SOUTH ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Area Agency on Aging

MOBILE * BALDWIN * ESCAMBIA

APRIL 2023

FROM THE AAA DIRECTOR

JULIE MCGEE

Statewide Partnerships Result in $66 Million in Senior Benefits

Our Agency leads statewide work with other AAA’s to enroll Seniors in earned benefit programs, including inflation fighting food assistance, the Medicare Savings Program, reduced or

no-cost prescription drugs and utility assistance. For many Seniors, retiring on a fixed income has proven challenging, yet only 30% of eligible Seniors participate. In the last year, our statewide Benefit Enrollment Centers have enrolled more than 10,000 Seniors who received $66.3 million in benefits.

Our partner is the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and we recently hosted NCOA for a project site visit. State-level partners participating include: Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) Commissioner Jean Brown, Senior Rx Director Misty Barnes and State SHIP Director Sharon Jalieba; Department of Human Resources Food Resource Division Director Brandon Hardin; and Christopher White of Auburn University at Montgomery. We also welcomed AAA state partners: Central Alabama Aging Consortium; West Alabama Regional Commission; Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging; and North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY

New to Medicare? Free Monthly Seminar Series

Tuesday, May 2/9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - AAA Office/GM&O Building

Click Here for Details

Older Americans Month - Senior Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Mobile County: May 16 - Abba Shriners Center

Baldwin County: May 18 - Baldwin County Coliseum & Fairgrounds

Escambia County: May 24 - Flomaton Senior Center

Email for More Information: mlee@sarpc.org

OCTOBER

Mobile County Senior Expo

Thursday, October 5/9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Grounds (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds)

Baldwin County Senior Expo

Thursday, October 12/9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Baldwin County Coliseum and Fairgrounds (Robertsdale Coliseum)

MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH (OAM)!

OAM was established in 1963, when only 17 million Americans had turned 65. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of OAM.

OAM is a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country. Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. We will be highlighting Older Americans Month and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program with several Senior Nutrition Centers in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties.

Let's Get Started! Seniors are the fastest growing population in the country and we have the numbers.

Medicare Questions?

Want to Save Money on Medicare and Prescription Dugs Costs?

* Utilizing SHIP does not change your current Medicare plan.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is funded by the federal government to provide local assistance and unbiased advice to people on Medicare about their insurance options and benefits. These include:

• Medicare plan comparisons
• Eligibility for Medicare extra help with premiums and co-payments
• Medicaid
• Prescription drug plans
• Billing and claims
• Fraud, rights and protections 
• Volunteer opportunities through the Senior Medicare Patrol

SHIP also provides group presentations on a variety of health insurance topics for SHIP programs. Contact SHIP counseling services: 251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463.

THE FACES OF GRANDFAMILIES:

PROGRAMS CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT

Alabama is ranked 4th in the country for the highest percentage of grandparents raising grandchildren. Grandfamilies (kinship families) are where children reside with and are being raised by grandparents, other extended family members, and adults with whom they have a close family-like relationship such as godparents and close family friends.

Despite the challenges, these families can thrive with resources and support. Some of the ways our program (Older Relatives as Caregivers) have supported families include hosting education workshops, assisting with legal custody processes, holding holiday donation and local church events, and assisting with securing financial assistance for caregivers.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES SENIORS WITH LEGAL COUNSELLING & SERVICES

The Legal Assistance Program provides many free legal services for non-criminal and non-fee generating matters for those 60 and older. Outreach services are provided for those in the most social or economic need. Services include:

• Elder abuse, exploitation & fraud
• Income maintenance (loss of income/benefits)
• Accessing health/nursing home care
• Consumer issues & debt collection
• Housing
• Advanced directives
• Powers of Attorney
• Wills
• Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security

Our Elder Law Attorney Brittney Bragg has more than a decade of experience in the legal field, with specializations in Social Security, family law and wills.

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE:

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZES SECOND COVID BOOSTER FOR SENIORS

If you're 65 or older, talk to your doctor about getting a second booster (if it's been at least 4 months since your last dose). If you haven’t yet received the Bivalent Booster, now is the time to get it. Covid still poses a deadly threat to Seniors and staying current with your vaccination is a powerful way to stay healthy. For the homebound, our Agency is a partner in the Homebound Vaccination Program. Call our Aging Hotline: 251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463.

CALLING ALL OUTSTANDING SENIORS; THOSE 100 OR OLDER; AND COUPLES MARRIED 65 YEARS

The Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has honored and recognized Alabamians aged 60 or older for their outstanding contribution to the lives of older members in their local communities since 1983, and recognizes Alabama seniors who are 100 years or older and couples married 65+ years. Nomination forms are due by May 1.

$50 FARMERS MARKET VOUCHER FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS 60+

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is offering vouchers that can be redeemed at certified vendors to purchase fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs. Contact the Aging Hotline at 251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463. 

BUDGET FRIENDLY FOODS

Inflation is creating an increased grocery bill. Here are some food suggestions that can be more filling and easier on your wallet.

Tip: Cook once and eat all week. This avoids trips to the grocery store.

• Canned tuna or salmon - high in protein
• Pasta - easy to prepare and creates a variety of meals
• Canned vegetables - rinse before cooking to reduce excess salt and keep nutritional value
• Brown rice and wheat bread - more filling and higher nutritional value
• Bananas & carrots - inexpensive, year round fruit and vegetable options
• Canned mixed fruit - buy without syrup or rinse before eating

Also, consider SNAP Inflation Fighting Food Assistance. There are many myths about this earned benefit program that can help you eat right when money is tight. Here are the facts:

• Benefits average $104 per month
• Certain medical deductions can increase benefits
• Simple application, renewable every 3 years
• Receive debit card for tax free groceries

PAY WITH SMART PHONE WHEN STORES WON'T TAKE CASH

Most smartphones offer a payment system that’s more secure than using a credit or debit card. With mobile payments, no personal information or account numbers are input into the retailer’s computer system. Once you get used to it, paying this way can be quicker than using a check, card or cash.

Quick Steps:

1. Launch the device’s preinstalled payment app. Apple Wallet for iPhones or GPay for Android devices.

2. Tap on the “+” icon (Apple Pay) or the “$” icon, then “Add an Account” (GPay), then enter credit or debit card information into the fields. You can add multiple cards and select a default card you use most.

3. When making a payment, launch the app, select a card (unless using your default card) and hold your smartphone near the merchant’s credit card terminal.

4. Confirm the purchase. If you’re using a debit card, you may also be asked to enter your card’s PIN.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CHECK WASHING

Check washing occurs when criminals steal your checks, remove the ink and re-write checks so they get the money. Here are some ways to thwart thieves:

• Use a pen with blue or black non-erasable gel ink. Gel ink soaks into paper and may be more difficult to remove than ballpoint pen ink, according to authorities.
• Pay your bills online.  Bank accounts and the payment systems for your bills are encrypted (process that scrambles readable text so it can only be read by the person who has the secret code, or decryption key).
• Deliver your mail to a post office.
• Don’t let delivered mail sit in your mailbox.
• Monitor your bank account. Don’t wait for your monthly statement. Set up online banking so you can check your account every few days.
• Contact your bank as soon as possible after suspicious activity. Banks are generally required to replace funds stolen by fraudulent checks, but only if it’s reported within 30 days of the date of your bank statement.

AAA IN THE COMMUNITY

Matter of Balance (MOB) Class Spanish Fort Senior Center

MOB is an 8-week class series to learn how to prevent falls and become more active.

East Brewton Senior Center Easter Celebration

Senior Nutrition Centers are a place to have meals with friends and participate in recreation and enrichment programs.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol Volunteer Training

AAA sponsored the Dearborn YMCA Annual Luncheon. Staff pictured with Board Member Terrence Hunter and University of South Alabama students Eric Ware and Chris Moore.

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 assistance with the high cost of groceries

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

110 Beauregard Street

Mobile, Alabama 36602

251-706-4680

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