To advocate for individuals age 60+ and adults living with disabilites, and assist them in securing needed services or benefts, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans can change their premiums, co-pays and other plan details each year. Be sure to review your plan and make any changes by December 7.
Ways to review your plans for 2025 coverage:
• Read over your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change
Documents–Remember: If you do nothing during open enrollment, you will remain in the same plan for 2025.
• Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool
Go to: www.medicare.gov/plan-compare OR Go to: www.eauclaireadrc.org click on Elder & Disability Benefts Counseling for more information on Open Enrollment.
• Call Medicare 800-633-4227 Open 24/7 Medicare offers unbiased information on all plans available.
• Call WI Medigap Helpline 855-677-2783—serves ages 60+ Medigap helpline offers unbiased information by licensed insurance agents on all plans available. You will leave a message and receive a call back: limited staff available.
• Call Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) Helpline 800-926-4862 serves ages 18-59. DRW helpline offers unbiased information by trained staff on all plans available.
• Call Private Insurance Agencies* They may be able to help you review plans. *The ADRC doesn’t endorse agents or agencies.
• Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center which will start accepting calls for appointments on Monday, September 30. Beneft Specialist use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool by using your Medicare account. Appointments with the ADRC are limited. NEW this year we are only able to help those with Medicare Part D, not Medicare Advantage plans. Please contact a local insurance agent to compare Advantage plan options.
ADRC Beneft Specialists encourage phone appointments for a quick & easy way for Medicare Benefciaries to review their plans.
ACCOUNTANT
Kelli Weiss
ADRC VAN DRIVER
Dave Okas
COOKS
Aaron Pritzl
Bill Angell
Karen Mittag
Linda Vogler
Penny Parkinson
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST
Lisa Wells
The Eau Claire ADRC Team
KITCHEN COORDINATOR
Gilda Halbleib
MANAGEMENT
Linda Struck, Director
Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager
Lisa Riley, ADRC Manager
MEAL DELIVERY DRIVERS
Doug Salter
Gordy Geurink
Kris Riphenburg
Norm Brunkow
Sue Klauck
DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jim Coldwell
Melissa Wendtland
ELDER BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jessica Smith
Leda Welke
OPTIONS COUNSELORS
Barb McRae
Brianna Werner
Jenna Belter
Jennifer Solfest
Liz Nett
Maddie Kettner
Molly Yang
Sue O’Branovich
HEALTH PROMOTION
COORDINATOR
Deb Bruning
RESOURCE GENERALISTS
Carmelita Hogan
Heather Craker
RESOURCE SPECIALISTS
Karen Hauck
Katie Telschow
Lindi Engedal
ADRCs: Help for Older Adults and Adults Living with Disabilities
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Eau Claire County provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to your concerns, help clarify your options and direct you to appropriate resources. The ADRC administers the Senior Nutrition Programs for Eau Claire County and is also the access point for information about long-term care options and public benefts. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Eau Claire County residents regardless of income or assets.
Aging and Disability Resource Center Board
Tami Schraufnagel, County Board (Chair)
Sue Miller, Citizen Member (Vice Chair)
Jean Doty, Citizen Member
John Folstad, County Board
Deirdre Jenkins, County Board
Bill Libberton, Citizen Member
Stella Pagonis, County Board
October Fun Facts
• More US Presidents have been born in October than any other month.
• October has two birthstones Opal and Tourmaline
Sandra Romey, Citizen Member
Terri Stanley, Citizen Member
Thomas Vue, County Board
Jonathan Wessel, Citizen Member
• October is a spring month in the southern hemisphere.
• October ends on the same day of the week as February every year.
The advertisements in this newsletter are obtained from the printing company LPI, not the ADRC. The ADRC provides unbiased information and assistance to those we serve.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The primary purpose of the ADRC is to provide the customer with unbiased information about services that will meet their needs. This includes sharing information with customers about agencies that provide needed services. The ADRC may operate programs that provide direct services to customers. The ADRC Specialist:
• Cannot attempt to influence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.
• Cannot attempt to influence customers in the interest of any service or program provider, including the ADRC itself. The ADRC is prohibited from using revenue generated from direct service programs to support the ADRC Specialist program.
ADRC Equity Statement:
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County is welcoming and safe for all. We are committed to serving with equity in mind. No judgement, assumptions or shame.
There are no income requirements to utilize the services of the ADRC.
ADRC's assist anyone age 60 and over, as well as adults age18-59 living with a disability.
ADRC services are also available to family members, friends, caregivers and professionals working with these populations.
Heating Assistance Programs in Wisconsin
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, many Wisconsin residents may struggle to afford their heating bills. Fortunately, several programs are available to provide financial assistance and improve the energy efficiency of homes for lowincome individuals and families.
To be eligible for WHEAP, applicants must be Wisconsin residents, have a Social Security Number, be responsible for paying for some of their own energy costs, and have income that falls below a certain threshold amount. There is no asset test to qualify for any of these programs. WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15).
Resources for More Information and to Apply: To apply online for WHEAP benefits, go to https://energybenefit.wi.gov
-HEAT FOR HEROES (Program for Veterans): 1-800-891-9276; www.heat4heroes.org
-FOCUS ON ENERGY: 1-800-762-7077; www.focusonenergy.com
The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire offers a service you may not be aware of: free braille printing! Even with advances in digital assistive technology, braille continues to be a valuable tool for learning and communication, whether for learning grammar, formatting, or math, including a broader audience with braille menus or event announcements, or for those who simply prefer print format to audio.
A braille printer allows customers to convert a variety of documents into braille. It has dozens of uses, including sending a letter to a blind friend or printing instructions, agendas, newsletters, and recipes. With a price tag starting around $3,000, a braille printer is beyond the reach of most individuals, so the library is happy to be one of the few public libraries in the country to offer free braille printing services to our community. The printer was fully funded through gifts and grants from the Access Eau Claire Fund, the Eau Claire Noon Lions Club, and the L.E. Phillips Family Foundation.
To get something printed in braille, you can submit your document online at ecpubliclibrary.info/braille.
Accepted formats are docx, doc, txt, rtf, and pdf, in fle sizes up to 10 MB. Staff will let you know by your preferred contact method (phone or email) when the document has been printed and is ready to pick up. Each person may submit up to one print request per week. For questions, please reach out to library staff at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.
October 2024 Meals on Wheels & Senior Lunch Menu
Meals on Wheels Phone Line: 715-839-4886
Suggested contribution $5/meal
St. John’s Apts | 815 Chapin Street, Eau Claire| Mon– Fri Serve Time: 11 am | 715-839-4886
Augusta Senior Center | 616 W Washington St, Augusta | Mon– Fri Serve Time: 12 pm | 715-286-2953
Fairchild Comm Center | 121 Farmer St, Fairchild | Every Wednesday Serve Time: 12:15 pm | 715-839-4886
L.E. Phillips Sr Center | 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire| 1st & 3rd Friday Serve Time: 11:45 am | 715-839-4886
All meals are served with 1% milk and subject to change without notice due to diffculty with supply chain. Home Delivered & Lunch Sites-Reservations & Cancellations must be submitted by 1 p.m. the day before. Wednesday Salads-Senior Dining Sites only
Sliced Ham w/ Pineapple, Roasted Yams, Bean Medley, W/G Bread, Fruit
25
Shepard’s Pie Over Mashed Potatoes, BBQ Beans, W/W Roll, Fruit
Catastrophic
As of 2024, Part D enrollees are no longer required to pay the coinsurance after they reach catastrophic coverage. As a reminder, a benefciary enters catastrophic coverage after reaching $8,000 in out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs. This amount includes what the benefciary spends on covered prescriptions, what others, like family members, friends, or certain charitable organizations spend on their behalf, and any manufacturer discounts during the coverage gap phase.
During catastrophic coverage, benefciaries own no cost-sharing for the cost of covered drugs for the reminder of the year.
In 2025, benefciary drug costs will be capped at $2,000, once a benefciary spends $2,000 in the deductible and initial coverage phases, they will pay $0 out-of-pocket for the rest of the year. This cap efectively eliminates the coverage gap completely.
The Infation Reduction Act made Part D vaccines free of charge for enrollees. This means benefciaries should not owe any cost-sharing, such as copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for covered vaccines. As a reminder, Part D plans must include most commercially available vaccines on their formularies, including the vaccine for shingles. The only exceptions are fu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccinations, which are covered by Part B.
For Insulin costs are capped at $35 for a month’s supply of an insulin-containing information. This applies to Insulin covered under Part D and insulin covered as durable medical equipment under Part B.
Medicare can now negotiate directly with drug manufacturers to lower the price of Part B and Part D prescriptions. In 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the frst 10 drugs to be negotiated. In following years, CMS will publish negotiated prices and announce more drugs up for negotiation. Selected drugs must be among the highest-spending, brand-name drugs that do not have competition.
White Cane Day—October 15th
White Canes allow those who are living with vision loss navigate their lives in the most independent way possible.
Though generally most people only know that it means someone is blind and need to give them the right of way while we are driving.
• Did you know...that White Canes are white because in 1930, George Bonham noticed a blind man crossing the street and his cane was black, and he was having diffculty as traffc didn’t stop. George thought of painting the cane white with a red tip so it was more noticeable. Since then the use of white canes have spread around the world.
• Did you know...in the state of Wisconsin a person carrying a white cane has an absolute right-of-way, even if they are not in an intersection.
• Did you know…in the state of Wisconsin that it is illegal for anyone who is not blind or partially blind to use a white or white tipped with red cane in any public place, street or highway.
To learn a few more courtesy rules of blindness go to https://nfb.org
Reprint from Medicare Rights Center and National Council on Aging
VAN SCHEDULE—October 2024
The ADRC van has room for one wheelchair and 3 additional individuals for no cost non-medical trips. The van is available for seniors 60+ and adults living with a disability in Eau Claire County. Contact Dave, Transportation Coordinator to schedule at 715-225-0975. Priority given to individuals who live rurally.
Augusta Senior Center Featured Activities—616 W. Washington St.
Boost Your Brain with a WITS Workout
Based on the research that intellectual challenge and social connectedness are two of several factors that contribute to bringing health throughout life, WITS Workouts provide purposeful opportunities to engage intellectually and increase socialization. Join guest speaker, Lisa Wells for a morning of brain health fun!
Location: Augusta Senior Center
616 W. Washington St., Augusta, WI 54722
When: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Please register by Noon on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by calling the Center at 715-286-2953.
Rock Painting Art Class
This is your opportunity to tap into your creative side, and learn this meditative art of rock painting! No painting experience necessary. Supplies are available or bring your own.
Location: Augusta Senior Center 616 W. Washington St., Augusta, WI 54722
When: Friday, October 11th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am To register call the Center at 715-286-2953.
: What is
What about Skilled Care?
You or a loved one may need a little help in the home at some point and it helps to know what you’re looking for when calling agencies to hire.
Types of Home Care:
Supportive Care: Household tasks that do not involve making physical contact.
Personal Care: Tasks that involve a helper making physical contact, often hygiene related.
Examples: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, changing bed linens, assistance with mobility.
Skilled Care: Tasks completed by trained medical professionals.
Examples: medication management, wound care, IV therapy, blood draw, skilled therapy services.
Visit the ADRC of Eau Claire County’s website for more information and area provider listings at www.eauclaireadrc.org and click on the Resource Library.
www.eauclaireadrc.org
Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder is a workshop designed to give women the tools they need to take control of their bladder and bowel symptoms.
The workshop consists of three 2-hour sessions that meet every other week. It provides information and group activities along with simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. Even if you don’t have leakage symptoms now, it’s never too early or too late to think about bladder and bowel health!
Cost: No fee. Voluntary contribution accepted.
In-Person three session workshop: Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
October 24, November 7 & 21, 2024
Location: 227 1st Street West, Altoona (Agriculture & Resource Center) Each workshop is limited to 10 women. Registration Register at least one week in advance by calling 715-839-4735 or online at www.adrcevents.org.
It’s that time of year again! Here’s what Eau Claire County residents should know about vaccines for respiratory viruses this fall:
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot this fall/winter –especially people 65 and older. Although some flu seasons will be more severe than others, people 65 and older are usually hit the hardest. They’re more at risk of getting seriously ill or needing to be hospitalized if they catch the flu. Between 70-85 percent of flu-related deaths in the United States happen to people 65 and older.
A high-dose flu vaccine is available for people 65 and older. You can get a flu shot at your local pharmacy, or your doctor’s offce. You may need to call ahead to schedule an appointment. You can also check www.vaccines.gov to fnd a flu shot near you. It’s best to get your flu shot by October. It takes about two weeks after getting the shot for your body to build up defenses against an infection. The start of flu season varies each year, but it’s common to start seeing flu circulate in November and December.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available in our community soon – you can get one at the same time as your flu shot! Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID vaccine this fall or winter. It’s especially important if you’re 65 or older, have never gotten a COVID vaccine, or if you’re at high risk for getting seriously ill if you get COVID. These vaccines have been updated to protect us against the newer strains of COVID that are circulating right now. We know the COVID vaccines are safe and effectively protect people from getting seriously sick, hospitalized, or dying if they get COVID. Protection from the COVID vaccine also fades over time, which is why it’s important to get the updated vaccine this fall or winter – just like your flu shot.
For most adults and children who have health insurance, the updated vaccine will be available at your pharmacy or doctor's offce. For certain groups of people, the Health Department is able to offer updated COVID and flu shots at no charge this fall and winter (call 715-839-4718 to schedule an appointment if you’re eligible):
Adults and children who don't have health insurance
Adults and children whose health insurance doesn't cover vaccines
There’s a new RSV vaccine. It’s recommended for everyone 75 and older, and for people 6074 with chronic heart or lung disease, other chronic medical conditions, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Older adults at higher risk for getting seriously ill if they catch RSV. The vaccine can protect people from severe RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It’s a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for older adults.
Ask your doctor if you should get the RSV vaccine this fall! The best time to get it is late summer or early fall, just before the virus usually starts to spread.
Being able to drive is more than just getting where you want to go. It is a symbol of freedom, independence, and self-suffciency. But it is important to consider what happens when declining vision, medication side-effects or a degenerative condition means someone is no longer safe to drive. Transitioning from driver to non-driver is a diffcult decision. Planning ahead can alleviate some anxiety. Just like people plan for retirement when they leave the workforce, Driving Retirement is planning for a time when driving is no longer safe. It is a proactive move that gives a person control over how to live life outside the driver’s seat and avoids having to take away their keys.
Discussing driving retirement while the person still drives will make the transition from driver to rider easier. Consider the following points to map out a driving retirement.
Start by learning what transportation options are available by talking to friends, health care providers and the Aging & Disability Resource Center. Find details about how to utilize them. Make a list of transportation needs and alternative ways to meet those needs. In addition to public transportation options, would ordering things through the mail, using a delivery service, walking, biking, or asking family or friends for rides reduce the need to drive. Include family members and friends in the conversation when developing the plan and include social activities.
Once the transportation plan is in place, start trying out new transportation methods right away. Practice with a friend or family member using public transportation and ordering online or using a delivery service. This will help to reduce stress and increase confdence.
The next step is to determine when it is time to stop driving. The following are some warning signs of unsafe driving.
Abrupt lane changes, braking or accelerating
Confusion at exits or turns
Delayed responses to unexpected situations
Lack of attention to traffc signs or pedestrians
Increased agitation or irritation while driving
Vehicle crashes or near misses
There is usually not a specifc day when it is time to stop driving. Decisions should be based on driving behavior over a period of time, not just a single incident. Because timing can be unclear, have agreed upon measures in place – a driving contract, regularly review this with others, completion of a driving assessment, or a discussion with a physician – to help determine the balance between a desire to drive with the need for safety.
When it is time to put the driving retirement plan into action be positive and optimistic. Review the transportation plan and make adjustments as needed. Even when change is unwanted, people have the ability to adapt and thrive. Plan visits with those who have recently stopped driving and be sure that transportation is available to meet social needs as well. Get the conversation started about planning a driving retirement to prevent a more diffcult scenario in the future. Utilize the Driving Retirement Brochure & Workbook and other resources found at Aging & Disability Resource Center or online at gwaar.org/transportation to help you fnd the balance between maintaining independence and ensuring safety, for you, your family and your community.
Reports of scammers targeting older adults are on the rise. In total, 101,000 victims who contacted the FBI in 2023 lost a combined $3.4 Billion. Common examples of scams targeting older adults include:
• Government imposter scams, such as someone pretending to be calling from Medicare or Social Security asking for personal information, like Medicare ID or Social Security number.
• Fake prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams, which ask people to pay money or provide personal information, like bank account information, in order to claim winnings.
• Grandparent scams, which involve a caller pretending to be a grandchild or other relative in distress. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
• Don’t give out personal information in response to an email, social media post, or text message or in response to a phone call you did not initiate.
• Don’t transfer money to strangers over the phone, and don’t buy a gift card to pay someone.
If you think you that you or a loved one has been the target of a scam, you can report it to one of the following agencies: your local police department, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 or the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.fte.gov/.
