START YOUR RECOVERY
www.StartYourRecovery.org is a resource for individuals who may be struggling with substance use disorder. For a little more background, Start Your Recovery was developed by bringing together experts in substance misuse treatment from leading nonprofit, academic, and government institutions. Through this important resource, older adults can hear stories from people with similar experiences, discover the answers they need for recognizing and dealing with substance misuse, and locate support.
Emma Brown, Outreach Specialist Start Your Recovery, [email protected]
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER FAIR
American Red Cross
November 17 - 12:00 p.m.
Join the American Red Cross for 20 minutes via Teams online or by phone for a virtual Volunteer Fair all from the comfort and safety of your home. This is a great opportunity to learn: • The many different volunteer opportunities that exist for nearly anyone’s schedule and desire to help the local community • How you can help people…in-person or even from the comfort and safety of your own home • How families continue to depend on the Red Cross volunteers every day for emergency support, including disaster response, support for our military and veterans, supplying life-saving blood to people in need • How you can be part of the largest humanitarian agency in the world • We have answers to questions you may have. Register to attend: www.redcross.org/ARCVolunteerFair
(You will then receive an email with the online link and/or call-in information to join).
kristin Pendleton, [email protected], American Red Cross, 314-281-7968,
https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=8042
ENHANCE SELF-CARE PERSONAL TRAINING
Enhance Self-Care
Enhance Self-Care personal training service provides help to people of all ages. In-home personal training sessions. -Mobility and balance improvement -Strength training (all ages) -Weight loss training -Custom built running plans Email today to schedule your first free consultation and see if we can help you. [email protected]
Karolina Zavisiute, [email protected], Enhance Self-Care, 314-564-7232,
https://www.enhanceselfcare.com/
JEOPARDY JOE
The Holidays are just weeks away. Jeopardy Joe has a special line-up of programs that are sure to brighten your Holiday schedule. Book your program now to ensure you get the date you want. Contact Joe to discuss your particular needs and how he can contribute quality entertainment to your holiday activity schedule. www.JeopardyJoe.com [email protected], 314-399-2223.
Joseph White, [email protected]jeopardyjoe.com, JEOPARDY JOE!, 314-399-2223
US CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION
Bilingual International Assistant Services
Bilingual International Assistant Services' customized US Citizenship Program for Elderly Legal Permanent Resident is actively enrolling clients. Eligible individuals must be 60 or older and a legal permanent Missouri resident for at least 5 years. Services include: 1:1 tutoring in clients’ home, Preparation in the native language (if eligible), Language support for document translation and in-person interview (if eligible) Study materials and practice USCIS interviews Basic case management and client advocacy: education about voter registration; Medicare counseling and enrollment; government records status updates Representation at USCIS interview Assistance with exemptions and medical waivers. Our Department of Justice Accredited Representatives are very knowledgeable and experienced in the naturalization process. 314-645-7900, ext. 203.
Dianne Carty, [email protected], Bilingual International Assistant Services,
314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR FOR OLDER ADULTS
Bridgeton Recreation Center
November 18 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WellFirst Health and The Connection for Health and Healing Program will host a Community Health Fair for Older Adults on Friday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The health fair will be held at the Bridgeton Recreation Center / 4201 Fee Fee Road / Bridgeton, MO 63044. Participants will have access to health and wellness resources including assistance with applying for health insurance, connecting with a provider, health screenings and tips on making healthy snacks. Please plan to attend on November 18, and make sure to ask about how you could win a $100 gift card.
Mark Cruse, [email protected], Dean Health Plan, 314-682-1392
ALZHEIMER’S STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
Advance II Study
A study researching a different approach for mild Alzheimer’s is seeking participants: 65+, Good general health, Caregiver/family member to attend visits. Study-related care and tests provided at no cost, surgery and devices approved for Medicare coverage and subjects receive a stipend for expenses associated with study visits. Visit: www.MildAlzheimersStudy.com to learn more.
Robyn Moxon, [email protected], Advance II Study, 651-246-6941,
www.MildAlzheimersStudy.com
TRAINING LABS
Assistance Home Care
One of our Core Values, ‘Committed to Education to Better Serve Others and Ourselves’ inspires our leadership team to seek new and innovative solutions to support the needs of our clients, employees, and community. We were delighted to recently learn about, apply for and receive a safety grant which enabled our company to acquire not one, but two TERi™ Geriatric Patient Care Trainer manikins. A sticker price of over $10,000 may widen the eyes of some, but our team sees this investment's impact on our longstanding dedication to safety and education to ensure our geriatric clients are cared for by highly trained and skilled Care Professionals. These state-of-the-art tools excite our team to offer training to any family caregiver in the Greater St. Louis or Chicagoland community. Our local training labs will be open to those wishing to learn with the industry’s most realistic tool for hands-on skills for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, transfers, and incontinence care with the TERi™ manikins among other assistive device equipment. The tools will be housed at two of our agency’s central training labs in Missouri and Illinois. To learn more about our caregiver training program, contact our local team via our website. https://www.assistancehomecare.com/about-us/request-a-consultation/
Allen Serfas, [email protected], Assistance Home Care, 314-466-3227
RECENT DISCHARGE FROM HOSPICE CARE?
St. Louis University
This NIH-funded study is recruiting patients and/or caregivers who have been discharged alive from hospice care within the past year. If a patient is unable to participate the caregiver is still eligible. We are interested in learning about your experiences during and following the hospice discharge. Participation is voluntary and you can choose not to participate at any time during the process. Following each study call (1 to 5 calls total), all participants receive a $25 - $50 gift card. If you have questions or would like more information, you can contact Dr. Cara Wallace at 314-977-2846 or [email protected]. To participate, complete the following form and someone from our research team will contact you: https://redcapsurvey.slu.edu/surveys/?s=REPMXH3LJP
Cara Wallace, [email protected], Saint Louis University, 314-977-2746,
https://redcapsurvey.slu.edu/surveys/?s=REPMXH3LJP
ANNUAL GIFT TAX EXCLUSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Mitchell, Brown and Associates, LLC
Annual Contribution to ABLE Accounts Increased for 2022 The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the annual gift tax exclusion is increasing in 2022 due to inflation. After four years of being at $15,000, the exclusion will be $16,000 per recipient—the highest exclusion amount ever. That means you can contribute up to $16,000 to an ABLE account this year as well. The contributions can come from multiple people, but the total amount cannot exceed the $16,000 limit. Have questions about ABLE accounts? Call us at Mitchell, Brown & Associates at 314-962-0186
Colleen Brown, [email protected], Mitchell, Brown & Associates, LLC
314-962-0186, www.elderlawstlouis.com
DRIVING WITH DIGNITY PROGRAM
Keeping Us Safe, LLC
Erin Dwyer, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), is now a Beyond Driving with Dignity professional through Keeping Us Safe, LLC. She helps families determine if their loved one should retire from driving in the privacy of their own car and home. The program involves cognitive assessments, learning conversations, and a driving exercise. Workbooks are also available to families who wish to do this on their own. Please call or email for more information, Erin Dwyer, [email protected], 314-451-2255.
Erin Dwyer, Senior Care Authority, 314-451-2255, www.seniorcareauthority.com/stl
MEDICAID EXPANSION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) PROGRAMS
Bilingual International Assistant Services
Bilingual International Assistant Services has been funded to enroll Missouri Residents into the new Medicaid Expansion and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Programs. We are seeking events and opportunities to provide literature and direct assistance to eligible individuals, particularly persons of color, 19–35-year-olds, singles, LGBTQIA+, and others who now qualify through new legislation. We also offer direct service assistance to individuals. For more information, please contact Linda Nguyen: 314-497-8680; [email protected]
Ellen Sherman, [email protected], Bilingual International Assistant Services, 314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHURCH WORKERS AND MISSIONARIES
Lutheran Senior Services
Financial Assistance for Church Workers and Missionaries Lutheran Senior Services helps older adults live life to the fullest by responding to their physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs. Those who have dedicated their lives to church or mission work from all denominations may be eligible for financial assistance with senior related services through the Eliezer Fund. Award amounts vary depending on the types of services needed. If you or someone you know is a church or mission worker, both active or retired, please take a moment to learn more about the Eliezer Fund by calling Aging Answers at 314-446-2475.
Gina Timme, [email protected], Lutheran Senior Services, 314-373-4094,
www.lssliving.org
SMARTCOMPANION VOICE TECHNOLOGY
Veterans Home Care
Veterans Home Care® (VHC) announces the launch of SmartCompanion®, an Echo® Alexa® device specially preprogrammed with new voice technology for seniors to reduce isolation and loneliness and replaces push-button medical alert systems. The launch was stepped up to meet the needs of seniors during the pandemic. Veterans or their surviving spouses eligible for VA benefits can receive the service as part of their flagship VetAssist® Program. The SmartCompanion delivers security and peace of mind 24/7. Seniors can make and receive voice-activated phone calls, including emergency calls, by just asking Alexa for help. Seniors enjoy Alexa's news and entertainment. A military grade security network makes it private and secured. Veterans Home Care helps wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who qualify and apply for a non-service-related disability pension from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which pays for help with activities of daily living. VHC utilizes a national network of 3,800+ home care providers. Veterans Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the VA. Alexa and Echo are trademarks of Amazon Inc. or its affiliates.
Janet Jennewein, [email protected], Veterans Home Care,
314-520-0668, www.veteranshomecare.com
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Charis Disability Advocates
If you or a loved one are not yet of retirement age but have health problems that would put you at high risk for return to work (considering the potential exposure to COVID-19), you or the loved one may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Some examples of medical impairments that would place a person at higher risk include chronic kidney or liver disease, pulmonary disease (emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, etc.), heart conditions, compromised immune system, HIV+ or AIDS, sickle cell disease, or diabetes mellitus.
Karen Fick, [email protected], Charis Disability Advocates, 314-236-0119,
www.charisdisability.com
TUTORING SERVICES
BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Bilingual International Assistant Services' customized US Citizenship Program for Elderly Legal Permanent Resident is actively enrolling clients. Eligible individuals must be 60 or older and a legal permanent Missouri resident for at least 5 years. Our services include: One -on-one tutoring in clients’ home, Preparation in the native language (if eligible), Language support for document translation and in-person interview (if eligible), Study materials and practice USCIS interviews, Basic case management and client advocacy: education about voter registration; Medicare counseling and enrollment; government records status updates Representation at USCIS interview Assistance with exemptions and medical waivers. Our Department of Justice Accredited Representatives are very knowledgeable and experienced in the naturalization process. For information, please call 314-645-7900, ext. 203
Ellen Sherman, [email protected], Bilingual International Assistance Services, 314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY
University City Outpatient Clinic
Did you know, Medicaid Beneficiaries can now get outpatient physical therapy? Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) now pays for outpatient physical therapy, called Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy. To qualify, you must not be homebound and: Be 21 years of age or older Be MO HealthNet eligible Have a chronic neck or back pain diagnosis Have a chronic pain post traumatic injury diagnosis AW Health Care Outpatient Physical Therapy Services Therapy services can help patients get pain relief without the use of addictive medicines. We are now seeing patients at our University City Outpatient Clinic located at: AW Health Care 7308 Balson Avenue University City, MO 63130 If you would like to find out more about if Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy can help you, contact: AW Health Care 314-726-5600 extension 470 or 471.
Rebecca Boerner, [email protected], AW Health Care, 314-726-5600,
www.awhealthcare.com
DEMENTIA COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Aging Ahead
Aging Ahead, along with other AAA's in Missouri have partnered with Dementia Friendly America and the Dementia Friends USA initiative by joining the global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Our Community Options Specialists and Senior Center Administrators finished their training course and are now certified Dementia Friends Champion volunteers. They will have the opportunity to be in the community increasing awareness about dementia, how it affects people and the ways we all can help. We want to recognize our staff and their passion for making Aging Ahead apart of this great program. For more information you can visit www.dementiafriendsusa.org.
Stephanie Patrick, [email protected], Aging Ahead, 636-207-0847,
https://www.agingahead.org/who-we-are/careers/
CELBRATING 20 YEARS
AW Healthcare
AW Health Care Celebrates 20 Years. AW Health Care was started by Irina Bursak, Julia Escandon-Rozin and Susan Bursak in 2002. Irina, Julia and Susan saw a great need among the immigrant Eastern European elderly for healthcare and in-home services because of the language barrier and social isolation. This was the beginning of an idea that would become AW Health Care. In the early days, Irina, Julia and Susan met at the St. Louis Bread Company on South Grand. In that first year, in-home care services became a reality. By the end of 2002, they had 15 patients! Today AW serves over 1,000 patients throughout St. Louis Metro Area and St. Charles. Throughout these past 20 years of growth, there was much challenge. AW Health Care has a great foundation of passion for the patient, people, skills and expertise to stay ahead of these challenges. Although 20 years has passed, it seems that the journey has just begun. For more information, call 314-330-7992.
Rebecca Boerner, [email protected], AW Health Care, 314-726-5600,
www.awhealthcare.com
REDUCTION OF ENERGY BURDEN
EnergyCare
EnergyCare is helping low-income seniors in the city reduce their energy burden with free home energy audits (HES) and low-cost energy efficiency techniques. Eligible seniors will receive the following services: • conduct a U.S. Department of Energy certified HES home energy audit, • weatherize windows and doors with clear 4 mil vinyl sheeting • install compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, • install a low-flow showerhead, • install Energy Star qualified programmable thermostats, where a non-rated thermostat exists, caulk around doors and windows, • install weather stripping and window coverings.
Tim O'Dea, [email protected], EnergyCare, 314-773-5900, www.energycare.org
NURSING HOME ABUSE GUIDE
Everything. to know about nursing home abuse
www.levinperconti.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nursing-home-abuse.html
Holly Brooks, Outreach Director, Levin & Perconti, [email protected],
Levin & Perconti, 325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60654, www.levinperconti.com
POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATION IN GERONTOLOGY
St. Louis University
The School of Social Work at Saint Louis University offers a post-Bachelor certificate in Gerontology for 15 credit hours. Students pursuing the gerontology will learn to work as part of an interdisciplinary or care coordination team. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, these teams have been identified as important to improving health outcomes, preventing hospitalizations, reducing the cost of care for older adults. Older adults will comprise 27 percent of the U.S. population by 2050 and as the population of older adults increases, so does their projected rates of poverty, potential for being childless or single, and chronic illnesses. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Katie MacLean, MSW, LCSW, [email protected], Saint Louis University-School of Social Work, 314-977-2752, https://www.slu.edu/public-health-social-justice/education/graduate/gerontology-certificate.php#text
UNITED ACCESS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN RENTALS
Include Grandma or Grandpa in their grandchild’s wedding, school play, or recital—a wheelchair should not stop your family member from having fun. It’s so easy in a United Access wheelchair accessible minivan. It only takes a moment to make a memory that lasts a lifetime. Call Misty, our Mobility Specialist at 314-989-1010 for information and reservations.
Mike Flotken, [email protected], United Access Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals,
314-989-1010, www.unitedaccess.com