Archive | 2013

CSI Monthly SC Report – Slight Changes

I’m attaching the slightly revised monthly report format for you to submit. The only change is:

SC Responsible for posting educational flyer this month:_________________
Date upon which educational flyer posted: ____________________________
Method of posting flyer at co-op: _____________________________________________________________

The other change is that we would like you to submit your report to your liaison as well as Sheila and me. You can cc us all on the same email.

Reports are due the first week of each month and cover the previous month’s services. If you have any questions or want me to see your report prior to sending it on to CSI, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for all your hard work.

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Winter AASC Webinars Hosted at CSI Co-ops

WEBINARS HOSTED AT CSI CO-OPS WINTER 2013

Per Rachel: We are encouraging you to watch the webinars together in order to promote discussion, get to know each other’s co-ops, be visible in each other’s co-ops, and foster healthy support for each other (you are all too important to get burned out!) Even if you aren’t the host for the webinar, please list the program on your training tracker (you won’t receive CEUs for it, but it is important for you and me to be able to track your professional development with or without CEUs). All webinars on 2-3:30pm. The webinar dates, subjects, hosts, and attendees are as follows (note, if you haven’t committed to attending, but want to, you are invited to contact the host and let them know you are attending).

–          1/16/13, Aging and Sexuality, hosted by Victoria at Labelle, attendees include Diane

 

–          11/30/13, Assessing Functional Communication Skills in Older Adults, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Victoria, Jane, Alexa and Matt

 

–          2/6/13, Storytelling as a Therapeutic Tool, hosted by Maryanette at Wyandotte, attendees include Andrea and Harriet

 

–          2/13/13, Consumer Scams Affecting Medicare Beneficiaries, hosted by Alexa at Hazel Park, attendees include Adrienne

 

–          2/20/13, Seniors Helping Seniors, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Andrea

 

–          2/27/13, Living Alone, Driving and Home Safety, hosted by Dearborn Heights SCs

 

–          3/6/13, Information on the Affordable Care Act, hosted by Dearborn Heights and Flat Rock, All SCs should attend (since it is free you are able to register and watch from your office, but are encouraged to attend at DH or FRT in order to discuss with other SCs)

 

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CSI SC Meeting Notes for 1 10 13

CSI SC Meeting Agenda, 1/10/13, Draft

12noon-1:30pm; Hannan House; Ellen Kayrod Gallery

Soup provided. Bring sack lunch or goodies to share.

 

  1. Happy New Year!: Announcements from SCs

–          Matt has successfully advocated for a permanent SC Office at Belleville.

–          Labelle SCs are starting to produce a quarterly SC Publication. It will be team reviewed at their monthly meetings to get input from their co-op leadership and liaison.

  1. Hannan Updates
    1. a.      Documentation Guidelines for Service Coordinators and Updated Case Management Procedures.

– RJ handed out the guidelines and case management procedures. Please review in preparation for 1/24/13 SC Conference Call discussion.

  1. b.      Collect usernames and passwords for work stations
  2. c.       Additional: Secure Fax Line:

–          Michelle Minter’s secure fax line is 800-928-8001. Please use this only for two important things:
1. It is a very good way to send her any personal information she may request of you for payroll or benefits.
2. If you make an APS (Adult Protective Services) or CPS referral, you should let both CSI (Sheila) and me know the same day. You can fax the written APS/CPS referral to Michelle’s secure line and she’ll forward it to me.
Please continue to use our traditional fax line for all other documents. If, however, you feel a document is confidential, please do use Michelle’s fax and send her a note indicating that it is for me.

 

  1. CSI Updates
    1. New “Liaison” Sheila Friedrich

–          RJ met with Sheila on 1/11/13. Notes as follows:

–          We have a new date for our Team Building Day with the CSI Liaisons.
We will be meeting on Friday, March 8th, so save the date! This should be easier for the Washington Square folks and the new hires to attend!
You know longer need to hold the date for January 23rd. We will not be meeting on that date.

–          Service Coordinators who are CPR Certified (with current certification) can perform CPR as needed after calling 911. Please just don’t move the body or involve members (unless they are doing something lower impact like placing a blanket over another member or holding their hand). CSI just doesn’t want members to accidentally hurt others or themselves in the process of trying to help.

–          CSI is going to be creating “sign in” books for the SCs. They are similar to the sign in books some co-ops utilize for other contracted employees and will be located by the entrance. More information to follow. Please note that this is no reflection on their level of trust for the work you are doing at the co-op. They simply need a way to demonstrate to HUD and their Board that you are working since there is no traditional level of oversight (like an Administrator).

–          The CSI Liaison staff meeting is the first Wednesday of each month. Hence, if you have questions or feedback for CSI, please note that you can get it to me in advance of this meeting and I’ll work to get the information to Sheila in time for the meeting.

–          Sheila will be on PTO the week of February 10th.

  1. Monthly reports
    1.                                                                                        i.      Reporting terminology for activities that impact CSI
    2.                                                                                      ii.      Who is posting flyers and when
    3.                                                                                     iii.      “accept changes”

–          As per RJ’s meeting with Sheila, please start to submit your monthly SC report to your liaison as well as Sheila and myself.

  1. QA Member and Mgmt Satisfaction Surveys

– Please let Cheryl and I know as soon as possible what the process for survey announcement, dissemination, and collection will be at your individual co-op. Include precise wording about the procedure for Cheryl to attach to every survey. Note any additional support you will need from Hannan.

  1. Meeting Schedule
    1. Conference Calls
      1.                                                                                        i.      Odd Thursdays (Peer Support Calls, Optional); 12:30-1:30pm (peer facilitated)
      2.                                                                                      ii.      4th Thursdays (Mandatory); 12:30-1:30pm (peer facilitated)
      3. Team Meetings
        1.                                                                                        i.      2nd Thursdays (in conjunction with Professional Dvpt, Mandatory)

– Professional development workshops are scheduled 9:30-11:30am, followed by a ½ hour mini-training (either peer to peer or review of case mgmt procedures), and a team meeting from 12noon-1:30pm.

  1. Supervision
    1.                                                                                       i.      Hannan Guidelines for SC Supervision, 2013
    2.                                                                                     ii.      Site Supervision Form
    3. Quarterly Mtgs with CSI

– Dates and times TBD. To be held in conjunction with team meetings on professional development days.

  1. Professional Development Schedule
    1. Hannan Trainings
      1.                                                                                        i.      Schedule – 2nd Thursdays, except August and December
      2.                                                                                      ii.      Joint “Peer to Peer” training and SC meetings in conjunction with mandatory trainings
      3.                                                                                   iii.      Program Evaluation Form

– Please remember to fill out a Program Evaluation Form for every professional development program and webinar you attend. Hopefully it will help you reflect on what you learned. It also helps us discover what is helpful for the SC team to learn and who are the good presenters in the area.

  1. Webinars – sign up

–          Jane presented on what she and Alexa learned regarding self care and burnout. Please take care of yourselves and each other! SCs shared strategies that worked well, including taking short walks and finding a window to observe the outdoors throughout the day.

–          SCs signed up to host webinars at their co-ops. Each host is responsible for registering for the webinar. Please send Rachel your Invoice and Check Request for the webinar. Only the host will receive CEUs for the webinar. Please let the host know if you would like to attend with them at their co-op. If you would like to attend a webinar, but don’t have the capacity to visit one of the host locations for the webinar, let Rachel know and we can make arrangements for you to watch at your own co-op. We are encouraging you to watch the webinars together in order to promote discussion, get to know each other’s co-ops, be visible in each other’s co-ops, and foster healthy support for each other (you are all too important to get burned out!) Even if you aren’t the host for the webinar, please list the program on your training tracker (you won’t receive CEUs for it, but it is important for you and me to be able to track your professional development with or without CEUs). All webinars on 2-3:30pm. The webinar dates, subjects, hosts, and attendees are as follows (note, if you haven’t committed to attending, but want to, you are invited to contact the host and let them know you are attending).

–          1/16/13, Aging and Sexuality, hosted by Victoria at Labelle, attendees include Diane

–          11/30/13, Assessing Functional Communication Skills in Older Adults, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Victoria, Jane, Alexa and Matt

–          2/6/13, Storytelling as a Therapeutic Tool, hosted by Maryanette at Wyandotte, attendees include Andrea and Harriet

–          2/13/13, Consumer Scams Affecting Medicare Beneficiaries, hosted by Alexa at Hazel Park, attendees include Adrienne

–          2/20/13, Seniors Helping Seniors, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Andrea

–          2/27/13, Living Alone, Driving and Home Safety, hosted by Dearborn Heights SCs

–          3/6/13, Information on the Affordable Care Act, hosted by Dearborn Heights and Flat Rock, All SCs should attend (since it is free you are able to register and watch from your office, but are encouraged to attend at DH or FRT in order to discuss with other SCs)

  1. AASC Annual Conference
    1.                                                                                       i.      AASC Conference Application for Attendance
    2.                                                                                     ii.      Self and Supervisor Appraisal
    3. MASC Meeting 1/18/13 at 9:30am at Williams Pavillion

–          You are encouraged to attend! Parking is in the church lot by Hannan.

e. Excel Training by Operation Able

– Trainings are optional, but RSVPs will be required

– “Intro to Excel” will be 3/14/13, 1:30-4:30pm, Operation ABLE computer lab at Hannan (this will be directly following our 3/14/13 team meeting).

– “Application of Excel to SC” will be 3/21/14, 12noon-2pm, Operation ABLE computer lab at Hannan (this will be directly preceding the LLMSW licensing supervision, which is held from 2-4pm)

– RJ will follow up with additional information

  1. Team Development
    1. Regional Peer Support

– Continue to utilize each other for support! UM School of Social Work interns Monika George and Aleia Mayes will be contacting each of you for a short interview in order to produce a SC Biography for each member of the team. Just one more tool you can use so that you know each other’s strengths and can contact each other with vital questions.

  1. Program Outcome Teams
    1.                                                                                        i.      Sign up for teams to meet prior to March meeting

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Bus Tour(s)

– Starting in May 2013, we will conduct 2 Metro area bus tours for the full CSI/PVM Hannan SC Team to get to know each other’s Co-ops and Villages. More to come!

  1. Client Scenarios
    1. Brainstorm alternative terms for “frail” and “at risk” to use with members

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Service Log Subcategories (Alexa)

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Additional Items
  2. Next Meeting Agenda Items
    1. Draw names for Valentine’s Day Celebration!
    2. Next Meeting: The 1/17/13 SC Conference Call has been cancelled in order for you to optionally attend Patti Mayes’ retirement party at OSM at 12noon on 1/17/13. Please RSVP to Brenda by Wednesday to attend Patti’s Party. Remember that it is a surprise party, so don’t spill the beans!
    3. The 1/24/13 will be our next SC Conference Call at 12:30-1:30pm. It is a joint call with PVM and is mandatory.

 

 

Please note the following additional information about upcoming AASC Webinars being hosted by your fellow SCs:

Wednesday, January 16
Aging and Sexuality: Older Adults Behaving Sexually
Presenter: Ruben Rivera-Jackman, MNPL, GMHS, PSC, King County Housing Authority, Seattle, WA
Myths and stereotypes of older adults and sexuality are pervasive in nearly every aspect of our society. Aging service providers are subject to myths and attitudes of sexuality and aging and may be insensitive to older adults needs. Many older adults may not  know how to manage sexual health issues, or experience discomfort in managing sexual issues.

In good health, a person may continue to be sexually active into the seventh, eighth, and even ninth decade. In addition, HIV cases among older adults in the United States is increasing, with approximately 25% of infections occurring in adults over the age of 50 years. It is therefore essential that not only older adults, but also aging service providers and caregivers, be educated about STD risk in the elderly.

Sex can be an important part of a person’s life, no matter what their age. It’s important that everyone learn how to engage in it safely so that it enhances their health rather than damaging it.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the continuing sexual interests of older adults.
  • List barriers and challenges to sexual health in the aging population.
  • Plan an effective environment to promote the sexual health of older adults

Wednesday, January 30
Assessing Functional Communication in Older Adults
Presenter: Kathryn Kilpatrick, MA CCC/SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist and Geriatric Communication Consultant, Hudson, OH
When older adult have difficulties communicating effectively, it may impact their safety, connection with others and their overall quality of life.  This webinar will provide service coordinators tools to maximize their interactions with individuals who have receptive or expressive communication deficits. You’ll learn how to assess an individual’s comprehension skills and ways to modify your presentation of verbal and written information to optimize their communication potential based on their strengths.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of the value of meeting a person at their current level of communicative functioning.
  • Learn how to assess a person’s level of expressive skills (verbal expression and writing) and receptive language skills (listening and reading).
  • Learn strategies to enhance interactions utilizing person’s strengths.

 

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AARP provides tax assistance

Please see the attached article on tax assistance from the AARP

tax assist

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Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others

Hi all!

My name is Carley Flanery and I am a new intern from the University of Michigan working with Brenda Carney and Rachel Jacobsen. “Trauma Stewardship” is the book that I recommended during our professional development training on Suicide Risk Assessment. The following information is from the “Trauma Stewardship” website:

Inside the BookTrauma Stewardship

From the Introduction

The essayist E. B. White once wrote that the early American author, naturalist, and philosopher Henry Thoreau appeared to have been “torn by two powerful and opposing drives—the desire to enjoy the world, and the urge to set the world straight.”

This book is written for anyone who is doing work with an intention to make the world more sustainable and hopeful—all in all, a better place—and who, through this work, is exposed to the hardship, pain, crisis, trauma, or suffering of other living beings or the planet itself. It is for those who notice that they are not the same people they once were, or are being told by their families, friends, colleagues, or pets that something is different about them.

This book is a navigational tool for remembering that we have options at every step of our lives. We choose our own path. We can make a difference without suffering; we can do meaningful work in a way that works for us and for those we serve. We can enjoy the world and set it straight. We can leave a legacy that embodies our deepest wisdom and greatest gifts instead of one that is burdened with our struggles and despair.

*The book can also be purchased from sites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

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Changes for 2013

SOCIAL SECURITY, SSI, MEDICARE PREMIUMS & OTHER COST OF LIVING CHANGES FOR 2013

Social Security monthly payments increased by 1.7% of the 2012 amount.

SSI monthly benefits increased to $710 plus $43 every quarter from the State.

Couples who both receive SSI get $1066 in 2013 plus $13 quarterly from Michigan.

The monthly Medicare premium for Part B increased by 5% to $104.98 in 2013.  (higher for wealthier Medicare recipients)

 

SSI and Social Security checks will no longer be mailed as of March 2013.  They will be delivered electronically either to the recipient’s bank account or through DIRECT EXPRESS.  Payments from Direct Express can be received on a debit card or, withdrawal of the total monthly amount at a participating bank.

 

SER HARDER TO QUALIFY FOR AN ENERGY SERVICE

 

A recent change in SER will mean fewer households may qualify for Energy services due to a change in the federal LIHEAP program.  The Maximum Income allowed for energy services now is:

 

SER GROUP SIZE          INCOME

1                                                          $1397

2                                                          $1892

3                                                          $2387

 

Add $495 for each additional person.

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CMS Update on DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

Round 2 of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program will start on July 1, 2013. The program will apply to those with original Medicare and include an additional 91 areas across the country. This program changes the amount Medicare pays suppliers for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies and makes changes to who can supply these items.

 

CMS is also conducting a national mail-order competition for diabetic testing supplies at the same time as the Round 2 competition. The national mail-order competition includes all parts of the United States, including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The national mail-order competition will also become effective on July 1, 2013.

 

As a provider, physician, treating practitioner, discharge planner, social worker, or pharmacist who refers Medicare beneficiaries for DMEPOS items, we want you to have firsthand knowledge of The Program. Please review the attached materials that contain important information about the program.

  • Cover Letter
  • Program Backgrounder
  • Quick Reference Article
  • Partner FAQ
  • DMEPOS Webinar Schedule

 

Our aim is to make your organization aware of this upcoming change to facilitate your efforts in referring your Medicare patients to a DMEPOS supplier. For additional information on the Medicare Round 2 DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, please visit our website atwww.cms.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/.  You may also find specific information for referral agents by clicking on the “Referral Providers” tab on our Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website atwww.dmecompetitivebid.com.

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Requesting a Social Security Award Letter

It looks like the Social Security website has been updated as of this week…there was previously a function that allowed recipients to request a proof of income letter through the social security website without having an online account (by entering the person’s name and social security number). The letter was then mailed to the individual within 7 to 10 days.  Has anybody been able to locate the new link for this feature on the website, or has it disappeared?

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/?URL=/apps6z/BEVE/main.html

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Take the SCoop Tutorial Evaluation!

Your feedback is important to us! Please take the survey to evaluate the SCoop Tutorial on 1/10/13.

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Downriver Resource Fair

Please see the attached flyer for an upcoming resource fair for Downriver SCs.

http://www.semca.org/MendingSafetyNet-2013.pdf

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