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Aging in the mountains: Regional plan takes shape
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN In the hills of the Big Sandy region, many homes are old, family networks are thin and wages are low. Aging often unfolds far from hospitals, grocery stores and public transit lines. A loose step on a front porch can become a medical emergency. A missed ride can mean a
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Facing Hunger releases senior food box dates
Facing Hunger Foodbank (FHFB) has released its May schedule for the Senior Food Box program for residents aged 60+. In Martin County, the program will be available at the following locations: Additional regional distribution dates include: The Senior Food Box program (Commodity Supplemental Food Program), is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of
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Arthritis exercise classes keep seniors active in Inez
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT INEZ — As winter settles in and brings with it the urge to stay indoors, Martin County Senior Citizens Center director Jennifer Crum has an alternative. The center is offering arthritis exercise classes for those with arthritis or joint conditions who find traditional exercise challenging. “If you’re experiencing joint pain and stiffness,
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Agencies mobilize to aid Medicaid recipients in wake of devastating flooding
FRANKFORT — In the aftermath of severe flooding that has inundated communities across Kentucky, state agencies are working to assess the impact on some of the region’s most vulnerable residents, including Medicaid recipients and home care providers. Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as rescue operations continue, with officials urging affected residents
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Kentucky’s older adults now losing millions to fraud
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KY NEWS CONNECTION A new report from the Federal Trade Commission found older adults nationwide lost nearly $2 billion to fraud. The combined median loss reported by people ages 60 and older was $650, compared with $450s for ages 18-59. For people 80 and older, the average individual loss was more than
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Big Sandy Area Agency on Aging celebrates caregivers
Big Sandy Area Agency on Aging proudly recognizes and honors family caregivers across our region and the nation during this special month. This observance shines a spotlight on caregiving issues, educates communities, and advocates for increased support for caregivers. Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is led by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), a
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Senior Citizens Center receives new vehicles to deliver meals
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — On Friday afternoon, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty handed over the keys to two new Chevrolet Trax SUVs to Jennifer Crum, director of the Martin County Senior Citizens Center. “I couldn’t be happier,” Lafferty said during the presentation. “Congratulations to you and all the staff for the tremendous
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Senior Citizens Center works to meet growing needs
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Senior Citizens Center is working to meet the growing needs of local seniors, providing vital meal services and community programs despite limited resources. Director Jennifer Crum, speaking at a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon, discussed the center’s efforts to deliver meals, offer daily activities and expand
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First drug to slow Alzheimer’s disease gets full FDA and Medicare approval for early-stage cases; drug is still in clinical trials at UK
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval for the first drug to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, opening the door for Medicare to pay for it. “This is the first medicine ever that actually changes the disease in the brain, removes a component of
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Older Kentuckians want aging-in-place support, affordable medication
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE Kentuckians age 50 and older across the state continue to struggle with high prescription drug costs, caregiver stress, and lack of long-term care options. Advocates say most residents want aging-in-place resources to stay in their homes longer. Dwight Butler, executive council member of AARP Kentucky, explained increasing support for
