March 2024

www.aoascc.org

Spotlight on

VOLUNTEERING

More Than a Volunteer

I have attended various community events, fairs, and gatherings. Numerous individuals have expressed their interest in volunteering but feel they don't have enough time to give. I always remind them that a small commitment, even one hour a week, can make a significant impact on someone's life!

Volunteering for an RSVP program does not require much time, nor does it demand a long-term obligation. However, the gifts you receive from that experience last a lifetime.

Recently this picture was sent to me. Larry (on the left) is a United States Army Vietnam Veteran. Peter (on the right) is an RSVP volunteer who has served as both a friendly visitor, and a pen pal. Sadly, Larry passed away at the end of December, but Peter said he is so grateful for the chance to become friends with him, the following is what he wrote in Larry’s memorial guestbook. Click to read more.

Find out more about volunteering through AOASCC. Or call Cheire Strucaly at 203.752.3059 ext. 2907

CHOICES Corner:

Medicare & Individuals with Disabilities

Although Medicare is often thought of as an insurance program for seniors,16% of the benefits it provides are for people under the age of 65 with disabilities, i.e. 9.5 million people.

Medicare is automatically available for certain individuals with disabilities under the age of 65, who have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months or have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Individuals with ESRD and ALS do not have to serve a 24-month waiting period and will automatically receive Medicare Parts A and B the month their Social Security Disability benefits begin. If you have been on Social Security Disability for 24 months and have not received your Medicare notification, contact the CHOICES program for help to obtain your Medicare card.

If you are under 65 and receive Social Security Disability and have a group health-plan coverage based on your employment or a family member’s current employment, then your group health-plan insurance pays first.

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:

Are You Caring for Someone with Cancer?

Caregivers have key roles in caring for their loved ones. Good, reliable support from a caregiver is crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of people with cancer.

Today, most cancer treatments are given in outpatient treatment centers – not in hospitals. Since experiences with treatment and side effects can vary, someone needs to be part of the day-to-day care. As a result, caregivers perform many tasks usually associated with healthcare professionals. These roles change as the patients’ needs change and expand during and after cancer treatment. Click to read more.

For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age.

Yet millions struggle every day with health and safety challenges such as chronic disease, falls, and mental health issues—all of which can severely impact quality of life.

For more information visit Get the Facts on Healthy Aging.

The Agency on Aging of South-Central CT is sponsoring a self-care education program for family caregivers, designed to provide you

with tools and strategies to better handle

the unique challenges you face. The free workshop series is called "Powerful Tools for Caregivers."

The six sessions will be presented by Patricia Soos and Cassandra Brunson. To register call or e-mail Patricia Soos at (203) 785-8533 x. 3159, psoos@aoascc.org.

To self-register, click here

Art of Aging

The Art of Aging opening celebration will take place at the Agency on Aging of South Central Ct on May 16,2024 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Please stop by to meet the artists and view the artwork. Both Paintings and Photography will be displayed.

The closing ceremony for the exhibit will take place on June 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Winners will take home cash prizes at this time. Refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in more information about the Art of Aging, please visit www.aoascc.org or email Susan Hamilton: shamilton@aoascc.org.