UPMC for Life Dual (HMO SNP) Plan and UPMC Community HealthChoices Plan Caring for Life Newsletter

CARING FOR LIFE • Issue Two • 2021 7 Take preventive steps: 6 1. Stay active. Physical activity can help improve or maintain your balance and strength. Both of these can help you prevent falls. Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to have benefits, and it is safe for most people, no matter their age. 2. Light it up. Keeping your home brightly lit can help prevent falls, especially in the evening as the house gets darker. Try using nightlights, getting more lamps, keeping flashlights on hand, or installing overhead or motion-sensor lights. 3. Stick with slip-free shoes. When you purchase shoes and slippers, always look for nonslip options. Also make sure you get a proper fit: A shoe that is too big or loose can lead to slips and falls. Finally, avoid walking in socks on slick surfaces. 4. Practice hazard control. Many common household objects and furnishings cause falls. Clear out any hazardous objects Take steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls Stay safe in your home and on the go Falls are very common. Every second of every day in the U.S., an older adult falls. 5 Many falls result in injuries, which can limit independence. The good news is that you can take some simple steps to help prevent slips, trips, and falls. in your house. Move cords and objects away from walkways, secure rugs with slip-resistant backing, clean spills, keep objects within arm’s reach, repair loose flooring, and use nonslip mats in the bathroom and shower. 5. Add assistive devices. As a UPMC for Life member, you can choose up to six bathroom safety products per year at no additional cost. 7 Products include a raised toilet seat, a transfer tub bench, a shower chair, a handheld showerhead, a nonslip bathmat, a plug-in light, and a clamp-on tub rail. If you receive UPMC Community HealthChoices home and community based services, you may be eligible to receive additional assistive devices. Your doctor may also recommend using a cane or walker to help you keep your balance. 6. Drink up. Dehydration can cause people to feel dizzy and lose balance. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. 7. Talk to your doctor. Discuss the medications you are using because some may affect your balance. Also cover your fall history and risk of falling with current medical conditions. Have a plan in case you fall Consider wearing a fall alert device. It can notify friends or family or send help whether you’re at home or not. Carry a cordless phone or cellphone with you when you’re home. That can make it easier to call for help if you need it. Remember your cellphone when you go out. Keep it in a place easy to get to so it’s always there when you need it. And keep it charged! If you do fall, get medical attention right away. For more tips and advice to help you stay safe in your home, schedule a FREE in-home safety visit with a licensed health care professional. To schedule an in-home safety visit, call your Health Care Concierge team at the phone number on the back of your member ID card. Meet engagement specialist Antoinette! Antoinette has been assisting members through UPMC Resources for Life for five years. She is a shining star when it comes to providing top-notch service to our members. She was recently awarded a UPMC Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) for her exceptional customer service. Members who have worked with Antoinette describe her as helpful, patient, wonderful, and kind. Her co-workers say she treats each member as she would treat her own family—always with dignity, respect, and a genuine sense of caring. Q: What’s your favorite thing about UPMC Resources for Life ? A: My favorite thing about UPMC Resources for Life is the variety of resources available to our members. We can help our members find resources for anything—transportation, cost assistance, caregiver support, legal and financial consultations, home improvements, pet sitters, and everything in between. The most difficult part of my job is hearing members say they’re struggling to afford basic needs. The best part is that we have resources available to help ease that burden. Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? A: The most rewarding part of my job is when a member I’ve helped recognizes and remembers my name. It means I’ve done my job. UPMC Resources for Life ® spotlight Your connection to resources and support for your everyday needs Q: How do you stay motivated when you feel discouraged or face a challenge? A: I keep a positive attitude during every call and throughout each day. I remember to have a people-first attitude, always putting the member’s needs first and really listening to their concerns. I try to stay optimistic! Q: What advice would you give a member who’s feeling lonely or isolated? A: I would say, call UPMC Resources for Life . We can connect you to the resources and supports you need. Members can take advantage of six personal counseling sessions per concern per year at no additional cost. And it’s important to try to stay positive. It’s tough, I know, but we have resources available to help. Q: You recently received an ACES award for your exceptional customer service. Can you describe what this award means to you? A: Honestly, I was taken aback. It was completely unexpected. I am humbled and grateful for the recognition. I feel blessed to be part of such a great team. Need help finding solutions to life’s problems? Call UPMC Resources for Life at 1-866-441-4395 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or visit resourcesforlife.personaladvantage.com (password, RESOURCES).