Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to do how to knit, find new friends at a Senior Games program, or learn how learn more about your Medicare options? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco County library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Tues, July 7th at 12:00pm 
     Library Knitters 
     Hugh Embry Library
 People who enjoy working with yarn, here's your place to meet, share and enhance your knowledge! Bring a brown bag lunch, if you wish. This program is on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and runs for 90 minutes.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Wed, July 8th at 6:00pm
   Hugh Embry Chess Club
   Hugh Embry Library
This chess club is for beginning and advanced players! We have chess sets, or bring your own.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Thursdays at 11:00am
    SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Fridays at 11:00am      
Knitters for Charity       
Hudson Regional Library  
Join this fun group to knit and crochet for charity. They have donated over 14,000 items--hats, scarves, items for children, afghans, and more--to cancer patients, the needy, the homeless, and others. New faces are always welcome, and if you want to learn how to knit or crochet, they will teach you! 
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Saturday, July 11th at 10:00am    
   Turning 65? Medicare Options   
    Land O'Lakes Library
This free program from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will provide information about Medicare Options.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214
  
Tues, July 14th at 10:00am
  AARP Driver Safety
  New River Library
To register for this AARP class, you will need to call (813)907-3908.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

 Thurs, July 16th at 10:00am
    Senior Games
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us for fun and games at the library. Meet new people while playing cards, board games, or challenging video games.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Upcoming SHINE Medicare Volunteer Training

Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Volunteers are needed in Pasco County to provide counseling related to Medicare, Medicaid & more.  There will be a three-day Boot Camp Program for individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program.

The training will begin on June 23, 2014.  Transportation costs are reimbursed and meals are furnished. You can visit www.floridashine.org for an online application or email Geralyn.Fortney@aaapp.org for details.

In addition, you can speak with a SHINE representative in person at the Hap Clark building - Suite 302 E at 4111 Land O Lakes Blvd in Pasco County, on Friday June 5th or Friday June 12th between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The May/June Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes the following articles:

•  Medicare and Disaster Preparedness
•  Ageism
•  Florida Senior Day 2015
•  Hardworking canine volunteer aids in the fight against elder abuse (This story is about a local Victim Advocate with the Area  Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and her dog -  she is a real local hero!)

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here. The 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide should be published in July.

Local Volunteer Wins State Award

At Florida Senior Day, Janet Mills was awarded the Champion of Service Award for her outstanding service for more than 10 years as a dedicated volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. During that time she helped more than 10,670 people with Medicare counseling. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your many years of service to Florida Seniors!

Florida Elderly Mortgage Assistance Program

In 2010, the U.S. Treasury department created the Housing Finance Agency "Hardest-Hit Fund" to help people avoid foreclosure after housing prices plummeted. Part of the money from the Hardest-Hit Fund is allocated to the Florida Elderly Mortgage Assistance Program (ELMORE). This program helps senior homeowners who have a reverse mortgage and are behind on their property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, flood insurance, and homeowners’ and/or condo association dues (property charges). The fund pays these property charges to the homeowners' reverse mortgage servicer.

The ELMORE program can provide up to $25,000 to help seniors avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes, if they are are in arrears on their reverse mortgage. You can find out more about the ELMORE at this website:

http://www.floridaelmore.org/

or call 1-(800) 601-3534 

The Area Agencies on Aging will be helping seniors to gather the documents they need to apply for the program. Note: there is no fee to apply for the ELMORE program. To contact the Area Agency on Aging for Pasco-Pinellas, please call 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

New "Aging on the Suncoast" Episode

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas produces and hosts a community access television program, "Aging on the Suncoast". This program  provides information of interest to elders, their families and caregivers. The January program was  "Consumer Protection Part 1". This episode will help you recognize potential scams and how to protect yourself, if you are targeted. 

Medicare Help at New River Library - now on Thursdays

Do you have questions about how to sign up for Medicare or about which Medicare plan is right for you? A SHINE volunteer can help.  SHINE stands for "Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders", a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, where volunteers are committed to helping others make informed choices regarding Medicare insurance benefits. 

New River Library now has a SHINE volunteer available on Thursday mornings from 11:00 am to 1:00pm. However, we no longer have Medicare help on Fridays.

New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyhrhills, FL 33543
813-788-6375

Volunteer Opportunity

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Becoming a SHINE volunteer may be a good choice for you. SHINE stands for "Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders", a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, where volunteers are committed to helping others make informed choices regarding Medicare insurance benefits. 

What is it like being a SHINE volunteer? Here is the story of a SHINE Volunteer Couple, Joe and Miriam: 

Joe writes:

"What do you think of when I say Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Advantage Plan? For many of us, Medicare comes to mind, but in some cases confusion sets in.  About a year ago, I spotted a newspaper article which highlighted a program called SHINE that was seeking volunteers to assist Medicare clients with their choices.

So I convinced my wife, Miriam, that we may as well start understanding the program before we need to enroll, which usually occurs as we approach the age of 65. So I called, and soon after we began training.

It is important to note that counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, and will not try to sell insurance, and all counseling records are strictly confidential. Since we have passed the training requirements, we now counsel individuals via telephone or face-to-face regarding Medicare enrollment and health plan choices.

We normally perform this volunteer service once a week either from home or at the Dunedin Library. By volunteering with SHINE, we have accomplished two goals: a much better understanding of the Medicare Program and helping those in need – which is what I suspect many, if not all of us, seek to do on a daily basis.

For many of you Medicare may be far off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about it. That said, I’ll leave you with two thoughts: one, consider becoming a SHINE counselor and two, if you have Medicare questions – take advantage of the free SHINE counseling services by calling 1-800-96-ELDER. Miriam and I are always willing to answer any questions you may have and encourage you to consider joining us as volunteer SHINE counselors.."

For Pasco County residents, there is an upcoming training program beginning on February 17th for individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. Transportation costs are reimbursed and meals are furnished.  Visit www.floridashine.org for an online application and then contact Sue Samson @ 727/570-9696 x234.

New "Aging on the Suncoast" Episode

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas produces and hosts a community access television program, "Aging on the Suncoast". This program  provides information of interest to elders, their families and caregivers.The October episode explains about the SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers, who can help you choose the best Medicare program for you during Medicare open enrollment (October 15- December 7th).
Here is the video:

Upcoming Medicare Programs

Want to learn the basics about Medicare and get your questions answered? There are two upcoming Medicare Basics Programs in Pasco County:

Tuesday, September 30th, at 4:00pm
Groves Golf and Country Club
7924 Melogold Circle
Land O'Lakes, FL 34637

Wednesday, October 1st at 2:00pm
New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, Fl 34043

If you would would like individual Medicare enrollment advice from an unbiased source, you can trust SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers. SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated locally through the Area Agency on Aging Of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. The SHINE volunteers are trained to help people with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance issues by providing one-on-one counseling and information. A SHINE volunteer will be at the New River Library on Sept 26th, Oct 3rd, and Oct. 10th from 11:00am - 1:00pm.

SHINE Volunteer Help
Fridays, Sept 26th, Oct 3rd, and Oct 10th at 11:00am
New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyrhills, FL 34043 

Aging on the Suncoast

Did you know that the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas has been producing and hosting a community access television program, "Aging on the Suncoast", since 1988? This program  provides information of interest to elders, their families and caregivers. Past topics include:

• Financial Resources
• SHINE Medicare/Healthcare Counseling
•  Medication Management
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Management of Chronic Diseases
• Prevention of Consumer Fraud and Elder Abuse

You can  watch this program via Pasco County Government Access on:
BRIGHT HOUSE Channel 622  or VERIZON Channel 42
You can find the current TV schedule here.

Here are two of the most recent programs:

July 2014: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors:

   
June 2014: Domestic Violence in Later Life:

"Physicians United Plan" Medicare Medical Insurance Plan is Ending Soon

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will mutually terminate its contract with the Physicians United Plan (PUP) on July 1st, 2014. This means that Medicare beneficiaries that were using this insurance company will have to enroll in a new healthcare plan by August 31st.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have stated the new Medicare Advantage/Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plans (MA/MAPD) will coordinate with Physicians United Plan to share information on the beneficiary out-of-pocket costs so that will not start over for beneficiaries. There are several options for beneficiaries during the SEP to include; keeping Original Medicare and the assigned Part D plan, purchase a Medicare Supplement policy (Medigap) to supplement Original Medicare, or select a new Medicare Advantage plan and/or change the Part D prescription drug plan assigned by CMS. The effective coverage date will be the first of the month following enrollment into the plan.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the state’s eleven Area Agencies on Aging are providing plan comparison and enrollment assistance through the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. SHINE is a free and unbiased Medicare counseling program that can help beneficiaries whose coverage has changed to choose a new prescription drug plan or enroll in a state or federal Medicare cost-saving program.

SHINE can educate you about the choices that are available. Affected Floridians are encouraged to call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or visit the SHINE website,www.floridaSHINE.org. Information is available in Spanish and other languages, as well as for the hearing impaired (TDD: 850-414-2001).

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. This event is held every year on June 15th. It is estimated that 5 million older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited every year. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse.You can help to raise awareness about elder abuse by sharing this information with friends and family.
What else can you do to help?

• volunteer with your local Meals on Wheels program - in Pasco County, contact the Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Department
• become a long-term care ombudsman - in Pasco County contact the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (727) 570-9696) to learn more about volunteering to help the elderly.
• if you know a caregiver - offer to help them, so they can take a few hours break. 
• learn about  the 12 things that anyone can do to prevent elder abuse by clicking here.

SHINE volunteers needed!

The State of Florida has a program called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) that provides free counseling to Seniors about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care planning, and prescription assistance. The program is administered at the county level through our local "Area Agency on Aging" (other states also have this program - either in their Department of Aging or in their Department of Insurance).
 
SHINE is an unbiased information and counseling program that trains volunteers to help older adults to get the information that they need to make informed decisions on health insurance issues. They provide information to elders, their caregivers, and their families. To receive Medicare counseling in Pasco County, you can call 1-800-963-5337. 

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are seeking volunteers for this program. They are offering professional, comprehensive training on the basics of Medicare in a three-day program to individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. The next training will begin on April 22, 2014. Volunteering with SHINE will not only help you gain an understanding of the complex world of Medicare for yourself or your loved ones, but it will also empower you to help others in your community.  

If you are interested in becoming a SHINE volunteer in Pasco County, please call the local Elder Helpline at 1-800-96ELDER or call Susan Samson SHINE Liaison, at 727-570-9696 ext. 23.

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco - Pinellas also provides many other services for seniors and caregivers. You can click on the picture below to access their website:

 

Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas' 40th Anniversary Luncheon

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. (AAAPP), a 501(c) 3 non-profit, serving the Pasco and Pinellas counties will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary as an Area Agency on Aging this year. With a mission of advocating, educating and serving seniors and their caregivers in partnership with the community, the AAAPP has a diverse and experienced Board of Directors, Advisory Council, staff and volunteers to support the agency.  

Over the 40 years, the AAAPP has expanded the service delivery system and improved access to information for all persons seeking long-term support in Pasco and Pinellas counties. The 40th Anniversary theme is “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Shaping the Future” and will be celebrated by a luncheon at:

Friday, April 4th at 11:00am

Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 N. McMullen Booth Road

Clearwater, FL

The doors open at 11:00 AM with an Exhibitor Showcase followed by the Luncheon and Program at 12:00 PM. The program will include Jack Harris, WFLA 970, as the Master of Ceremonies; the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Honor Guards conducting the Presentation of Colors; music by The Old Smoothies Barbershop Quartet and dancing by The Silver Follies; and special recognition of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Representative Will Weatherford.

Tickets to the event are $50 per person and RSVPs are needed by March 24th. Limited sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available. Contact Helen King, 727-570-9696, ext. 210; email her at Helen.king at aaapp.org; or log onto http://www.agingcarefl.org/annual-luncheon/ for additional information.

Caregiver Resources

The holidays can be stressful for caregivers. The Caregiver Action Network is a non profit organization. Its mission is to provide "education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge."  The Caregiver Action Network offers the following recommendations for helping caregivers:

• Offer a few hours of respite time to allow a caregiver to rest.
• Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver’s day.
• Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
• Help a family caregiver find information and resources on the internet or to locate a local support group.

 Remember, you can contact the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas's Senior Helpline (1-800-963-5337) to find local resources for respite care. This helpline is available for residents of Florida. In addition, you can find a large list of online caregiving resources from the federal government here. 

Some of the CARES Senior Enrichment Centers in Pasco County offer adult day services, which can provide a break for caregivers. You can learn more by clicking here.

There are two hospices available in Pasco County and both host caregiver support  and bereavement groups:

Gulfside Regional Hospice - click here for meeting information.

HPH Hospice - click here for meeting information.

Medicare and Medicaid Counseling

The State of Florida has a program called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) that provides free counseling to Seniors about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care planning, and prescription assistance. The program is administered at the county level through the local "Area Agency on Aging" (other states also have this program - either in their Department of Aging or in their Department of Insurance).
 
SHINE is an unbiased information and counseling program that trains volunteers to help older adults to get the information that they need to make informed decisions on health insurance issues. They provide information to elders, their caregivers, and their families. To receive Medicare counseling in Pasco County, you can call 1-800-963-5337.

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco - Pinellas also provides many other services for seniors and caregivers. You can click on the picture below to access their website:

If you are interested in becoming a SHINE volunteer in Pasco County, please contact Sue Samson at 727-570-9696, ext 234.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2013. According to the Administration on Aging, "Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation". What are some of the warning signs of elder abuse?

• Signs of neglect: lack of basic hygiene, medical aids (i.e. glasses, medications), left without care if confined to a bed, or untreated bed sores.
• financial abuse: caregiver has control of the senior's finances and does not use the money to take care of the senior's needs or the older adult is giving large amounts of money or gifts to their caregiver.
• psychological abuse 
• physical abuse

You can learn more about the signs of abuse here and learn more on what you can do to protect Seniors from abuse by reading the National Center on Elder Abuse factsheet. In addition, the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs also has a webpage about how to report elder abuse and how to prevent it.

If you suspect that an older adult is being abused, you should call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Another great resource is the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas elder helpline: 1-800-963-5337. If the senior lives at a nursing home or assisted living facility, a volunteer from the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman program may be able to help. You can contact them via the elder helpline: 1-800-963-5337.

Older Americans Month 2013

May is Older Americans Month.  This observance was originally called "Senior Citizen's Month" when it was created in 1963, but it was renamed "Older Americans Month" by President Carter in 1980.  The Administration on Aging has announced the theme for this year - "Unleash The Power of Age".   

This is a very special celebration, since it is the the 50th anniversary of Older Americans Month. One in eight Americans is an older adult. This May, celebrate this growing segment of our population. Their achievements have made this nation what it is today. 

You can celebrate Older Americans Month by contacting the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco - Pinellas and finding out about volunteer opportunities with programs which help Older Adults in our community. Another way to celebrate Older Adults Month would be to invite an older adult to give a presentation for your organization in their field of expertise.

National Family Caregiver's Month

Over 65 million people in America care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend.  On average they spend 20 hours per week caring for their loved one.  President Obama has proclaimed November 2012 as National Family Caregivers Month. You can read this proclamation here.  The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) is a non profit organization, which was founded in 1993. Its mission is "to empower family caregivers to act on behalf of themselves and their loved ones, and to remove barriers to health and well being." The NFCA coordinates National Family Caregivers Month and they offer the following recommendations for celebrating National Family Caregivers Month, including:

• Offer a few hours of respite time to allow a caregiver to rest.
• Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver’s day.
• Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
• Help a family caregiver find information and resources on the internet or to locate a local support group.

 Remember, you can contact the Area Agency on Aging's Senior Helpline (1-800-963-5337) to find local resources for respite care. This helpline is available for residents of Florida. In addition, you can find a large list of online caregiving resources from the federal government here. 

HPH Hospice hosts caregiving support groups in Pasco County for people who are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. You can click here for meeting information.