We’ve got some news you can use and upcoming events to join!

For any family or professional caregiver out there who feels as if they are on this journey alone, I can assure you – you are not.

There are dozens of organizations and individuals working to improve the landscape for those needing care and those caring for them. It all plays into the landscape as many of us try to answer the question, ‘How do I take care of my loved one and also manage my own life?’

Keeping It REAL Caregiving hopes you find the following events and items helpful.


Tuesday, June 14, 2022

9:00 AM (Pacific)

Tea & Coffee Tuesdays – Hearing as We Age

Hosted by: AARP

Event description: Attend a FREE special session of Tea & Coffee Tuesdays on “Hearing as We Age” with Dr. Marcia Raggio from San Francisco State University. Dr. Marcia Raggio will discuss when to be concerned about your hearing, clues and symptoms of hearing loss and what to do about it.

Register by June 13, 2022 @11PM Pacific

Register here


Wednesday, June 15, 2022

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)

Equity in Aging Advisory Committee

Hosted by: California Department of Aging/Master Plan for Aging

Event description: The Equity in Aging Advisory Committee (EAAC) will convene its second quarterlymeeting of 2022 on June 15th from 10:00 – noon. The purpose of the EAAC is to advise the Administration on the implementation of the MPA, as well as advise CDA on planning and implementationof aging and disability programs, services, data collection, and staffdevelopment.

The agenda for this meeting includes nursing home closures,caregiving, and more. This meeting is open to the public.

Keeping It REAL Caregiving’s Julia Yarbough serves an an advisory member on this committee. During Wednesday’s meeting, KIRC will make a short presentation to highlight some of the REAL challenges faced by family caregivers.

KIRC is honored to take part and share YOUR real-life experiences with those in positions to impact policy decisions. This is why KIRC exists, and why I am thankful to all of you who have joined the KIRC family

Join the meeting

Connect by computer or smart phone

Or by telephone (888) 788-0099

Meeting ID 840 0473 5487

Agenda


Medicare Counseling

Most would agree, understanding and navigating the resources available through Medicare can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming.

The topic came up in the most recent KIRC Sunday Coffee Chat & Support Session held June 12, 2022.

I wanted to remind you again of several FREE resources to learn more about how Medicare works and why it is crucial to understand what coverage you may be eligible for.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 & Wednesday, June 15, 2022

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)

Welcome to Medicare 2022

Hosted by: PASSAGES

Event description: The 2022 Welcome to Medicare Workshop is designed to empower, educate, and assist Medicare-eligible individuals in a safe, virtual environment.

PASSAGES – HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) is announcing the 2022 Welcome to Medicare Webinar series for those turning 65, or younger adults who will be entitled to Medicare due to a disability. Beneficiaries have several choices around when and how to enroll. Oftentimes understanding the different parts of Medicare, when to enroll, and which type of care is not covered by Medicare can seem complicated.

There are a series of dates available:

  • June 14 & 15th, 2022

  • July 12 & 13th, 2022

  • August 9th & 10th, 2022

Learn more about the program and register for the various dates/events here

Looking Ahead

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific

Voices of Medicare: Updates from the Field

Hosted by: Center for Medicare Advocacy

Event Description: This presentation will examine real stories of current Medicare Issues told by our advocates.

Presenters and topics will vary, but may include Medicare Advantage Plans costs to the Medicare Program and beneficiaries.

Register here


Ongoing

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Keeping It REAL Caregiving has talked about this program in the past, but I want to make sure everyone is aware.

If you need assistance in learning about Medicare and how to get the most out of your insurance coverage, you can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP.

Each state has an office in which you can get specific help. It is free and is not affiliated with any specific insurance company.

Read more from an American Society on Aging ASA Rise Fellow who specializes in working within the SHIP program

What do bed bugs and Medicare have in common? More than you might think!


Women Veteran Resources

If you or someone you know and/or love is a military veteran, you may want to check out the various resources available to you via the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, commonly known as the VA.

Did you know, that this year, Sunday, June 12th, 2022 is Women Veterans Recognition Day?

What better time than now to consider the various resources available to you!

Check out this video from the VA Center for Women Veterans to learn more.


In case you missed it

Keeping It REAL Caregiving hosted a lively Sunday Coffee Chat and Support Session that was all about sharing information and ideas!

Thank you to those who joined in with comments, questions and suggestions. We talked about advance planning for funerals, moving through grief, and why it is so important to ask questions when coordinating care services.

Kudos to Karen for the focus on caring for her father and aspirations of launching her own care agency. It is not an easy road to travel down, but worthwhile and needed. Let’s all throw in a round of support for this vision!

If you missed our session, you can check it out here:

I can’t say thank you enough for the growing support for Keeping It REAL Caregiving. I appreciate all of you who have subscribed and are reading the newsletter. Feedback is welcome and feel free to jump into the discussion box with questions, ideas, suggestions for future coverage!

And remember…

Until next time~