ASCOG Aging Advocate December 31, 2012

Good Monday morning!  Are you ready for 2013?

On this date in 1946, President Harry S. Truman officially declared that hostilities had ended in World War II.  During World War I, Truman rejoined the Missouri National Guard and was trained at Camp Doniphan in southwestern Oklahoma.  What was the name of the city nearest Camp Doniphan?

Sequestration seems certain to happen as leadership talks continue to falter.

A California pastor pleads guilty to defrauding Medicare to the tune of $11 million.  He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

A wheelchair-bound man was killed in an Oklahoma City house fire.  He was trapped by burglar bars on the home.

As discussion on avoiding the "Fiscal Cliff" continues, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continues to audit Medicare for wasteful spending.

AARP helps answer the question, "How can we spot financial abuse in elders?"

According to a Senate Special Committee on Aging report, the U.S. lags behind other developed countries in long-term care.

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services works to help people with disabilities enter the workforce.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 28, 2012

Good Morning!  It's Friday!  Hope you enjoyed your Christmas break.

On this date, in 1958, the "Greatest Game Ever Played" was won by the Baltimore Colts over the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game. Who was the quarterback of the Colts?

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we must ask ourselves, "Are we prepared for the worst?"

The Government Accounting Office (GAO) announced this week that Medicare could save $880 million on dialysis payments. 

About 13 million seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.  Forbes' Howard Gleckman explains some of the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage.

The flu has arrived in south central Oklahoma (trust me on this one). Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot. 

This graph from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows the impact expected on states as a result of the Budget Control Act caps that were passed last year.

Due to a rising senior population as well as a rising crime rate against seniors, the El Dorado County Sheriff's office is adding a new position to focus solely on elder abuse. 

The U.S. Health and Human Services inspector general ordered PacifiCare of California to repay $224,388 in Medicare overpayments, though the estimated overpayment is over $424 million.

AARP's Lolita Baldor and the APs Mitch Stacy remember the legacy of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf.

Many of our area Title III nutrition sites have been closed due to inclement weather.  For information on site closings, please contact Delta Nutrition at 580.255.3967.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 17, 2012

Good Monday morning.  Our hearts and prayers go out to those victims of senseless violence in Connecticut.  Our thoughts are with our children and grandchildren as they return to school today.

On this date in 1969, the U.S. Air Force closed its official investigation into UFOs.  What was the name given to the official investigation?

The state of Oklahoma lost another legend in aging advocacy last month, Willie Norris.

A new study shows that parents who are caregivers of adult children with developmental disabilities are  38% more likely to develop a disability of their own. 

The Masonic Charities Foundation helps fill gaps in the needs of the aging.

A younger group of entrepreneurs has a new take on aging.

As Boomers are retiring, they must ask themselves, can their retirement be thrown off the fiscal cliff?  Here is a primer on the rising costs of Medicare in 25 years.

New technology is helping the Fed take a bite out of Medicare fraud.

And, for one Vietnam veteran, disability cannot break the human-canine bond.

Masonic program assists senior needs

The Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation donated $720,586 to the Oklahoma Association of Area Agencies on Aging (O4A) for the year 2013. The Masonic donation is set up to assist persons 55 years of age or older with direct services and has been allocated between the eleven AAA’s that cover the entire state. The Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG’s) portion of the donation is $67,702.  ASCOG serves an eight county area including Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens and Tillman counties.

The Masonic Assistance Program is the only statewide organization that covers gaps between existing assistance programs. This community pledge addresses such needs as assistance with minor home repairs, access ramps and modifications to doorways and bathrooms, as well as the purchases of dentures, eyeglasses and emergency medical equipment. Since the beginning of the program in 2007, the Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation has donated nearly $5 million to the O4A in the name of the Freemasons of Oklahoma.

ASCOG’s information and assistance coordinator receives calls daily from seniors with needs that might go unmet if it were not for the generosity of the Masonic Charity Foundation. Anyone needing information about caregiver support, senior services, or the Masonic grant can call the Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.      

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 14, 2012

Good morning!  It's Friday!

On this date in 1994, construction began on the world's largest power station located in this dam that spans the Yangtze River.  What is the name of this dam?

People are living longer than we did 20 years ago, but are we living healthier?

How much would raising the Medicare eligibility age really save?  Here's what some top health policy experts said when asked the question, "What would you do to control Medicare costs?"

Why you should have a mental health checkup following a cardiac event.

So, you cannot live alone anymore without a caregiver?  Here are some options to keep you out of a nursing home.

Ellie Kahn shares her philosophy on how to age well while maintaining your creativity.

Dr. Pamely Tronetti shares tips on how caregivers can take care of themselves and enjoy the holidays.

Women U.S. Senators on the "fiscal cliff":  "I think if we [women] were in charge of the Senate and of the administration, we would have a budget deal by now..."

Mark your calendars: The 2013 Senior Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol is scheduled for February 25, 2013; register online!

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 13, 2012

Happy Thursday!  Have you kissed a caregiver today?

On this date in 1925, Richard Wayne was born.  He is currently scheduled to be the recipient of the Life Achievement Award at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony.  What is his name?

The director of the Maine office of Aging and Disability Services reports that 85% of elder abuse cases are never reported.

Negotiations pick up as the "fiscal cliff" looms, but the President Obama and Speaker Boehner appear no closer to a deal.  Meanwhile, holiday shoppers appear to be wary about spending with the uncertain fiscal future.

As the debate about salt intake continues, moderation appears to be the central theme.  But how much can you safely cut out of your diet?

A "spokesdog" for disabilities will soon be fitted with a prosthetic paw.

Just for fun, listen to a symphony written by Derwyn Holder as a tribute to Medicare.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 12, 2012

Happy Wednesday!  Are you ready for the holidays?

On this date in 1915, Francis Albert was born.  Later he would become more famously known as the "Chairman of the Board."  What was his name?

With federal health care spending expected to double in the next 25 years, most experts agree the Medicare fix must be long-term. How will changing the Medicare age impact minorities?

In the quest for long term care solutions, some clients are telling their financial advisers to help them become poor.

Americans are living longer, while caregivers are suffering from mental and physical conditions related to chronic stress.

"Coming into focus," some of the negotiations about the fiscal cliff are closer to fruition.

Cowlitz County (WA) commissioners approve a new sales tax to fund mental health programs as services traditionally supported by state and federal programs are depending more on local support.

What we eat is as important as our genes when it comes to aging.
A Cincinnati based home health agency that traditionally served only seniors is now serving persons with developmental disabilities, bridging the gap between aging and disability services.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 11, 2012

Happy Tuesday!  Have you kissed an ombudsman today?

On this date in 1972, these NASA astronauts landed on the moon for sixth and last time.  What was the name of their mission?

A local Centenarian, Fanny Russell, recalls her travels and milestones.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has released its annual report video.

Medicare beneficiaries save an estimated $5.1 billion in drug costs due to changes provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Is the Fiscal Cliff really a cliff?

Over 1500 nursing home residents were left in the path of Hurricane Sandy as a result of a call by state officials to stay put.

A recent article in Governing magazine details how states are working to keep seniors out of nursing homes.  Boomers want control of their end-of-life care.  And, can a pair of house shoes can save your life?

It's time to enter your poems in the 2013 Oklahoma Senior Poetry Contest; deadline is January 31, 2013.

The American Psychiatric Association finalized its fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), removing the bereavement exclusion from the diagnosis for depression.

2013 Oklahoma Senior Poetry Contest

The Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging is seeking entries for the 2013 Senior

Poetry Contest. The annual contest is a popular event held in conjunction with the

annual conference which will be May 21-23, 2013 at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel

and Conference Center.

CONTEST RULES:

1. Poems may be on any topic and must be the original, individual work of the

contestant.

2. The entry must have been written when the contestant was 60 years of age or older.

3. No previously published work can be submitted.

4. Contestants must be a current resident of Oklahoma.

5. Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will disqualify the contestant.

6. Attach a cover sheet to the poem with the contestant’s name, address, e-mail (if

available), phone number and entry category (Men’s or Women’s).

7. Do not include the contestant’s name or other identifying information on the poem.

The contestant’s identity will not be disclosed to the contest judge(s).

8. Entries should be typed (Word document). Handwritten entries will be accepted if

legible.

9. Deadline to submit an entry is

January 31, 2013. Entries received after the deadline

will not be considered.

10. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both the Women’s and

Men’s categories.

11. By submitting an entry, contestants agree to publication of their poem in the annual

contest poetry book, available at no cost at the annual conference. Only a limited

number of books will be available. Publication is at the sole discretion of the contest

organizer. Winning submissions may be published on the conference website and in

other materials.

Winners will be notified by April 15, 2013 and invited to attend Senior Day and the

awards luncheon on May 21, 2013. Due to the large number of submissions, only the

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be contacted about the outcome of the contest.

Submit poems by:

E-mail to

: asd.poetry@okdhs.org

Or Mail to:

Senior Poetry Contest

OKDHS Aging Services Division

2401 NW 23rd St, Ste. 40

OKC, OK 73107

Call 1-800-211-2116 or 405-521-2281 for more information.

Entries due January 31,

2013!

38th Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging

“The Road to Aging Well: Enjoy Your Trip”

www.okagingconference.com

May 21-23, 2013

Embassy Suites Norman – Hotel and Conference Center

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 10, 2012

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a great weekend.

On this date in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the United States Marine Corp War Memorial at Arlington Cemetery.  The memorial depicts the battle of which Pacific island?

Surveys show that optimism may be a key element in successful aging.

Kansas received the green light to put most of its 383,000 Medicaid patients into one of three managed care programs to control costs. 

Consumer Reports warns elderly are most susceptible to abuse by those they trust the most.  New research provides clues as to why elderly are more likely to be scammed.

Using a sham provider number and a UPS Store mailbox, scammers were able to approve millions in fraudulent Medicare claims.  For more information on how to stop Medicare fraud contact Heather at our office.

The Los Angeles Times provides an informative discussion on the current Medicare debate in this editorial.

Alzheimer's caregivers try to remember the good times while placing themselves at a higher risk of poor health.

USA Today's Christine Dugas explains one of the pitfalls of Medicaid, long-term care planning.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 7, 2012

Good morning!  It's Friday!  This is the last day for Medicare Open Enrollment!

On this date in 1941, the  Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor causing the U.S. to quickly declare war against Japan.  In the middle of this picture you can see the explosion of a World War I era, U.S. Navy, Nevada-class battleship named for the 46th state.  What is the name of that battleship?

While the federal government could save over $100 billion by raising the Medicare age, people over 65 could pay an extra $2,000 for health insurance if they are excluded from Medicare.

California is experimenting with a program adopted under Obamacare and the Deficit Reduction Act to target "dual eligibles" (those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid).

AARP's Sally Abrahms encourages readers to make a New Year's resolution to provide a helping hand to a caregiver.

A new study shows that states who invest in Title III home delivered meal services show a lower rate of nursing home residents with low-care needs, implying that such patients stay in their own homes longer.

A Mississippi woman was charged with exploiting 25 nursing home residents.  A manager at a California assisted living center allegedly stole more than $40,000 from a resident. 

In North Carolina, hundreds of shoppers with disabilities were partnered with community volunteers who helped them find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 6, 2012

Happy Thursday!  Have you finished your Medicare shopping yet?

On this date in 1973, the U.S. House of Representatives confirmed Gerald Ford as the 40th Vice President of the United States, replacing Spiro Agnew.  Which constitutional amendment that made this possible?

Out of concern for American sovereignty, the U.S. Senate rejected the treaty on disabilities.

Despite having more aging drivers on the roads, fewer wrecks are expected.

Between 1990 and 2010 the average American life expectancy has risen by four years.

In the controversy over Medicare and the rising deficit, raising rates for the wealthy, raising the eligibility age and reducing costs are all plans being discussed as the fiscal cliff approaches.

The AARP Foundation explains how caregivers do not have to "do it alone."

Medicare open enrollment ends tomorrow!

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 5, 2012

Happy Wednesday!  Only two more days to change your Medicare plan!

On this date in 1945, a training flight of bombers called Flight 19 disappeared east of Ft. Lauderdale.  What is the name of area in which they were lost?

Bloomberg's Chris Farrell reminds us why we cannot forget the cost of the sacrifice of caregivers.  

A new study reveals that eating chocolate may protect people from diseases common among older adults.

Raising the Medicare age from 65 to 67 could save the federal government $5.7 billion, but could increase the cost of health care by over $11.4 billion.

Bettie Cooper, the world's oldest person, dies at 116.  

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 4, 2012

Happy Tuesday!  How's everybody?

On this date in 1956, this group of singers joined up for a recording at Sun Studio for the first and only time in history.  Who are they and what was the name of their group?

The aging Boomer population is leaving their footprint on more than just aging services, they have a cultural statement to make as well.

The flu season arrived early this year and the last time it came this early was one of the worst years on record.

A Medicare scam in which the caller asked for information needed to renew the receiver's Medicare card continues to spread across the nation. 

Herb Carner of Sapulpa celebrates 56 years of cutting hair and is still the best at giving flat tops.

The young-at-heart Duncan Rotary Club, including several retired professionals, joined forces with the young professionals club, the Duncan Jaycees, to raise over $30,000 for children who need clothing.

ASCOG Aging Advocate December 3, 2012

Happy Monday!  This is the final week for Medicare Open Enrollment!

On this day in 1999, this American actress died from complications due to ovarian cancer.  She is pictured here in this screenshot from the movie "Clue."  What is her name?

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

New research shows that caregivers are at higher risk for heart disease as they neglect their diet and reduce physical activity.

Davita, Inc., a multi-billion dollar, Denver-based, dialysis company, is accused of allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of hundreds of millions of dollars.  If you suspect Medicare fraud has been committed, please contact our Senior Medicare Patrol representative, Heather Sladek at the ASCOG office.

With increased claims and an aging Baby Boomer population, SSA is realizing an increasing backlog in Social Security Disability Insurance applications.

The Unforgettables, a group consisting of persons with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers will soon be putting on a concert at the St. Peters Church in Manhattan, NY.