Monday, November 30, 2009

Digital Natives

Digital Native ... or Not?: Learning Computers Later in Life a blog post which discusses the phenomena of older adults being left behind when it comes to learning how to use technology effectively. Cahalan gives many examples of different print texts that can be found and used in your local public library that will help the everyday older adult to use technology more efficiently. Check out this blog for more information.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Assistance to Caregivers

Ask Medicare (www.medicare.gov/caregivers) offers tools and information that helps caregivers and those they care for make informed health decisions. The site also offers a free e-newsletter, personal stories and tips from caregivers and important insights on challenging issues, such as transitioning a loved one to an assisted living facility, selecting and paying for care, coping with a chronic illness, and helping with hospitalization.

If you know a caregiver who could benefit from Ask Medicare, please click on this flyer. This tool provides information about Ask Medicare along with other agencies and organizations that can help.

Medicare Open Enrollment occurs from now until December 31st, and offers an important opportunity to ensure that beneficiaries have the drug and health plans that will best meet their needs for the coming year.

We also hope that you will visit Ask Medicare and sign up for the e-newsletter for caregivers. Read the Nov/Dec edition here:

www.cms.hhs.gov/MyHealthMyMedicare/downloads/AskMedicare_nov2009.pdf

In this edition:
  • Medicare Helps Manage Diabetes
  • 2010 Part B Premium
  • Open Enrollment Is Here!
  • What You Should Know About SNF Care
  • Medicare and You 2010
  • National Alliance for Caregiving
  • 7 Tips to Help a Parent with Part D

The more we all know about the challenges and joys of caregiving, the more support we can provide to caregivers, who do so much for others.

Information provided by Monique Scott of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

H1N1 News

Below please find 2009 H1N1 Virus Updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. There are also important resources in the message below to help protect families and communities from H1N1.

2009 H1N1 UPDATES

  • Flu activity is already higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons. Almost all of the flu viruses identified this season so far are 2009 H1N1.
  • All states have placed orders for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and more orders are expected daily. Vaccine is arriving in thousands of places across the country. Because the vaccine distribution system varies by state, the vaccine situation on the ground may differ from community to community.
  • The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is taking longer to produce than manufacturers initially expected. Scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock to produce this vaccine safely, effectively, and as quickly as the science allows. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through state and local health departments, will continue to make the vaccine available as soon as it comes off the production line.
  • Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective.
  • In the past, flu pandemics have been characterized by multiple waves. Scientists and doctors recommend H1N1 vaccination even if flu activity slows, as it could resume later in the season.

FLU.gov is a one-stop resource with the latest updates on the H1N1 flu. On this site, you can find information on How to Prevent and Treat the Flu, Flu Essentials and Why the H1N1 Vaccine is Safe and Recommended by Health Experts. To look up where to get vaccinated in your state, visit the Vaccine Locator. This information is updated regularly as more doses are shipped each week.

An additional resource is the CDC hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), which offers services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Heard a rumor? Visit Myths & Facts to run a fact check.

Information provided by Claudia Koenig of the PA Department of Education

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Library Programing that May Interest You

Good Afternoon: our local Red Cross is giving us information on flu prevention, as well as, hand sanitizer wipes for each library. They will come in a box that you can leave out for your patrons. We are also talking with Blue Cross to get additional hand sanitizer for libraries.

Also if you are interested in a programming option, the Red Cross will provide the following program(s) for your library. Please contact Jane Robinson directly if you're interested in the programming.

  • What is a Flu Pandemic?
  • How is Influenza Virus Spreads
  • Public Health Prevention Strategies
  • Developing a Preparedness Plan for Yourself and Your Family
  • Developing a Preparedness Plan for the Workplace
  • Preventing the Spread of Infection in the Workplace

We are hoping to present this information throughout Allegheny County. The presentation we have developed is an hour long and includes video, PowerPoint lecture, activites, and hand-outs. Our goal is to impact as much of the community as Possible, as quickly as possible.

Jane Robinson Community Disaster Education Intern for the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter can be contacted at 412-263-3140 or RobinsonJane@usa.redcross.org

Information provided by Beth Mellor, ACLA

Cleaning For a Reason

If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment.

All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org

Please pass this information on to bless a woman going through Brest Cancer treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

Life Long Learning

Check out this amazing_blog that shows an older woman exploring new technology. She is an inspiration to us all.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Staying Warm This Winter

For Your Information from Allegheny Power about possible assistance for staying warm this winter...

LIHEAP opens today for Cash grants only. To apply, have consumers call their local County Assistance Office to request and application. Gross monthly household income must be below the federal poverty guidelines at 150%, or less than $1,353 for a one person household.

Also, the Dollar Energy Fund grant program is open now for customers of regulated utilities who have received a Termination Notice or their service is OFF. Their monthly income must be less than 200% of the FPG, and they must have paid at least $150 on their respective accts in the past 90 days. Customers over age 62 must have paid at least $100 during this time period.

Heating customers cannot apply for LIHEAP Crisis grants until January 4, 2010.

Special note for Allegheny Power customers who are enrolled in our (CAP) LIPURP program. If they are all electric customers (rate code 108), they must apply for and receive LIHEAP grants to remain in the program. For those customers who were removed from LIPURP for not getting a LIHEAP grant this past winter, they must apply and receive a Cash grant in order to be reinstated in LIPURP.

K J Collamer, MSW
CARES Representative
Allegheny Power

724-523-1022 Office
724-244-3409 Cell phone
724-830-7853 Fax
1-800-207-1250 Toll Free – Leave a message.

Please be informed that the Crisis Program does not officially open until January 4, 2010 as stated in the Fiscal Year 2010 Liheap Final State Plan. However, people whose heat source is terminated (shut off’s only) can apply for an “exceptional payment” at the Allegheny County Central Liheap Office located in the State Office Building, 300 Liberty Avenue, Room 111, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222. Anyone seeking assistance with Crisis Weatherization which is officially open will be referred directly to the Weatherization agency that provides the service needed.

Provided by Karen L. Randolph