2010 Consumer Resource Guide

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has published the 2010 Consumer Resource Guide. This guide includes a telephone directory of important elder service organizations and general information for older Floridians.        Topics covered in this publication include:

• Getting the Help You Need
• Caregiver Support
• Transportation 
• Housing
• Disease Prevention
• Elder Rights
• Safety and Emergency Services
• Life Planning

The full 366 page publication can be accessed here.

Encore Academy at Pasco-Hernando Community College

Would you like to continue your education and take college courses? Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) offers workshops and courses for older adults, age 50 and above, as part of their "Encore Academy".  You can participate in workshops, take noncredit classes, and even take a three credit class.  Other benefits include PHCC library privileges and an open invitation to all free college events.  The membership fee is $125 per term for fall or spring term or $175 for the academic year.  Alternatively, you can sign up for one workshop for $40. 

    Fall 2010 Workshops include:

• Getting to Know your Computer
• Working with Windows
• Ebay
• Google, Twitter and Facebook
• Gizmos and Gadgets
• Calligraphy
• Writing Short Stories
• Artistic Design
• Acting for Non-Acting Students

For a full list of workshops, please click here.

PHCC also offers a recommended program of study to help you improve your computer skills to prepare for a new career.  The program is called the "Encore Academy Plus 50 Workforce Program". 

Senior Card Games at Hugh Embry Library on August 20th

Seniors, come as you are and enjoy playing card games and board games. Meet old friends and make new ones!

When: Friday, August 20th, 2010
Time:  1:00 PM
Where: Hugh Embry Library
                14215 Fourth Street
                 Dade City, FL
Questions? Call 352-567-3576

New Federal Website: healthcare.gov

Healthcare.gov is a new federal website that brings together information from many separate websites (medicare.gov, healthfinder.gov, and hospital compare).  This website provides information about your insurance options, based on your age, family situation, and which state you live in.  The insurance information includes both the Medicare plans and the private insurance plans available in your state.  Another part of the website is devoted to preventative care - i.e. how to stay healthy.  In addition, another section of the website allows you to compare the quality of care in different hospitals.  There is a section specifically for Seniors, with information about the new Affordable Care Act and about how Medicare recipients can receive rebate checks when they reach the drug coverage gap (the "donut hole").
Here is a video from the website describing the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Benefits: