Westport News

MARCH –  “MADNESS” VERSUS “ MUCH TO DO”

This office is recovering from the first major onslaught of elders needing assistance with Medicare Part D – we have seen many folks multiple times, serving over 300 clients with SHINE counseling.  Changing information and confusion continue, but we are still here to help.  Some news on that front: United Health Care has announced a continuous open enrollment; Blue Cross/ Blue Shield is holding open enrollment until May 15, 2006;  and Prescription Advantage is holding open enrollment from March 15 to April 28, 2006.  More details elsewhere in this newsletter.

On the political front, budgets are being cut back for elder needs.  Many of the proposed federal governmental cuts will result in less food assistance programs for elders.  In Massachusetts, the Governor wants to omit from his FY 2007 budget a proposed $2 million increase in grant monies to Councils on Aging throughout the state.  The debated proposal [line item #9110-8002] would increase by $1.13 per elder/per year the Formula Grant state monies given to the COA’s for elder needs.  [Formula amount is calculated per elder/per year, currently is $5.87]  In the past 6 years, this COA line item in the State budget has grown by less than $700,000; and, as most of you know, the needs and numbers of elders have grown substantially.  Our office staff routinely works unpaid overtime to keep up.  I urge you all to contact your State Representatives and Senators about this.  A Bristol County Regional COA Directors / Legislative Brunch will be held on March 10, 2006, at Landmark Assisted Living in Fall River, MA, to discuss the issues.

Please remember that the Senior Center is designated as an emergency back-up shelter.  We maintain a Client Emergency List of individuals who want to be checked on during an emergency.  Let us know if you wish to be added to this List, or would like routine phone calls from volunteers.

On the lighter side, we have been able to start another watercolor class, taught by Barbara Farnell, which meets on Thursday mornings; and Mary Beth Miller is planning some new gardening workshops: March 25, April 8, 22, & 29.  Please call the Center to register.  508-636-1026. HAPPY SPRING!!
 

NOTICE: SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

SER/SCSEP (Senior Aide Program)     is eager to assist the older residents in our communities to overcome barriers and secure employment In the SCSEP Program, people who are 55 years of age or older will be offered an opportunity to be trained while working at one or more non-profit or public agencies.  During their enrollment, skills will be updated or sharpened and work experience will be gained.  Qualifying guidelines and benefits for the Program will be discussed when you contact Roger Morris, Program Coordinator, SER-Jobs for Progress at 508-676-1916.  If you are interested in training at the Westport Council on Aging, you may contact Susan Oliveira, WCOA Director, 508-636-1026.



FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA  02790

It is that time again!  The Friends of the WCOA will start working on the Westport Telephone Book in the fall of 2006, with an anticipated publishing in 2007.

The telephone book is a wonderful community service.  We all keep it right by our telephone for reference.  It involves many hours of work and preparation on the part of the FWCOA board.  We appreciate all the support given to this project by the Westport business community.  Please contact the Senior Center if you would like to be included in our effort.
                --Linda Olsen, President

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
First Thursday of Each Month
 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Caring for a loved one with changing abilities can be very stressful.  Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers.  

We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule.

If this day is not convenient, please call.


VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Second Tuesday of Each Month
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Please join us at our next meeting.  Your participation and input are important to us!

If you need van transportation, please call the WCOA.

BOOKS ON TAPE

The WCOA Outreach Department has a good selection of Books on Tape.  Stop by and check them out.


PLAY READING PLUS!

Turns into play reading with action.

Good news for happy play-readers!  The spring “semester” will start on Tuesday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center.  The first play will be “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, which has enough movement to keep us busy for some time.  Books are available at Partner’s Village Store and remember, you get a student discount.  To move on stage is great fun and easy too.  Come join us!

The group leader will be Jeanne Cassidy.  Please call the Council on Aging, 508-636-1026, to register for this popular class.

SERVING  HEALTH  INFORMATION  
NEEDS  OF  ELDERS (S.H.I.N.E.)

If you are looking for information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth, etc., call the SHINE counselor.  Phone consultations and one-on-one appointments can be arranged for Westport residents by calling, 508-636-1026.


COMPUTER WORKSHOP--Workshops for introduction to using your PC or Apple are Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.  Advance registration is required for these sessions, 636-1026.

60+ SENIOR CITIZENS I.D. CARDS—I.D. photos are taken by appointment only at the WCOA office for residents of Westport. Photos are recognized by area merchants and SRTA transportation for discounts.  You must be 60 years of age or older and present proof of age and residency.  The charge is $5.00 is required.

ARTS & CRAFTS – SUPPLIES NEEDED
The Senior Social Day Program strives to have interesting activities for its participants.  Any arts and crafts supplies that you may be willing to donate will be greatly appreciated.


Tax Assistance Program

An AARP volunteer will be available at the Westport Council on Aging to help residents 60 years of age and over prepare their simple 2005 income tax returns.
Sessions will be held on Wednesday mornings, by appointment only, through April 12, 2006.  Call the Westport COA for a free one-hour appointment


THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

Stop by the Westport Senior at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday the 16th to enjoy some Irish songs.  If you would like to stop by for a wonderful Corned Beef and Cabbage luncheon, call the COA by 10:30 a.m. on the 14th to order a meal and sign up for the party.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24TH
FINANCIAL PLANNING

Liz Brimm, registered financial consultant with Financial Planning Alternatives, Inc., will speak at 11:00 a.m. on the subject of financial planning.  This will be a one-hour seminar.  Call the WCOA to register in advance.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST
“IDENTIFY THEFT”

Bob Currier, a consumer credit counselor,
    will conduct a workshop on “Identity Theft” at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center.  

ElderCare Q & A

Paying Kids As Caregivers

Q    . Can I hire my children to take care     of me?

A.  In some cases, yes.

The state of Massachusetts has proposed allowing children, for the first time, to be paid for providing eldercare services for their parents as part of the MassHealth Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program.  The PCA program provides care to more than 12,000 disabled and elderly persons.  Elders hire their own workers to provide for their personal care needs, like eating, bathing, dressing, etc.  In the past, if an elder enrolled in the PCA program, he or she could not hire a spouse, a child, a parent, a son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.  But under new rules expected to take effect by March 1, 2006, a disabled person or elder will be allowed to hire their children, or son and daughter-in-law, as a paid caregiver.  The only people still not allowed to be paid caregivers are spouses, an adoptive parent, or the parent of a minor.

This change in state policy will also apply to the new “Caring Homes” program, which allows a family member to take a disabled elderly relative into their home to care for them.  Caring Homes is a new MassHealth program targeted to elders who are considered nursing home eligible, but who could be kept at home.  Family members—except for spouses—can be paid as a host family for the Caring Homes program.

For more information about the PCA program, call 1-800 Age Info
(1-800-243-4636), and press “3” to talk to your local age information center.

 Diet Can Improve Appearance

“The old adage, ‘you are what you eat’, is getting a 21st- century makeover.
Until recently, most dietary advice has focused on weight management and disease prevention.  That focus is now expanding to specifically look at how what people eat can affect how they look.

New research is examining the role of key nutrients in preserving a youthful appearance.  Vitamins A, C and E, for example, are essential to healthy skin.

Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, helps block UV radiation.  Carrots, spinach, butternut squash and cantaloupe are all great sources of this complexion-protecting nutrient.

Vitamins C and E are anti-oxidants that help encourage skin cell turnover and collagen formation.  Broccoli, citrus fruits, red peppers, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C, while vitamin E is found in almonds, avocados and dark, leafy vegetables.

It is always best to choose food sources of such nutrients over supplements, which may not deliver the same benefits and can even increase disease risk, according to some studies.

Looking great also means keeping body weight under control.  Natural, whole foods like fruits and vegetables provide the foundation of a well-balanced diet.  You will get more than just age-defying anti-oxidants.  The high fiber and water content of such bulky, low-calorie fare will keep hunger at bay”.

--Jennifer Gross, director of the
Dole Nutrition Institute.

Prescription Advantage -- Open Enrollment

Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  This plan is available to all Massachusetts residents age 65 or older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines.

Prescription Advantage will have an open enrollment from March 15 through April 28, 2006.  Enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan will be a condition of eligibility for applicants.  
Call 1-800 243-4636 and press 1 to ask for an application or go to www.800ageinfo.com.


Prior to January 1, 2006, Prescription Advantage was the state’s prescription drug insurance plan, providing primary coverage for seniors and younger disabled individuals who meet specific income requirements.  The new Prescription Advantage “wraps around” or supplements the Medicare prescription drug benefit by helping to pay for co-payments and coverage gaps for an individual’s Part D plan.
 Open Enrollment for Medicare Supplement Plans in Massachusetts—

In previous issues of “Evergreen”, BCBS announced open enrollment for BCBS Medicare supplement plans through December 31, 2005.

BCBS has announced it will continue open enrollment through May 15,2006, with an effective policy date of June 1, 2006 for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a Medigap policy to supplement Part A and B.  This May 15 date was set to coincide with the end of initial open enrollment for the Medicare Part D plans.  For more information about BCBS, call 1-800-678-2265.

Effective January 1, 2006, United Health Group has announced the company and AARP will eliminate the limited enrollment period requirement for AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans available in Massachusetts.  Effective, January 1, 2006, eligible Massachusetts residents will be able to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at any time during the year.
For more information about AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance, please contact AARP Health Care Options at 1-800-523-5800.

Prior to establishing these open enrollment policies, Massachusetts residents could only elect a Medicare supplement, between February 1st and March 31st of each year.

MEDICARE PART D

Am I the only senior confused by the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans?

The situation is improving!  Visit the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov
for up-to-date information on the new Medicare Pare D plan.  Individuals who are Medicare recipients and have no other creditable prescription coverage are encouraged to enroll prior to May 15, 2006.  In addition, you may contact 1-800-MEDICARE, a local SHINE counselor, Bristol Elder Services, or get some extra help from your family.