Over fifty elders in Peabody found themselves displaced from their homes when flooding occurred at the Tannery apartment complex and at Rockdale Park elder housing during last month's flood. People were first evacuated to Peabody High School. Fortunately, most were able to make arrangements to stay with family members. Some were housed for a few days in local hotels. Several individuals who need daily personal care services were temporarily admitted to Peabody Glen Health Care Center or Renaissance Gardens, the nursing facility at Brooksby Village.

Case managers and nurses maintained close communications with these displaced clients as well as the homemakers and home health aides who provide the services to ensure uninterrupted care. NSES emergency funds were used to help pay for hotel costs and personal care items that were left behind in the hurry to evacuate. Working with the councils on aging, over 500 meals on wheels were delivered daily in spite of flooded streets with only a few exceptions.

North Shore Elder Services was also called upon to staff an "Aging and Disability Services Resource Table" at the Peabody Disaster Recovery Center the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency established at the North Shore Mall. For a two-week period, NSES personnel, assisted by staff from SeniorCare, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Elder Services of the North Shore, the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, and other organizations, provided information and assistance from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. six days a week. If you or someone you know is over age 60, or is a person with disabilities, in need of help recovering from the flood we encourage you to stop by the Disaster Recovery Center and see what resources are available.

State Representative Bradford Hill's interest and unique understanding of elder housing issues was reflected in the dynamic conversation at North Shore Elder Services Power Breakfast Wednesday morning. "We (politicians) finally understand that elderly housing needs to be located in our downtown areas where elders have access to public transportation, shopping areas and senior centers," he said. Along with affordable housing, Medicare Part D and Prescription Advantage enrollment has kept his office busy with calls in the last few months.

There was a lively exchange of information between Representative Hill and the board members, staff and advisory committee members in attendence. North Shore Elder's Services' efforts at keeping elders at home and the importance of the Equal Choice Bill seemed to peak Hill's interests. "I'm always interested in learning more about your ideas and positions," Hill commented, "this is going to be the highlight of my day."

North Shore Elder Services will welcome Representative John D. Keenan to the breakfast table on June 15th. Keenan is a Democrat representing the seventh Essex district, consisting of the city of Salem.

>194 Danvers clients recieved $372,511 worth of home care services

>814 inquiries for information from Danvers residents

>11 Danvers clients kept out of nursing facilities, a $34,000 savings to MassHealth

>510 monthly visits to residents in Danvers nursing facilities

>20,369 congregate and home delivered meals served to Danvers residents

Check back next month as we highlight numbers from Salem