Vol. 30, No. 2 | Spring 2022
Celebrating 30 Years SourcePoint's former and current leaders reflect on 30 years while living through history READ MORE ON PAGE 8
HEALTH & WELLNESS
11 Myths about Alzheimer's Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and millions of Americans are affected by the disease. It’s important to distinguish the facts from the myths about Alzheimer’s, especially when it comes to finding information online. Read on to learn about common myths surrounding this disease. See ALZHEIMER'S MYTHS on page 4.
WHAT ELSE IS INSIDE?
Sex After 50 Age-Friendly Progress Report Tapping into Technology Creative Writing ...and more!
Learn more on page 26.
Find us at MySourcePoint.org and follow us on
SPRING CONTENT 01 11 Myths about Alzheimer's Health & Wellness
SourcePoint Headquarters 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware South Office 1070 Polaris Parkway, #200, Columbus 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org EIN 31-1354284
03 So Many Ways to Give! Philanthropy
07 The Importance of a Medical Home Health & Wellness
08 SourcePoint Leaders Reflect on 30 Years Feature
14 Sex After 50: How Our Changing Body Affects Our Sexual Health Transitions in Aging
16 From the Source
SourcePoint News, Programs, and Resources
17 Age-Friendly Progress Report Age-Friendly Delaware County
18 Seeking to Bridge the Generation Gap Age-Friendly
20 Tapping into Technology Technology
23 10% of Adults Meet Vegetable Intake Recommendations Nutrition
24 Add More Fruits & Vegetables to Your Diet Recipes Nutrition
25 Sudoku
Fun & Games
26 More than Just a Meal! Meals on Wheels
28 A Seat at the Table Advocacy
29 Age My Way Aging News
30 What My Mirror Said My Hope & Prayer Song of the Roadway Door Creative Writing
SourcePoint is the primary resource and starting point for professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55. SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Services and programs are supported in part by the local senior services levy, corporate and private donations, sponsorships, grants, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and United Way of Delaware County. 2022 Board of Directors President: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, NEA-BC, Powell Vice President: Wren Kruse, JD, New Albany Secretary: Alice Frazier, MD, Delaware Treasurer: Dennis Mowrey, Delaware Randy Bournique, Delaware Adrienne Corbett, Delaware Carlos Crawford, MS, JD, Delaware Karen Crosman, Powell Jack Fette, Lewis Center Pamela Foster, Lewis Center Liz Gitter, MSSW, Delaware Roger Lossing, CPA, JD, CFP, Lewis Center Joann Richards, MSN, Powell Richard Roell, ChFC, FFSI, RIA, MBA, Galena Carolyn Slone, Delaware Jane Taylor, Dublin Michael Tucker, JD, Delaware Roger Van Sickle, Delaware The board typically meets the last Wednesday of each month at noon. Members of the public who wish to attend may call the executive director at 740-363-6677. My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers. About 30,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is delivered to ThisWeek and Sunday Columbus Dispatch subscribers in the county and is available for pick-up at SourcePoint and about 50 locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and other nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pick-up site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications. To advertise or submit content for consideration, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org. The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.
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PHILANTHROPY
So Many Ways to Give! SourcePoint’s mission is to help our community live well after 55. Since 1992, SourcePoint has provided in-home care services that help adults ages 55 and older live safely and independently at home, including Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, personal care, counseling, and more. We also offer hundreds of community programs to help older adults stay engaged and healthy as they age. From cafes and caregiver support to Medicare classes and a bustling enrichment center, SourcePoint is Delaware County, Ohio’s premier aging resource. Delaware County’s older population is growing at a phenomenal rate—it more than doubled from 2000 to 2010, and is expected to double again by 2030. Every gift, no matter the size, supports our mission by helping us keep pace with the growth and fill the gaps. In addition to monetary donations, there are other ways to support SourcePoint: • Amazon Smiles: When you select SourcePoint at Amazon Smiles, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases back to us. • Kroger Rewards: Every time you swipe your Kroger
shopper’s card, you can support us, too! Sign in to your digital account and search for SourcePoint. • Vehicle Donation: Turn your four wheels—whether it's an old car or even a tractor!—into funds for SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program, complete with free pick-up. • Gifts in Kind: One of our most valued gifts-in-kind is dog and cat food, which is delivered weekly to the pets of our Meals on Wheels recipients. For local businesses, SourcePoint also offers event sponsorships. These opportunities—from sponsoring our popular fall fundraiser to sponsoring a month's worth of Meals on Wheels—offer promotional benefits and recognition while supporting our mission. To learn more or give today, go to MySourcePoint.org/give.
BLOOD DRIVE Thursday, April 21, 2022 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. SourcePoint 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware To schedule your appointment, go to redcrossblood.org/give and enter the sponsor code SourcePoint or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are needed every day. Don't wait to help save a life.
614-276-1439
MySourcePoint.org
modlich-monument.com
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Alzheimer's Myths From page 1
1. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing. People often use the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia interchangeably, but there is a difference. Dementia refers to impaired memory, thinking, reasoning, and behavior, and Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia. The terms are likely confused because Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and the most well-known. But there are other types of dementia, too, including Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
2. I will develop Alzheimer’s disease if my parent has it. If a parent or close relative has Alzheimer’s disease, you may be worried about developing it as you get older. A person’s chance of developing Alzheimer’s is higher if they have certain genetic mutations or variations that can be passed down from a parent. However, just because a biological parent has Alzheimer’s does not mean that their children will develop it. Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes it in most people. Research suggests that in most individuals, a host of factors beyond genetics play a role in the development and course of the disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, exposure to pollutants, and smoking, may also affect a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. Although we don’t yet know how to prevent Alzheimer’s, it’s important to practice healthy behaviors throughout your lifetime, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
3. Only people in their 70s and older get Alzheimer’s disease.
Spring 2022 While the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age, that does not mean that only older adults develop it. For most people with Alzheimer’s, it’s true that symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or beyond. However, some people experience symptoms earlier, even as young as their 30s. When a person develops Alzheimer’s between their 30s and mid-60s, it’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is rare—representing less than 10% of people with Alzheimer’s. Developing Alzheimer’s earlier in life can present specific challenges. People diagnosed at younger ages may be more likely to be raising children who are still at home or managing work and having to apply for disability than those who are diagnosed at older ages. Many people with Down syndrome, a genetic condition, will also develop Alzheimer’s at an earlier age and may begin to show symptoms in their 40s.
4. Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are normal as we get older. Many people become more forgetful as they age, and some forgetfulness, such as losing things from time to time, is normal. However, common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time, having problems recognizing friends and family, or losing track of the date or time of year, are not a normal part of aging. If you are worried about your memory or other possible symptoms, talk with your doctor. The doctor may ask questions about your health history, perform assessments of your thinking and memory, and carry out medical tests to determine your diagnosis.
5. There are no treatments available for people with Alzheimer’s disease. There has been significant progress toward developing better treatments for people with Alzheimer’s. Several
medications are available that can help treat people with Alzheimer’s disease. There are also coping strategies to help manage behavioral symptoms. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to scientific advances, research has never been more promising. In total, NIA is funding more than 250 clinical trials including both drug and nondrug interventions. These include testing treatments that target behavior and lifestyle factors, as well as underlying causes of the disease.
6. If I’m frequently forgetting things, it must be Alzheimer’s disease. Even though memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s, not all memory problems mean a person has the disease. Some forgetfulness is normal as we age. Talk with your doctor to determine whether the memory changes you’re noticing are normal or may be a sign of something more serious. In some cases, depression or medication side effects can cause memory and other thinking problems. With treatment, it may be possible to reverse some memory problems due to these reasons.
7. You can buy supplements online to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. There are many websites and advertisements that promise certain supplements can effectively treat or cure diseases like Alzheimer’s. In some cases, these may seem reliable, offering advice on healthy aging and Alzheimer's to gain people’s trust and promote their products. However, there is no scientific evidence backing these claims, and currently, no supplement has been proven to delay, prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer’s. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements or trying any other new treatments.
MySourcePoint.org
Spring 2022 8. You can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk for this disease. A risk factor is something that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. Some risk factors can be controlled, while others, such as the genes you inherit, cannot. In general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce risk factors that have been associated with Alzheimer’s and other age-related health problems. These include: • Controlling high blood pressure. • Maintaining a healthy weight. • Staying mentally and physically active. • Preventing head injury. • Sleeping seven to nine hours each night.
5 9. Doctors cannot definitively diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s disease until after death.
10. An at-home genetic test can tell me if I have (or will have) Alzheimer’s disease.
Before researchers developed biomarker tests in the early 2000s, the only sure way to know whether a person had Alzheimer’s disease was through autopsy, a procedure that is performed after death. Now, lab and imaging tests are available to help a doctor or researcher see the biological signs of the disease in a living person. For example, it is now possible for doctors to order a blood test to measure levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates abnormally in people with Alzheimer’s. Several other blood tests are in development. However, the availability of these tests is still limited. NIA-supported research teams continue to study options for faster, less-expensive, and less-invasive ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
You may have heard about at-home genetic tests. These tests extract DNA from a person’s saliva and provide reports of the genetic data. It’s important to note that no genetic test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic tests can identify certain rare mutations that cause earlyonset Alzheimer’s, as well as genetic variations that increase a person’s risk for the disease. FDA has approved one of these tests for at-home use. This test shows if a person carries a form of the APOE gene, APOE ε4. People with this variant are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, but it does not mean that they will definitely develop the disease.
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Ministry of First Presbyterian Church 73 W. Winter Street, Delaware, OH
Helping people one load at a time.
Quarters, soap & drying sheets provided!
No Elgibility Requirements* Services funded in part by SourcePoint: Thrive After 55.
MySourcePoint.org
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Talk with your doctor about these types of genetic tests. You also may want to schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor to help you consider whether a test is right for you and to understand the results.
11. I’m not a scientist. I can’t do anything to help fight Alzheimer’s disease. Even if you are not a scientist, there are many ways that you can help advance Alzheimer’s disease research! Volunteers participating in clinical trials and studies have led to meaningful advancements in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s. By joining a trial or study, you become a partner in helping researchers advance their knowledge toward effective diagnostics, treatments, and preventions. All types of volunteers are needed, including people living with dementia, caregivers, and healthy volunteers.
Understanding Different Types of Dementia As we age, it’s normal to lose some neurons in the brain. People living with dementia, however, experience far greater loss. Many neurons stop working, lose connections with other brain cells, and eventually die. At first, symptoms can be mild, but they get worse over time. Read on to learn more about four different types of dementia.
TYPES OF DEMENTIA Alzheimer’s Disease
Frontotemporal Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia
Vascular Dementia
What Is Happening in the Brain?* Abnormal deposits of proteins form amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain.
Abnormal amounts or forms of tau and TDP-43 proteins accumulate inside neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes. Frontal lobe
Abnormal deposits of the alpha-synuclein protein, called “Lewy bodies,” affect the brain’s chemical messengers.
Conditions, such as blood clots, disrupt blood flow in the brain.
Tau TDP-43 Lewy body
Amyloid plaques Tau tangles
Blood clot Temporal lobe
*These changes are just one piece of a complex puzzle that scientists are studying to understand the underlying causes of these forms of dementia and others.
Symptoms Mild • Wandering and getting lost • Repeating questions Moderate • Problems recognizing friends and family • Impulsive behavior Severe • Cannot communicate
Behavioral and Emotional • Difficulty planning and organizing • Impulsive behaviors • Emotional flatness or excessive emotions Movement Problems • Shaky hands • Problems with balance and walking Language Problems • Difficulty making or understanding speech
Cognitive Decline • Inability to concentrate, pay attention, or stay alert • Disorganized or illogical ideas Movement Problems • Muscle rigidity • Loss of coordination • Reduced facial expression Sleep Disorders • Insomnia • Excessive daytime sleepiness Visual Hallucinations
• Forgetting current or past events • Misplacing items • Trouble following instructions or learning new information • Hallucinations or delusions • Poor judgment
As a family member or friend of a person living with Alzheimer’s, you can also help by offering support, such as learning tips for communication or finding suitable activities. You can also offer help by supporting caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
Mid 60s and above, with some cases in mid-30s to 60s
Source: NIH National Institute on Aging. Read more at nia.nih.gov.
There is currently no cure for these types of dementia, but some treatments are available. Speak with your doctor to find out what might work best for you.
There are several types of frontotemporal disorders, and symptoms can vary by type.
Typical Age of Diagnosis Between 45 and 64
50 or older
Over 65
Diagnosis Symptoms can be similar among different types of dementia, and some people have more than one form of dementia, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult. Symptoms can also vary from person to person. Doctors may ask for a medical history, complete a physical exam, and order neurological and laboratory tests to help diagnose dementia.
Treatment
Living with dementia can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it. To learn more about these types of dementia and other conditions that can cause dementia, visit www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia.
Celebrating 30 Years of Community Impact Volunteers support our mission to help our community live well after 55 in every way. From the kitchen to the cafe, delivering meals to homes or people to their medical appointments, and teaching classes in the enrichment center—our volunteers do it all!
We love our volunteers!
Join our team! Go to MySourcePoint.org/volunteer or call Jill Smith, volunteer recruiter, at 740-203-2368.
MySourcePoint.org
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Importance of a Medical Home As we have learned all too well in the past couple of years, the world of health care is ever-changing! What remains constant, however, is that we all need health care services at some point. When we need help with our health, identifying the best care and treatment options for our unique selves is an important piece of the overall puzzle of a healthy lifestyle. How do we do this, then, when the options seem endless and are everchanging? Which doctor or provider is best? What treatment option is best? Is seeing a doctor even necessary, or is an over-the-counter option sufficient? These questions are difficult to answer, and health care marketing, media, and even legislation can muddy water for us even more. Many have found that the key to navigating this often-confusing health care journey is by relying on a “medical home” provider to steer them in the right direction when specific needs or challenges arise.
hearing loss can make it difficult to even make a next step, it is vital for us to begin this journey to better hearing in order to improve our overall quality of life through better communication. Finding a “medical home” for your hearing is the best way to identify the right care and treatment options specifically for you. This starts with a diagnostic evaluation of your hearing, performed by a licensed provider. Audiologists are hearing health care providers with the most education, background, and experience with diagnosing and treating all kinds of hearing losses. The first step towards healthy hearing is deciding to make an appointment—the great news is that your audiologist will take it from there! Whether your best options include hearing aids, cochlear implantation, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) therapy/counseling, further testing, or just annual monitoring, your audiologist will make clear recommendations based on your hearing thresholds, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Hearing health care has become increasingly necessary in today’s world as hearing loss has become more common. Noise exposure, aging, and health issues, such as high If you or a loved one feel ready to make hearing a health care blood pressure and diabetes, can affect our hearing without priority this year, we encourage you to make an appointment us even realizing it! Therefore, it’s not surprising that it for a hearing evaluation with an audiologist and establish a sometimes takes years for many of us to finally get our “medical home” for your hearing and communication. hearing checked. Deciding to make hearing a priority of our Erin Tarney, Au.D. is the director of audiology at Delaware personal health care journey is something to be celebrated! Speech & Hearing Center. To make an appointment, call 740However, it can be very challenging to know what the next 369-3650 or go to delawareshc.org. For questions regarding right step towards healthy hearing is, and like in other areas audiology, speech-language pathology, or occupational of health care—the options can be overwhelming. There therapy, call or email contact@delawareshc.org. are many places to get your hearing checked, both in-person and even online. Additionally, amplification devices can be purchased through the mail, at big-box stores, online, over-the-counter, or from a medical provider. MANOS, MARTIN & PERGRAM CO., LPA Attorneys at Law Another consideration is how to fit the purchase Client Focused, Client First Since 1951 of these devices into your 50 North Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015-1926 budget. Although the Phone: 740-363-1313 Fax: 740-363-1314 overwhelming options email@mmpdlaw.com; mmpdlaw.com available for treating
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FEATURE
SourcePoint Leaders Reflect on 30 Years Under normal circumstances, Bob Horrocks and Fara Waugh would have been sitting in the SourcePoint board room commemorating two anniversaries—the 30th anniversary of the organization and the 15th anniversary in its facility on Cheshire Road in Delaware. But the masks and appropriate social distancing at the time of the interview were indicative of a third anniversary— two years of the COVID pandemic, which has proven to be an ongoing challenge while simultaneously showing the resilience of SourcePoint’s staff and volunteers.
formed that incorporated these community concerns into a blueprint for an organization designed to meet current and evolving needs. SourcePoint emerged in 1992 to fill this void. Bob Horrocks: I wasn’t around at the very beginning when a broad range of people from the community came together out of the concern that something better was needed for local seniors. But I was very grateful for the opportunity to dream, to plan, and to grow what has become a system of high-quality and coordinated service throughout Delaware County—and the envy of other counties throughout Ohio.
Horrocks, SourcePoint’s founding executive director who retired in 2019, and Waugh, the current chief executive officer who came to SourcePoint in 1995 as its first social worker, looked back on the milestones of SourcePoint’s first 30 years while reflecting on a once-in-a-lifetime health crisis.
While we had very humble beginnings—no office, no phone, and very little money—with the support of our community over the years, Delaware County has gone from worst to first in quality in-home and community-based services.
THE EARLY DAYS
By 1994, SourcePoint’s staff and board had spent countless hours listening to the community. After many meetings and forums with community leaders, older adults and their families, service providers, elected officials, and others, a consensus developed around a plan of action. This plan depended upon community support of a local property tax levy, which would be devoted to services for local seniors. In the fall of 1994, SourcePoint’s first 0.5-mill levy passed by 58% of the vote.
A group of concerned citizens, service providers, older adults, and elected officials came together in 1991 to discuss the needs of the growing older population in Delaware County. At the time, while a variety of services were available within the county, the capacity of local service providers was limited, and large waiting lists were the norm. The “system” could not respond quickly or efficiently to individual needs for service. As a result, when experiencing difficulties living at home, many local older adults found that nursing home placement was their most viable option. As the community examined these issues, it became clear that action was needed to increase both the amount and quality of community-based care. A local coordinated system was needed to improve the accessibility to services in a timely manner for those who were most in need. A task force was
Founding Executive Director Bob Horrocks.
1994: FIRST AGING SERVICES LEVY
State law requires that senior services levies last no more than five years, so SourcePoint went back to voters in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. The current senior services levy of 1.2 mills was approved by 72% of voters and this funding will expire at the end of 2023.
Bob Horrocks and volunteers supporting the first levy. MySourcePoint.org
Spring 2022 Horrocks: While we had a very good plan for service development, the truth is that when it came to passing a levy, we really had no idea what to do or how to do it; we had to learn on the fly. We were able to get on the ballot in 1994 through a citizens initiative petition drive. We needed to gather about 5,000 signatures, so that summer we spent just about every weeknight and weekend knocking on doors and attending community gatherings to collect signatures. The process of talking to so many people and hearing their stories gave us hope that people really understood the need. We didn’t learn that we would be on the ballot until late August, and this left little time to mount much of a levy campaign other than through dozens of speaking engagements and word of mouth. On election night we had no idea what to expect, but when the final tally came in all the work that we had done paid off with the passage of the community’s first senior services levy.
1995: FIRST IN-HOME CARE CLIENT
After the passage of the aging services levy, the task at hand was to become the primary source of professional expertise, services, and programs for aging well in Delaware County. It started with the creation of in-home care services, designed to help local seniors remain living safely and independently in their own homes, avoiding premature or unnecessary nursing home placement. These services include adult day care, chore services, counseling services, emergency response systems, homemaker services, Meals on Wheels, medical transportation, nursing services, personal care, and respite. Licensed social workers provide free in-home assessments and arrange and monitor the provision of quality services to ensure that these services meet the needs of older adults and their families. In 1995, SourcePoint served 49 individuals with in-home care; by the year 2000, that number grew past 1,000 and, in 2012, the 5,000-client milestone was reached.
1994: First levy passage celebration! MySourcePoint.org
9 Horrocks: My memory is that it seemed to take forever before we served our first client. Leading up to 1995 we spent so much time trying to understand local needs, creating a workable plan for a real system of care that would be responsive to older adults and their families, and then building consensus and support for our plan. Our first barrier to overcome was that we didn’t receive our first big levy check until the spring of 1995. We needed that money to pay for office space and to hire a person to help create a solid foundation and structure for carrying out our plan. The next pivotal step was to create real structure, real services, and a real system of care. This meant expanding service, developing standards, and identifying quality service providers with whom to contract. It also meant creating policies and procedures, internal processes, and lots of training. We weren’t providing services yet, but this work was essential to our later success. By that fall, we were ready to go and we began to serve our first clients. We gradually began promoting our services. By the end of the year, we had enrolled and were serving our first 23 clients. By the beginning of 1996 word was getting out and we started the rapid growth that has accelerated through today. Fara Waugh: I came on as the first social worker in 1995 and developed the in-home care program, which started as an abstract thought process. Horrocks: It was very easy in theory, but making it happen was a lot of work. Waugh: There was bringing providers on board and understanding that you had to monitor those providers. Continued on next page.
Fara Waugh visits with in-home care clients.
10 1998: MEALS ON WHEELS
SourcePoint’s nutrition program can trace its roots back to the 1980s when Grady Memorial Hospital received a federal grant to provide lunchtime meals to local seniors. After the passage of the aging services levy in 1994, SourcePoint began to augment this funding in order to help the hospital expand the service. At the time, the hospital was cooking and serving about 30,000 meals each year. In 1998, the hospital asked SourcePoint to take on the day-to-day management of the program, which by then had expanded to nearly 85,000 meals each year. By 2004, SourcePoint was the only Meals on Wheels provider in Delaware County. During this time, SourcePoint continued to purchase meals from Grady until the program outgrew available space at the hospital. In December of 2007, SourcePoint began cooking meals for the first time, made possible by the opening of a large production kitchen at the new facility on Cheshire Road. SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels are delivered by a team of dedicated volunteers. Horrocks: From the very beginning we have recognized the importance of good nutrition to the health and well-being of older adults in our community. Studies have shown that up to 50% of older adults entering the hospital are malnourished, so the delivery of nutritious meals to those unable to prepare a meal for themselves has always been a priority for us. In a very real sense, our Meals on Wheels program is saving lives. SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program has undergone a tremendous evolution from the early days of providing grants to Grady Memorial Hospital and Asbury United Methodist Church, to undertaking the management of the program, to then assuming the monumental task of cooking and delivering about 250,000 meals a year. Waugh: When I was going to be responsible for overseeing the kitchen and our first production of meals, that was scary and exciting at the same time. It’s one thing when the
Meals on Wheels volunteers at Grady Hospital.
Spring 2022 organization is accustomed to hiring office personnel; it’s different when you start hiring dishwashers and chefs and wanting to make them feel part of the organization. Horrocks: Grady had a contract with a service company to do their meals, and when we were looking at our kitchen it was an option to hire them or our own staff. We had so many issues with the company Grady hired and I wanted to have our own staff. Fara said, “We’ve never cooked a meal, how are we going to do that?” I said, “Well, before you, we didn’t have a social worker…” But the kitchen is a different culture. She was right; it would have been easier to bring in a food service company where it was their line of work, but I wanted to have more control. As the number of meals to be delivered has grown each year, so has the number of dedicated volunteers. These wonderful folks make all the difference in the world. They make sure that the food is delivered hot. They also offer a big smile and a real sense of security that someone will be checking in on a daily basis.
2006: MANAGING HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers have always played an integral role in SourcePoint’s success, but it wasn’t until 2006 that a formal management program was developed. By that time, SourcePoint had 459 volunteers, and that number has only grown. Horrocks: This may come as a surprise to some, but volunteers are not free. Like most good things in life, highquality volunteer programs require an investment. If you don’t regularly recruit volunteers and promote the benefits of volunteering, you won’t have a strong program. If you don’t match the volunteers’ interests with the organization’s needs, your volunteers won’t be happy. If you don’t provide training, supervision, and support, you won’t benefit from the volunteers’ commitment. If you don’t make continual efforts to thank the volunteers for their hard work, your volunteers won’t feel appreciated. It took us many years to figure this
Volunteers at a Senior Expo in 1994. MySourcePoint.org
Spring 2022 out, but once we did, our volunteer program blossomed and now returns many times the amount of our ongoing investment. It has been wonderful to watch our volunteer program grow and evolve from a handful of dedicated individuals to the very large group who today help drive our mission at SourcePoint. My hope is that these efforts will continue to grow and evolve. Lord knows, we have enough work still to be done.
2007: THE BIG MOVE
In 2005, voters approved a bond issue that paved the way for the construction of a 61,000-square-foot building on Cheshire Road on the southern edge of Delaware. By the end of 2007, the building opened to the public and has been a vital resource for seniors ever since. The bulk of the building houses the enrichment center, which provides opportunities for local adults age 55 and better to be healthy and happy by participating in fitness programs, health and wellness courses, creative classes, social games, and more. SourcePoint houses a warm-water exercise pool, fitness center, dance room, game room, classrooms, and many other flexible spaces for group activities. The facility is also home to SourcePoint’s administration and office staff, including licensed social workers, as well as a large commercial kitchen in which Meals on Wheels are prepped each weekday morning. And while the facility has proven to be a benefit to the community, it can keep SourcePoint’s original mission of in-home care somewhat hidden. Horrocks: What started us thinking about a bigger space was looking at the 2000 census and seeing how the population was growing. We knew we wanted to find a way to keep the baby boomers engaged, and we knew they would have a different set of needs. We knew we'd need a place for our staff, and a place for our Meals on Wheels program to grow. We got in touch with an architect, who helped with sketches. But we had no land and no money. We made a 3D cardboard design of the building and took it around to Rotary clubs,
Horrocks and board inspecting the new site. MySourcePoint.org
11 Kiwanis, anyone who would have us. Those plans got refined and we went to the county commissioners, ultimately putting a two-tenths-of-a-mill bond issue on the ballot. We identified land on Cheshire Road where the new facility would be built if the bond passed. To do so, we asked the county auditor to put a point in downtown Delaware and draw a five-mile-radius circle and see how many people 60 and older would be in that circle. They did the same for the Cheshire location, and more people fell in that circle. But we got a lot more pushback on the Cheshire location. We were told it was way out “in the country.” Now that I’m retired, when I get out and talk to people or read something about SourcePoint, it’s like this place is part of the community now. It’s almost taken for granted, and good that over that time the community has gotten accustomed to it. I can’t think of Delaware County without it being here. Waugh: We’re in the process of doing our next strategic plan and we surveyed our membership, and the thing I kept reading in the responses—especially in the member responses—is that, yes, it is a staple of the community, and they feel so fortunate to live here and have an organization like this. Many of those who live in Delaware County think of this as a service organization, but a lot of people aren’t aware that we do in-home care. Some of the people who come and use this building may not be aware, as much as we try to educate about that. Horrocks: This place is so in your face—it’s a very tangible thing—that it can conceal the in-home care part. Waugh: Even now, you don’t seek out information about that kind of care until you needed it yesterday. Continued on next page.
A bustling on-site kitchen for Meals on Wheels.
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2014: MERGING WITH SENIOR CITIZENS INC.
Waugh: In the earliest days, in March of 2020, I made the decision to close the building a week before the state made the decision to close. Back in those days when there was so little information, we were scrambling to get information from the state but we were not in the communication loop. I was reaching out to everyone to make sure we had the most up-to-date information. The most important things at that time were making sure we continued to provide meals and keep our team employed. We thought if we had to lay people off, we would not be able to get them back. We split our kitchen into two shifts, so if one person became ill or had to isolate, we had another that could continue operations. Before supply chain issues became a problem, we had between 15 and 20 days of meals that clients had on hand in case we did have to shut down.
Horrocks: Our merged organization is not simply the sum of two parts. When we brought together all of the vital resources that the two independent organizations offered, we found that we were more than just an in-home care agency and more than just a community center for people over 55. We are now the central source in Delaware County for those who want to live well as they age. The name SourcePoint represents our role as our community’s central source for everything needed to thrive after 55.
We were making decisions about how social workers could stay connected, and there was a lot of telephone connection with the in-home care clients. Most did not have the ability to connect remotely, but we did porch visits if there were emergencies. We also created some remote classes that will continue; we were already thinking about doing those to enhance access to programming, but we sped things up about a year.
When SourcePoint moved to Cheshire Road, the organization shared space with Senior Citizens Inc., the group previously based on Park Avenue in Delaware that focused on social activities for older adults. In addition to the facility, SourcePoint and Senior Citizens Inc. shared a common goal of serving the community’s older population. After three years of careful research and discussion, the boards of both nonprofits made the important decision to merge and have one comprehensive organization to provide a wealth of service and program options to Delaware County’s growing population of older adults. Improvements were made as a result of the merger, including more efficient administrative costs, which meant putting more money toward better services and programs for the community.
2020: A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME PANDEMIC
Horrocks: You probably learned that you were more flexible than you thought you would have to be.
The coronavirus was first identified through an outbreak in 2019, and failed attempts to contain it allowed the virus to spread around the globe. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency in January of 2020, and by March of 2020, it was a full-scale pandemic. It has impacted the way people in Delaware County and around the world work and live, and has had a dramatic effect on service organizations like SourcePoint, which is still dealing with challenges more than two years later.
Waugh: Our front desk staff called members and checked in on them. People were just so willing to pitch in and do whatever they needed to do. But nobody thought it would last as long as it did. We still have a few staff and volunteers out; we’ve had more employees sick in 2022 than in 2020 and 2021 combined. There’s definitely been a lot of learning.
Senior Citizens Inc. on Park Avenue.
The word of 2020: Pivot!
Horrocks: Remembering back to the earlier days, we felt like we had no backup if someone got sick or went on maternity leave. We were on such a shoestring and felt like we were walking a tightrope every day. We always felt like as we grew
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Spring 2022 that would get easier, but it really doesn’t. You have more positions that need to be filled and when someone is out, you still have to cover for them. Maybe this experience has helped you to see that people will step up. People have been tested and know they can do it. Waugh: Staff is all back working full time. We did learn that some of the work can be done remotely within a lot of different positions, so that allows for flexibility. Horrocks: The technology has helped. Waugh: Yes! Our IT people were busy—helping board members get connected remotely, setting up live streaming of classes. We learned some things that we will continue to use going forward.
2022: LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING AHEAD
As their conversation concludes, Horrocks and Waugh are asked what they’ve learned in their years with SourcePoint, and what comes to mind as they look ahead to the rest of 2022 and beyond, including to the next senior services levy that will be on the ballot in 2023. Horrocks: I initially thought this organization would be seen as a good thing, particularly by the social service community. But the first couple years were really hard. So many folks were suspicious; they needed money to serve people and here was this organization that was just planning away and this knucklehead is bothering them about what’s needed in the community. Having people not be too excited about what you’re doing and not being all that helpful was not something I expected. Waugh: Stuff I thought was so stressful in the beginning was nothing in the context of the pandemic, and it has been rewarding to see how we have persevered as an organization. That’s due to the dedication of the people who are here. When we reopened, and we were one of the first centers to reopen after multiple interactions with the Ohio Department of Aging director, seeing those first few faces come in the door and how happy they were to be here and see each other again was extremely rewarding. One of the continuing challenges is trying to always balance the people’s right to make their own decisions about what they are comfortable doing and keeping a safe work environment, and to do it in a way that is non-political. Another ongoing challenge we face today is a crisis in home care workers. There are just not enough to serve people. We had a very small unfilled referral rate before the pandemic; less than 2% of the referrals didn’t go filled, and that number is significantly higher now. All across the country it’s a problem, but with in-home care a big part of our services, it is
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13 a challenge. Horrocks: I retired at the right time. Fara has handled this much better than I would have. Waugh: This will be my first levy as the CEO, and in this environment I’m a bit concerned. I’m hoping that people will remember that meals continued during the pandemic and we were still serving many in-home care clients with support and services, keeping people from going into nursing homes. But we still have a community that is pretty mobile, and still an influx of folks coming into the county that don’t know about us. If they’re younger and don’t have older family members in the area, those are the ones you need to be able to get the message to. Horrocks: One of the messages in the next levy is going to be that home care has become more expensive. But when you can keep loved ones in their home, you know how important that is. That’s especially true during the pandemic. The challenge this building brought is that your center is in Delaware, but your organization serves the whole county. Waugh: There are limitations within the walls of this building. We were beginning to reach capacity in a number of areas before the pandemic hit. Knowing the growth of the population that we serve, it is important that we take programming out into the community. We are prepared to be able to offer programs at other community centers and senior communities. It would be hard for us to have a second building. We're centrally located in the county now, so anywhere else you would put another building is not going to be ideal. So partnering with those other agencies and bringing our expertise to them is the way that we’re moving. There are a lot of rewarding things about leading this organization. Seeing our programs and services continue to grow and change in order to meet the needs of folks today, and seeing people here take advantage of the programs we offer and reopening our community cafes gave me a fresh perspective of what we do here. Horrocks: I get thanked a lot for things I didn’t really do. Someone will see me and say, “You guys took care of my mom,” or something that someone on our team did. I may not even know the person who got served. But it’s rewarding to watch this continue and thrive, and to have the community accept it and think of it the way they do. It’s certainly great to look back at it and rewarding to see the young people we’ve hired over the years grow. They’ll be leading this place in the future, and it’s been cool to watch that happen. Jeff Robinson is the feature writer for My Communicator.
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TRANSITIONS IN AGING
Sex After 50: How Our Changing Body Affects Our Sexual Health As we get older, it pays to keep the passion alive. Sexual health is a vital part of our overall well-being, and its health benefits are well-studied. Sexual activity with or without a partner can help burn calories, strengthen your muscles, lower your blood pressure, and even reduce your risk for heart disease. It’s also been linked to better sleep, a stronger immune system, and relief from headaches. The role of aging in sexual health What happens to sexual activity in the elderly? This question likely crosses all of our minds as the number of birthday candles on our cake gets bigger. It's no secret that aging comes with unique challenges—and plenty of changes that can affect our sexual health. What kinds of changes happen to our bodies as we age? For women, dramatic dips in the hormone estrogen are a precursor to menopause. Although we may think of menopause as hot flashes and night sweats, it's much more than that. Many women start experiencing early menopause symptoms in their 40s, during a period called perimenopause. This transition period can last up to 10 years for some women. The estrogen loss associated with perimenopause and menopause can cause issues, such as: • Hair loss. • Sleep disruptions. • Weight gain. • Changes in vaginal shape and lack of lubrication, leading to painful penetration. • Decreased libido, also known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder.
Although they're not linked directly to estrogen changes during menopause, women may also experience incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction as they get older.
take to remedy them—can have a direct effect on our libido, our state of arousal, and our ability to achieve an orgasm. Some specific examples are below.
What about men? At what age does a man slow down sexually? For their part, men can also see a decline in sex drive after 50, although the exact cause is not clear. One of the most disheartening sexual side effects of aging for men is erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence. With ED, a man may take longer to achieve an erection, and it may lack potency and longevity. Premature ejaculation (also called orgasmic dysfunction) is also common. Additionally, older men may deal with prostate changes that impact sexual health. The prostate is a gland that usually gets larger with age. When it does, it can cause urinary symptoms, such as a frequent urge to urinate. Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer also occur frequently in older males. Sexual side effects may result from the condition itself or from therapies used for treatment (e.g., hormone therapy). What effect does physical health have on sexuality? Sexual health and our overall health are closely intertwined. Certain health problems—and the medications we
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Chronic diseases/ conditions • Diabetes can cause vaginal yeast infections in women and ED in men. Heart disease can affect blood flow to organs, leading to problems with arousal. Incontinence in women can disrupt sexual activity since it places added pressure on the abdomen, which may cause urine to leak out. Arthritis/chronic pain can make sexual contact painful or uncomfortable. Obesity may cause physical limitations that make sex more difficult. It can also negatively affect self-esteem and selfconfidence in both men and women, which may hinder a person's ability to feel aroused. Obesity is also linked with chronic health conditions—like diabetes and microvascular disease—that can cause secondary sexual side effects. Depression may cause a loss of interest in sex and intimacy.
Medications • Blood pressure medications can hamper blood flow, leading to lower libido. It can also interfere
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with erections and ejaculation. Some blood pressure drugs cause feelings of depression and lower testosterone levels. • Antidepressants have been shown to cause reduced libido, ejaculation failure, and ED. • Benzodiazepines, since they have a sedative effect, can lessen sex drive and interfere with the production of testosterone. They are also known to cause ejaculation issues. • Statins and fibrates have been shown to hinder the production of estrogen and testosterone—both essential sex hormones. They can also cause a breakdown of muscle tissue that in turn leads to fatigue and joint pain.
Remind yourself that no matter what you're experiencing, you're not alone. Advocating for your own health can help you enjoy your sexuality to its fullest—well into your later years. sexual health is to have an honest conversation with your doctor; they can help you determine the root cause of the issue. Since sexual difficulties are sometimes indicative of a larger problem, exploring all potential causes could even save your life. Once you receive a thorough check-up and your doctor pinpoints the likely cause of your troubles, it’s time to explore treatment options. For example: • If chronic pain is impeding your ability to enjoy sex, you may benefit from physical therapy or surgery to rectify what's triggering the pain. • If urinary incontinence is
Medical treatments • Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, can diminish sex drive and cause pelvic floor weakness. If the ovaries are removed, vaginal dryness can result as well. • Prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate, has been Check out new resources and a free, downloadable guide at transportation.ohio.gov/olderdrivers associated with ED and urinary incontinence. • Learn the impacts of aging, medicine and medical conditions on safe driving • Hormone therapy • Access resources to support older for prostate cancer drivers and their families and friends is known to cause reduced libido, breast enlargement, and shrinkage of the penis and testicles.
Aging and Driving Safely
How do you maintain sexual health after 50 despite your changing body? While aging can certainly throw a wrench into our sexual enjoyment, it doesn't need to have the final word. There is a vast range of safe, effective treatments for issues of all kinds. The first step to improving your
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disrupting your sexual activity, you could benefit from medication or a device placed in the vagina that lifts the bladder. Surgery may be an option as well. • If menopause is causing symptoms that interfere with your sexual desire or intercourse itself, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help. HRT should be avoided if you have certain risk factors, so be sure to discuss this treatment thoroughly with your provider first. • If you're unable to achieve an erection because of a health issue, certain medications or a vacuum pump device can help. If the root cause of your ED is psychological, counseling may help you overcome the emotional roadblocks that are interfering with arousal. • If penetration is painful, water-based lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and estrogen cream can provide relief. Trying new sexual positions may also make a world of difference. There's still a societal stigma associated with talking openly about sexual health, and bringing up the topic with your doctor may feel awkward at first. But your sexual health matters, and it’s a conversation worth having. Source: National Council on Aging. Read more at ncoa.org.
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FROM THE SOURCE The latest news, programs, and resources available at SourcePoint.
New to Medicare? Learn the basics in our most popular class. Whether you’re becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time or assisting a loved one with insurance needs, this is the place to start! SourcePoint, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware: • Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.–noon. • Wednesday, April 13, 10 a.m.–noon. • Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m.–noon. • Wednesday, May 11, 10 a.m.–noon. • Wednesday, May 25, 6–8 p.m. • Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.–noon. • Wednesday, June 8, 10 a.m.–noon. Ashley: Wednesday, June 22, 1–3 p.m., at Wornstaff Memorial Public Library, 302 E. High St. Powell: Monday, June 6, 10 a.m.–noon, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 3924 Home Road. Sunbury: Monday, April 25, 1–3 p.m., at Community Library, 44 Burrer Drive. Register at MySourcePoint.org/insurance or call 740-363-6677.
FARMERS MARKET VOUCHER PROGRAM COMING SOON! To qualify, participants must be a Delaware County resident, age 55 or older, within 200% federal poverty level. Drive-thru distribution will occur in May. In April, more information and applications will be available at MySourcePoint.org/farmers or by calling 740-936-7117.
Explore Our World with Trips “Fresh air, new sights, exercise, and meeting new people” are just a few of the benefits SourcePoint participants cite as highlights of day trips. Join in on the fun to explore Ohio and beyond. Some upcoming trip highlights include: • Eagles: Hotel California 2022 Tour on Tuesday, April 19. Registration through April 5. Fee: $210 for members; $230 for nonmembers. • Hiking at Mohican State Park on Monday, April 25. Registration through April 11. Fee: $55 for members; $75 for non-members. • Columbus Symphony: Joanna Plays Britten on Friday, April 29. Registration through April 15. Fee: $40 for members; $60 for non-members. • Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints on Thursday, May 12. Registration through April 28. Fee: $50 for members; $70 for non-members. • Central Ohio Symphony: Ellis Island, The Story of America on Saturday, May 21. Registration through May 7. Fee: $40 for members; $60 for nonmembers. • National Veterans Memorial and Museum & Spaghetti Warehouse on Wednesday, May 25. Registration through May 11. Fee: $50 for members; $70 for non-members. • Broadway in Columbus: “Wicked” on Tuesday, May 31. Registration through May 17. Fee: $105 for members; $125 for non-members. Read more about trips at MySourcePoint.org/EC and find additional details on overnight trips on separate flyers. Questions? Contact Mary Ann Evans at 740-203-2406 or mevans@MySourcePoint.org.
Find visitor guidelines and related updates at MySourcePoint.org/restart. Questions? Call us at 740-363-6677. MySourcePoint.org
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Age-Friendly Progress Report Small Steps. Big Impact.
HOUSING
Collaborative Discussion
The Delaware County Housing Alliance earned its nonprofit status. Drafted RFP for a consultant to do a professional assessment in the county.
TRANSPORTATION
Mobility Manager Services
SourcePoint continues to evolve its partnership with Delaware County Transit. In 2022, we will increase access to demand-response transportation by increasing the number of trips we subsidize for older adults.
OUTDOOR SPACES & BUILDINGS
Age-Friendly Benches
Preservation Parks replaced and modified 25 benches with an age-friendly design.
Dementia-Friendly Business
Created framework and employee training. Recruited first Champion Business to increase awareness of program.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT, HEALTH & SAFETY
Food Insecurity
Created a community vegetable garden at St. Michael’s apartments with United Church Homes and funding from AARP, an anonymous foundation, and Delaware County Master Gardener Program. Installed a fence, laid an accessible crushed-gravel path, constructed 6 elevated cedar-garden beds, and engaged community members.
Safety Awareness
Hosted Senior Safety Day, which provided free education on scams, identity theft, mental health resources, severe weather preparedness, fire prevention, home safety checks, and driving.
Mental Health Awareness
Created a mental health PSA with Delaware Area Career Center.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Positive Aging Campaign
With support from Greif, Inc., created a positive aging video. Launched a social media campaign that defined ageism and highlighted ageist language, ageism in the media, and at work.
Intergenerational Opportunities
Expanded Sages & Seekers program to two local schools.
COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Age-Friendly Awareness
With support from Greif, Inc., created an introductory video to Age-Friendly Delaware County.
Information Technology
SourcePoint added accessibility features to website, including ability to increase font size, contrast, and readability.
MySourcePoint.org
MySourcePoint.org/age-friendly
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Spring 2022
AGE-FRIENDLY
Seeking to Bridge the Generation Gap Kristen Beal thought she knew what to expect. The former substitute teacher—who also worked in higher education during her career—had heard about a program that brought older adults and teenagers together to bridge the gap between generations and was interested in participating. “I became interested because of the crucial age of the students, and I thought they were going to learn a whole bunch from me,” Beal said. “But they turned it around and I learned so much from them. It was such a gratifying experience.” The experience Beal describes is the Sages & Seekers program, run through HelpLine’s Connections Volunteer Center and a component of the AgeFriendly Delaware County initiative led by SourcePoint. Jackie Haight, SourcePoint’s age-friendly coordinator, describes Sages & Seekers as an intergenerational program that combats social isolation and dissolves age-related segregation in the community. “It meets the universal and compelling needs of both young and older adults to make sense of their lives through the simple art of conversation,” Haight said. “Older adults in the community have been connected with students from the Delaware City and Big Walnut school districts so far through the program.” Sages & Seekers creates an environment conducive to sharing stories, bridging the generation gap while honoring and empowering older adults. Haight said dissolving agerelated segregation while learning from older adults can help young people become stronger leaders in
the future, and it helps the older adults stay active while serving as mentors, leaders, role models, and advisors for the younger generation. For each week of the free eightweek program, older adults and students are brought together to share conversation in an effort to cultivate listening and communication skills, break down generational barriers, and foster empathy among participants. The first week brings the full group together, and Elaine Miller, community engagement coordinator at Connections, refers to the second week as “speed dating.” “Students move from sage to sage and they select their top three,” said Miller, who said students have been paired with either their first or second choice thus far. “The next four weeks is oneon-one and the 7th week is students reading their essays in the form of a letter talking about what they learned.” While Sages & Seekers was designed to be an in-person program, organizers and participants were able to adapt to a virtual format during the pandemic. “We did in-person sessions in the fall of 2019 and winter of 2020. One session was canceled and then we went virtual,” Miller said. “When conducting the research for this program, it was discovered that older adults and teens report the highest rates of loneliness. So being able to do this during COVID with these two generations has been really important.”
Pam Spence got involved as a “sage” after hearing about the program at a banquet. “I thought, ‘What a great idea,’ and I thought the students were going to interview us, but it really wasn’t that, and it really wasn’t mentoring,” Spence said. “It was a conversation; they ask us questions and we ask them questions.” Spence said the fact that the “sage” and “seeker” begin the program as strangers allows the conversation to be more open. “Say you’re traveling on a train across France and you strike up a conversation with an interesting stranger, and suddenly you’re much more candid,” Spence said. “That, to me, is the most intriguing, wonderful, and exciting thing about this, along with the fact that you’re usually talking with a high school junior or senior at a time in their life when they are looking out the door and wondering what is out there.” Beal said she became interested in the program through Miller and has found it to be a gratifying experience. “They do generate questions before our first meeting, asking ‘Where are you from’ and things like that, but it was so different,” Beal said. “We talk about music and they might say ‘My parents listened to that.’ The kids were very savvy and I was surprised at their thinking about things. They were inquisitive and asked good questions.” For the sages, participating in the
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program may mean returning to their own not-always-positive teen years. Spence said her participation brought many of those times back, but also created an opportunity.
human being,” Miller said. “Often, that is the first time for students to interact with an adult in that capacity, and I think that is really what brings out so much conversation.”
“I took part in the first session and initially wasn’t sure about it,” she said. “At the same time, the decision to go on with it and come back to it again was realizing my own time in high school when I felt totally alienated. What motivated me was thinking, ‘Who would I have wanted to meet and talk to during those lonely and desperate times in high school?’ I would have wanted to meet someone like me, who can say, ‘Everything can go to hell and you can still make it!’”
In many cases, the relationship between the sage and seeker continues after the program concludes, though Miller said it is mentioned to all
participants that staying in touch is not a requirement. “I would say a good majority keep in touch for at least a few months, and others more regularly,” she said. Haight said she has attended the final program where the seekers read their letters and gets emotional every time.
MAKE YOURSELF
AT HOME
Spence said her first Sages & Seekers session paired her with a student who’d had a difficult childhood but who had developed an impressive plan for her future. “There’s nothing like a teenager asking you if you are happy with the choice you made in your life or about the worst thing that happened to you,” Spence said. “But you can be forthright and understand and share that those bad moments were instructional. I didn’t get my master’s degree until I was in my 50s, and after our session, she looked at me and said, ‘You never gave up.’” “One thing that is so important is these adults come into these students’ lives and are impartial; they can focus on them as a
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Whether you’re at Ohio Living Sarah Moore for assisted living, long-term nursing care, or short-term rehabilitation, one thing remains the same — we don’t believe that you’re living in our facility. We believe that we’re working in your home. So we do everything we can to make you feel at home whenever you’re on our campus, from comfortable furniture on our iconic front porch, to seeing your favorite foods on the menu, to staff members who feel like friends and treat you like family.
Call 740.362.9641 to schedule your tour today!
“It’s such an inspiring thing; they talk about how we clearly have differences and are at different places in our lives, but they found so many things we have in common,” Haight said. “The thing I see is that it’s bridging that gap. This program takes away that stigma and the societal differences. It honors and empowers older adults while the youth learn valuable life skills through communication and connection. “I think it promotes a greater understanding and respect between the generations, and I hope the students take that to heart and remember how positive an experience it was and how they will engage with older adults going forward in their lives,” she added. To learn more about the Sages and Seekers program, contact Elaine Miller at Connections, 740-3635000, ext. 304 or emiller@ helplinedelmor.org. Jeff Robinson is the feature writer for My Communicator.
26 North Union Street Delaware, Ohio 43015 ohioliving.org
Assisted Living | Short-Term Rehabilitation Long-Term Nursing Care | Home Health & Hospice
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Spring 2022
TECHNOLOGY
Tapping into Technology Staying connected and engaged with friends, family and community is important, not just because it adds pleasure and meaning, but because it can also improve our quality of life and support our overall physical health and mental health. Read on to discover simple tips to using technology to stay connected and engaged!
Technology and Engagement
Using technology is just one way to maintain social connections and stay engaged in your community. You don’t necessarily need to leave your home. You can also use the telephone, tablet, or computer to connect with family, friends, and others. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and physical distancing was needed to protect the health and safety of all, technology quickly became one of the main ways for people to stay connected. Aging Network organizations like Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) transitioned many social engagement programs, as well as other programs, to virtual platforms to address the increased social isolation older adults were confronting. Instead of in-person events, older adults could participate in social engagement programs through the phone, technology platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live, public access television, radio stations, and preprogrammed tablets.
The Future of Technology and Engagement
Beyond the pandemic, technology will continue to play an important role in fostering social connections and engagement. There are many opportunities to engage in both in-person and virtual activities, so you can decide which option is best for you. Whether you’re a technology novice or if you could use a helpful refresher, this article will help you navigate how to access technology that can help you stay engaged and connected now and in the future.
Platform Options
Video Calls During the COVID-19 pandemic, video call platforms, such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype, quickly became a lifeline for many, allowing people to stay in touch with loved ones, attend religious services or creative performances, learn
new skills and keep up with medical visits. The nature of virtual events means that you can participate in those that are hosted in your own community—or across the globe. Virtual events are an effective way to stay connected and even meet new people! For example, Senior Planet has hosted virtual events (seniorplanet. org/get-involved/online) on Zoom (zoom.us) that have helped to build an online community during the pandemic. Social Media Social media platforms are great for keeping up with friends and family along with organizations you may be interested in. The “Live” feature of both Facebook (facebook.com) and Instagram (instagram.com) is a fun way to watch live-streamed videos from friends and organizations you follow. YouTube (youtube.com) is another option to watch user-generated videos, find footage of concerts, and enjoy classic movies and TV shows. Follow your favorite public personalities on Twitter (twitter.com) to keep tabs on your elected officials, celebrities, and others. Email Email is a useful way to stay in touch with friends and family, and to quickly send and receive information. It’s also the key to signing up for many services, platforms, and even appointments. Some of the most popular and free email services are Gmail (gmail.com), Yahoo (yahoo.com), and Outlook (outlook.live.com/owa). Messaging Applications (Apps) Messaging apps are another great way to stay in touch with friends and family. Both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp let you exchange messages as well as make video calls. You’ll need a Facebook account to use Facebook Messenger. To get started with WhatsApp, simply download the app (whatsapp.com) to your smartphone!
Device Options
Each of the devices described below offer different designs and sizes to match individual preferences, and all of these devices allow you to perform basic online activities: video calls, compose emails, look at photos, shop online, and watch videos. The listing below describes the unique aspects of each device. Tablets, laptops, two-in-one devices, and desktop computers all require internet and Wi-Fi access in your home.
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Spring 2022 Tablets Tablets, such as the Apple iPad, Amazon Fire, and Samsung Galaxy, offer intuitive, touchscreen interfaces and built-in apps with access to thousands of additional easy-to-use apps. With a larger screen than a smartphone, tablets have everything you need to get online.
21 Daily Usage Rates by Tech Device U.S. Adults 50+
Laptops Laptops, including Chromebooks, Macs, Personal Computers (PCs), and affordable options like refurbished laptops, provide nearly everything you need to access the internet (except the internet plan). From a laptop you can do a variety of online activities. While larger than tablets, they are portable and have a medium-sized screen. Two-in-One Devices A “two-in-one” device like the Zenbook Flip or Samsung Galaxy Book Flex, which includes a touchscreen interface, can be used either as a traditional laptop or a tablet. While they tend to be more expensive, these devices can offer the best of both worlds for users who want flexibility. Desktop Computer A desktop computer typically includes a monitor, tower, mouse, and keyboard. Though they aren’t portable, desktop PCs don’t run on battery, so you don’t have to worry about charging. Desktops are generally more affordable than laptops. Smartphones You don’t have to buy the latest model to take advantage of smartphone technology. Older models are often available at discounted prices and have the same basic features you need (phone, text, email, internet access). The general recommendation is to buy the most recent model you can comfortably afford. If you buy your smartphone from a cell phone carrier, you usually pay for the phone and always pay for the cell phone plan/subscription, which is billed monthly.
Assistive Technology Built Into Devices
Assistive Technology Assistive technology (AT) helps maintain or improve the functioning and independence of older adults and people with disabilities in recreation, education, employment, and activities of daily living. AT can range from low-tech devices like handheld magnifiers or pen or pencil grips to high-tech devices and equipment like digital hearing aids, voiceactivated telephones, or electronic aids to help with tasks like cooking, bathing, dressing, and more. AT can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by connecting those who use it with family and friends and providing you with a way to participate in community activities. If you are interested in AT, contact your state AT program for
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information and assistance through the National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center (at3center.net/stateprogram). There are lots of helpful, built-in assistive features for most smartphones, tablets, and computers that help people who have difficulty typing, speaking, writing, hearing, or reading on screen. Access features addressing specific needs can generally be found under the settings and/or the accessibility section of the device you are using. Continued on next page.
22 Vision • Voice over (speaks items on the screen). • Zoom (makes text and images larger). • Many options for font size, contrast, and brightness. • Screen color adjustment.
Spring 2022 • Tracfone: tracfone.com • US Mobile: usmobile.com • Verizon: verizon.com
Finding Resources and Support
Interested in finding local resources to get connected to technology and social engagement activities? Contact the Hearing Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) as a starting point. Staff • Increase/decrease volume. can connect older adults and caregivers to your Area Agency • Subtitles and captioning. on Aging or other community organizations to help you learn • Noise cancellation. about available technology options and what engagement Physical and Motor activities are offered for older adults in your community. • Assistive touch (adapts gestures like pressing the home Visit the Eldercare Locator’s website at eldercare.acl.gov or button, pinching the screen to zoom in, rotating the contact its call center at 800-677-1116. screen to make them more comfortable). Need assistance with using technology? Contact the National • Touch accommodations (adjusts how the screen Senior Planet Hotline (seniorplanet.org), which assists older responds to different kinds of touches). adults who need support with technology. You can call the • Keyboard options (dictation or predictive text can help hotline directly at 888-713-3495. with typing). Interested in accessing assistive technology? Contact • Touch control areas (limit touch control to certain areas your state AT program for information and assistance on of the screen). available devices, device demonstrations, and device lending programs. You can find your state AT program information Lower-Cost Internet and Cell Phone Carrier Options through the National Assistive Technology Act Training and The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Technical Assistance Center Broadband Benefit (fcc.gov/ State Assistive Technology broadbandbenefit) offers a SourcePoint offers one-on-one technology assistance Program Directory (at3center. discount on internet service by appointment. Learn more and register at net/stateprogram). The AT3 for low-income households. MySourcePoint.org/EC or call 740-363-6677. Center Explore AT (at3center. The Senior Planet Stuck at net/exploreat) also offers Home Guide: How to Get information and resources on Online (seniorplanet.org/stuck-at-home-guide-get-online) many different AT devices. provides additional information on low-cost options for older When purchasing devices or internet or cell phone plans, it adults from internet service providers, including: is important to purchase from reputable places. Consult the • Comcast Internet Essentials: internetessentials.com OATS website for information on guides (seniorplanet.org/ • Spectrum Internet Assist: spectrum.com/internet/ category/stuck-at-home-guide) and classes (seniorplanet. spectrum-internet-assist org/get-involved/online). • Altice Advantage: alticeadvantageinternet.com • Verizon through the Lifeline program: verizon.com/ The Department of Justice (justice.gov/elderjustice/findsupport/residential/account/manage-account/lifelinesupport-elder-abuse) also maintains fraud and abuse discount resource listings. To report other fraud and abuse contact • AT&T: m.att.com/shopmobile/internet/access/ the Federal Trade Commission on its Report Fraud website • Viasat: viasat.com (reportfraud.ftc.gov). • Hughesnet internet: hughesnet.com • Xfinity hot spots: xfinity.com/support/articles/openSource: USAging and engAGED: The National Resource Center xfinity-wifi-hotspots for Engaging Older Adults. Carriers that may have lower-cost cell phone plan options include: • AT&T: att.com • Boost Mobile Unlimited: boostmobile.com • Consumer Cellular: consumercellular.com • Lively: lively.com • T-Mobile: t-mobile.com
MySourcePoint.org
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NUTRITION
10% of Adults Meet Vegetable Intake Recommendations Most American adults are not getting enough fruits and vegetables, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with even greater disparities found for those living in poverty.
increase consumption and improve health," the study stated. The study was conducted through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which has been collecting information on fruit and vegetable consumption for over 30 years, and included 294,566 participants.
The report, published Thursday, found that only 10% of adults are eating the recommended daily serving of vegetables, and slightly more—12.3%— are consuming enough fruit.
The survey included data from 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers noted that barriers to healthy foods, such as cost and limited availability and access, "might have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The recommendations are based on dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, which advise that adults incorporate 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit into their diet each day. Eating sufficient fruits and vegetables "can help protect against some chronic conditions that are among the leading causes of mortality in the U.S.," the study noted.
"Additional policies and programs that will increase access to fruits and vegetables in places where U.S. residents live, learn, work, and play, might
MySourcePoint.org
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Those living below or close to the poverty level were the least likely to meet vegetable recommendations, at 6.8%, the study found.
OR
IN
Women met the recommendations more often than men, while people over 50 met them more often than their younger counterparts, researchers found. Additionally, Black people reached the vegetable goal less often than white or Hispanic people.
Among its recommendations, the CDC advised that states and communities can support community retail programs "to attract grocery stores and supermarkets to underserved
UNITY COMMUNITY CENTER
JOIN US CALL FOR HOURS
50 Ross St. Delaware Oh, 43015 740.362.7611
Connect, Unite and Thrive for our 55 plus community. Programs are designed for the social, wellness, fitness, and food insecurities of this population. UCC offers Chair and intermediate yoga, Line Dancing, Birthday Club, Crafters Corner along with Friday fun nights. The 55Harts programs and “services funded in part by Source Point Thrive after 55”.
www.swcidelaware.org
communities to improve community food quality," as well as promote participation in federal nutrition assistance programs that help lowincome people buy healthy foods. Pandemic-related supply chain issues have particularly impacted people in food deserts, according to Geri Henchy, director of nutrition policy for the Food Research & Action Center. "People who live in communities that had issues around the availability of quality, affordable produce, those issues have gotten worse during COVID because of the supply chain problems," she said. Henchy also agreed that promoting participation in federal food assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, will be key, especially after boosts to both during the pandemic. This past fall, the average SNAP benefit increased by $36.24 per person each month, and the government extended increased fruit and vegetable WIC benefits through March. Those measures should have a positive impact on food and vegetable consumption, though "of course we have a lot of people who are eligible who aren't in the programs," said Henchy. Just over 80% of eligible Americans participate in SNAP, while about half of those eligible for WIC participate, according to the most recent federal data.
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Spring 2022
NUTRITION
Add More Fruits & Vegetables to Your Diet Strive to eat at least 7 servings of fruit and vegetables each day. This may seem like a lot of food, but a serving is smaller than you think! Fruit and vegetables taste great and contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables and fruit more often. Examples of one serving of fruit or vegetables: • • • •
1 medium sized fruit ½ cup of fruit or cooked vegetables 1 cup salad ½ cup fruit juice
Some easy ways to add fruit and vegetables to your daily food choices: • • • • • • • •
Add berries or sliced bananas on top of cereal. Add a green salad to your lunch. Grab an apple for an afternoon snack. Have two vegetables with dinner. Keep cut and ready-to-eat vegetables in the fridge. Add veggies to pizza, omelets, pasta sauce, and soups. Use frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables. Add frozen fruit to yogurt—it's just as healthy as fresh!
5-a-Day Salad
Apple-Carrot Soup
This nutrient-packed salad uses 10 different vegetables, and each serving is equal to five cups of vegetables!
Ginger and orange peel are the secret ingredients to this pork, apple, and carrot soup.
4 cups spinach (fresh) 4 cups romaine lettuce 2 cups green pepper (chopped, or use red, yellow, or orange) 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 cup broccoli (chopped) 1 cup cauliflower (chopped) 1 cup yellow squash (sliced) 1 cup cucumber (sliced) 2 cups carrot (chopped) 1 cup zucchini (sliced)
1 pound pork (lean, cut into chunks) 4 apples (with skin, cored and quarterd) 4 carrots (large, peeled and cut into chunks) 1 orange peel (dried, 1 teaspoon, optional) 4 slices ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 cups water
Wash all of the vegetables and mix them together in a large mixing bowl. Top this colorful meal with the nonfat or low-fat dressing of your choice. NUTRITION: Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 99 calories, 1 g total fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrates. The dressing is not included in the nutritional analysis.
1. In a large pot over high heat, combine all ingredients, bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until soup reduces to about 8 cups of liquid, about 3 to 4 hours. 3. Skim fat from surface and serve. 4. Store leftover soup covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. NUTRITION: Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 116 calories, 2 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrates.
MySourcePoint.org
Spring 2022
25
FUN & GAMES
Sudoku EASY
HARD
See Sudoku Solutions on page 31.
Join us for this hands on experience from the comfort of your kitchen and cook along with our chef and dietitian. We provide the recipe and the groceries. For the culinary novice or expert.
Free In-Person Demonstrations
• Tuesday, June 14: Mediterranean Grilling • Tuesday, September 13: Three Course Meal • Tuesday, December 13: Santa Fe Workshop
Register at www.cancersupportohio.org/calendar or by calling 614.884.HOPE (4673) Support provided by
MySourcePoint.org
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Spring 2022
More than just a meal! This year marks a special anniversary for both Meals on Wheels and SourcePoint. The month of March marks the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act adopting the national nutrition program. As the proud Meals on Wheels provider in Delaware County, SourcePoint celebrates our own anniversary this year—30 years serving our community with vital aging services. Behind the scenes, inside our kitchen, our dedicated nutrition team produces over 1,000 meals a day. Each meal is handcrafted with care to not only meet older adults’ nutritional needs, but to look and taste delicious! At SourcePoint, we’re fond of saying Meals on Wheels provides so much more than just a meal. Healthy food is important for everyone, but for many Meals on Wheels recipients, the daily visit from a friendly volunteer is just as valued. We have thousands of stories to back this up ranging from volunteers greeting a beloved pet by name—and bringing treats, too!—to those who call 911 when a meal recipient doesn’t answer the door because of a fall. Our volunteers go above and beyond. The fact that SourcePoint delivers more than just a meal is the most beautiful and irreplaceable aspect of our program. We need your help today to support SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels: • Feed one neighbor for a year with $3,000. • Feed one neighbor for a month with $250. • Feed one neighbor for a week with $60. Your donation helps ensure older adults live healthy, happy, and independent lives at home, where they want to be. Please support our community thrive after 55 by making a gift today!
Give today at MySourcePoint.org/give. MySourcePoint.org
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INSIDE THE KITCHEN 2005
SourcePoint's on-site kitchen was built in
Much of the refrigeration, ovens, and dishwashing equipment is original. The average life expectancy of commerical kitchen equipment is 15 years.
15 Years Ago
Today
149,222
231,342
481
1,356
16
33
meals served
seniors served
meals served
seniors served
delivery routes
delivery routes
2
8
types of meals hot or cold
Letter from a Meal Recipient
Thanks to you and every single person there at SourcePoint. You guys have really brightened the days of all of us. My husband looks forward to his Meals on Wheels. My dog, also! He hops up and runs to the door to receive his treat. So cute. I get a kick every time. Just wanted to say thank you. I was born and raised in Delaware County, but moved away for some years, and I always said I want to be back living in Delaware County when I am older because SourcePoint is a valuable resource. It has proven to be true. We appreciate everything that SourcePoint is and does.
MySourcePoint.org
types of meals
hot, cold, hot low-sodium, cold low-sodium, hot carb-controlled, cold carb-controlled, mechanically altered (chopped, ground, or pureed), and heat-and-eat weekend meals
Letter from a Family Member
Thank you for your faithful service to the seniors you provide meals for! It's such a blessing to those who get the meals and their families who know that need is provided for them. I have been one of those thankful family members and it provided me peace knowing my loved one in another city had food and someone checking on them regularly.
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Spring 2022
ADVOCACY
A Seat at the Table Connecting government and nonprofits to strengthen our communities and nation Communities and families still feel the crush of COVID, an uncertain economy, racial injustice, and a changing climate. They also trust nonprofits to strengthen our nation in times like this. Despite its scale and unique understanding of community needs, nonprofits are often on the “outside looking in” when federal-level policies are decided. While we are the “frontline” in making our communities vibrant and more equitable, our voice is not always heard by policymakers. The Executive Order on Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector and its Partnership with the Federal Government and forthcoming legislation give us the best opportunity we have had to make certain nonprofit expertise and experience is at the table. Permanently. Why We Need a Seat at the Table Communities trust the nonprofit sector—the greater role nonprofits
play in people’s lives, the more trusted they become—and this trust is the necessary precondition for making sustainable change possible. This is an invaluable asset we bring to government partners. Nonprofit organizations are the third largest employer of the private workforce, employing more than 12 million people in the US and representing 5.9% of overall GDP. Yet, unlike the small business sector, we have no permanent voice in federal government. More efficient collaboration with the federal government means nonprofits nationwide can spend less time explaining to lawmakers the importance and uniqueness of the sector and more time fulfilling their missions.
to drive hard systemic change. No sector is closer to the realities or people on the ground or has as deep an understanding of the problems communities face. Support for the Seat at the Table initiative will directly lead to better policy formulation and implementation, more support and opportunity for people in the U.S., and stronger, more equitable communities. Nonprofits need infrastructure and resources they can plan on year after year. Leaders from across the sector can have these critical discussions and seed lasting change at the highest levels of government so that the important work of nonprofits can scale and become more sustainable. Source: Independent Sector. Read more at independentsector.org.
Nonprofits have the expertise, the reach, and the trusted status needed
The Edie Balser
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Making programs available to all. There is no annual fee for Delaware County residents ages 55 and better to join the enrichment center. A free community pass provides access to the center, as well as numerous free programs. Select programs, including some fitness, arts, and education classes, require a fee. SourcePoint wants every eligible adult to be active and believes that financial barriers should not stand in the way. Scholarship is available for SourcePoint participants who meet the eligibility requirements. It’s easy to apply! If financial assistance could help you to engage in community programs more fully, contact Annette Leatherman, customer service supervisor, at 740-363-6677 or apply online at MySourcePoint.org/scholarship.
MySourcePoint.org
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AGING NEWS
Age My Way Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities—as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it—and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way. Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of OAM. This year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider: • Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you. • Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities. • Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
Age
acl.gov/oam
• Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community. This year, SourcePoint is excited to celebrate OAM with our partners in the aging community. Visit our website or call 740-363-6677 to learn more about how we can help you age in place and engage in health and wellness programs. For more information, visit the official OAM website at acl.gov/oam, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
MySourcePoint.org
my way!
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Spring 2022
CREATIVE WRITING
What My Mirror Said
My Hope & Prayer
Don: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” I began.
When strength is gone and energy's low, May it comfort you each day. To know friends and family are near Who will help in any way.
Mirror: “Hello again, Donald.” Don: “What do you see today as I stand before you?” Mirror: “H-m-m-m-m, let me think. I have it, I see an antique car!” Don: “What? How do I in any way resemble an antique car?” Mirror: “Well, to start with, you have both travelled hundreds of thousands of miles.” Don: “I’ll give you that, but there the comparison ends.” Mirror: “Oh no, an antique car has some rust, you have had skin cancer. The car has fogged up headlights, you wear eye glasses. You take the car through a car wash, you take showers. You polish the car’s chrome, you brush your teeth. The car needs a battery to start, you need a cup of coffee. The car engine has had an overhaul, you have had a new heart valve. The car is slow to start when it is very cold, just like you. The car has some wrinkles, so do you. The car has had some body work, you have a silver plate in your clavicle. The car needs lubed, you take Osteo Bi Flex to lube your joints. The car needs new tires, you need new shoes. The car needs gas, you need food to fuel your body. The car needs antifreeze in the winter, you need warm coats. The car needs new seat covers, you need new wardrobes. The car is an oldie, but a goodie, admired by many, just like you!” Don: “Wow,” I said, “I never compared myself to an antique car, but you have made me proud to be like an antique car! Thank you!” Donald E. Pearse Sr. is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint's enrichment center.
Though the body hurts, may the spirit grow, With each and every passing day. And you will find a peace within, To endure what comes your way. For healing comes in many ways, May you discover this is true. My hope and prayer is that you will find, It is happening to you. Steve Leppla is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint's enrichment center.
Song of the Roadway Door …three hundred miles, ahead the road more visible as the land dissolves in the pink light of almost dawn you sit beside me, eyes fixed and restful on my face, offering hot coffee from a thermos while the farm news breaks morning music on a local station i could be here forever, moving toward an unfamiliar place, held by speed and the vibrating engine, touched by the warmth of your breath i could be here forever, even as day turns into twilight; you borne lightly on sheets stiffly cleaned, wrapping your strength within, around mine; prepared for tomorrow’s miles we and machines; only we moving, moving; i could be here forever… Tony Marconi is a creative writing participant at SourcePoint's enrichment center.
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Are You Caring for a Loved One?
Caring for a loved one takes time, effort, and hard work. You don’t have to do it alone!
Caregiver Crash Course
Caregiver Groups
All you need in the time you have: A 30-minute class for new, current, and future caregivers that includes information on safety, falls, getting organized, legal information, community resources, and self care.
Groups meet at various locations throughout Delaware County. They foster supportive conversations, allow you to share experiences, meet other caregivers, and ask questions.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Powerful Tools is a proven six-week workshop that helps caregivers develop strategies to face challenges, including how to: • Identify and reduce stress. • Communicate your own feelings, needs, and concerns. • Communicate in challenging situations. • Learn from your emotions. • Master caregiving decisions.
Caregiver Conversations, led by a professional. Caregivers from the Heart, a peer-led group. Caregiver Circle, a private Facebook group.
One-on-One Discussions Private discussions with a professional caregiver support coordinator in person or by phone.
Go to MySourcePoint.org/caregiver or call 740-363-6677.
SourcePoint provides wraparound services for you throughout your entire caregiving journey. Our Caregiver Grief Group is a six-week course that addresses grief with readings from the renowned book “On Grief and Grieving” and related discussion. Living Beyond Loss is a group that provides dynamic support for those dealing with loss and empowers members to steer the conversation. Rediscover yourself, regain a sense of identity, and build your support system.
800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015 | 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org SourcePoint’s caregiver programs are funded in part by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.
Sudoku Solutions EASY
MySourcePoint.org
HARD
Saturday, May 7 10 a.m. to noon SourcePoint 800 Cheshire Road Delaware
Do you plan to retire in 10‒15 years? Who do you want to be? How do you want to feel? Need help with planning? Downsizing tips? Want to travel? Learn something new? Start a new hobby? A fun workout routine? Save the date for Retirement Ready, a free drive-thru event for those planning now for a better retirement. And you don't even have to exit your car!
Shred truck on-site courte sy of the Kaman n Professional Group!
More information will soon be available at
MySourcePoint.org/events
Save the Date for SourcePoint's Fall Events!
Thursday, Sept. 1
Saturday, Oct. 15
Friday, Nov. 11
