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2018 Aging & Disability Program Quick Reference Guides Available
The Buckeye Hills Aging & Disability Division supports independence, choice and dignity -- and strives to bring choice to home and community-based care. A 2018 program overview with eligibility guidelines is now available.
Great for discharge planners, social workers and home health agencies, the resource provides a quick guide to identify programs and services that enable older adults an
d those with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. Order printed copies by calling, 1-800-331-2644 ext. 2340.
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2018 Medicare Costs At-A-Glance
Questions about Medicare? Our Information & Assistance Specialists can help. Some Medicare recipients may be eligible for "Extra Help" with Medicare costs (premiums, co-pays and RX costs).
"Extra Help is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug (Part D) costs as well as premiums and co-pays.
Buckeye Hills can help those on Medicare determine if they are eligible for "Extra Help." Contact us at 1-800-331-2644 for more information or to register over the phone. No travel, no waiting, just one phone call!
New Medicare cards are coming
Medicare will mail new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019. The new card will have a new Medicare Number that's unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.
Things to know about your new Medicare card
- Your new card will automatically come to you. You don't need to do anything.
- Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
- Your new card is free - there's no charge for it.
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Local Vendors Needed for 2018 Senior Farmers' Market Program
Do you or someone you know grow a large garden? Want to earn a little extra cash? Did you know you can participate or refer someone to the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program that sells produce to eligible seniors?
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons to buy produce from approved providers. Program coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers. Only fresh, locally grown fruits, herbs, vegetables and honey are eligible to be purchased with the coupons.
Local produce providers are needed to participate in the Market program. For more details on what products are included in the program or to become an authorized SFMNP provider, contact Buckeye Hills Regional Council at 1-800-331-2644 - ext. 2420.
SFMNP is a USDA and Ohio Department of Aging program in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors. Senior registration information will be available in early Spring. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Comments from 2017 Program Participants:
"There was a corner booth that sold green beans, red and green peppers, red onions and all kinds of fresh produce including red and green tomatoes. The selection of produce was wonderful and they were so helpful. They helped get all the stuff to my car,"
- Sylvia
"I want to thank you for the coupons you sent me. I really appreciated them. I bought vegetables that otherwise I wouldn't have had the money to do so. God Bless you." - Mary
"Thank you for this program. Fresh vegetables and fruits are pretty high in price for those on a fixed income. Thank you for what you do for seniors!" - Margaret
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Feb. 23 - Buckeye Hills Regional Council Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting
@ Buckeye Hills Regional Council Conference Center
o4a's Aging in Ohio - March 21
@ Mid-Ohio Foodbank (3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH) Fee: $115
Learn More!
@ Buckeye Hills Regional Council Conference Center
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Upcoming Community Classes:
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2018 Older American Month
Theme Announced
Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), leads our nation's observance of Older American's Month. The 2018 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that you are never too old (or too young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being and celebrates the many ways older adults make a difference in our communities.
Participating in activities that promote mental and physical wellness, offering your wisdom and experience to the next generation, seeking the mentorship of someone with more life experience than you-those are just a few examples of what being engaged can mean.
In the coming months, ACL will provide materials to help you promote and celebrate this observance at
https://www.acl.gov.
Visit the official Older Americans Month website in early 2018 for logos, posters, and more! To start promoting online, use the official hashtag #OAM18.
No matter where you are in your life, there is no better time than now to start. We hope you will join in and Engage at Every Age!
Source: https://www.acl.gov/
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10 Steps to Managing Stress
Caring for a person with an ongoing illness or for an older adult can be stressful. The following are tips for managing stress.
1. Talk with other Caregivers.
Just talking about stresses can provide relief. Join a support group where you can share ideas.
2. Take time for yourself.
Time to yourself is essential! By taking breaks, you will be able to avoid "burnout."
3. Ask for Help.
Caregiving is a huge job. Ask family or friends to pitch in.
4. Learn to Let Go.
Focus on the things that are most important. Let go of less important commitments.
5. Rest As Much as You Can.
Without good rest, you will quickly wear down. Help the person you're caring for get on a sleep schedule so that you can too.
6. Eat Well.
Food is our body's fuel. Without good food, we quickly wear down. Get plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein.
7. Avoid Alcohol.
Alcohol and other drugs may seem like they're helping stress. In the long run, they will wear your body down.
8. Keep Your Sense of Humor.
Try to find humor in difficult situations. Spend time with people who make you laugh. Laughter can release chemicals in your body that help you feel better!
9. Exercise.
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Even a few minutes a day can help.
10. Be Good to Yourself.
You are doing a tough job and you deserve a reward. Buy yourself flowers, watch a sunset, go out to dinner.
Buckeye Hills' Caregiver Advocacy program offers support to informal caregivers who are providing care for loved ones at home. We have a variety of resources and services available. Call 1-800-331-2644, to order the Ten Steps to Managing Stress brochure.
Source: A Guide for Caregivers on Stress by Journeyworks.
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Worried About Winter Heating Bills?
HEAP Can Help!
As winter continues and heating bills increase, for seniors or those with disabilities who also have low or modest incomes, Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. It is a support to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the costs of home heating.
If you are eligible for assistance, the amount of your one-time HEAP benefit will depend on:
- federal funding levels,
- how many people live with you,
- total household income ($21,105 max income for single households, or $28,420 for couples),
- and the primary fuel you use to heat your home.
In most cases, the one-time benefit will be a credit applied to your energy bill by your utility company (or fuel vendor). The one-time benefit is typically credited in January depending on when an individual applies for assistance.
How to apply:
Applications may be submitted any time from now through June 30, 2018.They are available
online and through a number of community organizations, including Community Action Agencies and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Buckeye Hills Regional Council has applications and can help with explaining eligibility requirements.
Older adults and people with disabilities who wish to apply for the program should call one of the Community Action organizations below, depending on where they live:
Athens, Hocking & Perry: HAPCAP
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1-800-686-1093
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Meigs: Gallia-Meigs CAP
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740-992-6629
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Monroe & Noble:
GMN Tri-Co. CAP
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740-472-0828 or 740-732-2388
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Washington & Morgan CAP
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740-373-3745
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Buckeye Hills Regional Council
1-800-331-2644
740-373-6400 | 1400 PIke St. - Marietta, OH 45750 |
www.buckeyehills.org
Misty Casto: Executive Director
Rick Hindman: Assistant Executive Director
Jennifer Westfall: Aging Director
Dawn Weber, LSW, LNHA: Home Care Director
Buckeye Hills Regional Council is organized as a voluntary organization of local government political subdivisions to foster cooperative efforts in regional planning, and implementing of regional plans and programs.
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We're on LinkedIn!
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