Guides & Information - Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)

5 Things to consider when facing loneliness later in life

February 13, 2019 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Loneliness is a common problem for older adults, and there is a growing body of research that indicates it can be hazardous to your health. Some 43 percent of older adults self-identified as lonely during […]

How Adult Foster Care provides family caregiver support

February 6, 2019 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Family caregivers do amazing work every day, helping loved ones receive the care they need at home. It’s not an easy job, but Adult Foster Care is a great MassHealth-funded program that provides family caregiver […]

5 Ways to Help Older Adults Avoid Problems with Contractors

November 29, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

I am a huge fan of independent contractors, because they do vital work that most of us can’t or won’t. But finding good contractors and managing them is not always easy—and older adults sometimes face […]

SHINE counselors can help during Medicare Open Enrollment

October 4, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Community Information

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period starts in October. If you receive health insurance through Medicare that means it’s a good time to review your coverage– and possibly get in touch with a volunteer SHINE […]

Focus on risk reduction this Falls Prevention Awareness Day

September 19, 2018 / Jeanne Leyden / Community Information

Fall is a wonderful season here in Massachusetts, when thoughts typically turn to football, apple picking, and enjoying the cooler weather. But it’s also a good time to be aware of fall risks and how […]

6 Things to Consider When Evaluating Assisted Living Options

August 16, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Assisted Living can be a great option for older adults who are isolated or looking to downsize. But finding the assisted living situation that best fits your needs can be complicated; there are many factors […]

Don’t Procrastinate on Developing a Caregiver Backup Plan

August 9, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Providing in-home care for someone who needs daily assistance is a major commitment. It’s not something people enter into lightly— and for that reason, it’s important for a caregiver to have a backup plan ready […]

Comparing how AFC and PCA Help People Receive Care at Home

May 31, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

There are many scenarios that can result in people needing daily assistance, and in most cases people prefer to receive that care in-home. For those who are MassHealth-eligible, the Adult Foster Care (AFC) and Personal […]

Q: What is the difference between Medical Escorts & Medical Advocates?

March 1, 2018 / Marie Mazzeo / Guides and Info

The Medical Advocate and Medical Escort programs have similar names, but are actually quite different. A Medical Escort’s primary role is helping older adults get to-and-from medical appointments, and it’s common for them to help […]

6 Tips for Defusing Family Disagreements about Care

February 15, 2018 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Differences of opinion often come with the territory when dealing with relatives. But family disagreements about care can be a huge problem when there’s a crisis and a loved one’s best interests are at stake. […]

Q How do Care Managers help people maintain independence?

November 21, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A There are many ways that care managers can help older adults and people with disabilities maintain independence. One example is hospital-to-home planning, to help ensure a safe discharge after a hospital stay. Often the […]

Q: What happens during Medicare Open Enrollment?

October 31, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: Medicare holds an Open Enrollment period every Fall. This year it began on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. This is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription […]

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