AOASCC News & Notes
Sections:

 Independence

August 2017

AOASCC Recognized by National Organization

On July 30th, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) honored 52 programs with an impressive track record of success helping older Americans remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. 

"With the health care landscape continuing to change rapidly, our members are discovering new ways to position themselves in the long-term and health care marketplaces, as well as to strengthen long-standing services, to meet the needs of America's rapidly growing older adult population," said n4a's Chief Executive Officer Sandy Markwood. "Our members work tirelessly, and with little fanfare in their communities, and this program enables us to shine a well-deserved spotlight on their critical work to support older adults' health, safety, independence and dignity," Ms. Markwood added.

AOASCC's TEARS, Elder Abuse Conference, was selected as an Aging Innovations Award Recipient.   Kudos to Dr. Beverly Kidder and her staff in the Aging and Disability Center!
Volunteer Spotlight Volunteer

There are many older adults living alone who could use a visit - someone to run errands or just spend time chatting over coffee. We know that the one being visited benefits, but what about the visitor? 

Here's one individual's story.

When asked about being a Senior Companion, Mr. Luis said that the program is a "a blessing from heaven that came to earth". He had recuperated from several illnesses and was looking for something to prevent him from falling into depression.  He and his wife had even moved to Connecticut looking for a change of scenery.

He has found many benefits of engaging with other seniors. Every day he is motivated to get out of bed and looks forward to seeing his client. His daily goal is to try his best to give good advice and help his client see the good things in life. Mr. Luis sums it up this way, "I am really thankful for being a part of the community in a positive way."


We currently have openings in the Senior Companion Program - do you belong in one of these pictures?
Click here for more information.
 
The Senior Companion Program provides a small stipend and has specific eligibility requirements.  Senior Corps is supported through a CNCS grant.
Caregiver Corner:  Hiring a CaretakerCaregiver

Increasingly, people are assuming responsibility to hire their own caregivers.  Many people prefer this option claiming they get more service for the same amount of money and they report feeling greater control of the caregiver relationship.  However, before exercising this option make certain you've considered all the issues associated with becoming your own caregiver employer.

Before hiring, always ask for and thoroughly check a potential employee's character and employment references, even if you plan on hiring a relative as a caregiver.  Keep in mind, however, that occasionally former employers will say good things about bad people or bad things about good people. 



C HOICES:  Spousal ImpoverishmentCHOICES

The cost of nursing home care in CT is more than $8,000 per month. Such an expense can rapidly wipe out the life savings of most couples.  For many years it was necessary for a couple to spend all of their savings before they could qualify for Medicaid to help pay for the nursing home.  In 1988, Congress enacted a law to protect some of the couple's life savings when one of the partners needs nursing home care.  The law, referred to as "spousal impoverishment" attempts to ensure that the community dwelling spouse will be able to live with dignity in the community without suffering from poverty. 

Under the spousal impoverishment law, a certain portion of the couple's savings is set aside for use by the community spouse and is not intended to be used to pay for nursing home care for the nursing home spouse.  The community spouse is free to spend the money as he/she wishes.  In addition to the life savings, a portion of the couple's retirement income may also be given to the community spouse, depending on the amount of income the community spouse has.

The amount of money that can be protected for the community spouse is revised periodically by the Congress.  The current standard allows a maximum savings of $120,900 and a minimum income for the community spouse of $2,030. When reviewing information about eligibility for Medicaid, remember that the spousal impoverishment protections should be included in the determination about eligibility.
Did You Know? Know

Older adults are embracing the digital age.  According to recent survey by Pew Research.
  • 58% say technology has had a mostly positive impact on society.
  • Around four-in-ten (42%) report owning smartphones, up from just 18% in 2013.
  • 67%  use the internet - a 55-percentage-point increase in just under two decades.
  • 75% of internet users go online daily, and one-in-ten are almost constantly online.
AOASCC Happenings Calendar

Wednesday, August 16; 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Information to get you started with world of Medicare.

Live Well- Diabetes Self-Management (DSMP) Workshop
 - 6 week workshop starts in September.   Find out more & how to register.

TEARS - Annual Elder Abuse Conference

Tuesday, October 17, 8:30 - 4:00 pm
Toyota Oakdale Theater, Wallingford.

Join us for the largest conference in Connecticut covering one of the most serious issues facing professionals involved in the care of our elderly population.  TEARS is a 2017 Aging Innovations Award recipient from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.   
Commissioner Elizabeth Ritter from the State Department of Aging is just one of our accomplished speakers who will explore this year's conference theme - Ageism.
 
Thank you to our platinum sponsor:

Stretch Your Budget at the Local Farmers Market AOASCC

 

We recently received a note from someone visiting a local farmers market.  This farmers market doubles SNAP dollars, so, when using SNAP, many of the items at the market were actually cheaper than the local super market!

 

Find out what's in season with this handy guide.  And did you buy too much?  Blueberries are easy to freeze, and peaches can be frozen too!  

 
Visit   BenefitsCheckUp.org/getSNAP or visit our website to  find out more about SNAP.
AOASCC is Here to Help

Care Network Link
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 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 ®.   Find out more.