George Bridges

AARP New Mexico is asking lawmakers to pass legislation this year that could improve communication between hospitals and family caregivers. The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act would allow each patient to identify a family caregiver, who would be informed when the patient is moved or discharged. In addition, hospital staff would show the caregiver how to perform follow-up care, such as managing medications or dressing wounds, before the patient goes home.

AARP is backing legislation that could help more Utahns build retirement savings through payroll deductions. More than half of Utah workers lack access to an employer-sponsored savings plan.

AARP is encouraging Virgin Islanders to protect themselves from scams by joining the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The online resource offers insights on how con artists think and helps people figure out what to do if they have been victimized.  According to the FBI, scammers often target older people because they are more likely to have nest eggs to exploit, tend to listen politely, may be ashamed to report they have been duped and may have cognitive disabilities that make them vulnerable. Suspicious tactics include requests for personal information such as credit card numbers and bank information over the phone.  To learn about scams in your vicinity, sign up for watchdog alerts at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Bill Wiese might have finally found the necessary motivation to stick to his New Year’s resolutions of staying active and physically fit for longer than a few months.

AARP is encouraging Virgin Islanders to protect themselves from scams by joining the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The online resource offers insights on how con artists think and helps people figure out what to do if they have been victimized.

The state’s biennial legislative session kicks off Jan. 5, and AARP Montana is urging lawmakers to expand Medicaid to cover about 15,500 low-income people ages 50 to 64 who are uninsured. AARP also supports legislation to fight fraud, assist family caregivers, fund Meals on Wheels and help people continue to live at home as they age.

The AARP Arkansas speakers bureau delivers presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics, such as caregiving resources, fraud prevention, retirement planning, making communities livable and making the most of what’s next in your life.

Friday nights are AARP nights at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery. The theater offers AARP members a 15 percent discount on tickets to Friday performances from Jan. 23 through July 17.

Southwest Idaho’s 4th Annual Family Caregiver Conference—titled Calm, Confident, Connected—is set for Jan. 31. AARP Idaho is cosponsoring the event, which provides information and support for people who help a loved one continue to live at home rather than moving into an institutional setting. Speakers will discuss practical strategies to help caregivers manage their multiple roles. Exhibitors will offer resources that can lighten the load.

AARP Texas and the Japanese American Citizens League will celebrate the Houston opening of the “Art of Gaman” exhibit with a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Asia Society Texas Center. AARP members who attend the reception can view the exhibit that evening.