Dickinson Hall News September October 2019 | Page 10

Support Services
Part D Open Enrollment Starts October 15
Review Your Drug Plan to Save Money!
Medicare Drug plan premiums, co-pays and participating
pharmacies change from year to year, and once a year you
can sign up for a new plan. SHIP volunteers use the
Medicare.gov website to input your current medications and
determine which drug plan will offer good service while saving
you money. The open enrollment period runs from October 15
through December 6. Once you enroll, the new plan will be
effective January 1, 2020. Call Janet after October 1 to reserve
your time slot!
Your Senior Advocate
Janet Fryer, LCPC, supports older adults and their families in
the community with face-to-face meetings and home, hospital
and nursing home visits, depending on the need. There is no
charge for her services, including assessments, counseling,
referrals, notary services and help identifying financial
assistance programs and applying. For those eligible, state,
local and federal programs may pay for Medicare or drug plan
premiums, reduce drug co-pays, and reduce property taxes.
Support and guidance are available for those who are
homebound, lonely, coping with low vision, caring for a spouse
or parent, or who need help considering options and making
decisions. If you are concerned about a family member or older
neighbor, give Janet a call at 847-810-4678.
Need a Handyman?
A local handyman has agreed to help out our members at a
discounted rate. He can repair bi-fold doors, fix damaged
walls, install grab bars, do small carpentry jobs and more. Call
Janet to get the discount rate.
Save Money on Your Car Registration
Social Services: Faith in Action
and ride free on transit if you earn less than $27,610 for an
individual, or $36,635 for a couple. This requires an approved
Benefits Access application, filed over the computer,
which can take months to process. Janet can help you apply
right away, or three months before your current certificate
expires. Seniors who do not meet income requirements can
still get discounted senior fares on Metra and the RTA.
Trained and supervised volunteers can provide transportation,
grocery shopping, social support, and caregiver respite, often
forming a quality relationship with those they assist. Their
partnership with Dickinson Hall increases the depth of services
offered to community members in need. To access their
services, learn more, or explore volunteer opportunities for this
much-needed organization, contact Janet or speak with Faith in
Action directly at 847-721-8414. For more information about
Faith in Action visit www.selcfia.org.
2019-2020 Special Guest Scholarship
Program
It’s time to sign up for your 2019 - 2020 membership. If your
finances are tight, but you want to join Dickinson Hall and
enjoy our programs, we offer a scholarship program. In-district
residents with total incomes from all sources of less than
$30,000 (1-person household) or $40,000 (2-person
household) may qualify. Call Janet to discuss your situation. All
inquiries are confidential.
Caregiver Support
One-on-one support is available to individuals caring for a
loved one, even if that person does not live with you. Janet is
available to meet with family caregivers here at Dickinson Hall,
or in someone’s home. Call Janet with questions, for referrals
to local resources, or if you need to talk.
Information and Referral
Help for Unexpected Expenses
We have put together lists of local resources and are happy to
provide contact information on local professionals, social
services, medical providers and other subjects. Call Janet to
request the local referrals. (Note: We are not able to endorse
any person, company, agency or facility; these resources are
for your convenience.)
Financially-strapped older adults in our service area facing
unexpected home repairs or with other short-term financial
challenges may speak with Janet about applying for
assistance. Requests are confidential and considered on a
case-by-case basis.
No-Cost Counseling Available
Medical Lending Closet at Dickinson Hall
If you are coping with multiple stressors or multiple losses,
professional counseling is available at no cost to you. Family
Service of Lake County offers counseling to those 60 or older
through a grant from the Northeastern Illinois Agency on
Aging. Services are offered in the Highland Park office or in
your home. Please call Family Service at 847-432-4981, x200,
for information or an appointment.
Short-term loans are available to Lake Forest and Lake Bluff
residents. Call to check availability or for an appointment.
Confused by Medicare?
Many people newly eligible for Medicare are confused about
sign-up rules and procedures, avoiding penalties, coverage
and selecting supplemental insurance and drug plans.
Information is available as a free service from our trained
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteers.
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