AOASCC News & Notes
Sections:

 Independence

November 2017

Our Story: Celebrating 43 Years

Here is just one story highlighted in our annual report. 

When his wife died unexpectedly Gordon, who was 66 at the time, not only dealt with grief but with the fear he would end up in a nursing home.  After a stroke, Gordon had become dependent on his wife's help for everyday tasks and Gordon did not know how he would manage on his own.

 SNAP & So Much More


After heart surgery, Ms. Dolores had returned home from the hospital and rehab  with a $170,056.21 medical bill.  She called us because she could not afford food, so Janet stopped in to talk to her about SNAP benefits. On hearing her story, she  also helped Dolores apply for a Medicare Savings Program , which was not only  awarded but paid off the outstanding medical debt.

Learn more about SNAP:   Visit  BenefitsCheckUp.org/getSNAP  or  visit 
Caregiver Corner Caregiver

I've worked with older adults for more than 50 years and I have never had one person say that their desire was to live in a nursing home. 

There are times when some form of long term care outside our homes is the best option, but it isn't the option most of us prefer.  Many people are left with no choice because they didn't prepare their homes to ensure they are places that enable older adults to continue living in them.   There are things you can do to make your home safer.

There are small and large projects, low cost and expensive projects. Each is an investment in your ability to remain in your home.  For bigger, more costly projects see if you qualify for assistance with home modifications from the CT Tech Act Project. Also consider using some of the equity you've earned in your home. Making your home more accessible is an investment that can pay dividends by making it possible to avoid the high cost of institutional care.

Some low cost projects include  continue reading

You can remain safely in your home if you prepare your home for your future.


There is still time to RSVP! Calendar2

The Fearless Caregiver conference date has been changed to  November 29th  and will be held at Albertus Magnus in New Haven from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Bring your questions to the experts!

We are sponsoring this nationwide conference. Advice, support and insight you can't afford to miss! F REE limited tickets are available for family caregivers. Visit caregiver.com to register.
Did You Know? Volunteering  Know

One of the most notable changes in volunteering over the last forty years came from adults ages sixty-five and over. 

  • The volunteer rate for these older Americans increased by 64 percent between 1974 and 2005 (from 14.3 percent in 1974 to 23.5 percent in 2005).
  • Although the national volunteer rate for all adults declined substantially between 2005 and 2015, the volunteer rate for older adults has dropped by less than a percentage point-the smallest decline of any age group. Nonprofit Quarterly
 
We can help you get involved!  Find out more.
C HOICES: Flu shots CHOICES
 
More than 80% of deaths from the flu occur in people 65 and older.  People with multiple chronic diseases such as COPD, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are at greatest risk of getting the flu.  The good news is that the flu is preventable and Medicare will pay for the flu shot.  The bad news is that many older adults are not getting the flu shot.  Failure to get vaccinated occurs at an especially high rate among African-Americans and older Hispanics.  This is especially dangerous because members of these groups have a higher rate of chronic diseases.  As a result, both groups are at a higher risk of getting the flu and a higher risk of dying from it.

The flu is preventable.  Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often. Keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes. Avoid people with respiratory symptoms. If you have respiratory symptoms, get to the doctor right away. The first 2 days are important.  The best thing you can do is use your Medicare prevention benefit and get the flu shot! You don't have to go to the doctor, many pharmacies give the shot and many health care organizations sponsor flu clinics. Be safe and protect yourself from the flu.  Flu mist is not approved for older adults. 
HelpNeed help finding support at home? Care Network Link is a wonderful resource to find trusted providers:  Homemaking, Personal Care Assistance, Live-In Caregivers, Wheelchair Ramps, Fall Alert Systems, Hair Stylists that come to your home.  

Give us a call at 203-495-1655 or sign up for membership at CareNetworkLink.org.  Membership is FREE and will earn you discounts from the providers you hire.  Care Network Link credentials all the providers before allowing them on the network to make sure they are trustworthy businesses to have in your home.  
 
Copyright Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut.
1 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 1L, New Haven, CT * (203) 785-8533 *   www.aoascc.org*

 
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