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January 2019

Signs Your Aging Parents Need Help

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Alzheimer Workshop Information

5

Medicare Changes in 2019

6-7

Disability Rights Wisconsin Victim Advocacy Program

8-9

Healthy New Years Resolutions for Older Adults

10-11

Just for Fun 12-13

Inside this issue:

ADRC’s can offer Assistance in finding services to match your needs…

Adaptive Equipment

Benefits Counseling

Health and Wellness Programs

Youth Transition Assistance

In-home Care

Long Term Care Options Counseling

2500 Hall Avenue

Marinette, WI 54143

Phone: 715-732-3850

Fax: 715-732-3849

Toll Free: 888-442-3267

MARINETTE COUNTY

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette County

Experience Offers Inside View of Dementia

The ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) of Marinette County will be hosting unique opportunities for family and professional caregivers to briefly, yet movingly, experience the challenges and struggles of a person living with dementia. Recently, two staff members completed the coaching training offered, and will be offering this experience to residents of Marinette County. Multiple locations will be coordinated to encompass the entire region of the county. This is an exciting opportunity for the folks of Marinette County, and the ADRC is thankful to be able to provide this experience.

Dementia Live™ is an innovative program designed by a team of dementia, sensitivity and awareness, and professional development experts from the nationally recognized AGE-u-cate® Training Institute headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Using specialized gear within a safe, experiential setting, Dementia Live™ provides participants a real-life simulation of what it must be like to live with dementia. Participants gain greater awareness and understanding of the constant struggles (24/7) affecting persons with dementia. Greater understanding leads to more sensitive care partnering.

The Dementia Live™ program is the newest tool in the powerful arena of sensitivity awareness training being used for the booming number of direct care staff, family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and college and university students. “We are at the crossroads of understanding aging and dementia; this understanding is not an option but a necessity for every member of our society. It is a worldwide phenomenon affecting every level of our society”, states Pam Brandon, President and Founder of the AGE-u-cate Training Institute. “We must equip those who are caring for and serving our aging population to better understand their challenges. We are living in a fast-aging world.”

Pre-registration for the Dementia Live™ experience will be required. This event will be held at various locations within Marinette County. To best serve participants, pre-registration is required and time slots will be available once events have been scheduled. Information about Dementia Live™ and other training programs offered by AGE-u-cate® Training Institute is available at www.AGEucate.com.

If you are interested in learning more about Dementia Live™ please call the ADRC at 715-732-3850!

If you would like to be added to the ADRC

mailing list please call 715-732-3850 or e-mail

us at adrc@marinettecounty.com

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Staff

Pam Daye……………ADRC Supervisor

Barb Wickman……….Administrative Specialist

Teresa West………...Dementia Care Specialist

Katie Gould………….Disability Benefit Specialist

Kay Piasecki………….ADRC Specialist

Ashley Cherney…….ADRC Specialist

Corleen Kroll.……….Adult Protective Services

Nicole Albrecht……..Adult Protective Services

ADRC Specialist

The ADRC Staff shall provide information and assistance (I&A) to Elderly, Developmentally and Physically disabled adults and adults with mental illness and/or substance use disorders and their families, caregivers, advocates who ask for assistance on their behalf. I&A can be provided in person, over the phone, via e-mail or through written correspondence.

Dementia Care Specialist

The ADRC Dementia Care Specialist provides support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The DCS educates individuals and families about options, assists with making connections to programs and services through both private and public funding, providing cognitive screening for early detection of cognitive change, assisting with physician connections for diagnosis and providing evidence-based programs. The DCS engages in outreach and collaborative efforts with internal and external providers in order to increase community awareness related to dementia and advocating for consumer needs.

Long Term Care Options Counseling

The ADRC shall provide counseling about options available to meet long-term care needs and factors to consider in making long-term care decisions. Options counseling shall be provided at a time, date, and location convenient for the individual.

Disability Benefit Specialist

A Disability Benefit Specialist is a person trained to provide accurate and current information on public and private benefits for disabled persons 18 to 59 years of age. Benefit areas may include: Medical Assistance, Social Security disability, insurance and Medicare.

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Programs and Services include Elder Adults-at Risk (formerly Elder Abuse/Neglect), Vulnerable Adults-at-Risk. SSI-E certification and Facilitation of Guardianships and Protective Placements.

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Many thanks to the family of Kathy Just for their generous donation to the ADRC.

Because of their kindness we have been able to purchase books to create a lending library in

memory of Kathy. Books related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias will be available on loan

to Marinette County residents.

If you would like more information on what books are available as well as resources to help

you with your caregiving needs, please contact Teresa West, Dementia Care Specialist at the

ADRC. She can be reached by calling 715-732-3850 or 888-442-3267.

Word is out! The ADRC Loan Closet is being utilized daily. Thanks to generous donations from the community, we are able to loan adaptive equipment to Marinette County residents that are uninsured or underinsured at no cost.

Adaptive equipment in the loan closet includes wheelchairs, walkers, wheeled walkers with seats, tub seats, tub benches, commodes, canes, toilet safety frames, gait belts and much more!

The ADRC is currently accepting donations for tub benches, shower chairs and quad canes that are in clean and excellent condition. Please call the ADRC prior to dropping off your donation to be sure we can accept it. Donation receipts are available for tax purposes.

If you or someone you know is in need of any adaptive equipment, please call the ADRC at 715-732-3850. Inventory changes daily.

of Marinette County

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

LOAN CLOSET

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As you stop by to visit your parents you notice that their house just isn’t as clean as it used to be.

Or maybe you notice they have poor hygiene. Laundry is overflowing and it looks like the lawn

hasn’t been cut in a very long time. It may be time to have a conversation with your parents.

You may find that your parents are in denial and to them everything seems just fine. Or you

may find that they just won’t accept help from anyone. The burden often falls on the family to

recognize the signs that an aging parent might need help with daily living tasks. Decline in

mental and physical health can happen quickly. Your parents seemed fine a month or so ago but

now you can see something has changed. It may be just a matter of hiring someone to come in

and help with home and lawn chores or it may include help with personal cares such as bathing

and dressing. They most likely will not ask for help. As difficult as it seems, it is time to have a

conversation about what kind of assistance they need.

Having a conversation does not necessarily mean they need to sell their home and move into

an assisted living facility. They may not be willing to accept help at first but give them time to

process the idea and check back with them often. Look for these signs that your parents may

need help:

Poor personal hygiene. Wearing the same outfit for days at a time. A decline in appearance or body odor.

Irritability or aggression. Aggressions may be a side effect of dementia.

A noticeable lapse in home/yard maintenance. Things are left out of place. The grass hasn’t been cut or the snow hasn’t been removed.

Poor diet or weight loss.

Dirty, cluttered, disorganized home. Spoiled food in the refrigerator.

Bounced checks, calls from bill collectors/late payment notices.

Unexplained scratches or dents on the car.

Mood swings. Depression.

Forgetfulness. Missing important appointments.

Bruises, cuts or scrapes. Signs that they have fallen.

It’s important to find the right care options for each family situation. If your loved ones health or happiness seems to be compromised, it’s time to have a conversation with them.

Give your loved ones options of who may be able to help

them and how often they’d be available to help. If you are in need of resources, call the ADRC

of Marinette County and ask to speak to an Information Specialist. We can be reached at

715-732-3850 or email adrc@marinettecounty.com.

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Offered by: ADRC of Marinette County

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Date: Wednesday - January 16, 2019

Location: 2500 Hall Avenue, Marinette

RSVP Phone: 715-732-3850 E-mail: adrc@marinettecounty.com

Upcoming Workshops:

February 20, 2019 Dementia Conversations 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

March 20, 2019 Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

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The Part D coverage gap (known as the “donut hole”) just

got a bit smaller. In 2019, there will be no coverage gap

for brand name drugs. Enrollees will still need to pay full

price for medications in the deductible phase and then

25% of the prescription cost during the initial coverage

period. However during the coverage gap consumers

will now only pay 25% cost share for brand name

medications and 37% of the medication costs for generics.

There will now be a new Medicare Advantage Open

Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st starting

in 2019. These three months will allow for a continuous

open enrollment and disenrollment period for people

enrolled in advantage plans. Consumers can make one

change during this time.

Consumers enrolled in an advantage plan can do

one of the following:

Advantage plan that offers drug coverage:

Switch to another advantage plan that offers drug

coverage

Enter into an advantage plan without drug coverage

Switch to original Medicare and choose to enroll into a

Part D plan for drug coverage

Advantage plan without drug coverage:

Switch to another advantage plan without coverage

Change to an advantage plan with drug coverage

Go back to original Medicare and choose to enroll into

a Part D plan for drug coverage

Medicare has determined that certain opioids

and benzodiazepines are frequently abused

drugs. A program called CARA (the compre-

hensive addiction and recovery act of 2016) will

allow drug plans to limit member’s access to

frequently abused medications. If a plan has

concerns regarding a consumer’s use of opioids

they can take the following actions:

Require a member to use the same

pharmacy for all medication fills

Require that a member use the same

physician for all opioid prescriptions

Limit a member’s ability to enroll into a

different plan

Consumers who are in a long term care

facility or who are receiving hospice care

will not be affected by these changes.

Medicare recipients with Extra Help benefits

will be limited to quarterly special enrollment

periods; previously this was allowed monthly.

These recipients can change their plan options

one time during each of the first three quarters

of the year. During the last quarter of the year,

any election made will not take effect until the

following January.

Medicare beneficiaries with income of $85,000

(or $170,000 for a couple) or more pay higher

premiums for Medicare Part B and for Part D

coverage. Starting in 2019, if a Medicare

beneficiary has an income over $500,000 (or

$750,000 for a couple), they will pay even

higher premiums for part B and D coverage.

For additional information and support

contact the ADRC of Marinette County at

715-732-3850 and ask to speak with

a Benefit Specialist.

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Information &

Support

For more information,

call the ADRC at

715-732-3850

and ask to speak to a

Benefit Specialist

The Social Security

Administration and

Centers for Medicaid

and Medicare

Services have

announced changes

for their programs for

2019. These changes

are summarized in the

chart to the right.

The standard monthly

premium for Medicare

Part B enrollees will

be $135.50 for 2019.

Some beneficiaries

who were held

harmless against

Part B premium

increases in prior

years will have a Part

B premium increase

in 2019. The premium

increase will be offset

by the increase in

their Social Security

benefits next year.

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As of January, Pam Malin from Disability Rights Wisconsin, Victim Advocacy Program, will be

spending one day a month at Marinette County ADRC, 2500 Hall Avenue, Marinette.

The Victim Advocacy Program provides direct service to individuals with disabilities

who experience crime, even if the crime has not been reported. Our Victim Advocacy

Specialists work to ensure that each eligible person receives the advocacy, services, and

support that is desired to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability in

whatever form the victim/survivor needs.

We do this through promoting:

Personal Advocacy

Victim Accompaniment

Information and Referral

Criminal Justice Support (Law Enforcement, Courts)

Advocacy within Civil Proceedings

Crime Victim Compensation

Crime Victim Rights

Co-Advocacy with Local Service Providers

School Advocacy

Housing Rights

Employment Victim Related Supports

Access to Services (criminal justice, victim services, disability services)

Post Crisis Stabilization

Safety Planning

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Eligibility

To access Victim Advocacy services from Disability Rights Wisconsin, you must be:

A child or an adult with a disability who has experienced crime, even if it has never

been reported; or

The family member of such an individual.

On the 2nd Thursday of every month, Pam will be available to talk with staff about situations

that they may have questions about, be available to meet with referrals or active clients, and be

going to meetings in the community as needed. Pam plans to be available from 1:00 am - 4:00

pm on these days.

About Pam:

Pam Malin is a victim advocacy specialist for victims of crime with disabilities in

Northeast Wisconsin. Pam has been advocating for people with disabilities for most

of her life. She got her core values around advocacy while working in the Citizen

Advocacy Program. She worked for many years supporting and advocating for

individuals with disabilities who have experienced sexual assault at Family Services of

NEW, Sexual Assault Center. She has worked on multi-disciplinary teams bringing the

voice of people with disabilities to first response professionals including; prosecutors,

law enforcement, child protection, adult protection, child advocacy centers and more.

Pam consulted with Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault as the Statewide

Developmental Disabilities Technical Assistance Specialist providing training and

technical assistance. Pam is also a volunteer board member, appointed by the governor,

for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).

Pam’s contact information:

Cell Phone: 920-548-1313

Email: pamm@drwi.org

Website:

http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/learn/victim-advocacy-program/

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Happy New Year! Have you set your goals for 2019? Every year we make

resolutions to eat better and exercise more. As the year goes on those resolutions

sometimes fade away. Each New Year is a gift. It’s another opportunity to decide what

we’d like to change. Changes can be large or small. As we age those changes can

become more and more important. Small changes can have a huge impact on our own

health as well as those around us. Revisit your old resolutions. It’s never too late for

positive change.

Eat Healthier. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits

and vegetables rich in color are packed with vitamins. Eat heart-healthy. Avoid a

high fat diet. Add sources of calcium and Vitamin D to your diet. Eat natural, unpro-

cessed foods. Avoid grains if you need to lose weight, including bread and pasta. Glu-

ten grains such as wheat, spelt, barley and rye are the worst. Healthier grains like rice

and oats are fine if you don’t need to lose weight. Avoid sugar. Sugar is addictive and

fattening. Eat more fish as it is rich in omega-e fatty acids and other nutrients. Eat nuts

- Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc. are rich in nutrients but very high in calories.

Eat in moderation if you need to lose weight. Consult your doctor prior to changing

your diet if you have any health issues.

Be Active. If you already have an exercise routine, continue it. If exercise will be

something new to you in 2019, start slow. Consult with your doctor prior to starting a

new routine. Just 20 minutes of physical activity a day can help reduce the risk of heart

disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. You don’t need to engage in

strenuous activities to reap benefits. Exercise is essential for a happier and healthier life.

Buddy up with a friend to keep you accountable and to make the time pass quickly.

Have Fun! Spend time with fr iends and family to do things that you enjoy. Take

more time for yourself if there is something you would like to do alone. Do the things

that you enjoy most. Pursue your hobbies and interests. Take classes. Relax and live

life to the fullest.

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Don’t Skip Your Annual Exam. Getting a complete physical once a year can help in

early detection and prevent disease from becoming serious. Seniors are at greater risk of

illness and other complications. Review your medications and update your vaccinations if

necessary.

Declutter. It’s important to stay productive during the winter months. Take advantage of

the time indoors. Declutter! Clean closets. Clean drawers and cupboards. Clean your

basement and garage. Clean your attic. Discard the items you find that you have not used or

do not intend to use again. Donate items to local charities. Go through your desk and discard

old papers. Organize incoming mail. You’ll be amazed how good you will feel when your

home is less cluttered.

Update/Create Legal Documents. If you haven’t already created your will, advance

directives or power of attorney documents, take the time to do them now. Contact your

attorney and set up an appointment to begin the process. If you have already created these

documents, take a look at them and make sure the information on them is still current and

ensure nothing about your wishes has changed.

Learn New Technology. The internet and social media make it easier than ever to stay

connected to family and friends. Social media can also be educational as well as entertaining.

This year, resolve to try one new technology. Staying connected to family and friends has

many mental health benefits for seniors. Video chatting, Facebook, YouTube and texting can

be easily taught. Ask a friend for a lesson and start connecting with friends and family that

you haven’t seen in a while. Social media gives seniors and their family a convenient way to

check in daily.

Schedule an Eye Exam. Don’t forget about your vision. An eye exam cannot only help to

protect your vision, it can also uncover evidence of other diseases including diabetes or

hypertension. Eye diseases such as glaucoma can cause damage before you notice symptoms.

Patients in the early stages of glaucoma usually have no symptoms, no noticeable vision loss

and no pain. By the time symptoms start to appear, some permanent damage to the eye has

usually occurred.

Schedule a Dental Check Up. A regular dental check up is impor tant because they will

help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s a good idea to have a regular dental visit at least

every 6 months or as recommended by your dental professional. During the dental check up,

your dental professional will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas. Regular

brushing and preventative dental care will help keep you teeth and gums healthy.

Learn Something New. Challenge yourself. This year try something new. Learn a new

game or craft. Find a new hobby. Make new friends. Make every day an adventure.

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Prevention & Wellness N P J N A M Q C L C N P K P E S

O X R U Z I Y F R O P H U R S R

I S D E D K L G G R E Y U E E E

T O G N V U I N J A V S A S X P

I E I N S E I V L K S I X C E U

R N C H I P N T F E X C Q R R K

T Z O M P N H T R T E A Z I C C

U T Q E B Y E P I F M L P P I E

N Y T T A R D E Y O F A W T S H

D S O G U O Q Y R J N C K I E C

O B I I O Z W O M C W T P O H R

O N G L R P G J F V S I L N N Z

G A B W E L L N E S S V I S I T

L O R E T S E L O H C I I L Q Z

L I V I N G W E L L A T W V G c

E C N A L A B J S U A Y F R E E

WORD BANK:

BALANCE

BLOOD PRESSURE

CHECK UP

CHOLESTEROL

EXERCISE

FLU SHOT

PRESCRIP-TIONS

PREVENTION

SCREENINGS

STEPPING ON

WELLNESS VIS-IT

FREE

GOOD NUTRITION

HEALTHY AGING

LIVING WELL

PHYSICAL ACTIVI-

TY

For information and assistance with Medicare or other benefits, contact

the ADRC at 715-732-3850 or 800-442-3267

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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1 cup cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie works well)

1 10.5 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

(optional)

1 8 oz. can crescent rolls

melted butter - for brushing

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 8 spots of a muffin tin very well.

In medium bowl, mix vegetables, pepper, minced onion, chicken and soup.

Unroll the crescent dough. Use your fingers to seal together the triangular cuts. Then cut the

dough into 16 rectangles. Place one rectangle into a muffin tin. Top with 1/8 of the chicken

mixture. Top with another rectangle, using your fingers to seal it together if you can. Repeat

with remaining dough for other 7 muffin cups.

Bake approx.14 - 18 minutes, until tops are good and brown and mixture is heated through.

Brush with melted butter if you want. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

WEIRD FACTS... BUT INTERESTING!

1. Dolphins sleep with one eye open. 2. A duck’s quack does not echo, and no one knows why. 3. A crocodile can’t stick it’s tongue out. 4. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. 5. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange, purple, and silver!

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OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Friday

8:30 AM—4:30 PM

or by appointment, if necessary

Visit our Website at:

www.marinettecounty.com/adrc

E-mail:

adrc@marinettecounty.com

2500 Hall Avenue

Marinette, WI 54143

Phone: 715-732-3850

Fax: 715-732-3849

Toll Free: 888-442-3267

Our Mission:

“Dedicated in meeting the needs of aging people and people with disabilities,

helping them live with dignity and security by connecting them with people

and resources of our county”