Aging News from South Carolina and Around the US

"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released the first ranking of the nation’s poor-performing nursing homes, which it identifies as “Special Focus Facilities.” CMS says the purpose is to help people choose nursing homes for long-term care."

"These nursing homes, at the time of their selection as an SFF, had survey results that were among the poorest five or 10 percent in each state."

This Senior Journal news release is available online

Health issues are a vital concern for older adults, and surveys show that most of those who go online search for health and medical information. However, since only 34 percent of people age 65 and older are online, the majority of older adults are missing out on valuable health information. To broaden the numbers of older adults able to search for and find reliable health information online, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has developed a free training curriculum for those who teach and work with older adults. This Toolkit for Trainers is now available on SeniorHealth.gov, a senior-friendly Web site developed by the NIA and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"Research has shown that age is no hindrance to computer or Internet use. But proper training is important to build computer confidence and Internet skills in older people," says Richard J. Hodes, M.D., NIA director. "This training program is designed to open up the Internet to older adults who want to know more about the health issues facing them as they age."

This NIH News Release is available online

Applications for an innovative loan forgiveness program designed to attract more doctors with specialized training in geriatric medicine to South Carolina are now available.

Administered by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging, the Geriatric Loan Forgiveness Program can forgive $35,000 of student loan debt incurred during medical school for each year of specialized fellowship training in geriatric medicine. Successful applicants must also agree to establish a practice in South Carolina and stay for at least five years.

Moving into the third round of awards, the program has increased interest in fellowship programs at the University of South Carolina Medical School and the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and helped to expand the pervious winners practices and areas of service across the state, according to Dr. Victor Hirth, Chairman of the advisory committee established to oversee the program.

The loan forgiveness program was supported by the AARP and the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature, and approved by the General Assembly in 2005.

For more information or to request an application, contact:
Eve Barth
Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging at
(803) 734-9872
barthe@aging.sc.gov
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2008 at the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging in Columbia.

GLF Details

GLF Application

DHEC hosts Flu Fridays to Protect the Public Against the Flu

COLUMBIA - Public health departments across the state will open their doors Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec.14 to give flu shots without appointments, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"Flu is a very serious illness in South Carolina," said Lisa Waddell, M.D., DHEC's deputy commissioner of Health Services. "Each year about 700 people die from the flu in our state and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital. Flu is a leading cause of death for people age 65 years and older.

"Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people," Dr. Waddell said. "The elderly, very young children, and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are more likely to have complications from the flu.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family this season and every season is to get a flu shot," Dr. Waddell said. "You can prevent the spread of the flu by covering your cough, washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick."

Dr. Waddell said you can call your local DHEC county public health department for hours of operation. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. The charge for the vaccine is $25, but the shot will be provided regardless of ability to pay.

-###- For more information:
Clair Boatwright - (803) 898-4461
E-mail - boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR1334

Local and State Officials Participate in “Look Who’s Driving” ITNCharlestonTrident Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Charleston, SC – ITNCharlestonTrident will celebrate its first anniversary on Thursday, November 15, 2007 with several local officials and one state official serving as volunteer drivers who will provide rides for senior or visually impaired member riders of ITN.

Curtis Loftis, Jr., Director of the Office on Aging for the State of South Carolina, Tim Scott, Charleston County Council Chairman, Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey will provide rides for member riders to appointments around the Lowcountry.

Click here for News Release

November 15th, 2007
Senior Action Day Declaration

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older. A part of their home's equity can be converted into tax free income without selling, giving up the title or inccurring a monthly payment. Instead of making a monthly payment, the lender makes payments to the homeowner. Payouts to the homeowner can be a lump sum, a fixed monthly payment, or a line of credt.

Charleston's metropolitan area has regeisted a sharp increase in reverse mortgages over the past six years, driven by a greater acceptance of this type of financing. Nationally, federal government insured reverse mortgages was up 41 percent from the previous fiscal year, and nearly 1,300 percent more than fiscal year 2003.

See article by Peter Hull of The Post and Courier

South Carolina Department of Insurance Announces Safe Home Grant Awards

The South Carolina Department of Insurance and the Advisory Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council, announced the first awards of the SC Safe Home Grant Program.

Homeowners were awarded grants to help strengthen their homes against the high winds associated with hurricanes and other natural disasters. The program is expected to result in fewer or lower insurance claims, which will ultimately reduce insurance premiums for all South Carolinians. Homeowners can apply to receive funds, all improvements must conform to the recommendations of a SC Certified Safe Home Wind Inspector.

Click here for News Release