Sep 3, 2024 | Education & Training, Events, Member Services, News
MCOA and Dementia Friendly Massachusetts are co-sponsoring “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2024.”
This virtual symposium is brought to you by Dementia Friends Massachusetts, and will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom.
This year’s theme is: Brain Health for All Communities.
Join 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.
Register in advance on Zoom here. Attendance is free. CEUs will be available for a fee – check here for updates. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, and captions in English and most other languages available.
Contact Beth at bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.orgwith questions.
Aug 13, 2024 | Events, Member Services, News
MCOA Membership Meeting Via Zoom September 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair
10:05 Art Pharmacy
- Adrienne Hundley, Head of Community Strategy
10:50 MCOA New Training Series
- Andrea Cordis, Training and Education Manager
11:00 An Introduction to Behavioral Health Training for Councils on Aging
Interim Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Director of Digital Psychiatry Translation, Director, Technology and Aging Lab
McLean Hospital
11:45 Business Meeting
- Betsy – Legislative Updates
- Vote – Board and Regional Reps
- Sharon Mercurio/Board
- Sharon Rice/Regional Rep
- Cynthia Tarail/Regional Rep
- Lisa Clark Viklund/Regional Rep
12:00* Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm with a separate meeting link.
Don’t have an MyMCOA Infohub account yet? Contact Kelly Burke, Member Services Manager (Kelly@mcoaonline.org) or Paula Hersey, Digital Communications Manager (paula@mcoaonline.org)
Aug 2, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Healthy Aging, News, Public Health
Many Senior Centers and other public buildings in Massachusetts are designated Cooling Centers. The Mass.gov website has a page devoted to the creation and implementation of Cooling Centers, which offers many good ideas. These ideas seem obvious when encountered in a list of best practices, but it’s easy to overlook some of the simple but important touches like easily read, large-font signage with hours and the posting of rules of use for visitors. This is a great opportunity to think about whether or not your current signage indicating where restrooms are (among other things) is effective for people living with dementia.
Here are some ways to help your guests seeking relief from the heat feel comfortable:
- Be ready to host visitors of all ages and be alert to the needs that can arise when children are in the building.
- Serve chilled water or make sure that guests know where your water fountain or bottle filling station is located.
- Bowls of water for pets are an especially welcoming touch.
- Offer a matinee: a darkened, air-conditioned room can be an extra treat if you’re screening a well-loved classic or other choice.
- Have extra chairs out.
- Encourage the playing of board games and create some game-friendly spaces.
- Print and distribute safety tips and ideas for reducing the risks of extreme heat.
- Advertise your Cooling Center in multiple languages and utilize your local media platforms so that the community is aware of your hours.
- Collaborate with other municipal departments and boards to adequately staff your Cooling Center.
- Be sure that your public safety colleagues are aware of the Cooling Center and know its hours of operation. Maybe one of them could do a presentation on staying safe in extreme heat!
- Deploy volunteers as Cooling Center hosts.
Does your Senior Center offer a Cooling Center? Do you have any tried and true tips to share with the COA community? We’d love to hear them: please post your best practices (or unforeseen challenges) to the InfoHub!
Jul 24, 2024 | News
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is now accepting nominations for our annual awards!
Submission deadline, September 6, 2024
These awards honor individuals, groups, and programs that have significantly impacted the lives of older adults. Categories include “Director of the Year” and “Innovation of the Year.”
Join us in celebrating the champions of our
older adult community. Nominate someone today and help us honor their exceptional work and dedication! Awards will be presented at the Fall Conference, October 23-25 at the beautiful Sea Crest Resort in Falmouth. Questions? Please contact
kelly@mcoaonline.org
Award Criteria
COAs are allowed to self-nominate their programs for this award
- Introduction of a New Initiative
- Launched a creative or groundbreaking initiative.
- Significantly enhanced services, programs, or operations of their COA.
- Measurable, Positive Impacts
- Improved the COA’s ability to serve its community.
- Increased efficiency.
- Expanded outreach.
- Innovation and Sustainability
- Shows potential for long-term sustainability.
- Replicable in other COAs or aging service organizations.
Innovation of the Year Nomination Form
Award Criteria
- Exceptional Leadership Qualities
- Exhibits vision and integrity.
- Demonstrates effective decision-making leading their COA.
- Positive Community Impact
- Implements innovative programs.
- Provides outstanding service delivery.
- Engages in impactful advocacy efforts.
- Advocacy and Collaboration
- Advances the interests of older adults.
- Fosters collaborations that strengthen the COA’s community role.
MCOA Director of the Year Nomination Form
Jul 19, 2024 | Age & Dementia Friendly, Housing, News
The mic-drop moment at the July 11 Outreach meeting was when the presenter, Tim O’Reilly, who manages building projects for Backyard ADUs, shared that Massachusetts’ Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) will provide 0% interest loans of up to $50K to eligible households for the building of accessory dwelling units.
Older or disabled adults who are interested in making changes to their homes to increase their long-term, at-home independence, may apply to the program.
Additionally, household members who are not disabled or over 60 can submit applications for home modifications or the creation of accessory dwelling units (free-standing or in the existing home) that will aid older adults or people with disabilities in their households.
Distinct from a home repair program, HMLP provides loans that support projects that may include: ramp and lifts, bathroom and kitchen adaptations, sensory integration spaces, fencing, and, as noted, accessory dwelling units. It’s all about increasing accessibility.
The HMLP is administered for the state by the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), which in turn has delegated the processing of applications to regional agencies. For a list of regional provider agencies and eligibility and application information, see the program brochure.
More general information on the program can be found on CEDAC’s HMLP webpage.
2023 Income Limits
| Household size |
Maximum Annual Income |
| 1 |
$207,800 |
| 2 |
$237,600 |
| 3 |
$267,200 |
| 4 |
$296,800 |
| 5 |
$320,600 |
| 6 |
$344,400 |
| 7 |
$368,200 |
| 8 |
$391,800 |
Jul 5, 2024 | Housing, Mental Health, News, Resource finding
Some may remember that in March of this year the US Senate’s Special Committee on Aging distributed an RFI, seeking written testimony from people with lived experience and other stakeholders on the effects of hoarding. Committee members have finished their report, and responses from Massachusetts were strong. You can read or download the report here:
The Consequences of Clutter: How Hoarding Disorder Affects America’s Older Adults, First Responders, and their Communities
The report is long; one way to dip in is to start with the statements from people in Massachusetts—all of the pieces of the report are conveniently hyperlinked in the table of contents, and you can search for any word using ctrl/F on your keyboard. You will probably recognize some names of well-known hoarding disorder advocates and experts from MA. The statement written by members of the MA Hoarding Resource Network Steering Committee can be found on page B-106.
There are several statements from task forces around the country, and federal support for hoarding task forces is the top recommendation in the report:
SAMHSA and ACL should provide training, guidance, and technical assistance
regarding HD. Although HD is relevant to the mission of the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Administration for
Community Living (ACL), neither agency identified programs specific to the con-
dition. SAMHSA and ACL should develop training, technical assistance, and other
guidance for social service providers, health care providers, and first responders
on how to respond to HD. Technical assistance should include tips and training for
professionals likely to encounter people with HD. Technical assistance should also
include guidance for communities on establishing a coordinated, evidence-based
response to HD – including best practices for forming and sustaining hoarding task
forces (page 43)
The statements from people living with hoarding disorder are particularly powerful and support the idea that with consistent, skilled assistance, people living with this disorder can make meaningful change in their lives.
May 30, 2024 | Education & Training, Events, News
Based on valuable feedback from our network, the MCOA is seeking proposals for facilitated round table discussions at the upcoming Fall Conference!
What are Facilitated Round Table Discussions?
These small-group sessions will provide a platform for in-depth conversations on specific issues. As the facilitator, you’ll guide the discussion, ensuring a productive and engaging experience for all participants. Network and connect with colleagues from across the state.
Examples of Possible Discussion Topics:
- Innovative Programs for Senior Wellness: Share successful initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health among seniors. Discuss how to implement these programs in various communities.
- Technology and Aging: Explore the latest technological advancements that can aid the elderly in maintaining independence and staying connected. Discuss best practices for introducing and teaching new technology to seniors.
- Intergenerational Engagement: Discuss strategies to foster meaningful interactions between different age groups, and how these interactions can benefit both seniors and younger generations.
- Challenges in Caregiver Support: Address the unique challenges faced by caregivers of the elderly. Share resources, support networks, and strategies for providing effective assistance.
- Advocacy and Policy Updates: Stay informed about recent policy changes affecting the aging population. Discuss how to advocate for seniors’ rights and needs at the local and state levels.
Why Participate?
- Professional Development: Enhance your facilitation skills and gain insights from your peers.
- Networking: Build connections with professionals across the aging network.
- Collaborative Learning: Contribute to and benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences of your colleagues.
We look forward to hearing your ideas and making the MCOA Fall Conference a truly collaborative event!
May 21, 2024 | Events, Member Services, News
MCOA Membership Meeting | Via Zoom June 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair
10:05 Remote Access to Vote
- Tatum Pritchard, Director of Litigation, Disability Law Center, Inc.
10:20 My Healthy Brain: Lifestyle Habits that Promote Brain Health with Aging
- Ryan Mace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
- Nicole McGurin, Programs & Services Director
Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter
11:20 Business Meeting
- Betsy – Legislative Updates
12:00 * Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm
May 2, 2024 | News
| Job Location |
| Franklin, Massachusetts |
| Job Title |
| Senior Center Director |
| Job Description |
The Town of Franklin is accepting applications for the position of Senior Center Director. The
Director reports directly to the Town Administrator and works in close cooperation with the
nine members of the Council on Aging, an advisory Council whose mission is to enhance the
independence and quality of life for older adults in Franklin. The Senior Center receives
exceptional support from the Franklin Community, including the Friends of Franklin Elders,
Inc. (FOFE); a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide funds for programs, services, and equipment for the Franklin Senior Center that cannot be provided by state or local government.The mission of the Franklin Senior Center is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s aging population. The Director ensures that the Senior Center reaches this goal by:• Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social, and physical
well-being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as a liaison to local, state, and
federal resources for older adults.
The Director hires and oversees a staff of 12 employees, both part-time and full-time, as well as substitute employees and volunteers. The Center is for residents 55+ in our community, and offers a variety of programming and services including but not limited to exercise classes, educational lectures, social events, health and wellness opportunities and social services.The Franklin Senior Center is home to a supportive day program (“Sunshine Club”), a
Caregivers Support Group, and the Memory Café. The Senior Center also has Common Grounds Café for residents to enjoy breakfast and/or lunch, a Social Service Coordinator who provides residents assistance in obtaining the services they need, and a part-time Registered Nurse providing health and wellness opportunities.
The Director oversees the Senior Center budget, which is funded through the Town along with state and local grant funding and funding from the Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc.
The Director also performs the following duties:
• Develops and administers the department’s operating and grant budgets; seeks funding
from non-profit, state, and private foundations for operations and services.
• Prepares and submits required fiscal reports to local and state agencies
• Plans, develops and evaluates programs in the areas of health care, nutrition, counseling,
social services, recreation, respite, et al, for older adults.
• Publicizes and promotes services and programs through the media, including social media
posts, media releases, public speaking, and panel presentations; works with staff to create
the “Franklin Connection” monthly newsletter.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of staff; updates job descriptions
and oversees work schedules.
• Oversees the administration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Program in
accordance with town and state regulations.
• Oversees facility issues by coordinating with various municipal departments.
• Performs Commonwealth of MA-CORI checks and serves as a Reporter of Elder Abuse in
accordance with the MA Protective Service Law.
• Attends training and workshops to maintain knowledge and awareness of state and federal
laws as well as practices pertaining to the provision of services to older adults.
• Reinforces confidentiality regulations with staff and volunteers.
• Serve as an advocate in the community, regarding issues and concerns of older adults.
• Serves on the Franklin Crisis Intervention Team and works closely with Veterans’ Services,
the Health Department, Facilities, and several local social service organizations, including
but not limited to the Franklin Food Pantry, the Hockomock YMCA, the Inter-faith Council,
Tri-Valley, Inc., and the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHANA 6).
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.
Required Qualifications:
• Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excellent customer service skills.
• College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology,
human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances.
• Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws.
• Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire.
• Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations
requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Agency | Organization Name |
| Franklin Senior Center |
| Organization Classification |
| Council on Aging |
| Job Type: |
| Full-time |
| Days & Hours |
| Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Position Benefits |
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off |
| Position Description |
The Town of Franklin is accepting applications for the position of Senior Center Director. The
Director reports directly to the Town Administrator and works in close cooperation with the
nine members of the Council on Aging, an advisory Council whose mission is to enhance the
independence and quality of life for older adults in Franklin. The Senior Center receives
exceptional support from the Franklin Community, including the Friends of Franklin Elders,
Inc. (FOFE); a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide funds for programs, services, and equipment for the Franklin Senior Center that cannot be provided by state or local government.
The mission of the Franklin Senior Center is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s aging population. The Director ensures that the Senior Center reaches this goal by:• Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social, and physical
well-being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as a liaison to local, state, and
federal resources for older adults.
The Director hires and oversees a staff of 12 employees, both part-time and full-time, as well as substitute employees and volunteers. The Center is for residents 55+ in our community, and offers a variety of programming and services including but not limited to exercise classes, educational lectures, social events, health and wellness opportunities and social services.The Franklin Senior Center is home to a supportive day program (“Sunshine Club”), a
Caregivers Support Group, and the Memory Café. The Senior Center also has Common Grounds Café for residents to enjoy breakfast and/or lunch, a Social Service Coordinator who provides residents assistance in obtaining the services they need, and a part-time Registered Nurse providing health and wellness opportunities.
The Director oversees the Senior Center budget, which is funded through the Town along with state and local grant funding and funding from the Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. |
| Duties & Responsibilities |
• Develops and administers the department’s operating and grant budgets; seeks funding
from non-profit, state, and private foundations for operations and services.
• Prepares and submits required fiscal reports to local and state agencies
• Plans, develops and evaluates programs in the areas of health care, nutrition, counseling,
social services, recreation, respite, et al, for older adults.
• Publicizes and promotes services and programs through the media, including social media
posts, media releases, public speaking, and panel presentations; works with staff to create
the “Franklin Connection” monthly newsletter.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of staff; updates job descriptions
and oversees work schedules.
• Oversees the administration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Program in
accordance with town and state regulations.
• Oversees facility issues by coordinating with various municipal departments.
• Performs Commonwealth of MA-CORI checks and serves as a Reporter of Elder Abuse in
accordance with the MA Protective Service Law.
• Attends training and workshops to maintain knowledge and awareness of state and federal
laws as well as practices pertaining to the provision of services to older adults.
• Reinforces confidentiality regulations with staff and volunteers.
• Serve as an advocate in the community, regarding issues and concerns of older adults.
• Serves on the Franklin Crisis Intervention Team and works closely with Veterans’ Services,
the Health Department, Facilities, and several local social service organizations, including
but not limited to the Franklin Food Pantry, the Hockomock YMCA, the Inter-faith Council,
Tri-Valley, Inc., and the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHANA 6).
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates. |
| Education Requirements |
| College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology, human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. |
| Experience Requirements |
| Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excePrevious experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations. Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances. • Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products. • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws. • Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire. • Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire. • Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Qualifications |
Required Qualifications:
• Pleasant, honest, detail oriented, and friendly with excellent customer service skills.
• College degree in public administration, community organization, social work, gerontology,
human relations or a related field. Minimum of five years related work experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience working with older adults and/or disabled populations.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets and finances.
• Computer literacy skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft and Google products.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and practices, and confidentiality laws.
• Must be appointed and certified as CORI designee within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain certification from the MA Association of Councils on Aging within 3 years of hire.
• Able to represent the COA effectively and to advocate for elders in a variety of situations
requiring knowledge, negotiation skills, diplomacy and tact. |
| Salary Range or Hourly Rate |
| $85,000 – $100,000 annually |
| Application Deadline |
| 05/24/2024 |
| Application Website / URL |
| https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/senior-center-director-job-posting-04-25-24.pdf |
| DOWNLOAD Job Description |
 Senior-Center-Director-Job-Posting-04-25-24.pdf |
Apr 26, 2024 | Education & Training, News
With April showers (hopefully) giving way to May flowers, I’m reflecting on my first six fulfilling months at MCOA. The transition has been incredibly smooth thanks to the warm welcome I’ve received from the MCOA team and the broader network. I’m excited to see what the rest of the year brings, and I’m feeling grateful for the support and camaraderie I’ve found here.
My first month was a whirlwind of learning about the unique aspects of senior centers and the municipalities they serve. From countless Zoom meetings with each of my colleagues to SIG RFP proposals to transitioning from being a Google nerd to a Microsoft newbie…it has all been amazing!
While I had previously spoken at many senior centers in my role as an AARP presenter, I have had the pleasure of visiting 11 COAs since starting my role as Training and Education Manager for MCOA. This has included a few in-person trainings, celebrations, staff meetings, and just stopping in for a tour and a chat! I hope to get out to many more in the future!
Since joining MCOA in November, we’ve hit the ground running, offering training on leadership, strategic planning, hoarding disorder, grant writing, and even navigating end-of-life conversations. The overwhelming response to our training survey fuels my excitement for the future – I can’t wait to see what new topics we can bring to the network!
To keep this (first ever) blog post short, I extend my deepest gratitude towards all of YOU! I look forward to meeting so many of you at the upcoming Spring Symposium (go register now if you haven’t already) or at future trainings.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
