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During Older Americans Month, encourage your loved ones to stay informed of changes to Medicare as well as the potential for Medicare fraud during COVID-19. Especially during this time, help from SHINE can be the difference between uncertainty and peace of mind.
To speak with a SHINE counselor by phone, call our Helpline at 866-413-5337. SHINE counselors are able to assist with any matters related to Medicare, including access to preventive services, cost-saving programs, and identifying and reporting Medicare fraud.
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SHINE Invites You to Its Lunch & Learn Series on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Noon
Join us from your kitchen table as we talk about Medicare Fraud & Abuse During COVID-19.
You will need to register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E2ikeNpSSQygml8YR4yiNw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on joining the webinar.
SHINE is currently providing counseling by phone. Please call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337.
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Social Isolation & Loneliness and COVID-19
By Sherry Young
As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are required to be less social in order to avoid infecting themselves and others with the virus. With county and state mandates on social distancing and self-quarantining, it will be harder for people to maintain their social connections. Although the implementation of “physical distancing” is necessary to prevent the current pandemic from worsening, the resulting lack of social contact is going to negatively affect those populations most vulnerable to isolation and loneliness.
For many people this will be a tough, but necessary period of social isolation. Many of us will miss seeing family and friends and taking part in our usual interests and activities. We have likely already noticed how important friendship and connection are in our lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing. It should remind us that for too many people, their lives are often quite a lot like this.
Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience these kinds of extended periods of isolation, often going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all. During the Coronavirus outbreak it’s especially important that we stay in touch with people who are alone.
Making sure that you stay in touch with friends, family and neighbors can help ease feelings of loneliness you and others may experience while in isolation. Ways you can stay in touch include:
- Call your friends, colleagues and relatives regularly on the phone and see how they are.
- Mail letters or cards to family and friends.
- Send text messages or use video chat.
- Create WhatsApp groups with neighbors, family or friends. Share how you’re doing and ask other people how they are.
- Use Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date and stay in touch.
- Offer to help with shopping or running errands. You could use an app like Nextdoor to see if your neighbors need assistance. If you’re worried about transmitting the virus you can leave the bags on the doorstep.
For many, the telephone may be the easiest way to keep in contact, as computer and internet technology might be new or difficult to use for some older friends and family. Offer support and help to install and use apps.
When using social media be mindful that this may be a frightening and isolating time for many. Consider your actions and be kind. Offer help where you can, and only share accurate information and advice.
Technology can’t replace the feeling of communicating in person, but it is reassuring to know there are other ways of staying connected in isolation that can help. There is no denying this will be a difficult time. Social distancing measures are necessary to protect people from the worst effects of Coronavirus and this will be temporary. If we make the effort to stay connected, we can make a big difference to people – especially older adults - who are feeling alone at this time.
Want more information on how to help older adults combat loneliness and isolation? Need information to help protect them from scams, fraud, and exploitation? The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida provides free presentations on these topics, as well as on how to identify and report elder abuse and neglect. You can schedule a presentation to your group or community by calling the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER).
Sherry Young is the Elder Abuse Prevention & Education Coordinator at the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL). For more than 40 years, AAASWFL has connected older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. For more information, visit www.aaaswfl.org or call the Elder Helpline at 866-41-ELDER.
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Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
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On behalf of myself and the entire board, I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Marianne Lorini for her tireless leadership and dedication in caring for the aging population and adults with disabilities in Southwest Florida as CEO of the Agency for the past seven years.
Her passion and unwavering commitment are evident in the number of positive changes she has implemented as CEO, resulting in the building of strong and collaborative relationships among those within Florida’s aging network and throughout our seven-county region. Marianne has been instrumental in the Agency’s growth and we wish her continued health and happiness as she moves to retirement. The Board accepted Marianne’s request that her last day at the Agency be on July 21, 2020.
We have every confidence that we will continue to build on our momentum. A highly experienced and excellent executive leadership team has been put in place. Norma Adorno, Jose Muniz and Chad Tripp are all outstanding individuals and have demonstrated their commitment to the Agency’s mission.
As a result of Marianne’s retirement, the Board has approved the appointment of Norma Adorno, currently COO, to serve as Interim CEO beginning on July 22, 2020.
With the continued leadership of our strong executive team, and the support of the entire Board of Directors, the Agency is poised to further serve our continually growing population with excellence, compassion and dedication.
We congratulate Marianne and wish her many years of happiness and health upon her retirement.
Sincerely,
Wendy Hayes
Board Chair
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HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1st
With the first named storm, Tropical Storm Arthur, already formed off the coast of North Carolina before the season’s official start date, it is more important than ever to be prepared.
If you will need assistance in an emergency, the first step is to apply to the special needs registry in your county. Your registration is only good for one year so if you applied last year, you need to reapply for 2020. Use the links below to apply:
Charlotte County
Collier County
DeSoto County
Glades County
Hendry County
Lee County
Sarasota County
Note: Every county manages its emergency special needs program differently. Please check with your county for details. |
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Reminder to please complete the 2020 Census online now.
The 2020 Census is here and data will impact our community for the next 10 years. Due to COVID-19, the deadline to complete the Census has been extended.
You now have through October 31st to respond online, via phone or by mail.
To complete the Census by phone, please call:
- English: 844-330-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
The Census provides the basis for distributing billions of dollars in federal funding for hospitals, schools, roads, public works, reapportioning Congressional seats and other vital programs.
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AAASWFL Events Coming Soon!
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