Senior Times
EDC Area Agency on Aging - 937 Spring Street
Placerville, California 95667
February 2017
-
530-621-6150
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers”
Educational Program Offered
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Senior Health Education
Program and Family Caregiver Support Program are pleased to present a “Powerful
Tools for Caregivers” educational series. This six-week program will be held 2:00
p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each Friday afternoon from February 24 through March 31, 2017, at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center located at 900
Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. The trainings in the educational series will provide caregivers of older adults with tools and strategies to
assist them in handling the unique challenges they face.
The series topics include:
•
February 24, 2017 – Taking Care of You
•
March 3, 2017 –Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress
•
March 10, 2017 – Communicating Feelings, Needs, and Concerns
•
March 17, 2017 – Communicating in Challenging Situations
•
March 24, 2017 – Learning From Our Emotions
•
March 31, 2017 – Mastering Caregiving Decisions
Inside T h i s I s s u e
Senior Legal News.....................Page 2
Senior Shuttle Trips.......................
Page 3
Emergency Prepardness..................
Page 4
Nutrition Menu..............................
Page 5
Senior Trips & Activities...................
Page 6
Community Activities.................Page 7
Caregiver Support Groups.................
Page 8
Medicare Benefits...........................
Page 9
Dementia Insights.............................
Page 10
Lessons from Grandpa..................
Page 11
Participants of the educational series are asked to attend all six sessions; certificates of completion
will be presented at the end of the series. The training is comprehensive and evidence based.
Respite is available to qualified caregivers; pre-authorization is required for respite services.
Class size is limited and registration is required. The training series is offered at no cost; donations
are accepted. Please call (530) 621-6192 or (800) 510-2020 to register or for questions. For more
information about services for seniors and caregivers in El Dorado County, please visit www.
edcgov.us/HumanServices.
2017 HEAP Program is Open
The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency Home Energy Assistance Program
(HEAP) offers several programs to help El Dorado County seniors and families pay their utility bills
and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Households may qualify for assistance with their electric bill or receive a $500 credit towards their
propane, wood, pellet or kerosene. The application process takes less than 15 minutes,
pre-approval can be made over the phone.
For more information, call 530-621-6150 or go to www.edcgov/HEAP to download an application.
February 2017.indd 1
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
2
Area Code (530)
Western Slope
Senior News
Information & Assistance
621-6369
Legal Assistance
621-6154
Long Term Care Ombudsman
621-6271
Senior Nutrition Program
621-6160
Senior Trips & Activities621-6255
Senior Day Care Center
621-6180
Senior Times 621-6255
Family Caregiver Support Program
621-6151
Senior Shuttle621-6369
In Home Supportive Services
642-4800
Senior Peer Counseling Program
621-6304
Multipurpose Senior Services Program 621-6278
Senior Health Education Program
621-6151
Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800
Department of Veterans Affairs
El Dorado Transit/Dial-a-Ride
621-5892
642-3696
South Lake Tahoe
Information and Assistance
621-6369
South Lake Tahoe Senior Center
South Lake Tahoe Senior Nutrition
542-6094
573-3130
Legal Assistance
621-6154
El Dorado County Health Dept.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
573-3155
642-4800
BlueGo Bus Transportation
541-7149
SLT Cancer League
573-1203
Better Breathers Support Group
542-9183
Department of Veterans Affairs 573-7955 ext-5892
Hospice/Adult Grief Support Group
Report Elder Abuse 24 Hours
February 2017.indd 2
542-3171
800-925-1812
Senior Legal News
Be Careful When Hiring a Home Health
Worker
By Diana Steele, Senior Legal Services
Seniors needing some help with activities of daily
living and wanting to stay in their homes often
look to family and friends for assistance. These
people are known and trusted, however they
are not always available, or they may not have
the skills needed to care for a senior. And many
seniors don’t want to be a burden to their families.
For this reason, home health workers can be an
invaluable part of a care plan. However, bringing
a stranger into your home brings with it a level of risk that can be mitigated by asking
some probing questions before making the decision to hire.
The first decision you will need to make is whether to hire an independent worker or
hire through a home health care agency. The advantage of an agency is that they can
provide you with employer services such as screening, taxes, paperwork, substitution,
insurance, and training, services you may have to provide yourself if you are the
employer of record. When making a decision about what agency to use, the following
questions should be asked:
1. How does the agency recruit home health workers, and what are their hiring
requirements?
2. Does the agency do criminal background checks on prospective workers? Do they do
drug screening?
3. Are home health workers certified in CPR? Do they have any health-related training?
4. Are the workers insured and bonded through the agency?
5. What competencies are expected of the worker by the agency?
6. How does the agency assess what the worker is capable of doing?
7. Does the agency provide a substitute in the event the regular worker is unable to
come to the home?
8. If you are dissatisfied with the worker, will the agency replace that worker “without
cause”?
9. Does the agency provide a supervisor who regularly evaluates the worker for quality
of care?
10. Does supervision of the worker occur by phone, through progress reports or in
person at the home of the senior?
Some of this information is referenced in the March, 2015, AARP Bulletin. If you have
any questions or concerns about hiring a home health worker, contact the El Dorado
County Family Caregiver Support program at (530) 621-6151.
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
Senior News
3
Senior Shuttle Event’s for February
Join the Senior Shuttle car pool! The Senior Shuttle is a volunteer driven van available to assist seniors with
grocery shopping and small day trips, sorry we don’t do medical appointment’s. We are currently offering
weekly shopping trips to various locations in Placerville and Cameron Park. In addition, we are offering a
shopping excursion to East Bidwell and WinCo Foods in Folsom. The service has a suggested donation of
$2.00 for local trip service to and from your home, and $5.00 for trips outside of El Dorado County. Seating
is limited, so call and make your reservation today! **The Senior Shuttle is not wheel-chair accessible.
Please call 621-6369 (option #4) for questions and reservations.
Placerville Area- Monday’s:
February 6- Grocery Outlet & Dollar Tree, Broadway
February 13– K-Mart, Savemart and Safeway
February 27 – Walmart
Camino, Pollock Pines Area Thursday’s:
February 2 —Safeway in Pollock Pines
February 9— Broadway Shopping
February 16– Walmart and Kmart
Rescue, Cameron Park, Georgetown and Coloma area
Tuesday’s:
February 7 – Safeway, ForkLift and Belair Market
February 14– Walmart
February 28– Folsom Shopping
Special Events Friday’s– Mark Your Calendar!
February 3— WinCo Foods, Folsom
February 10—Fork Lift and Farmers Market
February 17 – Folsom Outlets
For more information or to make a reservation on the Senior Shuttle, please call 621-6369 (option #4).
MOVIE
DAY
Enjoy POPCORN and a MOVIE!
Movies at the Placerville Senior Center every Friday. Movies start after lunch at
1:30 p.m in the Dining Room. Complimentary popcorn is provided.
Need Help With Your
Computer?
Don is here to help with all your computer
questions! Come by the Senior Resource Computer
Room, located in the Placerville Senior Center,
937 Spring Street. Don is able to offer computer
instruction and assistance to seniors 60 and over.
Don can help with PC hardware questions,
Microsoft Windows, iPADs, iPhones, Word and
Excel. Please visit our Senior Resource Computer
Room on Friday’s from 9am to 12pm. No
reservations necessary and drop-ins are welcome.
For questions, please call 621-6150.
February 2017.indd 3
February 3
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Alice returns to the
whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to help the Mad Hatter.
(1hr 53 mins) Starring: Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp
February 10
Little Boy
An eight-year-old boy is willing to do whatever
it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The story reveals
the indescribable love a father has for his little boy and the love a son has for his
father. (1hr 46 mins) Starring: Jakob Salvati and Emily Watson
February 17
The Letters
A drama that explores the life of Mother
Teresa through letters she wrote to her longtime friend and spiritual advisor,
Father Celeste van Exem over a nearly 50-year period. (1hr 54mins) Starring:
Juliet Stevenson and Rutger Hauer
February 24
The Cobbler
A cobbler, bored of his every-day life, stumbles
upon a magical heirloom that allows him to become other people and see the
world in a different way. (1h 39 mins) Starring: Adam Sandler and Melonie Diaz
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
4
Senior News
Think Red When it Comes to Emergency
Preparedness
WEAR RED – Women’s Heart Health Month
Wear red as a symbol of your support for women’s heart health.
Coronary heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United
States.
•
This month show your support for healthy hearts. Wear a favorite red dress, red shirt or red tie
•
Walk with a friend
•
Eat your veggies. They’re delicious!
•
Keep calm – reduce stress
•
Be proactive. Schedule your well-woman visit with your medical provider
•
Sign up for a CPR and First Aid class
CODE RED - El Dorado
County’s Emergency Alert
System
Knowing where to get reliable and
accurate information during an emergency or disaster is a critical
part of being prepared and may make all the difference for you
and your household when every moment counts. Register your
phone number with Code RED, El Dorado County’s Emergency
Alert System. Learn more. Go to: http://ready.edso.org/
LOVE RED - XOX
Love them? Prepare for them. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time
to show your special someone that you care! This Valentine’s Day,
remind your loved ones to be ready for emergencies. Nothing
says, ‘I love you’ quite like ‘I have made you my emergency
contact person.’
Visit El Dorado County’s Emergency Preparedness & Response
website: http://www.edcgov.us/preparedness
Learn how to take a proactive and positive approach to emergency
preparedness.
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/edcpreparedness
Friends of Seniors- A Look Back Through the Year
FRIENDS OF SENIORS, a fund under the
El Dorado Community Foundation, is a not
for profit organization supporting wellness,
life enrichment, dignity and independence
of El Dorado County seniors and their
caregivers through advocacy and financial
assistance. Friends of Seniors raises
funds through donations and fundraisers to
support senior programs and services right
here in El Dorado County.
Thanks to the generosity of the community,
2016 was a wonderful year for us, and
we were able to give support to senior
programs and services from El Dorado
Hills to South Lake Tahoe. With the
continued support of the community, we
are looking forward to an even better 2017.
In April, we held our 5th Annual Spaghetti
Feed. In partnership with the El Dorado
County Fire Safe Council, we raised funds
for the Senior Assistance Program. This
is a program designed to help low-income
senior citizens who are unable to do the
work themselves, create defensible space
around their homes. We have partnered
February 2017.indd 4
with the EDCFSC for the last three
years, and plan to continue this important
program in 2017. We would like to thank
the Mother Lode Lions Club, Dr. Goodis,
and Mossy Oak Land and Tree Service for
their support in the fundraiser.
In May, after receiving requests for
proposals from very worthy local
nonprofits, Friends of Seniors chose to
grant a total of $11,587 to support the
following senior programs:
Del Oro Caregiver Resource CenterEmergency Respite Program for
Caregivers
Diamond Springs Art Association –
Liability Insurance for Facility Use for Sr.
Classes
EDC Health & Human Services –
Placerville Senior Center Projects
EDH Community Services District –
Senior Center Audio Upgrade for Hearing
Impaired
Marshall Community Health Library–
Senior Compassionate Care
Scholarships
Senior Legal Services –
Transport Chair for Placerville Senior
Center
SLT Humane Society–
Assistance with Pet Care Costs for
Hospitalized Seniors
In August we held our 5thAnnual Wine
in the Vines at Sierra Vista Winery. It
is always a lovely event, and the funds
raised were used to help support our grant
program. We would like to thank Sierra
Vista Winery for providing the venue and
donating a case of wine, Diane Wilkinson
for donating the catering services for this
event, and Hickory Wind for donating their
music. Their kindness and generosity are
greatly appreciated. And a big thank goes
to our sponsors: El Dorado Savings Bank,
Gold Country Retirement Community,
Snowline Hospice, The Pines of Placerville
and Western Slope Health Center.
In November we held a Quilt Raffle to raise
funds for our Senior Emergency Fund, a
program developed to assist seniors in
an unforeseeable crisis. For the raffle we
were
Friends cont. on back page
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
Senior Nutrition
Roses are Red, DIETS Make
us Blue
Chocolates, heart-shaped
conversation candies, and roses
are all reminders of the upcoming
Valentine’s Holiday. The day
marked as tradition, for the
celebration of love and affection.
So, what do you love? What do
you show affection towards?
Now, remember this is a nutrition
focused article so I am talking
food here. Is it your morning cup
of Joe, dark chocolate, sweets,
treats, or just a big juicy steak?
February 2017.indd 5
Whatever it is, what if I told you
that you could have it all and still
meet your New Year’s Resolution
goal to lose weight?
It is a new year! And the buzz
around town, on the news, and
in my circle of friends is all about
dieting! One is following low
carbohydrate, no white flour, no
sugar. Someone else is doing
“Paleo” while another is shunning
all things cooked and going “raw”.
As a dietitian, people want to tell
you what diet they are doing as if
to ask, “So what do you think?” I
will admit, sometimes I may know
the overall theme of the diet, but
usually I have no idea of what the
diet entails.
People seem surprised by this,
to which I respond, “I cannot
keep up, there are so many out
there!” Then, I follow up with the
same phrase EVERY time……
“whatever you do, make sure
you can stick to it long-term.” It
always baffles me when people
take on a diet with so many rules
that sound so complicated. And
5
sadly, nine times out of ten, the
diet is so strict that it deprives
them of what they love and they
end up “cheating,” throwing in the
towel, and regaining the weight
they worked so hard to lose.
Sound depressing? Well, it can
be, so let me provide a solution
that allows you to eat just about
everything you love!
Are you ready? PORTION
CONTROL. That’s right; just
eat less of the foods you love.
Think of it this way. If you go to
Roses cont. on page 8
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
6
Western Slope Activities
Senior Hikers...
Things to Do!
Tuesday, February 14th. Willow Ceramics, Pottery, Basket
Creek. Elly 344-1410.
Weaving, and Gourd Making
is all offered at the Placerville
Tuesday, February 28th. Dutch Senior Center. Call for more
Creek and New Mill Site in
information 621-6255.
Coloma. Chris 530-672-8380.
Pilates Class returns to the
For hikes wear hiking shoes,
Placerville Senior Center on
bring lunch, water, bug
Tuesday’s from 11 a.m. to
spray, hiking stick, and usual
12:30 p.m.
necessities. Hikes are usually
five miles max, unless noted.
Dinner and Bingo at the
Meet at the Placerville Senior
Pollock Pines Community
Center at 7:30 a.m. Please call Center on Tuesdays starting at
for hike information only, Chris
5:15 p.m.
at 672-8380.
Qigong Class- Gentle exercise
composed of movements. Held
at the Placerville Senior Center,
Tuesday’s at 1 p.m.
February 2017.indd 6
Senior Trips
All trips, unless otherwise
noted, include AllWest
Transportation, tickets, lunch
& driver gratuities. For more
information call 621-6255.
Bidwell Mansion-Febuary 20th,
2017.This is a 26 room victorian
museum in Chico. Lunch at
the Sierra Neveda Brewing
Company included. $120pp.
Sister Act-March 29th, 2017.
Visit the East Sonora Theatre
and watch Sister Act, lunch
at the famoius Willow Steak
House. $120pp.
San Francisco Flower ShowApril 5th, 2017. Admission to
this annual show at the San
Mateo Events Center. Visit
vendors, exhibits and gardens
galore. $85pp.
USS Potomac-April 19, 2017.
Sold Out-Wait list available
Bridge to Bridge-May 10,
2017. Lunch at Fog Harbor
Fish House. Afterwards board
the Red and White Fleet for a
sightseeing cruise sailing under
both the Golden Gate and the
new Bay Bridge. $125pp.
V&T Railroad- June 10th,
2017. Historical ride on the V&T
Railroad starting in Carson City.
Free time in Virginia City. Sold
Out-Wait list available.
1/23/2017 8:46:08 AM
Community Activities
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Check Out These Other Activities
Being Offered In Your Community
Soroptimist Chocolate Affair--Saturday February 11, 6:00
- 9:30 p.m. This food and wine event features tasting from local
wineries, breweries, bakeries and restaurants. Also, live and silent
auctions and raffles offer many fabulous opportunities including 100
bottles of wine and a “Travel Ticket” to 5 world-wide options. Tickets
are $40 advance and $45 at door. Sweetheart Deal , 2 for $70
available on line to first 70. For more information, 530-344-1476
EL DORADO HILLS GILMORE CENTER
For reservations or meeting details, please call 916-358-3575 or www.
edhcsd.org -Some fees apply-Not a complete list of activities.
Jazzercise Personal Touch, Tu/Th, $50/month
You Have Photos, We Have Organizing Solutions, Fri, 2/3, $25
Potstickers are Us!, Th, Feb 2, $10
You are Never too Old, with Author Cindy Sample, Tu, 2/21
Improve Your Posture, Wed, 2/23
Guitar or Ukulele Lessons, Mon, 2/27-3/20, $42
Safe Homes, Stay at Home, Panel Discussion, Tu, 2/28
Cameron Park Fire Department Crab Feed--Saturday
February 18, 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00pm - Cameron Park
Community Center; 2502 Country Club Drive Cameron Park, CA.
Come enjoy delicious crab, listen to great music and participate in
the raffle and silent auction all in support of the Cameron Park Fire
Department. For more information, (530)677-2231
CAMERON PARKCSD-Mature Adults
Third Saturday Art Walk-- Saturday, February 18. 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Placerville, art galleries and merchants stay open late to
host this monthly event.
Affair of the Heart--Tuesday February 21, 2017 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Join Marshall Medical Center and the Cameron Park CSD for this
year’s Affair of the Heart. This public health event will include guest
speakers, health screenings, healthy food sampling, wine tasting,
vendors can RSVP at 530-626-2811. This is a FREE public event!
Herbal Medicine Making--Sunday February 26, 2017 12:00
- 2:00 p.m. Many people don’t know what to do with the herbs they
have collected or purchased. In this class herbalist Candis will teach
you how to make herbal honey blends, pastes, tinctures, oils, and
salves. Ages 12+ welcome. Please call for meeting location (Coloma
area) and to sign up. Cost: $10/members, $15/non-members.
Monday
South Lake
South
Lake
Tahoe
Tahoe
Senior
Center
Tuesday
7
For info., call 677-2231 or www.cameronpark.org
Bridge every Monday at 1pm & Wednesday at 9:30am
Quilting every Wednesday 9am - 12pm
February 1 – Ponté Palmero Lunch – 12pm
February 2 – Modified Zumba (every Tues/Thurs at 9am)
February 2 – NEW! Modified Zumba 70+ (every Tues/Thurs at
10:15am)
February 7 – Tai Chi for Better Balance (every Tues at 1:30pm) (First
class in session starts 1/31)
February 8 – Trip Presentation by Premier World Discovery – 1pm
February 13 – NEW! Senior Fitness Strength & Stability (Mon at 11am)
February 14 – Brain Health Activities -10:30am
February 14 – BINGO - 1pm
February 16 – Gift Card Play Day - 10am
February 18 – Cameron Park Fire Department Crab Feed 5pm
February 21 – Affair of the Heart 4pm – 7pm
February 28 – Game Day sponsored by Cameron Park Newcomers -
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9 a.m. Pool Exercise
9 a.m. Pool Exercise
9 a.m. Pool Excercise
9 a.m. Pool Exercise
9 a.m. Pool Exercise
12 p.m. Lunch
10 a.m. Brush Up Bridge
10 a.m. Line Dance
9 a.m. Pottery Class
10:45 a.m. Fitness Class
1 p.m. Mah Jong
10:45 a.m. Fitness Class
10 a.m. Quilters Group
9:30 Men’s Bridge
12 p.m. Lunch
12 p.m. Lunch
12 p.m. Lunch
12 p.m. Lunch
1 p.m. Dominoes Group
1 p.m. Duplicate Bridge
1 p.m. Painting
1:00 p.m. Pottery Class
1:15 p.m. Social Bingo
1 p.m. Duplicate Bridge
1 p.m. Party Bridge
El Dorado County Senior Services-For a complete list of services
available in El Dorado County, please call the Senior Information and
Assistance Program at (530) 621-6369 or 1-800-510-2020.
Widowed Persons Association of California, South Lake Tahoe
Chapter – (530) 542-4912. Meets the last Sunday of the month,1 p.m.
Call for location and other meeting times.
Caregiver Support Group-2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30 7 pm, SLT Senior Center. Contact Penny (530) 541-2304.
Bingo meets the 2nd Saturday at 5:30 p.m. SLT Senior Center.
February 2017.indd 7
1/23/2017 8:46:09 AM
Senior News
8
SCAM OF THE MONTH
IRS Tax Scams
Tax season has now begun and so has
“tax scam season”. Con Artists are now
tricking seniors into filing their tax returns
with unlicensed shysters. These people are
not only collecting a fee for “services”, but
they are also collecting all of the information
that they need in order to do things such as
file your tax return in your name and collect
whatever refund you were owed, open credit
cards in your name, take out loans, etc.
Many seniors don’t need to file a return at
all because they earn little to no income. If
you are unsure if you are required to file or
if you are in need of filing your taxes, AARP
offers a TaxAide Service through the Senior
Center. This service is offered February 1st
through April 15th. Filings are free through
this service for all moderate and low income
taxpayers with special attention given to
seniors over 60 years old. To schedule an
appointment, call your nearest Senior Center
and they will be able to provide you with the
scheduling phone number.
Kristen Armstrong, Senior Legal Services
AARP Tax Assistance in El Dorado
County
Volunteer income tax counselors will be available at various locations throughout
El Dorado County starting February 1st through April 15th. The service is free and
available to all middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to persons
aged 60 and older.
The American Association of Retired Persons, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue
Service and the California Franchise Tax Board provide this service to all ages. All
returns are electronically filed at all locations. This method ensures that returns are
processed faster and with fewer errors, providing for quicker refunds. Those desiring to
use the service of the Tax-Aide program should make an appointment to secure a date,
time, and location convenient for them. Appointments are available Tuesday through
Saturday.
For appointments at Gold Country Retirement in Placerville, Lions Hall in Diamond
Springs, and Pollock Pines Community Church call 530-303-8115; for Cameron Park
Community Center and El Dorado Hills Community Center call 530-303-7046; for
Garden Valley Fire Department call 530-334-8175. For appointments at the Placerville
Senior Center call 530-217-3717. Leave a message and we will call you back. For the
South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, tax preparers are available Thurs 1-6pm, Fri 9am2pm, & Sat. 9am-1pm (no appointment necessary) (530-573-3130).
For locations not listed here, call 1-888-227-7669.
Roses cont. from page 5
Starbucks every day for your favorite venti (large) Chai Tea Latte,
don’t skip it, just alter it. Choose a tall (small) size instead. It still
gives you the treat, but provides far fewer calories. When you go
out to eat, split a meal with a friend or ask for a to-go container and
package up half your meal before you start eating. Skip the chips
at the Mexican restaurant by simply telling your waiter that you don’t
want any chips. When you are at home, eat from a salad plate and
use 4 ounce cups for your beverages. These tricks give the illusion
that you are eating far more than you really are.
So, have a glass of wine with dinner, just do not drink the entire bottle
(I know, I am no fun at all). I always remind my clients, eat three
meals every day, about 4-5 hours apart, and pace yourself. If you
are still feeling hungry after your meal, set your mind on your next
feast and then go do something to distract yourself. The goal is to
eat about half of what you normally would. It offers you the option of
eating what you love, just less of it. I like to call it “skimming calories.”
February 2017.indd 8
Does it sound too good to be true? Are you skeptical? Do you think
this is going to take too much will power? Well, it can’t be any harder
than some of the fad diets! But let me provide you with a few more
tricks to get you where you want to be this year.
I already mentioned eating every 4-5 hours, but life happens! So, if
you are one of those people who are not regimented, carry snacks!
Something like an apple and a bottle of water consumed before a
meal or as a snack when you have ventured beyond the 5 hour mark
and are feeling ravenous can help curb your appetite so you do not
overeat at that next meal. And you know what they say about apples
(they keep the doctor away….).
So, this year relax, and keep it simple with a new outlook on dieting.
It is a marathon, not a sprint, and the results, when done right, will last
a lifetime!
Nutrition Notes by Natalie
1/23/2017 8:46:09 AM
Senior News
9
When to Sign Up for Medicare
When you are first eligible for Medicare, you have a seven-month
initial enrollment period in which to sign up for Medicare’s Part A
and/or Part B benefits and services. Part A covers hospitalization;
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical
goods and services.
Many people become eligible on their 65th birthday. They can sign
up during the seven-month period that begins three months before
the month in which they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65
and ends three months after the month in which they turn 65.
But what happens if you miss that window?
If you did not sign up for Part A and/or Part B (for which you must
pay premiums) when you were first eligible, and you are not
eligible for a special enrollment period (more on that below), you
can sign up during the general enrollment period, which is Jan. 1
to March 31 each year.
Your coverage will start July 1. However, you may have to pay a
higher premium for late enrollment in Part A and/or Part B.
How do you actually enroll? You can call Social Security (1-800772-1213) or visit a local Social Security office. Or, you can apply
online at www.ssa.gov.
After your initial enrollment period ends, you may have the chance
to sign up for Medicare during a special enrollment period.
If you are covered under a group health plan based on current
employment, you have a special enrollment period in which to sign
up for Part A and/or Part B anytime as long as you or your spouse
(or family member if you are disabled) are working and you are
covered by a group health plan through the employer or union
based on that work.
You also have an eight-month special enrollment period to sign up
for Part A and/or Part B. It starts the month after the employment
ends or the group health insurance based on current employment
ends, whichever happens first. In most cases, you do not have
to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a special
enrollment period.
Important note: COBRA and retiree health plans are not
considered coverage based on current employment. You are
not eligible for a special enrollment period when such coverage
ends. Additionally, the special enrollment period does not apply
to people with
End-Stage
Renal Disease
(ESRD).
You may
also qualify
for a special
enrollment
period for Part A and Part B if you are a volunteer serving in a
foreign country.
Some people get automatically enrolled in Medicare. Among them
are people with certain disabilities and those who are already
getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement
Board.
If you are automatically enrolled, you will get your red, white and
blue Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th
birthday or your 25th month of disability.
Also, Social Security is now processing some Medicare
enrollments for same-sex spouses, including:
•
Enrollments for premium-free Part A for uninsured spouses
age 65 or older based on the work history of a current or former
spouse;
•
Enrollments for people with End-Stage Renal Disease
based on the work history of a current or former spouse;
•
Reductions in Part A premiums based on the work history of
a current or former spouse;
•
Requests for special enrollment periods based on group
health plan coverage from current employment of a same-sex
spouse;
•
Reductions in late-enrollment penalties based on group
health plan coverage from current employment of a same-sex
spouse.
In El Dorado County you can get answers to your Medicare
questions by talking with a registered HICAP counselor (Health
Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Services are free,
unbiased and available by appointment in Placerville, El Dorado
Hills and South Lake Tahoe. Call El Dorado County at 530-6216369.
Adapted from article by David Sayen, former Medicare
Administrator for California.
Looking for a Job? Free Employer Forum on February 8, 2017 El Dorado County Connections – One Stop
is hosting a free Employer Forum at 1:00 p.m. at the Connections – One Stop office located at 3047 Briw Road in Placerville.
During the event, a representative from Visiting Angels will share information about their organization, what they look for in
employees and how to apply for job openings. For more information, call (530) 642-4850 in Placerville or (530) 573-4330 in
SLT.
February 2017.indd 9
1/23/2017 8:46:09 AM
10
Senior News
“Insights into Dementia: News You Can
Use”
This February 11th, 2017, 9 a.m. -1 p.m., a half-day workshop on dementia will be offered
at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center. This program will help equip community members to
better understand dementia, learn about the latest research, what preventative measures are
possible and how to support people who have this disease.
The staff of the Placerville and El Dorado Hills Adult Day Services (aka Senior Day Care) are
coordinating this program to help enrich the community so that more people are equipped
to offer support to friends and family. “We hope to address the fears and issues we see on
a day to day basis,” says Jillien Smith, Program Supervisor, “We realize that knowledge is
power and are excited to offer more tools for our communities to be as supportive a location
as possible for people with dementia and their care partners.”
Resources in this workshop will also be offered by Family Caregiver Support Program, El
Dorado Community Health Centers, Marshall Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association and Del
Oro Community Resource Center. Together, this will create for an informative morning
reviewing current research and helpful approaches in caring for people with dementia. This
dynamic event will equip attendees to understand the processes affecting the brain related
to symptoms of dementia and provide practical solutions in how to assist the person with
those aspects of dementia or “brain failure.” Understanding the latest research as well as
therapeutic approaches using the senses, relational approaches for behavior issues and
activity options to maintain the brain will enrich your efforts to support others and maintain
personal health.
Coffee and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, so please register for this free
event by calling 530-621-6180.
Commission on
Aging
The El Dorado County Area
Agency on Aging has a
Commission on Aging (COA)
that serves as an Advisory
Board to the County Board of
Supervisors. The 14 members
of the COA are appointed and
represent all parts of the county.
Various committees work hard
to recommend services that help
seniors survive in this ever more
complicated world we live in.
www.2nd50yrs.org
For more information about
the COA or for a schedule of
upcoming meetings, please call
(530) 642-4833.
Department of Human Services
Meetings and Programs
Senior Day Care Caregiver Support Groups/Meetings
After a while, providing care to a relative or close friend with
a chronic health condition, such as dementia, can take its
toll. Join us to gain support and insight.
“My Time” Caregiver Gathering
Friday, February 3rd from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
location: Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street. For
more information, please call 621-6180.
 
El Dorado Hills Support Group
“My Time EDH” Support group for care partners of people
with dementia. The next meeting will be February 23rd,
10:30 a.m.-Noon. Free respite care is provided during My
Time. For questions, (916) 358-3560.
February 2017.indd 10
The Divide Caregiver Support
This Caregiver Support Group is for persons who are caring
for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend and wish to receive
pratical tips and information on how to make their caregiving
journey successful. Group meets the 2nd Tuesday afternoon
of each month. 2:30-4:00 p.m. Greenwood Community
Center, 4401 HWY 193-next to CCC. Please call 621-6192
for more information.
Senior Peer Counseling
Offers counseling services to adults 55 years or older
enabling them to make choices and changes for personal
growth. For more information, call 621-6304.
Telephone Reassurance Program
The You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program is a FREE
telephone calling service that provides daily phone calls to
seniors. For more information, call 621-6255.
1/23/2017 8:46:09 AM
Senior Times
11
Learning to Trust Myself, With a Little Help From Grandpa
I remet my fiancé, Joe, at our 10-year high
school reunion. I knew he was special right
away. And a few phone calls in, I knew we
had something special, too. We understood
each other, almost instinctively.
I remember feeling nervous to introduce
him to my family and friends — not
because I was concerned they wouldn't
get along, but because I knew how much
I liked him and wanted it to work out. The
closer my relationship was with a relative
or friend, the more anxious I was for the
introduction to go well.
My grandfather, Pop Pop, fell into the
closest category. So naturally, my stomach
was in knots the day he met Joe. Pop Pop
was my sounding board, particularly in my
20s when I lived in New York. I was on my
own for the first time, navigating new jobs,
new responsibilities and new circles of
friends.
1-800-510-2020
Six hours away, in small-town
Pennsylvania, Pop Pop was on his own,
Toll Free
One-Stop Shopping
for Senior Services
Statewide
too. My grandmother had Alzheimer's
disease.
with going home. But at night, he was
calm, and we could talk.
For the first time in his life, Pop Pop had to
learn how to cook, clean and keep track of
everyone's birthday — all while watching
the love of his life lose grasp of the
memories they shared. Life wasn't easy,
but he held on to humor. Sometimes he'd
point to a pillow on his shelf embroidered
with the words "Old age is not for sissies."
I pulled up a chair next to his twin bed.
"What do you think of Joe?" I asked
him. "He's a nice young man," he said. I
pressed a little more, but Pop Pop wouldn't
say much. "What matters is what you think
of Joe." Pop Pop knew how much his
opinion meant to me, and yet he wouldn't
give it. He wouldn't approve or disapprove.
Separated by 70 years but united by our
newfound independence, Pop Pop and I
talked on the phone every day. I'd take the
Amtrak to see him as often as I could, too.
Sometimes I'd bring friends with me, but
never boyfriends — until Joe.
But ultimately, what he gave me that night
was reassurance in my own choices and
my own compass. When Pop Pop talked,
I listened. I like to think this was his way of
telling me to listen to myself and trust the
person I'd become.
It was February, and Joe and I had been
dating for a few months. It would turn out to
be the last year of Pop Pop's life. He was
96. It had become hard to communicate
with Pop Pop. He didn't feel well and hated
the care facility where he lived. During the
day, he was very agitated and consumed
Pop Pop won't be sitting in the audience
when I marry Joe in April, but he'll be there.
And all that he taught me along the way?
I'll be hearing it as I say "I do" during big
moments (and small) for the rest of my life.
By Laura Hahn, Gerontologist
Senior Times
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Community Meetings
Placerville Fellowship and Newcomers
Open to all newcomers and residents of El Dorado
County. Luncheon meeting is held on the 3rd
Thursday of each month. 344-9209.
Stroke Education and Support Group
Meets at 681 Main Street, room 208,
Placerville
4th Wednesday of each month,
Brown Bag Lunch – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
For more
information, call 626-2642.
Widowed Persons Association
“The Widowed Persons Assoc. of CA” (WPAC)
meets monthly for lunch. This is an opportunity
for widowed men & women to take part in planned
social activities. For more information, 391-4154.
Golfers!! Bowlers!! RVrs!! Fishers!!
SIR is a non-profit organization of men retired from
full time employment. We have a monthly luncheon
meeting and a guest speaker. No dues. For more
information, call 644-1405.
POETRY FOR ALL
Community Action Council Seeks New
Member
The Community Action Council of El Dorado County is seeking an individual or agency
to represent the interests and concerns of low-income people/families living in El Dorado
County, with special attention on housing, nutrition and low-income program needs. The
El Dorado County Community Action Council is looking to fill a vacancy on the Council
within the Low-Income Sector Membership category. The Council meets monthly in
Placerville.
The Community Action Council acts in an advisory capacity to the El Dorado County
Board of Supervisors and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency
about the needs of the community on issues relating to human services for lowincome residents of the County. The Council provides an avenue for collaboration of
local government, private organizations and citizens in serving the most vulnerable
populations. Community agencies that serve El Dorado County low-income residents are
encouraged to apply for membership. This is a volunteer, unpaid position.
The deadline to submit an application is February 17, 2017. For an application, please
contact Star Walker at (530) 621-6255, or send an email to [email protected].
Friends cont. from page 4
given a beautiful quilt made by the Gold Bug Quilters. The lucky winner of the quilt was
Ms. Sue May. We want to thank the Gold Bug Quilters and everyone who bought tickets.
In December we held our 5thAnnual Senior Santa. This year, with the help of over 60
wonderful volunteers, we were able to take 35 seniors Christmas shopping at Kmart.
Poetic License, a poetry readThanks to our many generous donors, the seniors each received Kmart gift cards and
around, Saturday, February 25th from 2-4
were able to purchase Christmas gifts for family and loved ones or much needed items
p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages
for themselves. After shopping the seniors were treated to a fabulous turkey dinner, and
welcome. The event is free.
Bring your own poems to share; read from your received help wrapping their gifts. Santa arrived with a gift for each senior. Smiles were
on everyone’s faces. A special thank you to Kmart, Green Valley Community Church,
favorite poets; or just come to listen.
Gold Country Retirement Community, and Diamond Springs Mobility and Santa.
Friends of Seniors, an all-volunteer organization, is very fortunate to have a large group
Poetry in Motion, a poetry readof dedicated volunteers, each helping in their own way. The work we do would not be
around, Monday, February 27th from 6-7
possible without them. The friendship, fun and camaraderie enriches all of our lives, and
p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages
the feeling of knowing how valuable the work is, makes it all so rewarding.
welcome. The event is free.
Bring your own poems to share; read from your
favorite poets; or just come to listen.
If you would like to become a Friends of Seniors’ volunteer, please email us at:
friendsofEDCseniors.org or call 530-334-6090.
Disclaimer: Any listed Community Events and Meetings and any other non-County events listed in the Senior Times are not represented or
provided by El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Agency. For information regarding
events, dates, locations, etc., please call the organization directly. Thank You.
February 2017.indd 12
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