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In this Issue
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Meals on Wheels...it's more than just lunch
Meals on Wheels Driver Miguel Rivera, John McCarthy,
Lowell Mayor Edward Kennedy
John McCarthy is one of 1,800 residents across the Merrimack Valley who expects a knock on their door between 10:30 a.m. and 12 Noon Monday through Friday, signaling their lunch has arrived.
And, piping hot, too!
McCarthy, 87, once delivered the Meals on Wheels lunches he now enjoys. He knows firsthand that his daily lunch delivery represents much more than a good, nutritious meal. It is a daily check on his well-being.
"I got involved as a driver because it was something to do in my retirement," Mr. McCarthy said. "I stayed on because I made friends with the folks on my route. Especially for those who lived alone, I might have been the only person they saw and said hello to that day."
And on occasion drivers have saved lives, McCarthy noted.
"Drivers are required to place the lunch in the senior's hands," McCarthy said. "If they don't respond to our knock or if we sense something isn't right, we call the office so that someone on the staff can check in with them by phone and get them help if needed."
Elder Services invited several local officials to serve as "celebrity" meal delivery staff as part of its March for Meals event. March for Meals is a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the Meals on Wheels program in not only providing a hot, nutritious meal daily - but also helping to keep seniors safe at home. Earlier this month, McCarthy received his meal from Lowell Mayor Edward Kennedy.
"For me delivering lunch to Mr. McCarthy was a chance to see firsthand how this program works in our city," said Kennedy, who learned 300 Lowell seniors receive their weekday lunches from Meals on Wheels program managed by Elder Services.
Upwards of 200 volunteer drivers cover delivery routes from Tyngsborough and Dunstable to Salisbury and Newburyport, said Derek Anderson, the director of Elder Services' nutrition program.
"Our meals include several daily options that meet specific dietary requirements. Meals are prepared in the kitchen at the Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover," Anderson said. "The drivers, some of whom deliver over 80 meals a day, receive a stipend to cover the use of their vehicle."
The agency's program is one of 5,000 community-based, home-delivered elder hot lunch programs nationally sponsored by Meals on Wheels America. Each local meal costs $3.48 to prepare, Anderson said. The primary funding comes from federal and state government grants. Clients who receive Meals on Wheels, and who are financially able, are asked for a voluntary donation (suggested amount: $2.00 a day), as required by the federal Older Americans Act.
Anderson said his program is always looking for people willing to spend two to three hours a day bringing lunch and a smiling face to Merrimack Valley residents. Volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program is often a family affair, Anderson added. Miguel Rivera, who delivers Mr. McCarthy's meal, volunteers along with his wife, Suheil, and her mother, Idalia Rivera.
Keeping the tradition in the family, when McCarthy was forced to give up his Meals on Wheel route due to failing eyesight, he invited his daughter, Joyce Dastou, to take over. Dastou now works full-time for the program as a site manager.
"Just as I once enjoyed chatting with the folks I once delivered to, I enjoy my daily visits from Miguel," McCarthy said.
Want to help? To volunteer as a driver with the ESMV Meals on Wheels Program, please call Sheila Hewitt, the ESMV volunteer coordinator, at 978-946-1272. To make a financial contribution to the Merrimack Valley Meals and Wheels program, please contact Bonnie Sisson in the Community Relations Department at 978-946-1433.
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"March for Meals" comes back to the Merrimack Valley
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is once again participating in the annual "March for Meals", a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels (MOW). The campaign engages local "Community Champions" to join MOW drivers on meal delivery runs and meet some of the seniors who rely on the meal program and the social contact it provides. "March is a time for us all to rally around Meals on Wheels," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. "Our ability to meet the needs of vulnerable seniors lies in the willingness and generosity of businesses, government and concerned individuals of all ages to contribute in their own way. It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large."
This year, our Community Champions include: Representative Frank Moran, Lowell Mayor Ed Kennedy, Representative Diane DiZoglio, Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, Representative Colleen Garry, Representative Barbara L'Italien, and Representative Linda Dean Campbell. We are proud of our program and grateful for the support of many volunteer drivers, local meal site volunteers as well as local officials.
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We are looking for committed individuals to volunteer their time and talent to support older folks in a variety of ways.
We have nine programs managed by Elder Services. You decide...give as little as an hour each week as a Friend in Deed or more as a Medical Advocate. Most programs require training and a CORI - we provide ongoing support. For more information, please leave a detailed message on the Volunteer Message Line at 978-946-3128 or email
[email protected]
. You will be contacted and sent a volunteer application.
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Profile in Giving: Frank Baskin
In this issue of InFocus, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley salutes Frank Baskin with this month's Profile in Giving for his tireless advocacy on behalf of frail and vulnerable elders, including those who face challenges due to mental illness.
For the better part of his 45-year career, Mr. Baskin, 73, has gone above and beyond his regular job as a consultant to area nursing homes, advocating for needed changes in public policy to improve the quality of life for elders.
"I think what drew me to the social work profession, right out of college, was the opportunity to work at the micro level with individuals and then use that experience at the macro level to help make the circumstances of everyone in that same predicament better," Baskin said.
Early on in his career, Baskin focused on improving the daily life of those living in nursing homes. One example of his successful efforts has been the increase in the amount MassHealth allows nursing home residents to spend on clothing, toiletries and entertainment to its current $72.80 monthly stipend.
"I think most of us would have trouble living on such a small allowance after our other living expenses are paid," Mr. Baskin said, adding that eight or nine years ago the amount was only $60. These individuals are human beings who served their country in our military, taught our children in school, worked with their hands in various professions and otherwise helped to build the world we live in. Regardless of their circumstance, people need clothes to wear and they ought to be able to have television in their rooms along with a few other small luxuries," he said.
"I am really proud we were successful in getting the personal spending allowance increased. However, I won't be satisfied until the amount is adjusted annually through a cost of living mechanism, which is how other states do it."
Mr. Baskin has served on the Advisory Council at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley for 38 years. He also serves on the Greater Boston Legal Services' Coalition of Organizations to Reform Elder Care and the Mass. Aging and Mental Health Coalition (MAMHC).
"MAMHC was successful in making the case for funding for elder behavior health services in the last state budget round. This is the first time in a decade there has been any state funding for this service," Mr. Baskin said proudly.
And Mr. Baskin always has time to help a younger colleague understand the complexities of state and federal budget issues so they, too, can advocate for their clients.
"I am not a professional lobbyist nor is that a role I relish," Mr. Baskin said. "Instead I keep my ear to the ground and take in what is happening in the field and then bring that experience to the table where public policy is being made. I expect I may be providing a voice for those less able for as long as I am able."
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| Check it Out |
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Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment (DME) can make life and mobility easier for many people, but it's important to know how to access DME and make sure Medicare covers the cost.
Since 2013, Medicare has required that "a physician must document that a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or clinical nurse specialist has had a face-to-face encounter with the patient and this encounter must occur within the six months before the order is written for durable medical equipment."
Here are some points to remember:
- There must be documentation that the beneficiary was evaluated and/or treated for a condition that supports the durable medical equipment ordered.
- The name of the practitioner who conducted the face-to-face assessment must be documented in the patient's medical record.
- A written doctor's order is required for all covered items.
Durable Medical Equipment also needs to meet these five criteria:
- Durable - can withstand repeated use
- Used for a medical reason
- Not useful to someone who is not sick or injured
- Used in your own home
- Has an expected lifetime of at least 3 years
Since Medicare will only pay for your durable medical equipment if your doctor has documented the need and written an order for it, do not accept any type of durable medical equipment from anyone or any provider unless that paperwork is in order!
To find out what is covered, visit the website at
www.medicare.gov
or you may call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Recent Events
6th Annual Gala Dinner
Red Lantern Festival... A Celebration of Light and Life
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].
The Savvy Caregiver Program
A FREE six-session training for family and friends who are active caregivers, caring for those living with Alzheimer's or related dementias!
Mondays, April 10 - May 22, 2017
(No Class on April 17th)
1:00pm - 3:00 pm
Methuen Senior Activity Center
77 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA
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.)
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
Annual Golf Classic
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Haverhill Country Club
Registration Begins - 6:30 am
Shotgun Start - 8:00 am
NEW THIS YEAR
Be the first to play Bazooka Golf
!
All proceeds support the Elder Care Fund, a financial resource that continues to be a crucial factor in determining the continued independence of an elder.
Safe - Secure - Easy Registration!
For more information, please contact Bonnie Sisson, Development Coordinator at
978-946-1433 or [email protected].
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This newsletter is brought to you by our Education Team:
Anne Proli, Bonnie Sisson, Caroline Cole, Maureen Drouin, Laura Marsan, Hemali Shah
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