SENIOR SCOOP

A NEWSLETTER OF THE ASHBY COUNCIL ON AGING

895 Main St., Box 11, Ashby, MA 01431 (978) 386-2424 ext. 27

Jan./Feb. 2014
coa@ashbyma.gov

Our Mission Statement: The Ashby Council on Aging (COA) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Ashby seniors by offering services that strive to promote each persons independence and healthy, successful aging.

Many programs and services are available to assist senior citizens. For information about any of the services available for elders please call the office at 978-386-2424 (ext. 27) Our office is in Ashby Town Hall (Lyman Building) 895 Main St., 3rd floor. There is an elevator on the back of the building for access. The COA Director is available on Weds. by appointment and she can do home visits for anyone having trouble getting to the office. We offer assistance with applications to programs, explain benefits and services and advocate for elders who need help. Staff Kathryn Becker, Director COA Board Linda Stacy, Chair Nancy Catalini, Vice Chair Oliver Mutch, Treasurer Jan Miller, Secretary Jann Grutchfield Faith Anttila Elsie Fredrickson Council on Aging Meetings The COA meets on the second Wed. of each month (except July and Aug.) at 4 p.m. in the COA office which is located on the third floor of the Lyman Bldg. Meetings are open to the public. All are welcome.

Resources

NEWS FROM SHINE Can I Still Change My Medicare Plan?

The 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment period ended on December 7, but some people may still be allowed to change plans. For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan: Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare, but you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan. If you drop your Medicare Advantage plan during this period, you will be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Your Original Medicare coverage and your prescription drug coverage will begin the first day of the month after your enrollment. You may also add a supplement (Medigap) at this time. This could be an opportunity to continue coverage with your current provider if you failed to make a change during the Open Enrollment Period. For those with Prescription Advantage or Extra Help paying for prescription drugs: You can change your plan during the year. Those with Prescription Advantage can do this only once each year. Those with Extra Help can change every month. For more info. Call the COA office or SHINE at 800 -243-4636.

MASS MED LINE has a trained staff

of pharmacy professionals who can answer questions about your medications over the phone (866) 633-1617 or online at ww.massmedline.com.

GENERIC MEDICATIONS

BENEFITS CHECK-UP at
www.benefitscheckup.org . Quickly find federal, state and private benefit programs available to help you save money on prescription drugs, health care, meals, utilities, taxes, and more.

** Sand-4-Seniors **
If you have trouble getting sand for your steps or walkways, please call the office and ask about our Sand -4-Seniors Program. A volunteer will deliver a 5 gallon bucket filled with sand to those who cant go out and retrieve it themselves. Stay safe this winter! Call us at 978-386-2424 ext. 27.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice provides a safe and comfortable environment to express the thoughts and feelings you may experience as you care for a loved one during a difficult time. The caregiver support group is an opportunity to meet with others sharing a similar journey. Third Monday of the Month 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Nashoba Valley Medical Center
For more info. call Karen Campbell 800-698-3307 x. 320

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The Ashby Council on Agings Outreach Program

The purpose of the Outreach Program is to make contact with Ashbys senior citizens, determine their needs and interests, and meet those needs and interests through appropriate referrals, program development and advocacy. The COA Director can explain community programs and benefits, assist with applications to needed programs, aid elders in their search for services and act as an advocate and support for elders in need. If you or someone you know has questions or need help, please call the COA office at 978-386-2424 ext. 27.

St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Food Pantry

Located at 15 High St., in Greenville, NH Open Mon., Tues., Wed. and Thurs. Please call 603-878-0518 the day before with your name, number of people shopping and your phone number to receive a call back with an appointment.
Food Stamps Home Modification Loan Program MA Health Buy-In Program RMV Disable Placards app. Senior Pass (for federal parks) Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Caregiver info. Packet Fuel Assistance Prescription Advantage

Good Neighbor Energy Fund from the Salvation Army

This program is available to any Mass. Resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty cannot meet a months energy expense and is not eligible for LIHEAP (see below). You must meet these income requirements: Individual$32,065-$42,753; two persons $41,932-$55,908; for three persons$51,798-$69,063. Call the COA office at 978386-2424 ext. 27 to apply for this program. Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 3rd to receive up to $350 toward heating bill.

Support Groups
(Please call site to verify date/time)

Fuel Assistance Program

The Fuel Assistance program runs from Nov. 1 to Apr. 30, and applications are being accepted now. If you have been on Fuel Assistance before, you should have already received your renewal application. If you need any help filling it out or making copies of the documents that you need to attach, please contact the COA office. If you are new to Fuel Assistance and would like to apply, eligibility is based on the size of the household and the combined gross income of its members. The income eligibility requirements are: For an individual$32,065; for two persons$41,932; for three persons$51,798. To apply for Fuel Assistance, call New England Farm Workers Council in Fitchburg at 978-342-4520 or call the COA office at 978-386-2424 ext. 27 to help you apply.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Montachusett Home Care Corp. Crossroads Office Park 680 Mechanics St., Leominster (800) 734-7312 Meets last Wed. of month 5:30-6:45 p.m.

ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT GROUP The Highlands 335 Nichols Rd., Fitchburg (978) 343-5368 Meets first Thurs. of month 6 p.m.
WIDOWHOOD SUPPORT GROUP Montachusett Home Care Corp. Facilitator: Peter Sylvia (800) 734-7312 Meets Thursdays 2-4 p.m.

Whats New . . . Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts

This free program is under the Federal Program Elder Project and is held on Wednesdays from 10-4 in the Crowne Point Building at 76 Summer St. in Fitchburg. No appointments are necessary. Call 1-800-649-3718 for more information. Elders in need of services should call them if:

Theyve been denied government benefits such as Social Security or SSI;

Their benefits have been or will be reduced or terminated;

They have housing problems or are being evicted; Their electricity or gas has been or will be shut off; They have problems with nursing care or a rest home; They have been, or may be placed under a guardianship against their will; They are victims of abuse or exploitation; They believe they have other legal problems. This free legal service provides a wide range of civil legal services to seniors age 60+. They do not have financial guidelines for this service, however they target their services to the most vulnerable elders who are in social and/or economic need. They also give priority to certain kinds of legal problems, such as loss of housing, loss of income, access to health care, and protection against physical and financial abuse.

Chair Yoga for SeniorsClasses Going Now at Town Hall

Saturday mornings 9-10 a.m.
at Ashby Town Hall (Land Use Room on the First Floorleft end of hallway)

COST: $5.00 per class (subsidy available, if needed)

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one

Instructor: Roberta Flashman

Questions? Call Roberta at 978-386-7104

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Ongoing Programs
File of Life: The File of Life is a magnetic envelope containing your medical information and who to notify in case of an emergency. It goes on your refrigerator and is easily accessed by emergency personnel. Please call our office at 978-386-2424 ext. 27 if you would like a File of Life. There is no charge and we can mail one to you.

Ashby Senior Citizens Social Club: Membership in this social group is open to all Ashby residents who are 60 years or older, disabled veterans, and underage spouses of regular attendees. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall. For more information call Lillian Whitney at 386-5653.

Medical Equipment Available: The Council on

Aging has walkers, crutches, bath chairs, commodes, wheel chairs and other equipment available to loan out to Ashby seniors. Call the office at 978-386-2424 ext. 27 for information.

Legal Assistance Corp.: has a satellite office

in Fitchburg at 76 Summer St., Suite 235. They are open on Wednesdays 10-4 p.m. or by appt. offering free civil legal services to elders. Call 800-649-3718 for more information.

Meals on Wheels: The Ashby COA through

Montachusett Opportunity Council provides meals to frail elders who are unable to attend a congregate meal site and require assistance with meal preparation. Hot noon time meals are delivered to an individuals home. Upon advance request, frozen meals for evenings and weekends are also available for delivery with the noon meal. Each meal meets one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowances for adults, and is appropriate for a no added salt diet. Therapeutic diet meals are available with a physician s prescription. Eligibility: Must be at least 60 years of age and homebound. Requested donation is $2.25 per meal. Call the Ashby COA office at 978-386-2424 ext. 27 if you would like to receive Meals on Wheels.

Ashby COA Van: MART Shuttle Service is

available to all eligible (60 years or older, or ADA qualified) individuals. A van is dedicated to Ashby residents on Mon. through Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for medical appointments and shopping. Contact Jennifer Collins, Mon.-Thurs. at 978-386 -2501 ext. 11 to schedu le use. Rider s must be scheduled by 2:30 p.m. the day before the travel date. For first time users, please call Jennifer to request that an application be mailed to you. If you need to cancel your scheduled ride or if there is a problem the day of travel please call the MART dispatch at 978-345-7711 ext. 2255.

Shingles Vaccination Clinic

51 Cambridge St., Ayer MA

* Limited supply of vaccine available *

For uninsured 60+ adults

Call your medical insurance carrier to verify non-coverage of this vaccine

Contact your primary care physician for a prescription note to be brought with you and consult with him/her regarding any health concerns Call Nashoba Associated Boards of Health for an appointment 978-772-3335 or 800-427-9762, ext. 333

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Ashby Council On Aging

895 Main St., Box 11 Ashby, MA 01431
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ASHBY, MASS. 01431 PERMIT No. 3

Distribution of this newsletter is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Housing Rehab Program Pre-Applications Are Being Accepted Now!

The Housing Rehab Program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant and managed by the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Typical projects for the Housing Rehab Program include roof replacement, insulation, heating systems, electrical repairs, window and door replacement, lead paint removal, septic repair/ replacement and general carpentry. If you are an Ashby property owner and interested in this program you need to fill out a Request for Assistance. Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Requests will put you on a waiting list and once you reach the top of the list you will receive a full application. All information provided is confidential. To receive a pre-application, call the Council on Aging at 978-386-2424 ext. 27.