Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging

Flu Shots for Seniors: What You Need to Know September or October are the best times to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, or flu. Learn why it’s so important to get your shot and why people 65+ should talk to their health care provider about the best vaccine for them.

It’s National Immunization Awareness Month! Routine vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from certain preventable diseases. Talk with a health care provider and take this CDC assessment to learn more about recommended adult vaccines. https://ow.ly/jgIy50SVS1l

Visit us at the KWWL Health🍎Fair today from noon to 5:00 pm.

"Extra Help" is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. You also won't have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty while you get Extra Help. Some people qualify for Extra Help automatically, and other people have to apply. Learn more from a SHIP! www.shiphelp.org

August is a perfect time to get signed up to become a Dementia Friend! Lots of upcoming sessions scheduled. All free & open to the public. Learn more or sign up here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/become-a-dementia-friend/

As we approach the Fall open enrollment period for Medicare, it's essential to be aware of the various notices you may receive. These notices can include information about changes in coverage, new plan options, and important deadlines. It's crucial to review these notices carefully to ensure that you understand any changes that may impact your coverage. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of the open enrollment period and make any necessary changes to your Medicare plan for the upcoming year.
SHIP counselors can help by reviewing Medicare notices, explaining coverage changes, highlighting new plan options, and offering guidance during the open enrollment period. Visit www.shiphelp.org to learn more!

Don't miss out! There's still time to get and use your Farmers Market Vouchers.

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides vouchers (coupons or checks) to older individuals for use at farmer’s markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs for fresh nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.

Eligible participants in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program must:

• Be 60 years of age or older at the time of the application, born in or before 1964
• Live in the service area of this Area Agency on Aging
• Gross household income (i.e., before taxes) must be no more than $27,861 for a household size of 1 and $37,814 for a household size of 2.

Each eligible participant receives 10 vouchers with a total value of $50.00. A person can only receive vouchers one time per program year. Farmers Market vouchers may be used from June 1 through October 31 at authorized farmers' markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farms where “Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Welcome Here” signs are displayed.

To download or request to have an application sent to you visit https://nei3a.org/our-services/farmers-market-checks/

Dementia Service Specialist – Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging NEI3A is hiring a part-time Dementia Service specialist. This pilot role is a fantastic opportunity to further the Dementia Friendly Iowa goal of supporting communities where people living with dementia can live and thrive. This position is made possible through funding from the Iowa-GWEP, a five-ye...

Why go "Back to School" to learn about Medicare?! It's important for people who are soon becoming eligible for or already have Medicare to learn the basics of the program. Understanding how Medicare works can help you make smart choices about your healthcare. By learning about the different parts of Medicare, when to sign up, what is covered, and how much it might cost you, you can make sure you get the most out of the program and pick the right plans for your needs. Knowing the basics of Medicare puts you in control of your health and finances so you can get the care and support that's best for you.
You can learn the basics from Medicare experts at our local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs provide trusted, unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance. SHIP may be known in your area by a different name or acronym. Visit www.shiphelp.org to learn more!

How to Get Help Paying for Food with SNAP Benefits Millions of older adults are likely eligible for, but not enrolled in, benefits that can help them save money. Learn how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps, helps older adults buy the food they need to maintain good health.

Being a Dementia Friend means being more aware in public settings to be able to be a helping hand or patient friend when needed. One of our recent Dementia Friends shared, "I'll definitely take more notice of those around me in public and feel more empowered to approach someone who might need help."

Learn more here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/become-a-dementia-friend/

Scammers Who Commit Title Fraud Steal Your Identity — Then Your Home Criminals can use public information to victimize both buyers and owners in this real estate scam

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help pay your Medicare costs if you have limited income and savings. There are three main programs, each with different benefits and eligibility requirements. If your income is up to around $1,700 per month as an individual or around $2,300 per month as a couple, you may qualify for an MSP.

However, your exact eligibility requirements depend on the state in which you live. Some states have higher income limits, and others don’t have any limits on your assets.

Read the blog to learn more: https://www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/blog/cost-saving-programs.

The GrandPad is a smart, simple, and safe way to connect older adults with family, friends, and caregivers. Visit grandpad.net/nei3a to learn more, or call 888-311-1856. Attend an online demo and receive an exclusive NEI3A discount!

Bring families together with GrandPad Stay in touch with your loved ones ages 75+ using the simple and secure GrandPad senior tablet. Brings families and loved ones closer together. Order yours today!

Say no to scams. Don’t share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or in person, unless you contacted them first and gave them permission to contact you.

If someone calls and asks for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits, hang up and call us 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse to your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) www.smpresource.org

What Are Good Questions to Ask About Medicare? Are you about to turn 65? There’s a lot riding on your choice of plan. Here are 5 questions to ask when navigating your coverage options.👇

We are hiring! We are excited to announce the opening of a new part-time position for a Dementia Service Specialist. This pilot role is a fantastic opportunity to further our goal of supporting communities where people living with dementia can live and thrive.

This position at the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging involves delivering specialized services to enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia. Key responsibilities include:
✔️Planning & conducting initial care consultations for people living with dementia/caregivers.
✔️Providing dementia education to families, caregivers, organizations, and communities.
✔️Initiating outreach in local communities to make connections & advance Dementia Friendly Iowa efforts.

We are looking for a dedicated individual with experience in dementia-specific care, support, or education. This position offers flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact. It will be mainly based in the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging 18-county region, which will require travel. The position may be hybrid if the individual is interested in working remotely, but travel for meetings & care consultations within NE Iowa will be required. The role will be approximately 20-hours/week.

To apply online visit: https://nei3a.org/dementia-service-specialist/

If you have questions, please contact NEI3A’s Human Resource department at 1-800-243-0678 or email [email protected].

If you or someone you know are a qualified spouse, widow(er), or child of a Veteran disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for CHAMPVA from VeteransHealth. CHAMPVA acts as a secondary payer to Medicare. Learn more: https://go.medicare.gov/4cedPn5

Our offices and centers will be closed in recognition of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4. Have a safe and happy holiday! 🇺🇸🎆

Feeling Stressed Out? face a unique set of life challenges that can lead to . Learn to identify its causes and symptoms so you can take steps to proactively manage it.👇

DON'T: Send your retirement fund to a stranger on the internet.
DO: Listen to our brand new podcast, Safe and Sound, where we talk about cyber security and protecting seniors against scams.
🎧 Tune in now: https://hubs.ly/Q02CF4sl0

Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors Giving your body the right nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay active and independent. Get tips on how to find the best foods for your body and your budget.