WHAT'S NEW
Celebrating Older Americans Month in Houston
Emily Akin, FOX 26's consumer advocate reporter, will kick off the start of the City of Houston's celebration of Older Americans Month on Friday, May 16 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event promises to be a fun and exciting day for all that attend. It is not too late for your organization to get involved. For information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Rita Rodriguez, Rita.Rodriguez@cityofhouston.net, 713-794-9357. MORE
Part Time Case Management Position
Care for Elders is accepting applications for a part-time case manager. This person will provide comprehensive case management services to access network clients. MORE
Formal and Informal Caregiver Support Program
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation believes that the best solutions for improving long-term care and supportive services for older adults living in the community must include their family and informal caregivers, as well as the active engagement of older adults and other community members and assets. Through the Family and Informal Caregiver Support Program, the foundation will provides support to innovative and/or evidence-based community initiatives or projects (the "Project") that help family and informal caregivers assist low and moderate income, community dwelling older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. MORE
ACTION NEEDED
Get involved in "Senior Day at the Capitol"
Texas Senior Advocacy Coalition has begun planning for the 2009 "Senior Day at the Capitol". This event will take place on January 10, 2009 at the State Capitol in Austin. If your organization would be interested in getting seniors to attend, please send Dianne (dlong@careforelders.org) your email and mailing address so you can get on the direct mailing to receive information ASAP. Please start spreading the word to everyone about this event.
MHMRA of Harris County wants your input
MHMRA is developing a local network development plan regarding the configuration and development of its mental health provider network. A draft of the plan will be posted for public comment by the end of May. It is their goal to get as much input in advance to ensure the plan meets the needs to the community. Please complete the survey that applies to you and return it to the listed contact locations by April 30th.
Survey #1- Consumer and Family Members
Survey #2- Other Stakeholders
WORKGROUP & OTHER CFE HIGHLIGHTS
Access Network
Introducing Elder Care Experts
The Care for Elders Access Network was established to combine the strengths of multiple service agencies and provide older adults and families with one number to call for help. After years of planning, the Elder Care Expert initiative will launch next month. Older adults can be connected to an Elder Care Expert for free, simply by dialing 2-1-1. Elder Care Experts are trained to listen to each person's unique situation and connect the caller to local services, benefits counseling and in-person case management-providing a single point of entry into the once fragmented world of elder services. MORE
Stakeholder Education
Life takes planning. Get Ready for Life.
The Stakeholder Education workgroup is excited for the May 2008 launch of Get Ready for Life, a consumer campaign to help older adults live with independence, health and well-being by planning ahead for life's transitions. Coming soon---more details about the program and how your organization can get involved!
Government Relations
Budget amendment to protect elderly from abuse
An amendment to the FY2009 Budget Resolution that will set aside $160 million over three years to protect America's vulnerable seniors from predators through the creation of a comprehensive nationwide system of background checks for long-term care workers. Texas Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison voted in FAVOR of this amendment! The amendment has set aside funding that will be made available upon passage of the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act of 2007 (S. 1577). MORE
