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Many of us are starting to feel a little extra pep in our step as the spring season brings us out of winter slumber. April 16th is National Healthcare Decision Day, making now a good time to consider investing some of your energy into identifying or reviewing your personal health care and financial wishes.
Illness and injury can happen quickly and leave you unable to communicate your choices about treatment, quality of life, and management of your finances. Taking action now to talk about your choices with a trusted person and document your decisions can provide a little more peace of mind for you and your loved ones during a difficult time. Planning now and sharing your documented plan with those who need to know, also allows more time to focus on additional needs and priorities during crucial moments of illness and recovery.
If you change any of your choices in completed health care directives or power of attorney documents, be sure to give an updated copy to health care providers, financial institutions, and your agent (the trusted person who agrees to help you).
The information in this article and resources below are for information purposes only and are not meant to be all inclusive. Please contact the resources directly with questions or consult with a legal provider (of your choice) about your specific situation and questions.
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National Healthcare Decision Day April 16th “National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.” Click Here to learn more.
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Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest “Is a joint initiative between the Washington State Hospital Association and Washington State Medical Association. Our vision is that everyone will receive care that honors personal values and goals at the end-of-life.” Click Here to learn more and find planning guides and resources.
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Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit “If you are worried about Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, you may be overwhelmed with concerns about your finances and health care in the future. This Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit can help you make important financial and health care decisions and give you a place to write them down.” Click Here to learn more and access the toolkit.
Information and Planning Resources & Documents
Assistance and Information Programs (may have income limits)
 Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May, nationwide. Led by the Administration on Community Living, the 2023 theme of Aging Unbound is an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by creating our own paths.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care is offering free, virtual and in-person events in May for older adults and their helpers (family, friends, or professionals).
Click the image above to view the flyer for local event information.
Or contact Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care at:
Phone: (360) 337-5700, (800) 562-6418
E-mail: seniorinfo@kitsap.gov
Kitsap Public Health District website for locations and scheduling.
Phone and email support through Kitsap Public Health District for people needing help with scheduling a vaccine appointment or are homebound and need mobile vaccination services:
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains:
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Vaccine search tool for locations by zip code.
- Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #. Language assistance is available.
- Local Testing Site Information for Kitsap County
- At-Home Testing Kits for those with Medicare Part B
- At-home Tests Ordered Online; Delivered to Your Door (no cost, regardless of insurance):
Also, you may ask your your insurance company about a list of pharmacies eligible for reimbursement for at-home tests you paid for, or to obtain free at-home tests.
From Medicare.gov coronavirus information page: Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you. You can bet it is a scam if anyone asks you for your Medicare Number to get access to the vaccine. If someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up.
Here’s what to know:
- Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.
- You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
- You can’t pay to get access to a vaccine.
Scammers may use the COVID-19 public health emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. Guard your Medicare and Social Security cards/numbers and check your Medicare Summary Notices for errors.
Report suspected Medicare fraud or stolen card/number by calling Medicare at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Resources
Local Caregiver Support
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Resource Book-English
Long Term Care Resource Book- Other Languages
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