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

5 Answers for Common Mental Health Questions

April 5, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is marking the occasion by discussing a series of common mental health questions with Protective Services Psychiatrist Rebecca Warner… Q: When should I see… Continue Reading 5 Answers for Common Mental Health Questions

Tips for Approaching 6 Common Dementia Ethical Issues

March 29, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

Successfully navigating the legal, medical, and ethical challenges posed by dementia was a central theme of a recent conference hosted by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). The program featured a panel discussion of local experts, who… Continue Reading Tips for Approaching 6 Common Dementia Ethical Issues

3 Surprising Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover

March 24, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

By Colleen Morrissey Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides vital coverage for millions of Americans age 65-and-up. But unfortunately there’s a widespread misconception that it provides comprehensive coverage. “Medicare coverage can be… Continue Reading 3 Surprising Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Qualified Caregivers provide care in a family setting

March 15, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Community Information

Helping people care for a loved one at home is central to our mission at Adult Family Care (AFC). But sometimes we help by introducing qualified caregivers to those who need live-in support. We are… Continue Reading Qualified Caregivers provide care in a family setting

Q&A: Are there any health benefits from dietary supplements?

March 2, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Health

A: Unfortunately, the answer is often “No.” Advertisements for “dietary supplements” frequently claim they will keep you from getting sick, or help you to live longer. But according to the National Institute On Aging, “Often… Continue Reading Q&A: Are there any health benefits from dietary supplements?

Q&A: Does it matter to stay physically active as I get older?

February 6, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Health

A: Absolutely. No matter your health and physical abilities, you can gain a lot by staying active. There are many benefits from physical activity: maintains and improves your physical strength and fitness. improves your ability… Continue Reading Q&A: Does it matter to stay physically active as I get older?

Q: What are the differences between MassHealth, Medicaid, and Medicare?

February 1, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: That’s something that people often get confused about – Medicare vs. Medicaid, or MassHealth. So I’ll start by saying that MassHealth and Medicaid are the same thing. In Massachusetts, we call our Medicaid program… Continue Reading Q: What are the differences between MassHealth, Medicaid, and Medicare?

Q: Is there more to using a drug plan than just selecting one?

January 12, 2017 / Nathan Lamb / Health

A: Yes. Many people select a drug plan and then forget about it. But older adults report that medication costs and not understanding their drug benefits are major challenges. Seniors want simple information on cost,… Continue Reading Q: Is there more to using a drug plan than just selecting one?

Are You Eligible For the 65+ Circuit Breaker Tax Credit?

December 26, 2016 / Nathan Lamb / Community Information

You may get a cash refund for your state income taxes. The Massachusetts “Circuit Breaker” tax credit program is a program for adults age 65 + whose property taxes and half of the water and… Continue Reading Are You Eligible For the 65+ Circuit Breaker Tax Credit?

Q&A: What is the Best Way to Discuss Elder Self Neglect?

December 26, 2016 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: Elder self neglect is not an easy topic to discuss, but there are times when it’s necessary—especially if there’s concern about the safety of a loved one. Elder self neglect is defined as the… Continue Reading Q&A: What is the Best Way to Discuss Elder Self Neglect?

Demystifying the MassHealth Spend Down

December 20, 2016 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

By Colleen Morrissey Qualifying for Medicaid – called MassHealth in Massachusetts – can make a big difference when you need care and aren’t sure how you’ll afford it. To meet those eligibility requirements, older adults… Continue Reading Demystifying the MassHealth Spend Down

Q:What’s the difference between hard of hearing and deaf?

December 18, 2016 / Nathan Lamb / Guides and Info

A: Hard of hearing (HOH) refers to people who still have some useful hearing, and can understand spoken language in some situations, with or without amplification. Most HOH people can use the phone and use… Continue Reading Q:What’s the difference between hard of hearing and deaf?

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