Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 23 - 25
May 2022 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Dementia Capable SoAZ: Memory Café Events • Medicare & SMP • Rights & Benefits: Event on May 25 • Caregiving: New Workshops • Healthy Living: Classes Happening Now! • PCOA Puzzle • Ending Life Well • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • Advocacy • CareGiver Training Institute • HomeMatch Pima • PimaCare at Home
Older Americans Month
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 • Dementia Capable SoAZ 4 • Medicare & SMP 5-6 • Rights & Benefits 7 - 10 • Caregiving 11 - 14
• Ending Life Well 26 • Advocacy 27
• 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 MAY 2 2022
• Community Lunch Program 15 • Volunteer: Take YOUR Shot 16 • Healthy Living 17 - 20 • PCOA Puzzle 21 - 22 • Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 23 - 25
On the Cover: Detail from Sonoran Grasses by Andy Rush 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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Page 2 | May 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Recognizing the Importance of Direct Care Workers You may recall that in my April column, I talked with you about the critical issue of the worsening shortage of qualified Direct Care Workers to serve care for older adults today and in the future. In this month’s column, we’re delving even deeper into some of the contributing factors, potential solutions, and what PCOA and our partners are doing to move the needle on this very important issue. A 2021 report from LeadingAge titled Feeling Valued Because they ARE Valued: A Vision for Professionalizing the Caregiving Workforce in the Field of Long- Term Services and Supports details the challenges faced by the direct care sector, and the pressing need to address them. LeadingAge proposes as series of actions to address challenges to the direct care workforce, including expanding the caregiver pipeline, enhancing training and education, facilitating career advancement, increasing compensation, and other systemic reforms. PCOA has boots on the ground in several of these arenas through our workforce development programs, and has legislative priorities focused on others. The overarching message of the report, however, which is consistent with other experts in the field, is that the workforce crisis cannot be solved until we as a sector and a society fully recognize the importance of Direct Care Workers and treat and compensate them accordingly.
The professional nature of this highly- skilled position is often overlooked, without recognition of the level of training and competence required to do it. Re- framing the issue through this lens is vital to solving its challenges. PCOA is taking action on a number of fronts. We have worked with the 13 local homecare agencies with whom we contract to provide care to our case managed clients to implement a series of strategies to positively impact this issue. We also own and operate a non- medical home health agency, PimaCare at Home, which primarily serves those in the Arizona Long Term Care System, or ALTCS, the long-term care branch of Medicaid. PimaCare at Home both employs Direct Care Workers to serve some of the most socially and economically disadvantaged members of our community, and provides a suite of initial and ongoing trainings for Direct Care Workers. In April 2020, PCOA acquired CareGiver Training Institute, which educates Caregivers and Nursing Assistants to prepare them to become certified workers in those fields. Research indicates sufficient training and preparation for caregiving work to be a significant factor in attracting workers to the field and reducing turnover. Over the past few weeks, you may have seen or heard the TV and radio direct care worker recruitment campaign PCOA is running in partnership with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. This campaign encourages community members in search of a fulfilling career to pursue direct care work, and leads them
to a program offered by United Way. The program pays for direct care worker training, fingerprinting, TB testing, and offers support to help individuals succeed. Our goal is not only to recruit more workers to the field in the immediate term, but also to test messages that are effective in doing so in our community. In light of today’s shortage of skilled workers across fields and the likely worsening of that shortage if left unaddressed, it is imperative that those of us working in the aging space take immediate and innovative action. Our ability to fill these openings with qualified caregivers depends on our ability to professionalize the caregiver workforce – and that begins with respecting the skill and competence of those doing the work, acknowledging their importance for the future of caregiving, and changing our practices accordingly.
W. Mark Clark President & CEO
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
Older adults play many vital roles in our community. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do so—and there is no “right” way. That is why the theme for Older Adults Month 2022 is Age My Way . This year’s theme focuses on
how older adults can age in their communities and live independently for as long as possible. That includes those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are some important things to keep in mind for those living with memory loss: • Planning: Express your wishes. Complete health care planning documents, a power of attorney, and/or an estate plan. If you live alone, it is important to make legal and financial plans now while you can participate in making decisions to ensure others know your wishes and what to do. As you are planning, do not forget to make a plan for your pets as well! • Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through activities such as volunteering. Work on filling your day with meaningful activities, such as doing puzzles, creating art projects, tending a garden, or socializing with friends and family. • Safety: There are many safety items to think about to help you stay independent for as long as possible. Look at ways you can make home improvements and modifications – grab bars, handrails, ramps, and shower chairs are all things that can make life a little easier and safer! • Connection: Stay socially active, encourage friends and family to call and visit regularly. Attend support groups and events such as Memory Cafés to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
May Memory Cafés! 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. Let It Be Café (now in person!) Date/time: Sunday, May 15, 1–2:30pm Location: Intermountain Centers, 401 N. Bonita Ave Tucson, AZ 85709 RSVPs are encouraged, please contact Marven Page at 520.477.2389 or MPage@ichd.net Posada Life Memory Café Date/time: Saturday, May 21, 1–2pm Location: Posada Life Community Center, 780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley, AZ 85614 RSVPs are encouraged, please contact Ellen March at 520.393.6840 or EMarch@casagv.org In accordance with CDC guidelines, masking at PCOA facilities is optional for staff, volunteers, and members of the public. CDC recommends people at high risk of serious illness from COVID 19 discuss when they should wear masks and other precautions with their healthcare provider. PCOA representatives will gladly put on a mask at your request. Participants at in-person event(s) will be expected to adhere to distancing and safety guidelines as provided. Guidelines for functions held in community sites not operated by PCOA may vary.
Diverse communities are strong communities. If you would like to learn how you can support those living with dementia, consider signing up to become a Dementia Friend. A Dementia
Friend learns about dementia then turns that understanding into action. We all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities! Sign up now: https://pcoadementiafriends.eventbrite.com (English) https://dementiafriendsesp.eventbrite.com (Spanish)
Page 4 | May 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Medicare Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services
When you see your provider for a visit (including your yearly “Wellness” visit), they may perform a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Signs of cognitive impairment include trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, managing finances, or making decisions about your everyday life. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and delirium can also cause confusion, so it’s important to understand why you may be having symptoms. Medicare covers a separate visit with your regular doctor or a specialist to do a full review of your cognitive function, establish or confirm a diagnosis like dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and develop a care plan. You can bring someone with you, like a spouse, friend, or caregiver, to help provide information and answer questions.
During this visit, your doctor may:
• Perform an exam, talk with you about your medical history, and review your medications. • Create a care plan to help address and manage your symptoms. • Help you develop or update your advance care plan.
• Refer you to a specialist, if needed. • Help you understand more about community resources, like rehabilitation services, adult day health programs, and support groups. The Part B deductible and coinsurance apply.
Source: Medicare & You Handbook 2022 (The official U.S. government Medicare handbook), pp:34
Click on the following link https://pcoa.org/ways-we-help/medicare.html/ for up-to-date information about Medicare resources, including presentation schedule, at PCOA or call 520.546.2011 for more information.
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
SMP Corner
Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty to $870,000 Kickback Scheme
A Florida man pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Florida for a scheme to receive kickbacks and bribes in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries to five South Florida home health agencies for services that the patients did not need and, in many cases, never received. Ernesto Espinosa, 71, of Miami, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to court documents, from January 2010 to June 2015, Espinosa and his co-conspirators paid kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries to recruit them for referral to home health agencies. Espinosa also coached the Medicare beneficiaries, who did not need home health services, on what to say to obtain home health prescriptions from doctors. In exchange for referring these beneficiaries, Espinosa solicited and received kickbacks and bribes from the home health agencies. Espinosa and the home health agencies attempted to disguise these kickbacks and bribes by routing them through shell companies controlled by Espinosa. The home health agencies then submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for services that were not medically necessary and typically not even provided. As a result of this fraud, Espinosa and his co-conspirators caused Medicare to make payments of approximately $870,000 for the bogus claims. Espinosa personally netted approximately $630,000 from the scheme. Espinosa is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24 and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent
in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kelly M. Lyons, Alexander Thor Pogozelski and Jamie De Boer of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/patient-recruiter-pleads-guilty- 870000-kickback-scheme
If you suspect Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, address it immediately by taking these steps: 1. Rule out error 2. Get help from your SMP 3. Get help from other sources
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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.
Does an older person in your life need some help getting their finances back on track? The Personal Budgeting Assistance program prolongs independent living in the community for older adults who have difficulty managing their financial affairs. They may suddenly be in charge of the household finances, or due to a vision or physical disability be unable to manage check writing and have no one else to assist them.
Please join the ALTCS Presentation on Zoom from your computer, tablet or phone. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: May 12, 2:30 pm MST Join Zoom Meeting https://bit.ly/3xqKcO9
Or call +1 669 900 9128 US Meeting ID: 851 3331 2275 Passcode: 114461
Eligibility limits apply. For more information contact Jennie Cunningham at (520) 305-3410 or jcunningham@pcoa.org. • Help set up a list of monthly income and expenses • Write checks from a designated account for client signature Our trained volunteers can: • Help sort, mail and organize bills for payment • Balance checkbooks
To register , go to: https://altcsmay22.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at 520.790.7573 ext 1750. The ALTCS workshop is held every month on the Second Thursday. Participants who would prefer an in-person training are invited to register for our June training held on Thursday, June 9.
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
New Online Tool to Get Started Applying For SSI Individuals have a new way to let SSA know they want to apply
June 15th
for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) using an online tool that was just released by the Social Security Administration. Applicants and individuals assisting applicants can now use this online tool to request an appointment to apply
Social Security to Offer Self-Attestation of Sex Marker in Social Security Number Records Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency will offer people the choice to self-select their sex on their Social Security number (SSN) record. The agency anticipates this option will be available in the fall of 2022. “The Social Security Administration is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring the fair treatment of the LGBTQ+ community by updating our procedures for Social Security number records,” said Acting Commissioner Kijakazi. “This policy change will allow people to self- select their sex in our records without needing to provide documentation of their sex designation.” People who update their sex marker in Social Security’s records will need to apply for a replacement SSN card. They will still need to show a current document to prove their identity, but they will no longer need to provide medical or legal documentation of their sex designation once the policy change becomes effective. SSN cards do not include sex markers. In February 2022, the agency issued guidance instructing employees to accept evidence documents that contain non-binary identifiers (e.g., “X”) for original SSN and replacement SSN card applications, and other updates to the agency’s internal SSN records. The agency is exploring possible future policy and systems updates to support an “X” sex designation for the SSN card application process.
for SSI benefits. The request establishes a protective filing date that will be used as the application date, so long as the individual submits an SSI application within 60 days. Establishing a protective filing date is important because the protective filing date is used to determine when an individual can start receiving SSI benefits. An individual only needs to provide basic information to make the online request. After the individual submits the request, the Social Security Administration will schedule an appointment to apply for benefits by phone and send notification of the appointment within 7-14 business days. An individual can also indicate a "priority life circumstance," such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or recent release from incarceration, that will prompt an SSA employee to attempt to contact the applicant by phone within three business days, to apply for SSI at that time or schedule an appointment to apply. More detailed policy guidance about the online tool can be found in EM-22015 (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/
reference.nsf/lnx/03182022081215AM) Source: National Center on Law & Elder Rights (NCLER)
Page 8 | May 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
Older Americans’ Cybercrime Losses Soared to 3 Billion in 2021
Please Join Us
Vulnerable Adult Exploitation Crisis
Who: Doug Clark, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division Southern AZ White Collar and Criminal Enterprise Section What: Talk - Vulnerable Adult Exploitation Crisis
Cybercrime reported to the FBI cost Americans 50 and older nearly $3 billion last year, a 62 percent increase from 2020, according to data from the bureau. The steep rise in dollar losses came despite a drop in incidents reported by older adults to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Americans ages 50 and over filed 166,831 complaints with the cybercrime unit in 2021, down from 191,768 the year before. The FBI’s 2021 “Elder Fraud Report,” issued April 5, shows a similar trend across generations, with scam report numbers stable or declining but losses spiking for all age groups. Older adults continue to bear the heaviest cost from online crime, though, with an average loss per incident of $17,662 for people 50 and up, compared with $10,166 for younger adults.
Where: The Katie, 600 S Country Club, TEP Room, and also via Zoom.
When: Wednesday, May 25, 1 pm Why: To highlight the prevalence of financial exploitation of older adults and how to avoid it. If you prefer to attend in person, please use this link to register. Please keep in mind that seating is limited. https://exploitation.eventbrite.com (In person) If you prefer to attend virtually, please register with the link below. https://exploitationvirtual.eventbrite.com (Via Zoom)
Or RSVP to Donna DeLeon, ddeleon@pcoa.org, 520.790.7573 x1750
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May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information
AARP Scams and Fraud: Older Americans
(continued from previous page)
• Identity theft ($59 million, 8,902 cases) • Lottery, sweepstakes and inheritance scams ($53.6 million, 2,607 cases) • Online shopping scams ($52 million, 13,220 cases) FBI Top Tips to Prevent Cybercrime • Resist pressure to act quickly. Scammers seek to create a sense of urgency or fear to spur immediate action. • Don’t provide personally identifiable information or make payments to someone you have only met online. • Keep antivirus and security software on your devices up to date. If you get a suspicious pop-up or locked screen, immediately disconnect from the internet and turn off the device. • Do not open emails or click on attachments or links you do not recognize or were not expecting. • Research online and social media ads before purchasing any advertised items to determine if a product or company is legitimate. • Stop communicating with the perpetrators, even if, as is likely, they continue trying to make contact. If you encounter an online scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and contact your local FBI field office. You can also get help from the
While tech support scammers typically impersonate familiar software, cybersecurity and e-commerce brands, the IC3 has seen “an increase in complaints reporting the impersonation of customer support, which has taken on a variety of forms, such as financial and banking institutions, utility companies or virtual currency exchanges,” the report states. Crypto gains currency with scammers Another key finding: Older victims in tech support, romance and other scams are increasingly being asked to pay in cryptocurrency. Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple are “becoming the preferred payment method for all types of scams,” the FBI warns. Fraud losses in which cryptocurrency was a factor, as a scam subject or a medium for payment, leaped from about $55 million in 2020 to more than $241 million last year. Crypto is now “extremely pervasive in investment scams, where losses can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars per victim,” the report states. Investment fraud generally — whether involving cryptocurrency, Ponzi and pyramid schemes , or old-school stock scams — was also more pervasive in 2021, siphoning $239.5 million from Americans age 60-plus, more than in the previous two years combined, according to the IC3. These were also among the costliest fraud types last year targeting those ages 60 and up. • Real estate and rental fraud ($102.1 million in losses from 1,764 cases) • Government impostor scams ($69.2 million, 3,319 cases)
Bigger bite from tech support, romance scams Overall, nearly a quarter of last year’s total cybercrime losses were borne by people 60 and older, the population that is the focus of the new report. Tech support scams, investment fraud and what the bureau terms “confidence fraud” — cons that play on victims’ emotions and affections, primarily via romance scams — were major drivers of rising fraud costs, collectively accounting for more than half of that age group’s losses. Confidence frauds, which also include grandparent scams, were the costliest cons for older adults, with 2021 losses topping $432 million for victims age 60 and up, a 54 percent increase from the prior year. But it’s tech support scams — in which crooks posing as IT pros from well-known tech companies charge hefty fees to fix fabricated computer problems — that have seen the most explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. This con was the most commonly reported by people 60 and older last year, with 13,900 complaints, more than double the 2019 number. Losses from tech support scams grew more than sixfold over the same span, from $38.4 million in 2019 to nearly $238 million in 2021.
U.S. Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311).
Source: AARP by Andy Markowitz, AARP, April 5, 2022
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving Adjusting to Changing Dance Scenes Over the Years
• Using “I” statements One might say to a family member, “I could really use your help with caring for dad” or “I can take dad to the doctor this time, if you will take him next month.” These statements set clear intentions and thus help to maintain a relative degree of peace. • Children and Pets Research has shown that children or pets, perhaps in small doses at times, can have a positive impact for many folks on stress reduction. It is useful to find out and regularly return to those things that you or your loved one find pleasant. Jeremiah and I still step on each other’s toes from time to time but, as we adjust to each “new normal”, our brotherly dance becomes more and more complementary. Yes, it takes a bit of work and quite a bit of perseverance, still it’s all a labor of love to the best of our respective abilities. Ultimately, we need never to remain alone so long as we continue to seek out connection with compassionate friends and understanding confidants. Our family caregiver team is available to you as you go through life changes. Please feel free to contact the PCOA helpline at (520) 790-7262 and ask for Family Caregiver Support. All contacts are confidential. Take good care!
By Samuel Bandiera, PCOA Family Caregiver Support
how we will make some of our choices while still trying to maintain our own physical and mental health. As it turns out, we can and at times necessarily need to make hard choices so as to help all of us deal with these life changes. Such is the case with many family caregivers, so many whose lives have become unsettled by the changes in their family dynamics. Often an issue is our trying to regain the balance which will allow us to move forward with grace during these and other life changes. Adjustments need to be made in the "dance steps” of both our loved ones and ourself. Sometimes this takes the form of employing help from other family members, friends, neighbors and other folks in our community. As it turns out, we simply cannot and thankfully need not try to do it all ourselves. Help from others, especially from those who understand the struggle, is available. Here are a few coping strategies that we’ve found helpful: • Developing routines Having as much of a set schedule as possible can keep us grounded. Getting into a routine of care can remind us that while many things are changing, some things remain intact. • Self-care What gives us energy? Is it good music, being in nature, time with friends or a good book? Do I need to get away for a little respite? Might I benefit from seeing a counselor or attending a support group to know that I am not alone?
Coping Strategies for Life Changes When I first started competitive dancing in grade school, I had two left feet. My various dance partners and I stepped on each other's toes quite a bit, though not intentionally. Over time, I got better and so did my dance partners. My classmate Amy and I actually won our junior high dance contest! Later, such youthful dancing went by the wayside as my partners and I got older. We still enjoy dancing, albeit to slower music these days. Things change over time and the dance continues. As we experience the world through our own perceptions, unforeseen circumstances enter the picture and, by their very existence, sometimes put us out of balance. COVID-19 and all that has followed is a profound example of this. Also profound are the drastic changes that some folks experience when a loved one becomes ill in some fashion. My good friend Jeremiah has experienced ongoing memory loss over the past several years. It takes a renewed effort, sometimes daily, to respond to the changes that he continues to undergo; and though he remains like a brother to me, our relationship has necessarily changed. Some of these changes are simply too much to handle and so his family and I have needed to be creative in our caregiving. As caregivers, we can find ourselves in situations that we were simply not prepared for. It challenges us to consider
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – MAY Five are currently being held by Zoom plus six 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 (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. In–person support group participants are required to wear masks and social distance. 5/16, 3rd Monday, 1–2:30pm (Midtown) In Person 5/17, 3rd Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM 5/19, 3rd Thursday, 1:30–3pm Virtual ON ZOOM 5/23, 4th Monday, 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 5/31, Last Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) In Person
MAY
5/2, 1st Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 5/3, 1st Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) In Person 5/5, 1st Thursday, 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 5/9, 2nd Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) In Person 5/10, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–7pm Virtual ON ZOOM 5/12, 2nd Thursday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person
“Resistance is never the agent of change. You have to embrace the actions that are going to get you closer to your goal.” — Ali Vincent
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
Page 12 | May 2022, Never Too Late
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 If staying for both, bring your own lunch. Coffee and water available.
Monday, May 9 Wednesday, June 8 Wednesday, July 13 Tuesday, August 9
Friday, September 16 Wednesday, October 12 Monday, November 7
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 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. *Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 33 for details.
May 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 - 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!
May 26
Self-Care & Relationships: Building Support and Connections Memory Loss: Progression, Behaviors and Interventions Part 1
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
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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: www.pcoa.org/ways-we-help/ meals-nutrition.html/ Click on “View Monthly Menu” This Month’s Menu
COMMU N I T Y L U N C H C E N T E R S N E A R YO U
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 520-624-1562 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.
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15
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.
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Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
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 Conditions .
Contribution: $30 (covers your book & supplies)
EnhanceFitness®
Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is:
NEW Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center, 7222 E Tanque Verde Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 11 am – 12 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning May 2 • Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S. Randolph Way, Bldg. 1 , 9 – 10 am • El Pueblo Recreation Ctr., 101 W. Irvington Rd., Activity Center, Bldg. 9 – 11 am – 12pm • El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. – 11am – 12 pm • Clements Regional Ctr., Fitness Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. – 8:30 – 9:30 am
The Katie PCOA Dusenberry Building 600 S. Country Club Rd., (Fitness Room) Mon., Wed., Fri.
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. Call Jennie at (520) 305-3410 for more information. • 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.
In-Person : 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
Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage, https://www.eventbrite.com/ cc/enhancefitness-classes-176939 . Thursdays – 1 – 2 pm, Recreation Hall Fridays – 11 am– 12pm,Multi-PurposeHall 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
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.
Pre-registration for these classes is through the Pima County Parks and Recreation website at https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one. aspx?portalId=169&pageId=391 Chose the center of your choice from the list and go their class listing, look for EnhanceFitness to register.
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Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
A Matter of Balance offered in person
May 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25* Mondays & Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm
May 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, June 2, 7, 9* Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Udall Park, (Media Room) 7290 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
600 S. Country Club Rd.
Contribution Fee: $30.00 (covers your book and supplies) Many older adults become concerned about their balance and falling as they age. They may experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. It includes 8 two-hour sessions for a small group of 8-15 participants led by a trained facilitator.
The program enables participants to achieve significant goals. They gain confidence by learning to: • Overcome the fear of falling and learn to view falls as controllable • Set goals for increasing activity • Recognize fall hazards • Make changes to reduce fall risk at home • Exercise to increase strength and balance What do participants learn?
Who should attend?
The program is designed to benefit older adults who: • Are concerned about falls • Have sustained falls in the past • Restrict activities because of concerns about falling • Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
• Are age 60 or older, community-dwelling and able to problem solve
For more information and to register, contact Jennie at (520) 305-3410.
*Events subject to change due to health precautions. See page 33 for details.
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Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living What's More Accurate, Blood Pressure Readings at Home or Doctor's Office? By HealthDay News
Regular blood pressure readings at home are more accurate for diagnosing high blood pressure than those taken at a doctor's office, according to a new study. "Blood pressure varies a lot over the day … and one or two measurements in clinic may not reflect your average blood pressure," said study author Dr. Beverly Green, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. "Home blood pressure monitoring allows you to collect many more readings and average these." The study included 510 adults at high risk of developing high blood pressure. They were divided into groups who got blood pressure readings in three different ways: at home; in a Kaiser clinic; or at kiosks in pharmacies and other locations. All of the patients also received 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is the gold standard for diagnosing high blood pressure, but it's not widely available for use. The portable device is worn continuously for 24 hours, providing blood pressure readings every 20 to 30 minutes during the day and every 30 to 60 minutes at night. The researchers found that blood pressure readings taken at home were consistent with ABPM, according to findings published online March 3 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine .
found that patients preferred taking their blood pressure at home." It's believed that millions of U.S. adults have untreated high blood pressure, which can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other problems. When high blood pressure is diagnosed, doctors typically prescribe drugs to get levels under control. More information For more on high blood pressure, go to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ health/high-blood-pressure). SOURCE: Kaiser Permanente, news release, March 3, 2022
Compared to ABPM, readings at clinic visits were significantly lower for the systolic measure. The systolic reading measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. It's the top number in a blood pressure reading (https:// medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure. html). Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure in your arteries between heart beats. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. Blood pressure readings from kiosks were significantly higher than ABPM readings, resulting in a higher likelihood of overdiagnosis of high blood pressure. "Home blood pressure monitoring was a better option, because it was more accurate than clinic blood pressure readings," Green said in a Kaiser news release. "Furthermore, a companion study
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living Having a pet could help you stay sharper as you age according to a new study — here’s how If you’re a pet owner, you probably
already believe in the value of spending more time cuddling with your animal friends. But in case you were on the fence, there’s some new scientific research to suggest that long-term pet ownership could actually be good for your brain, even helping to slow cognitive decline in older adults. A preliminary study released Wednesday by researchers at the University of Michigan linked owning a pet for five or more years to delayed aging in the brain in adults around the age of 65. The new data is expected to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 74th Annual Meeting in Seattle in April. “Prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress,” Dr. Tiffany Braley of the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who authored the study, said in a press release. However, she added, “our results suggest pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline.” The researchers looked at cognitive data from an existing study of more than 1,300 older adults with an average age of 65 who all had normal cognitive skills at the start of the study. Of those participants, 53% owned pets with 32% of them describing themselves as long-term pet owners, meaning that they had owned a pet for five years or more. The researchers measured cognitive function based on tests administered to
study participants over a six-year period, including number counting, subtraction problems and word recall tests. Based on how participants performed on those tests each year, they received a cognitive score ranging from 0 to 27. The Michigan researchers found that over the six-year period, cognitive scores decreased at a slower rate in pet owners than non-pet owners. The difference in cognitive decline was even stronger among long-term pet owners. On average, long-term pet owners had a cognitive score 1.2 points higher compared to participants without pets. What’s more, the researchers also found that the cognitive benefits of pet ownership in older people were even greater in Black participants, men, and seniors with a college education, according to the report. More than 88% of the study’s participants were white, 7% Black, 2% Hispanic and 3% were of another ethnicity or race.
While Braley said more research is still needed to confirm their results, she believes that past research showing pets reducing owners’ stress levels could be one explanation of this study’s results. “Stress can negatively affect cognitive function,” she said, which means lower stress levels could help slow cognitive decline. Past research has also shown that owners of pets, especially dogs, are more likely to exercise and walk more often than non- pet owners. That additional exercise could be a boost to your brain as well as your body, according to Braley. “A companion animal can also increase physical activity, which could benefit cognitive health,” she said. SOURCE: Scipioni, J. (2022, February 24). Having a pet could help you stay sharper as you age, according to a new study — here’s how. CNBC.
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Pima Council on Aging
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