Minicomputers and tablets available to access health and wellness programs

PIKE COUNTY, PA — The Pike County Area Agency on Aging (PAAA) offers many health and wellness programs to help seniors with a myriad of concerns: Chronic Disease Self-Management, Chair Exercise, Healthy Ideas, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, Healthy Steps In Motion, Line Dancing, Tai Chi For Arthritis and Walk with Ease.

If you are interested in PAAA’s health and wellness programs and you do not have access to a computer or other electronic devices to participate in our programs, contact the agency and leave your name and phone number at 570/775-5550 stating what programs you are interested in.

PAAA has a limited number of tablets available to loan for you to access these programs. PAAA also has someone who will be able to teach you how to use them. You will have use of the equipment as long as you are in the program. There are also “Phone Capability Programs” as well as Zoom.

For more information, call 570/775-5550 ext. 1317.

Advocates and community organizations can help connect people with the Social Security Administration

REGION — The Social Security Administration has a long history of outreach and coordination with advocates and community-based organizations across the nation.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to work with advocates and community-based organizations is essential to reaching the country’s most vulnerable populations. The agency is fully committed to assisting people in gaining access to the information and services they need with a specific emphasis on applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

To ensure effective outreach to these vulnerable populations who need access to agency programs, and to the advocates and organizations who can help to connect people with Social Security, the agency launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the SSI and SSDI programs and encourage people to apply. Campaign efforts include the following:

A new webpage, People Helping Others, at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty, for anyone who could assist another person with accessing Social Security’s programs and services; a new outreach website, at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/groups/vulnerable-populations.html, where all partner groups can access informational materials to share through their networks, including resources tailored to specific vulnerable populations; an updated Faith-Based and Community Groups website, at www.socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/groups/faithandcommunity.html, with a new outreach toolkit and SSI and SSDI fact sheets; and an upcoming national advertising campaign to support all outreach efforts on TV, radio and social media, with special emphasis on children with disabilities.

The agency is now completing training videos for community-based caseworkers to help their clients with the SSI application process.

People can apply for SSI benefits, and for other benefit programs, through a telephone appointment with the agency, even while local offices are not able to accept walk-in visitors.  More people need to be made aware of the SSI program and reminded that they can call toll-free 1-800/772-1213, or their local Social Security office, to make a phone appointment to apply for SSI.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800/325-0778.

Family physicians can help patients address COVID-related mental health concerns

PENNSYLVANIA — Facing the myriad of challenges associated with the pandemic has been stressful, overwhelming and emotional for many.

The public health measures, such as social distancing, that have been implemented over the past year, have been necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely, increasing stress and anxiety. Grieving for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who have lost their lives to COVID-19 has only added to the strain.

As people continue to get vaccinated and states begin to ease restrictions, it is expected that many people will experience a degree of hesitation, anxiety, or even depression as the restrictions are lifted and things slowly being to return to some form of normal.

Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians President Tiffany Leonard, MD, offers this advice: “If you find yourself struggling to adjust, please do not hesitate to reach out to your family physician for help and guidance. Family physicians are trained to handle most basic mental health concerns and can help you find the necessary resources if your needs exceed their abilities.”