October Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

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Issue 72 | "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." -  F. Scott Fitzgerald


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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Friday, Oct. 15

 

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What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

It’s the time of year people on Medicare can change their prescription drug (Part D) or Advantage plans (Part C).

Each fall, your Medicare private Part D drug plan or Part C Advantage plan must send a notice (Annual Notice of Change) explaining how your plan’s coverage and costs are changing for the next year. If you did not receive it by Sept. 30, call and ask for it. 

 

If you have a Part D plan, it is important to verify that your drugs are still covered. Every year, the companies that provide these plans can change the formulary (the list of drugs covered), the amount you pay for each drug, and your monthly premium.

 

If you have a Part C Plan, check for continuing coverage and cost changes of the drugs you need. Also check for changes in benefits, as well as changes in the premium and the costs of services.

 

If you are satisfied with the plan after reviewing changes for the next year, you don’t need to do anything. If not, you can shop for a different plan and make a change during Open Enrollment. Many Medicare beneficiaries can save money by switching to a different plan.

 

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment occurs every year only during Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It is the time of year Medicare beneficiaries can change their current drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for a different one.

 

How do I get help?

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Medicare counselors can assist in this process by reviewing your current plan against other plans. Boulder County Medicare counselors are State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) certified and provide quality and unbiased information.

 

How do I make an appointment?

This year, we are not conducting in-person appointments but are ready to serve you via a virtual, online appointment or over the phone. You will need to provide the most current list of prescription drugs you are taking in order to find the plan that is the best option for you.

 

Call our Medicare Appointment Counseling Line at 303-441-1546 or email us at medicarecounseling@bouldercounty.org to get the scheduling process started. Updates will be posted on boco.org/Medicare

Appointments start on Oct. 20 and end on Dec. 5.

 


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Join us as we continue the ninth annual Age Well Series! This series of presentations is open to the community at no cost. The series includes the following presentations:

Dementia Aware Series: What are the ADLs and How Does That Change Care?

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 10-11:30 a.m.

Caregiver Education Series: Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 10-11:30 a.m.

Dementia Aware Series: What Does That Behavior Mean?

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 10-11:30 a.m.

Caregiver Education Series: Silver Linings - Positive Approach to Being a Caregiver

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 10-11:30 a.m.

Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

Wednesday, Nov. 17, noon-1:30 p.m.

Dementia Aware Series: Communication in Dementia

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

Caregiver Education Series: 12 Scams of the Holidays

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

Dementia Aware Series: Pain and Other Medication Assessments in a Person with Dementia

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.

Dementia Aware Series: Approach, Conversations, and the Five Senses

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10-11:30 a.m.

…and more to come!

Learn more about and register for the Age Well Series here.

We will continue to update this webpage as new presentations are added, so keep checking back with us!

Any questions about the Age Well Series? Please contact us at bcaaa@bouldercounty.org.


Become a Flu Fighter!

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. 

What is CDC's recommendation for getting a flu vaccine for the 2021-2022 flu season?

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, with few exceptions.

Check out more Flu Season FAQs from the CDC.

Several flu vaccine formulations are approved for use in people 65 and older, including two “enhanced” flu vaccines: the high-dose flu vaccine and the adjuvanted flu vaccine, both of which are designed to create a stronger immune response in people 65 years and older. Click the image below for more information for adults 65 years and older.

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Join Us for a Virtual Medicare Basics Class

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging’s Medicare Counseling program offers live virtual Medicare Basics Classes. These lively and entertaining classes are designed to provide the necessary information to older adults, and those caring for older adults, when getting ready to apply for Medicare. Participants will learn about how and when to enroll, the different parts of Medicare, what is covered and what is not, Medicare fraud, and much more!

Interested participants will need internet, a computer, tablet, or phone, and the appropriate application for the class. Please click on any one of the class times below to register. Once registered, participants will receive instruction on how to join the class. This online course uses Zoom.

Check out our website for more information.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.


Medicare Cafecitos y Más

Drop-in Spanish classes talk about Medicare coverage, nutrition and wellness!

Participe con nosotros todos los meses via Zoom o por conferencia telefónica para conversar sobre sus preguntas del Medicare y otros temas como la prevención del fraude y las clases de bienestar. Proporcionamos información en español sobre una variedad de servicios tales como la navegación de recursos, el asesoramiento nutricional y la entrega de comidas para los adultos mayores de 60 años, los veteranos, los cuidadores familiares y las personas con discapacidades en Medicare. La Agencia de Servicios para Adultos Mayores del Condado de Boulder proporciona información para la comunidad que es imparcial y sin fines de lucro.

¿Tiene preguntas? Conéctese con Karen Herrera: 303-678-6113 o kherrera@bouldercounty.org


Boulder County Parks & Open Space Upcoming Events

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Here are the activities that Boulder County Parks & Open Space has going on this month. You can also see all of these and more on their Hikes & Events Calendar. Registration is required.

Unless otherwise noted, please register for programs by clicking this link.

Geology and Landforms of Hall Ranch

Saturday Oct. 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hall Ranch Open Space

Join geologists and volunteer naturalists Roger Myers and David Coupland to learn about dramatic geology and landscape of Hall Ranch. This moderately strenuous 2.5-mile hike (round-trip) will include rocks that span over 1.7 billion years of geologic history. Geared to adults.

Junior & Senior Fishing Derby

Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-noon

Wally Toevs Pond at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat off of 75th Street between Jay Road and Valmont Road, Boulder

Participants need one older adult (65+) and one junior (15 or younger), to fish together as a team. Prizes are awarded for the team that catches the heaviest trout, has the largest age difference, and are first to catch the limit.

  • The pond is stocked with rainbow trout
  • Artificial and live bait are permitted
  • Seniors must have a valid Colorado fishing license
  • A wheelchair accessible pier is available

For more information, contact Michelle Marotti at 303-678-6219 or mmarotti@bouldercounty.org.

Whooo are the Owls?

Saturday Oct. 23, 2-3:30 p.m.

Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville

Over half of the owls recorded in the U.S. have been seen in Boulder County, and most of those owls nest here. Join volunteer naturalists for this slide program to explore these fascinating and diverse creatures, and learn about the adaptations that make them such expert hunters. Register through the library at this link.

Bird and Wildlife Hike for Seniors

Thursday Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-noon

Near Broomfield. Location provided upon registration.

Enjoy a slow-paced, easy walk with volunteer naturalists to learn about wetland birds, birds of prey, and other wildlife.


A Quick Parking Tip

When you will exit from the curb side of a parked car, ask the driver to not park too close to the curb. You want to have enough room to place your feet and any walking device on the pavement, not on the curb. This will make it easier for you to stand up. Click the image below to watch this tip from WellMed!

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Hero's Journey of the Caregiver

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The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging invites interested caregivers to participate in the upcoming five-week course, “Hero's Journey of the Caregiver.” The course is intended for informal and family caregivers of older adults, and will focus on providing participants with tools to help ensure that they thrive, not just survive, during caregiving.

The “Hero's Journey of the Caregiver” course is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell, a scholar who popularized various theories on hero myth narratives. Using a multimedia approach (video clips, art, poetry), the class will offer opportunities for the inner hero to show up in caregiving and ultimately move through obstacles on this journey.

What: Hero’s Journey of the Caregiver

When: Mondays, Nov. 1-29, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Virtually on Zoom

For more information or to register for the course, please contact Rebekah Van Sweden at infoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org or by calling 303-678-6116. Participants will be required to provide additional eligibility details and to complete a registration form to participate.

This program is open to Boulder County residents providing care for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or over, or of any age if the person has dementia. There is no charge for the course, but donations are appreciated. 


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This program, open to caregivers and non-caregivers, combines goal setting, daily practices, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes in their lives. This six-week program is fun, innovative, interactive, and empowers you to spend more time each day doing things that are good for yourself and for others. Caregivers are those who help a relative or friend with chores, errands, personal care, and more.

When: Tuesdays, Oct. 12 - Nov. 16, noon - 3 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Register for the Aging Mastery Program here!

Questions? Email us at infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or call us at 303-441-4583.


October is Residents' Rights Month

Residents' Rights Month is an annual event to honors residents living in all long-term care facilities. All long-term care residents have rights guaranteed by federal and state law, such as the rights self-determination, to be fully informed, to raise grievances, and to privacy. Volunteers with the long-term care ombudsman program are resident-directed advocates that protect the rights of people living in nursing homes and assisted living residences. Ombudsmen advocate for the resident and assist in resolving issues related to care, health, safety, or the resident’s rights. Ombudsman strive to resolve complaints that range from simple quality of care issues, like a resident’s preferred time for breakfast, to very serious, sometimes life-threatening concerns involving abuse and neglect.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our team and advocate for long-term care residents here in Boulder County.

What training can I expect as a volunteer ombudsman?

Volunteer ombudsmen go through the same training and certification process as staff ombudsman. This training includes 20+ hours on long-term care regulations, common scenarios, resident rights, and advocacy strategies. It also includes time shadowing with experienced staff ombudsmen, getting hands-on experience handling real life situations.

What type of work will I get to do as a volunteer ombudsman?

Most volunteer ombudsman are assigned to one nursing home or assisted living where they are able to assist residents, with the support of staff ombudsman. Assignments are based on volunteer’s preference regarding location, facility type, and need. Volunteer ombudsman often attend monthly resident council meetings, respond to calls from residents and families, and assist residents with concerns ranging from residents’ preferred shower times to issues getting adequate care.

How much time does volunteering take?

We do ask that all volunteers commit to volunteering for at least one year due to training requirements. Volunteers generally spend 1-2 hours per week on their work, and attend a 2-hour meeting every month for continuing education and case review. Volunteers are required to participate in meetings and trainings throughout the year to maintain their certification.

How do I apply?

You can apply by following this link and filling out our application. If you have any questions you can contact us at infoLTCO@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-1173. Learn more about Boulder County's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.


Upcoming Healthy Aging Programs!

Check our Healthy Aging webpage to keep up-to-date on upcoming classes from our Healthy Aging team.

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Diabetes Support and Education Group

The Diabetes Support and Education Group meets monthly in a virtual setting. This program is conducted by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or call 303-678-6115 for more information.

Caring for Your Kidneys

Monday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. - noon

Enjoying the Holidays with Diabetes

Monday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. - noon


Fresh Conversations

Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN. The program is held virtually over Zoom.

"Fuel Your Independence with Protein"

Monday, Oct. 11, 1-2 p.m. Register here.

Learn why protein is even more important as you age and talk with other older adults about practical tips to increase your intake of protein.

"Fresh News About Soy Foods"

Monday, Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m. Register here.

Learn more about soy foods and how they can benefit your health.

"Use It or Lose It"

Monday, Dec. 13, 1-2 p.m. Register here.

Join us to talk about the benefits of physical activity and how to maintain muscle mass with aging.

To learn more, email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


Nutrition Counseling

Individualized counseling and coaching from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are available for Boulder County residents. Call 303-678-6115 (English) or 720-930-0223 (en español) with your contact information.


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We continue to provide online and phone services for clients. Our staff is available to answer calls and emails from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) responds to the needs of older adults (60+) and their family and informal caregivers in our community through advocacy, funding, direct service, planning, and education. The BCAAA works with public and private partners to respond to the unique needs in our community. We are currently offering remote services including:

  • Information, Referral, or Resources
  • Financial Assistance
  • Healthy Aging Programs
  • Medicare Counseling
  • Caregiver Programs
  • Veterans Services
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Nutrition Resources

Boulder County residents can connect with BCAAA resources by email at infoADRC@bouldercounty.org, by phone at 303-441-1617, or online at bouldercountyhelp.org.

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