April 2024

www.aoascc.org

Spotlight on

VOLUNTEERING

What is a Foster Grandparent?

Many people often ask, "What is the role of a Foster Grandparent?" When we explain that it involves volunteering to support children in daycare and school settings, they are often surprised. Many assume it means that a volunteer is fostering a child in their own home. We are quick to clarify that it is not in their home but in their heart.

Since 1965, the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has provided one-on-one mentoring, nurturing, and support to children with exceptional needs, or those who are in circumstances that limit their academic, social, or emotional development. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in FGP can serve from 5 to 40 hours a week and receive hourly stipends. Volunteers must be aged 55 or older and meet established income eligibility guidelines.

We are proud to introduce you to Teresa. She has been a part of the FGP program and supported children at the Catholic Charities - Centro San Jose Child Development Center for more than 20 years. Click to read more..

For more information about the Foster Grandparent Program please contact Judy Neron at jneron@aoascc.org or 203-752-3059 X 2908

CHOICES Corner:

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is an infection that attacks the liver and can cause major liver disease. Inflammation over long periods of time (usually decades) can cause scarring, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis prevents the liver from performing its normal functions, which leads to liver failure. People with cirrhosis are more prone to developing cancer; liver failure leads to serious complications, even death. HCV is reported to be the leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and a primary indication for liver transplant in the Western World.

Medicare will cover screening for HCV for eligible beneficiaries when ordered by the beneficiary's primary care physician or practitioner within the context of a primary care setting and performed by an eligible Medicare provider for these services. Click to read more.

This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of 2 financial assistance awards totaling $1,055,617, with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. Approximately 60% SHIP, 40% MIPPA. 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:

Home Safety

Caring for another person may require you to assess their safety at home and take steps to keep them safe. There are several publications and websites with useful information about home safety, but many do not include information about safety outside the house. It is especially important to consider safety when caring for a person with dementia. Below are some tips from the Alzheimer Association designed to keep people safe outside the house.

• Keep steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather.
• Mark the edges of steps with bright or reflective tape. 

Click to read more.

Save the Date for TWO events!

Art of Aging and Great Give

For details visit www.aoascc.org