HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 2018
1673 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 • (508) 896-2737 • Fax (508) 896-7587
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Denise Rego, Director Andrea Nevins, COA Board Co-Chair Alice Stelzer, FOBE President
Sharon Tennstedt, COA Board Co-Chair
April 2018
MISSION STATEMENT: To support and advocate for older adults and their families by
providing programs, services and resources that promote individual living and quality of life.
HOLIDAY CLOSING NOTES:
The COA will be closed on
Monday, April 16th in honor of
Patriots’ Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
I Scream... You Scream …
We All Scream for Ice Cream!
JOIN US FOR AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
Sponsored by
the Friends of Brewster Elders
and the Brewster Council on Aging
FRIDAY, MAY 4th
2:30pm – 5:00 pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Choose from two flavors of ice cream (vanilla or
Moose Tracks), hot fudge or strawberry topping,
plus many different “add-ons” such as M&Ms,
jimmies, Oreo cookies, cherries and whipped
toppings to make a delicious sundae!
Cost per sundae is only: $2.00 for Adults
$1.00 for children under the age of 12
Come one...come all… young and ’older’ alike!
This is a fun-filled event for all ages! See you there!
REMINDER: Annual Town Meeting
Monday, May 7th 7:00pm
Stony Brook Elementary School
384 Underpass Rd.
A BIG Thank You to our
Brewster Chamber of Commerce!
As many of you might know, you are not allowed
to purchase any personal care products with
SNAP funds.
Therefore, Kyle Hinkle, Executive Director of our
Brewster Chamber of Commerce, decided to
put together a drive to collect toilet paper and
paper towels for needy seniors in our town.
They delivered 178 rolls of toilet paper, 68 rolls of
paper towels, 27 boxes of tissues and 2 packages
of paper napkins. These items will be distributed
to Brewster seniors in the very near future.
Your efforts and the generosity of our Brewster
citizens is overwhelming and we cannot thank
you enough!
Brewster COA
Director,
Denise Rego,
shows a small
portion of what
was recently
collected during
the paper goods
drive headed by
the Brewster
Chamber of
Commerce.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Hinkle
Page 2 April 2018 Brewster, MA
Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop News
66 Harwich Road (Route 124) Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop will be hosting a Yard Sale, in conjunction with
Brewster in Bloom weekend, Saturday, May 5th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Thrift Shop.
There will be 50% off clothing and small furniture, etc. Mark your calendars!
VOLUNTEER NEWS
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK is APRIL 15th - 22nd
The Brewster Council on Aging and the Friends of Brewster Elders would
like to thank everyone who has given their time to volunteer for us in any
capacity. During 2017, many of you volunteered to drive seniors to
medical appointments, deliver Meals on Wheels, work at the Sea Captains’ Thrift Shop, help with a
program, serve as an instructor, and prepare our newsletter for mailing, along with a variety of other
tasks. We could not do it without you and want every one of you to know that you mean a great deal
not just to our organizations, but to those you serve as well.
All of our volunteers will be invited to our Annual Volunteer Luncheon, held on June 7th this year.
Keep an eye on your mail in mid-May for your personal invitation. We hope you’ll be able to join us.
This is our way to say ‘THANK YOU’ to an outstanding group of volunteers!
Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s
On Sunday, May 6th, Denise, our director, will be
participating in her 9th walk to support
“Hope Health Walk for Alzheimer’s”.
After her mother’s passing in January of 2010,
she is committed to helping others with the disease.
If you would like to sponsor her for the walk, please
stop by the COA with your donation.
Checks should be made payable to: Hope Health.
With your help, we have donated a total of $5,160
over the past 8 years. This year, we hope to reach
our goal of $5,500, which means we need to raise
$340.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Beware of Scams!
The Brewster Police Department has received several calls recently regarding folks who have been
“called by the IRS”; the caller states that legal action will be taken if they don’t pay immediately.
Remember, the IRS will NEVER call you!
The police department also wants everyone to know that the ‘Grandparent scam’ seems to be coming
back again in Brewster. This is the one where you receive a call from your grandchild saying they’ve
gotten arrested/thrown in jail, and they don’t want their folks to find out.
So they’ve called Grandma/Grandpa for some financial help in paying the penalty/bond/fee, and all
that needs to be done is for some money to be wired to wherever the grandchild is being held.
Remember to always check with family members to verify that the grandchild in question is okay.
Beautify Brewster Day 2018
The Town of Brewster will conduct its 7th annual
“Beautify Brewster Day” on Saturday, April 28th
with a rain date of Sunday, April 29th. This event
helps our community work together to prepare
Brewster for the summer.
The event time schedule is:
10:00am - 12:00pm: Clean-up of your
designated area
12:30pm - 2:00pm: Appreciation Luncheon at
Brewster Baptist Church
If you are interested in learning more about this
event and/or want to sign up, please call the COA
at (508) 896-2737 or
Ryan Burch at (508) 896-4546.
Page 3 April 2018
W.O.W.
Tuesdays: 9:30am - 11:00am
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Are you sitting at home talking to yourself?
Do you like to discuss books, movies, current
events and issues, or whatever?
Then WOW would love to welcome you into our
weekly discussion group. You don’t have to come
every week. Just join us when you can at the COA!
You’ll find us to be a very welcoming group.
If you have any questions, please call the COA at
(508) 896-2737.
Income Tax Preparation
Brewster Town Hall
2198 Main Street
Meeting Room B
It’s income tax season!
Make it easy on yourself and call the Brewster
COA soon at (508) 896-2737 to schedule your
appointment with a knowledgeable tax
representative from AARP.
Appointments are available on Wednesdays
through April 11th on a first-come, first-served
basis. The representatives will make the job of
filing your taxes much easier!
***Although the program is free, donations to the
Brewster COA are appreciated!
Please note: This service is for basic,
uncomplicated tax filing ONLY!
(Form 1040 or Form 1040-EZ)
Brewster, MA
Computer Help
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Do you need help using your computer?
We have one-on-one sessions available to
help you feel more confident in your computer
skills. Sessions are one hour and FREE!
April’s appointment dates are: 19, 26
If you’d like to make an appointment, please
contact the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737
Brewster Men’s Coffee Club
Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Spring is coming! We will be meeting on the
following Thursdays in April at the Brewster COA:
5, 12, 19, 26
Enjoy a cup of hot coffee and some lively
conversation. We’re always looking for new
members as well as Guest Speakers!
We welcome you to join us!
Computer Users Group
Brewster COA, 1673 Main Street
Thursdays: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
In April, the Computer Users Group will be
meeting on the following dates: 19, 26
Topics are solicited from program attendees at
each meeting and discussed at subsequent
meetings, all within a friendly atmosphere.
Skill level is from beginner to intermediate.
There’s no need to sign up.
Just come and learn something new!
“NEW to MEDICARE” Seminar
Wednesday, April 11th 6:00pm
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
Congratulations on turning
65 and becoming eligible for
Medicare! What exactly
does that mean?
Come and get the straight
story from our SHINE
counselors.
There are some important
things you should know about your Medicare
options.
Our SHINE counselors will introduce you to the
confusing world of Medicare A, B, C, and D,
enrollment periods, medigaps,
Medicare Advantage plans, and when you should
sign up for coverage.
Please call us at (508) 896-2737 to reserve your
seat.
Sandwiches, chips, beverages and desserts will be
provided.
Page 4 April 2018 Brewster, MA
April Program Notes
Check out the exciting programs and
events we’ve got planned for you!
All programs take place at the
Brewster COA, 1673 Main St.
(unless otherwise noted)
Crafts with Megan!
Thursday, April 5th
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free! Come join us for another great day!
You’ll be creating an easy, fun new craft each
month. All supplies are included. Meet new
friends and indulge your creative side while
our instructor, Megan, offers guidance in
all projects.
Please contact the COA by Monday,
April 2nd to let us know you are
interested: (508) 896-2737
Food to Encourage
Start-up: Thursday April 12th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Participants Needed!
Lower Cape Outreach Council in partnership with
the Barnstable County Public Health Nurses and
the Brewster COA are looking to explore the
impact of Nutrition & Healthy eating on
Diabetes & Hypertension.
This program is open to everyone, and there will
be complete confidentiality for every participant.
Health monitoring by a nurse, involving Blood
Pressure and Glucose checks, will be provided.
Each participant will receive a bag of fresh
fruits/veggies every other week, along with free
recipes! Call the COA at (508) 896-2737
to reserve your spot.
Who’s Your Agent?
Friday, April 20th 11:00am
This is a public education and engagement
program to help adults open the door to health care
planning discussions with their families and care
providers, and receive person-centered care all
through their lives. You can start to make your
own health care plan or help a competent loved one
create their plan. This is an hour-long presentation
with Julie Tooher, a trained facilitator from the
VNA of Cape Cod. We encourage you to bring a
family member or your caregiver.
Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to register.
COMING IN MAY!
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
Wednesday, May 2nd 10:00am
Major snow storms, frigid temperatures, driving
rains & high winds; should we be better prepared?
This 1-hour presentation will cover general disaster
preparedness, as well as home fire preparedness.
Caitlin Rasche and Hannah Vourassa from
AmeriCorps will be giving this presentation.
Please call us at (508) 896-2737 to register.
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
with Charlie Altieri
Brewster’s Town Wellness Nurse
Fridays: 6 Sessions
May 4th to June 8th 1:00pm - 3:30pm
This workshop meets once a week for six weeks at
2 ½ hours per session. Subjects covered include:
1. Techniques to deal with problems such as
frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep
2. Appropriate exercise for maintaining and
improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
3. Appropriate use of medications
4. Communicating effectively with family, friends,
and health professionals
5. Nutrition
6. Pacing activity and rest
7. How to evaluate new treatments
There’s still time to take charge of your health in
this new year! Please call (508) 896-2737 to
register for this very important health program!
Demonstration and Tour of Scargo Pottery
Thursday, April 26th 11:00am
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a
pottery studio? Please join us for a Demonstration
and Tour of Scargo Pottery in Dennis.
The cost for this trip is $4.00 per person, and
includes transportation, tour and a box lunch!
Call the COA soon at (508) 896-2737 to sign up!
Page 5 April 2018
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
2
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
3
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
4
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
5
9:00am Qi Gong
10:30am Crafts with
Megan
2:00pm BMCC
6
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
9
9:00am Pedicare
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
10
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
11
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
11:30am Sight Loss/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
6:00pm Seminar:
“New to Medicare”
12
9:00am Qi Gong
10:00am Food to
Encourage
2:00pm BMCC
13
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
16
PATRIOTS’ DAY
The COA is closed
17
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
18
8:45am Line Dancing
10:30am BINGO
11:00am Massages
with Sandra
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
19
8:00am Pet Grooming
8:30am Hearing
Screenings
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
1:00pm Financial
Planning
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
20
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
11:00am
Rep. Tim Whelan
11:00am Seminar:
“Who’s Your Agent?”
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
23
9:45am Keep Movin’!
1:00pm
Basic Watercolor
Painting Class
24
9:00am Yoga
9:30am W.O.W.
10:00am BP/Glucose
Testing & Health/BLL
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Bridge
1:00pm Massages with
Marilou
25
8:45am Line Dancing
9:00am Mobile Dental
Hygiene Service
10:00am Legal Help with
Atty. Tom Kosman
10:30am BINGO
1:00pm SHINE
1:00pm Quilters
26
9:00am Qi Gong
9:00am Computer Help
11:00am Trip:
Demo and Tour
of Scargo Pottery
1:00pm Computer
Users Group
2:00pm BMCC
27
9:45am Keep Movin’!
10:30am BINGO
10:00am Swimming at
Brewster Green
30
9:45am Keep Movin’!
Page 6 Senior Happenings
April 2018 Page 7
Mobile Pantry - “Healthy Food to Go”
We are pleased to bring to you this program in cooperation with The Family Pantry
of Cape Cod. Participants select their food in advance using the provided shopping
list, which includes standard non-perishable foods, along with special
non-perishable foods, fresh produce, bread products, dairy and meats.
Your shopping order is pre-bagged on the morning that you pick it up. Pick -up is the
2nd Wednesday of each month, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Frederick Court.
Our next date is Wednesday, April 11th.
Participants must register and be income-qualified. For more information, please
call Debra or Brenda at our Outreach Office at (508) 896-2737.
Tax Exemption Information
You may qualify for a substantial Real Estate Tax Exemption. Please contact the
Outreach office at the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 to check income/asset
guidelines. Applications are available now!
Brewster, MA
Fuel Assistance
Need some help with your heating bills? You may be eligible for fuel assistance.
Please contact the Outreach Department at the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 for
more information.
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services will now be offering friendly, convenient, and
affordable preventative oral health care at the Brewster Council on Aging!
The following services are FREE to eligible individuals with
Medicaid/MassHealth: cleanings, screenings, oral cancer exams, fluoride
treatments, denture care, education, referrals.
No dental insurance? They offer affordable options! This service will be held on the
4th Wednesday of every month. This month, the date will be Wednesday,
April 25th. Please contact Mobile Dental Hygiene Services if you have
any questions or you would like to make an appointment. Their telephone number is
(508) 827-6725 or check them out at: smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
SHINE News
You may have heard that everyone on Medicare will receive a Medicare card with a
new number between April 2018 and April 2019. Social Security numbers will no
longer be used on Medicare cards! Each Medicare beneficiary will receive a unique
Medicare number, including a combination of letters and numbers. Medicare
beneficiaries in Massachusetts are scheduled to receive cards starting in June 2018.
You do not need to do anything to receive the new Medicare card except
to make sure the Social Security Administration has your correct
address. These cards are FREE and will come to you automatically in the
mail. Medicare will NOT call you to ask for information in order to send you a new
card. Do not be tricked into sharing your personal information when someone calls
saying he/she is from Medicare!
Once you have received your new Medicare card, you can destroy the old one.
Don’t hesitate to give the SHINE office a call any time if you have any questions
regarding your Medicare coverage or the new Medicare cards.
Our office at the Brewster COA can be reached by calling: (508) 896-2737
Advertising
Page 8 April 2018
BAYSIDE
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP & ACTIVITY
GROUP for PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
1st & 3rd Tues. of each month ~ 1:00 - 2:30pm at Maplewood of
Brewster, 820 Harwich Road (Route 124). The Caregivers support
group and the Dementia support group run simultaneously.
Dr. Molly Perdue, facilitator. Drop-ins welcome. Call (508) 896-5170
for more information.
ANGELCARE: Please call the COA for information: (508) 896-2737
BANKING ASSISTANCE: For help balancing seniors’ checkbooks. By
appointment only. Please call the COA at (508) 896-2737 to reserve.
BINGO: Wednesday and Friday ~ 10:30 - 11:30am.
BLOOD PRESSURE & GLUCOSE TESTING/HEALTH COUNSELING:
4th Tuesday of the month at the Brewster Ladies Library, lower level.
10:00am – 2:00pm - On a drop-in basis. Provided by VNA of Cape Cod.
BREWSTER MEN’S COFFEE CLUB (BMCC): Thursdays ~ 2:00pm.
BRIDGE (men’s and women’s groups): Tuesdays ~ 1:00pm.
COMPUTER HELP: Thursdays ~ 9:00am – 12:00pm
By appointment only. 1-hour sessions are hands-on, one-on-one,
and participants choose their own pace and area of interest.
Call (508) 896-2737
PLEASE NOTE: This month’s dates: April 19 and 26
COMPUTER USERS GROUP: Thursdays ~ 1:00pm. The first hour will
be for questions and answers, followed by instructions on topics solicited
from program participants that day. Skill level is from beginner to
intermediate. No need to sign up; just drop in!
PLEASE NOTE: This months dates: April 19 and 26
DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICE: 4th Wednesday ~ 9:00am
Mobile Dental Hygiene Service offers friendly, convenient and affordable
preventative oral health care at the COA! To make an appointment,
please call Mobile Dental Hygiene Svc. at (508) 827-6725 or visit their
website at smiles@mobiledentalhygiene.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING: 3rd Thursday ~ 1:00pm.
By appointment only. A knowledgeable volunteer answers questions
and provides information concerning Long Term Care and Financial
Planning. Call (508) 896-2737
HEARING SCREENINGS: 3rd Thursday ~ 8:30am By appointment
only. FREE. Includes ear inspections and hearing-aid checks if needed.
Appointments are 15 minutes each. Call (508) 896-2737.
KEEP MOVIN’!: Mondays and Fridays ~ 9:45 -10:45 am. 10-week
session/20 classes, for the cost of $50.00. Strength training for seniors.
Classes help to relieve arthritis symptoms using adjustable weights and
stretch bands. PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested, please stop by
the class and speak with the instructor.
LEGAL HELP: 10:00am on the 4th Wednesday with Atty.Tom Kosman.
Atty. Adam Dupuy still offers legal advice, but does not have scheduled
dates at the COA. 1/2-hour appointments. By appointment only:
(508) 896-2737 The attorney will answer your legal questions. Free for
initial appointment.
LINE DANCING: Wednesdays ~ 8:45am No dance experience
required. $4.00/class when paid monthly, or $6.00/class for drop ins.
Cash or checks payable to “Cape Sands Ballroom”.
No need to call first; just come and join us!
MASSAGE: Sandra Smith’s schedule is the 3rd Wednesday of the
month beginning at 11:00am at the COA. This month, Sandra will also be
with us on Tuesday, April 17! Massages with Marilou are held the last
Tuesday of every month beginning at 1:00pm. Massages last 30 minutes
and are $15.00. By appointment only: (508) 896-2737
MEALS ON WHEELS: Provided to each homebound elder who is unable
to prepare nutritionally balanced meals.
Call Kelly Kirby at (508) 896-5070.
CHATTER
WEEKLY/MONTHLY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
OLD FASHIONED QUILTING BEE: Wednesdays ~ 1:00pm.
Fellow quilters bring in their quilting projects and enjoy the camaraderie of
other quilters. Come join in with the ‘Brewster Basters’!
OUTREACH ASSISTANCE: The Outreach Workers will answer any
questions you have about resources and programs you may be entitled to,
assist with assessing needs, file-of-life, fuel assistance applications, etc.
Please call (508) 896-2737 to make an appointment.
PEDICARE: 2nd Monday of the month ~ 9:00am - 2:30pm
(Diabetics must see a MD/Podiatrist). ½ hr. appointments - $29.00
Home Visit - $50.00 Please call (508) 896-2737 for appointment.
PET GROOMING: Buttons & Bows ~ 3rd Thursday of the month, nail
clipping will take place for animals in a grooming van at the back of the
COA, from 8:00am – 8:30am for $3.00, normally $10.00. Stop by!
POKER: Wednesdays ~ 12:30pm - 3:45pm
PLEASE NOTE: Call the COA at (508) 896-2737 for April game dates
QI GONG: Thursdays ~ 9:00am - 9:45am. $10.00 for 5 sessions.
Chinese method for enhancing the immune system; utilizing posture and
breathing exercises, along with focused intentions. Gentle and calming.
Please call the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737 for more information.
REP. TIM WHELAN: 3rd Friday of the month ~ 11:00am - 12:00 pm
Offered on a drop-in, first-come-first served basis.
SENIOR DINING: Hot lunches are provided Monday through Friday
at the COA Suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. 24-hour notice
required. Please call (508) 896-5070 no later than 11:00am the day
before. Come at 10:30am on Wednesdays and Fridays to play BINGO
before lunch! Live piano music Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30am.
SENIOR STRIDERS: This program has been discontinued until
further notice per the Brewster Recreation Dept.
SHINE: Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone
Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 3:15pm Highly-trained volunteer
counselors help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights
and benefits. Please contact the COA for an appointment at:
508-896-2737. Appointments are FREE!
SIGHT LOSS GROUP: September - June on the 2nd Wednesday of
each month at the Brewster Ladies Library ~ 11:30am -1:00pm ~ Call
Sight Loss at (508) 394-3904 for more information.
SWIMMING: Brewster Green Pool ~ Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
This is ONLY available for Brewster’s senior (60+) residents. You
ALSO need to have your Brewster COA Swipe Card for admittance.
A donation of $1.00 per swim is recommended and this is done by an
Honor system. Stop by the COA on a monthly or quarterly basis to support
this activity!
TENNIS: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ~ 9:00am – 11:00am
(Open play during winter months). Playing at the tennis courts off
Underpass Road. Please call the Brewster Recreation Department
at (508) 896-9430 for more information.
W.O.W.: (Wonderful Older Women): Tuesdays ~ 9:30am - 11:00am
This friendly group of women review current events, talk about movies &
books, give each other support & enjoy conversation. Stop by!
YOGA: Tuesday mornings from 9:00am - 10:30am.
$10 per class. Class uses breathing techniques as a foundation for
exploring gentle & safe stretching. Drop-ins welcome!
Page 9 April 2018
A Message from Charles Altieri, RN
Public Health Wellness Nurse, VNA of Cape Cod
Home visits will occur on Mondays.
Page 10 April 2018 Brewster, MA
DISCLAIMER:
The Brewster Senior Center offers many legal, financial, recreational, medical screening or other
services and/or activities by volunteer or nominal-cost practitioners. Seniors participating in these
services do so with the understanding that the Brewster Council on Aging, The Brewster Senior Center,
the Town of Brewster, Friends of Brewster Elders (aka F.O.B.E.) or its employees or agents DO NOT
ASSUME ANY LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ADVICE OR SERVICES RENDERED BY SUCH
VOLUNTEER OR NOMINAL COST PRACTITIONER. Any act, advice, or service by outside providers
at the Council on Aging SHOULD NOT BE PRESUMED TO BE ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE
BCOA.
‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ Online:
The ‘Brewster Bayside Chatter’ is available online each month and can be found on our website at:
www.brewster-ma.gov. Search under ‘Departments’ and select ‘Council on Aging’. Scroll down to
where it reads: ‘our newsletters are available online’ and click on the link! Happy Reading!
Medication Safety Tips and Minimizing Fall Risks
Falls can be common among older adults, and medications can contribute to your risk. You can lower
your risk of falling due to medication issues by:
Having a thorough review of the drugs that you take – Bring your medications to each of your
medical visits. This includes your nonprescription medications and supplements. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist if there are drugs you take that may increase your risk of falls and, if so, what may be
done to minimize that risk? Classes of drugs most strongly associated with falls include sleeping
pills, benzodiazepines for anxiety, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-seizure
medications
Being aware of side-affects that raise the risk of falls - Feeling lightheaded, particularly when
standing up, or feeling dizzy or unusually tired, feeling confused or unsteady on your feet are side
effects that make falls more likely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have these symptoms.
Being cautious with drug adjustments; the first couple of weeks after adding a drug or increasing a
dosage is a high-risk time for falls.
Minimizing risks of nonprescription drugs, herbal supplements and alcohol; these can increase fall
risk. Ask your pharmacist about interactions before you take an herbal supplement or
nonprescription drug, such as an antihistamine for allergies and colds, or a pain reliever.
Keep alcohol to a minimum, or avoid it all together.
Mayo Clinic - August, 2017
BE WELL! LIVE STRONG! LIVE LONG!
Charlie Altieri, RN, Public Health Nurse
April 2018 Page 11
Brewster, MA
Sightings from the Poop Deck
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have
never found these dangers sufficient reason to remain ashore.”
Vincent Van Gogh
They set out at sunrise every morning and return at sunset, their leathery skins weathered by the blazing
sun and never-ending Pacific winds. Their modest little pangas, boats powered by medium-sized
outboard motors, are filled with their day’s catch and you wonder how they come back day after day to
take on such a challenging and grueling profession, but they are happy and motivated by their close -knit
families and the lives and occupation they have chosen. These are the fishermen of Chumico, a small
village in the Province of Coclé, in the Republic of Panama.
However they are not all work and no play, as I found out one Sunday morning as I was comfortably
riding along the beach in an over-sand Kawasaki. Apparently they do manage a day at the beach with
their families, which include wives and many screaming children playing and splashing each other as all
kids do. The pangas are all pulled up and out of the water and outboards removed, probably to service
and clean, and prepped to function perfectly for the next day’s work. These are a humble people who
live in modest one or two room cottages just off the beach. A very small chapel is predominantly
situated in the center of this tiny enclave and kept immaculately clean. While Saints Peter and Andrew
are recognized as the patron saints of fishermen, this chapel features Our Lady of Guadalupe. I’m sure
their prayers are for a bountiful catch and safe return each day. These are God-fearing men and women.
While standing on the beach I wave as each of them pass by and they return this gringo’s wave along
with a great big smile. I think I might even feel a bit envious of their independence. They are happy
despite their difficult lives and lack of comfort. I stare off into the horizon and wonder who has had a
more satisfying life of fulfillment. We, who spend our lives enjoying all the comforts which our
professions have afforded, or the Chumico fishermen, who only deal with a good panga, a good
outboard, a good day’s catch, and an appreciative and adoring family. Who will feel more accomplished
at the end of the day, and who will get a better night’s sleep?
Peter R. Scheffer (“Life is Good!”) - Life is what you make it!!
poop deck, n., a deck above a ship’s main afterdeck
Looking for Medical Equipment?
If you are currently looking for Medical Equipment, either for yourself or for someone you know, please
contact the COA to find out if we have anything that you could use. We often receive donations of
crutches, walkers, canes, shower/tub benches, commodes and wheelchairs that we lend out,
free of charge, for indefinite periods of time. Just give us a call at (508) 896-2737
BHT - BOSTON HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION
Enjoy comfortable and safe transportation from Cape
Cod DIRECT to Boston hospitals on a
wheelchair -accessible van.
MONDAY thru FRIDAY SCHEDULE
7:30a.m. Orleans (Shaw’s)
7:45a.m. Harwich (Route 124 Commuter Lot)
8:00a.m. Barnstable (Route 132 Commuter Lot)
8:15a.m. Sagamore (Rotary Commuter Lot)
RESERVATIONS are a MUST!!!
(Reserve no later than 11a.m. the day before)
$30.00 Round Trip/$15.00 One-way
Cash or Checks (Payable to CCRTA) accepted
For reservations call 1-800-352-7155
Monday – Friday: 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Schedule your medical appointments between
10am & 2pm. The van will leave Boston by 3pm.
Visit the website for more information:
www.capecodrta.org
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
COA VAN – Scheduled trips include:
Monday–Friday to nutrition site and home after lunch for FREE.
Grocery Shopping in Orleans: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1pm.
Post office, banking & pharmacy trips: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The suggested donation is $2.00 for these errands.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS – Volunteer drivers are available for
transportation to medical appointments in their personal cars. Please call the
COA at (508) 896-2737 as soon as you make an appointment or at least four
business days (Monday through Friday) in advance so that we can find a
volunteer to provide your ride. Please notify the COA if you cannot keep your
appointment so we can notify our drivers. Make sure your house number is
visible from the road. Donations are accepted for this service.
WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL VAN – Transportation to
medical appointments is provided on a volunteer basis, Monday through
Friday. A one-week advanced reservation is required. There is a
graduated donation schedule, depending upon the destination. Call for more
information at (508) 896-2737.
All medical rides are made possible thru Title III funding, Elder Services
of Cape Cod & The Islands, Inc., and the donations of our riders.
Page 12 April 2018 Brewster, MA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit #25 Orleans, MA 02653 DART - DIAL-A-RIDE TRANSPORTATION Service:
CCRTA provides a daily general public demand response service that is wheelchair-accessible, door-to-door, and ride-by-appointment. This service is
available to all Cape Cod residents and is available Monday through Saturday in all towns, with limited Sunday service. The DART does not run on
holidays. For available times in Brewster please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 352-7155, Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. OR CURRENT RESIDENT FRIENDS OF BREWSTER ELDERS 1673 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MA 02631