SOUTH ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Area Agency on Aging

MOBILE * BALDWIN * ESCAMBIA

September 2023

SENIOR EXPOS ARE HERE!

You don't want to miss these Healthy Aging Events! Our Expos will be held Thursday, October 5 at the Grounds and Thursday, October 12 at the Baldwin County Coliseum. Expos are free to attend and registration is not required. All participants receive a free lunch and tote bag, to fill with health and wellness items donated by our Exhibitors.

• Local Vendors
• Aging services, health & wellness programs
• Medicare assistance
• Seasonal vaccinations
• Free medical screenings
• Entertainment, games & giveaways

Sponsors Supporting Seniors:

NBC 15 - Media Sponsor, Naro Audiology and Hearing Solutions, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, Spire Energy, VIP Care, Baldwin EMC, The Grounds, Franklin Primary Health Center, Wellcare, Mostellar Medical Clinic, Springhill Home Health and Hospice, AARP of Mobile, Crowne Health Care, The Fist Bank, Sage Health, and CVS Pharmacy.

INFORMATION: 251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463

EXHIBITORS: Email Nancy Bledsoe

FROM THE AAA DIRECTOR

JULIE MCGEE

AAA STAFF GOES TO WASHINGTON!

SARPC-AAA Selected by White House for Recognition as Part of the Communities in Action Initiative

Our work was recently recognized as part of the national Communities in Action: Building a Better Alabama - a White House series that features local elected officials and community leaders working on behalf of their communities to create opportunities for citizens and share personal impact stories. AAA staff attended a half-day forum in DC hosted by the Biden-Harris Administration Office of Public Engagement to highlight the current administration’s investments in communities.

Our State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Regional Coordinator James Roberson represented our region, along with a delegation of elected officials and community leaders, including Alabama State Senator Vivian Figures, Alabama State Representatives Barbara Drummond and Adline Clarke, Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, and University of South Alabama Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies David Meola. Representatives from the administration’s Investing in America Agenda - Delivering for Alabama initiative included U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Domestic Policy Director Neera Tandem, National Climate Advisory Group Member Ali Zaidi, Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu and Office of Public Engagement Director Steve Benjamin.

Highlights of the ways costs are being lowered for Alabama families through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included:

• As of March 2023, more than 989,000 Alabama residents with Medicare will benefit from the $2,000 yearly cap on out of pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription and free vaccines.
• More than 326,000 Alabama households are able to access affordable high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program as part of the administration’s Investing in America agenda.
• For the first time, Medicare is now able to negotiate prices of some medications with pharmaceutical companies.

Close to Home

As part of the Communities in Action forum, we were given an opportunity to share the personal impact story of one of our clients, Mr. Miquel Cuesta of Mobile. Mr. Questa was new to Medicare was able to take advantage of newly implemented Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) prescription savings. Like many seniors, Mr. Questa takes specialty prescription drugs and was spending thousands of dollars out of pocket for his medications. Through our Medicare assistance program, he was enrolled in Medigap and Part D, and is now saving more than $2,500 per year on prescriptions.

Our day at the White House further reinforced the importance of the work we do and demonstrates how partnerships between federal and local governments can improve the quality of life for thousands of seniors each year.

REMINDER: Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 and runs through December 7. This is the time to make sure you are maximizing your Medicare benefits.

Please reach out if you need help with your Medicare plan at 251-706-4680 or [email protected].

Julie McGee

2024 SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1

We have again partnered with Gulf Coast Media to print our publication to let seniors, the disabled and their caregivers know about services available in their communities. Our directory features answers to aging, disability and caregiver questions; Medicare updates; and access to information on public benefits and other programs. And, the Senior Directory Listing provides current contact information for all things aging: volunteer opportunities; recreation or wellness programs; programs for financial security; in-home services for aging in place; and nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

Guides will be distributed throughout the community, including senior centers, libraries, senior service providers, community organizations and local businesses. Or, you can reach out to our Agency to request copies. The Senior Resource Directory will help you be ready to enrich your life in 2024!

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS OCTOBER 15

It’s time to re-evaluate your Medicare plan and see what’s new for 2024. The Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased information and counseling about Medicare and can assist with plan comparisons, enrollment and subsidy applications that can save you money. A reminder to:

• Read the Annual Notice of Changes mailed to you by your health plan.
• Check the plan formulary - the list of covered prescription drugs - to make sure yours are covered.
• Have a Medicare Advantage plan? Check to see that your providers are still in the plan’s network and if there are any changes in co-pays.
• Look for plans that best meet your changing health, life, and financial needs.

Call 800-243-5463 or 251-716-4680 or click below to make an appointment with a trained SHIP counselor. The Medicare annual Open Enrollment period ends December 7, 2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER

New to Medicare? Free Monthly Education Seminar

Held First Tuesday of Each Month

No seminar in October/ Next date: November 7

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - AAA Office/GM&O Building

Click Here for Details

Medicare Train-the-Trainer

For Healthcare Providers and Professionals

Tuesday, October 3

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Goodwill Easter Seals Auditorium

Click Here for Agenda

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Begins October 15 and ends December 7

Click Here for Medicare Information

Mobile County Senior Expo

Thursday, October 5/9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Grounds (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds)

Baldwin County Senior Expo

Thursday, October 12/9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Baldwin County Coliseum and Fairgrounds (Robertsdale Coliseum)

Click Here for Expo Details

Matter of Balance - Foley

Wednesday, October 11

Foley Senior Center/classes held one day a week at 12:30 p.m.

Click Here for Details

Older Relative Caregivers/Grandfamilies Support Group - Semmes

Thursday, October 12

Semmes Senior Center/11:00 a.m. lunch & 11:30 a.m. meeting

Click Here for Details

Older Relative Caregivers/Grandfamilies Support Group - Flomaton

Friday, October 13

Flomaton Senior Center/11:00 a.m. lunch & 11:30 a.m. meeting

Click Here for Details

Older Relative Caregivers/Grandfamilies Support Group - Oakdale

Thursday, October 26

Oakdale Community Center/11:00 a.m. lunch & 11:30 a.m. meeting

Click Here for Details

Retired Senior Volunteer Program Appreciation Lunch

Thursday, October 26

PZK Hall (Robertsdale)/11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

RSVP Volunteers Click Here for Invitation

NOVEMBER

Caregiver College

Friday, November 3

State Street Zion AME Church/10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Click Here for Details

WHAT IS THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

The Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 was the first federal level initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for older adults. It created the National Aging Network comprising the Administration on Aging on the federal level, State Units on Aging at the state level, and Area Agencies on Aging at the local level, such as our Agency.  The Aging network serves more than 11 million citizens each year and the OAA created the framework for our Agency to serves thousands of Seniors in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties. (Graphic courtesy of the Administration of Community Living)

READY FOR FALL FOODS!

Simple Dinners, Satisfying Soups, Quick Casseroles for Seniors on a Budget

It's a time of the year to eat healthy while enjoying flavors of the season. Eating healthy may help you live longer, boosts immunity, and can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

We can help, with inflation fighting food assistance through SNAP. SNAP benefits can help you eat right when money is tight. SNAP benefits:

• average $104 a month
• may be increased based on certain medical deductions
• are placed on a debit card for tax free groceries

There is a simplified application process - approved for 3 years with only an annual certification - through the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project (AESAP) that makes it easier for those 60 and older to participate. The application process is private and easy with no office visit required and the application can be mailed, faxed, emailed, or completed online. Persons with no earned income (job or business) can self-declare their income. In October, SNAP benefits will increase an average of about 3% compared to the year prior, called a cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Click Here for SNAP Inflation Fighting Food Assistance.

THE TRIPLE THREAT

Health officials are preparing for a situation beginning in the fall - the Tridemic or Triple Threat - when Covid, the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are all expected to surge at once. All three viruses have overlapping symptoms, which makes it hard to tell the difference among the infections without a test. The CDC is now recommending that adults 60 and older get vaccinated against RSV.

The CDC has long recommended the annual flu shot, which has a high uptake among older individuals. Last flu season, 71 percent of those 65 and older received it. Everyone older than 6 months is urged to get their flu shots, preferably by Halloween, an approach called “flu before boo.” It is safe to receive a Covid vaccine or booster at the same time you receive a flu and RSV vaccine, according to the CDC.

Avoid the Triple Threat

• Get Your Flu Shot Before Halloween. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, but it is most important for adults ages 65 and older.
• Update Your Covid Vaccination. Updated Covid shots are expected this fall from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, and all are designed to target the Omicron variant that currently accounts for roughly 12 percent of cases.
• Talk to Your Doctor About the New RSV Vaccines.

Other Vaccinations Now Covered by Medicare

In addition to flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and pneumococcal shots, Medicare Part D now covers these vaccines and more at no cost to you: Shingles; RSV; Tetanus/diphtheria (Td); Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap); Hepatitis A; and Hepatitis B (low risk of the disease).

The Area Agency on Aging is partnering with local health departments in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties to provide a Homebound Vaccination Program. Call 251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463.

2023 Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Inducts Mobile County Seniors

An outstanding group of 10 seniors were honored in August with induction into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Montgomery. Two Mobile County seniors were inducted, Ronald Harper (posthumously) and Althea P. Ford in the Religion category.

Roland Harper was a member of the Grand Bay Cemetery Association board and served as ad hoc manager of the veterans’ plots in the Grand Bay Cemetery. He was a member of the Jaycee’s, Civitan Club, and Citizens for a Better Grand Bay. Harper was a regular participant at the Grand Bay Community Center and active in its senior citizens program. Roland was an exemplary writer and published a book of his childhood adventures, “Tales of the Dirty Dozen.” Harper Died December 21, 2022

Ford is a devoted member of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, serving as chairman and co-chairman of the deaconess board, treasurer of the Foreign Mission, a vacation Bible School teacher, and active in the children's ministry, She is treasurer of General Mission and secretary of Senior Mission Choir. She is president of the Mobile Baptist Sunlight District Women Auxiliary and volunteers with the Providence Outreach Center, teaching computer classes for senior citizens.

The Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has honored and recognized Alabamians aged 60 and older for their outstanding contributions to the lives of older Alabamians in their local communities since 1983.

MEDICAID WAIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM:

Hospital to Home (H2H) Program

The Alabama Medicaid Agency Hospital to Home (H2H) program assists individuals with returning home from the hospital with Medicaid waiver services that begin instantly upon discharge. H2H uses an expedited application process to initiate services immediately. To qualify for H2H you must meet the following requirements:

• Must have a Medicaid eligible status

• Must be medically eligible for long-term care

• Must have a safe and suitable home to return to 

May be required to have a willing and able caregiver. Services provided are similar to the other Medicaid Waiver programs.

To determine eligibility, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 251-706-4680/800-243-5463 or [email protected]

SEPTEMBER WAS NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH

Daphne Senior Center Spotlighted by State

The Alabama Department of Senior Citizens recognized the Daphne Senior Center as part of its Senior Center Spotlight recognition program. The Area Agency on Aging partners with the Daphne Center to provide an Elderly Nutrition Program, a Matter of Balance Falls Prevention classes, Bingocize (combining bingo with education and exercise to improve health) and other education and socialization programs. The Daphne Senior Center’s mission is to assist, encourage and empower the aging adults in the Daphne area to be part of a healthy beneficial environment and AAA is proud to support these efforts.  

SOME OF OUR FAVORITES IN HONOR OF SENIOR CENTER MONTH

AAA IN THE COMMUNITY

TALKING SENIOR SERVICES AT THE “CHAT AND CHEW” EVENT

AAA Director Julie McGee and Alabama Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown had lunch with community members and shared resources available to Seniors at the "Chat and Chew" event at the Mobile Maritime Museum. The community outreach event is hosted by State Representative Barbara Drummond and Mobile City Councilman C.J. Small.

ANSWERING SENIORS' LEGAL QUESTIONS

AAA Elder Law Attorney Brittney Bragg presented services provided by the Legal Assistance Program and answered questions for seniors at the Prichard Community Center. The program is funded by our agency and provides legal services at no cost in non-criminal and non-fee generating matters. Services are provided to persons age 60 and older, and outreach is provided for those in the most social or economic need. Our program can assist you with: elder abuse, exploitation & fraud; income maintenance (loss of income/benefits); accessing health/nursing home care; consumer issues & debt collection; housing; Advanced Directives; Powers of Attorney; wills; deed preparation; and Medicare, Medicaid & Social Security.

"VOLUNTEERS ROCK!"

Click Here to Follow our Campaign on Facebook!

During this fall, rocks painted by RSVP volunteers will be placed around Baldwin County. The lucky finder calls the number on the rock and receives a special gift for participating. RSVP is recruiting Senior volunteers who want to share their skills and expertise to benefit our community. Thank you to Community Partners who donated gifts: Little Caesars, Rotolo’s Pizzeria - Fairhope, Wolf Bay Lodge, American Red Cross, Eastern Shore Toyota, Daphne Nutrition, Old Tyme Feed & Garden Supply, Prodisee Pantry, Something Sweet Bake Shop and Eastern Shore Nutrition, Buckle My Shoe (Daphne) and Thomas Hospital Fitness Center in Fairhope.

FOCUS ON FALLS PREVENTION

Complications resulting from falls are a leading cause of death in seniors. To focus on falls, the week of September 18-22 is designated as Falls Prevention Awareness Week. Members of the AAA team and the Alabama Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown demonstrated Matter of Balance moves to show seniors how to exercise to avoid falls and become more physically active: (L-R) Commissioner Brown; SARPC Executive Director Rickey Rhodes; Alabama Cares Della Sanchez; and Matter of Balance Coordinator Marcella Nettles.

THOMAS SULLIVAN CENTER SENIORS

Congratulations to the seniors of the Thomas Sullivan Senior Center for completing the 8-week the Matter of Balance (MOB) Falls Prevention Program.

ADVENTURES IN AGING

Staff participated in the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging

conference, Adventures in Aging, to learn strategies to better serve seniors, those with disabilities and their caregivers. Staff had the opportunity to meet with service provider partners to keep up with the latest information on products and services. (L-R) Trualta - online education platform supporting caregivers; Trio - new state partner in bringing meals to Senior Centers in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties; and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) - senior volunteers who work to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.

BUILDING AWARENESS OF BENEFITS

Staff participated in a Community Benefit Day hosted by the City of Daphne to enroll Seniors in programs that can improve quality of life and financial, mental and physical health and wellness.

HOMECOMING FOR LEGACY LEADERSHIP GRADUATES

It’s a homecoming refresher for our Legacy Leadership Institute (LLI) graduates. The LLI is held annually to engage older adults as volunteer leaders. The LLI utilizes University of South Alabama faculty to educate participants on aging issues and impactful volunteering. AAA supports the work of LLI graduates, helping them stay connected and giving them the opportunity to share their volunteer efforts. Learn more about the LLI: 251-361-0837

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

Serving Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties as a hub for information and services for adults aged 60 and older, their caregivers, and persons with disabilities.

ADRC Aging Hotline: information, counseling & benefits screening * Medicare counseling & Medicare Savings Program * Medicaid Waiver with choice of provider for in-home care * Prescription drug cost savings * Wellness classes * Legal counseling and Ombudsman advocacy for long-term care facilities * Caregiver support, education and respite services * Senior Nutrition Centers for hot lunches and recreation * Home-delivered meals and SNAP food assistance

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

110 Beauregard Street

Mobile, Alabama 36602

251-706-4680

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