Thursday, December 31, 2009

Caregiver Magazine Spotlight

Do you subscribe to one of these caregiver magazines or another? Tell us what you think.

Pennsylvania Caregiver Magazine
Taking care of family members and friends in need is an act of love. However it can also be challenging. Pennsylvania Caregiver Magazine is a helpful resource for both work and family caregivers with useful and creative information and solutions for caregivers providing varying types of needs. Free, quarterly subscription.

Today’s Caregiver
National magazine addressing the needs and concerns of caregivers, and dedicated to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimers, cancer, AIDS, and other threatening diseases. $18 for a one year bi-monthly subscription.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Agencies - Websites for Older Adults

AARP
www.aarp.org

Administration on Aging
www.aoa.gov

National Council on Aging
www.nia.nih.gov

National Library Service for the Blind and Handicapped
www.loc.gov.nls

PA Association of Area Agencies on Aging
www.p4a.org

PA Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging
www.panpha.org

PA Senior Centers
www.paseniorcenters.org

Social Security Online
www.socialsecurity.gov

Information and Website provided by ISAP (Innovative Services to an Aging Population) Appointed by commonwealth Libraries, members include public librarians, library educators, and representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, AARP, Area Agencies on Aging, Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Social Security. Provides leadership and focus from a state-wide level on public library services for older adults and their families and caregivers.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Open Enrollment 2010 & Things to Consider

Open Enrollment is almost over! December 31st marks the end of Medicare's Open Enrollment period. It's the one time every year when all people with Medicare can review their prescription drug and health plan options, and make any changes in their current coverage, to make sure they have the coverage that best meets their needs. Those who do not have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a Part D plan during Open Enrollment.

Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries and Caregivers
There are a wide range of tools and resources available to help you make smart choices about Medicare prescription drug and health coverage
  • Visit www.medicare.gov to find a wide rage of interactive tools that will help beneficiaries review the different plan available in their area.
  • Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to find out more about the plan options available
  • Check out the 2010 Medicare and You Handbook, which is available at www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf
  • Meet one-on-one with trained expert for assistance. Call 1-800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov to find a local Medicare specialist.

Things to Consider When Choosing or Changing Coverage

Medicare offers many prescription drug and health plan choices that are updated yearly. Those who are considering a change in plans should start by looking at their current plan and what it will offer in 2010. Then, compare the cost and overage to other plans available in their area. Medicare offers the following guidance to help beneficiaries change or choose a new plan.

  • Your Plan Coverage - Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover Part A and Part B services. Have you received the out of pocket costs, coverage and other services of your plan for the 2010 benefit year?
  • Other Coverage - Do you have, or are you eligible for, other types of health or prescription drug coverage, such as through a former employer or union? If so, read the materials you get from your insurer or plan, or call them to find out how the coverage works with, or is affected by, Medicare.
  • Cost - How much are your premiums, deductibles, and other costs? How much do you pay for services like hospital stays or doctor visits? Is there a yearly limit on what you could pay out-of-pocket for medical services? Your costs vary and may be different if you don't follow the coverage rules.
  • Doctor and Hospital choice - Do your doctors accept the coverage? Are the doctors you want to see accepting new patients? Do you have to choose your hospital and health care providers from a network? Do you need to get referrals?
  • Prescription Drugs - What are your prescription drug needs? Do you need to join a Medicare drug plan? Do you already have creditable prescription drug coverage? Will you pay a penalty if you join a drug plan later? What will your prescription drugs cost under each plan? Are your drugs covered under the plan's drug list.
  • Quality of Care - The quality of care and services given by plans and other health care providers can vary. Medicare has information to help you compare plans and providers.
  • Convenience - Where are the doctors' offices? What are their hours? Which pharmacies can you use? Can you get your prescriptions by mail? Do the doctors use electronic health records or E-prescribe?
  • Travel - Will the plan cover you in another state if you are traveling, or if you spend the summer and winter months in different locations?

Intergenerational, Law, & Travel Resources - Websites for Older Adults 2009

Intergenerational Resources
Center for Intergenerational Learning
templecil.org/

Generations United
http://www.gu.org/

Law Resources
National Center on Elder Abuse
www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx

National Senior Citizens Law Center
http://www.nsclc.org/
NOLO - Law For All
http://www.nolo.com/

Senior Law Home Page Center
http://www.seniorlaw.com/

Travel Resources
Access-Able Travel Source
http://www.access-able.com/

Elderhostel
http://www.elderhostel.org/

ElderTreks Travel
http://www.eldertreks.com/

Travel Deals (AARP)
www.aarp.org/travel/

Information and Website provided by ISAP (Innovative Services to an Aging Population) Appointed by commonwealth Libraries, members include public librarians, library educators, and representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, AARP, Area Agencies on Aging, Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Social Security. Provides leadership and focus from a state-wide level on public library services for older adults and their families and caregivers.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Twelve individuals from across our County libraries are receiving certification through the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Consumer Health Information Fellowship. The program helps librarians gain enhanced knowledge of the types and sources of reliable information on healthcare providers, health conditions and healthcare quality. Program fellows learn from experts in the field and establish a valuable network of on-call resources.

Participants will earn a Consumer Health Information Specialist certification from the Medical Library Association. This year’s participating library staff included

Antoinette Ruta - Avalon Public Library
Megan Heady - previously at the Brentwood Public Library
Ronda Dibas - Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Ann Andrews - Lauri Ann West Memorial Library
Tracy Happe - Monroeville Public Library
Tom Muldowney - Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Dustin Shilling - Northern Tier Public Library
Mary Lee Resnick - Northland Public Library
Lynne Schneider - Sewickley Public Library
Susan McClellan - Shaler North Hills Library
Denise Ignasky - Whitehall Public Library

Two years ago the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh piloted the training sending staff from each library location and departments at the Main library in Oakland. Fellows have developed several resources which have been posted HERE for any library to take advantage of.

Free Online Educational Program

In January of 2010, the program "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging Online Education Program will be piloted by the Pennsylvania State Department of Aging with their 55 Prime Time Health Coordinators across the State. Follow the link to view more information about the "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging Online Education Program.

If there are any questions about the “10 Keys”™ online program please contact Kathy Williams, MHSA, RN by phone 412-383-1312 or her email williamsk@edc.pitt.edu.

Free Library for Seniors

Computers for Seniors
Beginners can use a department computer in a supportive, extended time environment. For the tech savvy, use our laptop to bring your own.

Free monthly programs feature experts on health, fitness, nutrition, theater, travel, social services and legal needs of older adults. We offer official government information about social security, Medicare and other programs that impact your life! There are books, newspapers and magazines in regular and large print, classic movies in DVD format and an extensive collection of travel guides.

Check out freelibrary.org for more information or call 215-686-5331

Wii Bowlers

Check out this article on seniors who Wii Bowl, a gaming system that incorporates movement and fun into one video game system. These systems are designed for all ages, which is evidently seen in the article 'Growing old with Wii: Seniors take up bowling on popular Nintendo system'.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Caregiving & Long Term Care - Websites for Older Adults 2009

CARIE: The Center for Advocacy for Rights and Interests of the Elderly
http://www.carie.org/

Eldercare At Home
www.healthinaging .org/public_education/eldercare

Eldercaer Locator
http://www.eldercare.gov/

Eldercare Online
http://www.ec-online.net/

ElderWeb
http://www.elderweb.com/

Extended Care
http://www.extendedcare.com/

Family Caregiver Alliance
http://www.caregiver.org/

Find A Hospice
www.nhpco.org/Directory/

National Alliance for Caregiving
http://www.caregiving.org/

PA Long Term Care
http://www.aging.state.pa/

Information and Website provided by ISAP (Innovative Services to an Aging Population) Appointed by commonwealth Libraries, members include public librarians, library educators, and representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, AARP, Area Agencies on Aging, Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Social Security. Provides leadership and focus from a state-wide level on public library services for older adults and their families and caregivers.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Positive Aging Radio

Positive Aging Radio - for help with managing a variety of aging and caregiving issues.

Sundays at 8am. Tune in to 1360 AM, WMNY, or listen live on: WMNY 1360

Sunday December 13
Your Health Information, How to Have What You Need, When You Need It
Special Guests: Lorraine Buffalino and Melanie Santarelli, of MyMediFiles

Sunday December 20
Take Care with Jennifer Antkowiak
Special Guest: Jennifer Antokowiak, KDKA TV 2 Morning News Anchor, Author, Mom of 5, and Caregiving Coach.

Weekly Features:
  • Senior Centers - Weekly talk with a Senior Center Director, or a participating Senior, about their Center and the activities they have coming up.
  • Honoring Birthdays – Upcoming Birthday announcements on air for those fortunate enough to be turning 75 and up.
  • Caregivers Corner – Weekly tips for caregivers
  • Free Services & Programs for Seniors - Weekly featured free service or program available to local seniors.

Upcoming Topics:

  • Senior Fraud – Discussion with PA State Attorney General’s Office on senior fraud, and how to avoid it.
  • When Parents Refuse Help – What You Can Do
  • Family Aging and Caregiving Issues- Do You Need an Elder Mediator?
  • Long Term Care – Who Really pays?
  • Moving to a Retirement Community – How to Downsize and Organize
  • Home Care / Home Health Care – What is the difference
  • Ebay – How and What to Sell, & DIY versus Using an Ebay Agent
  • Rehabilitation - New options and technology
  • Finances for Seniors - Should Seniors be Transferring their Assets to the Kids?
  • Funding Non-Medical Home Care
  • Senior Housing – How to choose Independent, Assisted Living, or Personal Care Homes
  • Community Programs that Help Seniors Stay at Home
  • Family Caregiver Contracts – Can your relative get paid for the care they provide?
  • Special Senior Guests - Great examples of positive aging

Past Topics:
Now You Can- Listen to past shows in the Positive Aging Radio Archives