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Wishing You a Healthy, Safe and Happy Holiday Season!!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday, a Happy New Year, and to say thank you to everyone who has supported Todays Senior Resource, Positive Aging Radio, and the Western Pa. Chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation!
Here in Southwestern PA, we are lucky to have an incredible community of seniors, caregivers, and professionals who are generous and dedicated to improving the aging and caregiving experience.
Together we can make the Pittsburgh Region a nicer place to age!!!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Nemanic
TodaysSeniorResource.com
Gift Ideas for Seniors & Caregivers
We’ve talked to seniors and caregivers and compiled a list of the most mentioned (see below, in no particular order).
The most popular??? Spending precious time together, gifts that reduce stress, save time, or bring loved ones closer together!!!
Caregiver Gift ideas
« Gift Certificates for Caregiving Services
« Chores & Shopping Services
« Assistive/Safety Devices for Home & Auto
« Health Information Organizer System
« Care Advocacy & Management Services
« Wellness & Nutritional Services
« Caregiver Training & Support
« Subscriptions for Publications or Movies by Mail
« Personalized Calendar
« Webcam and Skype Set-Up
« Gift Certificates for Restaurants, Shows, or Shopping
« Coupons for Your Time & Assistance
Senior Gift Ideas
« Frame a Photo and a Special Note written by a Grandchild
« Assistive Devices for Home and Auto
« Webcam and Skype Set-Up
« Computer Lessons
« Home Safety Assessment
« Books on Tape, Homebound Mail Service
« Simple Cell Phone for Emergencies
« Put Old Home Movies on DVD
« Take a Drive to see Holiday Lights & get Hot Chocolate
« Coupons & Gift Certificates for: house cleaning, snow shoveling, lawn care, shopping or meal services, or favorite stores or restaurants
« Make a Favorite Meal or Treat,
« Ongoing Game Nights Together & a New Game
« Digital Photo Frame
« WII System with Bowling Game
In the News
Medicare Premiums Going Up
Seniors may find themselves needing to make changes in their Medicare plans this year, since many providers are raising premiums for Medicare Part D (prescription plans) and Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) plans.
In addition about 600,000 seniors on Medicare Advantage will have to choose new plans because some insurance companies will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans. Seniors will be notified by mail if their plan is closing down.
Seniors who currently have “doughnut hole” coverage (the gap when there is no coverage for prescription drugs), should also be aware that many providers will no longer offer this type of coverage. To top it off, this year, for the first time in 25 years, Social Security is not expected to provide a cost of living increase (COLA).
Open Enrollment, the period when you can sign up for, or switch Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, is from November 15 to December 31.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Plan:
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Do you want to keep your doctors?
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Do you want to use specific hospitals?
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What prescription drugs do you take?
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How often do you typically see a doctor?
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Do you anticipate needing surgery or needing more health care in the next year?
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When considering the monthly premium cost of a plan, don’t forget to add the plan’s co-pay amounts for your average number of doctor visits per month.
Pennsylvania residents can contact their local APPRISE office for help with deciding which plans will be most beneficial for their situation. Contact the Allegheny County APPRISE office, for cost free, non-biased assistance either by phone, in person, or attend one of their community events. 412-661-1438
You can compare Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans hre at Medicare.gov:
Listen Now > Bill McKendree, Director of the Allegheny County APPRISE Program discusses changes in Medicare and how the APPRISE Program can help.
Listen Now > Gerri Angel, RN., Ph.D., Consumer Advocate & Specialist, and Long-term Care Insurance & Medicare Advantage Plan Specialist, discusses the Ins and Outs of Long Term Care Insurance.
informal and family caregivers learn to reduce the
stress associated with being a caregiver.
What it is:
• Six free monthly two-hour sessions
• Informal learning in a casual setting
• A dialogue with caregivers in your community
• A network of information, tools and resources
• Also valuable for likely caregivers
Twilight Wish Foundation
The Western PA Chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation is holding a Twilight Stars Fundraiser through Jan 1, 2010, generously sponsored by Golden Living Center of Mt. Lebanon.
Watch for the Twilight Stars at local stores and other places of business. Honor a special senior by donating $1 and put their name on a Star.
If you would like to offer Twilight Stars in your place of business, your office, or to your friends and family, contact Cheryl Nemanic at 724 712-5655.
Twilight Wish Chapter January Meetings
January 12, AgeWell
January 28, Newhaven Court of Clearview
January 14, Peters Township Library
Senior Service Providers
Boost Your Senior Service Business
TodaysSeniorResource.com now offers 3 ways for businesses to participate online in providing senior and caregiver resource information.
Seniors and their famiies are turning to the internet to search for products and services in growing numbers.
Help to provide information on your services, educational resources, and answers to user's questions. Familiarize the community with your services and build your reputation within the region.
Contact TSR
724 712-5655
Upcoming Events
December 31, 2010
January 2010 Schedule
Every Other Month
January - April 2010
February 5, 6, 7, 2010
9am – 1pm, February 25, 2010
Weekdays 9am – 5pm |
In this Issue:
Services & Gifts from Local Providers:
by Jennifer Antkowiak, KDKA morning news anchor, mother of 5, author, and caregiving coach.
There are 50 million volunteer family caregivers in America today! It’s so important that caregivers take care of themselves, and it can be especially difficult during the holidays. Click here for a flyer with Jennifer's "7 Take Care Tips for the Holidays".
Get her books:
Listen to Jennifer discussing how to reduce stress on Positive Aging Radio, Sunday Dec. 20 at 8amon 1360, WMNY. Check for it in the Positive Aging Radio Archives soon.
Caring Mission Home Care offers the Gift of Care. If you have a parent who insists they don't need help, or you know a caregiver who needs a break, gift certificates are now available for assistance with: meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, companionship at home or on social outings, as well as personal care assistance and safety.
Gift certificates start at 2 hours of assistance. Caring Mission Home Care also offers: Home Care, Home Health, Lifeline Emergency Response Systems, & Medication Dispensers.
For more information on services Click here or call (724) 222-9905
Finding your Way Along the Stages of Senior Care is a new book by Home Instead Senior Care founder, Paul Hogan. Meet him at a book signing at 4pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar from 4pm-5pm. Professionals can also stay for a free CEU event from 5pm-7pm, Don't Throw My Memories in the Trash, presented by Vicki Dellaquila,
First 50 guests to register receive a complimentary copy of the book, Stages of Senior Care!
BLACKBURN’S has put together some special gift ideas to make daily activities safer and easier for seniors at home or on the road. If your parent or loved on could use a little assistance, click here for ideas on reachers, one-time fee Guardian 911 emergency response systems, lift chairs, and auto accessories. Contact BLACKBURN’S for medical equipment and supplies, home and vehicle accessibility products, MTM services, or pharmacy items at (800) 472-2440 or click here for more information.
Shop for supplies and equipment online at www.blackburnsmed.com, or visit their locations in Tarentum or Cranberry.
MyMediFiles is a portable system for organizing your health information that was created by Lorraine, a local caregiver. Lorraine found it increasingly difficult to keep track of her in-law’s information, and to be sure it would be updated and available if an emergency occurred when she wasn’t there. Because of this, her in-laws didn’t feel safe with anyone but her. Listen to her story here to find out more about the simple system that she created. Click here for more information or call:
412-404-6386 or 1-866-357-6386.
Walk-in, call for an appointment, or Mail-in from anywhere across the U.S. With their own on-site lab, West Penn Dental Center can provide quick service at lower costs. Seniors can receive a 10% discount on most services during appointments M - F, between 11am and 3pm. Call 412-279-7366 or 1-888-276-3560.
Pittsburgh Caregiver Support Network serves the needs of caregivers who provide care to adults. Pittsburgh Caregiver Support Network services allow caregivers to communicate with one another, to share tips and resources, and to build a support network with people who understand the burdens and triumphs that caregivers experience every day.
More information call 412-735-0436.
To find a seminar near you, or to speak with a Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Care for Seniors LLC. is a FREE service that provides you with customized options for the best senior care and living communities in your area. They assist you in choosing senior living or care solutions that offer the appropriate atmosphere, culture, and/or specialized care for your loved one, allowing them to live the healthiest and happiest life possible.
For more information on Care for Seniors Click here or call 412 388-1250
A Mobile Notary Public service that comes to your location to notarize documents for about $5 per document plus travel fees.
Covers Allegheny County and surrounding areas.
A Pittsburgh based radio show that addresses aging and caregiving topics. Weekly guests, featured senior centers, birthday announcements, caregiver tips, and special senior freebies and events. Sundays, 8am-9am on 1360 WMNY or listen live online at: www.wmnyradio.com/index2.aspx.
or call 724 712-5655 or 412 828-6686.
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