MCOA Aging Matters News

October 1, 2024 | Issue 41

Dear MCOA Community,

The countdown is on for the 2024 MCOA Fall Conference at the beautiful Sea Crest Beach Hotel, and we don't want you to miss this incredible event! 🌊🌞

With the attendee registration deadline fast approaching on October 7th, now is the time to secure your spot and join your colleagues for three days of learning, networking, and professional growth.

This year’s conference is packed with exciting workshops, dynamic keynotes, and tracks designed to equip you with the tools and insights you need to empower older adults in our communities. Don't miss our engaging lineup, including presentations from McLean Hospital, BCBSMA, AARP Massachusetts, MySeniorCenter and many more. 💡

Sponsors: The deadline to reserve your sponsorship is October 1st (TODAY)! Your support helps make this event possible and strengthens professional development opportunities year-round. Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who are making this conference extraordinary.

🎉 Download the Conference App to get the latest updates, view the schedule, and build your schedule! Stay connected and in the loop so you don't miss any of the exciting happenings at this year’s event. You can find the APP in your Phone's store by searching MCOA or using the QR Codes below!

Don’t wait – register now and be part of one of the largest gatherings of aging services professionals in New England!

REGISTER NOW

We can't wait to see you there!

The Sea Crest Beach Hotel Room Block is SOLD OUT for Wednesday evening, but don't worry—there are convenient lodging options in Falmouth that could be perfect for your stay. Explore alternatives by visiting the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Let’s make waves together at the MCOA Fall Confernce! 🌟

Already Registered? Get the APP and browse workshops, plan your conference schedule, meet the presenters and connect with attendees!

Dementia Friendly MA Quarterly Meeting

Join others in the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts network to learn about new resources that MCOA has to offer in service of greater connectivity, peer-to-peer learning, and idea-sharing!

At this meeting, MCOA staff members will introduce a new DFM website, blog, and opportunities to highlight work being done in Massachusetts communities.

Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 PM

Register here

A Word From Our Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Medicare Education Presentations – Schedule Now!

We are offering Medicare education presentations to help your community prepare for the Medicare Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7). Each COA has a dedicated outreach representative to assist with Medicare-related questions and support. If you don’t know your rep or haven’t scheduled yet, email Susan Flanagan at susan.flanagan@bcbsma.comfor assistance.

We’ve already scheduled 75 COAs but still have a few slots left. Below are the available presentations:

• Medicare Health Plan Options (45 minutes)

This presentation covers key Medicare options, the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage, and when enrollees can switch plans. All are welcome, regardless of insurance coverage. (No product information included.)

• Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plans? (45 minutes)

Ideal for those new to Medicare or reevaluating their plan. It explains the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans and the importance of prescription drug coverage.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Plans (60-90 minutes)

For Blue Cross members or those exploring options, this session covers 2025 plan changes and benefit.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the MCOA Fall Conference and contributing to professional development throughout the year. Your dedication empowers us to grow, learn, and better serve our communities. We truly appreciate your ongoing partnership!

EDUCATION & TRAINING

In-Person Behavioral Health Training

**Updated with all dates/locations**

The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and McLean Hospital, a leader in mental health, are proud to offer an in-person behavioral health training program designed for professionals working with older adults.

This in-person training is being offered in response to the overwhelming demand for behavioral health resources, as identified as the #1 topic of interest in MCOA's Training and Education survey.

This will be the first of three trainings. Learn more about it by attending the September Membership Meeting!

Don't miss this valuable in-person opportunity to enhance your knowledge and better serve your clients.

Topsfield - Monday, 10/28, 1p - 4p

Barnstable - Wednesday, 11/6, 1p - 4p

Braintree - Wednesday, 11/13, 1p - 4p

Easthampton - Monday, 11/18, 1p - 4p

Space is limited. Secure your spot now!

MyMCOA Infohub account required for registration. Contact Kelly Burke, Member Services Kelly@Mcoaonline.org or Paula Hersey paula@mcoaonline.org for a COA Director account or how to add staff to your organization account.

MCOA Member Services

Important Announcement: We're Moving to New Forums!

We’re excited to transition to a brand-new platform: the MyMCOA InfoHub! 🎉 This current forum space and Daily Digest will be retired, and COA Directors and Staff Members will need to create new accounts on the new Infohub. It’s as easy as 1-2-3, and we have a Quickstart Guide to help you get started!

A huge thank you to the COA Directors and staff who have already joined us—you’re helping build a stronger, more connected community!

Reminder for COA Directors: COA Directors, contact paula@mcoaonline.org for your Login Link if you currently don't have an Account on the NEW Infohub. Remember to add your staff to the InfoHub and keep updated to ensure everyone is fully engaged and able to access the amazing resources!

Why Transition to the New MyMCOA InfoHub?

• Peer-to-Peer Networking & Discussion with fellow members.
• Easy Event Registration and payment options.
• Post Jobs or browse for a new opportunity.
• Access Vital Resources to support your organization.

Transition Deadline: October 9th

Make the switch today and keep the conversation going! Don’t miss out on these amazing features.

Questions? Contact Paula Hersey paula@mcoaonline.org

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

MCOA and Dementia Friendly Massachusetts are co-sponsoring “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2024.”

Dementia Friends Massachusetts invites you to attend the virtual symposium, "Let's Talk about Dementia and Culture 2024," on Tuesday, October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Register in advance on Zoom here

Researchers, advocates living with dementia, public health leaders, and community-based dementia educators as we explore current evidence-based tips for brain health, how these link to the structural and social determinants of health, and what research and life experience tell us about continuing to live well with a dementia diagnosis.

Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, and captions in English and other languages available. Attendance is free. There is a fee of $45 for CEUs. This program has been approved for 3.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization #D92820. This program also meets requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing at CMR 5.00 for 3.0 contact hours. A general Certificate of Attendance is also available. 

Please contact Beth at bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org with questions. 

Economic Security & Outreach

Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.

ActiveAgers Update

Your dedication and commitment to providing fitness programs and exercise classes is truly inspiring. By prioritizing physical activity, mental well-being, and social engagement, you set a remarkable example for others help Massachusetts older adults lead healthier, more vibrant lives.

Congratulations to the first round winners!

Eight Councils on Aging each won a $250 mini-grant.

They are:

Douglas - Freetown - Haverhill - Holden

Medway - Norton - North Brookfield - Topsfield



There are also 100 individual winners each receiving a $25 gift card.

Wishing everyone luck in the next drawing. Keep on moving!

Announcing Old Colony Region - Older Adult

and Caregiver Needs Assessments

Once every four years, Old Colony region service partners, Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) ask for everyone at our region’s Councils on Aging, and elsewhere to help in the next few weeks (first deadline October 21^st) to complete as many confidential Needs Assessment surveys as possible to better understand, plan and advocate for the needs of older adults in our communities. Please access the surveys online at www.oldcolonyplanning.org/AAA-surveys

OCABR <> MassCyberCenter “Cybersecurity 101” Webinar

Join Director John Petrozzelli from the MassCyberCenter and Undersecretary Layla D'Emilia from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation as they provide an overview of the fundamentals of cybersecurity and how to stay safe online. Learn about common online threats, essential security practices, and how to protect your personal and professional data. This webinar will cover topics such as password management, phishing attacks, safe browsing, and more.

This Massachusetts Cybersecurity Month Event is being presented jointly by the MassCyberCenter and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Registration link

Share your priorities with the EOHLC

Hopefully you attended one of the many in-person and virtual listening sessions held by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) this year. These sessions were organized to gain insights for the Healey-Driscoll Administration's first five-year statewide housing plan.

The EOHLC has created a survey to collect more feedback. The more responses received from people with specific experience regarding housing options for older adults in Massachusetts, the better. This survey takes about five minutes. Please consider sharing your ideas! 

TAKE SURVEY

The Aging Services Network DEI Steering Committee is seeking to establish what the path forward might look like as a group in terms of scope, focus, and structure and would very much like interested COAs to be engaged.

If you are interested in joining the next discussion about this topic, please provide your information via this link, https://forms.office.com/r/j5JHivntSM, to be added to their email distribution list, and note that the next DEI meeting will be 10/18 at 1PM.

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