AASCC's Monthly News and Notes





Independence


August 2015 Issue

In the Community

We are pleased to be part of a new initiative offered by the City of New Haven. On the last Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m., an Integrated Health Care Program will be held at the Atwater Senior Center.  Community organizations, including AoASCC, will be on hand to help seniors 55 and over access comprehensive health services and resources. 

 

Below: Cherie Strucaly was on hand when Mayor Toni N. Harp and Migdalia Castro, Director, Elderly Services, celebrated the program's launch on July 29th.

    

 

Read the article published by the New Haven Independent.

Program Changes
  
There are some important changes happening to the State/Federal funded programs that are designed to provide the assistance individuals need to stay safely at home.  

 

PCA Waiver

This program offers home and community based services to individuals with disabilities ages 18-64 who are at nursing facility level of care and meet income/asset guidelines.  Clients in this program are able to develop their own plan of care, within identified cost limits, which will assist them in maintaining independence at home.   Formerly administered by DSS, this program is now being managed by the Access agencies, which in south central CT is AoASCC.

 

Community First Choice (CFC)

Community First Choice (CFC) is a new program in Connecticut offered to active Medicaid members as part of the Affordable Care Act. This program allows individuals to receive supports and services in their home.  This is a self-directed program in which the client manages their own service plan.  Services can include the traditional home health services, PCA, home delivered meals and assistive technology.  Individuals referred to CFC participate in a comprehensive assessment designed to look at their individual situation, determine eligibility and funding levels for homecare services.  Clients may also have a support broker and a care planning coach.  

 Upcoming Events

I nteragency Council on Aging of South Central Connecticut
Registration for the 2015-2016 year will begin in August.  Email jfowler@aoascc.org if you would like registration information emailed to you.  Click here  for more information.


TEARS™ Conference

Annual elder abuse conference will be held on October 15th.  Space is limited, so register today.


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 Caregiver Corner

 

Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops (CDSMP) brings great news for older adults and caregivers with on-going problems such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, heart and lung disease, asthma, and any chronic pain.

 

Live Well-CDSMP  is a nationwide evidence-based health promotion program developed by Stanford University. Live Well-CDSMP workshops meet weekly for six weeks for 2 ½ hours a week in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals.  Workshops are highly interactive and are facilitated from a highly-detailed manual by two trained leaders, one or both of whom may be peers with a chronic health conditions themselves.  


 
Workshops help participants and caregivers to: 

  • Find better ways of dealing with pain and fatigue 
  • Discover easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy
  • Learn the appropriate use of medications
  • Improve nutrition 
  • Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals
  • Understand new treatment choices
  • Feel better about life

Workshops cover new topics each week and provide opportunities for interaction and group problem solving. 

 

The Live Well Self-Management Workshop will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. It is designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers, cardiac rehabilitation, or diabetes instruction. In addition, many people have more than one chronic condition. The program is especially helpful for these people, as it gives them the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in their lives.

 

If you or someone you know has a chronic health problem or is the caregiver of someone who has a chronic health problem and is interested in learning more about these workshops, please contact Jessica Waite at 203-785-8533 ext:3160 or jwaite@aoascc.org.

CHOICES Corner: 

 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have enhanced communication products to ensure that all people nearing age 65 will receive improved communication on Medicare Part A and B enrollment: updated text accompanying Medicare cards to emphasize the importance of enrolling in Part B which first eligible, updated Medicare publications, updated frequently asked questions on the Social Security and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid websites, and updates to the Social Security Statement inserts.

 

People are encouraged to establish a social security account at www.ssa.gov and www.MyMedicare.gov to keep abreast of the latest information.


This act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard: independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream. Legally, it will provide our disabled community with a powerful expansion of protections and then basic civil rights. It will guarantee fair and just access to the fruits of American life which we all must be able to enjoy. And then, specifically, first the ADA ensures that employers covered by the act cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Second, the ADA ensures access to public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and offices. And third, the ADA ensures expanded access to transportation services. And fourth, the ADA ensures equivalent telephone services for people with speech or hearing impediments... Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down. 

 

Excerpt. George W. Bush's Speech at the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Did You Know?

 

  • The reported rate of individuals with disabilities ranges from 12.7 to 18.7% of the U.S. population.
  • The percent of persons with disability as well as employment and poverty rates and earnings and health measures of people with disabilities vary greatly by state.
  •  In 2013, of the US population with disabilities, over half (51.9%) were people ages 18-64. Forty percent (40.3%) of people with disabilities were 65 and older.
  •  Rates of disability increase with age. In 2013, for ages 18-64, the rate was 10.5%. For people age 65 and older, 36.6% had a disability.
  • In 2013, 33.9% of US civilians with disabilities ages 18-64 living in the community were employed, compared to 74.2% for people without disabilities.
  • Almost thirty percent (28.7%) of US civilians with disabilities of working-age in 2013 were living in poverty. For US civilians of working-age without disabilities, the national poverty rate was 13.6%.

  • Care Network Link is a one-stop resource for aging in place, serving all towns in Connecticut and those above the eligibility thresholds for programs offered by AOASCC. This new non-profit business offers a wide range of services and ensures that all the companies in the network are trustworthy, quality focused with well-trained employees. Membership is free and entitles you to discounts from the providers in the network. Whether it is housekeeping, personal care, meal delivery, chores or modifications to make your home safer, Care Network Link has the trustworthy providers to take care of your needs. Visit our website & find out more.

    Copyright Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut.

    1 Long Wharf Drive, Suite 1L, New Haven, CT * (203) 785-8533 * www.aoascc.org*