UPDATES/IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WILLISTON COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY: Monday, September 13th. Approximately 20, 10th grade students from Williston Northampton School are offering their time and energy for community service projects in your home. You must live in Easthampton, be at least 60 years of age and older (under 60 and disabled will also be considered) and cannot afford to pay for said help, please contact Linda Talbot at 527-6151 for further details and availability. Students can assist with yard work, trimming bushes (you provide the tools), weeding, and other approved tasks.
VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED!!! Volunteer visitors are needed to visit with Easthampton senior citizens on a weekly basis. If you enjoy helping others, please call Linda Talbot at 527-6151 to schedule an appointment. All volunteers must fill out an application, undergo a CORI (criminal backgroud check) and orientation. Scheduling is based upon your availability. You work as little or more if you want. A stipend of $3.00 per hour and Mileage Reimbursement of $ .35/mile is available. PLEASE CALL NOW!!
PARTICIPATION AT THE ENRICHMENT CENTER: Programs, activities and events at the Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center are desiged for and targeted to people 60 years of age and older. However, in order to best serve all qualified individuals, the Enrichment Center has adopted certain Standards of Independence for Participants which was designed to help to clarify who may or may not be appropriate to attend programs, activities and events at The Enrichment Center. With more and more caregivers seeking alternative care for their loved ones, we feel it is important to ensure that The Enrichment Center is the most appropriate place and that everyone clearly understands who is appropriate to attend programs, activities and events at The Enrichment Center.
Participants must be responsible for their own individual health care, i.e. medications, special diets, medical appointments and emergency provisions. The Enrichment Center cannot provide assistance with medications and other personal health and medical care.
Participants must be responsible for their own supervision, be capable of independent decision making and be reasonably oriented to surroundings at and around The Enrichment Center. Participants must be able to access activity areas independently, have the ability to plan and meet transportation requests, make lunch reservations and trip reservations and complete financial transactions for Enrichment Center activities.
Participants at The Enrichment Center must be responsible for maintaining habits of personal hygiene and cleanliness so as to not cause offence to other participants. Participants must be responsible for their own personal care, i.e. hygiene, toileting, continence, overall cleanliness and feeding. The Enrichment Center cannot be responsible for providing assistance with personal care.
The Enrichment Center cannot assume responsibility for providing supervision to participants who require on-going assistance with decision making and who are not oriented to time, day or place, or who wander. Participants are urged to arrange for personal companions if they need special assistance/supervision in their daily routines, including personal care/hygiene, general supervision or assistance with decision making.
If a participant cannot meet the required standards of independence for participation, the Executive Director and/or the Outreach Workers are available to share resources and to discuss alternative options.
It is our hope to provide a welcoming, safe and appropriate atmosphere for as many community senior citizens as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact Linda Talbot, Executive Director at 413-527-6151 if you should ever have any questions or concerns regarding your ability to participate at The Enrichment Center.
EASTHAMPTON COUNCIL ON AGING EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND: The Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center established its new Emergency Relief Fund in November 2008. Funding is provided by private donations and through fundraising activities, which are administered through the Friends of the Easthampton Council on Aging, Inc. The Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency funding to Easthampton residents 60 years of age and older. Funding will be used to assist with heat, utilities, food, medication and other necessities. The Easthampton Council on Aging Executive Director, Linda S. Talbot and/or Glafyra Ennis-Yentsch "Gliffy", will determine eligibility and need based upon criteria established by the Emergency Relief Fund Committee. Determination of need and eligibility will be based on a case-by-case basis. Contact Information: Linda Talbot or Gliffy at 413-527-6151.
NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICE: The Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center offers Notary Public service. Please call Linda Talbot, Executive Director at 527-6151 ext. 10 to schedule an appointment. We also offer Notary Public Service in your Easthampton home if you are not able to leave your home. A $3.00 suggested donation is appreciated.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT? The Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center loans out gently used medical equipment to Easthampton residents. We presently offer walkers, canes, shower chairs/benches, raised toilet seats, adult depends, wheelchairs and other miscellaneous supplies/equipment. If you are in need of any medical equipment, please call The Enrichment Center at 527-6151 and ask to speak with Linda, Gliffy or Christine. There is no charge for this service.
POLICY FOR DONATION OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: The Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center is seeking donations of gently used medical equipment. We are specifically in need of electric scooters, wheelchairs with legs, transfer benches, walkers with seats, canadian crutches and shower chairs. Donated medical equipment must be in good clean condition and have been purchased within the past few years. We cannot take outdated medical equipment. If you are interested in donating any medical equipment to the Enrichment Center, please call Linda Talbot at 413-527-6151. DO NOT BRING YOUR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO THE ENRICHMENT CENTER!! IT WILL BE REFUSED. YOU MUST CALL FIRST!! We do not need walkers, crutches, commodes or canes at this time. We also do not accept hospital beds, mattresses, bandages or other supplies, or diabetic testing kits/supplies.
FUEL ASSISTANCE: The Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Program helps needy families by paying a portion of their heating bills from November 1sth to April 1st. If you are a Massachusetts resident living on a low or fixed income, we encourage you to apply.
Who should apply? Renters and homeowners who pay for their own heat. Renters whose heat is included in their rent. (Those who have a housing subsidy must not receive a utility allowance)
Who is eligible? Eligibility is based on the number of people in your household and the combined gross (before taxes) income of all persons residing in the household.
Income Guidelines for 2010-2011: STILL PENDING
Where and how do I apply? Easthampton residents 60 years of age and older can contact the Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center at 527-6151 and have their name place on our list. We will contact you by telephone to schedule an appointment. If you are homebound, the Enrichment Center Outreach Workers are available to make a home visit. All others can contact Community Action at 1-800-370-0940 for an appointment in Northampton or Greenfield. If you are a first time program applicant, you must apply in person.
What will I need to provide when applying? *Social Security Number. *Proof of Identiy (Photo ID). *Dates of Birth for all Household Members. *Proof of Address. *Homeowners: mortgage statement, real estate tax bill, homeowners insurance bill. *Renters: copy of lease. *Most current heating bill. *All income on all household members for the four weeks before the appointment. Income includes: wages, self-employment, Social Security, SSI, child support, alimony, dividends and interest on bank accounts, rental income, unemployment benefits, pensions, cash prizes and regular support from family/friends.
To Receive Fuel Payments: When you become eligibile, you will need to send Community Action your heating bills each time you receive them.
Other Benefits: When you become eligible for Fuel Assistance, you may also become eligible for additional help. *discounts on your electric and gas utility rates. *A discount on your telephone bill. *weatherization, heating system repairs or emergency replacement, if you are a homeowner.
COME JOIN OUR LUNCH TIME TEAM: 24 Hours Each day, many senior members of your community receive a hot meal and a warm smile. This is made possible through Highland Valley Elder Services' Home Delivered Meal Program and their wonderful driving team. 60 Minutes During the day to meet new people and make a difference in your community. 5 Minutes To read the program material. 1 Minute To make a phone call and let them know about you. Make your day count! Contact the Dining Center Coordinator at: Walter Salvo House, 81 Conz Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Phone # (413) 584-6784.
ANNOUNCING TAKE AND EAT, INC.: Highland Valley Elder Servicdes and Take and Eat, Inc. are pleased to inform you that volunteers from the Immaculate Conception Church in Easthampton will be preparing and delivering free, hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Easthampton. These meals will be prepared and delivered the 4th Saturday of each month and will consist of one meal for Saturday and one meal for Sunday. Meals will be delivered between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. If you are interested in receiving these Saturday home delivered meals from Immaculate Conception, please contact the Enrichment Center for the necessary paperwork or call Kathleen Ryan of the Take and Eat Program at 413-664-1041.
HIGHLAND VALLEY ELDER SERVICES (HVES) MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: Assistance With Your Day-To-Day Finances: For some elders, balancing a checkbook and managing household finances are not simple tasks. While the occasional unpaid bill or un-deposited check can lead to an awkward situation, routine neglect of these basic financial tasks might indicate that a person is no longer able to safely manage their finances. It can even threaten their ability to live independently at home. Since 1997, HVES in partnership with AARP, has been providing home-based money management services to participants having difficulty with budgeting, managing their checking accounts, paying routine bills and keeping track of financial matters. Money management services are provided by trained and supervised volunteers known as Money Managers. Money Managers are carefully screened and then selectively matched with participants. Money Managers typically commit up to eight hours a month for a minimum of one year. Based on the needs, participants have a choice of two levels of assistance with day-to-day finances.
Bill Payer Services: The first level of assistance is referred to as the Bill Payer. Participants utilizing this service are capable of making decisions about their financial affairs, assist in developing a monhtly list of income and expenses and sign all checks. The Money Manager assists in balancing the checkbook, organizing bills and preparing checks for signature.
Representative Payee: At the second level of service the Money Manager provides financial supervision for participants unable to manage their own financial affairs. As Representative Payee, HVES is appointed to manage participant's government benefits and is responsible both for writing and signing checks.
Safeguards for Participants: Money Managers are trained to recognize financial exploitation. They work with protective services staff to assure the participant's assets are secure. AARP requires third party oversight by agency staff who review participant's financial records to safeguard their financial situation and to make sure their benefits are spent appropriately according to a list of pre-determined expenses. An AARP insurance policy protects participants, Money Managers and HVES for loss of funds to $10,000 caused by any mistakes or misuse. If you want to learn more about the Money Management Program, call HVES and speak with one of their Information and Referral Staff at 413-586-2000.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARING: Community Caregiving Initiative - Highland Valley Elder Services (HVES) is proud to be able to offer caregivers consultation and/or financial assistance to help them with taking charge of their caring. HOW TO APPLY: As a caregiver, you must be providing direct care to a family member who is at least 60 years old, or an elder taking care of a grandchild. The elder also needs to live in Hampshire/Hampden County towns served by HVES. Call the HVES Home Care Resource Program to discuss your situation with a specialist. If awarded, you must agree to complete a log on how the award provided relief to sustain your caring. HOW AWARDS WILL BE PROCESSED: Each caregiver will be contacted and a phone call or visit will be conducted to gather pertinent information. You may be required to supply specific information regarding items in need (i.e. cost). Each situation will be reviewed by a committee. A contract will be mailed to the caregiver informing them of the specifics of the contract. Caregivers will review, sign, and return the contract to HVES. HVES will reimburse caregivers as per contract. Caregivers must complete the log and return to HVES before reimbursement will occur. All situations will be considered. When allotted monies are exhausted, no further situations will be considered. Awards are considered a non-taxable stipend. For further information, please contact HVES at 413-586-2000.
FARMER'S MARKET COUPONS: The Massachusetts Farmer's Market Coupon Program provides elders with coupons redeemable at Farmer's Markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. Highland Valley Elder Services administers this program and utilizes the local Councils on Aging to distribute the coupons. The Enrichment Center cannot maintain a list of individuals interested in receiving the coupons. We ask that you periodically call the Enrichment Center for updates. To qualify for the coupons, participants must meet certain income and program requirements. First come, first served. Coupons were distributed beginning on July 14th and were completed on July 16th.
FIRST CALL FOR HELP (FCfH) First Call for Help is the free and confidential information and referral program of Community Action. The Mobile Resource outreach program makes every effort to ensure that residents of rural areas and those that face barriers to mobility are able to access face-to-face advocacy and assistance with public benefits applications and services closer to home. Screenings and/or applications for: food stamps/SNAP benefits, budget counseling, utililty shut-off protection, fuel assistance applications, community meals and food pantries, housing/rental assistance, legal services/referrals, transporation, child care subsidies, public health insurance and access to health care. FCfH Mobile Resource Specialists are able to serve populations out in the community or in one of our office locations. Each "mobile" is equipped with a laptop (wi-fi) and cell phone. "Mobiles" don't usually make home visits, but can meet participants in many locations including libraries, churches, senior centers, food pantries and other public places. Contact the Mobile Resource Specialist for Hampshire County: Garine Roubinian 56 Vernon Street, Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 387-1216.
FINANCIAL PROGRAMS THAT CAN ASSIST WITH HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: MASSHEALTH/SSI/LIS PROGRAMS FOR 2009: Income/Asset Eligibilty (Note: for all programs look at gross income which includes the Part B premium of $96.40.
MassHealth Buy-In Program (Pays full Medicare Part B Premiums): Individual: $1,240.00 Income/$4,000/Assets. Couple: $1,661.00 Income/$6,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth Buy-In Program(Pays full Medicare B Premiums): Individual: $1,104.00 Income/$4,000.00 Assets. Couple: $1,478.00 Income/$6,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth Senior Buy-In (Pays full Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, Co-Payments): Individual: $923.00 Income/$4,000.00 Assets. Couple: $1,235.00 Income/$6,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth Standard (Wraps around Medicare Full Coverage-No Rx): Individual: $923.00 Income/$2,000.00 Assets. Couple: $1,235.00 Income/$3,000.00 Assets.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (Additional Income Plus Full MassHealth): Individual: $822.00 Income/$2,000.00 Assets. Couple: $1,232.00 Income/$3,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth PCA (MassHealth & Pays for Personal Care Attendant): Individual: $1,201.00 Income/$2,000.00. Couple: $1,616.00 Income/$3,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth Frail Elder (Full MassHealth-can work with Spousal Waiver): $2,022.00 Income/$2,000.00 Assets.
MassHealth Health Safety Net (Uncommensated Care Pool-Covers all/part patient's Part A Hospital Deductibles): Individual: $1,806.00 - $3,612.00 Monthly Income. Couple: $2,430.00 - $4,860.00 Monthly Income. No Asset Test.
Long Term Care Medicaid 2010 Asset allowance for Community Spouse: $109,560.00 Income Allowance: $1,750.00 minimum $2,739.00 maximum.
Limited Income Subsidy (LIS) Application of Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs:
Individual: $922.00 Income/$8,100.00 Assets. Couple: $1,234.00 Income/$12,910.00 Assets. No premium, no deductible - co-pays: $1.10/$3.20.
Individual: $1,238.00 Income/$8,100.00 Assets. Couple: $1,659.00 Income/$12,910.00 Assets. No premium, no deductible - co-pays: $2.40/$6.00.
Individual: $1,373.00 Income/$12,510.00 Assets. Couple: $1,841.00/$25,010.00 Assets. Sliding Scale Premium. $60.00 deductible. 15% co-insurance until total Rx costs hit $6,153.75 - then co-pays: $2.40/$6.00.
Note: All programs looke at gross income which includes the Part B Medicare Premium of $96.40/month and Part D Medicare Premium if deducted from Social Security Check.
The above programs (except PCA, Frail Elder and Health Safety Net) disregard the first $20.00 of income. The amounts listed include this $20.00 income disregard. Therefore, if the income is even $1.00 over the above amounts, the individual/couple will be over-income for the program.
If you believe your may qualify for any of the above programs (meet the income and asset requirements), call the Enrichment Center at 527-6151 and schedule an appointment with the SHINE Counselor (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders Program). The Outreach Workers are available to make homevisits if you are homebound.
SAFELINK WIRELESS: Safelink Wireless provides a FREE wireless phone and free minutes each month to qualified households under a government funded Lifeline Assistance Program. In this program, you will receive free wireless service, a free wireless phone and an allotment of monthly minutes (number of minutes varies by state), unlimited emergency 911 calling, free voicemail account and access to the largest pre-paid wireless provider in the country. SafeLink Wireless is FREE! You will never get an invoice or bill. With this program, no contracts are required. It is free to apply and no credit is needed. To qualify, you must either participate in a government assistance program or qualify based on a certain yearly household income, as well as be located in SafeLink Wireless coverage area. The program is limited to one phone per qualified household. Some states require you to provide your Social Security number on the application. No credit report is run and all of your information is securely and confidentially held. Currently, there is no expiration on the service. You will be asked to re-qualify once a year. To see if Safelink Wireless Service is offered in your area and to request an application, please call 1-800-977-3768 or visit their website at www.SafeLinkWireless.com. Once your application has been submitted and approved, you can expect to receive your free phone within 10 days.
THE EDITH STEWART CHASE FOUNDATION: The purpose of the Edith Stewart Chase Foundation is to grant emergency financial assistance to retired educators who confront an economic crisis. The Foundation was established in 1994 under the will of Edith Stewart Chase who was a dedicated art teacher in the Waltham Public Schools. The grants serve a wide range of needs from medical, dental and hearing aids to replacement of windows, roof repairs, and asbestos removal. If you or someone you know, who is a member of the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts (REAM), could benefit from the generosity of Edith Stewart Chase, please contact The Foundation office for an application by calling 781-893-5308 or e-mail: edithchase751@aol.com.
CONSUMER ADVISORY: How To File A Consumer Complaint Are you experiencing engine problems with your new car? Are you having problems with a home improvement contractor? Having trouble redeeming your gift card? If you have a consumer complaint, there are a number of state agencies that work to educate Massachusetts consumers about their rights and assist them in resolving complaints. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations will provide you with information on your consumer rights and a referral to the appropriate consumer agency in your area for assistance with a complaint. You can reach the Office of Consumer Affairs Consumer Hotline at 1-888-283-3757. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division offers a similar information and referral service. While they will not take legal action on an individual complaint, they may consider filing suit if there is a pattern of complaints that affect a large number of people. You can reach the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at (617) 727-8400.
COOLEY DICKINSON HOSPITAL PROGRAMS: Bladder Health Program - call 413-253-0413 for details, information and questions. Vestibular Rehab Program (specialized physical therapy for symptoms of dizziness and imbalance) - call 413-527-7970 for the Easthampton Office or 413-582-2113 for the Northampton Office. Aquatic Therapy Program - call 413-527-7970 for the Easthampton Office or 413-582-2113 for the Northampton Office.
H.E.L.P. Hamshire Elder Law Program: Provides Civil Legal Services to Hampshire County Elders. Legal assistance for bankrupcy, consumer protection, divorce, guardianship, health care proxies, powers of attorney, probate of estate, wills, and other elder matters. For further information, contact the Hampshire County Bar Association, 15 Gothic Street, Suite 10. Northampton, MA 01060-3084. Tel: 413-586-8729. E-mail: hcba@crocker.com. Website: www.hampshirebar.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR REPRESENTATIVE JOHN SCIBAK: Boston Office: State House, Room 42, Boston, MA 02133-1054. Phone: 617-722-2370 Fax: 617-722-2215 E-Mail: Rep.johnscibak@hou.state.ma.us Staff: Eve Wilder, Legislative Aide Eve.Wilder@state.ma.us South Hadley Office: P.O. Box 136 South Hadley, MA 01075 Phone: 413-539-6566 Fax: 413-539-5855 E-mail: Rep.johnscibak@hou.state.ma.us Staff: Robert Judge, Director of Constituent Services Robert.Judge@state.ma.us
KNOW A GOOD LAWYER? WE DO: Mass. Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Accidents and injuries, bankrupcy, buying/selling a home/property, consumer problems, credit problems, criminal actions, discrimination matters, divorce, child support and other family matters, employment problems, immigration, landlord/tenant issues, long-term care planning, Medicare and Medicaid, starting a business and more. CALL: Contact the statewide bar sponsored Lawyer Referral Service at 1-866-627-7577. Referrals can also be made online at www.MassLayHelp.com. ASK: Helpful service representatives will interview you over the phone to determine the nature of your legal problem. SET APPOINTMENT: You will be given the name, address and telephone number of an attorney in your geographic area who has experience with your type of legal issue. The Lawyer Referral Service can directly connect your phone call to the attorney so that you do not have to hang up and call yourself. GET ANSWERS: The Lawyer Referral Service will put you in contact with an attorney who can get you the answers you need right away. There is no fee for contacting the referral service, however the attorney may charge $25 for the first half-hour consultation. **Tell the attorney that you were referred by the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. The first half hour consultation will be no more than $25. When you hire the attorney, discuss with the attorney the cost of services. The Lawyer Referral Service recommends written fee agreements.
STATE SENATOR MIKE KNAPIK TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS: State Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) will be holding Office Hours at The Enrichment Center in the Fall of 2010. Senator Knapik's Districk Office is located at 57 North Elm Street, Westfield and is open from 9-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is: 413-562-6454.
RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) RSVP is a national community service program funded primarily by the Corporation for National and Community Service and locally sponsored by the Hampshire Council of Governments. RSVP connects volunteers age 55+ with service opportunities in their communities. In strategic partnership with local agencies, RSVP of Hampshire and Franklin Counties provides opportunities for volunteers to help meet critical community needs. RSVP provides placement, support, training and recognition for its members. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in your area, please contact Pat Sicard at 413-584-1300 ext. 183.
TREEHOUSE COMMUNITY IN EASTHAMPTON: Treehouse offers 48 one bedroom rental homes for seniors 55+ and 12 homes for adoptive families. To find out more about living opportunities at the Treehouse Community as well as income guidelines and section 8 options, please contact 413-527-7966. |
