HHS Launches New Web Site Promoting Long
Term Care Planning
This new Web site www.longtermcare.gov will make it easier for consumers to get the information they
need to plan for long-term care. The National Clearinghouse
for Long-Term Care Information Web site provides comprehensive
information about long-term care planning, services and financing
options, along with tools to help people begin the planning
process. The clearinghouse Web site is designed to increase
public awareness about the risks and costs of long-term care
and the potential need for services, and to provide objective
information to help people plan for the future.
Low- or No-Cost Educational Opportunity for Seniors
The Vermont State College System recently amended their
policy on senior students. Anyone who is 65 or older can attend any of the VSC schools (Community College
of Vermont, Lyndon State, Johnson State, Castleton State
and Vermont Technical College) tuition free.
Students must be non-degree, meaning that they are not
earning a degree. Students are still responsible for the
$50.00 registration fee, and for any other fees that may
be associated with the specific course that they elect to
take. For example, art and drawing classes sometimes have
a small fee for supplies.
Senior Sense Articles
Monthly articles on topics of interest for Seniors, their
families and everyone who will become a senior! Mary McCallum
writes these articles, which are published in area newspapers
and collected here. Learn about the following issues and
services, and find additional information through related
links and organizations.
| Topics - click
on a title to read any of these articles |
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Advanced Directives
The Vermont legislature passed a new Advanced Directives
bill. This law will facilitate and standardize the use of
Advanced Directives, also known as Durable Power of Attorney
for Health Care and Terminal Care Documents. These documents
communicate your wishes regarding your health care should
you be incapacitated and for your end-of-life care. For
details on their use and printed or downloadable forms,
go to www.vtethicsnetwork.org or call 802-828-2909. The Terri Schiavo case made clear
how important it is for each person to have and use these
documents. A statewide Advanced Directives Registry should
be established before the end of 2005. To view the entire
bill, go to www.leg.state.vt.us.
Annual Successful
Aging Award - Senior of the Year
Each year since 1998, the Council on Aging for Southeastern
Vermont presents a Successful Aging award to an active senior.
The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of
individuals 75 years or older living in Windsor or Windham
Country who through actions and leadership demonstrate a
lifetime commitment to building strong communities.
 Dorothy Benham of Springfield, VT received the 2007 Successful Aging Award, an engraved hand-blown glass bowl donated by Simon Pearce.
Presenting the award at COASEV's 2007 Annual meeting are: (L to R) Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, Dorothy Benham, COASEV Executive Director Joyce Lemire, COASEV Advisory Council Chair Woody Bickford and Springfield Senior Center Board Chair Kay Mitchell.
Please click here to read about earlier recipients.
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Successful Aging
Initiative Grants
 Each
year, the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont accepts
proposals for Successful Aging Initiative (SAI) grants.
These grants, which range from $500 to $1,200 each, are awarded
to local groups in Windham and Windsor Counties for innovative
projects involving seniors in community activities.
Funding for the grants has been appropriated by the Vermont
Legislature to help foster "Successful Aging." Read
more.
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Help with the Cost
of New Telephone Installation
Assistance is available to assist Vermonters with a limited
income to pay for the installation costs of telephone service.
You can find more information about this program by clicking
on this link to Link
Up Vermont.
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Do You have questions
about your pension plan?
- How can I find out if I am entitled to a pension?
- What should I do if I think I am entitled to a pension,
but my employer says I am not?
- How do I find out who manages the company's pension
plan?
- Will I receive payments under my former spouse's pension?
Learn more about pension assistance
Vermont
Homestead Declaration
All Vermont property owners must file a new Form HS-131
with the Vermont
Department of Taxes. This new and required Vermont Homestead
Declaration is
due by April 15th. The form is very easy to fill in. You
do not need to send
any other tax forms with it. You can file online at www.vt.gov/DoTheForm.
The form and instructions and assistance are available at www.state.vt.us/tax,
or you can call toll-free in Vermont 1-866-828-2865. Assistance
is also available by
emailing schooltax@tax.state.vt.us.
If you need further help, call the SeniorHelpLine 1-800-642-5119.
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