News

Waukesha County celebrates Family Care launch

Thursday, July 24, 2008, 10 - 11 am, N19 W24075 Riverwood Drive, Suite 300, Waukesha, WI. Care Wisconsin hosts a celebration of Family Care in Waukesha County, with Karen Tiberlake, Wisconsin Secretary of Health Services, and others. Mark Lamkins 800-963-0035.

Meeting location announced for September 11 Ethics and Boundaries training

Thursday, September 11, 1-5 pm, Alumni Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plan Rd.The Aging Consortium's annual training in Ethics and Boundaries (4 contact hours). Kristen Tym and others from the Center for the Study of Bioethics present. Directions and parking information will be posted soon (tan sidebar left and in this article). More

Member company in the news as bright spot in local economy

Direct Supply was on WISN news July 17 as a growing company with job openings in a difficult economy. Read more and watch the video. Direct Supply provides equipment, design, and project management for nearly all elder care needs.

Don't use your 401(k) account for easy credit, say Senators Kohl and Schumer

At least one company is offering a debit card that draws from the owner's 401(k) account, and senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Herb Kohl (D-WI) want to stop the practice. On July 16, they announced legislation barring the practice, which "can quickly depleat American's nest eggs." Swiping from the retirement account this way also incurs interest payments on all withdrawals. More

Longterm care reform in Wisconsin highlighted in AARP report

July 2008. ". . .the Wisconsin Family Care program is an example of a successful managed care program" integrating health and long-term care services and funding sources, according to a new report from the AARP Public Policy Institute. A Balancing Act: State Long-Term Care (LTC) Reform looked at progress across the nation in spending less and shifting LTC services from nursing homes to the communities. Between 2001 and 2006, Wisconsin decreased its nursing home spending by $84 million. While home-based service spending increased (as was the intention), the net savings in the population studied during the 5-year period was $41 million. Wisconsin summary,  Full report

Tai Chi instructor workshops in Milwaukee

Workshops for Tai Chi instructors with Patricia Culotti (approved by the WPTA and the NCCAOM for CEUs) for 2008 will be held in Milwaukee August 2, September 27-28, and October  11. Sensing Qi training at all levels (no experience needed) October 26.  More

Forum looks at leadership diversity in Milwaukee's nonprofit sector

Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 8:30 am - 11:00 am, MCFI, 2020 West Wells Street, Milwaukee. The Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at UWM will be exploring a forthcoming research report it commissioned, Leadership Diversity: How Does Milwaukee's Nonprofit Sector Rate? Please join the discussion. This event is free but seating is limited. Register by July 23. Information 414-229-2813; Flyer

 

UPS delivery e-mail scam

After receiving some e-mails claiming to be notifications of failure to deliver a package ("Paket"), we contacted UPS. The notices are scams--UPS does not do business that way--and the attachment contains a virus. Please don't open it.

New Elder Adults/Adults-at-risk financial information

SafetyNetworks memo #5 (July 2008) from the Department of Health and Family Services guides "EA/AAR workers through the process of requesting financial records to protect adults at risk from financial exploitation." More

National Alliance for Caregiving regional meeting comes to Milwaukee August 21-22

From Mary Brintnall-Peterson--the National Alliance for Caregiving is coming to Milwaukee. On August 21^st (details coming soon) thirty (30) individuals will have the opportunity to share and learn about caregiver coalitions. Caregiver coalitions include end of life coalitions, caregiver Alliances, Alzheimer’s coalitions, etc as each one addresses the issues of family caregivers. The fee for the day is only $25.00 as a grant is underwriting this exciting opportunity.Information: Suzanne Stack, 301-718-8444 suzanne@caregiving.org. 

Scholarships for women over 40

Do you know a frontline caregiver or other woman over age 40 who would love to improve her skills? For the second year, the AARP Foundation is awarding need-based scholarships to women across the county who need and want new job skills. The schoarships are not intended for graduate school. More

Geriatric Excellence 2008

Geriatric Excellence 2008: Best Practices for Care of the Older Adult in: Hospital/Home Health/Assisted Living/Skilled Nursing Facility" The conference will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare--Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, 201 N. Mayfair Road, 5th Floor Conference Room. Presenters include Julie Ellis, An Examination of Geriatric Care: Brief History, Current State, and Future Direction, Dr. Richard London, Mild Cognitive Impairment--What it Is and What it is Not, and Dr. Redentor Galang, Understanding and Treating Depression in Older Adults. For Nurses, Therapists, other Healthcare Professionals, and Students interested in the care of the geriatric population. Contact Hours: 6.22 Registration Fee: $95. Seating is limited. Registrations taken on a first come, first paid basis until enrollment capacity is reached. To request a flyer or to register: Call (414) 535-6863 or email marilyn.ibach@wfhc.org. If registering within two weeks of the seminar call for space availability. Attendees will receive: Continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and binder of conference materials. Free Parking.

Family Care Forum August 7: Updates, case studies, Q & A

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 7, 1:30-3:30 pm, Wheaton-Franciscan-Healthcare, 201 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI. Milwaukee Aging Consortium's important yearly exploration of Family Care in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. This year, Family Care in Milwaukee is expanding to include adults with disabilities. What does that entail? More

Water Advocacy Institute for Seniors

Friends of Milwaukee's Rivers Water Advocacy Institute will take place August 12, 13, and 14, 2008 in Milwaukee. It will include speakers, tours and workshops on water issues and advocating for clean water. For information contact Demaris at 414-287-0207 ext 35

State summit on aging opportunties, challenges scheduled for August

August 19-20, 2008, Middleton, WI. Wisconsin Counties Organization is offering a two-day summit on responding to the needs of aging populations in Wisconsin's counties. With Robert Applebaum, PhD, director of the Long-term Care Project, Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, state elected officials, and more. Call 866-404-2700. More

Author of The Aging Brain to speak at Medical College

Lawrence J. Whalley, MD, whose research hopes to discover the keys to sustaining a healthy mind, will be speaking Monday, August 4, from 4-6 pm, at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Sponsors include the Center on Age & Community, MCW, and the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin. To register contact Krista Scheel, 414-479-8800 (krista.scheel@alz.org).

 

Position available: custodial instructor, MCFI

The Milwaukee Center For Independence (MCFI) has an opening for a Custodial Services Instructor to prepare clients for jobs in custodial services. Bachelors degree in special education, vocational rehabilitation, social work or related field.  Position description. Contact: Pam Adams-Sprewer 414-937-3788 pamela.adams-sprewer@mcfi.net. 

Proposal deadline for Aging in America Conference is July 25

You have one month--until July 25-- to craft and submit proposals for presentations at the annual joint conference of the American Society on Aging and the National Council on Aging (to be held March 15-19 in Las Vegas, Nevada). Share your knowledge, research, experiences with 4,000 professinals in aging. Submission requirements and proposal form: www.agingconference.org.

Grants available for programs supporting family caregivers for people with Alzheimer's

August 15 is the deadline for applications to the Family Caregiver Alliance for The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards. Three awards of $20,000 will be made. Eligible programs address the needs of family members caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. Categories are creative expression, diverse/multicultural communities, and policy and advocacy. More

More than half of seniors want "encore" careers

The MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures released a new report,  Encore Career Survey. According to the report, 54% of people aged 44-70 are in or are interested in new careers. Of those, 17% are interested in working with the elderly and 36% in advocacy for a group or issue they care about. Presently, only 7% of people holding encore careers are in the for-profit sector. The report website includes commentaries.

Remind older adults to beware of utility worker imposters

From Cecilia Gilbert, Department of Public Works-"Milwaukee area residents should be mindful of persons who try to gain access to their homes by posing as utility workers. Utility imposters may carry 'official' looking credentials and often work in pairs. The latest scam involved persons who claimed to be investigating floodwater in homes. . ."

Insist on seeing IDs without opening your door. Call Milwaukee Water Works 414-286-2830) to verify if you are uncertain. Call police if you suspect an imposter. Utility personnel never visit homes to collect bills or deliver rebates, inspect plumbing fixtures, or sell products.

Nominate someone who launched social innovation after age 50

Age doesn't limit creativity or passion. Nominations are being accepted for the Fred Lindner Prize until August 24, 2008. The award honors an "exceptional individual who is defying expectations by channeling his or her creativity and talent to address critical social problems" whether locally or nationally. More information here or call Carol Eschner, 414-291-7500 ext. 256.

Study asks "Does Medicare Save Lives?"

The new National Bureau of Economic Research bulletin includes research on 1) cost-benefit analysis of Medicare and 2) using the Medicare model for America’s uninsured. More

Community Campus Partnerships for Health 2009 Conference in Milwaukee

April 29-May 2, 2009. Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) conference for those interested in service learning, community-based participatory research, partnership development, and community and economic development. Check website for more information later.CCPH is a nonprofit organization that promotes health (broadly defined) through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions. (In August, Dr. Cheryl Maurana, Medical College of Wisconsin, becomes president of the organization.)

Water Advocacy Institute for Seniors taking applications

 Friends of Milwaukee's Rivers  announce water advocacy training for people ages 55 and older. August 12-14, 2008, Milwaukee, WI. Learn about the Great Lakes Compact, invasive species, water conservation, water and sewage treatment, and other hot topics in water quality. $95 for three days of tours, speakers, and lunches. Scholarships available. Contact Demaris Kenwood at 414-287-0207 x 35.

CCC Symposium: Updates on Family Care expansion, Medicare

November 19, 2008, 8 am - noon, Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound  Rd., Milwaukee. Continuing Care Coordinators of South East Wisconsin present Paul Socznyski, Community Care Organization and Donna Bryant, Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care. RSVP online: CCCSEWI.org. Limited Sponsorship opportunities available @ $250. Call Kristen Croysdale 414-607-4155.

Volunteer Guardians Needed for Older Adults in Milwaukee County

If you'd like to make a difference in someone's life, become a volunteer guardian for some 60 or older in the Family Care program. Guardians visit and get to know their ward and maintain close contact with the caregivers, helping make important decisions. No caregiving or financial obligation is involved. Volunteers receive a $30 monthly stipend of $30 per ward.  If you are interested call Diana Pitkaranta at the Legal Aid Society GAIN program - 414/727-5360 or dpitkaranta@lasmilwaukee.com

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