Central Texas Organizations Come Together to Celebrate Older Americans Month

SAN ANTONIO, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Older Americans Month, Care Improvement Plus, Texas' largest health plan solution for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses, is teaming up with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) and Pride PHC Services to host a series of "Never Too Old to Play" events in the San Antonio area.  

The events – free and open to the public – will feature games and an ice cream social to encourage older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their communities. The events will also provide attendees with important information about elder abuse, including tools and tips to help identify and address it.

Older adults as well as their caregivers, families and friends are welcome at the events, which will be hosted across 14 counties in central Texas: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Medina, McLennan, Victoria and Wilson. The event series began April 4 in Hondo and will conclude June 26 in Bandera. 

Older Americans Month has been celebrated annually since 1963 to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to their families, communities and society. This year's theme, "Never Too Old to Play," spotlights older adults' important role in sharing their experience, wisdom and understanding with other generations. This year's celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to their communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations and other activities. 

"We are honored to partner with AACOG, APS and Pride PHC to celebrate Older Americans Month in central Texas," said Marlene Richter, San Antonio community outreach manager for Care Improvement Plus. "Attendees will have fun sharing their wisdom and experience with other generations, and these events allow us the opportunity to show our appreciation for the contributions they make to our communities."

"Adult Protective Services is proud to partner with Care Improvement Plus for the third year in a row in celebrating the contributions of senior citizens," said JoAnn Tobias-Molina, region eight regional director for Adult Protective Services. "Both APS and Care Improvement Plus recognize that our senior citizens are a valuable resource for our communities and should be treasured for their wisdom."

For more information about the events, including dates and locations, contact Christian Lozano, Interlex, at (512) 577-7902 or [email protected].

About Care Improvement Plus
Care Improvement Plus, a Medicare Advantage plan that is owned and operated by XLHealth, a UnitedHealthcare company, is committed to delivering quality health care benefits and serving the underserved. Focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing health care spending, Care Improvement Plus provides comprehensive Medicare coverage and care management support.

About the Alamo Area Council of Governments
Established in 1967, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is a voluntary association of local governments and organizations that serves its members through planning, information and coordination of activities. The 12 counties that comprise the Alamo Area planning region are Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson. For more information about AACOG, please visit http://www.aacog.dst.tx.us/. 

About Texas Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities. The mission of APS is to protect older adults and persons with disabilities from abuse, neglect and exploitation by investigating and providing or arranging for services as necessary to alleviate or prevent further maltreatment. For more information about APS, please visit http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/adult_protection/about_adult_protective_services/. 

This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared.

SOURCE Care Improvement Plus