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SENIORS UP-DATES
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NATIONAL AWARDS FOR AIS PROGRAM
By denise g nelesen, lcsw editor, County's Aging & Independence 
Services
The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) selected two Aging & Independence Services programs -- the Aging Summit and AIS Call Center -- as recipients of a 2006 Aging Achievement Award. The two San Diego County programs were among 35 services selected nationwide for this honor. AIS is one of the nation’s 650 Area Agencies on Aging.
“(We are) pleased to recognize and highlight successful aging programs that are meeting the needs of older adults across America every day,’ said Donna Harvey, n4a president. “By giving national attention to the awardees, n4a hopes that these innovative and cost-effective programs will be replicated in communities across the country.”
WEST NILE VIRUS TAKES ITS TOLL West Nile virus claimed the life of an elderly woman in Northern California last month, making her the first person to die from complications of the virus this year in the state. September had the greatest toll from the virus last year; the same is expected this year, so take precautions. This virus is spread by mosquitoes and generally does not cause illness. But older adults are more susceptible to severe illness and sometimes death if they are infected. So fight the bite! |
HICAP HELP FOR THE ‘DOUGHNUT HOLE
Are you or a friend or relative in the Medicare Part D doughnut hole? You are not alone. Just when Medicare beneficiaries thought that they understood the new prescription drug benefit from Medicare, many of them are finding out that Part D has a “doughnut hole” that is keeping them from getting their medications covered.
There are several options to help Medicare beneficiaries climb out of the hole. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free assistance. Staff members and volunteers are waiting for your call.
Call HICAP toll-free for more information specific to your situation: (800) 434-0222.
Fee Changes for Safe Return Program The Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return is a safety net for persons with Alzheimer’s disease who may wander and become lost.
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Home Repair Effort Seeks Fix-It Volunteers
By Maxine Fischer, AARP and Melissa Dennison, Jewish Family Services
Most seniors want to continue to live independently in their own homes, but, for some, this becomes an unsafe situation. Many seniors or their caregivers do not have the physical ability or knowledge to perform minor home repairs nor the necessary funds for repairs that could improve their safety and wellbeing.
AARP California, Jewish Family Services of San Diego and Aging & Independence Services are uniting to offer minor home modifications and repair services for low-income San Diego County homeowners and renters at no cost to them. The goal of the program is to keep people living in comfort, safety, and independence, while helping to build better neighborhoods in San Diego.
Services include such repairs as mounting grab bars and hand-railings, installing smoke and carbon detectors, and providing other minor home safety repairs. Instead of needing to move into assisted-living facilities, these repairs allow seniors to stay in their homes safely.
You can help! Whether you are a skilled contractor or need directions to put in a light bulb, we need you. There is a place for everyone willing to help.
To learn more about how you can become a “Fix-It” volunteer and get involved in the life of a senior in need please call Melissa at (619) 229-2654, or email fixit@jfssd.org
Enjoy Special Exhibition on Aging Speaking of Balboa Park, have you seen the "Aging for All Ages" exhibition at the Reuben H.Fleet Science Center? AIS is helping to sponsor this exhibition, which will run until next may. "Aging for All Ages: has hands-on learning areas about wellness and healthy lifestyles choices. On the first Monday of each month, seniors 65 and older can enjoy the Science Center exhibits, plus an IMAX film and an hour of special programming for only $5. The Science Center opens at 9:30 a.m. daily.
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Check Our the legacy Corps
The legacy Corps continues to expand and is looking for more senior mentors, teens and caregivers who are seeking respite,particularly in La Mesa and Chula Vista.the Legacy Corps pairs a seniors mentor with a teen.Each duo goes to the home of a caregiver who is aiding an older adult parent, spouse or other. The Legacy Corps teams allow the caregivers to take time off.
The senior mentors and teens each receive a stipend of $ 200 a month.To apply or for more information, call New Alternatives at (619) 758-9720 or 1-800-510-2020
New Online Library Services Readers can be notified by email that their requested books have arrived at their branch library. Customers can download legal forms. These are just two of the recent improvements the County Library has made to its Web site: www.sdcl.org . Besides the new features mentioned above, the site includes courtesy emails before items are due to be returned; a Spanish language resources page; and new database resources on American history and government, ancient and world history, and state and world geography. |
Do you know of other people who could benefit from the information provided in the Aging & Independence bulletin? Would they (or you) also like to be on our emailing list to receive notices of special items? If so, send mail and email to Denise Nelesen , 9335 Hazard Way, San Diego, CA 92123; or call (858) 505-6474
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Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself.