Category: Programs & Services

Respite & Reprieve

Finding just the right place to provide care and attention for older adult family members can be challenging for caregivers who work full time during the day. It’s a serious dilemma: physically, the older adults may be fine, but may have dementia or be experiencing memory loss, and therefore cannot be safely left at home alone during the day.

The Franciscan Adult Day Center in Manoa, a program of St. Francis Healthcare System, provides caregivers peace of mind, knowing their family is in good hands while they’re at work.

Family caregivers must be available 24/7 and that can cause a drain on physical, emotional or spiritual health. To prevent caregiver burnout, the center also welcomes participants so that caregivers can enjoy some respite. A welcome break or being able to take care of other responsibilities during the day can make a world of difference for caregivers.

I know what it’s like to care for a family member. For years, I was the sole caregiver for my husband, who had Alzheimer’s. I can relate to both the caregivers as well as the participants in our program, formally known as the Sister Maureen Intergenerational Learning Environment (SMILE).

Whether it’s taking the time to understand the challenges and needs of the caregivers or spending time listening to the concerns of the participants, it’s a privilege to give my undivided attention to each of them. I have a great team of aides who help with a range of activities for the participants throughout the day. Whether it’s serving nourishing meals, leading an exercise group or planning a recreational activity, we’re always doing something to keep our participants active and engaged, while maintaining a structured environment. Studies show—and our experience confirms—that older adults need social interaction to prevent loneliness or depression. The quality of life can be maximized through activities, socialization and professional supervision.

We also take occasional field trips and invite guest speakers to the Franciscan Adult Day Center. Intergenerational learning is one of the unique features of our program as students from nearby schools come to share in activities that benefit everyone.

It’s amazing to see how much both the students and program participants enjoy themselves. We plan to replicate this model of intergenerational caring at the St. Francis Intergenerational Center in ‘Ewa, a new center that will combine adult day care and pre-school all in one convenient location to serve those in the burgeoning West O‘ahu region. Construction will begin next year on a parcel across from Franciscan Vista ‘Ewa, the St. Francis Healthcare System’s fully-occupied affordable senior independent living center.

For more information and/or for a tour of Franciscan Adult Day Center, call 988-5678 or visit www.franciscanadultday.com.

Finding just the right place to provide care and attention for older adult family members can be challenging for caregivers who work full time during the day. It’s a serious dilemma: physically, the older adults may be fine, but may have dementia or be experiencing memory loss, and therefore cannot be safely left at home…
What’s Special in 2012 with Medicare

The holidays quickly came and went, along with December 7th, which is the end of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Some folks missed their opportunity to add, change or drop their Medicare plan, and they want to know if they have any options now that the annual enrollment period is over.

There are several opportunities to change at this date and we are going to explain each one.

Annual Disenrollment Period:

Each year from January 1st – February 14th is the annual dis-enrollment period. During this time if you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (AlohaCare, HMSA, Humana, Kaiser Permanent, Ohana Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare), you have a one-time opportunity to change back to Original/Traditional Medicare (only) and enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if your Medicare Advantage plan included drug coverage. You cannot use this opportunity to add or drop prescription drug coverage. If you decide to use this option, please check with your health care providers (favorite physician, therapists) and make sure that they will accept Original/Traditional Medicare and continue to see you as a patient.

New Five-Star Special Enrollment Period:

This is a new benefit in 2012. Medicare has been collecting data on the Medicare Health and Drug Plans and has rated them on a five “star” scale, based on standard performance measures. Five Star being excellent performance and one star being poor performance. Some of the measures include: member satisfaction, managing chronic conditions, staying healthy, customer service and pharmacy benefits. Medicare gets some of this data from the “member satisfaction” surveys that you sometimes receive from your health plan after a visit to the doctor. Also, if you’ve called 1-800-Medicare and registered a “concern or complaint,” they take those calls very seriously.

Not every state and county has access to a five-star plan. In 2012 there are approximately nine health plans in the nation that are “5 stars.” Hawai‘i, be proud, we have one of them. Hopefully in 2013 all of our health and drug plans will be rated with 5 stars.

This special enrollment period is available December 8, 2011– 2012. It is a one-time opportunity to change to a 5 star plan, if it is available in your area. You can do this at anytime beginning December 8, 2011. This special enrollment period again is not an opportunity to add or drop health and drug coverage.

Other Special Enrollment Periods:

If you receive “Extra Help” (also known as low-income subsidy), you have a continuous special enrollment period throughout the year.

Working Individuals. If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible for Medicare (at 65 years of age) and you were covered under an employer group health plan based on current employment (either you or your spouse or family member if you are disabled) and that coverage ends, you have an 8-month window to enroll in Medicare Part B and 63 days to enroll in drug coverage. If you miss either of those windows then you have to wait until the general or annual enrollment periods. COBRA benefits (federal law which allows you to purchase your employer health coverage) is not considered “creditable coverage” for Medicare Part B and you may not be eligible for a special enrollment period and may have to pay higher premiums when you do enroll.

If you would like to know more about special enrollment periods, you can view the Medicare & You handbook (paper form or on-line). For more information about enrolling in Medicare Part B, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov. And for information about Medicare and the health plans available in Hawai‘i, please call Sage PLUS Program, also known as the Hawai‘i SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). This program is a federal grant from Medicare to assist you in understanding the benefits of the Medicare Program.

The holidays quickly came and went, along with December 7th, which is the end of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Some folks missed their opportunity to add, change or drop their Medicare plan, and they want to know if they have any options now that the annual enrollment period is over. There are several opportunities to…
Time to Scoot!

Thanks in part to convincing commercials on TV, many people are sold on the benefits of scooters and powerchairs before they even enter a showroom.

The problem is that they don’t know much about the products themselves or what’s involved in getting a power mobility device covered by insurance companies.

Before you get revved up to go, here’s a list of questions to answer yourself before you shop:

1. What is your height and weight? Your height and weight will determine which models will work best for you.

2. Are you going to ride the scooter only indoors, strictly outdoors, or a combination of both? What activities do you like to do on a daily basis? If you are just going to use it indoors you can get a smaller unit with smaller batteries. If you plan on going out with it for the day it would require more battery power.

3. Are you going to use the device every day? How much time will you be on the vehicle?

4. Are you going to transport the scooter or powerchair with a vehicle or take TheBus or HandiVan?

__ Will you use it in a place of employment?
__ Will you vacation with it?
__ How will you transport it?  
__ Do you have a lift or ramp for their vehicle?

5. Are you going to pay for the mobility device yourself or try to get it covered by insurance? If opting for insurance, bring in your photo ID, and all copies of insurance cards on your initial visit to a showroom.

Dauterman Healthcare & Mobility has many scooter and powerchair models on display for you to try. For more information, call 591-8860 or visit www.dautermanmedical.com.

Thanks in part to convincing commercials on TV, many people are sold on the benefits of scooters and powerchairs before they even enter a showroom. The problem is that they don’t know much about the products themselves or what’s involved in getting a power mobility device covered by insurance companies. Before you get revved up…
Care in the Air

Hawai‘i Life Flight is an air ambulance provider serving the Hawaiian Islands, transporting patients from pediatrics to geriatrics. It’s scope of care ranges from cardiac and trauma to neurological and burn patients.

This emergency air medical transportation is especially important for Neighbor Island residents who don’t live near major medical centers, Kawika Villa says. “If you or a family member suffer an accident or serious medical problem and needed to be transferred to a medical facility on another island,” he says, “Hawai‘i Life Flight will transport you in a modern, medically equipped and professionally staffed aircraft.”

The Crew

The Hawai‘i Life Flight medical crew members average 10 years of critical care or emergency medicine experience. The flight nurses and paramedics use the latest technology and advanced education to transport patients who may require advanced procedures and monitoring.

New Name, Goals & Service

Hawai‘i Life Flight might be the new name in Hawai‘i’s air ambulance industry, but the company has actually been serving the state since 1979. Owner Joseph Hunt purchased Hawai‘i Air Ambulance in 2006 to improve the quality of air ambulance services in the Islands. The company changed its name in 2010, and is now known as Hawai‘i Life Flight. Hunt vowed to make vast improvements to increase the safety, reliability and responsiveness of the company to give the people of Hawai‘i an air medical  transportation company worthy of their trust and support.

In 2006, Hunt got to work right away hiring an entirely new management team. He replaced the older Cessna fleet with newer, faster aircraft, opting for Raytheon King Air C90B models. More than $2 million of custom reconfiguration work was done to prepare the fleet for the demands of Hawai‘i’s medical community. The company also raised the bar when selecting pilots, aircraft maintenance and medical personnel to above current FAA and industry standards. In addition, new positions were created to monitor and ensure quality management and safety, compliance, efficient communications and risk assessment.

Hawai‘i Life Flight’s vision was to decrease the wait times and ensure safe, efficient and reliable response. Hawai‘i Life Flight has opened six bases throughout the state at Li¯hu‘e, Kahului, Honolulu, Kamuela, Hilo and Kona. Each of these bases has a flight crew response time of approximately 20 minutes or less to the patient’s bedside or base airport. Crews actually live in the communities they serve and participate at various community events.

Membership Program

Hawai‘i Life Flight also has a membership program that makes out-of-pocket expenses affordable to patients. Most major insurance carriers are accepted. Hawai‘i Life Flight membership program waives the member’s insurance deductible and co-payment when Hawai‘i Life Flight provides emergency air medical transportation between the Hawaiian Islands.

Membership prices start at just $49 per year for seniors, ages 55 and up. Family plans are also available, and cover the applicant, spouse and dependents to age 18 or 23 if full time students.

For more information, contact Kawika Villa at 808-833-2270, kvilla@hawaiilifeflight.com or visit www.hawaiilifeflight.com.

Hawai‘i Life Flight is an air ambulance provider serving the Hawaiian Islands, transporting patients from pediatrics to geriatrics. It’s scope of care ranges from cardiac and trauma to neurological and burn patients. This emergency air medical transportation is especially important for Neighbor Island residents who don’t live near major medical centers, Kawika Villa says. “If…
Hunting for a prescription drug plan . . . is no game
It’s that time of year again.

“Open season” is right around the corner for the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Hunting down the best plan for you is no game. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan should mark their calendars for October 15. The “open season” will run from October 15 to December 7.

The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage.

While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for Extra Help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The Extra Help is worth about $4,000 a year.

To figure out whether you are eligible for the Extra Help, Social Security needs to know your income and the value of any savings, investments and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify, you must be receiving Medicare and have:

Income not over $16,335 for an individual or $22,065 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse:

Support other family members who live with you;

Have earnings from work; or

Live in Alaska or Hawai‘i; and

Resources not over $12,640 for an individual or $25,260 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources.

You can complete an easy-to-use online application for Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov. Go to the Medicare tab on the top of the page. Then go to “Apply For Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Plan Costs.” To apply for the Extra Help by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020).

And if you would like more information about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

So this open season, from October 15 to December 7, after you track down the perfect prescription drug plan for you, hunt for something that could put about $4,000 in your pocket — bag the best Medicare prescription drug plan for you and see if you qualify for the Extra Help through Social Security.
It’s that time of year again. “Open season” is right around the corner for the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Hunting down the best plan for you is no game. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan should mark their calendars for October 15.…
Put On Your Thinking Cap: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
It is that time of year (and this year it is even earlier), when you need to take a moment to think about your Medicare health coverage. Is my plan still meeting my needs? Are my prescription drugs covered? Is it affordable? Are there new plans out there that may better suite my needs? Do I have other coverage (retirement health plan, military coverage, or current employment coverage) and have they sent me creditable coverage information?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time of year when individuals can review health or prescription drug plans, compare what will be available in the coming year, and choose the plan that best meets their needs. This year (and in the future) it is from October 15th – December 7th. There has never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage options. Comparing plans may help people with Medicare find a way to save money, get better coverage, or both.

Information is available several ways and here are three easy steps:

STEP ONE:

Have a list of your current prescription medications available, check with your current providers (doctors office, physical therapist, etc.) to find out what plans they will work with so that you can still see them, and have your gross income and assets available (so you can be screened for the assistance available that helps pay for some or all of your medical costs).

STEP TWO:

In October 2011, compare plans available in Hawai‘i in 2012.

Visit www.medicare.gov where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.

Get one-to-one help from the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), also known as the Sage PLUS Program. A certified trained volunteer can be reached at 808-586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229. You can also pick up a Sage PLUS Medicare Prescription Health/Drug Plan Compare from most pharmacies or on-line at www.hawaiiship.org. Mail or fax the form in for a personalized comparison.

STEP THREE:

Enroll in a plan October 15th through December 7th so that you can enjoy the holiday season.

From January 1, 2012 – February 14, 2012 is a one-time disenrollment opportunity if you want to change from your current Medicare Advantage (MA) Health plan and return to Original/Traditional Medicare. If your MA plan includes drug coverage, you also have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

There is also a new “Special Enrollment Period” that begins on December 8, 2011. At anytime during the year (2012) if you find yourself unhappy with your current choice you have one opportunity to change to a “5 Star” Plan. The stars are based on many quality indicators collected by Medicare. The 5 Stars means that the plan has done an excellent job in providing benefits, payments, limited number of complaints, drug pricing and patient safety, health plan’s responsiveness and care, managing chronic conditions and helping members stay healthy through screenings, tests and vaccines just to name a few.

If all this feels too challenging or you would like information about the new 5 Star Special Enrollment Period, don’t hesitate to call the Sage PLUS Program for guided assistance through the Medicare Enrollment Process. OR … if you would like to help your community navigate through the Medicare system by becoming a Sage PLUS Volunteer, call us at 808-586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229 or e-mail help@hawaiiship.org
It is that time of year (and this year it is even earlier), when you need to take a moment to think about your Medicare health coverage. Is my plan still meeting my needs? Are my prescription drugs covered? Is it affordable? Are there new plans out there that may better suite my needs? Do…
Retirement Estimator Celebrates 3 Years

It’s been three years since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online. Within months of coming out, the online application was praised as one of the highest-rated online services, and it has consistently remained so every year.

Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index show Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator in one of the top two spots, with a score of 90. (Social Security’s online benefit application took the top spot.) The Retirement Estimator ranks higher than the Web sites of any other public and private sector agencies and companies, including the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

Millions of people have used the Retirement Estimator. You may try it yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Now that Social Security’s most popular online application is available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador, even more people can use the Retirement Estimator.

The Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. The attractive feature of this calculator is that it uses your earnings information on file at Social Security, without displaying your personal information. So you get an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits.

The Estimator even gives you the opportunity to run different scenarios and “what if” situations. For example, you can change the date you expect to retire or change expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. This can help you as you plan ahead.

To use the Retirement Estimator, you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits and you cannot be receiving benefits currently.

Experience the best online service now by visiting Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Then, once you’ve sketched out your retirement plans, you’ll know where to go when the time comes to apply for benefits: online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

RETIREMENT

Q: What is a Social Security “credit?”

A: During your working years, earnings covered by Social Security are posted to your record. You earn Social Security credits based on those earnings. The amount of earnings needed for one credit rises as average earnings levels rise. In 2011, you receive one credit for each $1,120 of earnings. You can earn up to a maximum of four credits a year. Most people will need a minimum of 40 credits (or 10 years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits. Learn more by reading the online publication How You Earn Credits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Q: What’s so easy about applying online for benefits?

A: There’s no need to go to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment. You can apply in less than 15 minutes. Once you submit your electronic application, you’re done. In most cases, there are no forms to sign or documents to mail. Try it at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: What is the earliest age that I can begin receiving retirement benefits?

A: You can get a reduced benefit as early as age 62. Keep in mind that your monthly benefit amount will be about 33 percent higher if you wait until age 66 and nearly 80 percent higher if you defer payments until age 70. Find out how much you can expect to receive by visiting our Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

MEDICARE

Q: Who is eligible for ‘Extra Help’ with Medicare prescription drug costs?

A: Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources may qualify for ‘Extra Help.’ The extra help can save you money. It pays part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new Medicare prescription drug program. The extra help is estimated to be worth an average of $4,000 per year. See if you qualify and apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

It’s been three years since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online. Within months of coming out, the online application was praised as one of the highest-rated online services, and it has consistently remained so every year. Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index show Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator in one of the top two…
Serving Kupuna with Award-Winning Programs
Long before the phrase “evidence based” became a buzzword, Child & Family Service (CFS) was providing award-winning evidence-based services. Founded in 1980, the Honolulu Gerontology Program, as it was then known, was incorporated into Child & Family Service in 1985. The following year the program received both the Department of Human Service’s Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Health Promotion and the Administration on Aging’s Project Health Award. In 1999, it received the Best Practice Award from the Health Promotion Institute of the National Council on Aging, and in 2002, CFS developed the No Fear of Falling program.

“The growing aging population and its increased life expectancy challenge service providers to develop and implement effective programs,” says Howard Garval, MSW, President and CEO of Child & Family Service. “We are proud of the evidence-based approaches we are using with seniors in our gerontology program.”

The CFS Gerontology Program offers Hawai‘i’s kupuna five national evidence-based programs:

The Wellness Services offers two forms of exercise tailored for seniors of different abilities. The Health Maintenance Program utilizes the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program for seniors who have more limited movement, so that they can exercise comfortably yet make progress and even graduate to the next level of exercise. No Fear of Falling utilizes the EnhanceFitness® Program. Each class is followed by a half hour of education and socialization. Classes are held across O‘ahu in nine locations.

The Chronic Disease Self Management Program addresses the chronic health conditions many of our seniors face. This six-week class helps seniors learn how to manage chronic illnesses. The program, developed by Stanford University, has proven to reduce the number of hospitalizations and doctor visits, which can lead to medical cost savings. Individuals who participate in these groups feel more empowered to take charge of their lives. Classes are now being formed across O‘ahu.

The Case Management Services focus on seniors’ needs through Senior Case Management, and the REACH Program centers on seniors at risk for abuse. The national program Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Seniors) helps seniors overcome the effects of depression, a problem often noted in these groups.

The Caregiver Support Program encompasses ‘Ohana Care, Caregiver Respite, and Chore Service; together they cover case management, the Healthy IDEAS program and caregiver training. We have also brought the national program Powerful Tools for Caregivers to the Islands. It focuses on overwhelmed caregivers who do not take care of themselves. Classes will be scheduled across O‘ahu four times in the next 12 months.

CFS Gerontology Programs are funded primarily through funds from the City and County of Honolulu, . The services are free to individuals 60 and over, or to their unpaid family caregivers. For more information, please call 543-8468 or email cfsgerontology@cfs-hawaii.org.
Long before the phrase “evidence based” became a buzzword, Child & Family Service (CFS) was providing award-winning evidence-based services. Founded in 1980, the Honolulu Gerontology Program, as it was then known, was incorporated into Child & Family Service in 1985. The following year the program received both the Department of Human Service’s Secretary’s Award for…
Donations Take Vision
Hugo Higa, M.D., of Aesthetic Vision Center, is a Lion. A proud member of the Kamehameha Lions Club, that is!

As a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Higa encourages everyone to participate in Lions Club International’s Recycle for Sight program by donating unwanted prescription and reading eyeglasses, or sunglasses, to one of his Aesthetic Vision Center offices in Honolulu or ‘Aiea. Simply drop off the glasses you don’t use in his “Recycle for Sight” Box. According to The World Health Organization, 153 million people have uncorrected vision impairments.

“ I urge everyone to donate old eyeglasses to the Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight Program.”

Most of them are quickly diagnosed and easy to treat with corrective lenses. Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into poverty, simply because they don’t have glasses. For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and economic strength. For seniors, it means less dependence on others. Sunglasses that offer protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays are also important to preserve eye health.

It costs Lions less than 8-cents to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone’s life. Lions Clubs collect millions of eyeglasses each year, making “Recycle for Sight” one of the its most popular and important activities.

“I’m very proud to be a Lion, and to be a part of all the great work they do,” said Dr. Higa. “Lions are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects, including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.”

The Lions Clubs International Foundation helps to fund Lions humanitarian projects. Its 45,000 clubs and 1.35 million members make it the world’s largest service club organization. Its also one of the most effective. Recently, for example, it:

Brought 3,000 volunteers together to build a playground for children of all abilities in California.

Fed 60,000 people in a township in South Africa.

Sent a team of eye surgeons to Honduras to treat more than 100 adults and children.

If you need your donation glasses to be picked up, please call Aesthetic Vision Center at (808) 947-2020.

To see the “Journey of a Pair of Eyeglasses” in the Lions program or for other information, please visit www.lionsclubs.org.

ABOUT AESTHETIC VISION CENTER

Hugo Higa, M.D. is a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, performing medical and cosmetic procedures. Aesthetic Vision Center is Dr. Higa’s thriving practice offering Aging Eye Health & Vision services, Aging Eye Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic Facial Surgery, a Medi-Spa and the newly-opened Hugo Higa, M.D. Hearing Center.

For more information, please visit the Web site at www.aestheticvision.com.
Hugo Higa, M.D., of Aesthetic Vision Center, is a Lion. A proud member of the Kamehameha Lions Club, that is! As a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Higa encourages everyone to participate in Lions Club International’s Recycle for Sight program by donating unwanted prescription and reading eyeglasses, or sunglasses, to one of his Aesthetic…
Getting the Most from Your Medicare

Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep you healthy. Preventive services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and can keep you from getting certain diseases. Preventive services include exams, shots, lab tests and screenings. They also include programs for health monitoring, counseling and education to help you take care of your own health.

New in 2011 – The Affordable Care Act makes many improvements to Medicare. If you have Original Medicare, you will now be able to get a yearly “Wellness” visit and many preventive services for free. Whether it’s online, in person or on the phone, Medicare is committed to helping people get the information they need to make smart choices about their Medicare benefits.

MyMedicare.gov – Visit online to get direct access to your preventive health information—24 hours a day, every day. You can track your preventive services, get a two-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings, and print a personalized “on the go” report to take to your next doctor’s appointment. Visit the Web site, sign up and Medicare will send you a password to allow you access to your personal Medicare information.

Medicare covers both preventive services, and other services that help keep certain illnesses from getting worse. The services are covered if you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, the amount you pay for these services varies depending on whether you get your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare (sometimes called fee-for-service) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you get your health care coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan, call your plan for more information.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 – December 7, 2011. Take the opportunity to review your current coverage and make sure it is what is best for you. For more information or to have a Medicare check-up call the Hawai‘i Sage PLUS program (SHIP) at 1-888-875-9229 or go to our Web site at www.hawaiiship.org for upcoming events. We would love to see you! Remember volunteering does the heart good . . . call us for opportunities.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov for the most current Medicare information. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep…
Senior Independence Through Catholic Charities Hawai‘i

Rita Lontayao grew up on Kaua‘i. She married her husband in 1935 and lived with him in plantation housing, where they worked and raised their family. After many years on the plantation, her husband passed away. Then a few months later, the plantation closed, forcing her to move to alternate housing. She recalls the uncertainty of that time when she did not know how she would make ends meet without her husband, or his source of income.

That was 20 years ago. Rita now lives independently at D.E. Thompson Village, a senior housing project. For many years, Rita relied on her daughter for many of her needs. However, when her daughter passed away several years ago, Rita needed help and found it at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.

Rita receives several services from Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, including case management and volunteer assistance. Her Catholic Charities case manager, Letty, originally helped to assess what Rita needed to help her maintain her independence. Letty made referrals for a Senior Companion for Rita, as well as for volunteer assistance through Catholic Charities.

A senior companion now visits Rita once a week and takes her to the grocery store each month to stock up on necessities. In addition, Rita has two Catholic Charities volunteers who visit her twice a week to provide companionship and run errands for her, including bringing her fresh fruits and vegetables. Letty visits her regularly to monitor her status and reassess her service needs.

“Without these services, Mrs. Lontayao would not be able to sustain her independence,” says Diane Terada, division administrator for Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s senior services. “At Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, we look at the whole individual to assess what kinds of services are needed. We are able to provide an array of services, from case management to housing assistance and more. Our case managers serve as the lynchpin to help assess what seniors need, help them access services and help monitor that they receive the level of services/benefits that are appropriate to keep them safe and able to maintain independent living.”

Given Hawai‘i’s rapidly growing senior population, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management in various senior housing projects, transportation, housing assistance, respite for caregivers, medication management education, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center activities and volunteers who provide a companionship.

“We have seen the tremendous difference our programs make in this community,” adds Terada. “Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s goal is to help seniors stay healthy, get the resources they need and live independently for as long as safely possible.”

For more information on senior services provided by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, please visit www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org. Or call (808) 524-HOPE (4673).

GIVING BACK

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i also provides volunteer opportunities for those wanting to give back to their community. Interested volunteers can be a friendly visitor for seniors assisting them with small tasks from helping to read documents to escorting seniors to doctor visits. All volunteers are trained in providing services. If you’re interested in this personally rewarding opportunity, call the paraprofessional services at 524-HOPE (4673).

Rita Lontayao grew up on Kaua‘i. She married her husband in 1935 and lived with him in plantation housing, where they worked and raised their family. After many years on the plantation, her husband passed away. Then a few months later, the plantation closed, forcing her to move to alternate housing. She recalls the uncertainty…
Lanakila Meals on Wheels

Recently, Meals On Wheels Association of America President and CEO, Enid Borden, visited Lanakila Meals on Wheels in Liliha.

Borden spoke on national and local senior hunger issues, volunteerism trends and toured the Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ facilities. “Out of the 5,000-plus Meals on Wheels programs across the country, Lanakila is one of the best,” Borden said. “However, even with so many great programs, about 1 in 9 seniors in our nation are at risk of hunger due to poverty and our aging population—with someone turning 60 every 7 seconds.”

“We live in the richest nation in the world and nobody needs to go hungry,” continued Borden. “That’s what I like about Lanakila, which means ‘victory’ in Hawaiian. It’s victory over hunger, and I encourage individuals, corporations and the public sector to support this great organization.”

A program of Lanakila Pacific, a private Hawai‘i-based nonprofit, Lanakila Meals on Wheels aims to run a sustainable service. It receives less than 60% of its funding from government grants; the remaining 40% is donated by individuals, businesses and volunteers. All proceeds from Lanakila Pacific’s social enterprises, including Lanakila Kitchen’s catering and school meal services, go back into Lanakila Meals on Wheels.

As Hawai‘i’s largest meal provider for seniors, Lanakila Meals on Wheels delivers about 250,000 meals each year at O‘ahu homes and at 17 Kupuna Wellness Centers.

Interim Director Lenny Fabro said the program is driven by about 200 volunteers who help package and deliver meals.

“We try to make it easy for folks to get involved,” Fabro said. “People can volunteer once a week, or groups or companies can Adopt-A-Route and take turns delivering meals.”

According to Meals On Wheels Association of America, nationally, more than 6 million seniors face some form of food insecurity. In Hawai‘i, 5.24%, (more than 60,000 seniors) are at risk of going hungry.

Lanakila Meals on Wheels services on O‘ahu: 531-0555

Donations: www.lanakilapacific.org/donate

Volunteering: www.lanakilapacific.org/volunteer, or call Tiffany at 356-8541

Catering at Lanakila Kitchen: www.lanakilakitchen.org, 533-3054

General inquiries, 531-0555

Recently, Meals On Wheels Association of America President and CEO, Enid Borden, visited Lanakila Meals on Wheels in Liliha. Borden spoke on national and local senior hunger issues, volunteerism trends and toured the Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ facilities. “Out of the 5,000-plus Meals on Wheels programs across the country, Lanakila is one of the best,”…