Georgia
Generations Winter 2004
TM
Building
Age-Friendly Communities in Georgia
Also in This Issue: ■ New Opportunities in Nursing ■ 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 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.
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Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state. They are:
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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 WINTER 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
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Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA
Georgia Generations is a:
On the Cover: Bogie and Carolyn West of Lake Allatoona enjoy shopping in downtown Marietta. Throughout Georgia, and across the nation, communities are realizing the need to become more elder-friendly. See story, page 4. Photo by Anne Ledbetter.
Winter 2004, Volume 3, #2 © 2003 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
How to Create an Emergency Kit
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he recent blackout in parts of the U.S. taught a good lesson in preparing for emergencies. One important step is to assemble a “72-hour” emergency kit, which you should keep in an easily accessible closet or storage space. Here are some items it should contain: WATER One gallon per family member per day, in plastic containers. FOOD Non-perishable goods that require no refrigeration or cooking — canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned milk or juice, peanut butter and jelly, nuts and crackers. FIRST-AID KIT with bandages, antiseptic, aspirin or pain reliever. HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES, such as battery-operated radio, flashlight, candles and extra keys. SPECIAL ITEMS, such as prescription medicine and important family documents.
Fixing Fatigue ontrary to common belief, “old” and “tired” do not go hand in hand. Feeling exhausted is not a normal part of aging! If you or your caregiving recipient feels fatigued for weeks on end, it could be a sign of an undiagnosed health problem. Make an appointment for an overall physical exam. If your doctor has ruled out a major medical cause of fatigue, the next thing to think about is overall fitness. With aging, muscles tend to lose bulk and strength. Thus a person’s reservoir of stamina and energy, in essence, is shallower, and he or she can tire more easily. What to do? Both strengthening and endurance exercises will push those reserves higher. Follow these tips: ■ Exercise moderately every day. Walking, leg lifts from a seated position and light hand weights will build muscle strength and endurance. ■ Eat smaller amounts of food more often, and avoid large portions of fatty or starchy foods. ■ Take time every day to relax.
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Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.eldercare.gov links caregivers to the information and referral (I&R) services of their state and Area Agencies on Aging. These I&R programs can help you identify appropriate services in the area where you or your family member resides. www.nmha.org is a comprehensive site for the National Mental Health Association, the largest U.S. nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. It offers in-depth information, news and advice, fact sheets, resources and legislative updates. www.hospice.net guides caregivers facing end-oflife situations, including pain control, discussing loss with children, coping with grief and understanding Medicare hospice benefits. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.
Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Fall 2003
Purchasing Power
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group purchasing program has been organized for caregivers who buy nutrition, bathing, mobility, incontinence and other products. The Caregivers Marketplace provides a wide range of discounts, rebates, education and resources. Viewers can browse the Marketplace Web site, searching product lists by category, brand or company. A Savings Catalog shows companies offering discounts for care-
Report suspected fraud and errors. Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation.
givers using a special Savings Card. The education/ resources link provides a detailed list of new products being offered, including photos, descriptions, and prices. There is no cost for enrolling. For information, call 1-866-327-8340 or visit the Web site at www.caregiversmarketplace.com.
Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763 Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387 3
Building Communities BY MARTHA NOLAN MCKENZIE
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IT’S THE AMERICAN DREAM. RETIRE. MOVE TO THE BEACH OR THE MOUNTAINS. ENJOY YOUR GOLDEN YEARS PLAYING GOLF, STROLLING WITH FRIENDS AND RELAXING. For most seniors, this scenario is just that — a dream. In reality, most older adults want to — and actually do — stay right where they are as they age or retire — in their homes or towns where they have lived for years. However, it’s often not an easy choice. Our communities, which work so well for families with children, are not as well suited to meet the needs of their aging citizens. Georgia Generations
Golf carts are an innovative means of transportation for seniors in Peachtree City.
“We have to recognize that our communities are agebiased,” said Kathryn Lawler, project director of Aging Atlanta, a program within the Atlanta Regional Commission charged with assessing the needs of older Atlantans. “We built them with one group in mind — families with children. And everyone manages to navigate them when they are healthy, can drive and have a reasonable income. But once they become constrained by age and income, it becomes very difficult to live and get around in the community.” It’s a problem that will only increase in the coming years. Every month, the world’s older population increases by 1.2 million. In Georgia, the 65-plus segment will swell to almost 17 percent of the total state population by 2025 from nearly 10 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That means 1.7 million Georgians will be 65 years or older by 2025. And many leading experts on housing for the elderly estimate that only 7 percent of the elderly move into any kind of formal retirement community. Numbers like these have spawned a growing awareness of the need to make communities elder-friendly. In Georgia, community planners, leaders and senior organizations across the state are beginning to make changes that will allow seniors to age in place. Just what is an elder-friendly community? There is no one definition or blueprint. Each community must assess the needs and desires of the seniors who live there and make the changes that will allow them to remain. In general, however, communities need to consider the basic needs of housing, transportation and social and civic involvement. “Mostly we have to think about how to retrofit our existing communities, because by and large, where seniors are living right now is where they are going to stay,” said Lawler. “At this point, it’s a cutting-edge concept. These needs have always been there, but they are coming to the forefront more than ever before.” Winter 2004
HOUSING CHALLENGES The four-bedroom, two-story house that worked so well for a couple when they were raising their children suddenly becomes too much to keep up when the kids leave home. But at this point, the options are limited. “They can either stick it out in a house that’s way too big for them or leave their community entirely, because there are no other types of housing units in that community,” said Scott Ball, executive director of the Community Housing Resource Center, a nonprofit housing group in Atlanta. Indeed, in many areas it’s illegal to build a “granny flat” or “in-law suite” in your home. “Those decisions are made because people don’t want renters in their neighborhoods,” said Lawler. “But those sorts of in-house apartments really work well for older adults who downsize but want to stay in their own communities.” Similarly, residents and elected officials often fight zoning ordinances that would allow town homes and apartment buildings in their neighborhoods. They don’t want the congestion such developments bring. But, once again, that type of housing is well-suited for seniors. As a result, when the senior is ready to leave that four-bedroom, two-story home, he has nowhere to go.
Only about 7 percent of retirees move to a type of formal retirement community, and only 1 percent of those aged 65 to 74 live in a nursing home. Appropriate housing is not a problem that is confined to big cities. In Perry, GA, the city council has made housing for seniors one of the town’s top priorities. “We are encouraging, through our regulatory process, the development of mixed housing options within communities — single-family houses, duplexes and triplexes,” said Lee Gilmour, city manager. “Perry is ideally suited for retirees — we’re just 90 miles out of Atlanta, but we don’t have the big city congestion and problems. We have a nice climate and affordable housing. And we also, like the rest of the country, have an ever-growing population of seniors, so we feel it’s important to address their housing needs.” Sometimes, making changes to the house the senior is living in or bringing in some services can forestall the need to move at all. In Augusta, AARP volunteers, in cooperation with Walton Options for Independent Living, build ramps for seniors who are confined to wheelchairs. These ramps make it possible for the senior to remain in his home while giving him greater independence.
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By 2025, worldwide average life expectancy will be 73 years. By 2050, one in five persons will be older than 65. “There’s a crew of us who build the ramps,” said Raymond Rufo, a retired dentist and treasurer of AARP Chapter 266 in Augusta. “None of us were professional builders, but we were all handy around the house, and we do a pretty good job. Our clients are usually thrilled with our work, and they are even more thrilled that they will not get a bill for it.” Having meals delivered can also help seniors remain in their homes. There are many meals-on-wheels programs throughout the state, which draw upon a variety of community resources. For example, in Sparta, GA, Joycelyn Huff coordinates a small church-based meals-on-wheels program. On the fourth Saturday of every month, volunteers gather at the Power of God Ministries Christian Center and prepare and deliver dinners to area seniors. “We deliver about 100 meals a month,” said Huff. “And the funds all come from the church.” The Atlanta neighborhood of Toco Hills is designated as a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC). A NORC is a community with a high concentration of older adults, and Toco Hills has a high concentration of seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s, many of whom are observant Jews. They want to remain in their community, where they can walk to one of five synagogues and where restaurants and groceries offer an array of kosher foods. With limited senior housing available in the neighborhood, staying in the community means staying in their homes. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and Jewish Family & Career Services have teamed up to create a NORC
supportive service project in Toco Hills. “We thought if we can provide the services they need, they can remain in their own homes longer,” said Barbara Rosenberg, supervisor of Elder Connections, a program of Jewish Family & Career Services. Elder Connections has helped with home repairs, installed grab bars and provided homemaker services to Toco Hills seniors, and it recently started its own home care service — Legacy Home Care — to provide help with tasks of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS At some point, seniors are confronted with the fact that it is no longer safe for them to drive a car. “It’s extremely traumatic, because our communities have created a total dependence on the automobile,” said Ball. “So giving up those car keys is giving up your ability to participate in society in any meaningful way.” But mothballing the family car shouldn’t have to mean mothballing the former driver. “It becomes difficult for people to drive probably several years in advance of their inability to walk,” said Ball. “So if we made our communities pedestrianfriendly, with mixed housing types and nearby services, seniors could continue to participate in the community.” The changes required could be as simple as increasing the amount of time a traffic light stays red. “In Toco Hills, we found the lights didn’t stay red long enough for a senior in a walker or wheelchair to make it across the crosswalk,” said Faye Dresner, senior planner with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “It’s such a simple thing, but I had never thought of it before.” The Atlanta Regional Commission runs a Livable Centers Initiative to try to retrofit communities within the metro area to make them more accessible and pedestrian-friendly. The initiative awards $1 million a year to communities for planning purposes, and then draws from a $350 million fund to implement needed changes, such as building new sidewalks, replacing curbs with ramps and adding lighting. “We identify activity or employment centers and then give them funds to do a plan for how to make the area more walkable,” said Dan Reuter, land use division chief at the ARC. “Once they have completed the study they are eligible for construction funds.” So far, the ARC has distributed $70 million of the construction funds. For example, it provided funds to improve sidewalks, add pedestrian lighting and benches and increase visibility of crosswalks in downtown Marietta. In downtown Duluth, ARC money was used to build new sidewalks and bike lanes. And in Suwanee, it helped build a pedestrian underpass below the railroad tracks, as well as add sidewalks and crosswalks. In Peachtree City, seniors who no longer drive can get to nearly anywhere they want to go, thanks to an extensive golf cart path system that links homes, retail centers, Secret shoppers in Gainesville “test” Belk Department Store, which recently was awarded an Elderly-Friendly Certification.
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Georgia Generations
Mayor Clark Boddie of Palmetto visits seniors at the Palmetto Senior Center to discuss community concerns.
recreational areas and employment areas. So seniors can walk, bike or drive a golf cart to the grocery, the bank and the drug store without going out on a main road. “We have 11,000 households and almost 9,000 of them own a golf cart,” said Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown. “Peachtree City wasn’t necessarily designed for an aging population, but it works incredibly well for that demographic.” So well that other cities have come to study its system. The city council in Perry is developing a master plan of golf cart routes seniors could use to go to medical, shopping or recreational facilities. “We’ve gone to Peachtree City and looked at theirs, and we would like to develop something similar,” said Gilmour. In more spread-out rural parts of the state, walking — or even driving a golf cart — isn’t a viable option. In these areas, local governments and senior organizations are beginning to provide transportation services to area seniors. In northwest Georgia, Catoosa County runs a service called Trans-Aid, which provides seven vans to take seniors to doctors’ appointments, shopping and to the senior center in Ringgold. For Gloria June Martin, the van means the difference between being mostly homebound and being active. The 73year-old widow lives alone, and her son and daughter-in-law
89 percent of Americans aged 55 and older want to remain in their current residence as long as possible. both work full-time. “I wouldn’t get out too often if it weren’t for the van,” said Martin. “They take me to Wal-Mart whenever I need something, they take me to the grocery on Thursday afternoons and to the beauty shop. A week ago I needed to have a tooth extracted, and they let me out right in front of the dental clinic and, when I was finished, came back and got me and took me home. I thought that was wonderful.” Accessibility goes hand in hand with transportation, and community planners are beginning to address this issue as well. In Gainesville, Legacy Link, the Area Agency on Aging, awards businesses Elder-Friendly Certification if they meet certain criteria. Among the things they consider are the ease of entry, the width of the aisles to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs and availability of benches for resting. To date, the Colonial Lakeshore Mall, Crossroads Deli, Milton Martin Toyota, Belk Department Store and the public library system have been certified as elder-friendly. Indeed, businesses can play a large role in making communities elder-friendly. “One of the main reasons behind the Winter 2004
NORC projects is to help educate service providers and businesses about the importance of offering services that are elder-friendly,” said Jewish Federation’s Dresner. “For example, a pharmacy could send a van to deliver medications to senior customers on a particular day, or a grocery could send a van to pick seniors up to shop at their store.” SOCIAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Studies show isolation is one of the biggest problems in the senior population. So a key component of any elder-friendly community is encouragement of social and civic involvement. Solutions can be simple, inexpensive — and unexpected. For example, in East Point, where the Jewish Federation teamed with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Aging Atlanta project and Fulton County to create a second NORC supportive service project, the mayor decided people must mail in their bills rather than bring them to city hall in person. “She was trying to save money, but the area seniors got very upset,” said Aging Atlanta’s Lawler. “That’s because going downtown to city hall to pay bills was a social event and an important part of their routines. So she went back to accepting bills in person.” The seniors of East Point face many challenges. More than 13 percent of the 65-plus population live below the poverty line, compared with about 9 percent in the region. Long-time residents, about half of whom are African-American, have watched their property taxes triple and new residents move in with “gentrification” projects. Safety, transportation and housing are major concerns. Still, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. “Things like being able to pay a bill in person, or having chairs in the bank so people can visit after they do their banking — these have nothing to do with traditional aging services, but they may have a greater impact on somebody’s life than the things we are doing now,” said Lawler. Senior centers around the state play a big role in keeping older adults connected and engaged in their communities. In Palmetto, the Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center serves lunch every day, offers myriad health and wellness programs
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Augusta volunteers build ramps for homeowners who use walkers or wheelchairs.
and coordinates activities. “The amount of programming we have for seniors is just tremendous,” said Palmetto Mayor J. Clark Boddie, who regularly visits seniors at the center. “This year we are having the 150th anniversary of our city, and a lot of the activities will be held at the senior center. We encourage them to participate in everything. We auction off quilts they make, sell cakes they bake — get them involved in any way we can.” Getting involved was one of the main ideas behind the Columbia and Richmond County Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) programs in Augusta. “The program was originally designed to help ease the fear that some older folks have when dealing with law enforcement,” said Kathleen Ernce, advocacy programs director for the Senior Citizens Council in Augusta. “And as part of the program, seniors volunteer in the sheriff’s department. It’s been a godsend for both the sheriff’s department and the seniors. The sheriff’s department gets badly needed volunteer help, and the seniors feel they are doing something that is extremely worthwhile.” That’s why Walter S. Williams of Augusta volunteers to file for several hours each Monday morning in the administrative office of the Richmond County Prison. Williams, 85, is the coordinator of the SALT program for the AARP in Richmond County, and he didn’t want to ask his volunteers to do anything
Seniors contribute their time to their communities, making up about 85 percent of the volunteer work force. he wasn’t willing to do himself. But he also derives a sense of satisfaction from the work. “I really think I’m providing a useful service,” said Williams. “Anything I can do to help release deputies from clerical duties and put them back on the street I feel is a real service to my community.” Making the transition to an elder-friendly community requires connecting with and really listening to seniors. “You can’t just go out and count the number of bus stops and time how long the light stays red,” said Mia Oberlink, program director of AdvantAge Initiative, a project of the Center for Home Care Policy and Research in New York. The initiative helps communities measure their elder friendliness and take action to make improvements. “You need to know how older people feel about living there, what their experiences are and
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what their desires and needs are. Often service providers think they know best without going to the source.” Oberlink cites New York’s Lincoln Square, which is one of 10 communities nationwide participating in the AdvantAge Initiative project. A steering committee identified safety as a major concern among the senior residents of Lincoln Square and organized a meeting with the residents and leaders in the community, including a city council representative, the state senator from the district and a police official. The police officer started out trying to reassure the residents, saying the crime rate against seniors in that neighborhood was virtually non-existent. “But once the seniors started talking, it became clear that older people weren’t reporting the crimes for fear of reprisals,” said Oberlink. “This was news to the police officer. We are thrilled this came up and now they can think of things to do about it.” Elder-friendly community advocates stress that making neighborhoods more accommodating of seniors benefits everyone. Mixed housing promotes multigenerational living and interaction, which is a plus for everyone along the age continuum. Pedestrian-friendly design encourages walking and biking, which improves health, increases social interaction and reduces congestion and pollution. Encouraging seniors to patronize businesses that are elder-friendly is good for the economy of the town. And keeping seniors in the neighborhood can result in a more vital community atmosphere. “We have really started promoting our senior housing because we recognize their benefit to our community,” said Peachtree City’s Mayor Brown. “When I have a senior couple, I’m talking about people who do not crowd the schools, who do not drive at peak times and who get involved in the community. That’s why we really go out of our way to attract and retain seniors.” GG Georgia Generations
GUEST CLOSE-UP
Building a Bridge Certified Nursing Assistant to Licensed Practical Nurse By Lucy Rogers, Senior Vice President, Ethica Health and Retirement Communities
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ertified nursing assistants (CNAs) at two Georgia nursing homes will soon be climbing a career ladder with the opportunity to advance to licensed practical nurse (LPN). The Seasons Health and Rehabilitation Center in Conyers and Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lithonia are participating in a pilot project designed to enhance educational opportunities for certified nursing assistants. Georgia nursing homes provide care to approximately 37,000 patients daily. CertiLisa Griffin (standing left), program facilitator, and Lorie Scroggs (standing right), administrator, of fied nursing assistants are responsible for the Seasons Health and Rehabilitation Center, conduct training. providing approximately 85 percent of the direct care to patients in nursing homes. Unfortunately, the CNA has often been sion, Department of Community Health, Georgia Department viewed as a “dead-end� job with no potential for professional of Technical and Adult Education, DeKalb Technical College growth. This fact drives many out of the profession once they and Ethica Health and Retirement Communities have develhave entered the CNA workforce and prevents many other oped a partnership to customize a career ladder that will proskilled individuals from ever entering this workforce. Recruitvide a bridge from the entry-level CNA positions to LPN. ment and retention pose challenges for the long-term care The model provides entry into a health career at the CNA profession, threatening the quality of care delivered to the level, with a structured learning environment that helps stuthousands who rely on CNA services. dents progress to the LPN level. The career ladder was develAdding to these retention problems is a growing need to oped to accommodate the needs of the students, allowing meet new demand. This problem is emerging just as demand them flexibility to juggle full-time work, school and family for health care services is rapidly increasing due to popularesponsibilities. Students will also have access to computers tion growth and an aging demographic in Georgia. The Georand software to enhance their reading and math skills and gia Nursing Home Association estimated that 3,000 nursing take online courses. CNAs will receive pay for actual classassistants would be needed for positions in Georgia nursing room time. Salary increases will be given at the successful homes during 2003. In addition, GNHA projected that 1,000 completion of each level. LPN positions would need to be filled. Certified nursing assisIt is anticipated that 20 percent of the CNAs who enter tants are vital to the long-term care profession. the program will advance to LPN within three years. This Through the collaborative efforts of various state and pripilot project will provide a model for other partnerships of vate entities, a career ladder has now been established to various state and private entities to replicate throughout the provide a pathway from CNA to LPN. The Georgia Department state. GG of Labor, DeKalb Workforce Board, Atlanta Regional Commis-
Winter 2004
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A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia In communities across the country, Area
Northwest Georgia
Northeast Atlanta Regional Georgia Commission Southern Crescent
Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent. On
Legacy Link
Central Savannah River Middle Georgia
Lower Chattahoochee
Heart of Georgia Altamaha
Southwest Georgia
Southeast Georgia
Coastal Georgia
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
Partnering with the news media
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ne of the challenges of an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is letting people know about the programs that provide assistance to older adults and their caregivers. However, local media outlets — TV, radio and newspapers — can support AAAs by informing the public about issues of interest to the aging population. In the Northwest Georgia area, local newspapers often run announcements and articles about senior citizens and their families. Information on aging also reaches thousands of homes via radio and TV. Nelle Reagan, host of WRGA-AM’s Talk of the Town in Rome, frequently interviews AAA staff about Alzheimer’s support, prescription assistance, Medicare issues and
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Nelle Reagan, host of WRGA-AM’s Talk of the Town.
in-home services. Because Reagan has been a caregiver for several family members, she has firsthand knowledge of issues facing the elderly and their families. Peggy Stanfield, host of Senior Moments,
a local cable call-in show on Fort Oglethorpe’s UCTV, is a senior activist and advocate who is a friend to all seniors in the viewing areas of Walker and Catoosa counties. A walking directory of senior information, Stanfield is one of that area’s greatest resources. We appreciate our local media outlets for doing an excellent job in helping us reach the elderly and underserved populations in our area. For information, contact 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
Georgia Generations
Legacy Link Covers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee
Older Worker of the Year honored
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Wofford began working when she was 13 years old and is now 86 years old!
ecently an honor was bestowed on a most deserving individual who lives in Gainesville. Nola Wofford was selected as the Older Worker of the Year for the 13-county region.Wofford has worked longer than the vast majority of persons employed in the region. She began working when she was 13 years old enrolled in the and is now 86 years old! Legacy Link Senior Nola Wofford with the Older Wofford retired from Community SerWorker of the Year Award. Milliken Mills, where she had vice & Employworked for many years, and ment Program and continued working by providing care for participated in a “Professional Caregiving” individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. She course sponsored by Legacy. In short
order, she was employed as a caregiver for an elderly woman, and the family is delighted to have her. The son remarked, “[Nola] is truly a remarkable person. She does things for my mother that are above and beyond the call of duty.” Nola Wofford is an excellent role model who always exhibits a positive attitude and is truly a dedicated worker. She is always willing to go that extra mile and certainly deserves the Older Worker of the Year honor. For further information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 305032534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK. LEGACY LINK ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White
Southern Crescent Covers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton
Partnerships with academia
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obby Buchanan, director of the Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging (SCAAA), was the guest speaker for “Evening with the Expert” at the State University of West Georgia (UWGA) on October 7. The event was sponsored by the Gerontology Program of the Sociology Department and Sigma Phi Omega, the Gerontology honors society. Buchanan informed attendees of the employment opportunities available with the SCAAA and its subcontracting agenBobby Buchanan speaks at the State University of West Georgia, Carrollton. Winter 2004
cies, as well as among other providers of services in the region. He also outlined the programs administered and contracted out by the SCAAA. The event gave those interested in the field of aging an opportunity to hear firsthand about actual positions available right in their communities. Collaboration of the Area Agency on Aging and the academic community within the region is not new. Dr. Jan Purk, director of the Gerontology Program at UWGA, has served with the SCAAA on CARE-NET and its education committee, and the SCAAA has
supported the Gerontology Program’s annual aging forum since its inception. In addition, students, scholars and researchers contact the SCAAA for information on the resources in the provider database. This important partnership between the AAA, which serves as the “Gateway to Community Resources,” and academia is vital to the overall focus on exceptional service — and provides a tool for public relations and vocational advocacy. 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
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Atlanta Regional Commission Waking up to caregiving? Hook up with Atlanta CARE-NET
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ne day I looked in the mirror and step in being ready said, ‘What has happened to me? to assume a careWhen did I become a caregiver?’” Many giving role. For of us have experienced this sudden realizathose who are tion. Then a nagging feeling sets in that we already caregivers, should be resigned to a stoic life, often isomany resources lated from the support of others. are available. That image is changing, however, giving Atlanta CAREway to more positive attitudes about the NET, an interfaith lifestyle of those who care for a loved one coalition of, by and or friend. Atlanta CARE-NET is breaking for caregivers, ground by redefining and affirming the empowers caregivers caregiver in all of us! It’s true that at some and local faith-based time most of us will be either the careorganizations by forging them into a powgiver for someone or the receiver of care erful network for strength, support, from another person. CareCARE-NET empowers caregivers and local giving seems to be woven into faith-based organizations by forging them the very fabric into a powerful network for strength, of our lives, which also support, resources, education and advocacy. means it is an activity that we can prepare for in our resources, education and advocacy. future. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Learning about caregiving is the first Human Development conceived the
CARE-NET idea. Atlanta CARE-NET is one of eight CARE-NETs in Georgia, and one of two that focus on working with faith-based organizations. The goal is to have a CARENET in all 12 service areas by the end of next year, linking caregivers in a supportive network across the state. Representatives from diverse faith traditions, united by their common concern for caregivers, comprise the steering committee for Atlanta CARE-NET.The staff of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development have trained 40 facilitators in congregations and faith-based organizations to work directly with caregivers.The training model, “Caring for You, Caring for Me,” is available through Atlanta CARE-NET and the Rosalynn Carter Institute. In addition to training opportunities, Atlanta CARENET provides informational programs for caregivers and access to resources in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s CONNECT database of more than 15,000 services. The highlight of 2003 was the November caregiver conference, “Share the Caring — Celebrating Caregiving Ministries,” which was held in honor of National Caregiving Month at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. To become a part of Atlanta CARE-NET, contact Mary Lou Vergara, caregiver program coordinator, ARC–AAA, at 404-463-3524 or mvergara@atlantaregional.com.
sharethecaring
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 Office of Senior Affairs, 404-687-7117 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
ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale
Georgia Generations
LOGO COURTESY OF NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER ASSOCIATION, WWW.NFCACARES.ORG
Covers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta
Northeast Georgia Covers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison
Caregiving in Northeast Georgia: Adult day care
S
ince 1975, the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) has provided an important option for caregivers of frail adults by operating adult day care centers. In 1988, the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging (NEGA AAA) joined the efforts of the ACCA to provide Alzheimer’s day care services. And in 1998, the ACCA began a nationally recognized model mobile adult day care program that has expanded to six counties. Participants in Athens-Clarke and Winder-Barrow adult day care centers benefit from medical monitoring by skilled nursing staff, support from social work personnel, personal care, nutritious meals and
port to frail older adults and respite to their caregivers. As the population of older adults grows in NEGA, families are recognizing adult day care as a valuable resource that allows seniors to remain at home and in the community. NEGA AAA and the ACCA anticipate the day when such programs can be provided in Clifford Stovall (center) with Vickie Howell (right), employee all of the 12 counties in Northof the ACCA, and Ethel Salley, Stovall’s granddaughter, goes home after a day at the adult day care center. east Georgia. For further information, contact snacks and therapeutic activities led by Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, health aides. Athens, GA 30605-2795; 706-583-2547 or The first mobile programs began four toll-free 1-800-474-7540. years ago in Greene and Elbert counties NORTHEAST GEORGIA through partnerships with senior centers ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: and the ACCA. Newton County was added Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, in 2001 and Morgan County in 2003. These Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton services provide companionship and sup-
Lower Chattahoochee Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert
Fitness and health expo draws area seniors
O
n September 20, the Columbus Civic Center became a gigantic doctor’s office for thousands who participated in the annual men’s and women’s health screening expo! The Lower Chattahoochee Area Agency on Aging (LCAAA), along with the Muscogee County Medical Society and the Muscogee County Physicians Foundation, sponsored this event. A variety of health screenings and other health information were available to Cathy Spears, GeorgiaCares coordinator, and Dawn Dust, LPN, GeorgiaCares counselor, both with the Lower Chattahoochee AAA, discuss aging services with a patron. Winter 2004
the expo participants who had lined up outside the doors for hours before they opened — as well as to those who arrived throughout the day. Thanks to the sponsors, many health screenings that would have cost over $200 in private health care offices were provided free of charge. Due to partnerships between the LCAAA and local high schools, several health care career-track students assisted with blood pressure screenings and distributing literature. The LCAAA staff provided information concerning caregiver programs, such as in-home and out-of-home respite, as well as prescription drug benefits
through pharmaceutical companies and GeorgiaCares insurance information. Participants also sought information on meals-on-wheels, congregate meals, homemaker services and personal care. As the day ended, many participants had not only benefited from screenings and receiving valuable information but were also much more familiar and knowledgeable with the “Gateway to Community Resources” available through the LCAAA. For further information, contact Lower Chattahoochee AAA, P.O. Box 1908, Columbus, GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or toll-free 1-800-615-4379. LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster
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Middle Georgia Covers an 11-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville
The prevention of osteoporosis
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steoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments, there is no cure. The only sure way to determine bone density and fracture risk is to have a bone mass measurement (also called bone mineral density or BMD test), a painless, noninvasive and safe procedure. Brenda Kirkland, wellness coordinator with the Middle Georgia RDC/AAA, and Cheryl Robinson, chronic disease prevention coordinator with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, have collaborated to bring osteoporosis screening to the 12 senior centers in the Middle
Georgia area. To perform the screening, Robinson uses a portable peripheral machine measuring density in the heel of the foot. According to Kirkland, studies have shown that osteoporosis affects 44 million women and men aged 50 and over nationwide. Further studies have shown that a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises, a healthy lifestyle, bone density testing and medication when needed are effective in the prevention of osteoporosis. If medically necessary, Medicare permits individuals to repeat BMD testing every two years. Co-pays and deductibles apply. With the information obtained from the BMD test, participants and their doctors can decide what prevention or treatment is best for them. For further information, contact Middle
Lillian Brown receives a bone density test from Cheryl Robinson at the Monroe County Senior Center.
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
Caregiving teams create closeness
“L
et me know if I can help.” The phrase rolls off the tongues of concerned friends, but for most harried caregivers, it leads to a land of second-guessing and missed opportunities for assistance. AAA caregiver specialist Georgia Jopling
urges caregivers to make advance preparations and to turn every polite offer into an action plan. “People mean well, but they don’t know how to help,” Jopling says. “So write a list of simple ideas and keep it with you.” She suggests holding potluck meetings to discuss needs and to match family and friends with tasks. “Choose a good discussion leader and take notes,” Jopling recommends. Jopling recalls a caregiver who once said that although her daughterin-law had offered assistance, it was genuinely difficult for the caregiver to say, “Could you help me bathe mother or get her to the doctor?” By learning AAA Caregiver Specialist Georgia Jopling (left) demonstrates simple assistive devices with colleague Joyce Tutt-Cherry. “Volunteer time and adaptive tools make excellent gifts for caregivers,” Jopling says.
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to respond with clear-cut suggestions, this caregiver eased her load and added new depth to a family relationship. Relatives and friends can alleviate caregivers’ anxiety by avoiding vague offers and getting specific. “Volunteer to do something concrete like sitting with someone for an hour, giving a ride or cooking a meal,” Jopling says. “Forming a caregiving team is the absolute kindest gift that you can give to others and to yourself.” For further information, contact Central Savannah River AAA, 3023 River Watch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-2102018 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
Georgia Generations
Southwest Georgia Covers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville
“A
ging in place” is the new buzz phrase for people considering their immediate and longterm housing needs. Unfortunately, many homes are ill-suited to the needs of older adults. Doors may be too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs; bathtubs are slippery and can cause a fall. These safety problems and others often make it difficult for older adults to remain in homes they have occupied for years. Caregiver Mary Carter and care receiver Cleo Carter watch as Wade Saunders widens a door for wheelchair access.
Fortunately, though, homes that were not built for “aging in place” can be modified to allow older adults to safely remain in their homes. The Family Caregiver Program in Southwest Georgia is helping people to find ways to modify their homes. If a person is unable to safely utilize a bathroom, you can make the bathroom more accessible by changing to a higher toilet, adding grab bars, providing a tub PHOTOGRAPH BY SUE HOWARD
Home modification = accessible housing
transfer bench and installing a hand-held shower. You can also make the home more accessible by widening doorways, building ramps, changing doorknobs to lever-style handles and replacing shelves with drawers in kitchen base cabinets. Lift chairs save the caregiver from back strain and help the care receiver to be more independent. The possibilities are endless. Look around you and see how making modifications and obtaining helpful equipment can benefit you and your family now and later! For further information, contact Southwest Georgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612. SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth
Southeast Georgia Covers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston
Nurse/client skit increases understanding of screening process
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ictional character Bertha Barnes has been referred to the Southeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging (AAA) by a family friend. Recently widowed by the death of Herman, her husband and primary caregiver, Bertha has been left alone to care for herself, which proves to be difficult most days. On this particular day, Bertha answers her ringing phone and is greeted by the friendly voice of Sabrina, a nurse with the Southeast Georgia AAA, marking Bertha’s entrance into the “Gateway to Community Resources.” This is the opening scene of a skit illustrating the AAA’s telephone screening
Winter 2004
process. Screening Day for Bertha has been performed by two Southeast Georgia AAA nurses for the Aging Advisory Council, the Southeast Georgia RDC board of directors and a Community Care Services Program network meeting. The skit accurately portrays a routine screening of a potential AAA client to determine program needs and eligibility. Bertha is asked questions about her medical needs, mobility, nutrition, monthly income and other pertinent matters. Yet the skit also demonstrates the human side of the screening process by revealing Bertha’s touching emotional needs. Screening Day for Bertha has received an overwhelming number of positive responses from all audiences. The skit has proven to be an effective tool in explaining the screening process to the public. For information, contact Southeast Georgia
Southeast Georgia AAA nurse Vickie Wainright portrays Bertha in the skit.
RDC, 1725 South Georgia Parkway West, Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464. SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware
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Sponsors Thanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support
AARP
GeorgiaCares
Sixty Plus, Piedmont Hospital
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
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.
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.
Southern Home Care Services Georgia Council on Aging
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., Bridgebuilders, Inc.
Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.
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
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
Grady Gold
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development
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.
Dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers. The RCI is proud to partner with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Georgia to develop CARE-NETs across the state. www.rosalynncarter.org
Pfizer
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.
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...
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,® please call 1-800-676-2433.
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Georgia Generations