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AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MOVES TO A NEW LOCATION
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL), a nonprofit serving older adults and adults with disabilities, is pleased to announce that beginning September 1, 2020, it will be operating from its new location at 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, FL 33916.
From the Agency’s new office space, it will continue connecting residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties with local resources such as elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.
Due to the current number of positive COVID-19 cases in the area, AAASWFL will remain closed to the public until October 1. At that time, masks will be required upon entry to the building.
For now, the Agency’s supportive specialists remain available by phone on the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 (866-41 ELDER). AAASWFL’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 In addition to the move, AAASWFL welcomes Norma Adorno as its new interim CEO, replacing Marianne Lorini who retired in July. Adorno joined the Area Agency on Aging as chief operating officer in April 2020 and will continue providing leadership and direction for the internal operations of the organization and overseeing all services and programs.
“We will now be centrally located and look forward to better serving those in our care across seven counties in southwest Florida,” states Wendy Hayes, Chair of the Board of Directors. "We are also pleased to welcome Norma to her new leadership role as interim CEO and are confident she will continue advancing our mission to assist older adults and adults with disabilities to live safely with independence and dignity.”
Adorno holds a Master of Science degree in health care science from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. In addition, she has completed several certifications including certified just culture trainer and facilitator; certified job instructor trainer; and certified job relations trainer. |
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SHINE Tip of the Month: Check Your Mail
If you have Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, check your mailbox for your
Annual Notice of Change (or your Evidence of Coverage statement).
These letters will tell you about important changes to your plan's benefits,
coverage and costs.
If you are dissatisfied with any of your plan’s changes,
you can enroll in a new plan this fall.
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Mark your calendar!
The Medicare Annual Election Period is
October 15 - December 7.
As we get ready for the upcoming Medicare Annual Election Period, it’s important that you do as well. Begin preparing by creating or updating your MyMedicare.gov account. To create a MyMedicare.gov account, visit the website or click here. Please keep in mind that you will need to store this information in a safe and secure location until you need it, SHINE counselors will request it when assisting you.
Rise and SHINE! Join us on Wed., September 30 to learn about your Medicare options, how to save on Part D costs and prepare for the upcoming Annual Election Period. Remember, costs and coverage change each year; it’s important to review your current coverage and consider your options for 2021.
News alert! SHINE plans to offer appointments by phone instead of our annual in-person events. Although we’ll miss seeing you, we are committed to current safety measures due to Covid-19. We look forward to speaking with you, more details coming soon.
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SHINE September 2020 Webinar Schedule
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will be hosting
Zoom classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare!
| Class Options |
Date |
Day |
Time (EST) |
Register |
Medicare 101
Virtual Classroom - Join us to learn the basics of Medicare and important enrollment periods. |
Sep 2 |
Wednesday |
11:30AM |
Register in advance for this webinar here.
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Medicare Part C
Lunch & Learn series - Join us from your kitchen table as we talk about Medicare Advantage options available in Florida. |
Sep 9
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Wednesday |
12:00PM
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Register in advance for this webinar here.
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Medicare Part D
Lunch & Learn series - Join us from your kitchen table as we talk about Part D coverage and changes to the donut hole in 2020. |
Sep 16 |
Wednesday |
12:00PM
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Register in advance for this webinar here.
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Financial Assistance
Lunch & Learn series - Join us from your kitchen table as we talk about Financial Assistance. Are you living on a fixed income? You might be eligible to save money, learn about cost-saving programs. |
Sep 23 |
Wednesday |
12:00PM |
Register in advance for this webinar here.
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Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)
Rise & SHINE - A Kitchen Table series where you can learn about Medicare and enjoy your favorite cup of brew! Learn about your Medicare options, how to save on Part D costs and prepare for the AEP. |
Sep 30 |
Wednesday |
10:00AM |
Register in advance for this webinar here.
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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.
To learn more about the SHINE program or Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, visit:
www.floridashine.org or www.AAASWFL.org.
SHINE trained counselors continue to provide services with your safety and theirs in mind; you can speak with a SHINE counselor by phone.
Please call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 to request help with Medicare.
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Beware of Home Repair Scams After Hurricanes
As we learned from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, this busy hurricane season Southwest Floridians need to be on their toes as door-to-door con artists, gypsies and travelers head into our communities looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. These thieves and shady characters especially like to prey on the elderly who might be unable to clear debris or perform repairs themselves after a storm. Some pose as home repair specialists but are simply con artists looking for easy access and easy money. For your safety, do NOT open your door, step outside or be distracted.
Florida seniors can protect themselves from becoming victims of home repair fraud by following these important tips:
- Before you agree to or sign any contract, have your lawyer review and explain the terms. You may contact the Senior Legal Helpline (1-888-895-7873) or the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-342-8011) for legal assistance.
- Make sure the contractor has a valid contractor’s license and insurance. An occupational license is NOT a construction license. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues licenses and takes complaints of contractors (1-850-487-1395). You can also check with your local law enforcement agency and the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints or reports of fraud against the business.
- If you suspect unlicensed activity, contact the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Division (1-866-532-1440).
- Never fall for phone or door-to-door offers of free estimates, home inspections or “special deals”. Very few, if any, legitimate contractors do this, especially after a storm.
- Never pay cash! Never pay for unfinished work or jobs that have not been inspected. Paying by check or money order provides a written record. If a contractor wants money in advance, consider paying the material supplier directly.
- Always compare estimates carefully; it’s a good idea to get bids or estimates from at least 3 companies.
- Protect yourself from liens against your home. Make sure your contract states that the contractor will obtain notarized, written releases of lien from all subcontractors and suppliers BEFORE you will pay each payment.
- Never agree to get your own permits; that will make you directly responsible for everything.
- Never be pressured into making hasty decisions.
- Never let a stranger in your home and never accept an offer to take you to the bank to withdraw money for any reason. Keep all doors, including the garage door, closed and locked at all times.
- Don’t hesitate to IMMEDIATELY report unknown or suspicious people, activity, or vehicles to your local law enforcement agency.
Important Contacts:
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: (850) 487-1395
Florida Attorney General’s Office – Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226
Seniors vs. Crime Project: (800) 203-3099
Insurance Information: (800) 342-2762
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida – Elder Helpline: (866) 413-5337
Elder Abuse Hotline: (800) 96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Senior Legal Helpline: (888) 895-7873
A Public Service Announcement from the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc., the state-designated disability and aging resource center for Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties funded in part by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
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