VOLUNTEER FAIR

American Red Cross

June 21 - 5:00 p.m.

Join the American Red Cross for 20 minutes via Teams online or by phone for a 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 • The 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

Mike Flotken, [email protected], United Access Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals, 314-989-1010, www.unitedaccess.com

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATION IN GERONTOLOGY

St. Louis University

The School of Social Work at Saint Louis University offers a post-Bachelor's 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

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

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 & 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 & 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

UNITED ACCESS RENTS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VANS-50 RAMPS/50 DAYS

Visit our website, www.Unitedaccess.com for the complete story about how we can assist with a special needs family member. Please call our Mobility Specialist at 314-989-1010 for more information and reservations. United Access also sells and services new and used accessible vans, as well as an assortment of scooters. Call today.

We will build 50 ramps in 50 days. See if you or someone you know could benefit from a free Wheelchair Accessible Ramp. To celebrate BraunAbility’s 50th Anniversary, BraunAbility and United Access are partnering with Servants at Work, Inc. to build 50, custom built, ADA Compliant Wheelchair Accessible Ramps in 50 days. This ramp will be constructed at the home of the qualified applicant at no charge. You can help by referring friends, family members or neighbors who need a ramp like this to allow them greater access and a higher quality of life. If you or someone you know would benefit from the receipt of a ramp, complete the application form at: http://www.sawsramps.org/50-in-50campaign/

Contact Mike Flotken at 314-619-9446, for complete details.

Mike Flotken, [email protected], United Access Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals

314-989-1010, www.unitedaccess.com

NEW TOURING SPECIALIST / PROVIDER LIASON

CarePatrol

We are proud to announce that we have hired a new employee, Andrea Kincade. Andrea will be our Touring Specialist / Provider Liaison. She has been working as an Occupational Therapist in Georgia. She moved to the area last year and is looking forward to helping our clients. Some of you may have already spoken to Sue Menius, who we hired for special projects last year. She has agreed to stay on as an administrative assistant. Her primary assignment will be to contact communities to gather information and update our database with the latest contact information and pricing. Welcome Andrea and Sue.

Nancy McClure, [email protected], CarePatrol, 314-471-0042, www.carepatrol.com

HOSPICE PERCEPTIONS STUDY PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITY

Saint Louis University

This study seeks survey respondents to complete questions about their views and perceptions of hospice care. The purpose of this study is to develop a survey that can capture someone’s beliefs and perceptions of hospice care. Completion of the survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes. Participants will have the option to provide a valid email address for receipt of a $10 gift card following their participation in the survey. The survey can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/YCFJVG9G If you have questions or would like more information, you can contact Dr. Cara Wallace at 314-977-2846 or [email protected].

Cara Wallace, [email protected], Saint Louis University, 314-977-2846

A 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

WHEELCHAIR VAN RENTAL

Mobility For U

Mobility for U wheelchair accessible van rental company is now part of United Access. Mike Flotken, proprietor of Mobility for U, is now working with United Access as their General Manager of Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals. This exciting move provides Mobility for U customers a larger fleet of vehicles and expanded services. Please call 314-909-1010--ask for our Mobility Specialist, Misty, who will be happy to reserve a wheelchair accessible van for you or give you information about our services. Please mention this ad. By the way, United Access also sells and services new and used vans. CALL TODAY to reserve your van. United Access 314-909-1010 www.unitedaccess.com

Mike Flotken, [email protected], United Access Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals, 314-909-1010, www.unitedaccess.com

REDUCTION OF ENERGY BURDEN

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

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 & 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 

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW BUSINESS VENTURE

RMS Patient Advocacy and Consulting, LLC

Congratulations to Randy Sigel on starting a new business venture: RMS Patient Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. As a Board Certified Patient Advocate, Randy aims to help others know their rights and options afforded to them by healthcare providers. The RMS is a tribute to his late father, Robert Marshall Sigel. Randy provides initial consultations at no charge. Call or text 314-327-6060 for more information.

Randall Sigel, [email protected], RMS Patient Advocacy and Consulting, 314-327-6060, www.RMSpac.com

WELCOME FAMILIES

International Cultural Exchange Services

ICES is in search of families to welcome international students arriving for the opportunity to learn for one school semester or two.  If you are willing to welcome host a high school student for a few weeks until a more permanent placement can be arranged, 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. Louis 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