Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News
A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health
April 20, 2009 - Vol 3, Issue 04
April 20, 2009 - Vol 3, Issue 04
NYS Budget Impact on Geriatric Mental Health
On April 3, 2009, the New York State 2009-10 Budget was enacted. Given the tough budget year, we are pleased that the state continued to fund the geriatric mental health demonstration programs, for which we strongly advocated. GMHA was also active in advocating on a number of issues pertaining to older adults with mental disorders, many of which had positive outcomes.
For a breakdown of the areas we were concerned about and their outcomes, click here.
In addition, we are pleased that the state continued the exemption for social workers and other mental health practitioners who are not LCSWs until June 1, 2010. However, we supported an exemption until 2013 as was proposed in the 2009-10 Executive Budget Request.
The Behavioral Health, Chemical Dependency and Long-term Care Act of 2009 (A.7027/S.3341) was introduced in the NYS Legislature a few weeks ago. Assemblyman Peter Rivera, Chair of the Mental Health Committee, introduced the bill in the Assembly. Senator Ruben Diaz, Chair of the Aging Committee, introduced it in the Senate.
The bills will be on the agenda of their respective committees very soon.
Has Your Organization Signed-on to the Legislation?
Over 100 organizations have signed on in support of the Act.
If your organization has not signed-on, and wants to be listed among the supporting organizations, simply reply to this email with a 'YES' and with the name of the organization(s) that you represent.
Thank you for your support! We will be in touch with action alerts as the legislation moves along.
The bills will be on the agenda of their respective committees very soon.
Has Your Organization Signed-on to the Legislation?
Over 100 organizations have signed on in support of the Act.
If your organization has not signed-on, and wants to be listed among the supporting organizations, simply reply to this email with a 'YES' and with the name of the organization(s) that you represent.
Thank you for your support! We will be in touch with action alerts as the legislation moves along.
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GMHA Training and Technical Assistance Center: Upcoming Events
April 21, 2009 - Creativity in Late Life: A Best Practices Presentation in Geriatric Mental Health co-sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York, the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers, and the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity of Hunter College.
This presentation will provide an overview of the role of creativity in the lives of older adults. Topics covered will include: the meaning of creative aging, how creativity may be used to enhance quality of life among older adults and tools practitioners may use to foster creativity among the older adults with whom they work.
The event will be held from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the Hunter College School of Social Work - Auditorium, 129 East 79th Street, NYC, (Between Lexington and Park Avenues). Please register by clicking here or visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2gqiqfwfrb0o81r/start. If you have any questions, please email or call Yusyin Hsin at yhsin@mhaofnyc.org or (212) 614-6356. The event is free but pre-registration is required.
This presentation will provide an overview of the role of creativity in the lives of older adults. Topics covered will include: the meaning of creative aging, how creativity may be used to enhance quality of life among older adults and tools practitioners may use to foster creativity among the older adults with whom they work.
The event will be held from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the Hunter College School of Social Work - Auditorium, 129 East 79th Street, NYC, (Between Lexington and Park Avenues). Please register by clicking here or visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2gqiqfwfrb0o81r/start. If you have any questions, please email or call Yusyin Hsin at yhsin@mhaofnyc.org or (212) 614-6356. The event is free but pre-registration is required.
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May 15, 2009 - Save-the-Date - Third Annual Geriatric Mental Health Alliance Conference.
REGISTER TODAY!!!
TREATMENT AND BEYOND: Meeting the Behavioral Health Challenges of the Elder Boom
Brooklyn Marriott, NY
Keynote Speaker: Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D.
Click here for the registration brochure.
Click here for the Sponsors/Vendors Prospectus
May 15, 2009 - Save-the-Date - Third Annual Geriatric Mental Health Alliance Conference.
REGISTER TODAY!!!
TREATMENT AND BEYOND: Meeting the Behavioral Health Challenges of the Elder Boom
Brooklyn Marriott, NY
Keynote Speaker: Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D.
Click here for the registration brochure.
Click here for the Sponsors/Vendors Prospectus
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Report on GMHCD Interagency Planning Council Meeting
The Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Planning Council, which is chaired by Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health (OMH), Michael Hogan; Director of the State Office for the Aging (OFA), Michael Burgess; Commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), Karen Carpenter Palumbo; and Director of the Division of Veterans Affairs, Jim McDonough met on March 26, 2009.
At the opening of the meeting, Commissioner Hogan presented a brief state budget outlook for 2009-10. Commissioner Carpenter Palumbo, shared with the Council OASAS initiatives on geriatric substance abuse including the establishment of a Senior Advisory Committee. Ron Adelman, Risa Breckman, and Ron Goralewicz from NY Presbyterian presented on their geriatric mental health demonstration program to integrate mental health into a primary health care clinic. The Commissioners were very impressed with their successful model for integration and were interested in seeing the demo model disseminated across the state. They were also interested in identifying and removing any barriers to replication. It was announced that OMH will be hosting a geriatric mental health planning day in order to maximize the success of the grants programs and discuss dissemination of the models.
Michael Friedman, Council member, presented on the Behavioral Health, Chemical Dependency and Long-term Care Act. He also recommended the formation of a Council taskforce on long-term care in order to identify gaps and needs regarding the behavioral health needs of recipients of long-term care. The creation of such a taskforce is also being proposed as part of the legislation.
To view an archive of the meeting via webcast, click here.
At the opening of the meeting, Commissioner Hogan presented a brief state budget outlook for 2009-10. Commissioner Carpenter Palumbo, shared with the Council OASAS initiatives on geriatric substance abuse including the establishment of a Senior Advisory Committee. Ron Adelman, Risa Breckman, and Ron Goralewicz from NY Presbyterian presented on their geriatric mental health demonstration program to integrate mental health into a primary health care clinic. The Commissioners were very impressed with their successful model for integration and were interested in seeing the demo model disseminated across the state. They were also interested in identifying and removing any barriers to replication. It was announced that OMH will be hosting a geriatric mental health planning day in order to maximize the success of the grants programs and discuss dissemination of the models.
Michael Friedman, Council member, presented on the Behavioral Health, Chemical Dependency and Long-term Care Act. He also recommended the formation of a Council taskforce on long-term care in order to identify gaps and needs regarding the behavioral health needs of recipients of long-term care. The creation of such a taskforce is also being proposed as part of the legislation.
To view an archive of the meeting via webcast, click here.
GMHA Testifies on NYC's FY10 Preliminary Budget
On March 25, 2009, GMHA presented joint testimony with the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, United Neighborhood Houses of New York, and the UJA Federation of New York at a City Council FY10 Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, chaired by Council Member Oliver Koppell and the Subcommittee on Drug Abuse, chaired by Council Member Annabel Palma. In our testimony, we address the continual problems with the significantly delayed contracting and allocation process. We also urged the Council to support restoration of funding for the Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
On March 30, 2009, GMHA presented testimony at a City Council Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Aging, chaired by Council Member Maria Del-Carmen Arroyo and the subcommittee on Senior Centers, chaired by Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito. We strongly opposed the proposed cuts to aging service programs in the Mayor's preliminary budget. We supported restoration of cuts to, and elimination of, programs for older adults in the November FY'09 PEGs including social adult day care, intergenerational programs, caregiver support, and non-core services. We also asked for restoration of funding for the New York City Council Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
On March 30, 2009, GMHA presented testimony at a City Council Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Aging, chaired by Council Member Maria Del-Carmen Arroyo and the subcommittee on Senior Centers, chaired by Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito. We strongly opposed the proposed cuts to aging service programs in the Mayor's preliminary budget. We supported restoration of cuts to, and elimination of, programs for older adults in the November FY'09 PEGs including social adult day care, intergenerational programs, caregiver support, and non-core services. We also asked for restoration of funding for the New York City Council Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
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GMHA Participates in SOFA Preventative Health Institute
On April 2, 2009, GMHA participated in a NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) sponsored event Preventative Health and Older Adults Institute: A Call to Action and Commitment which brought together key stakeholders from the health and aging sectors to strategize about how to increase the use of Medicare health screenings and preventative services and to expand the use of evidence based practices for older adults. In his opening remarks, SOFA Director acknowledged the presence of GMHA and the importance of mental health to promoting health and wellness in old age.
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GMHA Joins Statewide Caregiving Coalition
GMHA has joined the advisory committee for the Statewide Caregiving and Respite Coalition of NY (SCRCNY), a network of organizations committed to providing support services for caregivers and caregiving programs and to foster cooperative efforts in developing programs, public awareness, training and more. As a committee member, we plan to highlight issues and concerns pertaining to the mental health needs of family caregivers.
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Other Upcoming Events
April 21, 2009 - Brain Injury in the Community: Wounded Warriors in Transition. This Third Annual Conference sponsored by ICD, AHRC-NYC, and The Brain Injury Association of NYS will be held 9:00am to 4:00pm at OMRDD, 1st Floor Auditorium, 75 Morton Street.
This conference will provide an opportunity for professionals from the TBI field, mentlal health and substance abuse agencies, and programs serving military personnel to learn about the impact of TBI in this context and strengthen their ability to provide services and supports to our wounded warriors.
April 25, 2009 - New York City Mental Health Film Festival The theme this year is stomping out stigma. We have selected four films. One is "crazy enough to care." This is the true story of a father who battled manic depression for 10 years. He fought the stigma that he was unable to be productive. He started a non profit that travels to psychiatric wards, hospitals and nursing homes to spread love through music and comedy. Our feature film "stop pointing" is a full length film. This film is compromised of 6 people telling their stories on fighting stigma, from our relatives, our potential employers and society at large. Our last film is "Open Space". Open space is a documentary about 4 people you would not assume to be mental health recipients who find ways to cope with their psychiatric disabilities. The movie ends with a surprise, revealing someone you never would suspect is a mental health recipient.
April 28, 2009 - Living Longer, Living Better: News You Can Use- Join the Women's City Club of New York as you learn about the latest thinking and research on living longer and more productive lives - a goal we all share for ourselves and our loved ones. Dr. Robert Butler and Carol Raphael are pioneers in fields related to longevity and they will educating people on how to live longer and better and advises society on how to maximize the benefits of today's age boom.
For more information, please click here.
April 29, 2009 - Medicare Basics for Advocates - The Medicare Rights Center is hosting a training for professionals to help people with Medicare get the most out of their coverage. In this 2 hour training, topics that will be covered are: Medicare overview, who is eligible for Medicare? What does Medicare cover? And much more.
For more information or to register by phone, please contact Chinwe Nwosu at 212-204-6217 or cnwosu@medicarerights.org.
May 4, 2009 - CIAD Video Screening - Join The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and its award-winning Resident Media Team as they screen a number of their videos (produced and reported by adult home residents on adult home issues) at the Legislative Office Building, Room 711A, Albany NY from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Go to http://hub.witness.org/ciad to view a sample of the videos. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Geoff Lieberman at 212-481-7572 or glieberman@ciadny.org
May 6, 2009 - NYSOFA's Senior Citizen's Day Celebration. This year's them is Empowering Communities Through Civic Engagement and Volunteerism and older New Yorkers from around the state will be recognized for their achievements. The afternoon will feature entertainment, exhibit booths related to senior issues, refreshments, giveaways, and remarks from NYSOFA's Director Michael Burgess and Mark Walter from the NYS Commission of National and Community Service.
May 7, 2009 - Mental Health and Geriatric Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. RRTI is offering this free course instructed by Dr. Phil McCallion, PhD and Dr. Lisa Ferretti, PhD. It will be held at various videoconference sites across New York State on May 7, 2009 from 9am to 4pm, available to all levels of Nurses.
Topics include assessment of mental health issues such as personality disorders, paranoia, and depression; behavioral changes and the differentiationbetween various dementias; Alzheimer's disease; substance abuse issues; aging and sensory loss and related behaviors; affective disorder; and understanding treatment, therapies, and supports.
To register: http://rrti.org
If you have further questions please contact the HRSA Program Assistant; Matt Yaeger at 518-449-2976 or matt@nyrehab.org
May 8, 2009 - 9th Annual Early Stage Forum - Taking Control: Knowing How, Knowing When - Alzheimer's Association - NYC Chapter's annual forum. This year's keynote speaker is Lisa Genova, author of the best-selling "Still Alice", a novel about a 50 year old English professor who develops young-onset AD. For more information, please click here.
June 2, 2009 - Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse - The Fourth Annual NYC Elder abuse Conference will be held at the New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 66 West 12th St.
Click here for the Save-The-Date card.
June 12, 2009 - Answering the Call: A Community Forum on Health Aging and Civic Engagement. The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) invites you to engage older adults, senior care providers, community organizers, and legislators in discussions about health aging and civic engagement. A poster session held immediately following the panel presentations will allow professionals in the field of aging and public service to showcase their work.
Click here for the Save-the-Date Card.
Click here for the RFP to submit a poster proposal.
This conference will provide an opportunity for professionals from the TBI field, mentlal health and substance abuse agencies, and programs serving military personnel to learn about the impact of TBI in this context and strengthen their ability to provide services and supports to our wounded warriors.
April 25, 2009 - New York City Mental Health Film Festival The theme this year is stomping out stigma. We have selected four films. One is "crazy enough to care." This is the true story of a father who battled manic depression for 10 years. He fought the stigma that he was unable to be productive. He started a non profit that travels to psychiatric wards, hospitals and nursing homes to spread love through music and comedy. Our feature film "stop pointing" is a full length film. This film is compromised of 6 people telling their stories on fighting stigma, from our relatives, our potential employers and society at large. Our last film is "Open Space". Open space is a documentary about 4 people you would not assume to be mental health recipients who find ways to cope with their psychiatric disabilities. The movie ends with a surprise, revealing someone you never would suspect is a mental health recipient.
April 28, 2009 - Living Longer, Living Better: News You Can Use- Join the Women's City Club of New York as you learn about the latest thinking and research on living longer and more productive lives - a goal we all share for ourselves and our loved ones. Dr. Robert Butler and Carol Raphael are pioneers in fields related to longevity and they will educating people on how to live longer and better and advises society on how to maximize the benefits of today's age boom.
For more information, please click here.
April 29, 2009 - Medicare Basics for Advocates - The Medicare Rights Center is hosting a training for professionals to help people with Medicare get the most out of their coverage. In this 2 hour training, topics that will be covered are: Medicare overview, who is eligible for Medicare? What does Medicare cover? And much more.
For more information or to register by phone, please contact Chinwe Nwosu at 212-204-6217 or cnwosu@medicarerights.org.
May 4, 2009 - CIAD Video Screening - Join The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and its award-winning Resident Media Team as they screen a number of their videos (produced and reported by adult home residents on adult home issues) at the Legislative Office Building, Room 711A, Albany NY from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Go to http://hub.witness.org/ciad to view a sample of the videos. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Geoff Lieberman at 212-481-7572 or glieberman@ciadny.org
May 6, 2009 - NYSOFA's Senior Citizen's Day Celebration. This year's them is Empowering Communities Through Civic Engagement and Volunteerism and older New Yorkers from around the state will be recognized for their achievements. The afternoon will feature entertainment, exhibit booths related to senior issues, refreshments, giveaways, and remarks from NYSOFA's Director Michael Burgess and Mark Walter from the NYS Commission of National and Community Service.
May 7, 2009 - Mental Health and Geriatric Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. RRTI is offering this free course instructed by Dr. Phil McCallion, PhD and Dr. Lisa Ferretti, PhD. It will be held at various videoconference sites across New York State on May 7, 2009 from 9am to 4pm, available to all levels of Nurses.
Topics include assessment of mental health issues such as personality disorders, paranoia, and depression; behavioral changes and the differentiationbetween various dementias; Alzheimer's disease; substance abuse issues; aging and sensory loss and related behaviors; affective disorder; and understanding treatment, therapies, and supports.
To register: http://rrti.org
If you have further questions please contact the HRSA Program Assistant; Matt Yaeger at 518-449-2976 or matt@nyrehab.org
May 8, 2009 - 9th Annual Early Stage Forum - Taking Control: Knowing How, Knowing When - Alzheimer's Association - NYC Chapter's annual forum. This year's keynote speaker is Lisa Genova, author of the best-selling "Still Alice", a novel about a 50 year old English professor who develops young-onset AD. For more information, please click here.
June 2, 2009 - Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse - The Fourth Annual NYC Elder abuse Conference will be held at the New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 66 West 12th St.
Click here for the Save-The-Date card.
June 12, 2009 - Answering the Call: A Community Forum on Health Aging and Civic Engagement. The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) invites you to engage older adults, senior care providers, community organizers, and legislators in discussions about health aging and civic engagement. A poster session held immediately following the panel presentations will allow professionals in the field of aging and public service to showcase their work.
Click here for the Save-the-Date Card.
Click here for the RFP to submit a poster proposal.
RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
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New York State Coalition on Elder Abuse
The NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse is a multidisciplinary, statewide network of individuals, private organizations and public agencies working together to protect elders from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. The Coalition was formed to implement the Action Agenda created by the 2004 New York State Elder Abuse Summit.
If you or your organization would like to join the NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse, please contact Denise M. Shukoff, Esq., Coordinator, NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse at (585) 244-8400 ext. 186 or dshukoff@lifespan-roch.org
For more information, please click here.
If you or your organization would like to join the NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse, please contact Denise M. Shukoff, Esq., Coordinator, NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse at (585) 244-8400 ext. 186 or dshukoff@lifespan-roch.org
For more information, please click here.
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Press Release...Sate Awards $3.2 Million to Adult Care Facilities
State Awards $3.2 Million to Adult Care Facilities to Improve Air Conditioning in Residents' Rooms
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2009) - A total of $3.2 million in New York State grants have been awarded to 51 adult care facilities (ACF) across the State to provide increased air conditioning in resident rooms.
The Adult Care Facility Air Conditioning Initiative grants, administered by the Department of Health, are the result of a competitive process under which operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs applied for funding to support the installation, operation and maintenance of air conditioning in resident rooms. The Department's goal is to provide increased comfort for residents of adult care facilities
In distributing the grant funds, the Department gave priority to applicants whose residents demonstrated the highest level of need, including but not limited to those with psychiatric disabilities and the elderly, and to those applicants in the greatest financial need of such assistance. Facilities are required to use either NYSERDA pre-qualified equipment or Energy Star certified equipment. Funds to pay for the cost of a NYSERDA energy audit to assess a facility's air conditioning needs are included in the award for those facilities that obtained an audit prior to applying for funds.
To read more, please click here.
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2009) - A total of $3.2 million in New York State grants have been awarded to 51 adult care facilities (ACF) across the State to provide increased air conditioning in resident rooms.
The Adult Care Facility Air Conditioning Initiative grants, administered by the Department of Health, are the result of a competitive process under which operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs applied for funding to support the installation, operation and maintenance of air conditioning in resident rooms. The Department's goal is to provide increased comfort for residents of adult care facilities
In distributing the grant funds, the Department gave priority to applicants whose residents demonstrated the highest level of need, including but not limited to those with psychiatric disabilities and the elderly, and to those applicants in the greatest financial need of such assistance. Facilities are required to use either NYSERDA pre-qualified equipment or Energy Star certified equipment. Funds to pay for the cost of a NYSERDA energy audit to assess a facility's air conditioning needs are included in the award for those facilities that obtained an audit prior to applying for funds.
To read more, please click here.
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Article...Doctors are Opting Out of Medicare
Doctors Are Opting Out of Medicare
By JULIE CONNELLY
Published: April 1, 2009
EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn't know any - and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors - often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists - are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors' reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle.
Click here to read more.
By JULIE CONNELLY
Published: April 1, 2009
EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn't know any - and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors - often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists - are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors' reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle.
Click here to read more.
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Article...Cognitive Therapy May Ease Seniors' Anxiety
On March 25, 2009, GMHA presented joint testimony with the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, United Neighborhood Houses of New York, and the UJA Federation of New York at a City Council FY10 Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, chaired by Council Member Oliver Koppell and the Subcommittee on Drug Abuse, chaired by Council Member Annabel Palma. In our testimony, we address the continual problems with the significantly delayed contracting and allocation process. We also urged the Council to support restoration of funding for the Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
On March 30, 2009, GMHA presented testimony at a City Council Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Aging, chaired by Council Member Maria Del-Carmen Arroyo and the subcommittee on Senior Centers, chaired by Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito. We strongly opposed the proposed cuts to aging service programs in the Mayor's preliminary budget. We supported restoration of cuts to, and elimination of, programs for older adults in the November FY'09 PEGs including social adult day care, intergenerational programs, caregiver support, and non-core services. We also asked for restoration of funding for the New York City Council Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
On March 30, 2009, GMHA presented testimony at a City Council Preliminary Budget Hearing held by the Committee on Aging, chaired by Council Member Maria Del-Carmen Arroyo and the subcommittee on Senior Centers, chaired by Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito. We strongly opposed the proposed cuts to aging service programs in the Mayor's preliminary budget. We supported restoration of cuts to, and elimination of, programs for older adults in the November FY'09 PEGs including social adult day care, intergenerational programs, caregiver support, and non-core services. We also asked for restoration of funding for the New York City Council Geriatric Mental Health Initiative.
------------------------------------------------------------------
GMHA Participates in SOFA Preventative Health Institute
On April 2, 2009, GMHA participated in a NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) sponsored event Preventative Health and Older Adults Institute: A Call to Action and Commitment which brought together key stakeholders from the health and aging sectors to strategize about how to increase the use of Medicare health screenings and preventative services and to expand the use of evidence based practices for older adults. In his opening remarks, SOFA Director acknowledged the presence of GMHA and the importance of mental health to promoting health and wellness in old age.
------------------------------------------------------------------
GMHA Joins Statewide Caregiving Coalition
GMHA has joined the advisory committee for the Statewide Caregiving and Respite Coalition of NY (SCRCNY), a network of organizations committed to providing support services for caregivers and caregiving programs and to foster cooperative efforts in developing programs, public awareness, training and more. As a committee member, we plan to highlight issues and concerns pertaining to the mental health needs of family caregivers.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Upcoming Events
April 21, 2009 - Brain Injury in the Community: Wounded Warriors in Transition. This Third Annual Conference sponsored by ICD, AHRC-NYC, and The Brain Injury Association of NYS will be held 9:00am to 4:00pm at OMRDD, 1st Floor Auditorium, 75 Morton Street.
This conference will provide an opportunity for professionals from the TBI field, mentlal health and substance abuse agencies, and programs serving military personnel to learn about the impact of TBI in this context and strengthen their ability to provide services and supports to our wounded warriors.
April 25, 2009 - New York City Mental Health Film Festival The theme this year is stomping out stigma. We have selected four films. One is "crazy enough to care." This is the true story of a father who battled manic depression for 10 years. He fought the stigma that he was unable to be productive. He started a non profit that travels to psychiatric wards, hospitals and nursing homes to spread love through music and comedy. Our feature film "stop pointing" is a full length film. This film is compromised of 6 people telling their stories on fighting stigma, from our relatives, our potential employers and society at large. Our last film is "Open Space". Open space is a documentary about 4 people you would not assume to be mental health recipients who find ways to cope with their psychiatric disabilities. The movie ends with a surprise, revealing someone you never would suspect is a mental health recipient.
April 28, 2009 - Living Longer, Living Better: News You Can Use- Join the Women's City Club of New York as you learn about the latest thinking and research on living longer and more productive lives - a goal we all share for ourselves and our loved ones. Dr. Robert Butler and Carol Raphael are pioneers in fields related to longevity and they will educating people on how to live longer and better and advises society on how to maximize the benefits of today's age boom.
For more information, please click here.
April 29, 2009 - Medicare Basics for Advocates - The Medicare Rights Center is hosting a training for professionals to help people with Medicare get the most out of their coverage. In this 2 hour training, topics that will be covered are: Medicare overview, who is eligible for Medicare? What does Medicare cover? And much more.
For more information or to register by phone, please contact Chinwe Nwosu at 212-204-6217 or cnwosu@medicarerights.org.
May 4, 2009 - CIAD Video Screening - Join The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and its award-winning Resident Media Team as they screen a number of their videos (produced and reported by adult home residents on adult home issues) at the Legislative Office Building, Room 711A, Albany NY from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Go to http://hub.witness.org/ciad to view a sample of the videos. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Geoff Lieberman at 212-481-7572 or glieberman@ciadny.org
May 6, 2009 - NYSOFA's Senior Citizen's Day Celebration. This year's them is Empowering Communities Through Civic Engagement and Volunteerism and older New Yorkers from around the state will be recognized for their achievements. The afternoon will feature entertainment, exhibit booths related to senior issues, refreshments, giveaways, and remarks from NYSOFA's Director Michael Burgess and Mark Walter from the NYS Commission of National and Community Service.
May 7, 2009 - Mental Health and Geriatric Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. RRTI is offering this free course instructed by Dr. Phil McCallion, PhD and Dr. Lisa Ferretti, PhD. It will be held at various videoconference sites across New York State on May 7, 2009 from 9am to 4pm, available to all levels of Nurses.
Topics include assessment of mental health issues such as personality disorders, paranoia, and depression; behavioral changes and the differentiationbetween various dementias; Alzheimer's disease; substance abuse issues; aging and sensory loss and related behaviors; affective disorder; and understanding treatment, therapies, and supports.
To register: http://rrti.org
If you have further questions please contact the HRSA Program Assistant; Matt Yaeger at 518-449-2976 or matt@nyrehab.org
May 8, 2009 - 9th Annual Early Stage Forum - Taking Control: Knowing How, Knowing When - Alzheimer's Association - NYC Chapter's annual forum. This year's keynote speaker is Lisa Genova, author of the best-selling "Still Alice", a novel about a 50 year old English professor who develops young-onset AD. For more information, please click here.
June 2, 2009 - Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse - The Fourth Annual NYC Elder abuse Conference will be held at the New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 66 West 12th St.
Click here for the Save-The-Date card.
June 12, 2009 - Answering the Call: A Community Forum on Health Aging and Civic Engagement. The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) invites you to engage older adults, senior care providers, community organizers, and legislators in discussions about health aging and civic engagement. A poster session held immediately following the panel presentations will allow professionals in the field of aging and public service to showcase their work.
Click here for the Save-the-Date Card.
Click here for the RFP to submit a poster proposal.
This conference will provide an opportunity for professionals from the TBI field, mentlal health and substance abuse agencies, and programs serving military personnel to learn about the impact of TBI in this context and strengthen their ability to provide services and supports to our wounded warriors.
April 25, 2009 - New York City Mental Health Film Festival The theme this year is stomping out stigma. We have selected four films. One is "crazy enough to care." This is the true story of a father who battled manic depression for 10 years. He fought the stigma that he was unable to be productive. He started a non profit that travels to psychiatric wards, hospitals and nursing homes to spread love through music and comedy. Our feature film "stop pointing" is a full length film. This film is compromised of 6 people telling their stories on fighting stigma, from our relatives, our potential employers and society at large. Our last film is "Open Space". Open space is a documentary about 4 people you would not assume to be mental health recipients who find ways to cope with their psychiatric disabilities. The movie ends with a surprise, revealing someone you never would suspect is a mental health recipient.
April 28, 2009 - Living Longer, Living Better: News You Can Use- Join the Women's City Club of New York as you learn about the latest thinking and research on living longer and more productive lives - a goal we all share for ourselves and our loved ones. Dr. Robert Butler and Carol Raphael are pioneers in fields related to longevity and they will educating people on how to live longer and better and advises society on how to maximize the benefits of today's age boom.
For more information, please click here.
April 29, 2009 - Medicare Basics for Advocates - The Medicare Rights Center is hosting a training for professionals to help people with Medicare get the most out of their coverage. In this 2 hour training, topics that will be covered are: Medicare overview, who is eligible for Medicare? What does Medicare cover? And much more.
For more information or to register by phone, please contact Chinwe Nwosu at 212-204-6217 or cnwosu@medicarerights.org.
May 4, 2009 - CIAD Video Screening - Join The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD) and its award-winning Resident Media Team as they screen a number of their videos (produced and reported by adult home residents on adult home issues) at the Legislative Office Building, Room 711A, Albany NY from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Go to http://hub.witness.org/ciad to view a sample of the videos. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Geoff Lieberman at 212-481-7572 or glieberman@ciadny.org
May 6, 2009 - NYSOFA's Senior Citizen's Day Celebration. This year's them is Empowering Communities Through Civic Engagement and Volunteerism and older New Yorkers from around the state will be recognized for their achievements. The afternoon will feature entertainment, exhibit booths related to senior issues, refreshments, giveaways, and remarks from NYSOFA's Director Michael Burgess and Mark Walter from the NYS Commission of National and Community Service.
May 7, 2009 - Mental Health and Geriatric Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. RRTI is offering this free course instructed by Dr. Phil McCallion, PhD and Dr. Lisa Ferretti, PhD. It will be held at various videoconference sites across New York State on May 7, 2009 from 9am to 4pm, available to all levels of Nurses.
Topics include assessment of mental health issues such as personality disorders, paranoia, and depression; behavioral changes and the differentiationbetween various dementias; Alzheimer's disease; substance abuse issues; aging and sensory loss and related behaviors; affective disorder; and understanding treatment, therapies, and supports.
To register: http://rrti.org
If you have further questions please contact the HRSA Program Assistant; Matt Yaeger at 518-449-2976 or matt@nyrehab.org
May 8, 2009 - 9th Annual Early Stage Forum - Taking Control: Knowing How, Knowing When - Alzheimer's Association - NYC Chapter's annual forum. This year's keynote speaker is Lisa Genova, author of the best-selling "Still Alice", a novel about a 50 year old English professor who develops young-onset AD. For more information, please click here.
June 2, 2009 - Safety in a Storm: Identification and Prevention of Elder Abuse - The Fourth Annual NYC Elder abuse Conference will be held at the New School Institute for Retired Professionals, 66 West 12th St.
Click here for the Save-The-Date card.
June 12, 2009 - Answering the Call: A Community Forum on Health Aging and Civic Engagement. The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) invites you to engage older adults, senior care providers, community organizers, and legislators in discussions about health aging and civic engagement. A poster session held immediately following the panel presentations will allow professionals in the field of aging and public service to showcase their work.
Click here for the Save-the-Date Card.
Click here for the RFP to submit a poster proposal.
RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
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New York State Coalition on Elder Abuse
The NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse is a multidisciplinary, statewide network of individuals, private organizations and public agencies working together to protect elders from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. The Coalition was formed to implement the Action Agenda created by the 2004 New York State Elder Abuse Summit.
If you or your organization would like to join the NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse, please contact Denise M. Shukoff, Esq., Coordinator, NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse at (585) 244-8400 ext. 186 or dshukoff@lifespan-roch.org
For more information, please click here.
If you or your organization would like to join the NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse, please contact Denise M. Shukoff, Esq., Coordinator, NYS Coalition on Elder Abuse at (585) 244-8400 ext. 186 or dshukoff@lifespan-roch.org
For more information, please click here.
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Press Release...Sate Awards $3.2 Million to Adult Care Facilities
State Awards $3.2 Million to Adult Care Facilities to Improve Air Conditioning in Residents' Rooms
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2009) - A total of $3.2 million in New York State grants have been awarded to 51 adult care facilities (ACF) across the State to provide increased air conditioning in resident rooms.
The Adult Care Facility Air Conditioning Initiative grants, administered by the Department of Health, are the result of a competitive process under which operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs applied for funding to support the installation, operation and maintenance of air conditioning in resident rooms. The Department's goal is to provide increased comfort for residents of adult care facilities
In distributing the grant funds, the Department gave priority to applicants whose residents demonstrated the highest level of need, including but not limited to those with psychiatric disabilities and the elderly, and to those applicants in the greatest financial need of such assistance. Facilities are required to use either NYSERDA pre-qualified equipment or Energy Star certified equipment. Funds to pay for the cost of a NYSERDA energy audit to assess a facility's air conditioning needs are included in the award for those facilities that obtained an audit prior to applying for funds.
To read more, please click here.
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2009) - A total of $3.2 million in New York State grants have been awarded to 51 adult care facilities (ACF) across the State to provide increased air conditioning in resident rooms.
The Adult Care Facility Air Conditioning Initiative grants, administered by the Department of Health, are the result of a competitive process under which operators of adult homes and enriched housing programs applied for funding to support the installation, operation and maintenance of air conditioning in resident rooms. The Department's goal is to provide increased comfort for residents of adult care facilities
In distributing the grant funds, the Department gave priority to applicants whose residents demonstrated the highest level of need, including but not limited to those with psychiatric disabilities and the elderly, and to those applicants in the greatest financial need of such assistance. Facilities are required to use either NYSERDA pre-qualified equipment or Energy Star certified equipment. Funds to pay for the cost of a NYSERDA energy audit to assess a facility's air conditioning needs are included in the award for those facilities that obtained an audit prior to applying for funds.
To read more, please click here.
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Article...Doctors are Opting Out of Medicare
Doctors Are Opting Out of Medicare
By JULIE CONNELLY
Published: April 1, 2009
EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn't know any - and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors - often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists - are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors' reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle.
Click here to read more.
By JULIE CONNELLY
Published: April 1, 2009
EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn't know any - and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors - often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists - are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors' reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle.
Click here to read more.
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Article...Cognitive Therapy May Ease Seniors' Anxiety
Cognitive Therapy May Ease Seniors' Anxiety
Cognitive Therapy Improves Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Common in Older Adults, Study Shows
By Caroline Wilbert
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Generalized anxiety disorder is common among seniors. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing a person's way of thinking in order to change their behavior or emotions.
In a new study with 134 older adults, some participants received cognitive behavior therapy for three months. Treatment included education and awareness, motivational interviewing, relaxation training, cognitive therapy, problem-solving skills training, and sleep management training. Other participants received enhanced usual care, which consisted of biweekly phone calls from a therapist to offer support and ensure patient safety.
The participants had an average age of 67. They were evaluated at the start of the study, after the three months of therapy, and several times during the next year. The participants with the cognitive behavioral therapy improved significantly at three months, compared with the other group, on several measures, including worry severity, depressive symptoms, and general mental health. However, in another key measure, severity of anxiety, there was no difference between the two groups.
The differences in treatment response rates at three months were not apparent at 15 months, suggesting that the enhanced usual care group had some improvement and that "booster sessions" of cognitive behavioral therapy might be helpful. There were no significant differences in use of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication between the two groups.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Generalized anxiety disorder is common late in life, affecting up to 7.3% in the community and 11.2% in primary care, according to the study. Anxiety in older adults is associated with physical disability, memory difficulties, decreased quality of life, increased use of services, mortality, and depression.
"This study is the first to suggest that CBT can be useful for managing worry and associated symptoms among older patients in primary care," the authors write. "This study paves the way for future research to test sustainable models of care in more demographically heterogeneous groups."
Cognitive Therapy Improves Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Common in Older Adults, Study Shows
By Caroline Wilbert
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Generalized anxiety disorder is common among seniors. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing a person's way of thinking in order to change their behavior or emotions.
In a new study with 134 older adults, some participants received cognitive behavior therapy for three months. Treatment included education and awareness, motivational interviewing, relaxation training, cognitive therapy, problem-solving skills training, and sleep management training. Other participants received enhanced usual care, which consisted of biweekly phone calls from a therapist to offer support and ensure patient safety.
The participants had an average age of 67. They were evaluated at the start of the study, after the three months of therapy, and several times during the next year. The participants with the cognitive behavioral therapy improved significantly at three months, compared with the other group, on several measures, including worry severity, depressive symptoms, and general mental health. However, in another key measure, severity of anxiety, there was no difference between the two groups.
The differences in treatment response rates at three months were not apparent at 15 months, suggesting that the enhanced usual care group had some improvement and that "booster sessions" of cognitive behavioral therapy might be helpful. There were no significant differences in use of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication between the two groups.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Generalized anxiety disorder is common late in life, affecting up to 7.3% in the community and 11.2% in primary care, according to the study. Anxiety in older adults is associated with physical disability, memory difficulties, decreased quality of life, increased use of services, mortality, and depression.
"This study is the first to suggest that CBT can be useful for managing worry and associated symptoms among older patients in primary care," the authors write. "This study paves the way for future research to test sustainable models of care in more demographically heterogeneous groups."
