Cargiver briefs - Mercy participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Day

By: 
Tammy Walro

        Mercy Health is once again participating in the annual Drug Take Back Initiative on Saturday, Oct. 26.
        National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. While it is a nationwide initiative, the day is made possible locally through the partnership of area police, municipal and health care organizations.
        Mercy Health offers eight permanent drop box locations throughout Northwest Ohio including four in Toledo, as well as at facilities in Oregon, Tiffin, Willard and Defiance.
        Tips on what to consider when dropping off medications include:
        • Accepted medications include vitamins, pills and pet medications. Needles, inhalers, liquids, lotions, aerosols, ointments and creams cannot be accepted.
        • Items left in the receptacles are kept secure and confidential. While some prefer to remove the label, it is not required.
        • Never flush your unwanted or expired medications, as it is harmful to the environment. Medication take-back programs provide a disposal option that is safe and environmentally friendly.
        • While many use this service for their own medications, it’s also helpful for families and caregivers who need a safe place to dispose of medications for loved ones.
        Mercy Health permanent drop box locations include:
        • Mercy Health — St. Charles Hospital, 2600 Navarre Ave., Oregon (6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily).
        • Mercy Health — St. Vincent Medical Center, 2213 Cherry St., Toledo (24/7).
        • Mercy Health — Franklin Avenue Medical Center, 2213 Franklin Ave., Toledo (7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily).
        • Mercy College of Ohio, 2221 Madison Ave., Toledo (6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily).
        • Mercy Health — St. Anne Hospital, 3404 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo (6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily).
 
Cancer Support Group
        Magruder Hospital’s monthly Cancer Support Group will meet Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Conference Center, 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton.
        Meeting on the fourth Wednesday each month, this support group is for anyone who has been impacted by cancer. A complimentary light lunch provided. RSVP to 419-301-4317 by Monday, Oct. 21 if possible.
        The support group offers patients, caregivers and family members the opportunity to connect with others to share information and resources.
        For more information about support groups and other events, visit www.magruderhospital.com and click on the events calendar.
 
Cholesterol screening
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. is currently scheduling cholesterol screening clinics for November.
        Clinics are open to county residents 25 years of age or older. The cost is $20 for those 60 and over and $25 for those 25-59.
        Screenings require an appointment and pretest instructions. The screening panel includes total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, total cholesterol/HDL ratio and a blood glucose level. Results will be immediately available and discussed with clients by a registered nurse.
        The clinic schedule includes:
        • Bowling Green Senior Center, 9-11 a.m.: Nov. 1, 7 and 19.
        • Perrysburg Senior Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Nov. 13.
        To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-367-4935 or 419-353-5661 and ask for the Social Services Department.
 
Social Security Benefit increase
        Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 69 million Americans will increase 1.6 percent in 2020, the Social Security Administration announced on Oct. 10.
        The 1.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 63 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2020. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 31, 2019. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
        Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $137,700 from $132,900.
        Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail in early December about their new benefit amount. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their my Social Security account. People may create or access their my Social Security account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
        Information about Medicare changes for 2020, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2020 are announced. Final 2020 benefit amounts will be communicated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center.
        The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
 
Caregiver Expo
        The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio will present the 12th Annual Caregiver Expo Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parkway Place, 2592 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
        The event will feature information and resources to help caregivers avoid stress in their caregiving roles.   For more info, visit areaofficeonaging.com.
 
Mercy Health offering Diabetes Education
        According to the CDC, more than 84 million US adults have pre-diabetes, and 90% of them don’t even know they have it. Those with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart failure – and the best fight against diabetes is knowing your risk.
        On Thursday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., as a part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Mercy Health will present a diabetes education program at King Road Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo.
        Jeannie Wagner, Clinical Coordinator of Diabetes Education, will discuss different methods to manage and prevent diabetes from progressing.
        There is no cost to attend. RSVP is requested. Call 888-987-6372 or email mercy_healthlink@mercy.com to register.
 
Free grief workshop
        Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Good Grief of Northwest Ohio will facilitate a gathering for families who are grieving the death of a loved one on Sunday, Nov.17 from 2-4 p.m. at Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Toledo Hospice Center, 800 S. Detroit Ave.
         “A Holiday Toolkit: Preparing for the Season will enable participants to interact with others their age to share, learn and support each other through the grieving experience.
        The gathering will include conversation and activities for all ages. Participants will explore thoughts and feeling and share ideas about honoring old traditions and creating new ones. Additionally, they will learn ways to find comfort during the holiday stress.
        Those attending are encouraged to bring a picture or small memento of their loved one to the program.
        Anyone in the community is welcome to attend, whether or not they have any experience with Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Good Grief of Northwest Ohio. Though the workshop is free, registration is required by Nov. 8. To register, call Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Bereavement Department at 419-661-4001.
        For more information about grief and loss, visit www.hospicenwo.org or www.goodgriefnwo.org.
 
Caregiver support
        The Wood County Committee on Aging offers support and respite opportunities including Alzheimer’s support groups, Guiding Pathways, art therapy, Caregiver’s Night out and other programs and seminars.
        CARE Compass is a new project offering free quarterly sessions for all who provide care for a loved one, friend or neighbor/community member, as well as those who anticipate doing so and want to plan ahead.
        For more info, call 419-353-5661 or facebook.com/wccoa.
 
St. Charles rehab program accredited
        Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Program has been awarded an accreditation from The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). It will last for three years and demonstrates Mercy Health’s commitment to improving health and well-being in the community by providing access to high-quality comprehensive care.
        In order to receive this accreditation, St. Charles received on-going consultation and in-depth, on-site reviews from CARF.
         “An accreditation of this caliber validates how committed Mercy Health is to providing access to compassionate, high-quality care,” said Candice Fullenlove, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at St. Charles. “Our goal is for any patient upon discharge to be at their best and to return safely home, or to a community-based environment.”
        The Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital combines round-the-clock nursing care in the hospital with specialized therapies designed to help patients heal, grow stronger and improve abilities. Those who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, amputation or any qualifying condition receive 24-hour nursing care and intensive therapy consisting of: occupational, physical and/or speech therapy.
        Mercy Health professionals work closely with patients to develop a personalized plan of care and to reach independent health goals.
        “Sometimes after illness, injury or surgery, patients need to receive intensive care and rehabilitation in order to get back to the top of their game,” said Dr. Sanjay Shah, the program’s medical director. “A team approach supports personal recovery and helps patients achieve their highest possible level of independence.”
        CARF is an independent, non-profit organization that assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value and meeting internationally recognized standards.
        Call 419-696-5699 for more information about Mercy Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Program or visit mercy.com.
 

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