Community and Internet Resources

1. Community and Internet Resources 1

2. Learning ObjectivesThrough this session you will be able to Create a list of needed financial, health & human service resources Explore techniques for identifying resources Determine sources for information in the community Use techniques to research service providers & obtain information Use internet search techniques to find web-based resource information 2 Using a computer with Internet connection & use of any of search engines or directories, locate health & human service resources by web site & contact information Define internet terms���� 3 Explain the difference between a browser, search engine & directory���� 4.� Use procedures to travel the web���� 5.� Use tips to find specific information including how to enter words & phrases to search for information���� 6.� Validate web sites to ensure that they are legitimate & current.Using a computer with Internet connection & use of any of search engines or directories, locate health & human service resources by web site & contact information Define internet terms���� 3 Explain the difference between a browser, search engine & directory���� 4.� Use procedures to travel the web���� 5.� Use tips to find specific information including how to enter words & phrases to search for information���� 6.� Validate web sites to ensure that they are legitimate & current.

3. Identify & Prioritize Current Needs Create a list of the types of information that you need such as home health care, therapies, nursing services, personal care, wheelchairs, assistive devices, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, assisted living, wills, trusts, personal assistance, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, hands-on care such as dressing, bathing & incontinent care 3 Individual & Group Activity using prepared formIndividual & Group Activity using prepared form

4. �What�s Working Well?�Assess & Reinforce Health Health care Living situation Activities Community involvement Family supports Friends & neighbors Be prepared to act as an advocate Get the facts Identify & prioritize strengths, needs & barriers Consider the options Develop an action plan 4

5. Assess for Needs & Barriers Determine the type of help & services the individual needs Independent living- personal care, meal preparation, household maintenance, & money management Services to maintain social interaction & independence - transportation, social & recreational services, psychological support, & spiritual support Services offering personal growth -employment, career education, enrichment education, i.e. taking a computer class How does the person feel about the issues? Will they accept help? What has already been done? What other agency is providing assistance? What resources does the person have? What is the religious/cultural preference? 5

6. Resources For Caregivers Call 2-1-1 throughout Texas. Provides information and access to health and human service information for all ages Local Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) ADRC of Tarrant County 1-888-730-2372 1-800-252-9240 to find local Texas Area Agency on Aging 1-800-677-1116 - Elder Care Locator to find help throughout the U.S. Online www.benefitscheckup.org for an online way to determine benefits for which someone qualifies. 6 ReviewReview

7. 7

8. �If I give you a fish today, you eat today but if I teach you to fish, you eat for a lifetime� Get the older adult involved in identifying needs & making plans whenever possible Respect individual preferences & make plans with people rather than for them Listen: Allow older relatives to express themselves 8

9. Getting Organized to Research Service Providers Use the handout provided or a separate page for each organization with which you communicate Develop a filing system that works for you to keep records before you call service providers Spiral notebook Folders for individual or similar organizations 3-ring binder with index tabs for each organization Have paper & pencil or pen by the phone if your are taking notes 9

10. Getting Organized to Research Service Providers, 2 If using the computer, place a link to the program you use on your desktop (Notepad, Microsoft Word, etc.) Go to www.familycaregiversonline.net & save & work from a copy of the Researching Resources handout Open a new document for each agency Create a folder for similar organizations, e.g., Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Hospice, In Home Health Care, Respite, etc 10

11. Researching Service Providers When contacting service providers make sure you are prepared What do you want to know? Get the facts! What is the organization�s name, address, phone, fax, web address, etc? Who are you talking too? Name, title, department, extension, email address? 11

12. Researching Service Providers, 2 What are their requirements? Eligibility? Fees? Documentation? Is there a waiting list? What is their application process? Are there special requirements or restrictions, i.e., is transportation provided; are pets allowed in residential facilities? 12

13. Engaging Your Family Member when they don�t want �outside help� or �charity� from AARP Explain that some needs are better met with professional help Explain that the services are designed to help them remain independent Explain the service Offer to supplement the cost of care, if possible or necessary Assist with arrangements to pay for the service Offer the services as a gift Engage someone they respect to suggest the services Accompany the individual to gather information about the service 13

14. Accessing & Using Services Focus on priorities identified in needs assessment Telephone agency or organization Take notes on who you talked to & what you discussed Ask about eligibility requirements, fees, & waiting lists Have important information & records handy 14

15. Accessing & Using Services, 2 Ask for referral to more appropriate services Communicate with the provider & build a partnership If you are not satisfied with a service, tell the provider in a positive, constructive way Ask about & use complaint procedures 15

16. Dealing with the Social Service Network Set up a file Have a pen & note pad ready Keep a separate page for each service List name, telephone number & address of each agency Document the name, title, department, telephone number, & key information about the discussion for each person you talk to 16

17. Intakes & Interviews If an agency requires an interview, be prepared Clarify what you need to bring such as documents & records Call to confirm the appointment a day in advance Take notes during the interview Clarify the agency�s role, your role & what the older person�s responsibilities are Confirm discussions & any actions taken or planned 17

18. Confronting Bureaucracy Be specific Be polite but firm Don�t apologize when asking for help Get the name of everyone that you talk to Be assertive 18

19. Internet Search Tips Search more than one engine or directory Pose questions asking for the exact information you need i.e., �Where are assisted living facilities in Texas?� Use specific keywords to narrow your search Instead of �caregiver� or �caregiver resources� type �caregiver resources in texas� or �caregiver respite services� Specific search Type & not to exclude certain text from your search, i.e., surfing & not the net would exclude all sites with the word net Type or to find all instances of either one word or another, I.e., Medicare or Medicaid will find all pages that mention either or both Type quotations around words to be taken literally, i.e., �system near manager� will give one search & without the parentheses is a different search 19

20. 20

21. 21

22. Ensure That the Site is Legitimate & Current Is the web site a commercial (.com) or a government (.gov) site? Does it matter for this particular resource? When was it posted & revised? Look at the bottom of the page Does the site list contact information? If you cannot find contact information, can email be sent?� Does the site look legitimate & offer useful information? If the site does not meet the need, go to another site listed from your search or use another search engine 22

23. www.medicare.gov The Medicare Web Site� Detailed information on Medicare benefits Links to Part D Prescription Drug program Comparing health benefit plans Comparing hospitals Comparing home health agencies Comparing long term care facilities Finding doctors Finding medical suppliers & more 23

24. www.aarp.org AARP Caregivers Circle Elder Care Locater Databases �Check lists" for home health & long term care providers. Use these as research tools to find out about the organizations American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (AAHS) National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) National Association For Home Care National Council on Aging Benefits Checkup National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers 24

25. Internet Education & Reading  Go to the �Links" section of www.familycaregiversonline.net to find links to sites on major health issues associated with aging: Alzheimer�s Disease Cardiovascular Chronic Pain Endocrine Disorders (Diabetes & Thyroid) Hearing Impairment Musculoskeletal (bone & joint) Neurological Impairment Visual Impairment 25

26. Internet Education & Reading  Web MD � information on disease, treatment, clinical trials of medications, newsletters http://www.webmd.com Moss Rehab Resource Network has "Disability Fact Sheets" on a number of disorders related to aging as well as other resources www.mossresourcenet.org 26

27. Tools for Home Safety & Independence Housing Safety Checklist www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/pdfs/FCS-461.pdf 27

28. Long Distance Caregiving �10 Strategies for Long Distance Care Giving� by Angela Heath, is a helpful resource to ensure you�re covering all the bases: www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/10-survival-strategies-distance-caregivers 28

29. Online Financial Resources, Benefits, & Services The Eldercare Locater to find local resources for people age 60 & older & family caregivers www.eldercare.gov Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.org Learn about & enroll in valuable government & private programs that can save money on health care & prescription drugs Information about qualifying for new Medicare Prescription Drug Program, Medicare-approved drug discount cards, Company Patient Assistance Programs & other important federal & state programs www.medicare.gov 29

30. Your Texas Benefits Easy & secure online access to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) benefits including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Children's Health Insurance, nursing home care & other services for people who are elderly or have disabilities.www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/portal Use the link FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions 30

31. Financial Resources, Benefits, & Services Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov (1-800-772-1213) Medicaid Texas Specific: www.hhsc.state.tx.us Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ (410-786-3000) 31

32. Advance Care Planning Contact local area agency on aging & ask about the Legal Awareness program http://www.familycaregiversonline.net/legal.html Templates for some forms and links to other information https://www.oag.state.tx.us/elder/index.shtml Office of Attorney General �Protecting Senior Texans� link 32

33. Geriatric Care Managers & Case Managers Geriatric care or case manager is a professional, with training in gerontology, social work, nursing, or counseling, who specializes in assisting older people & their families This is a self pay service which averages about $75.00 per hour Use these links to learn more about these professionals & how to locate one www.caremanager.org http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_services_living_home.htm www.seniorlink.com/caremgmt.html 33

34. Using The Internet Do your computer skills need an update? Classes at reasonable cost available at local colleges Get help from a friend Go to the library & ask for help Many senior centers now have computers donated to them 34

35. 35

36. What Assistance is Available through the Area Agency on Aging (AAA)? Information and Referral Caregiver Education and Training Counseling may be available Caregiver Respite Help with finding resources and navigating the system Benefits Counseling Ombudsman Home Delivered Meals Congregate Meals Other services 36 Provide brochures and handouts, when possible. Review and briefly explain the services 211 is helpful when you just need the phone number for an agencyProvide brochures and handouts, when possible. Review and briefly explain the services 211 is helpful when you just need the phone number for an agency

37. Family Caregiver Education Elder Caregiver Basics Behavior and Emotions of Aging Chronic Illness, Medication Management and Communicating with Health Care Providers Sensory Loss Communication and Relationships Safety and Independence Legal Issues and Financial Planning Community and Internet Resources Caring for the Caregiver Long Distance Caregiving Housing Options and Long Term Care End of Life Issues Loss and Grief Sandwich Generation Nutrition, Kitchen Safety & Preparing Meals for Elder Care Receiver Aging & Mental Health: Depression, Alcohol and Prescription Drugs Safe caregiving Communicating with Health Care Professionals At Work �Brown bag� or �lunch and learn� Manager training Management consulting 37