by Carol Schmitkons,
Amherst Township Senior Service Director

Home-Delivered Meal Program

Seniors participating in the new meal program are reporting that they like the variety of food choices and the ability to change between options. Meal prices depend on your income level. If you are interested in joining our program or delivering meals, please call 988-5822 for more details.

Homestead Exemption

Those seniors who missed out on the Homestead Exemption last year and those who will be turning 65 in 2008 may submit applications through June of 2008. Call the Lorain County Auditor’s office at 329-5207 for more information.

2008 Medicare Information

Part A
Hospital deductible. ....................$1,024
Hospital co-pay ......................$256/day
(inpatient days 61-90)
Lifetime reserve co-pay ...........$512/day
(inpatient days 91-150)
Skilled nursing co-pay .............$128/day

Part B
Monthly premium .......................$96.40
Annual deductible .........................$135
Coinsurance amount .......................20%

Part D
Coverage gap begins when total drug costs reach $2,150. This amount includes your out-of-pocket expenses as well as any money your prescription drug plan paid toward your drugs. While in the gap, you’re responsible for 100% of your prescription costs until your total drug costs reach $5,726.25. Your plan then pays about 95% of all drug costs for the rest of 2008.

REBATE INFORMATION

Seniors need to know that in order to receive a refund from the “stimulus package rebate”, they need to file a 2007 income tax return, even though they may not have filed an income tax return in recent years. To qualify, Social Security income must be at least $3,000.

Care Choice Ohio

Care Choice Ohio is a consultation program designed to promote long-range planning for health and financial care for Ohio's older population. Far too often, plans for the care of elderly family members and friends are put off into "the future". Consequently, these difficult and often stressful decisions are frequently made during a crisis situation and in great haste.

Not long ago in Ohio and nationwide, long-term care for older persons most often meant only care in a nursing home. Not anymore. When it comes to long-term care, Ohioans have more choices than ever before. Now, thanks to a statewide assistance program called Care Choice Ohio, finding out about available services can be quick and convenient. Care Choice Ohio has been initiated specifically to help seniors and their family members plan earlier for long-term care needs. Anyone, regardless of age or income, can take advantage of this free service offered by the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained consultants are available to make friendly, personalized home visits to assess you or your loved one's circumstances and needs. They will discuss eligibility for programs and will inform you and your family of the long-term care services and long-range financial planning options existing in Ohio.

For more information on Care Choice Ohio, contact Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-626-7277.

Digital Television Transition

On February 17, 2009 the nation’s television broadcasters will switch television signals from analog to digital transmissions. Not to be confused with “high definition” (HD) or “flat screen” or other modern television features, digital refers to the way that television broadcasts are delivered to your TV set. Older TVs only pick up analog signals so when broadcasters switch to digital transmission, they will not be able to receive free, over-the-air signals without doing one of the following:

1. Purchase a converter box to attach to your existing TV. Retail price is expected to be $55-$75, but government coupons worth $40 will be available early in 2008. The converter will sit on top of your TV and change the digital signal to analog so your TV can “read” it.
2. Upgrade your TV to new digital model.
3. Subscribe to a cable or satellite service.

What Everyone Needs to Know about Memory Loss

Having had a father and an aunt who suffered from Alzheimer’s, I highly recommend the following FREE educational series for persons living with memory loss (recommended for family members, friends & professionals). These sessions are from 6:30-8:30 on Wednesday evenings and are being held at Wesleyan Senior Living’s “Cascade Hall” located at 807 West Avenue in Elyria (across from the Elyria High School).

Session 1 April 16 – Geriatrician Dr. Chrismer
Breakout Session: Activities

Session 2 April 23 – Legal & Financial Planning with an Elder Law Attorney
Breakout Session: Safety

Session 3 April 30 – Practical Tips: Living with Memory Loss
Breakout Session: Communication Skills, Understanding Behaviors

Session 4 May 7 – Latest Research with a Research Specialist
Breakout Session: Resource Panel

**Wesleyan’s Day Away (adult day care) will be open to care for loved ones with memory loss during the programs.

**For reservations, call the Alzheimer’s Association Western Region Office in Avon at 934-7750, ext 1477.