Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP

Home Energy Assistance Program

Documents Needed:

• Driver’s License
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Income Verification
• Fuel Bill
• Electric Bill

Family Size	Income Level
1 2 3 4 5	$2,129 $2,784 $3,439 $4,094 $4,749

WHO TO CONTACT:

Office for the Aging @ (607) 535-7108

OR

Schuyler County Department of Social Services @ (607) 535-8303

(If you are over 60 years of age you can call either DSS or OFA)

HEAP SEASON BEGINS:

Monday, November 1, 2010

Don’t let pride stand in the way of the assistance you deserve.

Call to schedule your appointment today.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS (PERS)

Information and Listings

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), or medical signaling device is an answer to the need for both security and independence. It is a simple way to call for help from a friend, relative, or emergency services (police, fire department, or ambulance). If a user needs help, he/she simply presses a button, which sends a message into an emergency response center.  Information about his/her medical history and names and phone numbers of contact people is quickly available. The emergency response center will talk with the user to determine the reason they were contacted, and will respond appropriately. Companies who sell this product are listed under “Medical Alarms” in the yellow pages of the phone book.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following precautions when ordering PERS services:

·         Check out several systems before making a decision.

·         Ask about the pricing, features, and servicing of each system, and compare costs.

·         Make sure that the system is easy to use. Buttons should be easy to operate and batteries easy to change.

·         Ask whether the monitoring center is available 24 hours a day, what kind of training its operators receive, and what the average response time is.

·         Test to be sure that the system works from every point in and around your home. Make sure nothing interferes with transmissions.

·         If unsure of a company's reputation, check with the Better Business Bureau.

·         Read the written agreement carefully before signing it.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging
does not recommend or endorse any of these PERS providers.

Link to Life                                                                              

1-888-337-5433                                                                    

www.linktolife.com                                                              

LIFE Watch USA
1-800-716-1433
www.lifewatch-usa.com

ADT                                                                                     

1-877-678-6952                                                                  

www.adt.com

ALERT ONE
1-866-581-4540
www.alert-1.com
                                                                   

Doyle Security Systems HELP LINK                                   

1-866-GO-DOYLE (1-866-463-6953)                              

http://www.godoyle.com/health.asp                                       

LIFEFONE
1-888-687-0451
www.lifefone.com

Phillips Life Line                                                                   

1-800-380-3111                                                                 

http://www.lifelinesys.com/content/home                                

Response Link
1-866-894-1428
www.responselink.com

Valued Relationships, Inc (VRI)                                           

1-800-860-4230                                                                  

www.monitoringcare.com/products/medical-alert/                 

Guardian Alert 911
443-296-2480 (one-time fee, connects to local 911)
https://www.guardianalert-911.com/

Bed and Breakfast Hospitality Hour

Join us for a social gathering, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and hosted by ‘Bout Time Bed and Breakfast in Montour Falls. The ‘Bout Time Innkeeper will provide a tour and history of the Bed and Breakfast, a light snack and an opportunity for relaxation and reminiscence.

People with dementia in the early to middle stages and a family member or friend are encouraged to attend together, however caregivers can attend alone if a break is needed.

The Bed and Breakfast Social:
• Offers an opportunity to reconnect with others
• Can spark pleasant memories
• Provides an opportunity to spend time in a calm, peaceful, supportive environment
• Promotes a sense of pride in one’s community

• Provides an opportunity for reminiscence for the person with dementia

• Helps to establish a stronger support network

Location: 

‘Bout Time Bed and Breakfast

277 Steuben St.

Montour Falls, NY 14865

Time:

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

Date:

Thursday, November 11, 2010

For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 585.760.5400 or 800.272.3900.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Alzheimer’s Association
435 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, New York 14620
585 760 5400 phone
585 760 5401 facsimile
800 272 3900 24-hour helpline
www.alz.org/rochesterny

Testers Needed

The Alzheimer's Foundation is seeking families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or related dementias who would be interested in testing a new locator device at no charge.


Dear Friend,

As you well know, wandering is an enormous concern for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families-and we are committed to finding solutions to this problem.

We're excited to let you know that the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is teaming up with Breadcrumb, a technology company, with the intent of marketing a new, innovative locator device specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who may wander. To move this forward, we are currently seeking individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their family caregivers to participate in a free, 30-day pilot project.

We ask that you help us locate interested participants by spreading the word about this important project. As a thank you, participants will be able to continue to use the locator device for one year at no cost (a value of approximately $600+).

Breadcrumb is a small wristband-type device strapped to the individual, and uses a cellular system to identify the location of a participant who wanders out of doors and to display the person's route and real time location on a map or Smartphone. The device regularly reports the person's location to the Breadcrumb call center around the clock, and pre-identified caregivers are notified via text message and/or phone call when the person leaves a designated geographic field.

We will provide participants with the system and operating instructions, and ask that they use the system for 30 days and fill out pre-, mid- and post-surveys, as well as data for the call center.

Specifically, we are seeking a diverse group of participants: residing at home in urban/rural areas from coast to coast, various ethnic backgrounds, various ages, male/female, various stages of the disease, etc.

Please help us spread the word, and ask your clients who are interested and/or want more information to please contact Christine Valentin, an AFA social worker and project coordinator, at 866.232.8484 or cvalentin@alzfdn.org. We would appreciate your prompt attention.

Thanks so much,
Carol Steinberg
Executive Vice President
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
866-232-8484
csteinberg@alzfdn.org

Prescription Drug Drop-off

Local drop-off locations are the Odessa Fire Department and the Tyrone Fire Department from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 

Take-Back Message to DEA Employees

As part of DEA’s effort to combat rising prescription drug abuse, we are spearheading the first-ever National Prescription Drug Take-back campaign, which will take place at more than 3,700 locations across the country this Saturday, September 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm.

We are asking all Americans to empty their family medicine cabinets of unwanted or expired prescription drugs, and bring them to one of our collection sites for environmentally safe and legal disposal… no questions asked.

Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart is scheduled to appear on a number of major morning shows this Friday, including NBC’s Today Show, and Fox and Friends, to deliver DEA’s take-back message directly to the American people.

DEA is also running a national media campaign to promote the Rx take-back initiative that includes TV and radio spots, newspaper ads, billboards and transit advertising in markets all over the country.

Please help DEA communicate this important message by telling your friends, family, and community members about this event and encouraging their participation.

We urge everyone to consult DEA.gov or their local DEA office to find out how the National Prescription Drug Take-back will be rolled out in their communities, and where they can go to dispose of their unwanted medications.

Thank you for doing your part to fight drug abuse, and for your active participation in the National Prescription Drug Take-back on Saturday.

PS- To find the drop off location nearest to you, please go www.dea.gov and click on “for a collection site near you.”


This message is authorized by Mary Irene Cooper, Chief of Congressional and Public Affairs

Yates County Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Yates County Falls Prevention Awareness Day
September 21, 2010

Did you know that medication interactions are a leading cause of falls for seniors 60 years of age and older? Community based adults over the age of 65 who experienced a fall within the past year were more likely to be taking more than 4 prescribed medications.

Wouldn’t you like to know if your prescription and over the counter medications could cause you to fall? ProAction Yates Office for the Aging, Yates County Public Health, and Yates County Emergency Management Services are conducting a Medication Review Event.
At this event, a local pharmacist will be evaluating your medications. You will also receive Falls Prevention education including home safety tips, and the sign ups for the Matter of Balance Falls Prevention Exercise class.

Please bring a list of your prescription and over the counter medications including the name of the medication, the dosage, the dosage instructions, the name of the prescriber, and what the medication is being taken for, to the event location of your choice:

10am -12noon: First Presbyterian Church, Corner of Main and Clinton Streets, Penn Yan


1pm-2pm: Roy Wood Community Room, Dundee Youth Center 15-17 Main Street, Dundee

Heatlth & Wellness Programs

Click here for reader friendly PDF.

Health and Wellness Programs sponsored by the Schuyler County OFA

HARVEST
Reap the benefits!
Fall 2010

To Register: (607) 535-7108, or
ggasparro@co.schuyler.ny.us

323 Owego Street
Unit 7, Suite 165
Montour Falls, New York 14865
(607) 535-7108
www.schuylercounty.us/aging


“Service and Assistance for Seniors —Because You’ve Earned it!”

Dinner and Discovery

Schuyler County Office for the Aging

Elder Caregiver Support Program presents…

Dinner and Discovery
October 19, 2010
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Schuyler County Human Services Complex
323 Owego Street
Montour Falls
CONFERENCE ROOM 115

Memory Loss - Is It Always Alzheimer’s Disease & Working With Your Physician Through the Diagnosis Process

In May 2010 the Alzheimer’s Association released a report that states, “the number of Americans age 65 and older who have this condition will increase from the 5.1 million today to 13.5 million by mid-century”.

More than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where family and friends provide almost 75 percent of their care. Educational programs help caregivers discover strategies to cope with the complexities of caring for a person with the disease, along with gaining the knowledge and skills to be as prepared as possible.


If you are caring for a loved one, please join Office for the Aging and the Rochester Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for this FREE event.

All participants MUST BE REGISTERED in order to attend this presentation. Please contact Shannon Slater, at 535-7108 prior to October 12th for more information or to register.

Consumer Protection

The New York State Consumer Protection Board is alerting consumers to new rules taking effect on August 22, 2010 that will offer greater protection and additional rights to users of credit and gift cards.

The news release can be found at:

http://www.nysconsumer.gov/informing/advisories_and_releases/2010/aug192010.htm

"My Benefits"

This website offers a quick, easy and confidential pre-screening for individuals to determine if they may be eligible for help.  By answering a simple set of online questions, New Yorkers can find out if they may qualify for supports such as nutritional assistance (food stamps, school meals),  Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC, many other tax credits), health insurance programs including Healthy NY, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicaid , and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Temporary Assistance.  The myBenefits.ny.gov homepage includes additional valuable links on these resources and others.

Medication Management Supplies Available

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging has a number of medication management supplies. Pill cutters, pill dispensers, timers, bottle openers, collapsible cups, etc. Anyone who is 60+ years old who may benefit is welcome to contact Gina for more information.

Gina Gasparro
Insurance Counseling Coordinator
Schuyler County Office for the Aging
323 Owego Street, Unit 7, Montour Falls, NY 14865
(607) 535-7108; Fax (607) 535-6832
GGasparro@Co.Schuyler.NY.US

Residential Energy Credit

You still have time to make qualified improvements to your main home and claim the credit on your upcoming Tax Year 2010 tax return.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products. Publication 4845 highlights some key points about the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Homeowners who have been considering some energy efficient home improvements may find these tax credits will result in bigger tax savings. Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, is used to claim the credits.

Attached is a PDF of the Residential Energy Credit flyer for your information. It is posted on IRS.gov. It can be downloaded and printed or distributed electronically.

Free Computer Training

Digital Inclusion Project
Open to the public 55+

Sponsored by the Senior Employment Program

Two Training Site Available:

CSS Workforce Center
117 E. Steuben St., Bath

Monday 8:30-4:30pm
Thursday 8:30-4:30pm
Friday 12:30-4:30pm

Peer Coach - Andrew Morrill


Dormann Library
101 West Morris Street, Bath

Monday 10:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 12:00-2:00pm
Thursday 10:00-2:30pm
Friday 10:00-2:00pm

Peer Coach - Linda Abeling


You may participate at either facility, at any time during the hours above.

For further information, contact: Jo-Ann at 776-2125 ext. 118

American Mobile Dental

A mobile dental unit will soon be visiting the Schuyler County Human Services Complex in Montour Falls on a regular basis.  They accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicaid HMO's and most private insurances.  For more information, view their brochure or call them at 1-877-24-TOOTH (1-877-248-6684).

Health Reform Webchat

Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, AARP President and Other HHS Health Experts to Host Health Reform Webchat on Thursday, April 22

Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen, and other health experts from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services will host a webchat Thursday, April 22, to discuss how America’s seniors will benefit from the new historic health reform law. Participants will highlight some of the immediate benefits of health insurance reform for all seniors before answering questions from the public. The webchat is the fourth in a series of discussions that are designed to help Americans understand the impact of the newly passed health insurance reform law.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit questions via email to HealthReform@hhs.gov and via twitter using handle, @HHSGOV.

WHAT: Health Reform Webchat for America’s seniors

WHO: Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Jonathan Blum, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen.

WHEN: Thursday April 22, 2010, 1:00 p.m. EDT

WHERE: www.HealthReform.gov

Veterans Outreach

BATH VA MEDICAL CENTER TO HOST
VETERANS BENEFITS OPEN HOUSE IN MONTOUR FALLS

The Bath VA Medical Center and Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency will be hosting a Veterans Benefits Open House on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the Schuyler County Human Service Complex at 323 Owego Street in Montour Falls.

Representatives from the VA Medical Center, Bath National Cemetery and Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency will be on hand to answer questions for Veterans and their families concerning eligibility for medical care, disability, education, pension, burial, and property tax exemption benefits. Courtesy blood pressure readings will be available for eligible Veterans.

All Veterans, especially those being affected by the recent economic downturn, are encouraged to attend and learn what benefits they may be eligible for based on their honorable military service. Refreshments will be available.

For more information, please contact the Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency at 607-535-2091.

Decision Making Day 2010

Mitchell Rabbino

National Healthcare

DECISION MAKING DAY 2010

Sponsored by the nys bar association

DATE/TIME: April 15, 2010 / 10:00 AM

LOCATION: Room 120

Human Services Complex

323 Owego Street

Montour Falls, NY

SPEAKER: Dennis Morris, Esq.

TOPICS: Health Care Proxies, Power of Attorney,

Wills, DNR, Probate issues, Guardianship

issues- What are these? Why have a HCP

or POA?

How will these help me and/or my family?

RSVP: Reservations appreciated but not required

Call OFA at 535-7108

PLAN AHEAD!

Parkinson Disease Support Group

The Finger Lakes Parkinson Disease Support Group will meet Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 1:30pm in the Silver Spoon Café at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex, 323 Owego Street in Montour Falls.

This month’s program features Sarah Champion, RN, MSN, FNPC, CUNP, of Gastroenterology Associates of Ithaca, PC who will address Gastrointestinal Issues and PD. Sarah will discuss dietary, medical, and supplementary treatments to provide relief. Sarah is a certified urology nurse practitioner and has worked in the health care field for 25 years.

The support group is open to individuals with Parkinson disease and their care partners/family members.

Pre-registration preferred by calling the Schuyler Co. Office for the Aging at 607-535-7108.

CarFit

What is CARFIT for the Older Driver?

CARFIT is an educational program offered through AARP, in collaboration with older driver experts to provide older adults the       opportunity to check how well their personal
vehicles “fit” them.

CARFIT also provides information and materials on community specific resources that could   enhance their safety as drivers and/or increase their mobility in the community


Why is CARFIT Important?

Older drivers are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink & drive, however, as we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height can make us less comfortable and reduce control behind the wheel. Older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater fragility of their bodies.

How is a CARFIT check completed?

At a CARFIT event, a team of trained technicians an/or health professionals work with each    participant to ensure they “fit” their vehicle properly.  A CARFIT check takes about 20 minutes to complete.


AARP knows that maintaining seniors safe on the road is vitally important to their          independence.  CARFIT provides the senior driver with community traffic safety resources that can help keep them driving safely longer.

DATE:

Saturday, May 1, 2010

TIME:

20 minute CARFIT checks scheduled

10:30 AM - Noon and 1:00 PM - 2:30

WHERE:   

Schuyler County Human Services Complex

In case of rain—Montour Falls Fire  Station

REGISTRATION:

CALL Schuyler County Office for the Aging at 535-7108

Space is limited

www.CARFIT.org


The CarFit flier can be view here:   FLIER

Club Vintage at Schuyler Hospital

Club Vintage is designed especially for people ages 55 and older. It combines several of Schuyler Hospital’s longstanding services with many new innovative programs.

The Club Vintage Advantage:

• Special free health screenings
• Discount meal coupon for outpatients having fasting diagnostic tests
• Private room at semi-private price (when available)
• Assistance with medical insurance forms and billing procedures (by appointment)
• Newsletter filled with valuable information and updates
• Membership card
• Free coffee mug
• Discount on Link to Life emergency response system installation
• Free and/or discounted lectures and workshops on a wide range of health and lifestyle related topics
• Physician referral list of local doctors who accept Medicare and Medicaid

Membership is free.  For more information and an application, visit the Club Vintage website.