GaGen 2005 Winter by Wells-Smith Partners

Georgia

Generations Winter 2005

Healthy Nutrition Your Recipe for a Better Life

Also in This Issue: ■ 10 Steps You Can Take to Leave a Legacy ■ 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 WINTER 2005 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: Eating well is one of the keys to successful aging. That means packing each meal with nutrient-rich foods. For a look at nutritional needs for seniors, as well as details on innovative nutritional programs offered around the state, turn to page 4.

Winter 2005, Volume 4, #2. © 2005 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

“Auto Watch” at Repair Shops

etting a car repaired can be a nerve-wracking experience. When they take your car away, you have to trust they will do what they have promised. Most of the time they do, but sometimes they don’t. This has severely hurt the reputation of auto repair shops. One shop in the Midwest wants to gain back customers’ trust, so they’ve taken extra steps. The company allows customers to watch the repair over the Internet as it is happening. The program is called “Auto Watch,” and it allows you to access video of your car using a particular code. By allowing customers to check in on the repair, the shop deals with fewer phone calls from customers and increases trust with them. About two dozen new repair shops a month are buying the program, which is now in 40 states. Be sure to ask your repair shop if they have signed on to this program.

Food for Thought A study by scientists at the Harvard Medical School indicates that middle-aged women who ate large quantities of leafy green or cruciferous vegetables helped preserve their brain power years later. For example, the study found that women who ate eight servings a week of vegetables such as spinach did better on cognitive tests compared with women who ate only three servings a week. The results suggest that a veggie-packed diet slows brain aging. The vegetables contain antioxidants that might help ward off damage to the brain by free radicals, molecules thought to accelerate aging of the brain, researchers say.

Flu Protection

&GUILT

Caregiving

Many caregivers feel that they struggle to balance caregiving and their own lives.The demands of work, family and caring for an older relative can be so overwhelming that most people feel inadequate. Often there is tremendous guilt in feeling we aren’t doing enough. Here’s what you can do to cope with guilt: • Acknowledge your limits,

• Forgive yourself for mistakes and shortcomings, • Ask family and friends for help, • Learn to delegate caregiving tasks, • Plan ahead to avoid a crisis, • Consider joining a support group, • Get help from community programs and professional resources.

Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.agingresearch.org spotlights the work of The Alliance for Aging Research. Articles and information on scores of diseases or medical conditions are available. www.healthandage.com is sponsored by Novartis and offers a well-rounded collection of educational pages on aging, a Q & A section and online health quizzes for seniors and caregivers. Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits Fall 2003

Flu season is upon us; however, because of this year’s shortage of vaccine, flu shots are not available for most seniors or caregivers. How to protect yourself? Remember, the flu virus can live for hours on surfaces (hands, phones, doorknobs). Here’s what to do: 1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, 2. Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands, 3. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth, 4. Don’t share or refill glasses or water bottles, 5. Keep your immune system strong. Eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids and don’t smoke. Fortunately, there are prescription antiviral medications that can treat flu effectively if started as soon as symptoms appear or if taken within a day or two after exposure to someone who has the flu. If you start experiencing symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.

POWER

SENIOR

Did you know that persons 50-plus are the fastest growing part of the Internet audience — with 27 percent estimated to be active Web visitors?

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

Seniors at Buford Human Resources Center learn how to make “healthy” cookies during a recent holiday cooking class.

Eating well is one of the keys to successful aging. Wellnourished seniors generally feel better, remain more active, recover more quickly from illnesses and can often live independently longer than seniors who are poorly nourished.

By Martha Nolan McKenzie

aintaining a good diet tends to become more difficult with age. Diminished sense of taste and smell can reduce the appetite. Living on a fixed income can make fresh, nourishing food difficult to afford. Dentures and teeth problems can make eating itself unpleasant. Chronic disease and medications can block hunger and interfere with nutrient absorption. And, at meal times, social isolation can leave seniors thinking, “Why bother?” “Nutrition is a big issue for seniors,” says Allison Goolsby, a registered dietitian with Project Open Hand, which provides meals to homebound seniors in the Atlanta area. “Seniors need fewer calories as they age, since they are less active and have less muscle mass. At the same time, their requirements for nutrients go up, since their body is less efficient at absorbing them. So it can be very difficult to meet their nutritional needs, even for a trained dietitian, much less for a senior trying to figure it out on his own.” The best advice is this: Seniors need to fill their plates with nutrient-rich foods that pack a lot of nutrients per calorie. These foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, enriched breads and fortified cereals (as opposed to pastries and other high-fat, high-sugar baked goods), low-fat dairy products, lean meats and low-fat meat substitutes, such as beans, peas, lentils, fish, eggs and low-fat cheese.

What are the challenges? Many seniors find it difficult to follow that ideal diet. For one thing, old habits die hard. “In the South, seniors have grown up eating a certain way all their lives,” says Lamar Gailey, community programs manager for Legacy Link in Gainesville. “They like their

Georgia Generations

vegetables seasoned with fatback. They go heavy on the salt. They eat a lot of fried foods. It can be hard to get them to adopt a low-fat, low-salt lifestyle.” Even if they are willing to make changes in their diets, seniors face other, less malleable obstacles. Money is a big one. As many as 40 percent of older Americans have incomes of less than $6,000 a year. “I see so many seniors who just don’t have the money to buy the food they need,” says Arnisha Norman, coordinator of monitoring and evaluation for the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). “And even if they have some money, so many of them are on six or seven medications — or more. By the time they pay for their medications, they don’t have much left over for food.” Besides their cost, medications can have a negative effect on nutrition. They can decrease appetite, cause nausea and block nutrient absorption. The underlying disease that the medicine is treating can have many of the same side effects. Considering seniors often have multiple chronic illnesses and take a myriad of medications, it’s little wonder many have a reduced interest in food. Decreased mobility can sabotage seniors’ diets as well. For those who no longer drive, getting to the grocery store can be a nearly insurmountable challenge. And once they get the groceries home, seniors may find bending to lift food in and out of the oven or reaching to retrieve ingredients difficult at best. “I often find seniors who are living on soup and crackers — things they can open and prepare easily,” says Pam Thompson, a dietitian and owner of Instructional Dietetic Associates Inc. in Vidalia. “Both tend to be very high in salt and lack many of the nutrients seniors need.” Finally, social isolation and depression take a heavy toll on appetite. If a senior is living and eating alone, the effort of preparing and eating a meal may seem hardly worth it. “When I sit down to talk to seniors, the first thing I ask is if they eat alone,” says Christa Wachsmuth, a dietitian intern who is working with the Central Savannah River AAA (CSRA) in Augusta. “Eating is a social thing, and people who eat alone typically eat less and many times skip meals altogether.”

Examining nutritional needs Given the many obstacles in the path to good nutrition, it’s not surprising that many seniors fall short in getting enough key nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and the B vitamins. Many also don’t consume enough fiber or drink enough water. The latter is so important that the modified food

pyramid for adults over age 70 rests on a base of water (see diagram, page 7). “Hydration is a huge issue for seniors,” says Goolsby. “As seniors get older, they lose their sense of thirst. Also, many develop bladder control problems, so the last thing they want to do is drink a lot of water. But dehydration can lead to headaches and dizziness and can allow all the medications they take to build up in their body. Water keeps the body working smoothly and flushes those medications out.” Seniors are advised to drink eight or more eight-ounce servings of water a day. Fruit and vegetable juice, soup and low- or non-fat milk can count as a serving. ■ FIBER An important nutritional component for seniors, fiber helps prevent constipation, diverticulosis and diverticulitis. High-fiber diets can also help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Men over age 50 should consume 30 grams of fiber each day and women should get 21 grams. Good sources of fiber include whole-grain breads and pastas, legumes, brown rice, fruits, vegetables and high-fiber cereals. ■ CALCIUM “Most people know that calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong, but many people don’t know that it also helps keep your muscles strong,” says Goolsby. “As we get older, our body’s ability to absorb calcium declines and we lose calcium in our bones more quickly.” As a result, the recommended daily consumption increases from 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams after age 50. Good sources of calcium are dairy products, canned salmon, broccoli, kale, beans and calciumfortified orange juice. ■ VITAMIN D Like peas and carrots, vitamin D and calcium go together. That’s because the body needs vitamin D in order to be able to absorb and metabolize calcium. Seniors’ ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight decreases as they age — and they are often out in the sunlight less than they used to be — so many seniors are vitamin D deficient. Adults aged 51 through 70 should consume 400 International Units (I.U.) daily, compared with 200 I.U. for the under-50 population. Seniors over age 70 should get 600 I.U. daily. Vitamin D occurs naturally only in oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel. It is fortified in milk and some cereals. ■ FOLATE This B vitamin helps guard against heart disease and may also help brain function. Adults of all ages should get 400 micrograms of folate daily. Since risk of heart disease increases with age, it is critical that seniors consume the recommended amount. Good sources include beans, green vegetables and fortified grain foods. ■ VITAMIN B6 This important vitamin may help mental abilities, and it is essential for making antibodies as well as protein and fat metabolism. Women over age 50 should consume 1.5 milligrams daily, 1.7 milligrams for men. Good

“It can be very difficult to meet [seniors’] nutritional needs, even for a trained dietician.” Winter 2005

sources include baked potatoes with skin, bananas, chicken, beef, canned tuna and whole grain foods. ■ VITAMIN B12 “As we get older, our bodies lose the ability to absorb B12 efficiently,” says Lisa Hale, a wellness coordinator and nutritionist with District Four Health Services in Griffin. “So even if you are eating B12-rich foods, such as meats and cereals, you probably aren’t getting enough. You should make sure you take a supplement that contains B12.” Vitamin B12 promotes mental function, balance and muscular function. It may also help prevent heart disease. Adults of all ages should consume 2.4 milligrams daily.

Home-delivered meal programs reach homebound seniors in every part of the state. Like the congregate meals, the home-delivered meals feature more inventive and appetizing menus. In Gwinnett County, for example, homebound seniors get themed meals on holidays, such as hot chicken wings and chips on Super Bowl Sunday, corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day and a heart-shaped dessert on Valentine’s Day.

Programs around the state In an effort to help ensure Georgia’s seniors are meeting their nutritional needs, state and local agencies offer many programs. Last year, nearly 30,000 Georgia seniors participated in various congregate and home-delivered meal programs, according to the Georgia DHR Division of Aging Services. Congregate meals in a senior center are a great solution for lonely diners, and home-delivered meal programs make sure homebound seniors get the food they need. In addition, educational programs throughout the state help increase awareness of seniors’ unique nutritional challenges. Here’s a look at some of the innovative nutritional programs offered around the state: Dietitian intern from the Medical College of Georgia provides nutrition counseling to seniors at the Sand Hills Senior Center in Augusta. Congregate meals are offered in senior centers throughout the state. “Good nutrition, wellness and socialization all go hand-in-hand,” says Roberta Reinert, nutrition services specialist with the CSRA Regional Development CenIn rural areas of the state, delivering hot meals daily is a ter AAA in Augusta. “The three are inextricably linked, and daunting challenge. So many food service providers, including dining at a congregate center is one of the those in Rome, Gainesville and Gwinnett, have gone to delivbest ways seniors can get all three. You can get a nutritious ering frozen meals once a week. meal that meets all your dietary requirements and enjoy the “We switched to delivering frozen meals a year and a half company of others.” ago, and now we can reach many more seniors than we used Some seniors shy away from meals at senior facilities to,” says Iris Petersmarck, aging services coordinator for the because they think it’s like going to a soup kitchen. Not so. Northwest Georgia AAA in Rome. “Today, we deliver frozen Many more closely resemble a nice restaurant than a cafetemeals to about 430 seniors in our area, and our seniors acturia. Consider the Cambridge House Enrichment Center, an ally like the frozen meals better. This way, they get an entire adult day health center for seniors. The dining room in the week’s worth of meals, and they can decide day to day what Newnan facility is furnished with small, intimate tables covthey are in the mood to eat.” ered with lace tablecloths. Whether served at a senior center or delivered to a Tables are set with china plates, crystal glassware and home, the meals seniors receive are changing to reflect the cloth napkins, and the walls are adorned with a Victorian quilt increasingly diverse population of Georgia. “Fifteen years ago, from 1898 and a collection of antique plates. Soothing music our meals almost always included a potato, and the meat plays in the background. The meals, which are prepared fresh might be a baked chicken breast or a broiled steak,” says each day on site, offer entrees such as quiche, baked ham and Kathy Roberts, a home services coordinator for Gwinnett chicken cordon bleu — hardly institutional fare. County Senior Services. “We’ve seen a big growth in our

Last year, nearly 30,000 Georgia seniors participated in various congregate and home-delivered meal programs. 6

Georgia Generations

Hispanic and Asian senior populations, so today our meals include burritos, enchiladas, sweet and sour pork and rice — lots of rice. We also offer pork-free meals for the Muslims and Hindus in our community.” For areas of Georgia with particularly large, diverse ethnic populations, such as Clarkston, restaurant vouchers provide a good option to maximize food choices for seniors. Almaz Akalewold, senior refugee coordinator at the Clarkston Community Center, reports that between 75 and 90 seniors at her center use the vouchers each week. Rather than try to prepare meals for her diverse clientele, Akalewold has made arrangements with area restaurants to honor the meal vouchers she distributes. “We have a very large Vietnamese group, and I give them vouchers they can use at a local Vietnamese restaurant or at a Chinese one they also like,” says Akalewold. “The Somalians and Ethiopians get vouchers for the local Somali restaurant. We don’t have enough money to provide meals every day, so they get only one voucher per week, but it helps. We are eager to expand this successful program.” Senior centers throughout the state offer nutrition seminars and classes for seniors. Home-delivered meal recipients get nutritional counseling and information. Still, the need for education is great. “There are a whole lot of seniors who are not well-informed about their nutritional needs,” says Hale. “When I go into seniors’ homes, I find a lot of Twinkies, chips and junk food.” In Augusta, the CSRA has crafted a unique partnership with the University Health Care System to create a dietetic internship. Twelve dietitian interns rotate through the AAA service area, providing individual nutritional counseling and conducting seminars at senior centers, as well as visiting home-delivered meal clients. “It’s a good situation for everybody,” says Reinert. “The students get valuable exposure and training with the elderly. The seniors get personal attention from a young person and personalized nutritional advice. We get the expertise of the dietitians at no cost, since it’s considered part of their schooling.” Lillian Johnson, 84, took advantage of the counseling. The retired teacher and widower already does a lot of things right. She eats lunch at a senior center nearly every day so she can be with people. She tries to eat balanced, nutritious meals. Still, she found the counseling session helpful. “The counselor asked me all sorts of questions about what I eat and how much I eat,” says Johnson. “And she gave me some suggestions about how I might eat a little healthier. Mostly she wanted me to change my dinners. I’m usually not very hungry in the evening, so I was in the habit of just having a piece of cake or a piece of pie, and that would be my dinner. She told me I needed to eat something healthier, like a small piece of chicken and a vegetable. I think it was fine.” In Gwinnett County, education extends into the kitchen. Winter 2005

Each of the county’s three senior centers offers cooking classes at least once a month. “We do a lot of health-related classes, such as low-fat cooking and low-salt cooking, but we’ll also do one on holiday baking and ethnic cooking,” says Pat Milhous, food service dietitian, Gwinnett County Senior Services. “The seniors just love them, and we always get a good turnout.” In LaGrange, the Coleman Community Health Center offers cooking classes. Though not specifically geared to seniors, classes on low-fat and low-sodium cooking tend to draw seniors into the classes. “We get a lot of seniors coming who just want to learn more about healthy cooking and healthy eating,” says Carol Stewart, community nutrition educator at the center. Some areas have taken the link between health and nutrition a step further and developed programs to combat disease through nutrition. In Fulton County, Senior Connections, a meal provider, is participating in a test Medicare nutrition therapy program to fight diabetes and renal failure. Continued on page 15

Food Pyramid for Adults Over Age 70 •

Calcium,Vitamin D & B12 Supplements

•

Fats, Oils & Sweets Use sparingly

•

Milk, Yogurt & Cheese 3 servings

•

Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs & Nuts 2 servings

•

Vegetables 3 servings

•

Fruits 2 servings

• •

Bread, Fortified Cereal, Rice & Pasta 6 servings

Water 8 servings

GUEST CLOSE-UP The Joy of

Giving By Terry Balko, CSA, Leave A Legacy™ Georgia, Director of Planned Giving, Kennesaw State University

If you plan your estate today, it will benefit your family and charity tomorrow. Best of all, because of the favorable tax treatment that charitable gifts receive, such gifts may actually increase the size of the amount you pass on to your family. If you are interested in leaving a legacy, consider the 10 steps listed below to achieve your goal:

ne of the grandest statements about giving is true today as it was thousands of years ago, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. Giving makes us feel good and can provide for others in a wonderful way. When we give today we are helping to create our legacy of tomorrow. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” The Leave A Legacy™ Georgia, co-sponsored by the Georgia Planned Giving Council (GPGC) and the Association of Fundraising 1. PREPARE A WILL. Only 30 Professionals (AFP) Georgia Chapter, shows percent of Americans have one. individuals how they can leave a lasting Without a will, you may lose control legacy through charitable estate planning. over your assets. The program is a 2. LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL for public outreach the charitable organizations that effort that encourmade a difference in your life. Less ages people to than 8 percent of American housemake planned gifts holds have included a bequest to a from their estates charity in their estate plan. Imagine to their favorite the positive impact on our commucharitable organinity if everyone made a planned gift zations. We encourto their favorite charity. age individuals to 3. LEAVE A SPECIFIC DOLLAR discuss their intenTerry Balko AMOUNT or a percentage of the tions with their assets in your will to a charity of attorney, CPA, and your choice. other professional advisors who specialize in this field. 4. CONSIDER USING ASSETS for As you plan your legacy, consider what your charitable gift. These include noted philanthropist and motivational speaker, but aren't limited to: stocks, bonds, Paul J. Meyer, once said, “Everyone leaves a certificates of deposit, real estate, legacy, whether it is intentional or not. Those vehicles, art and jewelry. Such gifts who are more intentional about it usually leave may even provide tax savings. a better legacy behind.”

TOP 10 THINGS

You Can Do to Leave a Legacy

5. NAME A CHARITY of your choice

as the beneficiary of your pension plan or IRA. 6. PURCHASE A NEW LIFE INSURA N C E P O L I C Y naming your

favorite charity as the owner/ beneficiary. 7. NAME YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY as the beneficiary of an existing

life insurance policy. 8. REMEMBER

loved ones with

memorial gifts. 9. ENCOURAGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS to leave gifts to charities

in their wills and estate plan. 10. ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

to include charitable giving as a part of their client counseling. For further information, contact Leave A Legacy™ Georgia at 770-433-4137 or visit the Web site at www.leavealegacygeorgia.org.

Georgia Generations

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

Northwest Georgia

Legacy Link

Northeast Atlanta Regional Georgia Commission Southern Crescent

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

Central Savannah River Middle Georgia

Lower Chattahoochee

Heart of Georgia Altamaha

Southwest Georgia

Southeast Georgia

Coastal Georgia

On the following pages are the programs and services offered by Georgia’s AAAs.

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

Caring Closets help families keep loved ones with dementia at home

f you have a loved one in a late stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia, Caring Closets can provide incontinence products. The goal of Caring Closets is to keep people with dementia in their own homes longer by offsetting the cost of incontinence products. Caring Closets are the brainchild of Laurie Parker, director of programs and services with the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, and Freda Stephenson in the organization’s Dalton office. Dalton, Calhoun, McCaysville, Fort Oglethorpe, Rome and Cartersville all have Caring Closets locations, and a new site

Winter 2005

Caregiver Mana Davenport (center) picks up free Caring Closet supplies from Laurie Parker (left), Georgia Alzheimer's Association, and Janie Freeman, Rome Caring Closet.

will open soon in Polk County. Families caring for a loved one at home with dementia may visit the closet once a month to receive free items such as adult briefs, bed pads, wipes and creams. While the closets seek to serve as many clients as possible, they rely on donations

to stock the shelves. Therefore, not all of the products are available all the time. Products will be dispersed based on availability. Caring Closets accept money and in-kind donations, and all contributions help meet the needs of people in the community. For more information on resources in Northwest Georgia, or to make contributions to Caring Closets, call the AAA screeners at the number below. 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

Health and wellness: Improving the lives of older adults

nhancing the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers is an ongoing goal of the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Area Agency on Aging for the Atlanta region. Included in this effort is the administration of programs funded through the Older Americans Act, such as nutrition services, as well as a wide variety of health promotion projects. Good nutrition and physical activity are particularly important in helping older adults and caregivers to maintain good health. To address this need, the Atlanta Regional Commission has developed numerous collaborative relationships with public and private agencies to identify and provide a wide variety of health and wellness programs. Many programs are available through senior centers and senior housing facilities in the Atlanta region: 1. Vial of Life, a program in partnership with CVS Pharmacy and Christian Pharmacy, includes a review of an individual’s medicines by a registered pharmacist, medication management classes and physician referrals.

2. Steps to Healthy Aging promotes walking for physical activity. Seniors are given log books to record steps taken each day and pedometers for counting steps.

“Close to the Heart” educational materials and one-on-one counseling by health professionals. 4. Basic Foot Care screening clinics provide basic foot exams, trimming and filing of toenails and filing of corns and calluses.These screenings are sponsored by the Atlanta Foot Care Coalition subcommittee of the ProHealth for Seniors Task Force, a coalition composed of individuals and organizations interested in the health and wellness of midlife and older adults. 5. Vision Screening Program, in part-

nership with Prevent Blindness Georgia, sponsors on-site vision clinics in senior center facilities by providing eye exams and low-cost Centers for Good nutrition and physical activity are glasses.The Disease Control and Prevention provide important in helping older adults and funding for this procaregivers to maintain good health. gram through Prevent Blindness Georgia. 6. West Nile Virus Initiative, in 3. Taking Health to Heart: Older cooperation with the Centers for Disease Adults Managing Cholesterol, a proControl and Prevention, local health gram in partnership with Pfizer, includes departments and the Consumer Specialty cholesterol testing, monthly classes, ongoProducts Association, is a public education ing exercise programs, monthly mailings of program focused on distributing brochures and cans of insect repellent containing ™ DEET in order to reduce the risk of conAtlanta Regional Commission 404-463-3333 tracting the West Nile Virus. The above programs and collaborations If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner: are important efforts in improving the Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, health and wellness of older adults and Services, 770-345-5312 770-461-0813 caregivers throughout the Atlanta region. Clayton County Clayton County Aging Fulton County Fulton County Aging For more information on any of these proProgram, 770-603-4050 Program, 404-730-6000 grams, contact ARC’s health and wellness coorCobb County Cobb Senior Services, Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior dinator, Mary Byrd, at mbyrd@atlantaregional.com 770-528-5364 Services, 678-377-4150 or 404-463-3289. 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

Aging Connection provides helpful information

ging Connection is a free telephone information and referral service for older adults and disabled individuals in the community. This service provides information on such resources as elder legal services, financial assistance, home care services, transportation, nursing care, housing, prescription assistance and others. Aging Connection staff are trained social workers and nurses. They take calls from anyone, including hospital staff, DFCS workers, family members, friends and individuals seeking services for themselves. Aging Connection serves Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison,

well as home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal support services, adult day care and in-home respite care. Aging Connection staff conduct a variety of outreach efforts, including attendance at health fairs, presentations at churches and civic organizations and participation in professional meetings. Tanya Workmaster (left), information and referral supervisor, For information about proand Katie Sikes, information and referral specialist, review the grams and services for older resources available through Aging Connection. adults, disabled adults or their caregivers, call Aging Connection Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and at 1-800-474-7540 or Walton counties. 706-583-2546. Aging Connection also maintains waiting lists for programs that provide in-home care services for elderly and disabled individuals. These programs include personal care home placement as

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

What’s hot and what’s not with Medicare

aura Feldman, grassroots manager for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, grabbed everyone’s attention when she spoke about Medicare changes at the Columbus River Center for the Performing Arts on August 26, 2004. As she told everyone, “Wake up. This is important stuff!” The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in Washington, DC, is the second-largest lobbying organization for seniors next to AARP. Representing this national committee, Laura Feldman, grassroots manager for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in Washington, DC. Winter 2005

Feldman demystified the politics of Medicare in her nonpartisan presentation to more than 150 seniors from the Lower Chattahoochee area. Among other information, Feldman clarified the new Medicare Part D prescription benefit and how it affects seniors.

Feldman encouraged older adults to get involved in helping to establish policy. “If you are not happy with the Medicare changes,” she said, “speak up, get involved and voice your concerns, especially to elected officials. Be knowledgeable.” The best way to get help, clarification and more information is to call GeorgiaCares at 1-800-633-4227. Volunteers are available over the phone to explain the Medicare changes and walk you through your options. 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

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

Volunteers help bring down cost of healthcare

dedicated group of volunteers is helping older adults who struggle with prescription drug costs. Through the GeorgiaCares program, seniors who need help paying for their prescription drugs are finding the assistance they need. The Heart of Georgia Altamaha Area Agency on Aging recently recognized the contributions of these volunteers at its 14th annual Volunteer Recognition Conference. Altogether, volunteers had contributed 5,968 hours of time to 4,840 individuals who needed information about locating low-cost prescriptions. The keynote speaker, Senator Jack Hill, recognized the role that the volunteers play in helping to reduce hospital costs

GeorgiaCares volunteers (left to right): Lois Allmond, Cora Lee Tison, Betty McDaniel and Geri Alligood. Ms. Tison had a total of 947 volunteer hours.

for those who must choose between buying medications or paying their electric bill. Without medications, many older adults throughout the state of Georgia become ill and must be hospitalized. Thus, the efforts of GeorgiaCares volunteers in helping seniors to obtain low-cost medications have contributed to a savings of 13.8 million dollars during 2004. Senator Hill closed his remarks by saying, “I appreciate what you do for others. Our communities are better places to

live because of what you do.” Senator Hill received the “Legislative Advocate of the Year” award from the volunteers. If you would like more information or would like to become a volunteer, please call 1-800-669-8387. 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

Disaster relief kits delivered to senior citizens in at-risk counties

aycross senior Cleo Thomas was the first of 200 seniors to receive disaster relief kits provided by the Southeast Georgia Regional Development Center’s Area Pictured above (left to right): Southeast Georgia RDC Chairman Agency on Aging (AAA) in five Wink Strickland, Diversified Resources Case Manager Billie Ann counties that are often threatWilson, Cleo Thomas, Southeast Georgia RDC AAA Director ened by coastal storms. Wanda Taft and American Red Cross Disaster Services Director Rita Brookshire. Diversified Resources, under contract with the AAA, gency survival blanket, a whistle and emerwill distribute the disaster relief kits to gency information provided by the Amerirecipients of home-delivered meals in can Red Cross. These well-stocked kits are Brantley, Bacon, Charlton, Pierce and Ware an invaluable resource for seniors during a counties at each client’s next reassessment. disaster. The disaster relief kit includes a flash“It’s wonderful that our local American light, batteries, emergency drinking water, a Red Cross chapter and Diversified pocket magnifier, a first-aid kit, an emer-

Resources were willing to partner with us to accomplish this project,” says Southeast Georgia Regional Development Center AAA Director Wanda Taft. “As a result of this effort, some of our area’s frailest senior citizens will be more informed and prepared in the event of a disaster.” Seventy-nine-year-old Thomas, the first recipient of the disaster relief kit, says that she is elated to have received the kit but is quick to point out that she hopes she will never need to use it. For information, contact Southeast Georgia 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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Legacy Link Covers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee

Legacy Link partners with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

he Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging, located in Gainesville, recently assisted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staff in Atlanta with a pilot project called “Enrollment Accomplished!” This outreach effort to educate older adults about the provision of the Medicare Modernization Act allowed seniors to apply for a Medicare-approved prescription discount card. The event was held in conjunction with a health fair. Using cell phones donated by Cingular Wireless, Medicare beneficiaries called the toll-free number to enroll in one of the new programs. Medicare staff, Legacy Link staff and GeorgiaCares volunteers assisted the beneficiaries with the

application process. The completed applications were transmitted to

help persons in the 13-county area to apply for one of the new prescription discount cards. Also, the Legacy Shoppe located at the Colonial Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville is open six days per week, with staff to help in this process.

Staff and volunteers can help seniors call to apply for the new prescription discount program. Gainesville via the Internet. More than 100 people attended the event.The success of the effort was evident as Medicare beneficiaries realized the potential savings in their prescription drug costs. Legacy Link staff and volunteers can

For further information, contact Legacy Link, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 305032534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845LINK. 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

SCAAA honors volunteers

he Southern Crescent Area Agency on Aging (SCAAA) recently held a volunteer banquet to recognize and honor the dedicated individuals who give their time and talents to make life better for senior citizens in the 10-county SCAAA planning and service area. In partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, who provided a grant for training and volunteer recognition, SCAAA started the evening with a “low country boil” dinner. After the meal, those attending the event heard from Bobby Buchanan, SCAAA director, Mona Browning, GeorgiaCares coordinator, and Carey Knowles, who provided a light touch with his humorous remarks. Volunteers were recognized for counseling seniors about Medicare issues, eduWinter 2005

cating them about prescription assistance programs and participating in skits and plays to teach them about how to prevent Medicare fraud and errors. Mona Browning rounded out the evening by presenting the volunteers with certificates of appreciation and several gifts. New senior center offers activities and meals. The senior volunteers who were recognized For other information, contact the Southern included Carolyn Bell, Hazel Burks, Ann Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA Champion, Ralph Davies, Betty Eason, 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026 Cookie Helton, Luke Huggins, Mary Kee, or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. Frank Kiblinger, Shirley Lucas, Emily Rosser, SOUTHERN CRESCENT Gloria Sanford, Mary Wright, Rosa Evans, ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Marty Gibson, Leita Holton, Jimmie Hosey, Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Susan Burdett, Margaret Dukes and Jackie Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson Williams.

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

Fletcher receives National Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award

he Middle Georgia Regional Development Center/Area Agency on Aging (AAA) salutes the contributions of Bernard “Bud” Fletcher as the winner of the Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award from the U.S. Administration on Aging. Fletcher received the honor for his work with the Middle Georgia GeorgiaCares program administered by the AAA. A former superintendent of the Bibb County Board of Elections, Fletcher was one of 21 older volunteers receiving the national award at a ceremony on July 21, 2004, in Washington, DC. He has been a GeorgiaCares volunteer since 2000. GeorgiaCares is a statewide privatepublic partnership sponsored by the

Volunteers like Fletcher are dedicated to protecting the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid Department of programs and ensuring the Human Resources, quality of care provided to Division of Aging older and needy citizens. Services and the Last year Middle Georgia’s 12 Area Agencies GeorgiaCares program Bernard Fletcher receives the Outstanding on Aging throughsaved residents more than Senior Volunteer Award from Maria out the state. $671,000. For more inforGreene, director of the Georgia Division GeorgiaCares inmation on this program, of Aging Services. cludes the Senior call 478-751-6489. Medicare Patrol, State Health Insurance To report suspected Medicare and/or Assistance Program and Prescription Medicaid fraud in the Middle Georgia area, Assistance. Trained volunteers use eduplease call 478-751-6489. cational presentations to inform Medicare MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES beneficiaries about potential scams. OneTHESE COUNTIES: Baldwin, Bibb, on-one discussions help seniors understand Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Medicare complexities and identify and Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, report errors or possible fraud. Wilkinson

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

Ramps lead to opportunity for seniors and youth

uilding independence for disabled seniors — with the help of Augusta area teens — starts with wood, nails and a dose of ingenuity. Through a promising new partnership between the Area Agency on Aging and other CSRA organizations, students at Richmond County’s Butler High School are taking on a project of building wheelchair ramps.The project offers teens an apprenticeship that combines vocational

skills training with community service. “The initiative takes young students who are about to enter the workforce and gives them real-world experience,” says AmeriCorps*VISTA’s James McGee, who serves as director of the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development in Augusta. “It shows that our community is using its resources wisely.” Collaborators include the AugustaRichmond County Office of the Mayor, Walton Options for Independent Living, the Richmond County Board of Education and the Area Agency on Aging, with support from the Community Outreach Teen carpentry students help wheelchair users gain added independence. Shown here, students from Butler High School begin work on railings as construction teacher Rob Johnson supervises.

Program for the Handicapped and the Corporation for National Service. “In some cases, the program may take away some of the fear that young people have about the world of disabilities,” says Kathy Cawley, executive director of the Community Outreach Program for the Handicapped. “If others are willing to donate to this effort, we encourage them to do it because the more money we have, the more people we can help.” For further information, contact the Central Savannah River AAA, 3023 River Watch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464. CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes

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

Children and older adults benefit through ECLIPSE

of the housing authority for Thomas County, recently led students on a tour of Plantation Manor and into the countryside of Thomasville’s plantations to study the flora and fauna. Other Plantation Manor residents include a former editor for the Los Angeles Times, an art teacher and a piano instructor. These individuals provide children with writing, art and piano lessons. For further information, contact Southwest Georgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612.

laine Wilson, lead ombudsman for the SOWEGA Council on Aging, recently had a conversation with an elderly resident who was feeling somewhat “out of sorts” because she had no outlet for her varied interests. Coming out of this exchange was the creation of the ECLIPSE program, which puts children and older adults together in an informal educational venue. Plantation Manor, an assisted-living facility in Thomasville, was the first to take part in the new program. Gail Lancaster, director of Plantation Manor, says that many of the residents are very excited about participating in the program because it gives

Healthy Nutrition Continued from page 7 “This is a brand-new program, and we’re going to be one of the test sites for it,” says Steve Brazen, executive director of Senior Connections. “In the program, registered dietitians will meet with seniors who have diabetes and early-stage renal failure and make individual recommendations for their diets. They will follow up with a couple visits to monitor their progress. The goal is to reduce the impact the disease has on them through diet. We’re doing a pilot in a senior high-rise in Fulton County and hope to roll the program out metrowide by the first of the year.” In another effort, the ARC has partnered with Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant, to create a cholesterol management program called “Taking Health to Heart: Older Adults Managing Cholesterol.” A year ago, the ARC signed up about 270 high-risk seniors who participated in local health fairs. For the past Winter 2005

Robert Brady prepares to lead a group of children on an ECLIPSE trip.

them an outlet to share their knowledge and experiences. Robert Brady, a resident of Plantation Manor and a former director

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth

year, these seniors attended educational classes at one of four Fulton County multipurpose centers and kept a record of their daily exercise. Every six months, they received incentive awards for meeting certain goals. Then in June, at the end of the first year, they were all rescreened.

Open Hand has started a weight loss clinic in a local senior center. “This was something the seniors wanted and they approached me about doing it,” says Goolsby. “There are a lot of diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, where you don’t want to be even close to being overweight. So I

“We want to make sure seniors’ eating habits change along with their needs.” “We are thrilled with the results,” says Mary Byrd, a registered licensed dietitian and health and wellness coordinator for the ARC. “On average, total cholesterol was down 20 points, LDL — the bad cholesterol — was down 10 points and triglicerides — total fat — was down 30 points. This is a two-year program, so we can’t wait to see how they do next June.” Also in Atlanta, Goolsby of Project

think this weight loss clinic will be very worthwhile.” All of these programs have a common goal — to improve the nutritional health of seniors. “As you get older, your nutritional needs change,” says Instructional Dietetic Associates’ Thompson. “We want to make sure seniors’ eating habits change along with their needs. By eating well, seniors can do a lot to improve their health and quality of life.” GG

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 plase 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.

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

How can I help?

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

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

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

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development

An hour invested in long-term care planning today can make thinking about tomorrow much more comfortable. Contact 770-612-4687 or maureen.fiacco@nmfn.com

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

United Hospice of Calhoun

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

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.

A contribution to the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund ® honors parents, grandparents and mentors by supporting aging programs. Call 1-800-676-2433 to learn how.

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.

Georgia Generations