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Robert Goodman, MSW

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Advocacy
Advocacy 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Advocacy

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

         

          The word advocacy has been in the news a lot lately. You have the #MeToo movement, the Parkland students fighting for tighter gun controls and people fighting for legislation that impacts their lives.
Some people find that advocacy helps when they feel they are not being heard, or are not getting what they need.  They would like some support. Anyone may need advocacy at some time in his or her life, but it becomes especially relevant where:

  • People are being treated unfairly as a result of other people’s prejudices, or their own vulnerability, or both.
  • People feel they have no family, friends or anyone in the wider community to whom they can turn for support.
  • People may have professional paid workers involved in their lives who are not providing services which take into account their needs…

Think back to one experience where you either had witnessed or participated in where a social justice issue was effectively addressed by working on influencing public policy. How effective were your efforts?

There are two types of advocacy, self-advocacy and cause advocacy. Self-advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of oneself. Cause or Public advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of a particular group of people, or the general public. This includes legislative advocacy or advocating for a change in a policy or program.

Being a good advocate also includes letting your elected officials know of your concerns. Write and visit with your elected officials. Greet them when they come to Century Village. If you have an issue of concern prepare a statement describing the issue, how it impacts on your life, and what you would like your elected official to do about it. When the Florida legislature meets, they will be considering many laws that impact your life as a condo owner, renter, or senior. Your elected officials need to know how what they do in Tallahassee or Washington impacts your life.

As we enter the campaign season, here is a great opportunity to get involved and influence policies that will affect your future. Issues like Social Security, health care and Medicare are important federal issues that the U.S. Senate candidates will be addressing. State issues include Medicaid, health care, senior services and condominium legislation.

Here are a few pointers to help you be an effective self-advocate and better navigate the health care and social service systems.

You must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights as a patient in the hospital, a doctor’s office, or trying to procure services,

Before you go to the doctor’s office or call an agency, have a list of questions to ask and make sure you understand the answers you are given. Keep a list on the refrigerator of your medications and special needs in case of an emergency or pending hospitalization.

When speaking to a doctor you want to be sure you understand your diagnosis and what impact it will have on your life and family. You want to be aware of what medications he/she is prescribing and what effect they will have, how they interact with your other medications, vitamins, and supplements, and any of its side effects. Also, ask about any community resources that may relate to your diagnosis. An example would be someone who is diagnosed with macular degeneration may need information on the Lighthouse for the Blind or low vision aids.

If you end up in the emergency room you should be able to clearly describe your situation at home. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who is capable of assisting you when you are discharged from the hospital? What medical equipment do you have at home, such as grab bars, a hospital bed, a walker, or a shower chair?

When calling an agency, be prepared with a list of questions. You should include information on what you or the person you are calling for needs and who, if anyone is available to meet those needs.

Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:

  1. Believe in yourself.
  2. Realize you have rights.
  3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider.
  4. Get the facts in writing.
  5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue isn’t resolved to your satisfaction.
  6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied.
  7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive.
  8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener.
  9. Ask for help from other agencies.
  10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your needs…and say thank you.

 

 

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Are You a Good Self Advocate?
Are You a Good Self Advocate? 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Are You a Good Self Advocate?
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
When you are a patient in the hospital or in a doctor’s office, or trying to get services, you must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights. Here are a few pointers to help you better navigate the health care and social service systems.
Before you go to the doctor’s office or call an agency, have a list of questions to ask and make sure you understand the answers you are given. Keep a list on the refrigerator of your medications and special needs in case of an emergency or pending hospitalization.
When speaking to a doctor you want to be sure you understand your diagnosis and what impact it will have on your life and family. You want to be aware of what medications he/she is prescribing, what they are expected to do, how they interact with medications, vitamins, and supplements, and any of its side effects. Also, ask about any community resources that may relate to your diagnosis. An example would be someone who is diagnosed with macular degeneration may need information on the Lighthouse for the Blind or low vision aids.
If you end up in the emergency room you should be able to clearly describes your situation at home or emergency room. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who can help care for you when you are discharged from the hospital? What medical equipment do you have at home, such as grab bars, a hospital bed, a walker, or a shower chair?
When calling an agency be prepared with a list of questions. You should include information on what you or the person you are calling for needs and who, if anyone is available to meet those needs.
Being a good advocate also include letting your elected officials know your concerns. Write and visit with your elected officials. Greet them when they come to Century Village. If you have an issue of concern prepare a statement describing the issue, how it impacts on your life, and what you would like your elected official to do about it. The Florida Legislature meets in March and April and will be considering many laws that impact your life as a condo owner, renter, or senior. Your elected officials need to know how what they do in Tallahassee or Washington impacts you.
Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Realize you have rights
3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider
4. Get the facts in writing
5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue wasn’t resolved to your satisfaction
6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied
7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive
8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener
9. Ask for help from other agencies
10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your
needs…and say thank you

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What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center?
What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center? 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center?

Adult Day Care

Adult Day Care Centers provides a structured program of therapeutic, rehabilitative, social, and leisure activities in a monitored setting for seniors. It offers supportive services to the participant, as well as to the family, by providing care and supervision in a protective environment during the day and needed respite for the caregiver.

 

The goal of Adult Day Care is to delay or prevent institutionalism by providing alternative care, to enhance self-esteem, and to encourage socialization.

There are two types of Adult Day Care:

Adult Social Day Care provides social activities, meals, recreation, and some health-related services. Adult Day Health Care offers more intensive health, therapeutic, and social services for individuals with severe medical problems and those at risk of nursing home care.

 

Participants attend the program on a scheduled basis and services may include the following: counseling, education, exercise,  health screening, meals, medication management, physical therapy, recreation, respite care, socialization, transportation.

 

Senior Centers

Senior Centers offers a communal setting for seniors to participate in social activities, recreation, and classes in an environment that is less structured and less supervised than Adult Day Care. Participants tend to be healthier, more mobile, and more independent than those who attend Adult Day Care.

How Much Does it Cost?

Many of the adult day care (see page 63) and senior centers (see page 44) listed in this book are free or charge on a sliding scale. Contact the various centers for further information.

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Watch Where You Are Driving
Watch Where You Are Driving 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Watch Where You Are Driving
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
As our population ages, so does the number of older drivers. Some drivers outlive the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive and sensory losses are gradual and often the driver is unaware of the changes.
At the same time, the number of pedestrians with visual disabilities is also increasing. Some use no walking aid and others use a red tipped long white cane. Recently, I was almost hit by a car whose driver either was not paying attention or could not see well enough to see my two white canes.
At some point in one’s driving life, he or she must reevaluate the ability to safely drive. I have written several columns on driving alternatives and evaluating one’s ability to keep operating a vehicle.
One of the hardest things in life to do is to give up driving. Giving up driving affects one’s independence and self-esteem.
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the leading cause of injury-related deaths in 65-74 year olds is crash injuries. The second leading cause of injury related deaths (after falls) in 75-85 year olds is also crash injuries. When driving affects one’s own safety and the safety of others, it is time to stop driving. Indicators that it might be time to stop driving include needing help in seeing where you are going, not seeing pedestrians clearly, multiple accidents or having delayed responses to unexpected situations.
Florida law gives pedestrians the right of way. But more specifically Florida’s White Cane Law requires one to stop when a visually impaired person is crossing the street using a red tipped white cane. The law states: “Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. A person who is convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a moving violation punishable as provided in chapter 318.”
Another way in which you can improve safety is to check how well you fit into your car? Can you see your blind spot? CarFit is a national program that looks at the safety and comfort of one’s car. Log onto https://car-fit.org/ to find a CarFit program near you.
There are services in our community that can help one evaluate his/her ability to drive safely. Florida Atlantic University Memory Wellness Center has a driver safety evaluation program. For information call 561.297-0502. AARP sponsors a driver safety program. For locations in the Palm Beach county area call 888-2277669 or log onto www.aarp.org/drive. Florida offers a non-drivers ID card to place the driver’s license as a photo ID. This is available at local Driver’s License bureaus.

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Vision Impairment and Older Adults
Vision Impairment and Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Vision Impairment and Older Adults
By Robert Goodman, MSW
While visual impairments are NOT a normal part of aging, it is estimated that vision loss affects millions of older adults each year. The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International reports that 17% of adults age 65-74 and 26% of Americans over age 75 report some form of vision impairment. The leading causes of vision impairment among older adults are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Loss of vision is a leading cause of lost independence among older adults. Visual impairments are a major risk factor for falls and hip fractures. One in three individuals aged 65 and older will fall each year and may represent the most serious problem facing elderly individuals in the United States. Acute illness only accounts for 10% of falls in older adults, with the remaining 90% being due to the presence of multiple risk factors such as vision loss and other sensory issues.
Vision loss can decrease visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, color discrimination, and the ability to adapt in different lighting conditions. By themselves, each of these vision impairments may cause an individual not to see hazards that are present, thereby causing a fall, stumble, or trip.
Vision loss can affect one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (dressing, eating, grooming, bathing, and housekeeping). It can mean loss of ability to drive or participate in leisure activities.
Vision loss does not have to mean dependence on others. Persons with visual impairments can still lead independent lives and fully participate in activities in their community. There are many resources available to help one become and remain independent. Agencies for the blind provide training in activities of daily living and teach mobility skills. There are organizations that provide books in large print and on tape.
There are things you can do to help make your home more accessible. Bright lights are available from many retailers. Use color contrast to help differentiate different surfaces. Black on white or black on yellow are good color combinations. Use large letters or raised dots to mark your appliances. You may want to consider getting rid of small rugs. The Lighthouse for the Blind can teach you these skills and help modify your home to make it easier to get around.
Reading material is available in large print from the library and from many private organizations. Talking books are available for people who cannot read print. There are special low vision aids such as magnifiers and other devices available from private companies.
Support groups are important in helping a person adjust to visual impairment. We Care in Century Village sponsors a group for people with visual impairments. Participants learn about visual impairments, community services, aids and appliances that help one remain independent, and government programs that assist people who have experienced a loss of vision. Members also support each other and offer assistance in learning to adjust to this new chapter in their lives. The group works closely with the Lighthouse for the Blind in providing classes for people with visual impairments.
The Visually Impaired Support Group meets the first Wednesday each month (except August) at 10 AM in the Clubhouse. If you know someone who has a visual impairment and could benefit from this organization please call 487-2827.
Other services for people with visual impairments include:
Rehabilitation Services
Florida Division of Blind Services 866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Reading and Listening
Talking Book Library 888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 800-273-6677
Religious books in large print and on tape:
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 800-995-1888
JBI International 800-433-1531
Braille Bibles International 800-522-4253
Low Vision Aids and Appliances
Florida Reading and Vision Technology 954-525-5311
LS & S 800-468-4789
MaxiAids 800-522-6294
Freedom Scientific (computer technology) 800-444-4443
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 877-870-9849
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
We Care 487-2827
General Information
Lighthouse International 800-829-0500
Prevent Blindness America 800-331-2020
Macular Degeneration Association 941- 870-4399
American Macular Degeneration Foundation 888-622-8527
Blinded Veterans Association 800-669-7079
Canadian National Institute for the Blind 800-563-2642
For more information on vision impairment and statistics log onto www.lighthouse.org/research/statistics-on-vision-impairment.

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Home Health Care and Medicare (updated 2018)
Home Health Care and Medicare (updated 2018) 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

by Robert Goodman, MSW

Medicare covers home health care services for someone meeting these conditions:

  1. Your doctor must decide that you need medical care at home, and make a plan for your care at home.
  2. You must need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, or to continue occupational therapy. 
  3. The home health agency caring for you must be approved by the Medicare
  4. You must be homebound, or normally unable to leave home without help.

If you meet all four of the conditions above, Medicare will cover the following types of home health care:

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Home health aide services
  • Physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy
  • Medical social services
  • Certain medical supplies
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Medicare does not cover homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry; and
  • Personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom when this is the only care you need.

There are several types of home care providers. Only Medicare approved home health care agencies are covered by Medicare. Private pay services include nurse registries and companion services. There are some private pay home health agencies that provide the services listed above.
Companion/Homemaker: Services include companionship, errands, escorts, meal preparation, and homemaking.
Home Health Agency: Recruits, screens, and hires their staff as employees. Services include home health care, skilled nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy, companions, homemakers. May provide 24-hour live-in aides.
Nurse Registry: Recruits, screens, and refers aides, who are independent contractors, to clients. Services include nurses, respite care, home health aides, companions, homemakers, and 24-hour live-in aides.
There are many different types of personnel who may be handling your care. Besides therapists and social workers, there are different types of home care workers who may come into your home.
Companion/Homemaker May do the following: Prepares/serves meals, does housekeeping, and accompany client on errands/trips. The Companion/Homemaker must have some training in topics related to human development and interpersonal relationships, nutrition, marketing, food storage, use of equipment and supplies, planning and organizing of household tasks, and principles of cleanliness and safety.
Home Health Aide (HHA) In addition to the services provided by a Companion/Homemaker, a HHA may provide “hands on” personal care, which includes assistance in the activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, personal hygiene, eating, and assistance in physical transfer and ambulation. Some HHA’s can be trained to supervise medication. Most HHA’s have a high school diploma, although it is not required. To work for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency, a HHA must complete 75+ hours of training or successfully complete a competency evaluation given by the home health agency.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provides the same types of services as the Home Health Aide, but the CNA is certified by the state, a high school or G.E.D is required, and typically receives a higher rate of pay. The programs are 6-12 weeks in length and include “hands-on” care giving experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides services such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and giving injections, enemas, help in evaluation of the needs of the client, and supervising nursing assistants and aides. LPN’s can also be involved in teaching and training family members in simple nursing tasks. LPN’s must go through a State-approved Nursing Program.  
Registered Nurse (RN) works to promote health, prevent illness, educate patients and families, and develop/manage nursing care plans. RN’s are educated in the science and theory behind the care they are administering and supervising. The RN assessment involves a more holistic approach to evaluating the patient, making sure both their physical and psychology needs are being addressed.
For more information log onto www.medicare.com/hhcompare

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Support Groups
Support Groups 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Support Groups
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker
Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you trying to cope with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other illness? Do you need someone to talk to? Well, there is help out there for you. It is not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up. Support Groups provide an opportunity for you to share your feelings, concerns, and ideas with others who are struggling with the same issues as you are.
In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others’ experiences, providing a sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.
Support groups help you realize that you are not alone in struggling with an issue or loss. If you have successfully coped with a challenge in your life, support groups provide you with an opportunity to share your story with others so that they might learn from you.

There are several support groups that meet in Century Village. These include: Alzheimer’s Support Group, meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1PM. The Faulk Center for Counseling 483-5300 sponsors Sharing and Caring support group every Thursday at 2PM in Room E. We Care (487-2827) sponsors a support group for persons with visual. Watch Channel 63 for contact information on other groups.
Several community organizations offer counseling and sponsor support groups. These include:
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561- 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbors 561-531-9844
Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
954-786-2305 
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Mental Health Association 561-712-0584.
MS Society for South Florida 800-344-4867
If you are interested in forming a support group on an issue of concern to you, contact Robert Goodman at We Care 487-2827.

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Your Rights as a Patient
Your Rights as a Patient 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Your Rights as a Patient
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker
Medicare Appeal Rights
Do you know your rights as a healthcare consumer? Do you have a complaint about the quality of your care? Do you want to appeal a decision about a discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or home health care agency? An appeal is an action you can take if you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, your Medicare health plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
You have the right to appeal if Medicare, your Medicare health plan, or your Medicare drug plan denies one of the following:

  • A request for a health care service, supply, item, or prescription drug that you think you should be able to receive.
  • A request for payment of a health care service, supply, item, or prescription drug you already use.
  • A request to change the amount you must pay for a healthcare service, durable medical equipment, or prescription drugs.

You may also appeal if Medicare or your plan stops providing or paying for all or part of a healthcare service, durable medical equipment, or prescription drug you think you still need. (Source: www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals).
Before filing an appeal, gather all the relevant information about the service you are appealing and the reason given for the denial of service or discharge. Then compile whatever documentation is necessary to show that you need that service to continue. This includes notes from a doctor, therapist, or another healthcare provider. Be sure the information is specific to your situation. Document every phone call, email or letter you write or receive.
Contact Kepro, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Florida, at 1-844-455-8708 to file an appeal or a complaint about a service. You can learn more information about your right to appeal and download forms on their website, www.keproqio.com.
You can find interesting information on the Medicare.gov website about your rights and benefits. The website has sections where you can find and compare doctors, health plans, hospitals, medical equipment suppliers, nursing homes, home health agencies, dialysis centers, and other providers. You can also locate medical equipment suppliers.
Your Other Rights
You have the right to receive a copy of your medical records. You should keep a copy of your lab work, diagnostic reports, and other important medical information.
If you have a visual impairment, you have the right under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to request that your health care provider supply you with information written in large print. Under the ADA, any business or health care provider must make print documents available in an alternate format for people with visual impairments. This includes large print, Braille, or audio tapes. They also have the option of reading the material to a consumer.
The following are additional resources for information on health care providers:
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
Finding out if urgent care centers and ambulatory surgical centers are accredited.
(847) 853-6060
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities
Finding out if an ambulatory surgical center is accredited. (888) 545-5222
American Board of Medical Specialties
Finding out if a doctor is board certified. (866) 275-2267
MAXIMUS Center for Health Dispute Resolution (CHDR)
Requesting external reviews of Medicare managed care denials.
(585) 425-5210
Florida Medical Quality Assurance Inc., The Florida ESRD Network – Network 7
Where to submit a complaint about the quality of care I received from my kidney dialysis facility.
Report Medicaid fraud and abuse: (866) 762-2237
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Where to submit a complaint about the quality of life or quality of care inside a nursing home. (888) 419-3456
Long Term Care Ombudsman of Florida
Obtaining information on nursing homes or resolving problems between nursing homes and residents or their families. (888) 831-0404, 561-837-5038
Florida Health Finder www.floridahealthinder.gov
Learn about medical conditions, symptoms, procedures, tests and more. Find and learn about Florida health care facilities and providers in your area.
Source: http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/topic-search-results.aspx

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Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County
Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County

Compiled by Robert Goodman, MSW

 

General information on Community Services:
Information and referral 211
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Helpline) 561-684-5885 
Palm Beach County Department of Community Services 561-355-4700
General Information on Vision
Lighthouse International 800-829-0500
www.lighthouse.org
Prevent Blindness America 800-331-2020
www.preventblindness.org/
Macular Degeneration Association 941- 870-4399
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
888-622-8527 https://www.macular.org
Blinded Veterans Association
800-669-7079 www.bva.org/
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
800-563-2642 www.cnib.ca
Rehabilitation Services
Florida Division of Blind Services 866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 516-586-5600 
Florida Outreach Center for the Blind 561-642-0005
Reading and Listening
Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 1-800-273-6677 x7
NFB Newsline 1-866-504-7300
Religious Materials
JBI International 1-800-433-1531
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 1-800-995-1888
Lutheran Braille Workers 1-800-925-6092
Braille Bibles International 800-522-4253
Assistive Technology
Florida Reading and Vision Technology 954-525-5311
www.floridareading.com
Humanware 1-800 722-3393
www.humanware.com/
LS & S 1-800-468-4789
www.lssproducts.com/category/assistive-technology
MaxiAids 1-800-522-6294
www.maxiaids.com
Freedom Scientific (computer technology)
1-800-444-4443 www.freedomscientific.com/
Free 411 information from your phone company
AT&T Special Needs Center 1-800-982-2891
Comcast 1-866-853-1851
Verizon 1-888- 262-1999
Note: Many cell phone companies offer this service. For information contact your cell phone provider.
Counseling and Support Groups
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services (561) 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbores (561) 531-9844.
Transportation:
Non Driver’s ID Cards Delray Beach
501 S. Congress Ave.
Palm Tran Connection 1-877-870-9849
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
We Care 487-2827
Senior Services
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
Adult Day Care, Senior Center, Transportation
 
For people with disabilities and certain health conditions:
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc.
561-966-4288 
Pathways to Independence
561-626-6611 
Free Phones for the Hearing Impaired
Audiology with a Heart 561-366-7219
Deaf and Hearing Resources of Palm Beach County
561-802-3353
 

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How to Write a Community Resource Guide
How to Write a Community Resource Guide 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Resource guides enable people to have information at their fingertips about local services that may benefit them now or in the future. Material contained in a resource guide includes information on social services, government services and benefits and other important information. It is also a way of introducing your agency/services to the community.

There are many types of resource guides. Some are in print and some are online. Some speak to a specific population, like seniors or youth, and some are more general. Some cover a specific region, while others are statewide or nationwide. Internet resource guides are easier to update.

Resource guides that focus on the needs of older adults are important since our population is aging. More people are caring for aging parents, and caregivers need to know where to turn for help. Transportation may be limited for those who can no longer drive and they need to know how to get needed services. Many seniors do not have access to computers and a print resource guide would be more useful to them.

An Outline for Creating a Resource Guide

  1. What geographic area do you want to cover?
  2. What population group should the resource guide target?
  3. Content: How extensive should the information be that is included?
    1. Name of agency/organization and contact information
    2. Description of agency services and eligibility requirements
  4. Will it be in print format or online or both? While some people may need a print copy, an online version provides access to more people.
  5. If online, will visitors be able to click through to other websites?
  6. Who is available to help collect information and put materials for the resource guide together?
  7. What topics should be covered?
    1. Advocacy information. If the resource guide deals with health care you may want to include information that will enable to consumer to take charge of their health care or social service needs.
    2. Questions and answers about a particular topic
    3. Government services
    4. Government benefits and eligibility criteria
    5. Local business services
    6. Elder abuse and neglect resources
    7. Domestic violence resources
    8. A list of important phone numbers only
    9. Health related services and programs and operating hours
    10. Community programs and schedules
    11. Information on local, state or federal government
    12. Contact information for elected officials
    13. Advocacy information
    14. General information

Budgeting and Production

  1. Who will design the resource guide? Are there funds for a graphic designer?
  2. How many copies of the resource guide will be produced?
  3. What funds are available, from what resources
    1. Government
    2. Foundations
    3. Advertisers
      1. Health care providers
      2. Nursing homes and other adult facilities
  • Home care agencies
    1. Advertising rates?
    2. How will they be contacted?
    3. Who should receive payment and who should checks be made out to?
    4. What credit cards can be taken and how?
    5. Where should ads, payments, etc. be mailed to?
    6. Should a bank account for this project be separate?
  1. Are there grants available and who is available to write a grant
  2. Who will ultimately pay for printing and distribution?
  3. How will the resource guide be distributed?
    1. By mail (what is the cost?)
    2. By individuals who can give them out
  4. How will the resource guide be marketed?
    1. Who will design the marketing materials? How will it be paid for? How will word get out about the development of a resource guide?
      1. Press release
      2. Mailing
  • Email blast
  1. Social media
  1. Are there funds for printing and mailing the initial marketing materials?
  2. Press release to local media and community/organization newsletters
  3. Through the Chamber of Commerce
  4. At local meetings of the targeted group(s)
  5. Social media
  1. Resource guides need to be updated regularly. Be sure to double check and verify information to make sure phone numbers are correct, websites are accurate, etc.
  2. Finally, be sure the print edition or website is accessible to people with visual impairments as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Florida Navigator
Americans with Disabilities Act
Robert Goodman, MSW

Location:

4037 Wolverton B
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Phone:

954-806-7321

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