Metro Atlanta seniors packed the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia this week for the year's second sold-out Aging in Atlanta community event, where lunch and door prizes accompanied practical advice on caregiving, Medicare and estate planning. The gathering drew a full house eager for answers on everything from dodging Medicare scams to naming a power of attorney before it's too late.
The event, held Tuesday, was the latest installment of the ongoing series from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with Kroger serving as presenting sponsor and Kaiser Permanente and The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm signing on as program sponsors. AJC chief commercial officer Kim Yates opened the program with remarks before kicking off the first of several raffles, setting an energetic tone before the panel discussion began.
Before the formal program, guests browsed tables at a pre-event expo and stopped for selfies with Kaiser Permanente's emotional support llamas, while Kroger Health pharmacies offered vaccine updates on site. After the expo, the over-50 Silver Classics Crew performed before opening remarks. Host Mara Davis then led a panel discussion and question-and-answer session covering caregiving, medications and vaccines, Medicare, and estate planning, drawing on four panelists with different areas of expertise.
Caregiving and Medical Guidance
Dr. Lori-Renee Dixon James brought her caregiving background to the panel discussion.
Deanna McEwen, a pharmacist with Kroger Health's Atlanta Division, rounded out the medical guidance by walking attendees through which vaccines people over 55 should have up to date and sharing tips for tracking prescriptions. Her remarks complemented the vaccine updates offered by Kroger Health pharmacies at the event's expo tables.
Medicare Coverage and Fraud Guidance
The panel covered Medicare. Medicare's open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, according to Medicare.gov, the window during which beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage.
Federal guidance warns that Medicare will never call to sell anything. Medicare advises anyone who suspects fraud to call 1-800-MEDICARE or report it online, per Medicare.gov.
Estate Planning and Power of Attorney
Shannon Pawley, CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm and a holder of J.D. and LL.M. degrees, discussed power of attorney and the consequences of avoiding estate planning altogether. She stayed afterward to answer estate-planning questions one-on-one, giving attendees a chance to address their individual situations.
Dancing, Raffles and a Night of Prizes
Guests also walked away with prizes including Kroger gift cards, fireproof document holders from The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, and tickets to see the Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker.
Branded gift baskets from Kaiser Permanente and Summerset Assisted Living were also up for grabs, with the Summerset baskets including an American Express gift card and a choice between a free three-night stay at Summerset's Respite Program or VIP Atlanta Falcons tickets.
For caregivers seeking additional support, Georgia's Aging and Disability Resource Connection offers access to a variety of aging services, including caregiver programs, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services.
