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Senior Advocacy Services

One agency with three programs that advocate for seniors in long term care facilities and Medicare beneficiaries who want unbiased individual help and advocacy.

Blog Posts

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No New COVID-19 Cases Among Staff or Residents in Sonoma County Senior Residential Facilities

Dear Friends and Supporters:

This time last year we could not have anticipated how deeply the residents of Sonoma County long term care would be impacted by COVID-19.   Since April 8, 2020 there have been 2,091 positive cases among staff and residents of senior residential facilities (8% of all cases) and 167 deaths among residents (54% of all deaths) in Sonoma County.

I am so pleased to share that in the past 2 weeks, there have been no new COVID-19 cases among staff or residents in Sonoma County senior residential facilities and there have been no deaths among residents since 2/16/2021.

The effort to bring the vaccination into the facilities for both residents and staff was an all-out collaborative effort by Senior Advocacy Services Ombudsman, SC local public health, Kaiser and the federal pharmacy program.  Let’s celebrate how embracing a collective impact model literally saves lives.  I, for one, am so grateful to work with these partners in the shared commitment to the health of our beloved seniors.

 

 

COVID-19 cases in Sonoma County senior residential care facilities:

Best Regards,

Crista L Barnett Nelson                         

Executive Director

SENIOR ADVOCACY SERVICES

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‘Life-changing’ Visits Resume in Sonoma County Long Term Care

Imagine what it would be like if you weren’t able to see any of your family or friends for over a year. As Ombudsman, we have been entering long term care facilities witnessing the devastating impacts of this isolation. It has been a long trek to get here but residents are finally able to reunite thanks to the vaccine.

https://santarosapressdemocrat-ca-app.newsmemory.com/?publink=625e1c367_1345cb4

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Skilled Nursing Homes Prepare for Visitors after 12 Months

Sonoma County skilled nursing homes prepare for in-person visits with resid

Here are the latest updates for visitation guidance for long-term care, covered in the Press Democrat above, with original source guidance below.

 

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf  This is the CMS guidance.

 

https://www.calhospital.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/afl-20-22.6.pdf  This is the CDPH and only applies to SNF’s.

 

https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Guidance-for-Outdoor-Visitation-and–Activities/  This is the local PH.

 

https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2020/ASC/PIN%2020-38-ASC.pdf This is the CDSS for RCFE’s.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html This is the CDC guidance and does not apply to long term care but is causing confusion for families.

 

 

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Ombudsman Volunteers Needed – Training begins March 22, 2021

Ombudsman Vol recruitment flyer 1-13-21

Be an Advocate for seniors and other vulnerable adults living in long-term care

As a Long-Term Care Ombudsman you will be the eyes and ears inside facilities like nursing homes and assisted living, advocating for residents’ dignity and quality of life. Volunteer on your own schedule a minimum of 14 hours per month.

If you enjoy talking to older people and are interested in helping them speak up for their rights call (707) 526-4108 or email volunteer@sasnb.org . Training starts March 22, 2021.

What does an Ombudsman do?
● Make regular, unannounced visits to licensed long-term care facilities.
● Investigate and attempt to resolve residents’ complaints and problems.
● Educate residents about their rights.
● Help residents navigate services available at their facility and in their community.
● Collaborate with a team of Ombudsman staff and volunteers who are passionate about advocating for seniors.

Senior Advocacy Services’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a no-cost consumer advocacy
program that aims to improve the quality of care and quality of life for people living in long-term care.
Find more information and other volunteer opportunities at www.SeniorAdvocacyServices.org .
We have a place for you!

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Visitation Guidance for Long Term Care in Sonoma County

Here is the County guidance for visitation and activities relative to the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Long Term Care Facilities, mandatory for Long-term Care Facilities:

Visitation Guidance Revise 11.23.20 to ammend HO No. C19-02_

This document explains how facilities can arrange for visitors both indoors and outdoors in a County on the purple tier, as well as minimum requirements, screening, documentation, compassionate care, non-essential movement and communal activities.  Read thoroughly to learn more!

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Don’t avert your eyes if you’re on Medicare

A new study shows that more than half of enrollees don’t review or compare their coverage options annually.

In the 6 county region our North Bay HICAP serves, there are 58 managed care Advantage plan options alone! There are 32 Part D drug plans, 10 Medigap supplemental products sold by 29 companies, I don’t blame you.

Averting your eyes only serves to create a situation where you are paying so much more for your Medicare costs and potentially missing out on coverage that could benefit you.

That is the reason HICAP is here as California’s State Medicare Health Insurance Assistance Program!  We take the complication out of all the choices and simplify the experience so you can be assured you are not paying more then you have to while ensuring you have the best coverage.

If you are high income, it is important to set an appointment for review.  If you are low income, it is important to set an appointment for review.  It is critically important to understand that

Click to read more

 

 

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Donning and Doffing of PPE – Great Video Tutorial

Check out this video from CLTCOA, OSLTCO, and CDA:

You can find the video on the CDA COVID-19 Information and Resources webpage, (towards the bottom of the page) CDA Provider Guidance, under Phase I and Phase II Procedures for Ombudsman Return to Facilities.

The video demonstrates the donning and doffing procedures of PPE for varying degrees of risk mitigation, identifying three scenarios as outlined in Attachment C- Reentry to Facilities- Scenarios to Consider.

For more information:  https://www.aging.ca.gov/covid19/ 

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2021 Medicare Part B premiums announced

 

Each year the monthly premium changes for Part B, the Outpatient portion of Medicare.  It has increased for 2021 as have the deductibles for both Parts A and B.

If you want to meet with someone who can walk you through the details one-on-one, HICAP is here.

Here are details of the changes.

Click to Read More

 

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