AOASCC News & Notes
Spotlight on Volunteers

November brings thoughts of approaching holidays, but for our veterans it carries a very different memory. Veterans Day is November 11th and it is a day to honor all those who have given their lives to protect our freedom. I hope all Americans stop to say, “Thank you for your service!”

We have connections with many veterans through the Veteran Pen Pal Project, Friendly Visitor, Financial Support and Tele-support programs. Staff Cherie Strucaly shares, “I see the honor and compassion offered from one veteran to another.” Here is one story.

Bill, an army veteran, has been volunteering with us for 3 years and last year signed up to offer phone support to Stephen, also an army veteran. The two communicate by phone on a regular basis sharing stories and support. Bill suggested we nominate Stephen for a Quilt of Valor and that’s when the magic began. With a completion of the nomination form, a few emails to the state coordinator, Jane Dougherty, and calls to Stephens wife Bernice to get a list of some of Stevens friends, we were ready to schedule to presentation. On October 21st we all gathered at Stephen and Bernice’s home and made honored Stephen with his Quilt.

Volunteer with us! Click here to find out more.
CHOICES - Flu Season is Here

Seasonal Flu season is upon us. Even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to prevent seasonal flu. Last year half a million people were hospitalized due to seasonal flu and more than 32,000 people died. Most of those who were hospitalized and died were older adults and people with disabilities. Getting a flu shot and practicing frequent handwashing are 2 steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting the flu. 

The most effective way to prevent the seasonal flu is vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines are available and have been used for more than 60 years. Immunity from vaccination wanes over time so annual vaccination is recommended to protect against influenza.

Although there is evidence that the flu shot may not be as effective in preventing the flu in some older adults, there is also ample evidence that if a senior has a flu shot, their symptoms of the flu, if they contract it, are greatly reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood that hospitalization or death will occur.

Medicare preventive benefits covers flu shots. If you qualify, Original Medicare covers flu shots at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you receive the service from a participating provider. This means you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance). Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover flu shots without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance when you see an in-network provider and meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements for the service.

People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from the flu. Getting the flu shot protects you from getting the flu and keeps you from spreading it to others. 

The flu season usually runs from November through April. Depending on when you choose to get your flu shot, Medicare may cover a flu shot twice in one calendar year. For example, if you get a shot in January 2020 for the 2019/2020 flu season, you could get another shot in October 2020 for the 2020/2021 flu season.
We are here to help. CHOICES is the state health insurance program where certified counselors are available to provide accurate, impartial information about Medicare. 

You can reach a counselor at 800-994-9422. 
Caregiver Corner - Caring for Men with Depression

Depression in women is a well-documented phenomenon. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Throughout the lifecycle we find evidence of depression in women: hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, post-partum and premenstrual periods are all associated with depression in women. However, depression doesn’t confine itself to women. Men, especially older men, suffer with depression. Although women have a higher rate of depression than men, older men have the highest rate of successful suicide attempts. Therefore, it is important to recognize and treat depression in older men. 

There are many reasons older men are at great risk, but their depression is often untreated:
·        Failure to recognize depression. 
·        Downplaying signs and symptoms. 
·        Reluctance to discuss depression symptoms. 
·        Resisting mental health treatment. 

Caregivers often have great difficulty providing care to men who are depressed. The depression is masked at times by substance abuse and other behaviors that are interpreted as anger, lack of appreciation for the efforts of the caregiver; refusal to cooperate with a plan of care. All of this makes the life of the caregiver harder than it needs to be. Women caring for men report similar problems whether the male is a spouse, a parent or a sibling. However, spouses report caring for a depressed husband is the most difficult. 

Male depression is associated with changes in traditional roles, such as breadwinner, strong man, decision maker and losses associated with retirement, death of friends and relatives. Failure to recognize that the man you care for is depressed and helping to get him into treatment for depression will make your life very difficult. 

If you are seeing signs of persistent sadness, changes in sleep patterns, changes in eating patterns and a general lack of interest in anything, you should inform his health care provider. If you’re seeing increased drinking or angry outbursts, report that as well.

Depression in older adults responds very well to a range of treatments from talking therapy to simple medications or exercise programs. Depression doesn’t only impact the person with the depression, it also affects you: Get Help.  For more information about programs available to treat depression, contact the Agency on Aging 203 785 8533/ Beverly Kidder
Did You Know?

  • National surveys find that between one and two percent of older adults experience major depression. However, the numbers are likely higher because older adults, especially men, are less likely to admit or even realize that they are depressed.
  • About 25% of older adults have milder symptoms of depression. This form of depression has been linked to poor health, more visits to the doctor, difficulty functioning, decreased social activity, and early death.
  • Medical issues commonly experience by older adults can be a factor. About one in four people with these chronic medical condition develops depression.
  • About one of five people with Alzheimer’s disease becomes severely depressed.
  • If you have chronic pain, you are four times more likely to develop depression than if you didn’t have pain.
Scammers & Contact Tracing

What to watch for during Medicare Open Enrollment. 
  • Beware of Phony Medicare Representatives – Pay attention to callers that sound like sales agents, even door to door sales agents.
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not employ sales representatives or calls with threats to terminate Medicare insurance coverage.
  • Medicare will typically write Medicare beneficiaries as a form of communication.

Call this number to be connected with the SMP program at your local Agency on Aging in Connecticut. 800-994-9422