TakingControl:AGuidetoGreaterChoice

andIndependence

SkillBuildingforAdultHomeResidents

CoalitionofInstitutionalizedAgedandDisabled

Developed by the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD)andKathleenO’Hara,PhD,MSW.WethanktheNewYorkStateLegislatureand the New York State Department of Health for funding support.DISCLAIMER:ThistrainingisnotanofficialdocumentoftheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealthorOfficeofMentalHealth.

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TableofContents

1. Introduction

2. Goalsetting

3. Assertivecommunication

4. PersonalDocuments

5. Medication

6. Benefitsandbudgeting

7. Travelandshopping

8. Boostingyourhealthandboostingyourcooking

9. Communityconnections

10.ResidentsRights

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Introduction

Thisisaguideforcurrentandformeradulthomeresidentsinterestedintakingmorecontrolovertheirownlives.Lifeinanadulthomecanbechallenging.Onecommonchallengeisthelossofcontroloverone’slifeduetoinstitutionalizationinthehome.Institutionalizationcanmakeittoughtomaintainorregainyourindependence,tothinkaboutleavingtheadulthome,ortostartanewlifeinthecommunity.Thisguideofferswaystohavemorecontroloveryourlifethroughchoiceandindependence.Weofferyouamenuofskillstochoosefrom.Youmightbeinterestedinalloftheskillssessionshere,oryoumightdecidetolearnaboutonlysomeoftheskillssessions.Thechoiceisyours!Onthefollowingpagesyoucanlearnabout3typesofskills:

• Activities(orskills)ofdailyliving,suchastakingyourmedicationandmanagingyourbudget;

• Skillstohelpconnecttotheworldbeyondyouradulthome,includingcommunityconnectionsandyourrights;

• “Soft”skills,orskillstosetandreachgoalsandcommunicateeffectively

Wehopeyou’llconsiderjoiningotheradulthomeresidentsinexploringhowtogrowtheseskillstogether.CIADwillbesupportingTakingControlgroupsinmanyadulthomes;call212-481-7572tolearnmore.

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GoalSettingWeallhavechangeswe’dliketomakeinourlives.Somechangesaresmallandspecific,likegettingthelaundrydonetoday.Otherchangesarebig,likemovingintoanapartmentinthecommunity.

Goalsettingisaseriesofstepstohelpyoumakechanges.Bytranslatingachangeintoagoal,youfocusyourtimeandenergy.Goalsettingmayalsohelpyouprepareforchallengesthatcomeupasyoutrytomakeachangeinyourlife.OnegoalsettingprocessisGROW:1.Goal 2.Reality 3.Options 4.WayForward.

1.G! GOAL

" Whatdoyouwantspecifically?Manytimeswesetgoalsthatarenon-specificandnegative,e.g.,“Idon’tlikemyadulthome,Iwanttoleave.”

o Trytosetpositivegoalsandbespecific,e.g.,“IwanttolearnhowtotakemyownmedicationsoI’mwellpreparedtomoveoutofmyadulthome.”

" Whydoyouwantthisgoal?o Isthisarealisticgoal?

" Howmuchcontrol/influencedoyouhaveoverachievingthegoal?

" Howwouldyouknowthatyouhaveachievedyourgoal?

GROWadaptedfrom:Landsberg,M.(2015).TheTaoofcoaching:Boostyoureffectivenessatworkbyinspiringanddevelopingthosearoundyou.ProfileBooks;Spence,G.B.&Grant,A.M.(2007).Professionalandpeerlifecoachingandtheenhancementofgoalstrivingandwell-being:Anexploratorystudy.TheJournalofPositivePsychology,2(3),185-194.

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2.R! REALITY(asyoustarttotakeasteptowardsyourgoal)

" What is happening?

o What action have you taken on this so far? What were the effects of that action?

" Given your current reality, is your goal still realistic? o If yes, great! o If no, what would be a more realistic goal?

3.O! OPTIONS

4.W!WAYFORWARD

What will you do?

o Will this action meet your goal?

What obstacles might you face?

o Can you plan for obstacles in advance? How?

Take a few more steps!

o Try to take 2 to 3 steps towards your goal. E.g., if your goal is to start taking your own medication, action steps could be:

# Ask your case manager for a written list of the medications and dosages you currently take.

# Learn which medication you take is for which condition.

# Ask your case manager or CIAD to help you make a chart of what medications you take and when each day.

What options are available as you move forward? What are the pros and cons of each option?

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Applygoalsettingskills:Iwill:

Thinkofagoalyouwouldliketoachieve.Trytomakeitspecificandpositive.

o IwanttomanagemyPNAsoIhavemoneyforthewholemonth.

o IwanttogotoajobtrainingprogramsoIcanhaveapart-timejob.

o Yourownproblem:

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________NowGROWyourgoal.

1. GOAL:Mygoalis:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

a. Iwantthisgoalbecause:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

b. HereisthefirststepI’lltaketowardsthisgoal:___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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2. REALITY:Checkingonmygoal:

a. Here’swhatI’vetriedsofar:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

b. Here’swhathasworked/whathasn’tworked:___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

c. Mygoalis___isn’t___realisticatthispoint.

3. OPTIONS:a. ThesearetheoptionsIhavenow:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

b. I’vepickedoneoption.Herearesomeprosandcons:

OPTION PROS CONS

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4. WAYFORWARD:

a. Thisisthenextstep(s)towardsmygoal:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

b. Someobstaclesthatmightcomeup:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

a. SomewaysImightaddresstheseobstacles:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

b. NextstepsI’mgoingtotake:___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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Assertivecommunication

Animportantpartofincreasingindependenceisbeingabletoexpresswhatyouneedorwant.Thissessionisaboutassertivecommunication,orhowtoclearly,respectfully,andfirmlyexpressyourneedsanddesirestoothers.

Thereare3keystepstoassertivecommunication:

1. Planahead.• Thinkaboutwhatyouwanttosay.

• Writedownwhatyouwanttosay,orsayitoutloudtoyourself.

• Practice--askafriendorCIADadvocatetolistentoyou.

• Planforwhenyouwanttosayit--pickatimetheotherpersonisusuallyavailable.

2. Don’tbeafraidtoaskforwhatyouwant.Befirmandfriendly.

Thinkaboutwhatyouwillsay:

• Haveapurposestatement:whatdoyouneedorwant?

• Havereasonstosupportwhyyouneedorwantit.

• Beclearanddirect--avoidunnecessarydetails.

Thinkabouthowyouwillsayit:

• Friendly,relaxedvoice.

• Fewhesitations--befirm.

• Willingnesstobequiet--listentoothers.

Assertivecommunicationadaptedfrom:theAssociationforBehavioralandCognitiveTherapies(2018):http://www.abct.org/Information/?m=mInformation&fa=fs_ASSERTIVENESS

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Thinkabouthowyouwillactwhenyousayit:

• Relaxedgestures(e.g.,don’tcrossyourarmsacrossyourchest).

• Directeyecontact(orlookatapointnearothers’faces).

• Showyou’relistening--bewillingtopausetohearaquestion,nodyourheadwhenothersspeak,etc.

3. Followup.Youhavetherighttofollowupafteryouhaveaskedforhelp.

• Ifyourconcernisnotresolvedafteryouhavespoken,askwhenyoucancheckinagain.

o “Itsoundslikethingsaren’tgoingtochangetoday,sowhencanIcheckintoseeifthere’sbeenprogress?”

• Usually,youshouldwaitbetweenafewdaystooneweekbeforeyoucheckin--beunderstandingthatchangesmaytaketime.

• Youcancheckinseveraltimes,ifneeded--keeponbeingfirm!

Communicationonthephone

Ifyouneedtocommunicateoverthephoneyoucanusethesamestrategies,butyoumaywanttothinkabouthowtounderstandotherswhenyoucan’tseethem.

• Ifit’shardtounderstandsomeone,sayso:o “Couldyourepeatthat?”or“It’shardformeto

understandyou,couldyouexplainitanotherway?”

• Thinkabouthowyoucanbewellunderstood:o Youmayneedtospeakslower,speaklouder,or

repeatinformation.

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HowtoAskForWhatYouWant

TRYTHIS…

Askforwhatyouwant

• Beginwith"I",not"You."

• Useafirmandfriendlytoneofvoicethatcanbeheard.

• Lookthepersonintheeye.Ifmakingeyecontactishard,lookatapointnearhis/herface(e.g.,herear).

• Repeatyourneedsuntilyouareheard.

• Keepyourvoicecalm.

AVOID,AVOID,TRY…

Wishy-washy(avoid) "Oh,well.IguessIjusthavetowaituntilyouwanttopaymemyPNA."

Threatening(avoid)"YousaidwegotourPNAthefirstofthemonth!Youhavetogiveittometodayorelse!"

Firmandfriendly☺ "ThankyouforexplainingthePNAdelay.Ineedmymoneytodaytobuyseveralthings.HowcanweworkthisoutsoIampaidontime?"

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Applycommunicationskills:

Iwill:

Howwouldyou:

o Askyourroommate(orthehousekeeper)ifshe/hehasseenthe$20billyouleftinyournightstand.

o Talktoyourhousingprovideraboutwhyit’stakingsolongforyoutoseesupportedhousingapartments--youareeagertomove!

o Thinkofyourownlife:whatisaquestionyouhave,oraneedyouwanttoaddressthroughassertivecommunication?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nowuseassertivecommunicationsteps:

• Whatwillyousay?

o Yourpurposestatement:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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o Whatisevidenceinsupportofyourpurpose:________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Howwillyousayit?

o Whatwillyourbodylanguagesay?

o Whenwillyousayit?

o Wherewillyousayit?

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Whenandhowwillyoufollowup?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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PersonalDocuments Agoodfirststepingaininggreaterindependenceis is tohavecopiesofkeypersonaldocuments.

1. Youhavearighttoyourpersonaldocuments.Ifserviceprovidershaveyourdocuments,theycannotdenyyouaccesstothem.

2. Youcangatherpersonaldocumentsatanytime.Don’twaituntilan

emergency,ortodecideifyouwanttoleaveyouradulthome.3. YoucanalwaysaskforhelpfromyourcaremanagerorCIADifyou’renotsure

howtogetyourdocuments.

4. Havingasafespacetostorethesedocumentsisimportant.Youcouldbuyawaterproofenvelopeorfoldertostorethem.Youshouldalsoaskfor(orbuy)alockforadrawerorclosetsoyourdocumentsaresafe.

Keydocumentsandhowtogetthem:

1. Birthcertificate:variesdependingonthestateorcountryofbirth;speaktoyourcasemanagerforhelp.

a. Usuallyyoumustalreadyhavecertaindocumentstogetyourbirthcertificate,soplanahead.Youwillprobablyneedto:

i. Knowyourdateofbirth.ii. HavevalidphotoID(e.g.,non-driversIDordriver’slicense).iii. HaveyourSocialSecurityNumber(mayneedthecard).

(Ifyoucannotgetthesedocumentsthereareotherwaystoproveyouridentity--askyourcasemanagerorCIADforhelp).

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Keydocumentsandhowtogetthem,cont’d:

2. idNYCcard(offersmanybenefits,includingalibrarycard):call311.

3. Medicaid/Medicarecard:call800-772-1213;youcanalsogotoyourlocalSocial

SecurityCenter(tofindcentercall800-772-1213).

4. MTAHalf-farecard:511andsay“MTA,”thensay“subwaysandbuses,”thenfollowadditionalprompts.

a. YoucandownloadsenioranddisabilityapplicationsonlineoraskCIADforhelp:http://web.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfapply.htm

b. YouwillneedyourMedicarecard(forseniors)orSSIbenefitscard(forproofofdisability)andapassportphoto.

c. Getapassportphoto:atcopyshops,drugstores,oraskCIAD.

5. NYStateDepartmentofMotorVehicles(non-driversID,driver’slicense):212-645-5550or718-966-6155.

a. YoucandownloadtheapplicationonlineoraskCIADforhelp:https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdf

b. Feesarewaivedifyouareover62and/orreceiveSSI.YoushouldbringyourSSIawardlettertotheDMVtofindoutdocumentsyouwillneed.

6. SocialSecuritycard:SocialSecurityCardCentershelpyouobtainorreplaceSocialSecurityCards.Call800-772-1213fornearbyCenters.

a. Youneedtoshowproofofyouridentityandsometimesproofofcitizenshipifyouneedareplacementcard:

i. Youshouldtrytobringyourbirthcertificate(orpassport).ii. Youdefinitelyneedtobringanon-driverIDcardordriver’slicense.

YoumaybeabletouseaMedicaid/carecardwithphotoifyoudonothaveanon-driversID.

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DOCUMENTSCHECKLIST:

! Birthcertificate

! Socialsecuritycard

! Non-driversIDordriver’slicense

! Medicaid/Medicarecard

! MTAhalf-farecard

! idNYC--notnecessarybutagreatresource!

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MedicationsAnotherimportantstepingainingindependenceisunderstandingwhatmedicationsyoutake,andhowandwhentotakethem.

Ifyouradulthomecurrentlymanagesyourmedication,youmayconsiderlearningabouthowtotakeyourmedicationyourself.Thisdoesnothavetobeasuddenorpermanentchange.Youmaystarttolearnaboutmanagingyourmedicationbutdecidetokeepthehelpyouradulthomeoffers.Or,youmaystarttotakeoneortwoofyourmedicationsbyyourself.Overtime,youmaytakemoreofyourmedicationsyourself.Foranyoneinterestedinmovingtotheirownapartment,it’snevertooearlytolearnabouttakingyourownmedications--it’sahelpfulstepinpreparingtomove.3stepstostarttolearnaboutyourmedications

1. Askyouradulthomeforalistofallyourmedications;theyhavethisonfileand

youhavearighttohaveacopy.

2. Ifyoudon’trecognizethenamesofyourmedications,findsomeonetoexplaintheconditionthateachmedicationtreats.Yourdoctor,pharmacist,casemanager,orcarecoordinator(helpingprepareyoutomovetoyourownapartment)canhelp.YoucanalsoaskCIAD.

3. Next,youshouldbeabletoanswerthefollowing4questionsforallofyourmedications(seenextpage).

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4questionsforallyourmedications1. Whatisthenameofthemedication?

2. Whatareyoutakingitfor?3. Howareyoutakingthismedication?(youcanaskyourpharmacistthis)

a. Whendoyoutakeit?b. Howmanytimesadaydoyoutakeit?c. Takeitwithfood/withoutfood?

4. Haveyounoticedanychanges(sideeffects)sinceyoustartedtakingthis

medication?a. Haveyoutalkedwithyourdoctoraboutthesechanges?Ifnot,plantodoso

soon.

*Wheneveryouareprescribedanewmedication,askyourdoctororpharmacisttohelpyouanswerthesequestionsbeforeyoutakeit.Whathappensifyoumissmedicationortaketoomuchmedication?1. Don’tpanic--therearestepsyoucantaketohelpyourself.

2. Therearedifferentconsequencesformissingdifferentmedications,aswellas

differentconsequencesfortakingtoomuch.

3. Whenyouhaveaprescriptionfilled,readandsavethepackagingthatcomeswithit--ithasinformationonmisseddosesandoverdoses.

4. Youcanconsultwithanurseordoctor,eitherinsideyouradulthomeoroutsideof

it.

5. Youcanalsocall911ifyoufeelyourhealthisindanger.Symptomssuchasrashesorhives,shortnessofbreath,achangeinheartrate,orchestpainscouldbewarningsigns.But,youcancallanytimeyoufeelworried.

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ChartingyourmedicationsBelowisanexamplechartforapersonwhotakes5medicationsand1vitamineachday.Whenyoutakeyourmedication,youwillputanXintheboxsoyouareremindedyoualreadytookit.DATE:January1,2018

Medication,dose

ForWhat?

Specialinstructions

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Lozol,2pills Highbloodpressure

Cantakewithorw/ofood(increaseurination)

X

Lipitor,1pill Highcholesterol

Cantakewithorwithoutfood(noalcohol,grapefruit)

Metformin,1pill

TypeIIdiabetes

Takewithfood X

Lyrica,1pill Neuropathy Takewithglassofwater(cantakewithorw/ofood)

X X

Clozaril,1pill

Mentalhealth Cantakewithorw/ofood(increasesdrowsiness)

Multivitamin,1pill

Everything! Takewithfood,sametimeeachday

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Chartingyourmedications,cont’d.Belowisablankcharttofillinwithyourownmedications.PutanXinthemorning,afternoon,ornightboxtorememberwhenyoutookyourmedications.YoucanaskyourcasemanagerorCIADtophotocopythischart;keepastackofthesechartswhereyoutakeyourmedicationandyou’llcreatearecordthatyoucanreviewtomakesureyou’restayingontrack.DATE:_______________

Medication,dose

ForWhat?

Specialinstructions

Morning

Afternoon

Night

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• Wheninanadulthome,mostpeoplehavetheirgovernmentbenefitspaiddirectlytothehome.Formanypeoplethisis$1444permonthin2018.

o Theamounttheadulthomeispaidvaries(basedonifyouhaveSSI,SSDI,both,etc.).o Onthesamplequarterlyreportonthenextpage,aresidenthas$1444permonth.

• Youreceiveaportionofyourbenefitsyourself.

o ThisisyourPersonalNeedsAllowance(PNA).o Mostpeoplearegettingatleast$198PNApermonthin2018.o SomepeoplearegivenaportionoftheirPNAperweekinsteadofpermonth.

• Alargeportionofyourbenefitscoverstherentandservicestheadulthomeisrequiredto

provide.YoudecidehowtouseyourPNA.Itcanbeusedforpersonalcareproducts,eatingout,goingtothemovies,etc.

Benefitsandbudgeting

Whetheryouarethinkingaboutmovingtoyourownapartmentorplantostayinyouradulthome,learningmoreaboutbenefitsandbudgetingisabigsteptowardsamoreindependentlife.

Budgetingyourmoneycanbedoneatyourownpace,andyouarefreetofindthelevelofindependencethat’srightforyou.Youhavetherighttomanageyourownfinancialaffairsintheadulthome(seep.57).Someresidentschoosetohavetheirownbankaccountinabanktheychoose.Theadulthomeisrequiredtobankthebenefitsandincomeofthoseresidentswhodonothavetheirownbankaccount.

1. Thefirststepinunderstandingyourbenefitsistolearnwhat--andhowmuch--youreceive.

Benefitsinyouradulthome

Tolearnaboutyourbenefitsasanadulthomeresident,startbyaskingyouradministratorforacopyofyourquarterlyreportiftheadulthomeisbankingyourmoneyforyou.Youradulthomehasaquarterlyreporttrackingyourdeposits(whatthegovernmentputsinyouraccount)andwithdrawals(whattheadulthometakesoutofyouraccount).

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Itisyourrighttohaveacopyofyourquarterlyreport.Ifyouradulthomerefusestoshareit,callCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427)forhelp. SamplequarterlyreportDate Description Withdrawals Deposits07/01/2018 Beginningbalance 73.6007/01/2018 SocialSecurity 1444.0007/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 07/09/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/16/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/23/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/30/18 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/01/2018 Socialsecurity 1444.0008/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 08/06/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/13/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/14/2018 Miscellaneous:OmnicarePharmacy

Copay16.80

08/20/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/27/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/01/2018 SocialSecurity 1444.0009/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 09/01/2018 Lockandkeyreplacementfees 99.00 09/10/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/17/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/24/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/30/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/30/2018 Endingbalance -42.20

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Understandingyourquarterlyreport

• Depositcolumn:thiscolumnlistshowmuchmoneyisputinyouraccount,andwhen.Therearetwokeydepositsyoushouldalwayssee:

o Beginningbalance,orhowmuchmoneycarriesoverfromthelastquarter.Abalancecanbepositive(youhaveextramoney)ornegative(youowemoney).

o Yourcashbenefits,suchasSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)andSocialSecurity,whichishowmuchthegovernmentdepositsintoyouraccount(usuallymonthly).

o Note:otherdepositsarepossible.Forexample,adulthomeresidentsmightreceiveacashgiftfromfamilyorhaveappliedforandreceivedtheNYCSchoolTaxcredit.

• Withdrawalcolumn:thiscolumnlistshowmuchmoneyistakenoutofyouraccount.Therecanbeseveraltypesofwithdrawals,suchas:

o Rent,orhowmuchyoupayforyouradulthomeroomandservicespermonth.o Feesofotherkindsthatmayincludefacilitiesfees,suchasreplacementofa

lostkey,orothercharges,suchasamedicationco-pay.o Personalcashorpersonalneedsallowance(PNA),whichisthemoneythe

adulthomegivesyoudirectlytopayforyourpersonalneeds,suchaspersonalcareitems(shampoos,haircuts)orgoingoutforamealoramovie.

• Date:itishelpfultokeeptrackofthedatesmoneywasputintoandtakenoutofyouraccount.Ifyouareconcernedyourgovernmentbenefitshavearrivedlate,orifyoudon’tunderstandwhyyouradulthomeistakingoutmoneyasoftenasitdoes,youhavetherighttoaskforclarification.

Ifyou’dliketounderstandyourgovernmentbenefitsbetter,contactyourlocalSocialSecurityAdministrationoffice(1-800-772-1213orhttps://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).Ifyou’dliketounderstandyouradulthomefeesbetter:askyouradulthomecasemanageroradministrator.Ifyouhavedifficultyaccessinginformationaboutyourbenefitsoradulthomefees,callCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427).

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Ifyouareinterestedinmovingtoyourownapartment,youshouldbeawarethatyourbenefitswilllookdifferent.Benefitsinyourownapartment• Inyourownapartment,youarepaidyourbenefitsdirectlyunlessyouchoosea

representativepayee(suchasyourhousingprovider).o Theamountyouarepaidvaries(basedonifyouhaveSSI,SSDI,both,etc.)o IfyoureceiveSSIandSSP,youshouldget$837permonthin2018.

• Youwillpay30%ofyourincomeasrent(e.g.,about$251).

o Yourhousingproviderwillpaytherestofyourrent.

• Youwillhave70%ofyourincometouseforfood,personalcareproducts,travel,etc.(e.g.,about$586).

o YoumayalsoreceiveSNAP(foodstamps)tohelpwithfoodexpenses.

• PeoplewhohaveaworkhistorymayreceivemoreSocialSecurityfunds,especiallyafterage65.Thisdependsuponthelengthofyourworkhistory,howhighlypaidyouwere,andwhenyouchoosetotakeretirementbenefits.Ifyouhaveaworkhistoryandwanttoknowhowthisimpactsyourbenefitslevels,contactyourlocalSSAoffice.

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• Ifyouradulthomeisyourrepresentativepayee:thismeanstheSocialSecurity

Administration(SSA)paysyourbenefitsdirectlytoyouradulthome.Yourhomedeductsrentandfeesfromyourbenefits,thengivesyouapersonalneedsallowance(PNA).

o SometimesyourhomebudgetsyourPNA,i.e.,insteadofgivingyouonelumpPNApaymentatthestartofthemonth,theygiveyousmallerpaymentsthroughoutthemonth.IfyoufeelthatyourPNAisnotgiventoyouinawaythatmeetsyourneeds,youcantrytonegotiateadifferentbudgetarrangementwiththehome.

• Ifyouradulthomeisnotyourrepresentativepayee,butyoubankwiththem:this

meansyouareyourownpayee,butyouradulthomestillreceivesyourbenefitsdirectlyfromSSA.Yourhomedeductsyourrentandfees,thenyoucanaccessyourPNAfromyourhome.

• Ifyoudon’tbankatthehome:thismeansyoucanhaveSSAsendyourbenefits

directlytoyou.YoucanaskSSAtosendyourbenefitsviadirectdeposittoabankaccountyouopeninthecommunity,orviaaDirectExpressdebitcard.Youcanthenuseacheckormoneyordertopayrentandfeestoyouradulthome.Youcanalsoaskyouradulthomeforotherpaymentoptions.

• Ifyouareinterestedinbecomingyourownpayee:youcanworkwithCIADand

MobilizationforJusticetotrytocontrolyourbenefitsyourself.o Akeystepinbecomingyourownrepresentativepayeeisgettingaletter

fromapsychiatristverifyingyouareabletohandleyourbenefits.Ifthepsychiatristinyouradulthomewillnothelpyou,youcanseekhelpfromoutsidepsychiatrists.

2.Thenextstepinhandlingyourbenefitsisunderstandingwhatoptionsyouhave

totakemorecontrolofthem.Ifyouaremovingintoyourownapartment,youhavemorecontrolovermoremoney.But,youcanrequestmorecontrolevenifyouplantostayinyouradulthome.

Benefitsinyouradulthome

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Benefitsinyourownapartment

• Bydefault,youwillhandleyourownbenefitsinyourapartment.Youwillhave

moreaccesstomoremoney,butalsoberesponsibleforpayingmorebills(e.g.,rent,food).

• Ifyouareinyourownapartmentandhavetroublewithyourbenefits,yourhousingprovidercanbeyourrepresentativepayee.Theywould:1)receiveyourbenefits,2)takeoutrent(30%ofyourbenefits)andotherexpenses,and3)giveyoutheremainderofyourbenefits.

o Forexample,ifyouearn$724/monthyourremainingincomecouldbe

$507/month.

• Askyourhousingprovidertohavealeaseinyourname,ortohavetheleaseinthenameofthehousingprovider,withyounamedasthebeneficiaryoroccupant.Thisisimportantiftheapartmentisrent-regulated,includingrent-stabilized.

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• Budgeting:onp.30youcanseeasamplebudgetforsomeonewholivesinasupportedhousingapartment.Onp.31youcanfilloutthisbudgetusingyourownsourcesofincomeandexpenses.

• Bankaccount:onp.32youcanpracticefillingoutasamplecheck,similartooneyoumightuseifyouopenyourownbankaccount.

CIADcanprovideextracopiesofthebudgetandsamplecheck--justask!

Budgeting

3. Next,handlingyourbenefitssuccessfullyinvolvesbudgeting.Whetheryouonly

receive$198inPNAeachmonthoryoureceiveyourentireSSI/SSDIbenefit,planningforhowyouwillspendyourmonthlyincomecanhelpyouavoidrunningoutofmoney.Itcanalsohelpyougainasenseofindependence.

a. Brainstorm:whatdoyouspendyourPNAonnow?b. Brainstorm:whatdoyouspendyourSSI/SSDIonnow?

4. Finally,handlingyourbenefitsusuallyinvolveshavingabankaccount.Relatedtohavingabankaccount,youwillwritemonthlychecksormoneyordersforexpenseslikerent.Onp.32youwillseeasamplecheck.

a. There’snodisadvantagetohavingabankaccount.Ifyougotoasavingsbanktherearenofeesinvolved.Sometimesthereareoverdraftfeesifyoutakeoutmoremoneythanthebalanceofyouraccount.It’simportanttokeeptrackofyouraccountbalance.

b. Rainydayfunds:onewaytothinkaboutsavingsistothinksmall--justputtingaway$5or$10or$20eachmonthaddsupovertime.

"0M"

Monthly Annual Comments

Income:

Your Primary Income

$750.00

Federal (SSI)

Other Income

$87.00 State (SSP)

SNAP (Food Stamps)

$194.00

Employment

Total Income

$1,031.00

Necessary Expenses:

Rent

$251.00

30%

Gas & Electric

$104.00

Food & Groceries (not dining out)

$205.00

Clothing (necessary)

Telephone

Travel

$30.00

Home supplies

$5.00

Laundry

$25.00

Other expenses

Total Necessary Expenses

$620.00

Discretionary Expenses:

Cable or Satellite TV

$22.50

Internet

Entertainment (not dining out)

$12.00

movie

Dining Out

$30.00

Clothing (above what's needed)

Cigarettes & Tobacco

Other expenses (e.g., pets)

$12.50

$150.00

Total Discretionary Expenses

$77.00

Results: Monthly Yearly

Total Income

$1031.00

Total Expenses

$697.00

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Monthly Annual Comments

Income:

Your Primary Income

Other Income

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Employment

Total Income

Necessary Expenses:

Rent

Gas & Electric

Food & Groceries (not dining out)

Clothing (necessary)

Telephone

Travel

Home supplies

Laundry

Other expenses

Total Necessary Expenses

Discretionary Expenses:

Cable or Satellite TV

Entertainment (not dining out)

Dining Out

Clothing (above what's needed)

Cigarettes & Tobacco

Other expenses (e.g., pets)

Total Discretionary Expenses

Results: Monthly Yearly

Total Income

Total Expenses

31

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JosephResident 101208Beach125thStreetBelleHarbor,NY11694 DATE_______________________________PAYTOTHEORDEROF____________________________________________$___________________________________________________________________________________________DOLLARSBankofRockaways100Beach116thStreetRockawayPark,NY11694FOR________________________________ __________________________________________ 12345678 9876543210

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Benefitsandbudgetingchecklist

Benefits% Ifyoufeelyouarereadytohandleyourownmoney,talktoyour

psychiatristorotherdoctoraboutbecomingyourownrepresentativepayee.CallMobilizationforJustice(877-417-2427)ifyouhavequestions.

% Getaletterfromyourpsychiatristinsupportofbecomingyourownpayee.*

% ApplytobecomeyourownpayeeattheSocialSecurityAdministration.*% Openacheckingaccount--youmayaskforyourbenefitstobedeposited

directlyhere.*% Ifyouwillbemovingtoyourownapartment,applyforSNAP(foodstamp)

benefitsthroughHRA(718-557-1399).*Budgeting

% LearnwhatyourincomeandPNAisnow,inyouradulthome.% Learnhowyourincomewillchangewhenyoumove.% Practicebudgetingfortheincomeyouhaveinyouradulthomeandthe

incomeyoumayhaveifyoumovetoyourownapartment.o Preparetobudget30%ofyournewincometopayyourapartment

renteachmonth.% Setupaweeklyand/ormonthlybudgetforyourself.Ifyouneedhelpwith

budgeting,contactCIAD(212-481-7572).*CIADandMFJcanhelpwithmanyofthesesteps.Sometimesadulthomecasemanagersand/orcarecoordinatorswhohelpyoupreparetomovetoyourownapartmentcanhelp.

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Travelandshopping

Someadulthomeresidentsaremovingtotheirownapartments.Othersplantoremainintheiradulthomes.Eitherway,learningaboutindependenttravelisuseful.

Thissessionalsoincludesinformationonshopping.Budget-friendlyshoppingisimportantforresidentsmovingtotheirownapartment,whilethoseremainingintheiradulthomescanusethesestrategiestomaketheirPNAgofurther.

Gettingsettotravel

1. ForallNewYorktravel,call511.YoucanlearnaboutMetrocards,serviceschedules,anddelaysat511.

2. Half-fareMetrocard:seep.17forinstructionsongettingthiscard.

a. Asof2018,eachhalf-faretripcosts$1.35.3. PuttingmoneyonMetrocard:beforeyoucanuseyourcard,youmust

gotoasubwaystationandloadmoneyonit(cash,creditanddebitcardsaccepted).CIADcanhelpifneeded.

4. Access-a-Ride:ifyouhaveadisabilitythatmakesithardtousebusesorsubways,youmayqualifyforthisservice.AskyourcasemanagerorCIADtohelpyougetanapplication.YoucanalsocallAccess-a-Ride(877-337-2017)togetanapplicationinthemail.

5. Medicalinsurance:yourinsuranceprovidermayoffertransportation(or

reimbursement)formedicalappointments.Callyourinsuranceprovider,oraskyourcarecoordinatortohelpyoucalltolearnmore.

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UsingNYCpublictransportation:ThesubwayTheNYCsubwaysystemisagoodwaytogetaround.Herearesometipsforeasyriding:

• Subwayattendantsareinsomestationsandcangiveyoumaps,saywhichsideoftheplatformtostandonforyourdestination,andanswerotherquestions.

• Thesubwayhasservicedelays.Call511thedayyoutraveltohearalistofdelaysandalternateservices.It’smostimportanton:

# Off-peakhours(latenightsandweekends).# Badweather(heavyrainorsnow).

• CIADcanprovidemoreinformationondisabilityaccessiblestations.

ThefirststepinusingthesubwayisreadinganMTAsubwaymap.

• Askthestationattendantforapapercopy,orgetoneonline:

http://web.mta.info/maps/submap.html

• GettoknowtheKeyonyoursubwaymap.

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ReadinganMTAbusschedule.Youcanalsolookonthebusstopboxtoseetheschedulesofbusesthatstopthere.YoucanpracticereadingaschedulewithCIADandCIADcanhelpyouorderabusschedule.

UsingNYCpublictransportation:ThebusTheNYCbussystemcoversmoreofthecity,andmakesmorefrequentstops,thanthesubway.Thebuscanalsobemoredisabilityfriendly;busesaccommodateridersinwheelchairs.

Traveltimesonthebusmaybelongerthanthesubway.

• Busstops:areonstreetcornersandhavetallsignswithabusiconandroutenumber.

o Moststopshavearectangularboxateyelevel;thisliststhebusrouteandschedule.

• Boardingthebus:whenabuscomes,checktheroutenumberontheelectronicscreentoensureit’syourbus.

• Payingforthebus:topayyoudipyourcardintotheblackboxbesidethedriver.Youcanalsopaywithcoins.

o Ifyourtripinvolvesabustosubway,subwaytobus,orbustobustransfer,youpayonlythefirstvehicle--thetransferisfreewithin2hours.

o Beawarethereareexpressandselectbuses.AskCIADformoreinformationaboutthem.

• Gettingoffthebus:youcanrequestastopbypushingthetapestripsbetweenthewindows,orthestopbuttonsonthepolesinthebus.

BusTime.IfyouhaveInternetaccesstheMTAoffersreal-timetravelplanning:https://bustime.mta.info/m/index

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Shopping:Savingmoney

Whetheryouliveinanadulthomeoronyourown,therearemanywaystosavewhenbuyingfoodandpersonalitems.

1. Shoppinglist:makingalistcanhelpyou:a. rememberwhatyoudoneedtobuy,b. don’tbuyanythingyoudon’tneed(sticktothelist),c. budget--whenyouwriteoutwhattobuy,estimatehowmuchto

spendoneachitem,thentrytosticktothatprice.

2. Coupons:couponsareagreatwaytosave.Findcouponsin:a. Sundaynewspapers.b. productpackaging(e.g.,acouponprintedinsideabox).c. online--ifyouhaveaccesstoacomputerorsmartphone,lookup

yourfavoriteproducts(e.g.,Google“Crestcoupons”).

3. Salefliers:localdrugstoresandgrocerystoresoftenhavefliersatthefrontofthestoreforweeklysalesandcoupons.

4. Farmersmarkets:talktothevendors--manyofferreducedpricesforproduceleftattheendoftheday.

5. Foodpantries:

a. NYCfoodpantrylisting:311,followpromptsforpantriesb. NYCEmergencyFoodLine:866-888-8777c. FoodBankNYC:212-566-1463

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Final word on sales: just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

A sale saves money but buying nothing saves even more ☺

6. Unitpricing:grocerystoresoftenpostaUNITPRICEnexttoanitem’sprice.Insteadofcomparingitemprices,trycomparingUNITprices.Oftenlargersizeitemshavelowerunitprices,andareabettervalue.

Justask!Notallstoredealsareadvertised.Forexample:

Clearanceitems:drugandgrocerystoresmayhaveaclearancestand.Ifyoudon’tseeit,askstorestaff.

o Somegrocerystoreshaveclearanceforolderorfruitsandvegetables--agoodoptiontobuyhealthyfoodforless.

Preparedfoods,saladbars:convenienceandgrocerystoresmaydiscountperishabledishesattheendoftheday.

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7. NYCGreenCarts:GreenCartshavelowpricesonfreshproduce.IfyoureceiveSNAPbenefits(e.g.,ifyoumovetoyourownapartment)youcanuseyourcardatmostGreenCarts.

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Shopping:Foryourownapartment

Ifyou’rethinkingaboutmovingintoyourownapartment,youmaywanttoconsidertheseadditionaltips.

1. Whenyouliveonyourown,budgettobuystaplefooditemsregularly.Everyone’sstaplesaredifferent,butcommon,low-costitemstohaveathomemightinclude:

a. Breadb. Butteroroil(canolaoroliveoilarehealthieroptions)c. Cannedbeans,vegetables,salmon,sardines,tuna

i. Low/nosodiumaddedcannedgoodsarehealthierd. Cannedsaucessuchasspaghettisauce.e. Eggsf. Frozenvegetables(cheapandversatile)g. Milkoramilksubstitute(almondorsoymilk)h. Garlic,onionsi. Pasta(wholewheatisahealthieroption)j. Potatoes,sweetpotatoesk. Protein(ifyoubuymeat,considerbuyingcutsthatfreezeandthaw

outwell)l. Rice(brownriceisahealthieroption)m. Spices(toaddflavortorecipes)

2. Whenyouliveonyourown,thinkabouthowtotransportpurchases.a. A4-wheeledshoppingcartisaneasywaytopushgroceriesand

otherpurchases.Findcartsatbodegasandhardwarestores.b. Ifyouhavedisabilitiesthatmakepushingorliftingacartdifficult,you

maywanttoaskforahomehealthaidetohelpyouwithshopping.c. Manygrocerystoresdeliverpurchases.Deliveryfeescanaddup,so

usethisservicesparingly.Doabulkshoppingeverymonthorsoandhaveitdelivered.

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MyStaples

Item Where to buy How much to spend

Canola oil Grocery – C-Town $3.50

Skim milk Grocery – C-Town $3

Dozen eggs Sale at Pathmark $2.50

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MyStaples

Item Where to buy How much to spend

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Boostingyourhealthandboostingyourcooking

Certainchronicconditionsarecommoninresidentialfacilitiessuchasadulthomes.Theseconditionsincludehighbloodpressure,highcholesterol,andTypeIIdiabetes.TheseconditionsareamongtheleadingcausesofdeathintheU.S.Thegoodnewsistheseconditionscanbemanagedthroughahealthylifestyleandmedication.Here,weexplaintheseconditionsandofferamenuofoptionsyoucantryforhealthierliving.

Highcholesterol• Isaconditioninwhichthereistoomuchcholesterolintheblood,leadingto

blockagesinthearteries.o Whenarteriesareblocked,risksofheartattackandstrokeincrease.

• Cholesterolisasoft,waxysubstance.Yourlivermakescholesterolandyougetitfromanimalfoods,e.g.,meat,fish,poultry,eggyolk,dairy.

Highbloodpressure• Isaconditioninwhichpressureinthebloodvesselsishigherthanitshouldbe,

increasingtheriskofheartdisease,stroke,andkidneyfailure.o Thehigherthebloodpressure,thegreatertherisk.o Highbloodpressureiscalledthe“silentkiller”becausethereareusually

nosymptomstowarnyousomethingiswrong.• Sodiumiswellknowntoincreasebloodpressure,butalcohol,sugar,and

cannedandpackagedfoods(e.g.,junkfoods)canalsoincreaseit.

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TypeIIdiabetes• Isaconditioninwhichyourbodydoesn’tmakeenoughinsulin,ordoesn’tuse

insulinproperly.o Insulinregulatessugarinyourblood.Diabetescausesbloodsugarto

buildupanddamagemanypartsofthebody.• Itiswellknownthatpeoplewithpre-diabetesordiabetesshouldlimittheir

sugarintake,butlimitingalcoholandfatintakecanalsohelpcontroldiabetes.

Chronichealthconditioninformationfrom:theAmericanHeartAssociation(2018):http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/My-Life-Check---Lifes-Simple-7_UCM_471453_Article.jsp#.WpjfuGrwaUk;theCentersforDiseaseControl(2018):https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6131a6.htm;andtheAmericanDiabetesAssociation(2018):http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html?loc=db-slabnav

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Life’sSimple7

TheAmericanHeartAssociationidentifiedsevensteps,called“Life’sSimple7™”,toimprovehealth.Researchshowsthesestepscanhelppreventorreverseheartdisease,highbloodpressure,andTypeIIdiabetes.

1. Eatahealthydieto Eatatleast4.5cupsoffruitsandvegetablesaday.

o Haveatleast2,3.5ounceservingsoffishaweek.o Eatatleast3servingsofhighfiberwholegrainsaday.o Limitsugar-sweetenedbeveragestonotmorethan450calories(36

ounces)perweek.

o Eatlessthan1500mgofsodiumaday.

• Maintainahealthybodyweight.Talktoyourdoctoraboutahealthyweightrangeforyou.

• Takechargeofcholesterol

o Normal–lessthan200mg/dL.o Borderlinehighcholesterol–200to239mg/dL.o Highcholesterol-240mg/dLorhigher.

(AskCIADifyou’dlikeanadditionalhandoutonhealthycholesterollevels).

• Managebloodpressure

o Normal-lessthan120/80mm/Hg.o Pre-hypertension-120-139/80-89mm/Hg.o Highbloodpressure/hypertension-140/90mm/Hgorhigher.

• Keepbloodsugar,orglucose,athealthylevels

o Normalfastingbloodglucose–under100mg/dL.

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o Pre-diabetes–100-125mg/dL.o Diabetes–126mg/dLorhigher.

• Engageinregularexercise

o Tryforleast30minutesofmoderateactivity,5dayseachweek.

# Moderateactivitycanbeassimpleastakingawalk☺.

# Dosomethingyouenjoy--listentomusic,dance,etc.

# Joinagymorexerciseprogram--NYCParksandRecreationandYMCAhavediscountsbasedonincomeandforseniors.

o Regularexerciseimprovesbloodpressure,cholesterol,andbloodglucoselevels.Italsoreducesstress,andhelpscontrolbodyweight.

• Don’tsmoke

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Life’sSimple7AppliedtoYouChangingyourhealththroughLife’sSimple7doesnotmeanyoumustimmediatelychangeallyourhealthhabits.Thiscanbeespeciallychallengingwhilelivinginanadulthome,onalimitedbudget.Luckily,researchshowsthatpeoplewhograduallychangehealthhabitsarebetteratsustainingchangesovertime.So,startingcanbeassimpleastryingoutonesmallchange.Forexample,apersonwithTypeIIdiabetesmightdecidetoloseweightandlowerhisbloodsugar.Hemightstartwithonesimplechange:nomoresugar-sweetenedbeverages.Hecouldstopdrinkingthefruitjuiceservedathisadulthome,andstopbuyingsodafromthevendingmachines.Hecoulddrinkwater,tea,coffee,andlow-fatmilkinstead.Apersonwhohadgainedalotofweightinheradulthomemightdecidetostartexercisingtolosesomeofit.Shemightstartwithonesimplechange:takinga30minutewalkaroundherneighborhoodafewtimesperweek.Apersonwho’shavingbreathingproblemsmightdecidetocutbackoncigarettes.Hemightstartwithonesimplechange:askinghiscasemanagertohelphimjoinasmokingcessationgroup.Hemightdecidehecan’tquitcoldturkey,butgoingtogrouphemightlearnstrategiestocutbackonhowmanycigaretteshesmokes.

What’syoursimplechange?WhichofLife’sSimple7wouldyoutryfirst?______________________________Whyisthisstepimportanttoyou?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldstartthisstep?Saysomethingspecificyouwouldchange________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“G ” “ w” “ oa”

U R What U Eat Food supplies the nutrients needed to fuel your body so you can perform your best. Go, Slow, Whoa is a simple way to recognize foods that are the smartest choices. • Foods: Eat almost anytime (Most often) — they are lowest in fat, added sugar, and calories • Foods: Eat sometimes (Less often) — they are higher in fat, added sugar, and/or calories • Foods: Eat once in a while (Least often) — they are very high in fat and/or added sugar, and are much higher in calories

Food Groups GO SLOW WHOA Fruits Whole fruits (fresh, frozen, canned, dried) are smart choices. You need 2 cups of fruit a day. 1 cup is about the size of a baseball.

Vegetables Adding fat (butter, oils, and sauces) to vegetables turns them from Go foods to Slow or Whoa foods.You need 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day. Dark green and orange vegetables are smart choices.

Grains Try to make at least half of your servings whole grain choices and low in sugar. An ounce of a grain product is 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of dry cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta.You need about 6 ounces a day.

Milk Milk products are high in vitamins and minerals. Fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products are smart choices. About 3 cups are needed each day; 1 cup of milk,1 cup of yogurt or 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese count as 1 cup.

Meats & Beans Eating 5 ½ oz. a day will give you the protein, vitamins and minerals you need. Limit meats with added fat. Smart choices include beans (¼ cup cooked), nuts (½ oz.) and lean meats (1 oz.) baked or broiled.

The amounts of foods recommended per food group are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, the approximate number of calories for most active boys and girls ages 9-13. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

We Can! and the We Can! logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Sweets and Snacks The foods below are snack-type foods. The “Slow” and “Whoa” foods are higher in fat, added sugar, and/or calories and need to be limited so you do not eat more calories than your body needs. Remember, if you eat sweets and snacks, eat small amounts.

GO WHOA

For “Go” snacks, select foods from the “Go” column in the food groups section.

SLOW

Combining Food Groups Foods we eat are usually a mixture of ingredients from the different food groups. A food can turn from a “Go” into a “Whoa” based on the ingredients used. The examples below contain ingredients from the milk products, grains, vegetables and meat groups – some “Go,” some “Slow,” and some “Whoa.” Foods served in restaurants often use “Whoa” ingredients.

Combined Foods GO SLOW WHOA Pizza

Pasta

English muffin pizza with low-fat cheese (using ½ English muffin)

Regular or classic veggie pizza: 1 slice from a medium pizza

Deep dish pepperoni pizza: 1 slice from a medium pizza

Pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables – 1 cup Macaroni and cheese – 1 cup Pasta with sausage – 1 cup

Move More To keep at a healthy weight, energy in (foods you eat) must balance with energy out (how much you move). Try to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Move more, take the stairs, play ball, bike, swim, walk, and find active games you enjoy. Have fun!

For more information, visit the We Can! ™ Web site at http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov. We Can! is a national education program promoting healthy weight for children from the National Institutes of Health.

The GO, SLOW, WHOA concept adapted from CATCH®: Coordinated Approach to Child Health, 4th Grade Curriculum, copyright © 2002 by The Regents of the University of California and FlagHouse, Inc. CATCH is a registered trademark of The Regents of the University of California, and licensed by FlagHouse, Inc.

We Can! and the We Can! logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

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EatingoutofthefridgeTherearemanymealsyouneverhavetocook,orcancookinadvanceandstoreinyourrefrigerator.Forexample:-Beans,lentils -Cut,rawfruitandvegetables-Grains,rice -Hardboiledeggs-Oatmeal -Salads(eggs,tuna,vegetables)-Sandwiches

BoostingyourcookingEvenifyouhavelimitedcookingexperience,it’spossibletolearntomakequick,simple,andhealthymeals.Thesemealsarealsobudget-friendly.

Cookingdemonstrations.CIADhopestoofferdemonstrationclassessoon.Letthemknowifyouareinterestedinlearninganyofthefollowing:

1. Howtoboilwatera. Howtocookpastab. Howtocookricec. Howtocookoatmeal

2. Howtocookeggs3. Howtocookchicken4. Howtomakeasimplesoup5. Howtocookvegetablesyou’llwanttoeat6. Timing–keepingtrackoftime,usingatimer7. Knifeskills8. Cookingwithmobilitylimitations--gettingaroundinthekitchen

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• ART…theHealingArtsInitiative(HAI@YAI)offersartclassesandfreeand

discountedartsandcultureevents.CallYAI(212-273-6182)tolearnmore.

• CELLPHONES…freecellphoneserviceisavailableforindividualswithdisabilities.CallAssurance(1-888-898-4888)orSafelinkWireless(1-800-977-3768).

• EDUCATION…theHighSchoolEquivalency(HSE)programoffersfreesupportto

earnhighschooldiplomas(518-474-5906orwww.acces.nysed.gov/hse/high-school-equivalency-hse).

• EMPLOYMENT,JOBTRAINING…ACCESS-VRoffersfreejobsearchingandtraining

resourcesforindividualswithdisabilities(1-800-222-JOBS/5627orwww.acces.nysed.gov/vr).

• LGBTGROUPS…TheLGBTCommunityCenterinChelseaoffersanarrayofgroups

andprograms(212-620-7310orhttps://gaycenter.org).ForolderLGBTadults,SAGEoffersgroups,programs,andsocialservices(212-741-2247orwww.sageusa.org/nyc/centers/index.cfm).

• MUSEUMS…offerfreeand/ordonation-basedentryoncertaindays(e.g.,

Saturdaymornings).Callthemuseumsdirectlytolearnmore.idNYCcardsalsoofferfreeentrytoover40museumsforoneyear!Seep.17togetanidNYCcard.

CommunityconnectionsSometimespeoplelivinginadulthomesfeelcutofffrompeopleandplacestheyknow.However,youcanalwaysconnect--orre-connect--tocommunityresources.Whetheryouliveinan

adulthomeorinyourownapartmenttherearemanyfreeandlow-costcommunityresourcestoexplore.

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• PARKS,RECREATION,NATURE…theNYCParksSystemofferscultural,fitness,

senior,andtechnologyprograms(311orwww.nycgovparks.org/parks).• SELF-HELPGROUPS…like12-stepmeetingsofferaccesstopeersupportand

potentialfriendship.o AlcoholicsAnonymous(212-647-1680orwww.aa.org/).o GamblersAnonymous(1-855-222-5542orhttp://newyorkga.org/).o NarcoticsAnonymous(212-929-7117orhttp://na.org/).o NicotineAnonymous(1-877-879-6422orhttps://nicotine-anonymous.org/).

• VOLUNTEERING…NewYorkCarescanhelpyoulearnaboutmanyvolunteer

opportunitiesacrossthecity(212-228-5000orwww.newyorkcares.org/).• YMCAs…offerarts,computing,health,fitness,andseniorprograms.

Membershipsareadjustedforincomeandtherearelocationsthroughoutthefiveboroughs(212-630-9600orwww.ymcanyc.org/).

Askaround…

• Manyculturalandsportingeventsvarybyneighborhoodandborough.Lookinlocalnewspapers,thelocallibrary,andlocalshopsforoptionsspecifictoyourneighborhood.Oftenlocaloptionsincreaseduringwarmweather.

• Ifyouliveinanadulthome,theremaybeoccasionaloutings,suchastripstoshopatnearbymalls,tripstorestaurants,tripstothemovies,etc.AskadulthomestaffortheResidentCounciltolearnifyourhomeoffersoutings.

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Makingthemostofpubliclibraries

NYClibrarysystemsofferfantastic,freeresourcesforresidents,including:

1) Freeclasses,includingcomputerandGEDclasses

2) Freeresourcesforjobtrainingandjobsearching

3) Freemovies,concerts,andculturalevents

4) Freetaxservicesandresourcesforbenefitsandbudgeting

5) Freemeetingspace(oftenhavetoreserveinadvance)

6) FreestreamingmoviesandtelevisionthroughKanopya. https://www.kanopystreaming.com

7) Asalways,freecheckoutofbooks,CDs,DVDs,andothermedia

a. FreehomedeliveryforindividualswithdisabilitiesthroughBooksbyMail:https://www.nypl.org/node/91

• NYCPublicLibrary(residentsoftheBronx,ManhattanandStatenIsland)

o Findyourlocalbranch:917-ASKNYPL(917-275-6975)o http://www.nypl.org

• BrooklynPublicLibrary

o Findyourlocalbranch:(718)230-2100o http://www.bklynlibrary.org/

• QueensLibrary

o Findyourlocalbranch:718-990-0728o http://queenslibrary.org/

54

Connectingwithpeers

Peer-runandpeer-staffedprogramshavemoreinputfrompeoplewithmentalhealthdiagnosesthanusualprograms.Theyoffermanyactivitiesandvolunteeropportunities.Theycanalsobegoodplacestohangoutandmakefriends.

• BalticStreetinBrooklynoffersrecovery-orientedservicestohelpmembersobtaineducation,jobs,housing,socialsupports,entitlements,etc.

o 718-875-7744orhttp://www.balticstreet.org

• Clubhousesarelocatedaroundtheworldandoffermembersthechancetoformfriendships,obtaineducation,jobs,housing,andhealthandmentalhealthservices.

o TheBronx:# FountainHouseBronx(SouthBronx):718-742-9884

o Brooklyn:# EastNewYorkClubhouse(EastNY):718-235-5780# OpenDoorClub(Flatlands):718-377-7757

o Manhattan:# CheltonLoft(Chelsea):212-727-4360# FountainHouse(Hell’sKitchen):212-582-0340

o Queens:# CitiviewConnections(LongIslandCity):718-361-7030# VentureHouse(Jamaica):718-658-7201

o StatenIsland:# SkyLightCenter(St.George):718-720-2601

• HowieTheHarpatCommunityAccessofferspeerspecialistjobtraining

o 212-780-1400orhttp://www.communityaccess.org/our-work/educationajobreadiness/howie-the-harp

• NewYorkAssociationofPsychiatricRehabilitationServices(NYAPRS)can

provideinformationonadditionalpeer-runprogramsinyourcommunity;callfordetails.

o 518-436-0008orhttp://www.nyaprs.org/

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ConnectingtotheonlinecommunityComputersandtheInternetoffermanywaysforyoutoparticipateinthecommunity--youcantakeclasses,joinsocialmediacircles,andbeintouchwithfriendsthroughemailandonlinechatprograms.

TherearemanyfreecomputingclassesandfreeInternetprovidersinNYC.Someoptionsinclude:

Resource Telephone Website

• PublicLibraries

Avarietyofcomputingandinternetclasses

Seep.53

• NYCParksDepartmentComputerResourceCentersClassesandaccesstocomputerresourcecenters

Dial311andaskforNYCParksComputerResourceCenters

http://www.nycgovparks.org/crc

• OlderAdultTechnologyServicesClassesandresourcesforadultsages60+

718-360-1707 http://oats.org

• SeniorPlanetAtechnologyresourcecenterwithfreecoursesandeventsforadultsages60+

646-590-0615 http://seniorplanet.org/the-center/welcome

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ResidentRights

Asanadulthomeresidentyouhavemanyrights.Youalsohavemanyoptionstospeakupandseeksupportforyourrights:

• CIADoffersadvocacyandsupportforcurrentandformeradulthome

residents(212-481-7572).

• MobilizationforJusticeoffersfreelegalservicestoadulthomeresidents(212-464-8110ortollfreeat1-877-417-2427).

• TheDepartmentofHealth(DOH)AdultHomeHotline:investigates

complaintsandconcernsaboutadulthomefacilities(518-485-8781).• TheNewYorkCityLongTermCareOmbudsmanworkswithresidents,and

thefamilyandfriendsofresidents,toimprovethelivesofadulthomeandnursinghomeresidents(212-812-2901forManhattan,Bronx&StatenIslandand212-812-2911forBrooklyn&Queens).

• TheJusticeCenteristhegovernmentagencythatinvestigatesallegations

ofabuse,neglect,andmistreatmentinsomeadulthomes.Ifyoususpectabuse,neglect,ormistreatmentbyadulthomestaff,youcanreportit(1-855-373-2122).

• TheOfficeofMentalHealth(OMH):licensesandregulatesmentalhealth

providers,includingoutpatientclinicsandOMHcasemanagers.Theyreceivecomplaintsabouttheseentities(1-800-597-8481).

• Ifyouaremovingtoyourownapartmentthroughtheadulthomessettlementandhavequestionsorconcerns,the Office of Community Transitions (NYS Department of Health) can help (518-485-8781).

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AdultHomeResidents’BillofRights

1. Yourcivilandreligiousrightsshallnotbeinfringed.Thehomemustencourage

andassistyouinthefullestpossibleexerciseoftheserights.

2. Youhavetherighttohaveprivate,writtenandverbalcommunicationswithanyoneofyourchoice.

3. Youhavetherighttopresentgrievancesonyourbehalf,orthebehalfofother

residents,totheadministrationorfacilitystaff,theDepartmentofHealthorothergovernmentofficialsorotherpartieswithoutfearofreprisal.

4. Youhavetherighttojoinwithotherresidentsorindividualstoworkfor

improvementsinresidentcare.5. Youhavetherighttomanageyourownfinancialaffairs.6. Youhavetherighttoprivacyinyourownroomandincaringforpersonal

needs.7. Youhavetherighttoconfidentialtreatmentofpersonal,social,financialand

healthrecords.8. Youhavetherighttoreceivecourteous,fairandrespectfulcareandtreatment

atalltimesandyoushallnotbephysically,mentallyoremotionallyabusedorneglectedinanymanner.

9. Youcannotberestrainedorlockedinaroomatanytime.10. Youhavetherighttoreceiveandsendmailoranyothercorrespondence

unopenedandwithoutinterceptionorinterference.

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11. Youcanleaveandreturntothefacilityandgroundsatreasonablehours.12. Youcannotbeobligedtoperformwork.Ifyouwork,youmustbepaid.

13. Youcannotprovideanoperatororagentoftheoperatoranygratuityfor

servicestowhichyouareentitled.14.Ifyouareinvolvedinanincidentoraccident,youhavetherighttohaveyourversionoftheeventsincludedinthereport.YOUSHOULDBEGIVENACOPYOFTHEBILLOFRIGHTSWHENYOUMOVEINTOAHOME.ITMUSTALSOBEPOSTEDINYOURHOMEWHEREEVERYONECANSEEIT!

The Residents’ Bill of Rights is taken from New York Social Services Law § 461-d. See electronic version: https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/2014/sos/article-7/title-2/461-d/

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Adulthomesettlement:Whatareyourrightsifyouaremovingtoyourownapartment?

Classmembershavemanyrightsundera2013legalsettlementand2018supplementalagreement.IfyouhavequestionsyoucancallCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427).Somekeyrightsare:

1. Therighttoasktobeincludedinthesettlementclassifyou:a)areanadult

homeresidentwithaseriousmentalillnessdiagnosis,and2)movedintooneofthefollowingadulthomesonorbeforeSeptember30,2018:BelleHarborManor BrooklynAdultCareCenterBrooklynTerrace(formerlySurfManorHomeforAdults)

CentralAssistedLiving,LLCElmYorkLLCGardenofEdenHomeHarborTerraceAdultHomeandAssistedLiving

KingsAdultCareCenterLakesideManorHomeforAdultsMarinersResidence(formerlyS.S.CosmasandDamianAdultHome)

MermaidManorHomeforAdultsNewGloria'sManorHomeforAdultsNewHavenManorOceanviewManorHomeforAdultsParkInnHomeParkviewHomeforAdultsQueensAdultCareCenterRiverdaleManorHomeforAdultsSanfordHomeSeaviewManor,LLCSurfsideManorHomeforAdultsWavecrestHomeforAdults

2. Therighttobeassessedasasettlementclassmember.Ifyoumeetcriteriain#1

above,youhavetherighttobeassessedtoseeifyouareaclassmember.YoumuststateyourinterestinassessmentbySeptember30,2019.

3. Therighttohaveyourassessmentresultsreviewed.Ifyourassessmentfindsthat

youarenoteligibletobeapartoftheclass(ornoteligibleforthetypeofhousingyouwouldlike),theassessmentwillbereviewedbyaCommittee.TheCommitteemayrecommendareassessment.

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4. Therighttoconsideryouroptionsfreefromdiscouragementorinterference.

Noonefromyouradulthomeshoulddiscourageyoufrommovingtoyourownapartment.Ifyouexperiencediscouragementorinterference,callMobilizationforJustice(877-417-2427)forhelp.

5. Therighttochangeyourmind.Youcanchangeyourmindaboutmovingatanytime.Youcanchangeyourmindbeforeyoumoveandstayinyouradulthome,oryoucanchangeyourmindafteryoumoveintoanapartmentandmoveintoadifferentapartmentortypeofhousing.

6. Therighttolivealone.Ifyouwanttolivebyyourself,tellyourhousing

provider.Itmaytakelongertofindaone-bedroomorstudio.7. Therighttocertainservicesthroughthesettlement.Classmembershave

therightto:a. housingcontractorservicesbefore,during,andafteryoumovetoyour

ownapartment.Yourhousingcontractorwillhelpyoufindanapartmentthat’srightforyou.

b. timelyhousingapplicationsifyouareassessedaseligibleforhousinginthecommunity.

c. acaremanagerwhowillhelpyoutransitiontothecommunity.*Yourcaremanagerwillhelpyoumakeacareplan--basedonyourneedsandpreferences--soyouarepreparedtomove.

d. regularcommunicationwithyourcaremanagerregardingeligibility,progress,andotherquestionsrelatedtoyourservices.

e. supportfrompeerbridgers.f. onceyouhavemoved,therighttoongoingcaremanagerservicesand

ongoinghousingcontractorservices.Yourhousingcontractorshouldhelpyouunderstandyourrightsandresponsibilitiesasatenantandassistwithresolvingapartmentandbuildingmaintenanceissues.

*YoushouldbeassignedanAdultHomePlusCareManagernolaterthan90daysafteryouarereferredforanassessment.Ifyoudon’tknowwhoyourcaremanageris,calltheOfficeofCommunityTransitions(518-485-8781).

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Notes

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Notes

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InmyadulthomeIreceivehelpfrom(e.g.,anadulthomecasemanager,a

therapist,etc.):

1. ___________________________________________________________

Phonenumber:______________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________

Phonenumber:______________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________

Phonenumber:______________________________________________

IfIamthinkingaboutmovingtomyownapartmentIalsoreceivehelpfrom:

1. HOUSINGPROVIDERNAME:___________________________________Housingproviderstaffperson:_______________________________________

Phonenumber:___________________________________________________

2. CAREMANAGEMENTAGENCY:_________________________________

Caremanager:____________________________________________________

Phonenumber:___________________________________________________

KEYCONTACTS

OTHER HELPFUL CONTACTS The Office of Community Transitions (NYS Department of Health): 518-485-8781 The Department of Health Adult Home Hotline: 866-893-6772 The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD): 212-481-7572 Mobilization for Justice: 1-877-417-2427