2023 Fall/Winter Newsletter
PAGE 2 LifeStream Updates PAGE 3 Keeping Connected PAGE 4 LifeStream Event Wrap-up PAGE 5 Things Happening Near You PAGE 6 AngelWish PAGE 7 Golden Hoosier Awards PAGE 8 SHIP Counseling PAGE 11 STEP In Caregiver Programs PAGE 12 Safe Winter Travel
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LifeStream Update Dear Friends of LifeStream: Starting in July 2024, Indiana is launching Pathways for Aging, a collaborative effort between Indiana FSSA and Managed Care Entities (MCEs) to enhance longterm services and supports for individuals aged 60 and over. This initiative aligns us with 25 other states that have successfully implemented similar programs. Pathways for Aging is designed to improve the coordination of care for our seniors. By working closely with care providers and funders, the program aims to achieve better outcomes for Hoosiers. The benefits include not only enhanced care coordination but also additional support for family caregivers, recognizing the vital role they play in our community. A significant aspect of Pathways for Aging is its ability to track individual outcomes more effectively. This means that funding can be directed towards areas where it will have the most significant impact on providing better care for our seniors. The funding changes are intended to empower more individuals to receive long-term services and supports in a home and community-based setting, meeting the preferences expressed by the majority of Hoosiers.
If you or someone you know is currently enrolled in Medicaid long-term care services, you’ll receive a letter in February 2024 with information on how to enroll with one of the chosen MCEs. This includes individuals in long-term care facilities funded by Medicaid. The enrollment process is scheduled for late spring or early summer of 2024, leading up to the go-live date of July 1, 2024. For more detailed information about this program, you can visit the official website: www.in.gov/fssa Furthermore, it’s important to note that changes to the intake system for Medicaid-funded longterm services and supports are scheduled for July 2025. As this date approaches, we will provide more detailed information to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. Thank you for your continued support of LifeStream Services. We believe that Pathways for Aging represents a significant step towards a brighter and more compassionate future for our seniors, and we are excited to embark on this journey together. Sincerely,
Jenny Hamilton, President & CEO
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Keeping Connected For many older adults, winter can bring feelings of isolation. Isolation can often lead to depression and loneliness. Find some helpful ways to stay connected to your community!
Café Sites: LifeStream has senior community cafés throughout 12 counties in Indiana. Lunch is available on a donation basis to those who are 60 years of age and over and their spouse. Volunteer: The LifeStream Volunteer Program matches students, children, adults and groups with community needs. We have an opportunity for almost anyone to contribute — contact us for information on volunteer opportunities! Wellness Classes: LifeStream is dedicated to promoting healthy and active living in the communities we serve. We provide a variety of health and wellness programs as well as classes, both virtual and in-person, to help promote active living among older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Virtual Tours: With the help of Ball State University student volunteers, LifeStream invites you to travel from the comfort and safety of your home to sites around the world. Our playlist of virtual tours is added to periodically, so check out our YouTube playlist often at bit.ly/LifeStreamTours Blooming Health: Sign up to receive call or text notifications from LifeStream about new programs or events near you. To register, call 800-589-1121 or email ekatz@lifestreaminc.org
For a complete list of nutrition sites, virtual events and tours, wellness classes, social events, and volunteer opportunities to take part in this winter, visit: lifestreaminc.org
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LifeStream 2023 Event Wrap-up
Special thanks to our sponsors!
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Some things happening near you... Here’s a list of some of the support groups and activities that are taking place in your community. We hope that you can take the opportunity to visit one of them or come visit us at one of our events. It’s great to know that our community partners are working hard to make a positive impact! • Parkinsons Support Group: 2nd Thursday of every month at 3:00pm at the Riverside Avenue Baptist Church in Muncie • Senior Movie: 1st Friday of every month at 12:30pm at the Alex Movie Theater in Alexandria, hosted by Essential Senior Connections • Thriving Thursday: 2nd Thursday of every month at 11:30am at the Fayette Senior Center, 477 N. Grand Ave, Connersville • Medical Monday: 2nd Monday of every month at 11:00am at the Central United Methodist Church, 15th and Main, Richmond • Lifelong Learners: Every Monday at 10am at the Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Rd., Muncie • Support Group for Persons with Low Vision: 1st Thursday of every month at 10:30am at the Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main St., Richmond • Monthly Movie : 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10:00am at 1029 E. 5th St., Connersville • Senior Movie Day: 1st Wednesday of every month at 1:00pm at the Towne Square Cinema, 117 W Franklin St., Winchester ($3.00 fee) • Dialysis Caregiver Support Group : 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm, at the Crosspoint Biker Church, 1130 E Baseline, Connersville • Euchre at the Elwood YMCA : 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:00am at the YMCA, 1620 Main St., Elwood To learn more about what is happening at LifeStream in your community, contact Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator, at 765-759-1121 ext. 121 or email ajenkins@lifestreaminc.org.
AngelSeasonWish to Sparkle You can help deliver hope to older adults who are isolated and alone during the holidays. Each year, LifeStream’s AngelWish program coordinates doorstep delivery of a special gift to seniors who are spending the holiday season alone. This is often the only visit and gift the recipient will receive. AngelWish is a beacon of hope for the senior that reassures they are not alone and their community cares.
How you can help: Make a Monetary Donation - With your $30 donation, an older adult will receive a holiday gift set. Donations can be made: · Online: Visit lifestreaminc.org/angelwish · Mail: Cash/check donations can be mailed to LifeStream’s Headquarters at 1701 Pilgrim Blvd. Yorktown, IN 47396. Make checks payable to LifeStream Services. · Facebook: Contribute to our Facebook fundraiser at facebook.com/lifestreamservices Volunteer - LifeStream needs delivery elves to help ensure 750 AngelWish gift sets are delivered by December 23. People of all ages can volunteer.
Learn more and sign up: www.lifestreaminc.org/angelwish
Volunteer: Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, 765-759-1121 ex.136 or lbray@lifestreaminc.org Donate/Sponsor: Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator 765-748-6994 or ajenkins@lifestreaminc.org
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Honoring the “Golden Hoosiers” of Indiana LifeStream Services held our annual LifeStream Golden Hoosier Award luncheon and ceremony at Willie & Red’s in Hagerstown this past June! Nominees of the Golden Hoosier Award are special older adults who demonstrate excellence, passion, and commitment to volunteering and helping others in their community. Local Golden Hoosiers Chris Bunner (Randolph County), Ruth Ann Ratz (Franklin County), Thomas Farris (Delaware County), Carolyn Anderson (Wayne County) and John Clarke (Fayette County) were all nominated to the State for the Golden Hoosier Award. Thanks to our Premier Sponsor, Reid Health Alliance Medicare. LifeStream relies on volunteers to assist in a variety of ways, including passing out meals at the café sites, making calls and visits to lonely older adults, crocheting or knitting gifts for clients, conducting administrative office tasks, and more. Those interested in volunteering with LifeStream Services can learn more by visiting lifestreaminc.org/support/volunteer or contact Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, by calling 765-808-8827 or email lbray@lifestreaminc.org.
Volunteer Concierge Program
When you can’t, we can.
What is the Volunteer Concierge Program?
A volunteering initiative in which individuals are matched with older adults in need of a friendly visit or task assistance such as housekeeping, meal prep, light yard work, or companionship.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older with a desire to impact an older adult’s life through support and companionship.
How to sign up to volunteer
Those interested in being part of the Volunteer Concierge Program can fill out an application at lifestreaminc.org/support/volunteer or contact Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, at 765-808-8827 or lbray@lifestreaminc.org. Learn more about LifeStream and the Volunteer Concierge Program at 800-589-1121 or visit www.lifestreaminc.org.
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SHIP Counseling During Open Enrollment Open Enrollment is an annual period between October 15 and December 7 in which Medicare beneficiaries are able to make changes to their healthcare coverage for the following year. LifeStream Services is a partner with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which provides free, impartial health insurance information for people with Medicare. SHIP is a part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs and is not affiliated with any insurance company or agency, and does not sell insurance. LifeStream SHIP counselors are available during Open Enrollment in Delaware and Wayne counties. Those interested in reviewing their current coverage should call LifeStream Services at 800-589-1121 to make an appointment. Appointments will be limited. Please follow LifeStream on Facebook or visit lifestreaminc.org for announcements regarding community events and virtual info sessions throughout the Open Enrollment period.
For more information regarding the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, please visit in.gov/ship.
Lana Remaly Celebrates 20 Years as SHIP Volunteer! This year, LifeStream Options Counselor Lana Remaly was recognized for 20 years of service as a SHIP volunteer. She is one of only 5 people who has earned the distinction. In response to why she continues to volunteer each year, Lana replied, “I see the value for people who may want to switch their coverage and save $300$400 a year on their coverage. It’s not just about our clients, but anyone who may benefit.” Congratulations to Lana on her accomplishment and recognition!
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To learn more about Medicare Fraud and how to spot it, prevent it, and report it, reach out to LifeStream at I&A@lifestreaminc.org. To learn more about Senior Medicare Patrol, visit their website at www.smpresource.org
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Help starts here. As your local Aging and Disability Resource Center, LifeStream provides services and programs to help older adults and people with disabilities remain independent. We also support caregivers who need help maintaining the health, dignity and independence of their loved ones. Programs and services include: In-Home Care Management Transportation Nutrition Services Caregiver Support Wellness Programs & more
More Information: 800-589-1121 lifestreaminc.org
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Supporting those who STEP In LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs. LifeStream Services can help with Support, Transitions, Education, and Planning for those who STEP In to caregiving. As our STEP In Caregiver programs continue to grow and expand, we have added to our team of Caregiver Programs Coordinators. Former LifeStream Care Coach, Tia Drumm, will be working in our northern counties with Chesley Krofta taking over our southern region. Below is a little about Tia and Chelsey! ABOUT TIA: Tia is from Muncie and graduated from Cowan High School in 2013 with a 6 month old daughter and a CNA License. She now has a 10 year old daughter and 9 year old son. Tia has 11 years of direct care experience in long-term care and assisted living facilities. She enjoys writing poetry, reading books, painting, and making journals. ABOUT CHELSEY: Chelsey is a Randolph County native but now calls Wayne County home. She graduated from Indiana University East with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Studies. Chelsey has a passion for helping caregivers by providing resources and helping them feel connected with others. She enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors Those interested in learning more about STEP In Caregiver Programs and seeking resources can visit our website at lifestreaminc.org/stepin
Care Team Resource Binder LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs. LifeStream offers Caregiver Memory Kits, support groups, and evidence-based programs to help you STEP In to caregiving. LifeStream Services is also thrilled to provide caregivers and care partners with a resource binder that is an organizational tool used to prepare in the case that someone else may need to step in and provide care – either temporarily or permanently – and to empower caregivers who help with care needs. Individuals who may need to step in could include another family member, a professional caregiver, a neighbor, or a friend. All of these care partners make up your care team.
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Safe Travel During Winter Months Whether you are traveling for a vacation, a family event, or a wedding, your comfort and safety should be a priority. For seniors looking to travel during the winter, it is important to be prepared and make the process less stressful. Below are some tips to help ensure safer travel during the winter. Check the Forecast: It’s best to check on forecasts regularly, so you are prepared in advance. Forecast predictions help you identify the safest days to travel. Be on the watch for snowstorms and freezing precipitation.
Do Your Research: Research your desired travel routes and destination. Choose a route that is accessible and accommodating to the capability of your car. Consider terrain, climate, and availability of amenities like stopovers on the way. Watch Out for Road Signs: Always be on the lookout for warning signage. Watch out for slippery roads and avoid distractions when driving. Remember to buckle up. Part of staying safe during your travel is trusting your gut. If some routes feel unsafe, do not use them. Schedule a Ride with LifeStream: LifeStream Services provides transportation or provides the contact information for those that do in all twelve of our counties. Whether it’s a ride to the grocery store, a trip to the doctor, or a ride to the park, LifeStream Services can get you where you need to be in East Central Indiana. To receive more information or to schedule a ride, please call 888-589-1121.