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 Tue, 21 May 2013 18:19:45 -0500 5 Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging 438 126 http://svcoa.org/ http://svcoa.org/images/logo1.png Sequestering Meals on Wheels Could Cost the Nation $489 Million per Year http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=140 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=140 SVCOA News Mon, 06 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500 Sequestering Meals on Wheels funds could cost taxpayers far more than it saves. While across-the-board spending cuts that began March 1, called sequestration, are expected to reduce spending on Meals on Wheels programs this year by an estimated $10 million, these savings will be dwarfed by at least $489 million per year in increased spending on Medicaid, both this year and in each subsequent year that sequestration remains in place. Outside of Washington, waiting lists for Meals on Wheels enrollees have received media attention, but the expected savings have remained largely unquestioned. In reality, cutting Meals on Wheels will very likely increase the federal deficit by increasing the overall cost burden and shifting it to Medicaid, local charities, and other programs. Overall, Meals on Wheels saves the federal taxpayers money by helping participants live at home instead of living in comparatively expensive nursing homes. The average cost to Medicaid of nursing home care per patient is approximately $57,878 annually. By contrast, the cost to Medicaid of home care is much lower, approximately $15,371 annually, or $42,507 less than nursing home care. Nationally, according to a survey by the Administration on Aging, as many as "92% [of enrollees] say Meals on Wheels means they can continue to live in their own home." Based on these estimates, our analysis suggests that sequestering Meals on Wheels funds will actually cost the U.S. taxpayer $479 million dollars over the seven months it will be implemented during this federal fiscal year, which ends September 30. See the <a href="http://www.foreffectivegov.org/sequestration-and-meals-on-wheels" target="_blank">entire article at the Center for Effective Government website</a> Eating well, staying well http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=139 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=139 SVCOA News Wed, 01 May 2013 08:02:00 -0500     60-Plus: Eating Well, Staying Well   We agree with Virginia Woolf's statement, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  And so we would like to draw your attention to some resources that are available to enliven your dining routines.   If you're able to get out and about, and would enjoy a social experience, we recommend the senior community meals.  These meals are held at grange halls, community centers, senior centers, churches, and restaurants in large towns and small towns alike.  Also known as congregate meals, they are usually noontime dinners, though one site in our region also offers breakfast. Most of these meals are intended mainly for people aged 60 and up, but there are always some younger people who attend; they may be a younger spouse, or helping seniors by providing transportation, or they may simply want to spend time with elders.   If you go to one meal and don’t like it, be sure to try others, because they are all different! You can always count on good food and company, but the locations have different atmospheres, and some offer extras like games, guest speakers, or live music for special occasions.   If you're not able to get out of the house (even if you're only temporarily homebound due to surgery or illness), you may be able to get meals delivered to your home.  Unlike the community meals, you must meet certain qualifications to participate in Meals on Wheels. There must be a health challenge that interferes with your ability to prepare or shop for food, which makes you less likely to eat well.   Both Meals on Wheels and Senior Community Meals have an anonymous donation system, without regard to your income or resources. Give what you can, no one who qualifies is turned away for lack of funds. Some seniors say they’re worried about "taking away a meal from someone who needs it more."  To this we say: you may give a larger donation to cover the full value of your meal.  Or if you're able to contribute even more, you can donate a bit extra to help cover the cost of meals for other local seniors. The more the merrier!   If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, these meal programs are a wonderful way to help your community. All of the Meals on Wheels programs, and most of the community meals, rely on volunteers.   We all know we should eat good healthy food to keep our bodies happy, but what about our minds? For many of us, meals have been times to enjoy stimulating conversation and close connections with family and friends. If many of your loved ones have moved away or passed away, it is important to find other ways to meet this very real need.  If you cannot get out to enjoy a community meal, you might look into getting visits from a Senior Companion.   The Senior Companions Program can provide occasional company for meals and other activities if you are housebound. On the other hand, if you're able to volunteer as a Senior Companion, you too can enjoy shared time doing pleasurable activities.  The Senior Companion Program prepares and rewards people aged 55 and up who commit to a certain amount of time visiting elders in their local area. You might fix lunch and eat together, or have tea and cookies, or a game of cards. This kind of connection is good for everyone involved.   For information about any of these programs, please call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.   Free Online Diabetes Workshop http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=138 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=138 SVCOA News Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:59:00 -0500 Better Choices, Better Health - Diabetes is the online version of Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Over six weeks, from the convenience of their computers, participants learn to: <ul> <li>Manage their diabetes symptoms </li> <li>Eat well and exercise </li> <li>Communicate with their doctors </li> <li>Live healthier! </li> </ul> All participants also receive a FREE copy of the workbook, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. <a href="http://www.restartliving.org/diabetes.php" target="_blank">Sign up now</a> Scooters and Smart Alternatives http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=137 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=137 SVCOA News Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:42:00 -0500   60-Plus: Scooters and Smart Alternatives   Did you see the news about federal law enforcement agencies raiding the Scooter Store? Apparently they’re being investigated for Medicare fraud. According to CBS news, this company is the largest supplier of power wheelchairs nationally, and it is one of the companies that has used pushy tactics to get seniors into scooters whether or not there’s a true need.   Selling an elder a power wheelchair when they don’t really need it has a more insidious effect than you might realize. If you buy or rent a scooter, you may have problems getting Medicare coverage of another mobility device during the useful lifetime of the scooter.   Many elders have gone ahead with a scooter chair purchase using Medicare benefits, and then the following year they find out that Medicare will not cover a more important need such as a regular wheelchair for indoors, or a hospital bed. The seller of the power wheelchair was the one who really benefited, and the elder suffered the consequences.   Here are the lessons we take away from this news. First, understand your Medicare benefits! If you’re unsure, our Senior HelpLine (1-800-642-5119) can connect you with an insurance counselor.   Second, if any company tries to sell you a power wheelchair or another assistive device, think about if it is really going to benefit you. The less you move around by your own power, the less you WILL be able to do so. Use it or lose it!  If another kind of assistive device (such as a regular wheelchair, an active wheelchair, or a walker) will suffice for you, it could help you stay more active and healthy.   We would like to point out that the majority of seniors can exercise. Even if you're unable to stand, or confined to bed, there are options. As long as you can move any of your limbs, or can tense and release any of your muscles, you have something to exercise with.     If you're able to get around but worry about your balance, you might participate in "A Matter of Balance" classes which are available throughout the region. In eight sessions that include discussions, problem-solving, videos, and gentle exercise, this class series helps seniors to remain active and independent.   "Bone Builders" and "Strong Living" are two gentle exercise programs proven to work for seniors, and are offered in locations such as senior centers and medical centers.   The Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 can help you find a program in your area.   Exercise is not only effective for strengthening or losing weight; it can improve overall health and mood, because our bodies and minds simply function better when we move more.  For example, circulation of the lymph fluid is accomplished almost entirely by muscle movement; and exercise improves the balance of the various hormones that are constantly circulating in our bodies directing all of our basic functions.   Talk with your doctor about what kind of exercise or assistive device is best for you. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can help with creative solutions.   In summary, we hope you will use wisely whatever you’ve got going for you. Whether it’s your Medicare benefits or your body’s capabilities, the decisions you make every day can help you to have a better future. And let us know if we can help! National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=136 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=136 SVCOA News Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:59:00 -0500 The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. In the five previous Take-Back events, DEA in conjunction with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications were removed from circulation. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.  There are locations throughout Vermont. <a href="http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html" target="_blank">Find the location closest to you here</a>. Consumer Assistance Program Releases Top 10 Scam List for 2012 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=135 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=135 SVCOA News Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:29:00 -0500 Introducing National Consumer Protection Week 2013, Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell is releasing a list of the top ten scams that targeted Vermont consumers in 2012. "In today's age of global communications and technology, it is no simple matter to track down and lock up international scammers targeting Vermonters. Even with modern investigative tools and collaboration between state and federal law enforcement, our best defense against these costly crimes is individual knowledge and awareness," said Attorney General William Sorrell." It is important that we know what to look for to defend ourselves, our families, our neighbors and friends against scams and fraud." In 2012, the top ten categories of scams reported to the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) were: <ol> <li>"Phishing" scams: 563 complaints were filed with CAP in 2012 regarding attempts to collect sensitive information, usually to access bank accounts or steal someone's identity. The most common were phony bank text messages ("Your account has been locked") and bogus offers by text message ("you won a $1000 gift certificate to …."). Don't reply to unsolicited texts!</li> <li>Contest, sweepstakes or lottery scams: Vermonters filed 220 reports of receiving a bogus sweepstakes, contest or lottery notice or telephone call. Many of these scams originate overseas (Jamaica in particular) and all want some sort of up front payment to receive "winnings" that will never come. Never pay up front to receive winnings!</li> <li>Bogus computer tech support scams, viruses, and ransomware: CAP received 95 complaints from consumers regarding phony tech support calls, viruses and other malware from fake e-mails and other sources, and "ransomware" that hijacked their computers unless they made some payment. Never click links in a strange e-mail, or allow remote access to your computer!</li> <li>Imposter scams: 89 complaints from Vermont consumers in 2012 reported phone calls from someone posing as a family member in an emergency. A number of Vermonters lost significant money to this heartbreaking scam. Never wire funds unless you have verified the emergency!</li> <li>Debt collection scams: CAP received 89 complaints from consumers in 2012 about debt collection scams. Scammers barrage consumer with telephone calls at their homes and workplaces, making false threats of imminent arrest, legal action or financial ruin. Most of these calls originate from overseas, using technology to hide their location, and can be difficult or impossible to stop. Never pay a harassing collector over the phone; demand proof of the debt!</li> <li>Phony invoices targeting Vermont businesses: Vermont consumers and businesses are being targeted by scammers trying to steal money through bogus invoices. 87 reports of phony invoices were filed with CAP in 2012. Check your records carefully to make sure you really owe!</li> <li>Security system scams: 76 reports were filed with CAP regarding "free" home security system scams in 2012. Always ask for local references for anyone offering to do work on your home! Call (800) 649-2424 or at (802) 656-3183 to see if CAP has received complaints about the business.</li> <li>Other telemarketing scams: CAP received 73 complaints related to other or general telemarketing scams. Many of these involved unlawful robo-calls. Hang up on robo-callers!</li> <li>Online advertising scams: 66 complaints were filed with CAP regarding some form of online classified advertisement. In some cases, consumers who had listed an item for sale were contacted by a scammer trying to send them a fake check, in others consumers responded to an ad for an item for sale or a rental unit that didn't exist. To be sure with on line sales, buy or sell only in cash, in person.</li> <li>Loan scams: 56 complaints were logged at CAP regarding loan scams. These scams ranged from unlawful "payday" loans to phony advance-fee loans that took money from consumers without ever paying a dime. Beware of online lenders. Demanding fees before making a loan is illegal in Vermont!</li> </ol> What can you do if you have been targeted? <ul> <li>Cease all contact with the scammer - If you have been targeted by a scammer, do not continue contact. You will not get any useful information from continued contact.</li> <li>Stop or report any fraudulent wire transfer of funds, checks or credit card transactions - If you have sent funds, contact the financial institution or wire transfer company immediately to report the fraud and halt the transaction.</li> <li>Contact authorities - Report fraud to your local police and the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). CAP tracks fraud reports and uses the information in its efforts to work with local, state and national law enforcement and consumer protection agencies.</li> <li>Know how to spot a fraud - Vermonters' best defense against this predatory activity is to understand and avoid these scams altogether.</li> </ul> Vermont consumers may contact the Consumer Assistance Program with any questions, concerns or requests. For more information call toll free in Vermont at (800) 649-2424 or at (802) 656-3183, or visit their website at<a href="http://www.uvm.edu/consumer" target="_blank">www.uvm.edu/consumer</a>.  2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=134 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=134 SVCOA News Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:06:00 -0500 The Alzheimer's Association 2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report reveals new statistics on the ever-growing weight of Alzheimer's disease on our nation. The report uncovers new information on growing death rates, the cost of the disease, and the burden placed on long-distance caregivers. "Unfortunately today there are no Alzheimer's survivors. If you have Alzheimer's disease, you either die from it or die with it. Now we know that 1 in every 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Urgent, meaningful action is necessary, particularly as more and more people age into greater risk for developing a disease that has no cure and no way to slow or stop its progression," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. By 2025, the number of people 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million – a 40 percent increase from 5 million aged 65 and older currently affected. Startling facts include: <ul> <li>1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia.  </li> <li>Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 68 percent between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases, including the number one cause of death (heart disease), decreased.</li> <li>In 2012, the direct costs of caring for thosewith Alzheimer's or other dementias to American society will total an estimated $203 billion, including $142 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid.</li> </ul> The face of Alzheimer's is changing, affecting more of our friends and family every day. Learn more. Your <a href="http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp" target="_blank">free download</a> of the report is available. CMS is Rolling Out Redesigned Medicare Summary Notices http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=133 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=133 SVCOA News Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:40:00 -0500 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is rolling out redesigned Medicare Summary Notices in April. The attached file shows how the new design will look when you get it in the mail. <a href="http://svcoa.org/fm_files/msn_changes.pdf" target="_blank">Redesigned Medicare Summary Notices</a>  Manage your meds http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=132 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=132 SVCOA News Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:21:00 -0500 60-Plus: Manage Your Meds   Every year, one-third of all older adults experience a harmful reaction to a medicine, according to the American Geriatrics Society.   Sometimes it's due to an interaction with a food or another drug, and sometimes it's because the medicine was not taken in the amount or timing prescribed. Also, a drug taken for one health problem may have a negative effect on another health condition.   Here are some strategies to help avoid such problems, thanks to the National Council on Aging and the National Council on Patient Information and Education.   1) Keep track of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Make a list that includes all of your drugs, and also over-the-counter products that you take: vitamins, herbs, laxatives, antacids, and sleep aids. If you show the list to your doctor or pharmacist, they will be able to spot potential problems.   2) Use one pharmacy, and talk to your pharmacist often.  Ask questions about your medications and over-the-counter health products and how to store them. Ask them how to dispose of leftover or out-of-date medicines.   3) Store medications safely. Keep them in the bottles they came in, and never mix different kinds of pills together. Store drugs in a place that is not too warm, humid, or bright. Humidity in the bathroom can change the effectiveness of your medicine. It is also wise to store each family member’s medications in a different spot—a different basket, shelf, or side of the cabinet-- to reduce the chance of mistakes.   4) Understand possible side effects, and know what to do when they happen. There may be some cases when you’re advised to contact your doctor, if a side effect is strong or lasts a certain amount of time. Your doctor may want you to reduce or discontinue the medication, but always check with them first. Take side effects seriously, because they can lead to other problems: for example, dizziness may cause a fall and broken bones.   5) Take medications as prescribed. To help you remember, you might take them with routine activities like brushing your teeth or eating meals. Some people count out a day's worth or a week’s worth of pills in small containers to keep on track. Dispense your medications in good light, never in the dark. Working over a countertop instead the sink will save a lot of woe if you drop the bottle.   The FDA highlights some examples of food and drug interactions on their web site. For instance, natural licorice can interact with certain drugs that treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. Alcohol interacts with many medications to cause side effects, so it’s best to avoid it if you are taking any drugs. Some supplements, such as Vitamin E, St. Johnswort, and Ginseng, can cause serious problems when taken with medicines that are commonly prescribed for seniors. Grapefruit juice interacts with a number of medicines. Chocolate should not be eaten in large amounts with MAO inhibitors and some other drugs. These are examples, not a complete list!  It’s very important to ask your pharmacist if your medicines have any risk of harmful interactions with the foods and supplements you eat. Medication can be a lifesaver, but it can also threaten your health, well-being, or even your life. Educate yourself, ask questions, and take precautions. If you cultivate good habits when it comes to medicines, then your chances of experiencing negative effects will be greatly reduced. 3SquaresVT Can Be Used to Buy Seeds and Plants to Grow Food http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=131 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=131 SVCOA News Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:37:00 -0500 With Spring around the corner, Vermonters are planning their gardens and gathering the materials they’ll need. Did you know that 3SquaresVT food benefits can be used to buy seeds and plants to grow fruits and vegetables? 3SquaresVT participants can purchase vegetable and fruit seeds and plants at stores and farmers’ markets that accept EBT cards. Plus more farmers’ markets, who often sell starter plants, will welcome benefits this season!  In addition to the 41 markets that welcomed EBT cards last year, we anticipate that markets in Randolph, Springfield and Grotton will also welcome benefits. Resources for Family Caregivers http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=127 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=127 SVCOA News Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:44:00 -0600 60-Plus: Resources for Family Caregivers If you are a caregiver for an elder, or if you’re a senior citizen caring for a minor child, the Senior HelpLine has resources that may help you. Our caregiver support program can connect you with many options: information, support groups, respite grants, wellness programs and more. However, as www.sageusa.org reminds us, one of the biggest obstacles in caregiving is recognizing that you ARE a caregiver!   You may feel that what you do for your friend, loved one, or relative is just what we do for each other when there's a need. But when you think about it… running errands, paying bills, driving to appointments, buying medications, arranging home care, helping to dress… no matter what the task, it's all caregiving. Often the responsibilities grow until you’re overwhelmed and hard-pressed to take care of your own needs and other responsibilities. The benefit of knowing that you are a caregiver is that you realize you’re not alone in the challenge of keeping your life in balance, and that there are services available to help lighten the load. We at Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging and Senior Solutions understand what it’s like to be a caregiver for a relative or friend.  That’s why we offer various types of support to help you succeed and also take care of yourself.   We can answer your questions, help you find a support group, and in many cases, provide short-term relief (respite care) so you can take time to care for your own needs. Here’s what one Brattleboro caregiver said about our caregiver support program: "It's been great because I have a full time job and I was the only caregiver for my mom. Then she had a stroke, and I had no help at all. My mom is great, she's fun, I love her, but I was exhausted. So having this available is fantastic."   Our counselors can help you assess your elder’s short-term and long-term needs and options, so you’ll feel more confident about the future.  And we can connect you with local programs and resources to meet your needs. You can access this entire spectrum of help, by simply calling the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119. Annual Caregiver Conference Rescheduled for March 23 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=126 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=126 SVCOA News Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:01:00 -0600 Please join us for the 9th annual Caregiver Conference sponsored by the Rutland County Caregiver Coalition. This year’s conference is Living Fully, Staying in Control:  Preparing for Life’s Final Chapter.   This is a conference for both Professional and Family Caregivers and will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 9:30-3:00 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center, CVPS/Leahy Community Education Center in Rutland. (Please note that this event was previously scheduled in February and cancelled due to weather).  Lunch is provided.  There is no charge to attend.  For more information or to register, please contact Kelly Giancola at 802-786-5990.  Space is limited and the deadline to register is March 18th.    *There are funds available to help cover the cost of respite care.  If you need someone to stay with your loved one in order to attend the workshop, please speak with Kelly for more information.    <a href="http://svcoa.org/fm_files/Family_Caregiver_Conference.pdf" target="_blank">Download a brochure with more information</a> Therapy Plateau No Longer Ends Coverage http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=125 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=125 SVCOA News Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:45:00 -0600 Congress continued for another year a little-known process that allows exceptions to what Medicare pays for physical, occupational and speech therapy. The Medicare limits before the exceptions are $1,900 for physical and speech therapy this year, and $1,900 for occupational therapy.   In addition, the settlement of a class-action lawsuit last month now means that Medicare is prohibited from denying patients coverage for skilled nursing care, home health services or outpatient therapy because they had reached a “plateau,” and their conditions were not improving. That will allow people with Medicare who have chronic health problems and disabilities to get the therapy and other skilled care that they need for as long as they need it, if they meet other coverage criteria.   The settlement is expected to affect thousands, and possibly millions, of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health problems like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. It could also help families, as well as the overburdened Medicare budget, delay costly nursing home care by enabling seniors to live longer in their own homes.    Read more of the article in the <a href="http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/therapy-plateau-no-longer-ends-coverage/" target="_blank">New York Times</a>. A New Option for Veterans http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=123 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=123 SVCOA News Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:12:00 -0600     60-Plus: A New Option for Veterans                                      We are very excited to share with you a new resource that’s available for military veterans seeking alternatives to nursing home care. The Veteran-directed Independence Program (VIP) helps eligible veterans create a plan to receive assistance at home.   The staff of our Vermont Area Agencies on Aging act as “care advisors” for participating veterans, who must be able to develop and manage their own service plan or have a surrogate to help them do this. The program is open to veterans of all ages. There are no income requirements, but individuals must need nursing home level care.   Deborah Lisi-Baker provided the details below in The Independent, the newsletter of the Vermont Center for Independent Living.   The VIP pilot program can now serve 30 veterans and is seeking more funding to expand, according to Ken Gordon, president of the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Gordon encourages interested individuals to apply soon, even though they may be on a waiting list, because this will show the need.   The Veterans Administration determines medical eligibility for the service. Robert Kline, VA Administrator for the Vermont programs, says “The partnership with the Area Agency on Aging and other partners has been remarkable.”   Once enrolled in VIP, a participating veteran works with staff from an Area Agency on Aging to develop a service plan and budget. In southern Vermont, that would be either Senior Solutions or Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.   One veteran currently working with the program told us that he and his family feel it has made life easier for all of them. Their extended family is experiencing several cases of very serious illness, and without the money to hire help, he would have many unmet needs. VIP was especially important, says this veteran, when changes to his medications affected his ability to take care of himself. He says he's back to his previous independence level now, but appreciated the extra help during that very hard month.   The program covers a broad range of expenses, including: adult day service, caregiver education, home modifications, adaptive devices, chore and maintenance services, health maintenance services, personal care, and other products or services that enable the veteran to live independently at home.   Participating veterans determine their own service priorities and must be able to hire and supervise caregivers and manage their services. Caregiver payroll is managed by a Vermont organization, ARIS.   For information about VIP anywhere in Vermont, contact the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119, and ask for information about the Veteran-directed Independence Program.                                                                            Vermont tax forms now available online http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=122 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=122 SVCOA News Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:37:00 -0600 Taxpayers looking for their Vermont tax forms may obtain them online at the Vermont Department of Taxes website at <a href="http://www.tax.vermont.gov/" target="_blank">www.tax.vermont.gov</a>.  The Personal Income Tax Return Booklet, instructions, tax tables and other helpful information may be downloaded and printed from the "Forms" section of the department's website. Another option for taxpayers is to file state tax returns electronically through Vermont e-file, also available on the department's website. Printed forms will be distributed later than usual in early February due to the delay in the federal tax forms caused by the "fiscal cliff" legislation. They will be available through many town clerk offices, libraries and post offices. Taxpayers also may request forms by calling (802) 828-2515 or emailing <a href="mailto:taxforms@state.vt.us">taxforms@state.vt.us</a>.  60 Plus Resolutions http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=121 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=121 SVCOA News Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:01:00 -0600 How About Those Resolutions? Did you make a New Year’s resolution about your health? How’s it going? We recently discovered some information that might help you stay motivated and on-track. And maybe some other folks will be inspired to make a late resolution! There’s quite a bit of research these days looking into the causes of mental decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s as we age.  And some recent studies have identified specific habits and health factors that appear to increase or decrease the likelihood of developing dementia. The habit of binge drinking (defined as having four or five drinks in a short time) was found to significantly worsen cognitive decline, in a study of U.S. residents by researchers at the University of Exeter.  More physical activity has been strongly associated with a lower chance of Alzheimer’s, in a study at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Smoking or having untreated high blood pressure were both associated with increased rates of dementia in a well-designed study by researchers at King’s College in London.  The Aging Research Center in Sweden has found that being overweight or obese in midlife increases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. So, there are things you may be able to do in midlife or your senior years to affect how your brain ages.  Interestingly, many of these same things rank highly in surveys about New Year’s Resolutions. That’s probably because they’re all things that have a great effect on your overall health, and are worth working on for any number of reasons. According to the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, weight loss is the leading resolution in the U.S. this year, as it was last year. Of those who made resolutions, the survey found that 17% vowed to lose weight. American Legacy Foundation, which works to decrease tobacco use, surveyed smokers and found that, of those who were making resolutions, 34% planned to quit cigarettes. A survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance found the top resolutions included exercise and healthy eating.  Resolutions related to diet were made by 37% of the respondents, and 46% made resolutions about fitness and exercise. Resolutions can be hard to fulfill, though. People tend to shoot for the moon, so the failure rate is very high. If you’re stumbling in your efforts, it may be time to make a revision or get some help. First, make sure your goal is not impossibly high. Mountaineers don’t take on Mount Everest until they have practiced on some smaller peaks, right? You want to succeed in meeting your goal, not become demoralized! For instance, instead of quitting all sweets, you might limit yourself to one cookie once a day. One way to measure a good level of challenge is to choose a goal that, on a scale of 1 to 10, you think your chance of reaching is at least a 7 or 8. You may want to find a buddy to check in with on your progress (and to commiserate with, if necessary!).  Find someone else with a resolution or goal, preferably similar to yours, and make plans to call, e-mail, or visit. Not only can this encourage you, but it can take your mind off temptations and worries.    The strategies above are from the Healthier Living Workshop, a six-week program offered all over Vermont.  It’s free for anyone who has a long-term health challenge or cares for someone with a chronic condition. We highly recommend this very effective program, which will give you new tools and strategies for succeeding in your health goals and feeling better. Find a Workshop near you by calling the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119. If the Healthier Living Workshop and the buddy system don’t fit your lifestyle, you may want to find a support group, in the form of meetings or internet groups.  It’s also worth asking your doctor, nurse, therapist, or other trusted caregiver what resources are available to help you meet your goal. And hang in there, your health is worth the effort!       Senator Sanders Hosts Town Meeting on Senior Issues http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=119 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=119 SVCOA News Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:25:00 -0600 Please join Bernie for a town meeting on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Montpelier High School to discuss Social Security, Medicare and other issues affecting Vermont’s seniors and veterans. A free lunch will be served at noon, and the meeting will begin at 1:00pm. Nancy Altman, one of the nation's leading advocates for Social Security, will be the keynote speaker. There will also be a panel of Vermont experts.  Saturday, February 9th 12noon – Free lunch in the cafeteria 1:00 pm – Meeting begins in the auditorium Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier, VT Free and open to the public. RSVP is requested, but not required. Phone: 1 (800) 339-9834 <a href="http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/events/event/?id=fe039e2f-432c-4512-911d-74ff710e984e" target="_blank">More information</a> In conjunction with: VT Dept. of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living, Central VT Council on Aging, VT Alliance of Retired Americans, Community of Vermont Elders (COVE), AARP-VT, American Legion-Dept. of VT, Disabled American Veterans-Dept. of VT, and Veterans of Foreign Wars-Dept. of VT U.S. Treasury Requiring Electronic Federal Benefit Payments http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=118 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=118 SVCOA News Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:52:00 -0600 The Treasury Department is phasing out paper check payments and requiring federal benefit recipients to get their money electronically. You can choose to get your payments by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card account. Act now to get your money safely and quickly – on time, every time! Already getting federal benefit payments by paper check? Switch today! You must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express card by contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. You may also sign up for direct deposit online.  Retiring or applying for federal benefits soon? Be ready. You will get your money electronically from day one. Be ready to choose direct deposit or the Direct Express card when you fill out your application. <a href="http://www.godirect.org/" target="_blank">Learn More</a>  If you do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, you may receive your payments via the Direct Express card. If you are already receiving your federal benefit payments electronically, this change will not affect you. You can also find out more at the <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit/" target="_blank">Social Security website</a>. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Winter 2013 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=117 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=117 SVCOA News Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:18:00 -0600 The Rutland Area Osher Lifelong Learning Institute exists to promote continuing education for area residents aged fifty and over. Started in 2003 as an affiliate of the University of Vermont with a startup grant from the Osher Foundation, we are an all–volunteer, nonprofit organization. We are grateful to the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department, to the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, and to the volunteers who make this program possible. Visit their <a href="http://learn.uvm.edu/osher-life-long-learning/olli-statewide/statewide-courses-and-programs/rutland/" target="_blank">website to see the Winter 2013 Lectures</a> Flu on the Rise in Vermont – Get Vaccinated http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=116 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=116 SVCOA News Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:11:00 -0600 For the first time this flu season, the Vermont Department of Health reported widespread influenza activity this week to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with influenza-like illness confirmed in all areas of the state. "Everyone age 6 months and older should be vaccinated against seasonal flu," said Patsy Kelso, state epidemiologist for infectious disease. "Flu can be a serious illness, especially for the very young and very old, and a typical season can last well into March." Ask your health care provider for a flu vaccine, or get vaccinated at a local pharmacy. Vaccine is also available, by appointment, at no charge for children up through age 18 at the 12 Health Department district offices.  Take the following simple precautions to help keep illness from spreading: <ul> <li>Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing</li> <li>Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away</li> <li>Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze</li> <li>Use alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers if soap and water are not available</li> <li>Stay home from work or school if you are sick.</li> </ul> For more information visit: <a href="http://healthvermont.gov/" target="_blank">healthvermont.gov</a>.  Gifts for Elders http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=115 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=115 SVCOA News Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:29:00 -0600   Gifts for Elders   Older friends and relatives are sometimes hard to choose gifts for. They know what they like and need, but do you? They may have all the "stuff" they need, but can’t you still give them something they want?   Here we shall attempt to provide some helpful ideas. Some principles to keep in mind: avoid things that will add to clutter; try to find healthy treats, like fancy dried fruits instead of sugary candy; provide gifts that make them feel good or make daily life easier; and gifts that allow some choice.   Gift cards or certificates are an obvious choice, and the options range from practical to indulgent: a local grocery store, a gas station, a spa that does manicures and pedicures, their favorite hairdresser or barber.   If you think gift certificates are too impersonal, bear in mind that a card (whether beautiful and thoughtful, or funny and uplifting) helps make your gift personal and special. Also, small items can also be packaged creatively: a gift card can be disguised in a good-sized box, or go into the card holder of a bouquet.   In my family, my father is the one who can almost always guess what's under the wrapping paper. He eyeballs it, feels its heft, and jiggles it a bit. His eyes twinkle and his lips show the faintest bit of a smile as he makes his guess. I often think he enjoys the guessing even more than the gifts. For him, I will package a gift card in a tricky way, and it will be from the hardware store, which is like his favorite toy store!   Don't forget that gift certificates can also provide services at an elder's home. Would your loved one like a cleaning service to wash the windows? Wow, I sure would! (Hint hint, is anyone paying attention?) Or you might provide a certificate showing that YOU will come fill the bird feeders on a regular basis.   Speaking of which: bird food or pet food is a great practical gift. Not only is it expensive to feed animals year-round, but those bags are heavy. Just make sure you get the kind they're used to using. If you want to wrap this kind of gift, there are very large gift bags available; but even just a big colorful bow will dress up your practical gift.   One gift that will give pleasure throughout the year is a subscription to a magazine or newspaper. Also (but only if they use a computer and a DVD player!), you could subscribe them to Netflix movies that will be delivered right to their mailbox.   For the person who really does have everything, you might give a donation in their honor to a local elder charity or other favorite cause. All of the local senior centers, Meals on Wheels programs, and Agencies on Aging are non-profit organizations. Some organizations give the option of including your loved one's name among the donors in their annual report or newsletter.   And, of course, what could be better than having a framed picture of people you love that you can enjoy every day?   Our suggestions may fall flat for some people. Last year my mother said "no more gift certificates", because it's hard for her to keep track of them and remember to use them. It's great that she spoke up! You might, when chatting with your elders, find ways to encourage them to express such opinions about gifts. Getting the right gift is much easier if you have been spending time with the person and listening to them carefully. And that in itself may be the greatest gift of all! If you can’t do that, you might simply call them up and ask what they would like, and mention some of the ideas above to get them thinking.   And finally, keep in mind that some older people will appreciate an opportunity to ride with you to do some early gift shopping. Most of them are more concerned about what they are going to give than what they are going to get!   GMP Energy Assistance Program Helps Vermonters Save Money on Electricity http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=113 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=113 SVCOA News Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:06:00 -0600 The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps lower-income Vermonters afford electricity for their homes. At this time, energy assistance is only available for Green Mountain Power customers. The EAP will assist residential clients whose household income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or less with an ongoing discount of 25% on their electric bill. Within the first 90 days of the program, qualifying clients who have an outstanding arrearage will receive a onetime forgiveness of any past-due amount owed. Clients do not have to be LIHEAP recipients or have electric heat to qualify for the discount. Based upon an estimated average electric bill of $84 per month, a qualifying client would receive a $21-per-month discount, amounting to $252 per year.  Find more information about the EAP and download an application at the<a href="http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/eap" target="_blank">Department for Children and Families website</a>.  SVCOA Annual Meeting - December 19 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=112 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=112 SVCOA News Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:08:00 -0600 Living on a Fixed Income – How it Effects Seniors   The trials and tribulations for elders living on a fixed income will be the topic of discussion at the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) Annual Meeting December 19, 2012. A local financial planner will explain how seniors can find ways to live successfully on a fixed income. There will also be time for audience questions.   SVCOA invites the public to attend this free event on Wednesday, December 19, 10:00am until 12noon, at the Rutland Country Club on Grove Street in Rutland, VT.  Presentations will be made about SVCOA’s programs and services. We will also recognize two community partners, Parizo’s Champlain Valley Eyecare and the Bennington Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1861 who have embraced SVCOA’s mission of providing education, support and services to seniors and their caregivers. We will conclude the event with music from the Potluck Trio. Light breakfast fare will be served.  Please RSVP to SVCOA by calling 802-786-5990 by December 17, 2012.   The Keynote speaker will be Ron Lazzaro, CPA and the Founder and President of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C. Ron has been a financial services professional for over 30 years. He has an MBA in finance and over 18 years of experience teaching finance, investment and other business courses. Ron combines personal attention with solid experience to help his clients achieve their financial goals. New Research Shows Benefit of Home-Delivered Meals http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=111 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=111 SVCOA News Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:08:00 -0600 Newly released research from Brown University demonstrates the positive impact of increased spending on home-delivered meals programs for older adults. The study compared state-level expenditures on Older Americans Act (OAA) programs with the population of "low-care" seniors in nursing homes (i.e., residents of nursing homes that might not need the suite of services that a nursing home provides). According to the analysis from a decade of spending and nursing home resident data, states that invest more on home-delivered meals to seniors have lower rates of "low-care" seniors in nursing homes. Major findings from the Brown study include: <ul> <li>Home-delivered meals emerged as the most significant factor among OAA services that affected state-to-state differences in low-care nursing home population. Home-delivered meals account for the bulk of OAA spending.</li> <li>For every $25 per year per older adult above the national average that states spend on home-delivered meals, they could reduce their percentage of low-care nursing home residents compared to the national average by 1 percentage point.</li> </ul> The Brown study included state spending on OAA programs and information from each state between 2000 and 2009 as well as a variety of public health and nursing home data sources compiled by Brown University's Shaping Long-Term Care in America Project. In all, 16,030 nursing homes were included in the research. "There are still many nursing home residents who have the functional capacity to live in a less restrictive environment," wrote Brown University gerontology researchers Kali Thomas and Vincent Mor in an article published November, 2012 in the journal Health Services Research. "States that have invested in their community-based service networks, particularly home-delivered meals, have proportionally fewer of these people than do those states that have not." "So many of our seniors value their independence but still need some assistance," commented Larry J. Tomayko, interim CEO with the Meals On Wheels Association of America. "At a time when federal and state budgets are looking for ways to cut costs, the impact of an investment in home-delivered meal programs such as Meals On Wheels can reap tremendous benefits, for both the seniors that receive them, and the communities that often bear the costs of supporting our seniors." Previous studies have suggested that anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of nursing home residents have low-care needs and could perhaps be better served in the community. More information on the study is available <a href="http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/12/meals" target="_blank">here</a>.  This article is from the <a href="http://www.mowaa.org/page.aspx?pid=1218" target="_blank">Meals on Wheels Association of America</a> Vermonter's Retirement Security? http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=109 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=109 SVCOA News Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:22:00 -0600 AARP's By-the-Numbers Analysis Shows What a Last-Minute Budget Deal Could Mean for Thousands of Vermont Seniors With the Dec. 31st deadline to address expiring tax and spending cuts looming, many people across the nation and here in Vermont are left wondering what Washington's budget debate means for them.  Unfortunately, some in Washington are considering cramming changes to Medicare and Social Security into a year-end budget deal. Today, AARP is providing a breakdown of the impact a shortsighted budget deal could have on the health and retirement security of Vermont seniors and their kids and grandkids. Social Security by-the-numbers in Vermont and what a last-minute budget deal could mean: In Vermont, 91,000 seniors currently receive Social Security with an average annual benefit of $14,000. Social Security makes up about 59% of the typical older Vermonter’s income, lifting 38% of older Vermonters out poverty. In addition, it pumps $1.7 billion into the state economy. Changing the way cost of living adjustments (COLA) are calculated for Social Security beneficiaries by moving to a chained consumer price index, as is on the table in debt deal discussions, cuts benefits, taking roughly 270 million out of the pockets of Vermont Social Security beneficiaries over the next 10 years – and $112 billion for beneficiaries nationwide. "The current Social Security COLA already understates what an average older Vermonter spends and purchases each month.  Assuming that most people receiving Social Security, who are already just getting by, will simply 'trade down' in their spending on prescription drugs, utilities and other fixed expenses for lower cost options is out of touch with reality," said Greg Marchildon, state director for AARP in Vermont. "Americans have worked too hard to earn their benefits to end up getting pushed over the edge in a fiscal cliff deal. Social Security is not a cause of the budget deficit and it shouldn't be used to solve it." Medicare by-the-numbers in Vermont and what a last-minute budget deal could mean: Roughly 92,000 Vermonters are enrolled in Medicare, spending 13% or $3,900 on out-of-pocket medical expenses. In 2011, Medicare spent an estimated $740 million on health care services in Vermont. The move being considered by Congress to raise the eligibility age from 65 to 67 would leave 13,157 Vermonters without health coverage (based on current beneficiary data), forcing them into the private insurance market, which is estimated to cost them an additional $2,200 per year*. And, removing the youngest and healthiest older Americans from the Medicare risk pool will increase premiums for those remaining in the program. "Raising the Medicare eligibility age would dramatically increase costs for recently retired and soon-to-retire seniors, drive up premiums for those enrolled in Medicare and increase overall health care costs," added Marchildon. "Seniors deserve guaranteed coverage, not higher costs." *<a href="http://www.kff.org/medicare/med032911nr.cfm" target="_blank">Kaiser Family Foundation study</a>  Medicare Premium Changes for 2013 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=103 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=103 SVCOA News Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:50:00 -0600 Medicare announced changes to the premium prices for Medicare Part A and Part B. Here are the highlights: <ul> <li>Medicare Part A Premium: Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Only about 1 percent of people with Medicare pay a premium for Part A services—you need to have paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters of employment or be married to someone who did. For those few affected, the 2013 Part A premium is decreasing to $441, down from $451 in 2012.</li> <li>Medicare Part A Deductible: This deductible is the cost to people with Medicare for up to 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient services in the hospitals for each benefit period (a benefit period starts the day a patient is admitted and ends when the patient has been out of the hospital for 60 days in a row.)  This will increase to $1,184 in 2013, up from $1156 this year (an increase of 2.4%).</li> <li>Medicare Part B Deductible: The deductible will increase to $147 in 2013, from $140. This is still $15 below the deductible in 2011.</li> <li>Income-related Adjustments: People with Medicare who report 2011income above $85,000 a year ($170,000 filing jointly) are legally responsible to cover a larger portion of the cost of their coverage.  These premium adjustments range from $42.00 to $230.80 a month for Medicare Part B.</li> </ul> You can read more on the <a href="http://blog.medicare.gov/2012/11/16/2013-medicare-update/" target="_blank">Medicare website</a>. Push to Protect Vermont Seniors from Jamaica Phone Scams http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=102 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=102 SVCOA News Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:55:00 -0600 It's convincing. "Ma'am, you won $1.5 million!" A sophisticated Jamaican phone-scamming operation is targeting the elderly population in Northeast. "There are 30,000 calls coming out of Jamaica a day, typically targeted at seniors," said Mike Smith of FairPoint Communications. "And what they'll do is promise you won something." Items like homes, cars and money. The scammers ask for fees and taxes, and then the ante goes up; prizes get bigger and so does the amount they ask for. If the victim says they're out of money, the threats begin. "It becomes belligerent, aggressive, saying we're going to turn you into the FBI and it can even threaten physical harm to some points," Smith said. In a recording of an actual scam call, a Vermont senior says, "I was up till 4 a.m. crying. I don't have any more money. I'm cold and can't pay for heat." It was this alarming recording that made Mike Smith of FairPoint take action, launching the website <a href="http://www.bewareof876.com/" target="_blank">Bewareof876.com</a> to raise awareness about the problem. 876 is the area code for Jamaica. "They have ruined people's lives here," Smith said. Smith recently went to Kingston, Jamaica, for a conference about the scams, speaking with government and local officials with an expectation the scamming will stop. Smith quickly learned Jamaica feels the negative publicity and Bewareof876 website is hurting their reputation. "Of course there's reputations and of course I realize it's not the entire population, it's a small segment that are vicious criminals," Smith said. FairPoint says that Jamaica needs to pass legislation to make scamming a crime there. Right now, victims who are scammed must show up at every court appearance in Jamaica, which is clearly hard to do when you live in the U.S. Smith is going to Washington this month to press for legislation making it easier for the Justice Department to target offshore phone-scamming suspects. Although they're not sure of the exact number of victims, hundreds of thousands of dollars have gone to Jamaica from Vermonters. But FairPoint says that's just the tip of the iceberg. They expect at least 90 percent of victims have not come forward as of yet. If you fell victim to a phone scam you are urged to contact your local law enforcement. Also, just because this particular phone scam might be taken care of doesn't mean others won't pop up. Scammers sell phone lists of targets, like senior citizens. Watch the video report at <a href="http://www.wcax.com/story/20107764/push-to-protect-vt-seniors-from-jamaica-phone-scams" target="_blank">WCAX.com</a> How the SHIP Program Helps Seniors Save Money http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=101 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=101 SVCOA News Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:50:00 -0600 SVCOA's SHIP Counselors assist seniors in finding the best Medicare Part D plan. They look for plans that will cover the senior's prescription drugs and will do so with the least cost. The October 2012 issue of Health Affairs magazine featured an article entitled "The Vast Majority Of Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Still Don’t Choose The Cheapest Plans That Meet Their Medication Needs" which addresses why the SHIP Program is so important. In the article abstract, the authors, from the Pharmaceutical Economics Research Group, University of Pittsburgh, describe the issue. When the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit began in 2006, a primary concern for some policy makers was whether seniors would be able to make smart choices from among the dozens of competing plans. Using 2009 Part D data, we found that only 5.2 percent of beneficiaries chose the cheapest plan. Nationwide, beneficiaries on average spent $368 more annually than they would have spent had they purchased the cheapest plan available in their region, given their medication needs. More than a fifth of beneficiaries spent at least $500 a year more than they needed to. Beneficiaries often overprotected themselves by paying higher premiums for plan features that they did not need, such as generic drug coverage in the coverage gap. Our findings suggest that beneficiaries need more targeted assistance from the government to help them choose plans, such as customized communications about the most cost-effective plans that would cover their medication needs. (emphasis added) This targeted assistance is what the SHIP counselors do to help seniors find the best coverage at the best price. There is still time to get their assistance before the Part D Open Enrollment ends on December 7. <a href="http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/31/10/2259.abstract" target="_blank">Find out more about the findings here</a> National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=100 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=100 SVCOA News Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:34:00 -0600 We have much more work to do, but we cannot achieve our goal of eliminating the burden of Alzheimer’s disease by ourselves. We need even greater public engagement to help recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s, to ensure that people receive a timely diagnosis, and to help support families and friends struggling with the disease. Please join me during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and beyond, to redouble our efforts to create a brighter, healthier future. <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/11/20121106a.html" target="_blank">Read the entire statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius here</a> Medicare Scam Alert http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=97 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=97 SVCOA News Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:16:00 -0600 Recently, there have been reports of a Medicare telemarketing scam in the New England region. A caller claiming to be from Social Security Administration (SSA) tried to get the beneficiary to give out her husband's Social Security number or his social security benefits would stop.  The ploy used was that SSA computers were damaged in the hurricane. Learning how to recognize fraud can help you protect yourself and your family. For example: <ul> <li>Social Security and Medicare employees will never make an unsolicited call, for any reason, to ask for banking or credit card information, or for a Social Security or Medicare number.</li> <li>Medicare cards do not cost anything—they are free.  The Social Security Administration sends out a Medicare card when an individual first becomes eligible for Medicare.  A new Medicare card may also be issued by Medicare officials due to a change in Part A or B eligibility, a legal name change, or a lost card.</li> </ul> The Affordable Care Act, the 2010 health insurance reform law, makes a critical investment in preventing fraud and abuse in Medicare that is estimated to save the federal government $17 for every $1 spent.  For helpful information on identifying and avoiding Medicare fraud, please visit <a href="http://www.StopMedicareFraud.gov" target="_blank">www.StopMedicareFraud.gov</a>. If you suspect Medicare fraud, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119. Hurricane Sandy Information http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=96 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=96 SVCOA News Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:51:00 -0500 The Vermont State Emergency Operations Center opened with state and federal personnel at 7:00 Monday morning. The team is tracking the storm and is ready to respond should any communities need assistance. Governor Peter Shumlin declared a State of Emergency for Vermont in advance of the storm on Sunday. The designation will allow the state to use National Guard and other federal resources if needed. The National Weather Service reports that wherever the storm makes landfall, the main threat from the storm will likely be high winds beginning during the day Monday. NWS says 60-80 mile per hour wind gusts are expected along the Green Mountains and in the Northeast Kingdom. Localized flooding is also possible where the rain is heaviest. Flooding is possible anywhere, but NWS says the southern half of Vermont is the most susceptible. The forecast can be found at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/ The following are numbers should be used by the public in the specific circumstances outlined. <ul> <li>In case of an emergency: 911</li> <li>If there is damage to your home, if you see road damage, or if you need any resources: contact your town.</li> <li>For shelter information, evacuation information, and other disaster resources: 2-1-1</li> <li>Road Closures: 5-1-1 or <a href="http://www.511vt.com/" target="_blank">www.511vt.com</a></li> <li>If you see a downed power line: contact your local utility</li> <li>VEM Web Site: <a href="http://vem.vermont.gov/" target="_blank">http://vem.vermont.gov</a></li> <li>For more preparedness tips visit: <a href="http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness" target="_blank">http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness</a>.</li> <li>Weather Forecast: <a href="http://www.weather.gov/btv" target="_blank">www.weather.gov/btv</a> </li> <li>Vermont Emergency Management on Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement</a></li> </ul> Social Security Announces 1.7 Percent Benefit Increase for 2013 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=94 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=94 SVCOA News Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:09:00 -0500 Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2013, the Social Security Administration announced. The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 56 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013.  Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012. Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages.  Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700 from $110,100.  Of the estimated 163 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2013, nearly 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.  Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov.  For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.   The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated.  To read more, please visit <a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola" target="_blank">www.socialsecurity.gov/cola</a>. GMP Discount Program to Launch Dec. 15 http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=92 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=92 SVCOA News Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:55:00 -0500 Starting in December of this year, Green Mountain Power (GMP) will launch an Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to assist residential clients whose household income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or less with an ongoing discount of 25% on their electric bill. Within the first 90 days of the program, qualifying clients who have an outstanding arrearage will receive a onetime forgiveness of the amount owed. Clients do not have to be LIHEAP recipients or have electric heat to qualify for the discount. Based upon an estimated average electric bill of $84 per month, a qualifying client would receive a $21-per-month discount, amounting to $252 per year. The Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division, will determine income eligibility and coordinate program outreach under a contract with GMP. Watch for more information about the EAP in November. Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Voting http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=90 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=90 SVCOA News Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:46:00 -0500   Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Voting   Lately we’ve got politics in the air, on the airwaves, and in your face. For a refreshingly intelligent angle on the election season, try to catch one or more of the “Political Roundup” lectures with the Osher Institute. Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is a supporter of the Rutland Area Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which exists to promote continuing education for area residents aged fifty and over.   Osher Institute also receives support for its wonderful programs from the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department. The Institute is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that was founded in 2003 as an affiliate of the University of Vermont with a startup grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation.   Each of these lectures is from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 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, you may call 446-2041 or 492-2300.   October 5 In the Political Middle: The Work of a Vermont Lobbyist Heidi Tringe is a contract lobbyist in Montpelier for both corporate and non-profit clients. She began her career in politics working for both Sen. Jim Jeffords and Gov. Jim Douglas.  Her lecture will discuss the path that led to her current position and provide an overview and answer questions about the day-to-day work of a lobbyist in Vermont.   October 12 The Impossible Presidency: The 2012 Election in Perspective Frank Bryan is a Professor of Political Science at   UVM where he has taught since 1977.  A noted author and humorist, he has written many books and appeared on national media. His talk will assess the characteristics of what makes a “great” president from a historical perspective and how recent holders of the office have met the test of history.   He will review President Obama's first term and his re-election.   October 19 The 2012 Elections in Vermont Eric L. Davis is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Middlebury College where he taught for 28 years before his retirement in 2008. A popular political analyst, he will look at Vermont's elections in the context of changes in the last 50 years. In addition, he will review the major issues facing the state's elected officials, and how Vermont may be impacted by the presidential election outcome.   October  26 Saving American Elections Anthony Gierzynski is a Professor at UVM with a specialty in American politics, elections, political parties and the mass media. He has published several books on these subjects. His lecture will review a diagnosis and prescription for a healthier democracy. Additionally, he will look at the now controversial subject of the role of financing elections in America.   Lectures will continue in November with a holiday theme, so check back here for details as the time draws closer!   Now, one reminder: We don’t want you to get so distracted with learning all about the elections that you forget to register and vote! It’s easy if you plan ahead a bit. And your vote really does have an influence, especially in our local and state decisions. We want your wisdom to help guide us into the future!   If you aren’t already registered to vote in Vermont, the deadline is the Wednesday before the election. That means you must register by October 31, 2012 if you want to vote in the General Election held on November 6, 2012   Your town clerk can help you get registered and answer your questions about voting. Phone the town clerk for their office hours and details about what you’ll need to bring with you.  Alternatively, you may register by mail, and also cast your vote by mail if necessary. The office of the Vermont Secretary of State provides a great deal of additional details at <a href="http://www.vermont-elections.org/">www.vermont-elections.org</a>   Share Your Advice for a Happy Marriage http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=89 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=89 SVCOA News Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:49:00 -0500 The Marriage Advice Project at Cornell University is collecting the advice of people 60 and older about love and marriage. We are seeking tips from elders about how to find the right partner, how to make marriage or a committed partnership work, and how to deal with the stresses of marriage. The advice we collect will be used in a new book of elder wisdom about marriage. We’d love to hear from you. Please share your lessons on our <a href="http://blogs.cornell.edu/themarriageadviceproject/" target="_blank">website</a>.  Simply write your advice - as long or short as you like - in the comment box. For more information, feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:marriageadviceproject@cornell.edu">marriageadviceproject@cornell.edu</a>. Make Your Home Work for You http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=88 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=88 SVCOA News Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:41:00 -0500 Make Your Home Work for You How many people do you know who bought or built their dream home in their fourth or fifth decade of life, only to realize they would not be able to comfortably and safely grow old in it? For many of us, whether we own or rent, watching our parents age and struggle with their housing situation suddenly wakes us up to the reality that our future experience will be different than the present! The concerns could be related to external physical barriers: driveways and roads are not easily accessible and far from town and most services. Access to transportation can be a real challenge in rural areas. Perhaps the concerns will be about physical barriers in the home, such as stairs, old-fashioned tubs, or hard-to-reach storage areas.  Some people will solve this problem by moving to a residence better suited to their needs. Others will make changes to their current home so that it is more manageable. Or maybe the worry is of a financial nature: how can we afford the maintenance, repairs, and taxes on our home and property as we grow older? Again, some folks move to a smaller, more efficient, more affordable residence.  And others find ways to modify their living situation to deal with the problems. And then there are the folks who just stick their heads in the sand and don’t deal with the problem until they are in a financial or health crisis and are forced to make a change of residence. At this point, the choices may be few and unpleasant. Please think ahead and envision what you will need to be safe and comfortable at home. And then get the help you need to make that vision a reality. If you’re in your sixties or older, the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 can assist you with information and funding sources. Amy Levner of Vermont AARP recommends these eight questions to get you started: <ol> <li>Is there at least one step-free entrance into the home?</li> <li>Are the doorways and hallways wide enough for a wheelchair to pass?</li> <li>Do the doorknobs and faucets have lever handles, which are easier to use than rounded knobs?</li> <li>Are there grab bars in the bathroom, or has the wall been reinforced so they can be added?</li> <li>Does the bathtub or shower have a non-slip surface?</li> <li>Can light switches, electrical outlets and thermostats easily be reached, even from a seated position?</li> <li>Are there secure handrails on both sides of stairways?</li> <li>Can the windows be opened with minimum effort?</li> </ol>   The web site of the National Association of Homebuilders (<a href="http://www.nahb.org/">www.nahb.org</a>) lists Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS): builders, architects, designers, and occupational therapists who are well-prepared to help you build or modify your residence. Although only seven such specialists are listed for Vermont at this time, we expect the list to grow. AARP also recommends contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association (<a href="http://www.aota.org/">www.aota.org</a>) to find such specialists.   Financial or in-kind options for home improvements or affordable homeownership are available from a variety of organizations. These include your local USDA Rural Development office, Neighborworks of  Southwestern Vermont, the Windsor & Windham County Housing Trust, Southeastern Vermont Community Action, BROC Community Action in Southwestern Vermont, and COVER Home Repair in White River Junction.   Some elders choose to share their home, or rent out a room or small apartment in their house to make their budgets work. Having another person around can be a great benefit, in terms of safety and occasional help, if you get the right match.   There are some organizations that help seniors with home sharing or renting. For instance, Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing (www.baahtv.org) can assist with the planning and finances to create an apartment within your home. There are many organizations that provide assistance locally, many of them not well-known, and we only have room to list a few in this space. If you don’t use the internet, or are otherwise having a hard time finding contacts in your area, you can always call your local USDA Rural Development office, or the Senior HelpLine, to ask for referrals or assistance.   We hope you will plan ahead for successful aging, and remember: We are here to help! Choices, Choices, Choices http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=87 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=87 SVCOA News Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:06:00 -0500 Choices, Choices, Choices   Who among us (regardless of how many resources we have) wishes to spend our final days in a nursing home or hospital?  Wouldn’t you make alternative plans if given a choice?    Don’t think that all decisions about long-term care must be made by medical professionals. It’s time for people to start questioning for themselves: "What is best for me?"   Senior Solutions and Southwest Vermont Council on Aging offer Options Counseling to help people ask the right questions and work toward their goals.   The State of Vermont has been encouraging programs to enable more people to remain at home in their communities as they age, even those who may need some assistance.   But to take advantage of this trend, it is very important that you start to plan early. Options Counseling helps seniors and their families to think about all of the resources that are available for their long-term quality of life.   If you begin to plan early enough, then all choices may be yours to determine.  But if you wait until you’re in a crisis, then the help we can offer will not be as effective.   Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging and Senior Solutions receive countless calls on our Senior HelpLine when families are already in crisis. Someone took a fall and broke a hip. The family home has become an impossible burden.   Often when an elder contacts us for help with long-term care options it is far too late for many good choices. With more time, it would have been possible to identify other choices: different housing arrangements, a local caregiver, perhaps an adult day program.   We all want to determine how we live our lives, and to have the best quality of life possible. One person’s definition of quality may differ from another’s, but each of us should have the opportunity to make good choices.    Staff at our non-profit agencies are willing and able to help elders and their families begin the process of looking at long-term care options and asking the key questions before a crisis arises.   If you’re aware of someone who has not made any long range plans, is becoming more frail and could benefit from a fruitful discussion about options, please let them know there is help.    Planning ahead could mean that you get to make all the crucial decisions, rather than having medical professionals and others make those decisions for you.   For more information about Options Counseling in Vermont, please call the Senior HelpLine: 1-800-642-5119.     Three Safety Strategies to Avoid Drowsy Driving http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=85 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=85 SVCOA News Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:03:00 -0500 As fall approaches, the days grow shorter, making our morning and evening drives darker. Because our brains respond to darkness by emitting sleep-inducing hormones, you may feel drowsier while driving in the fall and winter. Drowsy driving is a serious safety threat, not only to the driver, but to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA), drowsy driving is the cause of over 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in an estimated 1,500 deaths and over 40,000 injuries. And these are most likely conservative numbers, as drowsy driving is wildly under-reported as the cause of accidents. Follow these three safety strategies for staying awake and alert on the road. Know when you shouldn’t drive—and don’t. Drowsy driving behavior is very similar to drunk driving, and it can be just as dangerous. According to one survey, almost 90 percent of police officers had found a driver pulled over for suspected intoxication was actually drowsy (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety). Oftentimes, the warning signs are easy to spot. Excessive yawning, missing a traffic sign and difficulty focusing are all signs you may not be alert enough to drive. More serious indications of drowsy driving include drifting out of your lane, having trouble remembering the last few miles, and accidentally following too closely behind another driver. If you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms, pull over to a safe area. Plan and prepare for long-distance drives. The most important way to prepare for a long drive is to get ample sleep, at least eight hours, the night before. Having a driving partner and alternating “shifts” will also help prevent exhaustion for both drivers. With or without a partner, be sure to stop at least every 100 miles or every two hours for a stretch and some fresh air. Finally, check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding your medications, as many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can make you drowsy. Fight sudden exhaustion. Sudden exhaustion while driving is relatively common, and can be incredibly dangerous. If you suddenly grow tired behind the wheel, the most effective thing you can do is to pull over to a safe area and take a quick nap. A 15-20 minute nap can revive you, but beware: Sleeping for more than 20 minutes may make you feel even drowsier. If you have more than an hour left in your drive and are still exhausted after a nap, consider stopping to get a full night’s sleep before going on. You should not rely entirely on coffee or caffeinated soda to keep you alert. In fact, the best way to use caffeine during a long drive is to combine it with a short nap. Researchers from the U.K.’s Loughborough University Sleep Research Center suggest the most effective way to alleviate drowsiness is to drink an 8-ounce cup of strong coffee (or its caffeine equivalent), then nap for 15 to 20 minutes. When you wake up, you will feel re-energized and the caffeine will just be kicking into your system. Information, tips and reminders from those who work to keep Vermont drivers safe – Vermont State Police, VT Dept. of Motor Vehicles, VT Agency of Transportation, VT Sheriff’s Assn. and the AARP Driver Safety Program. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th - December 7th http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=84 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=84 SVCOA News Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:05:00 -0500 It’s time to review your Medicare Drug Coverage for 2013. Questions that you should ask during the enrollment period are: <ul> <li>What will my plan cost me?</li> <li>Are my drugs covered?</li> <li>Are there any drug restrictions?</li> <li>If eligible, how does my plan coordinate with State and Federal benefits?</li> </ul> Call 1-800-642-5119 to get information and assistance. Medicare Rights Compiles http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=83 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=83 SVCOA News Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:28:00 -0500 Both the Republican and Democratic Parties have nominated their presidential and vice presidential candidates for the upcoming November election. Medicare has figured into convention speeches by both parties, as the program remains in the spotlight of current deficit-reduction debates. These budget discussions have serious implications for Medicare, and recent proposals, including the model put forth by Congressman Paul Ryan, now the Republican vice presidential candidate, would lower the deficit only by shifting costs to people with Medicare. Do your representatives have a plan for Medicare? How will that plan affect your health and economic security? To help you—current and future Medicare beneficiaries—understand policymakers' positions on the Medicare program, the Medicare Rights Center compiled "Five Medicare Questions for Candidates." You can direct these questions at presidential, congressional and senatorial candidates to inquire how the policies they support will affect Medicare beneficiaries. Many of the questions focus on the future of the Medicare program and the benefits and coverage that will be available to people with Medicare. Some proposals currently under consideration would save the government money by increasing out-of-pocket health care expenses for older adults and people with disabilities. For example, the aforementioned Ryan plan would convert Medicare into a premium support, or voucher, system, under which beneficiaries would receive a defined contribution from the government to buy health coverage. This voucher would likely not keep pace with rising health care costs. As a result, over time, the voucher would be insufficient to purchase coverage that provides the same health security Medicare offers today. "Five Medicare Questions for Candidates" also focuses on how candidates plan to improve the program, for example by reducing the cost of coverage for beneficiaries. People with Medicare already spend 15 percent of their household incomes on health care, five times as much as non-Medicare households. Moreover, half of all people with Medicare have annual incomes of less than $22,000. They cannot afford to pay more for their health care. Estimates suggest that under the Ryan plan people with Medicare would spend thousands more per year in health care costs. "We encourage everyone to ask tough questions of those who hold the future of Medicare—and therefore of our health and retirement security—in their hands," says Joe Baker, president of Medicare Rights. "It is important to know how prospective lawmakers intend to change programs that millions of people depend on." Read the "<a href="http://svcoa.org/fm_files/five-questions-for-candidates.pdf" target="_blank">Five Medicare Questions for Candidates</a>." State to Host Public Forums on Health Exchange http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=67 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=67 SVCOA News Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:25:00 -0500 The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) will host a series of public forums this fall to educate Vermonters about the new Health Benefit Exchange, scheduled to launch in late 2013. The Exchange is a marketplace for individuals, families, and small businesses to compare and purchase qualified private health insurance plans, determine eligibility for and enroll in public health insurance plans, and access federal tax credits. The public forums will be held throughout the state in September and October. Each session will cover topics including the essential health benefits that are required of all health plans participating in the Exchange, the assistance that will be available to Vermonters, and what the Exchange website might look like. "The Exchange will give Vermonters access to affordable, quality health coverage," said Mark Larson, Commissioner of the DVHA. "These forums are a statewide effort intended to help the public learn about the Exchange and what it will mean for them." The forums, which are free and open to public, will be held in the following locations: Middlebury – Thursday, September 13, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Isley Public Library, 75 Main Street, Middlebury, VT St. Johnsbury – Tuesday, September 18, 6:00pm to 8:30pm St. Johnsbury School, 257 Western Avenue, St. Johnsbury, VT Rutland – Monday, September 24, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Rutland Free Library, 10 Court Street, Rutland, VT Bennington – Wednesday, October 10, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Bennington Free Library, 101 Silver Street, Bennington, VT DVHA will continue to host forums and attend events to explain what to update Vermonters on the development of the Exchange and what it means for them. Green Mountain Power announces record goal for Fill the Cupboard Challenge http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=65 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=65 SVCOA News Fri, 07 Sep 2012 07:56:00 -0500 In an effort to help counter food shortages in the Rutland area, Green Mountain Power today announced a 25,000-item goal for the 2012 GMP Fill the Cupboard Challenge.  The goal is the highest ever for the annual food drive, which benefits the Rutland Community Cupboard. "GMP is excited to continue the longstanding and successful Fill the Cupboard Challenge that was coordinated by Central Vermont Public Service for so many years," said Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. "The food drive has routinely played a key role in helping the Cupboard to restock its supply after the busy summer season and gear up for the fall and winter months.  We're proud to continue this tradition and help fight hunger in Rutland." Businesses, clubs, schools, sports teams, churches and other organizations are encouraged to register for the Challenge, then collect food donations between Sept. 10 and 28 and deliver them to the Rutland Community Cupboard. GMP will donate 25 cents to the Community Cupboard for every item collected, up to a total of $6,250.  The company will also donate $500 in the name of the group that collects the most food. "The Challenge set an event record in 2011 by bringing in over 24,000 items and we hope to build on that number this year," said Sue Basset, coordinator of the Community Cupboard. "Demand for food is always on the rise and food drives such as the Challenge, Pack the Paramount, Stuff-A-Bus and the Letter Carrier’s Drive are essential to serving those in need in the community." In 2011, the Rutland Community Cupboard distributed more than 250,000 items to local residents, serving more than 600 families each month. The highest distribution for a single month was nearly 26,000 items. Participants in the GMP Fill the Cupboard Challenge can solicit food donations from employees, customers, vendors or others, and are encouraged to conduct their own food drives as part of the Fill the Cupboard Challenge.  "There are a variety of ways to get involved in the Challenge," Basset said. "In the past we've seen groups go door to door, organize drop-off events and internal collections and also hold fundraisers with proceeds being donated to the Cupboard to purchase food.  The creativity has been impressive and we look forward to seeing what groups come up with for collection ideas this time around. "The Challenge is a great opportunity for teams, businesses and other groups to have fun and build camaraderie while giving back to the community at the same time." Participants may deliver food to the Community Cupboard as often as they like, and should identify their organization as a participant in the Challenge when dropping off food items. Participants should also count their items before bringing them to the Cupboard.  Deliveries can be made to the Community Cupboard on 191 Columbian Avenue in Rutland on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 4 and 6 p.m. through Sept. 28. "Although we've raised the bar each year with the Challenge and increased collection goals to meet growing demands, the community has responded time and time again," said Challenge coordinator Chris Adams of Green Mountain Power. "Last year's Challenge is a shining example of the willpower that is an integral part of the fabric of the Rutland area.  In the midst of a challenging recovery from Hurricane Irene, Rutland proved its resolve and turned in the best Challenge performance on record.  We're eager to see if we can meet the challenge again this year." Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes Set for Tonight, Sept. 6, in Brandon/Whiting Areas http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=64 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=64 SVCOA News Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:50:00 -0500 If weather conditions allow, aerial spraying for mosquitoes is set to begin tonight, Sept. 6, 2012, from 8:00pm through 11:00pm in two 16-square mile areas near mosquito pools that have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).   The Whiting spray zone is centered on Stickney Road between Cornwall and Whiting. The Brandon spray zone lies between Leicester and Brandon along nearly all of Grove Street.   For a map and more information about spraying and precautions to take for people and animals, go to <a href="http://www.healthvermont.gov" target="_blank">www.healthvermont.gov</a>, <a href="http://www.vermontagriculture.com" target="_blank">www.vermontagriculture.com</a>, or dial 2-1-1.   EEE is a rare but serious and often fatal disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. Nationally, about six people every year are diagnosed with EEE. In Vermont, the first two human cases of EEE were confirmed on Sept. 1, and one person has died. Because the risk to public health is significant, the spraying tonight is designed to reduce the population of infected mosquitoes in the area.   The pesticide product to be used, Anvil 10+10 (Sumithrin), will be sprayed in very low volume concentrations from a fixed-wing aircraft. Sumithrin is found in other pesticides used indoors and on pets and animals to control fleas, ticks and other insects. If exposed to these low levels of Anvil, the risk of health effects for people and other mammals is very low. To avoid any exposure, people in the spraying zones should take the following precautions: <ul> <li>Stay inside or away from the area during spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards. Keep pets with their food and water inside too. </li> <li>Close windows and doors, turn off fans and outside vents before spraying begins. </li> <li>If you come into contact with spray, rinse eyes with water immediately. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. </li> <li>As always, consult your health care provider if you have health problems. </li> </ul> For livestock, provide water only in a covered area, or empty and turn water troughs upside down. Do not refill them until the morning. Or cover water troughs for the night. Prevent livestock from grazing on exposed pastures during the night of spraying. All Vermonters should take the following actions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and risk of infection from EEE and West Nile virus:  Limit the amount of time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outside when mosquitoes are active. Use insect repellents labeled as being effective against mosquitoes. Remove standing water around your house. May is Older Americans Month http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=62 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=62 SVCOA News Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:00 -0500 May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.   The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities.   As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults—many of whom remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.   Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots.   While Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging provides services, support, and resources to area elders and their caregivers year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens.   We at the Council are blessed to have several wonderful volunteers who are retired, and come in to the office frequently to help us out. The husband of one of these officer helpers goes out and does all sorts of jobs for clients. We have meals volunteers, Money Management Program and SHIP volunteers, Senior Companions and Board members who continue to be dedicated to the Council’s mission of helping people stay as independent as possible as they age. We also have talented, giving elders who have taken on leadership roles with the 40 senior groups formed in cooperation with our Community Development Department. All these older Vermonters perform an invaluable service, and we thank them with all our hearts.   “Never too old to play” will mean something different to each older person.  However elders choose to stay engaged in life, sharing with others their wisdom and vitality, they contribute substantially to the fabric of our communities and add much richness to it.   Happy Older Americans Month to all! Red Arrows http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=61 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=61 SVCOA News Wed, 16 May 2012 11:57:00 -0500 <h1>I have recently heard of several people who have received traffic citations regarding red arrows, so I thought I’d pass on the following information I received from AARP Vermont:</h1>   Vermont drivers are all familiar with circular red lights. They indicate that we must stop before reaching either the stop line or the crosswalk and must not proceed until the light turns green. Right turns at circular red light are frequently permitted but only after the driver has stopped and yielded the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles. Some intersections have signs or symbols that indicate you cannot turn right on red.   Red arrows are different from circular red lights, A red arrow means you must stop. You may NOT proceed in the direction of the arrow until a green light or arrow is displayed, unless there is a sign which permits this movement. Many drivers incorrectly assume that they can proceed though a red arrow after coming to a complete stop.   Failure to observe these rules can result in a fine of $214 and an assessment of 2 points on a driver’s license.   Information, tips and reminders from those who work to keep Vermont drivers safe – Vermont State Police, VT Dept. of Motor Vehicles, VT Agency. of Transportation, VT Sheriff’s Assn. and the AARP Driver Safety Program.     10 Ways to Make Your Visit to Your Doctor More Satisfying http://svcoa.org/news.php?id=60 http://svcoa.org/rss.php?id=60 SVCOA News Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:24:00 -0500 Happy spring!  Today I’d like to share with you a list of 10 ways to make your visit to your doctor more satisfying that was compiled by Virginia Fry, MA, a Vermont hospice care specialist. <ol> <li>Bring all the Prescription Medications you are taking or make a list of them, including when you take them, how much, and how often.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Make a list of all the things you take that are not food, for example: alcohol, aspirin, vitamin C, St. Johns Wort, Preparation H, including how much, how often, etc.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Write down all your symptoms, from head to toe, describing how often they occur, how long they last, how severe the discomfort is on a scale from 0 to 10, what helps, and what makes it worse.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>If you have chronic pain, keep a pain journal that describes your pain each day in terms of intensity (how bad is it?), frequency (how often does it happen?), and duration (how long does it last?). Keep a list of questions for your doctors, and enter the answers.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Research information about your condition on the internet, at your local library, or through a health organization concerned with diagnosis.  Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctors, show them the information.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Tell your doctor about any other stressful situations that are happening in your life, such as family illness, deaths or anniversary of deaths, moves, job changes, financial struggles, relationship conflicts.  These may be affecting your health and need some extra attention.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Bring a support person with you to help listen to complex information and remember to ask important questions.  This is your right, and is not up to the physician.   Or you may want to use a tape recorder for the visit to help remember the doctor’s recommendations.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Ask about support resources in your community such as peer support groups, counselors, home health groups, special organizations or other help.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li>Ask “what complementary therapies might help me?”   These might include exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, counseling hypnosis, herbal remedies, special diets, massage, etc.</li> </ol> 10.  Ask about the costs and side effects of treatment recommended by your doctors.  Be sure to explore the consequences of not treating your condition medically so your choices will be truly informed.     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. 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.   "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 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.