caregiver support group and grandparent support group meetings

Come join our Caregiver or Grandparent Support Group at Northampton County, Human Services Building, 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18020.

• These groups can offer tools to help caregivers who are facing challenges, where you can discuss, ask questions and get insight from others.
• Caregiver Support Group Meeting - 1st Thursday of every month 2:15pm-3:30pm click here for flyer
• Grandparent Support Group Meeting - 3rd Thursday of every month 2:15pm-3:30pm click here for flyer

Helping older adults stay cool during extreme weather

·       Educate older adults of the risks of high temperature weather

·       Senior Centers open 5 days week   

Farmer Market Nutritional Program

• Program runs and vouchers may be redeemed June 1 - November 30
• Vouchers applications will be accepted up to September 10th
• To qualify you must be a Northampton County resident and be 60 years of age or older during the program year and meet the income limits
• Seniors living in a nursing home, personal care home, or residential facility where meals are provided are ineligible to receive vouchers

o  Questions call our office: 610-829-4540 or

• click here for English application
• click here for Spanish application
• click here for link to locate SFMNP participating Farm Markets and Stands

OPTIONS Program

·       In home services

o  Care management

o  Adult day services

o  In home meals

o  Personal Care

Caregiver Support

·       Caregivers providing assistance to older adults

·       Financial reimbursement for supplies and services related to caregiving- respite, wipes, adult briefs, home modifications

·       Grandparent/older adult relative caring for dependent children

o  Seasonal clothing, baby food/formula, summer camps

 Assessment

Completes Functional Eligibility Assessments to determine level of care: Nursing Facility Clinically Eligible (NFCE) or Nursing Facility Ineligible ( NFI)

·       Assessments are completed on anyone 18 years of age or older

·       For in home waiver programs and skilled nursing placement

For any of the above programs or help with a senior family member call us at 610-829-4540 or 610-829-4800.

Protective Services

·       Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment

·       Provide resources and supports to mitigate identified risk to older adults

Financial Exploirtation is on the rise with scams. This guide will help seniors ID these scams and protect their assets. US Senate Fraud Book 2021

For the PA State Protective Services Division Call: (800) 490-8505

PA Medi

The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) is comprised of health insurance counselors that help you understand your health insurance options. This is a federally funded program designed to answer questions older adults have about Medicare, Medigap, long-term care insurance and preventive care.

With insurance becoming more and more complicated, counselors help you to understand the various types of insurance available with easy to understand information and are available to help with completing medical insurance paperwork. PA MEDI is free, confidential, and staffed by trained volunteers that provide clear and objective advice about available insurance and allow you to make informed, educated decisions.

PA MEDI counselors have direct access to State and Federal Medicare information and resources.

Volunteers can:

• Help you understand your Original Medicare benefits by explaining what services are covered under Parts A and B and your Medicare Summary Notice.
• Help you make informed choices about Medicare coverage options, including the new Medicare+ Choice options.
• Help you understand the Medicare appeals process and assist with appeals paperwork.
• Help council you on selecting a Medigap insurance policy by explaining the benefits offered under each plan, and by providing you with a list of companies that sell Medigap plans.
• Inform you about eligibility for prescription drug programs and programs that pay Medicare deductibles, co-payments, and Part B premiums.

PA MEDI counselors are knowledgeable about answering health insurance questions, your Medicare rights, and your right to appeal. Counselors are located at various sites throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties. For additional information on health insurance counseling, or to volunteer to become a PA MEDI Counselor call (610)829-4540.