GaGen 2004 Fall by Wells-Smith Partners

Georgia

Generations Fall 2004

Volunteering Good for the

Mind, Body and Soul Also in This Issue: ■ Honoring Caregivers in November ■ A Look at Georgia’s AAAs Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources 1

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

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

4 7 6

9 12

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

Georgia

Generations FALL 2004 Published quarterly through a cooperative effort of Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging.

For information contact: Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Services Division 40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-463-3239 jkauffman@atlantaregional.com

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

Georgia Generations is a:

On the Cover: Seniors across Georgia are spending countless hours volunteering in churches, libraries, hospitals, senior centers and nonprofit organizations. They bring a lifetime of skills and experience, and, best of all, they gain as much as they give. See story, page 4.

Fall 2004, Volume 4, #1 © 2004 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

Sheep

Counting

Do you often have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up during the night and find it difficult to fall back to sleep? Studies have shown that almost 60 percent of adults have problems with sleep! Sleep is essential for our mental, physical and emotional health. People with chronic insomnia, sleep apnea or other sleep problems tend to have more medical and psychological difficulties. Remember these tips for sounder sleeping:

• Avoid caffeine or nicotine products in the late afternoon and evening; • Try not to nap in the afternoon or evening; • Use your bed only for sleeping, if possible; • If you like a snack before bed, a warm noncaffeinated drink and a few crackers may help; • Try not to worry about falling asleep. Playing mental games, such as counting, can actually work.

“Creating Caring Caregiver Networks”

Honoring Caregivers

November 19, 2004 Featured speakers: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Josefina G. Carbonell, Asst. Secretary for Aging, Administration on Aging (has been invited) Conference co-sponsors: Georgia AARP State of Georgia Division of Aging Services

ovember is National Family Caregiver’s Month across the United States. This special designation brings attention to the daily lives of our nation’s more than 50 million family caregivers. It is a time to thank, support and celebrate their selfless efforts. For further information, visit: www.rosalynncarter.org In Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue will sign a proclamation. In addition, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving will hold a conference at The Carter Center in Atlanta (see details to right). For more information on ways to celebrate Caregiver’s Month, go to the website of the National Family Caregiver Association — www.nfcacares.org

Longevity Heads UPWARD

Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.caregiverssurvivalhandbook.com showcases a new book, The Caregiver’s Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself. This book helps caregivers navigate daily problems, such as getting other family members to help, juggling various responsibilities, letting go of guilt and fostering a parent’s independence. www.longtermcarelink.net offers articles on long-term care issues, lists services for people needing long-term care, and includes one of the largest lists of useful LTC Internet links on the web. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Fall 2003

Interesting news from the longevity experts: More and more seniors are living beyond their original life expectancy. Let’s say you’re 65 years old.When you were born in 1938, your life expectancy was around 64 years. Yet today, at age 65, you have not only surpassed that original life expectancy, you can expect to live an average of another 18 years, according to national health statistics. That takes you to age 83. What’s more, if you reach age 83, your life expectancy then extends, on average, to age 90. The odds of a long life are even better for couples than individuals. — Courtesy Capital Investment Advisors, Inc.

Report suspected fraud and errors. Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation.

Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763 Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387 3

Theresa Justice, 74, helps lowincome seniors in the Columbus area apply for drug discount cards through GeorgiaCares. Edna Johnson, 71, runs errands for nurses and works in the gift shop at the Coliseum Medical Centers in Macon. Earl Ball, 84, advises fledgling businesses in Dalton. And Dorothy Thomas, 76, reads to children at a day care center in Macon. Theresa Justice

Volunteering: Good for the Body, Mind and Soul Story by Martha Nolan McKenzie Photography by Anne Ledbetter

hese seniors are but a few of the thousands of volunteers across Georgia who keep hospitals, schools, churches, libraries and a host of other organizations running. Indeed, look at the roster of any nonprofit or charitable organization, and chances are you’ll find it filled with senior volunteers. “Older volunteers are an absolutely vital part of any volunteer community,” said Kim

Adler, manager of Volunteer Recruitment and Recognition for AARP in Washington, D.C. “They bring a lifetime of skills and experience to the organization, and they are really what keep nonprofits humming along. And volunteering helps the seniors, as well. Many studies have linked volunteering and successful aging.” About 40 percent of people age 50 and older report volunteering, compared with 45 percent of the under-50 population, according to the Independent Sector, a coalition of founGeorgia Generations

dations, nonprofits and corporations. Working seniors are actually more likely to volunteer (47 percent) than those who are retired (42 percent). However, retired seniors volunteer more time — an average of 18 hours a month, compared to 11 hours for their working counterparts. Overall, seniors contribute more than $70 billion worth of volunteer time each year. “When you look at numbers like these, it’s hard to overstate seniors’ importance,” said Adler. Beyond the numbers, seniors bring a unique perspective and work ethic to an organization. “My senior volunteers have typically had very high-level jobs and successful careers before they retired,” said Debbie Kitchens, director of volunteer services at Coliseum Medical Center in Macon. “They will do anything you ask them to, and they take their jobs very seriously and are very dedicated. But they also bring a special experience and outlook. They seem to work particularly well with patients and can relate to them. They are the ones who go the extra mile and do nice things that, in these times of cutbacks, the hospital couldn’t afford to do otherwise. I know our volunteers are what makes us stand out from the competition.” Ruth Daniel agrees. The director of the McIntosh Trail Council on Aging in Griffin relies on senior volunteers to deliver area meals on wheels. “All of our volunteers are wonderful, but the seniors bring something special with them,” said Daniel. “They really care about the people they are helping, and they take the time to do little extra things that our paid workers don’t have time to.” Senior volunteers also bring a wealth of experience to an organization. Evelyn Gay, director of the Elder Rights Project for Georgia Legal Services, relies on senior volunteers to run the GeorgiaCares and the Senior Medicare Patrol programs. The former is a state health insurance program for low-income residents, and the latter educates seniors about Medicare fraud. “I’d say 98 percent of our volunteers are seniors, and we couldn’t run either program without them,” said Gay. “They have so much to offer because they have so much experience behind them. Fall 2004

Patricia Harris You may find Patricia Harris cruising through her old neighborhood in Macon on the lookout for suspicious activities. Or you may see her in an area store watching for shoplifters. Or you may find her walking slowly among desks as students hunch over tests. Arthritic and 61, Harris seems an unlikely Kojak, but she takes her duties seriously. She is a volunteer for Senior Corp.’s RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), which works in conjunction with the local police department’s crime prevention program. “In my old neighborhood, the young hood rats took over and the older people were afraid to come out of their houses,” said Harris. “Somebody had to keep the community safe, so I started doing this volunteering.” She also calls on seniors in the neighborhood to inspect the locks on their doors and windows, engrave their valuables in case they are stolen and talk to them about what to do in various emergency situations. “With my arthritis, I may be hurtin’, but I’ve got to keep doing it because the kids know when they see me watching, they can’t be doing anything illegal or bad.”

Eddie Thompson Eddie Thompson, 66, spends his days writing letters to three Vietnamese boys. Thompson is part of a pen-pal program at the Hall County Senior Center that was designed to help ESL (English as a Second Language) students at the Russell Middle School in Winder. Thompson and the other seniors exchange letters, photos — and love — with the Vietnamese middle schoolers. “We write all the time, and they’ve come to the center to visit us,” said Thompson of his pen pals, age 12, 10 and 8. “I write to them about coon hunting and camping. They write to me about swimming and school and girls. They love girls.” The arrangement has worked out well for both the students and the seniors. “The students have improved academically since the program was started,” said Montye Kelly, RSVP director at Legacy Link in Gainesville, which helps coordinate the program. “And the seniors just light up when they talk about the children. I was surprised at how both the seniors and the students bridged the generation gap and the nationality gap so quickly.” Thompson agrees. “It took a couple times for me to get used to them and them to get used to me, but we’re big buddies now,” he said. “They seem sort of like grandsons to me.”

“I think the more we give, no matter what our age, the more fulfilling our lives can be.” If they don’t think you’re doing something the right way, they’ll tell you. I have learned so much from them. I believe every organization that is not using senior volunteers in some form or another is missing a lot.”

eniors who volunteer say they are motivated by a sense of duty. More than half of senior volunteers cite a desire to give back to society some of the benefits they had received as the reason they volunteer, according to the Independent Sector. The second most popular motivation is the desire to help those less fortunate. Senior volunteers, however, end up helping themselves at least as much as the recipients of their good works. “I think the more we give, no matter what our age, the more fulfilling our lives can be,” said Diane Williamson, director of the Council on Aging in Atlanta. “By keeping busy and helping others, we don’t have the opportunity to sit around and focus on our own problems. And my senior volunteers, in particular, get the benefit of feeling productive and useful, which is really important after retirement. And they also tend to make friends with the other volunteers, and connections and friendships are very important to keep seniors from becoming isolated.” Indeed, numerous studies have shown that people who volunteer, especially if it involves helping others, are happier and healthier in their later years. A University of Michigan study, for example, tracked a group of seniors for five years and found that those who volunteered lived longer than their nonvolunteering counterparts. “By helping others, we are also helping ourselves,” said the study’s lead psychologist, Stephanie Brown of the university’s Institute for Social Research. “We’re not sure why, but we hypothesize it’s because volunteering produces positive emotions which, in turn, can act as buffers to many of the stressors of aging.” Dorothy Thomas knows all about those positive emotions. The 76-year-old Macon woman volunteers as a “foster grandparent” at a day care center at the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Four days a week, five hours each day, Thomas can be found surrounded by a happy swarm of preschoolers. “I love being around these

Bill Harman For the past 17 years, W.C. “Bill” Harman has been helping seniors become safer drivers. The 79-year-old retired salesman is an instructor for an AARP safe driving program in Albany. He teaches his senior students how to recognize and compensate for the changes brought on by aging — impaired vision and hearing, slower reflexes. “When seniors can’t drive anymore, they lose a lot of their independence,” said Harman. “By teaching them how to be safer, more defensive drivers, I can help them stay independent longer.” Harman also finds time to volunteer at the local Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital with Mended Hearts, a support group for people with heart problems. Having had quadruple bypass surgery in 1986, Harman visits with heart patients to answer their questions, listen to their concerns and talk about his own experience. “It can really help having someone to talk to who has been through it before,” said Harman.

children,” said Thomas. “I love playing with them, singing with them and reading to them. I’m just so happy to be a part of their lives.” Besides good feelings, volunteering offers a way for a senior to stay active, physically and mentally. Earl Ball, 84, fills his days with as many volunteer activities as he can handle. As chairman of the SCORE chapter in Dalton, the retired businessman consults with start-up and small businesses. He also lends his time and business advice to the Head Start Family Council, the Nursing Home Family Georgia Generations

Council, a local family crisis center and the United Way. In addition, he visits his wife, who lives in a nursing home, three times a day. “Some months I put in as many as 50 to 60 hours,” said Ball. “And sometimes I find myself eating my supper at 9:30 at night. I didn’t really plan to be this busy, but if you decide to sit down and watch TV, you’ll vegetate completely. If you keep active mentally, you have a chance of growing old well. I have always been active and I will continue to be active.” Edna Johnston agrees with the benefits of staying busy. Three days a week, the 71-year-old Macon woman volunteers at the Coliseum Medical Center and for Senior Friends, a hospital-sponsored group for seniors. “In 1970, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and I had to have part of my lung removed,” said Johnston. “I’m also diabetic and I have asthma. But I don’t want to sit home and think about all of that. I like to keep my hands busy and my mind off my problems. By volunteering, I can stay busy.” Even more important than being busy is feeling useful. Almost all senior volunteers are motivated on one level or another by the need to feel they are making a contribution. Theresa Justice, a 74-year-old widow in Waverly Hall, just north of Columbus, has a long history of volunteering. She has given her time to the Harris County Library, the Pine Mountain Welcome Center and the local PTA, and has also taught Sunday School. She currently volunteers two mornings a month with GeorgiaCares, where she knows she is helping seniors in important ways. Justice helps lowincome seniors apply for drug discount cards. “I’ve had people come in who had to choose between buying food and buying medicine,” said Justice. “That’s not right. But I can help them get their medicine for much less money, so they can afford both food and medicine. It can make a big difference in their lives.” Continued on page 15

George Prosser Even though he had his leg amputated last June as a result of complications from diabetes, George Prosser still manages to volunteer at least 15 hours a week. After the operation, he did have to give up doing free appliance repair work for area seniors, but he still serves as the finance chair of the Washington Council on Aging and a board member of the Washington County Senior Center. For all his good works, Prosser was named 2004 Volunteer of the Year by the CSRA Area Agency on Aging in Augusta. “I’m just a people person, and I like to try to help people,” said the 65year-old retired salesman from Sandersville. “It seems to me that seniors are the ones who have paid their dues and they are also the ones who are left out the most. That’s why I like to do all I can for them.”

The Livingstons Roger and Mona Livingston, both 71, enjoy excellent health, and they credit the many hours they volunteer. “My doctors tell me to keep my body and my mind busy, and I do,” said Roger. “Volunteering is the best way I know to help somebody and to help yourself, too. You have to keep them old gears in your head oiled.” Roger and Mona, who live in Hazlehurst near Augusta, volunteer for Georgia Legal Services, GeorgiaCares, Senior Health Insurance Patrol, Senior Medical Patrol, the Silver Haired Legislature “… and just about anything else that comes along,” said Roger. In all, the couple donates about 30 hours a week. They consider themselves well-paid for their work. “All we have is our Social Security — about $1,300 a month — but I get paid when someone I’ve helped calls me and says, ‘I bought medicine today for $40 and it used to cost me $300, so now I can buy groceries.’ Now that’s good pay!”

Fall 2004

GUEST CLOSE-UP

Pro Bono Legal Work for Nonprofits A Win-Win Proposition By Michael E. Hollingsworth II, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

ow often do you go to a party and hear someone tell a lawyer joke? That it happens so often is a sad commentary on the public perception of lawyers today. The news media often focus on stories in which an attorney has engaged in some type of negative conduct. Unfortunately the general public hears less about the positive influence of lawyers on their communities. Why has the public’s attitude regarding lawyers changed for the worse over the last few decades? The answer is simple economics. Most law students enter law school to “help people.” But with most newly minted lawyers carrying an average law school debt load of $50,000 or more, many of these idealistic lawyers begin to focus on paying the bills early in (and even well into) their careers, rather than working for the public interest. For the corporate or general business lawyer, this usually means representing for-profit businesses in a variety of corporate finance transactions. Pro bono publico (legal work performed without charge to the client) is the primary way in which attorneys fulfill their responsibilities to the general public. While litigation attorneys have always found it relatively easy to find meaningful pro bono cases (for example, landlord-tenant disputes and other forms of court actions), business lawyers have generally had fewer opportunities to serve the public through pro bono work. In recent years, however, there has been a growing trend among business attorneys in taking on pro bono representation of nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code.

In Georgia many business attorneys are purposefully dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to nonprofits. These services include helping a nonprofit incorporate, assisting it in obtaining its tax-exempt status from the IRS, negotiating loan agreements and drafting or reviewing other contracts or agreements on behalf of the charitable organization. There are dozens of ways that attorneys can help. To encourage pro bono engagements, many law firms have instituted formal pro bono programs that recommend a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono work per year. In addition to serving the public interest, firms also have realized that, despite its charitable nature, performing pro bono legal work is also good for business. It enhances a firm’s reputation in the general public and provides the firm’s lawyers access to relationships that they would not have in their day-to-day practices. Providing pro bono legal services to charitable organizations is a win-win situation — it provides the attorney with an outlet for contributing in a meaningful way to his or her community and allows nonMichael E. Hollingsworth II profits to obtain sophisticated representation that they would likely not be able to afford otherwise. A by-product of these pro bono services may be an improved reputation of lawyers in the public eye. GG

In Georgia many business attorneys are purposefully dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to nonprofits.

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.

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

Prescription drug coverage available

“T

he only sure thing is change,” and Medicare is changing now with the addition of long-awaited prescription drug coverage. Medicare will implement an optional Part D program for prescription insurance beginning January 1, 2006. In the meantime, optional Medicare-approved drug discount cards, which may cost up to $30 per year, are available. Beneficiaries may have only one Medicare-approved card but may still use other discount cards if they offer a better price. There is no income or resource limit for the card or the insurance, but there is a $600 credit that has an income limit to qualify. Because these programs are new and there are over 40 cards from which to choose, there

Fall 2004

Cornelia Kinnebrew, Annie Johnson and Rachel Stubbs were among those attending a presentation about the new Medicare drug coverage in Rome.

is a need for education about how they work and how to find the best card for individual needs.

GeorgiaCares Coordinator Carol Lockett has been speaking to many groups, on the radio and TV, explaining how the programs work and how to access them. Free training is offered to all volunteers who would like to assist with these programs. For additional information or to volunteer, call GeorgiaCares at 1-800669-8387. For other information, contact the AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 30162-1793; 706-802-5506 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963.

NORTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, Whitfield

Atlanta Regional Commission Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta

Aging and developmental disability resource center to open in Atlanta

eople with developmental disabilities are living longer — and as they often exhibit signs of aging earlier than other individuals, they find themselves ineligible for necessary supports. Aging parents car-

for the 10-county Atlanta region, taking lead responsibility. ARC will expand its AgeWise Connection, the regional information service for older adults and their caregivers, to serve persons with developmental disabilities and will partner with the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD) to provide seamless access to services. This approach will allow consumers to locate services through either the aging or the developmental disability network and will foster a “no wrong door” policy.

as a result, face concerns about their own ability to continue care, their mortality and the future care of their adult child with a disability. In Georgia approximately 15,500 individuals with developmental disabilities are living in households with caregivers age 60 or older. Thanks to a grant sponsored by the Administration on Aging and the Centers The center will provide information, for Medicare & Medicreferrals, screening, assessment, crisis aid Services, aging parents of adults with intervention and help with long-term developmental disabilicare planning. ties will soon be able to access “one-stop As families providing care get older, shopping” resource centers for comprethey often reach a point where they find it hensive help in finding long-term care servextremely difficult to continue supporting ices. The three-year grant will initially fund their adult children without some help. resource centers in the Atlanta and Laura Prough, coordinator of ARC’s developThe goal of the resource center is to Augusta regions, which will be operated by mental disability initiative. assist these families, whether they need the local Area Agencies on Aging. public or private services, and regardless of Because strong local collaboration their ability to pay. The center will provide ing for their adult children with developalready exists between the aging and develinformation, referrals, screening, assessmental disabilities frequently deal with opmental disability service communities, ment, crisis intervention and help with unexpected caregiving responsibilities and, Atlanta was selected as a site for this new long-term care planning, so individuals can initiative, with the Atlanta Regional Comcontinue living in their communities for as mission (ARC), the Area Agency on Aging long as possible. After three years the resource ™ centers are expected to be self-sustaining. Atlanta Regional Commission 404-463-3333 In addition to the centers in Atlanta and Augusta, the grant will support planning If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner: for additional centers in other areas of Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, the state. Services, 770-345-5312 770-461-0813 For more information about Atlanta’s Clayton County Clayton County Aging Fulton County Fulton County Aging resource center, contact Laura Prough, Atlanta Program, 770-603-4050 Program, 404-730-6000 Regional Commission, Aging Services Division, Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior at 404-463-3245. 770-528-5364 Services, 678-377-4150 DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, Henry County Henry County Senior 404-687-7117 Services, 770-898-7670 ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, 770-489-3100 Services, 770-922-4633 Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

Georgia Generations

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

Northeast Georgia to establish CARE-NET

he Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, is in the process of forming a local community coalition on caregiving. Recognized leaders in both professional and family caregiving in the Northeast Georgia area will convene to discuss the establishment of a caregiving coalition known as CARE-NET. This effort is a part of a project that began in 2001 under a grant from the Administration on Aging (AOA) to establish a statewide network of local community CARE-NETs. The purpose of a CARE-NET is for a community to evaluate and address its caregiving strengths and needs. Some of

706-369-5650 if you desire more information about the meeting. We welcome the public’s involvement in improving services for caregivers and the Area Agency on Aging’s efforts to improve the lives of both professional and family caregivers. On the couch are Peggy Jenkins, AAA director, and Janice Knight. Back row: Anne Hansen, David Levine, Jim Dodd, Rosalynn Carter Institute; For further information, Kathryn Fowler and Michele Farley. contact the Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, the goals will be to develop service and Athens, GA 30605-2795; 706-583-2547 or educational programs for caregivers, toll-free 1-800-474-7540. develop a resource capacity for information on caregiving and educate the community about caregiving. The CARE-NET will also provide much-needed support for caregivers. Please contact Michele Farley at

NORTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton

Lower Chattahoochee Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert just having the peace of mind knowing someone is meeting her mother’s needs families in the while she is away LCAAA region is the best aspect through a contract of the program. with the Greater For further Georgia Chapter of information, the Alzheimer’s contact Lower Association. Annie Munford and her mother, Bennie Dixon. Chattahoochee AAA, The break is benP.O. Box 1908, eficial to both the Columbus, GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s toll-free 1-800-615-4379. disease. It has been a blessing for Annie Munford. Ms. Munford, age 75, cares for her mother, Bennie Dixon, who turned 96 LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: on June 8. Ms. Munford says the Caregiver Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Time Out program has enabled her to Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, visit friends, go to church and occasionally Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster go out to eat or to the mall. She says that

Caregivers of dementia patients offered “time out”

aring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be an emotional, physical and financial challenge. Caregivers often refer to it as a “burden of love.” However, this burden may cost a family an average of $200,000 during the course of the disease, outside of insurance. “Caregiver Time Out” allows a family member who is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia a break (respite) from his or her caregiving responsibilities. The program reimburses caregivers up to $100 per month — or $1,200 per year — to either hire someone to come into the home or pay for adult day care. In the 2004 fiscal year, the Caregiver Time Out program helped 30 Fall 2004

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

First Annual Consumer University

he First Annual Consumer University was held in Dublin on April 14, 2004, at the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The event was sponsored by the Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC Area Agency on Aging, Elder Rights Projects of the Georgia Legal Services Program (Savannah office) and the Heart of Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Approximately 250 individuals were in attendance. Evelyn Gay from Georgia Legal Services presided over the event as master of ceremonies. Gail Thompson from the RDC presented opening and closing remarks. Rep. Dubose Porter and Sen. Jack Hill gave the keynote address.

Sen. Jack Hill

Rep. Dubose Porter

Cindy Liebes from the Federal Trade Commission and Tryllis Hallford from the Secretary of State’s office provided timely information to the group on scams and fraud prevention. Dawn Washington from the State Division of Aging Services spoke on health care consumer fraud. William Broker from Georgia Legal Services warned individuals about predatory

lending. Major Carson Knight from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Department and Captain Wayne Cane, Dublin chief of police, gave an entertaining presentation on personal safety. Due to the excellent evaluations and positive comments received from the majority of attendees, the Consumer University will become an annual event. The 2005 conference is tentatively scheduled for May 6. For further information, contact Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC, 331 W. Parker St., Baxley, GA 31513; 912-367-3648 or toll-free 1-888-367-9913. HEART OF GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

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

Seniors in two rural communities begin receiving home-delivered meals

ecently the Southeast Georgia Regional Development Center’s Area Agency on Aging (SEGa AAA) expanded its home-delivered meal service to include two communities in rural Berrien County. Eleven senior citizens in Alapaha received their first home-delivered meals on June 3. In addition, 10 senior citizens living in Enigma received their first home-delivered meals on April 30. In Alapaha, 83-year-old Izolla Allen smiled as she accepted the two hot meals for herself and her bedridden husband, Sherman, who is 94 years old. Mrs. Allen says that she was pleased when she learned that she and her ailing husband would soon be receiving home-delivered meals. “Now that Sherman and I are getting home-

delivered meals, I won’t have to cook Pictured in Alapaha (left to right): Teresa Wilson (Southeast Georgia AAA), during the day Assistant City Clerk Carla Parrish, Police Chief Andy Owen, Rep. Penny Houston, and I can Alapaha Councilman Will Ivery, home-delivered meal recipient Izolla Allen, Rep. spend more Jay Shaw and Berrien County Commission Chairman Steve Roberts. time with him.” kept in a heat-retaining container until Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been married for delivery later that morning. 64 years. For information, contact Southeast Georgia Illustrating each local government’s RDC, 1725 South Georgia Parkway West, commitment to serving its citizens, the Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or cities of both Alapaha and Enigma have toll-free 1-888-732-4464. committed to delivering meals Monday through Friday, rotating the duties between city employees. Each morning during the week,Valley Services, the SEGa AAA’s food vendor, will deliver the hot, nutritious meals to both city halls. The meals are

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware

Georgia Generations

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

Prescription card confusion!

f you or someone you know is suffering from â&#x20AC;&#x153;prescription card confusion,â&#x20AC;? you are in good company alongside many other Americans. The Medicare program notices, television and newspaper advertisements, educational seminars by various companies and good-intentioned neighbors all have a little different information. If you need information, you may do any of the following: 1. Give Legacy Link a call and ask to speak to someone in the GeorgiaCares office about the new Medicare prescription program. You may call toll-free, 1-800-845-LINK, or 770-538-2650. 2. Drop into the Legacy Shoppe at

Colonial Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville for help in figuring out the new cards. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, with staff and trained volunteers to help you research the various cards on the Internet.

3. Call your local county senior center for information about when volunteers are available at the center to help research on the Internet. If you do not have the telephone number, call Legacy Link at one of the numbers above. Let us help you find the best card for you, your family member or your neighbor and see if you qualify for the $600 credit on your prescription costs in 2004. We would like to help! For further information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 30503-2534; 770-538-2650 or tollfree 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

New senior center opens in West Point

hrough contracts with the Troup County Parks and Recreation Department, the Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging has added a new senior cenNew senior center offers activities and meals. ter to its existing 14 facilities. For more than two years, a group of senior citizens in the County Senior Center began providing daily West Point area conducted regular meetcongregate meals to senior participants in ings in the basement of the West Point West Point. gymnasium. Fran Buchino, administrative Realizing the need for a permanent facilassistant at the Troup County Senior Citiity, the Troup County Parks and Recreation zens Center, and Mike Pitts,West Point Commission included construction of a recreation director, conducted the fellownew senior center in projects funded by ship activities. In April 2002 the Troup SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Options

Fall 2004

Sales Tax). Land for the center was provided by the city of West Point. An open house at the new $500,000 facility was held in April 2004, and the facility now operates five days a week. Along with congregate noonday meals, the facility offers arts and crafts, quilting, bingo, special outings and other activities. For further information on the program and center activities, call 706-645-3580. For other information, contact the Southern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026 or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. SOUTHERN CRESCENT ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson

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

Macon students present script in Spanish

tudents from Fulvia Hulette’s Spanish class at Westside High School in Macon presented a script reading with audience participation of the Readers Theater production ¿De quien es el dinero de todas maneras? (“Whose money is it anyway?”). The script was translated into Spanish by Mrs. Hulette and pre-

sented to a group of caregivers at the Bibb County Health Department. The script reading was also presented to the Latin American Association in Atlanta. Julie Hall, GeorgiaCares Coordinator for the Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging, partnered with the Bibb County Public Schools to provide outreach to an underserved multicultural community. GeorgiaCares assists Medicare beneficiaries with health insurance questions and educates those same beneficiaries in recognizing and reporting Medicare/Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse. The GeorgiaCares program is funded through a grant from the Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services. Fourth- and fifth-year Westside High School Spanish students present ¿De quien es el dinero de todas maneras?.

The script on Medicare and Medicaid fraud was written by Charlee Lambert of Educational Playmakers, Inc. and Francine Jennings. All of the events in the play regarding Medicare and Medicaid fraud could happen to anyone in any setting. To report suspected Medicare and/or Medicaid fraud in the Middle Georgia area, please call 478-751-6489.

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

Oldest senior center participant enjoys music and wit

loise Hudson has been making communities sweeter at home and abroad for most of her 98 years. Today she livens up days at the Warren County Senior Center as the county’s oldest center participant. Over a half century ago, Mrs. Hudson shipped coveted cocoa bars overseas to World War II soldiers. “I lived in the Bronx and worked in box factories, as a nurse’s aide and in the Van Leer cocoa factory,” says Mrs. Hudson. Despite 22 years in New York City, Mrs. Hudson is a bona fide Georgian, born just a short walk from the senior center in Warrenton. She says of the facility, “I’ve been coming here since it first opened.

It’s something to “We have a lot in comkeep us going, to mon!” And together help us enjoy one they laugh throughout another and laugh the center, enjoying the and talk.” desserts of life. “She’s witty, For further informaalways has a tion, contact the Central comeback and has Savannah River AAA, 3023 so much wisdom,” River Watch Pkwy., Suite A, says Betty Reese, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; center director. 706-210-2018 or toll-free Eloise Hudson founded a new church choir “She also sings old 1-888-922-4464. in 2004, stating, “If you give me the talent, hymns beautifully I don’t mind trying to use it. I let it out to and harmonizes the best of my ability.” well.” Known for their love of duets and strong support of the center, the two CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER women have found other shared interENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, ests. “She calls me ‘Motor Mouth,’” Mrs. Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Reese says, glancing mischievously at Mrs. Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Hudson alongside fellow participants. Warren, Washington, Wilkes Georgia Generations

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

RSVP creates smiles

he Retired Senior and Volunteer Program — people helping people, volunteers sharing the skills of a lifetime — is an important resource to community agencies striving to meet the needs of their citizens. The RSVP program of the SOWEGA Council on Aging in Albany, Georgia, has a unique program made up of retired senior men, some in their late 80s.These energetic, caring, giving individuals are called the Ramp Crew.They work two days a week building wheelchair ramps for individuals who may not have been out of their house for years. Here is just one such story: The RSVP Ramp Crew went to the job site one morning to build a ramp for a man who

had not been out of his home for many, many months. He had been unable to feel the sunshine on his face, or feel the warm breezes of summer, The SOWEGA Council on Aging RSVP Ramp Crew. Back row (left to right): because he had Si Barnes, Bob Kane, Paul Youngblood, Joe Paquette, Bob Prickett and George no way to get Buttner. Front row (left to right): Charles Philips, James Sexton, Ralph Hocutt, Jim Hill and Don Gray. out of his house with his wheel31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free chair. But thanks to our generous volun1-800-282-6612. teers, he can now enjoy the great SOUTHWEST GEORGIA outdoors and be independent! The smile ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: on that man’s face was all the payment Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, needed for our Ramp Crew. Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, For further information, contact Southwest Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth Georgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA

Volunteering Continued from page 7

Ten Tips for Wise Volunteering 1. Research the causes or issues important to you. Look for a group that deals with issues about which you feel strongly. If you can’t find such an organization, consider starting one yourself. You can rally friends and neighbors to clean up a vacant lot on the corner or paint an elderly person’s house. 2. Consider the skills you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work that incorporates these aspects of your personality. 3. Consider volunteering as a family. Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity that would Fall 2004

be suitable for you and your adult children or your spouse to do together. Volunteering can bring family members closer together. 4. Be open to learning something new. Perhaps you would like to learn an unfamiliar skill. Many nonprofits are willing to provide training. 5. Don’t over-commit your schedule. Do you want a long-term assignment or something temporary? If you are unsure about your availability or want to see how you like the work, see if you can start out with a limited number of hours before you make a big commitment. 6. Nonprofits may have questions, too. While most nonprofits

are eager to find volunteers, they have to guard themselves as well. So don’t be surprised if you are asked to come in for an interview, fill out a volunteer application and describe your qualifications and background, just as you would for a paying job. 7. I never thought of that! Most of us know that hospitals, libraries and churches use volunteers, but here are some organizations you may not have thought of: day care centers, Neighborhood Watch, public schools, halfway houses, community theaters, Meals on Wheels, museums, prisons, neighborhood parks and shelters for battered women and children. 8. Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering! Bring your heart and your sense

of humor to your volunteer work, along with an enthusiastic spirit. 9. Virtual volunteering? If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of giving free legal advice, typing for a person with a disability or simply keeping in contact with a shut-in. This sort of volunteering may be well-suited for you if you have limited time, no transportation or a physical disability. 10. Be a year-round volunteer! We tend to think of those in need around the holidays, but volunteering is welcome and necessary all year. Source: Independent Sector

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

AARP

Georgia Council on Aging

Southern Home Care Services

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

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.

Nursing and personal care services tailored to your needs, Southern Home Care Services serves all ages with compassion, skill and respect. Licensed and accredited. www.southernhomecareservices.com

Lifestyle Transitions Magazine

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

Lifestyle Transitions magazine serves greater Atlanta’s mature and active adult community. Call 770-587-9421 or visit www.ltmag.com.

Dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers. The RCI is proud to partner with the Area Agencies on Aging in Georgia to establish a network of caregiver coalitions statewide. www.rosalynncarter.org

Bridgebuilders, Inc. Personal care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Customized services delivered with compassion, integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave., Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.

EasyLiving Home Accessible, visitable and livable for everyone! Homes built with the future in mind. A voluntary certification program. www.easylivinghome.org.

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

GeorgiaCares GeorgiaCares is a private-public partnership that assists Medicare beneficiaries with health insurance questions and Medicare problems. GeorgiaCares also seeks to enroll all eligible Medicare beneficiaries in all low-cost prescription assistance programs. For assistance please call 1-800-669-8387.

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network An hour invested in long-term care planning today can make thinking about tomorrow much more comfortable. Contact 678-638-1305 or jerry.stedman@nmfn.com.

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

United Hospice of Calhoun Serving Northwest Georgia with compassionate and gentle care for those with life-limiting illnesses. Call Caroline Talley at 1-800-867-7976 or 706-602-9546. 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.

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.

Clarification: Three basic features required for EasyLiving Home certification (described in the article, Home Modifications, Summer 2004, page 6) are a stepfree entrance, a maneuverable bathroom, wider doors and one-level living. Many builders offer other features such as levers on doors, raised appliances and electrical outlets, and higher toilets but they are not required for EasyLiving Home certification.