AARP Advocates encourage education By Mary Brotherton
In December, AARP District 15 Advocates met at Perkins Restaurant in Viera to discuss issues, including expectations for Florida’s new governor, Rick Scott. With growing concern over budget cuts and rising costs, AARP advocates are planning to visit legislators in January to discuss the needs of our aging population. A projected state budget shortfall of as much as $3 billion has led legislators to consider slashing funding for pensions, housing and medical needs. Volunteer Advocate Phil Koechlein said, “With any new government, we have to just watch and wait and see. No matter what you do, there isn’t enough money.� Robert Yeaton, AARP Foundation WorkSearch assistant director briefly discussed the program that helps mature workers find suitable work. Abby Walters, assistant state director, talked about the importance of maintaining home and community-based services. Nursing home expenses require $55- $60,000 per year per person and costs are rising faster than the cost of living. Providing care in the home can cost as little as one-fifteenth less, yet some older Floridians are forced into nursing-home care because current regulations restrict Medicaid’s ability to pay for less expensive care in the home, even though it is preferred by seniors. According to Walters, the 2010 Florida legislature proposed requiring Florida Medicaid use managed care systems for all of Medicaid, even long-term care, despite questions about cost savings and the problems encountered with the managed-care pilot. “There were problems with access in the pilot for acute care,� Walters said. “If managed care becomes mandatory for long term care, it does not bode well for the most vulnerable and frail elders who need community services or in-home care.� Walters and Koechlein stressed the importance for seniors to remain informed of current and potential issues that can affect their income, housing and even which doctors they may be allowed to visit. To become an advocate, volunteer in another capacity or for more information, visit aarp.org/fl or call Amy Matovina at 866-595-7678. SL
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week, but the Palm Bay Old Bastards Politicos Parade 2011 preferon to meet the last Sunday of
the month. “We keep bookwork to a minimum,� said Bill Hinkel, for the The League of Women Voters of the Archbastard Space Coast presents “Politicos on ParadePatrick 2011,� agroup. luncheon fashion show at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 28,Some at the Eau Gallie Club, 100 Datura groups doYacht charitable projects, Drive, in Indian Harbour Beach. while others prefer to sit back and During lunch, guests will be entertained by newly elected enjoy life. Although of the by Brevard County officials modeling the latestmany styles provided members are retired military, Old Talbots and Jos. A Bank. Sandy Stanley will provide piano Bastards can hail from any profession, background. grocery store owners to chemists. All profits from from this event are earmarked for expanded citizen education on votingYou rights andnever other important local, stateanand can be too old to be national issues. Old Bastard, either. According to Cost is $35. For headquarters’ reservations and data, entreethe selections, call Old youngest Doreen Archer at 321-622-4071 by Jan. 24. Bastard was a baby issued a membership card on the day of his birth. Models at a Glance The and whole idea is not to take Sybrina Anderson - Soil Water Conservation District yourself—or life—too seriously. Mary Bolin - County Commissioner District 4 “It’s all about laughter, Stephany Eley - West Melbourne City Council getting Kristine Isnardi -together Palm Bayand Cityhaving Councila good time,� LIFE By Bob Olsen said Olson. Rita City Council se, Fla. onPritchett - Titusville To join a chapter, contact the Patrick Carl Beatty - Malabar City Council Dunham, Chapter at 321-779-3336 or the - School Board District 1 lair, Dr. Michael Krupp Palm Bay Chapter at 321-724-8375. SL Mitch Needelman - County Clerk of the Courts. SL Special to Senior life
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The Brevard Genealogical Society will offer a six-week beginning genealogy class each Thursday, from Jan. 20 through Feb. 24. Instructors Vera Zimmerman and Betty Eichhorn and guest teachers will cover the basics of using family group sheets and pedigree charts, researching censuses and vital records, documenting findings, and methods and tools for researching. The $30 registration fee includes a three-ring binder with a course syllabus containing sum-
maries of all classes, a supply of genealogy forms and other materials. It also includes a one-year membership in the Brevard Genealogical Society, which meets at the library and supports the library’s Genealogy Department financially. Class size is limited. The class will meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Meeting Room 1, Central Brevard Library, 308 Forrest Ave. in Cocoa. For more information, call 321-453-4932 or visit www.flbgs.org/ed/classes.html. SL
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january 2011 • Senior Life
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