Image Description: Finger Lakes Independence Center--FLIC--Logo: The letters: F-L-I-C and the letter I looks like an open door. Finger Lakes Independence Center Opening Doors to Independence

Image Discription: White background with light blue house icon in the center. A white heart is in the center of the house icon. Below, it reads "November, Home Care and Hospice Month" in orange letters.

During the month of November, the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation. To recognize their efforts, we call upon all Americans to commemorate the power of caring, both in the home and in their local communities, and ask them to join with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) by celebrating November as Home Care and Hospice Month.

In addition, Home Care Aide Week takes place the second full week of the month, November 7-13, 2021. Join us in honoring these compassionate, tireless workers who play an invaluable role for their clients as caregivers, companions, and friends.

https://www.nahc.org/consumers-information/november-is-home-care-hospice-month/

Image Description: Photograph of mural depicting Cayuga Lake at sunset with canoe and woman holding basket of apples. Participants in the accessible tour are interacting with the mural.

Two In-Person Descriptive Mural Tour, featuring murals and descriptions from the Crowder: Ithaca, NY Edition project, were held in October, on Sunday the 15th and Saturday the 28th. Participants came together at Dewitt Park, at the corner of Cayuga St and Buffalo St, downtown Ithaca. The tours were led by @ithacamurals founder and director Caleb R Thomas and Cornell graduate student Lucy Jiang, with descriptions provided by #VocalEye, each tour showcased approximately half a dozen murals near and along the Ithaca Commons. Each tour featured different murals. The tours lasted approximately 75 to 90 minutes and were free to attend.

FLIC's Valerie Foster Githinji provided organizational support and attended the tours.

Image Description: Photograph of the participants of the October 15th walk, gathered in Dewitt Plaza under a tree in the rain. Twelve individuals are in the picture, gathered in a semi-circle, smiling at the camera.

Image Description: Clipart on white background of very diverse, female-identifying individuals, many holding blank placards and/or raising a fist in the air.

Friday, November 17 ~ 9:00 to 4:00 pm

Via Zoom

Please join us for this virtual conference as we discuss the unique challenges of Women’s mental health. This conference is intended to be inclusive of everyone who has lived a feminine experience, or identifies as femininely. Topics of the day will include: the gendered socialization of women and the effects on mental health, including people pleasing, caregiving, generalized anxiety; gender affirming mental health care and medical care; body dysmorphia and eating disorders; mental health challenges related to life stages and aging; intersecting medical and mental health diagnosis and treatments; and challenges and barriers in access to care.

This is a virtual conference. Zoom link will be sent the week of the conference.

Schedule:

9:00 – 10:30 Women’s (+) Stories and Experiences

10:45 – 12:00 Panel of Mental Health Care Providers

12:30 – 1:30 Panel on the Intersections of Women’s Mental and Physical Health

1:45 – 2:45 Panel on the effects of Gender Socialization on Mental Health

3:00 – 4:00 TCPL Book Talk

Follow this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tompkins-county-mental-health-conference-on-womens-mental-health-tickets-748693280757?aff=oddtdtcreator

Image Description: Center of image is a photo of "Vote" buttons in a pile. Photo is surrounded by a black border. Above the photo, in blue lettering, it reads "2023 Election November 7." Entire image is bordered with blue.

You can go to WWW.VOTE411.ORG to find what you need to know about the November 7, 2023 General Election. 

VOTE411 is a national, non-partisan voting resource that provides a “one-stop shop” for all the information you need to register and cast your ballot. You can enter your home address to learn which elections are being held within your district. Find out how to vote in-person or with an absentee ballot. Information is also provided on each candidate - their background and their responses to questions about their stances on issues and priorities. You can also find information on the proposals that will appear on the back of your ballot. 

The outcome of the General Election will have a strong impact on the future of our communities. VOTE411 will help you be prepared to vote. 

Residents of Tompkins County will be voting on the New York State Supreme Court Justice for the 6^th Judicial District and on the Tompkins County Court Judge. Two proposals to amend the New York State Constitution will be on the back of the ballot: Removal of Small City School Districts From Special Constitutional Debt Limitation, and Extending Sewage Project Debt Exclusion From Debt Limit.

Residents of towns within Tompkins County may also be voting on local races, including Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, Town Councilpersons, or Town Justice. 

Residents of the Town of Danby will also vote on the following proposal: A Local Law Providing for the Abolition of the Elected Position of Town Clerk and the Creation of the Appointed Position of Town Clerk.

Residents of the City of Ithaca will be voting on the Mayor and on Alderpersons for all 5 wards.

Deadline to register is Saturday, October 28! 

Early voting will be Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, November 5. 

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

Launched as a national, state, and county community service in 2006, VOTE411 is supported by the League of Women Voters’ Education Fund. https://lwvtompkins.org/    

Image Above: At top of image, in turquoise letters, it reads "Open Enrollment." Below words in center of image is a stethoscope laying on a wooden surface. Below stethoscope, in Scrabble letter tiles, it reads "Medicare."

Do you have concerns about the Medicare Plan that you currently have?

Do you want to review alternative options?

Do you know that you want to make a change in your Medicare coverage?

In the fall (October 15 to December 7), all Medicare beneficiaries have the option to change their Medicare plans.

These changes will be effective January 1. 2024.

Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at Lifelong provides unbiased information about Medicare options. The fall season for HIICAP counseling will be very busy. If you know now that you want to review your options, be the early bird!

Call Lifelong at 607-273-1511 for more information.

Please bring the following with you:

• List of your prescriptions, dosages and frequency;
• Your Medicare card;
• Any other health insurance cards or information;
• Documentation of monthly or annual income.

Lifelong's HIICAP Program is funded by the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.

Image Description: Brown background with feathers in yellow, brown and turguoise. In letters of same colors, it reads, "November, National Native American Heritage Month."

November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is important to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people, including those who also are members of the disability community.

The Native American Disability Law Center is a private nonprofit organization that advocates for the legal rights of Native Americans with disabilities. Through advocacy and education, they empower Native people with disabilities to lead independent lives in their own communities. Though located in the Four Corners region (southwest) of the United States, The Native American Disability Law Center offers connections and resources to Native Americans across the country. Visit their website at: https://www.nativedisabilitylaw.org/

Below is a video from The Native American Disability Law Center in which a member of the Navajo tribe and a member of the Hopi tribe share ancient stories about disability and inclusivity.

Fraud Alert:

Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults

Recent increase in reports of government imposter scam calls, including some claiming to be from Eldercare Locator.

ACL’s Eldercare Locator and Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL) are trusted resources that help connect older adults and people with disabilities with resources in their community. In recent days, Eldercare Locator has noted a significant increase in people reporting they have been targeted by scam phone calls. This includes reports of:

• Callers claiming to be from “Eldercare,” “Eldercare Locator,” “Social Security,” or “Medicare.”
• Callers asking for personal information such as someone's Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number — or demanding payment, threatening jail time, or fines.
• Harassment, including repeat calls from the same number.

We hope you will help us get the word out about government imposter scams. Here are some important reminders to share:

1. The government will never call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number.
2. The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
3. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.

These general tips can also help everyone protect themselves:

• If you are ever suspicious about a call, hang up immediately. Find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID), and call or email them directly to discuss the situation.
• Never give out your Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
• Never pay someone you do not know well via gift card or wire transfer.
• Never click on an email link or attachment, unless you fully trust the sender.
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.

Older adults who are targeted by scams and fraud can call the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

In addition, scams and fraud targeting people of any age can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

There are many great resources available to help raise awareness about avoiding scams:

• The Social Security Administration offers a short video on signs that someone is impersonating the Social Security Administration.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers resources on common scams that are specifically for consumers, caregivers, and service providers.
• FTC has short videos on Social Security and IRS impostor scams.
• FTC’s “Pass It On” page has resources on many other types of scams and you can sign up for FTC scam alerts to stay up to date on new threats.
• The ACL-funded Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program can help you learn about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; detect potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and report concerns. Find your local SMP at smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.
• ACL’s National Center on Elder Abuse has many resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including a handy one-page “The Phone Scam: What You Need to Know” flyer.

Connecting with Eldercare Locator and DIAL

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service connecting older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care, or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

DIAL helps people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. Call DIAL at 888-677-1199.

Image Description: White background with the words, "Curbfree with Cory Lee." The C in curbgree is also the wheelchair icon with a globe in the center of the C.

Curb Free with Cory Lee is a travel blog site that focuses on Cory Lee's experiences as a disabled traveler, along with many tips for others who wish to travel and are wheelchair users. He explores such questions as: How can I fly as a wheelchair user? Which hotels are the most accessible? What beaches have powered beach wheelchairs? How do I charge my wheelchair in a foreign country? What cities are the most wheelchair friendly around the world?

The goal of Curb Free with Cory Lee is to show how to travel, where to travel, and most importantly, why travel as a person with a disability. His sight features different locations he has traveled to, his bucket list, and travel tips. You can visit his website at: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/. And be sure to check out his YouTube page: @CoryLeeCurbFreeCoryLee.

Image Description: Photo of Cory Lee at the beach. Cory is a white man with short black hair and glasses. He is wearing a white T-shirt and is seated in his wheelchair. Behind him is sand and the ocean.

Image Description: "Remember!" written in black and underlined on a yellow post-it note, pinned to a cork board by a red pin.

Any emergency is easier to handle when you have prepared ahead of time. Put together an emergency kit with important items to keep at home, and a go bag with items you will need to take with you if you evacuate. Think about what you and your family would need in a disaster. You can make kits for your home, car or workplace. Emergencies can happen anywhere.

When severe weather is predicted, make sure your car has a full tank of gas. You don’t want to wait in line for gas if you are told to evacuate. Some storms may also knock out electricity, causing gas stations to close.

Task One  Gather your emergency supplies in an accessible place

Have a go bag ready if you have to shelter in place or evacuate your home. Your go bag can be part of your emergency kit, just make sure it is in a bag or easy to carry container and that it is easy to get to.

Think about these items for your go bag:

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Lightweight blankets
• Emergency information, including insurance policies
• A list of medications and correct dosage, and doctor’s names
• Personal items such as toothbrushes, soap, extra glasses, etc.
• Whistle
• First aid kit
• Change of clothing
• Non-perishable snacks
• Books, cards or magazines to pass the time

Consider these additional items for infants and children:

• Baby formula and food
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Blanket or toy

Consider these additional items for medical conditions:

• Empty pill bottle(s) or a list of current medications
• Your doctor’s phone number

*Make sure you update your go bag when your medications change.

For pets:

• Pet food & water
• Collar with ID tags
• Pet medication(s)
• Pet carriers and leashes
• Medical records from vet
• Photos of your pet
• Microchip information

Task Two: Create an emergency supply kit for your pet, your car, and your work place or school.

Disasters can strike when you are away from home. If your office or school does not have an emergency kit, offer to help make one. The kit should include:

• First aid supplies
• Flashlights or light sticks
• Building emergency procedures
• Building maps showing evacuation and shelter areas
• Pens or pencils
• Signs with the words “Need Help” and “All Clear”
• Clipboard with class/staff names

Make or buy an emergency kit for your car. If you travel with your pet regularly, make sure that you have an emergency kit for them as well. Some items to think about for your car kit are: a small first aid kit, flashlight or light sticks, flares or reflective cones, a blanket, cell phone charger, jumper cables, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a “help” flag or brightly colored cloth that can be tied to the antenna.

Task Three: Stash some cash in case ATM’S and credit card machines are not usable in a disaster

Many things that we take for granted are not available when there is no power. ATM machines may not work. Grocery stores and other businesses may not be able to accept your credit or debit card. Cash could be the only acceptable means to make a purchase. Some experts say you should have at minimum $150.00 in cash stashed away. Realizing this may not be possible for everyone, any amount is good to start with. Take $1.00 dollar a week and place it in an envelope in your emergency kit. In just a little time, you will have some cash stashed away for use in emergencies.

https://www.do1thing.com/individuals/emergency-supplies-2/

Image Description: Photo of yellow caution road sign with snowy trees in the background. On the sign it says, "Cold Weather Ahead."

BEFORE a Winter Storm

Before the store strikes, make sure your home, office and vehicles are stocked with supplies you might need if stranded in a winter store. Know to dress for varying degrees of cold weather.

At Home and Work:

• Your primary concern at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. In either place, you should have Home & Work Winter Storm Survivial Kit.

In Vehicles:

• Before you leave the house, call 511 for the latest traffic weather condititions. TAKE IT SLOW IN THE SNOW.
• Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Carry a Car Winter Storm Survival Kit.

On the Farm/Pet Owners:

• Move animals to sheltered area or bring pets inside.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding area.
• Have water available. Most animals die of dehydration in winter storms.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and warm shelter.

The Finger Lakes Independence Center administers the Registry Referral Program. This is a free referral service linking individuals seeking independent employment to people who need care in their home. Opportunities include: elder companion, housekeeper, run errands, cook, personal care aide, home care aide, LPN, RN. People looking for help can call and receive names of people willing to provide those services. If you either need assistance or if you would be interested in listing your name as a caregiver, pease call FLIC at 272-2433 or email: info@fliconline.org. If you have experience caring for a friend or loved one, please consider sharing your compassion with others. This program is made possible through funding from the Tompkins County Office for the Aging. 

Image Description: White-grained wood background with orange bowl filled with maple leaves in shades of orange, yellow and brown. Are bowl are acorns and orange-colored berries on branches. In black letters, across the main portion of the image, it reads, "May your Thanksgiving be full of peace, love, and joy." The word, "Thanksgiving is large and in a flowing script.