November 2024

Spotlight on VOLUNTEERING

Outreach is an important part of recruiting volunteers for any program, but when you can enrich the message with the voices of current volunteers, you have a perfect recipe for success.

On Saturday, November 2nd Judy Neron, Program Manager for the Senior Companion (SCP) and Foster Grandparent (FGP) Programs participated in a community event at the West Haven Library.

In addition to typical flyers and handouts, she brought along two Senior Companion Volunteers.

Berenid and Virgen are leaders for SCP at the Atwater Senior Center in New Haven. Both women are determined to encourage others to remain active in their site, as they like to call it.

Click to read the full article and learn more about Volunteering.

CHOICES Corner

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. You can make these changes to your Medicare coverage from October 15 to December 7. Going to the online service at Medicare.gov you can review options and make changes. However, if you prefer to speak with someone who can review the options with you and help you determine which plans work best for you, you can speak with a certified CHOICES team member who can guide you through the process.

You can reach CHOICES at: (800) 994-9422 for one-on-one assistance with reviewing health or prescription drug plan options.

Do you know what your rights are? A CHOICES team member can help you understand your rights under Medicare. Do you know how Medicare works with supplemental policies, retiree coverage, Medicaid, and other insurers? When you call CHOICES at 800-994-9422, a team member will help you and provide information and assistance related to understanding your Medicare coverage.

This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $577,233 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

CAREGIVER Corner:

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Each November we recognize National Family Caregivers Month. We utilize this opportunity not only to recognize and celebrate the work and devotion of caregivers, but also to raise awareness of caregiving issues in an effort to increase support for caregivers. If you or someone you know is a caregiver and could benefit from available information, resources, and supports, a great place to go to get connected to local help is ACL’s Eldercare Locator and Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL).

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide public service provided by ACL. The Eldercare Locator can connect you to trustworthy services for older adults and their families in local communities. From meals and home care, caregiving, and transportation options to financial or legal assistance, the Eldercare Locator can point you in the right direction. A special section of the Eldercare Locator website, called the “Caregiving Corner,” is devoted to caregivers and is where useful links and resources can be found. Connect with an Eldercare Locator information specialist from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

How to reach the Eldercare Locator:

https://eldercare.acl.gov
Call or text at 1-800-677-1116
Email eldercarelocator@n4a.org
Start an Online Chat with an information specialist.

Click to read the full article.

More than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care, totaling an economic value of over $470 billion.