Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging Copyright (c) 2010,2011 AO Design -. All rights reserved. http://svcoa.org/ SVCOA News Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging en-us Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:17:53 -0600 5 Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging 438 126 http://svcoa.org/ http://svcoa.org/images/logo1.png Men's Grief Program http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=55 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=55 SVCOA News Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0600 Elder Connection By Barbara Hanson     If you are a grieving male, the world may not see you as the bereaved person that you are.  Because of your gender, in our society, you may have been taught that “big boys don’t cry”, and hold your grief in. But you shouldn’t hold it in.  Don’t confuse grieving with weakness and not grieving with strength.  Holding in grief is very hard on the body and can make you physically ill. Many men avoid grief in one of the following ways: <ul> <li>Silence </li> <li>Secrecy </li> <li>Action </li> <li>Anger </li> <li>Addiction</li> </ul> When men experience loss, they often get overlooked.  When others fail to acknowledge their losses, men tend to feel isolated, misunderstood and compelled to keep their grief a secret. We have different social expectations on men and women.  Men are conditioned to repress their emotions.  Often what lies beneath isn't what is visible on the surface for men.  Men who learn to open up and share their grief will have many benefits to their emotional and physical health, as well as for their relationships and marriage.  They will also feel more energy and happiness. Men need to find other men to talk with.  Men's support groups can be very helpful for this.  Counseling can be helpful for those who feel stuck.  Seeking professional help is a sign of courage and willingness to heal. If you are grieving male, or know of a man who has experienced a loss through death, I have a community resource to tell you about today. Rutland Area Visiting Nurse and Hospice is offering a free six session bi-weekly program for men who have experienced a loss through death called “Chili Bowl Men’s Grief Program”.  A chili supper prepared by hospice volunteers will be provided at the sessions.  Participants will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the grieving process and its impact on life physically, socially, mentally and spiritually, as well as discuss their own experience of loss.  The group will meet March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26 and May 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at RAVNAH, 7 Albert Cree Drive in Rutland.  Please call Ann LaRocque at 770-1516 to register.     Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org. Winter Blahs http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=54 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=54 SVCOA News Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:57:00 -0600 Elder Connection By Barbara Hanson   The combination of bad weather, the stress of the holidays and the inevitable “letdown” that comes in January and February can result in phenomena called “winter blahs” or “cabin fever.”  No germs are involved, but “cabin fever” can get you down just as surely as flue or pneumonia.   Nancy Loncaric, writing for the Kansas Senior Press Service offers the following strategies to combat the “winter blahs”.   <ul> <li>Use your telephone.  If you haven’t talked with a family member or an old friend in a long time, now’s the time to call, even if it’s long distance.  A phone call to neighbors and family members can be a good way of checking on them and letting them know you’d like them to check on you too.  Your reaching out to call is an act of kindness and concern, plus it keeps you from dwelling on yourself and your problems.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li>Have something to look forward to.  Hope and anticipation are psychologically important for everyone.  This may be the time of year to incorporate a few extra activities if possible.  Plan a trip for lunch or dinner at a restaurant you have never tried or treat yourself to a special play or concert.  A change in routine can also be helpful, even small ones.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li>Try something new.  If the weekends are getting you down, try something you might not usually do such as going to a museum, park or shopping mall you’ve never tried.  Activity is important in combating depression and anxiety.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li>Get regular exercise.  It’s often hard to get out and exercise in the winter.  Try shopping malls and community centers that offer indoor exercise opportunities.</li> </ul>   On another note today, I have received some information about the availability of AARP tax assistance that I want to share with you.  To make an appointment for tax help, please call Phil Stephan at 802-773-8931. The appointments will take place at 110 Merchants Row – the ATM entrance for Lake Sunapee Bank, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.   Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the web site www.svcoa.org.   Hypothermia http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=53 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=53 SVCOA News Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:42:00 -0600 ELDER CONNECTION by Barbara Hanson Now that we are in the grip of "old man winter", it's time to look at some ways to avoid the possibility of hypothermia. As we get older, our bodies become less able to respond to long exposure to cold or to heat. In cold weather, some older people may develop accidental hypothermia, a drop in internal body temperature that can be fatal if not detected and treated promptly. This condition may occur in anyone who is exposed to severe cold without enough protection; however, some older people can develop accidental hypothermia after exposure to relatively mild cold. Those elders most likely to develop the condition are the chronically ill, those unable to afford enough heating fuel, and those who do not take the normal steps to keep warm. The only sure way to detect hypothermia is to use a special low-reading thermometer or a regular thermometer that has been shaken down well. If the temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or does not register, emergency medical help should be sought. Other signs to look for include: an unusual change in appearance or behavior during cold weather, slow and sometimes irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, shallow, very slow breathing, sluggishness and confusion. Treatment consists of warming the person under a doctor's supervision, preferably in a hospital. There are some protective measures elders can take to prevent accidental hypothermia: Set your home heat to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 Celsius) in living and sleeping areas. (Sick people may need more heat than this.)Dress warmly even when indoors, eat enough food, and stay as active as possible.Because hypothermia may start during sleep, keep warm in bed by wearing enough clothing and using blankets.If you take medication to treat anxiety, nervousness or nausea, ask you doctor whether the medication might affect the control of body temperature.Ask friends or neighbors to look in on you once or twice a day, particularly during a cold spell. Barbara Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging. For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website <a href="http://www.svcoa.org">www.svcoa.org</a>. Hypothermia http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=52 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=52 SVCOA News Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:24:00 -0600 ELDER CONNECTION                                                  by Barbara Hanson   Now that we are in the grip of “old man winter”, it’s time to look at some ways to avoid the possibility of hypothermia.   As we get older, our bodies become less able to respond to long exposure to cold or to heat. In cold weather, some older people may develop accidental hypothermia, a drop in internal body temperature that can be fatal if not detected and treated promptly.   This condition may occur in anyone who is exposed to severe cold without enough protection; however, some older people can develop accidental hypothermia after exposure to relatively mild cold.   Those elders most likely to develop the condition are the chronically ill, those unable to afford enough heating fuel, and those who do not take the normal steps to keep warm.   The only sure way to detect hypothermia is to use a special low-reading thermometer or a regular thermometer that has been shaken down well. If the temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or does not register, emergency medical help should be sought.   Other signs to look for include: an unusual change in appearance or behavior during cold weather, slow and sometimes irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, shallow, very slow breathing, sluggishness and confusion.   Treatment consists of warming the person under a doctor’s supervision, preferably in a hospital.    There are some protective measures elders can take to prevent accidental hypothermia: <ul> <li>Set your home heat to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 Celsius) in living and sleeping areas. (Sick people may need more heat than this.)</li> <li>Dress warmly even when indoors, eat enough food, and stay as active as possible.</li> <li>Because hypothermia may start during sleep, keep warm in bed by wearing enough clothing and using blankets.</li> <li>If you take medication to treat anxiety, nervousness or nausea, ask you doctor whether the medication might affect the control of body temperature.</li> <li>Ask friends or neighbors to look in on you once or twice a day, particularly during a cold spell.</li> </ul>       Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org. Elder Connection for 2012 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=51 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=51 SVCOA News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:53:00 -0600 Elder Connection By Barbara Hanson       Do you receive both Medicare and Medicaid? Would you like to share your experiences with the State of Vermont to help improve these programs?   <div> Please participate in a Focus Group about Medicare and Medicaid in January and receive a $20 gift card. </div>   u If you receive services from any of the following: <ul> <li>the Vermont Community Treatment and Rehabilitation Program</li> <li>the Vermont Developmental Services Waiver Program</li> <li>the Vermont Choices for Care Waiver Program</li> <li>the Vermont Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program</li> </ul> -OR- u Are 65 or older and have a chronic health problem -OR- u Are under 65 and have a disability -OR- u Are a caregiver/family member of any of the above   The focus group options for the Rutland area are on Friday, January 13, 2011. You can sign up for the 10:00 am to 12:00 pm session or the 1:00pm to 3:00 pm.  Both sessions will be held at the Holiday Inn in Rutland.   All Focus Group participants will receive a $20 gift card. Refreshments will be provided Transportation reimbursement also available   Please call us toll-free at (888) 642-9331 to sign up. We will ask you a few short questions to make sure you are eligible and provide you with more information.     The Art of Giving http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=49 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=49 SVCOA News Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:57:00 -0600                                                                     Elder Connection                                                             By Barbara Hanson                 From the Council on Aging and from this author personally-Happy Holidays!! In the spirit of the season, I’d like to share the following piece by an unknown author entitled       “The Art of Giving”:                                                              The Art of Giving                             We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the heart: love,                                 kindness, joy, understanding, sympathy, forgiveness.                         We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the mind; ideas, dreams,                               purpose, principles, plans, inventions, projects and poetry.                              We give of ourselves when we give the gift of the spirit; prayer,                                                     beauty, aspiration, ideals, faith.                                 We give of ourselves when we give the gift of time; patience,                                                            attention, consideration.                                       We give of ourselves when we give the gift of words;                                                encouragement, inspiration, guidance.                            We give of ourselves when we take the time to volunteer; to be a             resource in our communities and to give back what we have learned and reaped.                  The finest gift a person can give is the gift of a constructive and creative life.                                                                                                    Author unknown Osher winter schedule http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=47 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=47 SVCOA News Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:47:00 -0600 Elder Connection By Barbara Hanson Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you the winter schedule for the Rutland Osher Lifelong Learning sessions. Each of the twelve lectures in this winter 2012 term will be from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on a Friday afternoon at the Godnick Adult Center, 1 Deer Street (off Woodstock Avenue) in Rutland. For directions to the Godnick Center or for program information call 446-2041 or 492-2300.   SIGNIFICANT POINTS OF CHANGE IN THE HISTORY OF RUTLAND      Jim Davidson is a three-time past president of the Rutland Historical Society and currently the volunteer Curator. For over twenty years he taught history in secondary schools as well as at the college and graduate level. Mr. Davidson was recently honored as a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences. These four selected topics could be considered turning points in the community's history.  January 6    Growing Pains in Frontier Rutland, 1770-1791  This lecture focuses on a detailed treatment of the naming and settlement of Rutland. Additionally, there will be discussion of the Green Mountain Boys and the Patriot and Tory interactions during the American Revolution.                                                                                     January 13                                                             The Railroad Comes to Rutland, 1850-1885 This program will look at how the arrival of the railroad in Rutland impacted the community. Particular attention will be given to the movement of the town center from “uptown” to “downtown” and Rutland's growth as an industrial center.                                                                                      January 20 The Division of the Old Town of Rutland, 1886-1892 When the original Town of Rutland was divided into four municipalities, this had a tremendous effect on the contemporary circumstances in each. The program will focus on some of the players and scenes in this drama.                          January 27                                                             Rutland Begins a New Century, 1898-1914 The first part of the program will open with a short video developed from the photo album of a young Rutland man which offers a wonderful view of the city in 1899. The second part of the lecture will deal with immigrants, labor, transportation, education, and social and athletic life in the community.                                                                           INTO THE WILD                                                                                       February 3                                                 Invasives: Quietly Altering the World Around Us     Eric Hansen, Rutland County Forester with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, deals with invasive plants and insect species on a daily basis. His talk will look at how these invasives got there, how to identify them, why they are a big deal and what can be done about them. Their presence has massive implications for the future of our forests.                                                                                      February 10                                                                          Rattlesnakes in Vermont     Doug Blodgett, a wildlife biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department for over 30 years, has worked extensively on game and non-game management programs. He has been involved with bear, deer, moose and falcon research projects. Most recently he has focused on reptiles, notably rare snakes, and he will share his expertise on that subject with our audience.                                                                                     February 17 Vermont's Wildflowers: A Birdwatcher's Appreciation      Roy Pilcher is the Co-President of the Rutland County Audubon Society of which he has been a member for nearly 40 years. While birds are his principal avocation, he became aware and appreciative of the area's wildflowers that surrounded him wherever he went. This program is a result of his interest in the natural world and photography.                                                                                      February 24                                                                         The Good, the Bad, the Wolf     Walter Medwid is the executive director/publisher of the Center for Northern Woodlands Education. His work with wolves has taken him all over the country and Canada. His presentation will focus on the complex relationship between wolves and humans with  emphasis on defining the real wolf and not the deity or devil it is often portrayed to be. FIRST LADIES                  March 2                          From Martha To Michelle Cyndy Bittinger is on the faculty of The Community College of Vermont where she teaches Vermont history, women in U.S. history and other courses. Her lecture is a survey of Presidential wives and how they influence politics, as well as the public and private lives of their mates. She will look at the changing role of first ladies over the years.                                                                                         March 9                                                                         Grace Coolidge: Sudden Star      Cyndy Bittinger was the Executive Director of the Coolidge Foundation in Plymouth for l8 years. She wrote a modern biography on Grace Goodhue Coolidge, the only first lady to hail from Vermont. Her talk will draw upon archival material saved by the Coolidge family and her personal interviews with John Coolidge, Grace and Calvin's son, before he died in 2000.                                                                                        March 16                                                              Mary Todd Lincoln: Revered and Reviled      C.J. King has had a long-standing interest in the Lincoln women since she discovered she was distantly related. In 2005, she published a book about the family and has lectured widely about the Lincoln women and Mary Todd Lincoln in particular. This first lady was very controversial in her day and the talk will focus on how she was misunderstood, as well as her strengths and weaknesses.                                                                                       March 23                                                                 Jackie Kennedy: American Icon      Melanie Gustafson is an Associate Professor of history at UVM and has been academically   involved with women's studies, politics and history. Her presentation will look at the life and times of Jackie Kennedy before, during, and after her White House years. Kennedy's enormous capacity for hard work, her achievements, and contributions to American culture will be assessed. Newsletter http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=46 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=46 SVCOA News Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:56:00 -0600   Seniority Happy Thanksgiving! Our New Quarterly Newsletter November 2011 Administrative Office: Branch: 1085 US Rt 4 East, Unit 2B 169 North Street Rutland, VT 05701 Bennington, VT 05201 1-800-642-5119 WWW.SVCOA.ORG Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, "giving thanks" naturally comes to mind. Southwestern VT Council On Aging staff is thankful for the joys, rewards and even sorrows that we share with all of you. We are all part of a difficult time, with financial hardships generating a great deal of frustration. It may be hard to think of things one is thankful for some days, but acknowledging even the smallest of life’s contributions is necessary for our spirit. With limited funding for services what do we have to be thankful for? Well, how about these examples: Creativity and flexibility. Both staff and clients must often handle every-day situations in imaginative ways. Capacity for patience and persistence. Laughter and humor. Someone’s thoughtfulness. Love of family and friends. The beauty of nature. As always, the Council On Aging strives to provide you with even one more thing to be thankful for. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Our trained SHIP counselors help beneficiaries identify and understand programs and plans, including Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Savings Programs, long-term care insurance and financing, and other public and private health insurance coverage options. Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans, and part D Prescription Drug plans, ends A turkey must be cooked thoroughly, and the inside where the stuffing is, needs to reach the desired bacteria-killing temperature of 165°F. Don’t keep the turkey out at room temperature for more than 1 1/2 hours, refrigerate as quickly as possible! From Sandra Conrad, Executive Director "It’s all about community!" That phrase seemed to have become just a well-intentioned expression. Then Tropical Storm Irene devastated parts of Vermont. That expression became a manifestation of action, determination, commitment and inspiration. I now truly understand and believe: "It’s all about community!" I recently read this from Melody Beattie: In this month of thankfulness, I wish you much gratitude and appreciation for community! If you are, or a family member is over 60 and need help, what will you do? Thankfully dear friends, you can call the Council on Aging and we will be at your side to sift through the maze of available resources that will help meet your needs; just as we have been doing for over 35 years. Did you realize the baby boomers have begun to retire? The census bureau predicts that within 20 years Vermont will rank eighth in the entire nation for percentage of residents over 65 years old. With funding for elderly services already suffering, imagine how it will be as the 60+ population continues to grow. We need your support! A gift of any amount will truly be appreciated. As you recall all the things to be grateful for this thanksgiving, please think of your elderly neighbors, friends and loved ones who need assistance. A $25.00 contribution would benefit our mission of helping elders maintain maximum independence. Please consider a donation at this level or higher. We’ve included a return envelope for your convenience, so please mail your gift today. Thank you so much.     Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity.   It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Formerly known as Food Stamps, 3 Squares VT helps Vermonters stretch their food budgets and put three square meals a day on their tables. With a new name and expanded eligibility, more Vermonters than ever may qualify for 3SquaresVT. The phone number to call for benefits is: 1-800-479-6151 Or, Vermonters can apply online at: www.mybenefits.vt.gov You may qualify for 3SquaresVT and not even realize it. Call our office for more information. December 7th . 3SquaresVT Thanksgiving Meals at luncheon sites http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=45 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=45 SVCOA News Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:53:00 -0600 As most of you already know, the Council on Aging, in partnership with our contractor, FitzVogt and Associates, provides community dining experiences for seniors in our area as well as home delivered meals for those seniors who for any of a number of reasons can’t get out to a meal site.   As we enter the holiday season this year, I thought it would be a good time to talk about our community luncheon sites, and to specifically tell you about where and when the traditional “turkey dinner with all the fixings” will be served in our area.   I have been to many of our luncheon sites over the years, and have always found it to be a very pleasurable experience – lots of laughing, chatting and good food!  The Thanksgiving meal is always special and festive, and I would encourage you to give it a try.  You will probably see some old friends and perhaps even meet some new ones.   Here’s where the fun can be found starting around 11:30 a.m.: Chittenden   - November 14 Wells – November 16 Castleton – November 18 Brandon – November 16 Hubbardton – November 17 Godnick Adult Center – November 17 Clarendon – November 17 Mount Holly – November 17 You need to register two days in advance by calling 775-0133.  The folks at FitzVogt will give you directions and you’ll be all set to come and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.   Hospice film and discussion http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=43 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=43 SVCOA News Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:10:00 -0500 Elder Connection By Barbara Hanson           In celebration of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice and Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a film and discussion event on Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  in the CVPS/Leahy Community Education Center, 160 Allen Street, Rutland.    What happens to a family when the one person who holds it together can't hold on anymore? The film, Two Weeks, starring Sally Field, Ben Chaplin, Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, and Clea Duvall, is a bittersweet dramatic comedy about one family’s determination to stay together until the very end. Four siblings return home to their mother's house for what they think are the last few days of her life. When she hangs on, they find themselves trapped together for two weeks. Two Weeks chronicles the family's day by day struggle to deal with their mother's illness, intercut with her own reflections on her life and her family.  This film is rated R and contains off-color references and adult language.   This event is free and open to the public. A light supper will be served.  An RSVP to 770-1537 <a href="mailto:birdsall@ravnah.org">birdsall@ravnah.org</a>  is preferred but not required.   Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org.               "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=42 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=42 SVCOA News Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:57:00 -0500 It's one of the most recognizable expressions around: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." But besides the fact that it rhymes, which makes it fun to say and easy to recall, does it really have any value? Could the common apple honestly help a person to maintain good health? According to Amy Hunter, who writes for the newsletter, Fit & Health, the first printed mention of this saying can be found in the February 1866 issue of the publication "Notes and Queries." The publication printed the proverb like this: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." Nearly 150 years later, variations of this adage are still quoted. It's unlikely that the saying would have maintained such popularity if there wasn't some truth to it, right? With that in mind, let's consider some of the apple's components and their effect on our health: <ul> <li>Pectin -- Pectin is a form of soluble fiber than lowers both blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also lower the levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol in the body. Pectin, like other forms of fiber, helps maintain the health of the digestive system. Apples are an excellent source of pectin.</li> <li>Boron -- A nutrient found in abundance in apples, boron supports strong bones and a healthy brain.</li> <li>Quercetin -- A flavonoid, this nutrient shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers, including cancers in the lungs and breast. It may also reduce free radical damage. Free radicals develop when atoms in the body's cells have unpaired electrons, which can lead to damage to different parts of the cell, including DNA. Quercetin may neutralize free radical damage, which has been implicated in a variety of age-related health problems, including Alzheimer's disease.</li> <li>Vitamin C -- Vitamin C boosts immunity, which helps maintain overall health.</li> <li>Phytonutrients -- Apples are rich in a variety of phytonutrients, including vitamins A and E and beta carotene. These compounds fight damage from free radicals and can have a profound effect on health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma.</li> </ul> Apples also act as a toothbrush, cleaning teeth and killing bacteria in the mouth, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay. They're also low in calorie density, one of the trademarks of a healthy food. When a food is low in calorie density you can eat good size portions of the food for relatively few calories. This time of year apples are everywhere –from grocery bins and farmers’ markets to roadside stands. Not only are apples terrific eaten fresh, cooked or baked, they’re also a healthy snack when dried. Enjoy! Barbara Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org. Ten Tips to Help You Prepare Your Home for Winter http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=41 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=41 SVCOA News Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:58:00 -0500           Elizabeth Weintraub, a real estate professional from California, says that the fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter. Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter: 1) Furnace Inspection <ul> <li>Call a professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.</li> <li>Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.</li> <li>Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.</li> <li>If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.</li> <li>Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.</li> </ul> 2) Get the Fireplace Ready <ul> <li>Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.</li> <li>If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.</li> <li>Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.</li> <li>Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.</li> <li>Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.</li> </ul> 3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows <ul> <li>Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.</li> <li>Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.</li> <li>Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.</li> <li>If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.</li> <li>Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.</li> </ul> 4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts <ul> <li>If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.</li> <li>Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.</li> <li>Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.</li> <li>Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.</li> <li>Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.</li> </ul> 5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment <ul> <li>Drain gas from lawnmowers.</li> <li>Service or tune-up snow blowers.</li> <li>Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.</li> <li>Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.</li> <li>Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.</li> </ul> 6) Check Foundations <ul> <li>Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.</li> <li>Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.</li> <li>Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.</li> <li>Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.</li> <li>Secure crawlspace entrances.</li> </ul> 7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors <ul> <li>Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.</li> <li>Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.</li> <li>Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.</li> <li>Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.</li> <li>Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.</li> </ul> 8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes <ul> <li>Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.</li> <li>Drain all garden hoses.</li> <li>Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.</li> <li>Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.</li> <li>If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.</li> </ul> 9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces <ul> <li>Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.</li> <li>Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.</li> <li>Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.</li> <li>Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.</li> <li>Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.</li> <li>Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.</li> </ul> 10) Prepare an Emergency Kit <ul> <li>Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.</li> <li>Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.</li> <li>Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.</li> <li>Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.</li> <li>Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.</li> </ul>   Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org. Savings on Meds http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=39 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=39 SVCOA News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:05:00 -0500 MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT “MEDICARE D” A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) is available to everyone with Medicare. A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is insurance provided by a private company to help pay for prescription medications. You choose the company and the drug plan and you pay the monthly premiums, the annual deductible and the copayments on medications at the pharmacy. <a href="http://www.medicare.gov/" target="_blank">http://www.medicare.gov/</a> If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help to cover the monthly premium, annual deductible and most of the copayments for medications. This additional help can be applied for with a <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp" target="_blank">Social Security Low Income Subsidy application</a>.  Those who qualify may also receive help from the state of Vermont with the costs of the Medicare Prescription Drug plan. The following section outlines eligibility for that help and other programs offered by the State to help with prescription drug costs. VERMONT PHARMACY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Vermont has several programs (VPharm, VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript, VScript Expanded and Healthy Vermonters Program) designed to help pay for prescription drugs. People who have a disability or who are age 65 or older may qualify depending on income. VPharm is for people who are covered by Medicare and have a Medicare Drug Plan. VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript,  and VScript Expanded are for people who do not get Medicare. The Healthy Vermonters Program is for people with moderate incomes.  The following chart provides an outline of eligibility for these programs: <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr class="copybody" bgcolor="#7c0033"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> <div class="copywhitebold"> </div> </td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> <div class="copywhitebold">VHAP-Pharmacy/ *VPharm-1</div> </td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> <div> </div> <div>VScript/ *VPharm-2</div> </td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> <div> </div> <div>VScript Expanded/ *VPharm-3</div> </td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> <div> </div> <div>Healthy Vermonters</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;">Maximum Monthly Income 1 Person Couple</td> <td width="16%" height="56"> <div> </div> <div>$1,359</div> <div>$1,829</div> </td> <td width="21%" height="56"> <div> </div> <div>$1,586</div> <div>$2,134</div> </td> <td width="22%" height="56"> <div> </div> <div>$2,039</div> <div>$2,744</div> </td> <td width="21%" height="56"> <div> </div> <div>$3,624</div> <div>$4,877</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;">Without Medicare you receive</td> <td width="16%" height="44"> Prescription drugs </td> <td width="21%" height="44"> Long-Term Prescription drugs and discount on short term prescription drugs </td> <td width="22%" height="44"> Long-Term Prescription drugs and discount on short term prescription drugs </td> <td width="21%" height="44"> <div>Discount on prescription drugs</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> *With Medicare you receive </td> <td width="16%" height="57"> <div>Prescription drugs not covered by Medicare</div> </td> <td width="21%" height="57"> <div>Long-Term Prescription drugs and discount on short term prescription drugs</div> </td> <td width="22%" height="57"> <div>Long-Term Prescription drugs and discount on short term prescription drugs</div> </td> <td width="21%" height="57"> <div>Discount on prescription drugs not covered by Medicare</div> </td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;">You pay per person</td> <td height="57"> <div>$15/month</div> </td> <td height="57"> <div>$20/month</div> </td> <td height="57"> <div>$50/month</div> </td> <td height="57"> <div>Discounted price for each prescription- May be less than retail</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> *People who qualify for VPharm must also be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. VPharm will pay for most of the costs connected to the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan including the monthly premium. Applications for Vermont pharmacy programs are available through the Office of Vermont Health Access 1-800-250-8427 or the Senior HelpLine 1-800-642-5119. <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr class="copywhitebold" bgcolor="#7c0033"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"></td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"></td> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"></td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> </td> <td width="30%"></td> <td width="46%"></td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> </td> <td width="30%"></td> <td width="46%"></td> </tr> <tr class="copy"> <td style="background-color: #ccff99;"> </td> <td width="30%" height="47"></td> <td width="46%" height="47"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   NEEDY PATIENT PROGRAM Many pharmaceutical companies will provide free medications to patients whose income is below a certain level and who have NO insurance or qualify for other pharmacy programs. To learn if you are eligible, go to the Needy Meds website at <a href="http://www.needymeds.com/">www.Needymeds.com</a>. Many pharmaceutical companies will provide free medications to patients whose income is below a certain level and who have NO insurance or qualify for other pharmacy programs. To learn if you are eligible, go to the Needy Meds website at .   Disclaimer: This is the best information available at the time we last updated this page. We cannot vouch for current accuracy due to frequent changes in this area. Please contact companies directly to confirm that any program you may be interested in is still active. FEMA Information http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=37 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=37 SVCOA News Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:17:00 -0500   As we are all trying to recover from “Irene” in terms of damage done to our homes and property, our community infrastructure and our psyches, we at the Council on Aging hope that you are getting the information you need to deal with your personal situations. If you have suffered damage to your home or property, I would urge you to call this important number before October 31st: 1-800-621-3362 which is the FEMA disaster Helpline.  FEMA workers have been out in our neighborhoods making themselves available to residents and assisting people to register and fill out a FEMA application. It is also important to call 211, or visit www.vermont211.org, which is Vermont’s Statewide Helpline.  They are tracking damage throughout the state. Once FEMA receives a person’s application, an inspector is assigned to come out and look at the damage and calculate what assistance might be provided. In a week to ten days after that, the person will receive a call saying what the person can expect in assistance. It is a myth that FEMA will pay for all damage that has been done. There is a maximum grant of $30,200 and this amount might be awarded if the person’s house was totally destroyed.  Grants are meant to help the person get on with his or her life, but it isn’t meant to cover all losses. There are a few other myths I’d like to dispel for you: MYTH:  I thought my income was too high for me to qualify. FACT:   There is no income cutoff for FEMA aid. Anyone with disaster damage or loss in the declared counties may be eligible for help. FEMA grants may cover under insured or uninsured losses.   MYTH: My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance. FACT: Everyone with flood insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.   MYTH: I don’t want FEMA assistance because it will affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.  FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.   MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up and made the repairs. Isn’t it too late? FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.   MYTH: I thought FEMA only gave loans. I don’t want a loan. FACT: FEMA only provides grants that do not have to be repaid. FEMA’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.   The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if they don’t complete the application, they may not be considered for other federal grants. MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA aid was only for homeowners to repair their homes. FACT: FEMA may provide grants to help renters who lost personal property or were displaced. MYTH:  I heard there’s too much red tape and paperwork to register. FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes a short while, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service. You can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. The website helps reduce the number of forms to be filled out and shortens the time it takes to apply. MYTH: I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year. FACT: If you had damage from another federally declared disaster you may register for new assistance.   MYTH: Isn’t FEMA broke? Other people need the help more than I do. FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with immediate needs. You will not be taking from others if you register for aid yourself.   If you need assistance filling out the FEMA application or further information about the process, please call our HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 and someone will help you. We have heard many stories from people who have had losses at Irene’s hands, and have witnessed the outpouring of support and love in our communities.  If there is any way the Council may assist you, please call and we will be there for you.   Elder Connection, By Barbara Hanson Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website www.svcoa.org. AARP and Home Safety Check http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=36 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=36 SVCOA News Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:48:00 -0500   I know that some of my readers are struggling to deal with the challenges brought on by Tropical Storm Irene.  I hope that you have good friends, families and neighbors to help you out, and that we will all get back to a somewhat “normal” existence soon.  We at the Council are doing our utmost to help those elders in need by providing information and support.      Today I have a piece by David Reville of AARP Vermont about how to conduct a home safety check:   Conducting a home safety check can go a long way in helping prevent future problems. Spend some time walking through your home. Look at your entrances and exits, steps and stairways, bathrooms, the kitchen, living and dining rooms, bedrooms and finally the exterior.  If you find any problems, take action to correct hazards and create a safer home environment for you, your family, and visitors. A checklist to help you with your evaluation and many other safety tips is available at <a href="http://www.aarp.org/homesafety">www.aarp.org/homesafety</a>.   Getting Started Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin to create a safer, more comfortable home. The best way is to start simply. Many home updates that increase home comfort and safety can be made at little to no cost. Some of our favorites are included - most can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store.   <ul> <li>Set the hot water heater to 120° to prevent scalding and reduce energy costs.</li> <li>Remove clutter from stairways and passageways to help prevent trips and falls. Check carpeting on stairs to make sure it is firmly attached.</li> <li>Arrange furniture to allow for easy passage.</li> <li>Remove all scatter and throw rugs; they often slide easily and can cause falls.</li> <li>Place exposed electrical cords along a wall where they can’t be tripped over. </li> <li>Remove all cords from underneath furniture or carpeting to lessen the risk of fire.</li> <li>Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of the house, especially outside bedrooms.</li> <li>Replace traditional toggle light switches with easy-to- use rocker panel switches.</li> <li>Consider illuminated switches in bathrooms.</li> <li>Install easy to use lever handles on all doors and faucets.</li> <li>Install a hand-held, adjustable height showerhead for easier bathing.</li> <li>Replace knobs on cabinets and drawers with easy-to-grip D-shaped handles.</li> <li>Remove debris from outdoor walkways.</li> <li>Trim shrubbery to provide a clear view from doors and windows.</li> </ul>   Don’t Forget to Create a Home Emergency Exit Plan Emergencies, such as fires, can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Whether you live alone or in a house full of people, everyone needs to have an emergency exit plan in place so the home can be evacuated quickly. In developing a home emergency exit plan you should: <ul> <li>Investigate all possible exits and escape routes and develop a plan for all levels of the home and all bedrooms.</li> <li>Know the details of the plan and make sure all family members, including young children, grandchildren, and overnight visitors know it too.</li> <li>Select an agreed upon meeting place, such as a neighbor’s house, mailbox, streetlight, or other location outside and away from the home where everyone can meet after exiting.</li> <li>Practice the home emergency exit plan every six months to make sure everyone can exit quickly and safely.</li> </ul>   To learn more about home safety, improvement, and design, and what features make a home and neighborhood a great place to live, visit <a href="http://www.aarp.org/housing">www.aarp.org/housing</a>.   Elder Connection  By Barbara Hanson Barb Hanson is Assistant Executive Director/Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.  For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the website <a href="http://www.svcoa.org/">www.svcoa.org</a>. In Home Services Available http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=21 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=21 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:25:00 -0500 In Home Services Available What's Available and How to Find It In home services include a wide variety of services provided to persons who require some assistance in meeting their daily needs at home. These services can be provided in order to allow someone to remain independent or as an alternative to nursing home care. SKILLED CARE IN HOME SERVICES Skilled care refers to care provided under the direction of a physician. The certified home health agencies in each county can provide skilled nursing care with payments made by Medicare, Medicaid or private reimbursement. If you need skilled nursing care in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury, Medicare or Medicaid may pay for covered home health services with a certified provider. A care plan must be approved by your physician. Medicare covered home health services include: • PART TIME SKILLED NURSING CARE AND HOME HEALTH AID • PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY • DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (80% OF APPROVED AMOUNT) • MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES • MEDICAL SUPPLIES • HOSPICE SUPPORTIVE IN HOME SERVICES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supportive services refer to assistance with such needs as personal care, meal preparation, chores, transportation, shopping and light housekeeping. PERSONAL CARE: DRESSING, BATHING, GROOMING, MEDICATION, TOILETING, WALKING, TRANSFERRING, EATING If you are already receiving skilled nursing services from your home health agency, you may be eligible for personal care services provided by the same agency. Medicare may pay for these services. If you qualify for Medicaid, they may also pay. There are other home care agencies in addition to home health that can provide care on a private pay basis. MEALS If you are over 60, homebound and unable to prepare your own meals, you may be eligible for Meals on Wheels. Depending on where you live, Meals on Wheels can provide you with at least one hot or frozen meal per day and are offered on a donation basis. LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING AND CHORES Housekeeping through the Homemaker Programs is available on a sliding fee scale basis from your home health agency. There is often a waiting list for those seeking a reduced fee. The Council on Aging maintains some information on local cleaning services and on private individuals who clean. MONEY MANAGEMENT Elders who are having difficulty with paperwork connected to bill paying and the balancing of their checkbooks, can receive help from trained volunteers through the Council on Aging. TRANSPORTATION Rides are available for medical appointments, essential shopping and visits to loved ones in nursing homes. Advanced notice is required. Contact the Senior HelpLine for the programs available in your area. COMPANIONSHIP • Senior Companion Program - weekly visits are arranged through the Council on Aging. • Volunteers - can provide non medical assistance to support independent living. • Telephone Reassurance - a daily telephone call for support and reassurance available in selected areas. CAREGIVER RESPITE Respite care is available through Adult Day programs which offer daily activities for frail elders, or those with dementia. Respite care may also be provided by hiring individual caregivers to come into the home. Long term respite care (vacations, business trips) may be possible through Residential Care Homes or Nursing Homes on a daily or weekly basis. Funding for caregivers of elders with dementia is possible through the Alzheimer's Respite Care Grant, contact the Senior HelpLine for more information. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND HOME MODIFICATIONS Special adaptations may be made to your home and living environment to allow you to remain independent and safe in your own home. This may range from a complex renovation like a wheelchair ramp to the simple addition of grab bars in your bathroom. PROGRAMS THAT HELP PAY FOR IN HOME SERVICES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATTENDANT SERVICES PROGRAM This participant directed program pays for home care attendants for adult Vermonters with disabilities who need physical assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, transferring, ambulation and eating. There are no financial or resource limitation to qualify. People who are on Medicaid are accepted into the program at once. All others are put on a waiting list which can be quite long. CHOICES FOR CARE (1115 WAIVER) People who are at risk of going into a nursing home, or who would like to return home from a nursing home or residential care home, may be able to receive help paying for home care through this program. They must also qualify financially for Long Term Care Medicaid. Assistance with applications can be obtained through the Council on Aging or your area home health agency. The program provides: • Home care attendant to help with personal care, light housekeeping and errands • Companion services • Case management to help coordinate services • Respite care and adult day care • Emergency Life Line • Funding for assistive devices and home modifications FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PLEASE CONTACT THE SENIOR HELPLINE AT 1-800-642-5119 OR EMAIL THE SENIOR HELPLINE AT <a href="mailto:seniorhelpline@svcoa.org">SENIORHELPLINE@SVCOA.ORG</a>. To Move or Not to Move... http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=20 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=20 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:25:00 -0500 The following appreared in a recent Elder Connection column in the Rutland Herald.  Today I’d like to share with you a checklist produced by the National Resource and Policy Center.  It is meant to help people decide about whether or not to move into retirement housing.  As you will see, it includes both “push” factors (things you want to get away from) and “pull” factors (things you’d like to have).   Reasons to stay: ·        My paid up mortgage gives me a “safe haven in old age” with only insurance to pay. ·        My property taxes are low or stable and not expected to increase drastically.  There are special tax breaks as an older homeowner. ·        Hazard and liability insurance is lower where I am. ·        My home is in good condition and doesn’t require extensive maintenance. ·        My home is heated and cooled efficiently so drafts, utility bills or hypothermia won’t force me out. ·        My home is adaptable to decreasing physical abilities; compact and easy to care for, with minimal yard care. ·        My home is all on one level (or I can live on one floor) with no barriers if I should have to be in a wheelchair.  Or it’s easily adaptable at an affordable cost. ·        My home has built-in safety features to guard against falls, burns and other accidents (e.g. handrails, nonslip floors, no or few steps, easy to reach shelves and range/burner controls, and brightly-lit rooms). ·        The home’s location is good for daily needs, including shopping, medical facilities and nearby family and friends. ·        I want to stay in familiar surroundings with family, friends, church, doctor, etc. ·        My neighborhood is pleasant, quiet, safe, secure and not likely to deteriorate. ·        I want to live near people of different age levels. ·        I could live here without a car because transportation is available from friends or I can walk nearly everywhere. ·        I am willing and physically and financially able to live here alone. ·        It’s a whole lot easier not to move. ·        I want to keep the equity in my home for a rainy day; to provide an income stream if I outlive my other assets or to leave to my heirs. ·        In this community, the advantages available to older people outweigh the problems we face.   Reasons to move: ·        Home maintenance and operating costs are (or will be) too high for my retirement income. ·        My home is the most valuable it’s ever been and the property taxes are too high.  I want to move where taxes are lower. ·        Homeowners’ insurance coverage is limited or too expensive. ·        I can’t afford the utility bills. ·        Services such as yard care are not cheap and not reliably available. ·        I want to move where the cost of living is lower ·        The age or condition of my home results in high cost, uncomfortable living (old furnace, inadequate or no insulation, too many single pane windows). ·        I am overhoused: the house and yard are too large for one or two people to clean and maintain and I can’t find or afford qualified, reliable help. ·        My home could limit my ability or freedom to travel on short notice and stay away for indefinite periods. ·        The design and layout of my home could limit my mobility or present safety hazards. ·        The climate here is not good for my health. ·        My neighborhood is becoming rundown and unsafe. ·        My children, other relatives and friends have moved away and I want to be closer to them. ·        The location of my home would make it impossible to live here without a car.  No other transportation alternatives are available. ·        I want a change and new friends.  I like the look of retirement communities or I want to live only with people my own age. ·        I can sell my owner occupied home one time after age 55 and be exempt from capital gains tax on $125,000  of the profit without having to buy another one as or more expensive.  If I want, I can become a renter, invest the house profit and live on the interest. ·        Problems faced by seniors in this area are great enough for me to consider moving elsewhere. PREPARING FOR FLU SEASON http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=19 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=19 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:24:00 -0500     <h2> </h2> <h2>SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT</h2> <h1>COUNCIL ON AGING</h1> Preparing for Flu Season         A new and very different influenza virus called “2009 H1N1” flu has emerged and is causing illness in people worldwide. Scientists believe the new H1N1 virus will cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States over the coming months. This flu season may be more severe than usual because of the new H1N1 virus. This means that more people may become sick and more people may get seriously sick. Also, regular seasonal flu viruses will continue to spread and cause illness too.   What is H1N1 Flu? H1N1 flu, also called swine flu. “Flu” is an abbreviation of influenza. H1N1 is the name of the virus that has spread to humans. This new strain seems to be progressing rapidly and humans have not yet had a chance to develop antibodies or protection against it.   Who may be at risk of developing the flu? Recent data indicates that H1N1 flu has affected people younger than 25 years of age more than older people. However, people with certain health conditions may be more at risk and face medical challenges during flu season. Some of these health conditions include: cancer, blood disorders, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, and persons with weakened immune systems.    How does it spread? Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose or mouth.     What are the symptoms? <ul> <li>Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. People with asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc. may experience a worsening of their medical conditions.</li> </ul>   When should you seek medical attention? <ul> <li>Often the flu is mild and does not require medical evaluation in the doctor’s office. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends if you have one of the health conditions listed above and there is a flu outbreak, and you have fever and flu symptoms, that you contact your doctor.</li> <li>Emergency warning signs that need urgent attention include: difficulty or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, near fainting or fainting, increased confusion, severe or persistent vomiting and high or prolonged fever. </li> </ul>   What is the treatment for the flu? <ul> <li>Treatment varies with the severity of your illness. Often with </li> </ul> mild symptoms, the treatment is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and practice good hand hygiene. <ul> <li>In some cases if the symptoms are more moderate or severe and the flu is detected early, the doctor may recommend antiviral medications.</li> <li>Your doctor will recommend what treatment is best in your situation. </li> <li>Remember to stay home if you are sick and cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.</li> </ul>                                              What can you do to limit your risk for getting flu? <ul> <li>In addition to your regular flu shot, get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available if it is recommended by your doctor.  </li> <li>Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol based gel and be careful what you touch. Door knobs, telephones, television remotes, etc may harbor the flu virus, especially in public places.  These items can also be a problem if someone you live with has flu symptoms. </li> <li>Be careful not to touch your face.</li> <li>It is advised that staying at least six feet away from a person who sneezes or coughs may be a wise practice.</li> <li>Limit contact with people who are sick and avoid crowded places.</li> <li>Try to stay in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat a nutritious diet.  </li> </ul>   What can you do to prepare ahead? <ul> <li>Talk with your doctor about having a two-week supply of medication on hand in case you can’t get out.</li> <li>Keep the name, phone number, and office address of your doctor or health care provider with you at all times. Find out the best way to communicate with your doctor. </li> <li>Get a written record of the kind of chronic disease(s) you have and the treatment you are receiving. Keep this information handy. </li> <li>Prepare a typed or printed list of all medications that you usually take and the times of day you take them. Also include necessary medical supplies or equipment such as syringes, strips, lancets if you have diabetes, or oxygen if you have COPD.</li> <li>Collect a two week supply of essentials, including over the counter medications, tissues, alcohol based gel cleaners, and</li> </ul> fluids for drinking, e.g., water, juice, etc.     Suggested food items to have on hand in the event that you can’t get out to shop or the person who usually shops for you is ill and can’t get out to shop for you:   r  Frozen foods – meats, vegetables r  Freeze a loaf or 2 of bread, English muffins r  Canned fish & meats – i.e. tuna, chicken r  Canned soups r  Spaghetti sauce r  Parmesan cheese r  Dry pasta, rice r  Cereals r  Peanut butter r  Canned vegetables r  Coffee, tea r  Dried fruit r  Sugar, flour, oil, mixes r  Fruit & cereal bars, granola bars r  Crackers r  Bottled water r  Bottled juices r  Canned fruits r  Paper products – toilet paper, paper towels, tissues r  Health & beauty – i.e. shampoo, soap, lotion r  Keep a few days’ supply of milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese  & r  other perishables as feasible r  Pet food           Sources: CDC - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Medline Plus – US National Library of Medicine & the National Institutes of Health – Patient Education Institute Vermont Dept of Health – Agency of Human Services PACE VT UPDATE http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=18 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=18 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:21:00 -0500 ELDER CONNECTION By Barbara Hanson   About this time last year, I told you about an exciting new program of healthcare, called PACE VT, which was opening its doors in Rutland .  Now that the “Program of all-inclusive Care for the Elderly is celebrating its first anniversary in our community,  I’d like to tell you more about the state of the art facility and the wonderful things that are happening there for frail elders. Just to refresh your memory, PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid funded health care program intended to allow frail elders, aged 55 and older who are determined to need nursing home level of care, to remain living in their communities, and is offered as an option under Vermont’s Choices for Care umbrella.  The Rutland PACE center is located in the new addition to the Maples Senior Living Community on General Wing Road. The PACE center includes a full medical clinic, three large activity rooms, a secure activity room and patio, a personal care suite, and a large physical and occupational therapy suite.  The InterAge Adult Day Center is co-located at the PACE site. The PACE program, through its interdisciplinary team (physician, nurse, social worker, LNAs, physical therapists, etc.), is responsible for coordinating and paying for all care including adult day services, home care, hospital care, nursing home care, medications, transportation and other services considered essential for the individual participant.  At the Rutland site, Dr. Barbara Lazar and her team of specialists, are very busy providing individualized care to PACE participants.  One participant’s eyesight was saved due to Dr. Lazar’s timely intervention; another participant spent additional hours at the Center in order to give his spouse a break who was recovering at home from an illness; family members and PACE participants are spared from running around to the pharmacy, to doctor appointments, blood draws etc., and special care and services have been extended to a caregiver experiencing a death in the family. These are but a few of the valuable, personalized interactions so much appreciated by PACE elders and their families.  As the daughter of one participant put it, “When I’m ready for it, I want to use PACE”.  PACE has been lauded by many experts as “long term care done right”. Does this sound like the kind of healthcare you might want for yourself or a loved one?  If you live in the Rutland PACE catchment area which is all of Rutland County and the towns of Dorset, Rupert or Manchester and would like more information about PACE, please call (802) 776-2900, or visit their website at <a href="http://www.pacevt.org/">www.pacevt.org</a>. Medicare Update http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=17 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=17 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:20:00 -0500 <div style="margin: 14pt 0in;">Asclepios Your Weekly Medicare Consumer Advocacy Update</div> <div style="margin: 14pt 0in 12pt;">Questions and Answers on Medicare and Health Reform</div> <div style="margin: 14pt 0in 12pt;">• Volume 10, Issue 7</div> <div>I worked hard my whole life and I’m just getting by now. Why should I pay more for my Medicare to cover the uninsured?</div> <div>You won’t. There are no Medicare benefit cuts in either the House- or Senate-passed health reform bills. Health reform legislation will not increase the share you pay under Medicare for a doctor visit, hospital stay, prescription drug or any type of medical treatment.</div> <div>Is there anything good for Medicare in this bill? What’s in it for me?</div> <div>The biggest improvement is to Medicare drug coverage. The House bill phases out the donut hole—the gap in the Medicare drug benefit when consumers have to pay full price for their medicines and their premiums—by 2019. Both President Obama and Senate leaders have pledged to close the coverage gap by 2019. Both bills eliminate copays and deductibles for preventive care, and the Senate bill provides coverage for an annual check-up. Many of the payment reforms are also designed to improve the quality of care people with Medicare receive. For example, hospitals will receive incentives to improve patient care after discharge to prevent unnecessary readmissions, and doctors will be encouraged to coordinate care that their patients receive from different specialists.</div> <div>Ten years to close the doughnut hole? I don’t think I’ll still be around. I need help now.</div> <div>The help would start this year. During the phase-out, people with Medicare would receive a higher dollar amount of coverage each year before they hit the gap, and have to spend less out-of-pocket to get through the gap. Instead of growing each year, as it does now, the coverage gap would shrink, so during the phase-out people would be less likely to hit the gap at all, more likely to hit it later in the year and, if they have really high drug costs, more likely to get out of the gap and receive catastrophic coverage for the rest of the year. Also, if health reform passes, brand-name drugs would be sold at half-price to people in the coverage gap starting this year.</div> <div>What about this “$500 billion” in Medicare cuts? Where does that come from?</div> <div>Both the House and Senate bills have over $400 billion in Medicare savings over the next ten years. The largest portion of those savings comes from reducing the annual increase in Medicare payments to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The annual increase would be reduced by a “productivity factor” to encourage medical providers to become more efficient.</div> <div>Aren’t those cuts too drastic? Will hospitals still be able to treat Medicare patients?</div> <div>The major hospital associations have supported health reform, but only if the legislation succeeds in covering almost all uninsured Americans, who now show up at emergency rooms when they need treatment but can’t pay for it. It is true that Medicare’s independent actuaries have expressed concern that providers won’t be able to meet the productivity target and people with Medicare might see reduced access to services. But the Medicare savings accrue over ten years, and Congress can revisit the payment rates if access problems begin to surface. Congress passed bills to moderate the Medicare cuts it had passed in 1997. The 1997 bill reduced Medicare spending by a higher percentage than the savings projected under health reform.</div> <div>Will I still be able to see my doctor? She said there was a 21 percent Medicare pay cut coming.</div> <div>There are no pay cuts for doctors in health reform. There are Medicare pay cuts for doctors scheduled under current law that will take effect March 1 and in following years if Congress does not act. These cuts are required under a payment formula that was enacted in 1998. Congress has passed bills to override the scheduled cuts in past years, but those bills have increased the cost of completely eliminating the payment formula. The House voted in November to replace the current payment formula with a payment system that does not require a series of annual pay cuts. It is now up to the Senate to act.</div> <div>I am in Original Medicare, but my sister-in-law joined a “Medicare Advantage” plan. Is she going to lose her coverage?</div> <div>Medicare pays private “Medicare Advantage” health plans 14 percent more per enrollee than it costs to provide care for the same person under Original Medicare. Both bills would bring the payments to the companies providing these plans more in line with costs under Original Medicare. Medicare private health plans would still be required to provide coverage that was at least as good as Original Medicare. Plans that deliver high-quality care and are efficient would still receive payments from Medicare to fund extra benefits, such as dental cleanings or lower copays for hospital stays that some plans provide, but the bills would reform the current system of subsidies. Both House and Senate bills would restrict the ability of Medicare private health plans to charge more than Original Medicare for specific services. Any person with Medicare who sees a premium increase or benefit reduction in their Medicare private health plan can change to another plan or return to Original Medicare for coverage.</div> <div>How does all this get paid for? I’m worried about putting a burden on my grandkids.</div> <div>The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the combination of Medicare savings and increased revenues in both bills more than pays for coverage for the uninsured. As a result, both bills reduce the deficit over the first ten years as well as over the longer term, according to CBO. If your grandchildren lose their jobs, or cannot get health coverage through their employer, they will still be able to afford health insurance. The Medicare savings all improve the financial health of the Medicare trust fund, which is funded by payroll taxes and pays for inpatient hospital care and other services under Medicare Part A.</div> <div>It all sounds a little too perfect. Is there anything you don’t like about the health reform bills? </div> <div>No bill is perfect. We are concerned that the Senate bill creates an independent board that is empowered to limit spending growth in Medicare. We think it is better to leave those decisions to Congress, which is accountable to people with Medicare.</div> <div>The Senate bill also increases the premiums for Part D drug coverage for the wealthiest 5 percent of people with Medicare (individuals earning over $85,000 per year and couples earning more than $170,000) who now already pay a higher Part B premium. We prefer the House bill on this issue; it exempts people with a one-time increase in income from the sale of their home from paying the higher Part B premium, and does not increase the Part D premium for higher earners. The House bill also helps low-income people with Medicare by allowing them to receive help with their Medicare costs even if they have a modest nest egg saved for retirement.</div> <div>I’m still skeptical. I’d like to see some facts and figures. Where can I learn more?</div> <div>You can learn more on our <a href="http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=hdJNKRNuEcKDKXL&s=fsIVL9MHK9LSL8NJJqE&m=krJML0MFK9KVG&af=y">Medicare and Health Reform webpage</a> which includes a detailed <a href="http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=kgLTK0OGKfJKI7K&s=fsIVL9MHK9LSL8NJJqE&m=krJML0MFK9KVG&af=y">side-by-side comparison</a> on the House and Senate bills.</div> <div>One last thing. Who are you guys? There is a lot of spin out there. I don’t like being spun.</div> <div>You’re right to be cautious. There are a lot of organizations and politicians who now claim to be defenders of Medicare who don’t have a good track record of supporting Medicare.</div> <div>The Medicare Rights Center is an independent, national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. To learn more about us, visit <a href="http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=njJZL9PSIiIRKhJ&s=fsIVL9MHK9LSL8NJJqE&m=krJML0MFK9KVG&af=y">www.medicarerights.org</a>.</div> JOIN AMERICORPS http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=16 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=16 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:19:00 -0500 The Council on Aging is currently recruiting new "Neighbor to Neighbor" AmeriCorps members for the 2011-2012 service period.  This 11 month service starting September, 2011, provides an opportunity to have a meaningful experience working with seniors in Rutland and/or Bennington County.  Full time members are eligible for benefits which include a $12,500 living allowance, a $5,350 education award, health insurance, mileage reimbursement, monthly trainings and diversified work. An AmeriCorps experience provides many opportunities to learn new skills as members work side by side with SVCOA Community Development and Case Management staff.   Spending a year in AmeriCorps service can help you enhance your resume and open doors to new employment opportunities. To learn more about AmeriCorps, contact Brenda Howe at (802)786-5990 or visit the Vermont Neighbor to Neighbor website at <a href="http://n2namericorps.org/" target="_blank">http://n2namericorps.org</a> Caregiver Events http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=15 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=15 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:18:00 -0500 Please check "Caregiver Support Services" under our Program dropdown list for upcoming caregiver events.  You will find them listed on the monthly caregiver calendar... Caregiver Events http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=14 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=14 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:18:00 -0500 Please check "Caregiver Support Services" under our Program dropdown list for upcoming caregiver events.  You will find them listed on the monthly caregiver calendar... What Laughter Can Do http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=13 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=13 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:17:00 -0500 I'd like to share with you today an article by Dr. Charles Kempton, of The Kansas Senior Press Service, about why people laugh, and what laughter can do for us. Humans are the only creatures on the face of this earth who have the ability to laugh. But what is laughter and how does it work? Laughter is like electricity. We know what it does but we don't know what it is. Laughter increases our heart rate, improves our circulation and cleans up our breathing. It also aides digestion, relieves stress, relaxes muscles and kick-starts the immune system. Mother Theresa put it best when she told a reporter, "What the world needs most is to smile a bit more each day." Children between the ages of two and four laugh on an average of 300 to 400 times a day. Unfortunately, adults laugh only 10 to 15 times a day. Did you know that laughter could actually help lengthen your life and help reduce your aches and pains at the same time? When we chuckle, smile, laugh and giggle, our brain and pituitary gland produce a natural painkilling hormone that resembles morphine, heroine and other opiate substances. These hormones are called endorphins. A good 10-minute laughing session, researchers have found, can produce enough endorphins to relieve body pain for up to two hours. Why then don't we laugh more? Many feel that laughter is a quality that we learn to "unlearn" in adult life. In our culture, the number of laughs per day peaks at around age six and then declines as we move into adulthood. Observation studies reveal that when men talk together, speaker and listener laugh approximately the same. When a woman talks to another woman the speaker tends to laugh more often than the listener. Norman Cousins, the author of the classic book, Anatomy of an Illness, was saved by the gift of laughter. His doctor told him that he had a terminal illness and that medical science could do nothing for him. He began reading books for an answer to his life-threatening condition. In one book he found that doctors in the 16th Century told funny stories to their patients and discovered the patients began to heal more quickly. Cousins began watching movies of the world's greatest comedians. As he laughed, his health began miraculously to improve. When Cousins left the hospital several months later, he walked out symptom free. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Sore Knees? Try Exercising http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=12 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=12 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:17:00 -0500 A recent New Jersey health newsletter had an interesting article about not letting "bad knees" stop a person from exercising and getting fit. To someone with achy knees from a disabling illness or injury, the notion that exercise will make him or her feel and work better might seem farfetched. But that's exactly what doctors recommend for millions of Americans who suffer from pain and stiffness in the knee - the body's biggest joint and one that carries nearly half of our weight. Research shows that exercise helps maintain joint flexibility, strength and muscle mass - not to mention the ways it benefits your heart, helps prevent osteoporosis and increases your energy level. What's more, exercise doesn't have to be a bone-jarring affair. Low-impact exercise can be highly beneficial for many with "bad" knees, and the best part is that anyone can do them. Walk, don't run. Many doctors consider walking to be the perfect exercise for achy knees. Brisk walking provides an excellent cardiovascular workout - it increases heart and lung capacity, burns calories, builds strong bones, strengthens major muscles in the thighs and legs, and improves your mood. And walking is free. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and some comfortable clothing. You can easily tailor walking distance and terrain to suit your needs, you can walk almost any time of day and you don't need special equipment or training - after all, you've done it all your life! Take a spin. Bicycling at a smooth, easy to moderate paceis a healthy, low-impact alternative to walking. You can enjoy cycling several ways: by riding around your neighborhood, investing in a stationary bike for at-home workouts or hopping aboard a stationary bike at the gym. In addition to helping relieve knee pain, bicycling benefits your heart and helps control your weight. An hour of casual outdoor biking, for example, burns 170 to 500 calories, depending on your speed and terrain; for stationary bikes, around 100 to 250 calories. Of course, as you build endurance, the number of calories burned also increases. Get in the swim. For fitness and fun, nothing beats the pool. You can perform almost any land exercise in water and get the same results, including pain relief, better balance and heart health. The natural bouyancy of the water gives you a built-in cushion that protects sore joints from too much stress. At the same time, water provides resistance, so muscles get stronger from "pushing" against it. Ask you doctor if water exercise is right for you. If so, consider enrolling in a water workout class. Typical exercises you'll find in these programs including: • Walking. Instructors call out various speeds and strides as you walk forward, backward and sideways in the water. • Running. Using a bouyancy device, your upper body floats while you "run" in the water without your feet touching the pool bottom. As an alternative, you can run in place without the device, or even run "laps". • Aerobics. Routines are similar to the land version, complete with music, but at a slower, easier pace for a full-body workout. • Flexibility Training. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises are easier because the water supports your weight and keeps you steady. Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Prevent Animal Cruelty and Elder Abuse http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=11 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=11 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:16:00 -0500 Recent research exposes the fact that there is a strong link between elder abuse and animal cruelty. Many older Americans are particularly attached to their pets. Companion animals not only play a very important role in the lives of older adults, they also represent important links to the past. Pets also provide comfort, stress relief, humor, attention, protection and foster social interaction between the elderly and others. This special relationship, however, also makes pets vulnerable to abuse by those who want to exert power and control over an older adult. "In more than two-thirds of domestic elder abuse cases, the perpetrators are family members-frequently the children or grandchildren of the elderly victim-who may neglect or abuse an elder's pet as a form of control or retaliation, out of frustration over their caretaking responsibilities, or as a way to extract financial assets from the victim," according to Virginia M. Prevas, manager of the First Strike campaign, a program of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Cases of extreme animal neglect may also reflect elder persons' inability to provide adequate care for themselves and thus indicate the need for assistance. Domestic elder abuse and animal cruelty can be investigated and stopped if it comes to the attention of authorities such as adult protective services, animal control, the local humane society or law enforcement. There are ways that all of us can help prevent animal cruelty and elder abuse. They include: • Become familiar with the signs of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial or material exploitation. • Check the physical condition of pets. Ask about any recent health problems or injuries. Pets are often malnourished in abusive homes; their ribs may be visible and their food bowls may be empty. • Note changes in the animals' behavior. Pets in abusive homes are often frightened, withdrawn, aggressive or overly protective. • Ask questions. If a pet is suddenly missing or has been moved outside, ask why. Responses to these questions may lead you to discover animal cruelty and give the older person a chance to share concerns or report abuse. • To report adult abuse call Adult Protective Services toll free (800) 564-1612. • To report animal cruelty call your local Humane Society, Animal Control Services or law enforcement. Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Osteoporosis in Men http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=10 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=10 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:16:00 -0500 Did you know that men can be at osteoporosis risk as well as women? A recent issue of the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter recently carried an article about the subject, and today I'd like to share the contents with you. "Osteoporosis is commonly perceived as an illness of women- both doctors and the lay public are much less aware that it's a very common problem in men," says Eric Orwoll, MD, a professor of medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University. How common? One in every eight men older than 50 will suffer a hip fracture as a result of the disease. Part of the problem is a lack of screening and subsequent treatment; men aren't tested for osteoporosis as often as women. "If you talk to the bone mineral density labs," Dr. Orwoll comments, "the number of men measured is quite few." Granted, you'd expect more women to be screened, since they are more likely to have the disease. But, he points out, "the disproportion between women's and men's testing is still very inappropriate." What puts men at risk for osteoporosis is different from what makes women vulnerable. In women, it's largely the steep drop in bone-sustaining hormones after menopause. Men's osteoporosis is often the outcome of another illness, especially one that requires treatment with drugs like corticosteroids or anticonvulsants. Both are notorious for thinning bone. Anyone taking a corticosteroid to decrease the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is considered at high risk for osteoporosis. Also at high risk are tobacco users and heavy drinkers. The two habits, linked with fractures from the disease, are more common in men than in women. Which men should get tested? Men who've had a fracture after age 50 or evidence of a spinal fracture on an x-ray should get a DEXA scan for osteoporosis, says Dr. Orwoll. So should anyone with a condition associated with osteoporosis, such as an illness requiring corticosteroid treatment. Some risk categories are actually becoming more common; for example, men receiving androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer "lost bone quickly" and should therefore get screened, too, Dr. Orwoll advises. Heel ultrasounds that you sometimes see in pharmacies won't cut it for men. They're meant to be a quick diagnostic tool for osteoporosis, but usually they do not use a male database, making the measurement meaningless. The reason is that your score from a heel ultrasound compares your bone density to that of a reference population. If the population is all women, fewer men will be diagnosed with osteoporosis because next to women's bones, theirs could look dense even after they've become significantly demineralized. The good news, says Dr. Orwoll: Just about all of the drugs that work to combat osteoporosis in women-Fosamax, Actonel, Forteo - are "just as effective in men". Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Is It Alzheimer's Disease? 10 Warning Signs http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=9 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=9 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:14:00 -0500 From the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont/New Hampshire comes the following information about how to access whether a person may be suffering from early stage Alzheimer's disease: Is it Alzheimer's disease? 10 Warning Signs. Dementia is the loss of intellectual ability (such as thinking, remembering and reasoning) severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Did you know that there are close to 80 diseases and conditions that can cause dementia? Alzheimer's disease is the most common of all dementias, affecting as many as 4.5 million Americans. Memory loss is not a normal part of aging, however, there are certain warning signs to look for that indicate problems in memory that may be serious dementia. Following are 10 early signs of Alzheimer's: 1. Recent Memory Loss That Affects Job Skills It is normal to occasionally forget an assignment, deadline or colleague's name, but frequent forgetfulness or unexplainable confusion at home or in the workplace may signal that something is wrong. 2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks Busy people get distracted from time to time. For example, you might leave something on the stove too long or not remember to serve part of a meal. People with Alzheimer's might prepare a meal and not only forget to serve it, but forget they made it. 3. Problems With Language Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer's may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making his or her sentences difficult to understand. 4. Disorientation of Time and Place It is normal to momentarily forget the day of the week or what you need from the store, however, people with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get home. 5. Poor or Decreased Judgement Choosing not to bring a sweater or coat along on a chilly night is a common mistake. A person with Alzheimer's, however, may dress inappropriately in more noticeable ways, wearing a bathrobe to the store or several blouses on a hot day. 6. Problems With Abstract Thinking Balancing a checkbook can be challenging for many people, but for someone with Alzheimer's, recognizing numbers or performing a basic calculation may be impossible. 7. Misplacing Objects Everyone temporarily misplaces a wallet or keys from time to time. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put these and other items in inappropriate places, such as an iron in the freezer, or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl, then not recall how the items got there. 8. Changing Mood or Behavior Everyone experiences a broad range of emotions; it is part of being human. People with Alzheimer's tend to exhibit more rapid mood swings for no apparent reason. 9. Changes in Personality People's personalities may change somewhat as they age. But a person with Alzheimer's can change dramatically, either suddenly or over a period of time. Someone who is generally easy going may become angry, suspicious or fearful. 10. Loss of Initiative It is normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people retain or eventually regain their interest. The person with Alzheimer's disease may remain uninterested and uninvolved in many or all of his usual pursuits. The Alzheimer's Association strongly recommends that persons experiencing warning signs with the following criteria, be evaluated by a good health care provider to find the cause: *four or more of the symptoms occuring simultaneously. *the warning signs occur regularly and get worse. *the warning signs must interfere with the individual's ability to function. How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed? There is no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. Instead, Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed through elimination, ruling out other diseases and conditions that can cause dementia. Some dementia are reversible. There may be a treatable cause for the symptoms. Only a qualified health care provider can evaluate the cause of the dementia symptoms. Steps for a thorough evaluation include: a physical exam, blood and urine tests, a hearing and vision exam, a mental status exam, a psychological exam, examining social history, and a CAT/MRI. Alzheimer's disease is irreversible. Early detection and new drug treatments can help those with Alzheimer's disease prolong their quality of life. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease, help is available both for those with the disease and those learning how to provide care. We are here to help you. Please call the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont & New Hampshire at 800-536-8864 or find us on the web at <a href="http://www.alz.org/vtnh" target="_blank">www.alz.org/vtnh</a>. Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Communities Working Together http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=7 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=7 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:11:00 -0500 Today I 'd like to share a guest column written by Robin Jones, SVCOA's Community Resource Developer for Bennington County: When communities work together, great things can happen. The proof of this is seen in Danby and Mt. Tabor. The seniors in these communities first came together as volunteers, working with the Southwestern VT Council on Aging, to help with a survey conducted in their towns. Between one third and one half of the seniors were surveyed, one by one, neighbor to neighbor to see what it is like to be a senior living in these communities. What would help these towns to be even better places for elders to live? The survey results indicated that many people in Danby and Mt. Tabor would like to get together, have a place to meet and share a meal. The seniors also were interested in the development of a newsletter, so that people in the communities could share information, stories, local news, history and dates for community activities. The group of volunteers in both towns came together with other community seniors and formed the Danby-Mt.Tabor Seniors to work together to better the lives of elders in both towns. The Danby-Mt. Tabor Seniors include all seniors living in the Danby-Mt. Tabor area. All activities are available and open to any area senior. The group began by partnering with the Council on Aging, The Sunnyside Café and Fitz-Vogt to begin a monthly luncheon program. The café was happy to oblige during the months of November through April and Fitz-Vogt will cater the luncheons from May through October. The community responded quickly to help make this work. The Catholic Church made the meeting room available along with use of the kitchen, and the Masons donated silverware for forty settings, with serving pieces as well! Richard Porter of Danby crafted a beautiful silverware chest for storage of the newly acquired utensils. The local Girl Scout troop make a lovely centerpiece of handcrafted flowers to grace the table at the first luncheon. Sunnyside Café owners, Craig and Pam Williams, served a wonderful meal with smiles, in chef's coat and hat. The seniors greeted the thirty-eight participants, set up the tables, set and cleared the tables and took care of the dishes. Everyone enjoyed the good company and delicious food. If you like to join the fun, reserve a space by calling Millie Powers at 293-5372 one week in advance. Group members then began to work with Tony Kasulinous of the Long Trail School on the publication of a newsletter. The school and students are very supportive partners in this venture. The seniors will submit the articles for publication. The students will put together the paper, print it and mail it for the senior group! The newsletter is to be published every other month, beginning in May. A Long Trail student will interview a senior from Danby or Mt. Tabor for each edition, and the students have had a fundraising activity to cover the cost of the mailings! The Long Trail students will also be helping with yard cleanup this spring and fall for Danby-Mt. Tabor elders. A thoughtful, dedicated group of citizens have truly enhanced the lives of the seniors in these communities. It is such a pleasure to work in communities where people are so helpful to their neighbors and work together to make wishes come true! Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging. For information about senior services, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit the web site <a href="http://www.svcoa.org">www.svcoa.org</a>. Caregivers Need Care Too http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=6 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=6 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:10:00 -0500 So many of us care for a loved one - in our own home, around the corner or many miles away. This work can be a very rewarding act of love, but caregiving can also be full of frustrations and stress. It helps somewhat to know that we are not alone. At least 22 million Americans provide care that is essential in keeping an older family member living in dignity at home and with the maximum degree of independence. About 80 percent of all care received by older Amercians is provided by family caregivers. Today I'd like to offer some tips to help families be effective caregivers: Protect your own health. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to continue to be a caregiver. See your doctor regularly, get screened for stress and depression, get as much rest as you need, eat balanced meals, exercise and accept help from others. You are important. Talk with others. It's helpful to talk with others who are caregivers, to share problems, solutions and concerns. You can do this by joining a support group or by talking with friends who are in the same situation. Get some training. Attend a caregiver training class to learn the proper methods of hands-on care and other issues related to caregiving. Be flexible. Try to arrange flex time if your job and your caregiving responsibilities conflict. Try also to let go of some activities or duties you may have taken on. Become informed. Communicate often with your loved one's health-care professionals. Look to your library or the internet for in-depth information about your loved one's illness or chronic condition. I have found that knowledge has allowed me to be a better caregiver. Take a break. Use respite care services available in the community. Ask for and accept help from friends or neighbors. Even an hour to yourself can make a big difference in your ability to be an effective caregiver. Become aware of hazards. To make the home safe for your loved one be aware of fire hazards such as stoves, matches, lighters and cigarettes. Watch out for loose rugs, cluttered pathways and poor lighting. Assure safe water temperature, install bathroom grab bars and non-skid rugs. Call the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119. Learn about "in-home care options" such as meals on wheels, emergency response systems, case management services, etc., and "out of home options" such as adult day services, respite care services and facility-based care. Barbara Hanson is Director of Community Resource Development for the Southwestern Vermont COUNCIL ON AGING. Arthritis and Brushing http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=5 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=5 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:09:00 -0500 Patricia A. Bloom, MD, a geriatric physician, answered a reader’s question in a recent issue of Mt. Sinai ’s School of Medicine ’s publication, “Focus on Healthy Aging”.  Since it addresses an issue important to good oral hygiene, I’d like to share it with you. Q - Arthritis has affected my hands to the extent that I find it difficult to brush my teeth, is there anything I can do to make it easier? A – It’s fairly common for people with arthritis to find it difficult to brush and/or floss their teeth correctly.  The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the following tips. 1) Use a wide elastic band to attach the brush to your hand, so you don’t have to grip it hard. 2) Enlarge the brush handle with a sponge, rubber ball, or bicycle handle grip, or try winding an elastic bandage or adhesive tape around the handle to make it easier to grasp.  3) Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic, such as a ruler or popsicle stick, so that your teeth are easier to reach.   If these don’t work for you, you may want to try using an electric toothbrush, which does much of the work for you.  There are several disposable, battery-operated models available that cost as little as $5.  Or you may want to purchase an electric model that plugs into the wall.  The ADA recommends several brands that often work well for people with arthritis because they have large, easy to grip handles.  Brushes like these usually start about $50. Flossing can be particularly difficult for those with arthritis, although it is part of the ADA ’s recommendations for good oral health.  Flossers are disposable devices pre-loaded with a few centimeters of floss that allow you to clean your teeth without having to wrap the floss around your fingers.  They are less effective than hand-flossing which allows you to wrap the floss into a “c” shape and get under the gum line, but they are clearly better than not flossing at all. Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging Offers Speakers http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=4 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=4 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:09:00 -0500 What is available in Rutland county for people in their Senior years (age 60+)? The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging would like to acquaint more people with the multiple programs and services its agency has to offer. Any club or organization interested in having someone from the Council on Aging speak at a meeting should call the Senior HelpLine at 802-786-5991 or email the Senior HelpLine at <a href="mailto:seniorhelpline@svcoa.org">seniorhelpline@svcoa.org</a>. Senior Transportation Services http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=3 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=3 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:08:00 -0500 For those without a car, or who can no longer drive, getting around can be a challenge. Transportation programs are available for Seniors (age 60+) and people with disabilities who need individual rides to local medical appointments and for essential shopping. For complete information on transportation options call the Senior HelpLine at 802-786-5991 or email the Senior HelpLine at <a href="mailto:seniorhelpline@svcoa.org">seniorhelpline@svcoa.org</a>. Subsidized Housing for Older & Disabled Vermonters http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=2 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=2 SVCOA News Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:07:00 -0500 People who live in Senior Subsidized Housing pay no more than 1/3 of their monthly income for rent. To qualify for an apartment, one must be either disabled or age 62+, and have an income that does not exceed certain limits. Income limits vary from one apartment complex to another, based on regulations. There is no limit on savings, but interest income is counted as part of monthly income. There are usually waiting lists for Senior Housing. In order to increase one's chances of finding an opening when it's time to move, it is recommended that folks apply early and to several different complexes. For information and a complete list of subsidized and other types of Senior Housing in Rutland or Bennington Counties call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or 786-5991 or click on the email link here <a href="mailto:seniorhelpline@svcoa.org">seniorhelpline@svcoa.org</a>. The Senior HelpLine is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington Counties. Test News Post http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=1 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=1 SVCOA News Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:39:00 -0500 <img style="float: left;" src="http://svcoa.aotest3.com/im_images/usa_label.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="171" />Hello world! This is just a test blog post to see how the news module works.