Residents have the right to be treated with Dignity and Respect
Do have questions about the Part D penalty? Watch the video from CMS for more information. Call a SHIP counselor at (803) 329-9670 for Medicare information and counseling.
YOUTUBE.COM
Medicare & You: How the Part D Penalty is Calculated
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15th and ends December 7th. Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and drug plans for 2021 during Open Enrollment if needed. Call a SHIP counselor at (803)329-9670 if you need assistance with a plan comparison.
Medicare
September 25 at 10:03 AM ·
Starting October 1, you’ll be able to take a sneak peek at 2021 plans with historically low premiums. #DYK premiums have dropped an average of 34 percent over the last 3 years, and in some states up to 60 percent? Get ready for #MedicareOE! https://go.cms.gov/361KFsu
October is Resident Rights Month
We will be highlighting the rights of residents in Long Term Care throughout the month of October.
South Carolina Legal Services September 2020 Newsletter
SCLEGAL.ORG
September 2020 Newsletter - South Carolina Legal Services
Part D Senior Savings Model plans will be an option for 2021. Watch the video from CMS for an overview on the plans which will offer a 30-day supply of insulin for no more than a $35 dollar co-pay.
Call a SHIP counselor at (803) 329-9670 if you need help comparing your health and drug options during Medicare Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment starts October 15th and ends December 7th.
YOUTUBE.COM
Medicare Part D Senior Savings Model
October is Residents Rights Month
Residents have the Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15th and ends December 7th. Any changes you make during Open Enrollment will become effective January 1st of 2021. Call a SHIP counselor at (803)329-9670 if you have questions about Open Enrollment or need help comparing plans.
YOUTUBE.COM
Medicare & You: Medicare Open Enrollment
Residents have the right to Choose Who Visits Them
Medicare
October 1 at 11:33 AM ·
#MedicareOE starts Oct. 15, but you can get a head start by previewing 2021 plans today! Plans have historically low premiums — dropping an average of 34% over the last 3 years, and in some states up to 60%. Get started previewing plans: https://go.cms.gov/2GjrLmh
Call (803)329-9670 to speak with a SHIP counselor.
SHIP National Technical Assistance Center
October 2 at 11:00 AM ·
Medicare clients have on average 19 Medicare Advantage choices to pick from. Medicare recipient Mary Crandal shares why she found her local SHIP Program to be vitally important with helping her make sense of an overwhelming amount of health insurance information and materials she received after turning 65.
Residents of Long Term Care have the Right to Vote!! Individuals receiving long-term services and support retain their voting rights, no matter where they live or what type of care they receive.
Medicare Beneficiaries have until December 7th to make changes to their health and drug plans for 2021. If you need help comparing plans, Catawba Area Agency on Aging SHIP counselors can help. Call (803)329-9670 to request an appointment with a SHIP counselor.
Medicare
October 14 at 11:08 AM ·
#MedicareOE starts tomorrow! It’s your opportunity to compare 2021 plans and choose what’s best for you. With plan premiums at historic lows, you may even find a less expensive plan to meet your needs! Visit https://go.cms.gov/33IFkER to preview plans available in your area.
October is Resident Rights Month
Residents have the Right to Voice Complaints
October is Residents Rights Month
Residents have the Right to Self-Determination
Long Term Care Residents have the Right to Vote - If you have questions on how to vote in South Carolina visit:
https://www.scvotes.gov/
Local SHIP services are available through Catawba Area Agency on Aging. Call (803) 329-9670 to speak with a SHIP counselor.
RETIREGUIDE.COM
SHIP Offers Help to Medicare Users During Open Enrollment
#NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth is just a little over a week away! In anticipation, here are a few tips to share with those we know vying to be the best they can be for those they love! Caregiving isn't the easiest job, but it is a critical role and one that is extremely necessary for humanity.
CAREGIVERACTION.ORG
10 Tips for Family Caregivers
Call (803)329-9670 to speak with a local SHIP counselor.
Medicare
October 15 at 7:27 PM ·
#DYK plan premiums are at historic lows? Premiums have dropped an average of 34% over the last 3 years, and in some states up to 60%! You may be able find a less expensive plan that meets your needs. #MedicareOE is your chance to compare and change plans. https://go.cms.gov/3k2zcwJ
Do you have questions regarding visitation in Long Term Care Facilities? SC-DHEC and AccelerateSC can assist you.
October is Residents Rights Month
Residents have Rights During Transfers and Discharges
CMS has put together a step by step video showing you how to use the plan finder to compare plans. If you need help comparing plans call to speak with a SHIP counselor at (803) 329-9670.
YOUTUBE.COM
How to use Medicare Plan Finder, step-by-step
Residents have the right to be Fully Informed
Call (803) 329-9670 to speak with a SHIP counselor. SHIP counselors are providing support by phone and mail during COVID-19.
VIMEO.COM
Local OEP Medicare Help During COVID-19
The Nursing Home Reform Law, passed in 1987, guarantees nursing home residents their individual rights, including but not limited to: individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices. Residents who have made their home in Long Term Care Facilities maintain their rights as U.S. Citizens. Residents’ Rights Month raises awareness about these rights and pays tribute to the unique contributions of long-term residents.
https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/events/1568239733.mp4
THECONSUMERVOICE.ORG
theconsumervoice.org
Rock Hill Community Fridge
September 9 at 7:27 PM ·
We have many new followers! Look for the Jeff Bridges mural when donating food or picking it up! This image should make sharing easier for those having trouble finding the fridge.
Join #IRS on Nov. 10 for a coordinated effort to get people who normally don’t file taxes registered for Economic Impact Payments: https://go.usa.gov/x7YsQ #EIPbyNov21
SC-DHEC is conducting local COVID-19 testing. Visit scdhec.gov for location and time information.
We are so thankful for the Veterans of our Nation. Thank you for your service to our Country.
Millions of people have successfully used the #IRS Non-filers registration tool and received their Economic Impact Payment. On Nov. 10 let’s reach any eligible people who haven’t yet registered. https://go.usa.gov/x7YsQ #EIPbyNov21
Do you have a question about visitation in Long Term Care Facilities? SCDHEC has information that can assist you.
On Nov. 10, let’s all join forces to encourage every eligible person to sign up with #IRS to get an Economic Impact Payment. Help us spread the word to those who don’t normally file tax returns: https://go.usa.gov/x7YsQ #EIPbyNov21
Registration for an Economic Impact Payment is quick and easy. On Nov. 10, help us in a national push to encourage everyone who doesn’t normally file taxes to sign up before time runs out: https://go.usa.gov/x7YsQ #EIPbyNov21
$1,200 makes a big difference. Help us in a final #IRS push on Nov. 10 to register people who normally don’t file taxes so they can get Economic Impact Payments. https://go.usa.gov/x7YsQ #EIPbyNov21
Happy Holidays from CAAA.
South Carolina Legal Services
To celebrate Residents Rights month this past October resident artwork was summitted to The Consumer Voice. View resident artwork and learn about resident rights https://theconsumervoice.org/misc/2020-rv-entries
Happy Thanksgiving from Catawba AAA
Looking for gift ideas for your loved one in long term care? Here are a few suggestions. To ensure safety and to learn how a facility is following COVID-19 protocols, remember to always speak with facility staff before bringing or sending gifts and cards.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Nursing Home Resource Center. The Resource Center consolidates all nursing home information, and is easy to navigate. Find out more at https://www.cms.gov/nursing-homes
This is what we call "Continuing Education" - Great job Dr. Berlin!
On November the 19th the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control issued a memo entitled "DHEC Guidelines for Residents Leaving Long Term Care Facilities for Holidays". You can access the full memo below.
The Alzheimer's Association is partnering with local nursing homes to provide training in COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control. This partnership, entitled Project ECHO, is actively recruiting new facilities as participants. Contact Sam Wiley with the SC Alzheimer's Association for more information at swiley@alz.org
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Long Term Care Residents should be able to communicate with family members and friends, if they desire, during this time.
Communication and preparation with long-term care facility staff is key to coordination of holiday visits with our loved ones in long-term care during COVID-19.
"Operation Spread the Joy", a partnership between the SC Department on Aging and the SC Department of Corrections, will have delivered more than 3,000 cards and gifts to long-term care residents in South Carolina by Christmas Day.
"Operation Spread The Joy" is a partnership between the SC Department on Aging and the SC Department of Corrections. The goal of this program is to provide residents of long-term care facilities, encouraging cards and gifts during this challenging holiday season.
Your Mental Health Matters
Did you know that it can take up to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19 to become ill? The incubation period (the number of days between when you’re infected with something and when you might see symptoms) for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days. One study reported that 97.5% of people with COVID-19 experienced symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure. Take a look at David’s incubation timeline and see how he develops symptoms 10 days after his exposure to COVID-19. #StopTheSpreadSouthCarolina
Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
We will be taking some time away from the office during the holiday season, please make a note of our updated hours. Seasons Greetings from Catawba AAA.
"Operation Spread the Joy" delivered another batch of cards and gifts to long-term care residents yesterday. By Christmas day, "Operation Spread the Joy" will have delivered more than 3,000 cards and gifts to long-term care residents in South Carolina.
"Operation Spread The Joy" is a partnership between the SC Department on Aging and the SC Department of Corrections. The goal of this program is to provide residents of long-term care facilities, encouraging cards and gifts during this challenging holiday season.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!
SCDHEC wants to help protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians.
Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
We will be taking some time away from the office during the holiday season, please make a note of our updated hours. Seasons Greetings from Catawba AAA.
"Operation Spread the Joy" delivered another batch of cards and gifts to long-term care residents yesterday. By Christmas day, "Operation Spread the Joy" will have delivered more than 3,000 cards and gifts to long-term care residents in South Carolina.
#FREECOVID19Testing
Residents of Chester County with Prime Insurance can access the Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman for assistance navigating their plan.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!
SCDHEC wants to help protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians.
Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
#FREECOVID19Testing
Residents of Chester County with Prime Insurance can access the Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman for assistance navigating their plan.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!
SCDHEC wants to help protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians.
Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
Did you know that throughout the United States, complaints regarding nursing facility-initiated discharges have been the most common type of complaint received by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for the last nine years?
Today we celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
#FREECOVID19Testing - Call the DHEC Care Line at 1 (855) 472-3432 for general questions about COVID-19.
On January 4th the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo revising guidance about Infection Control Surveys.
#FREECOVID19Testing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a toolkit for long-term care facilities about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Catawba AAA has a new website! Check us out!
The City of Rock Hill is looking for Volunteers to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Catawba Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office has new marketing materials! This collateral is easier for residents to read, contains a concise list of residents rights, and clear contact information for the Ombudsman office. We even have a way to thank our amazing LTC Ombudsman Volunteers and remain socially distanced. Our thanks to Scott, Ali and the team at Columbia Printing and Graphics!
Did you know that throughout the United States, complaints regarding nursing facility-initiated discharges have been the most common type of complaint received by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for the last nine years?
Today we celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
Did you know? As of January 25, more than 2.4 million long-term care facility residents and staff have been vaccinated through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. These vaccinations will help save the lives of those who are most at risk of dying from COVID-19. Track the number of facility residents and staff vaccinated through the program, including vaccination numbers in your state: http://bit.ly/CDTltcvax.
Stay #SCStrong Fight back against COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a toolkit for long-term care facilities about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Catawba AAA has a new website! Check us out!
The City of Rock Hill is looking for Volunteers to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.
Today is National Wear RED Day. The American Heart Association Wear encourages everyone to wear red today to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. https://www.goredforwomen.org/
Did you know? As of January 25, more than 2.4 million long-term care facility residents and staff have been vaccinated through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. These vaccinations will help save the lives of those who are most at risk of dying from COVID-19. Track the number of facility residents and staff vaccinated through the program, including vaccination numbers in your state: http://bit.ly/CDTltcvax.
Stay #SCStrong Fight back against COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a toolkit for long-term care facilities about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Testing in Your Area
COVID Testing
As COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, we are hearing more about herd immunity. Below is a short explanation and graphic describing herd immunity and how it factors into addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share this information with partners and listservs.
For more information, please visit: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vacccine/herd-immunity-covid-19
Find a Vaccine Provider Near You: https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! To celebrate, the National Association of State Council on Developmental Disabilities is leading a social media campaign that will provide resources to help organizations and individuals participate in DD Awareness Month.
Looking for a way to compare local nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities? Medicare has that.
Save the Date!
WED, APR 7 AT 3:00 PM EDT
Welcome to Medicare
March is National Nutrition Month! To celebrate, use this toolkit full of tip sheets and handouts, games and activities, PowerPoint presentations and more: https://sm.eatright.org/NNMtoolkit
#NationalNutritionMonth
EATRIGHT.ORG
National Nutrition Month Toolkit
Save the Date!
WED, APR 7 AT 3:00 PM EDT
Welcome to Medicare
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and DHEC (S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control) have released information regarding "Nursing Home Guidance with Revised Visitation Recommendations". Visit the websites listed for specific information.
The Catawba Area Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was happy to gift a "Joy for All" robotic companion pet to a special resident last week.
MASK MANDATE VOTE UPDATE:
Rock Hill City Council is scheduled to consider the mask mandate on Monday, March 22. While many people believe that masks are an effective mitigation tool - especially until a larger number of our residents are vaccinated - unfortunately those voices are necessarily being heard because they are not making their opinions known. There are several ways you can help make a difference.
Attend the meeting to express your support for continuation of the mask mandate until summer while more residents get vaccinated. Here is the City Council meeting info: https://www.cityofrockhill.com/.../city-council/meetings
If you can't attend, drop an email to Mayor Gettys and EACH of our city council members about keeping the mask mandate:
John.Gettys@cityofrockhill.com
Derrick.Lindsay@cityofrockhill.com
Kathy.Pender@cityofrockhill.com
Kevin.Sutton@cityofrockhill.com
John.Black@cityofrockhill.com
Nikita.Jackson@cityofrockhill.com
Jim.Reno@cityofrockhill.com
Medicare Updates for 2021
VERA helps Veterans
Eating Right for Older Adults
