tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48129460950540421542024-03-12T22:01:05.588-04:00SeniorConnection.orgCentral Massachusetts Agency on Aging (CMAA), incorporated in September, 1974, as a private, non-profit corporation, plans, funds and monitors over 2.5 million dollars of Federal funds under the Older Americans Act for programs serving the needs of older adults + caregivers in 61 cities/towns in Central MA. CMAA is a member of the Family Caregiver Support Program of Central MA. I + R (SeniorConnection) directs older adults & caregivers to services in our planning + service areaCMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-30757117979421889242015-07-31T11:37:00.004-04:002015-07-31T11:38:54.537-04:00Color Me Happy: Adult Coloring Books<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">By Jane Giuffrida</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Coloring. Our first association with that word is
children, because it is often an activity we did when we were younger. Recently
however, a new phenomenon has people looking at coloring books in a new way. Adults
have begun to take back out their old coloring materials for a peaceful
activity, and a way to reduce stress. It has become such a popular trend that
adult coloring books can be found in almost any retail bookstore, and
definitely online at.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Some of these
books have even topped bestseller lists.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">While the books are available to purchase, there are many online
templates that can be printed out for free, so there is no financial
disincentive to try it out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Adult coloring books are slightly different than the
ones meant for children.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The designs in
adult coloring books are more intricate than those typically found in books
geared for the younger age group. They are targeted at utilizing both the
creative and tactical parts of our brains.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The creative part comes from choosing the color scheme, and the tactical
part comes from applying the colors to the drawing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">This is also the aspect that separates color
books from doodles.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">With a doodle
drawing the person is passive in their actions and their mind can easily wander
to other responsibilities or worries.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Whereas the coloring book keeps the focus on the drawing and allows the
person a brief time of relief where all that matters is the drawing in front of
you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">This activity can work well for both care givers and
care recipients. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">For the caregiver it
can work to reduce their stress, and for the care recipient it can just be a
pleasant, peaceful activity.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
caregiver can choose to color alone, or they could do it with their loved one,
as an activity for them to do together. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The draw of adult coloring books extends
beyond all ages, but to all creativity levels as well.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The pre-done shapes on the page make it less
intimidating for someone to begin to create than if they were to stare at a
blank page.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">It allows for the more
creative person to have a lot of freedom to do as they please, but does not
exclude those who are not as imaginative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">While the act of physically coloring with markers,
crayons or pencils is what we are used to, new technology brings about coloring
in a different way. There are apps that allow you to color on your smartphone
and tablet. It may seem unconventional, but some of the main benefits of
coloring comes from just seeing and working with the colors themselves, not the
writing utensils. Cool colors like blue, green and purple have a calming
effect. Warm colors should be used when you are in a bad mood because red,
orange and yellow are mood lifters. Bright colors are energizing, while pastels
and light tints communicate softness and help to soothe the soul when maybe you
have too much activity in your life. Dark colors have a relaxing effect and can
be used to tone down an overactive mind. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">For some people traditional paper and marker
is what they will always prefer, but the existence of the apps allows for this
activity to be easily taken on the go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">National Coloring Book Day is August 2<sup>nd</sup> so
use it as an excuse to pick up those colored pencils you haven’t seen in a
while, try this hobby, and relax! For more information or free downloadable
samples go to </span><a href="http://www.coloringbookday.com/" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">www.coloringbookday.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Source:
Dowdle, Hillary. “50 Shades of Happy: The New Joy of Coloring.” <i>Parade.</i> N.p., 10 July 2015. Web. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-84760870497499060592015-05-01T08:47:00.000-04:002015-05-01T09:24:40.897-04:00Living the DreamBy Robert P. Dwyer, Ph.D.<br />
<div>
Executive Director</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
Executive Director1965 was a banner year in Lyndon Johnson’s dream of creating a “Great Society.” It was the year that Medicare and Medicaid were added into the Social Security Act, and it was also the year that the President signed the Older Americans Act. Together, these laws were aimed at attempting to lift up older Americans above the poverty level, give them some dignity, and reward them for the years of building our nation, taking hold of the post depression economy and turning it around.<br />
<br />
In this year of 2015, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, we see this act, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, under constant siege by legislators and others who view both entitlements and discretionary spending that help senior citizens, as spending gone awry. They are seen as money wasted, as cash spent frivolously.<br />
<br />
We can’t deny that some entitlements especially are taken advantage of in an unscrupulous manner. Neither can we undo the reality that much of life has changed since 1965 with people living longer, and in many ways, healthier lives. With this we can call for reforms to stop the scamming of Medicaid and Medicare. We should discuss increasing the age of eligibility for programs under the Older Americans Act. <br />
<br />
Yet we must admit that these laws have indeed helped the aged and poor. We must see that older people who are homebound do indeed receive nutrition, home care and other protective and crisis services because of these laws. Can we turn from the facts that older Americans find legal help when facing housing crises, or assistance in learning to live in their homes when blindness overtakes them? Should we remove help given to frail elders in nursing homes, to those who need guardians or simply help paying their bills? <br />
<br />
Is it possible that we want to deny older people the right to live in their own homes and neighborhoods for as long as they are able?<br />
<br />
The Older Americans Act helps to do all of these things. In its 50 years of existence, the seniors who have been helped are our history. In this, our time, the seniors that we help are our own parents and grandparents. And tomorrow, in our future, WE will be the ones struggling to live in dignity and hope.<br />
<br />
We mustn't forget that while we are trying to solidify a nation’s economy for our children, neither can we afford to dismantle a system that has helped to make our nation a great and wonderful society that becomes also a birthright for our own children, and our children’s children. In all of this our generation has been given a legacy, a trust that we must bolster and even strengthen, to give to all those whom we leave behind. Let them have their time to “live the dream” of the Great Society.</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-79550531398995627692015-02-27T15:41:00.000-05:002015-02-27T15:41:56.319-05:00FY 2016-2017 Older Americans Act Title III Funding Priorities and Request for Proposals<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Contract Period: October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>The goal of Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging (CMAA) is to address the most critical needs of elders <u>throughout</u> the region. Generally, preference will be given to applicants who are locally-based providers, collaborative proposals and to those that intend to serve the entire planning and service are</i>a.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Title III-B – Supportive Services</u></b></div>
<br />
<b><u>Access for Elders</u></b><br />
a.<b> Outreach and Interpretation programs</b> targeting one or more of the following groups: minority and/or non-English speaking populations, rural, low-income, Native Americans, LGBT, elders with disabilities or Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers. Proposals should address areas and/or populations that are demonstrably without services, or are underserved.<br />
<br />
b. <b>Medical Transportation</b> in areas where significant unmet need is clearly demonstrated. Proposals should include service to residents in more than one community whose residents would otherwise not have access to medical transportation and/or escorted transportation where necessary to access health care.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Crisis Intervention</u></b><br />
Short term intensive counseling or problem solving assistance to help seniors deal with crisis situations <br />
<br />
<b><u>Emergency Home Repair</u></b><br />
Repair and maintenance services for elders within the entire CMAA service area who are at risk from health and safety hazards or at risk of being homeless. Grant funds will be limited to providing the skilled labor required to make needed repairs and modifications with the expectation that homeowners or other resources will provide any required materials. CMAA wishes to contract for home repair services in: <br />
<ul>
<li>Central and southern regions of the PSA</li>
<li>Northern region of the PSA.</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Money Management </u></b>for eligible seniors throughout the CMAA service area to provide financial counseling, checkbook balancing, bill paying and related services to elders in multiple communities.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Legal Services (mandated)/Guardianship</u></b><br />
Includes help in obtaining or restoring public benefits, guardianship services, resolving housing problems or other appropriate concerns.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Long Term Ombudsman (mandated)</u></b><br />
Volunteers and stipended staff serving nursing home residents by investigating and resolving complaints made by the residents, or on their behalf.<br />
<br />
<b><u>III-C – Nutrition Services.</u></b>Regional congregate and home delivered meal services. Projects must meet federal regulations governing Nutrition Programs.<br />
<br />
<b><u>III-D – Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services </u></b><br />
Programs must be evidence-based and may focus on the prevention and mitigation of the effects of chronic disease (including osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), depression, alcohol and substance abuse, as well as smoking cessation, weight loss and control, stress management, falls prevention, physical activity and improved nutrition.<br />
<br />
Due to the upcoming change in the OAA definition of evidence-based, the program designs of IIID applicants must meet the current “highest-level” criteria, including ALL of the following specific requirements: <br />
<ul>
<li>Demonstrated through evaluation to be effective for improving the health and wellbeing or reducing disease, disability and/or injury among older adults; and </li>
<li>Proven effective with older adult population, using Experimental or Quasi-Experimental Design; and </li>
<li>Research results published in a peer-review journal; and </li>
<li>Fully translated in one or more community site(s); and </li>
<li>Includes developed dissemination products that are available to the public. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>How to Determine if a Program Meets the Definition </i></div>
<div>
There are two ways to determine if a program meets the definition (and therefore also meets our current highest-level criteria); either one is acceptable. </div>
<div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Document whether the program meets each of the 5 bullet points. If it does, then it can be supported with Title IIID funds. </li>
<li>Check to see whether the program is considered to be “evidence-based” by any operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If it is, then it can be supported with Title IIID funds. </li>
</ol>
All programs that are considered “evidence-based” by any operating division of HHS will meet the definition. For example, this would include programs listed on:</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.aoa.acl.gov/AoA_Programs/HPW/index.aspx" title="Link to the Health, Prevention and Wellness Programs Page">AoA: Health, Prevention and Wellness Programs</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.acl.gov/Programs/CDAP/OPE/ADEPP.aspx" title="Link to the Center for Disability and Aging Policy Page">ACL: Aging and Disability Evidence-Based Programs and Practices</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.aoa.acl.gov/AoA_Programs/HPW/ARRA/PPHF.aspx" title="Link to the Health, Prevention and Wellness Programs Page">ACL: Empowerment through Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/healthycommunitiesprogram/tools/" target="_blank" title="External link to the CDC Tools for Community Action Page">CDC: Community Health Resources Database</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/Falls/compendium.html" target="_blank" title="External link to CDC Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions">CDC: Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-Dwelling Older Adults</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/tools-resources/Evidence-Based-Resources?f%5b0%5d=field_topic_area%3A3493" target="_blank" title="External link to Search of HelathyPeoplpe.gov search resultsfor Alder Adults">HealthyPeople.gov: Healthy People 2020 Evidence-Based Resources</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips/index.do" target="_blank" title="External link to National Cancer Institute's Research-tested Intervention Programs">NCI: Research-tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs)</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.aoa.acl.gov/Site_Utilities/Standard_External_Disclaimer.aspx?redirection=http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/center-for-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" title="External link to NCOA: Center for Healthy Aging website">NCOA: Center for Healthy Aging</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://ccplanet.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" title="External link to NIH: Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. portal website">NIH: Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. portal</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/" target="_blank" title="External link to the NREPP SAMHSA Page">SAMHSA: National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;">SAMHSA: <a href="http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/LearningModules.aspx" target="_blank" title="External link to SAMHSA: Learning Modules">Learning Modules</a>, a non-researcher’s guide to evidence-based program implementation and evaluation. <a href="http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ReviewRFD.aspx" target="_blank" title="External link to NREPP: Readiness for Dissemination">Readiness for Dissemination</a>, criteria for assessing an evidence-based program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.aoa.acl.gov/Site_Utilities/Standard_External_Disclaimer.aspx?redirection=http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/center-for-healthy-aging/content-library/Title-IIID-Highest-Tier-Evidence-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" title="External link to PDF">Title IIID Evidence-Based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Programs Cost Chart</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: transparent;">All grants that are awarded are subject to the following:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>The terms of the contract with Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging.</li>
<li>Submission of monthly reports. </li>
<li>Submission of a copy of the annual independent audit.</li>
<li>On-site visits or other monitoring activities by CMAA staff.</li>
<li>Submission of evidence showing appropriate liability insurance coverage. </li>
<li>Provision of client data in conformance with the requirements of the National Aging Program Information System (NAPIS). </li>
<li>A requirement that the total budget for any Title III program include a 15% non-federal in-kind/cash match.</li>
<li>Performance of CORI checks (Criminal Offender Record Information) for volunteers and program staff where required.</li>
<li>Submission of weather emergency/disaster plan.</li>
</ul>
<b>REQUIREMENTS OF GRANTEES</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Submit monthly reports documenting program activities.</li>
<li>Cooperate with periodic fiscal and programmatic monitoring. This includes making financial and client records available to the representatives of the Agency on Aging for these purposes.</li>
<li>Have copies of affirmative action plans, personnel policies and client grievance procedures available for review by Agency on Aging staff.</li>
<li>Develop and implement an appropriate client donation policy. The nature of this policy is to be determined in consultation with Agency on Aging staff.</li>
<li>To develop and implement an annual internal evaluation or client satisfaction survey. The methodology to be employed in such required evaluations must meet with the approval of CMAA. In addition, upon completion, the results are to be provided to CMAA.</li>
<li>Any organization which receives $25,000 or more in Title III funding must submit to CMAA the results of an independent audit in conformance with OMB Circular A-133 no later than thirteen (13) months after the close of the Provider's fiscal year. </li>
<li>All grantees will be required to report program statistics in a format compatible with the requirements of the NAPIS reporting system currently under development by EOEA. This may necessitate changes in agency record-keeping procedures or in agency computer capacity.</li>
</ol>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Please Note:</span></u></b> <b>All Title III contracts are cost reimbursement in nature.</b>This means that each program incurs the cost of said program, then, on a monthly basis, invoices CMAA who in turn collates all invoices for transmission to the Department of Elder Affairs. DEA will then pay the invoices to CMAA, which then reimburses each program. The process may take 6 weeks to several months depending upon the activity in Boston.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In addition to the general RFP guidelines, selection criteria include, but are not limited to:</li>
<li>The applicant documents the need for the proposed program.</li>
<li>Demonstration that the program is an appropriate and cost-effective means of addressing the identified needs.</li>
<li>Clear description of program activities and the degree to which they are innovative and linked to specific outcomes.</li>
<li>The key people are capable of carrying out the program as described.</li>
<li>The evaluation plan is clearly outlined and provides appropriate measurement of the program outcomes.</li>
<li>The proposal indicates awareness of and coordination with other agencies/services.</li>
<li>The proposed program is financially feasible and the organization is financially viable.</li>
<li>The applicant conforms with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.</li>
<li>Collaborative programs are encouraged (attach copies of any interagency agreements).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>LETTER OF INTENT</u></b></div>
<br />
Applicants interested in applying for Title III funding must submit a letter of intent describing the intended program, how it addresses one or more of the funding priorities and how it conforms to the terms of this RFP (see attached instructions). The letter of intent must be received at the CMAA office by 3:00 PM, Monday, March 30, 2015.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Title III Bidder’s Meeting</u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
An informational Title III Bidder’s Meeting will be held </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3:00 PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2015</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>360 West Boylston Street</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>West Boylston MA 01583</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All interested parties are encouraged to attend.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Letter of Intent</u></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Letter of Intent should be no more than 2-3 pages, and address the following:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Purpose of the program</li>
<li>Which of the priorities does the program address?</li>
<li>Estimate the amount of Title III funding you will be seeking.</li>
<li>Estimate the TOTAL amount of funding needed to run the program.</li>
<li>What other funding sources will be providing money to run the program?</li>
<li>How is the program intended to operate?</li>
<li>What service area/towns do you expect to serve?</li>
<li>A brief demonstration of the need for the targeted service(s).</li>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
<u><b>N.B</b></u>.<i> IIID proposals should identify how they will meet evidence-based requirements.</i><br />
<br />
Need can be demonstrated by reference to CMAA, local or existing program data** that shows an increase in demand or a high level of continuing demand for the service(s) the program intends to provide.</div>
<div>
** appropriate data might include program service statistics, CMAA needs assessment data, data collected in specific local service areas, and other relevant sources.<br />
<br />
All applicant letters of intent must be received at:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
360 West Boylston Street</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
West Boylston MA 01583</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>no later than:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3:00 PM, Monday, March 30, 2015.</div>
<br />
Should you have further questions, please contact John Belding, Director of Planning. </div>
<div>
phone: 508-852-5539 e-mail: <a href="mailto:john.belding@seniorconnection.org">john.belding@seniorconnection.org</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-83685079088535823782015-01-16T09:29:00.000-05:002015-01-16T09:29:23.503-05:00Heart of My Heart<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Patti Holm </span></h4>
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Before you were born, you were close to my heart.</div>
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I knew I loved you right from the start.</div>
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A priceless gift sent from above,</div>
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My heart was filled with new wonder and love.</div>
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The toddler years were really rough.</div>
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If you fell, would I catch you quick enough?</div>
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I held my breath while learned to crawl and walk.</div>
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How soon would it be before you could talk?</div>
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You continued to learn and grow.</div>
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As a teen, you liked to say, "I know, I know".</div>
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Teaching you to drive was a scary thing.</div>
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What adventures would this new freedom bring?</div>
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You went off to college and had a blast!</div>
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You became an adult awfully fast.</div>
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Now so mature and fully grown,</div>
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You have a nice young family of your own.</div>
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I've come to realize I need you to care for me now.</div>
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I don't even know if you'll know how.</div>
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Heart of my heart, I grew old too soon!</div>
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You may soon be feeding me with a spoon.</div>
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Heart of my heart, I love you mom more each day.</div>
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I've loved you more than words can say.</div>
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I'll take care of you mom, I know now,</div>
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You were the one who taught me how.</div>
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Don't worry mom, it will be alright.</div>
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Even if I have to stay through the night.</div>
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Heart of my heart, we're bonded together.</div>
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Your were always there for me.</div>
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Now I'm here for you - forever!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-72698001233314052602014-12-03T12:03:00.000-05:002014-12-03T12:03:52.006-05:00“Tis the Season to be Jolly” Coping with Grief at the HolidaysFor many of us the holidays are a time of celebration, joy, and fun. However those who have experienced loss can have feelings of sadness, anger, loneliness, and emptiness. Loss can be the death of a loved one but it can come in other forms such as loss of physical ability, absence of a loved one, or loss of traditions that once defined a holiday celebration. Grief can be explained as the emotional result of the pain one experiences because of loss. <br /><br />The holidays can be some of the toughest times after loss. When someone is grieving the holidays can be quite an overwhelming and difficult time. While you may wish that you could ignore the holidays and avoid them all together it is virtually impossible. Where ever you go there are holiday decorations. The television and radio are filled with holiday shows and music. One must voyage through the holidays as part of the grief journey. <br /><br />It is important to know that there is no right or wrong way to approach the holidays when you are grieving. The ways we handle the holidays are as individual as we are, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone. It isn't unusual for well intentioned people to imply pressure on how the holidays “should” be handled; advice may be well intentioned only the individual can know what feels right. <br /><br />While there is nothing that will take away grief, there are things that can be done to help alleviate the weight of grief throughout the holiday season. <br /><br /><b>Share Your Feelings </b><br />Make sure to allow time to express feelings. Overbooking yourself to avoid feelings doesn't work and can lead to unpredictable emotional outbursts. Sharing your feelings can help set a safe atmosphere for others to share too; others may be feeling similarly but aren't sure how to bring it up. <br /><br /><div>
<b>Tell People What You Need</b><br />If you don’t share what you need family and friends will make assumptions. Assumptions can lead to poor communication and hurt feelings. While it would be nice, we can’t expect others to know what we need since we all grieve in our own unique way.<br /><br /><b>Make Action Plans</b><br />It isn’t easy to know what we will need at the holidays but being caught off guard can make things harder. Try to anticipate your reactions to specific situations you may encounter throughout the holidays. Develop planned responses and actions, and allow yourself to change your plans.<br /><br /><b>Avoid Being Alone Most of the Time</b><br />The pain of loss can be exacerbated by loneliness and isolation. Too much alone time can allow thoughts to become overwhelming. Even if you aren’t feeling in a jovial mood, make an effort to simply stay connected with the people that care about you. However do make plans to have private time to process your thoughts and feelings, and have a good cry.<br /></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Take Care of Yourself</b><br />This can mean many different things for everyone. Take time to do the things that you enjoy and that fulfill you. Grieving is draining so be aware of your physical needs such a eating right and sleeping, these are simple things but they make a big difference in your well-being.<br /><br /><b>Balance Traditions and New Rituals</b><br />When we experience loss we are changed and so are the holidays. It is important to find a balance between long standing traditions and new rituals. It can be helpful to remember the loss of a loved one at holiday gathering with a candle lighting, a prayer, a song, or something that honors their memory.<br /><br />Hopefully with some of these tips you can work to develop new ways to experience the holidays. It is natural to feel you may never fully enjoy the holidays again; however in time many are able to find a new meaning and a new form of holiday spirit.<br /><br /><br />Emily A. Pattee MSW, LCSW<br />Hospice Social Worker/Bereavement Coordinator<br />Holy Trinity Hospice<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-87094770511489712932014-11-21T09:02:00.002-05:002014-11-21T09:02:34.630-05:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is Hospice?</span></b><br /><br />Hospice is a comprehensive program of interdisciplinary services designed to meet the unique needs of persons, who have a limited life expectancy, their families and loved ones. <br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hospice offers a special kind of care that:<br /><ul>
<li>treats all aspects of the patient including their physical, emotional and spiritual needs;</li>
<li>offers the patient the choice to remain at home or reside in a home-like setting;</li>
<li>focuses on pain and symptom management;</li>
<li>recognizes the family to be an essential part of its mission; and</li>
<li>promotes the importance of and affirms the quality of life.</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who Pays for Hospice?</span></b><br /><br />Hospice is a covered benefit under most health insurance plans, including HMO’s and other managed care organizations. Hospice is also a covered benefit of the Medicare (Part A) program and is covered by Medicaid (Mass Health) in the state of Massachusetts. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Who Makes Up the Hospice Team?</span></b><br /><br />Hospice is made up of an interdisciplinary team that works to make a patient and their family as comfortable as possible during this time in the patient’s illness. The interdisciplinary team is compromised of the following people: Patient’s Physician and the Hospice Medical Director, Registered Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Social Worker, Pastoral Care, Bereavement Counselor, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Dietician, and Trained Volunteers.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Why Does Hospice Appeal to the Terminally Ill?</span></b><br /><br />Hospice care is an answer when an individual’s life is threatened because of advance stages of an illness. Working with the patient’s family member and love ones, the hospice team helps them say good bye with comfort and dignity. <br /><br />The care given in hospice is based on letting the patient experience the best quality of life in the comfort of the place they consider home until they breathe there last breath. Hospice care is an interdisciplinary approach to meet the needs- physical, psychological, and spiritual – of a person at the end of life. <br /><br />Hospice also offers emotional, and bereavement support, to the family and love ones for up to a year or longer if requested. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How Can I Receive Hospice Care? </span></b><br /><br />Anyone involved in the care of an individual in the final stages of life may make a referral to hospice—Physicians, Patients, Family Members, Care givers, Clergy. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For further information please contact:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>Holy Trinity Hospice</b><br />Christine Mateer<br />Community Liaison<br />774-823-5282<br /><a href="http://www.htnr.net/">http://www.htnr.net/</a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-70085360179406430802014-11-07T08:54:00.001-05:002014-11-07T08:54:58.377-05:00Family Caregiving—the First and Most Loving Care We Can Give<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">By Bob Dwyer, Executive Director -- CMAA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many of the people who work in
community services for older persons are not only professionals in our
fields. Oftentimes folks forget that we
are people too! And the fact is, we have
family members, younger and older, for whom we help to provide care. As a grandparent, I have had the experience
of caring for our grandchildren, at different times and for different
reasons. As someone whose parents grew
sick and frail, I helped my sister and brother care for our parents. My sister certainly took the lead, but we
were there to help her and my parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have also been privileged to
assist in the care of my wife’s, my in-laws, as they have aged. My father in law passed over last
winter. And my mother in law has now
moved into an assisted living facility in Maine near my wife’s family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This move into a “facility” was not
easy for my mother in law, nor for my wife and her siblings. Yet, the attempt to care for her in their
long time home was proving very difficult for all. The house was old, and needed more than just
updating. Furnace issues, leaky roof,
utility costs and rotting pipes—all in combination with a true degradation of
my mother in laws conditions of severe arthritis, additional leg pain,
depression and the beginning of dementia, was taking its toll on her and the
family. The caregiving role is
difficult, particularly when the one you care for is a loved one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like many other older Americans, Glo
didn’t want strangers in her home, and would not accept someone to help her
with personal care. She accepted meals
on wheels, but reluctantly. My wife
Kathy’s siblings stopped in nearly daily, doing laundry, making sure the
furnace was working, helping their Mom with her personal care, groceries, and
housework. Kathy called daily, spoke
with doctors, and made the trip to Maine on a regular basis from our home in
southern Worcester County. All in all,
it was too much for everyone to handle. There
remained the fear that Glo would fall and break a hip, or worse, using the few
stairs she needed to use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving Glo to assisted living was
the solution. None of us had a safe and
appropriate home in which she could live.
Now, Glo is safe and secure, and though other of her conditions remains,
her children understand that their caregiving takes on a different role of
visiting, comforting and loving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All too often when we think about
“caregiving,” our thoughts turn to professional caregivers. Our loved one’s care does not always take
place in hospitals, or nursing homes, or doctor offices, or medical clinics.
Most care actually occurs in the home – and that’s a good thing. People are
healthier at home and health care costs are reduced. Family caregivers have
the best interests of their loved ones at heart. But caregiving at
home can take its toll and it certainly takes a lot of planning. The Nation’s
90 million family caregivers are front and center in providing care every day –
enabling their loved ones to stay at home longer where they are happier and
healthier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elderly_care"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most adults would prefer to age in place</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. 90% of adults over the age of 65 would prefer to
stay in their current home as they age. Family, friends, and neighbors
provide </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://longtermcare.gov/the-basics/who-will-provide-your-care/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">80%</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the care for the elderly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Family-Caregivers/Summary-of-Findings.aspx"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two out of
every 5 adults are family caregivers</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39%
of all adult Americans are caring for a loved one who is sick, disabled, or
living with frailties of old age. That’s up from 30% in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.rarecaregivers.org/#!Because-Family-Caregivers-Are-There-Through-It-All/c17b6/5A1ADAFF-6312-4833-A995-7D378B0006B1"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family
caregivers are the only people who are present with patients in all care
settings</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Patients
may have more than one doctor; nurses change shifts; prescriptions may be
filled at different pharmacies. But family caregivers are there as full
partners with their loved ones through it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-10-2012/New-Report-Finds-Almost-Half-of-Family-Caregivers-Perform-Medical-and-Nursing-Tasks.html"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Complex care
happens in the home</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Almost half of family caregivers perform sophisticated
medical/nursing tasks for their loved ones – such as providing wound care and
operating specialized medical equipment – and up to </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.caregiveraction.org/statistics/#Caregiving and Health Care"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">70%</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> manage medications for their loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Family-Caregivers/Summary-of-Findings.aspx"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caregiving</span></b></a></span><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> affects the whole family</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Men are now
almost as likely to say they are family caregivers as women are (37% of men;
40% of women). And even 36% of younger Americans between ages 18 and 29 say
they are family caregivers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/ltc/i51-caregiving.pdf"><b><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
families make changes at home because of their caregiving responsibilities</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Some families have to tighten their belts at home to pay
for out-of-pocket caregiving costs (an average of $5,500 per year). And many
more have to make </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://gero.usc.edu/nrcshhm/research/pages/Commission11%20on%20Elderly%20Housing%202001.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">home
alterations</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to ensure safety, security,
and cleanliness for their loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(**See Caregiver
Action Network at <a href="http://www.caregiveraction.org/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.caregiveraction.org</span></a> .)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Family
caregivers are the front line of caregiving throughout the world. Whether it is shoveling the walk, raking
leaves, bringing your Dad to the doctor or your Mom to the grocery store, it’s
all about the care and family. In this
month of November, we celebrate Family Caregiving, the first and most loving
care we can offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-12560023950127355822014-10-03T10:18:00.000-04:002014-10-03T10:58:09.745-04:002015 Medicare Open Enrollment <div style="text-align: center;">
Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is October 15 - December 7 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with new coverage beginning January 1.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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October 15 to December 7 is when people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2015. Information on 2015 plans will be available beginning in October.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You don't need to sign up for Medicare each year. However, each year you'll have a chance to review your coverage and make changes. Your health needs change from year to year. Medicare health <span _mce_style="font-size: 10pt;" style="font-size: 10pt;">and drug plans can make changes each year-things like cost, coverage, and which providers and pharmacies are in their networks. That is why it is important to review your Medicare choices each fall.</span></div>
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People with Medicare can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov for plan information. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Seniors in Central Mass can call Central Mass Agency on Aging at 508 852-5539 to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor to help them review their options. </div>
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Older adults everywhere in Massachusetts can call 1-800-AGEINFO (249-4636) option 3 to locate a SHINE counselor. If a person is satisfied that their current plan will meet their needs for next year, they don't need to do anything.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-61793463748382337532014-09-25T11:37:00.000-04:002014-09-25T14:05:32.765-04:00National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day - September 27th 10am-2pm<span style="background-color: white; color: #181342;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Below we have listed collection centers close to the central MA region. For additional collection sites <a href="https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/ntbi-pub.pub?_flowExecutionKey=_c477D3096-AF16-C10E-F6DB-47C234175DC9_k196FB269-EFCA-9A93-3745-0AFDD3D1BFBF" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181342;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Northern
Central MA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Westminster Police
Department Pepperell Public Safety Complex<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7 South St 59 Main St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Westminster, MA 01473 Pepperell, MA 01463<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Price Chopper
Supermarket Acton Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">560 Main St. 371 Main St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gardner, MA 01440 Acton MA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">CVS Nashua Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">314 Main Street DPW Garage Stello Dr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gardner, MA 01440 Nashua, NH 03062<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Stop & Shop Littleton Police Headquarters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">384 Timpany Blvd 500 Great Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gardner, MA 01440 Littleton, MA 01460<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lunenburg Police
Department Princeton Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">655 Massachusetts Ave. 8 Town Hall Dr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lunenburg, MA 01462 Princeton, MA 04541<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fitchburg Fire
Department Boxborough Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">33 North Street 520 Massachusetts Ave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fitchburg, MA 01420 Boxborough, MA 01719<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fitchburg Police
Department Harvard Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">20 Elm Street 40 Ayer Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fitchburg, MA 01420 Harvard, MA 01451<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Phillipston Police
Department Ayer Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">40 The Common 54 Park St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Phillipston, MA 01331 Ayer, MA 01432<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ashby Police Department Groton Police Department <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">893 Main Street 99 Pleasant St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ashby, MA 01431 Groton, MA 01450<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Townsend Police
Department Lunenburg Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">70 Brookline Rd. 695 Massachusetts Ave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Townsend, MA 01469 Lunenburg, MA 01462<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Central
Central MA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Worcester Housing
Authority Marlborough Police Department <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">40 Belmont St. 355 Bolton St <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Worcester, MA
01608 Marlborough, MA 01752<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Worcester Senior Center Rutland Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">128 Providence Street 242 Main St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Worcester, MA 01608 Rutland, MA 01543<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Holden Police Department Grafton Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1370 Main Street 28 Providence Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Holden, MA 01520 Grafton, MA 01519<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shrewsbury Senior Center Northborough Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">98 Maple Ave. 211 Main St <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Northborough, MA 01532<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Old Marlborough Transfer Station Leicester Recycling Center<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hudson St. 200 Mannville St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Marlborough, MA 01752 Leicester, MA 01524<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Southern Central MA</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bellingham Senior Center Webster Police Department <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">40 Blackstone Street 57 Thompson Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bellingham, MA 02019 Webster, MA 01570<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Woonsocket Police
Department Hopkinton Police Headquarters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">242 Clinton Street 74 Main St <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Woonsocket, RI
02895 Hopkinton, MA 01748<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hopedale Police
Department Blackstone Town Hall/Senior Center<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">70 Hopedale Street 15 St. Paul St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hopedale, MA 01747 Blackstone, MA 01540<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Milford Senior Center Northbridge Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">60 North Bow 1 Hope St <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Milford, MA 01757 Whitinsville, MA 01588<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cumberland Police
Department Dudley Police Department <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1380 Diamond Hill Road 71 West Main St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cumberland, RI
02864 Dudley, MA 01571<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Millis Police Department Sturbridge Police Department</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">885 Main Street 246 Main St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Millis, Ma 02054 Sturbridge, MA 01566<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Medfield Police
Department Brookfield Police Department </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">110 North Street 3 Post Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Medfield, Ma 02052 Brookfield, MA 01506<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Foxborough Public Safety
Bldg. Southbridge Police Department <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8 Chestnut Street 1 Mechanic St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Foxboro, Ma 02035 Southbridge, MA 01550<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Northbridge Police
Department Charlton Police Department<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 Hope Street 85 Masonic Home Rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whitinsville, MA 01588 Charlton, MA 01507<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Douglas Police
Department Ware High School <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">29 Depot Street 22 North St<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Douglas, MA 01516 Ware, MA 01082</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palmer Town Hall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4417 Main St</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palmer, MA 01069</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-47393051959199459082014-08-28T15:02:00.000-04:002014-08-28T15:02:21.272-04:00Dad, Are You In There? (Part III)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Patti Holm </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> By now, dad is back at the nursing
facility after suffering a major heart attack and stroke. He is on "comfort" measures
only. He made sure that I knew what he
wanted if it ever came to this. He never
wanted any "heroic" measures or machines keeping him alive. He told me that he never wanted to exist as a
vegetable. This has been one of the
hardest things I've ever had to do. I
just sit with him, hold his hand, put cool cloths on his forehead, talk and
pray with him. So many family members
and friends come to visit him, but are not sure what to say, so we just visit
together for a while. I believe that on
some level, he knows we're here -- maybe.
The staff assures me that he is not in pain, and is not suffering, but I
wrestle with the what-ifs. I ask about
how long "it" will take, and they tell me that "it" varies
with each person. The will to live is
stronger in some than in others. I sit
and wonder about the purpose of all this, and I feel the pain of losing someone
so dear. I know that deep down, there is
a reason, so I just keep waiting. I find
myself taking a trip of my own down "memory lane." I want to gently shake him one more time and
ask, "Dad, are you in there?"</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-80812201643611929982014-08-15T10:42:00.000-04:002014-08-15T10:42:11.657-04:00Dad, Are You In There? (Part II)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Patti Holm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know now that Dad cannot live
alone anymore. He's been in and out of
the hospital several times for the same problems. Each time, a little bit more of him is gone. The doctors tell me that he has a condition
known as dementia, and that it's not safe for him to live alone. At this point, he will go for some rehab
until he gets a little stronger. After
this he will have to go to a nursing facility with around-the-clock care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> While he was in rehab, I was able to
find a nice nursing facility for him. They were very helpful in all aspects of the
transition for him. Dad is now angry
with me. He does not want to be in
"this place". He asks me why I
put him here. I tell him that it's not
me, but the doctors that would like him in a safe place while getting
stronger. He asks me things about the
need for a wheelchair, why he can't use his walker, and why they have to help
him all the time. I just pretend a lot
to keep my sanity at this point, because I hate to see him so agitated. In his mind, he can walk and take care of
himself. The reality of something so
debilitating robbing him of his independence, is very difficult to deal with.
He doesn't understand that he is in a facility like this so he will be "safe". <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some days are better that others, but
I always feel so helpless. We talk about
old times, and these are the times when he is the happiest. I want to shake him though, and ask
"Dad, are you in there?" I'm
grateful that he still knows me when I go to see him, but also know that there
may be a time when this too shall end. </span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-38762160742041019022014-08-08T09:13:00.001-04:002014-08-08T09:13:17.810-04:00Dad, Are You In There? (Part 1)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">by Patti Holm </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Do you
want to go for a ride Dad?" He says
"sure, we'll go wherever you'd like to go." Dad doesn't drive anymore, except in his
mind. "I'll drive today,
Dad." He asks me where we are
going. I tell him that we're going to
his favorite fishing spot on the lake.
He then tells me that he doesn't want to go there, and when I ask him
why, he tells me that it's not the same, and that there's nothing there
anymore. I decide to take him back to
his nice apartment in the senior living complex. When we get inside, he asks me when we're
going for a ride. I just wanted to shake
him and say, "Dad, are you in there?"
I know doing that would not be very helpful since we do this every time
we get together whether it's for a shopping trip, doctor's appointment or just
to go for a ride to get ice cream or a coffee.
I usually just change the subject, and talk about old times. It's a thing I call "going down memory
lane." We sometimes look at old
pictures or work on a puzzle. He likes
to take a snooze while I do the puzzle!
I also take the opportunity to clean, put out his clothes for the next
day, pack up the laundry to do at home.
By now, it almost time for dinner.
I usually pre-make meals for him to take out of the refrigerator or
freezer, but he usually forgets if he is alone, so if I do it for him, he'll
have something nourishing. I put out his
medicine with little notes so he'll see it.
The next day, we start the same process all over again. "Dad, are you in there?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-78664722965026340902014-07-03T10:18:00.001-04:002014-07-03T10:18:54.684-04:00The Cane<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Andrea Erickson</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, what do you see behind this
cane?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A forsaken woman? A slow-walking
pain?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A lazy relic of a forgotten time?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">An unhealthy human who didn't do
enough time </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">on treadmills, in sneakers, out in
open air?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A person who complains that life
just isn't fair?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This woman is a scholar, and very
much alive </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">with tall tales and small tales and
never ending drive, </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">who prays to the Lord to protect
friends, and family, </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">who sneaks in a prayer of thanks for
still living free.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Who gets frustrated, but proud that
she's still living life - </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">not begging for mercy as a
broken-down wife.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This woman has feelings and hurts at
times </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">for lost friends, and strength that
keeps her alive. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This lady finds comfort in all parts
of her life, </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">and tries not to ponder too much
anguish or strife.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">She knows that this life happens
once for us all,</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">so she breathes in the sunlight, and
brilliant colors of Fall. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">She loves conversation, and journeys
to the sea</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To watch ocean and waves, and gulls
flying free.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, please take a moment to return a
kind smile, or hold open a door - </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">she'll be around for awhile. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And listen, for this woman may have
a story to tell, </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">about her endless belief that all
will be well.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So what do you see behind this cane?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-48877476670477389042014-06-19T15:44:00.001-04:002014-06-19T15:44:49.340-04:00Whatever happened to 'wild and crazy'?<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">by Andrea Erickson</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Back in my 20's, 30's, and even well
into my 40's, I always had an touch of 'wild and crazy' in my blood. Whether it
was biking with a group of friends for 50 miles, skiing in a snow squall,
hiking down a remote trail in the wilderness, or hopping on a train in Europe
with no destination in mind to see if I could find the sun. These days, my
'wild and crazy' has been changed due to my reduced ability to walk long
distances, and my life responsibilities. Pet dogs cannot always come along, and
when they can join us, their company requires oversight. So, no spontaneous
trips that force us to leave them behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But, life is far from boring! These
middle age years have given me a true appreciation of classical music, opera,
ballets, contemporary music. I've also learned to love the wonder and beauty of
museums, from art to science to astronomy - we finally have the time and a
little money to squeeze in visits and shows. It's wonderful to be able to soak
in these experiences! And then there are the vacations we're able to savor -
short stays or longer. I've seen more of this country now than ever before -
local areas and long distance. There are surprises and fun around every corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Finally, there is my new career -
writer, blogger, poet. These were activities that were former hobbies, but I'm
embracing then as a new source of inspiration for me as a profession. Money is
not the motivator now, it's my ability to call my own shots and work with the
freedom I've acquired in these 'middle' years.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">But, maybe that's the way life works.
Our life experiences and memories keep us remembering those 'wild and crazy'
moments, so we can laugh, reminisce with friends and family, and chart our next
course of discovery. As the author, Jules Renard noted,<i> </i></span><i><span style="color: #181818;">“It`s not how old you are, it`s how you are
old.” </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-1683777519731875542014-05-29T13:21:00.005-04:002014-05-29T13:23:04.325-04:00VanityAge sneaks up on me like an
invisible pen.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Drawing lines.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Adding depth and volume</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
to my neck and chin
- previously smooth and slender.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
It's challenging to see yourself in
your mind's eye as the youthful young woman</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
you once were,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
only to continue to be greeted by
an older woman in the mirror.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
There's still beauty there;</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
but, veils of wisdom and time have
carved their memories into your smile and your eyes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The spark of surprise and the
blush of anticipation</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
can be found somewear in the
valleys of wear.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Oh, how I miss those pristine
fairways.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
- Andrea Erickson</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-79199690601116827552014-05-02T13:33:00.001-04:002014-05-02T13:33:25.732-04:00The History of Older Americans Month<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May is Older Americans Month! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Find out more about the history of Older Americans Month <a href="http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/Observances/oam/archive/archive.aspx">here</a></b></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-45573966694372151982014-04-18T11:40:00.002-04:002014-04-18T11:40:52.232-04:00<div class="MsoTitle3" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold;">Bullying -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoTitle3" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold;">It’s Not Just Kids Stuff Anymore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">A Conference for Professionals in Elder Care </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 20.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #006699; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">MAY 21, 2014 8:00 am to 12:30pm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-thai-font-family: Tahoma;">Anna Maria College<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 12.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-thai-font-family: Tahoma;">Paxton, MA </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-thai-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 113%;">Marsha Frankel, LICSW, </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 113%;">is the Clinical Director of Senior Services and the Director of Mental Health at Jewish Family and Children's Services of Boston.</span></h4>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 113%;">Workshop: </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 113%;">Is it Social Bullying? Strategies for Assessing and Intervening with Older Adults.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 113%;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 113%;">This workshop will discuss what constitutes social bullying among older adults versus unacceptable social behavior due to other causes like dementia or mental illness. A description of common characteristics of older bullies and how victims are selected will be offered with examples from different setting that will demonstrate the negative impact of the behavior. The major focus of the workshop will be in describing a four-part targeted intervention approach addressing the organization, the bullies, the victims and the bystanders.</span></h4>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 113%;">Joan Webster </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 113%;">is the Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Mediator on the roster of the Community Mediation Services at the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester. </span></h4>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">Workshop: </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Mediation Strategies for the Elder-Serving Professional.</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #006699; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">This workshop will begin with a discussion of tools and strategies that can be used to combat bullying on site. A brief discussion of formal mediation will follow. There will also be role-playing exercises demonstrating how mediation works and a question and answer period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">The Worcester County Elder Abuse Prevention Roundtable</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">The Worcester County Elder Abuse Prevention Roundtable is an association of dedicated elder-serving professionals that work to provide training, education and outreach to prevent and reduce elder abuse in Worcester County.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="text-align: center;">Sponsoring Agencies:</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Molly Bish Center /Anna Maria College </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Elder Services of Worcester </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">National Assoc. of Social Workers-MA </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Community Legal Aid <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Centro Las Americas <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">City of Worcester Elder Affairs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Montachusett Opportunity Council <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Pathways for Change <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Tri-Valley, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US">Worcester County Sheriff’s Department </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Mail Registration Form and Payment to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">360 West Boylston St, Suite 216<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">West Boylston MA 01583</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Telephone:<u> </u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Email:<u> </u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Registration Cost: $20.00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">includes </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><span dir="ltr"></span>3 Social Work CEU’s </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">and Continental Breakfast</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Please make checks payable to Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">360 West Boylston St, Suite 216<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">West Boylston MA 01583</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 113%;">Questions?</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 113%;">Contact Nicole Kanis at nkanis@seniorconnection.org or 508-852-5539<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Limited space is available for resource tables. If you are interested in providing informational materials please contact Nicole Kanis. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-63993488124070835322014-04-04T08:49:00.000-04:002014-04-04T08:49:00.489-04:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Why should you work in the aging field? </b></span></span><br /><br />In the 21st Century Americans are not only living longer, but also represent great diversity in needs and interests. Unprecedented growth is projected in all service-providing industries, and almost limitless opportunity exists for the development and delivery of new products and services. <br /><br />More than a single profession, Gerontology provides a specialist overlay to any profession serving our aging population. Many states are expected to experience dramatic workforce shortages, in existing as well as emerging professions. In addition to Health Care, demand will be high for qualified applicants to work in Financial and Legal services, Leisure, Travel, Hospitality, Fitness and Wellness pursuits, among others.<br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to current data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population 65 years and over will increase to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% increase for this decade). By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons in the U.S., almost twice their number in 2007 and roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population. <br /><br />The demand for healthcare workers will remain particularly strong due to the mounting healthcare needs of the burgeoning elderly population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “the health care industry added 428,000 jobs throughout the 18-month recession from December 2007 until June 2009 and has continued to grow at a steady rate since the end of the recession.” Moreover, “the health care and social assistance industry is expected to be the most rapidly growing sector in terms of employment” through 2020. The BLS projects that employment will increase by 34.5 percent in healthcare support occupations and 25.9 percent in healthcare practitioner and technical occupations through 2020. There is a growing demand for workers in long-term care in particular as more of the elderly require nursing home care, residential care, adult day care, and home care. <br /><br />While job growth will continue in the health care sector, new opportunities are emerging daily in the development and delivery of aging products and services. Individuals who understand older adults’ needs, strengths, and limitations, as well as their cognitive, physical, and social functioning, will be well-positioned for today’s competitive marketplace. <br /><br /><b>To help address the need for educational programs in the field of Gerontology Assumption College is now offering a Certificate in Aging Services. This certificate will allow individuals to gain a better understanding of the field of aging. </b><br /><br />To find out more about this exciting new certificate program go to <a href="http://cce.assumption.edu/certificates/certificate-aging-services">http://cce.assumption.edu/certificates/certificate-aging-services</a> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau</span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-26362235676850802842014-03-07T09:13:00.000-05:002014-03-07T09:13:20.937-05:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you feel my heartbeat? -Part 2</span><br />By Andrea Erickson<br /><br />How can you reduce your risk of developing heart disease?<br /><br />This is a common question among Seniors and Elders alike. But, the answer applies to humans of every age. Start young – keep your organs healthy and working. But, since aging is an ongoing process, here is a list of recommendations you can use to cope, or reduce your risk of encountering heart disease in your lifetime: Share this with your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. You could help to save a life by simply sharing information.<br /><br />Exercise</span><div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exercise 3-4 times per week for 20-30 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintain a healthy body weight for your height and age.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breathe! Get oxygen into your bloodstream.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Reduce and/or eliminate bad health habits<br /><ul>
<li>Do not smoke, or stop smoking if you smoke.</li>
<li>Reduce alcohol intake (no more than two drinks per day – 5 oz. glass of wine, 12 oz. beer, or 1.5 oz spirits) and avoid recreational drugs. You may have been a child of the 60’s, but respect your body’s elegance as you age.</li>
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<br />Relax<br /><ul>
<li>Reduce stress in your life (identify outlets to relieve stress such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing), and learn to accept events that you cannot control.</li>
<li>Live in the present moment – stop and look around you and be amazed by the sunset or sunrise, the stillness of a lake, the rhythms of the sea, the sounds of nature, the characters in the clouds.</li>
<li>Rest and sleep. Give your body time to recover from stressful events.</li>
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<br />Manage your time</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time Management is critical to living life in this fast-paced world we live in! Schedule events and dates. Give yourself time to get things done. Enjoy your big and small life events.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Schedule fun, but keep your life open to unexpected happenings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay true to your commitments, but understand that sometimes commitments can be delayed or postponed.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy your culinary appetites<br /><ul>
<li>Eat nutrient-rich foods that are familiar, easy to find, and represent the five basic food groups (provide the most nutrients per calorie): grain, fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat and protein, fats, oils and sweets.</li>
<li>Eat plenty of fatty fish (salmon, trout, or other oily fish).</li>
<li>Replace butter with a healthy spread such as Promise, Smart Balance, or other that contains healthy fats and plant sterols.</li>
<li>Avoid high fat dairy and meats (stick with lean meats, such as loin, skinless chicken breasts).</li>
<li>Read nutrition labels.</li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Stay current with Health Checks <br /><ul>
<li>Keep your blood cholesterol at or under 300 milligrams per day.</li>
<li>Reduce high blood pressure (anything over 140/80 mmHg is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease.</li>
<li> Keep diabetes under control.</li>
<li>Take doctor-prescribed medication to treat angina (chest pain), if needed.</li>
<li>Get regular checkups for health conditions that may affect the heart, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.</li>
<li>Remember to keep your pulse on your emotional health</li>
<li>Have a support group of friends and family to share your life’s moments.</li>
<li>Embrace hobbies that add fun to your life! Read, garden, walk, bike, jog, etc.</li>
<li>Keep a positive attitude – smile, pray, love, and laugh!</li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So, let me feel your heartbeat! This is your life. Feel better, be happy, and live a wonderful life!<br /><br />Enjoy!</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-20642275915741310382014-02-28T09:46:00.000-05:002014-02-28T09:46:25.775-05:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you feel my heartbeat?</span><br />By Andrea Erickson<br /><br />February is the month of Valentines and love. Herman’s Hermits captured these feelings in 1963 with their hit song, “Baby Baby, can you feel my heartbeat?” Ironically, during December of that same year, President Johnson issued Proclamation 3566 – American Heart Month, which urged the people of the United States to “heed the nationwide problem of the heart and blood vessel diseases, and to support the programs designed to bring about its solution.” This formal designation began in 1964, which means this February 2014 is the 50th anniversary!<br /><br />Heart disease is frightening – it’s the leading cause of death among women in the United States, and is high on the list for men, as well. It’s also a major threat to Senior Health. According to the Center for Disease Control, 84% of men and women aged 65 and older die from heart disease. But, it’s not restricted to age. Heart disease can be a chronic condition brought on by family history, as well as high blood pressure, or diabetes. Other risk factors, such as age, obesity and smoking can also play a role. So, heart disease is not only associated with age, it spans the years of a lifetime. The good news is that you can modify your chances of getting Heart Disease by reducing your risk factors.<br /><br /><b>So, what exactly is ‘heart disease’?</b><br />Heart disease is a term used to describe health conditions that affect the heart. In the U.S., the most common form is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), where coronary arteries become hardened and narrowed due to a buildup of <a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Nicole/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QQMOJJDN/Can%20you%20feel%20my%20heartbeat%20P1.docx#Bk1">plaque</a>. <br /><br />A history of high cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of plaque. As plaque continues to build over time, it can narrow arteries. Blood clots can form at the plaque buildup and obstruct blood flow affecting the organ connected to the artery. Though more rare, plaque itself can break off and cause an obstruction (embolus), which could go to the brain and cause a stroke. <br /><br /><b>‘Bad’ and ‘Good’ Cholesterol</b><br />Bad cholesterol or LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein, is a type of lipid present in the blood and, if present in large amounts, can cause health problems as it will typically accumulate in the arteries, and cause blockage. Bad cholesterol can be found in foods rich in trans fatty acids and cholesterol-rich foods such as egg yolk, liver, kidney, dairy products like cream cheese, etc. Refined carbohydrates such as white sugar and flour, and alcohol can also contribute to the development of high cholesterol.<br /><br />Good cholesterol or HDL, High Density Lipoprotein, serves to transport cholesterol from the arteries and tissues to the liver and other organs such as ovaries, adrenal glands, and testes. Good cholesterol can be found in onions and Omega-3 fatty acids such as flax oil, fish, foods rich in fiber like grains, oats, bran etc.<br /><br /><b>Do any other factors contribute to Heart Disease?</b><br /><br />High levels of bad cholesterol are not the only risk factor that can contribute to plaque buildup. Other risk factors, such as diabetes, family history of early heart disease, high blood pressure, age, obesity, and smoking can also play a role. <br /><br />So, if you have high cholesterol, plus any of these additional risk factors, you could be at increased risk for plaque buildup in your arteries compared to someone who has high cholesterol alone.<br /><br /><b>How can I prevent Heart Disease from happening to me?</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many things each of us can do. Stay tuned for Part 2!</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-53683552767398457452014-02-21T09:25:00.002-05:002014-02-21T15:05:46.320-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Advocates
CareGiver Telephone Connections<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Advocates is hosting a FREE 12 week telephone support
group for family caregivers of older adults! There will also be a support group
held for Spanish speaking caregivers. This telephone support group is available
statewide. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The perks of the Telephone Connections program: </div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Take part in the support group in the comfort of
your own home</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->“Meet” others who share the ups and downs of
caregiving</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Decrease stress and improve you own health</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Create a buddy system to solve problems as they
come up </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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When: <b>Wednesdays from 6:30 -8pm</b> </div>
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Beginning
February 26<sup>th</sup> 2014</div>
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<br /></div>
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For the Spanish speaking group: </div>
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<b>Wednesdays from 1-2:30pm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Beginning
March 5, 2014</div>
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<br /></div>
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To register contact:</div>
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Lynn Kerner, LICSW, Supervisor</div>
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Caregiver Telephone Connections</div>
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(508) 661-2028</div>
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<a href="mailto:LKerner@AdvocatesInc.org">LKerner@AdvocatesInc.org</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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For Spanish speaking:</div>
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Carmen L. Camacho, MA, LSW</div>
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(774) 279-7266</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="mailto:CCamach@AdvocatesInc.org">CCamach@AdvocatesInc.org</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-11976275716593160872014-01-31T11:09:00.000-05:002014-01-31T15:03:05.956-05:00<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’</strong></span><br />An Article by Andrea Erickson <br /><br />“Do not go gentle into that good night,<br />Old age should burn and rave at close of day;<br />Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”<br /><br />Dylan Thomas wrote the beginning to this beautiful poem in 1951 as he lamented his father’s loss of health and strength, and encouraged him to cling to life. It still sends chills through my veins, and his lament still applies today. <br /><br />We’re all getting older – it’s a fact of life. But, we don’t have to walk gently and quietly into our “good night” - we can ‘rage’ by getting stronger, and enjoying these ‘golden years’ with renewed vigor and fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how do <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmzlRJjjhL0/UuvHPB3dvAI/AAAAAAAAANo/srzjDs431pQ/s1600/weights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmzlRJjjhL0/UuvHPB3dvAI/AAAAAAAAANo/srzjDs431pQ/s1600/weights.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a> you do </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this? How do you start getting stronger? You don’t have to join a gym and start lifting weights, necessarily. It’s as easy as getting up from your chair and walking! Stretch your legs! Move your arms and shoulders! Dance! If you’re confined to a wheelchair, or have limited mobility, find a group that caters to your specific needs. You can find many options at your local Senior Centers, or other State Agencies that cater to younger and older seniors.<br /><br />According to the National Institute on Aging, to get all of the benefits of physical activity, try all four types of exercise — 1) endurance, 2) strength, 3) balance, and 4) flexibility. Your local health and exercise centers can help you develop a plan that works for you. It can be as simple as taking a walk on a regular basis, or as challenging as riding a bike in a gym, lifting weights, or taking part in water calisthenics. A trainer can set you in the right direction – safely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to AARP, the benefits you’ll receive by staying active are proven: activity breeds increases in strength and flexibility. Whereas, physical inactivity can cause muscle loss and increased frailty. You also don’t need to break out your gym clothes every day - two or three times a week will keep your body agile and strong.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div>
</div>
<div>
Regular exercise also helps to:</div>
<ul>
<li>Increase mental capacity </li>
<li>Prevent early death or disease </li>
<li>Improve healing </li>
<li>Improve your quality of life </li>
<li>Increase balance </li>
<li>Increase life expectancy </li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, stay fit! As Thomas says, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” The results are well worth it.</div>
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</div>
<div>
photo credit: </div>
</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogueanthro/8563579340/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kara Newhouse</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> via </span><a href="http://photopin.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photopin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cc</span></a><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-19327928817320189052013-11-15T11:51:00.001-05:002013-11-15T11:51:48.495-05:00<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Celebrating National Family Caregiver Month</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November is a time to celebrate the many caregivers providing care for older adults and individuals with disabilities in the community. It is estimated that around 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid care for adult family members and friends. Let's all take the time this month to thank a caregiver we know. If you are a caregiver take time this month to reward yourself for all of your hard work! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to check out our helpful resource page <a href="http://www.media.seniorconnection.org/index.htm?doc=caregiverstress/index.inc">Helping an Older Adult: A Caregiver's Journey</a>. If you are taking care of anyone in your life be sure to take the caregiver stress assessment. You can also visit this page to learn about the many useful resources for caregivers and older adults in the area.</span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-36702810724579159742013-11-08T09:18:00.002-05:002013-11-08T12:04:22.982-05:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Passing of the Greatest Generation </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nationalww2museum.org/" target="_blank"> The National WWII Museum</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Approximately every two minutes a memory of World War II – its sights and sounds, its terrors and triumphs – disappears. Yielding to the inalterable process of aging, the men and women who fought and won the great conflict are now in their 80s and 90s. They are dying quickly – at the rate of just over 600 a day, according to recent US Veterans Administration figures. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Honoring the 20th-century veterans’ sacrifice before they pass from the scene, is at the forefront of everything we do at The National WWII Museum – from our exhibits, to oral histories, to the Museum’s $300 million expansion, a lasting tribute to the Greatest Generation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“There’s no time to lose,” said Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, President and CEO of the Museum. “We want to be able to finish and dedicate our expansion while we still have members of the Greatest Generation to thank for their sacrifice and service to the nation and to show the world what they mean to the principle of freedom.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To read the entire report on WWII Veteran Statistics <a href="http://www.nationalww2museum.org/honor/wwii-veterans-statistics.html" target="_blank">Click Here!</a> </span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812946095054042154.post-76937348298406965112013-10-22T15:22:00.000-04:002013-10-23T15:23:47.292-04:00National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday October 26th from 10am – 2pm<span style="color: #000066;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #000066;">This event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescriptions as well as educating the public about the potential abuse of medications.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000066;"><br />
Below find collection sites in the area.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="5" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;"><b>Participant’s Name</b></span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;"><b>Collection Site</b></span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Ashby Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Ashby Police Department <br />
893 Main Street Ashby, MA 01431<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Ayer Police Department </span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Ayer Police Department <br />
54 Park St Ayer, MA 01432<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Blackstone Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Blackstone Town Hall Senior Center<br />
15 St Paul Street Blackstone, MA 01504<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Charlton Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Charlton Police Department<br />
85 Masonic Home Rd Charlton, MA 01507<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Douglas Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Douglas Police Department<br />
29 Depot St Douglas, MA 01516<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Dudley Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Dudley Police Department, Municipal Complex<br />
71 West Main St Dudley, MA 01571<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Fitchburg Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Fitchburg Police Department<br />
5520 Lacy Rd Fitchburg, MA 01420<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Gardner Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Price Chopper Supermarket<br />
560 Main St Gardner, MA 01440<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Grafton Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Grafton Police Department<br />
28 Providence Rd Grafton, MA 01519<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Groton Police Department </span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Public Safety Building<br />
99 Pleasant St Groton, MA 01450<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Holden Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Holden Police Department<br />
1370 Main St Holden, MA 01520<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Lancaster Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Lancaster Police Department<br />
153 Main St Lancaster, MA 01523<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Leicester Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Leicester Recycling Center<br />
200 Mannville St Leicester, MA 01524<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Leicester Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Leicester Police Department<br />
90 South Main St Leicester, MA 01524<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Lunenburg Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Lunenburg Police Department<br />
655 Massachusetts Ave Lunenburg, MA 04162<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Milford Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Senior Center<br />
60 North Bow St Milford, MA 01757<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Millbury Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Millbury Police Department<br />
127 Elm St Millbury, MA 01527<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Northbridge Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Northbridge Police Department<br />
1 Hope St Whitinsville, MA 01588 <br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Pepperell Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Pepperell Police Department, Public Safety Complex<br />
59 Main St Pepperell, MA 01463<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Princeton Police Department </span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Princeton Police Department<br />
8 Town Hall Dr Princeton, MA 01541<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Rutland Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Rutland Police Department<br />
242 Main St Rutland, MA 01543<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Shrewsbury Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Shrewsbury Senior Center<br />
98 Maple Ave Shrewsbury, MA 01545<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Southbridge Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Southbridge Police Department<br />
1 Mechanic St Southbridge, MA 01550<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Townsend Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Townsend Police Department<br />
70 Brookline Rd Townsend, MA 01469 <br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Webster Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Webster Police Department<br />
57 Thompson Rd Webster, MA 01570<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">West Boylston Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">West Boylston Police Department<br />
39 Worcester St West Boylston, MA 01583<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Westminster Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Westminster Police Department<br />
7 South Street Westminster, MA 01473<br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Worcester Police Department</span><br />
</td><td valign="top"><span style="color: #000066;">Senior Center<br />
128 Providence St Worcester, MA 01608<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
For more information and to search for other collection sites <a href="http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/">www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback</a><br />
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">yes</div>CMAAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12682750386133076279noreply@blogger.com0