Georgia
Generations Winter 2003
TM
THE SEARCH FOR
Affordable
PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS How GeorgiaCares Can Help You
Also in This Issue: Governor Barnes Signs Caregivers Month Proclamation Observing Community Care Services First Hand A Look at AAAs Around Georgia Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources 1
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adults aged 60 and over in every community. To read more about each of Georgia’s AAAs and the services available, turn to a statewide map and news from each agency, beginning on page 9.
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Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state. They are:
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4 7 6
9 12
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1 Northwest Georgia 2 Legacy Link 3 Atlanta Regional Commission 4 Southern Crescent 5 Northeast Georgia 6 West Central Georgia 7 Middle Georgia 8 Central Savannah River 9 Heart of Georgia Altamaha 10 Southwest Georgia 11 Southeast Georgia 12 Coastal Georgia
Georgia
Generations WINTER 2003 Published quarterly
through a cooperative effort of Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. For information contact: Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Services Division 40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-463-3239 jkauffman@atlantaregional.com
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Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA
On the Cover: Affordable prescription drugs have been out of reach for thousands of Georgia seniors who lack the necessary insurance coverage. Now a new state program called GeorgiaCares will work with seniors to identify programs for which they are eligible.
Winter 2003, Volume 2, #2 © 2002 by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the Atlanta Regional Commission and JAM Communications make no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. All rights reserved.
Georgia Generations
CAREGIVING NEWS&NOTES Gov. Barnes Signs Caregivers Proclamation Gov. Roy Barnes met recently with leaders from caregiving organizations around Georgia to proclaim November as the state’s first Caregivers Month. In signing the official proclamation, Barnes underscored the importance of caregivers to the well-being of Georgia’s older adults and disabled citizens. The proclamation recognizes the challenges caregivers face in providing quality service and care. It urges Georgians to "recognize and appreciate the many sacrifices of our caregivers and support programs designed to aid these caregivers in their tasks."
Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.aahsa.org, the site of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, offers in-depth information on nonprofit nursing homes, assisted living residences, senior housing and community service organizations. Included are tips on choosing facilities and information on types of care. www.alz.org provides resources for families and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. A database of local chapters is included. www.caps4caregivers.org spotlights information from Children of Aging Parents (CAPS), an organization helping families understand the needs and concerns of both the parents and the adult child. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.
Gov. Roy Barnes and David Haigler, Deputy Director, Rosalynn Carter Institute, are joined by attendees at the proclamation ceremony announcing Georgia Caregivers Month.
Reasons to Roll Up Your Sleeve As adults get older, they become more susceptible to flu and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs). Flu shots have become an annual ritual for many seniors — and wisely so. But did you know that a vaccine shot is available to help fight pneumonia? Pneumonia has become more and more resistant to antibiotics. So it’s particularly important for adults 65 and older to get the pneumococcal vaccine. One shot may be all you’ll ever need. Top candidates for the shot include anyone with long-term health problems such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver. Check with your doctor to make sure this particular vaccine is right for you.
Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Report suspected fraud and waste. Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation. Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763 Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387
Winter 2003
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T H E
S E A R C H
F O R
Affordable
PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS W
illie May Pounds is 72, and like many seniors her age, she has a grocery list of ailments — high By Martha Nolan McKenzie blood pressure, arthritis, allergies and a chronic stomach/ esophageal disorder. Also like many people her age, she lacks any insurance coverage for prescription drugs. So the $300 monthly cost of her medications comes out of her pocket, eating up her entire Social Security check. She has some help. Her husband, who is blind but has no other chronic conditions requiring medications, receives $700 a month from Social Security. And her doctor sometimes gives her free samples. Even so, the Franklin, GA, woman can’t afford to take all her medications. She cuts her allergy pills in half and even then only takes them when her allergies are at their worst. For her chronic arthritis she relies on Tylenol and hot baths. “I just can’t afford to get medicine for it,” said Pounds. “You just have to do the best you can when you haven’t got the money.” Pounds is in good company. Prices of the 50 most prescribed drugs for seniors rocketed three times the rate of inflation last year, according to a report by Families USA. Yet nearly 40 percent of all seniors lack any kind of drug coverage — and those who have it often find the coverage inadequate. That’s because Medicare, which provides health benefits for 40 million older Americans and 900,000 Georgians, does not cover prescription costs except for a handful of anti-cancer drugs. So seniors are forced to absorb the stunning rise in drug costs themselves. “I talk to seniors all the time who are choosing between food and medication, or they let their light bill go to get the meds,” said Melissa Powers, Atlanta’s AAA coordinator for a new state program called GeorgiaCares. “I’ve seen people who are depleting all their savings or running up high credit card bills to buy medications. Others just don’t take their prescriptions, or they cut the pills in half or skip days.” The good news is that help is available. Pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs for seniors struggling to afford their medications. The bad news is that seniors, many of whom take 10 or more drugs regularly, must find the appropriate program for each medication and wade through the paper-intensive approval
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Georgia Generations
GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387 Winter 2002
process for each one. That’s where GeorgiaCares comes in. Operated by the state Division of Aging Services, GeorgiaCares is a statewide coalition to help seniors enroll in all applicable low-cost and nocost prescription drug programs. GeorgiaCares does not dispense drugs or give any money toward their purchase. But it does work with seniors individually to identify all the assistance programs for which they are eligible and help them sign up for each one. “It is important that we help our seniors take advantage of programs that will keep them healthy and productive and reduce their health care expenses,” said Gov. Roy E. Barnes in a statement to Georgia Generations. “Seniors should not have to make choices as a result of rising drug costs that would put their health in jeopardy,” he said. But that’s exactly what many seniors have been doing. Consider Jack Dyal. The 63-year-old Waycross man is on 10 or 11 prescription medications for a myriad of chronic illnesses, including heart disease (he has had 5 heart attacks), lung disease and varicose veins in his legs. To fill all his prescriptions would cost $620 a month, outstripping his income by $38. So he let his gas bill go until the gas was cut off. Now he’s behind on the light and telephone bills as well. And still, he can’t afford to fill all his prescriptions every month. “I’ll skip doses and then get to where I can hardly breathe, so then I’ll take the lung pill and skip the heart one,” said Dyal. “No way I could afford to take all of them.” Dyal and other seniors like him face these tough choices because their options for drug coverage are limited. These options include: ■ MEDICAID The health program for low-income Americans covers drug costs, but seniors’ income must fall at or below the federal poverty level to qualify. Many seniors make too much each month to sign up with Medicaid but too little to pay for their medication.
■ VA BENEFITS The Department of Veterans Affairs offers low-cost drug coverage to qualified veterans. ■ MEDIGAP Medicare beneficiaries can purchase a Medigap policy for supplemental coverage, and three of 10 available policies include some drug coverage. Often, however, the cost is greater than the benefit. “The premiums on those policies are high, the deductibles are high and they only pay half the cost of the medication,” said Carol Lockett, GeorgiaCares coordinator with the Northwest Georgia/Coosa Valley Area Agency on Aging. “So unless your drug bills are quite high, it’s probably not worth it.” As a result, fewer than 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have Medigap policies that cover drug costs. ■ MEDICARE HMOS A handful of Medicare HMOs operate in Georgia, but they cover only $500 a year in prescription costs. “Once you cap out, it’s like you don’t have any coverage at all and everything is out-of-pocket,” said Joy Lankford, coordinator of the Aging Connection, an information and referral assistance program with the Atlanta Regional Commission. “And a lot of people might cap out within the first two or three months of the year.” The limitation of these options and the growing burden of prescription costs on seniors have led to a cry for drug coverage under Medicare. Momentum was building earlier this year, but four separate proposals to provide such coverage were rejected in the Senate, killing the issue for this legislative session. Supporters of the proposal promise to take up the cause again next year. In the meantime, many states are acting on their own. At least 34 states have established some type of program to provide pharmaceutical coverage or assistance to low income elderly who do not qualify for Medicaid, according to National Conference of State Legislators. Many provide a direct subsidy using state funds. Others have joined in a drug purchasing coalition to control costs.
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Affordable Drugs: Where to Find Help Program
Eligibility
Discounts
Location Rx Filled
Comments
No-Cost Prescription Drug Programs Medicaid Call your county Department of Family & Children Services
Low income aged, blind and/or disabled with few resources; hospice candidates; nursing home eligible.
Full Rx coverage, may be low co-pay, limited number of prescriptions allowed.
Medicaid participating pharmacy.
Operates by county of residence.
PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association) See your doctor.
Eligibility varies by company. Most are for low income with no other insurance to cover Rx. For any age person.
Free or heavily discounted for limited period (usually 90 days). Most may be renewed.
Must be ordered by physician and is sent to physician to dispense to patient.
To find out if drug is covered, go online to www.rxassist.org or call your local GeorgiaCares office.
VA Health Benefits Service Center 1-877-222-8387
Honorably discharged veterans. Must enroll with VA and be seen by a VA doctor.
Free Rx for low income veterans; $2 per Rx co-pay for other veterans.
VA hospitals and pharmacies.
Low-Cost Prescription Drug Programs Pfizer Share Card 1-800-717-6005
Medicare beneficiary. Income: $18,000 individual, $24,000 couple. No Rx coverage.
$15 co-pay for 30-day supply of their listed drugs.
Participating pharmacy.
No fee to enroll. Their drugs only.
LillyAnswers — Eli Lilly Co. 1-877-795-4559
Medicare beneficiary. Income: $18,000 individual, $24,000 couple. No Rx coverage.
$12 co-pay for 30-day supply of their listed drugs.
Participating pharmacy.
No fee to enroll. Their drugs only.
Novartis Care Plan 1-866-974-2273 (See also Together Rx)
Medicare beneficiary. Income: $18,000 individual, $24,000 couple for low co-pay; $28,000 individual/$34,000 couple for discounts. No Rx coverage.
$12 co-pay for 30-day supply. Discounts: 25–40% off.
Participating pharmacy.
No fee to enroll. Novartis is also a founding member of Together Rx. Covers specific list of their drugs only.
TRICARE 1-800-444-5445
Military retirees with at least 20 years of service. Must be registered with DEERS.
Low co-pay prescriptions.
National mail order pharmacy; also TriCare network and nonnetwork pharmacies.
No fee to enroll.
Prescription Discount Cards Together Rx Medicare beneficiary. Income: 1-800-865-7211 $28,000 individual, $38,000 couple. Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Aventis No Rx drug coverage. Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceutica Products L.P., Novartis, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc.
Drugs covered are by these companies. Request list of included medications. Discount varies by drug.
Participating pharmacy.
No cost to enroll.
GSK Orange Card (GlaxoSmithKline) 1-888-672-6436 (also member Together Rx)
Medicare beneficiary. Income: $26,000 individual, $35,000 couple. No Rx coverage.
Designed for average savings of 30% off regular price of drugs.
Participating pharmacy.
No cost to enroll.
AARP Member Choice Program 1-800-439-4457 or www.aarppharmacy.com
AARP membership. Can have Rx coverage.
Percentage varies by Rx.
Mail order. Shipping charges additional.
$15 per person annual fee in addition to $10 AARP membership dues.
Costco 1-800-955-2292 or www.costco.com
Costco membership. Can have Rx coverage.
Percentage varies by Rx.
Local Costco store or online.
Basic membership: $45 family; Executive plan: $100 family.
MatureRx 1-800-511-1314 or www.maturerx.com
Uninsured or underinsured for Rx. No age or income limit.
Percentage varies by Rx.
Participating pharmacy.
No cost to enroll.
Merck Medco 1-877-733-6765 or www.yourxplan.com
No age or income requirements. Can have Rx coverage.
Percentage varies by Rx.
Participating pharmacy or mail order.
Annual fee $25 individual; $40 family.
Prescription Benefits Inc. 1-800-377-1614 or www.rxbenefits.com
Anyone. Age 65 + no fee. All dependent household members covered. Can have Rx coverage.
Percentage varies by Rx.
Participating pharmacy.
Under age 65 may enroll for annual fee — $48 individual, $60 family.
Other possible sources: NORD (National Association for Rare Disorders) 1-800-999-6673; specific disease organizations; local pharmacy discounts; mail order and Internet providers.
At present, Georgia is not one of those states. AARP of Georgia and the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (Co-Age) plan to make prescription assistance a priority in the next legislative session. “We are going to push for a program to assist low to moderate income seniors in Georgia,” said Kathy Floyd, advocacy director for AARP of Georgia. “It’s clearly needed. You can have a decent income, but if your drug bills are $700 a month, you may not have a lot left over.” Instead of allocating state funds, Georgia’s solution — through GeorgiaCares — has centered on helping seniors access the assistance that is offered by the pharmaceutical companies. Although GeorgiaCares is a new program (it will be rolling out in different areas of the state through March 2003), the state for nearly a decade has been helping seniors with prescription assistance. “Last year, seniors saved over $10 million in prescription and insurance costs,” said Jennie Deese, director of GeorgiaCares. “We are hoping to greatly increase that figure when this new program rolls out.” GeorgiaCares counselors will help seniors apply for any of the three main types of assistance offered by pharmaceutical companies — no-cost, low-cost and discount programs. You can contact a counselor for more details by calling your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Toll-free phone numbers are listed by AAA, starting on page 9. ■ NO-COST A number of pharmaceutical companies offer no-cost prescription drug programs, most often called patient assistance drug programs. Each company establishes its own eligibility requirements (income cutoffs are fairly low) and product availability. The drugs are generally provided at no charge, but they’re also not easy to get. A 90-day supply is typically given. The patient must go through the entire application process again every 90 days to keep getting the drug. And he can’t do it himself. His doctor must apply for the services, receive the drug and dispense them. Some doctors are reluctant to take on the time-consuming tasks required. Winter 2003
Pounds, the Franklin woman described earlier in this story, received one of her blood pressure medicines through a patient assistance program — briefly. “I hated to ask the nurse every time I needed to refill the prescription,” said Pounds. “Now she says they just can’t do it anymore. It would be nice if you could order it yourself.”
GeorgiaCares helps seniors access the assistance that is offered by the pharmaceutical companies.
■ LOW-COST For seniors whose income knocks them out of the running for no cost programs, new low-cost options are a good alternative. Pfizer launched the first such program in January. With the Pfizer Share Card, seniors pay only a $15 co-pay for a 30-day supply of a Pfizer drug. Pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novartis followed with their own discount cards. To qualify, you must be a Medicare beneficiary, have no prescription coverage and have an annual income of $18,000 or less for an individual or $24,000 for a couple. Individuals can apply for and receive the prescriptions directly without going through a physician’s office.
Though less than a year old, the low-cost cards have proven very popular. To date, Pfizer Share Card boasts 230,000 enrollees and over 500,000 prescriptions have been filled. “An estimated 7 million Medicare-enrolled low income seniors are suffering from chronic illnesses without adequate access to the medicines they need,” said Francisco Gebauer, spokesman for Pfizer. “This program was started to give them that access.” ■ DISCOUNT CARDS Other pharmaceutical companies offer discount cards, some for free and some for a fee. Most of the free cards promise discounts of 10 percent to 40 percent and prescriptions are filled at local pharmacies. These cards include TogetherRx (which covers drugs from several different manufacturers), the Glaxo Welcome Orange Card, MatureRx and Preferred Rx of Ohio. The discount cards for a fee generally cost $25 to $50 per year and some require membership in an organization. They usually cover many brands of drugs and are widely accepted at local pharmacies. Examples include the AARP Member Rx Choice and the Merck Medco card. These no-cost, low-cost and discount programs offer seniors a lifeline for needed medications. They have helped Emma Pendergrass tremendously. The 70-year-old Newnan woman takes three medications for high blood pressure and one for multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. Her drug bills were over $100 each month, eating into her $835 monthly Social Security check and forcing her to cut back on groceries. Then about a year ago, Mona Browning, program specialist at the Southern Crescent AAA in Franklin, helped Pendergrass enroll in several no-cost drug programs. “It has been fantastic,” said Pendergrass. “I didn’t know there were programs where you could get medicines for free. I’ve been telling everyone I know about it.” And that’s fine with the folks at GeorgiaCares. “Our goal is to educate and enroll every single eligible senior in the state,” said Deese. “It will save Georgia residents thousands of dollars and really impact people’s lives.” GG
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GUEST CLOSE-UP
Observing
Community Care Services First-Hand By Jim Martin, Commissioner Georgia Department of Human Resources
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Jim Martin
n September 4, 2002, I had the privilege of accompanying Diane Christmas as she performed some of her tasks as a care coordinator for the Community Care Services Program (CCSP). The program is administered in Early County by the Southwest Georgia (SOWEGA) Council on Aging through contract with the Division of Aging Services of the Department of Human Resources. This experience gave me a better understanding of CCSP and the impact the program has on people who receive community care services. Beth Ingram, also of the SOWEGA COA, accompanied Diane and me. The CCSP provides respite, homemaker assistance, congregate meals, home delivered meals and alternative living services, just to name a few, to people who are eligible for Medicaid assistance for nursing home care. Without the services, these people would be admitted to a nursing home. In the state’s fiscal year 2002, 16,700 Georgians received these services. It is estimated that 16,000 individuals will receive them in the current state fiscal year. We visited a personal care home to do an annual assessment of two program participants. The annual assessment was conducted in an informal manner so that the participants were relaxed as they provided the information. In addition, the administrator of the
personal care home was present to provide documents used to answer questions. The participants knew and trusted Diane. Her caring manner and knowledge of program resources and requirements made the annual assessment pleasant and productive. We then visited the new Early County Senior Center. We were not able to make the congregate meal, but talked with the center director, Marjorie Chambliss, and with senior citizens — one engaged in quilt making and others playing a table game. The facility was attractive and inviting and the older adults that I met were active and happy. Finally, we visited a recipient of CCSP services who was living at home with her daughter. She was not well and I observed that the daughter was exhausted. Diane handled the situation well by offering additional respite assistance to the daughter and explaining the resources available to her and her mother and noting the need in her notes. After working with Diane, I understand better the benefits that the Community Care Services Program provides to Georgians in need of these services. All of the participants I saw needed assistance, but none of them wanted to be in a nursing home. In the past, a nursing home placement would have been the only resource available to address their needs. Now with CCSP, seniors are experiencing a much better quality of life. GG
The facility was inviting and the older adults that I met were active and happy.
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Georgia Generations
A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia In communities across the country, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent. On the following pages are the programs and services offered by Georgia’s AAAs. Our special “Spotlight” highlights a different AAA in each issue of
Northwest Georgia Covers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville
Low-income Medicare recipients get help
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ecently a boost was given to Medicare beneficiaries when information about the QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) program was mailed. The letter, sent to all Medicare recipients from Social Security and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), explained that, if their income is less than $1,000 for an individual or $1,300 for a couple and their financial resources are less than $4,000 for a single, or $6,000 for a couple, they may qualify for assistance with their medical insurance expenses. For callers who meet the income eligibility requirements, an application may be requested from the GeorgiaCares office. If they qualify, the program will pay their Winter 2003
Lula Goudlock, shown at the Gordon County Senior Center, is one of many clients benefitting from the QMB program. Medicare Part B premium of $54 per month. Many callers who qualify for this
service express other needs, which we are able to address through various programs of the Area Agency on Aging — accessing prescription drug programs, in-home services for frail elderly or disabled, respite care for caregivers and referrals to other resources. If you believe you meet the income qualifications for this program, you may apply at any time, whether or not you have received the letter from Social Security and CMS. Call 1-800-759-2963. For information, contact AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 301621793; 706-295-6485 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963. NORTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, Whitfield
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Legacy Link Covers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee
Preparation will help in caregiving
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amilies are the ultimate caregivers for aging or disabled parents. As parents grow older we want their quality of life to remain at a high level, but suddenly something happens — a stroke, a bad fall — and circumstances change. We have a crisis that demands immediate attention. We cope as best we can, but soon it is apparent some arrangements for long term care will be needed. Now what? Being prepared is the key to avoiding much confusion for caregivers. Whether preparing ahead or facing an immediate crisis, a telephone call to Legacy’s Information & Assistance staff will bring
information on an array of services. We also have a caregiver specialist, Pat Fry, who consults with families. Ask her about the “Gathering Place” at Chicopee Wellness Center where caregivers have regular discussions. The SOURCE and Community Care Services Programs are two meaningful
Case managers arrange for services in the home. programs where family caregivers will find positive assistance. These programs serve low income, frail persons. Legacy nurses and case managers perform assessments and arrange for services in the home. The family caregivers benefit practically and emotionally and avoid premature placement
of their loved ones into a nursing home. The Legacy Express Program offers vouchers to families in some counties, and decisions are made by families about the services that would be most helpful. While it is desirable to anticipate what care your parents or grandparents may need for long-term care, emergencies are not predictable. In any case, you can rely on Legacy Link to be a major source for information, aid and comfort to you. We invite you to call us! For further information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 30503-2534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK. LEGACY LINK ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
Southern Crescent Covers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton
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the mobile components. The Butts program shares staff with the Spalding program and meets two days a week, alternating days to allow Butts, Spalding, and Lamar county participants access to a five-day program. The Upson County
mobile programs in Butts and Upson counties were added. The mobile day care program is housed in senior centers, with staff and supplies being
mobile day care meets three days a week and has expanded its hours from five to eight per day in fiscal year 2002.
Alzheimer’s adult day care serves the region
eflections Geriatric Services, a service of McIntosh Trail MH/MR/SA Community Service Board, provides Alzheimer’s adult day care services to five counties in the Southern Crescent area. The Spalding County program, started in 1995, operates for five hours a Perry Sandifer, director of the day program, plays the guitar for day, three days a adult day care participants. week. In 1998, the
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Alzheimer’s day care services are staffed with an activity therapist, RN director, program therapist, two technicians, an administrator and regular assistance from volunteers. During FY2002, the mobile day care program was featured in a presentation made at the National Caregiver Conference as well as at a reception held for Federal Administration on Aging personnel visiting the State Division of Aging. For more information, contact Reflections staff at 770-229-3030. For further information, contact Southern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026, or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. SOUTHERN CRESCENT ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson
Georgia Generations
Atlanta Regional Commission Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta
Aging Atlanta: Improving the lives of older adults
T
he Atlanta region, along with the rest of the nation, is aging. This demographic shift — the aging of the population — has been identified and discussed, but for the most part, the public dialogue has hovered at a national level. Social Security and Medicare reform have topped agendas in Washington. Most recently, the retirement of the baby boom generation has made headlines, and the stability of pension funds has become the subject of news investigations. Concerned about the change in the population and the inadequacies of the current long-term care system, the Atlanta Regional Commission and 26 other nonprofit, private and public organizations, formed Aging Atlanta. The long-term goal of Aging Atlanta is to create an age-friendly community of informed consumers and decision makers, that strives to keep older adults in their own homes and communities with maximum dignity and independence for as long as possible. Aging Atlanta recently received an 18-month development grant
from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Partnerships for Older Adults. With the support of the founda-
To improve the health system, Aging Atlanta will: ■ Address the critical gaps in the long-term care system through a pilot partnership in South Fulton County. The partnership will develop a client tracking system between organizations to streamline and coordinate services.
Kathryn Lawler, Project Director for Aging Atlanta.
tion, Aging Atlanta will work to enhance the public awareness of the impact of an aging population and to improve the longterm care delivery system in anticipation of increasing and changing demands.
Atlanta Regional Commission
404-463-3333 If you need caregiving information, contact: Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Services; 770-345-5312 Clayton County Clayton County Aging Program; 770-603-4050 Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, 770-528-5364 DeKalb County Senior Connections, 770-455-7602 Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100
Winter 2003
To impact the community, Aging Atlanta will: ■ Analyze the impact of the aging population on the many facets of community life in the Atlanta region and gather local concerns about the current long term-care system and the future demand for services. ■ Educate the Atlanta region on the impact of an aging population through a region-wide outreach campaign.
Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, 770-461-0813 Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program, 404-730-6000 Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior Services, 770-822-8850 Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-898-7670 Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Services, 770-922-4633
To empower the individual, Aging Atlanta will: ■ Increase access to information and long-term care options by enhancing Connect, the database of comprehensive aging and long-term care services. Older adults today struggle with the inadequacies of the long-term care system and the difficulty of aging in an environment not designed to meet their basic needs. Aging Atlanta will work to improve the current system of care and educate all residents in the Atlanta region, so that working as a community, we can improve the lives of older adults today and in the future. For more information about Aging Atlanta, visit www.atlantaregional.com/ agingatlanta, or contact Kathryn Lawler, project director for Aging Atlanta at 404-463-3224 or klawler@atlantaregional.com For more information about the Community Partnerships for Older Adults, visit www.partnershipsforolderadults.org
ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Fulton, Henry, Rockdale
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Northeast Georgia Covers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison
Outstanding senior volunteer
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ichard Andersen, of Oglethorpe County, was chosen as one of only 15 persons in the nation to receive an “Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award.” Andersen was nominated for his diligent work with HICARE and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Northeast Georgia Planning and Service Area for the past four years. Andersen serves as a member of the joint advisory council for the two Senior Medicare Patrol projects in Georgia. He makes numerous presentations throughout the state as well as in the 12-county Northeast Georgia area where he is an “official” volunteer. His involvement as an advocate against error, fraud and abuse also extends to his role as
Richard Andersen, "Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award" winner, and Peggy Jenkins, Northeast Georgia AAA director. an educator for the Georgia State AARP. Most recently, he assisted the Northeast Georgia AAA, serving as the sole support for the HICARE and Senior Medicare Patrol on a daily basis for a four-month
period. He has been a stable presence working to make sure the callers’ needs are met. His willingness in response to requests for assistance in understanding a complicated and often frustrating health care system is unparalleled. We are grateful to have such a great volunteer in Northeast Georgia. For information, contact Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30610-2795; 706-583-2547 or toll-free 1-800-474-7540.
NORTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton
West Central Georgia Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert aster through the use of new emergency procedures established by the West Central Georgia Area Agency on Aging. With the possibility of terrorism threats being added to threats from weather and lder adults in west central Georgia other emergencies, WCG-AAA is working can now be assisted more quickly to increase the likelihood that area seniors and effectively during an emergency or diswill receive the help they need when an emergency strikes. AAA staff is working with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, county emergency management directors and others on coordinating emergency planning and response and Mickey Holloway, West Central Georgia AAA; Vickie Thompson, on training aging program GEMA; Sheriff Robert Ingle, Sumter County; and Kenny Calhoun, staff to implement the Dooly County Emergency Director, plan emergency procedures for seniors. AAA’s emergency proce-
Help for seniors during an emergency
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dures, which are designed to help locate and swiftly get assistance to seniors during an emergency or disaster. The procedures are contained in the AAA’s Emergency/Disaster Response Guide, which contains phone numbers of key emergency contacts and communicating/assistance procedures to be activated in an emergency. Staff members have immediate access to the guide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For further information, contact West Central Georgia AAA, P.O. Box 1908, Columbus, GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or toll-free 1-800-615-4379. WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster
Georgia Generations
Middle Georgia Covers an 11-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville
‘Brown Bagging’ in Middle Georgia
S
eniors in the Middle Georgia area are “Brown Bagging.” As part of the wellness program, seniors are having their medications screened. Clients are asked to bring in all of the medications that they are taking in a brown bag. Each client has a one-on-one review of their medications with Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging’s wellness coordinator, Brenda Kirkland, RN. Medicines are screened for duplications, counter-indications, side effects, and expiration dates. Each client receives a notebook listing personal information, allergies and medications. The clients can then use the notebooks when visiting the doctor and pharmacist for reviews and updates.
Brenda Kirkland, wellness coordinator, lists medications for Ethel Simmons. Since June, a total of 24 Brown Bag screenings have been completed. Prescription duplication was identified and addressed with several clients when it was
discovered they were taking their prescriptions improperly. Another aspect of the wellness program focus on medications management was the completion of a “Vial of Life.” Each participating client received a plastic vial that contains a personal list of medications. These vials can be placed at home or in a car for emergency situations. Over 200 of these vials have been distributed. For more information on medications management, call (478) 751-6577. For further information, contact Middle Georgia RDC, 175-C Emery Highway, Macon, GA 31217; 478-751-6466 or toll-free 1-888-548-1456. MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, Wilkinson
Central Savannah River Covers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Thomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville
Home-grown senior fitness programs
“I
would be in that wheelchair today if I had not been introduced to you.” Praise like this is fitness music to the ears for Regina Orlosky, director of the area’s award-winning CSRA wellness program. The initiative — developed by the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA, Georgia, Inc. — is spreading CSRA’s fitness classes appeal to exercisers with a range rapidly throughout east central of physical capabilities. Georgia’s 14-county area as Orlosky trains grassroots groups to start home-grown senior fitness effective program management. Orlosky programs for local residents. guides grassroots organizers and volunteer Training features intensive hands-on instructors throughout their senior instruction in proper exercise techniques wellness journey by making periodic site and safety plus support materials on visits, providing refresher training and
Winter 2003
offering advice as needed. This year, the CSRA wellness program was identified as one of the seven most exemplary healthyaging programs in America by the National Council on Aging, the National Institute of Senior Centers and the MetLife Foundation. To launch or learn about senior wellness activities in your community, call Regina Orlosky at 706-826-4480, ext. 360, or write reginaorlosky@yahoo.com. For further information, contact Central Savannah River AAA, 3023 River Watch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464. CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes
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Heart of Georgia Altamaha Covers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro
Voucher program huge success for caregiver
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elow is an excerpt from an actual letter received from a caregiver. Dear staff, Hope you have a bulletin board for this note to be displayed upon, because I want to shout a BIG THANK YOU! This voucher program is a tremendous help to people like my mom and to myself as her sole caregiver. All of you who implement this program and give such effort to it are to be commended. It is vitally important that this program continue. I will make it my personal business to write senators and representatives, and even the President if it will help. What does it accomplish? The house is
clean, even under long neglected tables where things tend to collect and never are moved. There was TREMENDOUS pressure on me as sole caregiver to mom, as
I’m actually planning a real vacation. well as to my 91-year old step-grandma. I was burned out and used up, the house was a wreck and so was I. Now, if I need to “get away” I have a reliable woman to give respite care to mom. My health and disposition have returned to normal. My last two “vacations” were to my endocrinologist and to see to Grandma Ruby’s needs. Now, I’m actually planning a real vacation in October where I can go see cherished family and relax.
None of what I’ve written would be possible without this voucher program. Things have doubled and tripled in price in the last few years, and what was barely adequate then is never enough now. Thank you all. P. S. THE YARD is coming around also. Glory! For further information, contact Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC; P.O. Drawer 1260, Baxley, GA 31515; 912-367-3648 or toll-free 1-888-367-9913.
HEART OF GEORGIA ALTAMAHA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox
Southwest Georgia Covers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville
From left to right: activities director Judy Heine, Mazola Wilson, Johnnie Ruth Collins, Hazel Higgs, Mary Seay and Marie Stitch.
sing-a-longs, art classes and outdoor activities in a safe, structured and nurturing environment. In addition to the day care program, ACTO offers in-home respite for caregivers whose loved one is not able to attend the center. Monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings offer educational and social opportunities for caregivers. Everyone agrees — ACTO is a very special place to be! For further information, contact Southwest Georgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612.
teers who assist with the daily activities of ACTO come from a variety of churches. Those volunteers, partnered with a nurse and professional activity staff, provide challenging activities such as current events,
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth, Mitchell
A very special place to be
T
here is an unobtrusive building in downtown Albany that is home to an outstanding program that serves individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias and their families. Known as ACTO (Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time Out), the program offers a day program to 20 care recipients while giving their caregivers a five-hour respite one or more days a week. Started in 1985 by a coalition of six downtown churches, the Albany Outreach Center began its community outreach. It gave birth to ACTO in 1987 with funding obtained by a grant from the State of Georgia. ACTO is primarily funded by the SOWEGA Council on Aging, and First United Methodist Church donates the use of the building. The very important volun-
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Georgia Generations
Southeast Georgia Covers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston
Southeast AAA hosts disaster planning, preparedness training
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he Southeast Georgia RDC’s Area Agency on Aging (SEGa AAA) is ever striving to educate its aging network of site managers, service providers and staff members on matters affecting the region’s senior citizens. In keeping with this, the SEGa AAA hosted a disaster planning/ preparedness seminar presented by the Southeast Georgia Red Cross Chapter in July at the RDC’s new facility in Waycross. Twenty-six people attended the informative seminar including site managers, county staff, service providers and RDC staff. The guest speaker was Marshall Rainge, representing the Southeast Georgia Red Cross Chapter. He discussed
Marshall Rainge, representing Southeast GA Red Cross. disaster preparedness and hazard analysis for the Southeast Georgia area. Rainge encouraged the site managers and service providers to assemble disaster supply kits and to draft their own disaster plans. The participants viewed a 90-minute Red Cross video course entitled “Introduc-
tion to Disaster.” The course introduced the participants to disasters, the community response and the role of Red Cross Disaster Services. In addition, they were given a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of disasters on people and their communities. A disaster response plan for the entire SEGa AAA region has been updated and distributed to all senior center site managers. For further information, contact Southeast Georgia RDC, 1725 South Georgia Parkway West, Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464. SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware
Coastal Georgia Covers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah
Coastal provides ‘non-traditional services’ for caregivers
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he Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP) assists family members serving as caregivers with their caregiving role. Caregivers are typically aware of traditional community supports such as home delivered meals and respite. CAP, administered by the Chatham Board of Health, under a contract with the Coastal Area Agency on Aging, has taken traditional caregiver support a step farther. By connecting caregivers with a broader array of services and supports, caregivers may be able to extend their caregiving support. Examples of some of the non-traditional services currently available through the CAP are: Winter 2003
Home modifications – wheelchair ramps – replacement of doors Assistive devices – shower chairs – elevated toilet seats Medical equipment – wheelchairs – van lifts and hoyer lifts – incontinence supplies In-home and out-of-home respite (relief) is provided for the caregiver. Homemaker chores, personal support, adult day health, emergency response systems, and home delivered meals are just a few of the services available. The Caregiver Assistance Program also provides referrals to other agencies and community resources when it is not possible to complete services due to limited funds.
For further information, contact Coastal Georgia RDC; P.O. Box 1917, Brunswick, GA 31521; 912-264-7363 or toll-free 1-800-580-6860.
COASTAL GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh
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Sponsors Thanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support
Sixty Plus, Piedmont Hospital A program to enhance the well-being of older adults and their families by providing services, education and support. 1968 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30309; 404-605-3867.
Georgia Alliance for Staffing Solutions An alliance that promotes quality long-term care for seniors and persons with disabilities by seeking innovative solutions to improve staffing and support caregivers. www.agingatlanta.com
Bridgebuilders, Inc.
Georgia Council on Aging
Personal care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Customized services delivered with compassion, integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave.,
The Georgia Council on Aging advocates on behalf of older Georgians and their families. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.gcoa.org
Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.
AARP Assuming responsibility for the home care of loved ones can involve assisting with daily activities, managing high-tech medical treatments and dealing with issues around dying. AARP’s “Life Answers” program can help you meet these critical responsibilities. Find out more at www.aarp.org/lifeanswers
Southern Home Care Services Nursing and personal care services tailored to your needs, Southern Home Care Services serves all ages with compassion, skill and respect. Licensed and accredited. www.shcs-eldercare.com Home. There’s no place like it.
Grady Gold
Pfizer The “Health, Medicines & Lifestyles” icon on Pfizer’s Web site, will lead you to topics that include “Profile of Caregiving,” “Exploring Your Health On Line” and many more. www.pfizer.com
Many people ask...
Grady Senior Services was created with the special care needs of older adults in mind! People over 60 can receive comprehensive evaluations and care for common problems seen in older adults. 404-616-0800.
Georgia Generations is published and supported by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. Additional circulation support is provided by the generous sponsors listed here. For more information on becoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations please call 404-463-3222.
How can I help?
OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS across Georgia can now be recognized in a unique way. The Thanks Mom and Dad Fund® has been established to honor someone special in your life or to honor the memory of someone who was an inspiration to you. With each contribution, those honored receive a certificate recognizing the role they played in the donor’s life. Your contributions are tax-deductible and provide support for many of the programs described in this issue. If you would like more information about the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund,® please call 1-800-676-2433.