Eldercare 2021 Updates
(Including a Video Message From Dr. Dixon!)
Check out this video message from our Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Moses Dixon, for more details about Eldercare 2021 (premiering May 3rd)!
You can also ‘like’ and follow our social media pages for updates about virtual vendors, community resources, and program sponsors throughout April and May.
Eldercare 2021 is presented by:
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging &
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Sponsored by:
Joseph D. Early Jr. Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, Reliant Medical Group, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Medical School, Unibank, Fallon Health, and WTAG News Radio.
Questions? Email akrasinski@seniorconnection.org
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News and Updates
Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay
A new study reveals multigenerational living nearly quadrupled in the past decade, with the pandemic playing a strong role.
Local Events in Central Massachusetts
State of the Lakes: 2020 and Beyond
April 20th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Virtual Event
Join City of Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks to learn about the quality of Worcester’s recreational waters and the exciting projects aimed at keeping our lakes and ponds healthy and thriving.
In this virtual presentation, they will be premiering 5 short videos providing an overview of their work at Bell Pond, Lake Qunisigamond, Coes Reservoir, and Indian Lake, as well as a summary of the City-wide efforts to keep Worcester’s Blue Spaces beautiful. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Learn more about the Lakes and Ponds Program at http://www.worcesterma.gov/water-sewer/recreational-waters.
Register to receive the event link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/145497070655
Virtual Savvy Caregiver Training
Dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Our friends at Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. and Tri-Valley Inc. are holding a free six-week program for family and friends who are actively caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
Email lblack@tves.org or ddfoley@eswa.org to register!
Massachusetts COVID-19 Information
Beginning April 5th, all those who are 55 and older as well as those who have one certain medical condition are eligible.
Beginning of April 19th, the vaccine will be available to the general public.
Please note that vaccine supplies are still very limited. It may take several weeks to get an appointment, so be mindful and patient as best you can.
Additionally, it is immensely important to continue to follow social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines even if you have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.
Have you registered for your vaccination appointment yet?
There are several ways to do so!
- For online scheduling, visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. The state is regularly updating it to reflect new information and working to simplify the appointment process.
- For those with limited internet access or who have difficulty navigating the website, the state has a 211 phone line to register for an appointment. This phone line has with over 500 staffers available for multilingual live phone support. To access, dial 2-1-1.
- CMAA also has COVID-19 vaccination information to the homepage of our website, including a link to the part of the Massachusetts state website with vaccination clinic locations. (The link can also be found here.) Our Agency is not able to schedule appointments for you, but we are here to point you in the right direction!
Your primary care provider can also be of great assistance when it comes to determining eligibility and how to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Your local senior center, council on aging, and certain community groups can offer assistance with online scheduling as well!
FEMA Offering Support for COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance will assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
At this time, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.
Applications for Funeral Assistance will be accepted beginning on Monday, April 12, 2021 through a dedicated call center:
1-844-684-6333 | TTY: 1-800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time
For more details about eligibility and documentation needed, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance website by clicking here.
Gardner Regional Vaccination Clinic with Heywood Hospital
The City of Gardner & Heywood Hospital Regional Vaccination Clinic at the Polish American Citizens Club will continue to announce upcoming vaccine appointments on the Gardner Health Department Facebook page as well as on the city website.
To visit the website and learn more, click here.
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging will share updates as they become available.
(If you or anyone you know would like to have something highlighted in our weekly newsletter, email akrasinski@seniorconnection.org.)
To view past issues of ‘The Senior Bulletin en espanol click here.