Brain Injury Awareness Month

How a local program can help!

Did you know that May is Brain Injury Awareness month? According to the Alzheimer's Association, over the past 30 years, research has linked moderate and severe TBI to a greater risk of cognitive decline or dementia years after the original head injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from an impact to the head that disrupts normal brain function and may affect a person's cognitive abilities, including learning and thinking skills.

Do you know someone who has a history of a traumatic brain injury? Advantage Aging Solutions manages a program that provides services to meet the changing needs of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and similar memory disorders.

The Alzheimer's Disease Initiative Program (ADI) has different services available to help. Respite care is available for caregivers of adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed as having probable Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory disorders where mental changes appear and interfere with the activities of daily living. Caregivers of those living with memory disorders can receive training and other ADI support services in addition to respite care.

ADI respite services include in-home, adult day care, emergency, and extended care (up to 30 days) for caregivers who serve patients with memory disorders. In addition to respite services, the ADI provides support services that include: case management, specialized medical equipment and supplies, caregiver counseling and support groups, and caregiver training.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of memory loss where mental changes are present and interfere with the activities of daily living (ADLs).
• 18 years or older
• Must have a primary caregiver (Most services address the needs of caregivers who are the key to the person remaining in the community) that will benefit from respite services
• No financial eligibility requirements
• Co-payment for services, if eligible
• Non-family members must get a level two background screening prior to services beginning. 

You can access the ADI Program by calling the Elder Helpline at 1-866-467-4624 and completing a telephone assessment with one of our Counselors. 

Resources:

-https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/traumatic-brain-injury

-https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/bureau-of-elder-rights/alzheimers-disease-initiative/

Questions to Ask if You’re Ready to Enroll in Medicare

Did you know that obtaining the right Medicare coverage often depends on asking the right questions? 

SHINE Medicare Counselors are ready with the right answers.

Questions to Ask re: Medicare Basics 

1.      Am I Medicare-eligible?

2.      What are the different parts of Medicare insurance and what do they provide?

3.      When can I enroll in Medicare?  

Questions to Ask re: Medicare Coverage Options that Match My Healthcare Needs

1.      Do I need Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan? 

2.      Will I need a Supplement Plan to pay for the costs that Original Medicare does not cover? 

3.      What are my prescription drug coverage options?

Questions to Ask re: Financial Assistance Programs to Help Pay for your Medicare Costs

1.      What kind of assistance is available? 

2.      Am I eligible for these programs?

How do I get informed & unbiased assistance to answer all these questions? Call a SHINE Counselor today at 866-467-4624.

SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated locally by Advantage Aging Solutions. SHINE provides free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of volunteers; empowering Florida seniors to make informed health choices.