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COEDD Area Agency on Aging
;erving Hughes, Lincoln, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Okfuskee, and Seminole Counties
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Dates to Remember )t.
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r'londay, July 25
COEDDAAA
\.dvisory Council
Meeting,
[1:30am, Golden
Corral, Shawnee
Monday,
Sept. 4
Labor Day
COEDD
Offices Closed
iside this issue:
at Stress in the
erly
iior Center 2
otlight; Wewoka
nor Center
oiding Identity Theft 3
.dicare Covered 4
eventive Services
5
sidents' Rights 6
~w 6
nbudsman Volunteer
-nthia Lincoln: 7
Years of Service
ewest Centenarian 8
Heat Stress in the Elderly
As Oklahoma endures record breaking temperatures that soar in the 1000's, it is
important to look for signs of heat related illness in the elderly since they are more
prone to heat stress than younger people.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body
becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the
body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures
rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or
permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided .
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
*An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) *Throbbing headache
*Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) *Dizziness
*Rapid, strong pulse *Nausea
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after
several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced
replacement of fluids.
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
*Heavy sweating *Tiredness *Headache
*Paleness *Skin: may be cool & moist *Weakness
*Nausea or vomiting *Pulse rate: fast and weak *Muscle Cramps
*Fainting *Breathing: fast and shallow *Dizziness
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be
dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone
call for immediate medical assistance while you begin
cooling the affected person: (1) Get the person to a shady
area (2) Cool the person rapidly using whatever means you
can, such as immersing the person in a tub of cool water or
spraying the person with cool water from a garden hose
(3) Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts L.- .:..--"--_~
until the body temperature drops to 10 1° to 102°F (4) If emergency medical
personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
If you are a senior without any source of cooling for your home, you can contact
COEDD Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-375-8255 Ext. 128 or 405-273-6410 Ext.
128 for more information about applying for an air conditioner window unit
through our Masonic Assistance Program for Seniors.
Source: www.cdc.gov
[ §eniJJr Center §o()Uil!ht ]
Wew()ka ~eni()r-center-
Seminule Cuunbt
Wewoka Senior Center, New Age Nutrition Site, has been serving meals to
elder citizens in their area for 25 years at the present location, 214 S. Brown St.,
Wewoka, and for five years before that at a previous facility, but a hot meal is
not all the center offers. Site Manager LaTrease Posey enjoys leading the
participants in daily chair exercises, organizes health checks and special visitors,
and oversees the center to ensure her senior friends are "showered with love and
attention," said Posey.
"We do referrals for any type of dental work and glasses for our seniors
.----r--I--rr--I'-r---....,..",.~through COEDD's Information and
-= Assistance program. Many of the seniors at
!}this center have been able to receive dentures, partials, and
= . eye glasses due to the services offered by the Central
.Oklahoma Economic Development District," said Posey.
Approximately 30 to 35 seniors are served at the center
during lunch; many times it may be the only hot, nutritious
meal they receive .on a dailybasis said Posey. Another 26 to
28 meals are delivered to homebound seniors Monday
through Friday, and that number is growing as Posey
receives inquiries each week as to the program ..
Recent budget cuts forced the center to do away with the delivery driver's position, but the
other employees continued to make sure the meals still went out to the homebound. Another
driver has been hired since then as long as the site manager, Posey, helps out in the kitchen.
"When something really good is on the menu, they get the word out to their friends. I
encourage them to invite a senior to lunch so we can benefit more seniors," said Posey.
The center does annual fundraising events such as Indian Taco and bake sales along with a
quilt raffle. The last taco sale netted the center more than $600 with the help of a home health
care company.
"The most important thing they come in for is the fellowship because a lot of them have lost
their spouses. They're home alone and don't have
transportation, but we pick them up and bring them to the
center. Once they're down here, I just shower them with love
so they know they are welcome and will come back. I give
them all the attention they deserve and I love what I'm
doing," said Posey.
For more information, you can call the Wewoka Senior
Center at 405-257-6230.
Page 2 AGELESS TIMES
AVOIDING IDENTITY THEFT: D·EnR-DETfCT·DEffND
Federal Trade Commission
Says To Deter, Detect, Defend AVO www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used
without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time
and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name. The Federal Trade
Commission's new material on Identity Theft recommends a three-pronged approach to
avoiding identity theft: Deter, Detect, Defend. Below is the second in a three-part series:
DETECT
DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts
and billing statements.
Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
• Bills that do not arrive as expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
• Charges on your financial statements that you don't recognize
Inspect:
• Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what
accounts you have and your bill pay~ng history.
• The law requires the major nationwide credit reporting companies-Equifax,
Experian, and TransUnion-to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12
months if you ask for it.
• Visit www.AnnuaICreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by
these three companies, to order your free annual credit report. You also can write:
Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
• If you see accounts or addresses you don't recognize or information that is
inaccurate, contact the credit reporting company and the information provider. To
find out how to correct errors on your credit report, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.
AGELESS TIMES Page 3
Medicare-Covered Preventive Services
Starting in 2011, if you have Original Medicare, you pay no coinsurance or
deductible for certain preventive services if you see a doctor who participates in
Medicare.
However, you may have costs for some of these preventive services if your
doctor makes a diagnosis during the service or does additional tests or
~~;ft~ I~ procedures. For example, if your doctor removes a polyp during a colonoscopy,
~"-'t"-""'I the colonoscopy will be considered diagnostic and costs may apply.
Medicare covers preventive care whether you're in Original Medicare or a
Medicare Advantage plan (also known as a private health plan). Costs and rules may be different if
you're in a Medicare Advantage plan. Call your plan to find out.
Services Original Medicare Covers Without a
Coinsurance or Deductible Starting in 2011
Care Service and Frequency
Welcome to A one-time examination that includes an electrocardiogram (EKG); and
Medicare Exam height, weight and blood pressure measurements. Covered if you receive
the exam within 12 months of enrollment in Medicare Part B.
. - -
Annual Wellness A yearly visit in which your doctor will update your medical history and
Visit current prescriptions; measure your height, weight, blood pressure and
body mass index; create a screening schedule for the next 5 to lO years and
screen for cognitive issues.
Breast Cancer Mammogram screening*: Once every 12 months for women age 40+;
Screenings women between ages 35 and 39 can get one baseline mammogram.
Breast examination: Once every 24 months; if at risk, once every 12
months.
Heart Disease Blood tests to screen for cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels: once
Screening every five years.
Osteoporosis Bone mass measurements: Once every 24 months; more frequently if
Screening medically necessary.
Diabetes Screenings Once every 12 months if you have a family history or are at risk for
diabetes. Twice a year if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
Colon Cancer Fecal occult blood test: Once every 12 months for people age 50 and
Screenings older.
Colonoscopy: Once every 10 years if you are not at high risk; once every
24 months if you are at high risk.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Once every 48 months.
Page 4 AGELESS TIMES
Services Original Medicare Covers Without a
Coinsurance or Deductible Starting in 2011-cont.
Vaccinations Pneumonia shot:**Most people need only one shot in their lifetime.
Flu shot:** Once a season.
Hepatitis B shot: Only for people at medium to high risk.
Smoking Cessation Counseling to stop smoking for people without smoking-related
illnesses: Covers 2 quitting attempts per year; each attempt includes
4 counseling sessions.
Cervical Cancer Pap smear and pelvic examination: Once every 24 months; if at
Screenings risk, once every 12 months.
Prostate Cancer Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: Once every 12 months for
Screenings men age 50 or older.
Medical Nutritional Therapy to help you learn to eat well so you can better manage
Therapy your illness. With a doctor's referral, people with diabetes, chronic
renal disease, or those who have had a kidney transplant can receive
three hours of therapy in the first year and two hours every year
thereafter.
"Medicare Advantage plans can ,t require you to get a referral for mammograms.
**Medicare Advantage plans can't charge you a copay for pneumonia or flu shots.
Services Original Medicare Covers With
Coinsurance or Deductibles
Care Service and Frequency What You Pay
Glaucoma Once every 12 months if you are at high risk. 20 percent after you pay your
Screening Screening must be supervised by a state certified Part B deductible
eye doctor.
Colon Barium enema: Once every 48 months or every 24 20 percent before you pay
Cancer months if you are at high risk. your Part B deductible
Screening
Prostate Digital rectal exam: once every 12 months. 20 percent after you pay your
Cancer Part B deductible
Screening
Diabetes supphes, mcluding glucose monitors, test strips and lancets, are covered under Part B with a 20 percent copay after you have
paid your deductible. Starting January 1,2011, in some states (CA, FL, IN, KS, KY, MO, NC, OH, PA, SC, TX) Medicare will only
cover your mail-order diabetic supplies if you get them from an approved supplier. Syringes and insulin are covered under Part D.
Source: Medicare Rights Center www.medicareinteractive.org
AGELESS TIMES Page 5
OMBUDSMAN NEWS
Residents' Rights:
Being Difficult Does Not Warrant Eviction
Nursing home residents may become difficult to deal with
from time to time, but it is never a justification for eviction.
Nursing homes exist to care for people with physical and mental
problems, so "difficult" is something that needs to be dealt with
and not swept out the door.
According to the National Senior Citizens Law Center, there ,--...-,~ are only six legal reasons for eviction from a nursing home as
stipulated by the Nursing Home Reform Law (Section 483.12a of
Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations):
• The resident fails to pay. Most nursing homes will
work with the resident if financial issues arise.
• Nursing home care is no longer needed.
• The resident's needs can no longer be met. This pertains to residents in
need of sub-acute care or a locked psychiatric ward.
• The resident in the nursing home endangers other residents' safety.
• The resident's presence endangers other residents' health.
• The nursing home is going out of business.
If a facility claims an inability to meet the resident's needs, yet; another nursing home
accepts that responsibility, the original nursing home should also be capable to meet those
needs. Federal law states that a nursing home cannot use its own inadequacies as
justification to evict a resident.
If a nursing home decides to evict a person, 30-days notice prior to eviction date must be
given in writing along with the reason, the telephone number for the state agency that
inspects and licenses nursing homes, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) here
in Oklahoma, and instructions on how the resident can request an appeal from that agency.
Nursing home residents are encouraged to stand up for their rights. The Oklahoma Long
Term Care Ombudsman Program helps residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities
and residential care facilities maintain their rights in receiving quality and dignified care. If
you are a resident, or a family member of a resident, experiencing problems at a facility,
please contact your Ombudsman at 1-800-375-8255 Ext. 127 or 133. Being "difficult" is no
excuse for poor care.
COEDD AAA WELCOMES NEW
OMBUDSMAN VOLUNTEER
June Roy of Weleetka recently completed training and has been certified as an
Ombudsman Volunteer for COEDD Area Agency on Aging. Mrs. Roy volunteers at
Rainbow Terrace Care Center of Weleetka.
Ombudsman volunteers are advocates for residents in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living
Continued on page 7
Page 6 AGELESS TIMES
Continued from page 6
Centers and Residential Care Facilities. Each volunteer undergoes two days of training and
is certified by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program to visit in one facility. They
visit the residents at their facility two or more hours weekly. They have the authority under
state and federal law to visit with any resident that wants to visit with them and work with
facility staff to resolve issues/concerns that residents have regarding their care. The
volunteers may also be able to help with information about programs and services available
to the residents.
These very special people make a positive difference in the lives of the residents
where they visit! For more information about the Ombudsman program, or to learn how
you can become an Ombudsman volunteer, please contact Cynthia Lincoln at 1-800-375-
8255 extension 133, or Patti Marshall, at extension 127, Ombudsman Supervisors for
COEDD Area Agency on Aging. Volunteers are needed in all the counties we serve, but
especially needed in Hughes and Okfuskee County.
Make a difference in the lives of nursing home residents-volunteer today!
25 YEARS OF SERVICE AND STILL GOING
COEDD Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman
Cynthia Lincoln recently reacqed a milestone. On
July 7, Cynthia celebrated 25 years of service as an
Ombudsman Supervisor with COEDD AAA.
Cynthia says she truly enjoys her job. She said over
the years there have been moments of joy and moments
of sadness in her work with nursing home residents. She
said she appreciates the Ombudsman program and the
. service it provides. "I firmly believe that the quality of
life for residents in Oklahoma and across the nation has
improved due in part to the work of Ombudsman
Supervisors and volunteers," said Lincoln.
Cynthia has worked diligently over the years to make
Cynthia Lincoln's co-workers a difference in the lives of residents in the region she
presented her with flowers on her 25th serves. "The Ombudsman program at COEDD is what it
anniversary as an.Ombudsman
Supervisor at COEDD AAA. is today because of Cynthia's dedication and caring
'------------------'attitude," said COEDD AAA Director John Shea.
"Cynthia is a joy to work with and I look forward to many more years of having her as a
co-worker.," he continued.
Cynthia lives in Meeker and has five children and seven (soon to be eight)
grandchildren. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and
enjoys going to the theater.
-Congratulations Cynthia! Thank you for your 25 years of service!
AGELESS TIMES Page 7
COEOOArea Agency on Agi ng
Serving Hughes, lincoln, Pawnee, Payne,
Pottawatornie, Okfuskee, and Seminole Counties NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
PAID
Shawnee, OK. 74801
Permit No. 424
400 N. Bell St.
Shawnee. OK 7480 I
Phone: 405-273-6410
Fax: 405-273-3213
Toll-Free: 1-800-375-TALK (8255)
Senior Info-Line: 1-800-211-2116
This newsletter is published by COEDD Area Agency on Aging as authorized by the Administration on Aging, Department of Human Services under
Title III Older Americans Act grant. Copies have been deposited with the Publication Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This
newsletter is provided as a communication tool for older persons in the area.
All or any portion may be reproduced and shared.
COEDD AAA WELCOMES
NEWEST CENTENARIAN!
With the help of Shawnee Colonial Estates
Nursing Home, Bertha Clark celebrated her 100th
birthday on June 2, 2011, with a crowd of friends
including the mayor of Shawnee, Linda Peterson.
Mrs. Clark was presented with a Centenarian Club of
Oklahoma certificate by COEDD AAA Ombudsman
Patti Marshall during the celebration.
Mrs. Clark was born on June 2, 1911, just north of
Okemah. At the age of 15, she married Ollie Lewis
with whom she had four children: Clifford, Betty
Fay, Evandel, and Glen. Mr. Lewis passed away after
15 years of marriage. Bertha remarried and spent 39
years with her second husband, Earnest Cobb. After ~B~e=rt=h=a=C::::la::::r~k==is=h=o::'n-=o:"~'r1e~Od~~oO~tn~~hh~~e~his passing, she married TJ Clark.
Mayor Linda Peterson kicked off the party with birthday by Shawnee Mayor
an official proclamation that June 2, 2011, was Linda Peterson. L-- ------'
"Bertha Clark Day." There was music and entertainment by Heartland Hospice volunteers,
who also provided the cake and punch. Approximately 50 residents and staff of the nursing
home also attended the centennial celebration.
Congratulations Bertha Clark!