Nebraska Department of Insurance
THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 2002 NICA NEWS
TRAINER NOTES
Hello NICA volunteers!I am very happy to introduce myself to you as the new NICA Training Specialist. I will be organizing and conducting all the Initial Training sessions for new volunteers, and all the Update Trainings for you folks. And, of course, I will be working with Robin and Chris to answer the NICA hotline, and help you all with any questions you may have.
By way of introduction, I always like to let people know that I grew up on a farm south of Bladen, Nebraska, a small town down in Webster County. My parents and grandparents still live there, and have many of the same questions that you volunteers help answer every day. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a B.A. in Psychology, and my previous employment was with the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. At the NRDC, I traveled across the state educating rural leaders on strategies for identifying and addressing community development needs.
I have learned so much during my first month on the job - both about Medicare and about the value of the NICA program to Nebraskans. I look forward to getting out on the road and meeting all of you dedicated volunteers. If you have any ideas you would like to share with me from your volunteer experiences with NICA, or from the initial and update trainings you have attended, I would love to hear them. (Or if you just want to call and say Hi that would be great, too!)
Best wishes,
Amy Larrick
402-471-3845
alarrick@doi.state.ne.us
Upcoming training dates:
NICA and the Sunderbruch Corporation are co-sponsoring a free workshop in Grand Island on October 30, 2002.
Mark your calendars! The following NICA Volunteer Update Trainings have been scheduled:
October 23: Kearney
October 29: Omaha
November 7: Hastings
November 13: North Platte
TBA: Northeast region
If you have any suggestions for topics, please call or email Amy. You will be receiving more information about the training in your area soon. Remember, if you are unable to attend the closest update, you are welcome to attend any update you can! Just let us know and we'll get you the meeting information.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Medicare & Healthy Aging Workshop
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Interstate Holiday Inn
7838 South US Hwy 281
Grand Island, NE 68802
(Off Interstate 80 on Hwy 281)
The Sunderbruch Corporation-Nebraska (TSCN) in collaboration with the Nebraska Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance program (NICA) is presenting a free workshop designed to help Medicare Beneficiaries and those involved with Medicare beneficiaries become more informed health care consumers.
Presenters will include Dr. Anton Piscak, Principal Clinical Coordinator; Kim Downs, Director Beneficiary Protection Program and Lark Ferguson, Outreach Coordinator of TSCN, and Amy Larrick, NICA Training Specialist.
Topics will include healthy aging, updates on Part B coverage, Medicare Hospital rights, how to obtain information about nursing homes, and how to access help and information regarding your Medicare and supplemental insurance questions from the Medicare quality improvement organization and the Nebraska Department of Insurance's seniors health insurance program.
A free lunch will be served, and flu immunizations will be available courtesy of Mary Lanning Hospital for Medicare Beneficiaries immediately before and after the workshop. You must have your Medicare Card to receive the immunization.
Pre-registration is requested. Call Kris Raibikis at 1-800-383-2856, extension 8268. Space is limited, so register early for this informative workshop.
There is no place like home.for accidents
Home modification and repair can help prevent accidents such as falls. Research suggests that one-third to one-half of home accidents can be prevented by modification or repair.
Problem: Difficulty getting in and out of the shower.
Solution: Install grab bars, shower seats or transfer benches.
Problem: Slipping in the tub or shower.
Solution: Place nonskid strips or decals in the tub or shower.
Problem: Difficulty turning faucet handles/doorknobs.
Solution: Replace with lever handles.
Problem: Access to home.
Solution: Install ramps.
Problem: Inadequate heating or ventilation.
Solution: Install insulation, storm windows and air conditioning.
Problem: Problems climbing stairs.
Solution: Install handrails for support.
-- Adapted from the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center website