By Forrest Newton
WINNEMUCCA - If you're a senior citizen or someone with a disability - there's an agency for that.
Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (NADSD) of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services had several of their people in Winnemucca Oct. 21 at the Senior Center to answer questions from senior citizens.
The agency with the long name may not be familiar to you, but Administrator Carol Sala said if you are a senior citizen or have a disability they may be the go-to folks.
"Call us. If we're not the right place we'll get you to the right place," she said.
As a portion of their funding comes from federal dollars they are required to conduct a survey around the state every four years of those who might use their services, so they go on a statewide tour. The tour allows them to get in close touch with seniors and the disabled.
According to information provided by NADSD, they are there to help Nevada's elders, all persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers and anyone planning for future long-term support needs.
Their resource center can provide counseling, caregiver support, consumer advocacy, disability management, HUD Section 8 Housing, independent and assisted living, housing assistance, meals and home delivery, personal care assistance, respite care, utility rebates and discounts, commodities and food stamps along with home and vehicle modifications.
Help understanding Medicare is provided by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (S.H.I.P.) Medicare Counseling Program, which is funded by the division at (877) 385-2345. Barbara Luddington has just been appointed the new on-site representative.
Elders, do you need some legal advice? The division is the place to go for some free guidance, particularly if there is any sign of possible abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation. These people stand ready to help.
Some of the possible signs of elder abuse include mental and emotional problems or physical abuse signs, which might include bruises, bed sores, burns, scalding or over sedation.
The elderly are also more often becoming financially exploited nowadays. Some of those signs to watch for may include missing money, unauthorized signatures or unusual withdrawals. Self-neglect is another area to keep an eye out for, such as not getting needs met like glasses and hearing aids or poor hygiene.
Elder Rights Attorney Sally Ramm reminded the group that knowledge is power.
"You only have the rights you know about," she said. "If you have an issue, call a lawyer." A free attorney is as near as your phone when you contact NADSD.
Once they receive a report they will begin an investigation within three working days. They will conduct an investigation, do some counseling and make arrangements or referrals for other services as needed.
There is also a Senior Legal Helpline funded by the division where you can get help on various legal matters just by calling. There are attorneys and paralegals available with advice Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Keep in mind they only offer help with civil matters, not criminal issues. Their toll free number is (877) 693-2163.
A side note to all this is the division wants you to know about the amount of healthcare fraud going on out there that is aimed at senior citizens. The bottom line is - be careful.
The division also provides a long-term care ombudsman for those in long-term care facilities, making sure that the facility is providing the care expected and patients are being treated with respect and concern.
Another long-term care benefit through NADSD is the Elder Rights Advocate, who acts as an independent, impartial mediator whose job is to investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities, which have not been resolved satisfactorily by the staff of those facilities. All this is done in a confidential manner and no identities are revealed of who has made the complaint(s).
If you're at least 65 you can get some home help from their Community Home-Based Initiatives Program, which gives assistance for things like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, ambulating and transferring or if you might be at risk of institutionalization if services are not provided.
Likewise under the Homemaker Service Program they will come into your home to help improve your quality of your life by helping clean house, do some shopping for you, help prepare a few meals, launder a few clothes and maybe run a couple of errands. Whatever they can do to help reduce the need for out-of-home care.
For more information or to ask any questions having to do with senior citizens and/or the disabled call toll free (800) 992-0900. If they don't have the answer they'll find it.[[In-content Ad]]
