Senior news

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

The United Seniors Rally is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at St. John's College in Annapolis.

The rally will have a town meeting format, featuring the governor, Senate president and House speaker. It is important to attend the United Seniors Rally, so that public policymakers understand the importance of the services provided in the Aging Services network. The state's budget continues to be in dire straits with a continuing shortfall of revenue collections due to the recession. The Department of Aging budget, as well as the budgets of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Medicaid and the Office of Health Care Quality) and the Department of Human Resources have all witnessed two budget reductions since July 1. Additional budget cuts are expected and advocacy to protect funding for vulnerable seniors is absolutely necessary.

The Calvert County Office on Aging will provide a bus for this event. The bus will depart from Calvert Pines Senior Center at 7:15 a.m. Additional county pick-up points are possible if there is enough interest. Tickets (cost to be determined) to the event will be available for purchase through the Office on Aging. Preregistration is required by Dec. 23.

Open-enrollment for Medicare prescription program approaching

Open enrollment is just around the corner: Are you ready for 2010? The Medicare Prescription Drug Program's annual open enrollment is between Nov. 16 and Dec. 31. Medicare beneficiaries can either join a Part D plan or make changes to their existing Rx coverage at this time. This is also a perfect time to complete a benefits review with your local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor.

To enroll in the Medicare Rx Drug plan, contact one of the local senior centers to speak with a SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor. You will need to bring the following items: a list of your medications with their dosages and monthly quantities, Medicare and other insurance cards and a total of your monthly gross income.

Make your appointment now by contacting your local senior center today: Calvert Pines Senior Center, 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170; North Beach Senior Center, 410-257-2549; Southern Pines Senior Center, 410-586-2748.

Senior prescription assistance program available

The Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) will offer an enrollment workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Calvert Pines Senior Center. SPDAP assists enrollees by paying up to $25 each month toward their monthly Part D or Medicare Advantage plan premium. For certain Part D plans, SPDAP will also cover up to $1,200 into the coverage gap. For individuals who are already enrolled and want to know which Part D plans offer partial gap coverage through SPDAP, contact your local SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor.

The Maryland SPDAP is open to individuals whose gross income is no more than $2707.50 per month and couples whose gross income is no more than $3642.50, with no asset test. Individuals who receive extra help from Social Security, QMB/SLMB or Medical Assistance from the State of Maryland need not apply for the SPDAP program. To attend this workshop and apply for SPDAP, preregister at 301-855-1170 or 410-535-4606. You may also go to the SPDAP Web site at www.marylandspdap.com for more information

New trip information announced

Starting Jan. 1, the North Beach Senior Center will be the pick-up point for the northern end of the county. There will not be a stop in Dunkirk. Parking is available at the senior center or across the street.

Sign up for White House tour

The ever popular holiday tour of the White House has been requested, and spaces are filling up quickly. The date and time will be determined by the White House in November. You will not be asked to pay until the date is set. The White House tour is a wonderful, memorable experience. Each room is uniquely and beautifully decorated. The 30- to 45-minute tour takes you to state rooms where first ladies serve tea and diplomatic dinners are held. You'll see portraits of presidents and first ladies. There are also paintings of everyday scenes and breathtaking landscapes. Christmas decorations in the past have included the official White House tree decorated in crystal and white lights, the Gingerbread White House and white azaleas in the grand foyer with garlands draping the grand staircase. The decorations change each year.

Due to the high security measures at the White House, there are many variables that are out of the Office on Aging's control. Phone registrations will be accepted; however, all registrants must attend a meeting at one of the senior centers to remain on the registration list. The meeting will discuss what you can expect from this trip and what is expected of you. Persons that do not attend one of the meetings cannot register later . Meetings will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Calvert Pines Senior Center, and 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Southern Pines Senior Center.

Legal aid services available

Attorney services are available by appointment regarding SSI, benefit denials, disability payments, Social Security and SSI overpayments, debtor and consumer problems, advance directives and tenant issues.

A legal aid attorney rotates on a schedule between the three senior centers.

The attorney will be at Calvert Pines Senior Center, Thursday, Nov. 19. Call the specific center for an appointment. Appointments are taken between 1 and 3 p.m.

November is National Family Caregiver Month

National Family Caregiver Month is a time to honor and recognize more than 50 million unsung heroes who provide care for their aging parents and other loved ones. Caregivers are encouraged to believe in yourself, protect your health, take care of yourself and reach out for help. Providing care for a loved one is very rewarding, but those who have provided care or are providing care know that it can also be very exhausting.

Therefore, if you know someone who provides care for an elderly loved one, a good way to honor or recognize them is providing them with some support or assistance during this time, especially since November not only marks Family Caregiver Month, but is also the beginning of the holiday season. Offer caregivers a few hours of respite time to do an errand, spend time with a friend or just relax. Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers, offer to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner or help them decorate their home to let them know you care.

If you are a caregiver, there are many services in the community to assist you, including: The Office on Aging — This agency provides three senior centers for active, independent seniors aged 50 and older and services for seniors, their families and friends. A wide range of services is available, including information and assistance; support groups such as People Who Care for caregivers, which meets the first Thursday of each month at Calvert Pines Senior Center; Create! For Seniors, which provides Calvert County senior citizens with developmental disabilities a retirement option with a wide range of support, structured weekday activities and coordination of independent access to senior programs; and Living Well Workshops, which empower seniors to self-manage their chronic conditions and gain a better quality of life; Calvert County Health Department — The Adult Evaluation and Review Services program assesses an individual's needs through a home visit and links clients with appropriate community services.

Several local nonprofit organizations provide education, information and assistance through support groups and other means: Friends of Calvert County Seniors Inc. provides assistance to income-eligible Calvert County seniors, aged 60 and older, when not available from another source and a low-income dental program. Two Adult Day Care Programs provide an affordable means to care for your loved one; they will transport your loved one and provide a meal, medical care and activities for frail elderly and disabled adults.

Short-term respite care is available from some group homes, nursing homes or hospitals, which can enable caregivers to take a well-deserved vacation. In addition, there are many home health agencies locally that can come into one's home to assist with personal care, housekeeping services, nursing services, speech therapy, social work, companionship and more.

For more information about these or other services available in Calvert County, contact Ann Newton or Tonya Jackson at 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170, or stop by your local senior center for a Senior Resource Guide.

News from Calvert Pines Senior Center

The Abigail Francisco Youth Performance Group will perform a variety of dances at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, including classical ballet, jazz, tap and Broadway. Stop by the center for some punch and cookies and enjoy these local dancers.

Test your skills against the staff at the Spelling Bee at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

The Calvert Pines Senior Council will hold a flea market, Nov. 12 and 13. Pick up some great deals while supporting a wonderful cause. We will also have a special holiday flea market Dec. 10 and 11. Shop for this holiday season without breaking the bank — new and gently used items, as well as handmade gifts, are all available at reasonable prices.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional turkey dinner at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Entertainment will be provided by the Calvert Pines Friday Afternoon Line Dancers.

Just in time for the holidays, learn to create beautiful beaded jewelry. Daytime classes will be at 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 18 and Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, Class is limited to six people. The $20 fee, for all four classes, includes all supplies. You must call to preregister at least one week in advance.

Learn how to prevent and treat the flu at a presentation at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20.

CPSC is located at 450 West Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. For more information or to register for any of these programs, call 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170.

News from North Beach Senior Center

The Senior Council will hold a holiday auction at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. Donations in good condition are being accepted. Come see what treasures can be bought.

The rapidly-approaching holiday season can tempt you to go overboard with spending. The stress of deciding what to give and the cost can turn the season of joy into a season of debt. Learn how to budget your holiday spending and some gift-giving ideas with a creative twist at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Come see what the Red Hat Ladies are up to at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

Join us in celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday with a traditional turkey dinner at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Entertainment will be provided by Frances Moyer.

Learn how to help yourself, your family and your neighbors in the event of a disaster from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. This free, Community Emergency Response Team training will teach you the skills needed to help save lives and protect property.

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Come to the Bereavement Support Group at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.

NBSC is located at 9010 Chesapeake Ave. in North Beach. For more information or to register for any of these programs, call 410-257-2549.

News from Southern Pines Senior Center

Wear your military uniform, bring in some photos or come to be honored during the Remembering Courage and Honoring Sacrifices ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. All veterans and their guests will receive a gift of thanks for service to our country.

The holidays are fast approaching. Come and pick up handmade items or some baked goods for the holidays at the holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

Make a Grandma's Brag Book to show off pictures of your grandchildren at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

Join the Holiday Workshop at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, to learn how to make beautiful party favors and ornaments for the holiday season.

Create a beautiful silk flower fall centerpiece just in time for your Thanksgiving table at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. The $15 fee includes all supplies. Preregistration is required by Nov. 12.

SPSC is located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.

For more information or to register for any of these programs, call 410-586-2748.