Independence

October 2022

Invaluable training addressing elder abuse, fraud and exploitation. 

TEARS Annual Conference

Online Thursday, October 20, 2022

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

No registration fee • CEU credits available

Found out more.

Spotlight on Volunteers

Day of the Abuelitas

“Abuelitas” means Grandmother and every year Lulac Head Start Day Care Center has made a commitment to celebrate and dedicate a special day for their abuelitas. The staff coordinate a special day full of presents, funny plays acted out by the children and a dinner to say thank you. We appreciate all of our sites and their collaboration with our agency volunteers. This is just a small proof of how much they love our programs and volunteers.

Pictured here we have AOASCC volunteers in the Foster Grandparent program sharing in their joyous day.

CHOICES - Managing your Medicare online

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you should have a secure, online account to manage your Medicare information. It’s quick and easy to create an account. Simply go to medicare.gov and click on create my account. Have your Medicare card handy. Once you have an account you can use it to:

• Save your prescriptions and pharmacies,
• Sign up to go digital. Get your yearly "Medicare & You" handbook electronically, instead of by mail.
• View and print a copy of your official Medicare card

Don’t be concerned about losing access to the account if you forget your password. You can click on the “forgot my password” link and they’ll instantly send you a code that will let you reset the password.

Having your Medicare information organized in one digital file will save you time and frustration when you have to produce a list of your medications; or you’ve misplaced the Medicare card and can’t locate it the day you’re visiting a new health care provider. Just think about the piles of paper that pile up around you that can be reduced or even eliminated by going digital.

Reminder: Open enrollment runs from October 15-December 7. This is your oopportunity to review your plan and make sure it still is the right fit.

Did You Know?

The United States spent $4,124.0 billion on health care in 2020.

• 31% on hospital care.
• 14% on physician services.
• 8% on prescriptions.
• 5% on nursing facilities.
• 3% on home care.

Who pays the bil?

• 30% private health insurance.
• 20% Medicare and 16% Medicaid.
• 9% out of pocket.

American Medical Association

Caregiver Corner

If you are the caregiver of a sedentary person, it might escape your attention that physical activity is extremely important to include in your list of daily activities for your loved one and for yourself. It may seem like it’s one more thing to worry about, but It can be as simple as asking a loved one what they are interested in doing. When they have selected an option, they may be more likely to stick to it and if you join them, you’ll both be more likely to continue.

There are many activities that anyone with mobility issues can become a part of and enjoy, like adaptive aerobics, aquatic exercise, floor yoga, wheelchair workouts, walking routines and dance.  When you and your loved one becomes committed to exercise, you’ll be playing a major role in helping to prevent chronic illness and premature death, while developing a sense of confidence as strength and balance improve.

There are many benefits for exercise: increased efficiency of heart and lungs; reduced cholesterol levels; increased muscle strength; reduced blood pressure; reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease; weight loss; more energy; less stress; improved quality of sleep; improved ability to cope with stress; increased mental acuity; toned muscles; improved posture; improved self-image; increased opportunities to share an activity with friends or family members; less frequent falls; and improved immunity to minor illnesses.

There are things you can do to increase the probability that your loved one will stick to an exercise plan:

• Choose an activity they enjoy
• Tailor the plan to their fitness level
• set realistic goals;
• don't get discouraged if they don't see immediate results
• don't give up if they miss a day; try to get back on track the next day or when they can
• exercise alongside them
• don’t forget to create some “rest days” into their exercise schedule
• Most importantly, before starting any exercise program, make sure that your loved one gets the okay from their physician.