Looking-Forward-2013

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Tuesday, April 30, 2013

| Looking Forward

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Seniors – Are You READY?

Disasters can drastically alter our lives and our communities: natural and man-made incidents affect thousands of people each year. Emergency management experts agree that everyone needs to take responsibility for making themselves and their families better prepared. Generally speaking, everyone can work towards 1) knowing the facts about disasters; 2) creating a family emergency plan; 3) assembling an emergency supply kit; and 4) getting involved in community preparedness.

Even though disaster preparedness is recommended by experts, how many people are actually following this advice? To many, emergency preparedness might seem overwhelming – time consuming and expensive!

Maybe that describes you? Instead of being daunted by these tasks, try to view it as becoming a bit more resilient each day. Don’t look at these lists and plans as one big task or as a chore to be completed all at once.

Approach it in a way that’s more realistic for you and your family. Focus on a few things that could help during disasters and in everyday life. Consider sharing resources or skills with others in your neighborhood.

Program important phone numbers into your cell

Amy Klebe, John Morrison, Mary Jo Scarlette, Vicky Borucki and Helen Senn, and are volunteers with the McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps.

Amy Klebe, Johnplan Morrison, Mary Jo with Scarlette, Vicky phone. Save your emergency electronically on a talked neighbors so they are moreBorucki aware of their an “cloud” server. People that don’t think of preparedness responsibilities in preparing for disasters. with the McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps. as a one-time occurrence stay more actively engaged Amy K. I have prepared a basic “go” bag in case of in the process. To learn more, visit www.mcdhprepare. info or www.ready.gov.

Seniors are indispensible in making McHenry County better prepared for disasters. Your experience and knowledge can encourage family and neighbors to GET READY! Many seniors are involved in the McHenry County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) – a group of medical and non-medical volunteers that supports the health department during disasters and promotes public health during times of non-disaster.

Below are preparedness quotes from a few of our senior MRC members.

What steps have you taken to make yourself better prepared?

John M. We’ve developed a food preparedness plan, completed our go-packs (including important documents), and told our family about these activities. We’ve

evacuation and have emergency supplies in our home. I also have a family plan with prioritized meeting places.

Mary Jo S. I’ve assembled an emergency supply of dried foods, batteries, first aid supplies, etc. and have purchased a generator. As soon as possible I am looking at installing a shelter, since my house is on a slab. I educate family and neighbors whenever possible.

What’s your take on disaster preparedness?

Amy K. Disaster preparedness is vitally important, as there are many types of natural or man-made disasters that could strike our area. It is especially important to be prepared to evacuate on short notice.

Helen S. Most people think a disaster will never happen to them. I did before I experienced Hurricane Katrina and I was not prepared. Disaster preparedness is very important to ensure personal safety and the safety of family and friends.

See READY, page 4

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Looking Forward | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Tuesday, April 30, 2013

| Looking Forward

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•READY

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Prescription Drug Coverage

Those of us in the aging network who work in an advocacy role with seniors with chronic medical conditions know how important it is for them to have access to their medication. Many chronic diseases such as CHF (congestive heart failure) and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Why did you join the Medical Reserve Corps? can be successfully managed through medication John M. After my wife signed up, I realized that the therapy. These medications can be very costly.

MRC needed not only medically trained folks, but nonUnfortunately many seniors cannot afford these medical professionals as well. I understood the need for medications without some form of insurance and/ support staff and felt I could help fill these responsibilior subsidy. Since 2006, the Medicare Prescription ties. drug program has provided that coverage. However, Vicky B. To become more community minded and conthere still can be high out of pocket costs with these tribute to the well-being of McHenry County. drug plans for people on a fixed income. Our role Helen S. Since I have firsthand experience with a in the Senior Advocate program at Advocate Good disaster, I felt I could be of benefit and support to others Shepherd Hospital and agencies like Senior Services experiencing a disaster; hopefully help minimize the Associates of McHenry County is to make that link local impact - both physical and emotional. I wanted to to the most cost effective Medicare Part D plan as give back to the community that supported me when I well as other resources that help to offset the cost of relocated here.

Medicare Part D such as Extra Help or a pharmaceutical assistance program. Here is just one example What has been the most rewarding part of being in of what we do every day for so many seniors in our the MRC? community!

Vicky B. Helping out during the H1N1 clinics and Mr. X is 67 years old. When he turned 65 yr. dispensing drills. old and became eligible for Medicare he decided he Helen S. Knowing that I will make a difference in the would not sign up for the prescription drug coverlives of many people should a disaster happen. age provided by Medicare. He was still working Mary Jo S. Meeting a lot of great people and having the part time, was healthy and did not take any medicaopportunity to be involved in new things - like assisting at tions. A year later in May, Mr. X became very ill and the Chicago Marathon and joining the Fire Rehab Team. was diagnosed with COPD and cardiac problems.

Mary Jo S. I think it is important to be prepared, self sufficient, and able to assist others for a minimum of 5 days in case of major disaster which could impact local emergency services.

He was hospitalized at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and upon discharge his course of treatment needed to be several medications to keep him well and out of the hospital. Because Mr. X did not have prescription coverage, each of these medications cost between $240 and $260 a month (totaling approx. $750 per month) plus an additional 4 less expensive medications. Without prescription insurance, Mr. X could not afford them. He had to stop working because of his health so his only income came from Social Security. Mr. X was not allowed to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage until the fall and the coverage would not begin until January (annual open enrollment). He was referred to the Senior Advocate program by the unit care coordinator for assistance.

Over the course of the next 2 months we applied to the pharmaceutical manufacturers of the 3 most expensive medications and were initially turned down because they said he wasn’t eligible. They considered him a Medicare beneficiary even though it did not include Part D drug coverage. After appealing 2 times and sending in his list of monthly living expenses, they approved him and Mr. X was able to receive his medications free through the manufacturers until he could apply and start to receive the Medicare prescription drug benefit in January of the following year. Mr. X has maintained his health and has not been readmitted to the hospital since he has been able to afford and take his me dication regu-

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Retired and Senior Volunteers (RSVP) Help In Many Ways

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RSVP volunteers Elsie Munson, Lee and Nancy Colla volunteer monthly at the Transitional Living Mobile Food Pantry

“The Transitional Living Services mobile food pantry could not function without the help of volunteers” states

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George and Nancy enrolled in the RSVP program in December of 2005, and as with many RSVP members tried different volunteer opportunities before signing on with McHenry County Animal Control in February of 2007. They began as volunteer dog walkers but decided to turn this role over to younger and more athletic volunteers after several months of serial dog walking. Instead, they began the first offsite adoption program ever attempted

by MCAC. They have since taken one homeless dog after another to McHenry PetSmart on alternate Saturdays, assuming MCAC could provide a suitable dog. To date, this dedicated couple has adopted out 56 dogs to families and individuals in McHenry and neighboring counties.

What have Nancy and George gained from their volunteer experience? First, they find this type of volunteer work very satisfying. Nancy also has good interactive

Sandra Rodgers of TLS. In July of 2011, RSVP volunteers began serving at this monthly food pantry that serves only veterans and their families with numbers upwards of 250 individuals. Each month 10 RSVP members brave the elements at this outdoor food pantry provided through the Northern Illinois Food Bank, setting up after 4 and ending around 7:00 pm. “It would be difficult for the program to provide and accomplish this service safely and completely without the caring acts of goodness that can be seen by all the veterans and their family members,” states Sandra Rodgers. To date 350 hours have been given at this site.

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, part of the National Senior Corps is better known as RSVP. It is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Currently, nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country are tackling tough issues in their communities. Locally, in McHenry and Kane Counties, RSVP members, over 900 strong serve in various capacities from delivering meals to frail, homebound elderly to giving countless hours at local thrift shops, and providing free tax assistance to those in need. Volunteers may help with assignments that are scheduled while others help with episodic jobs, like mailings and registering blood donors. All volunteers are provided with a pre-service RSVP orientation, training from the organization where they serve and supplemental insurance while on duty and when certain criteria are met, meal and mileage reimbursement are offered.

More than ever RSVP volunteers are making an impact on their communities, saving taxpayers over a million dollars annually with their donation of time.

The local RSVP program coordinator is Debbie Danitz, and she can be reached at 1-800-339-3200.

Looking Forward | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

skills and has found this position has improved her ability to interpret other people and their motives. George also enjoys talking to a variety of people, sharing personal experiences and socializing with like-minded animal lovers.

Thanks to their honesty, integrity and tenacious spirit, Nancy and George helped pave the way for other animals to find forever homes because they helped create a successful program that allows other volunteers to adopt animals offsite. “We are incredibly lucky to have George and Nancy as volunteers.” states Kara, MCAC volunteer coordinator, “They, along with other volunteers, are the life and blood of the adoption center. They are truly respected, admired and appreciated by all of the staff and volunteers at MCAC!” Thank you RSVP volunteers Nancy and George!

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Socialization, Companionship and Support for the Elderly The Senior Companion Program is offered through Senior Services Associates, Inc. and focuses on companionship and socialization for senior citizens who live by themselves. It is a program that integrates well with our agency’s mission to preserve senior’s independence, and promote mental and physical wellbeing.

One of the main objectives of this unique program is to connect seniors who are lonely and want a friendly visitor to a volunteer who comes to visit them. These senior companion volunteers socialize with the senior they visit and offer much needed companionship and support; thereby reducing the risk of depression and its consequences.

One example of the positive impact this program can have involves Carol Ann, a senior citizen who had moved to the area with her son. They had lived together in this new area only a short time until, sadly, Carol’s dear son passed away unexpectedly. Carol was understandably depressed and lonely in her now very quiet home. She didn’t have many social contacts in this new area and no longer drove, but she desired to get out of the house and stay active. After reading an

Carol enrolled in the Senior Companion Program. As a result, her loneliness decreased and she made a new friend!

shopping, sharing life experiences and Linda had even made herself available to help with some gardening. “I look forward to Linda coming, even if we aren’t going to be doing anything. She always comes happy and is so thoughtful. She cares about my well being.”

Carol’s demeanor has improved from when she first contacted the Senior Companion Coordinator. She smiles and laughs more, and cries less. It has even motivated her to offer to help volunteer in any way she reasonably

could. “I would definitely recommend the Senior Companion Program to other seniors. If people are lonely, the Companion Program is excellent. Linda has been a gem!”

If you or someone you know is interested in either having a senior companion, learning more about the program or would like to volunteer a few hours once a week, please contact Jackie Smith, Program Coordinator, at 815-344-3555 or by e-mail at jackiesmith@seniorservicesassoc.org. You’ll be glad you did!

article in “The Senior Voice” newspaper, she contacted Senior Services to request a friendly visitor. After two unsuccessful matching attempts, Carol’s patience paid off. She was introduced to a volunteer named Linda. On that initial visit, a bit of nervousness can be expected, but Carol explains: “No, I wasn’t nervous when we met. Linda made me feel at ease. She is easy to talk to.”

Carol cannot express her appreciation enough for having Linda in her life.

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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Tuesday, April 30, 2013

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nor painting, leaking faucets, installation of grab bars and some yard work.

Warren Cotton, a volunteer, has dedicated his time and knowledge with the program since 2009. He has helped seniors with all sorts of projects. Recently, he had an opportunity to assist a senior, Anahis in Algonquin, IL with several requests to help maintain her home in order to live more safely and securely. Since she lives by her self in her own home, it was important to help meet her needs. Warren was able to assist in removing all unnecessary products underneath the kitchen and bathroom sink, and then store them for her. He also added salt to her water softener, and made sure she had access to her furnace and water heater by moving things out of the way. He was able to complete her requests within a couple of hours. Now, Anahis can maneuver around her home more safely and efficiently. The volunteer stated that Warren did a great job, and enjoyed his company. She is looking forward in receiving future home repair assistance. The Senior Home Repair Assistance Program understands the needs of seniors that allow them to stay in their homes as long as possible, and we enjoy helping seniors meet these needs.

Any requests, concerns, or questions can be directed to Norma, the Program Coordinator at Senior Services Associates at 815-344-3555.

Anahis from Algonquin, IL smiles with volunteer Warren as he stops for a quick pose while helping out with different odd jobs at her home.

Mental Health Recovery Program MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH. Just as we check our blood pressure and get cancer screenings, it’s a good idea to take periodic readings of our emotional well-being. Individuals age 50 and better can take stock of their well-being through regular mental health checkups and screenings at Family Alliance.

Our Mental Health Recovery Program is offered on an outpatient or day program basis and is designed to help achieve stabilization and avoid crises.

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The Senior Home Repair Assistance program has been around since 2007, and run by Senior Services Associates Inc. It is a program that helps seniors in many different ways with their minor repairs.

Seniors who are sixty years or older, live in their own home, and reside in McHenry county can request assistance. There are three different ways the program may help. First, seniors are able to utilize the business preferred provider list that is available to those who are able to privately pay, and are looking for a reasonably priced handy person or company to hire. Many providers on the list are senior friendly and provide a discount or a free estimate. Prior to getting on the list, an application has to be completed and approved with our agency. The list constantly is updated with new approved business providers.

Secondly, the program is able to provide financial assistance to seniors who are lower income and meet the required qualifications based on the limited budget available. Lastly, a senior request can be filled by volunteers. There are about thirty volunteers currently available and are asked to assist based on their skills and flexibility. Volunteers on the program range in age anywhere from 18 years old and up. Requests that have been completed in the past include repairing mail boxes, changing light bulbs, hanging light fixtures, mi-

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Looking Forward | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Senior Home Repair Assistance Program

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Tuesday, April 30, 2013

| Looking Forward 8