tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5788649554041036552011-07-08T05:51:26.561-05:00Connecting Seniors With Resources In Their CommunitiesPatrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.comBlogger81100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-29080662208418395872010-02-03T11:33:00.000-06:002010-02-03T11:33:16.340-06:00

With an uncertain economy and difficulties with state reimbursements, there’s no question we’re facing some difficult times. I’m confident we will not only survive but thrive in the future. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict when true relief will come. Sadly, delays with state payments for social services are impacting some of our neediest citizens, the elderly. These are some of the

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-51993598638299624632009-12-01T11:37:00.000-06:002009-12-01T11:37:01.738-06:00

Isn’t there a lot going on this time of year? There’s the extra shopping and gift returning, and I’m not a big fan of crowds. OK, that’s an understatement. I avoid situations where there will be big groups of people—unless, of course, it’s a Health Alliance Medicare event. I rarely hit the mall after Thanksgiving or before the middle of January. Last year I made an exception by going to Target

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-47949403684140660702009-11-05T11:01:00.005-06:002009-11-05T11:06:01.160-06:00

When I was a youngster, I loved visiting my grandparents during the winter. There was always a lot of snow and my siblings, cousins and I would play outside for as long as we were allowed. The folks would slap a sock cap on our heads and make sure we wore a pair of woolen mittens and any available coat, then off we would go. I can remember enjoying it, but I can’t really remember getting cold. We

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-26507917545142612142009-10-07T08:59:00.002-05:002009-10-07T09:00:06.036-05:00

As many of you know, I am on the road quite a bit. At Health Alliance Medicare, we understand the value of face-to-face contacts and relationship building. It takes a concerted effort, but the payback is worth it. Nothing can replace an in-person conversation or the dynamic of a group meeting. That said, all us road warriors face a number of challenges over and above the typical adventures with

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-91516161129191605332009-09-16T15:29:00.006-05:002009-10-06T09:39:17.511-05:00

I acknowledge the fact that I am rapidly aging (as many of you can attest) so I make a concentrated effort to remind myself of the benefits of this process. Actually, that’s not incredibly hard and I meet and work with plenty of people who are aging quite nicely in my role as community representative at Health Alliance Medicare. Still, I recently discovered another benefit of aging that makes me

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-6697952299548373942009-08-12T13:05:00.009-05:002009-10-06T09:41:28.304-05:00

I have traveled the same route to work for about 25 years. This summer, as always, I’m encountering detours for building rehabs, sidewalk installations and road repairs. I understand these activities are necessary, and I always make it there and back with little or no problem. These impediments add a whopping five minutes to my commute, but I still have to remain vigilant and aware, especially

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-83713095724879512832009-07-27T13:32:00.007-05:002009-10-06T09:42:23.308-05:00

I’ve noticed recently how much time and attention my mom’s dog requires. Four walks a day, trips to the grocery store and of course special treats and dog toys from the pet store. This 6 pound, 2 ounce poodle also insists on daily play dates, feeding, occasional grooming and naps as needed. I also noticed their walks inspire a number of opportunities for socialization in their neighborhood. The

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578864955404103655.post-47104809368436287042009-07-13T10:14:00.010-05:002009-10-06T09:37:47.465-05:00

My great uncle Walter operated a repair shop after he retired. He had a knack for fixing things and probably needed some extra cash. He could fix almost anything, including our well-used favorite toys. One time I watched in amazement as he dismantled and repaired a steam iron. Many of the Medicare beneficiaries I visit with remember the days of the neighborhood repair shop. It’s hard to find

Patrick Harnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12350517894410697689noreply@blogger.com0