The BayPath Bulletin
News | Events | Resources

January 2020
We empower individuals across the lifespan to live with 
dignity and independence in the community setting of their choice 
by providing quality resources and services.
Lighting Up the Holidays
BayPath, with the support of TJX and Philips Lifeline, brings holiday cheer to our consumers

The holiday season is behind us, but we would be remiss to go without saying a BIG thank you to everyone who helped make our Light Up the Holidays program a success once again.
 
Each year during December, we deliver gifts to many of our consumers who may not otherwise receive one. The presents are provided by the generous employees of The TJX Companies and Philips Lifeline, who fulfilled the requests collected from consumers by BayPath case managers and other staffers.  
 
We would like to once again thank TJX and Philips Lifeline and their generous employees for all they do to help us brighten up the holidays for the consumers we serve by turning wishes into gifts for over 155 BayPath consumers!
 
Every year a few BayPath employees volunteer to coordinate this effort, and this year we would like to thank Senior Care Options (SCO) Supervisor Una Murphy, CSSM Care Manager Ann Marie Budness, and SCO GSSC Administrative Assistant Debora Pinkham. They worked behind the scenes to collect consumer gift wishes from case managers, coordinate efforts with TJX and Phillips, and all the other tasks it took to get the gifts ready for delivery.
 
We also wish to thank the long list of dedicated staff members who volunteered their time to collect, organize, and deliver these gifts and bring a little joy to consumers in need this holiday season. Based on the smiles of our consumers in the video below, the positive impact of this special holiday program is more than evident! Thanks again to everyone involved.
2020 Census at a Glance
The Census is much more than just a headcount

The federal government conducts the Census once every decade. It includes the entire population of the United States so all individuals may be counted, and their basic information can be recorded. According to the United States Census Bureau , the accuracy of the Census provides a picture of our nation that helps determine where federal funding is distributed, how congressional seats are apportioned and provides a depiction of how individual communities have changed over time.

Our nation’s founders believed this data was so necessary that they mandated the decennial Census in the Constitution.

How is the approach to the 2020 Census different?
In 2020, for the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. However, individuals can still respond by phone or mail.

The Census Bureau has digitized the 2020 census to save money. Data from the AARP article, The Importance of the 2020 Census, states that the 2010 census, which cost $10.2 billion, was the most expensive in history and that by taking the Census online, even partially is projected to save an estimated $5.2 billion.

The flyer, 2020 Census at a Glance , explains the 2020 Census and highlights dates. Click here to see a sample of the Census.
 
How will the Census specifically improve the lives of older Americans?
According to Census Bureau data and projections:
  • 2010: 13% of the nation’s population was 65+
  • 2020: 16% of the nation’s population is 65+  
  • 2050: 20% percent of the population is expected to be 65+

More and more older adults want to stay in their homes and within their communities as they age, and the data collected in the 2020 census could increase the chances of that being a realistic goal. Census data has already provided property tax breaks to older homeowners in some regions, and over the next decade lawmakers will use the statistics from the Census to decide how to spend billions in federal funds on critical public services, such as:
  • First Responders
  • Supportive Housing for the Elderly
  • Libraries and Hospitals
  • Senior Centers, community centers
  • Medicare Part B health insurance
  • Aging Services agencies (like BayPath)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Senior Community Service Employment program
  • Public Transportation Systems

How will the online approach to the Census impact the nation’s older adults?
According to   AARP , Older Americans have historically high levels of civic engagement and, as such, have been more likely than other age groups to return their U.S. census forms to make sure they were counted.

However, a recent U.S. Census Bureau survey found that 56 percent of those 65 and older aren’t comfortable with providing online responses, and will still fill out a paper census form. Many seniors either do not have access to a computer or are not comfortable using one, and seniors who are more computer savvy still have a high level of concern over the privacy and security of their information online. Click here for a fact sheet for older adults .
 
What steps does the Census Bureau take to keep responses safe and secure?
The Census Bureau is required by law to protect any personal information we collect and keep it strictly confidential. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath to protect your personal data for life.
Online Security: 
  • The Census Bureau has a robust cybersecurity program in place that incorporates industry best practices and federal security standards for encrypting data.  
How to verify the authenticity of an in-person Census taker?
  • Real census employees won’t ask for your full Social Security number, for money or donations, or bank or credit card numbers. 
  • Check to make sure that the person has a valid identification badge with his or her photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. 
  • If you still suspect fraud, call the Census Bureau at 800-923-8282 to speak to a representative. 

The Census Bureau has provided a user-friendly two-page flyer that addresses common data security concerns that you can download here:  The 2020 Census and Confidentiality.
 
Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. 
For more information on how and when you can take the Census online or in paper form, download this Census provided informational flyer:  How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond. Also, they have a guide for different living situations

For more information, visit the U.S. Census Bureau website directly.
Want to lower your Medicare Costs?
On January 1, 2020 the income and asset limits for the Medicare Savings Programs* increased. If you qualify, these programs will pay your Part B premium and in some cases your Part A and B deductibles, co-pays and Part A premium (if you have one). In addition, you will automatically receive Extra Help, a program that will lower your Medicare Part D premium and co-pays.

Income and asset limits effective 1/1/20:

Prescription drug co-payments with Extra Help effective 1/1/20: 

To learn more and to request an application, contact MassHealth at:
  • 1-800-841-2900
  • TTY at: 1-800-497-4648.

SHINE Counselors can also assist you with the application process, call:
  • 1-800-243-4636
  • Or call your community’s Council on Aging to find a SHINE counselor near you.
 
Applications are also available on-line.
For more information you can also download the official flyer.

* Medicare Savings Programs are also called “MassHealth Buy-In” and are administered by MassHealth.
Person-Centered Dementia Care: Habilitation Therapy Training
A person-centered focus is the core of quality care

Our Nurse Manager Moe Lewis-Wolf RN recently completed the “Train the Trainer” version of the Alzheimer’s Associations Person-Centered Dementia Care: A H abilitation Therapy Training . The curriculum prepares attendees, already familiar with Alzheimer’s and dementia care, to train direct care staff in a wide range of residential and community-based care settings. This approach to care is nationally recognized, peer-reviewed, and evidence-based. The training adheres to the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations .

Upon completion of the course, Mo and the BayPath Senior Management team recognized that this training would complement and enhance our existing approach to person-centered care. As such, Mo will lead the training as a company-wide offering. The training will follow the modules as laid out within the Alzheimer’s Trainer’s guidebook.

Classes started in January, and over the next 13-months will cover:
  • Module 1 & 1b: Caring for the individual
  • Module 2: Person-Centered Care Model: Habilitation Therapy
  • Module 3: Person-Centered Assessment: knowing the individual
  • Module 4A & 4B: Communication Skills: Creating a positive social environment
  • Module 5: The Physical Environment makes a Difference
  • Module 6A & 6B: Approach to Personal Care: Knowing the Person
  • Module 7: Activity-Based Person-Centered Care
  • Module 8A & 8B: Behavior as Communication: Understanding & Responding
  • Module 9: Supporting our Families and Caring for Ourselves

The fundamental principles of person-centered care focus on treating people with dignity and respect by being aware of and supporting their personal perspectives, values, beliefs, and preferences. Through this approach, the care manager and the care recipient can work in partnership to design a care plan tailored to meet the needs of that specific individual.

The goal of habilitation therapy is deceptively simple: to bring about positive emotion and to maintain that emotional state throughout the day. Clinically, however, this presents a more significant challenge when someone is experiencing cognitive or physical impairments. Therefore, the subtext of the training provides tips to promote positivism when faced with medical limitations.

As per the  Alzheimer's Association , the key points of the person-centered care approach include: 
  • Treating the person with dignity and respect
  • Understanding their history, lifestyle, culture, and preferences, including their likes and dislikes, hobbies, and general interests
  • Looking at situations from the consumers' point of view 
  • Providing opportunities for the person to converse with other people 
  • Ensuring the person has the chance to try new things or take part in activities they enjoy.
A spotlight on the vital services and programs at BayPath
I n each edition of the BayPath Bulletin, we showcase a different BayPath program and how it helps serve our consumers and local communities.

In this edition we are shining a light on our Nursing Unit.
The BayPath Nursing Unit, reports to Mary Lou Sheehan, Director of Clinical Operations, is led by Nurse Manager Moe Lewis-Wolf RN, and is comprised of fourteen Registered Nurses and Comprehensive Screening and Service Model (CSSM) Coordinators. Under Mo's direction, the Nursing Unit supports BayPath Case Managers and our consumers residing in a nursing home to provide assistance and resolutions to the consumer's medical issues or the need to take action through protective services.

Nursing handles two different types of consumers for BayPath:
  1. Home Care Consumers: those that are seen by our Case Managers
  2. Nursing Home Residents: consumers who are age 21+ and reside within a nursing home within our MetroWest service area.

Home Care Nurses cover all the 14 communities that BayPath serves. They work with our case management staff to assist the consumer with meeting the clinical eligibility requirements for several state programs, such as Enhanced Community Options Program (ECOP), Frail Elder Wavier (FEW), or the Home Community Based Wavier (HCBW). Additionally, they assess the level of assistance a consumer needs with personal care / Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), so a determination can be made as to the type of support they need (Home Health Aide vs. a Personal Care Aide.) These nurses also evaluate consumers who are seeking to enter a nursing home.

Nursing Facility Staff is comprised of three nurses, two CSSM Coordinators and a Team Leader, who support consumers within 21 nursing homes that reside within our service area. Their primary role is to provide clinical screenings to ensure a consumer is eligible to continue with a MassHealth payment plan for their stay in the nursing home. If a Consumer is no longer clinically eligible to remain in a nursing home, the Nursing Facility staff supports the consumer with formulating a discharge plan.

2020 is being coined as THE YEAR OF THE NURSES , by The World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO) , as a way to advance nurses’ vital position in transforming healthcare around the world. This designation also honors of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth . The celebration offers a platform to recognize past and present nurse leaders globally, raise the visibility of the nursing profession in policy dialogue and invest in the development and increased capacity of the nursing workforce.

Lynn C. Vidler, BSW, MBA, Director of Home and Community Programs for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, extended this recognition to Aging Services Access Point ( ASAP) nurses for the amazing and compassionate perspective and level of care they provide to older adults and persons with disabilities throughout our communities and across the state of Massachusetts. 

  • In CY 2019: ASAP RN’s completed 57,704 Clinical Assessment & Eligibility (CAE) Screenings for 57,620 older adults & persons with disabilities
  • In Q1 & Q2 FY 2020 (July –Dec. 2019): ASAP RNs and Provider RNs developed care plans for personal care related services for 9,454 Home Care Consumers in just the 1st - 6 months of FY20.

For more information, contact BayPath at (508) 573-7247 and ask to speak to someone in our Information and Referral department, who will work with you to determine the best course of action for you to receive assistance. 
A December snowstorm enables a January Holiday Party!
The team at BayPath was to gather in mid-December to celebrate the holidays, but mother nature had other ideas! A snow delay pushed the gathering to January 14, 2020, but it was still a great way to kick off the New Year and take a moment to spend some time with co-workers.

Snow-people was the theme this year and the delicious lunch spread was prepared by the talented culinar y students of the  Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School . A sumptuous dessert bar was set up in one of the smaller conference rooms providing a hot Chocolate Bar and tons of other sweet treats for all to enjoy in the afternoon.

All of the "yummy-ness" was followed by a our traditional Yankee Gift Swap where a player gets to swap the gift they selected with a gift that was selected by another player, if they prefer the other person's gift. At the end, player one is able to steal any gift. The game fosters a friendly and lighthearted camaraderie that was enjoyed by all!
The Delicious spread provided by the talented culinary students of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.
Hot Chocolate Bar and decadent desserts for all to enjoy!
The Yankee Swap gifts just waiting to be unwrapped and "stolen" from each other.
The BayPath team enjoying the gift exchange!
Caregiving MetroWest - News and Updates
More About BayPath Elder Services, Inc.
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BayPath Elder Services, Inc. is a member of the MetroWest ADRC, 
a partnership with HESSCO and the MetroWest Center for Independent Living.

BayPath Elder Services, Inc.| 508-573-7200 |  http://www.baypath.org