Post on 12-Apr-2022
transcript
TakingControl:AGuidetoGreaterChoice
andIndependence
SkillBuildingforAdultHomeResidents
CoalitionofInstitutionalizedAgedandDisabled
Developed by the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD)andKathleenO’Hara,PhD,MSW.WethanktheNewYorkStateLegislatureand the New York State Department of Health for funding support.DISCLAIMER:ThistrainingisnotanofficialdocumentoftheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealthorOfficeofMentalHealth.
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TableofContents
1. Introduction
2. Goalsetting
3. Assertivecommunication
4. PersonalDocuments
5. Medication
6. Benefitsandbudgeting
7. Travelandshopping
8. Boostingyourhealthandboostingyourcooking
9. Communityconnections
10.ResidentsRights
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Introduction
Thisisaguideforcurrentandformeradulthomeresidentsinterestedintakingmorecontrolovertheirownlives.Lifeinanadulthomecanbechallenging.Onecommonchallengeisthelossofcontroloverone’slifeduetoinstitutionalizationinthehome.Institutionalizationcanmakeittoughtomaintainorregainyourindependence,tothinkaboutleavingtheadulthome,ortostartanewlifeinthecommunity.Thisguideofferswaystohavemorecontroloveryourlifethroughchoiceandindependence.Weofferyouamenuofskillstochoosefrom.Youmightbeinterestedinalloftheskillssessionshere,oryoumightdecidetolearnaboutonlysomeoftheskillssessions.Thechoiceisyours!Onthefollowingpagesyoucanlearnabout3typesofskills:
• Activities(orskills)ofdailyliving,suchastakingyourmedicationandmanagingyourbudget;
• Skillstohelpconnecttotheworldbeyondyouradulthome,includingcommunityconnectionsandyourrights;
• “Soft”skills,orskillstosetandreachgoalsandcommunicateeffectively
Wehopeyou’llconsiderjoiningotheradulthomeresidentsinexploringhowtogrowtheseskillstogether.CIADwillbesupportingTakingControlgroupsinmanyadulthomes;call212-481-7572tolearnmore.
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GoalSettingWeallhavechangeswe’dliketomakeinourlives.Somechangesaresmallandspecific,likegettingthelaundrydonetoday.Otherchangesarebig,likemovingintoanapartmentinthecommunity.
Goalsettingisaseriesofstepstohelpyoumakechanges.Bytranslatingachangeintoagoal,youfocusyourtimeandenergy.Goalsettingmayalsohelpyouprepareforchallengesthatcomeupasyoutrytomakeachangeinyourlife.OnegoalsettingprocessisGROW:1.Goal 2.Reality 3.Options 4.WayForward.
1.G! GOAL
" Whatdoyouwantspecifically?Manytimeswesetgoalsthatarenon-specificandnegative,e.g.,“Idon’tlikemyadulthome,Iwanttoleave.”
o Trytosetpositivegoalsandbespecific,e.g.,“IwanttolearnhowtotakemyownmedicationsoI’mwellpreparedtomoveoutofmyadulthome.”
" Whydoyouwantthisgoal?o Isthisarealisticgoal?
" Howmuchcontrol/influencedoyouhaveoverachievingthegoal?
" Howwouldyouknowthatyouhaveachievedyourgoal?
GROWadaptedfrom:Landsberg,M.(2015).TheTaoofcoaching:Boostyoureffectivenessatworkbyinspiringanddevelopingthosearoundyou.ProfileBooks;Spence,G.B.&Grant,A.M.(2007).Professionalandpeerlifecoachingandtheenhancementofgoalstrivingandwell-being:Anexploratorystudy.TheJournalofPositivePsychology,2(3),185-194.
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2.R! REALITY(asyoustarttotakeasteptowardsyourgoal)
" What is happening?
o What action have you taken on this so far? What were the effects of that action?
" Given your current reality, is your goal still realistic? o If yes, great! o If no, what would be a more realistic goal?
3.O! OPTIONS
4.W!WAYFORWARD
What will you do?
o Will this action meet your goal?
What obstacles might you face?
o Can you plan for obstacles in advance? How?
Take a few more steps!
o Try to take 2 to 3 steps towards your goal. E.g., if your goal is to start taking your own medication, action steps could be:
# Ask your case manager for a written list of the medications and dosages you currently take.
# Learn which medication you take is for which condition.
# Ask your case manager or CIAD to help you make a chart of what medications you take and when each day.
What options are available as you move forward? What are the pros and cons of each option?
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Applygoalsettingskills:Iwill:
Thinkofagoalyouwouldliketoachieve.Trytomakeitspecificandpositive.
o IwanttomanagemyPNAsoIhavemoneyforthewholemonth.
o IwanttogotoajobtrainingprogramsoIcanhaveapart-timejob.
o Yourownproblem:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________NowGROWyourgoal.
1. GOAL:Mygoalis:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
a. Iwantthisgoalbecause:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. HereisthefirststepI’lltaketowardsthisgoal:___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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2. REALITY:Checkingonmygoal:
a. Here’swhatI’vetriedsofar:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. Here’swhathasworked/whathasn’tworked:___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
c. Mygoalis___isn’t___realisticatthispoint.
3. OPTIONS:a. ThesearetheoptionsIhavenow:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. I’vepickedoneoption.Herearesomeprosandcons:
OPTION PROS CONS
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4. WAYFORWARD:
a. Thisisthenextstep(s)towardsmygoal:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. Someobstaclesthatmightcomeup:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
a. SomewaysImightaddresstheseobstacles:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. NextstepsI’mgoingtotake:___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Assertivecommunication
Animportantpartofincreasingindependenceisbeingabletoexpresswhatyouneedorwant.Thissessionisaboutassertivecommunication,orhowtoclearly,respectfully,andfirmlyexpressyourneedsanddesirestoothers.
Thereare3keystepstoassertivecommunication:
1. Planahead.• Thinkaboutwhatyouwanttosay.
• Writedownwhatyouwanttosay,orsayitoutloudtoyourself.
• Practice--askafriendorCIADadvocatetolistentoyou.
• Planforwhenyouwanttosayit--pickatimetheotherpersonisusuallyavailable.
2. Don’tbeafraidtoaskforwhatyouwant.Befirmandfriendly.
Thinkaboutwhatyouwillsay:
• Haveapurposestatement:whatdoyouneedorwant?
• Havereasonstosupportwhyyouneedorwantit.
• Beclearanddirect--avoidunnecessarydetails.
Thinkabouthowyouwillsayit:
• Friendly,relaxedvoice.
• Fewhesitations--befirm.
• Willingnesstobequiet--listentoothers.
Assertivecommunicationadaptedfrom:theAssociationforBehavioralandCognitiveTherapies(2018):http://www.abct.org/Information/?m=mInformation&fa=fs_ASSERTIVENESS
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Thinkabouthowyouwillactwhenyousayit:
• Relaxedgestures(e.g.,don’tcrossyourarmsacrossyourchest).
• Directeyecontact(orlookatapointnearothers’faces).
• Showyou’relistening--bewillingtopausetohearaquestion,nodyourheadwhenothersspeak,etc.
3. Followup.Youhavetherighttofollowupafteryouhaveaskedforhelp.
• Ifyourconcernisnotresolvedafteryouhavespoken,askwhenyoucancheckinagain.
o “Itsoundslikethingsaren’tgoingtochangetoday,sowhencanIcheckintoseeifthere’sbeenprogress?”
• Usually,youshouldwaitbetweenafewdaystooneweekbeforeyoucheckin--beunderstandingthatchangesmaytaketime.
• Youcancheckinseveraltimes,ifneeded--keeponbeingfirm!
Communicationonthephone
Ifyouneedtocommunicateoverthephoneyoucanusethesamestrategies,butyoumaywanttothinkabouthowtounderstandotherswhenyoucan’tseethem.
• Ifit’shardtounderstandsomeone,sayso:o “Couldyourepeatthat?”or“It’shardformeto
understandyou,couldyouexplainitanotherway?”
• Thinkabouthowyoucanbewellunderstood:o Youmayneedtospeakslower,speaklouder,or
repeatinformation.
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HowtoAskForWhatYouWant
TRYTHIS…
Askforwhatyouwant
• Beginwith"I",not"You."
• Useafirmandfriendlytoneofvoicethatcanbeheard.
• Lookthepersonintheeye.Ifmakingeyecontactishard,lookatapointnearhis/herface(e.g.,herear).
• Repeatyourneedsuntilyouareheard.
• Keepyourvoicecalm.
AVOID,AVOID,TRY…
Wishy-washy(avoid) "Oh,well.IguessIjusthavetowaituntilyouwanttopaymemyPNA."
Threatening(avoid)"YousaidwegotourPNAthefirstofthemonth!Youhavetogiveittometodayorelse!"
Firmandfriendly☺ "ThankyouforexplainingthePNAdelay.Ineedmymoneytodaytobuyseveralthings.HowcanweworkthisoutsoIampaidontime?"
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Applycommunicationskills:
Iwill:
Howwouldyou:
o Askyourroommate(orthehousekeeper)ifshe/hehasseenthe$20billyouleftinyournightstand.
o Talktoyourhousingprovideraboutwhyit’stakingsolongforyoutoseesupportedhousingapartments--youareeagertomove!
o Thinkofyourownlife:whatisaquestionyouhave,oraneedyouwanttoaddressthroughassertivecommunication?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nowuseassertivecommunicationsteps:
• Whatwillyousay?
o Yourpurposestatement:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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o Whatisevidenceinsupportofyourpurpose:________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Howwillyousayit?
o Whatwillyourbodylanguagesay?
o Whenwillyousayit?
o Wherewillyousayit?
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Whenandhowwillyoufollowup?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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PersonalDocuments Agoodfirststepingaininggreaterindependenceis is tohavecopiesofkeypersonaldocuments.
1. Youhavearighttoyourpersonaldocuments.Ifserviceprovidershaveyourdocuments,theycannotdenyyouaccesstothem.
2. Youcangatherpersonaldocumentsatanytime.Don’twaituntilan
emergency,ortodecideifyouwanttoleaveyouradulthome.3. YoucanalwaysaskforhelpfromyourcaremanagerorCIADifyou’renotsure
howtogetyourdocuments.
4. Havingasafespacetostorethesedocumentsisimportant.Youcouldbuyawaterproofenvelopeorfoldertostorethem.Youshouldalsoaskfor(orbuy)alockforadrawerorclosetsoyourdocumentsaresafe.
Keydocumentsandhowtogetthem:
1. Birthcertificate:variesdependingonthestateorcountryofbirth;speaktoyourcasemanagerforhelp.
a. Usuallyyoumustalreadyhavecertaindocumentstogetyourbirthcertificate,soplanahead.Youwillprobablyneedto:
i. Knowyourdateofbirth.ii. HavevalidphotoID(e.g.,non-driversIDordriver’slicense).iii. HaveyourSocialSecurityNumber(mayneedthecard).
(Ifyoucannotgetthesedocumentsthereareotherwaystoproveyouridentity--askyourcasemanagerorCIADforhelp).
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Keydocumentsandhowtogetthem,cont’d:
2. idNYCcard(offersmanybenefits,includingalibrarycard):call311.
3. Medicaid/Medicarecard:call800-772-1213;youcanalsogotoyourlocalSocial
SecurityCenter(tofindcentercall800-772-1213).
4. MTAHalf-farecard:511andsay“MTA,”thensay“subwaysandbuses,”thenfollowadditionalprompts.
a. YoucandownloadsenioranddisabilityapplicationsonlineoraskCIADforhelp:http://web.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfapply.htm
b. YouwillneedyourMedicarecard(forseniors)orSSIbenefitscard(forproofofdisability)andapassportphoto.
c. Getapassportphoto:atcopyshops,drugstores,oraskCIAD.
5. NYStateDepartmentofMotorVehicles(non-driversID,driver’slicense):212-645-5550or718-966-6155.
a. YoucandownloadtheapplicationonlineoraskCIADforhelp:https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdf
b. Feesarewaivedifyouareover62and/orreceiveSSI.YoushouldbringyourSSIawardlettertotheDMVtofindoutdocumentsyouwillneed.
6. SocialSecuritycard:SocialSecurityCardCentershelpyouobtainorreplaceSocialSecurityCards.Call800-772-1213fornearbyCenters.
a. Youneedtoshowproofofyouridentityandsometimesproofofcitizenshipifyouneedareplacementcard:
i. Youshouldtrytobringyourbirthcertificate(orpassport).ii. Youdefinitelyneedtobringanon-driverIDcardordriver’slicense.
YoumaybeabletouseaMedicaid/carecardwithphotoifyoudonothaveanon-driversID.
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DOCUMENTSCHECKLIST:
! Birthcertificate
! Socialsecuritycard
! Non-driversIDordriver’slicense
! Medicaid/Medicarecard
! MTAhalf-farecard
! idNYC--notnecessarybutagreatresource!
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MedicationsAnotherimportantstepingainingindependenceisunderstandingwhatmedicationsyoutake,andhowandwhentotakethem.
Ifyouradulthomecurrentlymanagesyourmedication,youmayconsiderlearningabouthowtotakeyourmedicationyourself.Thisdoesnothavetobeasuddenorpermanentchange.Youmaystarttolearnaboutmanagingyourmedicationbutdecidetokeepthehelpyouradulthomeoffers.Or,youmaystarttotakeoneortwoofyourmedicationsbyyourself.Overtime,youmaytakemoreofyourmedicationsyourself.Foranyoneinterestedinmovingtotheirownapartment,it’snevertooearlytolearnabouttakingyourownmedications--it’sahelpfulstepinpreparingtomove.3stepstostarttolearnaboutyourmedications
1. Askyouradulthomeforalistofallyourmedications;theyhavethisonfileand
youhavearighttohaveacopy.
2. Ifyoudon’trecognizethenamesofyourmedications,findsomeonetoexplaintheconditionthateachmedicationtreats.Yourdoctor,pharmacist,casemanager,orcarecoordinator(helpingprepareyoutomovetoyourownapartment)canhelp.YoucanalsoaskCIAD.
3. Next,youshouldbeabletoanswerthefollowing4questionsforallofyourmedications(seenextpage).
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4questionsforallyourmedications1. Whatisthenameofthemedication?
2. Whatareyoutakingitfor?3. Howareyoutakingthismedication?(youcanaskyourpharmacistthis)
a. Whendoyoutakeit?b. Howmanytimesadaydoyoutakeit?c. Takeitwithfood/withoutfood?
4. Haveyounoticedanychanges(sideeffects)sinceyoustartedtakingthis
medication?a. Haveyoutalkedwithyourdoctoraboutthesechanges?Ifnot,plantodoso
soon.
*Wheneveryouareprescribedanewmedication,askyourdoctororpharmacisttohelpyouanswerthesequestionsbeforeyoutakeit.Whathappensifyoumissmedicationortaketoomuchmedication?1. Don’tpanic--therearestepsyoucantaketohelpyourself.
2. Therearedifferentconsequencesformissingdifferentmedications,aswellas
differentconsequencesfortakingtoomuch.
3. Whenyouhaveaprescriptionfilled,readandsavethepackagingthatcomeswithit--ithasinformationonmisseddosesandoverdoses.
4. Youcanconsultwithanurseordoctor,eitherinsideyouradulthomeoroutsideof
it.
5. Youcanalsocall911ifyoufeelyourhealthisindanger.Symptomssuchasrashesorhives,shortnessofbreath,achangeinheartrate,orchestpainscouldbewarningsigns.But,youcancallanytimeyoufeelworried.
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ChartingyourmedicationsBelowisanexamplechartforapersonwhotakes5medicationsand1vitamineachday.Whenyoutakeyourmedication,youwillputanXintheboxsoyouareremindedyoualreadytookit.DATE:January1,2018
Medication,dose
ForWhat?
Specialinstructions
Morning
Afternoon
Night
Lozol,2pills Highbloodpressure
Cantakewithorw/ofood(increaseurination)
X
Lipitor,1pill Highcholesterol
Cantakewithorwithoutfood(noalcohol,grapefruit)
Metformin,1pill
TypeIIdiabetes
Takewithfood X
Lyrica,1pill Neuropathy Takewithglassofwater(cantakewithorw/ofood)
X X
Clozaril,1pill
Mentalhealth Cantakewithorw/ofood(increasesdrowsiness)
Multivitamin,1pill
Everything! Takewithfood,sametimeeachday
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Chartingyourmedications,cont’d.Belowisablankcharttofillinwithyourownmedications.PutanXinthemorning,afternoon,ornightboxtorememberwhenyoutookyourmedications.YoucanaskyourcasemanagerorCIADtophotocopythischart;keepastackofthesechartswhereyoutakeyourmedicationandyou’llcreatearecordthatyoucanreviewtomakesureyou’restayingontrack.DATE:_______________
Medication,dose
ForWhat?
Specialinstructions
Morning
Afternoon
Night
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• Wheninanadulthome,mostpeoplehavetheirgovernmentbenefitspaiddirectlytothehome.Formanypeoplethisis$1444permonthin2018.
o Theamounttheadulthomeispaidvaries(basedonifyouhaveSSI,SSDI,both,etc.).o Onthesamplequarterlyreportonthenextpage,aresidenthas$1444permonth.
• Youreceiveaportionofyourbenefitsyourself.
o ThisisyourPersonalNeedsAllowance(PNA).o Mostpeoplearegettingatleast$198PNApermonthin2018.o SomepeoplearegivenaportionoftheirPNAperweekinsteadofpermonth.
• Alargeportionofyourbenefitscoverstherentandservicestheadulthomeisrequiredto
provide.YoudecidehowtouseyourPNA.Itcanbeusedforpersonalcareproducts,eatingout,goingtothemovies,etc.
Benefitsandbudgeting
Whetheryouarethinkingaboutmovingtoyourownapartmentorplantostayinyouradulthome,learningmoreaboutbenefitsandbudgetingisabigsteptowardsamoreindependentlife.
Budgetingyourmoneycanbedoneatyourownpace,andyouarefreetofindthelevelofindependencethat’srightforyou.Youhavetherighttomanageyourownfinancialaffairsintheadulthome(seep.57).Someresidentschoosetohavetheirownbankaccountinabanktheychoose.Theadulthomeisrequiredtobankthebenefitsandincomeofthoseresidentswhodonothavetheirownbankaccount.
1. Thefirststepinunderstandingyourbenefitsistolearnwhat--andhowmuch--youreceive.
Benefitsinyouradulthome
Tolearnaboutyourbenefitsasanadulthomeresident,startbyaskingyouradministratorforacopyofyourquarterlyreportiftheadulthomeisbankingyourmoneyforyou.Youradulthomehasaquarterlyreporttrackingyourdeposits(whatthegovernmentputsinyouraccount)andwithdrawals(whattheadulthometakesoutofyouraccount).
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Itisyourrighttohaveacopyofyourquarterlyreport.Ifyouradulthomerefusestoshareit,callCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427)forhelp. SamplequarterlyreportDate Description Withdrawals Deposits07/01/2018 Beginningbalance 73.6007/01/2018 SocialSecurity 1444.0007/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 07/09/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/16/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/23/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 07/30/18 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/01/2018 Socialsecurity 1444.0008/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 08/06/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/13/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/14/2018 Miscellaneous:OmnicarePharmacy
Copay16.80
08/20/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 08/27/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/01/2018 SocialSecurity 1444.0009/01/2018 Rent 1246.00 09/01/2018 Lockandkeyreplacementfees 99.00 09/10/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/17/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/24/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/30/2018 Personalneedsallowance 49.50 09/30/2018 Endingbalance -42.20
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Understandingyourquarterlyreport
• Depositcolumn:thiscolumnlistshowmuchmoneyisputinyouraccount,andwhen.Therearetwokeydepositsyoushouldalwayssee:
o Beginningbalance,orhowmuchmoneycarriesoverfromthelastquarter.Abalancecanbepositive(youhaveextramoney)ornegative(youowemoney).
o Yourcashbenefits,suchasSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)andSocialSecurity,whichishowmuchthegovernmentdepositsintoyouraccount(usuallymonthly).
o Note:otherdepositsarepossible.Forexample,adulthomeresidentsmightreceiveacashgiftfromfamilyorhaveappliedforandreceivedtheNYCSchoolTaxcredit.
• Withdrawalcolumn:thiscolumnlistshowmuchmoneyistakenoutofyouraccount.Therecanbeseveraltypesofwithdrawals,suchas:
o Rent,orhowmuchyoupayforyouradulthomeroomandservicespermonth.o Feesofotherkindsthatmayincludefacilitiesfees,suchasreplacementofa
lostkey,orothercharges,suchasamedicationco-pay.o Personalcashorpersonalneedsallowance(PNA),whichisthemoneythe
adulthomegivesyoudirectlytopayforyourpersonalneeds,suchaspersonalcareitems(shampoos,haircuts)orgoingoutforamealoramovie.
• Date:itishelpfultokeeptrackofthedatesmoneywasputintoandtakenoutofyouraccount.Ifyouareconcernedyourgovernmentbenefitshavearrivedlate,orifyoudon’tunderstandwhyyouradulthomeistakingoutmoneyasoftenasitdoes,youhavetherighttoaskforclarification.
Ifyou’dliketounderstandyourgovernmentbenefitsbetter,contactyourlocalSocialSecurityAdministrationoffice(1-800-772-1213orhttps://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).Ifyou’dliketounderstandyouradulthomefeesbetter:askyouradulthomecasemanageroradministrator.Ifyouhavedifficultyaccessinginformationaboutyourbenefitsoradulthomefees,callCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427).
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Ifyouareinterestedinmovingtoyourownapartment,youshouldbeawarethatyourbenefitswilllookdifferent.Benefitsinyourownapartment• Inyourownapartment,youarepaidyourbenefitsdirectlyunlessyouchoosea
representativepayee(suchasyourhousingprovider).o Theamountyouarepaidvaries(basedonifyouhaveSSI,SSDI,both,etc.)o IfyoureceiveSSIandSSP,youshouldget$837permonthin2018.
• Youwillpay30%ofyourincomeasrent(e.g.,about$251).
o Yourhousingproviderwillpaytherestofyourrent.
• Youwillhave70%ofyourincometouseforfood,personalcareproducts,travel,etc.(e.g.,about$586).
o YoumayalsoreceiveSNAP(foodstamps)tohelpwithfoodexpenses.
• PeoplewhohaveaworkhistorymayreceivemoreSocialSecurityfunds,especiallyafterage65.Thisdependsuponthelengthofyourworkhistory,howhighlypaidyouwere,andwhenyouchoosetotakeretirementbenefits.Ifyouhaveaworkhistoryandwanttoknowhowthisimpactsyourbenefitslevels,contactyourlocalSSAoffice.
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• Ifyouradulthomeisyourrepresentativepayee:thismeanstheSocialSecurity
Administration(SSA)paysyourbenefitsdirectlytoyouradulthome.Yourhomedeductsrentandfeesfromyourbenefits,thengivesyouapersonalneedsallowance(PNA).
o SometimesyourhomebudgetsyourPNA,i.e.,insteadofgivingyouonelumpPNApaymentatthestartofthemonth,theygiveyousmallerpaymentsthroughoutthemonth.IfyoufeelthatyourPNAisnotgiventoyouinawaythatmeetsyourneeds,youcantrytonegotiateadifferentbudgetarrangementwiththehome.
• Ifyouradulthomeisnotyourrepresentativepayee,butyoubankwiththem:this
meansyouareyourownpayee,butyouradulthomestillreceivesyourbenefitsdirectlyfromSSA.Yourhomedeductsyourrentandfees,thenyoucanaccessyourPNAfromyourhome.
• Ifyoudon’tbankatthehome:thismeansyoucanhaveSSAsendyourbenefits
directlytoyou.YoucanaskSSAtosendyourbenefitsviadirectdeposittoabankaccountyouopeninthecommunity,orviaaDirectExpressdebitcard.Youcanthenuseacheckormoneyordertopayrentandfeestoyouradulthome.Youcanalsoaskyouradulthomeforotherpaymentoptions.
• Ifyouareinterestedinbecomingyourownpayee:youcanworkwithCIADand
MobilizationforJusticetotrytocontrolyourbenefitsyourself.o Akeystepinbecomingyourownrepresentativepayeeisgettingaletter
fromapsychiatristverifyingyouareabletohandleyourbenefits.Ifthepsychiatristinyouradulthomewillnothelpyou,youcanseekhelpfromoutsidepsychiatrists.
2.Thenextstepinhandlingyourbenefitsisunderstandingwhatoptionsyouhave
totakemorecontrolofthem.Ifyouaremovingintoyourownapartment,youhavemorecontrolovermoremoney.But,youcanrequestmorecontrolevenifyouplantostayinyouradulthome.
Benefitsinyouradulthome
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Benefitsinyourownapartment
• Bydefault,youwillhandleyourownbenefitsinyourapartment.Youwillhave
moreaccesstomoremoney,butalsoberesponsibleforpayingmorebills(e.g.,rent,food).
• Ifyouareinyourownapartmentandhavetroublewithyourbenefits,yourhousingprovidercanbeyourrepresentativepayee.Theywould:1)receiveyourbenefits,2)takeoutrent(30%ofyourbenefits)andotherexpenses,and3)giveyoutheremainderofyourbenefits.
o Forexample,ifyouearn$724/monthyourremainingincomecouldbe
$507/month.
• Askyourhousingprovidertohavealeaseinyourname,ortohavetheleaseinthenameofthehousingprovider,withyounamedasthebeneficiaryoroccupant.Thisisimportantiftheapartmentisrent-regulated,includingrent-stabilized.
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• Budgeting:onp.30youcanseeasamplebudgetforsomeonewholivesinasupportedhousingapartment.Onp.31youcanfilloutthisbudgetusingyourownsourcesofincomeandexpenses.
• Bankaccount:onp.32youcanpracticefillingoutasamplecheck,similartooneyoumightuseifyouopenyourownbankaccount.
CIADcanprovideextracopiesofthebudgetandsamplecheck--justask!
Budgeting
3. Next,handlingyourbenefitssuccessfullyinvolvesbudgeting.Whetheryouonly
receive$198inPNAeachmonthoryoureceiveyourentireSSI/SSDIbenefit,planningforhowyouwillspendyourmonthlyincomecanhelpyouavoidrunningoutofmoney.Itcanalsohelpyougainasenseofindependence.
a. Brainstorm:whatdoyouspendyourPNAonnow?b. Brainstorm:whatdoyouspendyourSSI/SSDIonnow?
4. Finally,handlingyourbenefitsusuallyinvolveshavingabankaccount.Relatedtohavingabankaccount,youwillwritemonthlychecksormoneyordersforexpenseslikerent.Onp.32youwillseeasamplecheck.
a. There’snodisadvantagetohavingabankaccount.Ifyougotoasavingsbanktherearenofeesinvolved.Sometimesthereareoverdraftfeesifyoutakeoutmoremoneythanthebalanceofyouraccount.It’simportanttokeeptrackofyouraccountbalance.
b. Rainydayfunds:onewaytothinkaboutsavingsistothinksmall--justputtingaway$5or$10or$20eachmonthaddsupovertime.
"0M"
Monthly Annual Comments
Income:
Your Primary Income
$750.00
Federal (SSI)
Other Income
$87.00 State (SSP)
SNAP (Food Stamps)
$194.00
Employment
Total Income
$1,031.00
Necessary Expenses:
Rent
$251.00
30%
Gas & Electric
$104.00
Food & Groceries (not dining out)
$205.00
Clothing (necessary)
Telephone
Travel
$30.00
Home supplies
$5.00
Laundry
$25.00
Other expenses
Total Necessary Expenses
$620.00
Discretionary Expenses:
Cable or Satellite TV
$22.50
Internet
Entertainment (not dining out)
$12.00
movie
Dining Out
$30.00
Clothing (above what's needed)
Cigarettes & Tobacco
Other expenses (e.g., pets)
$12.50
$150.00
Total Discretionary Expenses
$77.00
Results: Monthly Yearly
Total Income
$1031.00
Total Expenses
$697.00
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Monthly Annual Comments
Income:
Your Primary Income
Other Income
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Employment
Total Income
Necessary Expenses:
Rent
Gas & Electric
Food & Groceries (not dining out)
Clothing (necessary)
Telephone
Travel
Home supplies
Laundry
Other expenses
Total Necessary Expenses
Discretionary Expenses:
Cable or Satellite TV
Entertainment (not dining out)
Dining Out
Clothing (above what's needed)
Cigarettes & Tobacco
Other expenses (e.g., pets)
Total Discretionary Expenses
Results: Monthly Yearly
Total Income
Total Expenses
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JosephResident 101208Beach125thStreetBelleHarbor,NY11694 DATE_______________________________PAYTOTHEORDEROF____________________________________________$___________________________________________________________________________________________DOLLARSBankofRockaways100Beach116thStreetRockawayPark,NY11694FOR________________________________ __________________________________________ 12345678 9876543210
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Benefitsandbudgetingchecklist
Benefits% Ifyoufeelyouarereadytohandleyourownmoney,talktoyour
psychiatristorotherdoctoraboutbecomingyourownrepresentativepayee.CallMobilizationforJustice(877-417-2427)ifyouhavequestions.
% Getaletterfromyourpsychiatristinsupportofbecomingyourownpayee.*
% ApplytobecomeyourownpayeeattheSocialSecurityAdministration.*% Openacheckingaccount--youmayaskforyourbenefitstobedeposited
directlyhere.*% Ifyouwillbemovingtoyourownapartment,applyforSNAP(foodstamp)
benefitsthroughHRA(718-557-1399).*Budgeting
% LearnwhatyourincomeandPNAisnow,inyouradulthome.% Learnhowyourincomewillchangewhenyoumove.% Practicebudgetingfortheincomeyouhaveinyouradulthomeandthe
incomeyoumayhaveifyoumovetoyourownapartment.o Preparetobudget30%ofyournewincometopayyourapartment
renteachmonth.% Setupaweeklyand/ormonthlybudgetforyourself.Ifyouneedhelpwith
budgeting,contactCIAD(212-481-7572).*CIADandMFJcanhelpwithmanyofthesesteps.Sometimesadulthomecasemanagersand/orcarecoordinatorswhohelpyoupreparetomovetoyourownapartmentcanhelp.
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Travelandshopping
Someadulthomeresidentsaremovingtotheirownapartments.Othersplantoremainintheiradulthomes.Eitherway,learningaboutindependenttravelisuseful.
Thissessionalsoincludesinformationonshopping.Budget-friendlyshoppingisimportantforresidentsmovingtotheirownapartment,whilethoseremainingintheiradulthomescanusethesestrategiestomaketheirPNAgofurther.
Gettingsettotravel
1. ForallNewYorktravel,call511.YoucanlearnaboutMetrocards,serviceschedules,anddelaysat511.
2. Half-fareMetrocard:seep.17forinstructionsongettingthiscard.
a. Asof2018,eachhalf-faretripcosts$1.35.3. PuttingmoneyonMetrocard:beforeyoucanuseyourcard,youmust
gotoasubwaystationandloadmoneyonit(cash,creditanddebitcardsaccepted).CIADcanhelpifneeded.
4. Access-a-Ride:ifyouhaveadisabilitythatmakesithardtousebusesorsubways,youmayqualifyforthisservice.AskyourcasemanagerorCIADtohelpyougetanapplication.YoucanalsocallAccess-a-Ride(877-337-2017)togetanapplicationinthemail.
5. Medicalinsurance:yourinsuranceprovidermayoffertransportation(or
reimbursement)formedicalappointments.Callyourinsuranceprovider,oraskyourcarecoordinatortohelpyoucalltolearnmore.
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UsingNYCpublictransportation:ThesubwayTheNYCsubwaysystemisagoodwaytogetaround.Herearesometipsforeasyriding:
• Subwayattendantsareinsomestationsandcangiveyoumaps,saywhichsideoftheplatformtostandonforyourdestination,andanswerotherquestions.
• Thesubwayhasservicedelays.Call511thedayyoutraveltohearalistofdelaysandalternateservices.It’smostimportanton:
# Off-peakhours(latenightsandweekends).# Badweather(heavyrainorsnow).
• CIADcanprovidemoreinformationondisabilityaccessiblestations.
ThefirststepinusingthesubwayisreadinganMTAsubwaymap.
• Askthestationattendantforapapercopy,orgetoneonline:
http://web.mta.info/maps/submap.html
• GettoknowtheKeyonyoursubwaymap.
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ReadinganMTAbusschedule.Youcanalsolookonthebusstopboxtoseetheschedulesofbusesthatstopthere.YoucanpracticereadingaschedulewithCIADandCIADcanhelpyouorderabusschedule.
UsingNYCpublictransportation:ThebusTheNYCbussystemcoversmoreofthecity,andmakesmorefrequentstops,thanthesubway.Thebuscanalsobemoredisabilityfriendly;busesaccommodateridersinwheelchairs.
Traveltimesonthebusmaybelongerthanthesubway.
• Busstops:areonstreetcornersandhavetallsignswithabusiconandroutenumber.
o Moststopshavearectangularboxateyelevel;thisliststhebusrouteandschedule.
• Boardingthebus:whenabuscomes,checktheroutenumberontheelectronicscreentoensureit’syourbus.
• Payingforthebus:topayyoudipyourcardintotheblackboxbesidethedriver.Youcanalsopaywithcoins.
o Ifyourtripinvolvesabustosubway,subwaytobus,orbustobustransfer,youpayonlythefirstvehicle--thetransferisfreewithin2hours.
o Beawarethereareexpressandselectbuses.AskCIADformoreinformationaboutthem.
• Gettingoffthebus:youcanrequestastopbypushingthetapestripsbetweenthewindows,orthestopbuttonsonthepolesinthebus.
BusTime.IfyouhaveInternetaccesstheMTAoffersreal-timetravelplanning:https://bustime.mta.info/m/index
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Shopping:Savingmoney
Whetheryouliveinanadulthomeoronyourown,therearemanywaystosavewhenbuyingfoodandpersonalitems.
1. Shoppinglist:makingalistcanhelpyou:a. rememberwhatyoudoneedtobuy,b. don’tbuyanythingyoudon’tneed(sticktothelist),c. budget--whenyouwriteoutwhattobuy,estimatehowmuchto
spendoneachitem,thentrytosticktothatprice.
2. Coupons:couponsareagreatwaytosave.Findcouponsin:a. Sundaynewspapers.b. productpackaging(e.g.,acouponprintedinsideabox).c. online--ifyouhaveaccesstoacomputerorsmartphone,lookup
yourfavoriteproducts(e.g.,Google“Crestcoupons”).
3. Salefliers:localdrugstoresandgrocerystoresoftenhavefliersatthefrontofthestoreforweeklysalesandcoupons.
4. Farmersmarkets:talktothevendors--manyofferreducedpricesforproduceleftattheendoftheday.
5. Foodpantries:
a. NYCfoodpantrylisting:311,followpromptsforpantriesb. NYCEmergencyFoodLine:866-888-8777c. FoodBankNYC:212-566-1463
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Final word on sales: just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it.
A sale saves money but buying nothing saves even more ☺
6. Unitpricing:grocerystoresoftenpostaUNITPRICEnexttoanitem’sprice.Insteadofcomparingitemprices,trycomparingUNITprices.Oftenlargersizeitemshavelowerunitprices,andareabettervalue.
Justask!Notallstoredealsareadvertised.Forexample:
Clearanceitems:drugandgrocerystoresmayhaveaclearancestand.Ifyoudon’tseeit,askstorestaff.
o Somegrocerystoreshaveclearanceforolderorfruitsandvegetables--agoodoptiontobuyhealthyfoodforless.
Preparedfoods,saladbars:convenienceandgrocerystoresmaydiscountperishabledishesattheendoftheday.
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7. NYCGreenCarts:GreenCartshavelowpricesonfreshproduce.IfyoureceiveSNAPbenefits(e.g.,ifyoumovetoyourownapartment)youcanuseyourcardatmostGreenCarts.
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Shopping:Foryourownapartment
Ifyou’rethinkingaboutmovingintoyourownapartment,youmaywanttoconsidertheseadditionaltips.
1. Whenyouliveonyourown,budgettobuystaplefooditemsregularly.Everyone’sstaplesaredifferent,butcommon,low-costitemstohaveathomemightinclude:
a. Breadb. Butteroroil(canolaoroliveoilarehealthieroptions)c. Cannedbeans,vegetables,salmon,sardines,tuna
i. Low/nosodiumaddedcannedgoodsarehealthierd. Cannedsaucessuchasspaghettisauce.e. Eggsf. Frozenvegetables(cheapandversatile)g. Milkoramilksubstitute(almondorsoymilk)h. Garlic,onionsi. Pasta(wholewheatisahealthieroption)j. Potatoes,sweetpotatoesk. Protein(ifyoubuymeat,considerbuyingcutsthatfreezeandthaw
outwell)l. Rice(brownriceisahealthieroption)m. Spices(toaddflavortorecipes)
2. Whenyouliveonyourown,thinkabouthowtotransportpurchases.a. A4-wheeledshoppingcartisaneasywaytopushgroceriesand
otherpurchases.Findcartsatbodegasandhardwarestores.b. Ifyouhavedisabilitiesthatmakepushingorliftingacartdifficult,you
maywanttoaskforahomehealthaidetohelpyouwithshopping.c. Manygrocerystoresdeliverpurchases.Deliveryfeescanaddup,so
usethisservicesparingly.Doabulkshoppingeverymonthorsoandhaveitdelivered.
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MyStaples
Item Where to buy How much to spend
Canola oil Grocery – C-Town $3.50
Skim milk Grocery – C-Town $3
Dozen eggs Sale at Pathmark $2.50
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MyStaples
Item Where to buy How much to spend
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Boostingyourhealthandboostingyourcooking
Certainchronicconditionsarecommoninresidentialfacilitiessuchasadulthomes.Theseconditionsincludehighbloodpressure,highcholesterol,andTypeIIdiabetes.TheseconditionsareamongtheleadingcausesofdeathintheU.S.Thegoodnewsistheseconditionscanbemanagedthroughahealthylifestyleandmedication.Here,weexplaintheseconditionsandofferamenuofoptionsyoucantryforhealthierliving.
Highcholesterol• Isaconditioninwhichthereistoomuchcholesterolintheblood,leadingto
blockagesinthearteries.o Whenarteriesareblocked,risksofheartattackandstrokeincrease.
• Cholesterolisasoft,waxysubstance.Yourlivermakescholesterolandyougetitfromanimalfoods,e.g.,meat,fish,poultry,eggyolk,dairy.
Highbloodpressure• Isaconditioninwhichpressureinthebloodvesselsishigherthanitshouldbe,
increasingtheriskofheartdisease,stroke,andkidneyfailure.o Thehigherthebloodpressure,thegreatertherisk.o Highbloodpressureiscalledthe“silentkiller”becausethereareusually
nosymptomstowarnyousomethingiswrong.• Sodiumiswellknowntoincreasebloodpressure,butalcohol,sugar,and
cannedandpackagedfoods(e.g.,junkfoods)canalsoincreaseit.
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TypeIIdiabetes• Isaconditioninwhichyourbodydoesn’tmakeenoughinsulin,ordoesn’tuse
insulinproperly.o Insulinregulatessugarinyourblood.Diabetescausesbloodsugarto
buildupanddamagemanypartsofthebody.• Itiswellknownthatpeoplewithpre-diabetesordiabetesshouldlimittheir
sugarintake,butlimitingalcoholandfatintakecanalsohelpcontroldiabetes.
Chronichealthconditioninformationfrom:theAmericanHeartAssociation(2018):http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/My-Life-Check---Lifes-Simple-7_UCM_471453_Article.jsp#.WpjfuGrwaUk;theCentersforDiseaseControl(2018):https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6131a6.htm;andtheAmericanDiabetesAssociation(2018):http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html?loc=db-slabnav
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Life’sSimple7
TheAmericanHeartAssociationidentifiedsevensteps,called“Life’sSimple7™”,toimprovehealth.Researchshowsthesestepscanhelppreventorreverseheartdisease,highbloodpressure,andTypeIIdiabetes.
1. Eatahealthydieto Eatatleast4.5cupsoffruitsandvegetablesaday.
o Haveatleast2,3.5ounceservingsoffishaweek.o Eatatleast3servingsofhighfiberwholegrainsaday.o Limitsugar-sweetenedbeveragestonotmorethan450calories(36
ounces)perweek.
o Eatlessthan1500mgofsodiumaday.
• Maintainahealthybodyweight.Talktoyourdoctoraboutahealthyweightrangeforyou.
• Takechargeofcholesterol
o Normal–lessthan200mg/dL.o Borderlinehighcholesterol–200to239mg/dL.o Highcholesterol-240mg/dLorhigher.
(AskCIADifyou’dlikeanadditionalhandoutonhealthycholesterollevels).
• Managebloodpressure
o Normal-lessthan120/80mm/Hg.o Pre-hypertension-120-139/80-89mm/Hg.o Highbloodpressure/hypertension-140/90mm/Hgorhigher.
• Keepbloodsugar,orglucose,athealthylevels
o Normalfastingbloodglucose–under100mg/dL.
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o Pre-diabetes–100-125mg/dL.o Diabetes–126mg/dLorhigher.
• Engageinregularexercise
o Tryforleast30minutesofmoderateactivity,5dayseachweek.
# Moderateactivitycanbeassimpleastakingawalk☺.
# Dosomethingyouenjoy--listentomusic,dance,etc.
# Joinagymorexerciseprogram--NYCParksandRecreationandYMCAhavediscountsbasedonincomeandforseniors.
o Regularexerciseimprovesbloodpressure,cholesterol,andbloodglucoselevels.Italsoreducesstress,andhelpscontrolbodyweight.
• Don’tsmoke
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Life’sSimple7AppliedtoYouChangingyourhealththroughLife’sSimple7doesnotmeanyoumustimmediatelychangeallyourhealthhabits.Thiscanbeespeciallychallengingwhilelivinginanadulthome,onalimitedbudget.Luckily,researchshowsthatpeoplewhograduallychangehealthhabitsarebetteratsustainingchangesovertime.So,startingcanbeassimpleastryingoutonesmallchange.Forexample,apersonwithTypeIIdiabetesmightdecidetoloseweightandlowerhisbloodsugar.Hemightstartwithonesimplechange:nomoresugar-sweetenedbeverages.Hecouldstopdrinkingthefruitjuiceservedathisadulthome,andstopbuyingsodafromthevendingmachines.Hecoulddrinkwater,tea,coffee,andlow-fatmilkinstead.Apersonwhohadgainedalotofweightinheradulthomemightdecidetostartexercisingtolosesomeofit.Shemightstartwithonesimplechange:takinga30minutewalkaroundherneighborhoodafewtimesperweek.Apersonwho’shavingbreathingproblemsmightdecidetocutbackoncigarettes.Hemightstartwithonesimplechange:askinghiscasemanagertohelphimjoinasmokingcessationgroup.Hemightdecidehecan’tquitcoldturkey,butgoingtogrouphemightlearnstrategiestocutbackonhowmanycigaretteshesmokes.
What’syoursimplechange?WhichofLife’sSimple7wouldyoutryfirst?______________________________Whyisthisstepimportanttoyou?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howwouldstartthisstep?Saysomethingspecificyouwouldchange________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“G ” “ w” “ oa”
U R What U Eat Food supplies the nutrients needed to fuel your body so you can perform your best. Go, Slow, Whoa is a simple way to recognize foods that are the smartest choices. • Foods: Eat almost anytime (Most often) — they are lowest in fat, added sugar, and calories • Foods: Eat sometimes (Less often) — they are higher in fat, added sugar, and/or calories • Foods: Eat once in a while (Least often) — they are very high in fat and/or added sugar, and are much higher in calories
Food Groups GO SLOW WHOA Fruits Whole fruits (fresh, frozen, canned, dried) are smart choices. You need 2 cups of fruit a day. 1 cup is about the size of a baseball.
Vegetables Adding fat (butter, oils, and sauces) to vegetables turns them from Go foods to Slow or Whoa foods.You need 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day. Dark green and orange vegetables are smart choices.
Grains Try to make at least half of your servings whole grain choices and low in sugar. An ounce of a grain product is 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of dry cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta.You need about 6 ounces a day.
Milk Milk products are high in vitamins and minerals. Fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products are smart choices. About 3 cups are needed each day; 1 cup of milk,1 cup of yogurt or 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese count as 1 cup.
Meats & Beans Eating 5 ½ oz. a day will give you the protein, vitamins and minerals you need. Limit meats with added fat. Smart choices include beans (¼ cup cooked), nuts (½ oz.) and lean meats (1 oz.) baked or broiled.
The amounts of foods recommended per food group are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, the approximate number of calories for most active boys and girls ages 9-13. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
We Can! and the We Can! logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Sweets and Snacks The foods below are snack-type foods. The “Slow” and “Whoa” foods are higher in fat, added sugar, and/or calories and need to be limited so you do not eat more calories than your body needs. Remember, if you eat sweets and snacks, eat small amounts.
GO WHOA
For “Go” snacks, select foods from the “Go” column in the food groups section.
SLOW
Combining Food Groups Foods we eat are usually a mixture of ingredients from the different food groups. A food can turn from a “Go” into a “Whoa” based on the ingredients used. The examples below contain ingredients from the milk products, grains, vegetables and meat groups – some “Go,” some “Slow,” and some “Whoa.” Foods served in restaurants often use “Whoa” ingredients.
Combined Foods GO SLOW WHOA Pizza
Pasta
English muffin pizza with low-fat cheese (using ½ English muffin)
Regular or classic veggie pizza: 1 slice from a medium pizza
Deep dish pepperoni pizza: 1 slice from a medium pizza
Pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables – 1 cup Macaroni and cheese – 1 cup Pasta with sausage – 1 cup
Move More To keep at a healthy weight, energy in (foods you eat) must balance with energy out (how much you move). Try to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Move more, take the stairs, play ball, bike, swim, walk, and find active games you enjoy. Have fun!
For more information, visit the We Can! ™ Web site at http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov. We Can! is a national education program promoting healthy weight for children from the National Institutes of Health.
The GO, SLOW, WHOA concept adapted from CATCH®: Coordinated Approach to Child Health, 4th Grade Curriculum, copyright © 2002 by The Regents of the University of California and FlagHouse, Inc. CATCH is a registered trademark of The Regents of the University of California, and licensed by FlagHouse, Inc.
We Can! and the We Can! logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
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EatingoutofthefridgeTherearemanymealsyouneverhavetocook,orcancookinadvanceandstoreinyourrefrigerator.Forexample:-Beans,lentils -Cut,rawfruitandvegetables-Grains,rice -Hardboiledeggs-Oatmeal -Salads(eggs,tuna,vegetables)-Sandwiches
BoostingyourcookingEvenifyouhavelimitedcookingexperience,it’spossibletolearntomakequick,simple,andhealthymeals.Thesemealsarealsobudget-friendly.
Cookingdemonstrations.CIADhopestoofferdemonstrationclassessoon.Letthemknowifyouareinterestedinlearninganyofthefollowing:
1. Howtoboilwatera. Howtocookpastab. Howtocookricec. Howtocookoatmeal
2. Howtocookeggs3. Howtocookchicken4. Howtomakeasimplesoup5. Howtocookvegetablesyou’llwanttoeat6. Timing–keepingtrackoftime,usingatimer7. Knifeskills8. Cookingwithmobilitylimitations--gettingaroundinthekitchen
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• ART…theHealingArtsInitiative(HAI@YAI)offersartclassesandfreeand
discountedartsandcultureevents.CallYAI(212-273-6182)tolearnmore.
• CELLPHONES…freecellphoneserviceisavailableforindividualswithdisabilities.CallAssurance(1-888-898-4888)orSafelinkWireless(1-800-977-3768).
• EDUCATION…theHighSchoolEquivalency(HSE)programoffersfreesupportto
earnhighschooldiplomas(518-474-5906orwww.acces.nysed.gov/hse/high-school-equivalency-hse).
• EMPLOYMENT,JOBTRAINING…ACCESS-VRoffersfreejobsearchingandtraining
resourcesforindividualswithdisabilities(1-800-222-JOBS/5627orwww.acces.nysed.gov/vr).
• LGBTGROUPS…TheLGBTCommunityCenterinChelseaoffersanarrayofgroups
andprograms(212-620-7310orhttps://gaycenter.org).ForolderLGBTadults,SAGEoffersgroups,programs,andsocialservices(212-741-2247orwww.sageusa.org/nyc/centers/index.cfm).
• MUSEUMS…offerfreeand/ordonation-basedentryoncertaindays(e.g.,
Saturdaymornings).Callthemuseumsdirectlytolearnmore.idNYCcardsalsoofferfreeentrytoover40museumsforoneyear!Seep.17togetanidNYCcard.
CommunityconnectionsSometimespeoplelivinginadulthomesfeelcutofffrompeopleandplacestheyknow.However,youcanalwaysconnect--orre-connect--tocommunityresources.Whetheryouliveinan
adulthomeorinyourownapartmenttherearemanyfreeandlow-costcommunityresourcestoexplore.
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• PARKS,RECREATION,NATURE…theNYCParksSystemofferscultural,fitness,
senior,andtechnologyprograms(311orwww.nycgovparks.org/parks).• SELF-HELPGROUPS…like12-stepmeetingsofferaccesstopeersupportand
potentialfriendship.o AlcoholicsAnonymous(212-647-1680orwww.aa.org/).o GamblersAnonymous(1-855-222-5542orhttp://newyorkga.org/).o NarcoticsAnonymous(212-929-7117orhttp://na.org/).o NicotineAnonymous(1-877-879-6422orhttps://nicotine-anonymous.org/).
• VOLUNTEERING…NewYorkCarescanhelpyoulearnaboutmanyvolunteer
opportunitiesacrossthecity(212-228-5000orwww.newyorkcares.org/).• YMCAs…offerarts,computing,health,fitness,andseniorprograms.
Membershipsareadjustedforincomeandtherearelocationsthroughoutthefiveboroughs(212-630-9600orwww.ymcanyc.org/).
Askaround…
• Manyculturalandsportingeventsvarybyneighborhoodandborough.Lookinlocalnewspapers,thelocallibrary,andlocalshopsforoptionsspecifictoyourneighborhood.Oftenlocaloptionsincreaseduringwarmweather.
• Ifyouliveinanadulthome,theremaybeoccasionaloutings,suchastripstoshopatnearbymalls,tripstorestaurants,tripstothemovies,etc.AskadulthomestaffortheResidentCounciltolearnifyourhomeoffersoutings.
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Makingthemostofpubliclibraries
NYClibrarysystemsofferfantastic,freeresourcesforresidents,including:
1) Freeclasses,includingcomputerandGEDclasses
2) Freeresourcesforjobtrainingandjobsearching
3) Freemovies,concerts,andculturalevents
4) Freetaxservicesandresourcesforbenefitsandbudgeting
5) Freemeetingspace(oftenhavetoreserveinadvance)
6) FreestreamingmoviesandtelevisionthroughKanopya. https://www.kanopystreaming.com
7) Asalways,freecheckoutofbooks,CDs,DVDs,andothermedia
a. FreehomedeliveryforindividualswithdisabilitiesthroughBooksbyMail:https://www.nypl.org/node/91
• NYCPublicLibrary(residentsoftheBronx,ManhattanandStatenIsland)
o Findyourlocalbranch:917-ASKNYPL(917-275-6975)o http://www.nypl.org
• BrooklynPublicLibrary
o Findyourlocalbranch:(718)230-2100o http://www.bklynlibrary.org/
• QueensLibrary
o Findyourlocalbranch:718-990-0728o http://queenslibrary.org/
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Connectingwithpeers
Peer-runandpeer-staffedprogramshavemoreinputfrompeoplewithmentalhealthdiagnosesthanusualprograms.Theyoffermanyactivitiesandvolunteeropportunities.Theycanalsobegoodplacestohangoutandmakefriends.
• BalticStreetinBrooklynoffersrecovery-orientedservicestohelpmembersobtaineducation,jobs,housing,socialsupports,entitlements,etc.
o 718-875-7744orhttp://www.balticstreet.org
• Clubhousesarelocatedaroundtheworldandoffermembersthechancetoformfriendships,obtaineducation,jobs,housing,andhealthandmentalhealthservices.
o TheBronx:# FountainHouseBronx(SouthBronx):718-742-9884
o Brooklyn:# EastNewYorkClubhouse(EastNY):718-235-5780# OpenDoorClub(Flatlands):718-377-7757
o Manhattan:# CheltonLoft(Chelsea):212-727-4360# FountainHouse(Hell’sKitchen):212-582-0340
o Queens:# CitiviewConnections(LongIslandCity):718-361-7030# VentureHouse(Jamaica):718-658-7201
o StatenIsland:# SkyLightCenter(St.George):718-720-2601
• HowieTheHarpatCommunityAccessofferspeerspecialistjobtraining
o 212-780-1400orhttp://www.communityaccess.org/our-work/educationajobreadiness/howie-the-harp
• NewYorkAssociationofPsychiatricRehabilitationServices(NYAPRS)can
provideinformationonadditionalpeer-runprogramsinyourcommunity;callfordetails.
o 518-436-0008orhttp://www.nyaprs.org/
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ConnectingtotheonlinecommunityComputersandtheInternetoffermanywaysforyoutoparticipateinthecommunity--youcantakeclasses,joinsocialmediacircles,andbeintouchwithfriendsthroughemailandonlinechatprograms.
TherearemanyfreecomputingclassesandfreeInternetprovidersinNYC.Someoptionsinclude:
Resource Telephone Website
• PublicLibraries
Avarietyofcomputingandinternetclasses
Seep.53
• NYCParksDepartmentComputerResourceCentersClassesandaccesstocomputerresourcecenters
Dial311andaskforNYCParksComputerResourceCenters
http://www.nycgovparks.org/crc
• OlderAdultTechnologyServicesClassesandresourcesforadultsages60+
718-360-1707 http://oats.org
• SeniorPlanetAtechnologyresourcecenterwithfreecoursesandeventsforadultsages60+
646-590-0615 http://seniorplanet.org/the-center/welcome
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ResidentRights
Asanadulthomeresidentyouhavemanyrights.Youalsohavemanyoptionstospeakupandseeksupportforyourrights:
• CIADoffersadvocacyandsupportforcurrentandformeradulthome
residents(212-481-7572).
• MobilizationforJusticeoffersfreelegalservicestoadulthomeresidents(212-464-8110ortollfreeat1-877-417-2427).
• TheDepartmentofHealth(DOH)AdultHomeHotline:investigates
complaintsandconcernsaboutadulthomefacilities(518-485-8781).• TheNewYorkCityLongTermCareOmbudsmanworkswithresidents,and
thefamilyandfriendsofresidents,toimprovethelivesofadulthomeandnursinghomeresidents(212-812-2901forManhattan,Bronx&StatenIslandand212-812-2911forBrooklyn&Queens).
• TheJusticeCenteristhegovernmentagencythatinvestigatesallegations
ofabuse,neglect,andmistreatmentinsomeadulthomes.Ifyoususpectabuse,neglect,ormistreatmentbyadulthomestaff,youcanreportit(1-855-373-2122).
• TheOfficeofMentalHealth(OMH):licensesandregulatesmentalhealth
providers,includingoutpatientclinicsandOMHcasemanagers.Theyreceivecomplaintsabouttheseentities(1-800-597-8481).
• Ifyouaremovingtoyourownapartmentthroughtheadulthomessettlementandhavequestionsorconcerns,the Office of Community Transitions (NYS Department of Health) can help (518-485-8781).
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AdultHomeResidents’BillofRights
1. Yourcivilandreligiousrightsshallnotbeinfringed.Thehomemustencourage
andassistyouinthefullestpossibleexerciseoftheserights.
2. Youhavetherighttohaveprivate,writtenandverbalcommunicationswithanyoneofyourchoice.
3. Youhavetherighttopresentgrievancesonyourbehalf,orthebehalfofother
residents,totheadministrationorfacilitystaff,theDepartmentofHealthorothergovernmentofficialsorotherpartieswithoutfearofreprisal.
4. Youhavetherighttojoinwithotherresidentsorindividualstoworkfor
improvementsinresidentcare.5. Youhavetherighttomanageyourownfinancialaffairs.6. Youhavetherighttoprivacyinyourownroomandincaringforpersonal
needs.7. Youhavetherighttoconfidentialtreatmentofpersonal,social,financialand
healthrecords.8. Youhavetherighttoreceivecourteous,fairandrespectfulcareandtreatment
atalltimesandyoushallnotbephysically,mentallyoremotionallyabusedorneglectedinanymanner.
9. Youcannotberestrainedorlockedinaroomatanytime.10. Youhavetherighttoreceiveandsendmailoranyothercorrespondence
unopenedandwithoutinterceptionorinterference.
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11. Youcanleaveandreturntothefacilityandgroundsatreasonablehours.12. Youcannotbeobligedtoperformwork.Ifyouwork,youmustbepaid.
13. Youcannotprovideanoperatororagentoftheoperatoranygratuityfor
servicestowhichyouareentitled.14.Ifyouareinvolvedinanincidentoraccident,youhavetherighttohaveyourversionoftheeventsincludedinthereport.YOUSHOULDBEGIVENACOPYOFTHEBILLOFRIGHTSWHENYOUMOVEINTOAHOME.ITMUSTALSOBEPOSTEDINYOURHOMEWHEREEVERYONECANSEEIT!
The Residents’ Bill of Rights is taken from New York Social Services Law § 461-d. See electronic version: https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/2014/sos/article-7/title-2/461-d/
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Adulthomesettlement:Whatareyourrightsifyouaremovingtoyourownapartment?
Classmembershavemanyrightsundera2013legalsettlementand2018supplementalagreement.IfyouhavequestionsyoucancallCIAD(212-481-7572)orMobilizationforJustice(1-877-417-2427).Somekeyrightsare:
1. Therighttoasktobeincludedinthesettlementclassifyou:a)areanadult
homeresidentwithaseriousmentalillnessdiagnosis,and2)movedintooneofthefollowingadulthomesonorbeforeSeptember30,2018:BelleHarborManor BrooklynAdultCareCenterBrooklynTerrace(formerlySurfManorHomeforAdults)
CentralAssistedLiving,LLCElmYorkLLCGardenofEdenHomeHarborTerraceAdultHomeandAssistedLiving
KingsAdultCareCenterLakesideManorHomeforAdultsMarinersResidence(formerlyS.S.CosmasandDamianAdultHome)
MermaidManorHomeforAdultsNewGloria'sManorHomeforAdultsNewHavenManorOceanviewManorHomeforAdultsParkInnHomeParkviewHomeforAdultsQueensAdultCareCenterRiverdaleManorHomeforAdultsSanfordHomeSeaviewManor,LLCSurfsideManorHomeforAdultsWavecrestHomeforAdults
2. Therighttobeassessedasasettlementclassmember.Ifyoumeetcriteriain#1
above,youhavetherighttobeassessedtoseeifyouareaclassmember.YoumuststateyourinterestinassessmentbySeptember30,2019.
3. Therighttohaveyourassessmentresultsreviewed.Ifyourassessmentfindsthat
youarenoteligibletobeapartoftheclass(ornoteligibleforthetypeofhousingyouwouldlike),theassessmentwillbereviewedbyaCommittee.TheCommitteemayrecommendareassessment.
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4. Therighttoconsideryouroptionsfreefromdiscouragementorinterference.
Noonefromyouradulthomeshoulddiscourageyoufrommovingtoyourownapartment.Ifyouexperiencediscouragementorinterference,callMobilizationforJustice(877-417-2427)forhelp.
5. Therighttochangeyourmind.Youcanchangeyourmindaboutmovingatanytime.Youcanchangeyourmindbeforeyoumoveandstayinyouradulthome,oryoucanchangeyourmindafteryoumoveintoanapartmentandmoveintoadifferentapartmentortypeofhousing.
6. Therighttolivealone.Ifyouwanttolivebyyourself,tellyourhousing
provider.Itmaytakelongertofindaone-bedroomorstudio.7. Therighttocertainservicesthroughthesettlement.Classmembershave
therightto:a. housingcontractorservicesbefore,during,andafteryoumovetoyour
ownapartment.Yourhousingcontractorwillhelpyoufindanapartmentthat’srightforyou.
b. timelyhousingapplicationsifyouareassessedaseligibleforhousinginthecommunity.
c. acaremanagerwhowillhelpyoutransitiontothecommunity.*Yourcaremanagerwillhelpyoumakeacareplan--basedonyourneedsandpreferences--soyouarepreparedtomove.
d. regularcommunicationwithyourcaremanagerregardingeligibility,progress,andotherquestionsrelatedtoyourservices.
e. supportfrompeerbridgers.f. onceyouhavemoved,therighttoongoingcaremanagerservicesand
ongoinghousingcontractorservices.Yourhousingcontractorshouldhelpyouunderstandyourrightsandresponsibilitiesasatenantandassistwithresolvingapartmentandbuildingmaintenanceissues.
*YoushouldbeassignedanAdultHomePlusCareManagernolaterthan90daysafteryouarereferredforanassessment.Ifyoudon’tknowwhoyourcaremanageris,calltheOfficeofCommunityTransitions(518-485-8781).
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Notes
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Notes
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InmyadulthomeIreceivehelpfrom(e.g.,anadulthomecasemanager,a
therapist,etc.):
1. ___________________________________________________________
Phonenumber:______________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
Phonenumber:______________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
Phonenumber:______________________________________________
IfIamthinkingaboutmovingtomyownapartmentIalsoreceivehelpfrom:
1. HOUSINGPROVIDERNAME:___________________________________Housingproviderstaffperson:_______________________________________
Phonenumber:___________________________________________________
2. CAREMANAGEMENTAGENCY:_________________________________
Caremanager:____________________________________________________
Phonenumber:___________________________________________________
KEYCONTACTS
OTHER HELPFUL CONTACTS The Office of Community Transitions (NYS Department of Health): 518-485-8781 The Department of Health Adult Home Hotline: 866-893-6772 The Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled (CIAD): 212-481-7572 Mobilization for Justice: 1-877-417-2427