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

Volume 6, Issue 4                                                           September 2014
 
Something about fall makes us think of positive changes and new opportunities. Maybe this is because autumn is the season when so many return to school and work, but each year at this time, we feel refreshed and ready to try something new.

This fall we are excited to launch a new workshop series in the Healthy Living program! The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program provides participants who have pain with the tools, skills and confidence needed to manage the challenges of living well with chronic pain. Read more about the Volunteer Leader Training below.

Do you feel inspired by autumn, too? We invite you to celebrate that feeling by trying out one of the opportunities below!
Calling all caregivers!
Learn powerful, self-care tools.
What:
When:
September 15, 22, & 29, and October 6, 20, & 27, 2014
5:15 to 7 p.m.
(no meeting on 10/13)
Where:
Franklin County Home Care Corporation
Turners Falls, MA (directions)
Register:
413-773-5555 x2332
978-544-2259 x2332
Caregivers are wonderful people, dedicated to their daily work of caring for another person. Sometimes, though, in the midst of everything else, it can be hard to remember to care for yourself.

"Powerful Tools for Caregivers," a six-week workshop series at FCHCC, is designed to develop a wealth of essential self-care tools for hardworking caregivers to help with stress reduction, communication skills, self-awareness of messages transmitted through emotions, and more.... [read more]
 Be a Healthy Living Leader!CPSMP
Help others manage 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)
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]
Want to lower your energy bills?
Attend free Energy Savings for Seniors events.
What:
Lower Your Fuel Bill, Lower Your Electric Bill
When & Where:
North Quabbin Towns:
Thursday, September 18, 10 a.m.
Athol Senior Center
82 Freedom Street, Athol, MA
Franklin County Towns:
Wednesday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
Contact:
Gretchen Smith
Benefits Counseling Program Coordinator
413-773-5555 x2258
978-544-2259 x2258
Two FREE upcoming events on Energy Savings for Seniors will share information with persons age 60 and over about the benefits for which they qualify that can help them save money on home energy bills and obtain rebates for energy efficient appliances.

Experts from local agencies will explain what funds are available for fuel assistance and weatherization and how to obtain utility discounts, rebates, and 0% home energy loans. After the presentations, one-on-one consultations will be available.... [read more]
Ombudsman = Advocate!
Volunteer as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
What:
Volunteer Training
When:
October 29, 30, & 31, 2014
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact:
Trevor Boeding
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director
413-773-5555 x2241
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.

Individuals who are interested in becoming an Ombudsman volunteer should have a friendly disposition, active listening skills, collaborative problem solving skills, and a strong appreciation for elders and people with disabilities.... [read more]

Are you called to make a difference?
Become a Meals on Wheels driver!



You can make a difference!
Give us a call at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 

 

  

A reminder from SHINE:
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15
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]
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& services for Massachusetts elders, caregivers, persons with disabilities and
their families. 
As we enter into autumn, a season of transitions, we invite you to take a step into something new. Whether you sign-up for one of our volunteer and leader trainings or enrich yourself as a caregiver with our Powerful Tools series, we look forward to better serving our community together.
 
If during this time of change you find yourself or your loved one in need of new or different assistance, we hope you'll remember that we are always here to help. 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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