Programs helping seniors live independently, with dignity
By Michael Festa
One year ago, Governor Deval Patrick appointed me Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This was an opportunity I very much welcomed, having dealt with a wide range of issues and legislation affecting seniors and disabled people in five terms as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
In my first year as Secretary, I have focused my efforts on advancing the Governor’s Community First agenda, implementing the Equal Choice law, and strengthening the Agency’s relationship and visibility within the “network” of area elder service agencies and Councils on Aging.
Community First is about supporting those who wish to live in their homes safely, comfortably, and with dignity for as long as possible. It is a determined effort to prioritize funding for programs and services for elders and persons with disabilities in the least restrictive settings. Equal Choice is about empowering those eligible for care to decide for themselves where they will receive those services.
Working closely with Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, we at Elder Affairs are committed to the overarching principles of Community First and Equal Choice. We want seniors, disabled persons, and their families to understand all their options in long term care, whether public or privately funded. We want people to have access to programs such as Prescription Advantage and Meals on Wheels so they don’t have to choose between eating three meals a day or taking medication. Here in Berkshire County more than 10,000 seniors have benefited from our services in the last year.
We are focused on senior employment as well, and I am gratified that the National Governor’s Association Policy Academy recently accepted our participation in a year-long training program to explore ways we can engage seniors and disabled persons in work and volunteer activities.
Since my appointment, I have traveled to over 100 communities in the Commonwealth, visiting senior centers, area elder service agencies, senior housing sites, and assisted living and nursing facilities. Connecting with seniors, program directors, staff, elected officials and families, allows me to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and to find ways to improve delivery of services.
In response to increased costs of food and fuel, a number of state agencies joined forces to offer eight statewide Senior Benefits Expos presenting all our programs to seniors, answering their questions and signing them up – a one-stop-shopping effort to reach our seniors before winter’s harsh arrival. We started in Pittsfield on September 5, and will finish in Worcester on October 14. If you were unable to attend one of the Expos, but need help with food, fuel, transportation, property taxes, drugs or money management, please call my office at 1-800-AGE-INFO, and we will direct you to the services you need.
Because elders are particularly vulnerable, I have made strengthening protective services a major priority. Collaborating with the Attorney General, District Attorneys, local bar associations, bankers, accountants, judges and others, we are targeting those who defraud and abuse seniors.
I see my role as Secretary to get out and reach out. In addition to the Expos and local visits, I have a cable program, "Senior Scene," carried on cable stations throughout the Commonwealth, which explores all aspects of senior life. If you have questions, we can help you find the answer.
Massachusetts was the first in the nation to designate a cabinet-level Office of Elder Affairs, to pass the Equal Choice law, and to budget a Community First initiative as a spending priority. I will continue to be a strong voice for our seniors and disabled persons to ensure that they enjoy fulfilling lives in safety and dignity, in the place of their choice.
Michael Festa is Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Editor's Note: Elder Services is the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for all of Berkshire County. For information on services available in Berkshire County for seniors, caregivers, or individuals with disabilities, call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
