts is making a huge impact across the Commonwealth.
The ceremony will take place at the Massachusetts Health Council’s Annual Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 6th at the Seaport Boston Hotel starting at 5:30pm.
Stay tuned for more updates and details!
USAging Conference in Austin, TX
CMAA staff recently attended the USAging Conference in Austin, TX and had an excellent time! At the conference, Ethan Belding (Vice President of Planning & Research) and Dr. Moses S. Dixon (President & CEO) presented about the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic, including its successes, challenges, and how other organizations can develop similar programs based on their own community needs. We are incredibly proud of this program and grateful for the community partnerships that have led to it being such a huge success.
