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Ensuring elder independence
By Jennifer Davis Carey,
Secretary of Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Elders have made it clear to us that they seek independence and wish to live in their own communities for as long as possible. At the beginning of his Administration, Governor Romney established the Community First policy, a comprehensive plan to help elders age with dignity and independence in their communities through access to person-centered care, supports and choices.
Through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ Aging Service Access Points, such as Elder Services of Berkshire County, state and federal funds support home and community-based services designed to enable elders to remain safely in their own homes, aging with dignity. This year, over 1,000 Berkshire County elders will receive case manager-authorized services such as homemaking, personal care, home-delivered meals, medical transportation and emergency personal response systems; and 1,600 elders will enjoy nutritious hot meals and socialization at fourteen dining centers. Elder housing, nursing home ombudsman, adult day health programs, money management and protective services are just some of the ways that we’re working to promote the independence of elders in Berkshire County and across the Commonwealth.
The Community First Policy continues to motivate changes that allow all elders the option of staying in their communities. In March 2005, we launched Caring Homes, a pilot program through which elders with complex medical needs are cared for in a home setting by family members or friends. This program provides support for both elders and their caregivers, which is an essential element of Community First. It is estimated that family members and friends provide 80% of in-home assistance to frail elders. Our Family Caregiver Support Program, accessed locally through Elder Services of Berkshire County, offers one-on-one counseling, respite, support groups, education, information and supplemental support to help caregivers continue to provide invaluable care to elders in the community.
Elder Affairs and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services are seeking federal approval for a waiver to assist elders and individuals with disabilities to live in the community while more adequately addressing their individual care needs. Elder Affairs is also leading an effort to amend certain financial eligibility rules for Medicaid and provide some key services, such as care coordination to elders and disabled individuals at imminent risk of nursing facility admission.
Many elders want to remain in their own homes, but increased property values have led to higher property taxes, which may be difficult for elders to pay. Governor Romney has been very supportive of easing this burden through promoting the Tax Work-Off Program and the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, which he expanded by signing legislation increasing the maximum home value eligible to qualify for the credit.
And we in the state are always looking for new ways to address the needs of elders in the community. This fall, Elder Affairs and the Department of Mental Health will hold statewide conferences to raise awareness on the prevalence of mental health issues among elders and the potential impact on elders’ health, well-being and ability to remain in their communities. To bolster these efforts, Governor Romney recently approved $350,000 in the state budget to increase awareness of these issues and to develop better mental health services for elders in our communities.
Massachusetts honors its older citizens and will continue to work diligently to help elders who wish to remain in the homes and communities that they love. We value elders as important individuals within our communities. Having them nearby as active members of our society enriches all of our lives.
Jennifer Davis Carey is Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.