Welcome to the November 2004 Seniors Digest!

by Timmie Faghin

Since the last issue, we have had an exciting month, beginning with the 2004 Legislative Forum entitled Leave No Person Behind: Mend the Medicaid Safety Net. I had the honor of serving as facilitator of the event, and I am confident that the speakers including legislators, political analysts, policymakers, a news commentator, and most importantly, clients of the Medicaid system helped draw much-needed attention to the importance of maintaining the current Medicaid budget.

November is American Diabetes Month, and in this issue of Seniors Digest, we take a look at an innovative Aging & Disability Services program for serving the needs of people with diabetes, which is becoming more common as the population ages. 

We also salute people who are providing care for a loved one during National Family Caregivers Month. We want to deliver the message to people who are caring for an elderly or disabled family member: you are not alone, and we want to help you access the services that exist for you and your loved one.

Also in this issue...

• Come to the 2004 Aging In Place Resource Fair, where seniors, recent retirees and Baby Boomers can learn about creating a safe and comfortable environment in one's own home.
  
  
• Read a update on the 2004-2005 Flu Season and the shortage of vaccine.
  
  
• Print out a copy of this month's "Wellness Words" wordfind.
  

For more information....

"Links You Can Use" will lead you to further information about the topics of the month, as well as to contact information for accessing resources in the area, and a few fun links, as well.

For national online resources, be sure to check out our companion website, SeniorsDigest.org, where you'll find quick, free access to a wide array of local and national websites for older adults and their families.

We hope you will refer to our electronic pages often to obtain advice, to learn of new and exciting services, and to offer us your constructive feedback.  

Read Seniors Digest and tell us what you think. We are here to help.

Timmie Faghin, Chair
Seattle-King County Advisory Council
on Aging and Disability Services

Doug Morrison participated in the Legislative Forum to speak out about the vital importance of DSHS services to people who are dealing with disabilities and chronic disease. Doug reports that the physical and mental challenges of managing his diabetes and its complications seemed overwhelming until he entered the Core Case Management Program. He also received help for his depression, which is so often a side effect of chronic disease, through the PEARLS program. He reports that his sense of humor is back, and says, "Thanks to the help of these services, I am not only alive, but glad to be alive!"

About the Advisory Council

We are a volunteer citizens' group working to create choices for elders and adults with disabilities in Seattle-King County. We do this by identifying, advising and advocating for programs that promote quality of life for these populations.

(c) Aging & Disability Services, Seattle Human Services Department and The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging