St. Maria Goretti Eldercare Assistance Program
St. Maria Goretti Parish is pleased to present a new service for our older adult parishioners free of charge. The Eldercare Assistance Program began in November and has already seen a positive effect on our community!
The St. Maria Goretti Eldercare Assistance Program (SMGEAP) can help in a variety of ways, such as:
- Information & Referral – connecting parishioners to services they need or will enhance their lives, including private home care agencies, adult day care program, where to receive farmers’ market vouchers, elder law attorneys
- Case Management – Geriatric Care Manager visits the older adult’s home to complete a comprehensive assessment and develops a plan of care to address multiple issues including ensuring safety in remaining in their home, managing a transition from hospital stay to short-term rehab center to home, caregiver stress and burnout, and encouraging legal documentation to be current and suitable. Also, assisting parishioners in applying for programs such as Veterans’ pension, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps), LIHEAP (energy assistance), Medicare health plans, property tax/rent rebate
Plans for later this year include events and seminars to learn about resources in our community and tips for achieving and maintaining optimal health for older adults.
Amy Juarez is our Geriatric Care Manager. She can be reached at ajuarez@CHS-ADPHILA.ORG or at 215-853-7676 or (215) 721-0199 ext. 225.
Scams and Fraud Awareness
Scams and fraud are unfortunately a very common occurrence in our society today. Staying informed and educated on the various types of scams is the #1 way to protect you from being a victim.
Scams and fraud don’t just target Senior Citizens, but individuals through identity theft, small business owners, and community organizations such as Churches. The threats can come many ways: over the phone, through Social Media, email or online, or even a breakdown in security at your local supermarket.
Check the following websites for up to date information on the latest scams to keep you educated and to learn what to do if you have been a victim of a scam or fraud.
http://scamawareness.org/common-scams
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts
You can order a copy of a FREE Consumer Action Handbook
If you have any questions about this information, please contact Amy Juarez with the Eldercare Assistance Program at 215-721-0199 x225.