Just 2 Weeks Left to Check your Medicare Plan for 2021

Medicare plans change each calendar year.  Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1.  Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period which ends December 7th.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance.
 
Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   You can choose an in-person appointment at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or the Passmore Center in Hillsborough.  Or choose to schedule a Zoom video chat.  To schedule an appointment, visit our website at  www.orangecountync.gov/ocncSHIIP or call 919-245-4274.  

Dates: October 15 - December 7
Time: By Appointment
Location: Seymour Center, Passmore Center, or Video Call

Dementia - Let's Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Grab your preferred morning beverage and join us! You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Communication - Having a Social Visit
Date: Tuesday, December 1
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am
Join: Contact Marie Dagger at 919-245-4279 or mdagger@orangecountync.gov. Link will be emailed ahead of class.

New to Medicare? Join our Welcome to Medicare Class

If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare.  This online class will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work.  You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. 

 
Date: Thursday, December 10
Time: 6:00-7:30pm

To register, call 919-245-4274 and select option 2.  Leave us your name, phone and email address.  You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email with a link to join our Zoom Meeting the day prior. 

BINGO – Virtual Games

Get ready for a new style & several rounds of bingo games. Several ways to connect with others in a virtual platform or over the phone to shout out…Bingo!  Each person will be given 2 game boards that will be available for pick up on Mon, Dec 7 – Fri, Dec 11, between 9am- 4pm at the Seymour Center. Bingo caller will keep track of winners. Prizes for winners, sponsored by Aetna Insurance, will be mailed or picked up at center. 

Date: Tuesday, December 15
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Register: Call 919-968-2070 to register at least 1 week before game date.  Program login will be emailed. (Activity Number: 353041-09)

• Newsletter: Sign up for the COVID-19 newsletter from the Orange County Health Department.
• Text: To receive daily text updates, text ocnchealth to 888-777.
• Hotline: Questions about COVID-19? Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Spanish language and other languages available.
• Email: Email your questions to covid19@orangecountync.gov.

Announcing our New YouTube Channel

CarFit Virtual Workshops

CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles "fit" them. Due to COVID-19, the CarFit program is hosting a series of Virtual Workshops to provide an in-depth look at several key aspects involved in getting a proper fit in your vehicle. Learn about what to look for when it comes to fit, the everyday household objects you can use to measure and make adjustments, and how this may keep you safer on the road. Register for a Virtual Workshop today!

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected.  See below for upcoming programs or flyer for all Winter 2020-2021 Caregiver Programming.

For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

AARP Presents: A Caregivers Thanksgiving

Renowned chef Andrew Zimmern and AARP Board Chair Annette Franqui will share how caregivers can reduce stress, stay connected and celebrate family traditions with food and their favorite recipes during the holidays. The event will be moderated by AARP family and caregiving expert Amy Goyer. Click here to register for the event, and listen to the live event here. 

Date: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 7pm

Grocery Delivery Service

If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource.  To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087. 

This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging are creating a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. 

To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer list.