• Medicare Savings 2

• One-Stop-Benefits-Shop 3

• Veterans View 4-5

• Hot Weather Preparedness 6

• Farmers Markets 7

• Extra Help 8

• Family Caregiver 9-11

• Calendar of Events 12

For Information and Referrals please call us at 503-846-3060

PR

SR

T S

TD

US

Po

sta

ge

PA

ID

Hil

lsb

oro

, O

R

Pe

rmit

#9

90

15

5 N

. F

irst

Ave

., M

S 4

4

Hil

lsb

oro

, O

R 9

71

24

Ad

dre

ss S

erv

ice

s R

eq

ue

ste

d

Darrel Gulstrom

Jeanene Hammers

Kathy Newkirk

Russ Wells

Mark Becker

Kurt Carlsen

Roger Fields, Vice Chair

Charmaine Hardy

John Hartner

Ian Johnson

Patricia Maberry, Past Chair

Young Nelson

Betty Pomeroy, Chair

Bob Terry

Glenna Wilder

July/August 2012

My Patriotic Heart Beats Red, White, and Blue

-Author Unknown By the middle of the 1700s, the 13 colonies that made up part of England's empire in the New World were finding it difficult to be ruled by a king 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. They were tired of the taxes imposed upon them. But independence was a gradual and painful process.

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 because that is the day when the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. From July 8, 1776, until the next month, the document was read publicly and people celebrated whenever they heard it. The next year, in Philadelphia, bells rang, candles and firecrackers were lit, and ships fired guns. But the War of Independence dragged on until 1783, and in that year, Independence Day was made an official holiday. In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal holiday.

Let us never forget the true meaning of the Fourth of July and what it means for our amazing country and the freedom we are afforded here in America. Below are some memorable Fourth of July quotes.

“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” – Abraham Lincoln

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” - Thomas Paine

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” - Elmer Davis

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Health Care Law Saved People with Medicare over

$3.5 Billion on Prescription Drugs

Under the new health care law – the Affordable Care Act -- seniors and people with disabilities in Medicare have saved a total of $3.5 billion on prescription drugs in the Medicare drug benefit coverage gap or “donut hole” from the enactment of the law in March 2010 through April of 2012. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released data today showing that, in the first four months of 2012 alone, more than 416,000 people saved an average of $724 on the prescription drugs they purchased after they hit the prescription drug coverage gap for a total of $301.5 million in savings. These savings build on the law’s success in 2010 and 2011, when more than 5.1 million people with Medicare saved over $3.2 billion on prescription drugs. In addition, CMS announced that this year, from January through April, 12.1 million people in traditional Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost to them – including over 856,000 who have taken advantage of the Annual Wellness Visit provided in the Affordable Care Act. In 2011, over 26 million people in traditional Medicare received one or more preventive benefits free of charge. “Thanks to the health care law, millions of people with Medicare have paid less for health care and prescription drugs,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “The law is helping people with Medicare lower their medical costs, and giving them more resources to stay healthy.” People with Medicare who hit the coverage gap “donut hole” in 2010 received a one-time $250 rebate. In 2011, people with Medicare began receiving a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and 7 percent coverage of generic drugs in the “donut hole.” This year, Medicare coverage for generic drugs in the coverage gap has risen to 14 percent. Coverage for both brand name and generic drugs in the gap will continue to increase over time until 2020, when the coverage gap will no longer exist. For more information on how the Affordable Care Act closes the Medicare drug benefit coverage gap “donut hole,” please visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/65-older/drug-discounts/index.html.

Taken from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) online subscription.

When you are away from home, one thing you don’t want to worry about is how you will receive your next monthly Social Security payment. That is why it is important for everyone receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to sign up for electronic payments.

These days, almost everyone gets benefit payments electronically. Today, about 90 percent of all Social Security and SSI beneficiaries receive their payments electronically. That number is increasing because the law requires that by March 1, 2013 all federal benefit payments, including Social Security and SSI payments, be made electronically. Whether you receive Social Security or SSI, you can depend on your payment arriving in your account on time, every time. If you don’t already receive electronic payments, there are many good reasons to sign up. For one, less money and time spent driving to the bank to cash your check helps you save. Second, fewer paper checks, envelopes, and stamps, and less fuel to deliver the checks means savings for the government.

As an added bonus, many banks offer free checking accounts for people who use direct deposit because it

saves the bank the cost of processing paper payments.

Skip the line at the bank, save money, get your payment faster, and know you can depend on your payment being in the bank no matter what happens or where you are. You can do all of this with electronic payments. Learn more about it at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit

Summertime’s the Right Time for Electronic Payments By Alan Edwards

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Approximately 60% of veterans, seniors, and persons with disabilities are not receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. The result may be poor nutrition, past due medical bills, and utility shut-offs. Washington County's Benefits Enrollment Center, a program of Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, is a one-stop-benefits-shop that can help.

In the past year, the Center has screened over 500 individuals for eligibility for food stamps, property tax relief, Medicaid, home energy assistance and other programs. The day to day work of the Center is completed almost entirely by volunteers who meet with individuals where it is most convenient for the person seeking help.

"Most of the time people don't know what benefits are available to them or they can't make it to an office," says program coordinator Linda Sneddon. "Paperwork and documentation can be difficult. This program removes barriers for many."

In a thank you letter, a client's daughter wrote, "Without your intervention, my parents wouldn't be receiving attention to critical services needed. It will be great to begin accessing services and living beyond a crisis stage. One year of crisis is more than enough. I believe the services people have shared with us reflect a nicer quality of life for my family."

To learn more about volunteering in this program, contact Rebecca Tabra, Program Educator, at 503-846-3087. To

request help, call 503-846-3060.

One-Stop-Benefits-Shop Available for

Washington County Seniors and Veterans

Starting in June, seniors enrolled in Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program (SFDNP) will receive a packet of eight $4 dollar Farm Direct checks and a list of some participating markets and farm stands nearby. They will have until October 31st to spend the checks with authorized farmers on fresh, locally grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and cut herbs. Seniors whose response cards were not selected in the random drawing will be notified by postcard, and placed on a waiting list in case the program receives additional funding for this year.

People who are not eligible for SFDNP and who contact the program’s toll-free information line will be referred back to their local Area Agency on Aging office so they can be linked to senior meal programs or other available

local resources. Here are the eligibility criteria that were used this year:

• Be 60 years old as of April 1, 2012

• Be receiving Medicaid and/or SNAP benefits on April 1, 2012

• Have income less than $1,257 for an individual or $1,703 for a couple and

• Be living in a situation where food is not provided for them

For more information about this program, contact your local Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) office in your area.

Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program

Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran

Services is now on Facebook! Check us out!

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Veterans View

The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) GI Bill offers up to 12 months of Montgomery GI Bill benefits for older unemployed veterans. Unemployed veterans between the age of 35 and 60 may apply for education benefits worth as much as $17,600 ($1473 a month). This new GI Bill program was created as a part of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

To be eligible for the VRAP GI Bill you must:

• Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old

• Be unemployed (as determined by DoL)

• Not have a dishonorable discharge

• Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program

• Not be drawing VA compensation due to unemployability

• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

Here's what you should know about the new VRAP before you apply:

• This benefit can only be used to earn an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the you for a high demand occupation

• According to the VA, the program should begin processing VRAP benefits on July 1, 2012

• This new benefit will be limited to 45K vets in FY2012 and 54K from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014

• Once you have completed the VRAP education program, the Dept. of Labor will provide employment assistance.

If you need assistance please contact Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services at 503-846-3060.

The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

With more than 300 in attendance, the VFW Post 2666, the Hillsboro American Legion (AL), City of Hillsboro and Washington County conducted a Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Plaza located at the Fairgrounds. The two posts provided a joint honor guard for posting the colors and provided a three volley gun salute. The 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, provided a F-15 flyover.

Doug Lund, of VFW Post 2666, led the ceremony. American Legion Chaplain Steve Sinclair provided a moving explanation of the POW table symbology followed by the traditional VFW Memorial Day Ritual. Brigadier General Steven Gregg, Commander Oregon Air National Guard, gave a stirring key-note address and read the names, rank, date and location of the Washington County Iraq/Afghanistan soldiers killed in action. This was followed by a veteran tribute by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. Betty Pomeroy, Col USA (Ret.), led the un-veiling of the veterans plaque and rededication of the Hillsboro Veterans Gateway.

Remarks were delivered by Mayor Jerry Willey, Chairman Andy Duyck and Sheriff Pat Garret. The Ladies Auxiliaries from the Hillsboro VFW and American Legion provided refreshments after the ceremony.

Recap of Washington County Memorial Celebration

Memorial Day celebration at the flag posts

The Advisory

Honoring Service, Honoring Sacrifice

July/August 2012

The newly completed Veterans Gateway at the Washington County Fairgrounds eventually will serve as a passage to the Memorial Plaza, a dedicated space to honor Washington County veterans. Now is the time to order a paving stone to honor your veteran so that it can be engraved and installed at the Gateway. Stones can be purchased for $75 each and can include name, rank, branch of service, dates of service, campaigns, ships, units etc. Up to 18 characters per line, order form below. There is also an online ordering form on the website at washcovets-memorialfund.org.

Row

1

Row

2

Row

3

Row

4

Row

5

Contact Information:

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________

Please mail your completed form and check to: MEMORIAL FUND FOR VETERANS OF WASHINGTON

COUNTY, PO Box 73, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Checks can be made payable to: WASHCOVETS

For more information, contact 503-640-4633 or email at WASHCOVETS@frontier.com or visit the

website at washcovets-memorialfund.org.

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Heat Cramps

Warning Signs: Painful muscle contractions, usually in the hamstring muscles.

What to do: Take heat cramps seriously, cool yourself down to avoid more serious problems.

Heat Exhaustion:

Warning Signs: Dizziness, fatigue, faintness and/or headache; Skin that is pale and clammy; Pulse is rapid and weak; Breathing is fast and shallow; Muscle cramps; Intense thirst

What to do: Seek medical attention immediately!

Heatstroke

Warning Signs: Often preceeded by heat exhaustion and its symptoms; Skin that is hot, dry and flushed—no sweating; High body temperatures; Rapid heartbeat; Confusion.

What to do: Call 911. This is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. While waiting for help to arrive, get out of the sun or heat, drink fluids, and lie down with cool, wet washcloths on your face and neck.

Heat Related Illness

Seniors are more prone to heat-related health problems than younger people. Nearly all of a senior’s internal organs function with less efficiency, especially those that help the body deal with heat. Also, most seniors are on combinations of medications that further slow the body’s ability to deal with heat. Here are some general guidelines to follow when the weather is hot.

1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER – Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. You lose a lot of water through perspiration. Carry a water bottle with you if you are able.

2. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE – They cause your body to lose more water.

3. STAY IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA – Circulation of air helps you keep cool. Open a window or turn on a fan or air conditioner.

4. DRESS “COOL” - Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, sunscreen, and a broad- brimmed hat.

5. AVOID UNNECESSARY ACTIVITY - Especially in a hot environment.

6. KNOW YOUR MEDICATION – The heat may affect your reaction to certain medications.

7. HAVE A FRIEND CHECK UP ON YOU – Plan to have a friend check on you at different times of the day when the temperature is extremely high.

8. PLAN AHEAD – Try to plan your outside activities during the coolest part of the day, early in the morning or later in the evening.

9. TAKE YOUR TIME – Leave plenty of extra time so you don’t have to run around in a hurry.

10. EAT LIGHT MEALS.

Developed by San Francisco Aging Services

Tips for Seniors and People with Disabilities:

Hot Weather Preparedness

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Below is a list of farmers’ markets in Washington County. Dates, times and locations are noted.

Banks

Every Friday through the end of September. 3pm-7pm. Oak Village Shopping Center (Jim’s Thriftway) parking lot in the green space area. 660 S. Main Street, Banks 97106

Beaverton

Every Saturday through August. 8am-1:30pm. Wednesday evenings 3pm-6pm through August. 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton 97005

Cedar Mill

Every Saturday through October. 8am-1pm. 13565 NW Cornell Rd., Portland 97229

Cornelius

Every Sunday through August. 11am-3pm. Walmart Parking Lot, 220 N. Adair St., Cornelius 97113

Forest Grove

Every Wednesday. 4pm-8pm. On Main Street between Pacific and 21st Ave. Forest Grove 97116

Hillsboro

Every Saturday through October. 8am-1:30pm. Every Tuesday from 5pm-8:30pm through October. 2nd Avenue and Main Street, Hillsboro 97123

Hillsboro (Wednesday)

Every Wednesday through August. 4pm-8pm. 19940 NW Cornell Rd., Hillsboro 97124

Hillsboro (Sunday)

Every Sunday through October. 10am-2pm. NE Cornell Rd. and NE 61st Ave., Hillsboro 97123

Sherwood

Every Sunday through October. 11am-1pm. 22560 SW Pine Street, Sherwood 97140

Tigard

Every Sunday through October. 10am-2pm. 11831 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard 97223

Tualatin

Every Friday through September 28th. 4pm-8pm. 8325 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin 97062

Washington County Farmers’ Markets

Are you new to Medicare? Are you unsure of your

Medicare options and benefits? Do you need more

information about Medicare?

This FREE class will answer your questions and provide

you with additional resources. Join us at one of the

following classes presented by SHIBA and held at St.

Vincent’s Hospital. For more information or to register,

call SHIBA at 503-846-3094. After registration, you will

receive a confirmation letter and map.

Option 1

Part 1: August 18, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Souther

Auditorium

Part 2: August 25, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Souther

Auditorium

Option 2

Part 1: October 13, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon in Souther

Auditorium

Part 2: October 20, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon in Conference

Room 4

Option 3

Part 1: October 13, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Souther

Auditorium

Part 2: October 20, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Conference

Room 4

SHIBA is a state program providing free counseling and

advocacy for people who need help navigating their

Medicare benefits. Call 503-846-3094.

Medicare 101 Classes Offered

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Medicare has a program that helps pay for prescription medicine. It's called Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage or Medicare Part D. This program pays for some, but not all, of the prescription drug costs. If you are enrolled in Medicare Part D and have limited income and resources, you may be able to get "Extra Help" from this program.

This means that you can get more help paying for medications. You can get the Extra Help program based on your income and resources. If you are single, your income must be less than $16,755 and resources must be less than $13,070. If you are married, your income must be less than $22,695 and resources must be less than $26,120.

You may apply online at www.ssa.gov or call the Benefits Enrollment Center at 503-846-3060.

Extra Help—How Can this Program Assist You?

Do your parents spend much time online?

Sometimes older parents can be apprehensive about using the Internet and conducting business online. There is no

reason they should be when it comes to Social Security’s online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, which are

consistently rated not only the best and easiest to use in government, but in the private sector as well.

What are some of the reasons your parents may want to visit

www.socialsecurity.gov? Allow us to show you around so you can give Mom and Dad

the proper tour.

Front and center, there is always a series of illustrated panels. This is where we share

new messages, initiatives, and items of interest, such as breaking news and tips on

new or improved online services.

To the right, you’ll find a big question mark: that is where you can find our most

frequently asked questions — and the answers to them. If your parents have a

question about Social Security, chances are someone else had the same question.

We have collected them on our website, and it is easy to search for questions on a

variety of Social Security topics.

Smack dab in the middle of the page is where you can find press releases and the

latest news about Social Security.

To the left of the page you will find our top services. Virtually anything you want to

do online can be found here: apply online for retirement, disability or Medicare

benefits; get an instant, personalized estimate of future benefits with our online Retirement Estimator; and obtain

information about how to get or replace a Social Security card.

One of the hottest new services is getting your Social Security Statement online. Just complete the authentication

process, much like the sort you would go through when requesting a credit report online, and you’ll be able to set up

your online Social Security account.

Once you do, you will have online access to your Statement, which includes detailed estimates of future benefits, and a

summary of your work history through the years. This is especially helpful for parents who may be planning for

retirement.

Our website offers many other services as well, such as online forms and publications, an easy application to apply for

Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, icons to our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages, and information

categorized by subject matter or by audience.

Take Your Parents on a Meaningful Tour

of Social Security’s Website by Alan Edwards, Social Security

July/August 2012

SAVE THE DATE

2012 Washington County

Family Caregiver Conference

Friday, November 16, 2012

9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tuality Health Education Center, Hillsboro

Look for more details in the next Advisory!

The Family Caregiver Advisory

July/August 2012

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six (6)-week educational series designed to help unpaid family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend with a chronic illness. Caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress, communicate their needs effectively in challenging situations, deal with difficult emo-tions, and make tough caregiving decisions. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, or friend, someone who lives at home, in a facility, or across the country.

Class size is limited, and registration is required.

(Suggested donation of $25 to help defray cost of the book, but not required in order to attend class.)

CLASS LEADERS: Sandy Madsen, RN, & Deborah Letoureau, MSW

Class Location Class Date and Time Call to Register

Tuality Health Education Center

334 SE Eighth Avenue

Hillsboro, 97123

September 26 – October 31, 2012

Wednesdays

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Debbie Croft

503-846-3089

FREE FAMILY CAREGIVER TRAINING Sponsored by No Worries In-Home Care and

WCDAVS Family Caregiver Support Program

For family members and other unpaid caregivers providing care in the home

Next Training:

Tuesdays, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2012

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at

No Worries Training Center, Nimbus Conference Center

9403-B SW Nimbus Ave., Beaverton

Five sessions cover:

Self-care and community resources

Basic personal care techniques and assistive equipment

Medication administration, dealing with challenging behaviors

Elder law considerations and end-of-life planning.

CALL TO REGISTER: 503-846-3089

The Advisory

July/August 2012

Summer Travel Plans—12 Tips for Navigating Airport Security

-Candy B. Harrington

Advance planning is essential for a smooth trip. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind, as you head through the airport security checkpoint.

1. Arrive early to allow plenty of extra time to get through security.

2. Request a wheelchair for the person in your care, even if they don’t use one at home. Not only will it prevent fatigue, but wheelchair-users are usually fast tracked through security.

3. Have the person in your care carry a “traveling with” card in their wallet, with your name and cell phone number on it.

4. Canes and walkers are allowed through security checkpoints, but they will be inspected thoroughly by security personnel.

5. Medications may be visually inspected instead of being x-rayed; however, you must request this before the screening process begins.

6. Liquid medications are allowed through the security checkpoint; however, if they are over 3 ounces, they must be declared to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer before the screening process begins.

7. Passengers are not required to remove their shoes if their disability prevents them from doing so; they will be subject to a manual pat-down.

8. Passengers who can’t walk or go through the metal detector will be given a manual pat-down. These passengers have the right to a private screening and to have a companion present during that screening.

9. Passengers are not required to transfer from their wheelchairs for manual pat-downs, but they will be required to lean forward. Make sure to inform the TSA Officer if the person in your care has difficulty moving or has sensitive or sore areas.

10. Inform the TSA Officer before the manual pat-down begins if the person in your care has an ostomy bag. Passengers are not required to remove or expose their ostomy bags at TSA checkpoints.

11. If you’re picking up or dropping off someone with Alzheimer’s at the airport, make sure to obtain a gate pass at the check-in counter. This will allow you to pass through the security checkpoint and access the gates.

12. Additional information about security screening policies and procedures for disabled passengers may be obtained by calling the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227.

Candy Harrington has been covering accessible travel exclusively for the past 16 years. She’s the editor of EmergingHorizons (www.EmergingHorizons.com), and the author of several accessible travel titles, including the classic Barrier-Free Travels:A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers (www.barrierfreetravel.net). She also blogs about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com.

Taking Care of Yourself—Planning a Trip

When you anticipate problems, you reduce the chance of emergencies that can spoil a vacation. There is the physical and mental stain of traveling, overexertion by hustling to catch a train, over eating and family conflicts.

Plan the schedule at the time of day when you and the person are at their best. During the trip:

• Maintain daily routine by having meals, showering and getting up and going to bed at the same time.

• Take familiar items, such as a favorite pillow and clothes.

• Have water and snacks readily available.

• Always secure the bedroom door during your stay.

• Avoid busy and noisy places, even relatives with bustling households.

Consider a short trip first to better understand how the person—and you—are able to cope before committing to a long trip.

The Advisory

The Advisory Rebecca Tabra

To subscribe/unsubscribe to the Advisory call 503-846-3060

View The Advisory and past issues on the Web at:

www.co.washington.or.us/News/Newsletters/theadvisory.cfm

Calendar of Events

Aging and Veteran Services

Advisory Council

Thursday, July 26th,

10:00am-Noon

Firstenburg Community Center

700 NE 136th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98668

Thursday, August 23rd,

9:00am-Noon

Washington County Conference Ctr.

225 S. 1st Street, Hillsboro

1st Floor of Parking Structure

For more information contact Janet Long

at 503-846-3081 or email at

Janet_Long@co.washington.or.us

Disability Services Advisory

Council

Monday, July 9th,

1:00pm-3:00pm

Beaverton SPD Office

4805 SW Griffith Drive,

Beaverton

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP) Events

Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon will be present at the Washington

County senior meal sites and community center to assist individuals in

finding out what food assistance they may obtain as well as other ser-

vices. All times are 10:30am to 1:00pm. Find out if you may qualify by

dropping by at a center on the following dates:

All Saints

372 NE Lincoln, Hillsboro

July 10th

Elsie Stuhr Senior Center

5550 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton

July 24th

Forest Grove Senior Center

2037 Douglas St., Forest Grove

July 6th

Hillsboro Community Senior Center

750 SE 8th Ave., Hillsboro

July 27th

Juanita Pohl Community Center

8513 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin

July 17th

North Plains Senior Center

31450 NW Commercial Street, North Plains

July 3rd

Sherwood Senior Center

21907 SW Sherwood Blvd., Sherwood

July 9th