Page 8 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - November 2023

8

ELDERS

Conference offers valuable resources

Elders and caregivers
find key support system

By Bobbie Bush

Thirty people participated
in the Elders Caregivers
Conference from 10:30 a.m.-
1:30 p.m. Oct. 25, organized by
Chehalis Tribal Wellness.
Resource tables set up in the
Community Center’s Gathering
Room included:
n Lewis County Aging &
Disability Resource Connection
Specialist Marla Lund
n Donna Feddern with the
Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area
Agency on Aging
n Doug Kernick with Statewide The Elders Caregivers Conference on Oct. 25 offered a wealth of information to support the well-being of elders.
Health Insurance Benefits
Advisors requirements. Doug is a volunteer Chehalis Tribe’s Public Safety
n Registered Dietitian with the Statewide Health Department. Alerts can be sent
Nutritionist for Special Diabetes Insurance Benefits Advisors. by text, voice (calls to your phone)
Program for Indians Cathy Visser Lunch from Panera was and email, depending on which
n Chehalis Tribal Wellness provided to all in attendance. options are selected.
Center LPN Sandra Ebel A presenter was scheduled to The goal is to utilize CodeRED
n Cancer Programs talk about elder scams but was for future important alerts, such
Engagement Coordinator Cher unable to attend because of a as missing persons, evacuations or
Castello with SPIPA family emergency. The session will shelter in place, boil water notices,
n Youth Support Services be rescheduled for March 2024. crime alerts, disaster recovery or
Specialist Melanee Stevens weather-related business closures.
n The Northwest Justice Ready for emergencies Phone service carriers
Project The final presentation was by supported by CodeRED: Alltel,
Falls prevention the Chehalis Tribe’s Emergency Appalachian Wireless, AT&T,
Management Coordinator Cal Bray,
Bluegrass Cellular, Boost Mobile,
The day began with a who urged prepping for winter Cellcom, C-Spire, Centennial
presentation on avoiding falls, Cal Bray discussed preparing for weather and emergencies. Wireless, Cincinnati Bell, GCI,
which addressed concerns around emergencies on the reservation. Cal explained that we are Immix Wireless, Inland Cellular,
the house. Donna Feddern from moving from La Niña to El Niño IV Cellular, Nex-Tech Wireless,
the Lewis-Mason-Thurston help family and friends make the this year. La Niña winters tend Telos, Sprint, Metro PCS,
County Area Agency on Aging right decisions for health care, to be cold with the intrusion of T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, United
discussed what elders can do at disposition of property and assets. modified arctic air more likely Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Virgin
home to prevent an accident or Jennifer and Cina offered to occur. El Niño winters tend to Mobile and West Central Wireless.
injury. Did you know that some education regarding the American be mild with modified arctic air Check with your service
falls can be caused by vitamin Indian Probate Reform Act. This intrusion less likely. provider if you don’t see it on this
deficiency? Calcium, protein, act provides a probate process for Cal explained that climate list. Many smaller carriers likely
vitamin B-12 and vitamin D trust assets of American Indians. patterns are changing and it’s provide services through one of
deficiency can contribute to For more information or self-help best to be prepared for any type the major carriers.
unsteadiness or dizziness. publications, go to nwjustice.org of weather. Now is the time to get Sign up at chehalistribe.org.
or call 888-201-1014 from 9:15 out ice scrapers and snow shovels, Choose Public Safety on the
Wills, advance directives a.m.-12:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. make sure salt or de-icer is ready, Departments tab. On the left-
Jonathan Fork from the The suggestion was to apply for have plenty of firewood for wood hand column, click on Emergency
Olympia office of the Northwest help online. stoves and ensure vehicles have at Management then the CodeRED
Justice Project (NWJP) taught the Christina Hicks is working with least a half of tank of gas. Stock up icon, then on Sign Up for
importance of advance directives NWJP to schedule a will clinic this on ready-to-eat food. CodeRED at the top of that page.
and wills. Lance Cornick from spring. Elders received a goody bag at
the Olympia office, Jennifer Yogi CodeRED the start of the conference and a
and Cina Littlebird of the Native Medicare and Medicaid Another emergency support $25 gas card when it wrapped up.
American Unit and Sarah Glorian Up next, Doug Kernick available is the CodeRED system. The entire conference was
from the Aberdeen office all had suggestions to sign up It is used to send out important highly informative and provided
attended the event. Emphasis was for Medicaid and Medicare, messages to the tribal community numerous resources for elders and
placed on how good planning can along with general eligibility and tribal employees from caregivers who attended.