Opportunity or Opportunism?

AIRS just published a public policy statement entitled, "Opportunity or Opportunism? The Intersection of Public I&R System and Private Software Vendors". It was developed by the AIRS Public Policy Committee and has been provided to the US Administration for Community Living.  This document addresses the issues surrounding the market competition we are facing from private sector "closed loop referral" software vendors who are duplicating resources databases that have been maintained by I&Rs for decades.

The final paragraphs of the document read:

 

“Ultimately, community-based 211s and private sector vendors should partner together with healthcare entities to provide the best of all worlds – highly-developed, relevant resources for healthcare consumers that are maintained by certified database curators, staffed by trained I&R professionals, and have leading-edge software with the capacity and capability to provide and track referrals, and health outcomes. In effect, genuine Community Information Exchanges (such as in San Diego) governed by the community itself.

The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) encourages relevant Federal, State, and healthcare institutions to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with 211s for SDoH outcomes.”

 

Mobility Management!

What in the driving Miss Daisy is mobility management?  Driving Miss Daisy, starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy, was directed by Bruce Beresford and released in 1989. This movie came to mind after trying to figure out the best practice needed to effectively serve clients who need transportation assistance. According to the National Center for Mobility Management, mobility management is defined in the following statements.

“In short: Mobility management can be broadly defined as creating and managing mobility options, at both the systemic and system-to-customer levels, to improve the reach, efficiency, and affordability of public transportation services.

A bit longer explanation: Mobility management is an approach to designing and delivering transportation services that starts and ends with the customer. It begins with a community vision in which the entire transportation network—public transit, private operators, cycling and walking, volunteer drivers, and others—works together with customers, planners, and stakeholders to deliver the transportation options that best meet the community's needs.” - https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/for-mobility-managers/

How does mobility management fit into Information and Referral services?

Referring a client to a senior center in their area to schedule transportation assistance was easy. Referring a client to public transportation or other wheelchair associable providers was not a problem. Providing a client eligibility requirements for a free or reduced fare bus ride on Metro Transit is a walk in the park.  For the most I & R staff the above we can do with our eyes closed.

It was assisting clients with rides directly that brought a level of uncertainty. Scheduling rides using a third party transportation providers dashboard was challenging. Explaining to an older adult who doesn’t own a smart phone that they will receive a text. Even if they have a smart phone trying to talk them through downloading a transportation app and how to access their text messages. For the past 6 months mobility management has felt like a scene from driving Miss Daisy.

If Hoke Colburn, Morgan Freeman’s character was a LYFT driver in the film comes to mind with every request. In one of my favorite scenes Hoke is taking Miss Daisy on a trip, he allows her to give direction from the back seat because she has the map. They get lost and Miss Daisy blames Hoke for the error.

He says to Miss Daisy, “Well, now, you took it (the trip) with me, Miss Daisy, and you got the map.”

I found the following blogs helpful:

Part 1

https://www.nadtc.org/news/blog/transportation-information-and-assistance-an-introduction/

 Part 2

https://www.nadtc.org/news/blog/what-does-information-referral-mean-to-mobility-management/

Article by: Jamie R. Saunders, MSW

 National Relaxation Day – August 15, 2021

 As I was looking for topics for this month’s blog I discovered that August 15^th is considered “National Relaxation Day”.  I was surprised this was an actual “Day”; however, I agree that it is important that we recognize a day, or more, to relax.  The timing of “Relaxation Day” seems appropriate to me as Summer is winding down and school activities are starting again.  As the parent of a High School student, I expect little to no relaxation time for several months. 

In the Cambridge Dictionary, relaxation is defined as “a pleasant activity that makes you become calm and less worried”.  There are many techniques for relaxing including, but not limited to, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing then relaxing each muscle group), visualization (forming mental images of a calming place), deep breathing, massage, yoga, music or art therapy, and mediation.  The key is to find the technique that works for you.  Some techniques may seem awkward the first time you try them, but with practice it may become easier.  These techniques should not cause more stress, so if the technique is not working for you, try something different.

There have also been several studies showing the benefits of relaxation, to both physical and mental health.  Some physical benefits include slowing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure, reducing muscle tension, and reducing chronic pain.  Reducing anger or frustration, improving sleep quality, and improving concentration, mood, and even productivity are some mental benefits we can gain if we make relaxation part of our routine.

I am going to challenge myself to try some new relaxation techniques during the entire month of August and would like to challenge you to do the same… or at least relax on Sunday, August 15, 2021, National Relaxation Day!

By: Penny Humphrey

Try this fun word search!

NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY

AUGUST 15, 2021

 

bath                               chat                               color

fishing                            friends                           hike

imagery                         manicure                       massage

meditation                    music                            nature

paint                              read                               relax

stretching                      Tai Chi                           yoga

 

 

It’s All About the Heart and Everything Else

Two weeks ago, my heart was aflutter. Not because I was excited about something, it just felt weird and I was convinced, I was having a heart attack. I spoke with my doctor and she recommended I go to the emergency room, just as a precaution. It was not a heart attack, thankfully, but I am wearing a heart monitor for a few weeks to see if something is going on in there. This monitor made me think about other ways we can see if things are going ok with us by getting screenings and preventive services and how important they are.

Preventive services are tests, screenings and health counseling that help to prevent or catch illness or disease early and keep you healthy. Medicare offers many preventive services free, check with your doctor to see which ones you need. Your local Area Agency on Aging may have “A Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services” so you can check what is available to you.

Everyone getting Medicare is able to have a Welcome to Medicare “Wellness” visit within the first 12 months of being on Medicare. This visit can include a health risk assessment and go over your medical and family history, height, weight and blood pressure. They will determine if you are behind on any health screening and advise you one a schedule for them. Consider this your baseline or starting point of your Medicare health journey. When making the appointment you need to say you are scheduling your “welcome to Medicare wellness visit” so they can bill Medicare correctly. Medicare also covers an annual “Wellness” visit for those who have been on Medicare for over 12 months. This visit covers many of the same things in the New to Medicare visit. It makes sure you are on track and getting the tests and screenings needed.

Other preventive services that are available include:

• annual flu shot
• Pneumococcal shot
• prostate screening
• glaucoma tests
• colorectal cancer screening
• depression screening
• cervical and vaginal cancer screening
• abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
• tobacco use cessation counseling
• cardiovascular disease screening

Getting a few tests and screenings throughout the year could make the difference in preventing or catching an illness or disease early. For me it is worth it.

Preventive Services is just one-way to stay healthy for as long as possible. I am glad that I took that step to ensure my own health. So if your heart is aflutter call your doctor or 911, but if you would like more information on Medicare’s Preventive services or other Medicare information, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

 Jackie Dover

Aging Matters, Public Information Director

Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging

 

 

The Envision I &R AIRS 2021 E-Conference was a success. Attendees appreciated the ease of attending virtually but all expressed missing the opportunity to network in person. Those who registered for the conference will soon be able to access the recorded sessions to watch at their leisure.

Please save the time to join us for the Fall Virtually Yours Conference October 13th, 14th and 15th. This conference will be geared toward frontline folks and their supervisors. It’s going to be awesome and you’re going to love it!