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Thoughts from
AAA8 Director:
Rick Hindman
November is National Family Caregivers Month
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, in 1994 they began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving. Every day more than 65 million family caregivers play a vital role in caring for others. National Family Caregivers Month is a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers.
The theme this year is Identifying Family Caregivers. Despite the huge role family caregivers play and despite the fact that family caregivers are the only people consistently present across all of their loved ones' care settings, family caregivers are often invisible within the American healthcare system.
Nowhere on medical intake forms is there a question about whether someone is, or has a family caregiver. Nowhere on a person's medical record is there a place for a notation of any kind about their care status. Without such information, the role of a family caregiver in the life of a person with chronic conditions is essentially negated, and without such information, a family caregiver's increased risk for depression and chronic disease cannot be monitored. In some situations, it may be obvious that someone is or has a family caregiver, but if it isn't in the record, it isn't official, and cannot be taken into account in developing a plan of care - for both parties.
There is an easy fix to this problem; it doesn't require legislative action, nor great expense; it only requires the will of those who really are interested in making patient and family centered care the norm in America.
Suzanne Mintz, President and CEO of the National Family Caregivers Association informs us all that the fix is to have a space on all medical intake forms and electronic medical records to capture information on who is or who has a family caregiver.
Encourage caregivers to fill out medical forms by making a notation that they provide care to a parent, spouse, child, etc. who has a chronic condition or deals with the frailties of old age. One form at a time we can make a difference, change the status quo and gain recognition for the important job of being a family caregiver.
AAA8 maintains a library of caregiver resources, to learn more, call our office at 1-800-331-2644.
Advocate for Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging
For more than 30 years, Area Agencies on Aging have helped frail older adults remain in their homes and saved millions of dollars for taxpayers. As experts on aging with deep community connections, we are the perfect partners for organizations seeking to manage long-term care service delivery in Ohio. Our statewide care management network, experience with long-term care, proven track record, and access to community resources are unmatched.
Download the Fact Sheet and share with Legislators Today!
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SE Ohio Network of Care Web Resource Traffic Continues to Grow Utilization of the SE Ohio Network of Care site is not only very strong, it is increasing! Please continue to share details with your consumers, clients, and colleagues about the local site's wonderful resources! |
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 Join Us for the Annual
Choices Expo Nov. 9! 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Comfort Inn, Marietta
Every month another 12,000 Ohioans turn age 60 yet less than 37 percent of these adults feel they know enough about long-term care to make informed decisions. Promoting personal choice and independence for older adults and people with disabilities, the annual Choices Expo will be hosted at the Marietta Comfort Inn on Weds., Nov. 9 from 8 a.m - 2 p.m.
Caregivers, senior citizens and people with disabilities from across the region can find details about long-term care options and much more. Information on healthy lifestyles, caregiver services, screenings to determine basic health needs, and details on retirement planning as well as free food and entertainment are part of the event. Contact the Area Agency on Aging 8 at 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org for details.
This year, the Choices Expo event is organized by The SE Ohio Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN), and will be expanded to include resources for seniors, those under 60 with disabilities and caregivers.
The event Title Sponsor again this year is Results Radio.
Teams are signed up for the new Chair Volleyball Tournament at this year's event - sponsored by Scenic Hills Senior Center.
Media Sponsor: The Marietta Times
Gold Sponsors: Fosterbridge Home Care, Life Ambulance, Ohio Valley Home Health, OSHIIP, Marietta Memorial Hospital and United
Bronze Sponsors: Comfort Keepers, Emeritus at Marietta, Home Helpers, Interim Healthcare of SE Ohio, Keim Financial Services, Marietta Care & Rehabilitation Center, Senior Helpers and Visiting Angels
Exhibitors at the event:
Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8)
Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio
Alzheimer's Association of Mid-Ohio Valley
Braden Medical Services/Gillespies Drug
Cambridge Home Health
CareStar
Cawley and Peoples - Two Peas in a Pod
Comfort Keepers
Emeritus at Marietta
Fosterbridge Homecare
Guardian Medical Monitoring
HHPC - Home Healthcare Provider Co-op
Home Helpers
Interim Healthcare of Cambridge
Interim Healthcare of Southeast Ohio
Keim Financial Planning
Life Ambulance
Marietta Care & Rehab
Marietta Times
Medi Home Health
Memorial Health System
Mid Ohio Valley Health Ministry Council
Monroe Co. Care Center/Brandy Woods
Ohio Department of Development
Ohio Department of Insurance/OSHIIP
Ohio Valley Home Health
O'Neill Senior Center, Inc.
Pro Seniors
PUCO
Results Radio
Right at Home
Sassi Woman
Scenic Hills Senior Center
Senior Helpers
State Farm Insurance - Charlie Wentz
Summit Acres Skilled Nursing & Rehab
The Ohio Benefit Bank
United Healthcare Community Plan
Visiting Angels
WASCO
Washington County Job & Family Services
Washington County Home
Washington County RSVP
Washington Co. Veterans Service Commission
Washington/Morgan Community Action
Washington State Community College
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 Long-Term Care Ombudsman to Support Person-Centered Care "Culture Change" Efforts
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program addresses concerns about the quality of long-term care services and negotiates for the solution of problems that arise between providers and consumers of long-term care services.
Culture change is the common name given to a national movement for the transformation of older adult services based on person-centered values and practices.
According to the Ohio Person-centered Care Coalition, this is a philosophical approach to nursing home care that honors and respects the voice of elders and those working closest with them. It involves a continuing process of listening, trying new things, seeing how they work, and changing things in an effort to individualize care and de-institutionalize the nursing home environment.
Person-centered care is not about more forms, more lists, more reporting, or more work. It is about finding a decent and kind way to serve older adults that makes their lives and the lives of their caregivers more meaningful, a common-sense approach to bringing care back into caregiving at the nursing home and enriching the lives of those that live and work there.
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The AAA8 Team Joined the Mid-Ohio Valley Walk to End Alzheimers Oct. 22!
The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the Association's largest fundraising and awareness event. Walks are held to support the vital programs and services the Association provides for families and caregivers facing the disease, as well as research for a cure.
The AAA8 team raised over $1,200 for the Mid-Ohio event. Several hundred turned out for the event; many walked in memory of loved ones.
Above: A few of the AAA8 team members before the walk.
Below: Other scenes from the day.
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 Long-married couples who volunteer sought for Joined Hearts in Giving Award: Nominations accepted through
Nov. 30
The Ohio Department of Aging will accept nominations for its annual Joined Hearts in Giving recognition through Nov. 30, 2011. Joined Hearts honors Ohio couples who have been married for at least 40 years and who share a commitment not only to each other, but also to their community through volunteerism. Those chosen will be honored at a special reception hosted by the department and the First Lady of Ohio, Karen Waldbillig Kasich, in observance of Valentine's Day
"It has been said that marrying and raising a family together is the ultimate volunteer job," said Bonnie Kantor-Burman, director of the department. "Interestingly, many of the same traits contribute to success both in volunteerism and marriage: love, faith, respect, communication, tolerance and forgiveness. We are looking for folks who know what it takes to work together, share responsibilities, listen and use good humor to get through the tough times."
Individuals and organizations interested in nominating neighbors, colleagues, family members or friends may download a nomination form or submit a nomination online by visiting www.aging.ohio.gov/news/nominations/. To be eligible for recognition, the couple must be married for 40 years or longer and at least one of the spouses must be age 60 or older. Each spouse must actively participate and volunteer in community service and the couple's primary residence must be in Ohio. The couple must be aware of and consent to the nomination.
If you nominate someone in the AAA8 region, please let Gwynn Stewart at the AAA8 office know.
Medicare Open Enrollment Continues Until December 7
(Article from AoA)
Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the benefits and costs each year too. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when all people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage.
There's never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. There are new benefits available for all people with Medicare - whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan - including lower prescription costs, wellness visits and preventive care. Take advantage of Open Enrollment and you may be able to save money, get better coverage, or both.
What is the benefit of having an earlier enrollment period?
Starting this year, Open Enrollment starts earlier - on October 15th - and lasts longer (seven full weeks) to give you enough time to review and make changes to your coverage. But, also starting in 2011, you will need to make your final selection for next year's Medicare coverage by December 7th. This change ensures Medicare has enough time to process your choice, so your coverage can begin without interruption on January 1.
It's worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you don't have to do it alone. If you typically use the December holidays to discuss health care options with family or friends, plan now to move that conversation earlier. And remember that Medicare is available to help.
To compare your current coverage with all of the options available in your area, and to enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change, please go to http://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. Review the Medicare & You 2012 Handbook. It is typically mailed to people with Medicare in September.
Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Contact information for your SHIP office is available at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts
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