SOUTH ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Area Agency on Aging

MOBILE * BALDWIN * ESCAMBIA

March 2024

FROM THE AAA DIRECTOR

JULIE MCGEE

STATE PLAN ON AGING

Share Your Feedback on the Plan to Support Aging in Place

AAA's are administrated by the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS). ADSS implements the Older Americans Act, which is the framework for our work. The State Plan on Aging is updated every 4 years and provides the blueprint for programs/resources for Seniors (primarily 60 and older), the disabled and caregivers in our community.

These programs and services provide free and reduced cost prescription drugs, Medicare assistance and savings programs, caregiver support, legal assistance, Senior Center meals with friends, help to care for your loved one in the home, and additional services. Helping citizens stay independent, live with dignity and be able to age in place in their own in their homes is the priority of the State Aging Plan and our Agency.

Please take a few moments to complete the Needs Assessment. Your feedback is important!

Providing Input by Clicking Here to Complete the Needs Assessment

Access Current Plan Here

Please reach out today and learn how we can support your efforts to age in place,

Julie McGee

251-706-4680

aginginfo@sarpc.org.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Our 2024 Legacy Leadership Institute Class Graduates

Our group of engaged and passionate Seniors recently completed a 3-day curriculum on aging issues and impactful volunteering. The LLI recruits and trains retired professionals and baby boomers on aging issues and impactful volunteering, in partnership with the University of South Alabama (USA) faculty and staff. 

The 3-day curriculum was an intensive educational experience: Day 1 featured programs and services provided by our Agency; Day 2 at USA included presentations from the Baugh Biomedical Library on finding quality older adult health information; the importance of physical activity on the life-span by the College of Education Department of Health, Kinesiology & Sports; maximizing quality of life from the College of Arts & Sciences Social Work Program; Vascular Contributions to Dementia from the College of Medicine; and a personal caregiving experiences by the Director of the Department Marketing & Communications. On Day 3, participants heard from community advocates, AARP of Mobile, the Alabama Silver Haired Legislature, and previous LLI graduates on their past projects

We look forward to working with our graduates as they pursue volunteer opportunities to build a stronger community through connections and volunteerism.

View All of Our Graduates Here

APRIL 15 IS THE DEADLINE FOR HAVING YOUR TAXES PREPARED FREE OF CHARGE

Last Year's Tax Program Saved Clients $448,000 in Tax Preparation Fees

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Tax Counselling for the Elderly (TCE) service has begun processing returns. This program is geared toward modest income seniors 60+, veterans and their families, and the disabled, and is particularly for seniors with questions about pensions and retirement-related issues. Appointments are required (see below). Here are some testimonials from our clients:

• "Excellent service!"
• "Your services have been a comfort and relief to my well-being. Thank you."
• "I had an excellent experience with getting my taxes done. The RSVP program is VERY beneficial for seniors especially being on a fixed income!"
• "I was so impressed by the process and how professional everything was handled. "

Mobile County residents can contact 211/United Way of Southwest Alabama at 251-219-0606 for appointments regarding tax services.

Contact Kim Tate at 251-361-0837 or ktate@sarpc.org if you have any questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

March 31

Deadline for plan members can make changes to their existing plan or disenroll from their current plan and return to Original Medicare.

APRIL

Matter of Balance Class Series - Mobile

April 1

Regency Church of Christ

10 a.m.

Click Here for Details

New to Medicare/Medicare Counselling

April 2

SARPC-AAA Office (Beauregard Street)

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Click Here for Details

SHIP Volunteer Training

April 9

SARPC-AAA Office (Beauregard Street)

9 a.m.

Click Here to RSVP

Caregiver College

April 16

Gulf Shores Methodist Church

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Click Here for Details

RSVP Free Tax Preparation Program

April 15

The last day of scheduled appointment to have taxes completed.

MAY

New to Medicare/Medicare Counselling

April 2

SARPC-AAA Office (Beauregard Street)

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Click Here for Details

Caregiver College

May 7 & 14

Semmes Senior Center

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Click Here for More Information

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH CELEBRATIONS!

Mobile County

May 16

Bayou La Batre Community Center

9:30 a.m. - 1p.m.

Baldwin County

May 23

Baldwin County Coliseum

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Escambia County

May 24

Flomaton Senior Center

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Click Here for Information

Email for Exhibitor Information

National Senior Health and Fitness Day

May 29

A celebration of Senior health and fitness! Activities to include a community health fair, health and fitness activities, demonstrations for Matter of Balance and Bingocize, and highlights of the Senior Nutrition Program.

Click Here for Exhibitors and Information

OCTOBER

2024 SENIOR LIFESTYLE EXPOS

Mobile County

Thursday, October 3

The Grounds

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Baldwin County

Thursday, October 10

Baldwin County Coliseum

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Click Here for More Information

Email for Exhibitors/Vendors

CAREGIVER CONNECTION

The Alabama Cares program provides resources and support for family caregivers.

March Issue: Preparing to Care

Our new quick read e-newsletter, Caregiver Connection is distributed monthly. Each newsletter focuses on a topic specifically targeting caregivers, providing easy access to information and resources. Our March issue, "Preparing to Care," provided support in having discussions with your loved one, creating a Care Plan and planning to care for yourself.

DIETING DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN DEPRIVATION

No one likes to diet! But, there are many delicious and healthy foods can still be part of your menu planning. Here are 15 foods that are so light in calories and fat that you can eat them with relative abandon and some tips to make them taste even better.

Healthy Foods: Celery; Lettuce; Watermelon; Broccoli; Cauliflower; Grapefruit; Mushrooms; Strawberries; Blackberries; Raspberries; Blueberries; Kiwi; Carrots; Spinach; Kale

Taste Tips: Broil vegetables brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with your favorite spices. If you love dip, use salsa instead, or blend a ranch flavor packet into plain Greek yogurt.

2024 Farmers Market Benefit Cards

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible seniors with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama. An online application must be completed.

Online Application Link

Inflation Fighting Food Assistance

If you are 60 or older, you can apply for this earned benefit. The average SNAP benefit is $104 per month, the process is private and discreet - you receive a debit card for cash free groceries - and recertification is only every 3 years. Certain medical deductions can increase your benefit amount.

Call 251-706-4680 or email aginginfo@sarpc.org for assistance with these programs.

CDC PUBLISHES NEW COVID 19 SAFETY GUIDELINES

Shift Reflects Sustained Decreases in the Most Severe Outcomes of Covid

The CDC has issued new guidance for those testing positive for Covid. If you test positive, you no longer need to isolate for five days. The new guidance now matches public health advice for flu and other respiratory illnesses: Stay home when you’re sick, but return to normal activities once you’re feeling better and you’ve been without a fever for 24 hours. The shift reflects sustained decreases in the most severe outcomes of Covid since the pandemic began in December of 2019.

The number of people dying from COVID-19 has declined significantly from the early days of the pandemic, due to greater herd immunity, better treatments, and high vaccination rates among seniors. However, death rates for adults 75 and older continue outpace the rates for younger age groups. The CDC still recommends seniors and others at risk staying up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters and wearing masks if needed.

ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH UPDATE

Focused Ultrasound May Help Clear Alzheimer's Disease Brain Plaques

A tool called focused ultrasound (FUS) may be a safe and promising way to help antibody-based treatments better reach the brain, and clear away toxic amyloid-beta protein clumps (pictured above) in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The approach involves using targeted sound waves to temporarily open up the selective blood-brain barrier (BBB) that normally prevents large molecules such as antibodies from reaching the brain. The study treated three Alzheimer’s patients receiving Aduhelm, an approved antibody against amyloid-beta, and FUS directed at affected areas of the brain. In all patients, brain areas where focused ultrasound was applied exhibited greater reductions in the amyloid-beta protein relative to brain areas without BBB opening: after six months of antibody treatment, researchers observed an average of 32% percent more reduction in amyloid-beta plaques.

Click Here to for Full Research Study

A STATE LEVEL CELEBRATION OF SENIORS

The 2024 Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, a program of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, nominations are now open. The Senior Hall of Fame has honored those 60+ for outstanding contributions since 1983. Also, seniors who are 100+ and couples married 65+ years receive recognition. Seniors are honored at a special ceremony in Montgomery. Deadline for all nominations is Monday, May 1, 2024. For more information: 800-243-5463.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING COMMUNITY IMPACTS

Our Agency has released it's 2023 Impact Report, demonstrating the number of seniors, disabled and caregivers we were able to serve over the last 12 months. Our Agency provides direct programs and services and supports the work of other organizations in the community.

AAA IN THE COMMUNITY

RSVP FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM IS IN FULL SWING IN BALDWIN AND ESCAMBIA COUNTIES

RSVP volunteers are donating hundreds of hours preparing taxes at multiple sites at no cost for seniors. Last year, more than 3,000 clients had their taxes completed, resulting in refunds close to $2 million. April 15 is the last day for tax appointments.

AL CARES STAFF SPEAKS TO SOCIAL WORKERS PREPARING FOR AGING CAREERS

AL Cares Coordinator Christina Boyington (pictured middle) recently served on an expert panel at University of South Alabama for National Social Work Month/ Global Social Work Day. Christina spoke to students majoring in social work in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work and discussed her experiences working with older adults. By the end of 2025, the US will face an eldercare shortage of more than 600,000 across the country.

SENIOR CENTER MANAGERS SERVING SENIORS

Our Senior Center Managers attended a training at the AAA Office. These committed Mangers work every day at our 26 Centers in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties to end senior isolation, provide meals with friends (senior lunches) and hold enrichment programs for thousands of seniors. Thank you, for your work keeping Seniors connected and improving their quality of life.

AAA PROGRAM PARTICIPANT CELEBRATES ALMOST A CENTURY

While hosting the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren peer support group at the East Brewton Senior Center, staff helped celebrated Kathleen Peevy's 99th birthday (pictured in middle). The Alabama Cares program facilitates support supports groups in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties, including those for caregivers, older relatives as caregivers, and caregivers of those with dementia.

Alabama Silver Haired Legislature Meets to Promote Advocacy for Seniors

The Alabama Silver Haired Legislature (ASHL) advocates for issues impacting older adults in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties, informs state elected officials and works to introduce and pass legislation. ASHL has elected a new president (Bettye Houston) and is making plans for 2024.

OUTREACH STAFF BRINGS SERVICES TO SENIORS

AAA staff participated in the Via Health Fitness and Enrichment Senior Resource Fair, sharing programs that save money on Medicare and prescription drugs, help to offset the high cost of groceries and support caregivers. 

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

Serving Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties as a hub for information and services for adults aged 60 and older, their caregivers, and persons with disabilities.

ADRC Aging Hotline: information, counseling & benefits screening * Medicare counseling & Medicare Savings Program * Medicaid Waiver with choice of provider for in-home care * Prescription drug cost savings * Wellness classes * Legal counseling and Ombudsman advocacy for long-term care facilities * Caregiver support, education and respite services * Senior Nutrition Centers for hot lunches and recreation * Home-delivered meals and SNAP food assistance

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

110 Beauregard Street

Mobile, Alabama 36602

251-706-4680

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