Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years! May 22, 2015 Message from the Secretary The Pennsylvania Department of Aging in partnership with the Institute on Protective Services at Temple University, and its Beasley School of Law are hosting three one-day continuing legal education courses for attorneys in three different locations across the Commonwealth. The course topic is: Collaboration Between Prosecutors and the Aging Services Network in Protecting Older Pennsylvanians. The first session was held this past Wednesday in State College. It was led by Ron Costen, PhD, Esquire, legal consultant, and covered a variety of topics, including ethical issues, prosecutorial issues, and elder abuse. The next sessions are scheduled for May 27th in Mars, PA and June 3rd in the Allentown, PA area. The sessions are open only to district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, county detectives and area agency on aging attorneys covering all 67 counties throughout the Commonwealth. Sessions are free of charge, but advance registration is required. Lunch is provided. Attorney participants will receive 6.5 Hours of Continuing Legal Education (5.5 substantive and 1 ethics); while law enforcement will receive 6.5 hours of CLE credits as approved by MPOETC. The Institute on Protective Services at Temple University was established by the Department of Aging in order to provide educational opportunities and investigative consultation to the Commonwealth's 52 local Area Agencies on Aging and local law enforcement. This collaborative endeavor is critically important as we seek to address the issue of elder abuse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Any state's response to elder abuse must focus on two fundamental premises: to understand the scope and causes of the problem and develop measures to prevent or remedy it, and to take steps to enact legislation that ensures the welfare of older adults. Pennsylvania created its Older Adult Protective Services Act in 1987. At the time, it created a voluntary, statewide system of reporting and investigating suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment of persons aged 60 and older. Over the years, amendments have been made to improve the original act but the spirit of the Older Adult Protective Services Act has remained. The act is victim oriented. It provides access to services necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of older Pennsylvanians who lack the capacity to protect themselves and who are imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment. Through the local Area Agencies on Aging processes are in place and steps are taken to detect, prevent, reduce or eliminate the abuse. The act also requires that the aging network facilitates the cooperation of law enforcement officials within the provision of protective services, when necessary. This commitment to collaboration is important and necessary. I was impressed by and grateful for the participation of our law enforcement partners during the first session and trust that the next two sessions will be equally engaging as together we strive to address the victimization of older adults and persons with disabilities, to break down walls that have prevented effective responses to their victimization and to educate each other and the public to recognize, report and prevent elder abuse. I once heard elder abuse referred to as "a dark mark on our humanity," … and I believe our continued work with the Institute on Protective Services at Temple University will shine a light broadening our capacity and brightening the 1 opportunity for older Pennsylvanians to live the twilight of their years free from all forms of abuse and neglect and with the dignity and respect they deserve. For more information about the upcoming legal courses, visit the Institute on Protective Services website. With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, please take the time to pause and remember the courageous men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Teresa Osborne Secretary Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Reminds Consumers of Preventive Care Benefits Covered Under Affordable Care Act Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller reminded consumers earlier this week that most health plans must cover various preventive care benefits at no cost to the consumer. “Many health plans are required to provide preventive care services available at no extra cost to consumers,” said Miller. “I want to ensure that Pennsylvanians know the benefits that are available to them through their health plan so that they may make good use of these services to protect themselves and their families.” For the complete press release, click here. Legislative Update No legislative activity to report. The House and Senate are adjourned until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2015. Education and Outreach Office PrimeTime Health The PrimeTime Health program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring behavioral health, and managing medications. To view upcoming programs offered through your local Area Agency on Aging, click here. Jefferson County: A Day of Remembrance The public is invited to bring a photo of a loved one and light a candle in their memory. Location: Foundry, 45 West Main St., Reynoldsville, PA 15851 Date: Friday, May 22, 2015 Time: 11:30 a.m. No cost. All are invited to make reservations for lunch for a donation Lynn Guiser, Dietician, Speaking at Wayne Senior Centers Lynn Guiser, MS, RD/LD, Dietitian, will be a new member to the Wayne AAA staff. She has been revising menus to include new, creative, and healthier meal options and will be meeting with each of our senior groups to talk about the new menus, as well as new Dietary Guidelines. 2 Please join us for lunch, by calling 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance. If you need transportation please call 570-253-4280. All programs are 11:30 a.m. – noon on the following dates: July 16- Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood) July 22- Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262) August 07- Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766) August 19- Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209) Prime Time Health Wayne County Senior Center: Prescription Drug Safety. Charlotte Myers, Certified Prevention Specialist of Wayne County Drug & Alcohol Commission will speak about how medications and alcohol can affect you in adverse ways, medication safety and local programs for properly discarding medications. Additionally, the Wayne County District Attorney Janine Edwards will also be speaking and will have detectives available at each of the center locations so bring in expired medications. All programs will be from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The detectives will be available from 10:30 a.m. to noon Please call 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance to register for lunch, or please call 570-253-4280 for transportation. Locations for presentations are: June 10, 2015 June 11, 2015 June 17, 2015 June 18, 2015 Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209) Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766) Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262) Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood) Wayne Area Agency on Aging offers speaker on Rheumatology Dr. Mark Cruciani will present at the following centers on rheumatology, which is a specialty that focuses on joint, muscle and bone disorders, including autoimmune diseases (diseases of the immune system). Join us at any of our centers to learn more about rheumatology and osteoarthritis. All programs will be from 11:30 a.m. – noon July 8, 2015 July 30, 2015 August 6, 2015 August 19, 2015 Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209) Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766) Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood) Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262) If you would like to join us for lunch, please call 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance. If you would like transportation please call 570-253-4280. For more information visit our website by clicking here. PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources Fayette/Greene/Washington Event: Powerful Tools For Caregivers Series Description: This free program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, and increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Workshop trainers are Michelle Rockwell, Link Coordinator and Kristen Jackson, Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging. Location: Hickory UEP Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA Date: Tuesdays, June 2 – July 7, 2015 3 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 356-4042 Registration Deadline: May 26, 2015 Beaver County Event: Psychosocial Issues, Assessment and Treatment Interventions with Hoarding Behavior Training for professionals. Description: Beaver County CAN, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Link is hosting this twopart presentation on hoarding behavior by Dr. Norma Thomas, MSW Program Coordinator at California University of Pennsylvania. Event is free, networking lunch included. Location: Penn State Beaver Auditorium, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA Date: June 4, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Part 1) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Part 2) Contact: Email – [email protected] Registration Deadline: N/A Somerset County Event: Somerset Aging/ID Coalition Conference for Professionals Description: Morning session will focus on the topic of De-escalation techniques and features Tina Heinrich, Ed.S. Health Choices Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Services of Somerset & Bedford Counties; Afternoon session will cover the topic of Medication Abuse and features Ronna Yablonski, Prevention Coordinator (and Director of Somerset County Drug Free Communities) and Renee Gardner RN, both of Twin Lakes. Location: Oakhurst Tea Room, 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA Date: June 16, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (814) 443-4891, ext. 4213 Registration Deadline: June 9, 2015 Butler County Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair, benefits screenings and more. Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 431-3619 Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015 Bedford County Event: Trust & Estate Planning Seminar Description: Attorney Tom Murphy, Esq. of R. Thomas Murphy & Associates, P.C. will provide information on planning for the future and the cost of long term care. There is no cost to attend. Location: Homewood at Springhouse Estates, 150 Victoria Avenue, Everett, PA Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Contact: Email – [email protected] 4 Phone – (814) 233-9206 Registration Deadline: June 8, 2015 Allegheny County Event: Resources for Individuals with Disabilities under 60 Description: Part of the APPRISE/Allegheny Link 2015 Lunch and Learn Series, this presentation will cover a number of services that are available to individuals with disabilities who are under the age of 60 to help them maintain their independence in the community. This is a panel discussion with time for question and is free of charge. Location: Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA Date: June 25, 2015 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – 1-(866) 730-2368 Somerset County Event: Elder Justice Day Seminar Description: This free program is designed to inform, protect and help prevent older adults from abuse and financial exploitation. Experts will be on hand from across the state along with local leaders to talk about types of abuse and how it can be prevented. Lunch will be provided. Location: Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Plank Road, Somerset, PA Date: June 25, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Contact: phone – (814) 443-2681, Missy Beam Registration Deadline: June 19, 2015 Columbia-Montour County Event: Aging/ID Conference Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference. Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg Date: Monday June 8, 2015 Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 570-784-9272 Registration Deadline: N/A Delaware County Event: 2015 Caregiver Series “Creative Tools for Caregiving” Description: Six session program for caregivers to bring their loved ones with them so they can participate in meaningful activities that can be taken home such as mosaics, fitness and the art of storytelling. Location: Friendship Circle Senior Center Dates: June 3: What Does Good Nutrition Look Like? Feeding yourself and your loved one. Your loved one will learn about “Home Remedies” while participating in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity. June 17: Relaxation Techniques: The Keys to Stress Free Living. Your loved one will participate in a Fitness Activity. Time: 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm Contact: Email -- [email protected] 5 Phone -- 610-237-6222 ext. 57 Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon County Event: Series on balance and fall prevention Description: A four-part series on balance and fall prevention, this program consists of identifying what makes up good or poor balance, addressing the fear of falling, why balance testing is valuable and exercises for better balance. The series dates and topics include: June 17 – Understanding the Benefits of Balance Testing July 15 – Exercises for Better Balance Location: The Long Community at Highland, 600 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 in the Brightwood Dining Room Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Contact: Email – [email protected] Registration Deadline: N/A Columbia-Montour County Event: Aging/ID Conference Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference. Details on topics pending. Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg Date: Monday June 8, 2015 Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone - 570-784-9272 Chester County Event: Centenarian Birthday Party Description: The Link will sponsor the Chester County Department of Aging’s 3rd Annual Centenarian Birthday Party and will educate attendees on the Link and the Link’s project, “Hospital to Home.” Location: The Downingtown Country Club, 93 Country Club Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335 Date: June 24th Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: E-mail - [email protected] Phone – 484-364-6981 Cumberland County Event: Improving Aging Services for LGBT Older Adults Description: This workshop will include information on the culture, needs and concerns of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older adults, information on why LGBT older adults are less likely to access health and social services and information on best practices, policy and practice areas for increasing inclusiveness and safety for LGBT older adults. Location: Giant Food Store Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (lunch included) Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-240-7887 Register: Click Here 6 Butler County Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair, benefits screenings and more. Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 431-3619 Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015 Franklin County Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Antrim Township Municipal Building – Greencastle, PA Date: May 29, 2015 Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: N/A Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: AMVETS – Chambersburg, PA Date: June 4, 2015 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: N/A Event: 2015 Franklin County Veterans EXPO Description: An event where 50+ vendors will be offering information on Veteran-specific programs and services. A light breakfast and full lunch will be served. Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. The VA Mobile Outreach Van will be onsite as well as the Chambersburg JROTC Color Guard. Location: Scotland Campus – Scotland, PA Date: June 10, 2015 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 7 Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Tuscarora Senior Center – Mercersburg, PA Date: June 12, 2015 Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Waynesboro Senior Center – Waynesboro, PA Date: June 16, 2015 Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: none The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, in partnership with agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities, is hosting conferences throughout the state. Lehigh and Northampton County June 5, 8:30 to 4:30, at the Best Western in Bethlehem. Contact Kimberly Melusky, at [email protected] There will be a $40 registration fee for this conference Bureau of Advocacy Philadelphia Ombudsman Program On March 20, 2015, the Cliveden Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Northwest Philadelphia, completed a resident’s right to privacy workshop, facilitated by Ombudsman Coretta Avery from Center in the Park, one of the subcontractors providing ombudsman services in the Philadelphia County. Following the training, the residents created door signs for their rooms with messages stating “Welcome,” “Come In,” or “Please Knock.” The intent of this resident-directed project is to inform facility staff and other residents about the right to privacy. The goal is to have the project replicated for other residents within the facility. There are 62 residents in eight facilities who have participated in the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents program, a residentdirecting training sponsored by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Resident's Voice Challenge Deadline Extended to May 25th The consumer voice has announced that the resident’s voice challenge deadline has been extended until May 25th. The challenge this year is for residents and consumers of long-term care services and supports to submit essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the theme for the National Residents' Rights Month 2015 "CARE Matters". The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is encouraging local ombudsmen to inform us of any submissions their residents provide so that we can showcase in future wrap-up articles. For more information on this challenge, click here: Resident's Voice Challenge. 8 Bureau of Aging Services Care Transitions Summit The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, through the Long Term Living Training Institute (LTLTI), hosted a Care Transitions Summit for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College. A total of 69 attendees participated in the day, with representation from 26 AAAs. The day provided an opportunity for AAAs involved in all stages of Care Transitions to network, share resources, discuss best practices and attend break-out sessions suited to their current level of involvement with care transitions. Included in the agenda were representatives from RightCare Solutions, Community Care Transitions Programs for Western PA, Cole Memorial Hospital, PA Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, PA Association for Area Agencies on Aging, York/Adams Care Transitions Coalition, Wellspan Health, Aligning Forces for Quality, Hospital Association of PA and Quality Insights of PA. The summit also featured a panel discussion, which included five AAA Care Transitions service providers. Information and resources from the summit will be compiled and posted on LTLTI’s website. An online tool kit will be developed in the near future for the AAA network to reference and assist them in the promotion, planning and delivery of care transitions services. Announcements Innovation in Caregiving Award The Innovation in Caregiving Award recognizes individuals who, in the course of caring for an older adult in a private home or a residential setting invented a device or technique that solves a caregiving challenge, or found a new application for an existing device or technique that supports caregiving of older adults and eases the burden on caregivers. Those assisting younger individuals with disabilities may apply for the award if their device or technique is helpful to the care of adults aged 60 and older. The application deadline is June 30, 2015. Apply for the 2015 Award Messiah Lifeways and Harrisburg Magazine SAGE Awards Awards to honor savvy, active, growing, and enlightened older adults, age 55 and better, who have made important contributions to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and social progress of the Greater Capital Region. We are currently seeking outstanding nominees who are transforming the lives of others, who are improving the quality of life for all persons in our region, or who are creating a new sense of purpose in the third age of their life. Past winners have included a National Geographic instructor, several Peace Corps volunteers, a food pantry founder, a state Senator, renowned philanthropists, and "a re-wired" executive. The key to the SAGE Awards is that it highlights persons who are changing the conversation about aging and inspiring people to think about retirement as a time of purpose and zest! We are especially eager to meet people who have done interesting things in recent years - at age 55 or better Completed applications may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 717-7968155. The deadline for this year’s entries is June 22. After a panel of judges reviews all of this year’s nominees, as many as six recipients may be honored at an awards celebration dinner scheduled for on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village. Nomination form, click here. 9 PA Association of Senior Centers Northeast Region Annual Meeting The PA Assoc. of Senior Centers (PASC) Northeast Region is holding its annual meeting on Friday, June 5, at the West Side Active Adult Senior Center, 1004 Jackson Street, Scranton, from 10am - 3pm. The cost is $20.00 for PASC members and $25.00 non-members. For further information, contact Leslie Berger at 570.420.3745 OR [email protected]. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 40th Annual Conference July 11-15, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA Please save the date; more information can be found by clicking here. Funding Opportunities Funding Opportunity Announced for Navigators in Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the availability of funding to support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM), including State Partnership Marketplaces. Grantees will be selected for a three year project period, and a total of up to $67 million is available for the first year of the award. The funding opportunity announcement is open to eligible individuals, as well as private and public entities, applying to serve as Navigators in states with a FFM. It is open to new and returning HHS Navigator grant applicants, and applications are due by June 15, 2015. Click here for more information. In the News PennDOT Invites Public to Help Shape Pennsylvania’s Transportation Future The public is encouraged to visit www.TalkPATransportation.com to provide their input on transportation priorities for the update of the commonwealth’s Twelve Year Transportation Program before the survey closes on May 29. PennDOT and the State Transportation Commission (STC) request public feedback on transportation priorities and specific issues by completing an online survey. Accessing the survey is easy: Visit www.TalkPATransportation.com and select “Tell Us What You Think” to complete the survey online; or Request a printed survey by email [email protected] or phone 717-787-2913 Help get the word out by sharing the survey on your Facebook and Twitter pages, and use the hashtag #TalkPA12Yr. ** If you have something you wish to include, please contact us. Kindly direct your comments and suggestions to Drew Wilburne in the Press Office [email protected]. 10
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