ASCOG Advocate: October 31, 2014

On this date, in 1941, after 14 years of work this granite sculpture was completed in South Dakota by artists Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum.  What is the name (and location) of the sculpture?

Myth Buster:  Milk does a body good?  Not so much.

ALS patients could lose Medicare coverage for devices that assist with communication.

Two Florida nursing home workers were arrested on video camera evidence.

RAND Corp. estimates the cost of family caregiving to be $522 billion per year.

N4A answers the question, "What do AAAs do?"

Video:  "The Power of Oldness," the campaign against age discrimination.

Kum & Go settles lawsuit; agrees to make its stores more accessible to persons with disabilities.

Let grandmas teach you a thing or two about Facebook.

The Living Choice Project seeks to move nursing home residents back into community living.

Lawton's Center for Creative Living will host Community Thanksgiving Feast 2014.

The Living Choice Project

If you or a loved one are interested in moving out of a nursing home and rejoining the community, you might qualify through the Living Choice Project. The mission of the Living Choice Project is to make community living possible for Oklahomans of all ages, disabilities or long-term illness.  

 

The Living Choice Project will empower individuals to choose and control the services and supports they need to live and be a part of the community. Contact ombudsman supervisor Ruben Sotelo at ASCOG (Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments) for detailed information: sote_ru@ascog.org, direct: 580-736-7975 or toll free: 1-800-658-1466.

Lawton's Center for Creative Living To Host Community Thanksgiving Feast 2014

The Center for Creative Living, 3501 Elsie Hamm Dr., will be providing a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday, November 21^st from 12pm to 3:30pm (or until supplies last). 

The meal is free and everyone is welcome.

Donors for this event are:  Cedar Crest, Faith Hospice, Center for Creative Living, House of Bread Ministries, Tal & Lorene Miller, plus many more.

Please contact Lorene Miller at the Center for Creative Living with any questions or donations, 580-248-0471.

ASCOG Advocate: October 24, 2014

On this date, in 2002, police arrested John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, ending the sniper attacks in this U.S. city.  What is the name of the city?

Medicare open enrollment is an opportunity for scam artists.

Seven things to review during Medicare open enrollment.  The five biggest mistakes Boomers make when enrolling in Medicare.

The Government Accountability Office is conducting an audit of Medicare Advantage spending.

Social Security recipients will receive another small cost of living increase in 2015.

Sometimes, it's not dementia.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt warns of jury duty scams.

Nursing homes are using too many antibiotics.

Medicine Park's Billie Smith celebrated her 100th birthday.

The Administration for Community Living is reorganizing.


For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment, contact Vonn Saltzman.

ASCOG Advocate: October 17, 2014

On this date, in 1091, disaster struck London, leveling the London Bridge, some churches and 600 houses.  What was the nature of the disaster that hit London?

The Washington Post released this Guide for Medicare Open Enrollment.  Next Avenue addressed five myths about Medicare.  NYT: Beware of shifting options for Medicare plans.  Medicare versus Medigap, what's the difference.

The federal government continues to find deficiencies with some Medicare health plans due to inadequate justification for denial of services. 

The White House Conference on Aging website has been launched.

Next Avenue's timely advice on the new Social Security statements.

How to care for your aging parents from a distance.

Glen Campbell recorded his "final song" in wake of Alzheimer's diagnosis.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

For more information about Medicare, contact Vonn Saltzman at 580.736.7973.

ASCOG Advocate: October 10, 2014

On this date, in 1973, this vice-president of the United States resigned after being charged with income tax evasion.  What was his name?

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15.  Contact Vonn at 580.736.7973 for more information.  Medicare Part B premiums will remain unchanged in 2015.

It's time to get your flu shots.

Life expectancy in the United States has reached an all-time high.

CMS plans to take action to improve the five-star rating system for long-term care facilities.

Pioneer businesswoman icon, Edna Hennessee was memorialized with a highway dedication near Lawton.

ASCOG Hosts Free Medicare Events During Open Enrollment

 The Association of Oklahoma South Central Governments (ASCOG) is hosting free county-wide events to help seniors prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment period, October 15-December 7.  During Open Enrollment, Medicare-eligible consumers can sign up for coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plans, as well as change their options for the coming year.  At this year’s events, general information will be offered about Medicare, and Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) counselors will be available to assist with signing up for Part D plans, reviewing comparisons of coverage, checking eligibility for “Extra Help” and signing up for a personal account on MyMedicare.gov. The current income guidelines for “Extra Help” are $1,459/month or less for singles, or $1,966/month or less for married couples.

Medicare events are scheduled at: Duncan Red River Technology Center, Oct. 17 and 20, 9 am-2p.m.;  Waurika City Hall Depot, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Walters Library, Oct 23, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Altus Southwest Oklahoma Community Action, Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Temple City Hall/Nutrition Site, 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.;  Medicine Park Wichita Mountains Senior Center, Nov. 3, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.; Lawton Public Library, Nov. 4, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Ryan Drug Store, Nov. 6, 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Lawton Rose Hill Church Health Fair, Nov. 8, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Lindsay Library, Nov. 12, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Frederick Community Action, Nov. 18-19, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Pauls Valley Library, Dec. 2 , 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Medicine Park Wichita Mountains Senior Center, Dec. 4, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

For other event dates and locations, or to schedule a private appointment, contact Vonn Saltzman, Medicare Assistance Specialist, (580)736-7973 or (800)658-1466 at ASCOG.

ASCOG Advocate: October 3, 2014

On this date, in 1955, Annette Funicello and gang starred in the first episode of this popular children's television show on ABC.  What was the name of the show?

Oklahoma's State Long-term Care Ombudsman, Esther Houser, retired on Tuesday.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its annual report on income and poverty.

Laser therapy is the preferred treatment for varicose veins.