SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER | THE BAYPATH BULLETIN |
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BayPath's Assisted Living Ombudsman Program |
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The recently formed Assisted Living Ombudsman Program is part of the Commonwealth’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which was established in 1995.
The Assisted Living Ombudsman Program is designed to provide assisted living residents, their families, and other concerned parties with a vehicle to communicate and resolve their concerns and complaints regarding the residents' care within an assisted living facility.
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The Assisted Living Ombudsman Program Specialist for BayPath, Caroline Drella, came to us with experience as a program manager and human rights officer with Community Resources for Justice and Eliot Community Human Services. She is also a Navy veteran and has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Salem State and a Masters in Criminal Justice and Victim Advocacy from Suffolk University.
Drella and the volunteers she recruits will work with residents for approximately 65 assisted living residences throughout MetroWest, the city of Boston and parts of both the North Shore and the South Shore.
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" I have always been driven to advocate for those populations that are constantly and relentlessly overlooked and left behind by society. This position permits me to be that voice for both residents and their families, as well as teaching self-advocacy in the face of adversity, with confidence and without judgment. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the military, it's that we don’t leave people behind, and these residents are no different." ~Caroline Drella
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September is Healthy Aging Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to empowering older adults by promoting the positive features of aging. During Healthy Aging Month, organizations raise awareness about how adults 45 and older can live healthier, happier lives.[1]
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Tip for feeling good about aging
Focus on the things you’re grateful for. The longer you live, the more you lose. But as you lose people and things, life becomes even more precious. When you stop taking things for granted, you appreciate and enjoy what you have even more. [2]
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Coronavirus vaccine mandate for care workers |
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Expanded Vaccine Mandate to include Rest Homes, Assisted Living Residences, Hospice Programs and Home Care Workers
On August 4, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a requirement that all nursing home staff demonstrate that they have received and are maintaining vaccination to protect against COVID-19.
As part of an ongoing and continuous effort to protect older adults and vulnerable populations against COVID-19, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) announced on September 1 that it is expanding the vaccine requirement to all staff at:
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(1) Rest homes, assisted living residences, hospice programs workers
- Who are employed directly by the provider/facility, and contractors who regularly enter the facility.
(2) Home care workers (HCWs)
- That provide in-home, direct care services, under a state contract/program.
(3) Independent, non-agency-based home care workers
- who contract with the Commonwealth to provide in-home, direct care.
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EOHHS is requiring that all personnel defined above are required to demonstrate they have received COVID-19 vaccination by October 31, 2021 unless they qualify for a limited exemption from the requirements.
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Coronavirus Booster - When and where can you get one? |
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EXCERPT
"We (HHS) are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster. We would also begin efforts to deliver booster shots directly to residents of long-term care facilities at that time, given the distribution of vaccines to this population early in the vaccine rollout and the continued increased risk that COVID-19 poses to them."
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Marylou Sudders, the state’s secretary of Health and Human Services, said earlier this month that the state doesn’t plan to reopen mass vaccination sites. Instead, people will probably be able to get their shots at doctor’s offices and local pharmacies. And supplies are expected to be abundant. [Source: The Boston Globe]
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Due to information on the coronavirus being updated frequently, we recommend that you stay up-to-date on local COVID-19 news at mass.gov, nationally at CDC.org and HHS.gov, and internationally at who.int.
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Massachusetts Money Management Program |
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September marks the 30th year that the MMMP has been helping adults over 60, and adults living with a disability, maintain their independence.
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To learn more about the program, or to refer someone to the MMMP, volunteer or donate, please contact BayPath's Money Management Program Supervisor Sue Burns at 508-573-7241 or via email at [email protected]
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How to fight hunger during the month of September |
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STOP & SHOP IN WESTBOROUGH
BayPath Meals on Wheels will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 32 Lyman Street, Westborough MA.
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HANNAFORD'S IN MARLBOROUGH
BayPath Meals on Wheels has been selected to receive a $1 donation from Hannaford's for every $12.00 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet sold at Hannaford's at 193 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough MA.
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BayPath Elder Services, Inc. |
BayPath is a designated Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging and one of 25 Massachusetts Aging Services Access Points.
BayPath is dedicated to being a trusted partner, providing an array of services and programs to older adults and individuals of any age with disabilities who require support to maintain their independence.
BayPath's Information and Referral team are happy to answer your questions and direct you to the proper support. Call 508-573-7200 or visit
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Caregiving MetroWest, a BayPath program, offers extensive resources and information for family caregivers on our caregiving website: CareGivingMetroWest.org
BayPath also provides direct support for family caregivers through our Family Caregiver Support Program. Contact our Caregiving Specialist, Donna Murray, at 508-573-7239 or [email protected]
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The BayPath Family Caregiver Support Program and CaregivingMetroWest.org have been made possible by funding from the Older Americans Act as granted by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Participants may make a voluntary donation toward the cost of this federally funded service. Click here for more information.
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