Category: Resources and Tips

The number one disaster threat to homes and families isn’t a dreaded Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. It’s not torrential rains and massive flooding.  It’s not even a colossal freeway pileup. Instead, it’s a tiny spark – that leads to a flame – that leads to a fire – a home fire.  One that destroys possessions, displaces people,…

Did you know that if you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options? Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31. During this time, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your health plan, you can do one of these: Switch to a…

Seniors are at the highest risk of developing more serious illness from COVID-19 and are being asked to be the most vigilant about social distancing. But, with our new Caring Connections program, loneliness doesn’t have to be a side effect of COVID-19. Caring Connections matches volunteers with tri-county seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone…

The good news, Winter’s here. The bad news, it’s cold and flu season. COVID-19 isn’t as seasonal but easier spread when more people are indoors. Staying safe and healthy should be one of your top concerns, especially if you are an older adult since the symptoms of COVID-19 can be more severe as you age. …

While you’re busy making holiday plans, the crooks are making their wish list. If you know what these con artists are up to, it’s easier to spot scams rather than fall for them. Unfortunately, seniors are a common target for fraudsters, especially during the holidays. Why? Seniors often have nest eggs, own their homes, excellent…

Based on Medicare survey data 57% of all Medicare enrollees don’t review or compare their coverage options annually. The problem? You may not have the plan that best serves your needs. And the clock is ticking. October 15 until December 7th Medicare open enrollment period is the only time you can make changes for 2021….

The single barrier to communicating with older people is how information is presented in the print form or audibly. The font size on text materials, mainly hard copy and visual displays such as television, can often be too small to read.  Product labels and instructions, particularly for medications, can be hard to decipher. Page layouts…

Our in-depth, one-on-one Medicare insurance counseling sessions are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families, friends, and caregivers. During open enrollment, Robert Cohen, a long-time SHIBA counselor for the CoA, helps hundreds of people make the right choices for each individual situation.  “I try to steer people in the right direction, so they can…

Feelings of isolation and loneliness are on the rise and the lockdown has exasperated the problem. Many seniors don’t know where to turn. They didn’t plan to worry about surviving a pandemic. But life doesn’t come with a script or any guarantees. By providing access to the information seniors need, and services such as Medicare…

As we age, the inevitable happens. Friends and relatives pass away. Social circles become smaller. Married couples lose a spouse. Physical limitations limit activities when an aging adult can no longer drive, has mobility issues, hearing difficulties, or trouble following a conversation. Anyone of these scenarios can leave an older adult feeling very lonely and…

Over the course of our life time, our circumstances are likely to change. Information, answers to questions, and access to resources aren’t always easy to obtain. That’s where Bob Bailey comes in. As our Information and Resource Specialist, he’s always happy to help answer inquiries from an aging adult, their caregivers, or concerned children. Bob…