Posts Tagged ‘Resources/Programs’
Early flu shots begin Oct. 05 for NS Seniors
The Nova Scotia Government has announced that flu shots will be given to seniors at an earlier date than previously announced. 
‘Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief public health officer, said Friday that the seasonal flu shots would be made available beginning Oct. 5. Strang said the decision was based on the best scientific evidence available and would protect those most at risk for H1N1 and seasonal flu.”That science has shown that seniors are at low risk for getting H1N1, but they are at greatest risk for becoming seriously ill from seasonal flu and they are the individuals who most need the protection from seasonal flu vaccine,” said Strang. He said the government expected to shift back to seasonal flu immunization in early January after the swine flu program.Strang noted that the situation around H1N1 and the government’s immunization programs is evolving. “If new information becomes available we will take that into account and if need be we will adjust our immunization programs accordingly,” he said. “It’s all about who’s at risk from what, and the right people getting the right vaccine at the most appropriate time.” ‘
Read the full article here. You can visit the NS government’s website for more information here.
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Astor trial highlights issue of elder abuse.
The trial of Anthony Marshall, the son of the late socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor, is wrapping up in New York. While it is not clear yet what the verdict will be, this event has brought elder abuse into the spotlight. the New York Times blog “The New Old Age” notes:
‘Meryl Gordon, author of “Mrs. Astor Regrets,” has been among those watching the courtroom drama unfold. “It has been a fascinating spectacle,” Ms. Gordon said via e-mail. “A graduate seminar in the ravages of Alzheimer’s, a sad tale of mother-son family dysfunction, a window into the world of New York society.” ‘
The Nova Scotia Department of Seniors has some very good information about what elder abuse is and highlights the signs of physical, sexual, social, emotional and financial abuse, as well as neglect, on their site.
The government of Canada also launched an elder abuse awareness campaign this year, and has many excellent resources at their site.
Caregiving up close and from a distance.
Writing in the New York Times blog New Old Age, Anne C Roark talks about the request her father made of her: “…my father told me not to do for them what they had done for their parents: become their caregiver when they were old” and the difficulties of caring for elderly parents, even when it is done from afar.
You can read the full article here and for more information about caregiving resources in Nova Scotia, you can drop by the info centre at Caregivers Nova Scotia. They have handbooks, numbers to call and even a planning guide to help you get started.
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Nova Scotia Caregivers Allowance – FAQ’s
Launched by the Nova Scotia department of Health in early August, 2009, the Caregiver Allowance is a province-wide program designed to recognize the important role of caregivers in the health and well being of many Nova Scotians. 
From their site: “Both the caregiver and the person she/he provides care to must meet the program’s eligibility criteria. This is determined through an assessment process completed by a Continuing Care, Care Coordinator. If the caregiver and care recipient both qualify for the program, the caregiver will receive the Caregiver Allowance of $400 per month”
A list of frequently asked questions about this program can be found here.
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Programs for Seniors at Halifax Public Libraries
Halifax Public Libraries have a range of services and programs for seniors.
Click on the links below to check them out:
An online directory of local community/groups and clubs
Home delivery service for those unable to reach a library
For more information about library services for seniors, click here and for a list of all programs and events, click here. You can also follow Halifax Public Libraries on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hfxpublib
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Questions about Pharmacare?
The Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program is a provincial drug insurance plan that helps seniors with the cost of their prescription drugs. If you have questions about enrollment, coverage or cost, go here to read some frequently asked questions about the Pharmacare Program.
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Programs for Seniors Directory Available
The Government of Nova Scotia’s 2009 Directory of Programs for Seniors is now available. This directory is a comprehensive listing of great resources for anyone 50+.
Go here to get your copy mailed or to download a PDF file.