ASCOG (Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments) will provide free ombudsman training. A long-term care ombudsman advocates for rights of persons in long-term care settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Learn more about long-term care issues by attending the free training sessions on January 27th and 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Plains Technology Center, Bldg. 600 in room 623B; 4500 SW Lee Blvd, Lawton. For detailed information, contact ASCOG ombudsman supervisors Ruben Sotelo, direct: 580-736-7975, sote_ru@ascog.org, or Darin Terry, direct: 580-736-7974, terr_da@ascog.org, toll free: 1-800-658-1466.  

The ASCOG Area Agency on Aging provides free nutrition counseling to a limited number of participants aged 60 and older. ASCOG has registered dieticians in each ASCOG nutrition site bimonthly.  The dieticians are available to assist with physician ordered diets or questions related to individual nutrition. If you are already a participant at a senior nutrition site served by Delta Nutrition, Cyril Nutrition or Temple Nutrition, simply contact your site manager to sign up for nutrition counseling. If you are not currently participating at an ASCOG senior nutrition site, you can contact MaddieLuke to register for the nutrition counseling service. Call 1.855.962.3343 to speak with a MaddieLuke intake professional. For…

Nursing home residents often want to participate in outside events but may worry they will lose Medicare coverage if they leave the facility to do so. Residents and their families and friends can put their minds at ease. According to Medicare law, nursing home residents may leave their facility for family events without losing their Medicare coverage. However, depending on the length of their absence, beneficiaries may be charged a “bed hold” fee by some skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual recognizes that although most beneficiaries are unable to leave their facility, “an outside pass or short leave of absence for the purpose of attending a special…

OKLAHOMA CITY – Medicare beneficiaries in Lawton and Frederick could save thousands of dollars a year if they get help from the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) and ASCOG. The two agencies are combining forces to offer free assistance during Medicare Open Enrollment. “Medicare plans can change yearly. That’s why it’s important that people on Medicare review their plan,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “We want to help seniors and other beneficiaries make the most of their medical coverage and their budget to protect their quality of life.” Oklahomans can get help reviewing their Medicare options, including Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.…