|
News & Notes from AAASWFL
February 2020
|
|
|
Older Americans Act-- Almost There!
The United States Senate and House of Representatives have both introduced bills that would reauthorize the Older Americans Act for another five years. These proposals support the many needs of our nation's growing number of older adults.
This is great news, but we still need that final push-- and you can help!
Contact your Senators and Representatives to urge them to pass the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (HR 4334). You can do this by calling the Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or by getting their office contact information at the Senate and House websites.
Help us ensure a positive future for all older Americans!
|
|
Unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan?
|
|
137,000 older adults in Southwest Florida use a Medicare Advantage plan. But what can you do if you're unhappy with your Advantage plan?
From now through March 31, you can switch Advantage plans or even go back to Original Medicare as part of Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.
Call our Elder Helpline at 866-41-ELDER and ask for an appointment with a SHINE counselor. Our SHINE program can help you evaluate plans based on your individual needs, apply for cost-saving programs, and even report Medicare fraud and abuse.
|
|
|
Help Others Take Charge of Their Health
|
|
Did you know that 3 out of every 4 older adults has a chronic illness? Fortunately, chronic conditions like diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and others are manageable with good self-care.
You can help others take control of their chronic conditions! AAASWFL will offer leader training for our Chronic Disease Self-Management Program soon in Collier County. To sign up or get more information, call the Elder Helpline at 866-41-ELDER and ask to speak with Health & Wellness Coordinator Sherry Young.
|
|
|
|
Funding for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is provided by a grant from the Administration on Community Living through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
|
|
If you're in the North Fort Myers area, stop in at the local Winn-Dixie store on Bayshore Road and pick up one of these cute shopping bags. Winn-Dixie will donate $1.00 of your purchase to AAASWFL!
Not in North Fort Myers? You can still help by purchasing a bag at your local Winn-Dixie, then following the instructions on the "Giving Tag" to direct your donation to AAASWFL!
Your donation will support our Agnes Laitinen Unmet Needs Fund, which provides emergency assistance to seniors in crisis when other community supports aren't available.
|
|
|
Do You Have What It Takes to be a SHINE Volunteer?
|
|
The Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers (including bilingual volunteers) to assist older adults with their Medicare concerns. Last year, our SHINE program helped more than 5,100 Southwest Floridians!
SHINE Volunteers should have an interest in assisting seniors and people with disabilities, basic computer knowledge and internet skills. A background in health care or insurance is not required. Specialized training is provided.
Want to learn more? Call the Helpline at 866-41-ELDER and ask to speak with SHINE Liaison Camilita Aldridge, or fill out the application at FloridaSHINE.org
|
|
|
Support for Family Caregivers
|
|
Caregiving for a loved one can be a rewarding experience-- but it also causes physical, mental, and emotional strain.
Managing the stress associated with caregiving is a daunting task, but the Area Agency on Aging can help. We're offering a six-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshop on Thursdays, starting on Feb. 20, at the Golden Gate Senior Center in Naples.
For more information or to register, call the Helpline at 866-41-ELDER and ask for Health & Wellness Coordinator Sherry Young.
|
|
|
Advance Care Planning- Who will speak for you?
|
|
Join us, along with our friends at the Charlotte County Positive Aging Coalition, for the 7th Annual Positive Aging Symposium on Feb. 13th from 9:00-2:00 at the Charlotte County Cultural Center.
This year's symposium and workshop focus on planning for advance care, funeral pre-planning, and protecting yourself from fraud. The symposium is only $5 to attend and includes lunch!
To register, call the Charlotte Cultural Center at 941-625-4175 ext. 215.
For a full agenda, visit the events calendar on our website.
|
|
|
AAASWFL Events Coming Soon!
|
|
Feb. 13 - Positive Aging Symposium (Port Charlotte)
Feb 13 - AARP Smart Driver Course (North Fort Myers)
Feb. 20 - Free Medicare Counseling (Arcadia Goodwill)
Feb. 20 - Free Medicare Counseling (DeSoto Food & Resource Center)
Feb. 20 - Powerful Tools for Caregivers begins (Naples- Golden Gate)
Feb. 20- Medicare Presentation- What's New in 2020 (Englewood)
Feb. 27- Board of Directors Meeting (North Fort Myers)
New events are added regularly. View our full calendar at www.aaaswfl.org/events or like our facebook page to learn about new events.
|
|
|
|
|
