GaGen 2002 Fall by Wells-Smith Partners

Georgia

Generations Fall 2002

DEPRESSION WithHelp Comes

Hope

Also in This Issue: A Look at AAAs Around Georgia Free Tax Preparation Online Published quarterly by Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 aged 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 West Central Georgia 7 Middle Georgia 8 Central Savannah River 9 Heart of Georgia Altamaha 10 Southwest Georgia 11 Southeast Georgia 12 Coastal Georgia

Georgia

Generations FALL 2002 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

On the Cover: Today, depression among seniors is recognized as a medical problem that can be successfully treated through a variety of methods, ranging from antidepressant drugs to psychotherapy. See story, page 4. Illustration by Jay Montgomery.

Correction: On page 8 in the Summer issue, an incorrect telephone number was given for obtaining information on the Pfizer Share Card Program. The correct number is 1-800-717-6005.

Fall 2002, Volume 2, #1 © 2002 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

Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.thoushalthonor.com spotlights the October 9 PBS broadcast of And Thou Shalt Honor. The site provides profiles, Q&A, articles and training resources. www.caregiving.org, the site of the National Alliance For Caregiving, increases public awareness of the issues facing family caregiving. www.rci.gsw.edu gives a close look at the Rosalynn Carter Institute/The CARE-NET Project. Caregiving news, articles, and a virtual tour of the Institute are included.

CAREGIVING NEWS&NOTES PBS Airs Documentary “And Thou Shalt Honor...” is a groundbreaking two-hour public television special on caring for aging parents, spouses and friends. The compelling show focuses on family members coming together, communicating and nav-

www.medicare.gov provides information on Medicare basics, such as eligibility and enrollment, plus Medigap policies, health plans, contacts, participating physicians, drug assistance programs and more. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

Important Voter Registration Numbers Cherokee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-479-0407 Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-477-3372 Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-528-2300 DeKalb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-298-4020 Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-920-7217 Fayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-461-6041 x 5408 Fulton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-730-7072 Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-822-8787 Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-954-2021 Rockdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-785-5947 If you call the appropriate number and give your address, you will be given the district numbers of your U.S. and State legislators. For voter registration information and lists of candidates, visit www.sos.state.ga.us or call your local public library. Other Important Numbers: CO-AGE (Georgia Council on Aging) . . . 404-657-5343 Secretary of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-656-2871 or www.sos.state.ga.us Save the Date — September 28: Quality of Life Candidates Forum for Gov. & Lt. Gov. candidates, 1 p.m., Macon State College. Remember to Vote on Election Day, November 5. Fall 2002

igating through the medical, financial and legal labyrinths of caregiving. Actor Joe Mantegna narrates the program, which illustrates how individuals can become more responsible for

their own wellness, practice “prevention” and support efforts to center the current health care system around a patient’s and family’s needs. Voices of experts and professionals provide context and commentary for the compelling real-life stories. Scheduled for broadcast nationally on October 9, from 9 - 11:00 p.m., the documentary will heighten awareness of the increasing role caregiving plays in everyone’s lives. Readers are advised to check their local listing for date and time in Georgia.

Dates to Remember ■ Rosalynn Carter Institute will host its annual conference, “Bridging Head to Heart to Hands: Caregiving from Science to Practice,” on Friday, October 25 in Americus, Georgia. Call 229-928-1234 or go to www.rci.gsw.edu. ■ November is National Caregiver Month. To obtain information about planning your own local celebration to raise public awareness about caregivers and their needs, check out www.nfcacares.org (National Family Caregivers Association). ■ The National Alliance for Caregiving (USA) is hosting the 2002 International Conference on Family Care “Empowerment Through Innovation,” October 1214 in Washington D.C. Details and registration information can be found at www.asaging.org/nac/conf.

o i o s s e r p e D D With Help

Comes

Hope

BY MARY ANNE DUNKIN

year ago, 71-year-old Barbara Roberson rarely made it to mid-morning without crying. If a friend called in the afternoon and offered to come by for a visit, she declined politely. “I dreaded seeing anyone,” she recalls. “I didn’t want to be bothered.” In the evening, Roberson would sit on the couch, snack and cry. At night she would lie awake, worrying about her middle son and his drug addiction. When morning came, the whole process repeated. “I never went anywhere except where I had to, like the grocery store,” she recalls. “Every night I would get so mad at myself because I hadn’t done anything but eat and cry all day.”

Georgia Generations

n o on Although Roberson says she has always been somewhat a loner, her younger adult life was happy and active, with a husband and three boys. But losing her husband suddenly and, years later, coping with her son’s addiction problem took a heavy toll on her. “Sometimes I felt like my whole world was coming to an end,” she says. “In fact, at one time I wished I could just die.” Roberson’s older son, troubled by his mother’s behavior, scheduled an appointment for her with an internist in her community. The doctor realized she needed something more, so he referred her to Stephen Byrd, MD, director of the geropsychiatry program at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. “At first I didn’t want to see any psychiatrist,” Mrs. Roberson says. “But I promised [my doctor] I would see Dr. Byrd just once, and when I did, I liked him.” A year later, Mrs. Roberson is taking antidepressant medication Dr. Byrd prescribed, and she still sees him regularly, though less frequently than she did at first. She’s not great, she says, but she’s definitely better. She discusses her fears and feelings with a friend, she’s eating more healthy foods and she’s able to care for her home. Most of all, she no longer sees death as a way out of her pain.

A Common — and Dangerous — Problem Though Roberson understandably feels frightened and alone, she shares a problem with many other people her age — depression. To be diagnosed with depression, a person usually experiences a blue mood most of the time and/or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for at least two weeks. According to experts, having five or more of the following symptoms can mean depression: Fall 2002

■ No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy ■ Feeling sad, anxious or empty ■ Crying easily or for no reason ■ Restlessness or irritability ■ Change in appetite, unintended change in weight ■ Trouble recalling things, concentrating or making decisions ■ Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness

■ Headaches, backaches or digestive problems that don’t respond to treatment ■ Problems sleeping, or wanting to sleep all of the time ■ Feeling tired or lack of energy all of the time ■ Thoughts about death or suicide While 6 to 10 percent of adults 65 and older meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis, a much larger percent-

Fuqua Center Offers Innovative Help hen today’s seniors were growing up, any talk of depression usually was about the Great Depression. Mental health was a subject most people didn’t acknowledge — at least, not openly. Despite the changing attitudes toward mental health in recent years and the prevalence of depression in the older population, many seniors still have trouble admitting they need help — or even knowing where to find it. The Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression in Atlanta is working to change that. “The Fuqua Center started three years ago with a goal of decreasing the stigma associated with depression, particularly in the elderly, and increasing depression awareness in the community,” says Bill McDonald, MD, the center’s director. As part of the Wesley Woods Center on Aging and Emory Healthcare, the Fuqua Center offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of older adults and their families, physicians and general community members. Clinical services offered by the center include outpatient and inpatient psychiatric treatment, group therapy, assisted living services and a partial-day hospitalization program. Community services include an online learning center, a toll-free information line (1-877-498-0096), a physician referral service and a faith-based initiative. As part of the faith-based initiative, the center is currently working with the Methodist Church to help ministers recognize depression. “When [people of faith] need help with a problem, they often turn to their ministers,” says Dr. McDonald. “That puts ministers in a good position to make a diagnosis of depression and refer people to the proper resources. Ministers may also be an important source to relieve the guilt that [seniors] often feel over depression.” The center also provides training for people who work with seniors, including senior services and assisted living personnel, nursing home employees, Area Agency on Aging staffs, and community-care service providers, such as nurses and other health-care professionals who go into the older adult’s home. One of the obstacles to depression diagnosis and treatment in the elderly is that psychiatric services are difficult for some people to access, particularly if they have mobility problems or live in small towns or rural areas where mental health professionals are scarce, says Dr. McDonald. To get such services to people who might otherwise not have access, the Fuqua Center has recently begun a telemedicine program. The program uses high-tech computers, cameras and voice towers to bring even faraway patients face to face for psychotherapy with Dr. McDonald. "When I have a person with problems I have trouble solving, I sit them down in front of the computer, with Dr. McDonald [back in his office near Emory] on the other end," says Marjorie Frazier, a geriatric nurse practitioner in Rome. "I can perform a physical exam, if it's needed, but the most important part of [diagnosing and treating depression] is interaction and watching the person's reaction. Dr. McDonald can do this using the computer." For more information on the Fuqua Center and its services, check out its Web site, www.emoryhealthcare.org/fuqua/ or call 1-877-498-0096.

age — at least one-third — have depressive symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with their lives, says Bill McDonald, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavior sciences at Emory University in Atlanta and director of the Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, located at Emory. For all too many of them, depression carries dire consequences. While Roberson once felt death would be the answer to her problems, she never acted on those feelings. Other seniors do. People

Caregivers Get Depressed, Too ot so long ago, Mom or Dad loved and took care of you. Now the tables have turned and you’re the caretaker. Switching roles can be hard. Seeing someone you love — whether a parent, your spouse or a beloved aunt — become old and ill in front of you can be even harder. Add in the expense of caring for an older person and, perhaps, the stress of trying to hold a job and/or raise your children at the same time, and it’s easy to see why caregivers get depressed, too. As common as depression is in older adults it may be even higher in the loved ones who care for them, says Marjorie Frazier, a geriatric nurse practitioner in Rome. “In the families [of Alzheimer’s patients] I work with, the incidence of depression in caregivers may be greater than 90 percent.” If caring for a loved one with depression and/or other problems is causing you to experience symptoms of depression yourself, speak with your family doctor or a mental health counselor. The same types of medication and counseling that can help your loved one may be useful for you, too. Another source of comfort for caregivers is speaking with others in similar situations, says Frazier. Many organizations offer support groups for the families and caretakers of an ill person. Some organizations offer elder care for the family member while the caregiver is in a support group, and at least one, the Alzheimer’s Association, offers a support group by phone.

65 and over make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, yet they commit 20 percent of suicides, says Dr. McDonald.

Not a Normal Part of Aging While no one would suggest that taking one’s life is a normal consequence of aging, many people assume that having some degree of depression is. “For a long time, I think there was an underlying belief that getting old isn’t fun and that depression is just a part of growing older,” says Dr. Byrd, who is also assistant professor of psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. But increasingly that attitude is changing. Doctors are recognizing that depression is not normal, but a serious medical problem than can be attributed to many factors, including: LOSSES AND FAMILY STRESSES — “One of the bad things about living to be old is that you’ll have multiple losses,” says Dr. Byrd. Such losses are a common contributor to depression. Studies show that one-third of people who lose a spouse meet criteria for depression for the first month after the spouse’s death. One half of those remain clinically depressed after a year. MEDICATIONS — Drugs prescribed for common health problems can often cause symptoms of depression. These include some prescription hypertension medications, anti-anxiety medications and narcotic pain medications. Overthe-counter medications can be as bad as prescription ones, says Dr. Byrd. One of the biggest over-the-counter culprits, he says, is diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). “Older people shouldn’t take it — period.” MEDICAL PROBLEMS — Some medical problems, such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid), can cause depressive symptoms. Many medical conditions — including heart disease, early Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease — are often related to depression. While having a serious disease is certainly reason enough to feel depressed, in some cases the connection is even more direct. For example, people with Parkinson’s disease, which affects a particular part of

the brain, have depression rates of about 50 percent, according to Dr. McDonald. Strokes, too, are closely associated with depression. “If a person meets the criteria for depression, it doesn’t matter so much why they’re that way,” says Dr. McDonald. “If you can treat their depression, you can improve their physical condition dramatically. If you’re not depressed, you’re sleeping better, you’re eating better, you’re exercising more, you’re more compliant with your medical therapy. Depression may be the most treatable symptom that medically ill people have.”

Treating Depression Treatment for depression depends, to a degree, on the cause of the problem, says Dr. Byrd. If a medication is responsible, switching medications may help. If an underlying medical problem is contributing to depression, sometimes treating that problem can help the depression as well. In most cases, however, treatment for depression is similar regardless of its cause, and consists of one or more of the following: Antidepressant medications Antidepressant medications have existed since the 1950s; however, the early antidepressants were associated with troublesome side effects. The newer medications are much safer for older adults, says Dr. McDonald. “They tend to be so safe that we are comfortable treating people who are 100 years old with them. We are firm believers that the effects of depression are far worse than any effects these medications would ever have.” Many of the antidepressants used in older adults fall into one of two categories: the selective seronotin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin/ norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Both groups of medications work by increasing levels of chemicals in the brain that regulate a number of bodily functions including mood and sleep. Psychotherapy Often, just having someone to talk with can make a difference for a person Georgia Generations

with depression. One of the most effective treatments for depression, psychotherapy, essentially involves talking out problems, says Dr. McDonald. Structured psychotherapy may be with a psychiatrist (a doctor who specializes in treating psychiatric conditions and is licensed to prescribe medication), a psychologist, a social worker, a trained nurse or licensed counselor. Two types of therapy used for older adults are: Interpersonal therapy — focuses primarily on patients’ relationships with others. “Oftentimes, relationships with family or caregivers are a major contributing cause of a patient’s depression,” says Dr. Byrd. Cognitive therapy — helps the patient change some of the automatic thinking patterns depressed people have, such as catastrophizing (blowing every problem out of proportion) and feeling guilty. “By teaching the patient to try to view things more realistically, with respect to themselves, you can help them with their depression.” Social support For older people who feel isolated and/or who need help with tasks they once did on their own, a little support can go a long way. “For example, if a

woman is depressed because she is having trouble keeping her house spotless like she used to, we try to arrange to get her somebody to come in and help her clean her house,” says Dr. Byrd. “It almost sounds trivial, but it’s not.”

Family relationships can be a cause of depression. Other social support can come from home health care aids, volunteers delivering meals, and even friends paying frequent visits or telephoning to say hello. Electroconvulsive (shock) therapy One of the oldest therapies used in psychiatry, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) came about in the 1930s. Yet it continues to be one of the most effective treatments for depression today, says Dr. McDonald. People who don’t get better with antidepressant

Resources For information about or help with depression, contact the following: The Georgia Mental Health Network Provides information about state and national mental health resources www.mcg.edu/Resources/MH/Index.html. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 770-234-0855 or www.namiga.nami.org/namiga/ The National Institute of Mental Health Call or write for free brochures. 800-421-4211 or www.nimh.nih.gov/ publicat/depression menu.cfm. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging For a free brochure, “Depression: A Serious but Treatable Illness,” call 800-222-2225. Fall 2002

medications, in most cases, improve with ECT. “In people who require ECT, the brain isn’t functioning at full speed,” says Dr. McDonald. “With ECT you are charging up the brain and resetting it

National Mental Health Association Call 800-969-NMHA or visitwww.nmha.org. To order brochures on depression, call 800-228-1114. To take a free confidential screening for depression, visit www.depressionscreening.org. To contact NMHA of Georgia, call 404-527-7175. The Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression 877-498-0096 www.emoryhealthcare.org/fuqua/ E-mail: fuquacenter@emory.org AARP Call 800-424-3410 or visit www.aarp.org American Geriatrics Society’s Georgia Affiliate Call 706-651-7300.

back where it was before you were depressed.” Like antidepressant medication, ECT floods the brain with mood-regulating chemicals. ECT may be more effective than medications because it releases all of the neurochemicals at once, he explains.

Recognizing the Problem While 80 to 90 percent of depressed seniors can get better with current treatments, getting better ultimately depends on recognizing the problem and getting the right kind of help for it. “A lot of times older adults are very depressed, yet they can honestly deny that they have any real symptoms of sadness,” says Dr. Byrd. “What they do get is a marked decrease in their ability to experience pleasure or be interested in anything. They oftentimes socially withdraw, let their world close in on them and quietly shut down.” Sometimes older people see their doctor for problems like fatigue and sleep problems, not realizing that the problem is really depression, says Dr. McDonald. He and others envision a day when doctors do regular screening for depression, just as they do for breast or prostate cancer. Until then, it’s up to friends, family, caregivers, neighbors or ministers — to be watchful for signs of depression and gently direct an older person to the right resources. ■

GUEST CLOSE-UP

Seniors Have Opportunities To Learn About the Internet By Skip Carlson, Project Manager, Intuit Tax Freedom Project

or many Georgia seniors, the thought of learning something completely new is just as exciting as it was to Gremio in the 17th Century. The problem is, are enough seniors taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities and the benefits that follow? The Internet has truly made our world a smaller place but only for those who know how to access it. Unfortunately, many seniors have been left behind. Seeing how fast their grandkids navigate that foreign machine affirms the belief of many that computers must be hard to use. The statistics tell the story. According to an October 2000 Jupiter Communications report, Americans 65 and older represent the smallest group of people using the Internet with only 16 percent regularly logging on to enjoy its benefits (5.6 million out of 34.7 million users). In comparison, 55 percent of all U.S. teenagers spend time online, with over half of the entire nation (53 percent) now having access to the Internet. For those Georgia seniors willing to commit to the process of lifelong learning, there are resources to help put the power of the Internet to use. What are so many Georgia seniors missing out on? They’re missing out on the wealth of knowledge available at their fingertips — and they might be losing out on their

chance to prepare and file their taxes electronically for free. Through the Intuit“ Tax Freedom ProjectSM, an initiative of the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation, qualifying seniors with an adjusted gross income of $25,000 a year or less can prepare and file their taxes online via the Internet at no charge using the “TurboTax for the WebSM” service. Georgia seniors who qualify only have to find a computer with Internet access and have a willingness to learn how to use it. Ask your grandkids or children to give you a hand, and remember, free options are available to get started. According to the American Library Association, free Internet accessibility is offered by 99.4% of public libraries. Organizations like the Community Cyber Center of Atlanta can help. With 14 centers and one mobile center in the greater Atlanta area, seniors can enroll in free classes to learn the essential skills they’ll need to navigate the Internet and learn what they need to about computers. Hundreds of seniors have earned their Certificate of Completion and are now “surfing” the Internet. Isn’t it time you catch your wave? Internet access is readily available, so why not take advantage and learn something new? Not only will this empower you, but you may even qualify to do your taxes online free of charge. Visit www.taxfreedom.com to find out if you are eligible to prepare and file your taxes for free. ■

With a little computer education, seniors can learn to navigate the Internet and may even qualify to prepare their taxes online for free.

Georgia Generations

A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia In communities across the country, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent. On the following pages are the programs and services offered by Georgia’s AAAs. Our special “Spotlight” highlights a different AAA in each issue of

Southwest Georgia

SPOTLIGHT ON

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

Variety of services encourages independence

hartered in 1966,The SOWEGA Council on Aging/ Area Agency on Aging serves a 14-county area in southwest Georgia, which includes Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell,Thomas and Worth counties. The headquarters for the SOWEGA Council on Aging are located in Albany, from which staff travel to the rest of the area to deliver services. Additionally, senior centers are located in Albany, Arlington, Bainbridge, Blakely, Dawson, Cairo, Colquitt, Moultrie, Pelham, Leesburg,Thomasville, Donalsonville, and Sylvester. A wide variety of services are offered to assist older people who need Fall 2002

Minnie Mitchell enjoys a rousing game of bingo at the Blakely Senior Center.

help to stay in their homes. Meals on Wheels and Homemaker services are essential to many. The Georgia Cares Program (Formerly HICARE) helps with information and decisionmaking regarding medical insurance, and currently is assisting people who want to apply for pharmaceutical cards to lower medication costs. RSVP volunteers build ramps and provide other valuable services to the community. Transportation is available to senior centers and some medical appointments. For those who have a loved one in a nursing or personal care home, it is good to know about the Ombudsmen program. Acting as an advocate and protecting

the rights of those in these facilities, the Ombudsmen are able to intervene on behalf of the residents to ensure their safety and quality of care. The Ombudsmen can be reached at 229-432-1131 or 866-463-7070. For those who meet the income crite-

ria, the Community Care Service Program (CCSP) offers assistance with personal support, respite, adult day rehab, emergency response system, alternative living services, nursing visits and therapy. These services are provided to those who need nursing home level of care, but can be cared for at home.

Another program that helps people remain in their homes is the SOURCE Program. Eligible clients must be Medicaid recipients and be receiving their medical care from a designated participating medical group. People receive similar services to those provided by the Community Care Services Program in order to help them prevent additional health problems and manage current ones. The goal is to eliminate the need for nursing home placement. In January 2002, a new program was launched, which is specifically aimed at meeting the caregiver’s needs for help with various aspects of caregiving. The Family Caregiver program targets the caregiver who is residing with and caring for a

relative aged 60 years or older who requires continuous care due to his or her medical and/or mental status. There is no financial test for eligibility. Described as self-directed care, caregivers may choose to spend funds allocated to them to hire helpers of their choice to give personal care, respite, chores such as lawn care, transportation and home modification/ repairs. They may choose to spend it on supplies such as adult diapers and Ensure or assistive devices. Support groups and workshops are offered to help the caregiver cope with responsibilities. For further information, contact: Southwest Georgia COA, 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, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth, Mitchell

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

Home-delivered meals add to quality of life

ome-delivered meals are one of the most familiar services of the Area Agencies on Aging. This service has added to the quality of life for thousands of senior citizens. At the same time, it is cost efficient for taxpayers. Without the meals and other services for the home-bound, frail elderly, many of these individuals would be forced to enter a nursing home or other institutional living situation, usually on Medicaid. The home-delivered meals are provided five days a week and include onethird of the elderly individual’s daily nutrition. The hot meals are delivered by caring individuals who also check on the elderly person’s well-being. Often, this is the only person the home-bound person

Carolyn Williams, Ringgold Senior Nutrition Center manager, brings frozen meals to Thomas Huddleston. will see all day. Many of the drivers return to the homes of their clients at other times to take them Thanksgiving dinner, do minor home repairs, or just visit. Unfortunately, many needy individuals have been on waiting lists, and have been unable to receive meals because they live

too far from a distribution center. The Area Agency on Aging has a new program to reach many of these seniors. Now, frozen meals are being delivered once a week. The clients must show that they can operate a microwave and properly heat the meal before they are signed on.This has been an important addition to the home-delivered meals program. For more information on the program, call 706-802-5506 or 1-800-759-2963. For information, contact: AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 301621793; 706-295-6485 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

Georgia Generations

Atlanta Regional Commission Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta It is equally important to listen to and thank the elected official. He or she may not be in a position to support your issue at this time but may prove invaluable on the ave you ever called a county commisare listed on page 3 in this edition. When next issue. Therefore, it is important not to sioner about a traffic light or talked to all else fails, you can contact the Secretary burn any bridges. Threats to “not vote” for an elected official about a stringent law or of State’s Office at 404-656-2871. a particular politician seldom win favor and an idea for a new law? This is advocacy in It is advisable to develop relationships you may need to rely on that same politiaction. Many people ask about advocating with your elected officials even before you cian in the future. for aging services, procrastinate about doing need help with a problem. Some groups Another avenue for advocacy is joining so, or are not even sure of how to advoorganize breakfasts to sit and talk with a political action group or coalition that cate for themselves or on behalf of older their legislators about issues. Others make supports common issues. In adults. Callers to the Aging Connection at Georgia, there are several the Atlanta Regional Commission are often groups supporting aging issues. discouraged to find out that they are eligiOne of the most active is ble for services but there are no more CO-AGE, the Coalition of state or federal dollars to pay for them. Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly. These are all examples of citizens advocatThis group is convened quaring for themselves; creating solutions to terly by the Georgia Council on problems and acting as change agents in Aging. CO-AGE members subour society. mit issues each year and the But, where do you start? First, you need membership prioritizes them for to know the numbers of the districts in the January opening of the which you live. If you call your county Georgia General Assembly. voter registration office and give them your CO-AGE also includes other address, they will tell you the numbers of Active advocates Martha Eaves, Georgia Council on Aging, organizations that advocate for the districts for county commissioners, and Chuck Ware, ARC Aging Services Task Force and AARP. older adults, such as Area state representatives and senators, and fedAgencies on Aging, AARP and eral officials. Because of redistricting, many Alzheimer’s Association, to name a few. appointments to meet with them one-onpeople are uncertain as to their candidates, Often the issues are common to all and one to discuss what is important to them voting districts, and poll locations. For your many voices are joined to support passage as constituents and to get to know the convenience, the County Registrar’s office of legislation or funding increases that benperson in that office. numbers for the 10-county Atlanta region efit older adults. Regardless of your level of activity, it starts with your right to vote. One call can Atlanta Regional Commission make a difference and one vote is equally 404-463-3333 important. Don’t be left out because you are uncertain as to where, when or how to vote. If you need caregiving information, contact: Some important dates and numbers are listed on page 3. One need only look at the Cherokee County Cherokee County Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, Senior Services; 770-345-5312 770-461-0813 2000 Presidential election to be reminded of the importance of your individual vote. Clayton County Clayton County Aging Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program; 770-603-4050 Program, 404-730-6000 For further information, contact ARC’s Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Aging Connection at 404-463-3333. 770-528-5364 Senior Services, 770-822-8850 DeKalb County Senior Connections, Henry County Henry County Senior ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION 770-455-7602 Services, 770-898-7670 ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, Rockdale County Rockdale County Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, 770-489-3100 Senior Services, 770-922-4633 Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Fulton,

Redistricting, voting and advocacy for older adults

Henry, Rockdale

Fall 2002

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

Volunteers for all seasons — volunteers for all reasons!

hat is a volunteer? For people confined to their homes due to illness or disability, a volunteer coming to visit, deliver a meal or run errands is a “lifeline” to the world. For children who need a little extra encouragement and help to read and do those long math problems in school, a little time spent with volunteers on a regular basis can make the difference in those children reaching their potential. Who are volunteers? Volunteers come in all sizes, shapes, ages, temperaments, men and women.Volunteers are working part-time, full-time, retired, with children or without families.They all want to help someone, in some way, somewhere! Some

volunteers are very experienced, and some need a little encouragement along the way. What do volunteers do? Volunteers help children read, teach music, play ball and take them to movies. Some volunteers deliver meals for the local senior center or teach seniors how to e-mail their grandchildren and “surf the Web.” Other volunteers visit nursing homes and read the sports page to long-time baseball fans and talk about games from long ago.Volunteers help out at senior centers, school offices and lunchrooms and health fairs. Some volunteers help seniors and their family members understand Medicare and Medigap insurance plans and distribute information about pharmacy assistance programs at the Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging office. Other trained volunteers distribute information about these topics at community meetings and senior centers.

Legacy Link has a place for you to volunteer in any of the 13 counties listed below. Like working with children? Call us. Like to help older persons? Call us. Like to work in an office or make speeches to small groups of seniors? Call us.We have a spot for you. If you are 55 years old or older, you may sign up for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and become a part of a national effort to make our communities better places to live, work and raise families. For further information, contact: Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 305032534; 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

Southern Crescent hosts Care-Net meeting

hrough a grant from the Administration on Aging, The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development administers the Care-Net Project, which has two objectives: to focus on establishing a network of caregiving communities within and among six of the Georgia Area Agency on Aging districts; and to develop a new metric, a Community Caregiving Capacity Index (CCCI). This index will help communities assess their

caregiving strengths and needs and, based on that assessment, help them develop an action plan for coordinated, communitywide response to improving caregiving services. The Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging is one of six newly added AAAs to the Care-Net Project, bringing the total in Georgia to eight. In partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute, the Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging hosted their first organizational meeting for the Care-Net Project on June 6, 2002. Meeting attendees were

representatives of professional caregiving agencies, educational institutions, businesses and family caregivers themselves. The Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging

Index helps assess caregiving needs. is excited about this partnership and is confident that the collaboration will prove fruitful to the communities we serve. For further information, contact: 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

Georgia Generations

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

You will be impressed! Newton Senior Services

n May 2002, the 158-acre Turner Lake Park Recreation and Senior Citizens Center, Covington, were chosen as the National Public Facility of the Year by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. “We’ve got the best recreation facilities to offer anywhere and an excellent trained staff to meet the needs of our citizens,” says Newton County Recreation Commission Director Tommy Hailey. The Newton County Senior Services is a non-profit organization organized in 1970 and presently housed at the Turner Complex. It is located on 158 acres of beautiful land, including a lake, outdoor walking trails, multiple sport fields, picnic

Seniors enjoy the spacious activity room. pavilion, a gym with an inside walking track and a nature activity center. The Senior Center part of the complex is 8,800 square feet and provides several classes, line and ballroom dancing, bingo, quilting, arts and crafts, music, exercise, a health clinic, billiards, computers, counseling (personal and legal), noon meals, home-delivered meals, shopping, trans-

portation, literacy and many other services. The Senior Center Director Josephine Brown has a staff of eight full-time, and four part-time employees and 40 volunteers.The Center has experienced tremendous growth and has plans for expansion in the next two years. Please come see one of the most beautiful facilities filled with senior adults. Call 770-787-0038 to arrange a visit. For information, contact: Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30610-2795; 706-583-2547 or toll-free 1-800-474-7540. NORTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton

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

Finding yourself in ‘the Sandwich Generation’

he Sandwich Generation has been described as those sandwiched between their aging parents who need care and/or help and their own children. Butch Swinney, Gateway Coordinator for the Middle Georgia AAA, and Shirley Swinney, Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Labor, have found themselves in “the Sandwich Generation.” The Swinneys have two daughters — Laura, a sophomore in college, and Jayme, a junior in high school. The Swinneys have also found themselves as caregivers for Shirley’s mother and Butch’s father. The responsibility for caring for Shirley’s mother, Zelma Underwood, began shortly after she suffered a severe stroke

Fall 2002

and her husband passed away. Shirley moved her mother to a Macon nursing facility 11 years ago. Since then, Shirley has brought her mother home every other Sunday for dinner. The family visits Mrs. Underwood frequently Generations together: Front – Selma Underwood, Shirley, Laura, in the nursing home to and Jayme Swinney; back – Rev. E. N. Swinney and Butch Swinney. insure her needs are call Julie Hall at 478-751-6489. being met. For further information, contact: Middle Butch’s parents, Rev. E. N. and Lois Swinney, also joined in the Sunday visits Georgia RDC, 175-C Emery Highway, Macon, until Butch’s mother passed away last year. GA 31217; 478-751-6466 or toll-free Now, Rev. Swinney eats dinner with the 1-888-548-1456. family almost every evening. In addition, MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES they make daily calls to assure that everyTHESE COUNTIES: Baldwin, Bibb, thing is all right. Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, If you feel part of the “sandwich generPeach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, ation” and need information on caregiving, Wilkinson

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

Collaboration helps meet psychiatric needs

eniors are not immune to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and behavioral complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing these problems in older people is often challenging, and resources for treatment are frequently inadequate. Successfully meeting these needs involves cooperation between psychiatric care providers and other eldercare agencies. An example of successful collaboration is the relationship between the Central Savannah River Area Agency on Aging and the Medical College of Georgia’s (MCG) new Geropsychiatry Program. MCG provides inpatient and outpatient geriatric psychiatric care and nursing home

consultation, as well patients, and PICE as education for proprovides assistance fessional caregivers, for patients unable families, and to come to MCG patients. “The frequently for outAAA has been patient counseling. helpful in introCall the MCG ducing our proGeropsychiatry gram to the Program at community, and 706-721-9331. Stephen L. Byrd, M.D., confers with Carol A. Davis, LMSW, CFLE. providing For further inforopportunities for mation, contact Ceneducating the community about mental tral Savannah River AAA, 3023 River Watch health problems,” said Dr. Stephen Byrd, Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; geriatric psychiatrist at MCG. 706-210-2013 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464. The AAA also participates in senior mental health through Professional InCENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Home Counseling for the Elderly (PICE), a Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, program supported with state and federal Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, funding. MCG provides a resource for Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes more intensive psychiatric care of PICE

Heart of Georgia Altamaha Covers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro

Caregiver’s and Alzheimer’s disease forum held

Dr. Scott led an open discussion on the experience of caregivers who commit their

he Heart of Georgia Altamaha Area Agency on Aging, along with the Georgia Division of Aging Services and the Rosalyn Carter Institute, sponsored an Alzheimer’s forum entitled, “Caregivers and Alzheimer’s Disease.” The forum was held at the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin on April 23, 2002. A total of 147 people, including both family and professional caregivers, attended the forum. Maria Greene, Director, Georgia Division of Aging Services, gave the opening remarks. Mr. Cliff Burt introduced the presenter, Dr. Kathy Scott, Director of PACE, Programs Assisting Community Elderly, Inc.

Dr. Kathy Scott leads discussion in Dublin. lives to someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Some topics of discussion were: potential causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, communication techniques, and characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. James Dodd, Rosalyn Carter Institute, was the

luncheon speaker. Lunch and respite care were provided free of charge. The Area Agency on Aging envisions this caregiver forum to be an annual event. Please feel free to make recommendations on future forum topics. For further information, contact: Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC; P.O. Drawer 1260, Baxley, GA 31515; 912-367-3648 or toll-free 1-888-367-9913. HEART OF GEORGIA ALTAMAHA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

Georgia Generations

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

Hundreds participate in 2002 Southeast Georgia Senior Olympics

ver 400 senior citizens ages 60 and above enjoyed the festivities at the 2002 Southeast Georgia Senior Olympics held at Central Square Complex in Douglas on May 17.The event was sponsored by the Southeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Southeast Georgia Regional Development Center (SEGa RDC).The record-setting gathering included participants from the senior centers in the SEGa AAA’s 18-county region. Excitement filled the air when SEGa RDC Executive Director Lace Futch declared, “Let the games begin!” Representatives from each of the senior centers then proudly displayed glorious hand-made

toss, spin casting, golf putting, basketball throw, frisbee toss, quarter-mile walk and dancing. These activities were designed to promote seniors’ interest in recreation and physical exercise, thus maintaining and improving their health and wellness. For further information, contact Southeast Georgia Ray City Senior Center participants display their handRDC, 1725 South Georgia made banner in the opening ceremony. Parkway West, Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or banners depicting their respective centers toll-free 1-888-732-4464. as they marched during the opening parade. Adding to the electrified atmosSOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, phere was the delivery of the keynote Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, address by Lt. Governor Mark Taylor. Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Some of the events enjoyed by the parIrwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware ticipants were horseshoes, checkers, softball

Coastal Georgia Covers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah

Families benefit from caregiver assistance

atherine Wallace, 73, a wife and mother of six, is the caregiver for her parents, both age 93. Catherine’s mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and now requires 24-hour care. She also has numerous other health-related problems. Despite physical limitations resulting from rheumatoid arthritis and a torn rotator cuff, Mrs.Wallace, along with her siblings, assist their parents daily with meal preparation, medications, errands, and doctor’s appointments. She and her siblings were frequently spending the night with their parents to help with their mother’s wandering. Ms.Wallace was referred to the Caregiver Assistance Program by the Area Agency on Aging. After interviewing family Fall 2002

Catherine Wallace and parents. members, a case manager determined that the Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP) would be able to provide needed assistance to the family. CAP assists family members who serve as primary caregivers and who experience high levels of stress

due to their caregiving responsibilities. CAP has provided incontinence supplies and overnight respite care, so that the family could continue with their other caregiving duties. When asked how the program has helped, Catherine responded, “It has helped tremendously to keep mother at home.This has been our family’s goal from the beginning, to keep them both at home.” To learn more about the Coastal Caregiver Assistance Program or for further information, contact: Coastal Georgia RDC; P.O. Box 1917, Brunswick, GA 31521; 912-264-7363 or toll-free 1-800-580-6860. COASTAL GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh

Sponsors Thanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support

Sixty Plus, Piedmont Hospital A program to enhance the well-being of older adults and their families by providing services, education and support. 1968 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30309; 404-605-3867.

Georgia Alliance for Staffing Solutions An alliance that promotes quality long-term care for seniors and persons with disabilities by seeking innovative solutions to improve staffing and support caregivers. www.agingatlanta.com

Bridgebuilders, Inc.

Georgia Council on Aging

Personal Care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Customized services delivered with compassion, integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave.,

The Georgia Council on Aging advocates on behalf of older Georgians and their families. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.gcoa.org

Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.

Grady Gold

Pfizer The “Health, Medicines & Lifestyles” icon on Pfizer’s Web site, will lead you to topics that include “Profile of Caregiving,” “Exploring Your Health On Line,” and many more. www.pfizer.com

Many people ask...

Grady Senior Services was created with the special care needs of older adults in mind! People over 60 can receive comprehensive evaluations and care for common problems seen in older adults. 404-616-0800.

AARP Assuming responsibility for the homecare of loved ones can involve assisting with daily activities, managing high-tech medical treatments, and dealing with issues around dying. AARP’s “Life Transitions” program can help you meet these critical responsibilities. Find out more at www.aarp.org/lifeguide

Georgia Generations is published and supported by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. Additional circulation support is provided by the generous sponsors listed here. For more information on becoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations, please call 404-463-3222.

How can I help?

OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS across Georgia can now be recognized in a unique way. The Thanks Mom and Dad Fund® has been established to honor someone special in your life or to honor the memory of someone who was an inspiration to you. With each contribution, those honored receive a certificate recognizing the role they played in the donor’s life. Your contributions are tax-deductible and provide support for many of the programs described in this issue. If you would like more information about the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund,® you can call 1-800-676-2433.