Managing Health Needs
Healthy Aging Programs
Numerous chronic conditions are preventable, treatable or manageable. There is a state wide coalition of community based organizations currently offering one or more evidence based programs to provide adults with the opportunity to take more control of their health and improve their quality of life. Evidence based programs are the result of research projects and have shown positive results for participants. We have trained, certified staff who have considerable experience in conducting workshops in the community in the four listed programs.
A Matter of Balance
This is an eight week course designed to address the fears/concerns adults have about falling and to promote increased activity within that population. This is not a lecture series but rather an interactive experience utilizing various teaching tools such as group discussions, videos, problem solving strategies and exercise routines. Participants are first provided with the necessary knowledge about fall prevention and then coached to gain confidence they can make positive changes in their life if they so choose. Successful outcomes include both emotional and physical improvements within each individuals' life.
Healthy Eating for Successful Living
This six week program was specifically designed for older adults who want to learn more about nutrition and how small changes in eating habits can promote better health. Participants learn to decipher food labels, plan healthy and appealing menus, and make better informed choices at the grocery store. Peer leaders help to create a supportive environment where participants focus on goal setting, problem solving, self assessment and management of dietary patterns.
Diabetes Self Management Program
Stanford University School of Medicine designed this program to follow the general format of the Chronic Disease Self Management Program with a primary focus on diabetes. The program meets the content standards of both the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Individuals may be newly diagnosed with Adult Onset Diabetes or have been struggling with the condition since their youth. Participants become more aware of how they deal with the disease not only impacts their health but also has an effect on their life and those who care for them. This program enhances traditional medical care provided by a primary care physician and the initial teaching from a Diabetes Educator.
Chronic Disease Self Management Program
A series of 2 1/2 hour workshops taking place once a week for six consecutive weeks. The program was developed to benefit individuals with ongoing health problems or those caring for people with chronic conditions. This is an ideal learning experience for anyone who has a diagnosis that impacts their physical or emotional health; this could include congestive heart failure, arthritis, emphysema, macular degeneration, obesity, mental health issues, high blood pressure or a host of other illnesses. Participants find ways to deal with pain and fatigue, understand nutrition and exercise options, communicate more effectively with health care professionals and become a stronger advocate for themself. Focus `weekly is on goal setting and action plans accomplished in a supportive environment. For more information or to find a session in your area contact the Healthy Aging Programs Coordinator 1-800-892-0890.
Medical Advocates
Medical advocates are available to escort elders to medical appointments. These trained volunteers can act as the “eyes and ears” for elders and family members in taking notes, asking questions, and providing information about the doctor’s visit and follow up treatment or suggestions. These advocates offer both practical and emotional support to elders who may be concerned or anxious about the medical care they require. There is no cost to the program but donations are accepted.
Senior Care Organizations
Senior Care Organizations offer a health plan that combines Medicare and Mass Health benefits to provide medical and in-home care to elder recipients enrolled in both programs. Services and support are managed by an RN and a Geriatric Support Services Coordination (GSSC) who work in partnership with a medical team to insure the long term care needs of consumers are met and help keep an elder at home in the community. Elders must be 65 years of age or older, be both a Medicare and Mass Health recipient, and live at home or in a nursing home.
Prescription Advantage Program
The Prescription Advantage program is a drug insurance program for all Massachusetts residents age 65 and older; and younger low-income individuals with disabilities. Prescription Advantage was created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Elders in the Commonwealth may enroll in Prescription Advantage between their 65th and 66th birthdays. Individuals wishing to enroll after that age must wait for an open enrollment period.
Information about the program can be obtained by calling Prescription Advantage customer service at 1-800-AGE-INFO, or by calling the SHINE program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley at 1-800-892-0890.
Medical Transportation Services
Elder Services will arrange for a Volunteer Driver to pick you up at your home, wait for you during your appointment, and bring you home again when your appointment is completed. If you need transportation to a medical appointment, call at least three days in advance of your appointment to schedule a ride. The assigned driver will call you directly one day before your appointment to confirm all arrangements. If you need help getting in or out of the car and walking to your appointment, you may bring someone with you who can perform these tasks.
There is no cost to participants when they use Elder Services’ Transportation Program, nor do they have to be a “client” of the agency to receive services. However, participants are responsible for tolls or parking fees. Some elders choose to make a donation to Elder Services to help keep the Transportation Program running.
The SHINE Program - Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders
The SHINE Program offers free and confidential support to help older or disabled individuals understand their Medicare insurance benefits and other health insurance options. SHINE Counselors are trained and certified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and meet with elders either individually or in group settings. They help elders to understand many areas of health benefits, including Medicare A & B services, the Medicare appeals process, Medigap insurance, retiree insurance plans, long-term care insurance, Medicaid and free or reduced health care programs.
The purpose of the SHINE program is to provide access to accurate and unbiased information, counseling and assistance on health insurance and health benefits programs. SHINE Counselors can assist older adults in understanding their health insurance needs. They may review present coverage, provide benefit comparisons and help elders learn about certain facts to consider while looking for the most suitable and affordable insurance coverage. SHINE Counselors can also help prepare health benefit claim forms and applications. They will make referrals when appropriate.
SHINE Counselors are available statewide at community sites, and they make home visits to house bound and handicapped elders. You can make an appointment with a counselor by calling your local Council on Aging or Senior Center (click here for listing), or by contacting Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley at 800-892-0890, and asking for the SHINE Program.
Senior Medicare Patrol Program - SMP
The Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) is a program funded by the federal Administration on Aging, and serves limited English speaking elders and other underserved populations across the state of Massachusetts with culturally and linguistically appropriate, time-sensitive health benefits eligibility information.
SMP’s mission is to:
- Educate limited English proficient, LEP elder populations on how to navigate the complexities of the Medicare and Medicaid health benefits eligibility network
- Inform them on how to become better health care consumers
- Assisting them in combating system health care errors, abuses and even potential fraud
In partnership with the Massachusetts SHINE Program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders), and numerous state and local organizations, SMP has successfully offered culturally competent services to limited English proficient populations as well as at risk and homeless individuals, and provided one-on-one health benefits eligibility counseling.
Please visit the SMP website by clicking here.