Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967
Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 23 – 27
June 2023 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Dementia Capable SoAZ • Medicare & SMP Updates • Rights & Benefits • Caregiving • Healthy Living: Classes Happening Now! • Healthy Minds for Life • PCOA Puzzle • Ending Life Well • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • Advocacy • Senior Companion Program • CareGiver Training Institute • PimaCare at Home
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
PUBLICATION OF PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, HELPING PIMA COUNTY AGE WELL SINCE 1967
Independence. Vitality. Respect.
Inside • Aging in Our Community 3 • Dementia Capable Southern Arizona 4 - 5
• Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 23 - 27 • Visibility Matters 28 • Advocacy 29 • Senior Companion Program 30 • Neighbors Care Alliance 31 - 32 • Philanthropy & Wisdom Circles 33 • Featured Artist 34 • CareGiver Training Institute, Healthcare Education by PCOA 35 • PimaCare at Home, In-Home Care by PCOA 36
• Ending Life Well 6 – 7 • Medicare & SMP 8 - 9 • Rights & Benefits 10 - 11 • Caregiving 13 - 15 • Community Lunch Program 16 • Healthy Living 17 - 19 • Healthy Minds for Life 20 • PCOA Puzzle 21 - 22
PCOA Helpline: (520) 790-7262 Administration: (520) 790-0504 Donate: givepcoa.org E-mail: help@pcoa.org Website: pcoa.org Mail: 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710 Never Too Late is published by Pima Council on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging, Region II. Material from Never Too Late may be reprinted when permission is given and attribution is used along with ©PCOA 2023. Editor Adina Wingate, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5067 awingate@pcoa.org Editorial Assistant Jan Baker, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5076 jbaker@pcoa.org Advertising Adina Wingate, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5067 awingate@pcoa.org Design Consultant Lori Lieber, Lori Lieber Graphic Design lori@lorilieber.com
On the Cover: Detail from Spring has Sprung, acrylic by Nancy Johnson, The Drawing Studio. (Story, full image on inside back cover)
Connect with us
The best way to access our services, including making an appointment for in–person assistance, is by calling our Helpline between 8:30 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday at (520) 790-7262 or emailing help@pcoa.org • Our 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. building is open for those requiring in-person assistance. • Our 600 S. Country Club Rd. building is open for those requiring in-person assistance.
Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Issue JUNE 2 2023
Please include a contact person name and phone number with all submitted material. All articles are subject to editing in accordance with technical and policy guidelines but will not be altered in content without permission of the author. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed. Ads are not to be considered as PCOA endorsements of products, services, or individuals.
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Page 2 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Aging in Our Community
A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Regular readers of Never Too Late are probably aware that PCOA must prepare and submit an Area Plan to the state every four years describing our plans for the next four years. It is an in-depth process that starts with a Community Assessment. When the process began last fall, we held eleven in-person and virtual listening sessions throughout Pima County, had several focus group meetings for people who work in the aging service field, and distributed our extensive survey to the community. More than 3,500 people completed this survey, our largest response ever. Early in the upcoming fall, we will publish our 2023 Report to the Community, which will include the survey results and much more. You will be hearing more about this entire project in the coming months. I’m sharing this background information with you because, as I reviewed some Area Plan data yesterday, one of the findings jumped out at me - the rate of loneliness respondents reported. Part of why it jumped out at me was because, just last month, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, called attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. But what we heard in our Community Assessment was staggering. Overall, 74% of respondents who ranged in age from 50 to over 90 reported they experienced feelings of loneliness. That number increases with age, with 82% of the 90+ population reporting loneliness, but even 71% of the 50-59-year-olds reported those feelings.
Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lacking connection can increase the risk of premature death to levels comparable to smoking more than a pack of cigarettes daily. We really appreciate U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Murthy calling attention to this terrible epidemic, but let’s face it, declaring a public health emergency is one thing, and solving it is another. The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation lays out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, which has never been implemented in the United States. It details recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in their lives, communities, and across the country and improve their health. The Report takes the first and key step in that direction, by setting forth six key strategies: (1) Strengthen Social Infrastructure in Local Communities, (2) Enact Pro Connection Public Policies, (3) Mobilize the Health Sector, (4) Reform Digital Environments, (5) Deepen Knowledge, and (6) Build a Culture of Connection. Here at PCOA, we see the impact of isolation among vulnerable older adults, and we practice a commitment to making connections every day. We see the positive effect when a Pima Meals on Wheels driver delivers a nourishing meal to a person at home. We know that the delivery of a meal is very often the only
social interaction experienced by the homebound person. There are a host of ways to take small steps every day to engage and connect. Maybe consider joining one of our Healthy Living Program offerings at our Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center in midtown or across the community in partnership with the City of Tucson and Pima County-operated recreation centers (Find out more about Healthy Living Program classes on pages 15 & 16) . We even have virtual opportunities at TheKatie.org website. Engagement for individuals navigating the journey of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can include signing up to join a support group or experience a Memory Café where people living with dementia and their caregivers can connect in a safe and welcoming place for a relaxing, creative outing. Over the last few years, I’ve written about the practice of being neighborly. Now I am redoubling my call to action for all of us to be more neighborly in everyday life practices. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Murthy’s framework for a national strategy to advance social connection defines one pillar of the national strategy this way: Cultivate a Culture of Connection. Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Together we can do this.
W.Mark Clark President & CEO
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. There are more than 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Join us by wearing purple and raising awareness this June. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association for more information - Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month | Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp) The National Institute on Aging published an article “End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia” in which they highlight considerations for end-of-life care for people with dementia. It is important to note that people often live for many years with dementia, however, because the disease can lead to challenges in communication and understanding it is important to have these conversations as early as possible to ensure clarity, reduce stress and guessing. Ensuring that there are advanced care planning documents in place and the family is aware of the person’s wishes is imperative. For information and assistance on End of Life Care Planning please call (520) 790-7262 or visit End of Life Care Planning – Pima Council on Aging (pcoa.org) Dementia Care Partner Support Group An ongoing partnership between Alzheimer’s Association and DCSA 4th Tuesday of each month 10:30–11:30am
In partnership with Senior Pride 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month 10–11am June 14 & 28 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Point of contact – Nicole Thomas at 520.790.7573 x1739 or nthomas@ pcoa.org To register , visit https://cafeatthekatie. eventbrite.com
In partnership with Posada Life Community Services 3rd Saturday of each month 1–2pm June 17 Posada Life Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave. Green Valley, AZ 85614 Point of contact – Ellen March at 520.393.6840 or EMarch@casagv.org
600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716
Registration not required – for more information or questions, call: (800) 272-3900
Page 4 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
If a family member has ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE will I have it, too? If a family member has ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE will I have it, too? A family history of Alzheimer’s does not mean for sure that you’ll have it. But, it may mean you are more likely to develop it. A family history of Alzheimer’s does not mean for sure that you’ll have it. But, it may mean you are more likely to develop it. A family history of Alzheimer’s does not mean for sure that you’ll have it. But, it may mean you are more likely to develop it. If a family member has ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE will I have it, too?
Genes are passed down from a person’s birth parents. Genes are passed down from a person’s birth parents. Genes are passed down from a person’s birth parents.
Your chance of developing the disease may be higher if you have certain genes. Your chance of developing the disease may be higher if you have certain genes. Your chance of developing the disease may be higher if you have certain genes.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
Ending Life Well: Conversations & Connections
By McKenna Reinhard , End of Life Specialist Dementia and End of Life Care
remember that these recommendations are not meant to be one size fits all— depending on the person and what type of dementia they have some of these things may or may not be comforting. Use your knowledge of them and their likes and dislikes to help guide what you do. For those who have been diagnosed with dementia but are still at a point where you can complete your advance directives, doing so can provide important and helpful guidance for loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare workers in later stages of the disease about not only what healthcare treatments you do or do not want, but also what sort of things bring you comfort and calm. Completing your Healthcare Power of Attorney and Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney forms lets your loved ones and healthcare providers know who you would like to speak for you in the event that you are unable to speak or make decisions for yourself. A Living Will acts as instructions for your Power of Attorney and healthcare providers about specific healthcare treatments you do or do not want and removes the uncertainty (and burden) of wondering if they are making the right choices for you. loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning abilities, which means that people with dementia at the end of life may no longer be able to make or communicate choices about their health care. If there are no advance care planning documents in place and the family does not know the person’s wishes, caregivers may need to make difficult decisions on behalf of their loved one about care and treatment approaches. When making health care decisions for
Being present for someone at the end of their life can be difficult in the best of circumstances. When a dementia diagnosis is part of the equation, it can make providing end of life care even more complicated. This is because, while dementia is considered a life- limiting disease, it is hard to know how long someone will live with dementia, or how exactly the disease will progress. Regardless of where someone is in the disease progression, there are some things that caregivers and loved ones can do to provide comfort and benefit to someone with dementia. As mentioned in the National Institute on Aging article (below), there are ways to help bring comfort and maintain connections for people with dementia at the end of life. Things that engage the senses like putting on music or white noise can help to lessen agitation. Providing touch by brushing their hair, holding their hand, or massaging them can bring comfort. It is important to
When providing care for someone with dementia at the end of their life, you don’t have to be alone. Palliative care and hospice care professionals can help provide insight and guidance on what to expect, and recommendations at different stages of the disease. These are interdisciplinary teams that can help with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during this time. PCOA also has resources you can access including our End of Life Specialists, Family Caregiver Support Services, and Dementia Capable Southern Arizona. If you would like to be connected to one of these departments, you can call PCOA’s Helpline at (520) 790-7262. someone with dementia, it’s important to consider the person’s quality of life. For example, medications are available that may delay or keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time. Medications also may help control some behavioral symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. However, some caregivers might not want drugs prescribed for people in the later stages of these diseases if the side effects outweigh the benefits. (continued on next page)
End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia People often live for years with dementia. While it can be difficult to think of these diseases as terminal, they do eventually lead to death. Caregivers often experience special challenges surrounding the end continue to be physically healthy. However, dementia causes the gradual
of life of someone with dementia in part because the disease progression is so unpredictable. Below are some considerations for end-of-life care for people with dementia. Making medical decisions for people with dementia With dementia, a person’s body may
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Pima Council on Aging
Ending Life Well: Conversations & Connections
End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia (continued from previous page)
If you are a caregiver, ask for help when you need it and learn about respite care. Importance of advance care planning for people with dementia and their caregivers Someone newly diagnosed with dementia might not be able to imagine the later stages of the disease. But when a person is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it’s important to make plans for the end of life before the person with the disease can no longer complete advance directives and other important legal documents. End-of-life care decisions are more complicated for caregivers if the dying person has not expressed the kind of care they would prefer. For more information about end-of-life care for people with dementia NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380 | adear@nia.nih.gov www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers The NIA ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Alzheimers.gov | www.alzheimers.gov Explore the Alzheimers.gov website for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government. Eldercare Locator | 800-677-1116 eldercarelocator@n4a.org https://eldercare.acl.gov National Institute of Nursing Research 301-496-0207 | info@ninr.nih.gov www.ninr.nih.gov/end-of-life This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
people and lessen agitation. Just being present can be calming to the person. Palliative or hospice care teams may be helpful in suggesting ways for people with dementia and their families to connect at the end of life. They also may be able to help identify when someone with dementia is in the last days or weeks of life. Signs of the final stages of dementia include some of the following: • Being unable to move around on one’s own • Being unable to speak or make oneself understood • Eating problems such as difficulty swallowing Though palliative and hospice care experts have unique experience with what happens at the end of life and may be able to give a sense of timing, it’s hard to predict exactly how much time a person has left. Supporting dementia caregivers at the end of life Caring for people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia at the end of life can be demanding and stressful for the family caregiver. Depression and fatigue are common problems for caregivers because many feel they are always on call. Family caregivers may have to cut back on work hours or leave work altogether because of their caregiving responsibilities. It is not uncommon for those who took care of a person with advanced dementia to feel a sense of relief when death happens. It is important to realize such feelings are normal. Hospice care experts can provide support to family caregivers near the end of life as well as help with their grief.
It is important to consider the goals of care and weigh the benefits, risks, and side effects of any treatment. You may need to make a treatment decision based on the person’s comfort rather than trying to extend their life or maintain their abilities for longer. Questions to ask about end-of-life care for a person with dementia As a caregiver, you will want to understand how the available medical options presented by the health care team fit with the needs of both the family and the person with dementia. You might ask the health care team questions such as: • Who can help me with end-of-life care for my loved one living with dementia? • How will your suggested approaches affect their quality of life? • What are my options if I can no longer manage the care of my loved one at home? • How can I best decide when a visit to the doctor or hospital is necessary? • Should I consider hospice at home, and if so, does the hospice team have experience working with people living with dementia? Being there for a person with dementia at the end of life As dementia progresses, caregivers may find it hard to provide emotional or spiritual comfort to a person who has severe memory loss. However, even in advanced stages of dementia, a person may benefit from such connections. Sensory connections — targeting someone’s senses, including hearing, touch, or sight — may also bring comfort. Being touched or massaged can be soothing. Listening to music, white noise, or sounds from nature seem to relax some
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Pima Council on Aging
June 2023 Medicare Presentations: Understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Learn about Medigap and Prescription Drug Plans. Questions to ask before you enroll. How and when to enroll. Learn about Medicare Savings Programs which may help with paying Part B premium and/or Part D drug costs for those who qualify. How to find plans that offer the lowest costs for prescriptions you take. Pick up Medicare Advantage plan comparison spreadsheets for Pima County Medicare beneficiaries.
In-Person Location
Wednesday 12 – 3pm Day/Time
Date
Virtual (Zoom)
PCOA The Katie 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 https://katiemedicareip.eventbrite.com Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library 7800 N. Schisler Dr. Tucson, AZ 85743 https://wheelertaftabbetsrmedicare.eventbrite.com Murphy-Wilmot Library 530 N. Wilmot Dr. Tucson, AZ 85711 https://murphywilmotmedicare.eventbrite.com
June 14
Virtual (Zoom) https://umvirtual22.eventbrite.com
In-Person Only
June 21
Wednesday 10am – 1pm
In-Person Only
June 28
Wednesday 2 – 5pm
For additional presentation dates, go to www.pcoa.org/calendar or call PCOA SHIP at (520) 546-2011
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy
Page 8 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
1.What is hospice care? Hospice is a program of end-of-life pain management and comfort care for those with a terminal illness. Medicare’s hospice benefit is primarily home-based and offers end-of-life palliative treatment, including support for your physical, emotional, and other needs. It is important to remember that the goal of hospice is to help you be as comfortable as possible, not to cure an illness. 2.What is Medicare’s hospice benefit? To elect hospice, you must: • Be enrolled in Medicare Part A • Be certified, by the hospice doctor and your regular doctor (if you have one), to have a terminal illness, meaning a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness takes its normal course. • Sign a statement electing to have Medicare pay for palliative care (pain management), rather than curative care. • And, receive care from a Medicare- certified hospice agency Once you choose hospice, all of your hospice-related services are almost always covered under Original Medicare, even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your Medicare Advantage Plan will continue to pay for any care that is unrelated to your terminal condition. Hospice also should cover any prescription drugs you need for pain and symptom management related to your terminal condition. Your stand-alone Part D plan or Medicare Advantage drug
• Skilled nursing services • Skilled therapy services • Hospice aides and homemaker services • Durable medical equipment (DME) • Respite care
coverage may cover medications that are unrelated to your terminal condition. The hospice benefit includes two 90- day hospice benefit periods followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods, pending recertification by a doctor. If you are interested in Medicare’s hospice benefit: • Ask your health care provider whether you meet the eligibility criteria for Medicare-covered hospice care. • Ask your health care provider to contact a Medicare-certified hospice on your behalf. • Be persistent. There may be several Medicare-certified hospice agencies in your area. If the first one you contact is unable to help you, contact another. Once you have found a Medicare-certified hospice: • The hospice medical director (and your regular doctor if you have one) will certify that you are eligible for hospice care. Afterwards, you must sign a statement electing hospice care and waiving curative treatments for your terminal illness. • Your hospice team must consult with you (and your primary care provider, if you wish) to develop a plan of care. Your team may include a hospice doctor, a registered nurse, a social worker, and a counselor. 3.What services are covered under the hospice benefit? If you qualify for the hospice benefit, Medicare covers the following:
• Short-term inpatient care • Medical social services • Prescription drugs
• Spiritual or religious counseling • Nutrition and dietary counseling How does hospice coverage work for an individual with a Medicare Advantage Plan? Hospice care is almost always covered under Original Medicare, even if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and need care unrelated to your terminal condition, you can choose to either see providers in your plan’s network or see Original Medicare providers. Your Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan should also cover prescription drugs unrelated to your terminal condition, and the plan’s cost and coverage rules will apply. Your Medicare Advantage Plan will also continue to cover any additional benefits it provides, such as vision or dental services. For more information, contact PCOA Medicare at (520) 546-2011.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
NATIONAL CENTER ON ELDER ABUSE 5 Things Everyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse Here are 5 things everyone can do to build community supports and prevent elder abuse. 1) Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together. 2) Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis. 3) Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse with programs and services like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation.
4) Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities. 5) Send a letter to a local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) or Grandparents Day in September. It is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse! For more information on elder abuse prevention, please visit us online or call: ncea.acl.gov | 855-500-3537
This material was completed for the National Center on Elder Abuse situated at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and is supported in part by a grant (No. 90ABRC000101-02) from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Grantees carrying out projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their fndings and conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent ofcial ACL or DHHS policy. LAST DOCUMENT REVISION: DECEMBER 2017
Page 10 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information ALTCS Workshop
Learn about the Arizona Long Term Care System, including what it is, what it takes to be eligible for the program, and what kinds of services are available once a person becomes eligible. A great place to start when you are considering ALTCS for yourself, or for a loved one.
Please join us in person. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: June 8, 2:30 — 4 p.m. Location: The Katie , 600 S Country Club Rd
June 15th – we wear purple! The International Network launched World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated in America and worldwide. Through WEAAD, we raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year, only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to authorities’ attention. Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society, and their abuse or neglect diminishes all of us. WEAAD reminds us that, as in a just society, we all have a critical role to play to focus attention on elder justice. Source: https://worldelderabuseawareness.com/about-weaad/
To register , go to: https://altcsjun23.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at (520) 305-3450. Participants who would prefer a virtual training are invited to register for our July training held on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The ALTCS workshop is held every month on the second Thursday. Participants are asked to socially distance themselves; masks are optional. Space is limited; please register soon.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
Information
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s VITA program is still here to help you file your tax return for FREE! Visit our website to learn more about the different services we are offering from June to September 2023 www.unitedwaytucson.org/vita We can help if: • You did not file your 2022 tax return by the deadline or filed an extension • You need to file prior year returns • If you filed a 2022 return but received a letter from the IRS
2023 Sponsors
Page 12 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Free training for informal, nonpaid family caregivers Caregiving Essentials: First Steps Training Schedule 2023
Tue., June 20 Fri., July 14 Tue., Aug. 15
Thur., Sept. 28 Wed., Oct. 18 Fri., Nov. 17
600 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson If staying for both, bring your own lunch. Coffee and water available.
Workshop 1: Steps to Resilience (9 am – 12:30pm)
Workshop 2: Physical Care and Safety (1 – 3:30pm)
• Stress Management & Grief • Communication • Dementia Behaviors & Issues • Finances & Legal Resources • Lifelines for Support: Respite & Support Groups • Nutrition Support • Phone and Technology Use • Grief & End of Life Resources
• Activity Planning, Outings and Car Etiquette • Infection control and providing Personal Care
• Proper Body Mechanics • Home Environment Safety & Fall Prevention • Planning for an Emergency • Understanding Assistive Devices • Proper Walking /Transferring techniques • Re-positioning with reassessment
Register on Eventbrite: https://caregivingessentials23.eventbrite.com or call Pima Council on Aging, (520) 790-7573 ext. 1750; ddeleon@pcoa.org
For questions, call Kelley Hansen (520) 790-7573 ext. 3413; khansen@pcoa.org For possible respite during training, call Arizona Caregiver Coalition (888) 737-7494 or our Helpline (520) 790-7262. This training does not provide certification or CEU’s for employment.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – JUNE Five are currently held by Zoom and six are held in person
Participation in the groups can be in person (6 groups), by telephone or by computer/tablet/smartphone w/ video. Support groups are a way to connect with others who are walking the journey of caregiving like you are. You get to SEE (if you use the video option) that you are not alone. You get to hear other’s challenges and successes, learn about helpful resources, know that your story matters and that you have been heard. Support groups are facilitated by a professional and are a safe place for you to express your concerns, frustrations, etc. and learn that others feel this way too.
To protect the confidentiality of the group sessions, access information will only be given to registered participants. Emails are sent out on Fridays with updated schedules and additional information. If you participated in the groups before COVID, and have not been receiving the emails, please check your junk or spam folder. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact: Tonetta Clay, Support Group Facilitator (520) 305-3405, tclay@pcoa.org
JUNE
6/1, 1st Thursday, 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 6/5, 1st Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 6/6, 1st Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) In Person 6/12, 2nd Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) In Person 6/13, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–7pm Virtual ON ZOOM 6/14, 2nd Wednesday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person
6/15 3rd Thursday, 1:30–3pm Virtual ON ZOOM 6/20, 3rd Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM
“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.”
6/23, 4th Friday, (Rescheduled from 6/19), 1–2:30pm (Midtown) In Person 6/26, 4th Monday, 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 6/27, 4th Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) In Person
*NOTE: There will be no meetings on days where holidays are observed PLEASE RSVP for all groups. At all in person meetings we continue to social distance and mask wearing is optional. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact: Tonetta Clay, Support Group Facilitator (520) 305-3405, tclay@pcoa.org
— Bernice Johnson Reagon
Page 14 | June 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving My Loved One Was Just Diagnosed with Dementia!
What Can I Do to Help? By Mayra Burgos , Aging and Caregiving Specialist If you are caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer's, it can be a challenging and emotional experience. There are things that you can do to make things worse or better. Here are some “do not” and “do” tips to help you: It is best to avoid: • Arguing or criticizing • Overstimulation (too much physical activity or sensory input) • Patronizing or “baby talk” • Ignoring or dismissing your loved one’s opinions or feelings • Leaving your loved one alone for extended periods of time You might encourage and create: • A regular exercise routine • A structured daily schedule • Simplified tasks with step-by-step instructions • Visual aids that include pictures and diagrams • Social activities for connection • Reminiscing about happy times As a caregiver, it’s important to educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about Dementia or Alzheimer's disease including its symptoms, progression, and available treatments. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to best support them. It’s also important to create a safe and comfortable environment. Make changes to create a safe and supportive
environment that reduces confusion and enhances your loved one’s ability to function independently. Remove potential hazards like sharp objects or loose rugs, and make sure the room has lighting that reduces shadows. You may also want to consider installing locks or other safety features to prevent your loved one from wandering outside. Establishing a routine can benefit both you, and your loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer's. Setting a regular schedule for meals, activities, and rest creates predictability, and can help your loved one feel more secure and less anxious. Many people find visual memory aids helpful. As Dementia or Alzheimer's progresses, memory loss worsens. You can help your loved one by using memory aids like calendars, notes, or picture boards to help them remember important information like how to warm coffee, or who is coming to visit. Caring for someone with Dementia or Alzheimer's can be frustrating and emotionally draining. It is important to stay patient and calm, even when your loved one becomes confused or agitated. Try to maintain a positive attitude and remember that your loved one's behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a reflection of their personality or regard for you. And perhaps most importantly of all, take care of yourself! As a caregiver, you likely experience physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Make sure to get
enough rest, eat well, and seek support from friends, family, or even a professional caregiver. Remember, you are not alone in facing Dementia or Alzheimer's. There are many resources and support groups available to help you and your loved one through this challenging time. For more information, or for assistance in meeting your unique needs, speak with an Aging and Caregiving Specialist by calling PCOA at (520) 790-7262.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
PCOA Community Lunch Program
Do You Know... • Someone who could benefit from a lunch program that also provides an opportunity to make new friends? Let’s face it, eating alone, at home, is no fun. • These programs are typically open from Monday – Friday (except as noted and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1pm? • There are fun activities available during these hours? Depending on the site, activities include games, movies, crafts and even field trips. • A transportation subsidy may be available to get someone to these lunch programs? Transportation is provided via Sun Van to individuals with disabilities with a current ADA Eligibility Card issued by the City of Tucson. • That these lunch programs are open to all individuals 60 and older and their spouse regardless of age? Once you register at a meal site, you will be required to reserve your meals each week. That way, we know you’re coming and your lunch is waiting for you. A suggested donation of $2–$3 is requested. Community Center Lunches are a program of the Pima Council on Aging in collaboration with sub-contracted agencies: Catholic Community Services, and the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation Department. Have Lunch and Make a Friend
Check it out here: https://pcoa.org/ways-we-help/ meals-nutrition.html/ Click on “View Monthly Menu” This Month’s Menu
COMMUNITY LUNCH CENTERS NEAR YOU
Ajo Community
290 W. Fifth St., Ajo 85321
(520) 387-5040 (520) 791-4353 (520) 791-4070 (520) 889-0928 (520) 837-8210 (520) 887-9786 (520) 791-4969 (520) 791-3247 (520) 791-2509 (520) 485-7413 (520) 791-5787
Archer Neighborhood Armory Park Senior *
1665 S. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson 85713 220 S. 5th Ave., Tucson 85701 101 W. Irvington Rd., Tucson 85714 1390 W. Speedway Blvd., Tucson 85705 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson 85705
El Pueblo Neighborhood Center El Rio Neighborhood Center
Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center **
Freedom Recreation Center
5000 E. 29th St., Tucson 85711 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson 85705
Donna Liggins Center
780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley 85614 (520) 393-6814
Posada Life Community Center Quincie Douglas Senior Center
1575 E. 36th St., Tucson 85713
Saguaro Christian Church William Clements Center
8302 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson 85710 8155 E. Poinciana Dr., Tucson 85730
Please call in advance to reserve a meal and for days and hours of operation. Funded by: Federal Older Americans Act through AZ DES/DAAS, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, City of Tucson, and Individual Contributions * Dinner meal only ** Open Mon., Wed., Fri.
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Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Healthy Living Workshops We offer six-week self-management workshops for those with ongoing health conditions, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, as well as chronic pain. If you’re interested in any of these workshops, please call our Healthy Living Department at (520) 305-3410 to add your name and contact information to our workshop interest lists.
Practice with purpose Are you looking for ways to live and age well?
EnhanceFitness®
EnhanceFitness®
Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays • Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 , 9–10 am • El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. , 11am–12 pm • Clements Regional Ctr., Fitness Center , 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. , 8:30–9:30 am • Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center, 7222 E. Tanque Verde Rd. , 11 am–12 pm • The Katie , 600 S. Country Club, and Remote , 10:30–11:30 Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage), https://bit.ly/PCOAEnhanceFitness Class size is limited. For assistance, call us at (520) 305-3410. • Tucson Estates (TENHN), 5900 W. Western Way Circle , 10:30–11:30 am Mondays – Recreation Hall, Wednesdays & Fridays Multi-Purpose Hall Contribution: $36 per person/per month
A Matter of Balance®
Healthy Living with Chronic Pain®
The Healthy Living suite of classes covers things like the cause of falls and how to prevent them, strategies to bolster physical fitness and balance, as well as other ways to empower older adults to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Picture Rocks Community Center** 5615 N. Sanders Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 11:45 am–12:45 pm Drexel Heights Community Center** 5220 S. San Joaquin Ave. Mon., Wed., Fri., 12–1 pm Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells** Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 9:30–10:30 am
Register Now! www.pima.gov/nrpr and look for Community Center Programs. Choose the center of your choice from the list and go to their class listing and look for Senior Fitness for information on EnhanceFitness. If you need help with registration, call the individual centers. **Classes are scheduled
(520) 305-3410 healthyliving.pcoa.org Small steps. Positive changes. Healthier living.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
A Matter of Balance® offered in person
The Katie PCOA Healthy Aging Center - Fitness Rm 600 S. Country Club Rd. August 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 am – 12 pm
Udall Park 7222 E. Tanque Verde Rd. June 13, 15, 20 22, 27, 29, July 6 and 11 Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 am – 12 pm
The Aging Mastery Program ® (AMP) classes in person Tuesdays, September 12 – November 14, 2023, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
A comprehensive approach to aging well. The program combines classes with expert speakers, group discussion and goal setting to help you gain new skills to make small meaningful changes in your life. Registration and Fee is payable in advance for all 10 weeks of the program. Limited spots available: Sign up now! Fee: $89/person if registered and paid by Tues., August 29. After Aug. 29, fee is $99/person (No refunds after Tues., August 29, 2023) Location: Offered in person at The Katie PCOA Healthy Aging Center (TEP Room), 600 S Country Club Rd The Aging Mastery Program ® (AMP) classes will explore: • Navigating Longer Lives • Exercise and You • Sleep • Financial Fitness • Healthy Relationships • Advance Planning • Healthy Eating and Hydration • Medication Management • Fall Prevention • Community Engagement
Contribution: $30.00 (covers your book and supplies) Tucson Estates 5900 W. Western Way Circle September 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 Tuesdays & Fridays 1 – 3 pm
A Matter of Balance® is a a workshop designed to reduce the fear of falling and help participants learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity and make changes to reduce fall risks at home. It includes 8 two-hour sessions for 10-15 participants and is led by trained coaches.
Join the adventure!
For more information and to register, contact Jennie at (520) 305-3410.
For more information and to REGISTER, call Pima Council on Aging, (520) 305-3409
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Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Dementia Tied to Hearing Loss — Likelihood of developing dementia was lower for older adults who used hearing aids by Judy George , Deputy Managing Editor, MedPage
The top modifiable risk factor for dementia prevention is hearing loss, which accounts for 8% of the global dementia burden according to a recent Lancet Commission report. "This study refines what we've observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia, and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access," co-author Alison Huang, PhD, also of Johns Hopkins, said in a statement. How hearing loss is linked to dementia isn't clear and studies point to several possible mechanisms. "Mediation analyses to characterize mechanisms underlying the association and randomized trials to determine the effects of hearing interventions on reducing dementia risk are needed," Reed and colleagues wrote. Information about hearing loss treatment and cognition from the 3-year randomized ACHIEVE trial is expected later this year. Judy George covers neurology and neuroscience news for MedPage Today, writing about brain aging, Alzheimer’s, dementia, MS, rare diseases, epilepsy, autism, headache, stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, concussion, CTE, sleep, pain, and more. Disclosures The research was supported by the National Institute on Aging. Reed disclosed a relationship with Neosensory. Co-authors disclosed relationships with Frequency Therapeutics, Apple, Cochlear, and Access HEARS. Primary Source JAMA Source Reference: Huang AR, et al "Hearing loss and dementia prevalence in older adults in the U.S." JAMA 2023; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.20954.
Hearing was assessed with a portable audiometer. Researchers calculated a pure tone average in the better-hearing ear as the mean of four frequencies -- 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz -- most important for understanding speech. Normal hearing was defined as a pure tone average of 25 dB or less, mild hearing loss was 26-40 dB, and moderate- to-severe loss was over 40 dB. About a third of participants (33.47%) had normal hearing after weighting; 36.74% had mild hearing loss, and 29.79% had moderate- to-severe loss. People with moderate-to- severe hearing loss tended to be older, male, and white, and had less education than others. Likelihood of developing dementia was lower for older adults who used hearing aids. The weighted prevalence of dementia was 10.27% overall. Dementia prevalence rose as severity of hearing loss increased: for normal hearing, it was 6.19%; for mild hearing loss, it was 8.93%; and for moderate-to-severe hearing loss, it was 16.52%. The study's cross-sectional design was a limitation. In addition, nursing home and residential care residents were excluded from the analysis because the researchers did not have cognitive data about them.
Moderate-to-severe hearing loss was linked with a higher prevalence of dementia, a cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries showed. Among 2,413 older adults in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), dementia prevalence among people with moderate-to-severe hearing loss was higher than it was among people with normal hearing (prevalence ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.09-2.38), reported Nicholas Reed, AuD, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, and colleagues. But among people with moderate-to- severe hearing loss in the study, hearing aid use was associated with a lower prevalence of dementia compared with no hearing aid use (prevalence ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-1.00), they wrote in a JAMA research letter. https://jamanetwork.com/ journals/jama/article-abstract/2800197 The findings support a recent systematic review and meta-analysis that showed treating hearing loss led to cognitive benefits. They also support the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids, which people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss now can purchase directly due to new regulations. Reed and colleagues used data from the continuous NHATS panel study of Medicare beneficiaries. The NHATS cohort was oversampled for age (53.3% were 80 or older) and race (18.8% were Black). Participant information collected through in-home interviews.
June 2023, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Minds for Life A Message from Lee Ryan, Professor and Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona Training the Next Generation in the Science of Aging
validated knowledge so that they can help direct and inform positive interactions with older individuals, both professionally and personally. At the University of Arizona , my colleagues and I recently launched a new undergraduate certificate program called “Insights into Healthy Aging” that provides students with in-depth understanding of the multiple dimensions of the aging process – biological, psychological and social – in the context of the individual and society. Our university is uniquely positioned to offer such an innovative program, because of our extensive multidisciplinary research expertise on aging and the impact of aging for the health, well-being, and quality of life for older adults. These faculty have created courses that help our students understand how aging affects cognitive, psychological, and social functioning, identify myths that perpetuate negative stereotypes of older people, and identify practical solutions aimed at enhancing quality of life for older adults and their caregivers. A unique feature of the certificate program is that all the courses include practical knowledge with a focus on problem solving and creating optimal solutions for real-world situations. Our students are also given multiple opportunities to interact with older adults in the community so that they can learn, from a different perspective, what ‘aging’ is really like. The undergraduate certificate program asks students to consider key issues in aging, including: • how cognitive, psychological, and social functions change as we age, and how are those changes different from Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders of aging, • the misconceptions about older adults in our society, and what impact do these myths have on the health and well-being of older adults, • how aging, and our beliefs about
As a scientist who studies the aging brain, I like numbers. So, let’s start with some truly staggering statistics: • By 2030, nearly 80 million individuals in the U.S. will be over the age of 65, and the fastest growing segment of the population are people over 85 years of age. • More than 50% of people plan to remain in the workforce beyond the typical retirement age of 65, resulting in a major shift in the workforce over the next 10-20 years. • 90% of older adults want to reside in their homes for as long as possible. • Approximately 1 in 9 individuals above 65 (around 12%) will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at some point in their lifetime. These are just numbers, but each one of them has major implications for our society. To meet these changing needs, careers in elder care industries are expanding rapidly, including senior living communities, individualized home services of all kinds, telehealth and home healthcare, memory care and rehabilitation facilities, and home hospice care. Government entities, public and private healthcare systems, corporate human resource departments, as well as practitioners in medicine, psychology, and law are all expanding and tailoring the services they provide to better serve the needs of the growing older adult population. Unfortunately, too often these service programs rely, at least in part, on myths and stereotypes about aging rather than scientifically validated information. For service providers, practitioners, caregivers, and policy makers, knowledge of the aging process is not only valuable, but also, in fact, imperative. We need to find ways to dispel the myths of aging, by providing people with scientifically
aging, differ across diverse cultural and ethnic groups, • how caregivers can provide optimal care while maintaining their own health and well-being, • the changing needs of the aging workforce, as people remain active beyond the typical age of retirement, • ways to help older adults remain independent and live fulfilling lives despite physical and health challenges, and • how we can better harness the immense resource of knowledge, expertise, and wisdom that older adults offer, as our society ages. We’ve also created a version of the program for professionals, caregivers, and anyone who may be interacting directly with older adults. By making the content available fully online, we hope that people with busy jobs and families will also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and enhance their skills. We’re excited about the opportunity to increase awareness and knowledge about issues that are so important for all of us, and our society, as we age. Check out our website if you’d like to know more about the Insights into Healthy Aging Certificate programs at https://psychology. arizona.edu/certificate-programs . To learn more about the Precision Aging Network, visit our website at https:// precisionagingnetwork.org/. If you’d like to learn about our research studies, or if you’d be interested in participating, send us an email at healthymindsforlife@email. arizona.edu. We’ll tell you about some great opportunities to get involved! Lee Ryan is a Professor and Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona. She is a researcher studying aging and Alzheimer’s disease and is a member of the Precision Aging Network.
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Pima Council on Aging
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