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Greetings,
We hope you had a happy and safe
holiday season.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we have a special
article about two elders who personify romance.
Interested in helping children read? Consider becoming
a Reading Partner by reading the second article. Our
profile features one of MVES' dedicated nurses and our
popular Question and Answer column discusses the
important issue of depression. Finally, be sure to read
Dan O'Leary's letter that offers suggestions on fixing
the problematic Medicare Part D benefit.
| Love Later In Life |
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As the sun shines into Renee Ramsdell's living room, a
ray hits her three-stone diamond engagement ring and
causes a reflection to dance on her wall. The man who
gave her this ring, Tom McDonald, sits opposite his
fiancé and smiles when she speaks of her
diamonds. "Yes, they're beautiful," Ramsdell admits, as
she wiggles her fingers and admires the gift from
McDonald.
McDonald and Ramsdell, like nearly all couples who are
completely committed to each other, seem very much
in love and hopeful about their future. They do lunch,
go shopping, plan trips, and they even finish each
other's sentences. There is one particular thing,
though, that sets them apart from most other engaged
couples: They aren't 20 - something, they're 80 -
something!
Read more... »
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| Seniors And Students: A Winning Combination |
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A year away from retirement, Marjorie Grant was
already thinking about what she wanted to do when
she closed the work chapter of her life. When she
spotted an opportunity to help elementary school
children improve their reading skills, she knew what her
next chapter would be. A year later, retired with
energy, Grant became a Reading Partner.
"It's so rewarding," says Grant, who is now in her third
year of volunteering for the program. "It's amazing to
see how first graders who are searching for words in
the fall can read smoothly by the close of the school
year."
Read more... »
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| Behind The Scenes With R.N. Debbie Philips |
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The nurses at Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) visit
with seniors every day and ask plenty of questions to
determine the needs of MVES clients. This month, we
scheduled our own visit with Debbie Philips and asked
her the questions when we sat down to discuss
her role
as a Registered Nurse at MVES.
Editor: What is a typical day at MVES like for
you?
D. Philips: A typical day usually includes at least two or
three visits with clients. I may visit a nursing home to
screen a client for Medicaid eligibility or screen a client
in their home for possible placement in a nursing home.
I often visit with clients who are waiting to receive
assistance with bathing, dressing, or other activities of
daily living. It's important that I see these clients right
away, so that they can start receiving the services
they need as quickly as possible.
Read more... »
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| Checking On Those Far Away |
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Question: Over the holidays my family realized
none of us had received a card from one of our
relatives living out of the area. We tried to get in touch
and eventually she returned the phone call. It appears
she has been depressed for the last few months and
could not get into the holiday spirit. She was widowed
several years ago but seemed to have dealt with her
loss and had even started dating. What could be going
on with her and should we be doing anything?
Answer: Depression is the most prevalent emotional
disorder in older adults, impacting the lives of
approximately 20 percent of people over the age of 65.
It far too often becomes an undiagnosed and constant
factor for people in their later years. This is an
unfortunate occurrence since statistics show that 80
percent of people improve and return to normal lives if
treatment is received.
Read more... »
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| Fixing The Medicare Part D Program |
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Hundreds of seniors have
understandably expressed
confusion about the new Medicare Part D Prescription
Drug benefit, which was implemented on January 1,
2006. As MVES works hard to help these seniors, we
also are working with legislators to improve the
benefit's ease of use. Following is a letter written to
Massachusetts' U.S. Senators and
Representatives.
Dear Legislators:
Much has been written and said about
the new
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefit, most of it
negative and with justification. However, on behalf of
the Board of Directors of Mystic Valley Elder Services,
an Area Agency on Aging representing 52,000 older
residents north of Boston, we believe in the concept
and implore you to fix the operational structure of the
program.
Undoubtedly, your office has received
hundreds if not thousands of telephone calls and letters
from frustrated seniors and family members. Mystic
Valley Elder Services has literally received over 200
phone calls per day since November from elders who
are confused, angry, and sometimes left without
coverage. After a caller has vented, we generally are
able to help them navigate the maze of plans and guide
them to a plan that hopefully will meet their individual
needs. It should not have to be this difficult and
confusing. We know that you know that as well.
Read more...
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