Independence

September 2022

Interagency Council on Aging of South Central Connecticut

Are you a professional in the aging network?  Interagency provides educational and networking opportunities.

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (M-Team) is a subgroup of Interagency and meets to assist and educate frontline staff through case presentations about challenging cases. The next meeting is September 15.

Found out more.

Spotlight on Volunteers

Going above and beyond...

Our Volunteers are always doing amazing things, but this month we would like to highlight our volunteer Paul for the amazing help he has done for Tom.

Tom was having difficulties getting up and down his stairs and though he had his own way to do so, Paul was able to see it might not be the safest and suggested the installation of a chair lift. Initially not seeing the need, Tom was reluctant to entertain the idea, but with small nudges from his family and Paul, he eventually agreed seeing that it was safer for not only himself, but everyone around him.

Though this was only part of the battle as the two had to team up and make phone calls to lift companies for quotes, while also battling the management company to agree to the installation. They were given the run around from one reason to another, but eventually they got the approval from the management and the city to have the lift installed.

Paul’s persistence to assist and guide Tom is something special. It goes above and beyond what we ask in our program guidelines and the compassion is something we are so appreciative for. 

Though this month we highlighted Paul’s experience, all our volunteers are doing so many amazing things, there’s just not enough room in the newsletter!

Thank you to ALL our Volunteers.

CHOICES - Long Term Care

Almost 70% of people turning age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Many people think the phrase “long-term care” refers to an insurance policy. While insurance may be part of your strategy, long-term care encompasses everything from long-term services and supports and finances, to where you will live and how you will navigate the system of legal, family, and social dynamics along the way.

Some of the factors that influence the need for long term care are Age, Gender, Disability, Health Status, and Living Arrangements.The duration and level of long-term care will vary from person to person and often change over time.

Medicare only pays for long-term care if you require skilled services or rehabilitative care It does not pay for non-skilled assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which make up the majority of long-term care services. You will have to pay for long-term care services that are not covered by a public or private insurance program.

Medicaid pays for the largest share of long-term care services, but to qualify, your income and assets must meet minimum state eligibility requirements.

Health Insurance: Most employer-sponsored or private health insurance, including health insurance plans, cover only the same kinds of limited services as Medicare and if they do cover long-term care, it is typically only for skilled, short-term, medically necessary care.

Just as there are many kinds of long-term care services and supports, so is there a wide range of costs for them. Although some people may qualify for a public program to help pay for these expenses, most people use a variety of options, including long-term care insurance, personal income and savings, life insurance, annuities and reverse mortgages to ensure they can pay for the care they require.  

Caregiver Corner - Home Safety

Caring for another person may require you to assess their safety at home and take steps to keep them safe. There are a number of publications and websites with useful information about home safety, but not too many include information about safety outside the house. Below are some tips from the Alzheimer Association designed to keep people safe outside the house.

• Keep steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather.
• Mark the edges of steps with bright or reflective tape.
• Consider installing a ramp with handrails as an alternative to steps.
• Eliminate uneven surfaces or walkways, hoses, and other objects that may cause a person to trip.
• Restrict access to a swimming pool by fencing it with a locked gate, covering it, and closely supervising it when in use.
• In the patio area, remove the fuel source and fire starters from any grills when not in use, and supervise use when the person with Alzheimer’s is present.
• Place a small bench or table by the entry door to hold parcels while unlocking the door.
•  Make sure outside lighting is adequate. Light sensors that turn on lights automatically as you approach the house may be useful. They also may be used in other parts of the home.
• Prune bushes and foliage well away from walkways and doorways.
• Consider a NO SOLICITING sign for the front gate or door.
• Lock access to all garages, sheds, and basements if possible.
• Inside a garage or shed, keep all potentially dangerous items, such as tools, tackle, machines, and sporting equipment, either locked away in cabinets or in appropriate boxes or cases.
• Secure and lock all motor vehicles and keep them out of sight if possible. Consider covering vehicles, including bicycles, that are not frequently used.
• Keep all toxic materials, such as paint, fertilizers, gasoline, or cleaning supplies, out of view. Either put them in a high, dry place, or lock them in a cabinet.

Did You Know?

• Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.
• Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
• One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
• Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

You can reach CHOICES at 800-994-9422

CHOICES provides unbiased support to Medicare beneficiaries and their families so they can make informed decisions about their care and benefits .CHOICES is a CT program, administered in CT, by the State Unit on Aging, It is part of the larger, national SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs). Each area Agency on Aging in CT hosts the CHOICES program.