Grant Update

Jim Krueger

NESCO recently applied for a state grant that would allow the new Latino Diabetes support group to meet more frequently (monthly). As part of the Diabetes Support Group, our newly trained facilitators would help teach the six week Living Well with Chronic Conditions curriculum to empower other seniors living with diabetes to increase their own quality of life. Some of those who completed the training will also serve as ambassadors in the Latino community, talking with different groups in the community about the Living Well with Chronic Conditions model and recruiting more people to go through the training. As we have always known, our Latino seniors are a very special group that works hard to better themselves and our community.

Our African American and Latino programs continue to flourish and the numbers we serve in rural Dane County keeps growing. In 2010 NESCO will spend over $15,000 on transportation for our Cultural Diversity program. As a result of our desire to provide more programs for African American and Latino seniors and the increasing need for transportation services NESCO recently applied for a national transportation grant to help cover these costs.

NESCO’s Cultural Diversity Program Update

 

Jim Krueger

This past October and November, 17 Latino adults (including 12 seniors) participated in a four day training on Living Well With Chronic Conditions, in Spanish, presented by the Milwaukee Latino Health Council and sponsored in part by a Leck Grant from Dane County’s Area Agency on Aging. The training was held at the Catholic Multicultural Center on Beld St. The Latino seniors, most of whom have never facilitated a group before, did a wonderful job during the interactive parts of the training. Many of the Latino seniors displayed facilitation skills that they did not realize they possessed when the training began.

Beginning in 2011 these seniors will co-facilitate a new Latino Diabetes Support group with

Yolanda Salazar, NESCO’s Cultural Diversity Program Specialist. The support group will meet on a quarterly basis.

Dental Resources

Liz Mensing

Among the various needs of case management clients, affordable dental services is one of the most difficult to meet.  Many seniors find it frustrating that Medicare does not cover routine dental check-ups.  They are left with the burden of finding an insurance policy that covers dental services or paying out of pocket for dental expenses.  Clients with Medical Assistance also struggle to find providers that will except this form of insurance.  This can be an annoyance and can deter seniors from receiving important preventative dental care.

For those who struggle with the high costs of dental services or those who are uninsured, the Wisconsin Dental Association has created a resource list of affordable dental clinics in Wisconsin.  The link to the list can be found on WDA’s website: http://www.wda.org/tab/public.  The list is broken down by county.  Remember, when making an appointment with a low-cost dental clinic it can take several attempts before you successfully schedule an appointment.  Be persistent and do not give up.  Please feel free to contact a case manager if you have questions regarding dental services.

May you have a happy holiday and remember to floss : )

A Time for Giving

Drew Simonsen

Hey Everybody.  Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas holidays are on the way.  This is the time to celebrate and spend time with family and loved ones.  It is also the time for generosity and giving.  So this year, why not give a charitable gift to a hard working, non-profit organization.

Our Holiday fund drive is open right now, and we are accepting donations towards our many programs for senior citizens.  Whether it goes towards the Nutrition Program, Case Management, Social & Educational Programs, or Home Chore, you can make a difference in the lives of many people in Madison.  You can even make a donation in memory or tribute to someone you care about.  So make a difference today and make a contribution today.

2010 Holiday Donation Slip