In this Issue
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Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley congratulates
Senator Barbara L'Italien
on being named the new Senate Co-Chair
of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs!
We also wish to thank former Senate Co-Chair Senator Pat Jehlen, as well as Representative Denise Garlick, former House Co-Chair, for their leadership on the Joint Committee, where Senator Jehlen continues to serve. We are fortunate to have such dedicated legislators in our arena.
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Francisca Reynoso,
Lidia Rivera-Garcia,
Rafael Mena
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SCO Consumer Profile: Rafael Mena
Rafael Mena, a Dominican man with diabetes and hypertension, came to our attention at age 79. At the time he was homeless, living with relatives and then a series of friends. He was eating poorly and not taking his insulin and other medications which made him sicker and less able to care for himself. When he sought dental care at Dental Dreams in Lawrence, they referred him to the Fallon Senior Care Options (SCO) program, one of five contracted SCOs at Elder Services.
"Senior Care Option insurance programs, or SCOs, are essentially 'one stop shopping' for those 65 and older who are eligible for MassHealth benefits due to their income," said Joanna Scuderi-Goldthwaite, who oversees three SCOs, along with Ana Rivera who oversees two SCO programs. "SCOs are an inclusive and integrated approach to health care designed to address the physical and mental needs of elders and provided by private insurance companies under contract with MassHealth. Many of the costs associated with other types of insurance are waived - such as co-pays for doctor visits and medications. Transportation is provided so fewer appointments are missed. This approach is more comprehensive and keeps the elder connected to services, improves compliance and prolongs their independence in their community."
A SCO client must get all of their services from that SCO's network of providers, which may mean getting a new primary doctor. Limited community resources and coordinating complex care add to the challenges faced by Geriatric Support Services Coordinators attached to SCOs.
Mr. Mena was assigned to Lidia Rivera-Garcia, who works for the SCO Fallon Navicare. While Rivera-Garcia said Mr. Mena's case is among the most challenging in her case load, she was clearly up to the task, finding creative solutions to help him live a happier, healthier life.
"After receiving the referral for Mr. Mena to join the SCO program, the first hurdle I faced was contacting him," Lidia said. "At the time, he was homeless and didn't have a permanent address or a cell phone. The only way I could reach him was through his dental office".
Rivera-Garcia completed his enrollment and applied for local emergency housing. Mr. Mena was placed temporarily at Daybreak Shelter and attended La Casa Mary Immaculate Adult Day Program, offering him access to social activities and nurses. La Casa's social case manager provided medication management and care coordination which stabilized his medical conditions. Two months later Mr. Mena was transferred to a skilled nursing facility in Fitchburg for short term custodial care.
"While Rafael was feeling better medically, he was sad and felt hopeless in Fitchburg because he was far away from his friends in Lawrence," Lidia said. "That's when I took his case to church and asked my congregation at Iglesia Biblica Fuente de Verdad to pray for Rafael and his request for local housing."
Eva Lovell, who attends church with Lidia, stepped forward and offered Rafael a set of rooms with a kitchen in her home at a reduced rent. Rivera-Garcia helped Rafael furnish his apartment with support from our Elder Care Fund and donations from the Wish Project in Lowell; church volunteers helped him move. Recent modifications to his apartment building created more privacy and safety equipment makes it a much safer place for Mr. Mena.
Mr. Mena's SCO plan currently pays for daily adult day health services, an aide to help with personal care, chores, a companion to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and lifeline services for safety, which allow him to remain at home and in his community.
"Getting Rafael into the Fallon SCO no doubt saved his life," Lidia said. "It hasn't been easy connecting him to the necessary services he needs. But he has benefited enormously from the consistent and trusting relationships with the staff of the SCO program."
Mr. Mena is waiting for the day he can move out of Ms. Lovell's rooms and into his elder housing apartment.
"Lidia is my angel," he said. "She never gave up on me," he said.
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Profile in Giving: George Henderson
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George Henderson |
When George Henderson's mother was discharged from an area hospital on a Friday afternoon along with an oxygen tank, a special diet, and a list of prescriptions as long as her arm, he very quickly discovered the impact Elder Service of the Merrimack Valley can have on one family.
"Frankly, I didn't know where to turn," said Henderson, a Newburyport native. "I wanted the best care for my mother but I am a furniture salesman. Do I look like I know anything about proper nutrition for someone who was as sick as my mom or how to handle her oxygen tank? One call to Elder Services and I could relax."
Ellene Henderson was quickly assigned an ESMV care manager, who set up a schedule with a visiting nurse. She also provided homemaker services to augment what the family was able to provide. Ellene Henderson went on to live another six years in her own home with her husband, James, by her side. Four of her five sons and their families were close by.
"Then when my dad broke his hip shortly before my mother died, I was better educated," Henderson recalled. "By that time, I had retired so I could provide daily care for my dad along with my brothers. But we still depended on the professional nursing and housekeeping services ESMV sent in because Dad needed around the clock care."
Henderson said it is that professionalism and compassion shown to his parents by every staff member from Elder Services, that has inspired his 18 years of gifts to the agency.
"Twice a year when I pull out the checkbook to pay my bills, I look to see what's left to send along to Elder Services," said Henderson. "I know that no one who does this work gets paid enough for what they do because it is demanding and the people they are helping aren't always in the nicest mood. This way I can show my appreciation for the efforts of all those who helped my parents and others in the same circumstances live longer, happier lives."
Henderson added that he is quick to give out the Elder Services' 800 phone number to friends and acquaintances that are caring for aging family members.
"I tell them to call," he said. "They have nothing to lose and a lot to gain."
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Thank You
The Education Team at Elder Services is the group responsible for publishing our on-line newsletter, InFocus. In this issue we want to give a BIG shout-out of thanks to everyone who has enthusiastically shared their email addresses of family, friends and colleagues to help us reach more people!
The effort continues! We are always looking for new ways to organically grow our email list. You can help us by sharing, posting or forwarding our newsletter to those who are caring for aging parents or relatives, someone recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's or anyone who might need information about an age-related issue. Please submit all email addresses to
[email protected]
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Merrimack Valley ADRC Sponsors Legislative Forum on Provider Cultural Competence & Healthcare Disparities
On March 24, 2017 Merrimack Valley ADRC partners, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley (ESMV) and Northeast Independent Living Center (NILP) will again host a Legislative Forum at the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, MA. The forum will explore the disparities in healthcare experienced by many people with disabilities and elders. Along with an apparent lack of awareness, issues may include barriers to access, lack of adaptive equipment or procedural accommodations, and inadequate training of healthcare workers.
Merrimack Valley legislators will be invited to attend along with other local officials. NILP and ESMV will be reaching out to our consumers, family members and advocates to join us on the 24th, participate in the discussion and share their stories!
Space is limited! If you would like to attend, please call Sheila Hegarty, Education & Advocacy Coordinator at NILP: 978-687-4288 EXT. 162.
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Elder Advocates Gather at the Statehouse
On Monday, February 27, 2017,
a bus load of staff from Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley will join with advocates at a State House rally organized by Mass Home Care. The rally will inspire and mobilize advocates, and will kick off face-to-face meetings with local legislators and/or their legislative aides. Our staff will share information and offer stories that illustrate the needs of our consumers and the impact of our work. It's critical that our legislators understand our priorities as work begins on the state budget!
As the budget process moves forward, we'll be sharing more details regarding our legislative priorities - and how you can get involved in advocacy. Stay tuned!
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Report on the
2016 Community Needs Assessment for the Merrimack Valley
The Merrimack Valley is home to an estimated 73,800 adults aged 65 and over. As an Area Agency on Aging, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley conducts a Community Needs Assessment every 3 years to ensure that our new Area Plan reflects the priority needs of elders across the Valley.
A brief survey captured elders' needs in 8 areas (Health Care, Personal Safety/Security, Accessing Assistance, Financial/Legal, Household/Personal Care, Housing/Living Situation, Social/Family, and Transportation), along with their overall quality of life and basic sociodemographic information.
We surveyed 659 elders across the Valley and heard from: elders living in community housing (includes adults with disabilities); homebound/isolated elders; elders faced with cognitive, behavioral or health impairments; very low income elders/formerly homeless elders; elders who are healthier/more active; LGBT elders; and minority elders.
The 2016 survey results paint a picture of many elders focused on Health Care issues (hearing loss was significant, along with general health concerns and physical disability). The next most frequent need area was Household/Personal Care - aspects of maintaining independence (housecleaning, grocery shopping and laundry). We also found that many elders are still struggling to meet basic needs, as expressed under the third category of Financial/Legal (paying for food, paying for rent/mortgage, and managing money). The final significant need area was Personal Safety/Security (balance/falls, mobility issues, and home repair).
The data collected in the Community Needs Assessment will help Elder Services:
- Assess our aging services network's responsiveness to current/ongoing needs,
- Identify trends as well as emerging needs,
- Guide program development, and
- Focus innovation.
We want to thank everyone who participated in this important process!
For more information, please contact: Maureen Drouin, Area Planner & Grants Manager at [email protected].
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Here are Tips to help you
Senior "Circuit Breaker" Tax Credit - Receive a cash refund on your state income taxes
Senior citizens in MA may be eligible for a tax credit if:
- Their property taxes and half of their water and sewer bills are more than 10% of their annual gross income;
- They rent rather than own their home, the threshold is greater than 25% of their annual gross income.
To claim a refundable credit on your state income tax for the taxes you paid on the home you own and occupy or rent:
- A taxpayer must be 65 years or older before January 1, 2017 and submit a completed Schedule CB with their 2016 state income tax return.
- The value of the refundable credit can be as high as $1,070 for 2016 tax filers.
- You can receive this income tax credit even if you owe no income taxes or receive a property tax exemption from the Town Assessor.
Where can you get more information or help filing your taxes?
Most Senior Centers/Councils on Aging offer a free tax service from February 1 - April 15 each year, staffed by volunteers. Call to inquire if they offer this service or to schedule an appointment.
The AARP Tax-Aide Program is an option that offers free tax consulting and preparation to low and middle income persons with a focus on helping adults aged 60 and over. Call Elder Services at 800-892-0890 for the location of a Tax-Aide site near you.
You can also call the state Department of Revenue's Customer Service at 800-392-6089 for more information. You can download Form 1 and the Schedule CB Form by logging in to the official Department of Revenue website at
www.mass.gov/dor.
You may also hire a certified accountant to file your state income taxes.
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Upcoming Events
Elder Network Meetings
The Elder Network Meetings are open to professionals who work with, care for or provide programs or services for older adults. Meetings are held weekly and begin at 11:45 am. Notices are e-mailed. To be placed on the e-list to attend a meeting please call Linda Dempski at 978-946-1429 or e-mail
[email protected].
Red Lantern Festival... A Celebration of Light and Life
The lanterns symbolize letting go of past selves, acquiring new ones with the color red representing good fortune.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
5:30 - 8:30 pm
The Lanam Club, Andover MA
Proceeds to benefit our Elder Care Fund, a financial
resource for elders in a unique or emergency situation.
The Fund can be a crucial link for older adults with
limited means and no alternative resources.
Snow Date - Thursday, March 16, 2017.
MA SMP Statewide Conference
Seventh Statewide Conference on Preventing Healthcare Errors, Fraud and Abuse through Consumer Engagement
Friday, April 28, 2017
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
This conference will focus on the best practices of:
- The role of Engaged Consumers in Preventing Healthcare Errors, Fraud and Abuse
- Detecting and reporting Fraud, Identity Theft and other Deceptive Marketing Tactics
- Identifying, Reaching and Serving Diverse Communities
- Ensuring that End of Life Wishes are Honored: Which Documents Are Essential
- Connecting the Dots Within the Healthcare Delivery System (Patient Family Advisory Councils, OPIOID Crisis vs. Pain Management, MassHiWay, Changes in MassHealth, etc.)
For more information contact Caroline Cole at 800-892-0890 ext.1256 or email her at
[email protected].
Morning for Me Caregiver Event
Join us to learn about non pharmacological approaches for people with cognitive challenges.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
9:00 am -12:00 pm
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Lawrence, MA
Presentation by:
Dr. John Zeisel, Author, Founder of Hearthstone and the I'm Still Here™ Approach
Free for Caregivers. Respite Care services may be available.
To RSVP contact Ashley at 978-946-1220 by Friday, April 21, 2017.
Presented by: Merrimack Valley Alzheimer's Partnership
Golf Classic - Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Haverhill Country Club
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