AAA OMBUDSMAN SUPERVISOR I

        ASCOG has an opening for a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Supervisor. Duties include resolving complaints and advocating for residents of long-term care facilities, recruiting, training and supervising volunteers, assistance to individuals regarding care choice, and technical assistance to facility staff.  Documentation and extensive local travel is required. 

Bachelor’s degree and related experience working with aging individuals required.

Minimum salary is $27,739.

Send resumes to ASCOG Attn:  Nancy English, P O Box 1647, Duncan, OK  73534.  Resumes accepted through Friday, August 15, 2014.  ASCOG is an equal opportunity employer.

AAA INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

      The Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments is accepting resumes for an Area Agency on Aging Information and Assistance Specialist position in Duncan.  Minimum of 36 hours per week. Will work under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Supportive Services.  Job duties include: Obtains data, answers the telephone and responds to requests for information.  Screens clients and makes appropriate service referrals.  Collects, maintains and updates resource materials and files.  Maintains contact with the public, including resource agencies and aging programs.  Develops handouts, brochures and other marketing materials.  Compiles and submits reports.  Provides literatures to community groups and aging programs.  Coordinates with news media to publicize aging programs.  Provides informational presentations to groups.  Works with volunteers.  Informs ASCOG staff regarding gaps in services. 

     Applicants must complete CIRS/A certification upon employment and must complete additional training.  Bachelor’s degree required with preference to marketing, public relations and journalism degrees.  Must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and be proficient in the operation of a computer using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.  Salary range from $20,801 to $27,739.
 
      Send resume to:  ASCOG, Attention Nancy English P. O. Box 1647, Duncan, OK. 73534. Resumes accepted through Friday, August 1.  ASCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ASCOG Advocate: July 25, 2014

On this date, in 1976, the Viking 1 space probe took the famous photograph that  started an international stir and stoked pop-culture beliefs in life on mars. What was the popular name given to the photo?

What Boomers should know in seeking help for Social Security retirement strategies for couples. What Boomers should know about Social Security and employment. Are you afraid your ex can cut you off from Social Security benefits?

Nordstrom ads continue to feature models with disabilities.

Epworth Village files bankruptcy following $15.1 million judgment.

In the absence of human caregivers, the future turns to robots.

Peaceful Family Solutions, a faith-based, nonprofit organization, provides services to "grandfamilies."

"The most important part about hiring a caregiver is knowing what you need."

Denver Broncos owner steps down in wake of Alzheimer's.

Community Expansion for Nutrition Assistance (CENA) Applications Available for Senior Centers

The Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG) is accepting applications from eligible senior citizen centers for the Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance (CENA).

CENA funds may be used for food, utilities, insurance, equipment, repairs and maintenance or other approved functions. This year, a special priority will be given to food and utilities.

CENA currently provides assistance to 43 independent senior centers in ASCOG’s eight-county area which includes Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens and Tillman counties.

To apply for a CENA grant, call Kaylee Price, ASCOG AAA Planner, at 580-736-7978.  Applications are also available online. CENA applications are due by August 1^st.

ASCOG Advocate: July 18, 2014

On this date, in 1942, the Messerschmitt Me 262 took off on its first test flight for Nazi Germany.  It was the first of its kind.

What made the plane the first of its kind?

The Congressional Business Office projects a better future for Medicare. A fanny-pack mix-up revealed a multi-million dollar Medicare drug scam.

Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders were linked to Alzheimer's according to a new study.  A new brain protein was also linked to Alzheimer's.  Small changes work best for the prevention of dementia.

The Town of Ryan issued a boil order for the community water supply.

Free dental and vision services will be offered at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.

One Lawton nonagenarian is working hard to keep her body feeling young.

Local veterans were honored in Duncan's first VFW Veterans Appreciation Day.  The Duncan Senior Citizens Center celebrated 58 years of service.

The 2015 ASCOG Community Expansion for Nutrition Assistance (CENA) application is available online.

ASCOG Advocate: July 11, 2014

On this date, in 1914, Babe Ruth made his debut in Major League Baseball. 

What was the name of his inaugural team?

The Administration for Community Living announced a new webinar series on Alzheimer's and related diseases.

Sometimes it's difficult to know when to take out Social Security widows benefits.

Scientists are getting closer to a blood test for Alzheimer's with hopes to detect the disease in earlier stages.

One Kenyan pastor with disabilities breaks down barriers in a country that stigmatizes people with physical impairments.

Government unveils online resource to tackle elder abuse.

CARE CEO acknowledges high rate of centenarians in Chickasha.

Power of Attorney

Many family members believe that having Power of Attorney (POA) is an overall right to make decisions for the resident in long-term care facility. 

A POA legally authorizes someone else to act on a person’s behalf, but it does not give absolute power over them. POA is limited to medical or financial decisions or both depending on how the document is worded. It can be revoked at the will of the maker or his/her death. A POA is to make decisions “in the best interest of the maker” and according to the maker’s wishes. 

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) continues until a stated expiration date, upon revocation, or death. It does not end upon loss of the resident’s capacity to understand. A “springing” DPOA may not go into effect until loss of capacity is determined by a physician.

On both of these documents, two witnesses and a notary are necessary when handwritten, but only a notary is needed when an Oklahoma statutory form is used.

 A person must be determined, by a judge in a court of law, to lack capacity before guardianship is granted.  Guardianship can be General (person and/or property), Limited (over certain aspects of property and/or person), or Special (emergency purpose, generally not to exceed 30 days).

All three of these responsibilities do not allow for consent to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures. Also, it is always with the resident’s rights and wishes that decisions should be made. Copies of these documents must be on file at the facility.

For more information, please call Ruben Sotelo, Ombudsman Supervisor at ASCOG Area Agency on Aging, Direct: 580-736-7975 or 1-800-658-1466.