GaGen 2002 Spring by Wells-Smith Partners

Georgia

Generations Spring 2002

Elderlaw and You: Weighing Your Rights Also in This Issue: News & Notes Creating an Information Profile Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

A Look at Georgia’s AAAs

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:

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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 SPRING 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: Health care, estate planning, retirement, incapacity planning — these critical elderlaw issues hang balanced on our legal system’s “scales of justice.” Illustration by Jay Montgomery.

Spring 2002, Volume 1, #3 © 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

CAREGIVING NEWS&NOTES

Judging Memory ‘Lapses’ You can see impairment in memory at any age. But forgetfulness can be a symptom of a number of serious conditions, many of which are treatable. If you are caregiving for an older person, notice whether he or she has had a

significant change in memory over a short period of time, such as six months. If this individual is getting forgetful about basic procedures of daily living, is forgetting well-learned information (such as your phone number), or is getting lost in familiar places, you should talk to a doctor. Other warning signs: the inability to recognize family and friends, or to learn simple facts. Becoming disoriented, showing poor judgment and becoming confused easily are all serious signals telling you to seek help for your loved one.

Nine (Simple!) Ways To Help a Caregiver

Good Nutrition For Cancer Patients re you a caregiver for someone who is receiving radiation for cancer? Researchers are investigating how particular substances in the diet may affect cancer therapy. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, there is a possibility that certain vitamins and phytochemicals in food may make cancer treatments more effective and less damaging to the body. One study is exploring the link between vitamin A and lung (as well as head and upper body) cancer treatment; another study is investigating the effects of

soy isoflavones on radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Doctors hope to find out whether providing cancer patients with adequate nourishment of these substances before beginning therapy could help reduce the risk of tissue damage and help prevent the spread of tumors. In the meantime, if you are caregiving for an individual undergoing treatment, help them stay on a diet that provides plenty of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Here are a few ideas for helping a friend or relative who is a caregiver:

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Call on a regular basis to find out how he or she is doing. Listen with an open heart — and a nonjudgmental ear. Volunteer to stay with the care recipient one evening or afternoon a week or a month — whatever you can offer. Encourage the caregiver to enjoy the break. Send occasional notes or emails expressing your love, admiration and support for the caregiver. Encourage the caregiver to keep up their own interests and hobbies — and help them find the time to do so. Help with the caregiver’s load by running errands, such as trips to the grocery store, drugstore, etc. Bring over an occasional meal — nothing fancy — just to lighten the load of daily cooking. Surprise the caregiver with something from your library, bookstore or video store. A good book, movie or an uplifting magazine can be a great break! Offer to make phone calls to your local AAA. Reach out and touch — give a hug. Caregivers “give” so much — they need to receive, in return.

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Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.caregiver.org is the site of the Family Caregiver Alliance. Click “Care & Services” for an overview of services that may be available in your community. Other links take you to information such as long-distance caregiving and hiring in-home help. www.caregiver.com is run by Today’s Caregiver Magazine. The site includes topic-specific newsletters, online discussion lists, backissue articles of the magazine, and chat rooms. www.caregiving.com, a site of The Center for Family Caregivers, provides links to national associations, products and services, caregiving publications and support groups. Look for more sources in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

Raymond Jones saw an ad for a “free” seminar promising to help people save thousands of dollars by avoiding probate. He attended and was so impressed that he purchased a living trust kit for $700. What he received were the most complex legal documents he’d ever seen. He turned to an attorney for help, and was told that Georgia’s simplified probate procedures for estates the size of his made the kit a complete waste of money. BY JULIE SMITH

ou’ve heard stories like this before. You may even know someone or learned first-hand how important it is to be aware of the legal issues that older people often face. Elderlaw is the specialized practice of law that deals with these issues. It covers traditional legal concerns such as estate planning, as well as lifestyle issues such as housing and long-term health care, and other critical topics — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, grandparents’ rights, guardianship and elder abuse prevention, to name a few. Sharon Dixon is a Senior Aging Services Specialist with the Aging Services Division of the Atlanta Regional Commission. She encourages seniors to rethink their ideas about many of the challenges they will face. “So many older people facing difficult decisions think of them as financial problems with no solution, when in fact they are dealing with legal issues they can act upon and experience a positive outcome in many cases. Georgia has excellent, first-rate elderlaw resources that anyone can access for free with just one phone call.” Here are the main areas that fall under the umbrella of “elderlaw,” the key guidelines you need to keep in mind, and ways to access additional help.

Estate Planning Of all the issues that comprise elderlaw, estate planning is usually the first thing that comes to mind. One area of confusion in estate

Georgia Generations

ILLUSTRATION BY JAY MONTGOMERY

Elderlaw and You: Weighing Your Rights

planning is whether to have a will or a living trust. A will is a document that lets you exercise your personal right of deciding who will handle your estate after your death and how it will be distributed. Does everyone need a will? The answer is nearly always “YES!” If you own a car, a home, have a bank account or any possessions that have financial or even sentimental value, you should have a will. Without one, the state of Georgia, not you, will decide who is entitled to your possessions and assets. A living trust is a document that gives instructions about how your property should pass to your survivors. But, while living, you transfer ownership of the property out of your name and into a trust that you can control. Even if you have a living trust, most attorneys still recommend a will to cover items or assets acquired after the living trust is established. So what’s the difference between the two? A will must be probated in court for its instructions to be carried out. But when you die with a living trust, there is no probate because the trust is considered the owner of the assets and not you. Natalie Thomas, the Older Americans Act Legal Services Developer for the state of Georgia, cautions people against choosing a living trust over a will. “There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there trying to convince older persons to spend thousands of dollars on useless documents. Unless you have an extremely large estate, the costs of executing a will and having it probated are not going to be all that much, especially in Georgia, where probate procedures are really very simple.”

It’s Retirement Time Whether you retire at 62 or after age 70, your most important concern will likely be making sure you have enough money to live on. Adjusting to a fixed income can be challenging both emotionally and logistically. Thomas addresses the topic. “Right before age 65, people start wondering what they’re eligible for, not just their own retireSpring 2002

ment plans and Social Security, but also Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits. I would encourage people to start as early as possible, to find out what they’re going to be eligible for. That way they’ll have plenty of time to plan a positive course of action.” Evelyn “Langga” Gay is the Elder Rights Project Director for the Elderly Legal Assistance Program, which is based in Savannah. She agrees with Thomas: “Even though you’re not yet eligible for benefits, you can become aware of areas where services are lacking, and advocate to get them so that they’ll be there when you need them. This is important in rural areas where services for the elderly are often limited.” Social Security: The earliest a person can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. However, if you retire before age 65, your benefits are

For people with pensions, especially military or civil service pensions, your Social Security payments may affect the amount of pension funds you receive, and vice versa, especially if you begin receiving your Social Security and your pension payments at different times.

Where will you live? There are many housing alternatives to choose from in Georgia, especially for people who don’t require 24-hour nursing care. Among them are independent living communities and assisted living facilitilies. Seniors who stay in their homes can receive services there or attend adult day programs. If you’re thinking about moving into a retirement community or facility, be sure to examine the contract carefully to make sure any promises made as part of the sales proposal and their costs are good for the duration of

If you own a car, a home, a bank account or any possession with value, you should have a will. reduced. The advantage of taking your benefit early is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is that your benefit is permanently reduced. What if you’re old enough to receive Social Security but want to continue working? That’s okay, but until age 70, there is a limit as to how much you can earn and still draw full Social Security benefits. After age 70, you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn at a job. Pensions, IRAs, and 401Ks: Since the idea of these retirement plans is to encourage taxpayers to save for retirement, the government imposes a penalty for early withdrawal — before age 59 1⁄2 — as well as a penalty for failure to withdraw once the owner reaches age 70 1⁄2. These penalties apply to all tax-advantaged retirement plans, including IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) plans, and many pensions.

your residence there, not just the first six months or first year. An elderlaw professional can help you determine whether you’re eligible for financial assistance.

Nursing Homes Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover the cost of nursing home care, when in fact, all it covers is short-term, skilled nursing care following a hospitalization, which is a very small piece of the nursing home puzzle. One challenge faced by many older persons is not having enough money to be admitted to a nursing home in the first place. Ira Leff, an eldercare attorney, addresses this issue: “It is difficult to be accepted into a nursing home if it’s obvious that you’re already eligible for Medicaid and have no additional funds to contribute to your nursing home care. If there are a large number of empty beds in your area, you may be

accepted. Otherwise, you may be forced to choose a different location or wait until you are hospitalized and need skilled aftercare.” This is an area in which elderlaw plays a critical role. If you need help assessing your rights, contact the LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program in your area.

Medi-Choices Medicare. Medigap. Medicaid. The Medicare system is one of the most misunderstood aspects of health care coverages. Here are some simple definitions. Medicare is the federal health care assistance program available to persons sixty-five years of age and older and certain disabled persons. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides medical assistance to people with low incomes and limited assets. Medigap refers to private insurance plans that supplement the basic coverage provided under Medicare and pay for health care costs that Medicare does not cover — such as deductibles and co-insurance. It is important to know what each one covers and how to determine your eligibility. For instance, Medicare consists of two parts. Part A covers hospital care and a limited amount of “skilled” nursing care and home health care. There is also an optional Medicare Part B, which covers part of physicians’ costs and other medical services and supplies not covered by Part A. Ruthann P. Lacey, a private practice attorney concentrating on elderlaw, cautions against making assumptions about Medicare and other assistance programs. “Many people assume that because Medicare is health insurance, it will pay for whatever kind of health care they need, which it doesn’t. It’s important to know exactly what is covered and what is not.” For instance, Medicare does not cover expenses, such as prescription drugs, routine checkups, vision and hearing care, custodial care, dental care or vaccinations except for flu, pneumonia and hepatitis B. There are three ways to supplement Medicare

coverage: Medigap insurance, retiree health coverage, and Medicaid. Medicaid is available to persons who are eligible for public assistance or SSI (Supplementary Security Income). However, it may be available to seniors with certain assets, such as a home. One important question

your wishes. It helps protect a person’s right to “die with dignity.” Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care — This document allows someone named by you to make decisions about your medical treatment if you are unable to do so. It can be used for any health-care decision, whereas a

A living will is an important document that protects a person’s right to die with dignity. to answer is what income and resources a spouse can retain if the other spouse is in a nursing home and receiving Medicaid. Many elderlaw experts recommend purchasing Medigap insurance if you can afford it. There are 10 levels of coverage to choose from. Some experts say that retiree health coverage policies are usually less expensive and offer more benefits than Medigap policies. Lacey encourages seniors to explore all these options.

Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care insurance can pay a set amount of money per day while you’re in a nursing home, assisted living facility or receiving in-home services, depending on the policy. This type of insurance can be expensive, but nowhere near as devastating as the cost of a nursing home. However, Lacey points out that it may not be for everyone: “I would recommend a minimum of $100 a day benefit with an inflation rider so that as costs go up, that figure will also rise. If you can’t afford that, long term care insurance may not be for you.”

Incapacity Planning In the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself, there are four key documents every older person should consider. Georgia Living Will – This document informs doctors and other health care professionals about the kind of lifesustaining medical treatment you want if you become unable to communicate

living will is limited to choices involving artificial life support, feeding tubes and hydration. Durable Power of Attorney – This legal document grants authority to another to handle your business and financial matters (bank accounts, stocks and bonds, bill payments, etc.). Depending on your individual circumstances, you may choose, instead, to grant a limited power of attorney, which specifies what they can control. Guardianship – There could come a time when a court may decide that you are no longer able to make decisions on your own, and that a guardian should be appointed. You should state in writing ahead of time who you want as your guardian, as well as who you do not want and why. Guardianship deprives a person of most of their rights, and with proper planning you may be able to avoid it. For instance, if you only need help in one area, such as handling your finances, a general power of attorney can cover that area. Forms for living wills and durable power of attorney for health care can be obtained at local hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and doctor’s officers.

Consumer Fraud According to the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Georgians lose nearly $500 million per year in telemarketing scams. Seniors are a common target for these scams. They include phony charities, investment scams, false magazine subscriptions and contest prizes that require cash in Georgia Generations

advance to cover shipping and taxes. Predatory lenders single out older people, often with lower incomes, and lure them into high interest loans. Elderly citizens are also particularly vulnerable to home repair scams by unscrupulous contractors. Unlike other victims, most elders are on fixed incomes and are unable to make up any losses they sustain. The Georgia Consumer Fraud Task Force and the Georgia Elder Abuse Consumers Abuse Program in the Governor’s office of Consumer Affairs were created to help older victims of consumer fraud. If you or someone you know is a victim, your local Area Agency on Aging can put you touch with people who can help.

Elder Abuse Elder abuse is a crime that often goes unreported because victims are too frightened or ashamed to come forward. Some cases involve caregivers who neglect the physical or emotional needs of an elderly person. Sometimes family members with access to bank accounts may be taking money to spend on themselves. Even acts of deliberate physical harm are not uncommon. In cases other than self-neglect, elder abuse is a crime and is covered under Georgia law. Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult living outside of a nursing home or personal care home should be reported to the Adult Protective Services unit of the Department of Family and Children Services in your county. All reports are confidential. Abuse or neglect of adults who live in a nursing home or personal care home should be reported to the Office of Regulatory Services or the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline. These agencies can investigate and access reports of abuse and, when necessary, pursue legal action to recover financial assets or prosecute criminal acts.

Grandparenting What happens when a parent(s) decides you can no longer see your grandchildren or have a role in their lives? All 50 states now have some sort of law regarding visitation rights for grandparents under certain cirSpring 2002

cumstances — usually if the parents are divorced or one parent is dead. However, if the family is intact, grandparents have few or no rights to petition the courts for visitation in most states. While these statutes allow grandparents to ask a court to give them legal visitation rights, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling weighs heavily in favor of parents’ wishes. If you are a grandparent thinking of taking legal action to gain access to your grandchildren, you may want to consider mediation first.

Locating an Elderlaw Attorney Most elderlaw attorneys do not specialize in every area of elderlaw. You will want to locate an attorney who regularly handles matters in your area of concern. Be sure to ask questions to determine whether they are qualified to handle your problem. If you already have an attorney, ask them for a referral to someone specializing in elderlaw. Also, your local Area Agency on Aging can help you in locating legal assistance. Several Web sites offer help in locating attorneys that specialize in elderlaw. Go to www.findlaw.com or www.elderlawanswers.com for a list of lawyers throughout Georgia.

Exercise Your Rights One of the best resources for elderlaw assistance is The Georgia Senior Legal Hotline, which is a telephone service staffed by attorneys who take calls from older Georgians and their families. Hotline attorneys give legal advice, brief service and referrals to other attorneys or services where necessary. The hotline service is free to Georgians 60 years and older. Steve Krumm, Director of the Senior Citizens Law Project at Atlanta Legal Aid, encourages older Georgians to be pro-active in pursuing their legal rights. He emphasizes that just because you can’t afford an attorney doesn’t mean you have no legal recourse. “At Atlanta Legal Aid we help people in all kinds of situations. If you are 60 or older and have a legal problem, we’ll help you resolve it or refer you to someone who can.” Ruthann Lacey adds, “Even if you think you’ve got everything in order, there are going to be options you aren’t aware of. An experienced elderlaw attorney will guide you through the minefields and make sure you have the information you need to plan for the best future possible.”

Resources Georgia Senior Legal Hotline Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Metro Atlanta, 404-657-9915 Outside Atlanta, 888-257-9519 American Association of Retired Persons Metro Atlanta, 404-888-0077 Statewide, 800-424-3410 www.aarp.org Atlanta Legal Aid Society Senior Citizens Law Project 404-524-5811 or 770-528-2565 Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Connection 404-463-3333 Georgia Council on Aging 404-657-5343 www.gcoa.org

Georgia Dept. of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services 404-657-5258 Health Insurance Care Hotline 800-669-8387 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Contact your local AAA National Medicare Hotline 800-633-4227 www.medicare.org Social Security Administration 800-772-1213 Office of Regulatory Services 800-878-6442 For information about elderlaw topics, frequently asked questions, and a glossary defining elderlaw terms, an excellent Web site is www.elderlawanswers.com

GUEST CLOSE-UP

Creating an Information Profile By William F. Brown, III, Director of Communications, Georgia AARP s Americans enjoy longer and relatively healthier lives, the effects of caregiving on individuals, families and society become more and more far-reaching. As the largest organization in the world for people age 50 and older, AARP is committed to improving long-term care and enhancing independent living. It is fitting, then, that AARP be a resource for caregivers, offering suggestions, guidance and solutions for their needs as well as for those receiving care. While each family’s situation is unique, there are certain basic steps that every caregiver should take in order to prepare for the health, financial and legal issues that most likely will need to be addressed. The first step is to create a “profile” of your parents or elderly relative. This will give you all the information you will need to handle future emergencies and to make educated decisions. Follow this check list: 1. Make a list of their friends and neighbors and get contact information for each. Include: – emergency contacts – close relatives and friends – neighbors – friends and clergy from their place of worship – housing managers or apartment front-desk staff – local pharmacy 2. Learn your parents’ medical history. Ask: Do you have any medical conditions or health problems I should know about? Who are your doctors? What medications do you take? If your parents are unclear about the details, you may want to ask them if you can go with them on their next trip to the doctor. 3. Find out about your parents’ finances. Financial information may be difficult to obtain from your parents, but it is critical to have an objective picture about money. Key elements are: – a list of income sources such as Social Security and pensions – monthly and yearly income and expenses – a list of bank accounts and investments – a statement of net worth. 4. Assess legal needs. Ask these questions: – What legal documents do you have or want to have (for example: wills, advance directives for end-of-life care and health care proxy forms, trusts, powers of attorney, veteran’s discharge papers)?

– Where do you keep important documents (birth certificates, deed to home, insurance policies)? – Is your will up to date? 5. Get important account numbers in case you need them in an emergency. Key numbers are: – Social Security – bank or other financial accounts – credit cards – health and life insurance – driver’s license

AARP is a resource for caregivers, offering suggestions, guidance and solutions for their needs as well as for those receiving care.

Once you have gathered this information and organized a profile of your parent or relative, you may want to take some additional steps to prepare for future emergencies. For example, parents may make an adult child a joint owner of their bank and other accounts, so that he or she is authorized to act for them in an emergency. They can also appoint someone as joint renter, deputy, or agent for their safety deposit box. If your parents don’t have a trusted lawyer who can handle estate planning and other elderlaw issues, get recommendations from family, friends and community organizations. Need more help? AARP Online Caregiver Support Group, Wednesday, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.; AOL Keyword, AARP. Or call AARP Georgia State Office, 404-881-0292. 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

Southeast Georgia

SPOTLIGHT ON

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

Seniors benefit from wellness program

“T

he exercises that we did today made me feel a lot better. I will try to do them at home.” This comment made by an Atkinson County senior citizen to Wellness Coordinator Asha Sultzer exemplifies the positive response of many seniors to the Southeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging’s Wellness Program. Certified fitness trainer Asha Sultzer literally hit the ground running when she joined the staff of the Southeast Georgia RDC’s AAA in September of last year. Senior health and overall well-being is the focus of the Wellness Program, which includes age appropriate physical exercise as well as nutrition education. Asha’s first step was to assess the

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In addition, she evaluated the various fitness programs to ascertain whether the exercises were age appropriate and safe. Following the initial evaluations, Asha expanded the program by instructing physical fitness activities at all senior centers, which afforded the site managers the opportunity to learn new activities. Site managers can easily incorporate the new exercises into Seniors in Southeast Georgia learn new exercises as part of their ongoing fitness programs. an expanded fitness program. One of the objectives of the Wellness Program is to adecurrent fitness and nutrition programs at quately train the site managers in the areas all senior centers in the 18-county region. of physical fitness and nutrition allowing She found that many centers were providthem to properly assist the seniors in their ing health screenings, nutritional counseling, day-to-day activities. “I’m looking forward and some form of physical fitness activity.

Georgia AAA region are very satisfied with the quality of the Wellness Program. Sixty-nine percent said that the exercises were not difficult at all and 68 percent stated that they felt better since beginning the program. Future Wellness Program goals include establishing both muscle Stretching shoulders and upper back is an important part of conditioning and cardiomuscle conditioning. vascular programs in every county, including to receiving additional training so that I can walking programs, weight training, stretchoffer more to my seniors,” states Bacon ing, and aerobic conditioning. In addition, County Senior Center Manager Chris efforts are being made to partner with variWilliams. ous agencies to provide quarterly health The program is not only being well screenings such as vision, hearing, blood received by the site managers but by the pressure, and cholesterol. seniors as well. In fact, a recent Client The Wellness Program will also play a Satisfaction Survey showed that 65 percent key role in the upcoming Southeast of the seniors in the 18-county Southeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging’s Senior

Olympics. This event will be held in May in conjunction with Older Americans Month. Staff members of the Southeast Georgia AAA as well as several senior center managers are coordinating the event. Activities for the seniors will include horseshoes, frisbee throw, spin casting, checkers, and a quarter-mile walk. Over 300 seniors participated in the 2001 Senior Olympics and an even larger group is expected to take part this May. Southeast Georgia seniors are benefiting from the healthy lifestyle changes they are making as a result of the Wellness Program. For further information, contact: Southeast Georgia RDC; 3395 Harris Road,Waycross, GA 31503-8958; 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

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

Caregivers learn special skills

aregivers for the elderly and disabled are special people, chosen to give physical, emotional and spiritual support to loved ones. Caregiving for the elderly involves role transference — the caregiver becomes the parent, supplying, or attempting to supply, all the needs of the patient. “Many different skills Tish Sitton and her mother, Louise Morgan, attend a are required of the caregiver,” caregiver workshop. says Debbie Studdard, AAA But perhaps the most important duty is Director. “Financial management, medicaimpressing upon the one being cared for tion monitoring/dispensing, physical assisthat they are loved and appreciated.” tance with bathing and personal grooming, Yet, no matter how good a job the providing balanced meals, and safe caregiver does, they often have mixed feeltransportation are all important.

ings of guilt, resentment, anger, love, and feeling trapped. Caregivers need support, too, especially from other caregivers. Caregiver workshops, held throughout the 15county area, are an excellent way to learn, tap into resources that can help, and meet other caregivers with whom they may network and follow up with telephone calls to support each other. For information, contact: AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 301621793; 706-295-6485.

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

Vouchers promote caregiver choice

everly, age 58, is the sole caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s Disease. In recent months her mother’s condition deteriorated and 24-hour supervision became necessary. Beverly felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes

Veronica Brown-Daughrity (left) of the Alzheimer’s Association explains respite services to family caregiver Virginia Barnes.

trapped, but finances did not permit hiring someone to relieve her. Then she discovered the “Caregiver Time Out” program offered by the Greater Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

This voucher program is supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Family Caregiver Support Program, a service funded by the State Division of Aging and the Older Americans Act. The voucher program reimburses eligible caregivers of persons with dementia an average of $100 per month for respite services. Beverly made arrangements with an adult day care provider specializing in the care of Alzheimer’s clients for her mother to attend one day per week. This allows Beverly to obtain a much-needed break and take care of important errands. She also has the option of choosing in-home services (homemaker, companion, or personal care) provided by a licensed provider or family member, or overnight respite care through a licensed assisted living facility or nursing home. Beverly now reports feeling less stressed, and is comforted knowing that relief from caregiving responsibilities is possible without jeopardizing her finances.

aymond, married with two small children, worries about his 80-year-old mother who lives alone following several months of rehabilitation for a fractured hip. She tires easily, uses a walker, and requires assistance with shopping, meal preparation, laundry, and housekeeping chores. After being referred to the Elder Connections

Atlanta Regional Commission

404-463-3333 If you need caregiving information, contact: 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 Senior Connections, 770-455-7602 Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100

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Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, 770-461-0813 Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program, 404-730-6000 Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior Services, 770-822-8850 Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-898-7670 Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Services, 770-922-4633

Voucher Program operated by Jewish Family & Career Services, Raymond found he was eligible for vouchers covering a variety of products and services including

Ralph and Anntene Serra, participants in the Elder Connections Voucher Program, review their prescription drugs with Valerie Van Dam of Jewish Family & Career Services. (but not limited to) personal care assistance, respite care, transportation, prescription drug assistance, and medical supplies. This voucher program is also supported by funding from ARC, and, on average, awards $1,000 in vouchers per caregiver per year. Raymond chose to use his vouchers for an aide who regularly takes his mother shopping for groceries and other errands, and for home-delivered meals. In addition, the Elder Connections care manager provided a referral for homemaker services. Raymond is very satisfied with the voucher program, and reports his mother feels much more in control of her life. For more information on ARC’s caregiver voucher programs, call the Greater Georgia Alzheimer’s Association, 404-728-1181; Jewish Family & Career Services, 770-677-9302; or the ARC’s Aging Connection, 404-463-3333.

ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Fulton, Henry, Rockdale

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

A devoted husband… a devoted caregiver

n the hills of North Georgia in the Dahlonega area, lives a man who is a devoted caregiver for his wife of 60 years. Vernon Moose has been caring for his wife, Edna, for about 11 years with the assistance of his daughters who also live in Dahlonega. Mr. Moose served in the U.S. Navy during World War I I, and then he worked for Kraft Foods for 31 years. The family moved to Atlanta in 1952 and purchased 136 acres of land in Lumpkin County in the late 1950’s. Mrs. Moose worked in the home until her children graduated from high

school and then she worked in a factory for eight years.Today, Mr. Moose enjoys farming and looking after his cows and baby calves. He has enjoyed farming all of his life, just as his father did. He states he does not want to place his wife in a nursing home as long as he is

able to care for her with help from his daughters, his granddaughter and the Community Care Services Program (CCSP). His wife now requires total care, but he is a proud gentleman and doesn’t want to be a burden on anyone or any program. The Legacy Link CCSP Care Coordinator, Lisa Sewell, continues to be impressed with the caring attitude of the family members and the devotion they all express through their attention to Mrs. Moose’s needs. 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

Vernon Moose cares for his wife, Edna, with help from family members.

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

SCAAA offers comprehensive program

s the Area Agency on Aging for the Southern Crescent region, the SCAAA plans, coordinates, and advocates for the development of a comprehensive

delivery system to meet the needs of older persons in the 10-county Southern Crescent region. Toward this mission, SCAAA works with federal, state, and local officials, elderly constituents, non-profit agencies, service providers, and the private voluntary sector in efforts to continue the existing services and work toward the development of new services. With the contractual help of government and local service agencies, the range of services available includes the Community Care Services Program, case management, home-delivered meals, congregate meals, legal services,

Irene Cheeks (left) and her niece Orene Cheeks appreciate the Home Delivered Meal program in Heard County.

long-term care ombudsman, homemaker, caregiver in-home respite, advocacy, health insurance counseling assistance and referral for the elderly (HICARE), Alzheimer’s services, information and referral, senior centers, and in-home services. If you or your loved one have need of these services, or you would like to know more about our programs and services, call the numbers listed below or e-mail gdsanford@dhr.state.ga.us. 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

Community Care Services Program

he Community Care Services Program (CCSP) helps people who are elderly and/or functionally impaired to continue living in their homes and communities. CCSP offers community-based care as an alternative to nursing home placement. Services available through CCSP include Adult Day Health, which provides daytime care and supervision in an approved facility, by licensed staff. Alternative Living Services provides 24-hour supervised care for persons unable to remain independent in their own homes. Emergency Response System, a 24-hour, in-home electronic support system, provides two-way communication between isolated persons and a medical control center. Home Delivered Services

A CCSP client receives her home delivered meal, along with a friendly smile. provides skilled home care services, similar to home health care. Personal Support Services provides assistance with hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping and respite care (sitter services). Home Delivered meals provide a hot or alternative meal that is prepared outside the home and delivered to the client.

Out-of-Home Respite Care provides respite care in an approved facility with 24-hour supervision. Clients referred to the CCSP must be Medicaid and/or potentially Medicaid eligible. Applicants must meet the same level of impairment as a nursing home client. CCSP is not a fully funded program; therefore there is a waiting list. To access the CCSP for the 12-county area, call Northeast Georgia RDC AAA, Aging Connection at 706-583-2546 and/or 800-474-7540. For information, contact: Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 306102795; 706-369-5650. 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

Mother’s death draws children together

he way Pam Brint likes to put it is, “Upon the death of her mother, she ‘inherited’ her older sister Michelle ‘Chelle’ Brint,”

who is 35 years old and is mentally challenged. Pam, her son Marcus and Chelle lived with her parents up until the untimely death of their mother. A few weeks before her death, Pam and her mom were having a conversation, and her mom said if anything ever happened to her to make sure that Chelle was taken care of. Pam, Marcus & Chelle had to start over together. Even though Chelle is a joy, she had never stayed home alone.This was the hardest obstacle for them to overcome.

Pam, Chelle and Marcus are a picture of sibling love.

Spring 2002

Pam, an Information Specialist for the Area Agency on Aging, found that there was no one to stay with her sister while she worked. Chelle began volunteering at the local food bank and has been there for three years. Although things were hard in the beginning and sometimes still are, who better to take care of Chelle than her baby sister? For further information, contact: Middle Georgia RDC, 175-C Emery Highway, Macon, GA 31217; 478-751-6466 or toll-free 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

Help for second-timearound parents

or most Georgia grandparents, diapers and detention come in small doses. Growing numbers, however, are parenting again — taking the place of their adult children who struggle

Grandparents as caregivers.

with substance abuse, mental illness, or other potentially disabling conditions. “These grandparents can face depression and burnout,” says Carol Davis of Augusta’s Family Counseling Center. With assistance from the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Agency on Aging, Davis will join the Augusta-Richmond County Community Partnership for Children and Families to spearhead a school-based grandparenting program this year. “I tell grandparents to make time for their needs,” says Mike Patton of the Medical College of Georgia. Patton and his colleagues provide groups of

custodial grandparents with an intensive year of case management, health screenings, children’s activities, and more, followed by ongoing support for program graduates. Both Patton and Davis are at the vanguard of the CSRA’s grandparents-ascaregivers movement, making sure that second-time-around parents nurture themselves as well. For further information, contact: Central Savannah River RDC, 3023 Riverwatch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464.

CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes

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

repayment of her mortgage loan. With the help of ELAP, her mortgage was extended to a 15-year loan at zero percent interest. Due to this change, the client will save approximately $12,000 in interest. The staff is not only willing to give their time and services, but they are also knowledgeable about the law, policy, and regulations that affect you. 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.

Elderly Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) helps caregivers

ften, as we age, we are less able to care for ourselves and more vulnerable to others taking advantage of us. The Elderly Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) provides legal assistance in non-criminal matters, such as accessing health care, debt collection, housing, consumer fraud, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, living wills and durable powers of attorney. ELAP is staffed by licensed lawyers and/or certified paralegals. There is no cost for ELAP, a federally required and funded program. Evelyn Gay, a representative of ELAP, works hard to insure that the rights of

Evelyn Gay (standing), an ELAP representative, helps a client understand her legal rights. older Georgians are respected. In one particular case, a client needed help with

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

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

Never say “never”

undreds of conversations with caregivers over a number of years have taught me several valuable lessons, says Nancy Harper, Family Caregiver Coordinator for the SOWEGA Council on Aging. One of them is that everyone has a breaking point — a place in the timeline of caregiving that differs with each individual caregiver. Most people do not have a realistic picture of the combination of physical, mental and emotional stress that comes with providing care, even in the best of circumstances. When a caregiver tells me they promised their loved one they would NEVER put them in a nursing home, I cringe. What a burden of guilt and failure they place on themselves when making a promise that may not be able to be kept!

Promise to do the best you can for as long as you can. There is no crystal ball to tell you what the future changes in their health or yours will be. Promise that you will do the best you can for as long as you can, but please — never say “NEVER.” For further information, contact: Southwest Georgia COA, 308 Flint Avenue, 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

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

Two new programs for Coastal seniors

fter carefully reviewing the results of an area-wide Caregiver Needs Assessment, Coastal AAA staff is excited about introducing two new programs designed to

Donna Camacho (center), Director of the Caregiver Assistance Program, reviews cases with two staff members. Spring 2002

support caregivers in the coastal region. The first is “The Caregiver Assistance Program,” which will be provided by the Chatham County Board of Health. The CAP program will provide case management services designed to help caregivers assess their needs. The case manager will then investigate and obtain the needed services. Donna Camacho, R.N., the program director, says, “We are looking forward to working with caregiving families. We will be looking at the needs of the caregiver and then looking for innovative solutions for the problems.” She is especially delighted by the opportunity “to look beyond the traditional services and open up a new realm of possibilities.” In addition to CAP, the coastal region has contracted with Georgia Legal Services to provide “Caring for You, Caring for Me,” an education and support program for

caregivers that was developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute. The program brings together professional and family caregivers for five two-hour sessions. This program will be offered in several locations throughout the region. “Supporting caregivers is something that is really needed and very important,” according to Evelyn Gay, coordinator of the project. She added, “We hope that from these training sessions, support groups will develop.” 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.