News
Elder Abuse Awareness Day to be Recognized Locally
You may not realize it, but an older adult you know may be a victim of elder abuse. An estimated five million Americans face elder abuse every day, often with devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Learn more about what many call “the invisible problem” as Missoula joins other communities around the world planning activities and programs in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Missoula Aging Services and the Missoula Senior Center are presenting a free film screening and discussion on Tues., June 18 at 3 p.m. at the Roxy Theater, 718 S. Higgins. The short, compelling documentary shows proof of the financial, emotional, physical and psychological impact of abuse and was produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. The discussion will be facilitated by local elder abuse experts from Adult Protective Services, the police department, AARP and Western Montana Chapter. Refreshments will be served at the Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins, after the discussion. The event is free and open to the public.
April 9, 2013 celebrated as Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service
This April 9, mayors across the country thanked those who serve and recognized their impact on the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), in cooperation with the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). In Missoula, Mayor John Engen visited several sites, including a public school, the YWCA of Missoula and a riverfront cleanup project administered by the Clark Fork Coalition. He met with volunteers with national and state AmeriCorps programs, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Senior Companions, a Senior Corps program of Missoula Aging Services. The afternoon culminated with a special ceremony for volunteers during which the Mayor read a proclamation thanking them for their service. The event was coordinated by Montana Campus Compact.
Legal Document Clinics to be held
The Legal Service Developer Program will again conduct Legal Document Clinics throughout Montana during 2013, with the clinic in Missoula coming in June. With the support of Area Agencies on Aging, County Councils on Aging, Senior Centers and the State Bar of Montana, the program has assisted people across the state by educating them on the importance of completing legal documents which not only affect their lives but the lives of their adult children. The program recruits attorneys and paralegals to assist participants with finalizing various documents, including a Beneficiary Deed; Affidavit of Death; Revocation of Beneficiary Deed; PoA – Durable forms; Declaration of Living Will Appointment; Declaration of Living Will; Revocation of Declaration of Living Will; Declaration of Homestead; and Simple Will. Watch this website for dates and times of the clinic in Missoula, or for more information on a clinic in your area, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-551-3191.
Organization planning for possible sequestration impacts
Like many others, Missoula Aging Services is preparing for the impact that sequestration will have on many of its programs. Read an article published in the Missoulian on Feb. 26, 2013 by clicking on the link below.
Phone scams reported in state
The Montana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program has recently received reports of apparent telephone scams in western Montana in which callers are trying to get personal information under the guise of updating or renewing Medicare cards. Although they came from different numbers, the calls were in the Polson area and callers appeared to be trying to obtain bank routing numbers.
“Medicare will never call you because they already have your information,” said Renee Labrie-Shanks, Montana SMP Program Manager. “Anyone calling to talk about changes to your Medicare, or anything to do with the Affordable Care Act, is a scammer.”
If you should receive a call from someone trying to collect your personal information, do not tell them anything, she advises. Instead, try to gather as much information as you can about the person calling, then report the calls. You can report any suspicious or potentially fraudulent healthcare calls to your local Montana SMP by calling 1-800-332-2272.
For more information about Montana SMP, click here.
Veterans Transportation Service available in state
In January 2012, Fort Harrison VAMC launched the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), a new pilot program which provides transportation for veterans. Partnered with the Montana Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Transportation Network (DAV/VTN), they will provide expanded transportation services to veterans with special needs and veterans who don't have transportation to and from their outpatient appointments. The new program will help transport veterans over the entire state of Montana.
All veterans with scheduled appointments are eligible for free travel with VTS. Multiple commuity based outpatient clinics throughout the state will offer this service. Veterans can schedule transportation through their VA primary care provider or by calling the VTS call center. The number is 406-447-6270.
If you would like more information about the service, please contact Patrick Sanders, Transportation Coordinator for Disability Employment and Transitions at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, 406-782-4046.
Missoula ranked in Top 10 best small cities to age
Read the story in the Missoulian by clicking on this link: http://missoulian.com/news/local/missoula-makes-list-of-best-small-metros-for-successful-aging/article_7e707fc2-db83-11e1-a1f5-0019bb2963f4.html
FTC issues consumer alert
The Federal Trade Commision has issued a consumer alert concerning the Affordable Care Act. Scam artists have been working the phones, claiming to be from the government. They’re saying that under the Affordable Care Act, they need to verify some information. For example, they might have the routing number of the person’s bank, and then use that information to get the person to reveal the entire account number. Other times, they have asked for credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, Medicare ID, or other personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, cautions you not to give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or knocks on your door. Scam artists want your information to commit identity theft, charge your existing credit cards, debit your checking account, open new credit card, checking, or savings accounts, write fraudulent checks, or take out loans in your name.
If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the government and who asks for your personal information, hang up. Then, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP. For assistance filing a complaint, contact Missoula Aging Services at 728-7682. If you think your identity’s been stolen, visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You also can file a complaint with your state Attorney General. For more information about the federal health care law, visit HealthCare.gov.
MAS, Imagine Missoula work together
Missoula Aging Services and Imagine Missoula continue to assist a number of households with yard work, light household tasks, errands and other needs that arise for older adults who are alone without family or support networks in the community. Together we have designed a system that allows MAS to post requests from clients and volunteers to Imagine Missoula through one consolidated process. In turn, MAS is also able to connect with volunteers who would like to provide short-term service to seniors or have a specific skill they would like to share. Imagine Missoula is a non-profit organization helping people help each other, with emphasis on those in Missoula whose community is 'thin' - single parents, at-risk youth, working poor and the elderly. To learn more, visit their website at: http://www.imaginemissoula.org.
Benefit Missoula Aging Services when you search online
You can benefit MAS everytime you do an internet search by using Good Search. www.goodsearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine and get quality search results from Yahoo.
Find New and Better Medicare Info
The National Council on Aging consumer website, http://www.MyMedicareMatters.org features sections explaining Medicare coverage and costs for treating many common conditions, including diabetes and cancer. You'll also find new information on two frequently requested topics—About Medigap and New to Medicare? Use http://www.MyMedicareMatters.org
Unbiased health care reform information available
For unbiased information, the Kaiser Family Foundation offers a website which allows you to make comparisons. Go to: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/sidebyside.cfm
Another source for information and updates is at the National Council on Aging (NCOA) website : www.ncoa.org
Saturday Senior Van Service
Mountain Line offers Senior Van service on Saturdays, which can make visiting the downtown farmers' markets accessible. Service is available between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance reservations are required, simply all 721-2848.
United Way campaign benefits MAS programs
United Way of Missoula County dedicates just a few months to its major community fundraising effort, yet United Way funds are hard at work every day in Missoula County.
Missoula Aging Services (MAS) programs that rely on United Way funding include Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions and Meals On Wheels. When you contribute to United Way you are helping support many in our community, including your elder neighbors. Learn more about United Way by visiting their website:
http://www.uwmc.montana.com
Or make your donation quickly, easily and safely by visiting:
http://www.uwmc.montana.com/give.html
Advocate for seniors--tell us your story!
Missoula Aging Services is looking for people to tell their story about how receiving services from MAS have made a difference in their ability to age in place. If you are willing to share your story, please email it to: senior@missoulaagingservices.org and type MY STORY as the subject line.