making the connection home for the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette County January 2018
New Medicare Cards 3
Problem Gambling 4
Volunteer Guardianship
6
Tips to Help Beat the Winter Blues
7
Q&A about Medicare Savings Programs
8-9
Fall Proofing Your Home
10
Just for Fun 11
Inside this issue:
Visit our web site:
www.adrc@marinette
county.com/adrc
Some of the things you
will find on our site are:
Who We Serve
Helpful Links
ADRC Billboard
Resource Guide
Adult Protective
Services
Family Care and
IRIS
Contact
Information
2500 Hall Avenue
Marinette, WI 54143
Phone: 715-732-3850
Fax: 715-732-3849
Toll Free: 888-442-3267
If you would like to be added to the ADRC mailing list please call
715-732-3850 or e-mail us at
The holidays are a time when many of us reconnect with our loved ones. Holidays provide a great opportunity to take an objective look at how our families are coping and also take the time to notice the details… if things have changed.
Your visit may reveal that phone calls alone are not providing you with a true picture of your loved one’s daily life. If your visit leaves you concerned, make one of your first calls to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Marinette County.
The ADRC provides older adults, people with physical or intellectual disabilities and their families the resources necessary to live with dignity, security and
maximum independence! The goal of the ADRC is to empower the individual and their family, by providing the knowledge necessary to make informed
choices and streamline access to services and supports. The ADRC of Marinette County will provide free, accurate and unbiased information regardless of
income or asset levels. Please call or stop by our office to discuss your concerns or make an appointment to talk with one of our ADRC Specialists.
The staff of the ADRC of Marinette County would like to wish you only the best in 2018! “Answers and Solutions Start Here.”
Making the Connection Home for the Holidays!
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Staff
Pam Daye……………ADRC Supervisor
Barb Wickman……….Administrative Specialist
Katie Gould………….Disability Benefit Specialist
Kay Piasecki………….Information & Assistance Specialist
Ashley Cherney…….Information & Assistance Specialist
Corleen Kroll.……….Adult Protective Services
Nicole Albrecht……..Adult Protective Services
Information & Assistance 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.
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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You asked, and they listened. You’re getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, Social Security numbers will be removed from Medicare cards. Everyone that receives Medicare will be getting a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.
You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits. You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed.
Here’s how you can get ready:
Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can all 1-800-325-0778.
Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. You will never be asked to give personal private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.
Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.
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It is important to recognize the difference between social and problem gambling.
Not all gambling is problem gambling. It may be merely an occasional social activity. However,
social gambling may lead to problem gambling.
Gambling becomes a problem when it has a negative effect on one’s life and the lives of people
close to them. Gambling may also be used as a coping mechanism or as a way to supplement a
limited income.
Older adults are often widowed and frequently suffer losses of lifelong friends; may be geograph-
ically separated from loved ones; or may be simply bored or unhappy with retirement. These
changes and stressors may exacerbate the gambler’s addiction.
Family and friends often view unusual gambling activities as a “temporary phase” and they often
refuse to admit that a problem exists. Some family members are reluctant to confront an elder out
of respect or fear. Problem gambling affects all ages, male and female. It is a hidden illness and
can be difficult to address, especially with older adults.
It is important to analyze the reasons for gambling and be aware of the signs of problem gambling.
Signs of Problem Gambling:
Talking only about wins, not losses
Lying to family and friends about the extent of gambling
Hiding gambling losses
Unsuccessfully attempting to cut back or stop gambling
Borrowing from family or friends
Gambling alone
Gambling as a means to cope
Gambling in spite of consequences
Selling household or personal items for money to gamble
Withdrawing from family and friends
Being unable to meet living expenses that were previously
met
Depleting financial reserves
Cashing in insurance policies
Gambling on credit
Responsible gambling guidelines include knowing the risks involved. Plan ahead and set a dollar
limit as well as a time limit. Expect to lose. Create balance in your life and avoid chasing lost
money. Do not gamble as a way to cope.
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24/7.
For more information call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling 24-hour Helpline at
1-800-426-2535, visit their website at www.wi-problemgamblers.org or e-mail at
[email protected]. Help is confidential.
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Get your flu vaccine.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
If you haven’t already, you can still get vaccinated. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination is especially important for protecting people at high risk of serious flu complications, including: young children pregnant women adults 65 years and older anyone with chronic health conditions like
asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
#FIGHT FLU
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
MARINETTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
2500 HALL AVENUE
MARINETTE, WI 54143
PHONE: 715-732-7670
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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Aging and Disability Resource Center of Marinette County
It starts with you!
Volunteer Guardianship What is a Volunteer Guardian?
Volunteer Guardians are substitute decision-makers for
people who have cognitive disabilities and are unable to
make informed personal decisions in their own best interest.
Guardians do many things to ensure the quality of life
for the people they service. They make informed, major
life decisions concerning medical care, therapies, living
environments, and even funeral arrangements. But,
guardians also do the “little things” and the little things
can often mean the most.
Who can Volunteer:
Caring committed adults
21 years and older
Someone looking to make
a difference
Someone with the desire
to advocate and protect
someone who cannot
speak for themselves
2500 Hall Avenue
Marinette, WI 54143
If you are interested in learning more or
would like to become a volunteer,
Please contact the ADRC at 715-732-3850
“Not everyone has a positive, healthy, role model or family member
in their life that can help them make important decisions, or make
decisions on their behalf to ensure their safety and well being. You
would be that someone for someone. There is a growing need.”
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Now that the holidays are over and things have slowed down a bit you may find yourself feeling a
little “off”. It may be because you were out of your routine too long or it could be because the winter
blues are starting to set in. The days are shorter and colder which can leave us feeling drained.
Seasonal affective disorder or SAD, occurs with the seasons. For many, SAD tends to occur in the
midst of winter. Symptoms of SAD include plummeting energy, weight gain, depression, and mood
swings. If you suffer from mild or severe winter blues the following tips may be of some help to
make you feel like yourself again.
Get more sunlight! If you’re not able to be outdoors to soak up some natural sunlight, use
artificial light. A light box is meant to supplement actual daylight exposure when the days are
longer and darker. Light boxes expose you to light to reduce the symptoms of SAD. Make your
environment lighter and brighter by opening the curtain and blinds.
Exercise! Exercising is good for any type of depression, including SAD. Exercising for 35
minutes five times a week or 60 minutes three times a week will improve symptoms of mild to
moderate depression. If you are able to exercise outdoors, do it! Exercising outdoors is even a
better bonus.
Listen to upbeat music. Studies have shown that people who listened to upbeat music could
improve their moods and boost their happiness.
Help others. Volunteering provides a sense of satisfaction which in turn will make you happy.
Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
Follow a heart-healthy diet. Eating a balanced heart-healthy diet that includes high-fiber foods
and limiting foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol will give you more energy. The food
you eat can make a huge impact in how you feel.
Stick to a schedule and get proper rest. Make it a habit to get a good nights sleep. Experts
agree that between 7 to 8 hours a night is the ideal amount of sleep. When it comes to work,
sleep, exercise and eating, one thing is very important: doing these thing on schedule. So do
your best in winter to resist the urge to stay up too late or sleep in too long. Establishing a
regular schedule is important to ensure you stay balanced.
Take action. Talk to your doctor if you get SAD in the winter. Let your doctor know what your
symptoms are. The condition may not be completely preventable but there is a lot that can be done
to ease the effects.
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You have to admit, Medicare is not the simplest program to understand. But there are good
reasons to learn all you can about its benefits, especially if it means extra money in your pockets!
There are two areas that I would like to address today that could save you or someone you know
a lot of money. The Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help for Medicare Part D are two
programs that are underused in Marinette County. We are looking for the people who qualify for
these money-saving programs. Read these frequently asked questions and answers to see if you
are one of them!
What are Medicare Savings Programs? Medicare Savings Programs assist seniors and
people on disability with limited incomes and assets to pay for some or all of Medicare’s premiums,
deductibles and co-pays.
What do Medicare Savings Programs help pay for? Depending on your income, they will pay
for the Part B premium and possibly Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.
What is the Part B premium? Unless you are already on a special program, everyone on Medi-
care has the Part B premium automatically deducted from their Social Security checks each
month. In 2017, that amount is $134 for most (or about $109 for people who had their premiums
deducted from their Social Security checks prior to 2017.)
How low does my income need to be in order to qualify for Medicare Savings Programs?
People with incomes of up to $1,356 per month or couples with a combined income of up to
$1,827 per month.
What is counted as income? All of your income is counted including social security, pensions,
annuities, veteran’s benefits, rental income, etc. Also, you must include the amount that is
automatically withdrawn from your social security check to pay for the Medicare Part B premium
as part of your income.
What are the asset guidelines to be eligible for the program? Individuals must have assets or
resources less than $7,390 and couples must have assets below $11,090.
What exactly qualifies as an “asset?” Your assets include money in checking accounts, sav-
ings accounts, CD’s, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRA’s, investments, cash and any real estate
other than your home.
Does my house or car count as an asset? The house you are living in and your car are not
counted as assets.
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What is “Extra Help” for Part D? Extra Help - formerly known as Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - is a program that helps people with limited income and assets pay for the premiums, deductibles
and co-pays for their Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance. Like the Medicare Savings Programs it looks at peoples’ incomes and assets to determine how much help you can get.
How much income can I have and still qualify for Extra Help? Your income can be up to $1,507/month for an individual or $2,030/month for couples.
How many assets can I have and still be eligible for Extra Help? Individuals can have up to $12,320 and couples can have up to $24,600.
If I don’t qualify for Extra Help can I still get Part D drug coverage? Yes. Your denial of Extra Help does not affect your eligibility for a Part D plan.
If my income is low enough but I have too many assets, is there anything I can qualify for? Senior Care is a low cost prescription drug program that considers only your income and not your assets. You may want to check out this program if you have too many assets for Extra Help but have a smaller income.
I think I meet the qualifications! How do I apply for the program? Contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette at 715-732-3850/1-888-442-3267 for more information about these programs. The ADRC can guide you through the application process.
It looks like I have just a little too much income and assets. Does it pay to look into this further? Definitely YES! Sometimes there are ways to “tweak” things to help you qualify, such as setting aside money for a burial account. If you are close to the qualifying guidelines you should call Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette at 715-732-3850/1-888-442-3267 to ask specific questions or to make an appointment.
I know I don’t qualify, but I think my neighbor might. How can I find help for her/him? Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette County at 715-732-3850/1-888-442-3267 for more information.
I am part of a church or civic group that might be interested in receiving more information about these programs. How can I best get this information to my group? Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette County at 715-732-3850/ 1-888-442-3267 for more information. The more people we can reach with this information, the better!
For more information about Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help for Medicare Part D, please call the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Marinette County at 715-732-3850/1-888-442-3267.
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Everyday Fitness Ideas from the National Institute on Aging at NIH
www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life
Fall Proofing Your Home
Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we
spend much of our time and tend to move around
without thinking about our safety. Many of these falls
could be prevented by making simple changes.
Go4Life has the following tips to help you reduce
your risk of falling:
Remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while
walking. Clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or
phone cords, and throw rugs can cause falls.
Arrange furniture so you have plenty of room to walk freely.
Also, remove items from stairs and hallways.
Secure carpets to the floor and stairs. Use non-slip rugs, or
attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
Avoid wet floors, and clean up spills right away. Use only
non-skid wax on your waxed floors.
Use non-slip items in the bathroom. Put non-slip strips or a
rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower.
Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, on stairs,
at entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs that
have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
Use the handrails on your stairs. When you carry
something up or down the stairs, hold the item in one
hand and use the handrail with the other.
Place a lamp next to your bed along with night lights in
the bathroom, hallways, and kitchen. Keep a flashlight by
your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get
up at night.
Stay physically active. Lower-body strength and balance
exercises can help prevent falls.
VISIT www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life
Read more tips for preventing falls.
Try sample exercises. Print useful tools.
Go4Life is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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ORANGE JULIUS SMOOTHIE
1 C. milk (2%, Half & Half, whole or skim)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 C. sugar (sugar substitute can be used, check package for equivalence)
1 1/2 C. ice
Pour milk and vanilla in a blender and pulse until combined. Add the frozen
orange juice concentrate. Blend well. Add sugar and ice cubes and blend until
cubes are crushed and the mixture has thickened. Add an additional tablespoon
of milk or water if mixture is too thick.
Makes 2 servings.
VALENTINE’S DAY WORD SEARCH
Did you know…
The reason why the wedding ring is placed on
the fourth finger of your let hand is because
it’s the only finger that has a vein connecting
directly to your heart.
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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:
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”