Elder Options activities and resources for Sept. and Oct., 2023
Many members of the Elder Options community have been impacted by Hurricane Idalia. If you are in need of information and referrals, please do not hesitate to contact the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243. For emergency information on Hurricane Idalia, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/.
SHINE virtual (online) Medicare Monthly Class Schedule for September, 2023
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will be hosting LIVE online Zoom classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare, Medicare Financial Assistance and the latest in Scams! You can join via computer or by phone! Please register for the classes 24 hours in advance of the class.
Medicare Part C, Wednesday, Sept 13, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 am ET
Register 24 hours in advance of this meeting here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdOuoqzwtH9ZCzb1f3ifRQm_WIw1IOzBH
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Wednesday, Sept 13, 2023, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm ET
Register 24 hour in advance of this meeting here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsceCtpz4rGd02e29WvWthQlxm2swLOiFT
Navigating Medicare.gov, Monday, Sept 18, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 am ET
Register 24 hours in advance of this meeting here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcuivqT0iHt1eINiNqF_zOFQXOqhLx7ln
Long Term Care Planning, Monday, Sept 18, 2023 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET
Register 24 hours in advance of this meeting here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcO6prTgsGtLyf03mc24eowRQI3tLvR5d
The above classes are hosted by the PSA3 SHINE Team. If you have questions about these classes, please email shine@agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209. For additional lassistance, call your local Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 or visit www.agingresources.org. If you would like to become a SHINE volunteer, please visit www.floridashine.org.
September 10, 2023 is National Grandparents Day.
Planning on visiting family? Make sure you are protected! Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding our loved one’s health and wellbeing. Let’s prioritize wellness this National Grandparents Day by spreading awareness about the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations. Here's a link to the CDC's Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool: https://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/.
September, 2023 is Falls Prevention Month!
Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they're not. Most falls can be prevented - and you have the power to reduce your risk. Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths - and the reality - about older adult falls.
Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.
Reality: Many people think, "It won't happen to me." But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.
Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won't fall.
Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.
Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.
Myth 6: Taking medication doesn't increase my risk of falling.
Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.
Myth 7: I don't need to get my vision checked every year.
Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.
Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.
Myth 10: I don't need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it's none of my business.
Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, installing safety features like grab bars or walk-in bathtubs, finding a falls prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.
Please visit the following links to learn more about Falls Prevention Safety and take the quick Falls-Free Checkup:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/debunking-the-myths-of-older-adult-falls
https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-conversation-guide-for-caregivers
https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup
Join us on the following dates (*see below) for an in-person Q&A with Elder Options and the Citrus County Health Department, where you will learn about Tai Chi and A Matter of Balance and how these programs are designed to help reduce falls. A $25 gift card will be raffled to one lucky attendee, so pick a date and join us:
*September 13, 2023, 11:30 am:
East Citrus Community Center, 9907 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Inverness, Florida 34450
*September 15, 2023, 11:30 am:
Hernando Area Seniot Program, 2415 N. Florida Ave., Hernando, Florida 34442
Recognizing Gift Card Scams - Aging Resources
Has someone ever approached you with a request for payment using a gift card? It might appear tempting at first glance, but it's crucial to recognize that this is most likely a scam. Scammers are skilled in manipulation, and falling prey to their schemes is surprisingly easy.
Here are some prevalent examples of gift card scams:
Fake Debt Collector Call:
You might receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or debt collection agency, asserting that you owe overdue taxes or payments.
Tech Support Scammer:
A fraudulent email, seemingly from tech support, states they’ve identified an issue with your computer.
Bogus Bill Discount:
Your electric or phone provider might promise a bill discount if you pay in advance using a gift card.
Phony Prize Notification:
You receive a call indicating you’ve won a cash prize, but there’s a catch – they sent the wrong amount in the check, and you need to return the extra money.
These scammers will promise to resolve the situation quickly and ask you to buy a gift card like Google Play, Amazon, VISA or Apple. Once purchased, they ask for the card numbers or will tell you how to send the cards to them. Once the card or card number is in their hands, the scammers disappear.
What can you do to protect yourself from these scams?
Limit gift card use to small gifts among friends and family. Never as payment.
Keep a picture of the card, pin and receipt before parting with it.
If someone requests a gift card in exchange for payment, Decline. No business, service or government entity will request payment this way.
What if you realize you gave the gift card to a scammer? Report it to the company on the gift ard. If you have the card number, the company can check the balance and potentially freeze the card. If you also have the receipt and there is still money on the card, some company’s will offer refunds. So always ask. The sooner you report the more likely the scam can be stopped, but don’t be afraid to report it at anytime. Report it to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so they can track, help stop the scams, and protect others.
Interested in other topics to help protect you or your loved ones from exploitation, fraud or abuse, or would you like to learn more about other topics, like Medicare or Healthy Aging? Check out our webpage at https://agingresources.org/events/ for free upcoming community events and classes.
Elder Abuse Neglect and Exploitation Training
2nd Tuesday, September 12, 2023 10:00 - 11:15 am
Are you a Professional or Direct Service Provider who works directly with the senior population? This training may be for you! Our Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Training is provided virtually, via Zoom, on the second Tuesday of every month - September 12, November 14 and December 12, 2023 - from 10:00 to 11:15 am. Certificates are provided. Register for one of our monthly trainings below using the link. We look forward to seeing you! Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuqorT8oGtIT7zQFNmPyxqbOnzM9GfTC#/registration
Parkinson's Disease (PD) Support Groups and Resources, Offered by U.F.
Parkinson's Support Groups and Resources can be found at the Univesity of Florida's (U.F.) Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases. Learn more online at https://fixel.ufhealth.org. For information on groups and classes, email Amanda Fessenden at Amenda.Fessenden@neurology.ufl.edu. The institure is located at 3009 Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida 32608; the phone number is (352) 294-5400.
Resources offered at the institute include:
Zoom online meeting held on the third Friday of every month (Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15, 2023).
Parkinson's disease Educational Day for new Parkinson's disease patients and caregivers
A small group, live class held once every 3 months
First Friday 'Caregivers Only Support Group' (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1, 2023)
Online meeting, via Zoom, on the first Friday of every month (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1, 2023),
Annual Parkinson’s disease educational symposium
Half-day event, typically held on a Saturday in Spring
Elder Law Panel - Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Join Elder Options fo a FREE seminar about elder law. Important topics that will be covered include:
Advance Directives
Power of Attorney
Guardianship
Living Will
Medicaid Eligibility
Question and Answer Session
The seminar will be held at the
Alachua County Headquarters Library
401 East.University Avenue
Meeting Room A
Gainesville, Florida 32601
To register, contact Amanda Sparkman by email at Sparkman@AgingResources.org.
Elder Options Open House Session - Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:00 am
Interested in learning more about our Open House sessions? Visit online or at the Elder Options office, located at 100 SW 75th Street, Suite 301 in Gainesville, Florida 32607. Learn about Elder Options's services and resources, such as the Elder Helpline, Medicare counseling, wellness programs and caregiver classes. For details abot the Open House Session or to register, call (800) 262-2243 or email Bianca at blackshearb@agingresources.org.
Medicare Open Enrollment - October 15 through December 7, 2023
To join a Medicare health plan, in general, you must:
Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
Live in the service area of the plan you want to join.
Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
Have your Medicare Number and your Part A and/or Part B coverage start dates. This information can be found on your Medicare card.
You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare drug plan (Part D) only during the Open Enrollment Period, during October 15 through December 7, 2023.
To learn more, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048 or visit https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan.
Sign up for the Elder Options monthly newsletter:
Sign up for the Elder Options monthly newesletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/hBTH05S/elderoptions?source_id=6f64598a-dcfc-48a9-9e51-e5ab9acb88e4&source_type=em&c=P46Z2PC6SLtYkp1PbOR3ahXDzZo2bOnJumd9pQ-o05W9gNZgga46hQ==
About Elder Options
The Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (d/b/a Elder Options) was established in 1977 as a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Elder Options is the state-designated area agency on aging (AAA), Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and Helpline (1-800-262-2243).
The agency is charged with administering state and federal grant-funded programs and providing direct services to benefit elders, people with disabilities, and their informal caregivers in a 16-county Planning and Service Area (PSA) in North Central Florida, which includes: Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties.
Office Location:
100 SW 75th Street
Suite 301
Gainesville, Florida 32607
Phone Number (Elder Helpline): 1-800-262-2243
Website: https://agingresources.org/
Email: Options@AgingResources.org
