Vol. XLIV, No. 3 November–December 2017

P.E.T.S.—Pets Eat Too ....................1

New Medicare Cards ....................3

Long Term Care ............................4

Care Coordination Program ..........5

Dear Beth: Darkness Descends .......6

Silver Haired Legislature ..............7

Sr. Centers/Care Coordinators .....8

P.E.T. — PETS EAT TOO

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How am I going to feed my furry companion this month?” This is a common question asked by many seniors that receive our homebound meals through the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA) Meals 4 U program.

You know as well as I do how important it is to have a companion especially when your spouse or loved one has passed away. Animals help fill that void by providing companionship and reducing loneliness. So that brings up another question? “How in the world am I going to take care of a pet when I need help taking care of myself?”

For many seniors in our Meals 4 U program that question has been answered by Second Chance through the P.E.T program. Second Chance is an organization that helps foster unwanted pets that have been abandoned or mistreated. When Second Chance approached us here at CMAAA about suppling food to our participants’ furry companions we jumped at the opportunity to work with them.

Now, participants in the Meals 4 U program as well as their pets can receive a well-balanced meal daily. Without the generosity of Second Chance this would not be possible.

Tears well up in the eyes of many seniors after having given their pet the last scoop of food they had. We arrive at their door with home delivered meals for the senior. Through the PET program

we can also deliver a month’s supply of food for their beloved companion pet.

Nothing warms our hearts here at CMAAA and Second Chance more than knowing we have made an impact in the lives of our elders.

One Columbia Meal Program recipient told me “I was just praying to God to help me figure out a way to

get my pet some more food and you arrived. Thanks to you and Second Chance I don’t have to worry about this anymore. You guys are a true blessing”.

Second Chance has responded to Boone County residents of Meals 4 U and is planning to expand the P.E.T program into Cooper County next. If you know someone 60 years and older who needs meals for themselves and their pet, please contact the Columbia Meal Program at (573) 449-8000.

If you or anyone you know would like to donate pet food or cat litter to Second Chance there are bins located at PetCo, 2101 West Broadway Suite T, Columbia, MO 65203.

By Matt Davison CMAAA Senior Meal Program Administrator for Boone County

2 November-December 2017

The Central Missouri AreaAgency on Aging (CMAAA) is aprivate, not-for-profit Area Agencyon Aging serving 19 counties inMid-Missouri: Audrain, Boone,Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper,Crawford, Dent, Gasconade,Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller,Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps,Pulaski and Washington.

CMAAA recognizes theindividual capabilities and needsof each older person. Therefore,CMAAA’s mission is to assistcommunities in establishing afull range of services, which allowolder persons to live in the mostindependent manner possible.

Officers

Elinor Snelson, President(Crawford)

Fred West, 1st Vice President(Audrain)

James Kitterman, 2nd Vice President(Camden)

MembersJim Weaver (Boone)

vacant (Callaway)vacant (Cole)

Patricia Davis (Cooper)Robert Niebruegge (Gasconade)

Debra Miller (Howard) Kenneth Helton (Laclede County)

Jake Warren (Maries)Lorraine Dowler (Miller)

Dee Butts (Moniteau)Ron Ellis (Morgan)

Joanne Zap (Phelps)Rodney Yoakum (Pulaski)

Maggie Shellabarger (Washingt0n)

Chief Executive OfficerJean Leonatti

Board of Directors

Our Mission

CMAAA

This is the time of year when we are bombarded with all kinds of health insurance information. It can be very con-fusing! We are here to help you sort out the confusion and make informed decisions about your health care coverage.

This fall there are two “open enrollment” periods underway.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary (Medicare is your primary health in-surance), you need to pay attention to the “open enrollment” for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. It begins October 15 and ends December 7. Changes take effect on January 1. We strongly urge you to review your options and make your decision early.

Each year insurance companies have the right to change their Part D pre-scription plans – they can change their premiums, their deductibles, their co-pays, the drugs they will cover, and even the pharmacies that will accept their insurance. Your prescription medications may have changed over the year. Due to all these changes, a plan that worked well for you this year, might not be the best plan for you in 2018. And, because we all take dif-ferent medications, the best plan for you may not be the best plan for your spouse or your neighbor or your friend.

Each Medicare beneficiary needs to study the options, compare them to your current prescription needs, and make an informed decision. We have staff available to help you sort through the information.

If you are currently uninsured (you don’t have Medicare, Medicaid or pri-vate insurance) or receive your insurance through the Missouri Health In-surance Marketplace, you might also be hearing about “open enrollment” for your health insurance. This runs from November 1, 2017 through De-cember 15, 2017. Changes take effect on January 1. This is a much shorter enrollment period than previous years — don’t put it off! We have specially trained, certified and licensed individuals (called “Navigators”) who can help you one-on-one to understand and obtain health insurance through the Marketplace.

These Marketplace options are available under the Affordable Care Act. During “open enrollment” you will have the opportunity to see which plan best fits your situation. All consumers are strongly urged to actively review and enroll in a plan rather than allowing “auto-enroll” to pick a plan for you.

It is important for you to know we do not sell insurance. We have no finan-cial interest in the coverage that you select. We are able to provide unbi-ased information. You can then make the decision on coverage that best fits your needs. Our job is to help you be a better informed consumer.

For assistance with Medicare Part D Open Enrollment, contact any of our Care Coordinators (listed on page 8). For assistance with the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace, contact our Columbia office (1-800-369-5211 or 573-443-5823) and we will put you in touch with the nearest Navigator.

From the CEO... By Jean Leonatti,CEO

3November-December 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is readying a fraud prevention initiative that removes Social Security numbers from Medicare cards to help combat identity theft, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. The new cards will use a unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), to replace the Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) currently used on the Medicare card. CMS will begin mailing new cards in April 2018 and will meet the congressional deadline for replacing all Medicare cards by April 2019.

“We’re taking this step to protect our seniors from fraudulent use of Social Security numbers which can lead to identity theft and illegal use of Medicare benefits,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “We want to be sure that Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers know about these changes well in advance and have the information they need to make a seamless transition.”

Personal identity theft affects a large and growing number of seniors. People age 65 or older are increasingly the victims of this type of crime. Incidents among seniors increased to 2.6 million from 2.1 million between 2012 and 2014, according to the most current sta-tistics from the Department of Justice. Two-thirds of all identity theft victims reported a direct financial loss. It can also disrupt lives, damage credit ratings and result in inaccu-racies in medical records and costly false claims.

Work on this important initiative began many years ago, and was accelerated following passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). CMS will assign all Medicare beneficiaries a new, unique MBI number which will contain a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. Beneficiaries will be instructed to safely and securely destroy their current Medicare cards and keep the new MBI confidential. Issuance of the new MBI will not change the benefits a Medicare beneficiary receives.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/ssnri/index.html

New Medicare cards offer greater protection to more than 57.7 million AmericansNew cards will no longer contain Social Security numbers, to combat fraud and illegal use

CMAAA’s central office, all senior centers and care coordination offices will be closed during the following holidays:

Everyone at CMAAA wishes you a Happy New Year!

ThanksgivingThursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24

Christmas HolidayMonday, December 25

New Year’s Day Holiday Monday, January 1

4 November-December 2017

This past year my focus was on “Choosing the Appropriate Level of Long Term Care”. I personally hope to remain in my own home in the community as long as possible! When I do need more assistance than our community resources can offer, I will want to live in the least restrictive environment possible. The more we understand about the different levels of care available, the more empowered we will be to participate in choosing our next home. Please contact me, Linda Daugherty, Asst. Dir. and Ronda Giger, Asst. Dir. with questions or more information regarding long term care.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Ombudsman Volunteers for their gifted time to visit with people residing in assisted living and skilled nursing homes. The residents look forward to your wonderful visits and advocacy. A friendly smile, a reassuring voice and knowing someone cares is priceless.

THANK YOU!

The Ombudsman Program visits with residents in all licensed long term care homes throughout the year to make sure residents’ rights are protected.

If you or someone you know would be willing to gift a few hours each week to advocate for residents in Long-Term Care, we offer training and certification for Ombudsman Volunteers in all nineteen counties in which we serve!

For additional information please call, email or visit us online.

CENTRAL MO AREA AGENCY ON AGING 573-443-5823 or 800-369-5211 email: dswobbe@cmaaa.net

OR

LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 1-800-309-3282 email: LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov online: healthmo.gov/seniors/ombudsman

Long Term Care OM-BUDS-MAN Program

By Donna Wobbe Ombudsman Program Director

5November-December 2017

Pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and feelings of loneliness. They can also increase your opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.

Despite physical and emotional benefits, seniors should consider risks associated with pet ownership. Annually 86,000 injuries are reported, most of them from tripping over the animal. Drivers over age 70 are twice as likely to be involved in a traffic accident if a pet is in the car.

Before adopting a pet, ask yourself if • You are healthy enough to take care of the animal daily?

• Which type and breed is right for you?• Can you afford a pet? A chart from American Society

for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals lists the annual cost of caring for a medium size dog at $1,314, a cat at $1,053 a small mammal at $340 and fish at $235.

Many groups support the health benefits of pet ownership. You can learn more about the health ben-efits of pets and how to keep your pets healthy at www.cdc.gov/.

Pet pro’s and cons

Our Respite Care Program is designed to provide short-term, temporary relief to you if you are caring for a loved one who is frail and homebound. Respite Care allows you, as the Caregiver, a break from the stresses and responsibilities associated with providing 24 hour care. This temporary relief, usually 4 hours per week (maximum 16 hours per month), is designed to support you with your Caregiving responsibilities and thus postpone or eliminate the need for your loved one to enter a nursing home.

Our Care Coordinator will meet with you to review our Respite Care Guidelines and conduct a formal assessment. This assessment is designed to help the Care Coordinator determine your need and eligibility for our respite services, as well as the need for additional support services that may be available to you.

While caring for an ill, injured or disabled loved one can be very rewarding, it is also hard work.

You may begin to feel depressed, rundown, or even sick. Here are 5 tips to avoid caregiver burnout.

1. Learn about your loved one’s condition or illness. Is this a long- or short-term situation? Ask your loved ones doctor about their special needs. How will those needs change over time? This will also help you plan for future caregiving needs and gives you time to learn skills you may need later on. Knowing what to expect can lower your stress.

2. Feel good about the hard work you do. Remember you can’t do it all. Make a list of needs, such as meals, household chores, or running errands you want help with. Ask family members, friends and neighbors if they can help.

3. Find some time each day for yourself. Keep doing at least one activity or hobby that brings you pleasure. Go outside for a walk. Read a book or listen to music. Chat with a friend.

4. To give the best care to your loved one you need to stay in good health. Daily physical activity can lower stress, increase your energy and help keep you healthy. As much as possible, keep regular sleeping patterns for yourself and the person you are caring for. Eat healthy meals and snacks.

5. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. This will help you keep a positive attitude. A positive attitude may help you give your loved one the best care possible. There are many things you can’t control, but you are in charge of your own feelings.

Even if your loved one is not able to show happiness or appreciation, you can feel good about the care you are providing. For more information on our Respite Care program contact the Care Coordinator assigned to your county. See the back page of this newspaper for a listing.

By Rose Nelson, Care Coordination Director

Care Coordination Program… Helping seniors maintain an independent lifestyle

Are you providing care for a loved one who lives with you in a home or apartment? Are one or both of you 60 years old or older? Do you have few or no alternatives for temporary relief from your caregiving responsibilities? We may be able to help you with our Respite Care Program.

6 November-December 2017

By Beth Busseau, County Services Director

Darkness Descends

As the darkness descended on Central Missouri the excitement was infectious. For months we had been preparing for the event of a life time (well my life time for sure.) Not for another 30 years would it be back. Every one of the Central Missouri Senior Centers would share the experience. Invitations were extended, educational programs aided into delving beyond the obvious and the risks were revealed. And then there was the equipment….

Do you have your Eclipse Glasses? Over 7,000 Eclipse Glasses were purchased by Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA) Senior Centers to maximize the fundraising opportunity because the blackout was coming. Each Center’s local board determined their fundraising potential and placed their order for the glasses that would reveal the solar eclipse progression over the four hour period of progressive darkness. As part of our agency the thirty-one (31) sites raised $7,500 to support their program obligations. Thank you for supporting our efforts!

Senior Center participants were most grateful for the once in a life time opportunity to celebrate together with food, friends and the wonder of solar eclipse darkness!

viewing the eclipse at the Dixon Senior Center

viewing the eclipse at the Phelps County Nutrition Center

Osage Beach eclipse cookies fundraiser

7November-December 2017

The 44th Annual Conference of the Silver Haired Legislature took place at the State Capitol in Jefferson City on October 16, 17, and 18. The 114 delegates in attendance chose their Top Five Priorities and formulated plans to advocate for senior issues during the upcoming Missouri legislative session.

After spirited debates in the Legislative chambers, the delegates chose these issues as their Top Five Priorities for the 2018 legislative session:

1. Senior Services Growth & Development Services

2. Revision of MoRx

3. Increase Funding for Home-Delivered Meals Provided by Area Agencies on Aging.

4. Maintain Property Tax Credit Known as the Circuit Breaker for Renters and Homeowners at the 2016 Level

5. Approval of Medical Marijuana Use in Missouri

The following people represented the Central Missouri region at the annual session:

• Kay Wood, SHL Representative, Central Missouri chairperson, Columbia, MO

• Russell Breyfogle, SHL Senator, Columbia, MO

• Bill Trimm, SHL Senator, Jefferson City, MO

• Pat Caillouet, SHL Representative, Vienna, MO

• Wm. Sherman Davis, SHL Representative, Lebanon, MO

• Sharon Swon, SHL Representative, Mexico, MO

Missouri’s Silver Haired Legislature was founded in 1973, the first in the nation after the Older Americans Act was amended to include advocacy groups. The SHL is composed of fifteen volunteers from each of the ten statewide Area Agencies on Aging. These 150 senior advocates, elected by their peers, identify and advocate for issues critical to older Missourians.

Delegates to the Silver Haired Legislature Choose Their Priorities For 2018

a monthly publicationfor senior citizens

and for those who sharetheir concerns.

SILVER ECLECTIC is published by the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging and is edited by Robin Cadwell. Funds for this project were made available through the Division of Senior and Disability Services of the Missouri Department of Health and

Senior Services under provisions of the fed-eral Older Americans Act. The total project is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all requirements

imposed pursuant to the Regulation of the Department of Health and Human Services

issued pursuant to that Title to the end that no person shall, on the grounds of

race, color or national origin be excluded from the benefits of this project.

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Suggested contribution - $10.00

Mail to: CMAAA, 1121 Business Loop 70 East, Suite 2A, Columbia, MO 65201

Name: ________________________________________________________________________ (Please type or print)

Complete: _____________________________________________________________________ (street or box # - please include apt. # or route #)

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PLEASE MARK ALL THAT APPLY TO YOU:( ) ADD MY NAME to the mailing list. (I am not receiving one by mail at this time)( ) I HAVE ENCLOSED my tax deductible contribution to help support SILVER ECLECTIC.( ) CORRECT MY ADDRESS on your mailing list. (Please include current mailing label)( ) REMOVE MY NAME from the mailing list. ( ) I am receiving more than one copy of SILVER ECLECTIC. (INCLUDE ALL MAILING LABELS FROM NEWSPAPER AND INDICATE WHICH ONE SHOULD BE DELETED).

NOTE: If you are requesting an address change or stopping a subscription, include your mailing label from the page 8 of SILVER ECLECTIC.

8 November-December 2017

Boonslick Senior Center (Boonville)(660) 882-2344

Bourbon Senior Center(573) 732-4268

California Nutrition Center(573) 796-4240

Callaway Senior Center (Fulton)(573) 642-2458

Camdenton Senior Center(573) 346-2776

Conway Senior Center(417) 589-2079

Crocker Senior Cetner(573) 736-5405

Cuba Senior Center(573) 885-2909

Dixon Senior Center(573) 759-6313Eldon Senior Center(573) 392-6102

Fayette Senior Citizens Center(660) 248-3733

Friendship Hall (Iberia)(573) 793-2747

Glasgow Senior Center(660) 338-2975

Hughes Center (Lebanon)(417) 532-3040

Jefferson City CenterClarke Senior Center(573) 634-8020

Macks Creek Senior Center(573) 363-0153

Mexico Senior Center(573) 581-7743

Moniteau Nutrition Center (Tipton)(660) 433-2715

Senior Meal Program (Columbia)(573) 449-8000

Owensville Senior Center(573) 437-3096

Osage Beach Senior Center(573) 348-2909

Rolla Elderly Highrise(573) 341-2929

Salem Senior Center(573) 729-2373

Sayers Senior Center (Potosi)(573) 438-3237

Stoutland Senior Center(417) 286-3880

Versailles Senior Center(573) 378-6232

Vienna Senior Center(573) 422-3834

Warren Senior Center (Richland)(573) 765-5414

Waynesville/St. Robert Sr. Center(573) 774-2668

Westside Senior Center (Laurie)(573) 372-3588

Need Help? Call Us.

SENIOR CENTERS

CARE COORDINATORSAudrain CountyCarol Senor(573) 581-7678

Boone CountySteve DoppJohn Heller(573) 443-5823

Callaway CountyKaren Elwood(573) 642-6772

Camden CountyMary Ann Matthews(573) 346-1834

Cole CountyDarreca Mays(573) 634-8828

Cooper CountyKaren Dick(660) 882-3444

Crawford CountyTanya Johnson(573) 885-2922

Dent CountyWendy Baker(573) 729-5697

Gasconade CountyTonya Zelch-Wagner(573) 437-2532

Howard CountyKaren Dick(660) 882-3444

Laclede CountyJanet Moore(417) 588-4300

Maries CountyKathleen Humphrey(573) 422-3322

Miller CountyKathleen Humphrey(573) 392-7229

Moniteau CountyBrenda Pitts-Cornelius(573) 796-4051

Morgan CountyBrenda Pitts-Cornelius(573) 378-9980

Osage CountyTonya Zelch-Wagner(573) 437-2532

Phelps CountyScott Shaffer(573) 265-0616

Pulaski CountyMary Ann Mathews (573) 774-3390

Washington CountyRobin McElrath(573) 438-5962

Care Coordination DirectorRose Nelson(800) 369-5211 or (573) 443-5823

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ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Silver EclecticFor information contact:

Carol Kmucha, Office Manager

E-mail: cmaaa@cmaaa.net

Central MO Area Agency on Aging

(800) 369-5211

(573) 443-5823

www.cmaaa.net