AAA8

Dec. 2009      

Rick HindmanThoughts
from the Director:

Rick Hindman
  
 
Department of Aging Offers Flu Season Tips
 
Surviving Flu Season:
You Can Protect Yourself and Those Around You

 
It's that time of year again - flu season. The flu can put clients and health care workers out of commission for more than a week, causing fever, chills, headache, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Some people may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, the flu can even lead to hospitalization, even death.
 
Flu symptoms usually appear within two to four days of contracting the virus and the infection is considered contagious for another three to four days after symptoms appear. There are two strains of flu this year, seasonal and H1N1, and the symptoms and treatments are similar for both.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and people age 65 and older. Medicare Part B covers annual flu shots.
 
Since there currently is a shortage of the swine flu, H1N1, vaccination, priority is being given to populations most vulnerable to the disease, such as pregnant women, babies and young people. Seniors, age 65 and older, do not seem to become sick with the H1N1 virus, and are not considered a priority for inoculation for swine flu.
 
Once protected with a flu shot, protect others and slow the spread of flu. The flu virus is passed from one person to another through fluids from mouth and nose secretions. When we cough and sneeze, those droplets go into the air. Always sneeze into a tissue or paper towel or, if you don't have those with you, sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand. By keeping the germs off your hands and out of the air, you will not spread flu germs to another surface and risk infecting someone else. 
 
Avoid spreading flu with good hand washing. To kill germs, communicative disease experts recommend washing with soap and warm water for 15 to 30 seconds, about as long as it takes to hum "Yankee Doodle Dandy." If you are not near a sink, a gel sanitizer or an alcohol-based hand wipe also can be effective.
 
Rubbing eyes, nose or mouth increases the risk of getting the flu. Germs can live on any surface for two hours or more. If someone around you is infected, their germs can stay on anything they've touched and can be transferred to your hands. When you touch your face, you transfer germs that can enter your body through any mucous membrane. One study found that people typically touched their faces fifteen times in an hour. It may be hard to break habits, but not touching your eyes or nose will greatly decrease your chances of infecting yourself.
 
It makes sense that if you do not want to get sick, avoid contact with sick people. This also means if you are sick, stay home. Take care of yourself and keep your germs to yourself. If you do not feel well, you are not productive. You also risk spreading your illness to everyone you come in contact with. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.
 
It is hard to prevent all contact with germs. You can wash your hands frequently and avoid people who have the flu. But really, keeping yourself healthy is the best defense against the flu. Practice a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, regular exercise and enough sleep. When you are in good health, your immune system is stronger.
Joined Hearts in Giving Nominations Due Dec. 15
 
The Ohio Department of Aging is accepting nominations for its Joined Hearts in Giving award, which recognizes Ohio couples married 40 years or longer who share a commitment to each other and to their communities through volunteer service. Individuals and organizations interested in nominating neighbors, colleagues, family members or friends may download a nomination form or submit a nomination online. The department will accept nominations through Dec. 15, 2009.
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AAA8 Resources
  • Executive Director: Misty Casto
  • Assistant Executive Director & Area Agency on Aging Director: Rick Hindman
  • Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW
  • Programs Manager: Cathy Ash, LSW
  • Communications Director: Gwynn Stewart
Home for the HolidaysHelp Clients Be Home for the Holidays!
 
AAA8 wants you know about opportunities that make it safe and realistic to discharge nursing facility residents back to their homes and communities.
 
A recent change in state law gives nursing facilities priority in placing their residents in home and community-based services, such as PASSPORT or the Assisted Living waiver programs, when there is a wait list for enrollment. Under the Home First program, eligible individuals can be immediately assessed for home and community-based services wavier enrollment. Please contact us when a resident is a candidate for discharge so there is no delay for your resident.
 
We encourage you to call us at any time to conduct a Long Term Care Consultation with a resident, the family, and you to help make critical decisions for the next steps in meeting their care planning needs. Under state law, nursing facility residents are given priority in scheduling this in- facility assessment of home and community based services, regardless of age or income.
 
The Area Agency on Aging 8 collaborates daily with local service providers, and we explain to patients and caregivers the services available and eligibility requirements.
 
Want to know more? call us for a Home First brochure created by the Ohio Department of Aging. It gives residents and caregivers an overview of the transition services AAA8 provides.
 
This holiday season, let's combine our talents and creative solutions to help patients and their caregivers navigate the transition from nursing facility to home!
 
Call 1-800-331-2644 for more details on Ohio's Home First program. 
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Compassionate Care for Seniors, Relief for Taxpayers
Be An Advocate for Home First Funding 

Should Ohio seniors be forced into nursing homes just because they're poor? Should Ohio taxpayers who foot the bill for Medicaid be forced to pay for the most expensive care if it's not necessary?
Does Ohio's long-term care system make sense?

If you answered NO to these questions, we urge you to contact state legislators Today and encourage them to support a new bill that would expand Ohio's existing Home First law.
 
Take action to bring relief to taxpayers and compassion to seniors who should be allowed the choice to remain in their homes with independence and dignity. Visit www.areaagency8.org for details. 
 
AAA8 Takes Part in Monroe County Assisted Living Groundbreaking Ceremonies
 
Rick HindmanAAA8 Director spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Nov. for the Monroe County Care Center's Assisted Living facility addition. The project was made possible with the aid of a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development State Appalachia Grant Program. One of the primary goals of of the program is to promote health care access across the region.
 
The new 10,745 square feet facility will house 15 assisted living apartments consisting of eight one  
MCCC Groundbreakingbedroom and seven efficiency units, a central living room, country kitchen, private dining area, beauty shop and laundry facilities.
 This project will help fulfill the need for affordable assisted living services in Woodsfield and the surrounding areas.
Choices Expo2009 Choices Expo A Great Success!
  
Thanks to all of the 2009 Choices Expo sponsors, exhibitors and activities coordinators for making the event a great success. Nearly 500 registered or took advantage of the free and low-cost screenings.
 
Z106Thanks to 2009 Expo Title Sponsor, Results Radio. The live remote broadcast was hosted by Z016 at the event and they were especially wonderful to mention our sponsors and exhibitors. Their in-kind promotion donation was valued at over $7,500! 
 
2009 Expo Sponsors Included:
GOLD
Life Ambulance
Interim Healthcare of Cambridge
Interim Healthcare of Southeast Ohio
Marietta Memorial Hospital
The Marietta Times
Ohio Valley Home Health

SILVER: 
Interim Healthcare of Lancaster
The O'Neill Senior Center
United Seniors of Athens County, Inc.
Settlers Bank

BRONZE: McCarter Health Center
 
ACTIVITY: Scenic Hills Senior Center
  
Special Thanks to RSVP Volunteers, Senior News, WTAP Fox 28 and to the following Exhibitors:
Alzheimer's Association
American Red Cross
Arcadia Nursing Center
Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance
Fosterbridge
Genesis Health & Rehab
Gillespies Drugs & Braden Med Services
Guardian Medical Monitoring
Interim Healthcare of Cambridge
Interim Healthcare of Lancaster
Interim Healthcare of SE Ohio
Juice Plus
Life Ambulance Service
Marietta Memorial Hospital
Marietta Times
McCarter Health Center
Medi Home Health
Mid Ohio Valley Health Ministry
Monroe County Care Center
Ohio Benefit Bank
Ohio Valley Home Health
O'Neill Senior Center
Pro Seniors
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Results Radio
Scenic Hills Senior Center
Senior Helpers
Serving Seniors, Inc.
Settlers Bank
Southern Ohio Legal Services
Summitt Acres
The Inn at Marietta
Take Shape for Life
Tubcutter
United Seniors of Athens County, Inc.
U.S. Sen. Brown, U.S. Reps. Space & Wilson
Washington County Job & Family Services
Washington County RSVP
Washington/Morgan Community Action
 
BP-Choices Med disposal
 
Hocking reg_friends
 vball cornhole
Are Home Heating & Health Care Costs Giving Your Clients the Shivers?
Contact Us About Budget Savers Available to Seniors!


snowman_heapHelp seniors find out more about how the state has increased the income eligibility guidelines for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2010 fiscal year. Households are eligible for HEAP assistance if their income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, an increase from the previous level of 175 percent.
  
The state is expecting to receive approximately $220 million in Home Energy Assistance Program funds for the upcoming program year to assist eligible low-income Ohioans in meeting the cost of home energy bills. The Program, administered by the Department's Office of Community Services, makes a one-time payment for the current winter heating season. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for a larger amount of assistance. A special component of HEAP, the Winter Crisis Program, is administered by Community Action agencies throughout the region.
 
The Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 10 day supply of bulk fuel. To be eligible for home energy assistance, the total household income of an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of the 2009 federal poverty guidelines listed below:
Size of Household: Total Household Income: (Twelve Months)
1 up to $ 21,660
2 up to $ 29,140
3 up to $ 36,620
4 up to $ 44,100
5 up to $ 51,580
6 up to $ 59,060
7 up to $ 66,540
8 up to $ 74,020
For households with more than eight members, add $7,480 per member to the yearly income.
 
Applications for the 2009 - 2010 Home Energy Assistance Program are now being accepted. Copies are available at www.areaagency8.org.
RXOhio Department of Aging Provides Information on Medicare Part D
 
Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit open enrollment runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. During that time, if seniors are covered by Medicare, they can add, drop or change prescription drug plan for coverage that begins January 1, 2010. If they are happy with their current plan, they do not need to do anything for enrollment to continue, but they still should review coverage for changes and consider if another plan may be better.
 
Since plans change each year, seniors should annually review prescription drug needs and compare Medicare drug plans - including the current plan - for cost, coverage and convenience. Some of these factors might be more important than others, depending on individual situations and prescription drug needs.
 
When they get Medicare prescription drug coverage, they pay part of the costs, which will vary by plan, and Medicare pays part. The premium is the monthly cost they pay to join a Medicare drug plan. While the plan with the lowest premium may be tempting, seniors be sure to investigate what the plan will cover. They will be responsible for other costs.
 
The deductible is the amount the senior pays for prescriptions before the Medicare drug plan starts to share in the costs. No Medicare drug plan may have a deductible more than $295 in 2009 and some drug plans may not have any deductible. The copayment (a set amount) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost) is the amount they pay for prescriptions after they have paid the deductible. In most Medicare drug plans, seniors pay the same copayment or coinsurance for any prescription. In other drug plans, there might be different levels or "tiers" of prescriptions with different costs. 
 
Various drug plans can have different formularies, which is the list of drugs that a plan covers. In general, the formulary must include at least two drugs in all categories and classes of drugs used by people in Medicare, ensuring that people with different medical conditions can get the treatment they need.
 
Some Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap, also know as the doughnut hole. Seniors reach the coverage gap when they and their Medicare drug plan have spent a certain amount of money for covered drugs. While they are in the coverage gap, they have to pay all costs for drugs, in addition to their monthly premium. For plans with a coverage gap, the most they will ever have to pay out-of-pocket before they are out of the coverage gap is $4,350 in 2009. Ohio offers at least one Medicare drug plan with some type of coverage during the gap for an extra premium.
 
Medicare drug plans contract with pharmacies, so check that the preferred pharmacy or a pharmacy convenient to them is under contract with their plan. Also, some Medicare drug plans may offer a mail-order program that will allow drugs sent directly to the home. Seniors should consider all of the options in determining what is the most cost-effective and convenient way to have prescriptions filled.
 
Comparing Medicare drug plans is essential to ensure the plan chosen will meet their prescription needs. It can seem overwhelming, but help is available. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov and select "Compare Health Plans and Medigap Policies in Your Area." Seniors also can call the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) at 1-800-686-1578 to receive a free comparison of the prescription drug plans available in Ohio and an explanation of other programs that may help pay drug costs.
 
Ohio Voters Overwhelmingly Support Senior Services Levies
All 16 Senior Services Property Tax Levies Pass

yesOhio voters approved all 16 senior services tax levies on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, which included 14 countywide levies and two municipal levies. These levies will generate more than $20 million in additional annual revenue for local programs and services. Seventy of Ohio's 88 counties have countywide levies that, combined with 14 municipal levies, will generate more than $136 million in annual revenue.

"On Tuesday, Ohio voters recognized that senior services levies are critical to augment limited federal and state funds and accommodate a rapidly increasing older adult population," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Levy funds support a wide range of home- and community-based services for older adults and are an integral part of the state's long-term care system. Services provided with levy funds include senior centers, nutrition programs, transportation and adult day care."
  • There were 16 senior services levies on the ballot, including 14 countywide and 2 municipal levies. 
  • In AAA8 region, 2009 levies included Athens, Monroe & Morgan
  • Fourteen levies passed with more than 60 percent of the vote; 11 passed at 65 percent or more.
  • Six levies passed with more than 70 percent of the vote; 3 passed at 75 percent or more. 
The Department of Aging monitors and tracks levies statewide. A list of current levies, including millage and estimated revenue, is available on the ODA Web site.
AAA8 Taking Referrals
Call us at 1-800-331-2644 with your referrals for AAA8 Programs and Services! 
  • PASSPORT is Open for Business
  • Hospital to Home Program Provides Support to Seniors Returning Home from a Hospital Stay
  • In-Home or On-Site Long-Term Care Assessments also available
A Publication of The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8
Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington Counties