LEWIS COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING P.O. Box 193, 5274 Outer Stowe Street Lowville, New York 13367 (315) 376-5313 Website – www.lewiscounty.org/departments/office-for-the-aging February 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution & Availability in Lewis County By Crystal Collette, Lewis County Office for the Aging Director Lewis County Office for the Aging has been receiving many inquiries about COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution here in Lewis County. The vaccine brings hope to many that we can beat this pandemic through building immunity in the general public. We are thrilled that so many people over age 65 are expressing interest in this life saving vaccine. New York State determines the prioritization for vaccination. Vaccines will be distributed in phases to groups of people at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure or severe COVID-19 illness. Phased distribution will take time. Vaccine clinics and additional phases will be scheduled across New York State, and therefore locally, as vaccines become more available from the federal government. Lewis County Public Health stands ready to vaccinate residents when the State provides the vaccine. Lewis County Public Health and the Lewis County Office for the Aging will use media outlets to get the message out about upcoming clinics. There are many wonderful resources on the COVID-19 vaccination and we encourage you to review www.cdc.gov. As always, you should always consult with your primary care physician to discuss your unique circumstances, and to determine if the vaccine is right for you. We Need Your Support! The Lewis County Office for the Aging and NY Connects is supported by 18 federal and state grants that help provide wonderful programs like home delivered meals, congregate meals, in-home care, nutrition counseling, insurance counseling, transportation, respite, legal services, NY Connect information and assistance and many others. However, the need for services often exceeds available grant funding, so we encourage financial contributions to help us serve more seniors. Name Address Clip and return this coupon with your donation. Please send to: Lewis County Office for the Aging, P.O. Box 193, 5274 Outer Stowe St., Lowville, N.Y. 13367 All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Thank you! Nathaniel “Nat” Virkler Named ‘Randy Streeter Citizen of the Year’ Each year, Lewis County Office for the Aging accepts nominations from community members seeking volunteers ages 60 and over who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to seniors of Lewis County, their community and have shown a sincere and faithful dedication to senior citizens through their personal actions. Mr. Virkler is responsible for the beautiful grounds at First Presbyterian Church and the Andover House in Lowville. He volunteers his time trimming trees and bushes, and mowing the grass. He also weeds, cultivates, mulches, waters, and tends to the needs of both properties. He uses his own equipment, provides all the materials and donates his time to serve the church and the entire community. Recently, our area had “A Community Garden”. It was maintained and nurtured, Spring to Fall, primarily by Mr. Virkler and a fellow gardener. Vegetables of all kinds were raised, harvested, prepared for delivery and donated to a number of Lewis County Office for the Aging places in Lowville including Stone Soup dinners, Administrative Assistant Lindsey Susice (left) Lowville Food Pantry, Brookside, Karcher and Rev. Dr. Laurie Sponaugle of First Country Estates, and other organizations that Presbyterian Church of Lowville (right) present needed them. Carthage enjoyed the benefits of Nathaniel Virkler with the ‘Randy Streeter the garden as well. Citizen of the Year’ award. Mr. Virkler has also spent countless hours transporting people as needed to personal and professional appointments, being “on call” for rides when necessary. He has been known to take the sick and elderly on his boat for a fishing expedition or simply for a ride to get some fresh air. He is the first to respond to any needs of which he is aware. He takes meals to those who aren’t able to get out; usually on a weekly basis. He is a counselor and guide to anyone who just needs someone to listen. Mr. Virkler also regularly visits hospital patients, shut-ins, and the sick, usually bringing them a small gift and a smile. Mr. Virkler’s close friends describe him as “a selfless, empathic, generous, kind, nurturing, and humble man.” Congratulations to Nathaniel Virkler, this year’s recipient of the Randy Streeter Senior Citizen of the Year Award!! He was nominated by his friends at The First Presbyterian Church in Lowville. Thanks for supporting Santa for Seniors & Christmas Sharing A simple thank you does not come close to being sufficient for all that played a role in the Santa for Seniors and Lewis County Christmas Sharing programs. Each and every one of you is so appreciated. Gifts were provided to 134 seniors and 260 food bags delivered. Thank you to those who donated and/or adopted seniors. Lewis County is a very special and generous place to live. We wish each of you and your families much joy and peace in the New Year. Medicare Annual Wellness Visit The annual wellness visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan may help prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. Keep in mind that the annual wellness visit is not a head-to-toe physical. Also, this service is similar to, but separate from the one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. Eligibility Medicare Part B covers the annual wellness visit if: You have had Part B for over 12 months And, you have not received an annual wellness visit in the past 12 months Additionally, you cannot receive your annual wellness visit within the same year as your Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. Covered services During your first annual wellness visit, your PCP will develop your personalized prevention plan. Your PCP may also: Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements Give you a health risk assessment o This may include a questionnaire that you complete before or during the visit. The questionnaire asks about your health status, injury risks, behavioral risks, and urgent health needs. Review your functional ability and level of safety o This includes screening for hearing impairments and your risk of falling. o Your doctor must also assess your ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing and dressing), and your level of safety at home. Learn about your medical and family history Make a list of your current providers, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, and medications o Medications include prescription medications, as well as vitamins and supplements you may take Create a written 5-10 year screening schedule or check-list o Your PCP should keep in mind your health status, screening history, and eligibility for age-appropriate, Medicare-covered preventive services Screen for cognitive impairment, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia o Medicare does not require that doctors use a test to screen you. Instead, doctors are asked to rely on their observations and/or on reports by you and others. Screen for depression Provide health advice and referrals to health education and/or preventive counseling services aimed at reducing identified risk factors and promoting wellness o Health education and preventive counseling may relate to weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation, fall prevention, nutrition, and more. Annual wellness visits after your first visit may be different. At subsequent visits, your doctor should: Check your weight and blood pressure Update the health risk assessment you completed Update your medical and family history Update your list of current medical providers and suppliers Update your written screening schedule Screen for cognitive issues Provide health advice and referrals to health education and/or preventive counseling services Costs If you qualify, Original Medicare covers the annual wellness visit at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you receive the service from a participating provider. This means you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance). Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover annual wellness visits without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance when you see an in-network provider and meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements for the service. During the course of your annual wellness visit, your provider may discover and need to investigate or treat a new or existing problem. This additional care is considered diagnostic, meaning your provider is treating you because of certain symptoms or risk factors. Medicare may bill you for any diagnostic care you receive during a preventive visit. For further information on your annual wellness visit or other benefits that Medicare covers, call the Lewis County Office for the Aging at 315-376-5313 and ask to speak with a HIICAP counselor Introducing Our New Staff Addition Shannon Frappier-Farney has joined the Office of the Aging team as a new Specialist. Shannon graduated from Herkimer College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Most recently, Shannon worked as a case manager for United Healthcare and has work experience in our community as the Volunteer Coordinator for Lewis County Hospice and the Director at Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center. Shannon enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, 2 daughters, 3 step children and 4 grandchildren. She also enjoys landscaping. Shannon is looking forward to working with all of the aging members in the community. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Lewis County Office for the Aging is looking for volunteers to make friendly, supportive phone calls. Requirements include; intermediate to advanced computer skills, a desktop computer or laptop, data entry experience, reliable internet access, professional & well-spoken, and an interest in helping people.