Showing posts with label elders. Show all posts

Join The Conversation-Thursday 4-9-15 5:30-7pm Rochester Public Library


From NH Citizens Alliance:

NH Citizens Alliance is launching our second round of Community Conversations on the subject of NH's Budget featuring budget expert Jeff McLynch of NH Fiscal Policy Institute.

Up Coming Community Conversation : more towns to be confirmed soon!

Thursday 4/9/15 5:30-7pm Rochester Public Library, 65 South Main St. Rochester, upstairs meeting room

We want to hear from you! What are your concerns? What action can you take? Go to this link to let us know you are coming: http://goo.gl/forms/Nnv0EUilU8

To set the stage and provide some critical background information, Jeff McLynch of the NH Fiscal Policy Institute will do a short presentation and be available to join the conversation. Jeff is very knowledgeable of the complexities of the NH Budget and the budget process so is an invaluable addition to the conversation, being able to answer many questions that we, as the general public, probably do not know.

We respectfully request that you pre-register for the event by going to this link: http://goo.gl/forms/Nnv0EUilU8

The budget process for NH is underway. The Governor has proposed her budget. The NH House of Representatives has proposed their budget that most believe to be irresponsible to the people of NH. The budget process has now crossed over to the NH Senate. It is important that Granite Staters have some knowledge of this process, of the proposed cuts and know what action they may be able to take during this critical part of the cycle.

A petition was presented to the House on 4/1/15 with over 800 signatures. It is not too late to add your name: Petition Text: We call on members of the state House & Senate to pass a responsible, balanced budget that protects taxpayers without sacrificing the essential programs and services New Hampshire families and communities depend on for our health, safety, and quality of life.

Cut and paste this link to sign the petition! http://goo.gl/forms/7X07QO9xcf

Cut and paste this link to RSVP to the Rochester Community Conversation. http://goo.gl/forms/Nnv0EUilU8

Cole-McCrea reports on State Committee for the Aging

 
 As representative and advocate for Strafford County, I attended the NH State Committee on Aging on September 10th.
A letter was sent to the NH Housing Authority requesting action relief for the housing crisis affecting low income, elderly and/or persons with disabilities within the state.

The senior volunteer program no longer pays mileage, which leaves many elders without means to pay drivers to take them to appointments.  The respite program is also at risk.  Both of these programs were taken out of the state budget two years ago and are now in the first draft of the new budget so please keep on your representatives!

  A Public Health grant has been applied for that would provide some oral health for persons over 60, within income guidelines,  that need a hygienist.  Right now, Medicaid only covers extractions.  Other grants applied for include one for Risk and Fall assessments, ServiceLink expansion to include counseling for persons who may need long term care but are not Medicaid eligible, and a grant to enable Adult and Elderly Protective Services to assist and support seniors who are or have been exploited.  Hopefully we will get these grants!

We were advised on the duties of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for elders in nursing homes, assisted living, respite and family homes and acts independently of any state or private  agency.

It was pointed out that under Medicare, being hospitalized for observation for up to three days is not the same as  being admitted for three days…something I did not know. One has to be admitted in a hospital, not for observation,  for three days before Medicare will step in on a nursing home transfer cost.  We were advised to check for hospital status and financial options before being admitted to a nursing home…I sat there wondering how a person alone would be able to do that!  Medicare also needs to be called on Day 99 of a nursing home stay as Medicare will only pay 100% for the first 20 days, then 80% up to day 100, dependent upon and if and only if occupational therapy/physical therapy state adequate progress towards rehabilitation is being made.  We hope at some point that there will be trainings on this through ServiceLink, but that is not yet available.  We asked for training on Medicare so we can advise our communities; this should be forthcoming.

This summarizes my notes on the September meeting.  Any errors are mine only.  Feel free to contact me with any needs, solutions, or ideas.  Candace Cole-McCrea, 652-7594. snowyowl@metrocast.net.