Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDnEsDAy, DECEmbER 24, 2025 Everett Public Libraries refl ect on a year of connection, community and creativity Library staff and patrons celebrate meaningful moments, trusted relationships and vibrant programming throughout 2025 Special to Th e Advocate A s 2025 comes to a close, the Everett Public Libraries are taking time to refl ect on a year fi lled with connection, creativity and community engagement. From beloved storytimes and trusted book recommendations to special events and unique programming, the Parlin and Shute Libraries once again served as welcoming spaces for residents of all ages. Throughout the year, library staff witnessed countless moments that underscored the important role libraries play in daily life. Children and families gathered for storytimes; neighbors spent hours reading, studying and socializing; and patrons continued to place their trust in librarians to help them discover new books, fi lms and resources. “I have loved how so many parents, grandparents and children have enjoyed our storytimes,” said Karen, a member of the library staff . “It has been such a pleasure to interact with such wonderful people. It warms my heart to see the adorable children either listening to a story or shaking their sillies out.” Valerie highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of the Children’s Department at the Shute Library, noting its “cozy community vibes” and the way patrons feel comfortable spending hours browsing, reading, playing and connecting with one another. For JoAnne, the most meaningful moments came from the trust patrons place in staff recommendations. “My highlight has been the trust of patrons giving me the responsibility to pick out their books to read and movies to watch, and then hearing their reactions when they come to return the items,” she shared. Another standout moment of 2025 was the joy brought by Gandalf, the library’s visiting cat therapist. “Watching patrons find comfort during busy days, sometimes with a book, sometimes with a purring cat, was truly special,” said Trisha. “Those quiet moments of connection mean so much.” From Poetry Month celebrations and the Halloween MasFor Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers 617-387-2200 at querade to the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting, library programming throughout the year brought residents together in meaningful ways. As the Everett Public Libraries look ahead to 2026, staff remain grateful for the continued support of the community and excited to off er even more programs, services and resources in the year to come. Pace Program Recent Changes P ACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), is a national comprehensive health program created to help elders remain at home as long as possible. While PACE is a valuable resource for many elders, not many family advisors are familiar with the program. There are presently 8 PACE programs in Massachusetts, each covering a diff erent geographic area. The contact person for any of the programs will direct you appropriately based upon your address. You can also fi nd additional information by going to the National PACE Association’s website at www.npaonline.org. In order to be eligible for PACE, applicants must be 55 years of age or more, live in a PACE service area and must be certifi ed by the state as eligible for nursing home care but able to safely remain in the community with the additional supports PACE off ers. Members must also agree to receive all health services exclusively through the Elder Service Plan. While many elders are initially hesitant to give up their primary care physicians or other medical professionals, it is the interdisciplinary team model of PACE that allows each member to maximize his or her potential to remain in the community and ensures that no one falls through the cracks. PACE is jointly funded by Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare each pay a set rate per member per month. The Medicare rate is dependent on the diagnosis codes of each member. Each PACE program must offer a number of “core” services and may off er elective services based on the various needs of their members. This fl exibility allows each program to customize individualized care plans designed to help each member maximize his or her potential. Interdisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, nutritionists, and other medical staff work together to provide primary medical care, home health, adult day recreation, rehabilitation services, transportation, medications, podiatry, optometry, dental, and social services. While the majority of PACE services are provided at an adult day center to encourage socialization and activity, services are provided in the home when appropriate. Some PACE programs, such as Harbor Health, off er residence in certain assisted living facilities. In these cases, the member pays a certain portion and PACE pays the diff erence. PACE members never pay more than their income to live in assisted living. If nursing home care becomes necessary, it is paid for by PACE and PACE continues to coordinate the member’s care, so long as the member resides in a PACE facility. MassHealth’s December, 2025 Eligibility Operations Memo 25-17 states that eff ective January 15, 2026, it will now follow Federal law which requires MassHealth to consider the income and assets of both spouses when determining eligibility of individuals applying for PACE. Married couples will now be subject to the current asset limit as is the case with nursing home eligibility. As of January 1, 2026, the community spouse can keep up to $162,660 in countable assets while the applicant can only keep $2,000 in countable assets. The most signifi cant reason that PACE is appealing is that its primary goal is to provide each member with the individual supports needed to remain in the community as long as possible. With PACE, there is no 6 month deductible spenddown on medical expenses when monthly income for a single person is over $2,982 (300% of the federal benefi t rate), unlike in the Frail Elder Waiver Program. PACE may not be for everybody but its benefi ts should at least be explored. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation.
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