SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

St. Louis Press Club

St. Louis Press Club announced The Alice Handelman Scholarship Fund for Feature Writing. Press Club President Joan Berkman said the Fund was established to thank Handelman for her “remarkable contributions over the years to Press Club and the St. Louis journalism community.” Handelman is a past president of Press Club and a board member for decades.Michael and Carol Staenberg will donate $3,600 for five years- or $18,000 - to the new fund.

Joan Berkman, [email protected], St. Louis Press Club, 314-799-1204,

www.stlpressclub.org

 

REDUCTION OF ENERGY BURDEN

Energy Care
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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

DEMENTIA CAREGIVER ONLINE SURVEY ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

St. Louis University

This is an opportunity for family or professional caregivers to participate in a survey study. If participants agree to take part in the study (which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete), they will complete an online survey on background information and characteristics of their caregiving experience. Additional questions will address the caregiver’s mental health, medical issues, family relationships and attitudes around caregiving. A random drawing will be done for participants who complete the survey for a chance at winning one of two $25 Amazon gift cards. This study is completely voluntary, and participants can choose to withdraw participation at any time. If any participants want to take part in this study, please click on the link below to start the survey. If you or any participants have any questions, you can contact the PI (Max Zubatsky) and 314-977-2496 or [email protected]  Thank you. Survey: https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9

Max Zubatsky, [email protected], Saint Louis University, 314-977-2496,

https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9

 

TOOLS FOR SENIORS AT NO COST

Generations On Line

Generations on Line now offers no-cost tools for seniors to help develop technology skills. As the COVID pandemic has increased isolation and reliance on online communication, a national nonprofit devoted to digital literacy for seniors announces a series of easy, fast, and free tools to help more than a quarter of America’s 54 million older adults who struggle with the Internet. After training 116,000 seniors to overcome their fear of the Internet, Generations on Line (GoL) has created, tested and now launches the following remote-use COVID support tools:

2020 Census:www.EasyCensusHelp.org provides a safe preview and practice to give seniors the skills they will need to enter their information with confidence, said founder and CEO Tobey Dichter. The interactive website, developed with help from the regional Census office, includes quick training on filling in forms, previews of actual questions, and tips for Internet safety – all in a cheerful, age-respectful website, that adapts to smartphones, tablets, laptop and desktop computers.

Internet and More - “Easy Tablet Help for Seniors” is an app suited to Apple, Android or Amazon Fire devices to guide a novice through the basics with friendly, simple, large type, onscreen directions for using these portable devices, email and texting, searching, photos, apps, and online safety. GoL has just launched it for smartphones, as well as any tablet computer. “Many low and moderate income elders won’t have Wi-Fi and now can’t have anyone coming into their home to help them set it up, so we optimized our training and added information about data plans,” Ms. Dichter said.  There is also a web version for those less comfortable with or unable to download an app www.generationsonline.org/apps.

Family Help - www.generationsonline.org/family will help families and caregivers support their older friends and relatives, with simple instructions, in short forms for printing, for everything from what to consider in choosing a device to coaching them through using the self-paced training.

Video Chat - Generations on Line has also added ZOOM to its suite of video chat training, as that has become popular for family gatherings. GoL is developing additional tools to help seniors join the virtual world during, and likely after, the pandemic of 2020. All programs are free. The organization is supported solely by charitable contributions. Pew Research 2019, www.generationsonline.org,Tobey Dichter, [email protected], 215-922-3244 

 

CRAFT ALLIANCE PARTNERS WITH ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL

Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists

Now thru February 15

Craft Alliance, one of the premier craft organizations in the country, is proud to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to present Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists. The exhibition highlights the talented Craft Alliance faculty who inspire and elevate creativity in its studios. The exhibition runs mow thru February 15, 2021 in the Saint Louis Lambert International Airport Gallery East.

“Craft Alliance has a rich history of artists teaching in our studios,” says Stefanie Kirkland, Director of Galleries + Artists-in-Residence at Craft Alliance. “Our faculty is made up of exceptionally skilled practicing artists who teach classes for adults, as well as for children. Our teachers are hardworking artists and the driving force of leadership and passion that is present in our studio classrooms and in the community. We are excited to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to bring their inspiring work to a broader audience.”

Jessica Goodhart, [email protected]

 

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

 

VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Research Department at the St. Louis Veterans Administration

The St. Louis VA has received full approval to begin enrolling and treating patients in the study “Expanded Access to Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19”. Dr. Jay McDonald will be the St. Louis VA’s Principal Investigator for this study. This study will be using Plasma transfusions from recovered COVID-19 patients to current COVID-19 patients. This study is headquartered at the Mayo Clinic and provides our patients with access to convalescent plasma as a therapeutic for COVID-19. We are the first VA in the nation to bring this Plasma treatment to our Veterans. This cutting-edge research is going to help save the lives of many.

For specific information regarding the study please contact the

Principal Investigator, Dr. Jay McDonald, Phone: 314-652-4100, ext. 54862 or email: [email protected], or The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) of Research and Development at the St. Louis VA: Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly Phone: 314-814-3231 or email: [email protected].

Rebecca Kammer, [email protected]

 

MEDICAL MARAJUANA

MMJ Concierge

By the end of 2020, medical cannabis will be available to residents of the state of Missouri. Interested? What can medical marijuana do for my chronic pain? How do I get it? How do I get a license? Do I need a doctor referral? What are Missouri’s Qualifying Conditions? How much does it cost? Can I quit other pharmaceuticals? Do I smoke it? How do I know what to buy? As a previous investor in the industry, Ruthie Jayne, the MMJ Concierge, will lead seminars at your location with a lively power point or will provide private home visits, sharing with you the facts of MMJ. Ruthie Jayne-[LIFE] Moves with Care by Ruthie 314-277-7284 [email protected]  Find me on Google: https://www.mmjconcierge.net/ Facebook-stl mmj concierege

Ruthie Jayne, [email protected], MMJ Concierge, 314-277-7284,

www.mmjconcierge.net

 

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 & 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. That’s right! 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/

 

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.seniorcare-stlouis.com 

 

There are no news items for this category for this edition

 

VISIT-A-BIT PROGRAM

St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson Counties

Visit-A-Bit Program is a weekly volunteer program and offers visit tasks, by which volunteers can connect with homebound seniors in their communities - at home or living in facilities that is designed to directly address senior loneliness in St. Louis City and County, St. Charles and Jefferson Counties. We’re seeking volunteers that would like to be part of bringing happiness, joy, and purpose back to our aging community. Also, welcoming senior adults that would benefit from a weekly volunteer and offering weekly Tele-Bingo games. If you are interested and would like more information please contact Lisa, the Visit-A-Bit Coordinator at 314-918-7171 ext. 1255 or email [email protected].

Lisa, Visit-a-Bit, 314-918-7171, ext 1255

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HOST FAMILIES

International Cultural Exchange Services

ICES is in search of host families for international students hoping for the opportunity to learn for one school semester or two.  If you are willing to host a high school student for five months or ten months, please reach out.  This is a rewarding experience for all involved.  The student is given the opportunity to learn about the American culture and you have the opportunity to learn the culture of the student.  If you are interested or may know a family who is, please reach out today 314-412-7518.

ICES, 314-412-7518

 

DICHARGE FROM HOSPICE RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS

St. Louis University

Dr. Cara Wallace and a team of researchers at St. Louis University are looking for individuals to participate in a NIH funded research study titled “The Impact of Live Discharge from Hospice on Patients and Caregivers.” The purpose of this study is to gather information about what happens to patients and caregivers when the patient is no longer eligible for hospice and services are removed. Participation in this study will involve completing three surveys: with the first occurring in the first weeks following hospice discharge, and follow-up surveys occurring and 3- and 6-months post-discharge. Following the first call, participants will receive a $25 gift card and then they will receive a $50 gift card at the 3-month and 6-month time points. If you are interested in participating, please go to https://redcapsurvey.slu.edu/surveys/?s=REPMXH3LJP to fill out the short form and someone from our team will contact you.

Cara Wallace, [email protected], Saint Louis University, 314-977-2746,

https://gatewayeol.com/refer-your-patients-for-a-research-opportunity-the-impact-of-live-discharge-from-hospice-on-patients-caregivers

 

DONATE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

St. Luis HELP

Here's How to Donate Equipment to HELP Do you have home medical equipment that is not being used? Want to make a tax-deductible donation to improve the lives of needy people? That’s what the nonprofit St. Louis HELP organization does every day. To contribute new or used equipment please call us at 314-240-0796. We accept donations of manual wheelchairs, canes, crutches, walkers, shower chairs, tub transfer benches, shower stools, grab bars, elevated toilet seats, portable commodes, lift chairs, seating cushions, back supports, hospital beds, ramps, and stair lifts. St. Louis HELP accepts donations of nearly every type of home medical device except oxygen and medications.

Jeff Dunlap, [email protected], St. Louis HELP, 314-240-0796, https://www.stlhelp.org/

 

VOLUNTEERS FOR SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

County Older Resident Programs

Seeking volunteers to provide transportation to medical appointments and other essential appointments for older adults who live in St. Louis County. Give just a few hours, Monday – Friday, to a senior who lives near you. You will making a huge difference for the senior while contributing a worthwhile service for your community. Hours are flexible and mileage reimbursement is available. Call 314-615-4435 today to help someone in your community stay independent.

Robin B Gillespie, [email protected], County Older Resident Programs

 

TAX PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

County Older Resident Programs

Please contact Robin B Gillespie, [email protected], County Older Resident Programs.

Robin B. Gillespie, [email protected], County Older Resident Programs, 314-655-4435

 

GIFT OF A DAY VOLUNTEERS

Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care

Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care in St. Louis seeks volunteers to help support its signature Gift of a Day program. This Crossroads Hospice volunteer opportunity is based on the question: “If you had one perfect day, what would it look like?” The answer has led to a flight in a vintage Air Force biplane for a World War II Veteran or a Blues legend’s return trip to Beale Street in Memphis for a special performance. “We call our volunteers ‘Ultimate Givers’ because they selflessly give extra comfort and compassion to terminally-ill patients and their families,” says Volunteer Coordinator Taishai Starks. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Taishai Starks at 636-735-2000 or [email protected], or www.CrossroadsHospice.com/Volunteering. Before becoming a Crossroads Hospice “Ultimate Giver,” participants must complete an application, TB skin test, and training session led by members of the Crossroads team. Potential volunteers must wait a minimum of one year after the death of an immediate family member or loved one before applying. Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered.

Courtney Rice, [email protected], Crossroads Hospice, 215-545-4715,

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/

 

DISABLED CITIZENS AVAILABLE TO WORK

Worknet

4:30 to 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Volunteers needed to contact disabled citizens who might wish to work.

Larry Brown, [email protected], WORKNET, INC., 314-621-6300, www.worknetnow.com

 

SENIOR POISON CONTROL PROGRAM AUDIENCE

The Missouri Poison Center

The Missouri Poison Center would like your help in finding audiences for a new program targeted at seniors ages 65 years and older who are independent in taking their medications. We are looking to speak to groups up to about 15 adults in a conversational/interactive program to teach about avoiding medication mishaps. We will address such topics as: being an active assertive participant in your own health care, keeping an up-to-date medication list, and safe storage and administration of medications. This program will take approximately 60 minutes. If we can provide this program to your senior group or you have interest in medication safety please contact Amanda Ruback, at the Missouri Poison Center.

Amanda Ruback, [email protected], Missouri Poison Center,

314-612-5719, www.missouripoisoncenter.org

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Aging Ahead Star Program

The Aging Ahead STAR Program utilizes volunteers to take eligible riders to many of their medical appointments. Rides are available to appointments in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, but eligible riders must reside within St. Charles County. All rides are based on the availability of a volunteer and due to scheduling and demand, we do ask for two-week notice, if at all possible. Volunteers are offered mileage reimbursed to cover gas and wear & tear on their vehicle, but they are volunteering their time. This is a flexible volunteer opportunity, perfect for those who are retired or someone with non-traditional work hours. To reach the STAR Coordinator to learn more about becoming a volunteer with STAR, please call 636-978-3306.

Stephanie Patrick, [email protected], Aging Ahead,636-207-0847, www.agingahead.org

 

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS

Preferred Hospice

Are you looking for an opportunity to help in your community? Preferred Hospice is seeking caring individuals to provide friendly visits and companionship to hospice patients. Training is provided. Please contact Terri or Tracy at 636-527-9330 or www.[email protected].

Terri Bapst, www.[email protected], Preferred Hospice of MO NE,

636-527-9330

 

SENIOR COMPANION VOLUNTEERS

LifeWise STL

The Senior Companion Program is seeking new volunteers. Volunteers receive hourly tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, annual recognition party and gift, and the opportunity to make a difference. Call Today, 314-627-1243, Samantha Knight.

Samantha Knight, [email protected], LifeWise StL (formerly Kingdom House), 314-627-1243, www.lifewisestl.org