Winter 2015 | Sourcewise

Get Answers to Your Medicare Questions

Chris Admin Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:45:30 +0000

The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) helps you prioritize your Medicare options and provides unbiased information to help you choose the best plan for you and your family.

Sourcewise HICAP counselors help individuals in Santa Clara County to understand enrollment periods for Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Counselors also educate clients about important enrollment rights and timing when one wishes to purchase or switch Medicare supplement insurance plans (also referred to as Medigap).

Existing Medicare beneficiaries (already enrolled in Part A, Part B or both) have an “Annual Coordinated Election Period” (AEP) every October 15 through December 7. Commonly called “Open Enrollment,” during this period recipients may enroll into, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Part C HMO. Changes made in this year’s AEP will take effect on January 1, 2016.

Medicare Advantage Plan members can check their Annual Notice of Change (received in September) in preparation for 2016. Increased costs or decreased benefits for 2016 have triggered guaranteed rights to purchase Medigap plans without medical underwriting.

General enrollment for Medicare Part A/B will take place from January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016 for individuals who wanted -but missed their chance – to enroll in Medicare Part B or who wish to purchase Part A. Part B coverage will begin July 1, 2016.

Passive enrollment into the pilot project Cal MediConnect will end December 31, 2015. Certain dually eligible Medi-Cal and Medicare recipients may elect to join these plans on their own in 2016.

To review your benefits and health care options, call our Health Insurance Counseling specialists at: (408) 350-3200, option 2.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Amir Erez, Care Manager

Chris Admin Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:39:02 +0000

Amir Erez was born and raised in Israel, moved to the United States in 1993, and was granted U.S. citizenship in 1997. Amir is fluent in Hebrew and English.

Amir’s passion for helping people led him to a career as a dedicated social worker.

In 2006, Amir joined the Sourcewise Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) as a care manager.

Amir states, “I love the interaction with my clients and their families, and I appreciate their positive feedback.”

“In the nine years that Amir has worked in MSSP, he has provided care management to hundreds of vulnerable seniors in our community. His clients and their family members have expressed appreciation for his compassion and hard work. Amir provides support for clients to remain safe and well cared for at home.” said Colleen McFadden, Supervisor of Care Management.

Amir’s clients range from 65 to 101 years. Amir takes his job seriously as an advocate for his clients and their families; he provides care management and support, assisting his clients to access the vital resources they need. Colleen added, “Amir provides a spark of energy to the entire MSSP team with his spirited enthusiasm.”

Music has always been a big part of Amir’s life. He plays the keyboard and sings in a rock band. He also plays tennis three times per week and is in the United States Tennis Association League. Amir also enjoys working in his flower garden.

If you know of someone who may benefit from Sourcewise Care Management, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 or email community@mysourcewise.com.

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Socialize, Volunteer, and Exercise at Local Senior Centers

Chris Admin Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:35:56 +0000

Over 15,000 senior centers are available nationally, according to the California Commission on Aging (www.ccoa.ca.gov), and over 30 centers are accessible in Santa Clara County. Senior centers offer an array of activities to keep members actively engaged, happy, and healthy.

Sourcewise proudly contributes to the Sunnyvale Senior Center and Cupertino Senior Center where socialization, education, and exercise options are offered for interested seniors. At these locations, adults, 50 years and older, will have the opportunity to meet new friends; learn new skills; exercise; and even help fellow community members through volunteer programs.

Classes provide instruction on art, computers, and exercise. Social activities are available and foster healthy and supportive relationships.

Members also have volunteering opportunities for various activities, including keeping the community clean; assisting as a day trip escort; and helping with the lunch program. Classes and opportunities for volunteering are available for all members of senior centers. At each center, you can choose a membership option that fits your lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on adventures with the Sunnyvale Senior Center. Your membership is your ticket to a variety of classes, drop-in programs, dances, day trips, and the Billiard and Fitness Rooms.

The Cupertino Senior Center strives to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, encouraging a healthy lifestyle through quality education, recreation, travel, social events, and volunteer opportunities.

Become involved in your community by contacting your local senior center! You will find fun activities, new friends, and a deepened sense of community spirit. Perhaps you can start a new year’s resolution a little early this year.

For more information about the programs and services offered by these senior centers and other resources throughout Santa Clara County, contact a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise at: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

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Sourcewise Offers Senior Employment Opportunities

Chris Admin Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:33:48 +0000

Sourcewise is one of fifteen Area Agencies on Aging that administer the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) in California. Supporting Santa Clara County’s low-income seniors, Sourcewise offers personalized career counseling, supervised on-the job training, and classroom training designed for a transition to unsubsidized employment.

For the past 16 years, Henri Villalovoz, Director of Senior Employment Services of Sourcewise, has fostered strong relationships with both nonprofit and for profit employers throughout Santa Clara County, achieving a 95% rate of unsubsidized placement for participants in the program.

Two training programs are offered through the Senior Employment Program: On-The-Job Training (OJT) features supervised assignments at local nonprofit community based organizations; The Homecare Aide Training Program strengthens the skills of caregivers.

OJT assignments teach contemporary job skills, and create a relationship with a training supervisor, which increases confidence in participants’ abilities.

The Homecare Aide Training Program is taught by a registered nurse and a certified CPR-First Aid instructor. Students learn techniques to properly care for persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Local home care agencies actively solicit graduates. Henri states, “Lou Ann, owner of a local homecare company, recently said that the graduates of [our] homecare training course are the most reliable and professional caregivers that she has ever hired. She looks forward to recruiting future graduates.”

Each September, The National Employ Older Worker’s Week highlights and promotes the importance of recognizing seniors in the workforce. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that by 2020, workers age 55 and over will encompass 25 percent of the U.S. civilian labor market. These experienced workers comprise a valuable and skilled segment of the labor force.

If you would like more information about Senior Employment Services, call a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise at: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

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Alicia Forbrich Finds Caregiving Relief

Chris Admin Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:30:35 +0000

Alicia Forbrich is a 30-something entrepreneur who founded the San Jose Learning Center; the only language school in the South Bay. Alicia is a successful, bright, and family-oriented woman who spends the majority of her free time with her father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 18 years ago.

Until recently, Alicia and her sister collectively spent 60 hours weekly–often more–providing care for their father, ensuring he was safe at home and that all his critical needs were met. As a business owner, Alicia often sacrificed personal time to care for her father and to run the day-to-day operations of her office; while her sister juggled the responsibilities of new motherhood and caring for their father.

Alicia explained, “It is hard to find a dependable and patient caregiver. It is not like a business that if you do not show up, it’s business as usual. Someone is depending on you and is helpless.” Over time, the level of care her father requires has exceeded the sisters’ capabilities.

A friend referred Alicia to Sourcewise and its Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) which provides temporary respite and links caregivers to support services, such as personal care, or adult day services. Mary Cyrus, FCSP Care Manager, initiated services to alleviate Alicia’s caregiving responsibilities.

The respite care Alicia receives allows her precious time to tend to her flourishing business; as well as to enjoy hobbies such as mountain biking and traveling. She is even planning her next adventure abroad!

Alicia states, “Things have been going smoothly. Dad is taken care of; he is happy; which makes us happy. It [FCSP of Sourcewise] has helped plant a seed for our future; at least for the rest of my dad’s life.”

If you would like more information about FCSP, and other caregiver support options available in Santa Clara County, call a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

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