September 2024

Falls Prevention Week: September 23-27, 2024

From Awareness to Action

Falls Prevention Week is a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling. For the 17^th anniversary of Falls Prevention Week, the focus is to move from awareness to action.

Take action in preventing falls today by following these important steps:

1. Falls Free Check Up: Do you know your falls risk? Answer 12 easy questions using NCOA's Falls Free Check Up to see how you can maintain your independence and stay falls free. https://bit.ly/Falls-CheckUp
2. Talk to Your Doctor: One in four older adults falls each year, but only half tell their doctor. See how else you can get the most out of your conversations with your doctor. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Talk-to-Your-Doctor 
3. Vision and Hearing: Your vision and hearing play an important role in good balance, which is needed for everyday activities to prevent falls. Explore ways to keep your eyes and ears healthy to prevent falls. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Care-for-Your-Vision-Hearing
4. Family and Friends: It can feel lonely experiencing the fear of falling, but it doesn’t have to be. Start a conversation with your family and friends today about how to protect yourself. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Talk-to-Your-Family
5. Medication Reviews: Taking more than one medication increases the chance of side effects, medication interactions, and the risk of falling. Learn ways to make sure your medications are not increasing your falls risk. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Review-Medications-with-Your-Doctor 
6. Physical Activity and Exercise Programs: You might find yourself feeling unsteady or maybe you're starting to fear falling as you age. Though that might be the case, there are exercise programs that can help improve balance, strength, and flexibility. See how you can stay strong and find an exercise program in your area. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Find-A-Good-Exercise-Program 
7. Home Safety: Many older adults fall at home each year due to common household hazards. Learn how you can keep your home safe. https://bit.ly/FPAW-Make-Your-Home-Safe

Resources: https://www.ncoa.org/professionals/health/center-for-healthy-aging/national-falls-prevention-resource-center/falls-prevention-awareness-week/

Medicare Open Enrollment Part I:

Annual Review of Your Current Plan

Did you know that, from October 15 to December 7 each year, seniors withMedicare, or their caregivers, can change their health insurance plans to better match their healthcare needs? Even if you are satisfied with your coverage, it never hurts to look at other plans that may cost you less.

What to Look at First:

• Whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage - don’t assume your plan hasn’t changed. Don’t be caught by surprise.
• Review the Annual Notice of Change, as well as Medicare & You 2024, both mailed to you in September, to see if there will be any cost increases in the coming year such as premiums, deductibles, or copays.
• Prescription drugs – will they continue to be covered? At a higher cost?
•  My doctors – will they still accept my Medicare?
• Has the status of your health changed since last year that may require a new specialist or additional services, and possibly higher expenses?

Let a SHINE Counselor assist you with these and other questions.

To talk to a SHINE Medicare Counselor, call the Elder Helpline at 866-467-4624.

Next Edition of Medicare Moments: Open Enrollment Part II: Changing Plans



SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is offered 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.

Cost savings could be yours too through the Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help Program.

Innovative Partnerships with Trualta and TCARE

Helping caregivers care for themselves

Our partnerships with these two new companies is in full swing!

Trualta and TCARE both help the caregiver to focus on themselves, while also finding different and possible more helpful ways to care for their loved ones. Knowing that a caregiver may have limited time, utilizing these services is quick and easy to use.

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in these programs, please visit our Caregiver Support & Education page here.

To learn more about TCARE, call the Elder Helpline at 866-467-4624.