Mercy Care introduces elders to the digital world

LAKE PLACID | On Aug. 20, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks held one of its quarterly technology workshops at High Peaks Church in Saranac Lake with Friendship Volunteers and Elder Friends. Topics included applying for and managing benefits, banking online, as well as identifying scams and fraud aimed at elders. Roberta Bryson of NBT Bank discussed online banking management, navigating the online portal, and how to identify scams and fraud protection. Krissy Leerkes, Director of Essex County Office for Aging, taught participants how to apply for benefits and assistance programs such as HEAP, SNAP, Social Security, and health insurance through online portals. Lexi Bevilacqua, Mercy Care's Director of Programs and Mission Integration, remarked, "We hold Technology Workshops quarterly, focusing on topics of concern to elders in our communities. Growing numbers of institutions are shifting to a digital platform." Support from charitable donors and private foundations has allowed Mercy Care to continue these workshops so their Elder Friends have access to a digital device as well as instruction on how to use it. They offer an iPad permanent loan program available upon request and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A Mercy Care Elder Friend who attended the August Technology Workshop said, "This program is so wonderful - to have something like this in my life is a blessing." The next Technology Assistance Workshop will be held in November in Saranac Lake and is open to all older adults in the Tri-Lakes area. To learn more about Mercy Care's Technology Assistance Programs or the iPad permanent loan program, contact Lexi Bevilacqua at 518-523-5446 or abevilacqua@adkmercy.org. CONSIDER BECOMING A VOLUNTEER Mercy Care receives many requests from elders in the community needing friends and informal support to help them age in place more successfully. The next Friendship Volunteer Training will be held on Oct. 1 at Adirondack Educational Center, BOCES in Saranac Lake. Anyone in the Tri-Lakes region and surrounding communities interested in becoming a Friendship Volunteer is invited to take the training. To register or to learn more, visit Mercy Care's website at www.adkmercy.org or contact Lexi Bevilacqua at abevilacqua@adkmercy.org or 518-523-5446.

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Mercy Care introduces elders to the digital world

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