May 2011 AAA Newsletter by Land of Sky Regional Council

Area Agency on Aging Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties Volume VI, Issue 2

Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

May - July 2011

Older Americans Month 2011 Older Americans: Connecting the Community

very May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans—borne of wisdom, experience, and the will to realize their dreams and speak their minds. Older Americans Month (OAM) is our chance to show our appreciation and support our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging is joining the festivities with special activities and events.

The theme of this year’s celebration - Older Americans: Connecting the Community - pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy, and local character what they are today. The theme also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier and more engaged lives. In fact, older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology, and financial stability over the last several decades that have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living. Older adults are out and about giving back and making a difference in their community. Our seniors are mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, taking to heart the need for intergenerational learning to guide and inspire young minds. They offer a take on times gone by not discussed in any history class—a unique perspective that sheds new light on contemporary issues. Older Americans step up to help one another as well. Across the country, seniors connect with other seniors by delivering meals, helping with home repair, assisting with shopping, and offering companionship, counseling, and care. Their efforts remind us that when older adults are active and engaged in their communities, everyone benefits. Help us celebrate Older Americans Month! Join your neighbors not only to recognize what older citizens bring to our communities, but also to help them continue playing a vital role in weaving a unique and lasting community fabric. Review this newsletter for OAM events in our region. Contact the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Land-of-Sky Regional Council to find out about volunteer opportunities with programs that provide services for seniors to improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, deliver food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social and civic activities, and more. We think you will discover that when you help seniors thrive in your community, you gain far more than you give.

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Website: www.landofsky.org/aging

Phone: 828-251-6622

Family Caregiver Support Program “The Journey- Confronting the Challenges of Memory Loss”

rea aging service providers are joining together to offer “The Journey - Confronting the Challenges of Memory Loss” a series of educational events about memory loss and caregiving. Caregivers (both professional and non-professional), persons newly diagnosed with memory loss illnesses, and the general public concerned about their own memories or who suspect that a friend or loved one may have memory challenges will benefit from attending these events. The sessions will be held at the Biltmore United Methodist Church in Asheville from 1:00 - 3:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month which began in March. Each session will feature a presentation of a topic related to the challenges of memory loss illness, a follow-up period for discussion, questions and answers, and care consultation and support if indicated. No RSVP is required. “The Journey” community education events are being presented in partnership by the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, MemoryCare, and Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center. “The Journey” events are listed in the box to the right. For more information please visit the website: www.alz.org/northcarolina or call the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter at 230-3885 or 704-532-7390 or Family Caregiver Specialist Carol McLimans at Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging 251-6622.

Requests for Proposals Requests for proposals for funding to provide services for family caregivers for FY 2011 to 2012 will be posted to the Area Agency on Aging Web site soon. Please check the site or contact Family Caregiver Specialist Carol McLimans at 251-6622 or carol@ landofsky.org for more information.

May - July 2011

“The Journey” Events May 19: “Now About This Caregiver Business” Practical suggestions will be given for those providing care for people with memory loss illnesses. Areas of discussion will include emotions, feelings, frustrations, expectations, needs, and places to find help and support. June 16: “Do You Understand What I’m Trying to Get You to Understand?” As a person makes the journey with memory loss communication will become an more challenging. This session will review some dos and don’ts for communicating with someone with dementia and provide information to help participants develop effective and successful strategies for communicating with someone with dementia. July 21: “When Actions Take the Place of Words” Understanding and managing difficult behaviors is challenging for those caring for someone with memory loss. For the person with the memory loss illness it can be frustrating; for the caregivers/care-partners it can be stressful. Suggestions will be offered for developing a better understanding of the behaviors and positive ways to manage them. August 18: “Changes? I Don’t Like Changes!” September 21: “How Do I Get What I Need When I Am Not Sure What I Need?”

The Family Caregiver Support Program wants to hear from YOU!

ave you been a family caregiver? Are you currently caring for a family member or friend? Will you have caregiving responsibilities in the future?

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program is interested in learning about the recent, current and future caregiving responsibilities of people in our region. Family caregivers are an important component in the ability of older persons to maintain their independence and live in their home and community. Even if you have no caretaking responsibilities for an older adult over the age of 60 at this time, they would like your help in planning programs to make the lives of current and future caregivers easier. In partnership with the Caring for Aging Parents Education and Support Program (CAPES), they will be distributing surveys to people via support groups, home care providers and others. This survey will be analyzed to develop a snapshot view of the caregiver needs within Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. All individual responses are anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential. If you receive this survey please take a few minutes to complete it and return your completed survey by May 20, 2011 to Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 251-6622 or carol@landofsky.org. If you are caring for a frail older person or have been a caregiver and have not received a survey please contact us to request one.

Area Agency on Aging

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Calendar of Events May - Older Americans Month Successful Aging 9 “On Cloud Nine”, The Crowne Plaza, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm 3 Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops begins, Pack Library, 1:00 - 3:30 pm, For 4

more information contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org

Celebrating the Passage of Time - Transylvania County Celebration, Silvermont Opportunity Center, 9:00 - 11:00 am, see page 4

Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm

Dementia - Personal or Professional - We Are Facing It Now!, College Walk, Brevard, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for professionals only, 2:00 - 4:00 pm for caregivers only. This is an information packed program on dementia care. RSVP by May 9 to Louann Johnson at ljohnson@centurypa.com or call 884-5800.

16-20 Strive Not To Drive Week, see page 5 18

The Road to Driving Wellness Workshop, Mars Hill Retirement Community, Mars Hill, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. This FREE workshop is designated to help older drivers stay on the road safely. Space is limited, for more information or to register contact Jodi Brazil at Madison County Health Department at 649-3531.

Downtown Asheville Senior Walk, as part of Seniors Strive Not To Drive Week, see page 5

Commuting by Bicycle Presentation, as part of Seniors Strive Not To Drive Week, see page 5

Introduction to Bicycling for Seniors, as part of Seniors Strive Not To Drive Week, see page 5

The Journey - “Now About This Caregiver Business”, Biltmore United Methodist Church, see page 2

Century Club’s 2011 Annual Celebration, Park Ridge Health, see page 4

Resident Rights CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622.

Memorial Day, Land-of-Sky Office Closed

June 2-3

Building Healthy & Sustainable Communities, MAHEC and Warren Wilson College, Professionals from the medical and development / business sectors will be gathering to network and learn about strategies being implemented. For more information visit http://warren-wilson.edu/blogs/mtngreen/about or call 257-4475.

More than you bargained for: Focus on Feelings (Education Series), Mission Hospital’s Women Resource Center, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Sponsored by CAPES (Caring for Aging Parents Education & Support Program). For more information contact Kimberly Webb at 277-8288.

The Journey - “Do you understand what I’m trying to get you to understand?”, Biltmore United Methodist Church, see page 2

21-22 Ombudsman Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Orientation, see page 7 30

Medications for Diabetes CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara at 251-6622.

July 4

July 4th, Land-of-Sky Office Closed

Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops begins, Park Ridge Health, 2:30 - 5:00 pm, For more information contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org

Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, LOSRC, 9:30 - 11:00 am

WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Health Connections Regional Meeting, CarePartners Health Services, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, see page 5

The Journey - “When actions take the place of words”, Biltmore United Methodist Church, see page 2

Disaster Planning / Missing Persons CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622.

May - July 2011

Area Agency on Aging

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2011 Older Americans Month Celebrations OAM in Transylvania County Celebrating the Passage of Time Older Americans: Connecting the Community Silvermont Opportunity Center Thursday, May 5, 2011 9:00 - 11:00 am Come join us while we celebrate! Cake and refreshments will be served. 9:00 - 11:00 am Health Resource Information Fair & Screenings 10:00 am Centenarian Recognition & Older Americans Month Proclamation 10:30 am Sesquicentennial - Transylvania County

Century Club Celebration You are invited to attend the Century Club’s 2011 Annual Celebration “Connecting the Community” The Century Club cordially invites you and your guests to join in a Reception honoring our Century Club Members. In celebration of Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to the region’s oldest citizens. Please help us Celebrate! May 24, 2011 11:30 am Park Ridge Health Duke Room - Ground Floor Across From Cafe 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville

• Guests will be safely transported from the front door to the celebration.

• Please indicate any dietary restrictions.

• Valet parking is available.

Please RSVP to Brenda • Please let us know if DelaCruz at 251-6622 by May you need assistance with 20, 2011. transportation.

May - July 2011

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

ith extra funding from the extended American Recovery and Reinvestment Act this year, we have enlarged our number of Host Agencies to 28 and were awarded 35 slots for our Participants. We have had as many as 33 people in the program, and are presently at 32. It has been a good year as far as reaching out to more people this year, but we have not placed as many people as we had hoped in unsubsidized employment. Certainly the economic situation in America has contributed to this shortfall. But times are slowly changing, and we have high hopes of seeing more folks going into unsubsidized employment during the next few months, running into the next grant year after July 1. At a conference of all SCSEP coordinators on Equitable Distribution of Slots for community service at the end of March, we learned that our funding will be cut back to the 2009 level of funding (before ARRA). It may be at the same amount; it may be less. Region B received 27 slots (down from this year’s 35 slots), and it will affect the number of enrollees we presently have. Some people will be leaving due to attrition; some people will be given an extension of time till the end of December 2011. Very few new people will be taken into the program until later in the grant year. Meanwhile, several Participants have moved to new Host Agencies and are learning new skills this year, so we continue to have older Americans who are making every effort to prepare themselves to return to the workforce. If you have (or know of) a business or company that has begun to realize what older Americans still have to offer in workplace, please contact us. We will be happy to talk to businesses about the many advantages of hiring trained older Americans, as well as how SCSEP can help with their first month’s training on the job to the advantage of the business. Please contact Brenda Delacruz or Jennifer Atkinson at 251-6622 in the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

Area Agency on Aging

Older Workers Make Reliable, Competent, Committed, and Flexible Workers

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Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Reinventing Aging What does ageing mean to you? We are all doing it… with each passing year we get older. Givens Estates Retirement Community hosted April’s Health Connections Meeting (see side bar). The topic of the discussion was Ageism. Ken Kramer, Wellness Director at Givens Estates facilitated a poignant discussion on this topic. Ageism was defined as a “deep and profound prejudice against elderly (Butler). In simple terms, ageism occurs when people stereotype others based on old age. Ageism occurs throughout society in varying degrees, in television, advertising, movies, stores, hospitals, and jobs.” The discussion revealed windows into ageism in our political, social and economic structure. How are you impacted by ageism? • Are you an older adult who feels the effects of ageism? • Would you hire a younger person over an equally qualified older person? • Do you ever say to people, “you look so young for your age?” • Do you visualize older adults as being people in nursing homes, walkers & wheelchairs? • Do you make jokes about older people? Ageism has a profound psychological effect on older adults and may lead us to accept ourselves as victims of time, to deny our actual age or avoid the stereotypes. Our mental attitude affects our physical well-being. Ageism may, therefore, be seen as a health related risk factor. Ken Kramer reported on study by Becca Levy at Yale University. This study found that people with positive perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those exposed to negative images of aging. How do you intend to combat ageist beliefs and get involved in the movement of healthy aging? There are multiple opportunities to promote and be a role model of healthy aging. Check out information in this newsletter on the upcoming Living Healthy, Seniors Strive Not to Drive Week, caregiver support, SCSEP employment, and Ombudsman support. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have additional ideas about creating positive and realistic images of aging. We are all in it together. ~Rebecca Chaplin 251-7438

Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Networks is a group of dedicated individuals working together to create opportunities for healthy aging in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties. The goal of our network is to share information about health promotion activities, programs and initiative that touch the lives of older adults in this region. Our next meeting will take place at: CarePartners Health Services on July 19 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Contact Rebecca Chaplin at rebecca@landofsky.org or 251-7438 if you wish to attend.

SENIORS - STRIVE NOT TO DRIVE May 16 - 20, 2011 This year Asheville’s Strive Not To Drive event includes special opportunities for seniors to join the movement! Contact Rebecca at 251-7438 for more information. May 16 - 20: Asheville Transit is FREE for all riders!

May 18 Downtown Asheville Senior Walk 10:00 am - YWCA Asheville 185 S French Broad Avenue Guided 30-minute Senior Walk originating at the YWCA.

May - July 2011

May 18 Commuting by Bicycle Presentation 10:30 am - YWCA Asheville Presentation and discussion on how to use a bicycle for general transportation or for errands. Registration required: claudianix@libertybikes.com or 230-6567

Area Agency on Aging

May 19 Introduction to Bicycling for Seniors 10:00 am - Carrier Park 220 Amboy Road Bring your road-worthy bike, helmet, gloves and water for this introduction to bicycling class. Info and registration: Archer at Blue Ridge Bicycling Club, 684-1846.

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Ombudsman Overview An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.

Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign May 8 - June 19 Financial exploitation, abuse and neglect are just a few examples of Elder Abuse. If you have any reason to believe a senior or disabled adult needs help - call your local Department of Social Services.

2nd Annual Summit on Fraud, Scam & Exploitation Prevention

and-of-Sky Regional Council, Buncombe County Aging Coordinating Consortium, and the Buncombe Co. Sheriff’s Office hosted the 2nd annual Fraud, Scam & Exploitation Prevention Summit on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Simpson Hall on the A-B Tech campus. Approximately 40 people attended the event, which was designed for banking and other professionals. Fraud, scams and exploitation are becoming more and more prevalent in our society. The professionals who attended were those who recognize the growing importance of protecting their older and disabled customers from financial exploitation. Speakers included Roxann Sizemore, the Adult Protective Services supervisor at Buncombe Co. Department of Social Services, John Cabe with the Financial Crimes Unit of the Buncombe Sheriff’s Office, and Tucker Veach, an attorney who specializes in investor rights and securities with Falls and Veach in Asheville. Roxann shared a video entitled “An Age for Justice; Confronting Elder Abuse in America” in which elders shared poignant and real stories about financial exploitation, abuse and neglect they had experienced. Mickey Rooney’s very timely testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging was also shown. Karen Daeke with the NC State Employees Credit Union gave the perspective from financial institutions. In February, the Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an advisory to financial institutions on “Filing Suspicious Activity Reports Regarding Elder Financial Exploitation (SARs)”. The Advisory included indicators or red flags that could indicate the existence of financial exploitation, and how to report exploitation to the appropriate authorities by filing a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). Karen discussed how her organization had implemented effective policies to identify and report suspicious activity. The program concluded with a panel presentation on “Ways to Protect Our Citizens”. Barbara Bennett from the Securities Division of the NC Secretary of State’s office, Caroline Farmer from the NC Attorney General’s Office, and Norma Messer from the Better Business in Asheville talked about new initiatives in their departments to alert businesses and the public when exploitation, fraud, or scams might be underway. The summit concluded with a Q & A session and discussion about how to get even more people and institutions involved in this effort.

Scam Jams 2011

he Ombudsman Program, in cooperation with AARP of North Carolina, hosted two community educational events called Scam Jams. These events provide valuable information to elderly consumers on how to protect themselves against financial predators. AARP Associate State Director, Greg Tanner organized experts from the State Attorney General’s Office, Department of Insurance, Postal Inspection of Western NC, Secretary of State, and the Better Business Bureau to educate residents of Asheville and Brevard about scam and fraud prevention. Land of Sky Regional Council’s AAA hosted the April 13th event while Alice Taylor, Director of Brevard’s Silvermont Senior Center, graciously hosted our April 14th event. A special thank you to our local law enforcement officers; Detective John Cabe of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Brian Kreigsman from the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office for donating their time to these events. We’d also like to thank to all contributors and participants who made these public events possible! For more information about Elder Abuse Prevention and protection against fraud and scams in your area contact the Ombudsman Office.

May - July 2011

Area Agency on Aging

Erica Griffith from Congressman Heath Shuler’s Office and consumer Betty Sams check out the stress mailboxes that were provided by the US Postal Services Department.

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Community Advisory Committee (CAC) CAC Meeting Calendar

Welcome New CAC Members Welcome: Ken Brown, Jes Horner and Denise Smith to the Buncombe County ACH CAC Ellen Baker, Jennifer Kiger and Lana Wilde to the Buncombe County NH CAC

Buncombe County ACH: May 20, June 17, July 15

Thanks and Farwell to: Kelvin Anderson and Carrie McGuire from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Mary Kelly and Reva McLure from the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC You will be missed! Thank you for your services! CAC Orientation will be held on June 21 - 22 at Land-of-Sky Regional Council from 9 am - 1 pm.

Buncombe County NH: May 19, July 21 Henderson County ACH/NH: May 11, June 8, July 13 Madison County ACH/NH: July 6 Transylvania County ACH/NH: July 12

Actor Mickey Rooney Speaks Up About Elder Abuse

ctor Mickey Rooney told Congress on Wednesday that he was left powerless by a family member who took and misused his money. “I felt trapped, scared, used and frustrated,” Rooney told a special Senate committee considering legislation to curb abuses of senior citizens. “But above all, when a man feels helpless, it’s terrible.” “If elder abuse happened to me, Mickey Rooney, it can happen to anyone,” the 90-year-old veteran actor said in testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging considering legislation to curb abuses of senior citizens, according to Reuters. In court documents filed last month, Rooney accused his stepson, Chris Aber, of withholding food and medicine from him and interfering in his personal finances. The documents also alleged Aber bullied Rooney and blocked access to his mail. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who chairs the Special Senate Committee on Aging, said the elderly are particularly vulnerable because they are “often fragile” and their abusers usually stand little chance of getting caught. Actor Mickey Rooney’s dramatic March 2 testimony as a victim of elder abuse helped dramatize an underreported crime that costs millions of older Americans nearly $3 billion a year and prompted Washington lawmakers to escalate efforts to focus federal and state prosecutors’ attention on the crime. A veteran of more than 300 film roles, the 90-year-old Rooney took the congressional spotlight, telling a U.S. Senate committee investigating abuse that he had been financially exploited and “stripped of the ability to make even the most basic decisions about my life.” His daily life, he said, became “unbearable.” Senate Aging Committee Chairman Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) told Rooney that he would file legislation to create an Office of Elder Justice in the U.S. Department of Justice and seek up to $20 million to strengthen local law enforcement and protection efforts. Please lend us your hand to help stop elder abuse. Call your local DSS if you suspect that an elder may be in an abusive situation.

May - July 2011

BC NH CAC Quality of Life Grant The Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (BC NH CAC) is sponsoring a competitive $500 Grant to encourage and support excellence in activity programming for residents in area nursing homes. All Buncombe County Nursing Homes are eligible to compete. Use of grant funds may include but are not limited to: purchase of equipment, programs of music or art, trips and guest performances or sensory stimulation activities. Application deadline is May 20. Please contact Ben Wax at 7799187 or waxk@bellsouth.net for more information.

Available June 1st! Call us at 251-6622 or come by to get a copy of the LongTerm Care Housing Directory!

This article was adapted from a recent AARP BulleRtin

Area Agency on Aging

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: 828.251.6622 Fax: 828.251.6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa

May is Older Americans Month

Connecting the Community

We would like to hear what you think about the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter. Also, if you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please notify Christina at 828.251.6622. Please recycle this newsletter.

Area Agency on Aging Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

May 2011 Volume VI / Issue 2

Area Agency on Aging Staff Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman

VISION

Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant, Newsletter

Layout & Design

Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service Employment Program

Coordinator (SCSEP)

Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on Aging Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman Linda Kendall Fields - Community Resource Connections Coordinator

The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four-county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in the setting of their choice.

Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts Pat Hilgendorf - Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Demonstration Grant Assistant Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested in our community.