Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County and is dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.
PCA publishes Milestones and offers:
• Care in the home
• Caregiver & grandparent support
• Employment & volunteer programs
• Health education
• Home-delivered meals
• Home repairs & modifications
• Information & referral
• Legal services
• Ombudsman services
• Protective services
• Senior centers
• Transportation
• Veteran-directed care
Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 to the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040.
For general inquiries about PCA or aging services, email AskHelpline@pcaCares.org
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP President and CEO
PCA Board of Directors 2024
Glenn D. Bryan, Chair
Louis G. Colbert, Vice Chair
Satya B. Verma, O.D., Immediate Past Chair
Denise Adamucci
Patricia Canela-Duckett
Wilmarie Gonzalez
Sandra McNally
Paul Nathanson
Norma D. Thomas, D.S.W.
Sharlene Waller
John Whitman
Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.
Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Caregiving is a team effort
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO
Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 800 locations throughout Philadelphia.
Check us out online: pcaCares.org/ Milestones
Editorial & Advertising: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares. org
Subscriptions & Distributions: Home delivery: $12/year
The number of Americans providing unpaid care for a loved one has increased by 21% over the past five years, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. The economic value of unpaid, family caregiving in America is $600 billion a year, according to the journal “Innovation in Aging.” And, with the population of Americans aged 65-plus increasing and with people living longer, the need for caregivers will continue to increase across the country.
While the nation’s 53 million caregivers provide an invaluable resource to their loved ones that supplements the health care system, caregivers themselves also need care. Many benefit from information and resources to help manage the challenges of caregiving, as well as a helping hand. That’s where PCA’s Caregiver Support Program can assist.
The role of a caregiver is rewarding, and yet it is also extremely challenging. In many cases, caregivers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This leaves little or no time for caregivers to take the best care of themselves, as well as to pursue personal interests, exercise, religious services, work or school. Even some of the most seasoned caregivers can experience stress that may take a toll on their own physical and mental
well-being.
The reality is that caregiving takes a village because it is not a one-person job. While there may be a primary caregiver who provides daily hands-on care to an older loved one, there must also be a person (or, preferably, several people) who are taking care of the caregiver’s needs as well.
If you have a friend or family member who is a full-time caregiver, you can make their job easier by offering to take over caregiving duties to allow the caregiver “respite” to attend to their own physical, social or spiritual needs. Here are some other ways that you can help a caregiver:
• Pick up needed medication or health care supplies.
• Shop for food or send cooked meals.
• Run errands.
• Call to check in (on the caregiver) or just talk/provide socialization.
• Inform them that cash assistance and other help is available from PCA’s Caregiver Support Program.
Help for caregivers
Help is available to Philadelphia’s unpaid, primary caregivers through a wide array of resources, including education and training, financial assistance, caregiving support groups, and respite care services. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Caregiver Support Program provides caregivers of older adults and of adults with disabilities with emotional support, reimbursement for caregiving services and supplies, training, and benefits counseling. The program also supports adults 60 and older who are raising young relatives under the age of 18 and adults 55 or older who are caring for a person with a disability. For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040, go to pcaCares.org/ caregivers or see article on page 4.
Older kinship caregivers stepping in to raise Philadelphia’s youth
By Bill Conallen
The latest U.S. Census Bureau data shows that nearly 2.5 million older relatives, including grandparents, aged 60 and above, are responsible for raising their younger kin. About one-third of these children are 6 or younger. This is known as “kinship care,” and it’s on the rise across the country.
In Philadelphia, the situation is no different. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has witnessed an increasing number of older adults stepping up as primary caregivers for their young relatives.
The causes behind this shift are often rooted in difficult and traumatic events, such as parental illness, behavioral health challenges or financial instability, that force older family members back into the role of caregiver. While these older caregivers offer love, stability and a sense of home, the challenges they face can be complex and often overwhelming.
PCA’s Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to kinship caregivers in Philadelphia. Caregivers must be age 55 or older and the primary caregiver of a relative child under 18 who is not their biological child. The caregiver must live with the child they are caring for and meet specific income requirements to qualify for services. Raising children for a second time comes with financial strains; legal hurdles; and difficulties accessing entitlement programs, health care and education systems. Many of these older caregivers struggle to navigate the intricate web of support available to them.
PCA’s Caregiver Support Program has emerged as a critical lifeline for kinship caregivers across Philadelphia, helping them manage the burdens of caregiving.
“Kinship caregivers are truly unsung heroes in our community,” said Cheryl Clark-Woods, director of PCA’s Caregiver Support Program. “They step in during some of the most challenging moments, providing not just a home, but also love, stability and support. We recognize the unique challenges they face, and we’re dedicated to ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance they need to succeed in raising the next generation.”
PCA’s Caregiver Support Program provides eligible older relatives with services, support and financial reimbursement to ease the stress of raising children. These services range from respite child care, which offers caregivers a break, to counseling for both the caregivers and children. The program also can provide reimbursement for essential child-rearing needs, including educational supplies, summer camps, recreational activities and seasonal clothing, helping children thrive despite challenging circumstances.
“Raising my granddaughter wasn’t something I expected at this stage of life, but I had to step in,” said Donna Modelski, who has been a kinship caregiver with the Caregiver Support Program for seven years. “It’s challenging – financially and emotionally – trying to navigate the systems meant to help young people today. But it’s about providing love and stability for the kids who’ve already been through so much. This
program and the PCA staff have been an incredible lifeline, helping us manage legal, educational and emotional hurdles. Despite the challenges, seeing her feel safe and thrive makes it all worth it.”
In addition to direct support, PCA helps caregivers access community resources, manage legal concerns (such as custody and guardianship) and receive benefits counseling. PCA can also provide assistance to those in need of home modifications or assistive devices to accommodate caregiving needs.
As the number of kinship caregivers in Philadelphia continues to grow, PCA remains a trusted resource, committed to helping older relatives provide loving and stable homes for their young charges. Caregivers in need of support are encouraged to contact PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 to learn more about the services available to them.
Support for Philadelphia’s caregivers
PCA’s Caregiver Support Program provides caregivers with respite care, adult day services, benefits counseling, training and financial aid. The program serves caregivers: 18-plus caring for someone 60-plus with needs or dementia; 55-plus caring for a relative child younger than 18; or 55-plus caring for a relative 18-59 with a disability. Eligible caregivers may receive up to
$600 in monthly reimbursements for caregiving-related expenses and up to $5,000 for home modifications and assistive devices. The program’s goal is to help caregivers manage their responsibilities, while maintaining their own well-being. For more information on eligibility and available resources, contact PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Winter is coming: Get help staying warm at home
Source: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
For older adults with fixed or low incomes, it can be difficult making ends meet each month. The added cost of home heating during the winter might even force some to turn down the thermostat or cut back on other necessities –including food and medicine. Assistance programs are available to help older adults pay for home heating and other utilities.
• Cash Benefits: Helps limited-income customers pay their home energy bill.
• Crisis: Helps limited-income customers meet home emergency situations and restore services if their service has been shut off.
• Weatherization: Helps qualified limited-income customers reduce their energy consumption through home improvements.
Consumers who qualify for Cash and Crisis can receive both.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay energy bills. LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and consists of three components:
For more information or assistance, call the LIHEAP Helpline at 215-560-1583 or go to pa.gov (type “liheap” in the search).
Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) provides financial assistance to income-eligible individuals and families who are facing utility terminations or who have had their utilities shut off. PECO and the Philadelphia Water Department match each dollar UESF provides.
The Utility Grant Program is designed to bring a customer’s delinquent account up to date. UESF’s financial assistance, the matching utility bill credit, and any contribution by the individual must zero out the utility bill. Families and individuals who are eligible may receive assistance every two years.
To be eligible for a utility grant, the total household income must be at or below 175% of the federal
poverty guidelines.
For information or assistance, call UESF at 215-972-5170 or go to uesfacts.org.
Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) is a trusted community resource for Philadelphians seeking heating system repair, home weatherization, utility bill assistance, energy conservation education and connections to a wide range of services across the city.
• Heating support: Free heating system support for income-eligible Philadelphians.
• Weatherization programs: Save money on utility bills and increase comfort in the home with high-quality energy efficiency and home weatheriza-
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•
• Up to $4,000
•
Act now: The Annual Enrollment Period
Program offers veterans a path to independent living with dignity
By Bill Conallen
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) helps U.S. military veterans gain greater control over their long-term care. The Veterans-Directed Care (VDC) program, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is available to local veterans, 18 or older, who prefer to manage their own care services and live independently in their communities.
The VDC program offers veterans a unique opportunity: instead of receiving traditional care services, veterans are given a monthly budget to allocate as they see
fit. This budget can be used to hire caregivers of their choosing, including family members, and to purchase necessary services and equipment. The goal is to provide veterans with flexibility and autonomy to create a care plan that meets their specific needs.
“This program is all about empowering veterans,” said Marialana Crispin, assistant director of the Help at Home/ OPTIONS Program at PCA. “By helping veterans to be in control of their own care, we’re assisting them to maintain their independence and dignity.”
One of the key benefits that the VDC program offers is personalized care planning. Veterans work with a care manager to develop a care plan that reflects their individual preferences and needs. This plan can include a range of services, from personal care to home modifications to respite care for caregivers.
For many veterans, the ability to make decisions about their own care is a crucial aspect of maintaining their quality of life. The VDC program recognizes this by providing the financial resources and support needed to live independently.
“This is a game-changer for veterans who want to remain in
their homes,” Crispin added. “It’s not just about providing care; it’s about giving them the tools to take charge of their lives.”
The program also offers support to caregivers, who often play a critical role in the lives of veterans. Caregivers can access training, respite care and assistance with navigating the complex landscape of long-term care.
To be eligible, veterans must be 18 or older with a condition that is 70% service connected. This includes an injury or illness that
was caused or worsened by active military service. Veterans interested in the program can contact PCA for more information about eligibility and enrollment. PCA representatives are available to assist veterans in understanding how the VDC program can meet their needs. For more details, veterans can visit the PCA website at pcaCares.org or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Golden Voices Festival: An Ode to Older Adults
Join PCA and choirs from senior centers across Philadelphia Wednesday, December 4 10 a.m. to noon KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19116
Phone: 215-698-7300
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
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tion services for income-eligible Philadelphians.
• Neighborhood Energy Centers: ECA’s network of 16 Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs) serves as one-stopshops for community members to learn about utility bill assistance programs, home repair and weatherization, budget counseling, and connection to services across the city. For more information or assistance, contact ECA at 215-6091000 or EcaSavesEnergy.org/services-philadelphia.
Utility company assistance programs
• Budget billing: Based on the customer’s past 12 months of energy usage, a fixed “average” amount is billed each month.
• Customer Assistance Programs (CAP): This program is set up between the utility company and a limited-income, payment-troubled customer to pay utility bills based on household size and gross household income. Customers make regular monthly pay-
The Public Utility Commission requires utilities to have programs and protections that help customers with limited incomes keep their utility service. These programs may help pay utility bills or lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used. Each company has the following programs:
ments in exchange for continued utility service.
• Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES): Helps customers with unique needs, including family emergencies, divorce, unemployment or medical emergencies.
• Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): Helps limited-income residential customers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month. The utility company may provide free home weatherization.
• Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) Customer Responsibility Program: 215-235-1000
• Philadelphia Water Department Tier Assistance Program and Senior Citizen Discount Program: 215-685-6300
• Hardship Funds: Provides cash assistance to help customers pay their utility bills, after the other resources have been exhausted. If you or someone you know is without utility service, or has received a utility shut-off notice, call your local utility company for help:
Support is available for dementia caregivers
By Jeremy Rodriguez
Taking care of a person with dementia is often a new experience for caregivers. Alison Lynn, director of social work at Penn Memory Center (PMC) — a National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Center, compared her experience of being a firsttime mother to caregiving for people with dementia.
“I just had a baby,” Lynn said. “I’ve never taken care of an infant before. But guess what? There are a million classes, Instagram accounts, blogs, videos and all kinds of stuff out there on the internet that I can go on to read and get training in various techniques on how to raise this child. There’s not that type of infrastructure and guidance for caregivers (for dementia patients).”
Lynn said the reasons for this are complicated but noted a main cause is living in an ageist society that doesn’t prioritize older adults.
“The other thing is it’s not a super lucrative area, and it takes a lot
velop post-traumatic stress conditions. But they can also experience great post-traumatic growth.”
Growth can come in the form of pride in surpassing their own limits, and ultimately in acknowledging the difficulty and beauty in caring for a parent or older loved one.
of time, a lot of specialized training, a lot of attention and a lot of one-on-one coaching,” she said. “It’s hard to get health system buy-in. It’s hard to get buy-in from our current medical insurance sys tem.”
However, there are some re sources out there for caregivers to get support from professionals and each other. PMC offers the Caring Collective, a peer mentor ship program designed to support new caregivers. (For information: 267-624-4282 | PennMemoryCen ter.org/caring-collective) Through this initiative, seasoned and for mer caregivers provide support for new caregivers. This free program was developed in response to re quests from current and former PMC caregivers to connect with someone who has “been there.”
“I think (caregivers) often want to give back to other people who are going through this experience,” Lynn said. “And that’s why we did this mentorship program, so people who have done this can pass (their knowledge and experience) forward.”
This community building can
Less Waiting. More Living.
delphia also provides through its programs. (For information: 610721-1606 | ArtzPhilly.org) The nonprofit aims to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners through interactions with arts and culture, including museum trips and musical performances. According to ARTZ Philadelphia Founder and Executive Director Susan Shifrin, the only thing caregivers need to do is relax during these outings.
“That’s not as easy as it sounds, and we often have to coach care partners in letting go a little bit,” said Shifrin, “They’re so used to
“When the person (a caregiver is) caring for dies, they’re not re ally ready to let go, or they want to make some meaning out of their experience,” Lynn said. “People often think an experience like this is traumatic, and people can de-
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Andorra Shopping Center | 701 Cathedral Road | Philadelphia, PA 19128 | (267) 766-6321
Events
November 2024
NOVEMBER 1-30
NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH
This month is a time to recognize & honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues. For information about PCA’s Caregiver Support Program: 215-765-9040 or pcaCares. org/caregiver
NOVEMBER 5
ELECTION DAY
Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place: atlas.phila.gov/voting | 1-877-VOTES-PA
NOVEMBER 7
YOGA FOR OLDER ADULTS
All levels of practice. Beginners welcome. Bring your own mat or borrow one. Cleaning wipes are available. 3:30 p.m. Whitman Library. 215685-1754 | Free
NOVEMBER 8
CHAIR ZUMBA
Fun, low-impact fitness class that adapts traditional Zumba moves to be performed while seated, offering a full-body workout that is accessible to all fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-6987300 | Free
NOVEMBER 11
VETERANS DAY
NOVEMBER 12
SENIOR STRENGTH TRAINING
Led by a certified instructor, this class combines weights, chair & cardio work to improve fitness, strength & balance. 3 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free
Send your calendar items two months in advance to: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.
NOVEMBER 13
ART THERAPY
Creative class that uses artistic expression to promote emotional well-being & self-discovery in a supportive environment. 10:30 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free
NOVEMBER 14
CAREGIVER WORKSHOP
Topics: Healthy brain & body; bringing the arts into care. Includes wellness activity, lunch & parking. PCA. Register: 215-765-9000,ext. 4391 | Free
NOVEMBER 14
STRETCH 4 LIFE
A stretching class for older adults focuses on gentle movements to improve flexibility, mobility, & overall physical well-being in a safe, supportive setting. 11:15 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-8487722 | Free
NOVEMBER 15
SEWING CLASS
Learn the basics of sewing, create personal projects while developing skills in stitching, fabric selection & garment construction. 1 p.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
NOVEMBER 18
ENHANCED FITNESS CLASS
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidencebased exercise program. Led by a certified instructor in cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance & flexibility. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
NOVEMBER 19
LINE DANCING CLASS
Great form of exercise with the opportunity to enjoy music & make friends. 10 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
NOVEMBER 21
CROCHET CIRCLE
Make friends, improve crocheting skills, or learn how to crochet. 9 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
NOVEMBER 25
SING-ALONG
Group singing fosters a sense of community & joy through shared music & familiar songs. 10 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
NOVEMBER 26
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
Be thankful among friends & share a feast with all the trimmings. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | $3
NOVEMBER 27
BILLARDS
Enjoy the thrill of socializing with fellow players in a competitive environment. 9 a.m. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
NOVEMBER 28
THANKSGIVING
NOVEMBER 29
BINGO
Fun, social activity where older adults enjoy friendly competition while matching numbers to win prizes. Noon. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
Stop Senior Scams: Beware of funeral scams
Sources: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and AARP
Scammers often prey on people’s emotions. This makes people who are grieving the loss of a loved one ideal targets. The imposters pretend to be from the funeral home and threaten to cancel the funeral unless the family pays more money immediately.
Here’s how to spot and avoid this scam:
• Resist the pressure to act immediately. Honest businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.
• Contact the funeral home directly. Use a phone number that you know is real, not one you got from a text message, email or phone call. If you don’t know the funeral home’s phone number, you’ll find it on the General Price List you got
are being guided to purchase something that is not needed (such as a casket when your loved one is being cremated), ask questions and be skeptical.
How to protect yourself from these scams:
• Shop around and ask questions. Funeral homes are required to provide price information over the phone if asked, and some post their price lists online.
tor how much you’re prepared to spend.
• Don’t buy a casket if your loved one is being cremated. The FTC says there’s no state or local law that requires you to buy a casket if your loved will be cremated. You can select a less expensive container.
from the funeral home.
• Only pay by conventional methods. Scammers want to get your money immediately, and in a way that makes it hard to track them down and hard for you to get your money back. Never pay someone who insists you pay with a wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a gift card. Also, never deposit a check and send money back to someone. Consumers need to be aware of what their budgets are for funeral services of a loved one and should be skeptical of funeral homes that seem to overcharge or sell extra features that are not wanted or needed.
The Funeral Rule, a regulation issued in 1984 and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires funeral homes to disclose the cost of every item and service they provide.
Price transparency is essential when you are planning the funeral of a loved one. If you feel you
• Be wary of package deals that promise a discount on the casket. These packages often more than make up the difference in fees and unnecessary services. A funeral home cannot force you to buy a package that includes items you don’t want.
• Consider buying a casket or urn from a local store or online. You might pay less, and a funeral home can’t legally refuse your choice or require you to be present when it’s delivered.
• Get a written statement, before you pay, that shows exactly what you’re buying.
• Understand what you’re getting in a prepaid funeral contract. Does the plan cover only merchandise (like the casket and vault), or does it include services as well?
• Take some time to make decisions. You should have at least two days to make arrangements, and possibly a week or more.
• Keep your budget to yourself. Avoid telling the funeral direc-
• Embalming isn’t always required. No state mandates embalming. Although, the FTC notes that embalming may be required if the burial or cremation doesn’t occur within a certain period of time.
For more information about funeral costs and regulations, go to consumer.ftc.gov and search for “funeral.” The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA), an educational nonprofit with nationwide affiliates, offers funeral consumer support and information at funerals. org. The FCA of Pennsylvania can be reached at 267-712-9695 or fcapa.org.
To report a scam, contact the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or ReportFraud. ftc.gov.
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Please help older Philadelphians in need this winter by donating to the Emergency Fund today
Many older Philadelphians are often forced to choose between paying for medicine, food or heat. With your help, they won’t have to make that difficult choice. The Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians seeks to reduce suffering by providing small grants to individuals in dire situations. Anyone 60 years or over on a fixed income, who is facing a crisis and meets the eligibility requirements, can request 100 gallons of heating oil or $150 for an immediate need once a year. Funds can be used for food, clothing to stay warm, urgent repairs to keep their home safe, to avoid a utility shut-off, vital medications or other essential expenses. Your donation can make a meaningful difference to their lives. Please give to the Emergency Fund today.
$1,000 will provide seasonal clothing for 10 older Philadelphians
$500 provides $50 worth of food to 10 older adults
$300 provides 60 gallons of home heating oil
$100 helps prevent a utility shutoff
Diet, exercise help control diabetes
By Jay Nachman
More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Nearly 1.5 million adults in Pennsylvania, or 11% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Every year, an estimated 61,000 adults in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with diabetes.
Americans with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.6 times higher than those who do not
have diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a genetic predisposition to the disease, along with environmental and lifestyle factors.
Dr. Kevin J. Furlong, an endocrinologist with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Jefferson Health, described type 2 diabetes as a disease of “abnormal carbohydrate metabolism,” characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) in the blood. People with diabetes are unable to appropriately use carbohydrates for energy, resulting
Free Diabetes Self-Management Program
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers a free evidence-based Diabetes Self-Management Program. This six-week workshop meets for 2½ hours per week and helps older adults self-manage the symptoms of their condition, as well as the impact that diabetes has on their lives and emotions.
“The goal of the program is to
in high blood sugars that lead to further progression of the disease and damage to cells in the body.
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, extreme thirst, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and cuts and bruises that are slow to heal. The disease is often associated with other metabolic disorders, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.
The most effective way to treat type 2 diabetes is through diet and exercise, both of which also help improve other ailments and increase longevity. “An important way to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes is weight loss and exercise,” Dr. Furlong said. “These help at any level of diabetes and improve control of other medical diseases.”
Dr. Furlong was co-investigator of the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. For the study, pre-diabetic patients were given “intensive lifestyle” modifications that included 150 minutes of walking and other exercise a week. Par-
ticipants lost about 7% of their total body weight, and those 60 or older reduced their risk of getting diabetes by 72%.
“Here is scientific proof that diet and exercise – reducing calories, eating a healthier diet, and moving the body – reduces conversion to diabetes,” Dr. Furlong said.
Other ways to increase overall health include not smoking or drinking, getting enough sleep, maintaining social connections, and mindful meditation or learning how to handle stress.
“When people commit to all those things, they reduce disease and disability,” Dr. Furlong said. “These (lifestyle factors) increase not only lifespan but health span.” Additionally, it reduces the need for medication. Age increases the risk of diabetes. People of African, Hispanic, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander descents also have a higher risk of diabetes, as well as other diseases. Dr. Furlong attributed this to a genetic predisposition and social factors. He recommends older adults in those
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give people tools so they can be better self-managers, or better advocates for themselves, and to get them to know there is no one prescribed treatment for everyone,” said Stephen Merrill, health promotion nurse supervisor at PCA. Participants learn to advocate for themselves when talking to family members or health care providers through problem solv-
ing, action planning, brainstorming and other activities. PCA offers the Diabetes Self-Management Program sixto-eight times a year. Workshops are held at senior centers, houses of worship and apartment buildings.
In addition to the diabetes management program, PCA offers evidence-based programs for man-
aging chronic pain and chronic disease self-management. Individuals interested in any of PCA’s self-management programs can contact Stephen Merrill in PCA’s Health Promotion unit at 215-765-9000, ext. 5123. Representatives from senior centers, apartments and houses of worship can also call to bring the programs to their facility.
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they’re with is going to behave in a way or say something that is going to raise eyebrows. We just reassure them there are going to be no raised eyebrows in this group.”
She added that care partners will also see their loved ones “come to life” once again, noting that people in later stages of dementia usually withdraw and can no longer hold conversations.
“When they come into a setting in which they feel valued, heard and seen, and where people are laughing, joking and being kind to one another, they rise out of themselves,” Shifrin said. “I have had so many care partners say to me, ‘I just saw my wife again. I just heard my wife have a conversation again. I can’t believe this is happening.’”
Overall, Shifrin said that every day, caregivers should ask themselves, “What is going to make me
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ethnic groups to get screened for diabetes.
Beyond diet and exercise, the best treatments for diabetes are individualized for each patient, according to Dr. Furlong. Individual goals can depend on other possible co-morbid conditions, such as heart disease or obesity. There is much to look forward to in the treatment of diabetes, according to Dr. Furlong. Recent laws allow Medicare to negotiate prices on medication with drug manufacturers. This change will allow people with diabetes who have low incomes, but don’t qualify for Medicaid, to afford treatment. New technology helps better treat
smile today?” This can include a range of activities from listening to music to having a phone conversation with a friend. She offers up this metaphor for caregivers: “If your cup is empty, you have nothing to pour into somebody else’s cup.”
“If you give up on yourself, you’re essentially giving up on the person you’re caring for,” Shifrin said.
“And, for most of us who have been care partners, we are always at the bottom of our own list. If you say to a care partner, ‘You need to do this for yourself, but ultimately, it’s for the person you’re caring for,’ somehow that legitimizes making that time (for yourself). It’s a sad fact that we feel we can’t justify our own well-being, but whatever it takes, we have to ensure that well-being.”
and monitor glucose levels. Artificial technology can help adjust insulin levels. Sensors can measure blood sugar every minute so patients won’t have to prick their fingers for readings. Continuous insulin pumps automatically adjust the rate of delivery of insulin based on what is going on in the body.
Jeremy Rodriguez is a freelance journalist, blogger, editor and podcaster.
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
How to be a better health care advocate
An integral aspect of healthy aging is taking an active role in your health care. This includes being confident, proactive and assertive during medical appointments and conversations with health care providers.
“Having someone go with you to your doctor’s appointment is huge. I can’t stress that enough,” said Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium and the Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia. “I know that older adults are so independent, and they are used to doing everything on their own. But having someone go with you, so you have a second pair of ears, is super helpful. This will go a long way, so that things aren’t missed. So often I hear that people didn’t catch a life-threatening condition or illness in time. Maybe, they didn’t understand how quickly they needed to follow up on things in that window where it went from being treatable to having no options.”
If you are not able or do not wish to have a trusted friend or family member accompany you to medical appointments, Dr. Stanford recommends “having someone that you can call on the phone (during the appointment), to just listen. You can also record the appointment and have it on your phone (to refer to later).” These are great options because patients can choose which part(s) of the appointment to share with another person and still preserve private time to speak with the clinician alone.
To assure health equity and language access for people with limited English proficiency, it is vital to have someone with them or on the phone to be a translator.
Finally, organization is a health advocate’s best friend. Dr. Stanford suggests “having all of your questions spelled out or listed before you come to a medical appointment.” It can also be helpful to write down your symptoms, especially those that don’t occur regularly.
“Keep all your medical records together,” said Dr. Stanford. “Have a planner or notebook, so you remember what was discussed the last time that you went. If you have everything organized in a central place, it can help alleviate memory problems that may lead to mismanagement of your health and conditions.”
