AOASCC News & Notes


 Independence

May 2017


May is Older Americans Month!
Getting older doesn't mean what it used to.
 
This year's OAM theme, "Age Out Loud," emphasizes the ways older adults are living their lives with boldness, confidence, and passion while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages. In recognition of Older American's Month, we host two key celebrations: The Art of Aging and the Centenarian Luncheon.
May 18 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
 
We have had so many submissions to our annual art exhibition, we are almost running out of wall space!  Join us and celebrate the creativity of our older adults in south central Connecticut.  
The exhibition will run until June 22nd. This event is sponsored by KeepMeHome.  
Celebrating Centenarians
 
On May 3, 120 people gathered to honor area centenarians at our annual Centenarian Luncheon. State Department on Aging Commissioner Elizabeth Ritter welcomed the centenarians and Christianne Kovel, Commission on Women, Children and Seniors, recognized each centenarian with a certificate.

The event was sponsored by Goodcopy Visuals and the Yale Program on Aging and is hosted by the AOASCC Board of Directors.
 
We were honored to meet each centenarian.  Agnes Lowe at 109 was the oldest in attendance (pictured here with President & CEO Ted Surh).   When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Agnes responded, "I'll tell you in 20 years."

Spotlight on Volunteers
 
Jean and Ella have been volunteering as money managers for over five years and uses the term "like family" when talking about the relationship they have formed with their client. 
 
Peter enjoys spending time with a peer as a friendly visitor. His visits means a lot both to the client and his wife, who can now have lunch with a friend or go grocery shopping without concern. 
 
Mary Ellen, a friendly visitor, brought her client to the movies. This simple act made all the the difference. The client hadn't been to the movies in many years and was thrilled. 

These volunteers are all part of RSVP.    Find out more  about RSVP and the other volunteer opportunities available through AOASCC.

Volunteering can be whatever you make it and we are so PROUD of the individuals who have chosen to volunteer with us. Thank you!
Caregiver Corner
CPR Training
 
Family caregivers are in a position of responsibility for so many aspects of care.  Whether you're caring for a child, a young adult an aging parent or a spouse, you may find yourself in a situation where the person you are caring for needs CPR or relief from choking.  You can be empowered to be the person who saves a life.  Because you are caring for someone with health care needs you are more likely than a member of the general public to have the need for training to perform CPR.  
 
We are very fortunate to have a  free,  authorized, training program available through Griffin Hospital.  You need not live in the Valley to participate in the training.  It is offered on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10 A.M. till noon, at the hospital. Reservations are required.  You can call to register at (203) 732-1337.  Everyone who is a family caregiver should learn CPR, you might be the hero who saves a life.

Did You Know?  
  • Over the past 10 years, the population 60 and over increased 34% from 49.8 million to 66.8 million.
  • The 85+ population is projected to triple from 6.3 million in 2015 to 14.6 million in 2040.
  • Racial and ethnic minority populations are projected to increase to 28% of older adults by 2030.
  • About one in every seven, or 14.9%, of the population is an older American.
  • About 29% of noninstitutionalized older persons live alone.
  • Almost half of older women (46%) age 75+ live alone.
CHOICES
 
"Balance billing, " is improper billing that occurs when Medicare providers seek to bill a Medicare beneficiary who is on the Medicare Savings Program (QMB), for Medicare cost sharing. Medicare cost sharing can include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
 
Are improper billing protections waivable? NO!  QMBs have no legal obligation to make further payment to a provider or Medicare managed care plan for Part A or Part B cost sharing.
 
Medicare providers who violate these billing restrictions are violating their Medicare provider agreement. You have legal protections to prevent balance billing if you are on the Medicare Savings Program (QMB). Federal law protects all "QMBs" from improper billing.
 
The QMB program is one of several Medicare Savings Programs that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries get help from Medicaid to pay for Medicare Parts A and B, assuming they meet certain criteria.
 
If you are part of the Medicare Savings Program, tell your providers or debt collectors that you have QMB and can't be charged. If the medical provider won't stop billing you, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY-1-800-633-4227).
 
If you have a problem with debt collection, you can send a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online or call the CFPB toll-free at (855) 411-2372. (TTY (855) 729-2372
Eating Well

Older Americans Month is a great time to remember that SNAP helps seniors. When seniors get the food they need and deserve, they live happier, healthier lives! 

Visit   BenefitsCheckUp.org/getSNAP  or  visit our website  to  find out more
Thank you to all who helped make this such a successful Great Give for the Agency!
 
We truly appreciate your generosity!!   
 
There are so few organizations serving the needs of older adults and disabled individuals.  The donations you contributed go to help them live more independently.  
 
 
Together we are making a difference in the lives of so many in our community!   
Need help finding support at home? 

Care Network Link is a wonderful resource to find trusted providers:  Homemaking, Personal Care Assistance, Live-In Caregivers, Wheelchair Ramps, Fall Alert Systems, Hair Stylists that come to your home. 

Give us a call at 203-495-1655 or sign up for membership at www.CareNetworkLink.org    Membership is FREE and will earn you discounts from the providers you hire.  Care Network Link credentials all the providers before allowing them on the network to make sure they are trustworthy businesses to have in your home.  
Social Security Disability Assistance Program
Our goal is to provide the knowledge and dedicated assistance necessary to succeed after you have been denied your claim for disability benefits. By navigating you through the Social Security maze, our goal is to truly be your advocate for independence ®.  
 
Copyright Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut.
1 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 1L, New Haven, CT * (203) 785-8533 *  www.aoascc.org*


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