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

Q Are there any strategies for preventing or slowing cognitive decline?

October 26, 2017 / Margarida Mendonca / Guides and Info

A: Most studies are cautious about answering this question. One recent report by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care concluded that one-third of dementia cases could potentially be prevented through better management of […]

Q: Why are there Medicare Parts A-D, and which should I have?

October 6, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: Here’s a brief overview of how the pieces fit together: The two original parts are called Medicare A and B; Medicare A primarily covers hospitalization and Part B is for outpatient medical services, like […]

Things Change, so don’t Sleep on Medicare Open Enrollment

September 21, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Change is one of the few constants in life, and because of that it’s important to be mindful of Medicare Open Enrollment, even if you’re satisfied with your current coverage. Medicare is a great program […]

An Alzheimer’s Home Safety Checklist

September 20, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

If you’re providing in-home care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, the National Institute on Aging has created a 44 page booklet with a checklist to make each room in your home a safer environment. […]

5 Things to Know for Falls Prevention Awareness Day

September 11, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. In fact, falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency […]

Q&A: How does SCES help Alleviate Elder Malnutrition?

August 31, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: Malnutrition is very prevalent among older adults and it’s a very important issue. Data from the Nestle Nutrition Institute puts overall prevalence of malnutrition of people over the age of 65 at 22.6%. The […]

Colleen Morrissey is a Resource Specialist at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.

5 Free Resources for Caregivers Providing Dementia Care

July 7, 2017 / admin / Guides and Info

By Colleen Morrissey Providing dementia care can be a challenge, but at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) we help caregivers identify services that help maximize independence and quality of life for both themselves and the people […]

Q Is sciatic nerve pain something I just have to put up with?

June 9, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: No, sciatic pain does not have to be a chronic condition. The medical condition called “sciatica” is a major cause of work absenteeism and a major financial burden to both employers and our health […]

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Meals on Wheels

June 5, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

By Colleen Morrissey Meals on Wheels is one of the best-known supports for older adults in America. The program operates in nearly every community nationwide, providing nutritious food in part through funding from the Older […]

Q&A: How Does a Volunteer Medical Escort Help Older Adults?

May 30, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

By Marie Mazzeo The primary role of the volunteer Medical Escort program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is helping older adults who cannot travel alone get to and from medical appointments. Say you need […]

Q: What should you do to prepare for Medicare at age 64?

May 23, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: If you take Social Security at age 65, you automatically get put into Medicare. Unfortunately the retirement age is now 66 and if you wait until then to take Social Security, you’ll likely need […]

Q&A: Does retirement have an impact on health?

April 9, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Health

A: Retirement can have good and bad impacts on health. One study by the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that complete retirement leads to a 5-16% increase in difficulties associated with mobility and daily […]

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