New Horizons April 2021

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Outlook Enrichment has adaptive technology Be aware of scams related training for persons who have vision problems to the coronavirus vaccine

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acular degeneration affected multiple members of Jane’s family, so she wasn’t surprised to receive her own diagnosis. Still, vision problems seemed far away for a woman who was just starting her adult life. After marrying and working several jobs, Jane started an antique business and built a very successful operation with her partner. In the 1990s, however, friends began reading Jane’s price tags for her because she couldn’t see them. Eventually, she couldn’t identify dishes and other items in her store. Jane’s vision loss forced her to give up the antique business. She adapted, however, learning how to do many tasks with very little sight. Initially, she couldn’t use a phone, check her finances, or browse the Internet because she had problems using technology. Jane began adaptive technology training with Outlook Enrichment in

2019. Her husband continued his support, driving her to the sessions, but his health declined, and she had to manage transportation and other daily affairs. Through her training at Outlook Enrichment, Jane learned how technology can help someone who can’t see well to live on their own. She calls family and orders groceries with her iPhone and uses Uber to get to doctor’s appointments. Jane found these valuable resources and solutions at Outlook Enrichment. Even as the pandemic began, Jane continued her training. The virtual training Outlook Enrichment offers helped her to keep learning. She recently started managing her finances with a bank’s app which increased her independence. Jane plans to continue learning and wants to use technology to start a digital antique business. Like Jane, you can achieve increased independence and accomplish any goal you set with the help of technology. Outlook Enrichment’s technology trainers can teach you how to use computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Whether you have some sight or no sight, Outlook Enrichment can help you overcome any technology obstacles you face. Call 531-365-5051 to get started. (Outlook Enrichment provided this information.)

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edicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you, so if anyone asks you to share your Medicare number or pay for access to the vaccine, you can bet it’s a scam. Here’s what you need to know: • You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine. • You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine. • Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee. Con artists may try to get your Medicare number or personal information so they can steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. Protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Guard your

Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Remember: • Medicare will never contact you for your Medicare number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance. • Medicare will never call you to sell anything. • You may get calls from people promising you things if you give them a Medicare number. Don’t do it. • Medicare will never visit you at your home. • Medicare can’t enroll you over the phone unless you called first. Check regularly for Medicare billing fraud. Review your Medicare claims and Medicare Summary Notices for any services billed to your Medicare Number you don’t recognize. Report anything suspicious to Medicare. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Omaha Fire Department

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he Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education and Affairs Department will install free smoke and/ or carbon monoxide detectors inside the residences of area homeowners. To have a free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to: Omaha Fire Department Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Requests 1516 Jackson St. Omaha, Neb. 68102 For more information, please call 402-444-3560.

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New Horizons

April 2021


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