volume 18 - issue 5 2010 the communicator...entrenador personal y ejercicio en grupos todos los...
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Wyandotte/Leavenwor th Area Agency on Aging Volume 18 - Issue 5
September - October 2010
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Senior Advocacy-Silver Haired Legislators
2
Senior News & Announcements
3
All About Aging SeniorFit Program
4
Fun Facts/Puzzle
5
Medicare Updates & Changes
6
AAA ANNUAL SURVEY Return your survey for entry into the next bi-monthly drawing!
7
THE COMMUNICATOR
AGING FUNDED PROGRAMS
• Demand Response -
Transportation 913-573-8308 (traveling within the Wyandotte County limits only)
• Hearing Aid Program
Providence Medical Center 913-596-5143
• Vision Screenings
Visiting Nurse Association 816-627-6484
• Legal Services
Kansas Legal Services 913-621-0200
60 Plus?...Call on Us!
A R E A A G E N C Y O N A G I N G D I R E C T O R N A M E D T O K A N S A S S TA T E A DV I S O RY C O U N C I L O N A G I N G
L A D I R E C T O R A D E L A A G E N C I A D E A R E A PA R A E N V E J E C I E N T E S E S M I E M B R O A L C O N S E J O
Let’s all congratulate Ruth E. Jones, Executive Director of the Wyan-
dotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging for her appointment to the
State Advisory Council on Aging! The Advisory Council on Aging is a
statutorily created body representing different geographical, social and
ethnic groups, with at least half of membership being 60 years of age
or older. The council meets at least twice a year to provide advocacy for
the aging in the affairs of the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA), the
Governor’s office and other public and private, state and local agencies
affecting aging issues. They also serve as the advisory committee as
required by the federal Older Americans Act, and have the duty to re-
view and comment upon various activities of KDOA.
If you wish to contact any member of the State Advisory Council on Aging, please contact the
Main KDOA number 785-296-4986 for information.
¡Felicitaciones a Ruth E. Jones, directora ejecutiva de la Agencia de Servicios para Enve-
jecientes de Wyandotte/Leavenworth por su nombramiento al Consejo Asesor del Estado en el
Envejecimiento! El Consejo Asesor en el Envejecimiento es un cuerpo estatutorio creado para
representar diversos grupos geográficos, sociales y étnicos, con la mitad de la membresia que
es por lo menos 60 años de edad o mayor. El consejo se reúne por lo menos dos veces al año
para interceder por las personas mayores de edad para los asuntos del Departamento de
Kansas en el Envejecimiento (KDOA), la Oficina del Gobernador y otras agencias públicas,
privadas, estatales y locales que afectan los programas para los envejecientes. También
sirven como el comité consultivo según los requisitos del programa federal para las Personas
Mayores de Edad (OAA), y tienen el deber a repasar y comentar sobre varias actividades de
KDOA.
Do you know who the single point of entry is for
ALL questions and services for older adults?
60 Plus?...Call on Us!
Monthly services provided by agency
Over 11,000 meals served per month
More than 1,400 hours of Homemaker services
Over 400 hours of Attendant Care services
Over 500 hours of Respite services
Wyandotte/Leavenworth
area agency on aging
1300 N 78th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City, KS 66112
913-573-8531 OR [email protected]
Volume 18 - Issue 5 Page 2 SENIOR ADVOCACY
SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATORS NEW KANSAS PRE-EXISTING CONDITION INSURANCE POOL BEGINS TAKING APPLICATIONS
A new temporary federal high-risk pool for unin-
sured Kansans with pre-existing medical conditions
is now taking applications, according to Sandy
Praeger, Commissioner of insurance.
The new pool is intended for Kansans with identi-
fied pre-existing conditions who have been without
health insurance coverage for at least six months.
The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Pool (PCIP-
KS) was developed as part of national health care
reform law. It will be subsidized by $36 million in
federal funding and will be administered by Kansas
Health Insurance Association (KHIA) as a com-
pletely separate entity, not affiliated in any way
with the existing KHIA pool.
“KHIA has decided to offer enrollment in the plan
on an unlimited basis for a few months to judge its
potential demand for services,” Commissioner
Praeger said. After the initial offering, the board will
determine the necessity of limiting enrollment in
order make sure federal funding is available
through 2013.
Kansans who want to apply for enrollment in the
new PCIP-KS may call 1-877-505-0511 or visit the
KHIA website at www.khiastatepool.com.
The Kansas Silver Haired
Legislature (SHL) is com-
prised of 125 representa-
tives. The members are
over 60 years old and are elected from their county resi-
dents. The legislature provides an educational experience in
the political process and provides an opportunity to identify
priority concerns of Kansas senior citizens. The SHL pro-
vides over 412,000 seniors a way to become involved and
affect change for them and future generations.
The SHL convenes annually to present those issues and
concerns affecting senior citizens to the Kansas Legislature.
Their annual meeting is generally in late September, early
October. This forum provides a venue to visit with the state
legislators and receive support for those bills and resolu-
tions that may impact seniors in Kansas.
Currently the SHL is advocating for additional monies from
the tobacco settlement and lottery revenues to enhance
services for seniors. The group is also requesting funding
for a program that will address the mental health issues
affecting older adults and favors an act that supports grand-
parents as caregivers.
Current members for Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties
are: Ruby Smith (WY); Willie Dove (WY); Modestine Bell
(WY); Helen Coles (WY); Mary Ann Flunder (WY); Thomas
Gordon (WY); Mable Johnson (WY); David Spero (WY); Evelyn
Welton (WY); and Michael Keohane (LV).
Page 3 Volume 18 - Issue 5
H O M E O W N E R E N E R G Y & E F F I C I E N C Y R E B A T E P R O G R A M
Do you have an old refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine that
still operates well and you’re so attached to it that you just can’t let it
go? Well, maybe the thought of saving on your utility bill might be a mo-
tivating factor.
The Unified Government received more than $1.3 million in federal
block grant dollars to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. A
portion of this grant will be allocated towards the Homeowner Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program.
The rebate program is available only to Kansas City, Kansas homeown-
ers. The program is not income specific, but homeowners must receive a
certified rebate voucher from the Unified Government verifying:
The primary owner of the residence
The property is occupied by the owner of the residence
That all real/personal property taxes are current
That the property is located in the City of Kansas City, Kansas
For more information where you can receive the vouchers, please call
the Health Department Business Office at 913-573-8801 for more infor-
mation or send an email to [email protected].
Appreciation is extended to the follow-ing who have contributed toward the
cost of this newsletter.
Names are listed in alphabetical order.
City Mission of Kansas City Kansas
Charles & Jean Eklund
Mr. & Mrs. Fant
Exie Hollis
Dorothy Reed
A friendly reminder; to offset the cost of this publication, donations to the
newsletter are always welcome.
13TH ANNUAL GRANDPARENT & RELATIVE
CAREGIVERS CONFERENCE
“Overcoming Barriers”
September 24, 2010 8am - 3:30pm
Kauffman Conference Center
4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110
Workshops, Vendors, Entertainment,
Gifts and Lunch is provided
Register by September 17, 2010 -
contact the Family Friends Program at 816-234-3676
S EN IO R NEWS & ANN O UNC EMEN TS
Also, congratulations to Corean Williams, the lucky winner of the
$25 gift card for Wal-Mart; compliments of KC Mass Services.
Be sure to complete and return your survey (on page 7) for entry into the next bi-monthly drawing!
Admission: $6.00,
includes lunch!
Margaret Logan, KCK
Lift Chair Winner!
The lift chair was a donation from Access Medical
Supply LLC; the drawing was part of the Older
American’s Month Celebration held in May.
Volume 18 - Issue 5 Page 4 ALL ABOUT AGING
SeniorFit P RO G R A M B E G I N S I N O C TO B E R SeniorFit is a free health and
wellness program dedicated to
improve the quality of life for
seniors (60+) in Wyandotte
County.
Join the program and enjoy ONE
of the following healthy lifestyle
benefits.
Personal Trainer & Group Exercise
All participants will receive a personal exercise mat and band
Wellness screenings (blood pressure, glucose, BMI, mental health, etc.)
Healthy Eating Tips, Education and Demonstration from a Dietician Classes for group exercise & personal trainer will begin in October;
sign up now by calling the AAA office at 913-573-8531.
A Scholarship for membership to the a semester at the
Kansas City Kansas Community College Wellness Center
Scholarships for the Spring Session (begins in January 2011); watch for
enrollment dates/information in the Nov/Dec issue of The Communicator!
OR
ARE YOU FEELING YOUR
AGE WITH ACHES AND
PAINS?
DO YOU NEED TO LOSE
WEIGHT?
IS YOUR DIABETES OUT
OF CONTROL?
DO YOU HAVE DAYS YOU
JUST DON’T WANT TO
GET OUT OF BED?
Then now is the time
to do something
about it!
E L P RO G R A M A SENIORFIT C O M I E N Z A E N O C TO B R E Senior Fit es un programa gratis de salud y bienestar físico dedi-
cado a mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas de 60 años o más en el condado de Wyandotte.
Unase al programa y disfrute de UNA de las ventajas siguientes para
una forma de vida mas saludable.
LE DUELE EL CUERPO
TODO EL TIEMPO?
TIENE QUE BAJAR DE
PESO?
ESTA SU DIABETIS
FUERA DE CONTROL?
TIENE DIAS QUE NO SE
QUIERE LEVANTARSE?
Entonces es hora de
hacer algo!
Entrenador personal y ejercicio en grupos
Todos los participantes recibirán una estera y una banda personal de ejercicio
Investigaciones de la salud (presión arterial, glucosa, BMI, salud mental, etc.)
Educación para mejorar la forma de comer y demostraciones por un dietético
Clases para el ejercicio en grupo y el entrenador
personal comenzarán en octubre;
suscribase ahora llamando la oficina del AAA.
Una beca para la membresia para un semestre en el Centro de
la Salud del Colegio Universitario de Kansas City Kansas
Becas para la sesión en la Primavera (comienza en enero de 2011). ¡Este at-
ento para la fecha/informacion de inscripcion en la edicion de noviembre/
diciembre en The Communicator!
O
Page 5 Volume 18 - Issue
Find and circle all the words that are
hidden in the grid.
L C L O O H C S E G J N S G P
A G O T C H K D B W A R P O L
B L C R K T I H O S C O P S E
O T L L N R O R F P K C A E R
R T X A Y S C B U Q O Y U L R
D R N A B E T M E R L D T P I
A I H E R T P A N R A N U P U
Y C Y A E K O B L S N A M A Q
D K C D I W A O L K T C N U S
N S F N N L O L F L E A V E S
I W S A L A A L H A R V E S T
W C L S Z F C J L A N Y Y R D
R E D I C E L P P A S A S J T
S E P T E M B E R D H R A K E
S X H S E M U T S O C D S G L
APPLE CIDER APPLES
AUTUMN CANDY
CANDY CORN CORNSTALK
COSTUMES FALL
FOOTBALL HALLOWEEN
HARVEST HAYRIDE
JACK O LANTERNS LABOR DAY
LEAVES OCTOBER
POPCORN BALLS PUMPKINS
RAKE SCARECROW
SCHOOL SEPTEMBER
SQUIRREL TREATS
TRICKS WINDY
H I S PA N I C H E R I TA G E M O N T H
FU N FAC TS
The Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th. This holi-
day celebrates the independence of several Latin American
countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and
Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates on September 16th and Chile on
September 18th.
According to the 2000 Census, Hispanics represent about 16%
of the population in Wyandotte County.
AUTUMN WORD SEARCH
DID YOU KNOW?
Jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed
candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and
ghosts on the Samhain holiday.
Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday,
with Christmas being the first.
If you see a spider on Halloween, it is said that it is the spirit
of a loved one watching over you.
Fall colors are best when late summer is dry & autumn has
bright sunny days and cool nights below 40 degrees.
Be sure to complete the survey on page 7,
return it to the Area Agency on Aging and be
entered to win a $25 gift card to Price Chopper,
compliments of Sunflower Adult Day Services.
E N T E R TO W I N
Thank you Sunflower Adult Day
Services for your support!
KNOW THE 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Have you noticed any of these warning signs? Please note that this list is for information only and does not substitute for
a consultation with a qualified professional.
If you have questions about the
warning signs, the Alzheimer’s
Association recommends that you
consult a physician. Early diagnosis provides the best opportu-
nities for treatment, support and future planning. For more
information, go to www.alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900.
1. Memory changes that
disrupt daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or
solving problems.
3. Trouble understanding vis-
ual images and spatial rela-
tionships.
4. New problems with words in
speaking or writing.
5. Trouble understanding
visual images and spatial
relationships.
6. New problems with words in
speaking or writing.
7. Misplacing things and losing
the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment.
9. Withdrawal from work or
social activities.
10. Changes in mood and
personality.
Page 6 Volume 18 - Issue 5 S EN IO R NEWS & ANN O UNC EMEN TS
www.assistedcompanies.com
Transportation Services
Attendant Care Services
Homemaker/Companion Services
CareLink: Personal Emergency Response System
“meeting your home health
and transportation needs”
1625 S. 45th St.
Kansas City, KS 66106
(913) 262-3100 Home Health
(913) 262-5190 Transportation
MEDICARE ANNOUNCEMENTS/CHANGES BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2011
Preventive Benefits
Eliminates all cost-sharing amounts for certain preventive and screening services provided in all settings,
effective January 2011 (Sec 4104 and Sec. 10404, H.R. 3590).
Provides coverage for an annual wellness visit during which beneficiaries are provided a personalized pre-
vention plan including a health risk assessment, effective on or after January 1, 2011. Beneficiaries are not
required to pay any cost-sharing amounts (Sec. 4103, H.R. 3590).
Coverage Gap
Continues to close the coverage gap, or donut hole by reducing the percentage of cost-sharing for benefici-
aries in the gap. Effective January 1, 2011, drug manufacturers will provide a 50 percent discount on brand-
name drugs and the government will provide a 7 percent discount on generic drugs for those who fall into
the coverage gap.
DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic, Orthotic and Supplies )
Starting January 1, 2011, if you live in or visit the greater Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas area and must ob-
tain equipment or supplies included in the program, you will have to use Medicare contract suppliers if you
want Medicare to help you pay for the item. If you rent oxygen or certain other items such as Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines or hospital beds, you may be able to continue renting these items
from your current supplier when the program takes effect, if the supplier decides to participate in the pro-
gram as a “grandfathered” supplier. If you don’t use a Medicare contract supplier or grandfathers supplier,
Medicare won’t pay for the item and you will likely pay full price. The program won’t change what items and
services are covered by Medicare as long as you use a Medicare contract supplier. So you can still get the
medical equipment and supplies that you need when you need them.
This information is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and Health Assistance Partner ship
Page 7 Volume 18 - Issue 5 ANNUAL SURVEY
The Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging (AA) would like to know more about you and get feedback on the
services provided through our agency. Please take a few minutes to respond to the questions below. Return the survey
to: Wyandotte Leavenworth AAA. 1300 North 78th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.
Please circle the option that best describes you or provide information on the line provided.
DEMOGRAPHICS
GENDER: MALE FEMALE AGE GROUP: UNDER 60 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+
MARITAL STATUS: SINGLE MARRIED WIDOWED DIVORCED RESIDENTIAL ZIP CODE: ________________________
ETHNIC BACKGROUND: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISPANIC AMERICAN INDIAN/NATIVE ALASKAN
ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER NON-MINORITY CAUCASIAN OTHER: ________________________
RESIDENCE: SENIOR RESIDENCE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ASSISTED LIVING WITH FAMILY
IN YOUR OWN HOME OTHER: ___________________________________________________________________
HOUSEHOLD INCOME: BELOW $15,000 $15,000 - $25,000 OVER $25,000
HEALTH:
HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR HEALTH? POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT
DO YOU HAVE A CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION: YES NO IF YES, PLEASE LIST_______________________________________________
HOW OFTEN, DURING A TYPICAL WEEK, DO YOU ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?: (E.G. WALKING, EXERCISING)
EVERYDAY 4-5 TIMES PER WEEK 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK ONCE A WEEK NOT AT ALL
ADVOCACY:
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR STATE OF KANSAS SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE IS? YES NO
IF YES, PLEASE NAME. SENATOR ________________________________ REPRESENTATIVE ___________________________________
HAVE YOU EVER CONTACTED YOUR SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING AGING ISSUES: YES NO
AGENCY PROGRAMS: HAVE YOU USED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AGENCY PROGRAMS? IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHETHER YOU WERE
SATISFIED OR UNSATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE. ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
MEALS ON WHEELS YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
CONGREGATE MEAL SITE YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
CARE PROGRAM YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
SENIOR CARE ACT YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES YES NO ______________________________________________________________________
CASE MANAGEMENT YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
CAREGIVER PROGRAM YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
LEGAL SERVICES: YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
OTHER: YES NO _______________________________________________________________________________
BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER (THE COMMUNICATOR)
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THIS PUBLICATION: POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENTI DON’T READ IT
DO YOU FIND THE ARTICLES HELPFUL OR INTERESTING: YES NO OCCASIONALLY
HAVE YOU MADE A SUBSCRIPTION DONATION THIS YEAR: YES NO
PLEASE LIST TOPICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED IN FUTURE ISSUES: ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be sure to complete and return your survey by September 30th for entry into the next bi-monthly drawing!
The Communicator is published bi-monthly by Information
and Assistance for Older Americans, a unit of the Wyan-
dotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging, Security Bank
Building, 1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City,
Kansas 66112. It is funded by the Kansas Department
on Aging through the Older Americans’ Act. We assume no
responsibility for the care and return of unsolicited mate-
rial. Donations are suggested.
For more information call the Information & Assistance
Department at 913-573-8531.
Information & Assistance does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, or
handicap. If you feel you have been discriminated against,
you may file a complaint with the Wyandotte/Leavenworth
Area Agency on Aging by calling 913-573-8531, or for the
hearing impaired TDD 1-800-766-3777.
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
KANSAS CITY, MO
PERMIT NO. 1332
THE COMMUNICATOR
Publisher:
Information and Assistance for Older Americans
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ruth E. Jones
Emma Fonseca - Contributing Editor
Linda Ramirez - Formatting Editor
LaMonica Upton - Contributing Editor
Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging
Security Bank Building
1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100
Kansas City, Kansas 66112-2406
913-573-8531
913-573-8577 FAX
IS THIS NEWSLETTER REACHING YOU?
Please notify us of any change in address. If the address
label is incorrect, please call THE COMMUNICATOR office at
913-573-8531 or write us at the address listed above.
Also, please notify us if you receive more than one copy.
THANK YOU
Voice your opinion regarding issues that are important
to you. Please call the Kansas Legislative Hotline at
1-800-432-3924 to contact your local representative.
OCTOBER OBSERVANCES
Columbus Day - 11th
(Furlough Day AAA offices closed)
Halloween - 31
SEPTEMBER OBSERVANCES
Unified Government Furlough Day - 3rd
(AAA offices closed)
Labor Day - 6th
(AAA offices closed)
Grandparents Day - 12th
Volunteer Recognition Party - 23rd