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In this Issue
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Barbara L'Italien serves as the Massachusetts State Senator representing the city of Lawrence, and the towns of Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury. She previously served in the House of Representatives from 2003 - 2011. Senator L'Italien was recently elected Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs as well as the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
You have been an advocate for older adults your entire career. In fact, you took a care manager position at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. What motivated you to work and advocate on behalf of older Americans?
My mother, who is 92 years young, is from a large family and had several older siblings who never married. As a high school student, I helped her help them "age in place" in their own homes so it was logical that when I graduated from Merrimack College that I came to work at Elder Services.
What does it mean to be chairperson of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs?
It certainly has been a long journey, however, a very happy one. When I first entered the House in 2003, I knew I wanted to bring my personal and professional experience as a caregiver to my work in the Legislature. I know firsthand all the good that Elder Services and other similar agencies in the state do to keep elders in their own homes and in the community. The budget to support services that keep seniors in their communities took a heavy hit during the Romney years. In my first speech as chairperson, I took the opportunity to focus attention on the cuts so we could begin the conversation about restoring the funding.
I served as vice-chair under Senator Patricia Jehlen of Cambridge, so I am no stranger to this committee. In fact, we've swapped places as she is now my vice-chair.
Beyond restoring funding to the State Home Care Program, what are your other priorities?
I want this committee to take a closer look at the continuum of state services that help to keep seniors active. Healthy, active and engaged seniors have a lot to give back to our communities by working in their professions longer and through volunteerism. It is more commonplace now for people to work well into their 70s and even 80s. We want everyone to enjoy their golden years and for to the Commonwealth to be there for older adults at the end of the spectrum who need our help.
We know dementia care is a growing concern. There is an exciting prospect of a cure or at least relief for those stricken with Alzheimer's, but we can't wait for that. We need to look carefully at how we support those caring for dementia and what we can do to lessen the impact on families. Elder Services has been a leader in this area with a strong Family Caregiver Support Program - we would like see that level of support replicated across the state.
We need to look at all the other services for elders the State supports, including adult day health programs, Senior Care Option programs and even what our Councils on Aging are providing. We also need to look at our visiting nurse services and see what can be done to improve the retention of home health aides.
How do you communicate your passion for elders and services for older adults to your peers in the Legislature?
Every one of the State's legislators, whether they serve in the House or the Senate, all have large contingents of seniors who live in their districts, and seniors vote. But beyond voting issues, everyone one of us wants to do right by our seniors and I think it is safe to say we are all very aware of the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens. What our committee strives to do is to put concerns and issues into the larger context of other needs. We have to talk about how these program make a real difference in people's lives, how they save money and improve the quality of life.
How important is advocacy by your constituents?
It is very important. Legislators need to hear real stories from their constituents, stories that paint a picture of what is working and what is not. Those are the stories that stick with legislators when they have to make hard decisions. And the most effective advocacy happens when you establish an ongoing, sustained relationship.
Background:
Prior to her career in public service, Senator L'Italien worked for Elder Services of Merrimack Valley as a care manager and with the Greater Lawrence Psychological Center, where she staffed the elder abuse hotline for intakes and referrals. She also worked at West Suburban Elder Services as a Supervisor of Case Management and Elder Abuse.
Senator L'Italien was the author of landmark legislation on Autism insurance coverage, House Bill 4935 (formerly H. 3809), which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis. She continues to sponsor and champion many different causes related to the needs of elders, adults and children with disabilities, and their caregivers.
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Money Management Volunteers - Making a Pos
itive Imp
act
Peter Wilkinson has been an active Money Management volunteer for more than 7 years. He is always willing to take on another client, and currently sees 4 clients at least once a month. Any one of these individuals may need up to 3 hours a visit, often requiring a 2nd and 3rd visit that month, but when asked recently if he'd be willing to assist another client, his answer was, "Of course."
Don Markey has been an active volunteer for more than 9 years. He willingly works with clients who present the most challenging circumstances. Not only does he insure that their checkbooks balance and their bills are paid, he spends time just listening. He has been visiting one of his clients for the past 9 years, and has had many other clients during the intervening years. One of his clients loves to tell stories, and Don is willing to write his checks, balance his checkbook, and then listen to the stories each time for up to 2 hours a visit, saying "What great things I learn listening to my clients."
Tom Kooken is one of the Money Management program's longest serving volunteers, having begun over 12 years ago. He currently has 3 clients that he sees regularly, and has had many more over the years. One client is a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, another a retired engineer who worked on developing computers many years ago; the third is a gentleman who for many years was his wife's caregiver, until her death. Tom says that each one of these clients gives back more to him than he gives to them. Recently Tom called to say, "If you have another client, I'll be glad to help."
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Got a little time to spare?
Elder Services is looking for people - of any age - to volunteer their time to help support older folks. We have nine unique and flexible programs that let you decide how you want to help and how much time you want to commit. A Friend in Deed is just that - someone who stops by for a quick visit to play cards, discuss current events, or share a cup of coffee. Or, if it's more you're looking for, inquire about becoming a Medical Advocate - escorting someone to a medical appointment and helping as a second set of eyes and ears. Some programs may require training; all need a CORI and we'll provide on-going support. For details, call 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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Why Advocacy?
"If you believe in great things, you may be able to make other people believe in them too."
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
It has been said that politics is essentially a debate about ideas, and the role of advocates is to persuade others to support the causes in which they believe. But how do you become an effective advocate? And how can you be heard amidst the noise and bluster of political debate and public opinion these days? Four simple ideas can help improve the effectiveness of your advocacy efforts.
Be Prepared:
The first key is tolearn as much as you can about the issue. Try to look at it from different perspectives, not just your own. If you're in favor of something, try to understand why others might be opposed to it (and vice versa) so that you can address their viewpoint. Don't assume that legislators or other officials understand the issue. Be prepared to share key information from reliable sources (handouts are useful).
Be Passionate:
The most effective advocates are those who can speak from conviction or personal experience. This passion should not be confused with aggression or hostility, but rather a deep-seated belief in the ideas that are being discussed. Identify yourself and let your "audience" know who you are and what you represent. Be able to explain why you are the appropriate person to discuss this issue.
Focus:
It helps when you can focus on one issue as an advocate; laundry lists of concerns can dilute the message. At times, it may be hard to choose a single issue, but it helps to narrow your focus to a theme (ex: community long-term care services) to frame your multiple points of discussion. Politicians are being asked for their support by EVERYONE. One message that is specific and states your position clearly is most effective. Personal experience with an issue is best.
Be Concise:
Value the other person's time. Decision makers rarely allot more than 30 minutes for face-to-face meetings and public forums generally allow no more time than 5 minutes per speaker. Make your message such that it fits within this time frame, but allow for follow up. Thank the legislator for their time and include contact information so that they can follow up with you later for any additional comments or questions.
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Spirit of Giving
In celebration of StonehamBank's 130th Anniversary Year and 130 Days of Giving, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley was honored to be one of the many worthy non-profits recipients recognized for local community service. Elder Services is the regional resource on aging serving over older adults and persons with disabilities with their choice to remain independent and safe at home.
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Check it Out |
Celebrating National Volunteers Month
Elder Services would like to thank each of our 300 volunteers for their time and the talent they share every day in serving older adults across the Merrimack Valley. We also applaud the efforts of all volunteers who are giving back to their communities in their own way.
A few facts...
- More than 62 million people volunteered in the U.S. in 2015
- Volunteers collectively dedicated 8.1 billion hours to a wide variety of organizations
- That donated time and expertise is valued at $173 billion
In the world of non-profit organizations, where more is always needed but funding is scarce, volunteers truly make an economic impact. One of the best things about volunteerism is that there are so many different ways to contribute. Sometimes we volunteer without even making a conscious choice to do so. For example, helping out at your church yard sale or donating clothes to the Salvation Army is helping in untold ways. Sometimes we can only fit in a day of service like helping at our local soup kitchen or volunteering to drive someone to a medical appointment. All of these small acts of kindness deserve to be applauded, and as the Merrimack Valley's regional resource on aging, our organization cannot fulfill our mission without our volunteers!
April is National Volunteer Month - a great opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteers in our communities. As their impact has increased, so has the demand for volunteers and the range of needs being addressed. More and more businesses are encouraging their employees to engage in meaningful volunteer activities, and long-term, skills-based volunteerism is becoming more popular.
Volunteerism is truly the heartbeat of any community and is a powerful means of support that benefits those who give as well as those who receive. If you are, or have been, a volunteer - Thank you! If not, we hope you'll consider sharing your time and energy as a volunteer in your community!
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Listen this week for an underwriting sponsorship on WBUR 90.9 FM for the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program hosted by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley.
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Recent Events
One Dozen Email Basket Raffle Winners
Suzanne Fillibron, Northwood Rehab, Lowell
Diane Dolan, Home Health Foundation, Lawrence
Kathy Bresnahan, Haverhill Council on Aging, Haverhill
Now connecting
In-Focus, Elder Services' e-newsletter to 170 new friends.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
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].
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.
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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