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Four Things for Caregivers to Know About MedicareOctober 15-December 7 is a critical time period for those with Medicare. This is Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, and for most seniors it is the only time you can change Medicare plans. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, an Annual Medicare Review can save you from a mistake that could cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Here’s one example: "Ken Brown was happy to see the price of his drug plan premium drop by $10 for the new year. But when he checked the plan’s medication list, he found that one medication changed from a $40 to a $65 copay and another wasn’t covered at all. He switched and saved $3000 for the year."Consumers have many options among different Medicare approaches and plans: - If you choose to use Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you’ll also need to select from among 30+ Drug Plans (Part D) and may choose a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover out of pocket costs when receiving healthcare services. There are 10 different types of Supplement Plans offered by over 50 companies – all with different prices.
- Or, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). There are 25 Advantage Plans available in Orange County, each with their own benefits and costs. Some Advantage Plans include benefits not covered by Original Medicare like dental and hearing aids, but they also limit your choice of providers.
There’s help for those with limited income and resources:- Extra Help Program – reduces the cost of medications
- For single individuals to qualify: Monthly income < $1610 & Savings < $13,290
- For married couples to qualify: Monthly income < $2178 & Savings < $26,520
- Medicare Savings Program – eliminates Part B premium & reduces cost of medications
- For single individuals to qualify: Monthly income < $1449 & Savings < $9,470
- For married couples to qualify: Monthly Income < $1960 & Savings < $14,960
- Medicaid – eliminates premiums, co-pays and reduces cost of medications
- For single individuals to qualify: Monthly income < $1074 & Savings < $9,470
- For married couples to qualify: Monthly Income < $1452 & Savings < $14,960
Your Orange County SHIIP Program is here to help! The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a division of the NC Department of Insurance. Our certified volunteers provide free and unbiased education about Medicare and assistance in selecting the best plans for your needs. Appointments available in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and by Zoom Video Chat. Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or by calling 919-245-4274.
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Senior Center Update:
Previously scheduled outdoor group programs have moved inside with limited capacity. Social distancing and masks are required at both senior centers. We continue to offer virtual and hybrid (combination in-person and virtual) programs, information, individual services, and one-on-one appointments Monday - Friday; 8 am - 5 pm.
For more information please see: - Activity Calendar: Download a paper copy of our monthly Activity Calendar including all of our videos, live classes, and online programs.
- Endless Possibilities Activity Guide: View the latest Endless Possibilities (formerly Senior Times) for all of our programs, services, and resources.
- Information & Services: Information, individual services, and one-on-one appointments are available M-F, 8 am - 5 pm. For an appointment, please contact the Aging Transitions Services Helpline at 919-968-2087.
- Lunch Program: Meals are available via curbside pick-up. Email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256 for more information or to register for our Lunch Program.
- New or Modified Programs, Services and Resources for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond here.
- Register Online: Register for classes online. Choose display option "Detail" and search by title, activity code and more to find and register for your class or event.
For regular updates about senior center programming, please subscribe to the biweekly Endless Possibilities e-newsletter.
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Introducing New Team Members!My name is Lydia and I was born and raised in Harnett County. I studied Public Health and Gerontology at UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and have worked with seniors over the past 6 years. Some of my background includes CNA care, home health agencies, senior center wellness education, nutrition, and durable medical equipment (DME). My passion is improving the lives of our aging community and I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Orange County Department on Aging! Outside of work I like to exercise my green thumb by adding to my never-ending plant collection, spend time with my tuxedo cat, Skeeter, and read!
Lydia has joined the OCDoA staff as a member of both the Aging Transitions and VC55+ teams. You can say hello at larnold@orangecountync.gov.
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Greetings everybody. My name is Kimuria Snipes and I am from Burlington, NC. I have resided here my entire life and it is my opinion that there’s no place like home. I have a daughter, Essence, and Oliver, my handsome dog. I graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2009, with a BS degree in Human Services Management. I have worked with all special populations before and after my degree; but now I have chosen to dedicate my time to the senior population. Therefore, I am pursuing my MSW at North Carolina Central University, Durham NC and completing my internship at Orange County Department on Aging. In my spare time, I like to cook, read, shop, and spend time with my family.
Kim will primarily be working with Kendall Kopchick this academic year and will be heavily involved in caregiver programming. You can say hello at kisnipes@orangecountync.gov.
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My name is Kenesha Wood and I am from Durham, NC. I have over 6 years of experience working with the Geriatric population living with cognitive disorders and/or dually diagnosed. In 2017, I began working as an Activities Director in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Here, I gained experience as a Team member on an Interdisciplinary Team, worked closely with Home Health, Hospice, The Ombudsmen program, and importantly facilitated Resident Council. I was able to gain insight and understanding of some of the deficiencies within the medical system which prompted my dedication to advocating for those impacted.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology, in 2014, from Winston-Salem State University. I became a Licensed and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in 2017. I am currently working on my Master of Social Work degree at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my 2-year-old daughter, Kenley, and visiting new restaurants.
Kenesha will primarily be working with Kim Lamon-Loperfido this academic year and will be heavily involved in planning for the next Master Aging Plan. You can say hello at kewood@orangecountync.gov.
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2022-27 Master Aging Plan Community Engagement EventsWe are excited to announce the kick-off of the next Master Aging Plan. To get started, we will host Community Engagement Drop-in events during October at key locations around the County.
Please join us to: - Celebrate the achievements of the past five years
- Hear results from the July 2021 MAP Survey
- Share what’s important to you
- Engage with MAP workgroup leaders
No registration is necessary. All events are open to the public. See flyer for dates and locations.
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EZ Rider Customer SurveyEZ Rider (paratransit service) is a demand-response, shared-ride service providing door-to-door service. they are soliciting feedback from their consumers; if you use or have used EZ Rider, please consider completing their survey!
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Activity Engagement CoachingIt can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day. For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are: If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).
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Handyperson RecommendationsHave you hired a fair, helpful, and trustworthy handyperson? We are compiling a list of individuals who assist with home repair work in our community. If you had a positive experience with a particular person or company and would recommend them to a neighbor, please share!
Complete our online recommendation form or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) to submit your recommendation.
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In Need of Incontinence Supplies? Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these items, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.
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Dementia Friendly Orange County The Orange County Dementia Friendly Business Training is now offering virtual programs!
Dementia Friendly organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia or other special needs. Thank your local businesses for being a Dementia Friendly Partner or ask them to become one!
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Physical, Emotional, & Social Wellbeing
Orange County Caregiver Support Groups
Support groups are resuming in person meetings! The first session of each month will meet at the designated senior center, with the second meeting happening via Zoom. These support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.
Chapel Hill Support Group Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253. - Friday, October 8 at 10:30am at the Seymour Center
- Friday, October 22 at 10:30am via Zoom
Hillsborough Support Group
Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278. - Thursday, October 14 at 1pm at the Passmore Center
- Thursday, October 28 at 1pm via Zoom
Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support GroupThis month is a 'split group' meeting, with times for both care partner and people with Parkinson's. Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer (919-843-1657) for more information and to RSVP. - Tuesday, October 5 at 12:30pm: Care Partner Meeting
- Tuesday, October 5 at 2:30pm: People with PD Meeting
Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support GroupSupport group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month's topic is 'remaining social while living with a brain health challenge.' Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer (919-843-1657) for more information and to RSVP. - Wednesday, October 6 at 1:30pm
Fit SeniorsAt-Home exercise and wellness options designed to help keep you fit and healthy with your favorite OCDOA fitness instructors: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/2371/Fit-Seniors.
Memory Café is Back!
Memory Café is returning this fall at various locations around the county. We invite people living with memory loss and their care partners to join us for a fun, casual social outing! Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information and registration. - Seymour Center: Tuesday, October 5, 2:30-3:30pm
- Passmore Center: Monday, October 11; 2-3pm
- On the Move: Wednesday, October 20; 10-11am at the Ackland Art Museum
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Educational EventsCaregiver Education Series: Fall PreventionJoin OCDoA’s occupational therapist Marie Dagger as we discuss strategies for preventing falls at home and steps to take in case you or your care recipient do have a fall. Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information and to register. - Monday, October 18; 1:30 – 2:30pm at the Seymour Center
Dementia - Let's Talk About ItJoin 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. Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information and registration. - Tuesday, October 5 at 10:15am: What is Dementia?
- Tuesday, October 19 at 10:15am: Younger Onset Dementia
Duke Caregiver Community Event
Are you the caregiver of a loved one? We are here to support you. Join us for the Duke Community Caregiver Event to learn more about the resources and tools available to help you in your caregiving role. For more information and to register, visit DukeCaregiverCommunityEvent.org |
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For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline: 919-968-2087orLet us Know How We're Doing!Take a few moments to complete this brief survey. We appreciate all feedback, comments, and suggestions!
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