| |
Current and Upcoming Programs
Beverley Bender, Certified Laugh Leader, will conduct free workshops on “Laughing for the Health of it” at Alameda County Library branches.
Laughter reduces tension and pain, connects people emotionally, and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain. Ms. Bender will provide examples of active and easy ways to experience the joy in life, especially when surrounded by many of today’s ongoing challenges.
Participants will learn to “laugh for no reason.” Bev is convinced that laughter should be used as a complementary health care practice because laughter is the most inexpensive and effective wonder drug with no side effects.
This FREE program is for older adults, their family members and service providers. The program is from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. No reservations are required and refreshments will be provided.
Please click here to see the flyer with the dates, times and more details. Please email or call for more information: seniors@aclibrary.org or 510-745-1499.
Homeword Bound Program
Older Adults Services trains volunteers to bring the riches of the library to seniors and others who are unable to visit their local branch library. We welcome new volunteers and people who are homebound.
Community Information for Older Adults
The information desk at each Library branch has current materials on community programs for older adults, including local information on food, nutrition and emergency response resources, in-home care, adult day care, senior housing, transportation and other social services.
Special Materials
Special library materials that may interest older adults, caregivers and others include large-print books, audio books and videos (standard, close-captioned and descriptive). The California State Library's Talking Books program serves those who are blind or have visual or specific physical limitations. Application forms and more information are available at branch information desks or at the California State Library's Talking Books website or by calling toll-free 1-800-952-5666.
Special Materials
Bifolkal kits are multi-sensory kits professionals and caregivers can use to help their audience trigger memories, communicate, and belong. The object is interaction. Kits include photographs, old advertisements, music from bygone eras, sniff cards, and even actual objects captured from another time (player piano rolls, jacks in a leather pouch, paint samples from classic cars). All kits include either a slide show or video. Nursing home or adult day care staff can book a kit by calling us at 510 745-1491. To find more detailed information or to see a complete list of all kits or slide binders (‘Slideas’), see www.bifolkal.org. Alameda County Library owns a partial selection of these kits so when selecting a kit it is best to have a second choice in mind.
Library Services to People with Disabilities
For more information on Library Services to People with Disabilities, please visit the Services for People with Disabilities page.
Contact Information
For more information about Services to Older Adults, stop by your local Branch, email Senior Services or call 510-745-1491 or 745-1499.
Medicare: Where To Get Help
Here are some resources to help Medicare recipients sort out their options:
-
My Medicare Matters is designed to help individuals learn more about the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. The National Council on the Aging NCOA) and the Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) sponsor the site www.mymedicarematters.org.
-
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program: Seniors can learn about their local Medicare options by calling 1-800-434-0222. Information is also available on www.calmedicare.org.
-
California Healthcare Foundation Prescription Drugs Reports and Initiatives addresses the "growing concern about rising drug costs, prescription drug coverage, the use of drug formularies, inappropriate prescribing, and an increasing awareness of medication errors has led to a significant interest in health care initiatives aimed at physicians, hospitals, and health systems." For more information, go to www.chcf.org and select Prescription Drugs under Browse Topics.
-
Missing Out on Benefits? BenefitsCheckUp helps thousands every day to find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. Go to ssl3.benefitscheckup.org.
-
Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services: Medicare's Web site, along with the new drug pricing tool, is available at www.medicare.gov. The information also can be obtained by calling a Medicare representative at 1-800-MEDICARE.
|
|
