Social Services

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

A recent theme for Older Americans Month in May was “Blazing a Trail”. The focus is on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.

Every day I walk around our community I see our residents debunking stereotypes about older adults. I see people in their 80s and 90s in the gym, others are working hard to better our community while many residents are still working either in paid jobs or volunteering. The people participating in the annual resident’s show are certainly an inspiration to us all. All of these residents are blazing a trail for future generations of older adults.

Many retirees are finding new inspiration in second careers, helping others, discovering new interests, and pursuing dreams.

Reinventing yourself can be fun and rewarding.

It is never too late to get more active or revamp your diet. It

Securing your financial future and improving your health and diet are also part of the “Blazing the Trail” theme.

Getting involved in your community means working to make a difference in the lives of community members through volunteering. Older Americans are volunteering in higher numbers than ever before.

Beyond helping and the people around you, being involved in your community benefits you. From preventing mental health issues by engaging in meaningful work to the physical benefits of being active and social, civic engagement is a win-win. It is never too late to give back!

Another way to spend your time and give back to the community is by volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities available. You can start by volunteering in your own community.

I have recently been involved with SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives. They are a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers who make themselves available to help up and coming entrepreneurs. SCORE offers information and assistance for a business or business idea. Every month SCORE provides FREE counseling to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs in the South Florida area. They also offer a variety of workshops. If you have at least 10 years of business experience as an owner, officer of your own business, or served at mid-level management or higher in the corporate world, and would enjoy helping men and women seeking to start or grow their own businesses, call SCORE at 561-981-5180.

The local hospitals use volunteers for a variety of patient related duties, like answering phones, transporting patients, and delivering flowers.

Other volunteer opportunities include organization such as the American Red Cross, agencies working with seniors, literacy coalitions and hospice.

Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted

Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

You’ve heard the expression “aging is not for sissies”. It’s true. It takes a lot of energy to successfully age. Everyone ages differently. Our bodies go through many modifications as we age. These include changes in memory, bone health, hearing, vision, taste and smell. Our skin also can be affected by too much sun. It is important to stay out of the sun as much as possible and keep covered.

Changes in memory are a normal part of aging. As we get older, we may become more forgetful and feat that we are getting Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia. However, scientists now know that people can remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things. Engaging in new activities or doing crossword puzzles are ways to keep your mind alert and active.

The weight-bearing bones and the movable joints undergo much wear and tear as the body ages. The most common age-related conditions are osteoporosis and arthritis.

The question is how to cope and adjust to these changes. Here are some suggestions.

Regular physical, dental and eye exams are important to catch any problems early. Following doctor’s orders and treatment regimens are crucial to staying healthy.

It is important to stay active. Exercise is important to keep your body in good condition. Exercises can be vigorous or non-strenuous, like chair exercises. Exercise is also important to prevent falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults.

Volunteering your time to help others is another way of staying active. There are many volunteer opportunities in your community.

One of the hardest things to adjust to is giving up driving. People feel they are giving up their independence. No one wants to be dependent. However, many larger communities offer public transportation and special transportation services (paratransit) for people with disabilities who cannot use regular public transportation.

As we age, one of our biggest fears is becoming dependent on others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. There are many social services available to provide assistance. Family members and friends may be available to help but you need to let them know what your needs are. If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, make a list of the types of assistance you need, who might be available to help and ask them when and how often they can help.

Depression can result when we feel we are losing control over the changes in our lives. It is okay to ask for help. Many services are available in the community to help older adults cope with loss and grief and other changes. These agencies offer individual and group counseling. Support groups can also be of help. Sharing your thoughts with others can be cathartic. There are support groups for people who are experiencing a loss. Depression can be treated.

There are many services in the community to help us age gracefully. Call 211 or the Elder Helpline at 800-677-1116. There are some very good websites on this topic. Do a search for coping with age-related changes and you will find many resources on aging. Two excellent websites on coping with changes as we age are www.familycaregiversonline.net and www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/winter07/articles/winter07pg10-13.html

The Aging Network

The Aging Network 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Aging Network

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

The Aging Network is made up of agencies that provide services for seniors. Some of these agencies are government run and some are private. Eligibility, services provided, and costs vary from one agency to another.

To meet the diverse needs of the growing numbers of older persons in the United States, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965. The OAA created the state units on aging and the local area agencies on aging to fund local services. The OAA established the Administration on Aging (AoA) (www.aoa.gov) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The AoA is the federal agency that administers programs at the federal level. These programs provide assistance to older adults and their caregivers, as well as critical support services, such as nutrition and transportation for older adults at risk of being prematurely or unnecessarily institutionalized.

Many states and local governments sponsor programs that serve the aging community. These local services can include counseling, information and referral and other age-related services.

Area Agencies on Aging are the local agencies that provides information on aging issues, advocacy, and one-on-one assistance. Services include: · Foster Grandparent Program provides one-on-one teaching support for children. · SHINE Health Insurance Counseling Services. · Senior Advocacy Program delivering support to seniors in need. · Abuse Registry offers helpful information on how to identify and prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors.

Palm Beach County Division of Senior and Veteran Services

 

Other services:

Other community-based services include home health care, senior centers, and adult day care centers. Senior centers offer programs and services in five main categories: health (including mental health), social, nutritional, educational and recreational. In a protective, non-institutional environment, Adult Day Care Centers provide daily therapeutic programs of social and health services as well as activities for adults who have functional impairments.

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

A recent theme for Older Americans Month in May was “Blazing a Trail”. The focus is on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.

Every day I walk around our community I see our residents debunking stereotypes about older adults. I see people in their 80s and 90s in the gym, others are working hard to better our community while many residents are still working either in paid jobs or volunteering. The people participating in the annual resident’s show are certainly an inspiration to us all. All of these residents are blazing a trail for future generations of older adults.

Many retirees are finding new inspiration in second careers, helping others, discovering new interests, and pursuing dreams.

Reinventing yourself can be fun and rewarding.

It is never too late to get more active or revamp your diet. It

Securing your financial future and improving your health and diet are also part of the “Blazing the Trail” theme.

Getting involved in your community means working to make a difference in the lives of community members through volunteering. Older Americans are volunteering in higher numbers than ever before.

Beyond helping and the people around you, being involved in your community benefits you. From preventing mental health issues by engaging in meaningful work to the physical benefits of being active and social, civic engagement is a win-win. It is never too late to give back!

Another way to spend your time and give back to the community is by volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities available. You can start by volunteering in your own community.

I have recently been involved with SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives. They are a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers who make themselves available to help up and coming entrepreneurs. SCORE offers information and assistance for a business or business idea. Every month SCORE provides FREE counseling to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs in the South Florida area. They also offer a variety of workshops. If you have at least 10 years of business experience as an owner, officer of your own business, or served at mid-level management or higher in the corporate world, and would enjoy helping men and  women seeking to start or grow their own businesses, call SCORE at 561-981-5180.

The local hospitals use volunteers for a variety of patient related duties, like answering phones, transporting patients, and delivering flowers.

Other volunteer opportunities include organization such as the American Red Cross, agencies working with seniors, literacy coalitions and hospice.

Living and Working with Seniors

Living and Working with Seniors 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Living and Working with Seniors

By Robert A, Goodman, MSW

 

I am often asked what is it like to have worked with seniors all of my career versus living in a senior community. There are many differences between working with and living with seniors. Living with seniors I see everything up close and personal.

When I was a young social worker I was often told that time flies. I did not realize that time really does go faster as we get older. I can’t believe it is summer again. It seems like it was summer yesterday ( which it usually is in Florida).

For  many years I helped seniors get services and government benefits like Medicaid, Food Stamps and other government services. Living in Century Village I see up close how much of a need there is for services in the communities where seniors live.  That is why I do the Community Service Expos and Health Fairs twice a year. I bring County services like the Property Appraiser (homestead exemption), Social Services (Medicaid, Food Stamps), Consumer Affairs and other government agencies directly to our residents. Now you can apply for benefits or register to vote in one place close to home. We are trying to bring back the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I have organized seniors for advocacy campaigns for many years. Now I see a greater need for advocacy being a senior and living in this community. We need to advocate for the services we need on a county, state and federal level. If we don’t show our elected officials the importance of the programs they fund and how they impact our lives then why should they vote to continue funding them?

Every day I see how active my fellow residents are in their 80s and 90s. I used to tell my clients that they were busier after retirement than before. Now I see how true that statement was. I interact with people who are still working, who volunteer and who go to the gym every day. Having worked with frail and needy seniors, it is nice to see active seniors. But we still have to address the needs of our residents who are poor and who are homebound. Century Village offers many opportunities for education, recreation and socialization.

 

Several years ago, I became an official senior. Reflecting back on my career as a geriatric social worker and community organizer I believe I made the right choice for a career. I loved working with the senior population and am happy I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and helped people get the services they needed through the years. Living in a senior community has shown the importance of the work I have done.

Aging in Place

Aging in Place 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
Aging in Place
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Updated July 2024

 

As we grow older (not me!) our first choice is to remain in our homes for the rest of our lives. How many of us develop a plan to “age in place”? Just like you plan for college or retirement, we must also plan for the years beyond retirement. Aging in place refers to a person’s desire to remain in their own home and receive services, if needed, in their home or community.  To successfully age in place, one has to plan for the physical and mental changes that may occur as we age. This may include modifying your living space.

Several professionals can help you plan for your future. These include elder law attorneys, financial planners, health care providers, home accessibility consultants, for profit health related companies, and non-profit organizations.

An elder law attorney specializes in working with older adults. They handle general estate planning and counsels clients about planning for any future incapacity. The attorney would also assist the client in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care. An elder law attorney can help you locate the appropriate type of care, coordinate private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and work to ensure the client’s right to quality care.  There are many elder law attorneys in our area. Ask any attorney if he/she is certified in this field. To locate an elder law attorney, contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at www.naela.org.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is someone who is specially trained in personal finance.  To become licensed Certified Financial Planners must have demonstrated competency in seven important subjects: the General Principles of Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Employee Benefits Planning, Investment Planning, Income Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, and Estate Planning.  These are the areas one would need to consider when planning for long-term care expenses either immediately or in the future.  CFP’s have been subjected to a background check and must also have demonstrated experience before becoming licensed. Select a certified financial planner who specializes in Medicaid, VA benefits, and elder care planning. Be sure to ask any prospective planner if this is their area of expertise. To locate a certified financial planner, contact the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards at www.cfp.net or call 800-487-1497.

Writing a living will and choosing a health care surrogate are important steps to take while one is healthy. A living will lets your doctor know what steps should be taken or not taken in the event that you cannot communicate your needs. A health care surrogate is a person you appoint to make decisions regarding your health care in case you are unable to. These forms are available at most hospitals or by going online to Aging with Dignity at www.fivewishes.org or calling 1-888-594-7437.

Safety is a major concern in the home as we age. Good lighting, use color contrast, eliminating throw rugs, and installing grab bars are all things that help make the home safer. There are home accessibility specialists that can help you determine what is needed in your home to make it safe and easier to use should you become disabled. Contact your local Center for Independent Living for a referral.

As part of the planning process, you may want to select a home care provider now who can provide you needed services in the future. You may also want to look at housing alternatives, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home if the need arises.  www.Medicare.gov is a great website aid in locating all kinds of health care facilities.

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.

 

 

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.

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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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.