|
 Thoughts
from the Director:
Rick Hindman
Aging & Disability Resource Network Conference Slated for Oct. 7
As we are all aware, unemployment is at historic levels and agency budgets have been, and will continue to be, reduced. Available funding is under significantly more strain as we struggle to serve more persons than ever before in a severely weakened economy. The state is attempting to address a potential $8 billion dollar hole in the upcoming biennium budget, while the numbers of elderly, disabled and those in poverty drastically increase. Resources are becoming more limited for all of us who provide services and supports for our most vulnerable citizens as the demands on those resources continually increase.
Now, more than ever, social support agencies and groups must work closely together to serve these folks in need. We must pool our resources and join together our areas of expertise in a collaborative effort that enables us to effectively address the needs of persons with multiple issues related to health and income.
Establishing a no wrong door system which makes available a broad array of resources, services and supports to persons, no matter what specific agency or service they access, is critical in both effectively and efficiently addressing the multiple needs of the persons we all serve, and in being able to sustain our services for the foreseeable future.
A model for establishing this working collaboration is the Aging and Disability Resource Network
(ADRN). The ADRN program is a collaborative effort of the Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to streamline access to long-term care. The ADRN initiative is part of a nationwide effort to restructure services and supports for older adults, all persons with disabilities, family members and care providers. It also complements long term care system change activities designed to enhance access by older adults and people with disabilities of all ages to community living, personal choice and independence.
On Oct. 7, you can join us as we begin the conversation about how to create an Aging and Disability Resource Network in SE Ohio. Keynote speaker, Dr. Edward Ansello, will present an overview and provide insight as to how and why these two networks need to form an integrated model of service through collaboration, outreach and capacity building. A panel of representatives from the aging, disability, mental health and other community agencies will help us begin to explore options and discuss how the networks can work together toward a common goal serving the individuals in our communities who are disabled-regardless of age. We will also present strategies to offset the budget cuts that have impacted budgets in recent months.
Call today, to register for Oct. 7! The program is only $15 which includes lunch and 5 CEUS. Seating is limited; RSVP to 1-800-331-2644. A full program brochure is available at www.areaagency8.org. |
|
Medicare Check-Up Days Set
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) scheduled Medicare Check-up Days:
Athens - Oct. 26
Hocking - Dec. 7
Meigs - Nov. 4
Monroe - Oct. 20
Morgan - Nov. 10
Noble - Sept. 3
Perry - Oct. 28
Washington - Dec. 13
For details on each date, for sites and times, visit
In Memory:
Pat Biehl
1952-2010
Patricia A. Biehl, of Stanleyville, Ohio, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 7, 2010) at her home.
She was born on Feb. 3, 1952, in Berea, Ohio, the daughter of the late Marcielle James Irwin (Kern) and Charles Gordon Irwin.
Patricia graduated high school from Berea High. She was a registered nurse and graduated from WVU-P. She worked through the years at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital and Marietta Memorial Hospital. Most recently, she worked at the Area Agency on Aging. She spent over 27 years caring for others as an occupation and a calling.
|
|
|
|
 Find AAA8 on Facebook
AAA8 has launched a new Facebook page. We hope you will visit and be a fan as well as share your thoughts and ideas on issues relating to serving seniors and caregivers!
Social media isn't a "fad." It is a fundamental shift in the way we communicate. It is the biggest shift since The Industrial Revolution.
Consider these media and the number of years it took each to reach 50 million users: TV = 13 years; Radio = 38 years; Internet = 4 years; and
Facebook added 100 million users in less than 9 months! If Facebook was a country, it would be #4 behind China, India and the US.
A 2010, AARP study of Social Media and Technology use among Adults 50+ found: Among adults 50+, more than ¼ (27%) use social media websites with Facebook being by far the most popular.
Among those who use the Internet, almost 1/3 (31%) use the Facebook social networking site. Among those introduced to a social site by a family member, 63% said it was by their child.
AAA8 believes we can reach both the 50+ audience and those responsible for caregiving and decision making.
Another great way to keep AAA8 messages "top of mind" with:
- the 50+ audience
- caregivers
- providers
- community networks
By 2010, Gen Y will outnumber the Boomers. 96% of Gen Y are on a social network.
|
 AAA8 Annual Choices Expo - Nov. 10
Plan to Attend the Choices Expo: Nov.10 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at The Comfort Inn,
Pike St. in Marietta.
 Questions on Medicare
(including Medicare Part D)?
Caring for a loved one
and looking for resources?
Want to Exhibit or be a Sponsor, call Mindy Cayton at 1-800-331-2644 for a sponsorship brochure. |
Assisted Living Waiver Featured on Legislator Visit
 When Ohio implemented the Assisted Living Waiver Program, Riverside Country Care was the first facility to provide the service in the AAA8 region. Recently, AAA8 staff invited Ohio Rep. Debbie Phillips to visit with Waiver clients at the McConnelsville (Morgan County) Assisted Living location. Shown standing from left are Jane Skeen, LSW; AAA8 Home Care Director and Rep. Phillips. Seated is AL Waiver client David Kaneff. Kneeling from left is AAA8 Case Manager, Alta Coffman, RN and Riverside Unit Manager Debbie Burnside RN.
Burnside noted that she has been with Riverside since 1983 and with the unit since it opened in 2006. "When we added the Waiver program, it made the options here more equal opportunity to all Morgan County residents," added Burnside.
"We are pleased that Riverside is part of the Assisted Living Waiver program that provides long-term care choices to aging individuals in our region," said Jane Skeen, LSW, AAA8 Home Care Director. "We are always looking for additional assisted living sites for the program." |
AAA8 Sponsors Memory Walk & Staff Team
 AAA8 staff formed a team - The Movers & Groovers - to raise more than $2,000 for the Sept. 18 Memory Walk in Williamstown, WV, to benefit The Alzheimer's Association. AAA8 was a Bronze Sponsor and also had a display at the event.
The Alzheimer's Association event was a tremendous success for all involved - 297 participants supported the event that raised $28,000.
Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk - unless we find a way to change the course of this disease. |
Leaves are supposed to fall. People aren't.
 Follow these steps to reduce your risk factors and lower your chances of experiencing a fall that could threaten your independence.
- Increase Your Physical Activity: by walking or swimming for at least 15 minutes daily.
- See Your Eye Doctor Once Per Year: to prevent age-related vision diseases that can increase your risk of falling.
- Review Your Medications: so you know the common side-effects of all the medications you are taking (such as drowsiness or dizziness).
- Remove Environmental Hazards: such as poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors and unsteady furniture.
- Think, Plan and Slow Down: so you can be mindful of falls risks in common tasks.
Contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 for help and resources to prevent falls. (Source: ODA)
|
|
Medicare Recipients Can Get Help Paying Premium,
Co-pay and Drug Costs
Medicare beneficiaries in Ohio could get help from the government to pay for their prescriptions and other out-of-pocket medical costs, such as co-payments, premiums, and deductibles.
Medicare beneficiaries in Ohio could get help from the government to pay for their prescriptions and other out-of-pocket medical costs, such as co-payments, premiums, and deductibles.
Many people qualify for these big savings but they don't even know it. They can find out more information about Medicare help and other programs by calling AAA8. Trained professionals will help assess what programs seniors may be eligible for and help them enroll.
Medicare beneficiaries who want to find out if they qualify for special Medicare help, should call 1-800-331-2644.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimate that 70,000 Ohioans are eligible for the subsidy, based on income and assets. The subsidy helps older and disabled beneficiaries pay monthly drug plan premiums and deductibles and lower their co-pay for generic and brand name drugs.
To be eligible, an individual's monthly income must be less than $1,354 and his or her assets cannot total more than $12,510. For couples, monthly income must be less than $1,822 and assets less than $25,010. Life insurance policies are not included in calculating assets.
You may qualify if you:
Have $96.40 taken out of your Social Security check for your Medicare premium, OR Pay more than $6.50 for a prescription, OR Pay a premium for your Medicare drug plan
AAA8's trained staff can help seniors sort through mountains of paperwork and make important decisions about their Medicare coverage. Questions staff respond to every day include: "How can I avoid the doughnut hole? "What Medicare Advantage Program is right for me?" "Should I buy Medicare Supplemental Insurance?" For help, call 1-800-331-2644. |
 AAA8 Provides Assistance with Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Applications
The state has released the income eligibility guidelines for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). 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's Home Energy Assistance Program assists eligible low-income Ohioans meet the cost of home energy bills. The Program, administered by the Department's Office of Community Services, pays 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.
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 Home Energy Assistance Program are now being accepted. Copies are available at www.areaagency8.org. For assistance, seniors should call AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644. |
|
In Memory:
Mary Marjorie Ellis Henry (1913-2010)
Mary Marjorie Ellis Henry, 97 of Marietta, passed away Sept. 10, 2010, at the Arbors of Marietta.
She was born on Jan. 28, 1913, in Bartlett, Ohio, a daughter of George Darl Ellis and Lucy Smith Ellis. She was retired from J.C. Penney's and had been a poll worker for the Board of Elections. She was a charter member of the O'Neill Center, a 60-year member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 280, Bethel Women's Society, Delta Patrons CCL member, AARP member, RSVP volunteer and spent many hours at the Tourist Trolley. She attended Bethel Lighthouse Church and Faith Bible Church.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Alzheimer Association, 1218 Market St., Parkersburg, W.Va. 26101.
Note: Marjorie was also a member of the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council for many years. |
|
A Publication of Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington Counties
AAA8 Staff Resources:
Executive Director: Misty Casto
Asst. Exec. Dir. & AAA8 Director: Rick Hindman
Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW
Programs Manager: Cathy Ash, LSW
Communications Director: Gwynn Stewart
PO Box 370 Reno, OH 45773 1-800-331-2644 www.areaagency8.org |
|
|
