The Link - November 2018

Week of November 1, 2018

• November is National Family Caregivers Month.  Find information on its background and this year's theme, "Supercharge Your Caregiving":  http://caregiveraction.org/national-family-caregivers-month
  
  
• Caregiver Wellness Days have been scheduled by the area agencies, as follows:
  - November 3 - Milestones Area Agency on Aging, Ottumwa     http://www.milestonesaaa.org/2015/06/ottumwa-family-caregiver-conference
  - November 5 - Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging
  - November 15 - Heritage Area Agency on Aging
   http://heritageaaa.org/article/media-coverage-2017-caregiver-wellness-day-event
  - November 16 - Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, Decorah   http://www.nei3a.org/events/caregiver/caregiver-wellness-day-D11162018.aspx
  
  
• Congress has taken a first step toward relief of the financial burden shouldered by caregivers. A new family caregiving advisory council has been established to implement the RAISE Family Caregivers Act: http://www.startribune.com/congress-funds-first-step-for-national-caregiving-strategy/494698121/
  
  
• The National Institute on Aging is launching the Improving Care for People with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Using Technology Challenge.  This competition seeks to spur development of technology applications to improve dementia care coordination.  Entries will be accepted through June 30, 2019. A webinar will cover participation requirements: https://nia.nih.gov/challenge-prize

• The Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part C & D) is October 15, 2018 - December 7, 2018 for coverage beginning January 1, 2019.  The toolkit helps compare and determine best options: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Reach-Out/Find-tools-to-help-you-help-others/Open-Enrollment-Outreach-and-Media-Materials.html

• The National Center on Law and Elder Rights has introduced a resource hub for legal aid attorneys and advocates working with elder abuse victims.  It provides curated guidance and links to existing legal resources. The Compendium is part of a series of elder justice resources that will be issued by the NCLER with support by the Administration for Community Living. The Elder Justice Compendium is available to view: https://ncler.acl.gov/Search-Results.aspx?searchtext=compendium&searchmode=anyword
  
  

Webinar from the National Council on Aging:

• November 1
  Home Safety & Modification, Part 1: Creating Better Homes for Aging in Place

Webinar from the American Society on Aging

• November 1
  The Hidden Storm: Aging, Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction
• November 7
  Working After Retirement
• November 8
  Healthy Brain Initiative NEW Public Health Road Map: Strengthening the Public Health Response to Dementia

Webinar from the Administration for Community Living

• October 31
  Business Acumen: Embracing Change

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.