News From Utah

AARP in Your State

May 2009

Connect to serve — AARP is calling on members to sign up for Utah Communities Connect to Serve events. Volunteer activities will take place this month in 10 regions across the state as part of AARP's commitment to provide recreational, service and social activities for members.

Similar events last year involved volunteers in efforts such as cleaning up trails and planting urban gardens. One of this year's events will be a community-wide yard sale to benefit a food bank. To find out what's happening in your region, go to www.aarp.org/ut or call Gail Goodwin, AARP program assistant, at 1-800-448-3616.

April 2009

All together now — AARP is encouraging Arizona and Utah residents enrolled in original Medicare to participate in a national pilot program providing a personal health record linked electronically to their claims.

Stored online, each record may contain electronic files from several doctors, plus information supplied directly by the patient. Everything from laboratory reports to advance directives can be kept in one place. The patient controls which physicians or family members have access to the record. Storing all health records in one place is especially helpful in emergencies, when complete, up-to-date information on medications and treatments is critical.

Of the four personal health record providers currently available, two are free and two charge small fees. To sign up, go to www.medicare.gov/phr.

March 2009

Eyes on quality — AARP members can help ensure quality care for nursing home residents throughout Utah by participating in the state's ombudsman volunteer program. After training, volunteers will spend about four hours a month at a nearby nursing home to observe conditions and will refer any need for assistance to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. There are more than 90 nursing homes in Utah, most of which welcome volunteers.

"One volunteer per nursing home would help ensure quality care," says Carolyn Hunter, AARP associate state director for community programs. For more information, contact Hunter at 1-866-448-3616 toll-free or cmhunter@aarp.org.

January-February 2009

Strength in numbers — As new legislatures convene in Montana and Utah, AARP is rallying citizens to be part of democracy in action. AARP members in both states will visit their Capitols, learn about the legislative process, meet with lawmakers and share personal stories about issues important to citizens age 50-plus. "A good turnout demonstrates to elected officials that senior issues are important to their constituencies," says Bob Bartholomew, AARP Montana state director.

In Utah, Democracy Day is Feb. 2 in Salt Lake City. Registration is free but required. Go to www.utahcap.org and click on "Register for Democracy Day."

In Montana, Senior Lobby Day is March 3 in Helena. To sign up, call 406-457-4716 or e-mail aheiman@aarp.org.