Date & Time : April 21st @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Protecting Ourselves and other loved ones from Scams: Our world has gotten smaller with phones, emails and internet. The world is not just at our doors, they are within our sacred space of home. With this, it has become easier and easier for scammers to connect with us and steal our money, sanity and security. No one is spared, everyone from the eldest to the youngest in our families and friends are targets. Everyday thousands of us fall prey to scams. Our fight is to protect ourselves and our loved ones, reducing anxiety, and live life fearlessly and with confidence. This presentation is focused on primarily – simple ways to identify to stop scammers. We will also talk about post scam handling, reporting, and increasing awareness around.
Presenter: Kirti Chandratreya, SBTC Consulting, LLC
Date & Time : May 19th, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Supportive Senior Housing : 90% of Americans want to “age in place” at a home with familiarity, community and memories. Unfortunately, a single event can change our plans, seemingly overnight. With a little planning, however, older adults and their families can take greater control over their choices. This presentation will help you plan for contingencies by exploring the following:
- What are the common reasons for needing a move?
- What are the types of supportive senior housing and how do they differ?
- How can I best prepare for a transition to a senior community?
- How much does a senior community cost and what do I get for my money?
- What are my options if I need choices that are more affordable?
- What can I expect after COVID-19?
“Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends.”
Presenter: Cean Tan, CarePatrol
Date & Time : June 16th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Estate Planning: 7 Myths of Estate Planning: Estate planning can seem complicated, confusing and expensive and, for this reason, about 60% of Americans do not have a will. You may be surprised to learn, however, that your will is probably not your most important estate planning documents even though it may be the one you hear about the most. In this presentation, I will discuss seven of the most common myths I hear about estate planning from my clients. Some of the questions we will address include: If I use joint ownership and beneficiary designations, do I still need a will? Why would I want a trust and why might I NOT want one? When do you need an attorney and when is it okay to DIY your estate planning? How often do you actually need to update your plan? What are the do’s and do not’s of talking to your family members about their estate planning? In addition, there should be plenty of time for questions about your own estate planning challenges or confusions.
Presenter: Sarah Hartline, Margolis & Bloom
Date & Time : July 21st, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Reverse Mortgages 5 Myths about the Reverse Mortgage – Renee Guidaboni-Coleman’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best possible advice and benefit to your financial needs while facilitating a straightforward, transparent education on the Reverse Mortgage process, as well as the pro’s & Con’s. She will share with you all you need to know about Reverse Mortgages.
- Myth #1- With a Reverse Mortgage, you are signing the rights of your home over to the bank
- Myth #2 – Your home must be owned free & clear of any mortgages to do a Reverse Mortgage
- Myth #3 – Proceeds from a Reverse Mortgage are considered income
- Myth #4 – You are restricted in how you can use the proceeds from a Reverse Mortgage
- Myth #5 – Reverse Mortgages are a product of last resort
Presenter: Renee Coleman, CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC
Date & Time : September 15th, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Health Insurance Counseling: This month’s presentation is regarding Medicare Open Enrollment which is October 15- December 7 and is the annual opportunity to change Medicare Advantage or drug plans. SHINE provides no cost and unbiased health insurance info, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their Caregivers.
Presenter: Executive Office of Elder Affaires
Date & Time : October 20th @ 12 noon – 1pm
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance: This presentation will show how long-term care insurance allows for greater independence, provide an overview of the current market, and highlight some recent case studies.
- The importance of proactively planning for a long-term care event.
- Common characteristics of long-term care insurance plans.
- How long-term care insurance plans can differ.
- What are some of the most common options available today?
- Highlights of two case studies recently implemented.
Presenter: Mike Harrington, Health Markets
Date & Time: November 17th, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Falls are Preventable! Many falls are preventable! As a home care provider, you are in a unique position to detect personal and environmental fall risk factors and mitigate them to reduce risk of falls. Please join us for this interactive presentation and opportunity to have your questions answered by a physical therapist with over 20 years’ experience working with older adults. During this presentation, which was developed by an interprofessional group from the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition, you will learn about several fall risk factors and hazards in the home and strategies to lessen fall risk among your home care clients. You will also learn a safe method to assist a client who has fallen up to a chair if it safe to do so, and when you should call 911 instead.
Presenter: Dr. Sheri R. Kiami is an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University
Date & Time: December 15th, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Dementia: Effective Communication Strategies: Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. This presentation will explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Presenter: Nicole McGurin, MS, CDP, Programs & Services Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter
Date & Time: April 13th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Prescription Advantage Program
The Prescription Advantage program is the state prescription assistance program administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Prescription Advantage provides prescription drug coverage to:
- Massachusetts residents age 65 and older and
- Younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines
As a secondary payer to Medicare Part D, Prescription Advantage provides coverage for prescription drugs when members reach the Medicare coverage gap that is often referred to as the “donut hole”. Prescription Advantage also provides primary coverage to people age 65 and older who are not eligible for Medicare.
Presenter: Kathy Devine is the Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator for the Prescription Advantage Program from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Date & Time: April 27th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Retirement Planning: (non financial):
What planning resources have you done for your retirement thus far? What friends/relationships will you have when you step out of your job? How will you see your identity when you no longer have a business card? What values and purpose will you pursue in Retirement?
Because we are living longer, retirement can now have a longevity of 25- 30 years. It is a transition into our 3rd stage of life, no longer just a destination. Planning for our Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Social needs takes time and effort to bring us to a happy and purposeful Retirement. Sign up today to learn how this can be done!
Presenter: Carmel Murphy-Kotyan, Certified Retirement Coach, https://retirementbeyond.com/ Carmel has been working in the Aging/Caregiving industry for over 25 years. She hosts EAP and private Workshops helping those of us in the third stage of life (55 – 75+) to plan for a comprehensive, more content retirement life style.
Carmel also offers one-to-one private coaching sessions on (1) Retirement, (2) Grief (3) Life Coaching and (4) Mentoring for family caregivers.
Her Home Care company, CMK Home Care, https://cmkhomecare.net/ provides help and safety for elders in their place of resident in the Greater Boston area.
Date & Time: May 18th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: MassHealth Benefits
My Ombudsman is a free resource funded by MassHealth to help everyone on MassHealth, including those in Fee For Service, Limited, ACOs, One Care, SCO, PACE, PCC, and MBHP. If you’re a MassHealth member or know someone who needs assistance getting a covered service or benefit from MassHealth, we can help! Our team can answer questions about MassHealth benefits and services, inform you of your rights, and help you figure out what to do when you get a denial letter or when you’re having trouble getting the care you need. We at My Ombudsman have a “no wrong door” approach, so even if the issue is outside our scope, we will try to provide referrals to other organizations that can help.
Presenter: Leslie Diaz, Director of My Ombudsman
Watch Video
Date & Time: June 15th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Hospice versus Palliative Care
Talking about the end of life can be hard. This lunch & learn will welcome Renee Goldstein Fixler from Good Shepherd Community Care, to talk about the benefits of hospice care. Renee will introduce the philosophy and guiding principles for hospice care, and address questions about how hospice differs from palliative care. Participants will learn about diagnoses and eligibility, core and complementary services, how hospice is paid for and, when the time is right to make or request a referral to hospice care. Renee will share pearls of wisdom from her 16 years working in hospice and confront – head on – any myths, fears and misconceptions
Presenter: Renee Goldstein Fixler, Director of Good Shepherd Community Care
Date & Time: August 17th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: How to Have Important Life Conversations with Loved Ones
Adult children and their aging parents will learn how to broach the subject of what their parents wish regarding their golden years and end-of-life care, when the best time to have the conversation is, and who should be present for it. We will cover both sides of the conversation: how to give the information needed and how to be on the receiving end.
Presenter: SAMANTHA F. GENTEL, ESQ., Generations Law Group
Date & Time: September 28th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic : Retirement Planning: (non financial):
What planning resources have you done for your retirement thus far? What friends/relationships will you have when you step out of your job? How will you see your identity when you no longer have a business card? What values and purpose will you pursue in Retirement?
Because we are living longer, retirement can now have a longevity of 25- 30 years. It is a transition into our 3rd stage of life, no longer just a destination. Planning for our Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Social needs takes time and effort to bring us to a happy and purposeful Retirement. Sign up today to learn how this can be done!
Presenter: Carmel Murphy-Kotyan, Certified Retirement Coach, https://retirementbeyond.com/ Carmel has been working in the Aging/Caregiving industry for over 25 years. She hosts EAP and private Workshops helping those of us in the third stage of life (55 – 75+) to plan for a comprehensive, more content retirement life style.
Carmel also offers one-to-one private coaching sessions on (1) Retirement, (2) Grief (3) Life Coaching and (4) Mentoring for family caregivers.
Her Home Care company, CMK Home Care, https://cmkhomecare.net/ provides help and safety for elders in their place of resident in the Greater Boston area.
Date & Time: October 19th, @12noon – 1pm
Topic : What’s it going to be today? Emotional Survival for Older Family Caregivers
Especially for older family caregivers—of spouses, elderly parents, friends—and for advisors to family caregivers, this talk will:
- Set the stage by looking at the new phenomenon in caregiving: older adults caring for the very elderly, year after year…after year
- Take a frank look at long-haul caregiving through the voices of caregivers and counselors
- Zoom in on “the visit”—when the caregiver is with the person they’re taking care of
- How to make the most of this time (it’s about more than Depends and doctor appointments)
- Creative ideas from real-life caregivers
- How to “hyper personalize”
- Grounding yourself before you open their door
Presenter: Connie Baher, author of Family Caregivers: An Emotional Survival Guide
Date & Time: November 16, @12noon – 1pm
Topic : Respite—you’ve got to be kidding! How to take a break when you don’t have time to take a break
For long-haul family caregivers and advisors to family caregivers, a fresh look at self-care:
- 5 reasons you can’t possibly take a break…and the 3 reasons you have to
- The surprising new research on microbreaks
- Minute Mood Hacks—simple ways to do a quick refresh
- The secret of slipping a break into your day
- The man who danced in his room
- The woman who played games on her iPad
- The big payoff of (even a little) time off
Presenter: Connie Baher, author of Family Caregivers: An Emotional Survival Guide
Date & Time: December 21st, @12noon – 1pmEST
Topic : Grief and the Holidays
The end-of-year holidays can be a particularly difficult time when you are grieving. You may feel you need to keep your traditions in place, but you may not want to. You may be concerned about what others expect of you at this time of year. And you may be wondering just what you can handle.
In this presentation, we will discuss:
- Deciding how you want to, or if you want to, observe your usual holidays
- Setting boundaries, finding supports, and taking care of yourself at this time of year
- Creating an observance that is meaningful to you
Presenter: Kathy Murri is a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Educator, and Facilitator with a special interest in grief. She is also trained as a Grief Support Specialist (UWisconsin-Madison) and Grief Movement Guide.
Date & Time: January 18th @12:00 – 1:00
Topic : The role of your local Veterans’ Services Officer
During the presentation information will be presented on the history of veteran benefits in the Commonwealth. We will discuss the Massachusetts Veterans Benefit Program (Chapter 115) and how your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can assist veterans and dependents seeking assistance. In addition to state benefits, we will discuss the role the VSO plays in seeking federal Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and services.
Presenter: Jeff Chunglo, Director of Veterans’ Services
Date & Time: February 15th @12:00 – 1:00
Topic : The Caregiving Years
We will talk about the many Stumbles and Steadies in the six stages of caregiving and how you can cope with it all. You will recognize what stage you are in, what may be ahead for you and the importance of taking care of yourself.
- The Expectant Caregiver
- The Freshman Caregiver
- The Entrenched Caregiver
- The Pragmatic Caregiver
- The Transitioning Caregiver
- The Godspeed Caregiver
Date & Time: March 15th @12:00 – 1:00
Topic : SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone-on Medicare)
This month’s presentation will be on the different parts of Medicare, and Public Benefits available to Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries. SHINE provides no cost, unbiased Health Insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers.
Presenter: Kathleen Gouveia, Training Coordinator for the SHINE program with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Date & Time: March 29, 2023 @12Noon – 1pm
Topic : Having a Plan When Solo Aging
Currently, 12 million people are estimated to be “solo agers.” This represents 27% of the population. Solo agers largely include women who have been widowed. But, they may also include women and men who are single due to work and other priorities and couples without children. With a healthcare system under significant pressure and more distributed social systems, it is now important (more than ever) for solo agers to have a plan by their 60’s or early 70’s, including:
- A strong social network of friends and caring/ethical expert resources;
- Control over their documentation and legal planning; and
- Access to a care continuum that fits within their budget.
This presentation will explore this planning in more detail with real life examples.
Presenter: Cean Tan, Owner CarePatrol of Greater Boston/Metro West
Date & Time: April 19th, 2023, Noon-1pm
Topic : Now’s the Time! Make Your Own Plan.
Come join us to learn how to make your own care personal care plan to get good care today and over your lifetime. Your care plan tells your family and your doctors about your goals and care preferences, and protects your right to get the kind of care you want in a medical emergency. We’ll review the 5 MA planning documents and the Honoring Choices Getting Started Tool Kit to complete a free MA Health Care Proxy and MA Personal Directive (Living Will). You’ll also receive a handy discussion guide, “5 Things to Talk About with Your Care Providers”, to put your plan into action to receive the best possible care.
Presenter: Ellen DiPaola, Honoring Choices, Massachusetts
Date & Time: May 17th @ 12noon – 1pm EST
Topic : Retirement Planning: (non financial):
What planning resources have you done for your retirement thus far?
What friends/relationships will you have when you step out of your job?
How will you see your identity when you no longer have a business card?
What values and purpose will you pursue in Retirement?
Because we are living longer, retirement can now have a longevity of 25- 30 years. It is a transition into our 3rd stage of life, no longer just a destination. Planning for our Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Social needs takes time and effort to bring us to a happy and purposeful Retirement. Sign up today to learn how this can be done!
Presenter: Carmel Murphy-Kotyan, Certified Retirement Coach,
Carmel has been working in the Aging/Caregiving industry for over 25 years. Carmel also offers one-to-one private coaching sessions on (1) Retirement, (2) Grief (3) Life Coaching and (4) Mentoring for family caregivers. Her Home Care company, CMK Home Care, https://cmkhomecare.net/ provides help and safety for elders in their place of resident in the Greater Boston area.
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 31st 12pm EST
Topic: How Solo Agers Can Secure their Finances
More half of than half of Americans rate running out of money and identity theft as their top concerns in retirement. One way to alleviate that stress is to plan with these issues in mind. Please join the Bickling Financial Services Advisors team as they review these topics:
- Home Renovations in Retirement
- Tax Planning
- Identity Theft Protection
- Insurance Concerns in Retirement (Life, Long Term Care, Pet)
- Presenters: ROBIN URCIUOLI, CFP®, CPA and PATRICK HANLON, CFP®,
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 21st, 12pm EST
Topic: Fraud Safety
Scammers prey upon victims by earning their trust, by taking advantage of their greed, and by using scare tactics. They attack through postal mail, on the internet, by phone and even by diving into dumpsters. Developing a healthy skepticism will help to protect individuals from these criminals. Participants will see 6 different scams acted out in “Red Flag Alert” and will discuss each one so that they can develop a keen sensitivity to many of the most common red flags of fraud.
Presenter: Evan Diamond, Cambridge Savings Bank
Date & Time: September 20th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Tips for Navigating Challenging Family Conversations
Conflict in the family while caring for a loved one? Join us to discuss “Tips for Navigating Challenging Family Conversations,” even when you don’t always agree. Crystal Thorpe will share tools you can use during your next conversation. She’ll also discuss when to consider outside help, like mediation or conflict coaching, and what that could look like. Join us, and bring your questions. We’re looking forward to seeing you! (Note that this program will not be recorded.)
Presenter: Crystal Thorpe, Principal of Agreement Resources, LLC
Date & Time: October 18th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance
This presentation will explain what long term care insurance is, the current market and how using insurance can help you and your families. Mike will demonstrate how to develop a solution and share some personal insight into the topic.
Presenter: Mike Harrington, Lifetime Insurance Planning
Date & Time: Thursday November 16th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Long Distance Caregiving
Long-distance caregivers have the same concerns and pressures as local caregivers but often may have to spend nearly twice more time/money because you’re more likely to need to hire help, take uncompensated time off work and pay for travel. This presentation will discuss strategies for your caregiving journey and how to best care for your loved one and yourself.
Presenter: Carmel Murphy-Kotyan, CMK Home Care, LLC
Date & Time: Wednesday January 17th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways people living with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage.
Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common triggers, and learn strategies to help manage some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
Presenter: Alzheimer’s Association
Date & Time: Wednesday February 21st @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Transportation for Elders
The MBTA’s Rediscovering the T provides an opportunity to explore more about the MBTA, learn about accessibility improvements on the T, reduced fare options, how to ask for assistance, and other transportation options. We realize that some people may have ridden the MBTA many years ago and want some assistance understanding how it has changed (much more accessible, all low-floor buses, better way finding, visual and audible announcements, countdown clocks, smart card, apps, etc.).”
Presenter: MBTA Mobility Center
Date & Time: Wednesday April 17th @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Fall Prevention
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), falls are the leading cause of injury for individuals ages 65 years and older. Annually, over 14 million, or 1 in 4 older adults, report experiencing a fall. One in five falls results in severe injuries such as broken bones or head trauma. Proactive measures can significantly reduce the chances of falling.
- Improve your balance and strength through regular physical activity. Check your local Council on Aging for programs such as Tai Chi and Matter of Balance.
- Talk to your physician about fall risk. Have your doctor or pharmacist review medications and their side effects.
- Visit a vision specialist annually to have your eyes checked.
- Ensure your home is safe.
Presenter: Maria Tumang, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Date & Time: Wednesday May 15, 2024, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Legal Stepping Stones Through Grief
- Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. There are many questions on how and when to take care of legal and financial matters for your loved one, and yourself. It’s important to take things step by step, particularly when dealing with legal matters. You will be guided through the legal steps that need to be taken during this challenging time. We will review retitling assets, probate versus non probate assets, when to ask for tax and financial advice, cornerstone estate planning documents, fiduciary and beneficiary selections, and will leave time for questions.
Presenter: Wendy Guthro, Attorney & Counsellor at Law
Date & Time: Wednesday June 19th, 2024, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Explore Creative Age Tech Innovations
As our population ages, the technology industry is rapidly evolving with innovative products that strive to meet the needs of older adults and caregivers, reshaping how we approach aging.
In this informative session, we’ll dive into the following topics:
- Landscape of Age Tech: What is Age Tech and what drives this 300-billion-dollar longevity market?
- Three Age Tech Product Technologies to Know and Use:
- Joy for All Companion Animatronic Pet: Discover how lifelike robotic pets can provide comfort, companionship, and engage multiple senses for older adults.
- ElliQ AI-powered Companion Robot: Learn about this cutting-edge AI companion designed to encourage an healthy lifestyle and offer personalized support.
- New Dementia App: Explore a groundbreaking app that guides caregivers with virtual insights from dementia professionals and facilitates remote family involvement.
Stay ahead of the curve and gain valuable insights into innovative Age Tech solutions transforming the way we approach aging and care.
Presenter: Debra D. Dodds, UMB Gerontology Institute
Date & Time: Wednesday July 17th, 2024, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Loneliness and Isolation
Social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems in the U.S., posing a serious threat to our mental and physical health. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report feeling lonely. About 1 in 4 U.S. adults report not having social and emotional support.
Social isolation is when a person does not have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. Social isolation can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.
Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others. It is feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It reflects the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection. Even a person with a lot of friends can feel lonely.
Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Suicidality and self-harm
- Dementia
- Earlier death
Presenter: Maria Tumang, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Date & Time: Thursday September 19th, 2024, @ 12noon – 1pm
Topic: Reverse Mortgages
You’ve heard about them and seen the TV ads. You’ve heard the reputation they have. Come and learn how TODAY’s Reverse mortgages really work. Let me dispel the rumors. If you are a homeowner, age 62+ who would like to utilize the equity in your home without having a required monthly repayment this FHA-government insured loan may be the answer.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons, eligible properties and candidates, options for receiving your money, and everything else you need to know about reverse mortgages. This class will be of value if you are a senior homeowner planning for retirement, already retired, have elderly parents, or if you are a Financial Planner or Realtor. Course is informational-no sales products will be presented in class.
Presenter: Renee Guidaboni Coleman
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 12 noon – 1:00 pm
Topic: Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft
- Each year, criminals steal billions from Americans using tactics including tech support and business impersonation, AI, cryptocurrency, and social media. Join us for an eye-opening session where we will delve into the strategies of scammers and how you can outsmart them. Learn the essential steps to safeguard your identity and finances. Don’t miss this crucial presentation – your security depends on it!
Presenter: Alice Diamond – AARP Speaker Bureau