Trevor Boeding

Program Director

978-544-2259 x2241

Say, it's Monday, and 87-year-old Jane's daughter-in-law has driven her from her house in Erving to see her primary care physician in Greenfield. The doctor wants Jane to visit a specialist at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield as soon as possible, so the receptionist schedules the appointment for her - next Friday at 9 a.m. That gives Jane just under two weeks to make travel arrangements.

Jane's daughter-in-law and son are both busy that day. Due to her mobility issues, Jane will not be able to make it to the bus stop on her own.

What is Jane to do?

Volunteer Training

Trevor Boeding

978-544-2259 x2241

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a volunteer who helps nursing home or rest home residents ensure quality of life and quality of care by hearing and resolving their complaints and advocating for their rights.

Lynne Feldman

978-544-2259 x2215

A panel of experts will discuss considerations for LGBT individuals during their later years, whether they are since, partnered, married, or considering marriage, covering issues such as income, taxes, assets, property, health insurance, federal benefits, retirement savings, and more. The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A.... [read more]

 

Click here to RSVP.

Alzheimer's Association presents:

Franklin County Home Care Corporation

330 Montague City Road, Suite 1

Turners Falls, MA 01376

By phone: 800-272-3900

Online: www.alzmass.org/aspcalendar/events.asp?Event_ID=2798

Many families wait until it's too late to learn about legal and financial concerns. This presentation by Elder Law Attorney Kate Downes and Melissa Grenier, LCSW, of the Alzheimer's Association provides information about wills, durable power of attorney, protection of assets, and what Medicare and Medicaid do and do not cover.

While this program is not intended to substitute for a personal appointment with an elder law attorney, you will have the opportunity to hear about typical issues and problems that can be avoided or reduced by adequate planning. 

 

Click here to preregister.

The Bernardston Senior Center sits back from the road at 20 Church Street. The large, white, Italianate, former school building is quite welcoming beside a little pond in the autumn sunshine. 

That sense of welcome extends as you walk inside the building and are greeted by the volunteer at the front desk. On Thursdays, Bill Johnson, a senior resident of Bernardston, welcomes guests. 

Bill and his wife, Candice, are regular attendees of the exercises classes at the center. Bill, who describes his own experience as "wonderful," notes that many people from surrounding towns have been attending the programs as well because "it's a very friendly, welcoming, kind and loving atmosphere."

If you have Medicare, sometime during the month of September you will be receiving important information known as an Annual Notice of Change. It will be sent to you from your Prescription Drug Plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan. The mailing will explain any changes to your plan in the coming year regarding premiums, drug coverage (formulary), providers and restrictions. 

It is important to review the letter to make sure the plan still works for you. This is the time when you can join, drop or change your insurance, and the new coverage will begin on January 1, 2015.... [read more]