Weekly, Free Virtual Workshops on Aging Issues Begin Nov. 17

The Thanks Mom and Dad Fund, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that serves older adults, is offering “Sequels”, a new series of virtual workshops for a broad audience, designed to answer common questions about aging, and highlight resources and services for older adults in Savannah and across Georgia. The programs will stream on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. beginning Nov. 17, 2022 through January 2022. Jocelyn Dorsey, award-winning journalist and retired director of Public Affairs for WSB-TV, will moderate the one-hour programs. Each workshop will be presented by an expert in the covered topic, and there is no charge to participate. The programs will be recorded, and links will be available on the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund website afterwards. www.thanksgala.org or www.thanksmomanddadfund.org

The schedule is as follows:

Nov. 17, 2021 – Can We Talk?, presented by Anresa Davis, R.N. Senior Residency Counselor, Park Springs, retired

Most families procrastinate or avoid “The Talk” with Mom or Dad about when and how to make long-term care plans, what important changes may need to happen and who should participate in or direct critical decisions. Successful aging requires planning, and “Can We Talk” can help everyone in the family understand and anticipate the needs of aging adults.

Dec. 1, 2021 – Medicare: What You Need To Know, presented by Christine Williams, Team Lead, GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Whether you are new to Medicare or it’s time to decide on healthcare and drug coverage for 2022, the Medicare Open Enrollment period is the time of year to make your choices. Open Enrollment will end Dec. 7. Tune in to learn about what to consider as you make the best decision for your health insurance needs.

Dec. 8, 2021 – Social Security: What You May Not Know, presented by

Cindy Husson Lundquist, CEO, Cindy Lundquist & Associates

Social Security is a government program designed for the general public, yet there are often special criteria for specific situations. Learn about the program in general, as well as some of the lesser-known facts about Social Security that can save you time and money.

Dec. 15, 2021 – Aging 101 – Where to Find Help and Answers, presented by Cara Pellino, Access to Services Manager, Atlanta Regional Commission

Many people begin searching for aging resources when an older relative experiences a hospitalization or other crisis. A good place to begin (before the crisis!) is with Empowerline, a program by the Aging and Independence Services Group of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). This “one stop shop” provides unbiased information about services and programs for older adults, and helps people identify pertinent questions and find the answers they need.

Jan. 12, 2022 – 10 Tough Questions (About Estate Planning), presented by Paul Black, Estate & Elder Law Attorney, Law Office of Paul Black

Estate Planning takes time and effort, but answering important questions ahead of time can help you make the decisions that are best for you and your loved ones.

Jan. 19, 2022 – 2022 Changes in Medicare & Medicare Advantage, presented by Christine Williams Team Lead, GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage is underway, and new changes for 2022 will be announced early in the New Year. Learn what the changes entail and review the options for Medicare Advantage plans during the 2022 open enrollment period.

“Knowledge is power,” said Maureen Kelly, president of Thanks Mom & Dad Fund. “Our new virtual series, Sequels, offers basic information on aging issues for a general audience. There is no charge to participate, and we hope to attract older adults who are making their own decisions, as well as adults who are helping their parents or older loved ones identify available services before they are in a crisis situation.

“Thanks Mom & Dad Fund frequently fields questions ranging from how to prepare wills and advance directives, to how and when to apply for Medicare or Social Security, and how to find services for a parent living alone,” she continued. “This series will provide crucial facts and information on aging, whether you are currently in the workplace, planning for retirement, attempting to have ‘The Talk’ with aging parents or looking for services for yourself or a loved one. I encourage any adult to tune in – the earlier we all start to think about these issues and plan for our futures, the better it is for us and our loved ones. Families often wait until there’s a crisis to begin these discussions, and that’s certainly not ideal.”

Sequels will be part of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Thanks A Million 2021”, which will also include a Virtual Trivia Night on Nov. 18,, 2021 and other activities. Trivia Night is free and open to the public, and will be hosted by TV and film actor Michael Kelly, who is best-known for his role as Doug Stamper in House of Cards. Schedule permitting, Kelly will also join the Sequels workshops. Due to COVID safety concerns, the virtual “Thanks A Million 2021” campaign replaced Thanks Mom & Dad Fund’s annual in-person gala last year as the organization’s primary fundraiser.

Because of strong sponsor support, participants may enjoy the activities at no charge. Sponsors to date include Kaiser Permanente, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power and ReadyCam. To become an event sponsor, please contact director@thanksmomanddadfund.org. For more information, visit www.thanksgala.org or contact maureen@thanksmomanddadfund.org

About Thanks Mom & Dad Fund

Thanks Mom and Dad Fund was created to honor parents, grandparents and mentors by supporting programs and services for older adults, and since 2003, the nonprofit has donated over $1.7 million to innovative senior initiatives. Beginning in March 2020, Thanks Mom & Dad Fund expanded its focus to identify and fund efforts to assist older Georgians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts include addressing specific needs for meals, providing PPE for seniors and caregivers and identifying mental health services to combat the financial strain and social isolation experienced by older adults sheltering at home. For more information, visit www.thanksmomanddadfund.org.