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With you along the journey...wherever it takes you |
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| Letter From the Executive Director
What a wonderful and perfect summer we are having in Maine! I find it hard to believe we are already into August and the seasons will be changing before we know it. It has been a busy summer for us at EAAA as we continue to serve our communities and push forward with our plans to reopen some of our Community Cafe locations. This month we are gearing up in Millinocket, Milo, and Brookville to reopen our Community Cafe hot meal service sites. More information about the community cafés and how to sign up to join us or volunteer to assist with service can be found below in the newsletter or by visiting our website. We hope to see you there! Our big September fundraiser is right around the corner, and we are excited to see all of you dressed up and hitting the dance floor with us! The "Senior" Prom for adults 21+ will take place on September 16, 2022, from 6-9 PM at Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon. We are thrilled to announce “The Dogs” will perform live at our Prom! "The Dogs" are a well-known local band who play a variety of music from across decades and genres. Make sure you get your tickets at eaaa.org/seniorprom 100% of the funds raised from this event will go to support our mission of helping older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities with information and access to resources they need to be healthy, engaged and supported in their communities. Be sure to tag us in your social media posts so we know to look for you on the 16th!
-Rebecca Kirk |
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| SHIP Volunteers Needed The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) volunteers for EAAA assist individuals with Medicare in the following ways: - Provide one-on-one counseling to review medical or prescription drug plan options for those new to Medicare and during Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment periods.
- Connect individuals struggling to afford Medicare premiums and copays to programs that can reduce their costs.
- Educate consumers about how Medicare works, including eligibility guidelines and Medicare’s relationship to Medigap plans, retiree coverage, MaineCare, and other insurance.
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| Harry Madson, SHIP Volunteer, has been with EAAA for five years. He shared, “The opportunity to help people better understand how to access Medicare health insurance, to explain the programs and policies of Medicare along with the potential of providing information that may significantly reduce the cost of health insurance makes being a SHIP volunteer a very, very rewarding experience.”
The next training for SHIP volunteers begins August 10 and includes three online classes that meet 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on August 10, 15 and 17. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Debra Chalmers, Community Resource Specialist Supervisor, at 941-2865 or 1-800-432-7812. |
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy From Furry Friends Food Bank |
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| 1. Proper nutrition - feeding your pet the right kind of food, as well as the right amount of food, can give them a longer and happier life 2. Exercise - regular walks, outside playtime, and even swimming is a great way to allow your pet to stay physically fit and active 3. Regular checkups - it's important for pets to get screenings as often as possible, once a year is recommended 4. Preventative medications - vaccines, and treatments such as flea and tick treatments can help them avoid pests and medical conditions 5. Grooming - keep an eye on their nails, skin, teeth, and fur with regular grooming habits 6. Affection - a bond is important for both of you! Cuddles, brushes, and petting are all great ways to show love. 7. Socialization - especially in dogs, it is important to get socialization with both people and other animals 8. Spay/neuter your pet - getting your animal spayed/neutered can spare them from several medical conditions, diseases, and cancers 9. Know what's "normal" - keep an eye on your pets behavior and try to notice any changes in sleep, diet, and bathroom habits 10. Pet safety - consider getting your pet microchipped, always keep ID tags on them, and do your best to keep toxins away from them Source: VetSource.com |
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| Participants will make garden fairy houses using earthenware clay through hand crafting techniques. Decorate and glaze each piece to your taste! These are great for decorating your own home or make a great gift!
Projects can be adapted to fit all skill levels! Everyone is welcome!
Workshop is with Teresa Reid of Yellow Chickadee Art Company. Workshop price is $95, includes all materials. August 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 10 am at the Durgin Center.
To sign up call Ashlee Marin at 941-2865 ext 168 or email amarin@eaaa.org |
| Healthy eating is important at every stage of life. From your friends at CSFP |
| Take a look at your current eating routine. Pick one or two ways that you can switch to choices today that are rich in nutrition. A healthy eating routine can help boost your health now and in the years to come. Think about how your food choices come together over the course of your day or week to help you create a healthy eating routine.
Try: - Keeping ready-to-eat fruits in the refrigerator for a quick snack.
- Try a stir-fry with fresh or frozen vegetables for a quick meal or easy side dish.
- Create your own trail mix with whole-grain cereal.
- Meatless meals are tasty and budget friendly. Try bean-based vegetarian chili or lentil soup.
It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. Choose options for meals, beverages, and snacks that have limited added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. |
| | Dear Marci, I recently enrolled in Medicare and learned that Medicare does not cover dental care. Why is this? And how should I receive dental care then? -Brody (Dallas, TX) |
| Dear Brody,
Yes, dental care is excluded from Medicare coverage.* Medicare is health insurance that exists because of federal laws that were passed to create it. Initially, as created in 1965, Medicare consisted of Part A and Part B and reflected the restrictions and limitations of most health insurance at that time. (Some additions have been made over time, including prescription drug coverage through Part D.) The federal law that created Medicare benefits has specific provisions that exclude coverage for certain things, like dental care and routine vision services.
Just because something is not covered by Medicare, though, does not mean that it is not needed. You may be able to get assistance through the programs listed below:
- Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer routine dental coverage. Contact your plan to learn about services it may cover, any rules or restrictions, and costs. If you are considering joining Medicare Advantage, make sure the plan suits your other care needs.
- Medicaid: In some states, Medicaid covers some dental services. You may qualify for Medicaid if you have a low income and minimal assets. Contact your local Medicaid office for more information.
- Private stand-alone dental plans: You can purchase a separate dental plan from a private company.
- Local hospitals: Call the hospitals in your area to ask if they offer dental clinics, how you can become a patient there, which services they offer and at what cost, and if payment plans are available.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): FQHCs are health care facilities located in medically underserved areas. People with Medicare are eligible to receive services from an FQHC. Some FQHCs may offer dental care.
- Community Health Centers (CHCs): CHCs provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. CHCs are funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
- Dental schools: Some dental schools provide low-cost dental care. Dental students work with patients under the supervision of experienced, licensed dentists.
To learn about local resources, you should either contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program or use the government’s Eldercare Locator tool.
*Note: While Medicare does not cover dental services that you need primarily for the health of your teeth, it does offer very limited coverage for dental care needed to protect your general health. Read more here.
I hope this helps! -Marci |
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Eastern Area Agency on Aging is piloting a Music and Memory program starting July 22, that will last for 8 weeks. While this class is full, if you are interested in learning more and participating in the program, call us and we can register you for the next 8-week session.
Care Partner Music and Memory Group: We'll help personalize playlists for the participants and assist them while they listen.
A Caregiver Support Group will take place at the same time in a separate space.
To sign up or learn more call EAAA at 941-2865.
Music & Memory® brings the joy of personalized music to individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia, and other cognitive limitations. |
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- Scammers will try and trick you - |
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There are several types of scams and they can look different from each other to those who are receiving Medicare benefits. Be on the lookout for these common Medicare fraud schemes you may come across so you can spot a scam immediately and report it. If there is any doubt if something is a scam, call your doctor, the SMP resource number, or Eastern Area Agency on Aging at 941-2865. |
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Caregiver Respite Program
The Caregiver Respite Program supports family caregivers by helping to pay for someone else to provide care for the person with dementia.
Caregivers can utilize agencies, friends, relatives, or day programs to provide care. Respite gives caregivers a chance to take care of their own needs while knowing that their loved one is safe and being cared for. Respite funds are currently available, click here to learn more. |
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Coming Soon to the Durgin Center: |
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| Community Café Dates August 1st - Shepherd's Pie August 2nd- Meatballs in Marinara August 8th - Honey Garlic Pork August 9th - Honey Mustard Chicken August 15th - Turkey with Apple and Mushroom Gravy August 16th - Beef Steak in Red Wine & Horseradish Sauce August 22nd - Ham and Pineapple August 23rd - Chicken &Herbed Gravy August 29th - Pork with Mango Sauce August 30th - Chicken Lo-mein |
| | Ask a Financial Advisor August 8th, 11:30 am
Humana Presents: Advanced Care Planning August 9th, 1pm
Humana Presents: Nutrition as you Age August 23rd, 1 pm
Ask a Librarian August 25th, 1 pm
Walking Meditation August 29th, 10 am
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*In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. |
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