Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison

& Transylvania Counties Advocacy, Assistance,Answers on Aging

Website: www.landofsky.org/aging Phone: 828-251-6622

Volume IV, Issue 3 August - October 2009

Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities

Land-of-Sky and its partners in aging and disability services have been engaged in a $10,000, one-year development grant awarded by the North

Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to explore the potential development of a “uniform portal of entry” (entitled Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities, or “CRC” for short) to long-term services and supports throughout the region.

During the year, over 75 consumers, families and provider organizations within the four counties that comprise Region B have been participating in interactive information and planning meetings in Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Madison Counties. The goal of these meetings is to explore the possibility of CRC implementation by building on the conceptual model as it has been envisioned by the State of North Carolina (DHHS), but making the model fit for Region B. As one participant remarked at the end of a CRC meeting in Brevard, “I see more honing in on what the CRC model will look like if it’s accepted here. It seems like things are becoming clearer.”

No Wrong Door…North Carolina CRCs take the “no wrong door” approach to the “uniform portal of entry” which promotes that consumers will experience seamless access to relevant, needed information about services regardless of how or where they encounter the system. A CRC is one of the primary vehicles to modernize long-term care systems, particularly by supporting individuals of all disabilities and incomes with making informed, cost-effective choices regarding the services they may need.

The initiative will build on existing community infrastructure and help to realign systems for more efficient operations. It is important to note that CRCs are not about replacing existing organizations and networks. They’re about building a better, more coordinated service network.

Functions of a CRC include the following:

Awareness & Information

Public educationo Information about long-term o services and supports options

AssistanceBenefits counselingo Employment options o counselingCrisis interventiono Planning for future long-term o services needs

AccessAssistance in gaining access o to public and private servicesFacilitation of programmatic o and financial eligibility determinationUniform access to all public o programs

Active Aging Week 2009September 21st - 27th

Active Aging Week Kick-Off! Walk and Tai Chi in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties on September 21st at 9:30 am. See the

Calendar of Events on page 3 for more details.

Sample FREE physical, creative, emotional and intellectual activities throughout the week in your area. For more information contact Rebecca

Chaplin at 828-251-7438. Brochures available soon.

Area Agency on Aging

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 2

Family Caregiver Support ProgramAnother Successful Caregiver Workshop

The Family Caregiver Support Program, Park Ridge Caregiver Wellness Program and Memory Care sponsored Keys to Successful Caregiving: Understanding Difficult

Behaviors and Preparing for Personal Wellness, an afternoon workshop at the NC Arboretum. Fifty-two caregivers attended this conference where they learned how to recognize causes of stressful behavior exhibited by the person they care for and to identify some ways to reduce or eliminate it, from Park Ridge Caregiver Wellness Program support group director and national speaker, Ruth Price. They also learned some ways to reduce their own stress level and created a personal wellness plan for themselves. Refreshments were provided by Healthcare Solutions Network of North Carolina.

Participant evaluations were very positive as shown by the following comments: “ Wonderful!! This was an excellent program-Thanks so much!”, “ Thank you Ruth!! You and this workshop were my pressure release valve.” “Thank you, thank you, thank you for this very informative encouraging, supportive conference. I have felt so alone and overwhelmed. This program has really opened my eyes to what help is available and to the fact that I need it!”

The Family Caregiver Support Program thanks the sponsors and the many programs and agencies that helped to inform caregivers about this event. Their support and collaboration enable us to offer caregiver workshops at no cost to family caregivers. We are planning to hold another caregiver workshop in September. Stay tuned for more information.

To learn more about the sponsoring organizations you may visit their websites.Family Caregiver Support Program www.landofsky.org/aaaPark Ridge Caregiver Wellness Program www.caregiverwellness.orgMemoryCare www.memorycare.org

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program has awarded $99,500 in

funding to provide case assistance and respite services to caregivers of older persons who need help with activities of daily living or have significant memory loss. This funding is provided by the US Administration on Aging and the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Caregiver Case AssistanceAlzheimer’s Association (All Counties) $4,000Council on Aging of Buncombe County $5,000Henderson County Council on Aging $5,000 Caregiver RespiteAlzheimer’s Association (All Counties) $20,000Council on Aging of Buncombe County $20,000Pardee Pavilion (Henderson County) $11,000Madison County Dept. of Community Services $8,500Transylvania Community Hospital Home & Community Care $16,000Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Senior Companion Program $10,000

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s2009 Annual Celebration

“Regional Teamwork Tailgate”

Wednesday, October 7, 20096:00 - 9:00 pmTaylor Ranch

Invitations to be mailed soon.

Save The Date!!

Caregiver Case Assistance & Respite

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 3

Calendar of EventsAugust10,11 & 17,18 Living Healthy Leader Training, see page 5** 11 Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council12 Community Resource Connections (CRC) Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council13 Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional CouncilSeptember 7 Labor Day, Land-of-Sky Offices Closed9 Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Network Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council** 15 Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Volunteer Wellness Expo, NC Arboretum, 10 am - 2 pm, for more info contact LeeAnne Tucker at 828-251-6622** 21-27 Active Aging Week, see page 1** 21 Active Aging Week Kick-Off** Buncombe County: YMCA Asheville, 9:30 am Henderson County: Historic HC Courthouse, 9:30 am Madison County: The Island in Marshall, 9:30 am Transylvania County: Silvermont Opp. Center, 10 am22 Moving Towards Wellness Health Fair, Henderson County, Blue Ridge Mall** 24 Celebrating Life Senior Health Fair, Madison County, NC Cooperative Ext Auditorium located in Marshall** 28-30 Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging Annual Training Conference, Charleston, SC visit www.se4a.org for more info 29 Park Ridge Caregiver Workshop, NC Arboretum, Free for caregivers, for more info contact Carol McLimans at 828-251-6622 October

5 Anticipatory Grief & Loss: Finding Renewal, Mission Hospital’s Women’s Resource Center, 5 - 6:30 pm. Sponsored by CAPES (Caring for Aging Parents Education & Support Program). Call Kathleen Lang at 828.277.8288 for more info** 6-7 Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) Meeting, Raleigh, NC

7 Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s 2009 Annual Celebration, see page 2 29 Alzheimer’s Association 25th Annual Fall Education Conference / Examining the Journey - Facing the Challenges of Memory loss, First Baptist Church Waynesville, 9 am - 4 pm, for more info contact Larry Reeves 828-254-7363 or larry.reeves@alz.org**

** For additional information and details on events, visit www.landofsky.org/aging and click on Calendar and

upcoming events for older adults.

Going Green!

The Area Agency on Aging would like to also offer this newsletter as an online publication. You will

be able to view the newsletter as if you are flipping the pages of a magazine and also print it from the site. We will email you a quarterly newsletter update. Let us know if you are interested in only receiving this online version of the newsletter. Contact Christina Giles at christina@landofsky.org.

Lived through a widespread disease such as a pandemic flu?

Have you lived through a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake?

ExpEriEncEd thE thrEat of a tErrorist attack?

We are recruiting older adults who have lived through a disaster to share their story with a youth in the Asheville City School District this

September, which is emergency preparedness month.

Students will be prepared to interview older adults about their story. Interviews will take place in

September, location and time to be announced.

Objectives:• Raise awareness about the value

of emergency preparedness• Service learning, including interview

skills for students•Intergenerational contact

Please contact Rebecca Chaplin at 828-251-7438 for more information.

Intergenerational Emergency Preparedness Initiatives

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 4

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

We completed our 2008-09 Program Year at the end of June, and submitted our proposal for the 2009-10 Program Year to Raleigh

in early July. There is very good news for the Program this year, and we will be stretching our activities to new limits.

We will maintain our 26 slots for our four-county region in our regular grant this year. In April, we were awarded funding for 6 slots through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

These two parts of the Program give us an opportunity to take in Participants for a total of 32 slots during 2009 and 2010. How exciting! It means more people can get help while they are doing community service, and that we can help them to find unsubsidized employment in our region. As knowledgeable workers, we feel our Participants have so much to offer the businesses, governmental agencies, and non-profit agencies of the area, that the SCSEP Title-V will be a good source of potential employees during these difficult financial times.

These fine older Americans will be able to make a contribution to our local economies as they work in community service, and even more so when they are in unsubsidized employment. Please let your business friends know that we have a pool of workers who have had years of work experience in the past, are hard-working, punctual, bring years of life experience and knowledge, and are interested in becoming active members of the workforce in our region once again.

If you are a non-profit or governmental agency, you should know that we have persons who are willing to work and receive training in your agency while doing community service for you at our expense. We are always looking for Host Agencies. We are always looking for potential Participants.

If you know of any people 55 years or older, unemployed, and are presently living at the federal poverty level – and who earnestly want to go to work again – please ask them to contact Jennifer or Brenda at 828-251-6622.

Spotlight on SCSEP Participant Hire an Older Worker Today!

We are pleased to feature

Deborah Pearson, one of our newest Participants in this newsletter. Ms. Pearson has served with SCSEP Title V since February 2009 at the Western Alliance Center as an Independent

Living Assistant. She is currently seeking part-time employment in the morning hours until about 1:00 pm in the area of reception or administrative assistant duties. Her supervisors at Western Alliance have rated her above average and consider her an asset to them and say she pays particular attention to the needs of the clients.

If you have a need for someone part-time who is willing to learn, prompt, and a team player, please give us a call at 251-6622 to find out how we can assist in placing Deborah with you and also take advantage of our “On The Job Training” program. This program can pay one month’s salary for Ms. Pearson as she transitions from our SCSEP Title V program to unsubsidized employment with your organization. When you call, ask for Jennifer or Brenda.

SCSEP Participant Deborah Pearson

PROJECT 2020

PROJECT 2020, a recently introduced federal legislative bill, is supported by the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A) because it builds upon

the strengths of our existing aging and adult services network. This Project will drive savings to Medicaid and Medicare while providing: Access to Information, Evidence-Based Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, and eventually Enhanced Nursing Home Diversion Services.

PROJECT 2020 will help provide an opportunity for consistent funding support to our work on the Community Resource Connections (CRC) project discussed on page 1.

Help recruit legislative Co-Sponsors and Press for Inclusion in Health Reform for US Senate Bill 1257, House Bill 2852. Sample letters to Congress and full contact information for our members of Congress can be found on the N4A website: http://www.n4a.org.

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 5

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

The early fall can trigger our memories and appreciation for learning, “Back to School time!” Whether we engage in a formal educational system or the classroom of life,

opportunities to learn are abundant.

Lifelong learning is a term used to describe learning that is not confined to childhood or classrooms, but takes place throughout life and through a range of situations. It is a natural process for humans, animals, systems and cultures.

Learning throughout life has many benefits including social interaction, improved self-confidence, performance, cognitive function, memory and neural plasticity. With each passing year, learning takes on a new dimension as we integrate new knowledge while preserving the knowledge learned by previous interactions. Learning enhances our quality of life and can increase our likelihood of being a contribution in our community. There are lifelong learning programs in all counties in our region.

Learning happens in the body as well as the brain. The body’s cellular structure can strengthen and learn greater strength, balance, flexibility and resilience. It is never too late to start being physically active and there are options for everyone. If there were a pill for good health, it would be physical activity.

Physical learning yields the same benefits as intellectual learning (mentioned above). Learning a new physical activity can transform the way we live and think. Activities like tai chi, yoga, and qigong can help us develop concentration, cultivate relaxation and a flow in our life. Pilates and weight lifting can make us feel stronger, more upright and confident. Alexander Technique can help us to correct habitual behavioral and physical patterns. All physical activity can improve health and self-confidence.

Do you need an excuse to teach your mind and body something new? Active Aging Week is a great opportunity to experience new physical, emotional, creative and mental activities. Spawned by the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA) and initiated in our region in 2005 by Michele Skeele at the Healthy Aging Coalition in Henderson County. Active Aging Week has become a regional initiative to promote being active at all ages. During this week you can sample free physical, emotional, intellectual and creative activities in our region. See page 1 for details.

Thanks for doing your part to make us a healthier region. Feel free to contact me with physical activity questions or for more information on regional health promotion programs. Rebecca Chaplin, 828-251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org

Benefits of Physical Activity for All Ages

Weight control

Improves cognitive ability

Improves cardiovascular health

Improves muscle strength

Improves endurance and stamina

Improves flexibility

Reduces fatigue

Helps produce good quality sleep

Helps balance and coordination

Reduces anxiety and depression

Helps to prevent falls

Helps regain function

Helps prevent constipation

Improves ability to participate in family and

social activities

Become a Volunteer Leader to Healthy Living

Dates: August 10, 11, 17 & 18 Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm each day

Location: MAHEC, Classroom 5, 501 Biltmore Avenue AshevilleCost: FREE! Lunch and Supplies Provided

Enhance your health and the health of your community as a Living Healthy Leader. This training will prepare you to co-facilitate the Chronic Disease Self Management Program. An evidence-based 6-week program design to support people to self-

manage a chronic condition.

Lifelong Learning

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 6

Ombudsman OverviewAn Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on be-half of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2009

Monday, June 15th 2009 marked the 4th annual

observance of “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse initiated this effort to bring attention to this world-wide, under recognized and under reported problem. Raising awareness is a fundamental prevention strategy that not only provides information but helps to change attitudes and behaviors.

At the Area Agency on Aging, we considered World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2009 the BEGINNING of our Elder Abuse Awareness campaign. Staff wore purple ribbons on that day. We partnered with Buncombe County Department of Social Services to print new Elder Abuse Awareness posters and brochures. These posters (11” x 17” or 8 ½” x 11”) and brochures are free to anyone who would like a supply to post and/or distribute.

Also, we plan to include articles in upcoming issues of this newsletter that focuses on some aspect of Elder Abuse. Did you know that each year, more than two million vulnerable and older adults are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation? According to national statistics, elder abuse is grossly under reported because vulnerable and older adults who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone due to shame and fear. In 2008, there were more than 15,300 reports of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults made to North Carolina’s 100 county departments of social services.

We all have a responsibility to support the safety, welfare, and dignity of North Carolina’s vulnerable and older adults. We urge all citizens to work together to help protect adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is imperative that North Carolinians refuse to tolerate the indignity of Elder Abuse. Take an active role and call us today for your supply of posters and brochures to support this awareness campaign!

Social Security Scams

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Ombudsman Program coordinated with NC AARP to present two “Scam

Jam” programs in Buncombe and Madison Counties this year. One of the speakers, Stephanie Bias, Program Coordinator for SHIIP, (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) talked about “The Social Security Scams” and how to protect oneself. The following information was provided by Stephanie.

A scam that has targeted seniors is called “The Social Security Scam”, where a telemarketer attempts to elicit a senior person’s bank account and Social Security numbers.

The common factor is a caller who claims to be an employee of the Social Security Administration, and who tells the victim they are due to receive new Social Security cards.

The caller tells the victim they need to verify some personal information. Included in the questions are requests for personal information that can be used to steal the victim’s identity. Remember, the federal government and legitimate businesses will not ask you for bank account or social security numbers over the phone.

The Social Security Administration warns senior citizens not to give personal information to any caller claiming to be from the government. Seniors should guard their personal and financial information carefully from unsolicited callers. Things can happen when the wrong people get a hold of social security, bank account, and credit card numbers. Rectifying these events can take several years and hundreds of dollars.

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Ombudsman Program works with AARP on an annual basis to provide these free community events, with the goal to better prepare our regional citizens in protecting themselves from these ever-changing fraudulent scams. Please contact your Ombudsman for further information.

August - October 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 7

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) CornerWelcome New CAC Members

Welcome: James Robinson to the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CACEverett Sauer to the Henderson County Joint CAC

Thanks and Farwell to:Chris Bradford from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CACEve Hoover from the Henderson County Joint CAC

You will be missed! Thank you for your services!

CAC Meeting CalendarBuncombe County ACH CACAugust 21September 18October 16

Buncombe County NH CACOctober 8

Henderson County Joint CACAugust 12September 9October 14

Madison County Joint CACSeptember 10

Transylvania County JointOctober 15

Heart and Hearth Family Care Home Activity Grant for 2009

The Buncombe County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee offered an Activity Grant award again for 2009. The application cover featured a picture of a magic lamp with the title “YOUR WISH COULD BE GRANTED”. The grant

amount was $250, and was to be used to help fund a “worthy way” to enhance the residents’ quality of life.

We had a record number of applications this year, and the Ombudsmen want to thank all of the homes that submitted an application. The decision was difficult because of so many applicants, so the committee also decided to select a proposal that would be sustainable. In other words, the proposed project would be ongoing and promote a lasting benefit for the residents. The winner of the $250 grant for 2009 was: Heart And Hearth Family Care Home.

The Heart and Hearth administrator, Melissa Dawson-Ruggles proposed to create “two raised garden beds designed to be worked specifically from a standing position. Heart and Hearth is committed to developing community within our home and beyond. We strive to create activities that will draw residents and their families and friends together. We feel that this project embodies many aspects of life that we want to support at Heart and Hearth: meaningful occupation for each individual, social/group participation, and community involvement.”

Congratulations are in order for Heart and Hearth Family Care Home!

In May of 2009, The Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC proudly presented the Land-of-Sky Regional Council CAC Scholarship Award to Ms. Brittany N. Hensley of Clarks Chapel Road in

Weaverville, NC. Ms. Murphy was a student at North Buncombe High School.

The scholarship is given every year to a worthy graduating senior who resides in Buncombe County and intends to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Ms. Murphy earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate while still attending high school and intends to pursue a career in nursing. She also received the Health Science Award at her school. Ms. Murphy’s extracurricular activities include feeding the homeless at the rescue mission, playing softball, attending church and singing in the youth choir.

Ms. Murphy plans to attend AB Tech Community College in the fall in hopes of earning an RN degree. We wish Ms. Murphy all the best in her studies. Congratulations, Brittany!

CAC’s Save The Date!!

2009 CAC Annual Retreat

October 20, 20099 am - 4 pm

Governor’s Western Residence

CONGRATS!

Brittany

Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Awards Scholarship

Heart and

Hearth

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

August 2009Volume IV / Issue 3

Aging Program Staff

Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman

Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP

Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist

Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant,

Newsletter Layout & Design

Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service

Employment Program Coordinator (SCSEP)

Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on Aging

Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman

Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts

Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs

Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others

interested in our community.

VISION

The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four-county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in

the setting of their choice.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDASHEVILLE,NCPERMIT #367

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140Asheville, NC 28806Phone: 828.251.6622

Fax: 828.251.6353Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa

Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time

of the year.

~Franklin P. Adams

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