New Video Highlights CMAA Partnership with Hope & Comfort
Are you curious about our efforts to fight hygiene insecurity in Central Massachusetts?
Take a look at the video below to learn more about how we are teaming up with Hope & Comfort and Yes We Care Inc. to distribute OVER 14,000 BARS OF SOAP to older adults in Central MA along with other hygiene items!
For more information or to receive soap for an older adult, contact Maria Tellez at mtellez@seniorconnection.org or call 508-852-5539 x113.
Updated CMAA Policy
Please note that due to COVID-19 precautions, our office will be serving consumers and callers only by phone and email until further notice.
Please call 508-852-5539 or email info@seniorconnection.org to get in contact with CMAA.
CMAA Visits Gardner Senior Center for “Coffee & Chat” with Dr. Moses S. Dixon
Our Community Listening sessions continued this week with a stop at the Gardner Senior Center. We discussed concerns participants have about aging well in Northern Central Massachusetts and heard some excellent suggestions from attendees.
Thank you to everyone at the Gardner Senior Center and to all our participants!
CMAA Honors Hispanic-American Heritage Month
Did you know it is National Hispanic-American Heritage Month? It’s the perfect time to honor and reflect on the culture and achievements of Hispanic-American and Latinx communities.
Follow us on social media for shout-outs, resources, recipes, and more to celebrate this important month!
Buy a Bag, Support Our Mission!
Looking for an easy way to support older adults and caregivers in Central Massachusetts?
Participate in our Community Bag Program through Stop & Shop!
For the month of September, each time a shopper purchases the $2.50 Community Bag at the Stop & Shop at 940 West Boylston St. in Worcester, CMAA will receive a $1 donation.
Get your grocery shopping done, help the environment, and support the wellness of our older community members!
DogFest New England 2021 at Polar Park
Polar Park is going to the dogs this weekend!
Gather your family and friends on Sunday, September 19th for DogFest New England, a local event full of fun activities and fundraising for Canine Companions, an organization that places service dogs with those who have disabilities.
The event is at 100 Madison St., Worcester from 11:00am-1:00pm.
For more information, click here.
Responding to (F)ALL – Falls Prevention Awareness Week Event
September is Fall Prevention Month.
Are you prepared?
Join our friends at Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and North Shore Elder Services on September 20th from 12:00-1:00pm for a virtual webinar about the common factors leading to falls and fall prevention activities!
For more information, click here.
Cuidando Con Respeto Caregiver Training Program
Cuidando con Respeto is a 6 hour, 3-week training program, facilitated by two trained practitioners. Each session meets once a week for 2 hours. The major emphasis of the training program is for caregivers to:
• Gain new knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related dementias and an understanding of the different stages of the illness
• Develop skills needed to manage daily life including self-care skills
• Foster a sense of mastery in caregiving.
For more information on the Savvy Caregiver Program, contact the Healthy Living Center of Excellence at 978-946-1211.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
There has been a lot of discussion about booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines, but many people still aren’t sure what to expect. We’re here to help!
This article from Johns Hopkins Medicine offers a great breakdown of what you need to know.
As always, CMAA recommends staying informed about COVID-19 vaccine updates through the CDC, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and your local health department.
Upcoming Vaccine Clinics and Participating Pharmacies
Haven’t received a vaccine yet? There are many opportunities to do so across Central Massachusetts. Visit the Mass.gov website to find a location close to you!
We will continue to keep you updated as additional vaccine opportunities develop. Follow us on social media for the latest details.
COVID-19 Disability Information and Access Line
Help with COVID-19 vaccinations for people with disabilities!
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is now available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated. The DIAL’s trained staff is standing by to:
- Help find local vaccination locations
- Assist with making vaccination appointments
- Connect callers to local services – such as accessible transportation – to overcome barriers to vaccination
Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@n4a.org
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Federal Communications Commission Emergency Broadband Benefit is a program to help households struggling to afford internet services during the pandemic. Reach out and stay connected!
Visit https://bit.ly/3tYrxny or call 833-511-0311 to learn more.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Did you know that the
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development is offering Emergency Housing Assistance during COVID-19?
FEMA Offering Support for COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance will assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
At this time, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.
Applications for Funeral Assistance will be accepted through a dedicated call center:
1-844-684-6333 | TTY: 1-800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time
For more details about eligibility and documentation needed, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance website by clicking here.
(If you or anyone you know would like to have something highlighted in our weekly newsletter, email akrasinski@seniorconnection.org.)