2008 News Archive
Tips to help older Georgians stay cool in extreme heat
June 23, 2008 – The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services is offering tips to help older adults stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Although heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, many people still succumb to extreme heat yearly. In fact, more than 8,000 people died from exposure to excessive heat in the United States from 1979 to 2003.
The risk of heart disease and strokes can be controlled by practicing healthy behaviors
February 8, 2008 - Eighty-eight percent of Americans over the age 65 have at least one chronic health condition such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, which can be controlled by making healthy lifestyle changes. About 40 percent of deaths in the nation can be attributed to smoking, lack of physical activity, poor diet or the misuse of alcohol. By adopting healthy behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and avoiding tobacco use, a person can prevent or control the effects of many chronic diseases. During American Heart Month in February, the Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) is urging older adults and others to practice healthy behaviors and learn the signs of a heart attack and stroke.
The 'Hit Man' email scam has reached Georgia and DHR is offering presentations and tips on telemarketing scams
February 15, 2008 – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) started warning the public about the ‘hit man’ scam early in 2007, and recently the scam showed up in the Coastal Georgia Region of the state. In the scam, an individual writes an email threatening to kill the recipient if he does not pay him thousands of dollars. The person claims to be a hired assassin, or ‘hit man’, who knows where the recipient lives and works. If he gets a reply from someone requesting that he stop his threats, the scammer gets more aggressive in his messages.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
May 1, 2008 – Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Strokes can occur at any age, but nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after age 55, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program starts in August
August 1, 2008 - The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) has received approximately $250,000 in federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture for this year's Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The Farmers' Market Program will run from August 11, 2008, to September 30, 2008.
Roshelle McCrae receives customer service award
June 20, 2008 - Roshelle McCrae of Lakeland, Georgia, received the Customer Service Individual Award during Georgia Public Employee Recognition Week (PERW) in May. Government agencies across the state sponsored events May 5-9, 2008, to celebrate the achievements and outstanding service of their employees.
Older adults and families should practice safety while keeping warm this winter season
January 4, 2008 – As the cold winter season brings low temperatures, older adults and families look for ways to stay warm and cut heating costs. The Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) is urging them to practice safety when heating their homes. Some tips include checking smoke alarm batteries, keeping electric and kerosene heaters away from flammable materials, and looking for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, a colorless and odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
More than 2.6 million Americans over 65 have asthma
May 2, 2008 – Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems and can be life-threatening. Asthma can occur for the first time at any age, including in your 30s through your 70s. Scientists are not sure what causes asthma, but they do know that the basic problem is inflammation of the airways and the illness can be inherited.
Medicare beneficiaries should make informed healthcare decisions before enrolling into a plan
January 10, 2008 - The open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is between January 1 and March 31, 2008. MA plans are health plan options that are approved by Medicare and run by private companies. They are part of the Medicare program and are sometimes called "Part C." Medicare beneficiaries can make one change in enrollment during this period. They can enroll in a new plan, change plans or cancel a plan, but they cannot join or drop Medicare drug coverage during this time. Although legitimate MA plans can be of benefit to some, there is the potential for fraud during open enrollment. The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) is encouraging Georgians to use caution, make informed healthcare decisions, and use the resources of DAS GeorgiaCares SMP, which provides community education, counseling and referrals relating to Medicare and Medicaid error, fraud and abuse. To report a MA complaint, call GeorgiaCares SMP at 1-800-669-8387.
Local ombudsmen celebrate National Residents' Rights Week
September 30, 2008 - October 5-11, 2008, is National Residents’ Rights Week honoring residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living arrangements.
June is Home Safety Month and DHR urges older adults to practice safety to prevent injuries
June 3, 2008 – June is Home Safety Month and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services is urging older adults to practice safety to prevent injuries. In 2005, there were 15,800 people 65 and older who died from injuries related to unintentional falls.
Honor seniors during National Older Americans Month in May
May 2, 2008 – There is a growing population of older adults in Georgia and throughout the nation who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. They deserve recognition and respect. A good time to show these individuals how much we care is during National Older Americans Month in May. This year’s theme is "Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities." The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) and the Aging Network are urging everyone to honor older adults this month by taking time to share how much they care for them and value their life experiences.
Help for children and the elderly through state income tax donations
February 8, 2008 - Income tax season is here and the Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) is encouraging Georgians to contribute to their local community through the Georgia Fund for Children and Elderly by checking the appropriate box on the State of Georgia Income Tax Form. Donations are tax deductible. The collections go to local Area Agencies on Aging, which provide home-delivered meals and transportation to the elderly, and through grants to public or non-profit agencies serving children with special health, educational, and emotional needs. Last year, a total of $222,193.46 was collected.
GeorgiaCares helps beneficiaries review drug plan options for 2009
October 10, 2008 – The GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is helping Medicare recipients make informed decisions about which prescription drug and Advantage plan options are best for them. Medicare Part D Open Enrollment begins November 15, which means recipients h ave until December 31, 2008, to make their choices. With so many options available, choosing the right one is important.
GeorgiaCares counsels Medicare beneficiaries on preventive services
November 20, 2008 – GeorgiaCares is educating and counseling Medicare beneficiaries on an array of preventive services offered by Medicare at no cost or at minimal out of pocket costs. GeorgiaCares is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) under the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services.
GeorgiaCares SHIP receives grant funding from CMS
April 18, 2008 - GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will receive a grant award of $865,552 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). SHIP is a grantee program of CMS and each state has one. The funds will be used to provide more information on health care choices to Medicare beneficiaries in the state.
GeorgiaCares SHIP program receives grant from CMS
July 30, 2008 - GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) received a supplemental grant of more than $379,800 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that must be used between June 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009. SHIP is a grantee program of CMS that is available to every state. GeorgiaCares is a program of the Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS).
DHR urges you to wear purple for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 6, 2008 – The annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Sunday, June 15, 2008. On this day states, countries, and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) will be recognizing and raising awareness of disabled adults and persons 65 and older who suffer due to abuse, neglect or exploitation. People worldwide will be wearing purple to show that elder abuse is a global problem.
DHR urges you to report elder abuse
April 7, 2008 – Did you know that it is a felony in Georgia to abuse, neglect or exploit a disabled adult or elder person age 65 and older? Did you know that it is a misdemeanor if a mandated reporter does not report suspected cases of abuse involving an elderly person? Anyone can report abuse. But law enforcement, financial institutions, and medical and human services personnel are among those required by law to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services (APS).
DHR urges seniors to prepare for the transition to all digital TV
June 3, 2008 – Is your television at risk of going blank after February 17, 2009? It is if you have an analog TV that receives free “over-the-air” programming with a roof-top antenna or “rabbit ears” and you don’t take steps now to prepare for the new all-digital broadcasting. The Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services is joining the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in notifying consumers about the digital TV (DTV) transition.
DHR urges older adults to practice safety to prevent the risk of falling
March 4, 2008 – Did you know falls are the leading cause of “injury deaths” for adults aged 65 and older? And that falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospitalization due to trauma? Nationally, thousands of older adults fall each year from hazards that can be prevented.
DHR urges older adults to live a healthier lifestyle
March 17, 2008 - If you haven't made plans for a healthier lifestyle this year, a good time to start is during National Nutrition Month in March. Studies show that about 40 percent of deaths in the nation can be attributed to smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or misuse of alcohol. And that only about 25% of older Americans do at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, although being active reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical activity also helps control weight, relieves pain from arthritis, promotes healthy bones, muscles, and joints, and reduces falls in older adults.
DHR urges adults age 50 and older to get regular colorectal screenings
March 24, 2008 – Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease, but more than 148,800 cases will be diagnosed in 2008 and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease, according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women in the United States.
DHR offers tips to Medicare beneficiaries on avoiding identity theft
August 15, 2008 – The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services’ GeorgiaCares SMP program is providing tips to Medicare beneficiaries on protecting themselves against identity theft and Medicare fraud. GeorgiaCares SMP provides health insurance counseling, as well as assistance with reporting and following up on Medicare fraud, abuse and error. GeorgiaCares toll-free number is 1-800-669-8387.
DHR is providing information to older adults on the economic stimulus payments
March 31, 2008 – Many consumers are calling the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) inquiring about the economic stimulus payment that the President signed into law in February to stimulate the economy. To receive the economic stimulus rebate, an individual must file an income tax return for 2007. DAS is providing information online and by telephone at 404-657-5319. The information will educate older adults, caregivers, and professionals in elder care on what the payment is, who is eligible, what forms to complete, when the forms are due, and what scams to watch for.
DHR informs beneficiaries of new Medicare marketing guidelines
September 23, 2008 – The Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) GeorgiaCares program is informing Medicare beneficiaries of the new guidelines imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
DHR encourages older adults to get flu immunization
July 23, 2008 – August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) is encouraging older adults to get immunized against the flu. The flu season, which typically runs from late fall until March, is responsible for an average of more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October by reporting elder abuse in the community
September 17, 2008 – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) will be urging all Georgians to report any known or suspected incidents of abuse against elderly and disabled adults living in the community. To report suspected elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services (APS) toll-free at 1-888-774-0152 or 404-657-5250 in Metro Atlanta.
Beneficiaries should get vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal disease
November 4, 2008 – October through May is flu season and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) Georgia Cares program is reminding Medicare beneficiaries to talk to their healthcare providers about getting vaccinated to prevent getting the flu and the pneumococcal disease, which is the cause of the most common form of pneumonia. The flu and pneumococcal vaccines are both covered by Medicare, so beneficiaries are not required to make a co-payment.
As temperatures dip, practice safety
January 18, 2008 - As temperatures dip below freezing, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) urges older adults and families to practice safety tips such as keeping electric and kerosene heaters away from flammable materials, checking smoke alarm batteries, and looking for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness and death. It is found in fumes from stoves, burning wood, gas ranges and other heating sources.
Adults nearing age 65 should consider prescription drug coverage options
November 6, 2008 -- The Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services’ (DAS) GeorgiaCares program is encouraging older adults nearing age 65, or on Medicare due to a disability, to consider their prescription drug coverage options during the Medicare Part D open enrollment period (November 15 through December 31, 2008).
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