A Message from TSLCA
As we are all dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic together, the Tri-State Learning Collaborative is devoted to sharing the latest information and resources available to ensure the health and safety of older people in Northern New England. We have created a webpage devoted to sharing resources for both older Mainers and for aging services providers. We will continue to update these pages regularly with information and resources as they become available!

Check out the new webpage here:


If you have resource page from your organization you'd like to share, please let us know .


Tuesday Webinar Postponed, New Webinar Planned

Because everyone is working overtime to retool their work situations and programming, take care of children who are not in school, and otherwise prepare ourselves, family and co-workers for an extended challenging situation, we decided to postpone our webinar that was scheduled for tomorrow. Instead, we will be planning a special “Community Responses to Covid-19” webinar shortly. This webinar will feature the incredible ways communities, law enforcement and organizations are responding to the changing and emerging needs of thousands of older New Englanders who are sheltering in place. To that end, we want to hear from you about what you’re doing!  Click here to take a few minutes to let us know how your community is responding to the needs of older residents.  

News from Around the Nation
Framing C19: We're in this together
Message from FrameWorks Institute

It always matters how we talk to - and about - each other. Effective and inclusive communication is especially important during a time of genuine crisis.
 
You've probably noticed plenty of us-vs-them framing rearing its divisive head lately. Labels like the Chinese virus that frame the problem as a foreign invader. Stories about the irresponsible and ignorant infecting vulnerable victims. 
 
Us-vs-them framing is dangerous. It can evoke fear, inflame prejudices, and drive hostility and hate.
 
Common good framing offers an alternative. Here are three strategies for staying in a common good frame when communicating in the toughest times. 

If you'd like to receive more COVID-themed framing insights from them, here’s the link: take 5 seconds to sign up here .



Guidance from Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine
COVID-19 in Older Adults: Key Points for Emergency Department Providers

Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Updates and Resources

World Health Organziation
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters


Alzheimer's Association
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers


Social Security & Coronavirus
Click here to view the Social Security Administration webpage with most recent information about services and resources

Effective March 17, 2020, Social Security Offices Will Only Offer Phone Service (Online Services Remain Available)
All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services.

Announcement from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Trump Administration today [3/17/20] announced expanded Medicare telehealth coverage that will enable beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. Beginning on March 6, 2020, Medicare—administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—will temporarily pay clinicians to provide telehealth services for beneficiaries residing across the entire country.

To read the Fact Sheet on this announcement visit this link . 

To read the Frequently Asked Questions on this announcement visit this link . 

This guidance, and earlier CMS actions in response to the COVID-19 virus, are part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts. To keep up with the important work the Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19 click here www.coronavirus.gov . For information specific to CMS, please visit the Current Emergencies Website.

Get some support!
Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is opening its Emotional-Support Help Line . Professionally trained mental health staff are there to support people who may be suffering from fear or stress over COVID-19. Optum's Emotional-Support Help Line number is 866-342-6892 and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week . The service is free of charge and open to anyone.  

Thank you to our Regional Sponsor:

Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging! Membership unleashes opportunities to network with peers across Northern New England and to access more than 50 webinars on aging-related topics. Membership is free! Join us on the cutting edge of knowledge about aging in our area. 

 If you are not a member yet,