Read AAASWFL's newsletter for the latest on events and resources available to older adults in Southwest Florida.
January Caregiver Tip: J is for Just Breathe
Finding time to set aside for deep breathing can have positive health benefits. It can help you relax and even have a positive impact on your heart rate and blood pressure.Here’s how to incorporate this tip into your routine. Find a quiet place. Lie or sit in a comfortable position. Some people find it more relaxing to close their eyes. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose for around five seconds and allow your abdomen to rise. Hold your breath for a count of three and then exhale slowly through your mouth (or nose if that feels more natural). Clear you mind and focus just on your breath. Start with 5 minutes and work to build up to 10 minutes twice a day. You are worth it!
Team News
2021 Nonprofit CEO Power Influencer
Last month, Norma I. Adorno, AAASWFL President and CEO, was honored as one of Southwest Florida's 2021 Nonprofit CEO Power Influencers by The Community Foundation. She was recognized as a top achiever and community builder who performs her duties with integrity and honesty, and makes a substantial impact in Southwest Florida. Read this News Press article for the full list of recipients and award details.
We're Hiring!
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is looking to fill on-site positions (Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM), including:
Information and Referral Specialist
Tiffany, who goes by the nickname Nikki, is the mother to five children ranging from the ages of two through 18 years old. She has lived in Southwest Florida for 24 years and is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. She has been working in customer service for more than 15 years. She enjoys dancing, karaoke, baking, eating spicy food, and visitng the Springs in Northern Florida.
JANUARY 2022 SHINE Medicare Webinar Schedule
SHINE will be hosting virtual classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.
Did you know that from January 1 through March 31, two enrollment periods occur at the same time?
Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period is an opportunity for someone to enroll in Part B (Medical insurance) if they missed their initial or Special Enrollment Periods.
To learn more, join SHINE on Thursday, January 13 as we talk in-depth about the importance of Medicare enrollment periods.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) is a single opportunity for someone currently enrolled in an advantage plan, that is not meeting their needs, to switch back to Original Medicare or another advantage plan.
To learn more, join SHINE on Wednesday, January 19 as we talk in-depth about Part C as well as the option to switch to a new plan by March 31.
What's New for Medicare in 2022?
To learn more, join SHINE on Thursday, January 6 as we discuss updates for 2022, including changes to Part A, Part B and Part D costs as well as opportunities to change coverage in 2022.
SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHIP provides unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. In Florida your local SHIP program is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). Call 866-413-5337 to request SHINE counseling.
Health & Wellness
Self-Care During the COVID-19 Outbreak
While there's been plenty of focus on COVID-19, your overall health is just as important as any other time. Self-care activities while we're all navigating uncertainty, isolation and grief will help older adults stay healthy, less stressed and strong. Consider the following steps to help control your chronic condition and to ensure you're able to fight off coronavirus.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Learn about the different categories of elder abuse and their identifiers. The National Center on Elder Abuse breaks it down here.
To report a suspected case of elder abuse, call: 1-800-962-2873
Health & Wellness Workshop:
Commit to Living Healthy this New Year!
Join a Living Healthy Workshop and learn tools to help manage your chronic condition.
Space is limited and registration is required!
Contact Sarah Gualco at 239-652-6914 or workshops@aaaswfl.org
Living Healthy Workshops are free to residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, and Sarasota Counties
Giving Back
To learn how you can continue supporting the Agency's efforts to provide resources to older adults and adults with disabilities in Southwest Florida, click the DONATE button below.
