NEWSLETTERS - Central Massachusetts Agency On Aging, Inc.

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – February 28, 2023

THE LATEST AT CMAA

Dr. Dixon Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment

We’re excited to announce that CMAA’s President & CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, has been appointed to Governor Healey’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment! This Council will advise Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll on issues related to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Massachusetts’ Black community, including education, health care, housing and workforce development.

Congratulations on this amazing achievement, Dr. Dixon!

Grandparents Raising Grandkids: The Challenges They Face and Where to Find Help

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 children in the U.S. are being raised by at least one grandparent. This month, we’re sharing some of the challenges grandparents face in these situations and resources available for grandparents raising grandkids in Central Massachusetts. You can also check out the piece in this month’s Sutton Senior Center newsletter!

Help Your Community Make a Difference

Long-term care is a crucial part of many people’s lives. Why not help?

Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers visit residents at local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis to explore resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food, etc. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.

Volunteers must have a desire to help others, 1+ hour per week, reliable transportation, and COVID-19 vaccination. A healthcare background not required.

Email OMB@seniorconnection.org to learn more.

LEARN MORE

RESOURCES & AWARENESS

After March 2, 2023, COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments will no longer be distributed.

Starting in April, households receiving SNAP will get only one payment (the normal monthly benefit). You can get your normal benefit amount on DTA Connect or by listening to the information about your case by calling the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.

Throughout this public health emergency, there have been protections in place and/or additional benefits available to low-income seniors (and others). However, as of April 2023, major food and health insurance programs are scheduled to revert to pre-pandemic assistance levels. Review your MassHealth and SNAP benefits now!

Click the button below for more info about these changes or contact Community Legal Aid for further assistance.

MORE INFO

CMAA Recognizes Black History Month

Happy Black History Month!

We are deeply committed to recognizing the stories, challenges, and successes of African Americans over the course of history. Check out our recent social media posts and learn more about the lives and achievements of some incredible people.

We’d also like to share this excellent resource that discusses aging and Black communities. Take a look!

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Worcester Consumer Rights Program staff will be at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester on March 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

They will provide free literature describing their program and informational materials about consumer issues. The staff will be available to discuss how this program can help seniors resolve complaints with businesses, such as home contractors and car dealerships. The Worcester Consumer Rights Program works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to conduct inquiries into consumer complaints against businesses made to the Attorney General’s Office

To learn more, contact the Worcester Consumer Rights Program at 508-799-8486

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – January 30, 2023

THE LATEST AT CMAA

Congressman McGovern Secures $1.2 Million for Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center

Through the hard work of Rep. Jim McGovern, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging has received $1.2 million in funding to develop a Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center. We are eager to build on our work supporting grandfamilies and immensely appreciative of all the support we have received. Stay tuned for more details about this innovative program!

Seeking Volunteers in Central Mass

Long-term care is a part of many people’s lives. Why not help out?

Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers visit residents at local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and explore resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food, etc. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.

Volunteers must have a desire to help others, 1+ hour per week, reliable transportation, and COVID-19 vaccination. A healthcare background not required.

Email OMB@seniorconnection.org to learn more.

LEARN MORE

RESOURCES & AWARENESS

As of March 1, 2023, COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments will no longer be distributed. Starting in April, households receiving SNAP will get only one payment (the normal monthly benefit). You can get your normal benefit amount on DTA Connect or by listening to the information about your case by calling the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.

Click the button below for more info about these changes.

MORE INFO

Financial Wellness Month

Did you know that January is Financial Wellness Month?

We have lots of resources about improving your overall financial wellness. All it takes is a visit to our social media! Check out some of our recent posts and move the needle on your financial goals.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Alzheimer’s Association New England Family Conference is coming February 3-4, 2023. This is a FREE virtual conference for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families,

Topics include tips and strategies to live well with cognitive changes, the use of expressive therapies and mindfulness practice, a caregiver panel, how to approach resistance to care, and creating a healthy and safe environment for living with dementia.

¡ESTE AÑO ESTAREMOS OFRECIENDO INTERPRETACIÓN SIMULTÁNEA EN ESPAÑOL!

Learn more and register at alzfamilyconference.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900

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:

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 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:

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:

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 Central MA Senior Bulletin – October 4, 2022

THE LATEST AT CMAA

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Worcester County

Team CMAA is gearing up for the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s and needs your help. We’re raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association as part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Will you support our efforts? Click the button below to donate!

SUPPORT TEAM CMAA

UnitedHealthcare Expo at Gillette Stadium

Earlier this month, our team attended the UnitedHealthcare Expo at Gillette Stadium and had a fabulous time. We connected with everyone from healthcare professionals to fellow nonprofits committed to improving health outcomes and community wellness. The day was full of interesting activities including dance performances! Thank you to United Healthcare for the invitation and for organizing the event.

AgeWell Expo in Fitchburg

We’re looking forward to attending the Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts AgeWell Expo and hope to see you there! The event is Thursday, September 29th from 11:00am-4:00pm at The Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg. For more information, visit the ASNCM website.

Celebrating a Champion of Health and Wellness

It’s almost time for the Massachusetts Health Council Awards ceremony and we’re gearing up to celebrate Dr. Dixon’s accomplishment! If you missed last month’s announcement, he is one of four Champion of Health and Wellness honorees who are being recognized for the positive impact they have had across communities. Congratulations, Dr. Dixon!

RESOURCES & AWARENESS

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 – October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the lives, accomplishments, and histories of the many Hispanic cultures across the globe. We’re proud to be a part of that recognition! Here are several resources to explore:

Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Did you know that September is Fall Prevention Month? Older adults have an increased risk of falls, which can have lasting health consequences. Let’s work together to keep our communities (and ourselves) safe! Click the button below for more details about how you can promote fall prevention.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FALL PREVENTION FROM NCOA

Facts and Tips for Healthy Aging

Millions of older adults struggle with health and safety concerns. This negatively impact overall wellness and well-being. How can we change this trend?

We’ve rounded up some resources that provide some insights on healthy aging and older adults. Click for more information and advice:

Support Long Term Care Residents!

If you are looking for more information about long-term care or help resolving a concern, CMAA is here to help!

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, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Reach out to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director at OMB@seniorconnection.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL MA LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – August 30, 2022

THE LATEST AT CMAA

A Woostar at CMAA

Thank you to Country Bank and the WooSox Foundation for recognizing Dr. Moses S. Dixon, our President & CEO, as a 2022 Woostar!

This honor reflects Dr. Dixon’s leadership and efforts to improve the lives of older adults and caregivers in Central Massachusetts. We would also like to thank Country Bank and the WooSox Foundation for their generous donation CMAA! Together can make a difference.

WATCH THE CEREMONY RECAP HERE

Support Team CMAA in the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

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!

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – July 27, 2022

THE LATEST AT CMAA

Presentation at USAging Conference 2022

CMAA staff had a blast at this year’s USAging conference in Austin!

In fact, our very own Ethan Belding (Vice President of Planning & Research) and Dr. Moses S. Dixon (President & CEO) presented about the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic. We are incredibly proud of this program and grateful for the community partnerships that have led to it being such a huge success!

LEARN MORE HERE

Culturally Competent Meals at the Clinton Senior Center

Culturally competent meals contain food and recipes that hold significance for a particular culture or subcultural group. The Cultural Meal Program for seniors has been busy hosting workshops about nutrition and sharing cultural recipes with participants. Check out their latest stop at the Clinton Senior Center!

For information and resources about culturally competent meals in Central Mass, contact CMAA at 508-852-5539.

Celebrating Our Role in the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Did you know that CMAA is a proud sponsor of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Worcester County? Our team is gearing up for this October’s event and looking forward to participating for all 3.1 miles! Click the button below to learn more about this important event.

2022 WALK TO END ALZ

RESOURCES & AWARENESS

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is recognized as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. As shared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health “…racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to the cultural stigma and lack of access to mental health care services.” These concerns are especially prevalent in older populations. Click the button for more information and support.

NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Disability Pride Month

In honor of Disability Pride Month, we’ve rounded up some excellent resources and information about disability awareness. Take a look at our social media posts about this topic by clicking the button below.

MORE ABOUT DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – May 22, 2022

CMAA Leads Effort to Secure AARP Age Friendly Designation for the City of Worcester

We are pleased to share that through the efforts of CMAA, the City of Worcester, and over 80 community partners, including local organizations, businesses, and community members…Worcester is officially an “age-friendly” city!

What is “age-friendly”?

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders (both elected officials and engaged residents) and encourage them to implement the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The network provides cities, towns, counties and states with the resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices.

What is Age Friendly Worcester?

The Age Friendly Worcester Initiative is a group of community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds working together to make Worcester a vibrant, livable place for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The goal of the Age Friendly Worcester initiative is to combine collective expertise and build on current community efforts to follow the next steps in the AARP Age-Friendly designation process for the City of Worcester. This will make Worcester a more accessible, inclusive

What has Age Friendly Worcester been up to?

It’s been an incredibly busy year for the Age Friendly Worcester (AFW) initiative! Gathering community stakeholders, coming up with issue areas to focus on, sharing expertise and data, designing marketing materials, community outreach…the Age Friendly Worcester team has been hard at work to get this designation and committee off the ground.

Press Event and Designation Ceremony

We publicly announced the initiative and received the “age-friendly” designation from AARP at an official press event this May!

From guest speakers and free merch to cake (created by QCC) and pies (donated by TableTalk), we celebrated the immense efforts that have been put into this initiative while encouraging community involvement.

Here are some fun recap video produced by the City of Worcester Cable Services (Government Channel) and photos, including our very own Dr. Moses S. Dixon speaking to the crowd!

Community Outreach at Worcester’s Tercentennial

Members of Age Friendly Worcester had an active presence at Worcester’s 300th anniversary event this June.

Ethan Belding and Amber Krasinski, representing the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. along with Berni Engdahl from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, connected with attendees to spread the word about AFW and important programs for the visually impaired in the area.

With the help of a prize wheel from the Worcester Senior Center, we educated folks of all ages about topics in aging and Worcester. We also handed out tons of swag bags and bilingual resource materials. Take a look!

How to Get Involved with Age Friendly Worcester

The Age Friendly Worcester initiative is looking for community input and engagement. If you want to make Worcester a more livable, accessible place for all, sign up to receive more info and updates. More details about community conversations and next steps in this process are coming soon.

To learn more about this important work, click here!

The Central MA Senior Bulletin – May 5, 2022

CMAA UPDATES

CMAA and AARP Community Shred Days at Worcester Senior Center

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Community Shred Days at the Worcester Senior Center. We had a fantastic turnout and shredded a TON of documents.

For a full recap, check out this piece from Spectrum 1 News!

Cyber Seniors: Tech Training with Verizon at the Worcester Senior Center

Looking for help with your smartphone? Not sure where to start? Check out “Cyber Seniors: Mobile Devices 101” on May 17th at the Worcester Senior Center from 10:00am-11:30am. CMAA is teaming up with Verizon and the Worcester Senior Center for an incredible in-person workshop designed to help you feel confident with your mobile device.

Call 508-799-1232 to register!

Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!

Volunteer ombudsmen 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, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.

To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.

Clinton Senior Center Launches “Grady’s Groceries” with Support from CMAA

We are so proud to announce the launch of “Grady’s Groceries”, a new food pantry at the Clinton Senior Center.

Grady’s Groceries” is named after Mr. Bill Grady, a longtime supporter and former board member of the Clinton Senior Center. We’re so glad to have met his family at this week’s ribbon cutting ceremony! Thanks in part to support from CMAA, this food pantry will serve the Clinton, MA community by providing appropriately-sized items for seniors. This includes one lb. bags of flour, smaller sized personal care items, and more.

“Grady’s Groceries” opens on May 27th, so mark your calendars and spread the word!

COVID-19 UPDATES

Many people are now eligible to receive a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about updated booster guidelines here.

Have you heard about the omicron sub-variant, BA.2.12.1? Take a look at this piece for all the details.

EVENTS & RESOURCES

It’s officially Older Americans Month! At CMAA, we celebrate older adults all year, but this month is the perfect time to honor the elders in our communities. Check out this list of activities to get started!

Our friends at Tri-Valley are hosting a Cornhole Tournament to benefit their nutrition program on Saturday, May 7th. The tournament takes place at Webster Fish And Game (91 Gore Rd. Webster, MA). For more information, email TKOZIAK12@gmail.com