The Link E-Newsletter - Feb. 10, 2017

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 10, 2017

• Iowans with Disabilities in Action (ID Action) and the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council created an advocacy forum (infoNET) to share information, tools, resources and opportunities with the public about issues impacting the lives of Iowans with disabilities, their families, their communities and their service providers. Follow bills in the Iowa legislature that may be of interest: http://www.infonetiowa.org/news/bill-tracker/
  
  
• Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the 2017 federal poverty guidelines, usually referred to as the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The guidelines are used to determine financial eligibility for many federal and state programs and are effective as of January 31, 2017: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
  
  
• CMS recently released an article on Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) Instructions. Effective Feb. 21, hospitals will be required to provide written notification and oral explanation to individuals receiving observation services as outpatients for more than 24 hours: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/MM9935.pdf

• The Alzheimer's Association is kicking off its 2017 "The Longest Day" fundraising campaign in an effort to raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. The registration fee to participate is discounted to $15 through Feb. 28: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=9704&pg=informational&sid=23675

• Individuals and families with a combined income of less than $58,000 in 2016 may be eligible to receive free income tax preparation services. The United Way of Central Iowa's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program has six sites in the Des Moines metro area that will be open through April 18 to provide information and assistance: http://www.unitedwaydm.org/vita

• The February issue of the Iowa Department of Justice's Consumer Focus features information about sweetheart scams - online dating schemes that criminals are using with increasing frequency to target and financially exploit vulnerable older adults: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/consumer-focus/consumer-focus/sweetheart-scams/sweetheart-scams/

Webinar: "8 Steps to Caregiver Empowerment, Growth & Well-Being"
Thursday, Feb. 23 (1 p.m. CST)

This webinar, hosted by Easterseals, is part of the Military Caregiving Webinar Series and is designed especially for caregivers of military personnel and veterans. Guest speaker and author Debbie Sprague will share easy and effective tips and tools for caregivers to uncover their power and gain trust in their ability to live a meaningful life while honoring the veteran they care for.

More Information | Register

Dialogue on Aging - "Leadership in Aging: Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today"

Friday, March 3 (9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.)

Hilton Garden Inn | 8600 Northpark Dr. | Johnston, IA 50131

Join the Iowa Department on Aging on March 3 for the first session in its 2017 Dialogue on Aging Series. The topic for this event is "Leadership in Aging: Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today" and will begin with a public meeting of the Iowa Commission on Aging, followed by thought-provoking presentations by three of Iowa’s most prominent speakers in the field of aging:

• Mercedes Bern-Klug, PhD, MSW, MA
  Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Social Work
  Director, University of Iowa Aging Studies Program
• Peter Martin, PhD
  Professor, Iowa State University
• Joel Olah, PhD, LNHA
  Executive Director, Aging Resources of Central Iowa

Lunch is included and will feature the presentation of the 2016 Betty Grandquist Lifetime Achievement Award to two Iowans who have dedicated their personal and professional lives to improving the quality of life and care for older Iowans and persons with disabilities. 

Registration fee is $25 per person and covers the cost of lunch. Space is limited; a block of hotel rooms has been reserved. Please register by Friday, Feb. 10.

More Information | Register

7th Annual Illinois & Iowa Quad City Family Caregiver Conference

Saturday, March 4 (8 a.m. - noon)

Waterfront Convention Center | 2021 State St. | Bettendorf, IA 52722

This free conference, hosted by the Quad City Caregiver Collaboration, will feature speakers, exhibitors, information and refreshments for family caregivers in Iowa and Illinois. No registration necessary. 

More Information

2017 BrainWorks Conference: Living Well With Dementia

Tuesday, April 18 (8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.)

The Meadows Events & Conference Center | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr. | Altoona, IA 50009

This conference, hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, will provide participants with a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; discuss creative approaches to help with the behaviors and communication associated with the disease; and offer assistance in creating a plan of care. Designed for nurses, nursing assistants, social workers and other dementia care professionals, CEUs will be available. Family care partners, friends, students and individuals with early-stage dementia are also welcome to attend.

More Information | Register

The mission of the Iowa Department on Aging is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and

cost-effective system of long-term living and community support services that helps older Iowans maintain

health and independence in their homes and communities.