Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 23 - 25
April 2022 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Dementia Capable SoAZ • Medicare Presentation & SMP Info • Rights & Benefits: ALTCS Workshop • Caregiving • Healthy Living • PCOA Puzzle • Ending Life Well • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • CareGiver Training Institute
Public Health Month
• PimaCare at Home • HomeMatch Pima
P U B L I C AT I ON O F P I MA COU N C I L ON AG I N G , H E L P I N G P I MA COU N T Y AG E WE L L S I N C E 1 9 6 7
Independence. Vitality. Respect.
Inside • Aging in Our Community 3, 10, 27 • Dementia Capable SoAZ 4 • Medicare Presentations & SMP 5-6 • Rights & Benefits 7 - 8 • Caregiving 11 - 14 • Healthy Living 17 - 20 • PCOA Puzzle 21 - 22 • Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 23 - 25 • Ending Life Well 26, 31
• Senior Companion Program 28 • Neighbors Care Alliance 29 - 30 • Visibility Matters 32 • HomeMatch Pima 33 • Featured Artist 34 • CareGiver Training Institute, Healthcare Education by PCOA 35 • Introducing TheKatie.org & PimaCare at Home, In-Home Care by PCOA 36
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 2022. Editor Adina Wingate, (520) 790-0504 awingate@pcoa.org Editorial Assistant Jan Baker, (520) 790-0504 jbaker@pcoa.org Advertising Adina Wingate, (520) 790-0504 awingate@pcoa.org Design Consultant Lori Lieber, Lori Lieber Graphic Design lori@lorilieber.com 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. Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Issue APRIL 1 2022
On the Cover: Detail from Blue/Orange Calla Lilies by Trudy Ernst The Drawing Studio. (Story, full image on inside back cover) Help from PCOA During the Pandemic Due to the prevalence of the coronavirus in our community, we encourage the public to access our services by phone or email whenever possible. Our building at 8467 E Broadway is open for those requiring in-person assistance. We encourage you to call and make an appointment to ensure the right staff are available to assist you. Our building at 600 S Country Club is not currently open to the public. Please call or visit our website frequently for updates, as availability is subject to change as the public health crisis evolves. 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.
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Pima Council on Aging
Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Direct Care Workforce Shortage Grows One of the prevailing issues facing older adults, those who love them, and the sector that serves them is a severe and worsening direct care workforce shortage. Entry-level Direct Care Workers provide in-home assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, mobility, light chores, and shopping. A step up the career ladder, Certified Caregivers and Certified Nursing Assistants offer some of these same services, with additional ability to provide support and monitoring of medical concerns with appropriate supervision in-home or a facility. They may also apply skills such as medication administration and management as their training allows. These highly-skilled, underpaid and often under-recognized workers offer capable, compassionate, and critical care and are key members of our frontline healthcare defense. During the pandemic, frontline healthcare workers provided the support that allowed vulnerable adults to remain safely in their homes and care settings, work that has been more critical than ever during the public health crisis. Collectively, there are currently 4.6 million of these workers in the US, according to PHI National, which projects that between 2019 and 2029, the direct care workforce will add an estimated 1.3 million new jobs to meet rising demand - more new jobs than any other single occupation. Factoring
in high rates of turnover for the field, it is estimated that long-term care employers will need to fill 7.4 million job openings in direct care from 2019 to 2029. There was already a shortage of skilled direct care providers in our community prior to the pandemic, and with the significant labor migration currently taking place, that shortage has become much worse. PCOA has been sounding the alarm about this issue for several years. Today, more than 280 older adults who have qualified for and were found to be in need of in-home help through PCOA's case managed services are waiting for a Direct Care Worker to become available. That number has steadily risen over the past three years. We are not alone in facing this challenge - nearly 820,000 older or disabled Americans were on state waitlists for Medicaid’s home and community-based services in 2018, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study published last year. PCOA is continuing to tackle this critical challenge in a variety of ways, which you will hear more about in months to come. This has included work with local homecare agencies and our own non-medical homecare agency PimaCare at Home to implement a series of strategies to positively impact the issue. These include compensation and professional recognition challenges, potential career ladder opportunities, adequate training, and overall
employment challenges. In our most recent effort, PCOA is partnering with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to expand their Direct Care Workforce Resource program, which provides free training and support to prepare people to enter the direct care workforce. PCOA has invested in this work and launched a marketing campaign to encourage interest in both the program and direct care work as a career. Beyond what PCOA and our community partners can accomplish, a series of broader policy changes are needed. A component of the American Rescue Plan Act includes a specific program to enhance Medicaid-funded home and community based services. These one-time funds afford the opportunity to transform the home and community based services system and expand a well-trained workforce, implement retention strategies and provide a series of benefits for workers. This plan is being put into effect as we speak, and we hope to see these efforts increase the recruitment and retention of a high-quality caregiver workforce, in part by continuing to help with enhancing career pathways in healthcare. These efforts are a step in the right direction, but in themselves are not sufficient to address the growing shortage. An extensive plan to expand Medicaid coverage for (continued on page 10)
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Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
Early detection and intervention are key when working with individuals with cognitive decline, therefore, it is important to understand the signs of memory loss for yourself and your loved ones. Memory loss and cognitive decline are not a normal part of aging. Some mild changes in cognition are considered a normal part of the aging process, changes that are subtle and mostly affect the speed of thinking and attentional control. Being able to identify the difference between normal age-related decline and cognitive impairment is helpful for early intervention.
Common signs of memory loss:
• New problems with spoken or written words • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps • Changes in mood or personality • Repeating the same things over and over
• Daily problems with memory and thinking • A decrease in judgment, planning, or problem-solving skills • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place
Posada Life Memory Café! A welcoming place for those experiencing memory loss and their care givers. Be part of our community, we invite you to come socialize with others in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Date/time: Saturday, April 16, from 1–2pm Location: Posada Life Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave. Green Valley, AZ 85614 For the safety of all, attendees will be required to wear masks and observe physical distancing. RSVPs are encouraged, please contact Ellen March at 520.393.6840 or EMarch@casagv.org
If you are experiencing any of these signs, please give us a call. Early detection is crucial as it provides you and your family time to plan and receive access to treatment options. If you are concerned, Dementia Capable Southern Arizona offers free, brief screenings for memory loss. You can complete a referral online at
dcsa.pcoa.org or call the PCOA Helpline at 520.790.7262. Within 48 hours a certified Options Counselor will reach out to you. You may be asking yourself, “what is an Options Counselor and what do they do?” A referral to Dementia Capable Southern Arizona is received by a certified Options Counselor. Options Counselors are here to help you and your family navigate community resources, provide beneficial information, and assist in providing support in deciding what memory care and non- memory care services are best, among many other duties and responsibilities. First and foremost, we are here to support, build trust, and take time to get to know you and your family. David Torrez, one of our Options Counselors, has been working closely with ‘Fran’. She initially was referred to us by a friend who was worried about Fran’s memory loss. Fran would sometimes forget where she was driving to and how to get back home, and she would sometimes forget to correctly take prescribed medications. Fran and David would have bi-weekly phone chats; all to help create trust, respect, and a sense of comfort. When he first spoke with Fran several months ago, she was insistent that she was able to take care of herself and her home without too much assistance. They continued to schedule time to talk, not discussing her memory loss per her wish, but about her life, what she liked to do day-to-day. David approached it in a way that Fran herself could realize that she could use a bit of help around her home. We are here for you. We are here to listen to your concerns, fears, and apprehensions. We want to provide you and your family a sense of hope that memory care is available and accessible.
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Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Is this preventive service covered at 100% by Medicare? Preventive care is the care you receive to prevent illness, detect medical conditions, and keep you healthy. Medicare Part B covers many preventive services with no cost-sharing, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the guidelines below. Is it one of the services that Original Medicare covers at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount? Preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services task force are covered with zero cost-sharing, so you will not owe any deductible or coinsurance when you receive them. You can find a list of those services on the Medicare website page on Preventive & Screening Services (https://www.medicare. gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services). Do you meet the coverage criteria? For many of the covered preventive services, you have to meet certain criteria based on your age, gender, or certain risk factors. Your health care
What will happen during my Annual Wellness Visit?
The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider to create or update a personalized prevention plan. Medicare Part B covers the AWV if you have had Part B for over 12 months and you have not received an AWV or your Welcome to Medicare Visit in the last 12 months. At your Annual Wellness Visit, your doctor may: Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements Give you a health risk assessment, which might include a questionnaire that you complete before or during the visit Review your functional ability and level of safety Learn about your medical and family history Make a list of your current providers, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, and medications Create a 5–10-year screening schedule or checklist Identify risk factors and current medical and mental health conditions along with related current or recommended treatments Screen for cognitive impairment, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia Screen for depression
provider should be able to tell if you qualify. Are you seeing the right kind of provider?
Original Medicare: To get preventive services with no cost-sharing, you should see a provider that accepts assignment, also known as a Medicare-participating provider. Many providers accept assignment, but you should ask your provider in advance if they accept assignment. If you see a non-participating or opt-out provider, you may be responsible for part or all of the cost of your service. Medicare Advantage: It is usually best to receive services from an in-network provider. Contact your provider to learn if they are in-network for your plan or contact the plan to learn which providers are in-network. If you go out-of-network, you might be responsible for part or all of the cost of your preventive service.
Provide health advice and referrals to health education and/ or preventive counseling services aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting wellness The Annual Wellness Visit is not a head-to-toe physical. Medicare Part B covers the Annual Wellness Visit with no cost-sharing, but depending on your visit, you may be responsible for paying a facility fee and/ or cost-sharing on any diagnostic services you receive.
X X
Even if a preventive service is covered with no cost-sharing, you might be responsible for other costs. For example, you may have to pay a facility fee depending on where you get the service, and you may be charged for a doctor’s visit if you meet with a physician before or after the service.
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Pima Council on Aging
SMP Corner
What if I am billed for my preventive care? You should carefully review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and/or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious charges. If you think you were charged for a preventive service and should not have been, contact your health care provider first. Some providers are not familiar with the full list of Medicare- covered preventive services, and they may have made a simple mistake that can be corrected. Claims summaries and medical bills can be confusing, so it is usually a good idea to ask your provider questions before reporting activity as fraudulent.
Who do I contact with Medicare questions? Your doctor or other health care provider: If you would like to schedule preventive service, contact your doctor or health care provider. Additionally, reach out to your doctor or health care provider first if you believe you were inappropriately charged for a preventive service. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Contact your SHIP if you would like to learn more about how Medicare covers preventive services or if you are confused about why a provider is charging you for preventive care. SHIP counselors are certified and trained to provide individualized, unbiased Medicare information. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Contact your SMP if you believe a provider is fraudulently billing you for preventive services. SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. Medicare: Contact Medicare if you have questions about which preventive services Medicare covers, what eligibility criteria have to be met for certain services, and how to find a Medicare-participating provider. You can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or find information at www. Medicare.gov. (If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan to learn about their in-network providers.)
Why am I being charged for this service? Was there an error made?
You may be charged additional fees for certain services related to preventive care. For example: You may have costs for part of a preventive care visit if your doctor makes a diagnosis during the visit or conducts additional tests or procedures. Doctors do diagnostic tests and procedures when patients have distinct symptoms or a condition or history of that condition. For example, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp during a colonoscopy, the colonoscopy is diagnostic care and costs will apply. You may owe a facility fee depending on where you receive your preventive care service. For example, certain hospitals will often charge separate facility fees when you are receiving a preventive service.
If you still believe you are experiencing potential abuse, fraud, or being charged for a service you never received, you can contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). SMPs are trained to help you prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
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Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
Don't Believe It A co-worker got a call Monday purported to be from TEP, her utility provider: "You're late paying your bill and we're going to cut off your power within 45 minutes unless you act now." It's a scam, of course. If you get that call, just hang up. The call had all the hallmarks: A sense of urgency (act now or lose your power!); threatening, fear-inducing language (same); and just enough info to cause you to question yourself — "Gosh, DID I pay that last bill?" Yes, you did, and if you had not, they wouldn't be contacting you like that. And, you most certainly would have more than 45 minutes to pay up. Get a call like this? HANG UP and call TEP (look up the number in the phone book or online — do not call a number given by the scammer). Source: Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
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.
Join us in person. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: April 14, 2:30 p.m. MST.
Every month on the Second Thursday.
Location: PCOA Lupu Building 8467 E. Broadway Blvd.
Last month was National Consumer Protection Week ( March 6-12 ) and March 10 was National “Slam the Scam” Day - an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. The Slam the Scam prevention message is simple: • Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials,” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account. • NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash. • Report Social Securit scams to OIG.SSA.GOV. • Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
To register , go to: https://altcsapr22.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext 1750.
Masks are required and space is limited so please register soon.
Participants who would prefer a virtual training are invited to register for our May training held on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
Tax breaks for older adults
There are three types of tax programs for which you may be eligible:
• Applications made after October 1st , 2022, may only be eligible for a reduction to the second half of 2022 property taxes. • Additional restrictions may apply, contact the Pima County Assessor Valuation Relief team for more information. **These amounts are taxable income (non-taxable Social Security and Railroad Retirement are not included as taxable income) Call PCOA’s Helpline at (520)790-7262 or the Tax Assessor’s office at (520)724-8630 or AsrValRelief@pima.gov in Tucson for written information and application locations. The Senior Property Valuation Freeze Option may be filed if you meet the following criteria: • At least one of the owners must be 65 years of age by September 1 of the current application year. • The property must be the primary residence of the taxpayer (primary residence is defined as “that residence which is occupied by the taxpayer for an aggregate of nine months of the calendar year”). A taxpayer can only have one primary residence. Rentals, mixed use properties, and properties over 10 acres do not qualify. • The owner must have lived and owned the home for at least two (2) years prior to applying for the option. • The household’s (owner/s and residents) total income from ALL sources, including non-taxable income, cannot exceed $40,368 for an individual property owner or $50,460 for two or more property owners. • The annual application period is from February 28 (or after receipt of annual property valuation) until September 1, 2022. Under the terms of the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option, the evaluation of the older adult’s home can be ‘frozen’ at the current year’s valuation so that the value does not increase. The Pima County Board of Supervisors may still levy additional taxes. For more details about this program, Call PCOA’s Helpline at (520)790-7262 or the County Assessor’s office at (520)724-8630 in Tucson. 3
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The Arizona Property Tax Refund Credit, also known as the 140PTC, may be filed if you meet the following criteria: • Arizona resident for the entire year of 2021. • Age 65 or older by 12/31/2021 or a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). • Limited household income. Call PCOA’s Helpline at 520-790-7262 for income guidelines. • You paid property taxes and/or rent in 2021.
Call PCOA’s Helpline at 790-7262 in Tucson for 140PTC forms, or to make an appointment for assistance in completing this form. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE PIMA COUNTY ASSESSOR OR TREASURER OFFICES REGARDING THIS FORM. This program is available during normal tax season from January through April 18, 2022. The last day available for telephone appointments is April 7th. The last day for in-person appointments is April 15th. Appointments are limited. Qualifications for widow/widower and disability exemption applicants: • The applicant must be a widow, widower, or 100% disabled as of January 1 of the year you are filing for exemption. • The applicant must be a permanent Arizona Resident. • The applicant must be over the age of 17. • Income limitations ** o $34,901 for applicant, including spouse’s income and/or income of children over the age of 18 who reside in the home o $41,870 for applicant with dependent children under the age of 18 residing in the home o $41,870 for applicant with a disabled son or daughter over the age of 18 residing in the home (must be certified by a licensed Arizona medical authority as totally and permanently disabled) • The Assessed Value limitation is $28,459 Residential Property for each owner. • Applicants must have owned the subject property as of January 1 of the year you are filing for exemptions. • Applicants can file for current tax year only and not for any prior years. 2
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Pima Council on Aging
Information
Volunteer Opportunities at TMC for Seniors and PCOA
Book Club Facilitator • We have a wonderful book club in need of a facilitator (or two). Ongoing for over 15 years, this book group meets for two hours once each month. Facilitators should love to read and talk about books and be willing to help organize which books will be read. Walking Club Ambassador • Every other week when the weather is temperate (Oct – April) our walking club takes sets off from our office on an brisk walk around TMC for approximately an hour. Our walk ambassadors socialize with the walkers and help us to make sure walkers are safe during the walk. PCOA is a nonprofit organization dedicated helping our community age well through a network of programs and services, provided directly by our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. In everything we do, we advocate for the rights and needs of older adults. We provide resources and information to help older adults make informed choices and find solutions that are right for them. And, we offer education and services to help older adults live an independent, vibrant life. Please call PCOA if you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities below. Medicare Counselor • Medicare/Insurance Counseling volunteers are trained to assist clients at PCOA and selected community
Do you have extra time? Would you be willing to use some of it to help better the life of an older adult in our community? Two local organizations that support older adults are in need of volunteers. And, we couldn’t provide our services without the help of our volunteers. The benefits of volunteering include: meeting new people/making new friends; learning new skills and keeping your brain active; giving back to your community; and having fun!
centers and social service locations in Pima County to identify the coverage that best meets their needs. Volunteers receive 30 hours of initial training, and the program is affiliated with the State of Arizona Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP). For more details, please call 520-258-5062. Senior Companion • Make independence a reality for homebound older adults! As a Senior Companion, you can provide socialization by sharing an activity, escorting someone to a medical appointment, shopping together, writing letters, sharing a meal, or allowing family caregivers to have some respite. Volunteers serve a minimum of 15 hours a week, must income qualify and pass a background check. An hourly stipend and expense reimbursement are available, in addition to the use of a computer tablet with LTE service and tablet training while in service. For more details, please call 520-305-3453. Personal Budgeting Assistance (PBA) • PBA volunteers help prolong independent living in the community for low-income older adults who have difficulty managing their financial affairs. They may have had their utilities shut off, be in danger of eviction, or have experienced financial exploitation. Trained volunteers help older adults with their personal budget, write checks, and organize bills. Those who have been helped report improved peace of mind, stabilized finances, and being assisted with solving financial problems. For more details, please call 520-258-5062.
TMC is a non-profit community hospital with a department devoted to education, socialization and support for older adults. TMC for Seniors provides these free activities and much more for the public in a non-clinical environment. We are looking forward to opening our doors to attendees again and will need additional volunteers on our team to do this. Please take a look at the TMC for Seniors list below and call (520) 324-1960 to let us know if you are interested in volunteering in any of these positions or have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you! Administrative Support • This is a front office position that is perfect for someone who is comfortable with computers and programs such as Microsoft Word… and willing to learn how to use new programs. These volunteers will also answer our phone, greet visitors and assist them with their needs.
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Pima Council on Aging
Information
Direct Care Workforce (continued from page 3)
The shortage of workers to provide skilled, compassionate care is one of the seminal challenges of our time, not only for those of us working in the aging space, but for the 70% of us who will someday need their assistance. As the pandemic wanes, it will be all too easy for policymakers to lose sight of the critical lessons we have learned about the importance of direct care work over the past two
years. I encourage each of us to take every opportunity to talk with elected officials about the need for urgent action on this serious issue.
in-home care, increase and train the direct care workforce and raise wages was ultimately cut from the Biden administration's infrastructure bill. The administration has indicated an ongoing commitment to address these challenges at the federal level, though there is no current plan pending.
W. Mark Clark President & CEO
Learn more on page 27.
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
When Someone You Care about Refuses Help By Debra Waring , PCOA Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator
help with medications. The immediate response was “I don’t want a stranger in my house.” I then pointed out he was choosing the second option then which I would do the research. I would select three good places where he can live to have someone else cook the meals, and get his medications properly; and that he could choose which of the three places he wanted to live. This was a difficult choice for him, and some resistance was not easy for any of us. However, he was able to make choices for himself, within the boundary of him being safe. After two weeks of being in the assisted living place of his choosing, I spoke with him about how it was going. His comment to me was, “This is the best thing since sliced bread. The food is good, there is an exercise room I can use, and people are friendly.” Caregiving requires supporting independence, when possible, while also having boundaries for safety. It is hard sometimes to achieve both. Our family caregiver support team can offer support and problem-solving ideas for some of these challenges of how to keep folks independent while encouraging utilization of services. Call our intake folks and ask to connect with our Family Caregiver Support Program staff 520-790-7262.
It is important to identify perceptions and feelings about staying independent and barriers that might get in the way. An important gift to give someone you care about who might benefit from assistance, is to let them know how important their independence is and that you will support that in what ways are possible. Building trust and feeling supported is so important as challenges arise for older adults. If someone you care about feels you really do want to support their independence, they might be more likely to work with you in making that happen. Often, it is a matter of small steps. Instead of pointing out what they cannot do anymore (which might make them feel helpless and lowers their self-esteem), perhaps you can point out how assistance will keep them independent longer. An example might be losing weight because they are not cooking for themselves or eating well. One could suggest let’s try this home delivered meals program out for a month. If after a month you don’t like them, let’s try something else. Another help could be to express to them two or three options for getting the assistance they need and let them choose which one works best in their minds. This assumes they have the cognitive ability to make that choice. When my uncle did not realize he took three days’ worth of medications in one morning, it was no longer an option to not have help. I instructed him we had two options for him to choose from as I loved him too much for him to not be safe. He could choose the best option for him. Option 1: We hire help to come in and cook meals and
It can be frustrating when someone we care about has difficulty functioning independently yet refuses assistance. Although we cannot force this person in our lives to accept help, it is useful to understand the reasons behind resistance, and offer choices when possible. If we are going to have success keeping someone as independent as possible, which often requires help to do that, we would benefit asking ourselves a few questions. Here are some of the most common concerns expressed by those who don’t want help. Do any of these apply in your situation? • Is the person concerned about cost and being able to afford the help? • Do they truly believe they don’t have any needs and are doing “just fine thank you very much!” • Do they view assistance from an agency “welfare”, “charity” or “going on the dole”? • Perhaps they don’t want any stranger in their home or are fearful of possessions being stolen. • Relatives can feel the tasks I need done are the responsibility of my family and no one else. • Accepting assistance can feel like loss of control and independence. • Many folks are concerned about disclosure of finances, applications, interviews and being overwhelmed by it.
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – APRIL Three are currently being held by Zoom plus seven in person.
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. Questions or to RSVP : call Sam in Caregiver Support at (520) 790-7573, Ext. 3405 Participation in the groups can be in person (7 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. In–person support group participants are required to wear masks and social distance. 4/18, 3rd Monday, 1–2:30pm (Midtown) In Person 4/19, 3rd Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM 4/21, 3rd Thursday, 1:30–3pm Virtual ON ZOOM 4/25, 4th Monday, 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 4/26, Last Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) In Person
APRIL
4/4, 1st Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 4/5, 1st Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) In Person 4/7, 1st Thursday, 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 4/11, 2nd Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) In Person 4/12, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–7pm Virtual ON ZOOM 4/14, 2nd Thursday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person
“It’s a dance. We must maintain our balance if we are to steady the other.” — Anonymous
To reserve a space or if you have any questions, please contact Samuel at PCOA Caregiver Support, sbandiera@pcoa.org, 520-790-7573, ext. 3405
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Free training for informal, nonpaid family caregivers Caregiving Essentials: First Steps Training Schedule 2022 Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center 600 S. Country Club, 85716
Wednesday, April 13 Monday, May 9 Wednesday, June 8
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 (1:00 – 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://caregivingessentials22.eventbrite.com or call Pima Council on Aging, 520.790.7573 ext. 1750; ddeleon@pcoa.org For questions, call Debra Waring 520.790.7573 ext. 3407; dwaring@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. *Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 33 for details.
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Register through Eventbrite at https://meaningandhopeapr22.eventbrite.com For more information or to register in person, contact Donna DeLeon at PCOA 520-790-7573 ext. 1750, ddeleon@pcoa.org. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. Discussion topics: Week 1 – The Ambiguous Loss of Dementia: How Absence and Presence Coexist Week 2 – The Complications of Both Loss and Grief Week 3 – Stress, Coping, and Resiliency Week 4 – The Myth of Closure Week 5 – The Psychological Family Week 6 – Family Rituals, Celebrations, and Gatherings Week 7 – Seven Guidelines for the Journey, Part I Week 8 – Seven Guidelines for the Journey, Part II Week 9 – Delicious Ambiguity Week 10 – The Good-Enough Relationship Join a group of fellow caregivers as we discuss the complexities of ongoing loss associated with caring for someone with dementia and what to do about it. You will learn skills to help you stay strong, healthy, resilient, and positive so you can navigate the journey with healing and hope. This discussion series features videos based on the groundbreaking book, Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief by Pauline Boss, Ph.D., the nation’s leading expert on caregiver grief. Virtual 10-week Video Discussion Series Where: Virtual sessions will take place on Zoom When: Thursdays, April 21 through June 23 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm Finding Meaning and Hope
Presents
2022 Series Details Where: The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 Country Club Rd. When: Thursdays starting April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22 Time: 1:00 – 2:30pm Memory Care Support Series This 6-month series is designed for caregivers who are caring for a loved one with memory loss. We will walk through many aspects of this journey with you, from learning the basics of memory loss and dementia, to end of life planning. We will help you understand the changes that are occurring with your loved one without forgetting about your own self-care!
April 28
Dementia Friends, Brain Health and Early Detection Self-Care & Relationships: Building Support and Connections Memory Loss: Progression, Behaviors and Interventions Part 1
May 26
June 23
Class size is limited Register through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ pcoa-memory-care-support-series-190859 For more information or to register, contact Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext. 1750 or ddeleon@pcoa.org Memory Loss: Progression, Behaviors and Interventions Part 2 August 25 Caregiving Assists: Clever & Practical Tips and Tools Sept. 22 Transitions & Life Changes: Supports for the Journey July 28
Page 14 | April 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Information
Come Volunteer for PCOA! Take YOUR Shot!
In January we launched a new phase of our Take YOUR Shot campaign. The Take YOUR Shot campaign encourages our community members to get their COVID-19 vaccine, boosters, and flu shot. This new iteration of the campaign is multifaceted. In fact, you may have seen our advertisements on TV, social media, or in the newspaper, or you may have heard them on the radio. These past two months we’ve also been sending canvassers to neighborhoods to speak directly with Pima County residents about why it’s important to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and to help unvaccinated people find a vaccination location near them. This community outreach is essential to increasing the access people have and the accurate information they receive about vaccines, and it cannot be accomplished without community members like you! In February, one of our canvassers talked to someone at their door who was unvaccinated. He had been meaning to get vaccinated but didn’t have a plan and the right information about how to do so. Our canvassers were able to provide him accurate information and help him make a plan to get his COVID-19 vaccine the next day. That’s why we need YOUR help! We are currently seeking volunteers who will join us in making phone calls and knocking on doors in our communities. You don’t need to have prior experience and we will provide all of the training and talking points required.
Looking For Volunteers Come Canvass With Us! Talk to your neighbors about COVID vaccines, booster shots, and flu shots Inform your community about the importance of vaccines and encourage them to get theirs Connect people with local resources and available vaccine appointments
No experience needed! Anyone interested in volunteering to canvass for the Take YOUR Shot vaccination campaign email TakeYourShotVol@pcoa.org or call (520) 790-7573 x 1768.
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
Information
Curious about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease?
The image depicted contains models and is being used for illustrative purposes only.
A Screening Event for Brain Health
Take an active role in your health by visiting a community screening event. 4 Get 1:1 time with research physicians about brain health 4 Get a study-related personal assessment of thinking, learning, and memory There is no cost to attend and health insurance is not required. Those who attend may be eligible for a clinical research study that is exploring investigational options to stop or slow down the appearance of memory and thinking problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Pima Council on Aging 600 S. Country Club Road Tucson AZ, 85716 April 14th, 2022 at 9 a.m. 520-694-4429 or 520-694-4413
Register at:
TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3
Page 16 | April 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living Healthy Living with Chronic Pain offered in-person April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16* Mondays from 1 – 3:30 pm
Small steps. Positive changes. Healthier living. At least 91% of older adults have at least one chronic condition and 77% have two or more. Diabetes affects 23% of older adults, and 1 in 3 older adults fall every year in the U.S. Most falls can be prevented.
Healthy Living with Ongoing Health Conditions offered in-person April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31* Tuesdays from 10 am – 12:30 pm
600 S. Country Club Rd.
What: A six-week program for 2.5 hours once a week
Registered participants receive a copy of the newly updated book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain .
Registered participants receive a copy of the newly updated book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions .
Contribution: $30 (covers your book & supplies)
EnhanceFitness®
Community-based health promotion programs help individuals gain self-confidence in controlling symptoms; manage the progression of long-term and chronic, age-related conditions; and lead an active and productive life that most strive for. • Learn Practical Skills • Gain Self-confidence • Manage Fall Risks • Positive Changes & Healthier Living *Event subject to change due to health precautions. See page 33 for details. Call (520) 305-3410 for more information.
Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is:
The Katie PCOA Dusenberry Building 600 S. Country Club Rd., (Fitness Room) Mon., Wed., Fri. In-Person : 9 – 10 am and 10:30 – 11:30 am Remote: 10:30 – 11:30 am Tucson Estates (TENHN), 5900 WWestern Way Circle Tuesdays – 10:30 – 11:30 am, Recreation Hall Thursdays – 1 – 2 pm, Recreation Hall Fridays – 11 am– 12pm,Multi-PurposeHall
NEW Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center, 7222 E Tanque Verde Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 11 am – 12 pm COMING SOON Begining on April 4 Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W Ruthrauff Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 10:30 – 11:30 am Picture Rocks Community Center, 5615 North Sanders Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 10:30 – 11:30 am Drexel Heights Community Center, 5220 South San Joaquin Ave. Mon., Wed., Fri. – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage, https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/enhancefitness-classes-176939 . For assistance, call us at (520) 305-3410. The contribution fee is $36/month per participant. Masks are required for all participants and class size is limited to enable social distancing.
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
PCOA Partners with the Alliance for Aging Research Several years ago, PCOA was fortunate to partner with the Alliance for Aging Research, (AAR), to pilot the Flu & You campaign. This campaign created awareness about the importance and benefits of getting an annual flu shot among older adults. Community wide flu vaccine clinics were available for older adults to get their shot and obtain helpful information The AAR supports safe, effective vaccinations that help older adults maintain their best health and support longer life. Their “Our Best Shot” educational campaign underscores the importance of ensuring adherence to vaccination schedules as individuals age. This year, PCOA is partnering with AAR to pilot the educational webinar, A Dose of Knowledge: Safely Managing Your Pain. Webinar participants will learn how to safely chose the best pain medication for their health issue, proper dosing for that medication and ways to keep track of, store and dispose of their pain medication. Please join us for one of the upcoming webinars – Thurs., March 31 from 11 am – 12:00 pm or Thurs., April 28 from 2 – 3 pm. About the Alliance for Aging Research The Alliance for Aging Research is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the pace of scientific discoveries and their application to vastly improve the universal human experience of aging and health. The Alliance believes advances in research help people live longer, happier, more productive lives and reduce healthcare costs over the long term. For 35 years, the Alliance has guided efforts to substantially increase funding and focus for aging at the National
Safely Managing Your Pain: What You Need to Know
Do you know how to safely and appropriately manage your pain? Whether you turn to over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, prescription pain medications, or even non-drug therapies to help relieve your pain, it is important that you know how to use them safely and appropriately. Attend this workshop to learn how
DATE: _________________________________________________
TIME: __________________________________________________ Online Event Thurs., March 31, 11 am – 12 pm Thurs., April 28, 2 – 3 pm To register, go to https://safelymanagepain. eventbrite.com For assistance, call 520-305-3410 LOCATION: ____________________________________________ CONTACT: _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ RSVP TO: ______________________________________________
to safely choose, take, keep track of, store, and dispose of your pain medications.
Workshop materials produced by
HOSTED BY: ____________________________________________
www.agingresearch.org
Alliance for Aging Research
@Aging_Research
@agingresearch
Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration; built influential coalitions to guide groundbreaking regulatory improvements for age-related diseases; and created award- winning, high-impact educational materials to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. For more information, visit www.agingresearch.org
Page 18 | April 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
By Marty Twichell , EnhanceFitness Program Coordinator, PCOA’s Healthy Living Department We can make changes for ourselves that dramatically affect our lives. Exercise Scams: Have you been a victim?
Most of us have invested in an exercise or diet choice that we hoped would be the fix we were looking for. It seems unfair, sometimes, that losing weight or getting in shape is so much harder than gaining weight or losing aerobic capacity. Falling for something that looks like it could make a change easier seems reasonable. But the scam I am addressing here is the one we pull on ourselves. When I speak to groups on being motivated to make healthy changes, like exercise and physical activity and better eating habits, I really have no surprising new information. I have a lot of the latest research that confirms how the body responds to exercise, details about heart or bone health, studies about the consequences of a sedentary life style, and ways to breathe better, sleep better, and move better. The amount of good information out there is actually overwhelming. Researchers continue to plug away with different ways of basically saying the same thing: Physical activity is good for you. A healthy diet can change your life. Sitting too much is a bad thing. There are studies about remaining independent, addressing chronic conditions, and quality of life issues that all come at the same idea from different directions.
But we have some weird roadblocks to this whole idea. That’s the scam we pull on ourselves. We either ignore, avoid, deny, or use excuses to not be better to ourselves. Here are some ideas to avoid the scam: • Accept exactly where you are and be realistic about making changes • Listen to messages you give yourself and make them supportive and kind • Pick one new habit to incorporate into your life • Expect to have benefits that you might not see or feel • Don’t treat healthy habits like punishment • Get rid of one habit that is not helping you be healthy • Compare yourself to yourself, not to others • Invest in your health • Be your own good support system
30 Minute Standing Exercise With Marty https://thekatie.org/video-category/ healthy-tidbits-videos/ • Get outside help, support, ideas, guidance & training that’s helpful for you So, watch out for the scammer within that wants to keep you from making good choices for your life. Listen to the kind voice that supports you. Sometimes this is within and sometimes it is outside you. Embrace that voice!
April 2022, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
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