|
Greetings,
Summer is here and we hope you take time to enjoy
the weather. The warm days make spending time
outside a fun experience. The heat also can cause
problems, however (see related article.) We at MVES
hope you have a safe summer. And, please contact us
with any concerns.
| Selflessness Rules The Day |
 |
Every Tuesday, a cheerful face can be seen bustling
through the hallways of Mystic Valley Elder Services.
Margaret, age 80, of Wakefield has been an office
volunteer at MVES for the past two years. When asked
why she volunteers for MVES she explains, "I enjoy the
work and it gets me out of the house."
Born and raised in Oregon, Margaret moved to the East
Coast in 1946 after she married. Nine years ago, after
she retired from her career as a secretary, she moved
to Wakefield to be close to her two daughters. The
MVES office volunteer opportunity was a good match
with Margaret's administrative skills. She helps all
departments at MVES with tasks such as photocopying,
stuffing envelopes, and preparing information packets
about MVES services. "Margaret is a dedicated
volunteer whose good cheer and hard work make her
an important part of MVES," said Sean Maney, director
of marketing and public relations, who benefits from
Margaret's efforts.
Read more... »
|
| Reading Partners Foster Success |
|
The school year has just finished and children in our
communities are enjoying summer vacation. But, in
Malden and Waltham, it's not just the children who are
taking some time off. MVES' Reading Partners
also are on vacation after another successful year
working with students.
Reading Partners is a volunteer program that pairs
seniors age 55 and over with children in grades
kindergarten
through third. Seniors offer their wisdom and time to
help students who need individual help with reading.
Read more... »
|
| Pets and the Elderly |
|
Question: Can you please help settle a family
debate?
My elderly parents had to have their dog put to sleep
last year. Now they want to get a new puppy, which I
think is a terrible idea. They are both getting quite frail
at this point. How are they going to manage training
and taking care of a young dog?
Answer: Although you are smart to consider the
challenges of adding a new pet into your parent's lives,
you may be overlooking many of the positive aspects.
Research regarding pet owners living in senior
housing has found those elders with pets often feel
secure, exercise on a regular basis, have a positive
attitude, and lead a well-rounded life. Pets are good for
your heart, literally and figuratively.
Read more... »
|
| Heat Watch |
|
After numerous wet days in April and May, we've now
experienced a few days of heat and humidity. Although
many of us long for the summer months all year, few
enjoy the extreme heat of mid summer when humidity
can reach unbearable levels. It's on such days that
everyone, but particularly elders, needs to take
practical
steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The 90-degree days in July and August can be
dangerous because they can quickly cause us to
become dehydrated. Make sure to drink water
throughout the day. Even if you're not thirsty, you
should keep filling that water glass. If you don't like
water, try eating fruit or Popsicles as they have a high
water content. When we sweat, our bodies use water
to cool off. We need to replenish our personal air-
conditioning system frequently.
Read more... »
|
|
| Benefit From Insurance Programs |
 |
|
Most of us like to save a dollar when we can. Maybe
we shop sales or cut coupons. But, possibly the biggest
savings elders can experience is reduced costs for
expensive prescription medication.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will open
enrollment to its prescription drug insurance plan,
Prescription Advantage, in August or September.
Elders should carefully consider enrolling in Prescription
Advantage because the savings can be significant.
Once enrolled, elders pay a monthly premium and, after
a deductible has been reached, a co-payment for each
prescription drug purchase. The premiums, deductibles,
and co-payments vary depending on the elders'
income.
Considering the high cost of prescription drugs,
Prescription Advantage is beneficial for many elders.
The Commonwealth has recognized the importance of
providing an insurance program to offset spiraling drug
costs and has allocated $110 million for Prescription
Advantage, up from $96 in the fiscal year that ends on
June 30, 2004. I
strongly recommend that elders and caregivers talk to
a SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
counselor at some point during the summer to
determine if Prescription Advantage can help.
Read more...
|
|
