August 4, 2011 Column 523 “Medicare Already?”

Picture this: Dad’s sitting around with his coffee buddies–

Why, I remember back in the day when Medicare Part D open enrollment ran from mid November through the end of December..

            OK, a couple things: I’m not naive enough (usually) to assume you folks sit around talking about Part D (Medicare prescription coverage) enrollment—that’s part of what we do. And if you are, and by “back in the day” you mean last year, you are correct.

            However: Beginning this year, the enrollment period changes to October 15^th through December 7^th. The period lasts a little longer and doesn’t get all wrapped-up in the Christmas holidays. Sounds like a good idea, but we have to remember that the former days of waiting until the end of the year isn’t going to work.

            And, yes, I’m aware (most of the time) that this is August. I’m also aware that August seemed to get here pretty quickly, then comes September, school starting, and October rearing its head. Dates have a way of sneaking up on us, and this year October’s not just for Halloween anymore. (I’ll refrain from making comparisons of trick or treat with picking a Part D provider.)

            For those who are new to the whole Medicare deal, as mentioned above, Medicare Part D is the prescription coverage piece, and it’s insurance—meaning that premiums can change. This isn’t the same thing as the house insurance you’ve had for the past thirty years, as the costs, availability and the prescriptions covered (formularies) can change from year to year.

            Also, if you’re currently covered under another prescription plan, you should receive a letter from the company informing you that: 1. Your current plan meets or exceeds Medicare Part D coverage (and you won’t need to enroll in Part D); or 2. Your current plan is ending or the coverage does not meet the coverage provided through Medicare.

            We’ll go into more detail as the time sneaks up on us, but know that you can get help at any of the numbers at the end of the column, or go directly to www.medicare.gov and follow links to drug plans and the Medicare Plan Finder. We can assist you in finding plans that best meet your needs, but we can’t recommend a specific plan. We can help find the top/best three options, but the choice is yours, as it should be.

            As noted in previous column, who knows you better than you?

July 27, 2011 Column 522 “Online?”

            Anyone been online lately? Any more, it seems almost a ridiculous question, given every ad gives out how to access their stuff on the internet. Then, there’s all the email, Facebook, blog, etc chatter.

Although we’d do well to remember that not everyone has a computer, uses one regularly, or even wants one, all indications seem to point in the direction of those not being online becoming fewer; and there’s no end in sight as to how technology will continue to make computer use easier and more comprehensive. Having said that, it’s been a while since we looked at some sites that can really go a long ways toward getting information you may need.

            And remember, even if you “don’t want one of those things in my house”, you can still access this information by going to the library and using theirs.

            Looking for a change of residence where assistance is available? For a listing of assisted living, Adult Family Home or Skilled Nursing Facility options, you can go to www.snapforseniors.com. Now, not all places have listed themselves here, but you can search by zip, city, type of place, whether or not they accept Medicaid and so on. Some of the places have even put virtual tours on the site.

            How about just trying to see what you might already be eligible for in our state—just in case? www.benefitscheckup.org , a site by the National Council on Aging, is very easy to navigate and you can anonymously dig around and see what’s available.

            Do you want to apply for food assistance, medical help, child care, etc, or wonder if you’re eligible? Go to www.washingtonconnection.org and you can view standards and/or apply for services online.

            There’s a huge amount of legal information, including forms that can be downloaded at www.washingtonlawhelp.org. This is a comprehensive, yet easy to use, site that allows you to get a lot of information and guides you through various processes.

            A great resource for folks whose lives are being impacted by Alzheimer’s is www.alz.org (or for local news/updates) www.alz.org/alzwa. The site has everything from warning signs and research updates to materials for supporting caregivers. A great reminder that you don’t have to navigate these waters alone.

            Want to keep updated on what the Department of Health & Human Services has in the area of aging (we all are aging, so we might as well get over it)? You can visit www.aoa.gov and see the Administration on Aging site.

            And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention (as I do at the end of each column) our own site, www.o3a.org.  Our site has some links to the above, and also has descriptions of what services we provide, plus an online Resource Center.

            These are just a few sites that occur to me as I write this. Obviously, once you start doing some searching, you’ll find a lot of others that are more specific to what you want. And, if you’re a I-don’t-care-where-computers-are-available-I-still-won’t-use-one type person, you can always pick-up the phone. We’re here.

July 21, 2011 Column 521 “Looking for Something (2)?”

And here we are. Depending on where “here” is, and who “we” are, it’s either good, bad, or just plain life.

            Deep philosophical statements, I know.  However, regardless of what we’re doing life happens. And it has a way of presenting questions—questions that make us realize that (shockingly) we don’t know everything about everything.

            This column is called “Information & Assistance”, but in no way is to imply we have all the answers, either. One thing we do have, however, is the ability and the mandate to explore and communicate what we do find. A short list of areas we can help with includes:

• Referrals: To home-care, home delivered meals, energy assistance, transportation, low-income telephone assistance, personal response units, legal guidance/advice, minor home repairs, etc.
• A comprehensive search of what benefits/resources may be available to you
• Senior Legal Advice Clinics
• Medicaid In-Home Care case management
• Questions/answers re alternate living situations such as Adult Family Homes and/or Assisted Living residences
• Family Caregiver Support Services
• Prescription assistance
• Supplemental social security insurance information
• Medicare questions

     And, of course, lots of phone numbers. One of the cool things about this type of work is there are more things we do than I can list offhand. Especially with information, more is better.

And we get to talk to folks who get to talk to real live people who live and work in our communities.

            One of the great dynamics that occurs is when someone comes in looking for information about a specific service; then following a brief conversation, they discover other things that might be helpful. Life, as mentioned earlier, happens and during the experience, we find that we actually have several needs, but are focused on the one in front of us. For example:

            Someone comes by (or phones or emails) and they want information on where to find medical equipment for Dad who’s leaving the hospital and coming to live with them. After giving the information, the discussion might lead to what kind of support would be needed to make Dad’s staying at the home successful? Is he eligible for Medicaid services? What about support for the family caregivers? Has Home Health been notified if needed?

            What else can we help you with? We’re here and so are you. Indeed, again as mentioned at the onset, here we are.

July 14, 2011, Column 520, “Living Where?”

            Not too long ago, I overheard someone refer to the “sandwich generation” in relation to Boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964. Not unusual since Boomer-mania seems to be all about, from marketing to social services. The thing that struck me was the one talking was neither taking care of any family—kids or otherwise—nor a Boomer.

            It made me start thinking (and sometimes, that’s OK) about who’s thinking about what. It’s pretty safe to assume that “older” folks may be thinking about taking care of their parents, what might be in the future, and so on..but younger” folks?

            As it turns out, the late stages of life are thought about across just about all generations, since everyone has or knows someone who is looking at elder issues. A lot of people wonder about what’s out there, and a lot of people “know” all about it; but much like I’ve found to be true with myself, a lot of what I “know” isn’t necessarily true. So let’s take a look at some resources/information  that maybe we know—and maybe we don’t.

            Sometimes things change, and change has a way of putting things in focus; and focus is great when you’re trying to see something. One area that continually seems to have to battle against outdated “knowledge” is the idea of living in a “facility”.  For one thing, maybe we need to stop calling other-than-my house living situations facilities. (That in itself goes a long way.)

            There are many varied residences other than what we think of when we think of our house or our apartment, and they range from retirement campuses, through assisted living places to Adult Family Homes and Skilled Nursing places (we tend to call the latter SNF’s, but the last word is that word we’re trying to avoid.) Depending on what’s needed, each has its place in people’s lives.

            If you need some assistance, or expect you might, getting through the day, week, or month, but are still pretty independent, assisted living may be just what you’re looking for. (And, as an aside: Yes, a lot of folks look for and plan for moving into such a new home. The old idea of being “put” somewhere is only one of the outdated concepts out there.)

            Think about it: I want my own space, but need some help with some daily activities (medication management, wheelchair access, preparing meals, etc). And if my needs increase, so does the available assistance—to a certain level, anyway.

            Rooms vary from studio apartments to bedroom apartments and each place has their own personality, amenities (libraries, exercise rooms, etc) and layout—and what apartment complex doesn’t? One of the big differences is when you need some assistance, trained folks are in place instead of having to be called in. And meals and laundry are provided.

            Another plus? There are usually at least a few in your community—in our county, we have them at both ends. You can give us a call for a list of them, or look in the phone book, or go online to www.snapforseniors.com. Whichever is simplest, that’s the way I’d take. One more suggestion: Even if you can view someplace online, or have heard rave reviews, go see for yourself. After all, you’re the best judge of you.

July 8, 2011, Column 519 “Plans”

            And so the state has this plan….Depending on where you are, previous experiences, and direction of expectation, the news could be good, bad, surprising or even scary. However, this plan relates to family members who are taking care of other family members and relates to our continuing look into Family Caregiver Support Programs (FCSP).

            Last time out we looked very briefly at the fact this is one of those relatively rare programs that is just what the title indicates. It provides support for folks who are taking care of family members—not as paid professionals, but as unpaid family caregivers. This includes a lot of people who would give you a blank stare if you asked “Are you the caregiver?”  The probable response would be” No, I’m his son.” ( daughter, wife, husband, etc.). Identifying ourselves as “caregivers” is difficult. It’s what we do, not who we are…until what we do overwhelms who we are. Enter support services.

            FCSP explores several different paths to resources, and works to help the family caregiver remain as such–amid pressures, expectations, stress, and the myriad other forces that come to bear in such a situation. Sometimes it just seems like hobbies go by the wayside. Sometimes time just keeps slipping away. And sometimes, our own expectations as “family” put such a load on us, we can barely keep on keepin’ on. And just maybe, we don’t even think about it, because we’re just too busy, too tired, too spaced-out to take the time.

            FCSP provides opportunities for the caregiver. Yes, it’s easy to rationalize that the “real” need lies with Dad who needs help to just get through the day. True. But what happens if you’re no longer able to help Dad? Then, we just have two people in need, or as sometimes happens, you end-up with more health problems than Dad—yep, it happens.

            The staff who manage these programs care about people and are excited to have the opportunity to help those who are helping others—and they’ve seen the successes. There are some program/system dynamics to go through, screenings and interviews, but these are designed to pinpoint the extent of the need so appropriate resources can be tapped. And “resources” might mean anything from time away while a professional caregiver covers for you, or support groups, or counseling, or…?

            Just contact either of the numbers at the bottom of the column, or as noted last time, you can contact FCSP folks directly: Eric Nessa at 1 800 801 0060 (NessaEM@dshs.wa.gov) or Linda Green at 1 888 571 6557 (greenll@dshs.wa.gov).

            Oh, the plan? Washington State, in the midst of the same budget crunches as everywhere, did actually offer additional monies in order to further support FCSP throughout the state. For one year, over 3 million dollars was made available to help screen, assess and support an additional 1500 family caregivers. Whether you think it’s all about saving money (prevention generally costs less than facility care) or you think the state is re-discovering its benevolence, it’s still a good plan.

            And speaking of plans—Olympic Area Agency on Aging is developing their Area Plan for 2012-2015 and includes all our services to elders and folks with disabilities, and..and..

            Public feedback is always needed. How does a plan become meaningful if the planners don’t know what’s happening in the community? For pacific County, the hearing/meeting/gathering is set for July 20^th (next week!) at the county courthouse, 11-12. In Grays Harbor, it’s at the county courthouse the same day, from 3-4.

            Want folks to hear what’s needed? What to have some involvement in how other folks are planning for your area?

            Come and join us!

June 30, 2011, Column 518 “FCSP”

            It is what it is. I’ve heard this so many times, that now I’m parroting it. It is what it is—but what if it isn’t? It isn’t what it is doesn’t have the same ring to it…

            And what exactly is “it”?

            Well, “it” is what it is—helpful? It’s this type of circular babble that often dribbles out of social services; as if folks can be confused enough, no one will have to do anything.

            Yet “it” can sometimes truly be what it is—as in the example of family caregiver support programs. Somehow, these programs managed to get through layers of social services, a morass of social-ese language contortions and come out pretty much clear.  So if only to be able to talk about something not-too-confusing, let’s take a look at Family Caregiver Support Programs.

            Family is pretty much what it seems to be—those folks who, whether or not they’re around you all the time, are related to you. No hidden meanings, no secret definitions that vary from time zone to time zone, just…family.

            Caregiver gets a little more fuzzy sometimes. It, too, is what it is. Someone who gives care to someone else. The fuzzy parts are when you’re taking care of Dad, Mom, Aunt Sadie or Uncle Zeke, you usually don’t think of yourself as a “caregiver”. You’re just part of the family. And chances are very great that whoever you’re helping doesn’t think of you as a caregiver either. You’re just Bob…Chet…Ezekiel, whoever.

            Support sounds great..and it is! It can be a myriad of activities or resources, but the primary dynamic is..yep, “support”. Whatever can be done to help someone; to help the helper; to care for the caregiver—you get the picture.

            Programs—uh…I get it. Depending on your most recent (or traumatic) experience with a “program”, you may have been enjoying the ride to this point. Let’s just think of it in terms of some group of processes that allows the help to get where it’s going.

            So, family caregiver (you know who you are): Need some support? In most cases, the answer seems to be “Yes, please” with an addendum: I don’t have time to jump through a lot of hoops, and I don’t want people prying into every aspect of our lives, and I don’t know where to look, what to ask or how to do any of it—and I only just now realized I’m a caregiver!

            And that’s a light example. As more time, more energy, more of you goes into helping a family member, often other things tend to…dwindle. Sometimes it’s hobbies. Sometimes it’s socializing. Sometimes it’s work (the paid kind) that goes south.

            The good news, among other positives, is there are professional, compassionate folks in our communities whose goal is to make things easier for the family caregiver. And they work for the Family Caregiver Support Program—makes sense. I’ve seen these people work, and they not only know what they’re doing, they also know what type of help might be available.

            We’re going to be taking some time exploring these services, but first things first. If you have any questions, any ideas, any time, please contact them. In Grays Harbor and Pacific counties, you can call Eric Nessa at 1 800 801 0060/360 538 2458 (NessaEM@dshs.wa.gov) or Linda Green at 1 888 571 6557/360 942 2177 (greenll@dshs.wa.gov ). Or you can call either of the numbers at the end of the column and we’ll help make the connection.

Truly, you don’t have to go through this on your own.

June 22, 2011, Column 517 “Project Lifesaver”

            We were out in the garden. Dad always enjoys that, and I turned to pick-up some weeds—and he was gone!

            The door to her room was open and the front door was unlocked..I looked around the house and yard, but I can’t find Mom anywhere!

Fear.  Only a word; a word describing a human condition we all experience. Sure, but that doesn’t in any way lessen the impact of the word—or even come close to describing what that actually feels like.

Combine fear with a strong sense of powerlessness and you find yourself dancing with panic—and panic likes to lead.

Like I said, a condition we all experience. If you’ve ever been in this situation, involving a family member who is somehow lost, you know it well. Folks experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia—or other conditions—sometime tend to be elsewhere. It’s called wandering; and not the fairy-tale troubadour type. Folks who tend to wander are usually heading somewhere, but the destination and surroundings are either unfamiliar or out of current time frames. And the panic-dancers are those of us trying desperately to locate them.

Enter Project Lifesaver. This is a resource designed to support families in their efforts to find and return folks safely home. Basically, it involves a bracelet with a personalized radio transmitter that enables local emergency personnel to track the signal. Once a person is missing, the signal can be located and, hopefully, the situation can resolved fairly quickly. A lot of the response time is related to how long the missing person has been gone, so the sooner the notification the better.

This isn’t the movies, this is life. There are no 24/7 satellites orbiting the earth tracking Project Lifesaver signals, nor are we able to look at a monitor and see a shadowy figure walking through the woods.  What there is, is good, trained, professional folks who know the lay of the land and can use their equipment and knowledge in the search.

Currently, Pacific County Fire District #1 over sees the program, and the hope is that Project Lifesaver will be able to expand to other areas. These folks have the bracelets and receivers, and even come to the home to change the batteries when needed.

For more information, call 360 665 4451 and ask about Project Lifesaver. Though currently, the supply may be somewhat limited, if one person is found, it’s all worth it.

Wouldn’t you rather dance to your own tune—and watch panic leave the room?

June 15, 2011, Column 516, “Medicaid In-home care”

So many activities, so many resources, so many programs, so much stuff! Getting through life is enough, most of the time, and trying to provide information amidst the hurdy-gurdy noise is sometimes a challenge.

            A lot of us have enough to do without thinking about getting information “just in case”. However, when we need the info, we tend to need it immediately—if not sooner. So one of the challenges is to have it available for just that time.

            Having said that, I noticed it’s been a while since we talked about Medicaid In-Home Care programs, eligibility, what the program looks like, etc. So, here we go…just in case.

            These programs (COPES, MPC, MNIW, etc, though there’s no real need to memorize the acronyms or what they stand for) are designed to help folks remain as independent as possible, while getting the assistance they need to do so. And since we’re talking about “in-home” care, we’re looking at those who are deciding to stay home rather than enter a facility—we’ll look at different settings some other time.

            As you probably guessed from the topic, Medicaid eligibility is required. There are actually two parts to the eligibility for these programs: financial (the Medicaid piece) and physical.

            Financially, the current standard is $2,000 or less in bank accounts, CD,s stocks, etc—anything that might be considered “liquid” assets; although some may be exempt. A monthly income of $2,022 for an individual ($4,044 for a couple) is set as the maximum amount for eligibility, but this also may change due to various financial considerations. Not being a financial worker (which is a good thing), I won’t even try to talk about all the nuances of overall financial considerations and eligibility; but the above can be used as a general guideline.

            The physical part of eligibility is determined by the amount of assistance you need to do what you need to do to get safely through the day. These are referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) and cover areas like mobility (inside and outside the home); transferring; toileting; hygiene; medication management; bathing and so on. Yep, pretty much what we’re all involved in on a daily basis. The question is: Can you do this on your own in a safe manner?

            The process begins with a referral to Home & Community Services (HCS—I know yet another acronym) to request an assessment. This can be done by calling the centralized intake toll free, at 1 800 786 3799. Once the social worker is assigned, a home-visit will be scheduled in order to complete the assessment, covering the areas above—and more.

            If you are eligible for in-home care, and the determination to remain home has been made, a caregiver will be assigned, with your input of course, and the plan of care will be made. Then, you will be referred to us or another Area Agency on Aging (AAA—I know, I can’t help it) for ongoing case management. All clear?

            OK, a lot of information, I know. All you really need to know up front is this: If you need help to remain home and your situation seems to fit the above, make the call the HCS intake. You’ll get direction in all the rest.

And if this doesn’t seem to fit, but you’re still thinking you might need some assistance, information or whatever, give us a call. There’s a whole other world out there referred to as “Family Caregiving”..and we can help.

June 2, 2011 Column 514, “So I’m a boomer, now what?”

Hmmm…

            One of the kids found Dad’s old slide-rule and the questions began…Dad realizes that he might be getting older since not only does he know what it is, but actually used it..

            And he gets depressed when he hears Jefferson Airplane—in an elevator..

            And when he hears the term “45” he thinks of a small record with a large center hole..

            And he knows what the term “broken record” actually means..

            And only his friends know what he’s talking about when he mentions Iron Butterfly and the Electric Prunes…not to mention the Mothers of Invention..

            OK, so I’m a Boomer. Now what?

            First of all, I’m in good company!

Me and about 76 million other people are suddenly becoming a generation to watch—and not necessarily with suspicion!

            All the stuff Mom & Dad were dealing with, like Social Security, Medicare and all that seem to be getting kind of close. And AARP has been after me for years already!

            What do I need to know? Where do I find information?  I’m not looking for somebody to take charge of my life…just point the way and be there if I need something.

            Stop by any of our offices, call for information or go online to either www.o3a.org or Facebook and see what we’re about. I know some of Dad’s fellow-boomers have said they’ll never accept the title of “senior”, but can we deny we are getting older? No one I’ve met so far is getting younger, so we’re all in the same boat—and the boat is huge!

            Need some legal advice? If you’re in the 60+ group, FREE legal advice is available at our Senior (sorry about the term, you sensitive boomers) Legal Advice Clinics on a monthly basis. You can meet with an attorney for a FREE half-hour session, and all you have to do is call one of our offices for an appointment. Even boomers (or especially boomers) like FREE stuff! By the way, did I mention it’s FREE?

            Wondering what’s ahead (or here) regarding Medicare? We have Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) folks who can help you there.

            Looking for services and/or resources for your folks? (Yes, we’re all getting older, but our parents are older still!) We can help you find what’s available and good information even for you—of course in your “later” years.

            How about volunteering or just finding out where to find information online, or…? We’re all in this together, and chances are you know some stuff we don’t, so let’s get together and see where we can go.

            Since aging is one of the most non-exclusive clubs around, welcome! And if boomers are re-defining denial, maybe we can look at re-defining aging services. Give us a call.

June 10, 2011 – Column 515, “The Fair–Were you there?”

            So how’d you like the I & Fair/Staying Healthy event in Raymond on the 27^th?  Did I see you there? Or you, me?

Jessie Stopsen, Director of O3A Nursing Services and yours truly, Doug Sheaffer, failing to keep the papparazzi at bay at the Raymond I&A/Staying Healthy Fair on May 27th.

            OK, I have to stop that type of riveting conversation before I get into a bad imitation of Dr. Seuss.  However, if you did attend, you were among folks who had a lot to say about what they saw and experienced.

 84% of you hadn’t been to a similar event, and 75% of you found out about it through the newspapers. Nice to meet folks who still read ink and paper!

            The vast majority of attendees found the whole event informative and worthwhile, happily; and several made comments that as caregivers (whether paid, unpaid, family member or not) it was great information and very applicable.

            And of course the free lunch is always a huge success!

            Some of those surveyed said the event was too long, while others stated they had to wait in line too long for the clinics. These are some of the dynamics we like to look at each year in order to improve our outreach efforts. Overall, it appeared that a good time was had by all, and so we begin to look toward next year’s event.

            I had the opportunity to chat with quite a few folks, and was impressed (as I usually am at these things) with the energy and questions asked. I tend to think I have an inquisitive mind, but these people give me a run for the money. Great questions and great information—we still don’t know everything and are always on the lookout for insight, experience and new information.

            If you were not there, ask around and see if you missed something—and talk about what you’d like to see happening in your community. The only reason these things work is because you make them work—so, thanks!

            And speaking of making things work, remember Senior Legal Advice Clinics mentioned last time out? Yep, I’ll continue to talk about these until it gets familiar to our communities. SLAC is a great resource for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is it’s free to folks 60 and above. Where else are you going to find an opportunity to sit down face to face with a real live attorney for a half hour session that doesn’t cost anything?

            Issues? How about landlord/tenant stuff? Social Security? Information about Power of Attorney, or Durable Power of Attorney—and the differences?  Any other civil legal questions?

            Local attorneys provide the service and are glad to help, so give us a call and we can schedule a time for you. Currently the clinics are scheduled for the second Monday of each month is both our Raymond and Long Beach offices, running in half-hour sessions from 9:30 to 11:30. And, just because there aren’t many opportunities to say this, I’ll say it again: It’s free!

May 25, 2011 – column 513 “A Boomer?”

Once upon a time, everything went very well. Life was a series of pleasant events without any disruptions, stresses or worries. Dad retired and went fishing. He paddled a canoe down the Wind River with a life-long friend, and camped in always warm, but not too hot, weather.

            His health was always rock steady and even his medical provider proclaimed that his stats set the standard for good health. All the family grew and was experiencing the same blissful lives…

            And then Dad woke up….

            He came awake to aches in his body, awareness that his health was maybe not as good as it could be..and his canoe was behind the shed, overgrown with vines—and maybe a small tree or two.

            The kids were working, building their own families and futures, and like most folks, had their ups and downs.

            Dad remembers he’s alive—and life has a way of moving us from moment to moment in sometimes unexpected ways.

            Dad’s part of that much talked about group, the Baby Boomers. He’s more or less accepted the label, and as a boomer, he’s prone to expressing his thoughts sometimes along the lines of “Hmmm..” Somewhere along the road, his physical life went from 30 to 60, while his mind lagged somewhat behind. As one of his friends says: “I lived in the 60’s and now I’m in my 60’s!”

            And, he actually finds himself beginning to think about things like retirement, Social Security, Medicare and health issues in relation to himself—versus in relation to his parents.

            Hmmm..

            Not that Dad’s anywhere near ready to bury himself in all the aging stuff out there, but it wouldn’t hurt to see generally what it’s all about..so where to start? According to a recent survey (and it seems to me that the boomers are quickly becoming one of the most surveyed groups) what we think isn’t necessarily so.  For example, instead of relying primarily on online resources such as informational websites, Facebook or other social networking, as was the assumption of many, the most used source for boomers is still the written media.

            The use of online material isn’t to be pushed aside, though, as—according to the same survey—about one-third of those surveyed would use electronic medium to find answers. There’s also a tried and tested method that has survived throughout all the generations: Ask someone. Enter information and assistance services.

            What happened to “Senior” Information & Assistance? Still here, but we not only advocate for and work alongside what many consider to be “seniors”, but many others in the community. Non-senior folks with disabilities who receive Medicaid in-home care have long been a part of what we do. Add to that, folks getting ready for Medicare, insurance issues, families taking care of other family members and so on, and you get a sense of what we can do.

            As part of the community, we reflect what’s in our community—a good thing. Information about family caregiving, volunteerism, state services, Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance questions, referrals to other agencies, free legal clinics (for 60+ folks) and a whole lot of other information is available.

            Dad: You can do the online thing and go to our website, or see us on Facebook; or you can call any of the numbers at the end of the column; or stop by our offices and (as mentioned before) ask someone if you have a question; or just drop by and see what there is to see. Talking to real, live people…

            Hmmm…

May 18, 2011 – column 512 “A few fiinal words on Alzheimer’s, for now”

LAST CALL: Friday May 27^th, a free event in Raymond.

It’s our annual Information & Assistance Fair/Staying Independent outreach in Raymond, at the Grays Harbor College campus. It’s always a great time (and free!) with lots of opportunity to ask questions, get information, eat lunch (free!) and talk to real, live folks about what’s out there in our communities.

The atmosphere is certainly not lecture-oriented, but more of a mill-about and go-where-you-want-to sort of event–meandering, as it were. People from various agencies and support services will be among the group, as will an attorney from Northwest Justice Project, someone from Willapa Behavioral Health, nurses, and others—including us! What else? How about Medicare stuff? Family caregiver information? Fall prevention? Medical equipment? Free lunch? (Yeah, I know I said it before..but it’s a free lunch!)

And now, a few final (for now) words about Alzheimer’s..Most of us relate Alzheimer’s to memory loss and if we just settle there, it can get tricky. Some folks, while on a visit with family members to the old neighborhood, excel at relating where they went to the store, who lived where and so on. Memories from 20 years ago (or more) are clear. However, recalling recent events may be more problematic.

Forgetting details of the day (or yesterday) may not even be the earliest indicator. Sometimes Dad seems to be having trouble following processes, like simple math, finances he used to do semi-automatically; or not being able to follow through the rules of a familiar game, or the routine of a hobby; or…

And again, please: Before you decide to have a “talk” with Dad (“We think you may have Alzheimer’s”), realize that with all of us, changes occur as we gather more years about us. And just because Dad can’t remember how to program the remote (who can?), doesn’t mean dark clouds of Alzheimer’s loom on the horizon.

The Alzheimer’s website (www.alz.org) does have a list of “The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s”, but also note the comments they have at the end of each, so you don’t overreact.  To take a page from a comic:

            You Just May Be Overreacting If:

• You set-up spy cameras to monitor Dad’s every move after he retires
• You wake him up in the middle of the night and ask him to explain the details of cribbage
• You take him on road trips…to see places to stay
• You react before there’s anything to react to.

You want people to let you be you. Let Dad be Dad. Care and concern are honorable traits, but Dad got to where he is by doing what he knows to do..and (again) Dad is…Dad.

If things occur down the road, be aware and informed. Let him know you love him and are there—many times, it’s the beginning of being enough.

May 11, 2011 – column 511 “More on Alzheimer’s”

            Are we remembering the I & A Fair/Staying Healthy event in Raymond the 27^th? 10-3:30 (free) at the Grays Harbor College campus. Lots of folks who can answer questions and a free lunch! If you haven’t seen any info, give us a call at either of the offices listed at the end of the column. See you there!

            Last time out, we ended with “A lot of it has to do with the recall and the re-grouping. This becomes lost in the world of Alzheimer’s, and as we’ll see, that particular land can be an unwanted adventure for those experiencing it—and for those trying to help.”

            Anyone who has made this journey with a loved one can attest to that statement—and a lot more. Imagine Dad being “other-than-Dad” somehow. He looks like Dad, but gone is the certainty. More and more often, you realize that when he looks at you, he is..elsewhere. Afloat in time and fragmented memory. And, you of course, want to fix it.

            And you know you can’t..

            Communication becomes one more obstacle to climb over, and the urge to remind Dad of things is almost unbearable. It’s our job, now, to help keep him on track, right? He took care of us and it’s our turn. The answer is “Sort of..” How’s that for precision? It is, however, the type of answer that appears frequently here.

            Dad may be in the midst, (or beginning, or end) of Alzheimer’s, but he is Dad, not Mr. Jones, and this will have some sort of impact on how the disease runs its course. Things will be different in some degree simply because he isn’t Everyman, he’s…Dad.

            Comments such as “No, Dad, they’re gone. Remember, we just talked about this?”; “No, you’re forgetting that we already did that”; or “We haven’t lived there for years, Dad. Remember when we moved..?” really, while well-meaning, aren’t helpful.

 (However, if you’re looking for ways to increase frustration on both sides, this type of effort may just do the trick.)

            There are some things that may be helpful—and these are suggestions from people who have navigated this particular sea. One successful idea is to re-direct worried thoughts toward some shared activity. If you have time, try a walk if feasible. Picture albums are a great way to stay bonded and allows Dad to look through them at his own pace—and with his own take. Try some of his old hobbies if possible—looking at some of his old books, stamps, whatever—as long as you’re both involved, it helps.

May 5, 2011 – column 510 “Alzheimer’s and local events”

            Before looking into Alzheimer’s, as promised last column, let’s remind ourselves of some upcoming free events:

            May 13^th and 16^th, at the Peninsula Senior Center, 12:30-2:00—Medication Solutions. Contact Dorothy Tenney at 360-665-3999.

            May  23^rd and 24^th, at Ocean Beach Hospital, 10-11:30—same event, still free. Contact Denise Ross at 360-642-6308.

            May 27^th—Annual Information & Assistance Fair/Staying Independent outreach in Raymond at the Grays Harbor College campus, 10-3:30. Lots of folks to talk to, and a free lunch. Contact Paulette Dodgen at 1 800-861-0060.

            (Free is almost always good!)

             Alzheimer’s. The word itself brings lots of reactions, not the least of which is probably fear. The idea of being here but not here is at best, worrisome. And as noted last time, it’s much more than simply forgetting things; it’s a fatal disease process.

            We all “know” things about Alzheimer’s, but there are almost as many myths about it as true information. I remember years ago, the “research” that indicated aluminum was a leading contributing factor, and it had a lot of folks wondering about their pots, pans, and anything else that had aluminum in it. This is only one instance of knowledge being untrue. As someone said somewhere: Not everything I think, is true.

            Another myth is that it’s all a part of getting older. Not so. Without being too repetitive, it’s a disease, not necessarily a life-stage. And while indications are that the occurrence of Alzheimer’s dramatically increases after age 85, there are currently over 200,000 folks with Alzheimer’s that are under 65—Are you listening Boomers?

            As mentioned earlier, it’s a fatal disease, without a cure or preventative measures—although researchers feel like they may be closing in on some possible contributing factors.  The mantra of “Dad’s getting old and forgetful.” and humoring him isn’t going to cut it, especially when Dad can be expected to live quite a few years beyond the initial onset of Alzheimer’s.

            Our tendency to smile condescendingly will not fly with Dad. He may be beginning to experience confusion and frustration, but he’s very aware he’s not 4 years old, so…

            Be sure to check out the Alzheimer’s website at www.alz.org. (I know I mentioned it before, and will again.) From the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, to Living With Alzheimer’s, the links are many and informative. But be cautious, please. We can all relate to something close to what these signs may indicate.

            Many years ago, in a psychology class, we broached an introduction to Abnormal Psychology. In the study of a particular disorder, I was pretty sure I had found myself. The indicators sounded a lot like my life. Fortunately, we had some guidance and forewarning, so were able to get through it. It’s the same here.

            We all may forget why we went into the kitchen, only to recall when we return to the living room. We’ve all smiled and nodded while someone we know is chatting with us—and we’re trying frantically to remember their name. Some of us have even been in the middle of an explanation or story, only to realize we may be getting lost ourselves.

            A lot of it has to do with the recall and the re-grouping. This becomes lost in the world of Alzheimer’s, and as we’ll see, that particular land can be an unwanted adventure for those experiencing it—and for those trying to help.

            Stay tuned..

April 27, 2011 – column 509 “6th Leading Cause of Death – Alzheimer’s”

            5.4 million people are living with it. It’s the 6^th leading cause of death in America. And it’s the only one of the top ten causes of death that can’t be prevented, cured, or even slowed.

            It involves over 15 million caregivers, providing over 17 billion hours of care. And every 69 seconds, it impacts someone in our country.

            Alzheimer’s.

 It’s been in the news late, with recent reports about new research and redefining the disease process, looking for biomarkers, and so on. These researchers are to be applauded for their work, and as long as there is movement, there is hope.

            What I’ve found, however, is that in spite of how interesting research and the medical aspects of Alzheimer’s may be, dealing with it is a day by day/moment by moment endeavor. The caregivers mentioned above, are less inclined to follow the research than they are to follow the folks who are in the midst of the disease.

            We’ll be looking at this for a while, but first let’s clear the air a little.  You probably are aware that Dad is not the same as the guy down the street—he’s even not the same as his own siblings. He’s…Dad. Given that, Alzheimer’s—as with any other disease–will be somewhat individualized. Yes, there are certain stages and processes it follows, but each person will wind his way through the experience colored by who he is.

            Alzheimer’s and dementia aren’t necessarily the same thing. There are many causes and types of dementia and Alzheimer’s is one on the list. However, don’t assume Alzheimer’s is “just” dementia—it’s a fatal disease that impacts the mind and the body. And it’s not just “getting old and forgetful”. As one colleague put it: Forgetting where you put the car keys doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s is near—forgetting what the car keys are for, may be an indication.

            Memory loss, particularly of recent events, may be a forerunner of forgetting many things, such as names of family and friends, words used to communicate and so on. Increased anxiety and (to us) unreasonable questions also come into play.

            Here and in columns to come, I will absolutely not try to define every nuance and symptom of Alzheimer’s. I will, however, attempt to give us some broad information as to how it could change lives—both Dad’s and the family’s. If you’re looking for a “what-to-do-in-every-instance” checklist, good luck. If you find one, let us know. There are, however, guidelines and approaches that come primarily from folks who have waded these waters before us—and that’s a whole lot better than theory.

            In the meantime, and for future reference, the Alzheimer’s website has a ton of information on how you and Dad may get through this; or if you’re interested, the latest updates on medical approaches and research. Go to www.alz.org and cruise the site. You’ll be glad you did.

April 21, 2011 – column 508 “Information & Assistance Fair”

April—almost over. May—on the way. You’re welcome. (Just in case you found yourself wondering what time of year it is. Obviously the weather isn’t helping. And we are Information & Assistance.)

Anyway…There are some upcoming events in May that should: 1) provide information; 2) answer questions; 3) help us to stay healthy and independent as much as possible. Not a bad  combination.

May 13^th and 16^th, at the Peninsula Senior Center in Ocean Park, from 12:30-2, our Nursing Services will be bringing Medication Solutions. It’s a free presentation that includes:

• Ways to manage prescription meds, over the counter drugs and herbs safely, wisely and cost effectively. (Another triple winner)
• How to communicate better with your doctor and pharmacists concerning your medications. (Yes, Doc, I read the labels and the information, but what about..?)
• Common medications taken by elders. (A lot of folks take this stuff?!)

The contact for the event is Dorothy Tenney, at 360 665 3999.

Medication Solutions will also be offered at Ocean Beach Hospital on May 23^rd and 24^th., 10-11:30. The contact person for that event is Denise Ross, at 360 642 6308.

May 27^th is our annual Information & Assistance Fair/Staying Independent outreach in Raymond, at the Grays Harbor College campus. It’s always a great time (and free!) with lots of opportunity to ask questions, get information, eat lunch (free!) and talk to real, live folks about what’s out there in our communities.

The atmosphere is certainly not lecture-oriented, but more of a mill-about and go-where-you-want-to sort of event–meandering, as it were. People from various agencies and support services will be among the group, as will an attorney from Northwest Justice Project, someone from Willapa Behavioral Health, nurses, and others—including us! What else? How about Medicare stuff? Family caregiver information? Fall prevention? Medical equipment? Free lunch? (Yeah, I know I said it before..but it’s a free lunch!)

There’re a lot of people doing a lot of things in our communities and this is one of the relatively rare opportunities to see a lot of us in one place. If we don’t have your answers, we’ll get you to whoever does, and we always hear new questions, so it keeps us on our toes, also.

We’ll be getting out more detail as the event gets closer and we get more parts confirmed, so stay tuned.

April 13, 2011 – column 507 “Benefits Checkup”

            Guess what? We’re still aging—all of us. Considering the alternative, not such a bad thing. 

            I remember being “older” as where I am now—go figure. We like to say that our folks were much older when they were what we now think of as younger—in their 40’s and 50’s. Hard to say what they thought since I hadn’t the foresight to ask.

            Life has a way of running along no matter how much, or how little, we participate in it, and whether it’s an adventure or a trial, life happens.

            Hey, Boomers—are you listening? You (we) are becoming the “aging population” referred to when talking about seniors, elders or whatever new terms are floating about. And you may be thinking that you’re not low-income (whatever that may mean) or vulnerable (again, definitions vary) or…?

            It may come as a surprise that we don’t have to be at the end of our rope to get some assistance; or if we are at the end of the rope (and the knot is slipping), there are some pretty cool ways to find out just what may be out there.

            I don’t think I need anything..

            How about Mom? Dad? Or someone you know?

            What if I just want general information?

            Good idea.

            How about just checking to see what’s available? Or what might be available later? Or..? A good place to start would be www.benefitscheckup.org. As the heading said last time I checked, they had helped over 2, 700,000 folks find over $9.7 BILLION worth of annual benefits. Sounds like a busy site, and I’d bet that a lot of those folks had no idea where/what & how help was available.

            Aside from elder care resources and prescription assistance help, there’s a comprehensive search link called “Find Benefits Programs”. This link covers a broad array of services and is keyed to information you provide so you’re not just casting out a net in hopes of finding something.

            We’re always being told not to give out personal information online.

            Yep. Great advice. This search can be done for yourself or someone else, and is anonymous. In fact, if you find yourself somewhere where you’re asked for bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc—get out as soon as possible!

            The search takes anywhere from a few minutes to maybe about 30 minutes—and even has a prompt to let you know ahead of time what info you may need to thoroughly explore the site.

            Seems like just a few years ago, we thought we had all the answers. Now, if we’re honest, we’re pretty sure we don’t even know all the questions. Benefits Checkup is a great place to start.

April 7, 2010 – column 506 “Volunteering in Pacific County”

Say the word “volunteer” in a group of people and you get basically two reactions: vacant stares, or slight interest. I’ve yet to actually witness a super-excited, over-the-top, display of “YES! Finally!!”

            One reason may be that volunteering often sounds like a job without an accompanying salary or benefits—who wouldn’t want that?!

            Yet, volunteers are everywhere, and our communities would be a tougher place without them—or you, if you happen to be a volunteer. From food banks to hospitals; schools to social services; street fairs to clean-ups, folks just getting together to make things work is an amazing dynamic. And as just alluded to, our communities would be much less without them.

            Last time out, I talked about volunteering for SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) for those interested in learning more about Medicare (in all its various parts and incarnations) and wanting to help others navigate through the information. Obviously, this is not the only venue for putting your talents and interests to work.

            The state Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) program also needs volunteers. The program provides advocacy for those who may not feel like they have a voice that can be heard, and covers Assisted Living facilities, Adult Family Homes, Boarding Homes and/or Nursing Facilities. In this capacity, the stated purpose is to “..promote the interests, well-being, and rights of long-term care facility residents.”  There are current openings in Pacific County and training (obviously) is required in order to become a certified ombudsman–and it’s free.

            So if you’re interested in working with folks in these arenas, are a good listener and a team-player, this may the venue for you. Volunteering can be a minimum of four hours per week, or a maximum of…?

            For more information, contact Glory Haga at 1 800 828 4883, extension 120, or email her at gloryh@coastalcap.org.

            How about being a volunteer driver?  Catholic Community Services (CCS) provides transportation to elders who need assistance in getting from here to wherever. Training (again, free) is provided and mileage is reimbursed, and insurance is provided while transporting clients.  Whether to a medical appointment or the store, local or otherwise, you could be just who’s needed to help folks stay connected with their community. Sound interesting? Contact Angela Bove at 360 637 8563, or email her at AngelaB@ccsww.org.

            As mentioned earlier, there are almost as many opportunities for volunteers as there are activities out there, so if these don’t seem to fit, take some time to look around. I think you’ll be surprised..and helpful!

March 30, 2011 – column 505 “SHIBA”

SHIBA. (Gesundheit). 

           No, and not meant to be a reference to the Queen of Shiba, either.  Just a simple acronym for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors.

            SHIBA is a service provided through the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, that assists folks in navigating the Medicare forest, helps with accessing prescriptions and a myriad of other insurance issues. Hence, the Office of Insurance Commissioner connection.

            Sometimes it’s a matter of needing some guidance while enrolling in Medicare Part D (prescriptions), which is an annual event. Sometimes it concerns prescription assistance above and beyond (or beside) Part D. Sometimes, it’s a question about what’s happening with Basic Health, Or Apple Health for kids during all the budget “adjustments”.

            Other issues may be trying to find a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap (Medicare supplement) option, or just trying to decipher information you’ve received in the mail. Or Medicare Savings Plans that provide assistance with Part B premiums if you meet the eligibility.

            Or…or…or…

            Since we looked very generally at the various parts of Medicare a couple columns back, we won’t go into it again, but know this: help is available through SHIBA folks in our offices.  And you can certainly go to www.medicare.gov and do your own exploring; however, SHIBA often has some clear comparison sheets, and can find out which plans are available in our area with relative ease.

            And while we’re on the subject of working with folks on these issues, how about you? Does working with others to navigate these waters sound like something you’d be interested in? SHIBA is always on the lookout for volunteers. Training is provided and not only will you become more knowledgeable, but you can share that information with other folks in the community. For an overview, go to the website of Insurance Commissioner (www.insurance.wa.gov), and hit the SHIBA Helpline link at the left side of the home page.

          There are opportunities for volunteers in both ends of Pacific County, so if you’re interested, give Jo Christie, the SHIBA Volunteer Coordinator a call at 642 3634, or 888 571 6558, extension 14. Or you can email her at chrisjl@dshs.wa.gov.

            Even if you’re not up for volunteering and are just trying to figure which way to go next, contact Jo Christie, or in north county, Carol Wiitala (942 2177/888 571 6557). They’re here to help—and that’s always a good thing.

March 24, 2011 – column 504 “O3A Area Plan Survey Input”

So then I said “Why don’t I know about this stuff?” and he said “We try to get the information out as much as we can—any ideas?” And I said…well, I said…well, I told him if I could think of anything, I’d let him know..”

            I was talking to this guy about some services and stuff, and I asked him if he ever considered mass mailings, or getting more flyers out in the community, or holding some kind of free open meetings..

            Maybe you could just ask folks in the community what they see and think..

 

            Conversations. Enjoy them. Welcome them. Always learn something. Let’s not stop, because in spite of what it may look like sometimes, we’re (at least not totally) making this up as we go. Any opportunity we can make work is up for discussion–partly because we’re in, and a part of, the communities we serve.

            And in case that all sounds a little too idealistic, it’s also partly because we are required to do so. Part of the governmental mandate for agencies like ours is to advocate, provide information, assistance and referral, and to coordinate existing services. The last part is difficult to do if we don’t know what might actually be needed…

            How about a survey to find out what our communities see as ongoing or future needs? Sure, why not? Since it’s one way to find out the information—and also one of the aforementioned “required” tasks we have.

            Starting this week, ads will be run, announcements made, trumpets will sound, etc. and our Advisory Council will be making an area plan survey available (OK, probably no trumpets). This survey covers a lot of areas, including getting your take in the following areas:

• Activities you’d like to see
• Health and Nutrition needs
• Transportation
• Resources needed, etc.

The Area Plan Survey is done every four years to see what we can see. Can we fix everything? No. But as noted above, we can’t even address what we don’t know.

The survey can be accessed in different ways: Go to our website (www.o3a.org) and hit the Area Plan Survey link, fill it out and it’s done; or you can call our Port Hadlock office toll-free at 1 866 720 4863, and request a survey be mailed to you. We’ll even include a self-addressed stamped envelope so you can mail it back free; or, you can call our offices and we’ll make the connection to the survey folks for you. Simple.

The online way via our website is probably the slickest, but we want to make sure we get what you want us to hear, so let’s see what we can do with this.

Yeah, I know: another piece of paper. None of us know what we don’t know, so let’s find out together.