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Helping elders, caregivers and persons with disabilities live better lives since 1974

Volume 6, Issue 3                                                                   August 2014
 
Here we are in the final stretch of summer - have you enjoyed the warm weather? We've been busy planning for a fall full of great programming. You'll find a selection of educational and volunteer opportunities below. We hope you find something right for you!

While you're browsing through the newsletter, you may notice that many links take you to our new website, still located at www.fchcc.org. Thanks to Anne Campbell Design, we had a successful website launch on July 22! Feel free to respond to this email with your feedback on the new design.
Understanding MOLST is a Must!
The Massachusetts MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a way for people with advanced illness to document their preferences for life-sustaining treatment and communicate these as medical orders to be honored across all healthcare settings in Massachusetts.

A presentation about MOLST will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Oak Lounge of the Farren Care Center at 340 Montague City Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

Light refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is requested. Call 413-773-5555 x2242 to RSVP by August 29.

MOLST gives patients the ability to accept or refuse a variety of medical treatments after engaging in conversations with their medical provider.... [read more]
Learn to help others manage their chronic pain
What:
Healthy Living Volunteer Leader Training
When:
September 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2014
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(lunch will be provided)
Where:
Highland Valley Elder Services
Florence, MA
Contact:
Lesley Kayan
Healthy Living Program Coordinator
413-773-5555 x2297
978-544-2259 x2297
You can make a huge difference in someone's life by becoming a Healthy Living leader! Coach others on how to take control of their chronic pain using a very effective self-management approach.

The goal of this program is to help others learn to build self-confidence, assume an active role in self-managing their chronic pain, remain active and improve their quality of life.... [read more]
Benefits Counseling Program sponsors 3rd annual 
Energy Savings for Seniors
Contact:
Gretchen Smith
Benefits Counseling Program Coordinator
413-773-5555 x2258
978-544-2259 x2258
 
The Benefits Counseling Program is free and helps homeowners and renters age 60 and older and people with disabilities. Volunteer Benefits Counselors provide advice on funding sources and help fill out applications for home repair, fuel assistance, weatherization, disability modifications, food stamps, and emergency fuel.... [read more
 
The Benefits Counseling Program also maintains a Home Repair Guide, featuring up-to-date information about resources that can help you save money on home expenses and improvements! Read it online here.
Could you make a difference as a Meals on Wheels driver?
Thanks to their daily dedication, volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers impact our community in so many ways. Home-bound elders look forward to visiting with the friendly drivers delivering their lunch; caregivers, family members, and other loved ones are at ease knowing that their loved one will be provided for while they are away; and our towns are strengthened by this simple act of kindness and generosity.


If you think that volunteering with Meals on Wheels could be the meaningful pursuit that you've been looking for, now is the time to act. Volunteer drivers are currently needed in towns across Franklin County. In exchange for their time, drivers receive a stipend and mileage reimbursement. If you have transportation and a couple of hours to deliver noontime meals, give us a call at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259. You can make a difference.

  

Read more about the impact of the Meals on Wheels program.

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1-800-AGE-INFO
(1-800-243-4636)
for information
& services for Massachusetts elders, caregivers, persons with disabilities and
their families. 
While we are excited to begin our fall season of classes, leader trainings, and workshops, we still continue to provide the services many in our community rely upon to live with independence. 
 
Community Choices is a program that allows those at risk of needing skilled nursing facility placement to receive extensive home support to remain living at home or to return there. Learn more about how this program may help you and your loved ones here.
 
Interested in another program or service? The Information & Caregiver Resource Center offers timely, relevant answers to your questions. Call 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 during normal business hours or email [email protected] anytime.

You can read more about our programs at www.fchcc.org

  

Sincerely,

  


Roseann Martoccia
Franklin County Home Care Corporation


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