Medicare & Health Insurance

The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is continuing to assist Orange County residents age 55+ with questions about Medicare and ACA/Obamacare plans.  All consultations are currently done over the phone or video chat.  To schedule an appointment, please call 919-245-4274. 
 
Financial Assistance with Medicare Costs:  If your gross income (including social security benefits) is less than $1595 per month for an individual or $2155 for a married couple and you have limited savings, you may qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums and/or copays.  Call Jeanne Chamberlin at 919-245-4240 to learn more.
 
Our popular Welcome to Medicare classes are moving online and will be available monthly beginning in August.  Watch our website for dates and times:  www.orangecountync.gov/ocncshiip.  If you can’t wait until August, you can view the Welcome to Medicare Presentation with Detailed Notes.  

Mature Job Seekers

Here’s a listing of jobs currently available, along with suggestions on describing both Ideal and Acceptable jobs and why this is practical right now.  You'll also find here some tips for making sure you well prepared to use VIRTUAL programs such as Zoom, GoToMeeting and others.

If you have questions or want more information on any of these, or help with your job search, or starting your own business, I will be glad to help you. Contact Mike Komives or call/text (919) 616-8778.

Housing Discrimination: Know Your Rights

Webinar on Wednesday, July 15, 2020
7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

• Who is protected by the Fair Housing Act?
• Who must comply with the Fair Housing Act?
• Latest information on eviction in the time of COVID-19
• Is COVID-19 considered a disability?
• Eviction & Utility Shutoff process

Fit Seniors

Check out our at-home exercise options offered by OCDOA Wellness Program instructors and staff to help keep you fit and healthy. Visit Fit Seniors to connect with LIVE classes from Dianne, Judy, and Vicki, or pre-recorded videos from Charron, Salli, and Kevin!

Watch for more options in the future and get started today! 

Being Better than Before
Part II: Living a fulfilling and creative life in the new world

A free webinar filled with optimism about our futures. 
 
As you look out at this new world, what do you see?
 
We see the pandemic as both a tragedy—and we hope you and your family are navigating it well—and as an important reminder that we live in a world filled with unexpected changes.
 
We believe that whatever you intend to do living in this new world you will do it more successfully, more gracefully, even more joyously, if you approach it as the most creative version of yourself, with the goal of being better than before.
 
We are offering two fast paced and entertaining webinars that will:

• Share new research about the biological changes happening to a 55+ brain that invite us to take on a creative renewal
• Share the creative concepts that will accelerate the growth of your creative capacities.
• Explore the neuroscience behind why we have favorite behaviors and how we can strengthen them
• Guide you in the creation of your personal Being Better than Before plan

 
Time: 10 – 11:30 am
Date: Wednesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 8
 
Register for program by calling the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070. All registrants will receive Zoom ID and passcode via email prior to July 1. Webinar will be fast paced and the hosts will invite your participation.

Last Wishes & How to Prepare
(On Google Handout)

Ever thought about final expense wishes?  How to leave a Legacy?  Learn how to prepare the last wishes including wills and legacy placement with TransAmerica. Seminar will include Q & A, as well as, one on one consultation as needed. Register today by calling 919-968-2070. You will receive a Google Hangout Invite via email from Instructor, Jan Pong MBA, and Humayun Talukder FSCP, LUTCF  - TransAmerica Agency Network Associates. Session is Free. Mark your calendar!
 
Date: Wed, Jul 15 (323771-04)
Time: 3-4 pm

The Boor, Presented by The Prime Time Players

Orange County Department on Aging’s in-house theatrical group, The Prime Time Players, present their latest online Zoom Theater Production, “The Boor,” by Anton Chekhov, directed by John Paul Middlesworth, produced by Joan Ontjes, and video edited by Darryl and Mary Freedman. Join three of the Players (A. J. Mayhew, Mary Freedman and Raleigh Mann) as they perform this 20-minute comedy from their own homes on Tuesday, June 30 at 2pm.  As a new way of connecting with their audience, The Prime Time Players will offer a free virtual production every other Tuesday for you to enjoy. In the event you are not able to watch videos when posted, please know that videos are viewable at your leisure by clicking on the available link.
 
https://youtu.be/wYwyKwb1jzY 

TED Talk “Revelations from a lifetime of dance”

"Dance can elevate our human experience beyond words," says Judith Jamison, artistic director emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In between performances of excerpts from Alvin Ailey's classic works "Revelations" and "Cry," Jamison reflects on the enduring power of dance to transform history into art that thrills audiences around the world. Contact Lisa to register – Lmeinert@orangecountync.gov, or 919-245-4251.

Monday, July 13 at 3:00 pm via GoToMeeting

Activity Engagement Coaching

As we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.

For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are

• Person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, & preferences
• Meaningful
• Appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress

If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).

Aging Helpline 

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. You may also email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
Call 919-245-4279 ext. 1 to leave a message in Spanish.

Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, by phone or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

For more information about ways to help, please visit:

• Orange County Health Department - How I Can Help

• UNC Health- Ways you can help

• Duke Health - How you can help during COVID-19