GaGen 2010 Winter by Wells-Smith Partners

Generations Georgia

Winter 2010

G o i n g F r o m

Hospital to Home How to ensure a successful transition

Also in This Issue: n Caregiving News & Notes n 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 River Valley 7 Middle Georgia 8 Central Savannah River 9 Heart of Georgia Altamaha 10 Southwest Georgia 11 Southern Georgia 12 Coastal Georgia

Generations Georgia

WINTER 2010 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:

2009

On the Cover: Discharge planning is a critical part of your loved one’s transition home, following a hospital stay. It can mean the difference between continued recovery and rehospitalization. Here’s everything you need to know about this important process. See story, page 4.

Winter 2010, Volume 9, #2 © 2010 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

Thumbs-Up for Social Seniors

ICE

a nt your loved one to live longer and stay healthier as they age? Get them out of the house and mingling with other people. The reason: Seniors who are socially active are more likely to retain mobility as they age. Sociable seniors even walk faster than those who don’t get out much. According to the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, seniors who are below average in their social activity actually function as if they were several years older. While exercise is critical to staying healthy and mobile, being socially active is a key ingredient as well. Activities such as attending church or sporting events, eating out at restaurants, volunteering, playing bingo and traveling were all found to help protect against the loss of motor abilities.

Stroke

Warning Signs

espite the common occurrence of strokes, many caregivers are still uncertain of the warning signs that might signal a possible “brain attack,” which cuts off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Memorize this list of warning signs: n Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. n Sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding. n Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. n Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. n Sudden severe headache with no known cause. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately or get your relative to the nearest stroke center or hospital.

Surfing the Net Each issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web sites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.naipc.org offers education and guidance to keep your loved ones safe and in their homes. www.reversehelpline.us gives facts about reverse mortgages and helps you connect to a HUDapproved mortgage lender in your area.

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits

In Case of Emergency I

f you or an elderly loved one carries a cell phone, this tip is important to follow: When paramedics are called to the scene of an ill or injured person, they often have no idea whom to call. There are many numbers stored in the phone, but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence, the ICE (In Case of Emergency) Campaign — a method of contact during emergency situations. Simply make sure that the seniors in your family store the numbers of a contact person or persons who should be called in case of emergency under the name “ICE.” Emergency service personnel and hospital staff know to quickly check to see if you have stored an “ICE” number. For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.

o you want to know more about the prescription drugs you or your family members are taking? Go to www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org, Consumer Reports’ new Web site, to learn more about the cost, effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs. This Web site is available at no cost to the consumer.

Sleeping Less at Night?

o you find that the seniors in your life complain about sleeping less at night? Instead of insomnia, they may simply have less capacity to sleep. A recent sleep-lab study compared sleep habits of people ages 65 to 72 with a group of people ages 18 to 32. It showed that older people often take longer to fall asleep and spend less time asleep. In the study, the older group slept an average of 90 fewer minutes. Researchers point out that some seniors who are concerned by this change may start using sleep medications needlessly. If the senior in your life shows significant sleep changes, try to determine if he or she seems rested and active during the day. If they are tired during the day, then they should be evaluated for a sleep disorder. Otherwise, the shorter sleep may be part of normal aging.

Report suspected fraud and errors. Call your Fraud Project for details and to request a presentation.

GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387

Hospital to Home G o i n g F r o m

By Martha Nolan McKenzie

ohn is hospitalized following a stroke. Once his condition is stabilized, the hospitalist okays his discharge. His daughter picks him up from the hospital, receives hurried instructions for care from the nurse, and takes John to his home. Neither John nor his daughter notify his primary care physician of his hospitalization or new diagnosis, assuming the hospital has taken care of that. A few days later, the daughter flies back to her own home in another state. John is left with no plan for follow-up care, no in-home help and no understanding of how to care for his condition. Soon his condition worsens and John is rehospitalized. The above scenario is fictitious but alarmingly common. Having a loved one hospitalized is an unfamiliar, stressful situation. Many times you and your loved one are so focused on getting better and getting out of the hospital that you don’t pause to consider what comes next. Yet, discharge from a hospital does not mean the patient is fully recovered — it just means he no longer needs hospital-level care. A thoughtful, well-crafted discharge plan may mean the difference between continued recovery and rehospitalization. How will the patient’s condition be monitored once he is home? Does he understand how to take his medications, including new ones that were introduced in the hospital? Does he or his caregiver know the red flags that would indicate his condition is worsening? Has the necessary in-home care and equipment been put in place? Who can his caregiver call with questions or concerns? Knowing the answers to these questions and more is critical for a smooth transition from hospital to home. However, in these days of shorter hospital

How to ensure a successful transition

stays and understaffed facilities, discharge planning is often minimal at best. That means it’s up to the caregiver to be proactive, ask the right questions and insist on answers.

What is discharge planning? Medicare says discharge planning is “a process used to decide what a patient needs for a smooth move from one level of care to another.” Only a physician can authorize a discharge. The official discharge planner is often a nurse or social worker. However, it takes a multidisciplinary team to work out all the details of an effective discharge plan, according to Joyce Reid, director of Community Health Connections for the Georgia Hospital Association. Nurses, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, home health agencies and, perhaps most importantly, the caregiver can all play a role in crafting an effective plan of care. “Discharge planning done in isolation is not effective,” says Andrea Stevenson, director of clinical development for Visiting Nurse/Hospice Atlanta. “You need to get all parties together as early in the process as possible. And you must look not only at the patient’s physical needs, but at his psychosocial needs as well. Does he have an adequate support system at home? Does he have the means to get to the doctor’s office for follow-up visits? Will he be isolated at home or will he have companionship? All these needs must be met or we’ll likely see him back in the hospital.” Georgia Generations

And all too often that’s just what happens. A full 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, usually within just 7 to 8 days. Half of these patients have not seen their primary care physician for a follow-up visit before they are readmitted. About 42% of discharged patients have test results pending at the time of discharge, and 61% of physicians are unaware of the results of tests performed in the hospital. In short, hospitals have lots of room for improvement when it comes to discharge planning.

Role of the caregiver in discharge planning In discharge planning, as in most areas of health care, the patient must assume more and more responsibility for his own care. Since elderly hospitalized patients are generally not in the best position to shoulder this burden, it frequently falls to the caregiver. Indeed, the caregiver can often give a more reasoned assessment of the patient’s situation than the patient himself. “Many times, the patient just wants to get out, and he also can be afraid of losing his independence, so he tends to paint a rosier picture,” says Shirley Vazquez, director of Winter 2010

case management at Doctors Hospital in Columbus. “The caregiver, on the other hand, has a more realistic view of the patient’s capabilities. The patient might say, ‘I’ve been doing fine at home until this happened,’ but then the caregiver might say, ‘No, Mom. Remember, you were falling a lot and you hadn’t been eating.’” Just as the caregiver needs to give a realistic assessment of the patient’s capabilities, she needs to be clear on what she can and cannot do for the patient. Chances are you have other responsibilities — a job, children or health problems of your own. If you are not going to be able to be available 24/7, let the discharge planner know that. You may not feel comfortable bathing your loved one. You may lack the physical strength to help with transfers. The discharge team needs to know what tasks you can and cannot do, so they can plan for any needed help. “A discharge planner needs to be really clear about what expectations of the caregiver are realistic,” says Tim Young, coordinator of the Care Transitions program at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. “I handled a case where the man was hospitalized and he insisted his wife would be able to care for him at home. It turns out his wife had advanced dementia. It could have been a disaster if we had not discovered that.” The caregiver also needs to make sure what is supposed to happen with a discharge plan does, in fact, happen.

Discharge planning is supposed to begin on the day the patient is admitted to the hospital, but too often that is not the case. “Often post-discharge instructions are given quickly to the person picking the patient up as he is ushered out the door,” says Young. “That person may not even be the caregiver, and even if it is, remembering everything that is said in that rush is impossible.” Instead, if the discharge planner does not introduce himself early in the hospital stay, you need to go seek him out. Ask questions about your loved one’s condition, treatment and prognosis. Start watching how the nurses administer his care so you’ll be more prepared to take it over. Ask for training on care techniques. The longer you have to prepare, the easier the transition will be.

Key elements of a discharge plan While discharge plans are as unique as individual patients, certain basic elements are necessary for any plan to ensure a safe transition from hospital to home: Medication reconciliation. “When you look at why patients are readmitted to the hospital, many times it’s due to a problem with medication,” says Young. “Either they didn’t go and get new medications that were prescribed while they were in the hospital or they don’t take them correctly. Or a medica-

“ W hen…patients are readmitted to the hospital, many times it’s due to a problem with medication.” tion they were put on while in the hospital reacts adversely with a medication they were already taking. Medication reconciliation is a critical component of any discharge plan.” This includes answering such questions as: If the patient was put on new medications in the hospital, how long should he take them? Does the medication have side effects? Should it be taken at meals or at certain times each day? Can it safely be taken with other medications the patient is using? Will low-cost generics work just as well? Turn to page 15 of this issue for a Medication Management Form that can help you organize your loved one’s medication information. Physician visit. Ideally, a patient should see his primary care physician within five to seven days of discharge. “Studies have shown that visiting their physician within seven days of leaving the hospital helps the patient and caregiver understand and manage the condition and results in improved outcomes,” says Reid. In fact, a post-discharge doctor’s visit is so important that

Piedmont Hospital is participating in a pilot study, BOOST (Better Outcomes for Older Adults Through Safe Transitions), in which a hospital staff member will actually make the doctor’s appointment before the patient is discharged. “They make sure everyone knows about the appointment — the patient and the caregiver,” says Stevenson. “Then we, as the home health provider, also follow up to make sure that the patient was able to get to the appointment. I think we will see over time that this is an effective way to prevent hospital readmissions.” Even before that doctor’s visit, however, the caregiver should notify the patient’s primary care physician about the hospitalization. Many people assume the hospital keeps the physicians apprised, but that’s not necessarily the case. “Although hospitals have a mechanism in place where information goes to a primary care physician, oftentimes the primary care physician is not aware that the patient has been in the hospital,” says Reid. “And even if information is sent to a primary care physician, it may not get to any of the specialists the patient sees.” Once again, caregivers should be proactive, alerting physicians about the hospitalization, keeping them updated and making sure they get the results of any hospital tests. Red flags. The patient and/or caregiver need to understand the red flags that would indicate the patient’s condition is worsening and what to do in that event. The caregiver should get a written copy of these red flags upon discharge. Contact number. “Everyone discharged from a hospital should be sent home with a phone number they can call 24/7,” says Nancy Morrison, director of the Sixty-Plus Older Adult Services at Piedmont Hospital. “Caregivers need to make sure they know who they can call when they have questions or concerns — because they will have questions and concerns.” Personal health record. This is a tool the patient manages that captures key health care information (all with phone numbers), such as their primary care physician, specialists, pharmacy, home health agency, community services (like Meals on Wheels), advanced directives, medical history, immunizations, red flags (see above) and medication list, including dose, reason and start date. “The patient should take this record to every doctor appointment,” says Stevenson. “Ideally, the doctor would already have all this information, but with patients seeing multiple physicians, you can’t take that for granted.”

Going home or to a facility If the patient will be going back to his home once he is discharged, he may need additional equipment or services to support him. He may need help with personal care (bathing, eating, dressing, toileting), household care (cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping), health care (medication management, physical therapy, injections, medical equipment and techniques) and/or emotional care (companionship, conversation). The discharge planner can help you identify which services the patient will need and identify community resources Georgia Generations

that can meet those needs. It is best to have the services and equipment in place before the patient comes home, but all these decisions involve evaluating the choices — if you are going to use a home health aide, do you want to hire an individual directly or go through an agency? If you need to modify the bath, what options are available? If you need a ramp, who will install it? The more time you have to weigh these choices, the more informed your decisions can be, which is another reason to start the discharge planning process as early as possible. Once you are home, if there are any snags, let the discharge planner know. “Sometimes we set things up in advance, but then they don’t show up like they are supposed to,” says Vazquez. “The equipment might not arrive in time or the therapist might not show up. If that happens, it’s important to call us and let us know. It’s much easier to call and get help than it is to go back to the ER and get treatment.”

If the patient is being discharged into rehab or a nursing home, the planning process is a bit different. For one thing, you have to decide on a facility, which can be stressful in the best of times and overwhelming if done in a rush. You may simply be given a list of nearby facilities, but you’ll want to evaluate the quality of care they offer. Ask if a social worker can help you sort through the options. You can also consult with a geriatric care manager. These managers charge an hourly fee, but they keep up with the quality of local facilities, which ones have waiting lists or which ones have problems. (To find a geriatric care manager, contact the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers at 520-881-8008 or www.caremanager.org.) As a caregiver, you still need to be involved to ensure continuity of care. Make sure the facility receives the current list of medications, test results, condition update, etc. And keep asking questions. “You need to understand what

Discharge Checklist for Patients and Caregivers

atients and family caregivers should take this list along when meeting with hospital staff to review discharge instructions. Understanding those instructions and knowing what to expect are essential to your loved one’s recovery.

Follow-up care: Ask where you will get care after you go home. Ask your care providers to explain options and be sure they understand your wishes. Make a list of doctors with contact information to call with questions or problems. Make all follow-up medical appointments prior to leaving the hospital. Schedule any tests.

Your health condition:

What are the “red flags” (signs and symptoms) of the illness? What should you do if you have these symptoms? When should you seek emergency care? When should you seek urgent care? When should you seek routine care?

Medication instructions: Have you informed your care provider about every medicine, including over-the-counter, that was taken before, during and after your hospital stay? Do you understand why you are taking each medicine? Are you aware of the possible side effects? Do you know how to take your medicines? Do you know who to call with questions? Do you know where you will fill and whether or not you can pay for your prescriptions?

Winter 2010

Medical equipment for your home:

Do you know what medical equipment you may need? Who will deliver the equipment? When will it be delivered? Will the equipment require training, and if so, who will provide it? Who should you call if you have problems with the equipment?

For family members or other caregivers: Do you understand what help the patient will need from you and others? Have the discharge instructions been explained to you? Do you understand them? Are you able to provide the help needed by the patient? If you are not available, what are the other options? Do you know about resources for you — the caregiver? If not, ask. Have you received the necessary instructions for any of the tasks you will need to carry out? If not, is there a plan in place for you to receive this instruction?

Written discharge instructions: Have the written discharge instructions been explained to you, including: Red flag signs and symptoms of the condition (what to look out for)? Who to contact with questions/concerns? When and where to follow up? The medicines you will take following discharge? Instructions for medical equipment? Contact information for home health care or other aftercare services? When you should seek emergency care? Where you will keep your discharge information? Bring written discharge information to any follow-up medical visit.

type of care the patient is going to receive at the facility,” says Reid. “Who is going to be in charge of his care in the facility? Who can you contact with questions? How long will he likely need to stay?” There is often a lot of pressure to discharge the patient as soon as possible — the hospital needs to free the bed and the patient wants to go home. However, if you feel your loved one is not well enough to be discharged, or you feel you are not ready to take care of him, you can appeal the decision. By law, the hospital must let you know how to appeal and explain what will happen. Make sure the hospital provides you with contact information for the local Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) that reviews such appeals.

Who pays for care after discharge? Unless you have a specific long-term care policy (which very few people do), insurance may not pay for services and items that are needed at home unless they are deemed “medically necessary.” The discharge planner or social worker can help you decipher what things will and will not be covered. “We try to keep up with the laws and stay current on what

What You Should Know About Rehab

our family member may have been referred to rehab after being in a hospital due to illness, injury or surgery. Rehabilitation (or simply “rehab”) is treatment to help patients regain all or some of the movement and function lost because of current health problems. Patients often work with two or more rehab services. These include physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy and psychological counseling (or simply “counseling”). You will find that things are done differently in rehab than in a hospital. In general, you will find rehab a “workout” atmosphere rather than a place for sick people. Here are five important points to remember: 1. The goal of rehab is to help patients be independent — doing as much for themselves as they can. 2. Rehab is done with a patient, not to a patient. Your family member must be willing and able to work with rehab services during active treatment and, later, with caregivers or by themselves at home. 3. The patient’s chronic (long-term) health conditions, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, are treated during rehab, but they are not the reason the patient is in rehab. 4. Most rehab services last weeks, not months. 5. Most insurance policies cover rehab when ordered by a doctor, but there will probably be extra costs. Excerpted from www.nextstepincare.org

Medicare and Medicaid will cover,” says Vazquez. “And we try to give people affordable options. For example, insurance may not cover an elevated toilet seat, but you can buy one at Walmart for $14.99. On the other hand, if you want to get a hospital bed but the patient does not have a diagnosis that will justify it, we’ll warn you that this expense will not be covered.” Even if someone tells you that Medicare or other insurance won’t pay, check it out yourself through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (the Georgia SHIP is GeorgiaCares at 1-800-669-8387) or the Medicare Rights Center (212-869-3850 or www.medicarerights.org). You may have to deal with different agencies and insurance companies in your quest to have services covered. It’s a good idea to keep a notebook and jot down the date, time, name of the person with whom you spoke and what was discussed each time you have a conversation.

Improving the system Efforts are underway nationwide to improve the fractured, inconsistent nature of discharge planning. In Georgia, the Georgia Medical Care Foundation — the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for the state — is piloting several Care Transitions programs in an effort to improve care transitions and reduce rehospitalizations. Piedmont Hospital received funding for an 18-month demonstration project in partnership with Visiting Nurse/Hospice Atlanta. “We are investing in electronic medical records to help with medication reconciliation,” says Young. “We realized discharge planners often underutilized home health agencies as a resource, so we had an educational push to make them aware of the appropriateness of those referrals. We developed red flags around many different health conditions — congestive heart failure, diabetes, stroke, etc. We divide them into yellow (call your physician) and red (go to the ER).” Piedmont is partnering with the Atlanta Regional Com mission on the final phase of its demonstration project, which focuses on community education. “We need to educate the older adult about how to negotiate the health care system of today, which is so different than the health care system of the past,” says Morrison. In another pilot project, the Northeast Georgia Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) in Athens is sending an ADRC specialist to Newton Medical Center weekly to counsel targeted patients and families who are getting ready to leave the hospital. “We talk to them about what kind of options are available to help them,” says Cheryl Harris, ADRC program coordinator for Georgia DHR Division of Aging Services. “Then we’ll make a follow-up call or visit at 30 to 60 days to find out what the impact of that counseling was. We are very excited about this project and our hope is to replicate this statewide.” In the meantime, you as caregiver need to take an active role in the discharge process. “You have to speak up and make sure you and your loved one don’t fall through the cracks,” says Vazquez. GG Georgia Generations

Northwest Georgia

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

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.

legacy link

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 Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AAAs.

Northwest Georgia

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

Planning with your older loved ones

s the holiday season ends, family members may have been together more than usual. Often at this time, adult children become aware of changes in their senior loved ones. This is a good opportunity to take inventory. What can you do? First, communicate. Sit down with the family and learn what the eldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desires and plans are for the future. If they become very frail, where will they live? What kind of resources or finances do they have? Emily McCoy Wilson is delighted to visit her 90-year-old Do they have proper end-of-life aunt, Laverne Dyer of Knoxville, Tennessee, and find her documents in order? Who will be living independently and in good health. the responsible party if they become incapacitated? developed gradually. Check their pantry In many cases, the elderly are not very and refrigerator. Are they drinking enough aware of their needs because they have liquid? Do they know what medications Winter 2010

they take, and what they are for? Are they steady on their feet? Are their bills being paid on time? Watch especially for malnourishment and depression. It is very important to plan ahead. Most nursing home placements occur because a crisis has arisen and decisions are made quickly and by different individuals. Begin the new year by checking with your elderly loved ones. There is a lot of help available. Call your AAA to find resources. For other information, call the AAA of Northwest Georgia at 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

“Powerful Tools” given to Georgia caregivers

or years, family members have been on their own to navigate the “uncharted” caregiver role, providing care to a loved one at home. The isolation some caregivers experience frequently goes unnoticed by friends and neighbors, who are busy with their own lives. Until recently, most caregivers accepted this lonely role as a burden to bear in silence. In October 2007, the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services and the UGA Cooperative Extension Service teamed up to offer family members an evidence-based program called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers.” This program delivers on its title, giving family caregivers “tools” that empower them and restore their ability to be in control rather than controlled by their situation. The more than 30 “tools” provided in the program assist caregivers in making tough decisions, improving communication skills, expressing their feelings, asking for help and taking care of themselves. In addition, the classes bring caregivers together in an accepting environment, reminding them that they are not alone in the task of caregiving. They can thrive and not just survive. Help is available to those

I can change and my emotions are normal; n Class Leaders n a caregiver must not n Master Trainers lose his or her identity; n learning to express myself without feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by n the medical community and my own lack of knowledge.” Since the introduction of “Powerful Tools” in Georgia two years ago, new partners include the Georgia Area Agencies on Aging (G4A) and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. The “Powerful Tools” program has who are living the marathon of 24/7 been hosted by assisted-living facilities, caregiving. The six-week program, human resource departments, community developed by Legacy Health Systems, has groups, hospitals, faith-based organizations now been taught in over 30 states with and caregiver support groups — to name statistically significant results. Satisfied a few. Most sessions are held for a nominal caregivers in Georgia have commented: cost, which covers the cost of a resource “The most important thing I gained from guide, The Caregiver Helpbook, materials participating in ‘Powerful Tools’ was: and light refreshments. Class sessions can n affirmation about taking care of be taught in 2½ hours or a 90-minute myself, condensed version. Each class contains a n that I am not alone; there are things maximum of 15 participants and is led by two trained class leaders. To date, over 200 caregivers have benefited from this program. ™ Atlanta Regional Commission, 404-463-3333 www.agewiseconnection.com The “Powerful Tools” program is now being offered in every region of Georgia. If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner: For additional information about locating Cherokee County Cherokee County Senior Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, a class, scheduling a class or becoming a Services, 770-345-5312 770-461-0813 class leader, contact your Area Agency on Clayton County Clayton County Aging Fulton County Fulton County Aging Aging (AAA) or Mary Lou Vergara, careProgram, 770-603-4050 Program, 404-730-6000 giver program coordinator for the Atlanta Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, Gwinnett County Gwinnett County Senior Regional Commission, at 404-463-3524 or 770-528-5364 Services, 678-377-4150 mvergara@atlantaregional.com. DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, Henry County Henry County Senior Atlanta Regional Commission encompasses 770-322-2950 Services, 770-288-7001 these counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, Rockdale County Rockdale County Senior Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale 770-489-3100 Services, 770-278-7230

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Georgia Generations

Northeast Georgia

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

Grandparents learn how to use computers

eniors involved in the Greene County Senior Center’s Kinship Care Program participated in an introductory computer class conducted by Athens Technical College in June–July 2009. The program director worked diligently with Brenda Moody, director of corporate customer relations, and Jerry Barrow, vice president of economic development at Athens Technical College, to secure the training. Using Family Caregiver Support Funds provided through the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging, the director was able to pay for five grandparents to participate in three computer sessions at the Greene County campus of Athens Technical College. Seniors learned how to look up information on the Internet and create

emails as well as Word documents. So that seniors could practice what they learned, the Greene County Senior Center had a computer available for use while at the center. Grandparents in front row: Rosa Willis (left), Jessie Upon completing the class, each Lawrence (center), Martha Moody (right) and Brenda grandparent received a certificate of Moody (teacher standing up). Grandparents in back completion. row: Bridie Reid (left) and Grace Cummings (right). In addition to the computer class, the grandparents also had the opportua monthly support group that allows nity to work with some children from the grandparents to discuss problems and issues Greensboro Elementary School in a recipe they are having with their grandchildren. swap and food-tasting project conducted For further information, contact the at the Greene County campus of Athens Northeast Georgia AAA, 305 Research Drive, Technical College. Athens, GA 30605; 706-583-2546 or The Greene County Kinship Care 1-800-474-7540. Program continues to improve the health NorthEast Georgia encompasses these counties: and well-being of the grandparents in the Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton county. They offer educational sessions and

River Valley

Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert

Kinship field trip

he Kinship Care Program in Stewart and Muscogee counties enjoyed a great field trip to PAWS Humane in Columbus. PAWS Humane is a nonprofit organization that focuses on bringing people and animals together through adoption and fostering programs for our cuddly friends. The River Valley Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging had approximately 25 grandparents and grandchildren in attendance for this funfilled day. Transportation was provided so that all of the members could attend. While at PAWS, the group learned how to approach a dog they’ve never met before. The presenter, along with a very large but sweet Great Dane named Ramsey, provided hands-on (or paws-on) demonstrations. The children took turns Winter 2010

headed for Cooper Creek Park to enjoy a picnic-style lunch, located conveniently next to the playground for the kids. The grandparents had a wonderful time with their fellow Kinship Care friends. We are hoping to make this outing an annual affair. Even though state funding for Kinship Care has been eliminated, it remains a priority service for the River Valley AAA. We are grooming participants to take a leadership role, which comes naturally for Grandparents and grandchildren learn how to approach these special caregivers. dogs during a trip to PAWS Humane in Columbus. For more information regarding our services and programs, please call testing their new skills on Ramsey, and River Valley AAA at 1-866-55-AGING. then they took a tour of the facility to see all the animals that were available for RIVER VALLEY encompasses these counties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, adoption in the shelter. After all the Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, morning excitement, it was lunchtime — Talbot, Taylor, Webster so the group loaded up the bus and 11

Heart of Georgia Altamaha

Covers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro

Thompson named Georgia’s Older Worker of the Year

artha Price Thompson recently celebrated of Vidalia was her 60th career recognized at the Annual anniversary as owner Georgia Older Worker and operator of Pearl Network Luncheon, part of Price Florist in Vidalia. the Georgia Gerontology The florist shop, Society Conference, as the founded in 1948 and Heart of Georgia Altamaha named after her Older Worker of the Year mother, is where and Employer of the Year. Martha continues to She then received the work more than fullAndy Thompson and his mother, honor of being selected as time, supervising a Martha Price Thompson, Georgia’s Older Worker of the Year. Georgia’s Older Worker of staff, planning wedthe Year. This is her 61st dings, and ordering anniversary as a professional florist and flowers and floral supplies. Five members accomplished organist. of her staff range in age from 52 to 87, and In May 2008, the Vidalia Advance have been with her for 40 years each.” recognized Thompson’s 60th career Martha worked her way through Bessie anniversary by writing, “Martha, 82, Tift College in the 1940s as a concert

organist. She played for USO shows on the “Mighty Mo” pipe organ at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. She has played for weddings and special events at Savannah’s Christ Church, Bull Street Baptist, St. John the Baptist and Washington’s National Cathedral. Martha worked on the Fox Foundation, which raised money to save the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Since 1942, Martha has graciously sent a monthly USO or Red Cross package to a serviceman or servicewoman abroad. Congratulations, Ms. Thompson — you have served your community well! For information about other programs, contact Heart of Georgia Altamaha RC, 331 W. Parker St., Baxley, GA 31513; 912-367-3648 or toll-free 1-888-367-9913. heart of georgia encompasses these counties: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

Southern Georgia

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

Seniors raise money for meals

n these difficult economic times, many agencies are coordinating fundraisers to guarantee the continuation of essential services. The Bacon County Senior Center, located in Alma, recently had the same idea. The seniors, led by director Chris Williams, coordinated the sale of dinner plates to raise money for meals. The fundraiser was the first of its kind at the Bacon County facility and was such a big success that it has inspired other centers to plan their own events. According to Williams, “A total of $1,300 was raised through the sale of dinners, $800 from spaghetti plates and $500 from ham plates. The senior center activity fund received $300, and the remaining $1,000 will be donated to the 12

Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging to purchase meals for seniors.” Participants at the Bacon County Senior Center in Alma hold hearts as part of a Southern promotion to encourage Georgia legislators to restore senior meal programs Georgia AAA impacted by state budget cuts. staff members that older adults receive the vital services were so impressed by the efforts of the they need and deserve.” Bacon County group that they decided to For more information, call the Southern place new emphasis on AAA fundraising Georgia AAA at 1725 South Georgia Parkway activities. “When we saw what the Bacon West, Waycross, GA 31503; 912-285-6097 or County Senior Center had accomplished, toll-free 1-888-732-4464. we felt motivated to do our part,” says Wanda Taft, director of aging services. Southern Georgia encompasses these counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, “Because of the recent downturn in the Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, economy, funding has become uncertain. Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware We must all do what we can to ensure Georgia Generations

Legacy Link

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

“Clothes Closet” event a big success

he Legacy Link Senior Community Service Employment Program recently sponsored a “Clothes Closet” and inservice training day in Rome for over 85 trainees. Clothes suitable for job interviews and the workplace were donated by businesses and individuals and put on display as would be shown in a retail store. All trainees were able to “shop” (at no cost) from the inventory, and a style show was a part of the program. The Senior Community Service & Employment Program (SCSEP) is funded by federal Department of Labor monies and designed to give mature workers age 55-plus on-the-job training and help with re-entry into the workplace. Trainees are assigned to local public and private nonprofit agencies in Georgia,

including court systems, libraries, schools, Humane Societies, Habitat for Humanity and senior centers.

Attendees look through business-style clothes at a recent “Clothes Closet” and in-service training day.

Participants are of great help to local governments and agencies while receiving training at those worksites.

Legacy Link receives training funds from the National Council on Aging to operate the program in 23 counties across northern Georgia. Victoria Norman of the National Council on Aging in Washington, DC, visited the event in Rome. She discussed the goals of the SCSEP and answered many questions about the program. In addition to the “Clothes Closet” shopping, a talent show was held with trainees displaying all manner of talent. Job skills are not their only talents! For information about possible enrollment and participation in the Legacy Link Senior Community Service & Employment Program, call 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

Burdett receives State Outstanding Senior Center Director Award

he “Live Healthy Georgia” summit aren’t always easy to come by — however, sponsored by the Division of Aging the seniors pull together to make their held its 12th annual conference June 2–4 in program the best it can be.” The region Augusta, and Susan has a very diverse group of Burdett, the director of seniors, but every single one the Grantville Senior of them plays a very imporCenter, received the tant role to the point where State Outstanding it truly feels like a family. Senior Center Director Burdett was nominated for Award. This was the her innovation and “go-getter” second year that the attitude. She has continued to award was given, and advocate for her seniors both Burdett was also at the local level and at the Susan Burdett, Grantville Senior nominated for the State Capitol in Atlanta. When Center director, and Joy Shirley, award last year. financial resources were cut, SCAAA director. In Burdett’s acceptthere were major fundraisers ance speech, she thanked her seniors, to assist the program. The senior center saying, “We are a small town located in acquired a van for transportation, with no southern Coweta County, and resources funding to sustain it — so the seniors have Winter 2010

raised money to pay the insurance, gas and upkeep on the vehicle. Numerous other fundraisers, such as the “Womanless Wedding,” yard sales, spaghetti dinners, quilt raffles, bingo, fish fries and various crafts sales, have been held by the Grantville Senior Center. The craft group makes dolls for the police department, which are used to calm children in cases of domestic issues. The seniors also grow and maintain produce and flowers on the senior center property. For additional information, contact the Southern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026 or toll-free 1-866-854-5652. Southern Crescent encompasses these counties: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, Upson

Central Savannah River

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

Senior center wins ice cream treat

scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream…! There was lots of screaming about ice cream at the Sylvania Senior Center when they learned that they were selected as one of 1,500 nationwide winners in the Edy’s Ice Cream Neighborhood Salute. The winning essay was written and submitted by center director Cathy Forehand on behalf of her senior participants. Cathy wrote that the seniors in Sylvania are “slow-churned” and aged to perfection just like the ice cream but that, like the younger crowd, they still enjoy a cold treat on a hot summer day. As a winning entry, the Sylvania Senior Center received enough ice cream and supplies to feed over 100 people. To help them celebrate, the center participants invited members of the community, including

Sally Holloway, Sylvania Senior Center employee, proudly displays the delicious and generous assortment of Edy’s ice cream.

neighboring personal care homes, volunteers and businesses that support their wellness programs. Because the seniors recognize

that no ice cream party is complete without kids, they also invited their grandchildren. It was a day of intergenerational celebration as they all ate from a wide variety of flavors, such as Edy’s newest “Red, White & No More Blues.” It’s good to know that the wellness message was not lost in all the fun, as the featured treat was also calcium-rich! If you would like to learn more about this annual contest, please log on to http://edys.neighborhoodsalute.com. For more information, contact the CSRA AAA at 706-210-2018, 1-888-922-4464, or www.areaagencyonaging.com. Central Savannah River encompasses these counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes

Southwest Georgia

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

Ombudsmen — a resource for caregivers

word “ombudsman” is a Swedish word meaning “representative.” An ombudsman listens to the problem and represents the interests of the person making the complaint to investigate the situation and find a solution. In Southwest Georgia, the ombudsmen are Ombudsmen are the go-to people when caregivers or residents have trained and certified, and concerns about their facility. may be contacted through the SOWEGA Council on Aging at For further information, contact the 229-432-1131. They treat all reports in a Southwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging at confidential manner, and they are the go-to 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612. people when caregivers or residents have Southwest Georgia encompasses these counties: concerns about care in a licensed facility. Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth Please don’t hesitate to call!

Georgia Generations

eople who live in long-term care facilities like personal care homes or nursing homes can be vulnerable because of their medical conditions or diminished mental abilities. While some people in such homes have no family to look out for them, many have family caregivers or friends who are trying to make sure they receive the best possible care. At times, problems or issues with the facility’s staff or policies can arise, having a detrimental effect on the resident. Family members may want to act on their loved one’s behalf but have uncertainty about what to do or how to proceed. There may be a concern about the consequences of talking to someone about the problem. Talking to an ombudsman can bring a satisfactory resolution to the situation. The

Coastal Georgia

Covers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah

Coastal Regional Coaches rolls out in style

oastal Regional Coaches will now provide affordable and economical on-demand, advance-reservation public transportation for anyone, for any purpose, and to any destination within the rural areas of Coastal Georgia. Those in the Coastal region can just call 1-866-543-6744, 24 hours in advance, to schedule a ride. (Unfortunately, the service is not yet available in Bulloch County.) For many people in the region’s rural communities, this new service will increase access to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services and even recreation. “We are excited to be able to kick off this program,” says Barbara Hurst, transportation director at the Coastal Regional Commission. “Lack of transportation services has always been identified

as an issue, especially for our seniors.” A one-way fare on the rural public transit system within the rider’s county of residence is $3 (or $6 round-trip). If a rider travels outside their county of residence, the cost is an additional $3 for each county boundary Individuals needing public transportation within most rural crossed. (For example, a rider areas of Coastal Georgia will ride on Coastal Regional Coaches’ new shuttle vans, pictured above. from McIntosh County traveling to Liberty County will pay $6 oneway, $12 round-trip.) Brand-new, For further information, contact the ADA-compliant shuttle vans have been Coastal Georgia Area Agency on Aging at purchased to comprise the fleet. 1-800-580-6860. For more information about the Coastal Georgia encompasses these counties: Regional Rural Public Transit Program, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh contact Barbara at bhurst@crc.ga.gov or 912-262-2830.

Medication Management Form This form allows you to keep track of all important information about your loved one’s medications. Update the form anytime a doctor prescribes new medications, removes a drug or changes a dosage. Always have it with you when you meet with your family member’s doctors or nurses. Patient Name: ____________________________ Date of Birth: ____________ Pharmacy Name/Phone: _____________________________________

Name of Medication

Dosage

What time to take

Why take it?

Prescribed by

Over-the-Counter Medications  Allergy relief, antihistamines  Herbals, dietary supplements

 Antacids  Laxatives

 Aspirin / other relief for pain, headache or fever  Sleeping pills  Vitamins, minerals

 Cold / cough medicines

 Other (list medications)_ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Excerpted from www.nextstepincare.org