Never Too Late Para información en Español ver páginas 19 - 22
December 2022 What’s News • Aging in Our Community • Community Needs Survey + • Dementia Capable SoAZ • Medicare Open Enrollment • Rights & Benefits • Caregiving • Healthy Living: Classes Happening Now! • PCOA Puzzle • Ending Life Well • Neighbors Care Alliance • Visibility Matters • Advocacy • Senior Companion Program • CareGiver Training Institute • PimaCare at Home
Season of Giving!
PUBLICATION OF PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, HELPING PIMA COUNTY AGE WELL SINCE 1967
Independence. Vitality. Respect.
Inside • Aging in Our Community 3 • Dementia Capable Southern Arizona 4 • Medicare & SMP 5 - 7 • Rights & Benefits 8 • Caregiving 9 - 11 • Community Lunch Program 12 • Healthy Living 13 - 16 • PCOA Puzzle 17 - 18 • Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde 19 - 22 • Ending Life Well 23
• Visibility Matters 24 • Advocacy 25
• Senior Companion Program 26 • Neighbors Care Alliance 27 - 28 • Philanthropy: FreeWill & Thank you to 2022 Partners 33 • Featured Artist 34 • CareGiver Training Institute, Healthcare Education by PCOA 35 • 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) 790-7573 ext. 5067 awingate@pcoa.org Editorial Assistant Jan Baker, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5076 jbaker@pcoa.org Advertising Adina Wingate, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5067 awingate@pcoa.org Design Consultant Lori Lieber, Lori Lieber Graphic Design lori@lorilieber.com
On the Cover: Detail from Head Over Heels, 40”h x 16”w, acrylic by Linda Smalley, The Drawing Studio. (Story, full image on inside back cover)
Help from PCOA During the Pandemic
Due to the declining rate of COVID-19 transmission in Pima County and updated guidance from the CDC and Pima County Health Department, PCOA revised its guidance to staff and volunteers, and when interacting with members of the public, effective October 1, 2022. We encourage the public to access our services by phone or email whenever possible. Please remember that although masking in PCOA facilities continues to be option, the following guidelines are still in effect: All staff are expected to offer to wear masks and wear them when requested. PCOA will continue to supply surgical masks and KN95s to staff, volunteers and members of the public entering our facilities as requested. • Our building at 8467 E. Broadway Blvd. is open for those requiring in-person assistance. • Our building at 600 S. Country Club Rd. 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. 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
Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Issue DECEMBER 2 2022
Please include a contact person name and phone number with all submitted material. All articles are subject to editing in accordance with technical and policy guidelines but will not be altered in content without permission of the author. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed. Ads are not to be considered as PCOA endorsements of products, services, or individuals.
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Read Never Too Late online at nevertoolate.pcoa.org
Page 2 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
As we enter this special season of the year, I am even more faced with the awareness that costs have skyrocketed for the most fundamental human needs like food and housing. While this is a hardship felt by many of us, older people are especially vulnerable. It comes down to simple and very stark math- retirement and social security income is static while the cost of living is ballooning. For many people on a fixed income, it’s a massive struggle to afford basic necessities , and one unexpected expense like a home repair or rent increase can send a household spiraling into crisis. Folks don’t have enough to pay for the steep rent increases and high prices cascading across our community. People in their seventies and eighties are encountering the possibility of life on the streets, something they never in their lifetime thought they’d have to face. We are working tirelessly to help those who come through our doors in dire straits. Older adults right here in Pima County are facing unprecedented crises and homelessness and we can’t address this issue without your help. By donating to PCOA you are helping people like Shirley and Mando, a married couple in their eighties who walked through our doors feeling like they had nowhere to turn . After renting the same place for over 20 years, their home was sold to an investor, and they couldn’t find anywhere else with affordable rent.
They were calling homeless shelters but wouldn’t be able to take their beloved cat with them and were heartbroken at the thought of losing her. The PCOA intake staff immediately connected Mando with the community crisis response team to get him the mental health assistance he needed. We also helped them navigate requests to several of our affordable housing community partners, and they found a home that was opening up soon. PCOA paid for Mando, Shirley, and their cat to stay at a motel for a couple of nights so they wouldn’t have to sleep on the streets until they could move to their new home. We wish we could tell you that every housing crisis is resolved this tidily. The sad fact is that we do the best we can for everyone who comes through our doors, but we have no ongoing funding for housing assistance and the amount of help we can provide is directly proportionate to how many donations come in from supporters like you. When you contribute to PCOA you are giving a life-changing gift to people like Wallace. He bought his Tucson home in the 1980s and has lived there ever since. As an injured war veteran with a fixed income, he couldn’t keep up with the cost and physical demands of home maintenance. When his water heater stopped working 5 years ago, Wallace started heating water on the stove and transporting it to his tub to bathe.
When his mobility further declined to the point of needing a walker, Wallace realized he could no longer safely haul boiling water across his home. He called PCOA for help and within days our home repair program had delivered a water heater to his home, covered the cost of installation, and as well as installing grab bars in his shower. Wallace can live at home safely and independently because of the help he received from PCOA. We are proud and honored to be doing this work, but it is impossible without your help. When you make a gift to PCOA you are quite literally saving the lives of older people. PCOA is doing the critically important work of making sure that older people have their basic needs met and can live their later years without the shadow of food insecurity or homelessness. During this season of giving, we hope you’ll give older adults the gift of empowerment and dignity. Thank you for for being a friend to older adults in our community, and I wish you a health and happy new year. With gratitude,
W.Mark Clark President & CEO
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
The holidays are in full swing! Here are 5 tips to remember to help keep this time joyful and manageable for you and your loved ones: • Focus on the real priorities this season. Gratitude and spending time together with loved ones. This might look like writing letters or emails of gratitude to family and friends. The holiday activities might be different this year, but the important thing is to try to appreciate the time you spend with family and friends, regardless of what you’re doing during that time. What matters most is their presence, not presents! • Let guests know what to expect in advance. Before you arrive at a get- together or have visitors over, check in with them to make sure they know any changes in behavior in your loved one with dementia. Give them tips on how to engage in positive communication, including be patient and allowing time for the person to process what is being said and respond. • Take part in meaningful, inclusive activities. Include adjusted and adapted activities and traditions such as watching holiday movies. Nostalgia and meaningful memories for the person living with dementia such as looking through photo albums. Involving the person living with dementia in holiday preparations such as planning the menu and decorating are great activities. • Keep your routines as much as possible. Routines are very important and helpful for those living with dementia. While it is good to include a variety of activities throughout the days and weeks, try not to deviate too much from your usual daily routines.
• Give back to yourself. It is the season of giving, but don’t forget to give yourself some TLC. When you take care of yourself, you ensure that you are helping to keep yourself healthy and enabling yourself to provide the best care possible for your loved one. Make self-care a priority. December is the Seasons of Giving. One of our most valuable gifts we can give is that of our time. • Consider taking a Dementia Friends Information Session and become an advocate to make your community dementia friendly! o Find scheduled trainings at: DCSA | Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite. com/cc/dcsa-1070149) • Make it a point to get in touch and stay in touch with people you know who are living with dementia or their caregivers to reduce the sense of isolation. • Volunteer for programs that help those living with dementia and their caregivers, such as Memory Cafés, respite programs, and being a Dementia Friends Champion. • Participate in research studies through programs such as Alzheimer’s Association or the University of Arizona. o Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical- trials) o Participate in a Research Study | Psychology (arizona.edu) (https:// psychology.arizona.edu/research/participate-research-study)
Page 4 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Open Enrollment Ends December 7, 2022. There Is Still Time To Review Your Medicare Coverage.
Plans may change both their prices and the medications that they cover every year. Check whether your plan has the lowest prescription costs. Pima Council on Aging Medicare counselors can help you: Add or change plans Return to Original Medicare Understand your Annual Notice of Change
Get help paying your Part B premium and/or Part D drug costs Find plans that offer the lowest costs for prescriptions you take. Pick up plan comparison spreadsheets and a summary of 2023 Medicare changes.
PUBLIC LIBRARY VENUES - NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED – SPACE IS LIMITED!!! December 1, 2022 Thursday 10:30am – 12:30pm
Joyner – Green Valley Library 601 N La Cañada Dr, Green Valley, AZ 85614 Oro Valley Library 1305 W Naranja Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
December 3, 2022
Saturday
10am – 12:30pm
CHANGES YOU MAKE DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2023. For more information, call Pima Council on Aging at (520) 790-7262.
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
Genetic testing scams are a rapidly emerging fraud trend throughout the country. Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for fraudulent billing purposes or possibly medical identity theft. What is Genetic Testing Fraud? Genetic testing fraud occurs when Medicare is billed for a test or screening that was not medically necessary and/or was not ordered by a beneficiary’s treating physician. What are Examples of Genetic Testing Fraud? Here are several ways genetic testing is advertised: * Cancer screening / test * Hereditary cancer screening / test * Pharmacogenetics (medication metabolization) * Parkinson’s screening / test * DNA screening / test * Dementia screening / test
• A company offering you “free” or “at no cost to you” testing without a treating physician’s order and then billing Medicare. • A company using “telemedicine” to offer testing to you over the phone and arranging for an unrelated physician or “teledoc” to order the test.
• Billing Medicare (usually thousands of dollars) for a broad range of genetic tests that you did not request or possibly even receive. • Billing Medicare for pharmacogenomic tests (to determine how you metabolize drugs) that are not covered by Medicare or apply to you.
• A company requesting your Medicare number (or possibly driver’s license) at health fairs, senior centers, assisted living facilities, malls, farmers markets, parking lots outside retail stores, home shows, or church-sponsored wellness events.
What is Medical Identity Theft? When someone steals or uses your Medicare number to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare without your authorization. Medical identity theft may disrupt your medical care and/or result in financial harm. What Can You Do to Stop Genetic Testing Fraud?
• Be sure your doctor has assessed your condition. Although Medicare covers many genetic tests for diagnostic use, it only covers one preventative genetic test to screen for cancer. • Be sure your doctor has assessed your condition. Although Medicare covers many genetic tests for diagnostic use, it only covers one preventative genetic test to screen for cancer. • Do not give out your personal information or accept screening services from someone at a community event, a local fair, a farmer’s market, a parking lot, or any other event.
• Always read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The words “gene analysis,” “molecular pathology,” or “laboratory” may indicate questionable genetic testing has occurred. • If you received a cheek swab or a screening that was not medically necessary, report your concerns about billing errors or possible fraud and abuse to your local SMP.Do not give out your personal information or accept screening services from someone at a community event, a local
fair, a farmer’s market, a parking lot, or any other event. • Always read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The words “gene analysis,” “molecular pathology,” or “laboratory” may indicate questionable genetic testing has occurred. • If you received a cheek swab or a screening that was not medically necessary, report your concerns about billing errors or possible fraud and abuse to your local SMP.
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy
Page 6 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Medicare Corner
What Happens if Medicare Denies the Genetic Test Claims?
You could be responsible for the entire cost of the test! The average is $9,000-$11,000. How Your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Can Help Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. PCOA is your state Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): For assistance, call (520) 790-7262 Medicare And Genetic Testing When are Genetic Tests Covered?
Example Charges for One Cheek Swab How are Fraudsters Benefiting from Genetic Testing Fraud? See the chart for why this is becoming more prevalent. These services are not free. Each cheek swab could potentially make the company thousands of dollars by billing Medicare and/or you for services that were not needed.
1. When someone has stage III or IV cancer 2. When the test is medically reasonable and necessary Federal regulations define medical necessity as “services or items reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.” 3. When it is ordered by a treating physician Federal regulations define a treating physician as “the physician who furnishes a consultation or treats a beneficiary for a specific medical problem and who uses the results in the management of the beneficiary’s specific medical problem. Tests not ordered by the physician who is treating the beneficiary are not reasonable and necessary.” 4. When one or more coverage requirements are met for colorectal cancer genetic screening There is no other Medicare coverage for genetic testing as a screening service. 5. When a treating physician orders the test as a diagnostic service and uses the results to manage the patient’s condition
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 7
Pima Council on Aging
Rights & Benefits Information ALTCS Workshop
Social Security And Scam Awareness
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.
By Jack Burns , Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, Arizona Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most federal employees use to gain access to federal buildings. The scammers may text or email photos of the fake badges to convince potential victims of their legitimacy. These badges use government symbols, words, and even names and photos of real people, which are available on government websites or through internet searches. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, hang up or do not respond. We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming victims. We will NEVER: • Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification. • Suspend your Social Security number. • Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail. • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment. • Send “official” letters or reports containing your personal information via email. We only send text messages if you have opted in to receive texts from us and only in limited situations, including the following: • When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text. • As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at oig.ssa. gov/report. You may read our previous Social Security fraud advisories at oig.ssa. gov/news-releases/. Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.
Please join us in person. Topic: ALTCS Workshop Time: December 8, 2:30 — 4 p.m. Location: The Katie , 600 S Country Club Rd
The ALTCS workshop is held every month on the second Thursday. Participants who would prefer a virtual training are invited to register for our January training held on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Participants are asked to socially distance themselves; masks are optional. Space is limited; please register soon. To register , go to: https://altcsdec22.eventbrite.com, or call Donna DeLeon at 520.305.3450.
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Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Long Distance Caregiving How to Share Caregiving Responsibilities with Family Members
• Are you good at finding information, keeping people up-to-date on changing conditions, and offering cheer, whether on the phone or with a computer? • Are you good at supervising and leading others? • Are you comfortable speaking with medical staff and interpreting what they say to others? • Is your strongest suit doing the
Caring for an older family member often requires teamwork. While one sibling might be local and take on most of the everyday caregiving responsibilities, a long-distance caregiver can also have an important role. As a long-distance caregiver, you can provide important respite to the primary caregiver and support to the aging family member. Talk About Caregiving Responsibilities First, try to define the caregiving responsibilities. You could start by setting up a family meeting and, if it makes sense, include the care recipient in the discussion. This is best done when there is not an emergency. A calm conversation about what kind of care is wanted and needed now, and what might be needed in the future, can help avoid a lot of confusion. Decide who will be responsible for which tasks. Many families find the best first step is to name a primary caregiver, even if one is not needed immediately. That way the primary caregiver can step in if there is a crisis. Agree in advance how each of your efforts can complement one another so that you can be an effective team. Ideally, each of you will be able to take on tasks best suited to your skills or interests. Consider Your Strengths When Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities When thinking about who should be responsible for what, start with your strengths. Consider what you are particularly good at and how those skills might help in the current situation:
about your schedule and how it might be adapted to give respite to a primary caregiver. For example, you might try to coordinate holiday and vacation times. Remember that over time, responsibilities may need to be revised to reflect changes in the situation, your care recipient’s needs, and each family member’s abilities and limitations. How to Support a Local Caregiver from Far Away A spouse or the sibling who lives closest to an aging parent often becomes the primary caregiver. Long-distance caregivers can help by providing emotional support and occasional respite to the primary caregiver. Ask the primary caregiver what you can do to help. Staying in contact with your parents by phone or email might also take some pressure off your parent or sibling. Just listening may not sound like much help, but often it is. Long-distance caregivers can also play a part in arranging for professional caregivers, hiring home health and nursing aides, or locating care in an assisted living facility or nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing facility).
numbers—paying bills, keeping track of bank statements, and reviewing insurance policies and reimbursement reports? • Are you the one in the family who can fix anything, while no one else knows the difference between pliers and a wrench? Consider Your Limits When Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities When thinking about who should be responsible for what, consider your limits. Ask yourself the following: • How often, both mentally and financially, can you afford to travel? • Are you emotionally prepared to take on what may feel like a reversal of roles between you and your parent— taking care of your parent instead of your parent taking care of you? Can you continue to respect your parent’s independence? • Can you be both calm and assertive when communicating from a distance? • How will your decision to take on caregiving responsibilities affect your work and home life? Be realistic about how much you can do and what you are willing to do. Think
(continued on page 29)
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
PCOA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – DECEMBER Five are currently being held by Zoom plus six in person.
Participation in the groups can be in person (6 groups), by telephone or by computer/tablet/smartphone w/ video. Support groups are a way to connect with others who are walking the journey of caregiving like you are. You get to SEE (if you use the video option) that you are not alone. You get to hear other’s challenges and successes, learn about helpful resources, know that your story matters and that you have been heard. Support groups are facilitated by a professional and are a safe place for you to express your concerns, frustrations, etc. and learn that others feel this way too. 12/15, 3rd Thursday, 1:30–3pm Virtual ON ZOOM 12/19, 3rd Monday, 1–2:30pm (Midtown) In Person 12/20, 3rd Tuesday , 9–10:30am Virtual ON ZOOM 12/27, 4th Tuesday , 9–10:30am (Southwest) In Person 12/28, 4th Wednesday, 11am–12:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM
To protect the confidentiality of the group sessions, access information will only be given to registered participants. Emails are sent out on Fridays with updated schedules and additional information. If you participated in the groups before COVID, and have not been receiving the emails, please check your junk or spam folder. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact: Tonetta Clay, Support Group Facilitator 520-305-3405, tclay@pcoa.org 12/1, 1st Thursday, 1–2:30pm Virtual ON ZOOM 12/5, 1st Monday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 12/6, 1st Tuesday , 12–1:30pm (Oro Valley) In Person 12/8, 2nd Thursday , 1–2:30pm (East) In Person 12/12, 2nd Monday , 1–2:30pm (Green Valley) In Person 12/13, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30–7pm Virtual ON ZOOM
DECEMBER
“December has the clarity, the simplicity, and the silence you need for the best FRESH START of your life.” — Vivian Swift, When Wanderers Cease to Roam: A Traveler’s Journal of Staying Put
*NOTE: There will be no meetings on days where holidays are observed PLEASE RSVP for all groups. At all in person meetings we continue to social distance and mask wearing is optional. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please contact: Tonetta Clay, Support Group Facilitator 520-305-3405, tclay@pcoa.org
Page 10 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Caregiving
Free training for informal, nonpaid family caregivers Caregiving Essentials: First Steps Training Schedule 2023
Thur., Jan. 26 Fri., Feb. 17 Mon., Mar. 6
Wed., Apr. 19 Tue., May 16
600 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson If staying for both, bring your own lunch. Coffee and water available.
Workshop 1: Steps to Resilience (9 am – 12:30pm)
Workshop 2: Physical Care and Safety (1:00 – 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://caregivingessentials23.eventbrite.com or call Pima Council on Aging, 520.790.7573 ext. 1750; ddeleon@pcoa.org
For questions, call Kelley Hansen 520-790-7573 ext. 3413; khansen@pcoa.org For possible respite during training, call Arizona Caregiver Coalition 888.737.7494 or our Helpline 520-790-7262. This training does not provide certification or CEU’s for employment. *Classes are subject to change due to health precautions. See page 30 for details.
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
PCOA Community Lunch Program
Do You Know... • Someone who could benefit from a lunch program that also provides an opportunity to make new friends. Let’s face it, eating alone, at home, is no fun. • These programs are typically open from Monday – Friday (except as noted and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1pm. • There are fun activities available during these hours. Depending on the site, activities include games, movies, crafts and even field trips. • A transportation subsidy may be available to get someone to these lunch programs. Transportation is provided via Sun Van, to individuals with disabilities with a current ADA Eligibility Card issued by the City of Tucson. • That these lunch programs are open to all individuals 60 and older and their spouse regardless of age. Once you register at a meal site, you will be required to reserve your meals each week. That way, we know you’re coming and your lunch is waiting for you. A suggested donation of $2–$3 is requested. Community Center Lunches are a program of the Pima Council on Aging in collaboration with sub-contracted agencies: Catholic Community Services, and the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation Department. Have Lunch and Make a Friend
Check it out here: https://pcoa.org/ways-we-help/ meals-nutrition.html/ Click on “View Monthly Menu” This Month’s Menu
COMMUNITY LUNCH CENTERS NEAR YOU
Ajo Community
290 W. Fifth St., Ajo 85321
520-387-5040 520-791-4353 520-791-4070 520-889-0928 520-837-8210 520-887-9786 520-791-4969 520-791-3247 520-791-2509 520-485-7413 520-791-5787
Archer Neighborhood Armory Park Senior *
1665 S. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson 85713 220 S. 5th Ave., Tucson 85701 101 W. Irvington Rd., Tucson 85714 1390 W. Speedway Blvd., Tucson 85705 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson 85705
El Pueblo Neighborhood Center El Rio Neighborhood Center
Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center **
Freedom Recreation Center
5000 E. 29th St., Tucson 85711 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson 85705
Donna Liggins Center
780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley 85614 520-393-6814
Posada Life Community Center Quincie Douglas Senior Center
1575 E. 36th St., Tucson 85713
Saguaro Christian Church William Clements Center
8302 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson 85710 8155 E. Poinciana Dr., Tucson 85730
Please call in advance to reserve a meal and for days and hours of operation. Funded by: Federal Older Americans Act through AZ DES/DAAS, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, City of Tucson, and Individual Contributions * Dinner meal only ** Open Mon., Wed., Fri.
Page 12 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Healthy Living with Chronic Pain, offered in person February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 Mondays, 1:30 – 3:00 pm The Katie , 600 S. Country Club Rd. Contribution Fee: $30 (covers your book & supplies)
Are you looking for ways to live and age well? Practice with purpose
EnhanceFitness®
EnhanceFitness®
Our current schedule for EnhanceFitness® classes (1 hour class) is: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays • Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 , 9–10 am • El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. , 11am–12 pm • Clements Regional Ctr., Fitness Center , 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. , 8:30–9:30 am • Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center, 7222 E Tanque Verde Rd. , 11 am–12 pm • The Katie , 600 S. Country Club, and Remote , 10:30 to 11:30 Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite (located on the PCOA homepage), https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/enhancefitness-classes-176939 . Class size is limited. For assistance, call us at (520) 305-3410. • Tucson Estates (TENHN), 5900 W Western Way Circle , 10:30–11:30 am Mondays – Recreation Hall, Wednesdays & Fridays Multi-Purpose Hall Contribution Fee: $36 (per month & participant)
A Matter of Balance®
Healthy Living with Chronic Pain®
The Healthy Living suite of classes covers things like the cause of falls and how to prevent them, strategies to bolster physical fitness and balance, as well as other ways to empower older adults to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Picture Rocks Community Center 5615 North Sanders Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 11:45 am –12:45 pm Drexel Heights Community Center 5220 South San Joaquin Ave. Mon., Wed., Fri., 12–1 pm Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells** Community Center, 1660 W Ruthrauff Rd. Mon., Wed., Fri., 10:30–11:30 am
Register Now! Search for Senior Fitness , at https://webcms.pima.gov/government/ natural_resources_parks_and_recreation/ Chose the center of your choice from the list and go their class listing, look for EnhanceFitness to register. **There are no classes in Dec.
(520) 305-3410 healthyliving.pcoa.org Small steps. Positive changes. Healthier living.
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Looking for Volunteer Coaches! Looking for Volunteer Coaches !
A Matter of Balance® offered in person
Golder Ranch Fire District 1741 W. Magee Rd. Jan. 23, 27, 30, Feb. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17 Mondays & Fridays 10 am – 12 pm (Tues.) and 25 (Wed.). Wednesdays & Fridays 1:30 – 3:30 pm except as noted above Posada Life Community Services 780 S Park Centre Ave, Green Valley Jan. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 24
Tucson Estates (Multi-Purpose Hall)
5900 W. Western Way Cir. Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 – 3 pm Udall Park 7222 E. Tanque Verde Rd. February 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, March 1, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
A Matter of Balance® Chances are you know someone who has fallen or has a fear of A Matter of Balance Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. Union County Older Adult Falls Coalition is looking for volunteers to help provide this program. Free training provided. Coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, help to identify ways to reduce falls, and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance. What do you need to be a coach? · good communication and interpersonal skills · enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults · ability to lead low to moderate level exercise. For more information call 937-642-2053 or email rebecca . honaker @ uchd . net . falling. A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. PCOA is looking for volunteers to help offer this program. Training is provided. Coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, help to identify ways to reduce falls, and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance. What do you need to be a coach? • good communication and interpersonal skills • enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults • ability to lead low to moderate level exercise. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls Volunteer Lay Leader Model ©2006 This program is based on Fear of Falling: A Matter of Balance. Copyright ©1995 Trustees of Boston University. All rights reserved. Used and adapted by permission of Boston University. A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model Recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging, 2006, American Society on Aging. A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model was developed by a grant from the Administration on Aging (#90AM2780). This work is funded either in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Healthy Ohio, Violence and Injury Prevention Program and as a sub-award of a grant issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant under the grant award number 3B01DP009042-13S1 and CFDA number 93.991. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Classes are held twice a week for 2 hours each, for 4 weeks. Participants learn to: • view falls as controllable • set goals for increasing activity • make changes to reduce fall risks at home • exercise to increase strength and balance This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Classes are free and held twice a week for 4 weeks for 2 hours each. Participants learn to: · view falls as controllable · set goals for increasing activity · make changes to reduce fall risks at home · exercise to increase strength and balance For more information and to register for an upcoming training, contact Mary O’Donoghue at mo’donoghue@pcoa.org or call 520.258.5062
Contribution Fee: $30.00 (covers your book and supplies) More locations will become available and are being scheduled.
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.
For more information and to register, contact Jennie at (520) 305-3410.
Page 14 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes in person Tuesdays, February 14 – April 18, 2023, 1:30 – 3:00 pm* • Navigating Longer Lives • Exercise and You • Sleep The Aging Mastery Program (AMP) classes will explore: ® • Financial Fitness • Healthy Relationships • Advance Planning ®
• Healthy Eating and Hydration • Medication Management • Fall Prevention • Community Engagement
A comprehensive approach to aging well. The program combines classes with expert speakers, group discussion and goal setting to help you gain new skills to make small meaningful changes in your life. Registration is payable in advance for all 10 weeks of the program. Limited spots available: Sign up now! Fee: $89/person if registered and paid by Tues., January 31. After Jan. 31, fee is $99/person Registration and Fee (payable in advance) by Tuesday, January 31, 2023 (No refunds after Tues., January 31, 2023 ) Location: Offered in person at The Katie PCOA Healthy Aging Center (TEP Room), 600 S Country Club Rd
*Classes are subject to change due to health precautions.
Join the adventure!
For more information and to REGISTER, call Pima Council on Aging, 520-305-3409
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
Healthy Living
Growing Old… woo hoo! By Marty Twichell , EnhanceFitness
choose to not make them worse. If we throw up our hands and believe we are a victim of getting old and that there is nothing we can do, we are selling ourselves short. So, first identify issues we have, do your personal research, have the conversations with your professional health care provider, connect and contribute to your health. Add good habits to your day, be kind to yourself, do your best and aim for balance in your life. Be realistic about your own limitations. Often, a person falls because they do not want to use a helpful tool like a cane or a walker or hand railings. They want to ignore the fact that their balance, vision, and steadiness are not what they used to be. According to Consumer Reports, car accidents for 80+ year-olds are 5.5 times higher than for middle-aged drivers. Most of us could list many ways our aging has changed us because it is a pretty long list! Many health issues in our society are treated like normal aging, however, that may not necessarily be true for all. Whether it is incontinence, loss of muscle tone, joint aches, sleep problems, etc., find out if you could contribute to the healing process or if it is medical issue for you. Since we are less active than we used to be, some of our health issues are consequences of our sedentary lifestyle. The amazing thing is that we can keep contributing to our ability to feel better. We are not going to undo everything, but we can build muscle tone and increase our aerobic endurance. Some things we can do include: • improving our balance and we can move with grace, • walking or participating in an exercise
class like PCOA’s EnhanceFitness, which is a recognized fall prevention format for students 60+, • joining a PCOA’s A Matter of Balance workshop to improve confidence and balance, • starting an activity that interests you, • making your home safer, • perhaps avoid night driving, let others help us, • asking the youngsters to teach us something, invite people over, nurture plants, • joining a book club, • giving back to our community as volunteers, • traveling and • doing the many things that we may have put off for lack of time. Allow yourself to be as old as you are. Practicing ageism on ourselves is discounting who we really are. Our culture is so filled with both young and old ageism that it doesn’t appreciate the amazing gifts we all contribute. When we are honest about our age and appreciate the experiences we bring to the table, everyone benefits. When we mix it up with all different ages, we can enhance everyone’s life. Allow yourself to be the elder in your group and see yourself through other’s eyes. Be a role model for healthy aging as you stay active, stay safe, enjoy healthy habits, and give back to the community. Next time someone says that you don’t look your age, tell them that this is exactly what my age looks like! We have earned every wrinkle we have gotten! Embrace the older version of yourself as much as you fondly remember the younger version. Remember, we are all in this together, and we are incredibly lucky to be aging!
It is funny how conversations change as we age. Now, we often start our personal conversations with a list of current health issues before we move on to other topics. Many of us are dealing with situations related to aging and others are dealing with old injuries that have come back to haunt us. Since aging happens to all of us, we can at least feel like we are all in this together. Genetics may affect our health in many ways, but we do have some say in of our aging process. One helpful way to start is to honor the place we are at this moment. The ability to grow older is not one that is given to everyone. Studies have shown that an “attitude of gratitude” can impact our mental, physical, and emotional health more than one might think. Being grateful for what we have and for how long we have been alive serves as a stress reliever for the body. Taking a few minutes every morning to pause, breathe, give thanks, calm the mind, or follow a meditation practice can set the tone for your entire day with more calmness, acceptance, and connection to ourselves and to others and to the divine. We have control over the food we eat, the socialization we chose, the mental stimulation we add to our lives, the people we choose to be around, the activities we do, and the focus and effort we give to certain things and the attitude we bring. We cannot control certain aging conditions and health issues, but we can Program Coordinator, PCOA’s Healthy Living Department, ACE certified Senior Exercise Specialist and Group Fitness Instructor
Page 16 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
PCOA Puzzle
December Puzzle
61 It's worth ---! 63 Start playing tennis 67 Skin 68 Film genre 69 Flowing and ebbing 70 Roman wear 71 Large and scholarly book 72 Heap Down 1 Coverts rotary motion into linear motion 2 Appliance and electronics maker 3 Bill dispenser 4 Hollow gas globule 5 Mar 6 Unit of computer memory 7 Regret 8 Key with three sharps
9 Pacific country 10 Speed measure 11 Seinfeld cohort --- Benes 12 Clicked 13 Valuable possession 21 Prius maker
23 Choice morsels 25 Interest charge 26 Two identical things 27 Shoppe adjective 28 Manage 32 Be in debt 34 Old kind of computer monitor 36 Fighter ace 37 Lower 39 "Rosemary's Baby" actress --- Farrow 40 Provides input for an amp. 41 Observe
33 Not odd 35 Free 36 Settlement 37 Nudge repeatedly 38 Aloof 40 Conductive elements 43 Hoppy brew 44 Conforms 45 Blockhead 47 Pirate's plunder 49 Mischievous 50 Solitary 51 "L" operator 52 Unpleasant to look at 54 Conjured up 56 Attila, e.g. 57 Aught 58 Political top dog (Abbr.) 59 Brief swim
Across 1 Grouches 6 Female supporters 10 Flat-topped hill 14 Misbehave 15 Arizona city on the Colorado 16 In addition 17 Latin American dance 18 Side 19 --- Christian Andersen
42 Levelheaded 44 Cook in hot oil 46 Central bank 47 Artist's workshop 48 Diminishing 49 Extremely
50 Snap 51 Map 53 Enormous
55 Kevlar garments 58 Funeral woodpile 60 Electronic helper just for you 62 Border
20 Sharp flavor 22 Note hastily 24 34th President 25 Moonshot program 28 Sound of a lion 29 Louse egg 30 Washed out 31 Watch --- step!
64 Old food label letters 65 Carpet cleaner (Abbr.) 66 Moose
Answers: following page December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
Information
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Page 18 | December 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde
El envejecimiento en nuestra comunidad Conforme avanzamos hacia esta temporada especial del año, me
de su hogar. Cuando su calentador de agua dejó de funcionar hace cinco años, Wallace empezó a calentar agua en la estufa y a llevarla hasta su bañera para poder darse un baño. Cuando disminuyó su capacidad para movilizarse al punto de necesitar de una andadera, Wallace supo que no podía ya seguir calentando agua para llevarla a la bañera. Llamó a PCOA para pedir ayuda y en pocos días nuestro programa de reparaciones en el hogar le llevó un calentador de agua a su hogar, se cubrió el costo de instalación y se instalaron barras sujetadoras en el baño. Wallace puede vivir con seguridad e independencia en su hogar gracias al apoyo que recibió de PCOA. Nos sentimos orgullosos y honrados por hacer esta labor, pero es imposible sin su ayuda. Cuando usted hace un donativo a PCOA, está literalmente salvando la vida de adultos mayores. PCOA lleva a cabo este importante trabajo de asegurarse de que los adultos mayores puedan satisfacer sus necesidades básicas y puedan vivir sus vidas sin la sombra de la inseguridad alimentaria o el desamparo. Durante esta temporada de solidaridad, esperamos que puedan darles a los adultos mayores el regalo del empoderamiento y la dignidad. Gracias por ser amigos de los adultos mayores en nuestra comunidad. Les deseo un sano y feliz año nuevo. ¡Muchas gracias!
y que llegaron a PCOA sintiendo que no tenían a dónde más acudir. Después de rentar el mismo lugar durante más de 20 años, su casa fue vendida a un inversionista y pudieron encontrar un lugar más económico. Se vieron forzados a llamar a albergues para personas sin hogar. El personal de admisión de inmediato puso a Mando en contacto con el equipo de respuesta a crisis en la comunidad para brindarle la ayuda de salud mental que necesitaba. Les ayudamos también a presentar solicitudes de vivienda a nuestros colaboradores comunitarios que ofrecen vivienda económica y así lograron encontrar vivienda disponible. PCOA cubrió los gastos de Mando, Shirley y de su gato para que se hospedaran en un motel un par de noches y no tuvieran que dormir en la calle hasta encontrar un nuevo hogar. Nos encantaría que cada crisis similar se pudiera resolver tan fácilmente. La triste realidad es que hacemos lo mejor que podemos para quienes tocan nuestras puertas, pero no contamos con fondos permanentes para cubrir gastos de vivienda y la cantidad de ayuda que podemos ofrecer es directamente proporcional a las donaciones que recibimos de personas como usted. Cuando usted contribuye a PCOA, está brindando a personas como Wallace un regalo que puede cambiar vidas. Él compró su casa en Tucson en la década de los 80 y desde entonces vive ahí. Es un veterano de guerra herido en combate y vive de un ingreso fijo. No pudo mantenerse al día con los costos y las demandas físicas del mantenimiento
encuentro frente a la realidad de que los costos de la mayoría de las necesidades humanas fundamentales como la comida y la vivienda se han disparado. Aunque esto nos afecta fuertemente a muchos de nosotros, los adultos mayores son especialmente vulnerables. Se reduce a algo muy sencillo. El ingreso por pensión y seguridad social está estático mientras que el costo de vida sigue aumentando. Para muchas personas que viven con un ingreso fijo, el pago de necesidades básicas representa un reto enorme. Los gastos inesperados como reparaciones en el hogar o el aumento en el costo de vivienda pueden llevar a un hogar a la crisis. Hay quienes no tiene suficiente para pagar este elevado aumento de la vivienda y los altos precios que estamos viendo en nuestra comunidad. Las personas de setenta u ochenta años pudieran verse en la necesidad de perder su hogar, algo que jamás en su vida pensaron que tendrían que enfrentar. Estamos trabajando sin descanso para ayudar a quienes tocan nuestras puertas en situación desesperada. Los adultos mayores en el condado Pima se encuentran en crisis y sin un techo; no podemos atender este problema sin su ayuda. Al donar a PCOA, usted ayuda a personas como Shirley y Mando, una pareja de esposos que rebasan los 80 años de edad
W.Mark Clark Presidente y CEO
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 19
Pima Council on Aging
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