GaGen 208 Winter by Wells-Smith Partners

Generations Georgia

Winter 2009

What You

Need to Know About V.I.P.s

Very Important Papers Also in This Issue: n Caregiving News & Notes n A Look at Georgia’s AAAs Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources 1

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adults age 60 and over in every community. To read more about each of Georgia’s AAAs and the services available, turn to a statewide map and news from each agency, beginning on page 9.

Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state. They are:

4 7 6

9 12

1 Northwest Georgia 2 Legacy Link 3 Atlanta Regional Commission 4 Southern Crescent 5 Northeast Georgia 6 Lower Chattahoochee 7 Middle Georgia 8 Central Savannah River 9 Heart of Georgia Altamaha 10 Southwest Georgia 11 Southeast Georgia 12 Coastal Georgia

Generations Georgia

WINTER 2009 Published quarterly

through a cooperative effort of Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. For information contact: Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Services Division 40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-463-3239 jkauffman@atlantaregional.com

Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA Georgia Generations is a:

2008

On the Cover: Here are the Very Important Papers you or your loved ones need to assemble, in order to prepare for the future. This important process will save you untold money, time and, possibly, some legal headaches. Turn to the story beginning on page 4.

Winter 2009, Volume 8, #2 © 2009 by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the Atlanta Regional Commission and JAM Communications make no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. All rights reserved.

Georgia Generations

Where We Spend Our $$ W

hile prices for older Americans have kept pace with overall inflation, their spending patterns have varied widely from the younger generation. Senior households spend more dollars annually on health insurance, prescription drugs, housing upkeep and new cars, while their children and grandchildren spend more on mortgage interest, rent, apparel and shoes. Here’s a closer look at how the two groups compare: item Health insurance New cars and trucks Housing upkeep Prescription drugs Reading materials Rented dwellings Mortgage interest Apparel/services Shoes/sneakers

25 to 34

65 to 74

$304 676 228 84 28 1,478 1,477 742 128

$1,431 1,163 745 452 75 627 1,035 638 84

Fight the Flu

f you missed getting your shot, is there anything you can do to reduce your chances of coming down with the flu this season?

Check with your physician about using a nasal-spray ONE vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control says the spray should

Eating right and taking vitamin supplements may be a TWO prescription for prevention. Vitamin E supplements may help boost the body’s ammunition against the flu. But foods high in vitamin E are a better bet.

Wash your hands frequently, and keep THREE your hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth. If you start to feel sick, ask your FOUR doctors about antiviral drugs. They must be

taken within two days of the onset of symptoms.

Drink plenty of fluid, rest in bed FIVE and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

o you want to know more about the prescription drugs you or your family members are taking? Go to www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org, Consumer Reports’ new Web site, to learn more about the cost, effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs. This Web site is available at no cost to the consumer.

A New Look at Portion Control

Generations Wins Awards eorgia Generations received several awards this year from two national competitions, including a prestigious gold award for excellence! The 2008 National Health Information Awards Program recognizes the nation’s best materials developed for the consumer health market. From more than 1,000 entries, the program honored: • Managing Diabetes (Spring 2007) — Silver Award The National Mature Media Awards honor the best educational, marketing and advertising materials for older adults. Generations received the following awards: • Look Who’s in Class! (Summer 2007) — Gold Award • Health Screenings—A Lifesaver for Seniors (Fall 2007) — Silver Award

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits

HOW TO

not be used by those in high-risk groups.

Age

CAREGIVING NEWS&NOTES

f you’re trying to cut down on the amount of food you eat, here’s a new way to visualize food portions: 1 cup of cereal flakes = fist ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta = ½ baseball 1 normal piece of cornbread = bar of soap 1 serving of potatoes = fist 1 serving of fruit = baseball 3 oz. of meat, fish or poultry = deck of cards 2 T. peanut butter = ping pong ball

Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.nihseniorhealth.org features health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. You can adjust each page to make the text bigger or hear the text read aloud. www.kiplinger.com offers excellent senior-friendly articles on retirement planning, long-term care, and other financial advice.

Report suspected fraud and errors. Call your Fraud Project for details and to request a presentation.

GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387

What You Need to Know About V.I.P.s

Very Important Papers By Martha Nolan McKenzie

oe Smith suffered from Alzheimer’s for several years, but his wife, Ann, was able to care for him in their Atlanta home. One cold day in late January 2005, however, Joe suffered a major stroke and had to be placed in a nursing home. That’s when the nightmare began for Ann. She discovered that Medicare would only cover the staggering nursing home costs for a short while. To qualify for Medicaid, Joe would need to shift assets held in his name — including land and some investments — into Ann’s name. Unfortunately, he was not competent to make financial decisions such as that, and the Smiths did not have durable power of attorney documents. The result: Ann had to hire a lawyer, go to court and have her husband declared legally incompetent to obtain conservatorship over him. She had to go back another time to ask the judge to allow Joe’s assets to be shifted to her name. And she had to go back a third time when Medicaid’s rules changed relating to life insurance. In all, Ann spent over $20,000 in legal fees.

Georgia Generations

“If they had only had an effective durable power of attorney, they could have avoided all those costs and all that stress,” says Ira Leff, the Atlanta elder law attorney who worked with the Smiths. “Having to declare her husband legally incompetent was emotionally hard on Ann, and it was nerve-wracking for her every time she had to go to court.” Cautionary tales such as the Smiths’ underscore the importance of planning for one’s potential disability. That planning needn’t be particularly expensive or laborious; it just involves assembling some V.I.P.s — Very Important Papers. And down the road, it can save you and your loved ones untold money, time and headaches. “Everyone would like to know that their wishes will be carried out if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves,” says Leff. “Having the proper documents prepared will help make sure that is what happens.” Here’s a look at Very Important Papers that everyone, regardless of age, should have.

People tend to think in terms of incapacity when dealing with powers of attorney, but it could just be a matter of convenience. “I see this type of situation all the time,” says Leff. “Perhaps a woman in her 80s doesn’t want to bother writing checks and keeping up with her bills anymore, so she asks an adult son or daughter to do it, via a power of attorney. The woman is still perfectly capable of handling these transactions — she would just rather someone else do it for her.”

Durable Power of Attorney

“ A durable power of attorney is essentially a glorified hall pass. It allows someone to run errands for you.”

When the topic of estate planning comes up, the first thing most people think of is a will. But the most critical documents, most attorneys agree, are a durable power of attorney and an advanced directive for health care. These documents allow someone you name to make financial and health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. If you do not have these in place, the state probate court will appoint a guardian, which can be time-consuming and expensive. A durable power of attorney prevents such court intervention. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that lets you designate someone (called an agent) to handle your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. It will allow your spouse or adult children, for example, to pay bills, deposit Social Security checks and file tax returns if you cannot. “A power of attorney is essentially a glorified hall pass,” says David L. McGuffey, an elder law attorney in Dalton. “It allows someone to run errands for you. Like a hall pass, it can be taken away. And like a hall pass, it cannot be used to subvert the elder’s desires. But without that hall pass, no one will be able to run the errands if you need help.” A springing power of attorney is most common. It only becomes effective if and when you are unable to make financial decisions for yourself. Most powers of attorney are also revocable — meaning the individual who sets it up can change it any time he wants to, as long as he is competent. But beware: You need to draft this document very carefully, spelling out exactly how your inability to make financial decisions will be determined — typically it must be certified by a physician. You could require, however, that your agent get a second opinion. And be sure the agent you designate is someone you trust 100%. “We’ve seen too many instances where agents have used the power of attorney to steal from them,” says Stephen Krumm, director of the Senior Citizens Law Project at Legal Aid in Atlanta. “The agent has sold property and cleaned out bank accounts. A bad power of attorney is worse than having no power of attorney at all.” Winter 2009

Advanced Directive for Health Care Until 2007, Georgians could also draft a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will. Both of those documents have now been rolled into a new document, called an advanced directive for health care. “If you already have a power of attorney for health care and a living will, they are still valid, so you don’t need to redo them. You just can’t draft

new ones going forward,” says Becky A. Kurtz, Georgia longterm care ombudsman. “The primary difference is the two documents have been combined into one and simplified to eliminate some of the confusing language and inconsistent witnessing requirements.” The advanced directive for health care, like the living will, allows you to specify the procedures and treatment you would like used or withheld at end-of-life. The document also, like the durable power of attorney for health care, allows you to name someone — called an agent — who can make medical and treatment decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Elder law attorneys advise seniors to go beyond simply naming someone to make the decisions. “Just having a person who can speak for you doesn’t solve the problem — that’s just delegating,” says Leff. “The whole idea is for the patient to express his wishes in advance, so the person who is making the decisions knows what he wants.” The problem can be exacerbated if you appoint multiple agents. “We had a case in which the mother had designated her two sons as her agents,” says Krumm. “When she became incapacitated, one son wanted to put her in a nursing home and one wanted to keep her in her home. They couldn’t agree, so one son ended up having to file a petition for guardianship. It’s not uncommon for adult children to disagree over what’s best for their parent, so spelling out your wishes in advance can save a lot of heartache later.” In Georgia, if you don’t have a durable power of attorney or an advanced directive for health care, the state’s medical consent law allows other relatives, in a specific hierarchy, to

make health care decisions for you if you are unable. Included in this list are your spouse, your parents if you are a minor child, your grandparents if you are a minor child, your adult children and your adult siblings. “Although your loved ones will be allowed to make decisions for you, it’s so much better to have the proper documents,” says Kurtz. “It’s not only better legally, but it also clarifies for your family who you trust to make these decisions for you. Ideally, you’ve talked to the individual in advance about your wishes, so they understand how you want them carried out.” Lack of documents is particularly worrisome when the patient has no relatives listed on the medical consent form. “Let’s say an individual never married, or has outlived all of his relatives — Georgia law doesn’t have anything that clarifies who can make decisions if there is no one on the medical consent list available,” says Kurtz. “It can be tragic. We’ve had residents in the nursing home who desperately need surgery — perhaps they have gangrene and need to have an amputation — but there is no one to consent. Doctors are very reluctant to do any medical procedure without someone in authority consenting to it, for fear of lawsuits. It’s a huge gap in Georgia law, and it underscores why it’s so important to have these documents.” The advanced directive for health care is available to download in several places online, including the Georgia Division of Aging Services at www.aging.dhr.georgia.gov or by calling the division at 1-866-55AGING. However, experts advise hiring a lawyer to help you fill it out. “I don’t think it’s user-friendly, and many people will not understand all the decisions they are

“Doctors are reluctant to do any medical procedure without someone in authority consenting to it, for fear of lawsuits.” being asked to make,” says McGuffey. “People tend to be pennywise and pound-foolish. Hiring an attorney to help work through this very serious and complicated document is a good investment. You can also go to Legal Aid, or AARP’s legal services network will help seniors for a nominal cost.”

Wills and Trusts While virtually all attorneys agree on the need for durable powers of attorney and advanced directives for health care, the case for wills and trusts is not so clear-cut. “I don’t do wills anymore,” says Karen Kelly Daniels, an elder law attorney in Macon. “A revocable living trust can do anything a will can do, but it avoids probate.” “Most people in Georgia don’t need trusts,” McGuffey counters. “In this state, probate is usually cheap and easy.” So which is the answer? It depends on your assets, any

special situations you have, and your personal wishes. Conventional wisdom has always been that everyone needs a will. Indeed, if you die without one, the court decides who gets your things, not you. A will details who will handle your estate and how your assets will be distributed. It may have to go through probate, which is a court-supervised process of transferring the property of a deceased person to his survivors. For an average estate, the probate process generally takes about six months and costs between $200 and $300 if you don’t use a lawyer. Standard forms are available online at www.gaprobate.org. However, as with the power of attorney, experts advise people to hire a lawyer to draw up the will. “Wills are relatively inexpensive to draft, and I think it’s worth a couple hundred dollars to make sure it’s done correctly,” says Krumm. A living trust is a document that, like a will, gives instructions about who will handle your estate and how the assets will be distributed. But while you are living, you transfer those assets out of your name and into the trust that you control. At your death, assets in the trust pass immediately to your survivors without going through probate. “In my opinion, in most, if not all situations, a revocable living trust can accomplish everything that a will can accomplish but has the added advantage of being outside of the probate court, which decreases the costs of settling an estate and keeps the affairs of the estate private,” says Daniels. Every situation is different, however. “You should have a reason for using a trust or not,” says McGuffey. “Some people use it to maximize their estate tax exemption. This year, each individual can pass on a maximum of $2 million untaxed. Most Georgians don’t have a combined $4 million to pass on, so they don’t need it for that purpose.” With a trust, you can also set conditions for the distribution of the assets. For example, if you want to leave money to your son, but he’s not terribly responsible with money, you could specify that the money be doled out at certain times to make sure he doesn’t blow through all the assets. Anyone who has a minor child or a disabled adult dependent should have a trust set up so that money will be available but safely controlled in case of death or incapacity. “Trusts are very good vehicles for managing assets for people who lack the capacity,” says McGuffey. “With a special needs trust, assets do not count toward SSI and Medicaid eligibility, meaning that if the child is otherwise eligible for public benefits, then those benefits programs may pay for food, shelter and medical care while the trust assets are used to enhance quality of life.” While trusts can make sound financial sense, they have also been exploited by some unscrupulous lawyers who use scare tactics to sell trusts costing thousands of dollars. These lawyers warn seniors that unless they put their assets in this trust, estate taxes will eat up most of their inheritance. And sometimes the lawyers are really only selling a trust kit and leaving the individual to his own devices to make it effective. Some seniors with very limited assets may not need a will or a trust. “If the only things you own are a few certificates of deposit and the contents of your apartment, then you don’t need a will to move those things to your heirs,” says Leff. “You Georgia Generations

could designate your heirs as beneficiaries for your certificates of deposit, and they will pass directly to them on your death. However, you are gambling that you thought of everything. If you left anything out, it will have to go to probate.” If you own your home, however — even a modest one — you should have a will. While you can put someone else’s name on the deed so the house will pass directly to them, experts advise against it. With a CD, if you have a falling-out, you can go and change it. But if a person is on your deed, they own the property with you. So they can keep you from selling the property or refinancing. It’s generally a much better idea to arrange to pass your house down through a will.

O.I.P. — Other Important Papers Though not a legal document, a comprehensive personal inventory is an excellent paper to have. It should list the name, address and phone number of your accountant, attorney, banker, stockbroker, all insurance agents and employee benefits administrator. The list should include all accounts, policies and assets with account numbers and contact information. It should detail the whereabouts of the safe-deposit box and key, as well as important documents such as birth certificates, deeds, car titles and Social Security cards. “Everybody has all kinds of things they handle that no one else knows about,” says Leff. “This is a way of passing on that information. For example, I’ve written a letter to my wife that tells her where she can find things in my office, who she needs to contact about what, and who I recommend to take over my practice.” Once the personal inventory is completed, make sure that caregivers or loved ones know where it is. It won’t do any

good if they don’t know it exists and don’t know where it is. If you are a caregiver or if you have an adult child or other relative caring for you, you might also want to draw up a caregiver contract. This can specify what services will be compensated and at what rate. While such a contract can seem like turning a parent-child relationship into a business one, it can make a lot of sense. “We do caregiver contracts regularly,” says McGuffey. “It can help compensate the caregiver for the time he has invested and the expenses he has incurred. But the primary advantage is that it creates an enforceable contract between the senior and caregiver, so Medicaid cannot treat that money you give the caregiver as a gift.” Under current rules, any transfer of money to a child is considered a divestment unless proven otherwise, and Medicaid imposes a penalty period for divestment. So even if a person is eligible for Medicaid because he does not have money, Medicaid will not pay for nursing home care for a time period equal to the amount of time the money divested to a child would have paid for. For example, nursing home costs in Georgia average a little over $5,000 a month. So for every $5,000 a parent has given a child for a certain period prior to entering a nursing home, Medicaid will not pay for a month. With a caregiver contract, however, parents can move money to children to compensate them for their services without it being considered a divestment. As elderly individuals face the difficult issues of aging, their instinct is often to fight against it. Some people look at drafting these various documents as losing the battle. If that’s the case, the adult children or other relatives need to explain that if something serious should happen, this is the only way they would be able to help that individual — and make sure that what he or she would want is carried out. GG

Confronting the Tough Conversation T hough these documents are critical in making sure you or your loved one’s wishes are respected, too many people don’t have these papers in place. Why? No one likes to think about their own or their loved one’s demise. Indeed, a recent AARP survey found that 70% of adult children have not talked with their parents about issues related to aging. Other times it’s the parents who don’t want to discuss the issues. Yet as Baby Boomers age, more and more will find themselves facing a role reversal in which they must take responsibility for their parents’ finances and/or health care decisions. That day will be much easier to handle if the proper papers are drawn up in advance. Ideally, financial advisers recommend approaching parents and older loved ones when they are in their 60s — about the time they retire. It’s a natural time since they’ll be taking stock to plan for life after work. The older the parents get, the more difficult it might be to broach the subject. But no matter what age they are, it’s a talk that needs to happen. AARP offers adult children these tips to facilitate the discussion with their parents: n Do it now. Don’t wait until a crisis to try to sort through these issues.

Winter 2009

n Use your own planning or the recent illness or death of a loved one to start the discussion. You could share the story of someone who didn’t plan well and the mess that resulted. n If your parents were unwilling to disclose a full list of their assets, perhaps they would be willing to write down account numbers without balances or make a list and tell you where the list is kept. n Encourage your parents to seek expert advice. This assures them that you still consider them competent to make their own decisions and that you’re not trying to control the situation. You can offer to help them find a qualified elder law attorney. n Make your parents — and their wishes — the main focus of the discussion. Find out what their concerns are. They may be worried they’ll outlive their resources, or that their kids will fight over their assets after they are gone. n Acknowledge that you are discussing their assets and that your goal is to help them maintain control of them, not wrest them away. n Be direct, honest and patient. This likely will be an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time conversation. Don’t be surprised if you meet with some resistance.

GUEST CLOSE-UP

By the Georgia Association of Area Agencies on Aging

lder adults, their families, agencies and service providers across the state have all come together to make their voices heard at the Georgia Legislature in support of aging programs and services. Be There 4 Seniors! This is the message heard loud and clear throughout the state. Budget cuts to aging programs were set at 6% this fall; however, the possibility of those cuts increasing to as much as 12% looms heavily due to Georgia’s budget crisis in the economic downturn. Clearly, budget cuts are compounding problems for older adults and for the state of Georgia; but these cuts demonstrate only one way that support for older adults is being dismantled, eliminated or threatened. Consider the fact that the population has begun to double. Consider that volunteerism has chilled due to rising food, energy and fuel costs. Consider that prevention programs with proven cost savings have been eliminated. It’s impossible to serve more people with less money or encourage families to take care of their own, so that they don’t turn to the state for help. Together, these four conditions put Georgia’s older adults in the middle of a perfect storm: 1. Demographics Demand Innovation — Georgia MUST invest now in creative solutions and vital service infrastructure if it is going to prepare for the dramatic growth of the booming 60-plus population — already ranking Georgia as ninth in the nation. 2. Less Money Leaves Too Many Without — Georgia MUST plan to realize future savings through proven prevention practices. Healthy people COST LESS!

❖ Eliminating Lifelong Planning programs, reducing or eliminating meals on wheels, adult day care and health and wellness programs, and limiting information about prescription drug assistance from other resources creates greater liabilities for Georgia, threatens health conditions, leaves many prematurely or unnecessarily dependent on Medicaid and reduces Georgia’s opportunity to realize cost savings by promoting active, independent living. 3. Skyrocketing Costs Reduce Services to those Most in Need — Georgia MUST budget to meet the essential needs of vulnerable older adults on fixed incomes. ❖ High costs have reduced volunteerism, and agencies facing the same increases are unable to meet the increased demands. ❖ Low-income seniors on fixed budgets can’t absorb the higher costs, and too often they go without. 4. Supported Caregivers Stretch Limited Funds — Georgia MUST support families taking care of their own. ❖ Without support, families quickly become overburdened, increasing nursing home admissions that could be delayed or avoided. ❖ Overwhelmed caregivers have higher absentee rates and decreased productivity in the workplace. ❖ In the face of a weakened, unstable economy, Georgia AND older Georgians can’t afford more cuts to funds that support the elderly. Help carry the message to elected officials that NOW is the time to help older adults plan, stay active and healthy and support their families. These investments reduce costs both now and in the future. HEALTHY PEOPLE COST LESS! Be There 4 Seniors! GG Georgia Generations

Northwest Georgia

A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia In communities across the country, Area

Legacy Link

Northeast Atlanta Regional Georgia Commission Southern Crescent

Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent.

Central Savannah River Middle Georgia

Lower Chattahoochee

heart of Georgia Altamaha

Southwest Georgia

Southeast Georgia

Coastal Georgia

On the following pages are the programs and services offered by Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AAAs.

Northwest Georgia

Covers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville

Dealing with dementia

n individual is defined as mentally incompetent if he or she is of unsound mind (either regularly or sporadically) by reason of disorders that impair their ability to make or carry out important decisions about their affairs. Unless a person has been declared mentally incompetent by the courts, they are considered a free agent and can sign legally binding documents. Sometimes the loss of mental capacity happens in small steps. If this is happening to your spouse or other loved one, what do you do? There are several options available: powers of attorney, guardianship or declaration of mental incompetence. The second two choices are usually the least desirable. They are costly and deprive the individual of most of their rights. The Winter 2009

Cynthia Gibson, managing attorney for the Dalton office of the Georgia Legal Services Program, helps seniors with legal issues involving wills and other civil matters.

individual may also object, which complicates matters. As long as the person has some clear days and times, a Power of

Attorney (POA) may be sufficient. He or she will need two POAs: one for financial affairs and one for medical decisions. These POAs may be held by the same person or by two different individuals. The POA can be taken back at any time by the person who issues them. For more information in our northern counties, call Georgia Legal Services in Dalton at 1-888-408-1004 or 706-2722924. For Haralson, Paulding and Polk counties, call 404-206-5175. These agencies have contracts with the Area Agency on Aging. For more information, contact the AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1798, Rome, GA 30162-1798; 706-802-5506 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963. Northwest Georgia encompasses these counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, Whitfield

Atlanta Regional Commission Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta

ARC expands volunteer opportunities for older adults to help others

olunteer opportunities for adults 55 and older are expanding in metro Atlanta, thanks to a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), who will serve as sponsor for the metro Atlanta RSVP program. RSVP is the country’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and older. The goal of RSVP is to help local communities by encouraging individuals in this age group to volunteer. Although RSVP has been around for nearly 40 years, the program is changing to capture the talents of the 78 million baby boomers who are looking for meaningful, challenging ways to give back to the community. The metro Atlanta RSVP program serves Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Volunteer opportunities will focus on civic engagement, community education and outreach to help older adults and people with disabilities maintain healthy, independent lifestyles. There are eight key areas where metro Atlanta RSVP volunteers will focus their efforts: n How to access needed services

Volunteers do not have to be experts in the areas in which they want to volunteer. Training is available for each volunteer position. In-service training will also be available to help volunteers improve their knowledge and skills and to network with other volunteers. The metro Atlanta RSVP program is an important component of ARC’s Lifelong Communities initiative. Through that effort, ARC is working with local communities to create a regional response to the growing older adult population from the ground up. Using a three-pronged approach, ARC is developing strategies to

n Importance of preventive health services n Consumer fraud n Computer literacy n Medicare insurance counseling n Environmental awareness n Disaster preparedness n Assistance to seniors Programs will be tailored to the local community, and each county may offer different volunteer opportunities, depending on the unique needs of that locality. Commenting on the new initiative, Cathie Berger, chief of ARC’s Aging Services Division, says, “We believe that the RSVP program will be a win for both the participating organizations and the individual volunteers. Organizations will have a group of Stuart Berkowitz, an RSVP volunteer with GeorgiaCares, helps to counsel a client on Medicare-related issues. highly trained volunteers to support programs, and volunteers will have rich and varied provide the housing and transportation opportunities to remain engaged and options that older adults need, encourage address critical needs in their community.” healthy lifestyles and expand access to information and services. RSVP volunteers will play a critical role by offering educa™ Atlanta Regional Commission, 404-463-3333 tion and outreach so that older adults can www.agewiseconnection.com make informed choices about available services and programs. If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner:

Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Services, 770-345-5312 Clayton County Clayton County Aging Program, 770-603-4050 Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, 770-528-5364 DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, 770-322-2950 Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100 10

Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, 770-461-0813 Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program, 404-730-6000 Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior Services, 678-377-4150 Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-288-7001 Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Services, 770-922-4633

For information about specific volunteer opportunities, contact the metro Atlanta RSVP program at volunteer@atlantaregional. com or 404-463-3119. Atlanta Regional Commission encompasses these counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

Georgia Generations

Northeast Georgia

Covers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison

Raising children — the second time around

he Kinship Program at Newton County Senior Services, Inc. is taking their “second time around” in raising children. Group discussions have led to their most recent project, “A Part of Me” — which allows seniors to tell the story of their life and describe events that have changed their families. Participants are creating individual journals to help their grandchildren get to know them better, in hopes that the grandchildren will then add to the journal and pass it on to their own children. The Kinship Program has been successful in Newton County due to the many activities and events that it provides. Programs such as the “Helping Hands Camp” have been created so that seniors

can continue to attend the senior center. During this camp, grandparents and grandchildren both come to the senior center. The program gives seniors some respite and allows the children to have educational and recreational activities in the summer. Grandparents from Newton and Greene counties participated in a Of the many “Grandparent Rally” Stress Workshop held on August 29, 2008, at the Newton County Senior Center. activities at the center, the Annual For more information, contact Newton Grandparent Fest and Senior Expo held County Senior Services, Inc. at 770-787-0038. each October has surpassed all expectations. Vendors, exhibitors, entertainment, NorthEast Georgia encompasses these counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, door prizes and fun games for grandchilMorgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton dren fill the rooms of the Turner Lake Recreation and Senior Center.

Lower Chattahoochee

Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert Delivering services and information to older adults is often a challenge. A mobile Area Agency on Aging utilizes technology and face-to-face inter action to provide information and resources as a one-stop shop for older adults. The mobile program enables caregivers, care receivers, professionals, political leaders, community leaders and organizations to receive information and services without leaving their own communities. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading Charles Sisson, president of the n4a Board, and Jeffery voice on aging issues across the country. S. Prough, president and CEO of CST, with Ilona Preattle For more information, contact and Tiffany Ingram from the Lower Chattahoochee AAA. the Lower Chattahoochee AAA at are on the front lines of aging and are the 1-866-55-AGING. trusted local resources in addressing the LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE encompasses these needs of older adults and caregivers in counties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, their communities,” states Sandy MarkStewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster wood, n4a’s CEO.

Lower Chattahoochee AAA of Columbus receives highest honor

he Lower Chattahoochee Area Agency on Aging’s Mobile AAA has been recognized by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with an Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a. The awards program is sponsored by Critical Signal Technologies (CST). The 2008 n4a Aging Innovations Awards recognize 11 cutting-edge and successful programs from across the country that support older adults who wish to remain in their homes — and that serve as models for other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs to emulate. “The AAAs make a huge difference in the lives of older adults. These professionals Winter 2009

Heart of Georgia Altamaha

Covers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro

Caregivers equipped with powerful tools

he Heart of Georgia Altamaha AAA kicked off its Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) training. The first training, held in partnership with First Baptist Church in Cochran, will be followed by other trainings scheduled throughout the 17-county Heart of Georgia Altamaha region. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week educational program that provides family caregivers with tools to increase selfcare and confidence. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. In the six 2-1/2-hour classes, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate their needs to

Caregivers enjoy the Powerful Tools for Caregivers training.

family members and health care or service providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; deal with difficult feelings; and make tough caregiving decisions (regarding such issues as placement, driving and finances). Class participants receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, which was developed for the class.

Data from class participants’ evaluations indicates: n Significant improvement in behaviors: increased exercise, relaxation techniques and health self-care n Improved emotions, including reduced anger, guilt and depression n Increased self-efficacy in coping with caregiving demands n Increased use of community services One participant’s comment sums it up nicely: “I was on the verge of depression. By taking this class, I now take care of myself by doing for myself.” For information about other programs, contact Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC, 331 W. Parker St., Baxley, GA 31513; 912-367-3648 or toll-free 1-888-367-9913. heart of georgia encompasses these counties: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

Southeast Georgia

Covers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston

AAA reaches out to isolated seniors

n increasing number of South Georgia seniors are living solitary, isolated lives. The most recent annual data from the Census Bureau reports that 7.5 million senior women and 2.6 million senior men live alone. Forced into this situation by the death of a spouse and limited to no contact with immediate family, elderly men and women are spending day after day in their homes without any communication from the outside world. Recognizing the dilemma of senior isolation in the region, the Southeast Georgia AAA recently implemented the telephone reassurance program. Potential SEGa AAA clientele who are on the waiting list for services and live alone with no one consistently checking on them 12

are now being contacted regularly by Screening Specialist Sabrina Boatright. These telephone contacts are conducted either daily or weekly, depending on the senior’s indivi-dual needs, and are scheduled for an exact time. Boatright will make three attempts to call the client within the day, and if there is no answer, she will contact 911 to request a visit by emergency services. She stays knowledgeable of each client’s scheduled appointments and out-of-home activities to avoid contacting 911 unnecessarily.

In most cases, the call from Boatright is the only personal contact the client has each day, and they are often eager for conversation. “Some of the clients want to talk for up to 30 minutes about anything, from the past to politics,” says Boatright. For more information, call the Southeast Georgia AAA at 1725 South Georgia Parkway West, Waycross, GA 31503; 912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464. Southeast Georgia encompasses these counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware

Georgia Generations

Legacy Link

Covers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee

Legacy Link honors Employer and Employee of the Year

t the recent Georgia Gerontology Society and Older Worker Network 2008 Conference in Columbus, Dr. Elfreda Lakey was presented the Legacy Link Employer of the Year award. “What an honor and surprise to be chosen,” Dr. Lakey said with a broad smile. She has worked with the Gainesville School System for 19 years, and is now the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. An elegant woman, she avows, “I have enjoyed every minute of my career.” Simultaneously, the SCSEP (Senior Community Service & Employment Project) honored Dorothy Weaver as Employee of the Year. Dorothy was invited into the SCSEP’s training and employment program and was assigned to Dr. Lakey’s

department. An advocate of employing older workers, Dr. Lakey enthuses about Dorothy and her “timely, accurate work.” Dorothy, also known as “Dot,” says she has “worked all my Dorothy Weaver life” and therefore found “retired life boring.” Sue Pelfrey, who is an MIS data specialist but was previously job development coordinator at Legacy Link, met Dot at WalMart. She says, “I talked to [Dot] about SCSEP, then asked her to stop by our office, which she did.” Sue never stops recruiting.

Dr. Elfreda Lakey

Congratulations, Dr. Lakey and Dot! For information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 30503-2534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK. Legacy Link encompasses these counties: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White

Southern Crescent

Covers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

owerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational class that empowers family care givers to take better care of themselves and, in turn, be better able to care for their care recipients. The first class began in September 2008 in LaGrange. The class quickly filled to maximum capacity at 21, and there is a waiting list of 12 for the next class. The six-week-long course covers topics including stress management, effective communication, finding and utilizing community resources, relaxation techniques and more. Winter 2009

Often family care givers may feel despondent and isolated in their caregiving roles. Many of them are working fulltime, raising a family of their own, and trying to take care of Mom and Dad on top of that. It can be a very stressful time for a family caregiver and they may not know how or where to ask for help. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class gives family caregivers the resources and “tools” they need to be able to ask for help and make more informed decisions when caring for loved ones.

[This] educational class empowers caregivers to take better care of themselves and … their care recipients. The overwhelming response received from our introductory class only confirms that there is an ever-increasing number of caregivers out there who are in need of help and don’t know where to turn. For additional information, contact the Southern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026 or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. Southern Crescent encompasses these counties: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson

Middle Georgia

Covers an 11-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville

Seniors and caregivers benefit from Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

his fall was another success for the Georgia Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which took place at the Macon State Farmers’ Market in Middle Georgia. Over 760 seniors were able to pick up vouchers worth twenty dollars and redeem them there at the farmers’ market — buying fresh Georgiagrown fruits and vegetables from participating farmers. “It was nice to hold the events in a true farmers’ market atmosphere,” says Geri Ward, Middle Georgia AAA Director. “This is a win-win situation for Middle Georgia seniors and for the farmers.” For ease, pre-registration was taken at a variety of locations. A senior could pre-register at local senior centers, parks

and recreation sites, faith-based organizations, select senior housing complexes and other senior-related organizations. The seniors reap the rewards of fresh, healthy Georgia-grown fruits and vegetables, and the farmers benefit by the sale of their own produce. Vegetables and fruits offered were pumpkins, personalsize watermelons, collards, tomatoes, apples, scuppernongs, white potatoes and sweet potatoes. The program has been so successful each year — we hope to make it available again next year.

For more information, please call 478-751-6466 or 1-888-548-1456. Middle Georgia encompasses these counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, Wilkinson

Central Savannah River

Covers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Thomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville

CSRA partners with local radio station

or the past three years, the CSRA WKZK by producing a new program, the Regional Development Center Area “CSRA AAA Community Update.” This Agency on Aging has partnered with weekly program will share insightful locally owned WKZK Sonshine 16 Radio information about AAA services and to offer the monthly radio program programs. This partnership is an exciting “Senior Spotventure for the light.” The CSRA and WKZK. mission of the Started in 1982 show is to by two visionary provide CSRA men, Robert listeners with Honeycutt and Aging & DisabilGarfield Turner, ity information WKZK recently that will enhance underwent a their quality of transformation life. The CSRA from AM to both AAA is now AM and FM. WKZK Garfield Turner, co-CEO (left), and Wallace White, expanding its may now be heard host of “Senior Spotlight” (right), are in the production studio at WKZK Radio. relationship with on 103.7 FM and 14

1600 AM. WKZK can also be accessed via the Internet at www.wkzk.net. With this transition, WKZK has expanded its audience to more than 35,000 listeners, including Internet listeners with 24/7 accessibility. As a result of this new technology, WKZK has received emails from listeners as far away as Korea and Russia who report listening to various programming. After 26 years of broadcasting, WKZK continues to have a great influence in the community and beyond. For more information about this dynamic radio station, visit www.wkzk.net. For information about other CSRA programs, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 706-210-2000 or 1-888-922-4464 or visit www.areaagencyonaging.com. Central Savannah River encompasses these counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes

Georgia Generations

Southwest Georgia

Covers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville

The importance of independence

ost people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize the value of being able to do everyday tasks until something happens to interrupt or take away that ability. Such simple tasks as eating can become a challenge when arthritis or a stroke affects the ability to grasp a fork or spoon. Vision changes can have an impact on filling a cup with coffee, telling the time, identifying items of clothing, knowing which medication bottle contains what medicine, and other tasks we take for granted. When a stroke or other condition causes stiff and painful joints or weakness, walking safely and using bathroom facilities can become monumental challenges. With the loss of independence, people often become frustrated and sometimes depressed. What is the answer?

It is important to recognize that accepting the possibilities offered by adaptive equipment and assistive devices can replace some of the lost abilities. Using a cane or walker means walking with support and safety instead of being confined to a chair. Putting a foam hair roller on the handle of a fork or toothbrush, or on a pencil, makes a person able to grasp these items and use them independently. Grab bars and tub stools or benches improve independence and safety in the bathroom.

Talking clocks and alarming pillboxes are among hundreds of helpful devices for the visually impaired. If losing independence is affecting you or your loved one, use the tools that are available to keep you moving, functioning and more self-sufficient to take back as much independence as possible! For further information, contact the Southwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging at 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612. Southwest Georgia encompasses these counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth

Coastal Georgia

Covers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah

Mobile dental unit brings services to seniors in Coastal Georgia

oncerned with the number of seniors in the region who are unable to afford or access needed dental services, the Coastal Georgia Area Agency on Aging (AAA) partnered with Emergency Dental Services to bring a mobile dental unit to six senior centers in Bulloch, Chatham, McIntosh and Long counties. A 2006 study revealed that seniors living in these counties had the greatest need for dental care. Many participants entered the program complaining of a wide range of problems, including pain, difficulty chewing and illfitting dentures. Most had not visited a dentist in more than four years. When asked why, some stated that they could not afford the cost or could not get to a dentist due to limited transportation services. Winter 2009

Dr. James Williams, owner of Emergency Dental Services, treats a Chatham County senior in his mobile dental unit.

Altogether, 112 seniors received a wide range of dental services, including oral

exams, x-rays, cleanings and extractions. In some cases, seniors with more severe dental needs received crowns and dentures. Funding for the project was provided by the Area Agency on Aging and enabled participants to receive basic care at no cost. For those needing more extensive work, services were offered for a reduced fee. A follow-up survey is currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of this project. For further information, contact the Coastal Georgia Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-580-6860. Coastal Georgia encompasses these counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh