NC Coalition on Aging

12/28/2020

2021 is almost here! Become an individual member of the Coalition for just $25.00! https://nccoalitiononaging.networkforgood.com/projects/115750-2021-membership

12/23/2020

UnitedHealthcare

COVID-19 vaccines are an important step in helping to slow the spread of the disease. We know you may have questions about when and where to get vaccinated and how much it will cost. We’re committed to helping you stay up-to-date on the latest here: https://uhc.care/cq7z5

12/23/2020

Slate’s List of the Most Influential Americans Over 80

Do you love End of Year lists? Check out Slate's 80 Over 80- list of the most influential Americans in their ninth decade (and beyond). https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/12/80-over-80-most-influential-hank-aaron-gloria-steinem-buzz-aldrin.html

“Influence” isn’t necessarily a positive thing. The list includes plenty of figures with complicated legacies.

12/22/2020

Rise in demand for adult diapers in rural NC - North Carolina Health News

The on-going need for adult incontinence supplies is costly for many older adults living on a fixed income. Thank you for highlighting this not-so-talked about need. Diaper Bank of North Carolina #Dignity #BasicNeeds #NCRural

The economic devastation of COVID-19 has hit some older adults particularly hard, driving up demand for diapers and other sanctuary products.

12/22/2020

Happy Holidays from the NC Coalition on Aging!

12/21/2020

Ombudsmen assist residents of long term care facilities in exercising their rights and attempt to resolve grievances between residents, families and facilities. They have been working tirelessly to support and advocate for residents over the past 10 months!
❤️👇❤️👇

Have questions or concerns about your loved one’s rights if they're in a nursing or adult care home?

Please contact your regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman: bit.ly/NCDAASLTCOmbudsman

12/18/2020

NC man hasn't seen wife since the pandemic began. The COVID-19 vaccine could change that

NC man hasn't seen wife since the pandemic began. The COVID-19 vaccine could change that

After nine months of outbreaks and isolation, NC nursing home residents and their families hope incoming vaccines can reunite them.

12/17/2020

Aging in Place Becomes Increasingly Important During a Pandemic from our member @nchousingbuilds https://www.nchfa.com/news/aging-place-becomes-increasingly-important-during-pandemic

12/16/2020

Our friends at National Association of Social Workers - North Carolina Chapter are seeking presentation proposals for their Clinical Social Work Institute. Here is your chance to show your stuff in 2021!!!

The 2021 Virtual NASW-NC Clinical Social Work Institute will be held live on May 10-12, 2021. We are currently seeking proposals for 2 hour presentations. Click here for more information and to submit a proposal! bit.ly/naswncpresentations

12/16/2020

Give the gift of good health this holiday season! Practice the 3W.
#COVID19NC #SlowTheSpread

12/12/2020

“The most at risk get the vaccine first.”

A tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all who want it, but supplies will be limited at first. The best way to fight the virus is to begin vaccinations for those most at risk, then reach more people as supplies increase throughout 2021.

More at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines

12/11/2020

For older people, COVID adds to holiday stress - North Carolina Health News

An important and timely article from NC Health News. Read it carefully and you will notice a few quotes from our members. Dementia Alliance of North Carolina LGBT Center of Raleigh SAGE Central North Carolina.

Changes in caregiver practices, expectations and attitudes can help smooth holidays for those in long-term care, even amidst COVID-19.

12/11/2020

Secretary Cohen - COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-Term Care (60)

As of today, 4,566 older North Carolinians have died from COVID-19. Sadly this represents 82% of the total deaths in our state.
There is good news on the fight for COVID-19! Listen to this important message from Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen NC Department of Health and Human Services as she shares information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan for long-term care residents and staff.

NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen shares information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan for long-term care facilities. For more information, visit covid19.ncdhh...

12/11/2020

NC Coalition on Aging's cover photo

12/08/2020

Orange County Department on Aging - OCDOA

Please mark your calendar and join us for our annual program with the Orange County Chapter NCCU Alumni Association on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 10:30 am.

Each year we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy, and his accomplishments. This year our speakers will discuss long-standing systemic health and social inequities and the impact of COVID on the African American Community.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85165450345?pwd=VVdCenRLelc4VXZYVUJBZnl4YlB2QT09
Meeting ID: 851 6545 0345 Passcode: 922673

12/03/2020

NC Department of Health and Human Services

NC Department of Health and Human Services

#COVID19NC Update for Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020: As of this morning, NC has had 377,231 positive cases of #COVID19, including 5,637 new cases reported since yesterday. There are 2,101 people currently hospitalized. Sadly, there have been 5,410 deaths in NC. covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard

➡ Today we hit another devastating milestone going well behind 5,000 new cases reported in just 24 hours. This number is alarming. Yesterday, we saw our highest rate yet of the percent of tests that were positive hitting 11.4%. Our hospitalization numbers are also setting records with over 2,100 now in the hospital with COVID-19. This is a particularly hard time of year to stay home and away from family and friends, yet it is the best way we can take personal responsibility and show our care for them as we fight a global pandemic.

➡ We are so close to having the means to control this virus with a safe and effective vaccine. The FDA and their external advisory committee will review two vaccines this month. Although the vaccines were developed quickly, corners were not cut. The vaccines were built upon years of work in developing vaccines for similar viruses, such as SARS. In addition, billions of dollars were invested to allow clinical trials to proceed without delay and ensure the manufacturing of millions of doses of vaccine happened at the same time. All of this allowed for the scientific community to shorten the time getting us a safe and effective vaccine.

➡ For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, more than 70,000 people combined participated in clinical trials to see if the vaccines are safe and if they can effectively prevent someone from getting COVID-19. Both companies worked to recruit people from historically marginalized populations to participate in their trials.

➡ The people who make the decision about whether or not to authorize the use of these new vaccines at the FDA are career scientists, not political appointees. The data is also reviewed by another independent body – the Vaccine and Related Product Advisory Committee. This committee works with FDA to determine safety and efficacy. The process is independent and transparent.

➡ COVID-19 vaccine supply will be very limited at first. The initial supply will got to limited number of hospitals to vaccinate health care workers at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 – those who are caring for or cleaning areas used by patients with COVID-19. Long-term care staff and residents will also be in the first group to receive the vaccine.

➡ Having a safe vaccine within reach is an extraordinary achievement, but it is not a quick fix. It will take several months to have enough supplies that anyone can readily get a vaccine. Until most people are vaccinated, the 3 Ws remain our best tool to protect our loved ones, to make sure our hospitals are there for those who need them, and to save lives. Wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash your hands.

12/03/2020

Home care workers and clients are in an impossible position during the pandemic

Home care workers and clients are in an impossible position during the pandemic

The effects on both clients and the largely women of color workforce have been significant.

12/01/2020

Today is #GivingTuesday! During this unprecedented time, older adults need a voice more than ever. Please consider joining your voice with ours this #GivingTuesday by making a donation to the NC Coalition on Aging at https://nccoalitiononaging.networkforgood.com/projects/115058-donation

11/30/2020

We are so excited to join North Carolina Alliance for Health tomorrow for Mornings with Morgan! It will be a great conversation about Healthy Aging with Healthy Aging NC and North Carolina Senior Games, Inc. Join us ☕️ #healthyaging

Join Brad Allen, Heather Burkhardt, and Nicolle Miller to talk about healthy aging on Mornings with Morgan tomorrow at 9:00 am
http://ow.ly/gug650Co5ff]

11/29/2020

NC Coalition on Aging's cover photo

11/29/2020

Everyone can have an impact on #GivingTuesday! Join the NC Coalition on Aging on December 1 to give voice to issues impacting older adults. https://nccoalitiononaging.networkforgood.com/projects/115058-donation

11/26/2020

The Holderness Family

Happy Thanksgiving!
A special thanks of gratitude to all of those who made sacrifices today and throughout the pandemic to protect the health of older North Carolinians. #StayStrongNC

We're really going to miss your cornbread dressing, Grammy.

11/24/2020

Older North Carolinians are the reason we get behind the mask. Thanks for the reminder NC Department of Health and Human Services ❤️❤️👇👇

Before your next trip to the grocery store, don’t forget to call or text your older family members and neighbors to see if they need anything. We will get through this together.

#StayStrongNC

11/20/2020

ACL is seeking inventive solutions to address the direct support professional crisis--- Can you help them out?

ACL's Direct Support Professionals Challenge opens for submissions today! ACL seeks solutions to strengthen the direct support professional workforce. Learn more: https://acl.gov/node/6120 #Disability #DevelopmentalDisability #DirectSupportWorkers #HCBS

11/17/2020

Governor Roy Cooper

North Carolina has implemented the COVID-19 County Alert System to identify counties with the highest levels of viral spread. It’s going to take all of us working together and taking the virus seriously this holiday season to avoid having to go backward.
https://governor.nc.gov/news/north-carolina-introduces-covid-19-county-alert-system

11/16/2020

Long-Term Care Workers, Grieving and Under Siege, Brace for COVID’s Next Round

How are long-term care workers affected by the losses they’re experiencing, including the deaths of colleagues and residents they’ve cared for, often for many years?

As the coronavirus surges around the country, workers in nursing homes and assisted living centers are watching cases rise in long-term care facilities with a sense of dread. Many of these workers …

11/14/2020

NC Department of Health and Human Services

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. This year’s theme is #CaregivingInCrisis.

Learn how you can address the new realities family caregivers face with their loved ones during these uncertain times by visiting @CaregiverActionNetwork: https://bit.ly/2RnePOt

11/12/2020

Meeting Needs of African American Caregivers

"Systemic injustice and historical discrimination from service providers and institutions may deter African American and Black caregivers from using formal services for training, respite care and for additional assistance."

‘More than a fourth of African American caregivers’ report having no family, friends or neighbors to help them.’

11/11/2020

NC punts review of nursing home vet deaths - North Carolina Health News

NC punts review of nursing home vet deaths - North Carolina Health News

Nationally, officials are taking action in the deaths of hundreds of veterans in state nursing homes. NC will look into ours next year.

11/09/2020

NEWS ALERT OCTOBER 30, 2020 | CMS

The New Nursing Home Resource Center consolidates all nursing home information, guidance, and resources into a user-friendly, one-stop-shop that is easily navigable so providers and caregivers can spend less time searching for critical answers and more time caring for residents. Moreover, the new platform contains features specific to residents and their families, ensuring they have the information needed to make empowered decisions about their health care.

CMS’ New One-Stop Nursing Home Resource Center Assists Providers, Caregivers, Residents

11/09/2020

Medicare's 'Part B' outpatient premium to rise by $3.90

Medicare Part B outpatient premium to raise $3.90

WASHINGTON (AP) — Medicare's ‘Part B’ monthly premium for outpatient care will go up by $3.90 next year to $148.50, officials announced late Friday afternoon. For most retirees, the health...

11/05/2020

SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot now includes Charlie C's! Program recipients can use their EBT card to buy eligible items online from Amazon, Walmart, and Charlie C's across North Carolina.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot

11/05/2020

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Due to high call volumes, people wanting to apply for rent and utility assistance through the HOPE program should do so online if they are able. Only those needing help with the application or who do not have internet access should call 2-1-1 to apply. http://ow.ly/NmGP50CbPEE

11/03/2020

👏👏👏Congratulations to the Nursing Home Heroes!👏👏👏

Charlotte – Mecklenburg Nursing Home Awards 2020

We have seen so many changes this year in Long Term Care Facilities, and our local volunteer group wanted to do something for these healthcare heroes. The Mecklenburg County Community Advisory Committee for Nursing Homes, through the Centralina Ombudsman Program, decided to create a form for residents, families, or staff in nursing homes to nominate a health care hero. We implemented this in August and wanted to share those winners with you all, and to celebrate the four winners in October for Residents’ Rights Month.

Our four winners are:

1. Cindy Coons, RN at Autumn Care of Cornelius.

2. Richard Williams, CNA at Mecklenburg Health Care

3. Katasha Maxwell, Activity Director at Pelican on Randolph

4. Marlean Hoskins, CNA at White Oak Charlotte

We appreciate the hard work these staff members provide to the residents and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They went above and beyond the call of duty to provide extra support and care to the residents. This pandemic has been hard on many residents in LTC and staff as well since they are the first in line to provide this needed care.

11/03/2020

Seniors Form COVID Pods to Ward Off Isolation This Winter

“COVID brings life and death right up in front of us,” Hartman said, “and when that happens, we have the opportunity to make crucial choices — the opportunity to take care of each other.”

https://khn.org/news/seniors-form-covid-pods-to-ward-off-isolation-this-winter/

Older adults are deliberating what to do as days and nights turn chilly and coronavirus cases rise across the country. Some are forming “bubbles” with small groups of friends who agree on pandemic …