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Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
SHINE Program The SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Program is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare, those approaching Medicare eligibility, and their caregivers. The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies (including Mystic Valley Elder Services), social service and community-based agencies, and Councils on Aging. The program is partially funded by the federal agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. People who have Medicare or who are about to become eligible for Medicare can meet with a SHINE Counselor to learn about benefits and options available. Volunteering as a SHINE Counselor SHINE Counselors are committed volunteers who receive extensive training and become certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in many areas of health insurance, including Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D; Medigap insurance; Medicare HMOs; retiree insurance plans; prescription drug assistance programs; Medicaid (MassHealth); and other programs for people with limited resources. To become a SHINE Counselor, you must participate in 8-10 full days of training. After your training is complete, you must pass a state certification exam composed of 100 questions. We will then pair you with an experienced SHINE Counselor to shadow and mentor for about 4 weeks, so you are fully trained and ready to conduct SHINE counseling on your own. Additionally, all new SHINE Counselors are required to use email and be flexible on where they serve in their assignments. To meet the needs of our communities, you may be asked to serve in different outreach sites or in an area other than where you live. SHINE Counselors volunteer for approximately 2-4 hours each week and a two-year minimum commitment is required.
Date Posted: Oct 4, 2023
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Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
Not only has the COVID-19 coronavirus placed older adults and adults living with disabilities at very high risk of serious illness or death, but it has also made them more susceptible to social isolation and loneliness. Many older adults already live with a deep sense of disconnection from their community, but the pandemic and related social distancing measures have made their sense of social isolation much worse. The Social Engagement Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services is designed to help improve the health and well-being of isolated older adults in the community by providing a meaningful social connection-whether it be through telephone calls, email messages, or regular visits. We are looking for local volunteers. See more detailed information about the program. Our agency serves a diverse population, and this program will be no exception. It is our mission to recruit a diverse cohort of volunteers, and we encourage bilingual volunteers to ensure that all of our consumers feel heard! In addition to speaking their native language, cultural connections can also help build an even stronger connection. More about the Social Engagement Program at MVES! There are three different options for program participants. Volunteers may choose one that is best for them, or could be involved in two, or all three! Volunteers in all parts of this program will receive training and ongoing support. Considering that the goal of this program is to offer meaningful connections, we do ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 1 year of service. Our expectation is that everyone would begin by being matched with just one person, however, if you are interested, we could potentially match with you up to 5 individuals looking for someone to connect with! The Social Engagement Program includes the following services: Telephone Reassurance Volunteers call an isolated individual, offering a social contact and friendly conversation. This program asks for a commitment of approximately 2-4 hours per week. Email Pen Pal Program Volunteers provide a regular social and supportive email communication. This program requires a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week. Friendly Visitor Program Volunteers provide home visits that focus on in-person socialization and companionship. This aspect of the program will only be done when it is safe to do so, and will ask for a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week.
Date Posted: Oct 4, 2023
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Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
The Social Engagement Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) helps improve the health and well-being of isolated older adults in the community by pairing them with volunteers who provide meaningful social connections-whether it be through in-person visits (Friendly Visits), phone calls (Telephone Reassurance), card and letter writing (Card & Letter Writer), or email messages (Email Pen Pal). Volunteering for the Social Engagement Program Trained and carefully screened volunteers are matched with consumers (aka clients) in the communities we serve for friendship and support. Matches are based on geography, availability, and the interests and preferences of both the consumer and the volunteer. The time commitment for this volunteer position is approximately 1-2 hours per week. Social Engagement volunteers (and all MVES volunteers) must be age 18 or older, reside in the State of Massachusetts (USA) during their volunteer experience, and be able to travel to their assigned volunteer locations within the MVES service area, which includes the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winthrop. MVES serves a diverse population, including many who speak languages other than English. Bi-lingual or multi-lingual individuals (especially Cantonese/Mandarin, Haitian-Creole and Spanish) are encouraged to apply.
Date Posted: Oct 4, 2023
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Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
About the Healthy Aging Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services Healthy eating. Stress reduction. Fall prevention. These issues all affect older adults, yet many do not know where to turn for resources to help them address these challenges effectively. Enter the Healthy Aging Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES), a comprehensive program of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion workshops designed to improve health and well-being, reduce disease and injury, support healthy living, and promote healthy choices to help seniors remain healthy and independent. Healthy Aging workshop offerings may include: A Matter of Balance Chronic Disease Self-Management Better Choices, Better Health (the online version of Chronic Disease Self-Management) Chronic Pain Self-Management Healthy Eating Tools for Caregivers Tai Chi Healthy Aging workshops are facilitated by volunteers known as Healthy Aging Group Leaders. Healthy Aging Group Leader Requirements: Must be age 18+ Must reside in Massachusetts during the volunteer experience and be able to travel to assigned volunteer location(s) within the MVES service area, including Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winthrop Experience and/or interest in working with older adults Ability to carry up to 10 lbs. and operate audiovisual equipment (e.g., TV, VCR, DVD player) Comfortable teaching and facilitating group discussion and role play Demonstrates respect for diversity among group participants Models positive health behaviors for participants Encourages interactive discussion about concepts and skills presented Encourages socializing, idea sharing, and problem-solving among the participants Maintains confidentiality with participants’ communications Must have reliable transportation Strong communication and interpersonal skills Willingness to learn and support the principles and protocols of evidence-based programs
Date Posted: Oct 4, 2023
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Flexible Schedule
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Malden, MA 02148
There are many reasons for social isolation beyond the pandemic. Some older adults might not have family, might be estranged from their families, might not be as technologically savvy as younger folks, and might rely on transportation to socialize. To address this issue, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) launched the Social Engagement Program to help improve the health and well-being of isolated older adults in the community by providing meaningful social connections. The Social Engagement Program provides support through telephone calls, email messages, and in person "friendly visits." We are currently seeking "Friendly Visitor" volunteers to provide home visits that focus on in-person socialization and companionship. We ask for a commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week.
Date Posted: Oct 4, 2023
