The Central MA Senior Bulletin – May 28, 2023
5-28-23
THE SENIOR BULLETIN
Hope you’ve had a great May, everyone! Here’s a round up of the latest updates for older adults and caregivers in Central Massachusetts.
WATCH NOW: Aging Well Together Podcast (Ep. 1)
This month, we launched our new Aging Well Together Podcast with an episode featuring Congressman Jim McGovern and Dr. Moses S. Dixon. Listen (or watch!) their discussion about grandparents raising grandkids, food security, housing, and more by clicking below. WATCH HERE
FEATURED POSTS: Awareness Months
Check out our social media for updates about these important month-long recognitions, celebrations, and reflections.
Have a topic you’d like more information about? Let us know! Email us here.
WE’RE HIRING: Grandfamilies Community Health Workers (GFCHW)
Great news! The new Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center is hiring Community Health Workers in the Central Mass area.
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc is seeking multiple positions for Grandfamilies Community Health Workers (GFCHW) to join our team and work as a frontline public health worker for grandparents raising grandkids/children across the region. These positions will serve as a bridge to facilitate access to quality service and health care delivery through our Agency’s newly established Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center. The primary role of a Grandfamilies Community Health Worker will be to conduct assessments and referrals to assist grandfamilies in connecting to resources for both the older adults and the grandchildren/kids.
Click the button to apply and spread the word! APPLY HERE
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Long-Term Care Ombudsman
If you’re looking for a way to give back, we’ve got a great opportunity for you. Become a Long-Term Care Ombudsman! Help advocate for long-term care residents in your area. READ HERE
CMAA CONNECTS: Rockland Trust WooSox Tickets
Calling all grandparents raising grandkids! Are you ready for a night at the ball game?
Register to receive free tickets (limit of 3) for the WooSox Juneteenth game on Tuesday, June 20th.
Only 50 tickets available! First come, first serve.
Supported by Rockland Trust Bank and the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging REGISTER HERE
CMAA CONNECTS: Whole Kids 2023
We’ve been busy with lots of outreach this month, including a stop at the Whole Kids 2023 event in Downtown Worcester. Visit our social media for the recap Reel!
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT:
PLAN OF MA & RI
The Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. is a special needs trustee. Their mission is to provide quality trustee/fiduciary services to individuals and their families through sound and thoughtful trust administration and compassionate, caring social service support serving individuals with mental health, developmental, and physical disabilities of all ages in MA and RI communities. Here is a brief update from their staff:
“The Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island would like to clarify the availability of Pooled Trust options for people 65 and older in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Due to regulation changes under the outgoing Baker administration, the state will curtail the ability of people 65 and older to join Pooled Trusts. However, it’s our current understanding that the ability to join a Pooled Trust will be available for people 65 and over as long as they join prior to June 1, 2023. It’s possible that this change may be delayed, with the latest possible implementation being March 1, 2024.
The change implemented by the Baker administration relates to the end of the state Public Health emergency regarding the coronavirus and the specific ways those interact with federal funding for Medicaid. PLAN is also actively participating in legislative and legal efforts to extend or permanently protect the availability of pooled trusts to beneficiaries 65 and over.
As more information is received we will continue to provide updates. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to PLAN of MA & RI if you have any questions about the advantages and benefits of a pooled trust.
PLAN of MA & RI is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families with disabilities – life long, or as a result of illness, injury, or age – to preserve access to benefits, protect assets, and live well. Pooled trusts carry many advantages for people living with disabilities, and PLAN is available to discuss your situation and your options at no charge.” LEARN MORE
DON’T KNOW? ASK CMAA.
Have a question about caregiving? Finding services and support? Getting involved in your community? We can help! Just get in touch with us. We’re available via phone, email, and social media. STAY CONNECTED
