Most recent resources

Over five million older adults across the country are Limited English Proficient (LEP). LEP older adults do not speak English as their primary language or they have a limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English. The number of LEP older adults is growing. Federal and state laws protect the vital right to receive health information in a language one understands. However, many barriers make it difficult for older adults to assert these rights, impairing their ability to understand their healthcare and make decisions. This ultimately leads to poorer health outcomes and health disparities. This Practice Tip offers advice to advocates and counselors working with LEP older adults to better assert their language access rights.

The Governor’s Council to Address Aging Issues in Massachusetts established workgroups to focus on several key areas: caregiving, employment, housing, and transportation. The transportation workgroup recognized that to make informed recommendations it needed a thorough understanding of the transportation services available to older people in Massachusetts. The first step was to conduct a scan of transportation services in the state and to learn more about national best practices.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston Gerontology Institute conducted this scan during the spring of 2018 with the financial support of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

This webinar was first in the series from Grantmakers in Aging designed to encourage greater philanthropic engagement in age-friendly efforts across the country. This installment features two age-friendly initiatives underway in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Presenters: Kelly Laflamme, Program Director, Endowment for Health, Concord, New Hampshire; James Fuccione, Senior Director, MHAC.

This 2017 report on the opioid crisis in rural America from Grantmakers in Aging highlights the needs and concerns of older adults, and describes programs, partnerships, policy recommendations, and scientific and medical responses that governments, communities, nonprofits, and philanthropies can support and expand.

The Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DMFI) is a whole-community response to creating dementia friendly communities. Dementia friendly communities are safe, informed, and respectful and engage all members of the community to meet the needs of the growing number of people living with dementia to remain part of the fabric of our vibrant community life. The DMFI is convened by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and many partner organizations.

This resource is a comprehensive guide to legal planning for dementia and alzheimer’s patients and their families

This resource provides tips for choosing an assisted living facility and making the transition.

The AARP walk audit provides step-by-step instructions and checklists for examining intersections, sidewalks, driver behavior, public safety and more.

This workbook is intended as a tool and resource to empower homeowners to identify, plan, and implement home renovations to allow them to age safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as they wish.

Source: www.berkshireplanning.org

This resource provides information on the health benefits of swimming for people of all ages. It also shares the benefits of swimming for those with arthritis, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.