september / october 2015 the link your aging and disability … · 2017-11-02 · september /...

LINKTHESEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

Your Aging and Disability Resource Connection

Visit us at Legacylink.org

In this issue Water exercise for seniors Page 3

Paintfest in Lumpkin CountyPage 4

Union County dancersPage 5

Volunteers at workPage 6

Need to improve resources for caregivers Page 7

Seniors selecting their fruits and vegetables

georgiaadrc.com

Legacy Link traveled to senior centers and apart-ment communities through-out Northeast Georgia this summer to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to seniors. The Senior Farmers’ Mar-ket Nutrition Program pro-vides each qualified senior with a voucher for $20.00 to purchase the items of their choice.

Lisa Howard coordinat-ed the markets and worked with Mountain Earth Farms to provide all of the pro-duce.

The $20 goes back into the local economy help-ing Mountain Earth Farms, sustain their farm and con-tinue to provide eligible older adults in our area with access to fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies.

The Senior Community Service and Employment Program staffed each mar-ket this year assisting the participants through the market and carry their fruits and veggies – in some cases to cars and even to apart-ments at the markets held at Windcliff Apts., Lighthouse Manor, and Branan Lodge!

Legacy Link’s Farmers’ Market serves 717 people

Lisa Howard distributing vouchers to participants

LINKTHE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015PAgE 2

ThE Link Published by Legacy Link Editor Don Colombero

Contributing EditorsLisa howard,

Dottie Suchke, Barbara hilber& Steve Wareham

Upcoming Event

by Pat FreemanChief Executive Officer

Living Well Courses (sign up information)Want to take charge of your health and feel good? Join one of our Wellness Workshops to get

started: The Living Well workshop meets one day per week for a total of 6 weeks. Living Well is a self management program that will empower you to enjoy life while dealing with conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, lung disease, depression, and other chronic health conditions.

A Matter of Balance is a program that meets for eight weeks. This program helps participants view falls and fear of falling as controllable to increase self-confidence and reduce fall risk factors. Contact Lisa howard at 770-538-2711 or Lshoward@ legacylink.org for more information about any of these workshops designed to help you put life back into your life!

Yard Sale Thoughts

October 77:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Health Smart Expo

gainesville Civic Centergainesville, gA

October 209:00 am - 4:00 pm

OutreachCornelia United Methodist

275 Wyly St.Cornelia, gA

My father had a bumper sticker on the back bumper of his car that warned followers, “Beware, this vehicle stops for yard sales!” He loved to make the rounds of yard sales in the little town where he lived. And the little towns adjacent to his hometown! When he lived with us we would occasionally make the rounds and bring home little pieces of someone else’s life and add it to his kitchen or bookshelf.

Well after many, many years, I am having a yard sale. And what an ordeal it is. I am ready to toss out my husband’s old “stuff ” and he is oh so ready to get rid of my old treasures. But we’re making compromises and at this writing we’re almost ready for the big day.

The trouble with this process is the looking over of old “stuff ” and trying to sort the memories along with the items that have been around for a while. All at once you remember when a child used that little rocking chair about

49 years ago and how cute she was in it. And there are pictures drawn in crayon that hung on the refrigerator to show the world what a budding artist lived in the house. What to do?

We’re selling (hopefully) several boating items since we no longer have the boat. A lot of lifejackets will be for sale. A college-age daughter and her friends could really eat a lot after water skiing on Lake Lanier. We had to laugh about the first time we used that grill and swung it out over the water and put all those hamburger patties on it. Shortly, the grill swung down and the patties all ended up in the lake. So, we just had cheese sandwiches instead of cheeseburgers, but the kids all had a big laugh, much to my husbands’s chagrin. Needless to say, he learned

how to properly install the grill on that day. That grill goes into the yard sale.

I love dishes and it’s hard for me to put prices on some of them, but I figure it’s time for us to part. (Perhaps I can buy someone else’s dishes at a yard sale with the money I make on mine.) Probably, I don’t need to tell my husband that is my plan. He’ll find out when he reads this column. Happy yard sale to all of you who want to take the plunge into sorting your memories along with your old stuff. My only advice is to keep your sense of humor.

Subscriptions

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Legacy LinkP. O. Box 1480

Oakwood, ga. 30566

LINKTHE PAgE 3SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

Are You 55 or Older and looking for employment? The Senior Community Service Employment Program

provides useful part-time community service assignments for persons with low incomes who are 55 years old or older, while

promoting transition to permanent or full time employment.Call 770-538-2650

Are You a Grandparent or Relative Raising Children?

The kinship Program provides a place to share experiences with other grandparents and Relatives raising children and to

find out about programs for which you and your children may be eligible. Call to find a meeting near you.

Call 770-538-2650

Yard Sale Thoughts We all know that exercise is necessary to keep the body and mind in peak working condition. According to the National Insti-tutes of Health (NIH), staying physically active can help prevent or delay many diseases and dis-abilities. But as we grow older, ex-ercise can become more challeng-ing due to physical limitations such as joint pain, back problems, or a fear of becoming injured.

That’s where water comes in. Swimming, water aerobics and aquatic therapy are all excellent choices for seniors. These exercis-es not only provide a total body workout, building strength, en-durance and flexibility, but also are low-impact activities, mak-ing them ideal for people with joint or back pain. Water buoys and supports the body, taking the pressure off muscles and joints. In addition to being easy on the joints, here are some other ben-efits of working out in water:

Build and tone muscles. Water is approximately 12 times dens-er than air, so when you move through water, you’re performing a resistance exercise, which builds and tones muscles. And, accord-ing to the NIH, resistance exer-cises appear to have the greatest positive effect on bone mineral density, lowering your risk for os-teoporosis.

Increase your flexibility. Be-ing in water (especially warm water) may lessen joint stiffness and pain, making it easier to move and increasing joint flex-ibility. Swimming is particularly helpful for increasing flexibility in the hips, arms, and legs. This increased flexibility reduces the likelihood of injury.

Improve your mind. Seniors who might avoid other types of exercise are more likely to keep up with a water exercise program. This is good news! In addition to improving the body, physical ac-tivity also is important for brain health. According to the Alzheim-

er’s Research & Prevention Foun-dation, physical exercise reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 50 percent. Other studies show that regular exercise can reduce stress and improve your mood.

Decrease your risk of falls. One of the reasons seniors often avoid exercising is their fear of falling or injuring themselves. Water’s nat-ural buoyancy supports the body, making falling virtually impossi-ble and reducing the risk of inju-ry. Additionally, the strength and flexibility you gain from working out in water also helps prevent your risk of falling.

Keep your heart healthy. Swim-

ming and water aerobics are great exercises for the heart, making it stronger and more efficient. Ac-cording to the NIH, not only does regular aerobic exercise reduce the risk of coronary disease, but it also lowers inflammation by pre-venting fatty deposits in the arter-ies.

Finally, taking a water aerobics class or swimming in a public pool offers socialization opportu-nities for seniors, reducing their risk of isolation and loneliness.

So jump on in! The water’s fine!Source: IlluminAge AgeWise

2015

Water Exercise Is a Great Choice for Seniors


Dawson County Senior Center NewsMeals on Wheels

The Margie Weaver Senior Center received $1,250 for par-ticipation in Meals on Wheels America’s 2015 March for Meals Campaign. This year’s grants were made possible through the generosity of Subaru of Ameri-ca, Inc.

The grant funding will be used to deliver a hot meal to lo-

cal senior clients in need during the holiday season.

In total, $370,250 was granted to 258 Meals on Wheels pro-grams across the country.

The Margie Weaver Senior Center is located at:

201 Recreation RoadDawsonville, GA 30534(706) 344-3700

Pictured from L to R: MOW Driver Bill Cain, Food Service Director/MOW Coordinator Michelle Crane, Director Dawn Pruett,

MOW Driver Tom Farrell, and MOW Driver Eddie Lynn.

Two personal care homes in our region were recently visited by some very colorful volunteers. Evergreen Terrace and North-woods PCH in Dahlonega, GA were visited by members of an organization called The Founda-tion for Hospital Art. The vol-unteers brought large canvases that had traced images of jungle animals, giraffes, zebras, beautiful

flowers. It was like a giant paint by number. The volunteers helped guide the residents to complete each panel. After the paintings are completed the volunteers take them back to their studio, touch them up, and return them to the personal care homes to be hung on their walls. To see more about this wonderful ministry, please go to their web page hospitalart.org

Paintfest in Lumpkin County Union County Senior Center Line Dancers

The local Commissioner, Lamar Paris, is seen participating with dancers at the Senior Center.

Kathy Hill, The Union County Senior Center Director said; “Our


On Aug 5th several boxes of school supplies were delivered to Oakwood Elementary School. These supplies were donated by Legacy Link em-ployees. This project was coordinated by Jennifer Almond and Elaine Tolan. The staff at Oakwood were very thankful to receive the supplies just in time for the start of the new school year.

Legacy Link Employees Donate School Supplies

Union County Senior Center Line Dancers

The local Commissioner, Lamar Paris, is seen participating with dancers at the Senior Center.

Kathy Hill, The Union County Senior Center Director said; “Our

center averages 35-40 line dancers every Tuesday.”We would like to thank our instructor Judy Hair as she volunteers

her time to do this.

DON’T FORGET!Medicare Open Enrollment

October 15 through December 7Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to compare

your current prescription drug plan and your advantage plan options for 2016. GeorgiaCares at Legacy Link Inc. (AAA)

will assist you in carefully comparing plans to give you better coverage, higher quality or lower cost.

To participate in this FREE, UNBIASED AND OBJECTIVE program, call GeorgiaCares at:

770-538-2650

Area Agency on AgingLEGACY LINK


RSVP Volunteer ViewMeet a RSVP Volunteer

Volunteers Build Ramp for Veteran

Cara Barrentine’s Lumpkin County client, David Scoggins is a disabled Vietnam Vet-eran who had recently moved to a new home in Dahlonega that he and his wife share. Mr. Scoggins is not able to ambulate without the use of a walker and could not navigate his front porch steps as they were too steep.

Home Depot in Dahlonega has a volunteer store program called Team Depot. The vol-unteer group had recently applied for a grant for another veteran to receive a ramp. That

veteran instead was placed in a nursing home so Team Depot was then able to build a ramp for Mr. Scoggins. Along with the volunteers from Home Depot several volunteers from the Lumpkin County Habitat for Humanity were also on hand to help build and design the ramp.

Mr. Scoggins stated that Team Depot was a true blessing, and he is very grateful for the new ramp.

Volunteers at the Towns County Senior Center were treated to dinner, desserts, and door prizes to recognize their ongoing efforts in helping people across their county. Volun-teers assist at the Center and deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound people. Bobbie Parker, the new Center Director, made it a priority to thank these volunteers for their efforts in help-ing other people. RSVP assisted with funding for the dinner and presented Legacy Link vol-

unteer certificates and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.

Two very special RSVP volunteers were awarded the President’s Call to Service (Life-time) award for contributing over 4000 ser-vice hours since enrolling as RSVP volunteers. Kathy Potts and Gladys Stevens received Life-time awards and six other RSVP volunteers received Presidential awards for serving over 100 hours in the last year. Legacy Link CEO

Pat Freeman and Commissioner Bill Kendall thanked them for their continued efforts in making these programs a successful part of the community’s services. Bobbie and activi-ties coordinator Brenda Brannock presented a special award to Susie Adelman on behalf of her husband Dick who recently passed away. In spite of his illness Dick insisted on deliver-ing meals right up to the time of his passing. His dedication is an inspiration to all.

Towns County Senior Center honors Volunteers

Gladys Stevens receives the Lifetime award. Ms. Freeman addresses volunteers. Bobbie Parker and Susie Adelman


MEDICARE 2014 OPEN ENROLLMENT

2014 ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR

MEDICARE PART D PLANS AND

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS IS

OCTOBER 15—DECEMBER 7 (Plans are effective January, 2014)

For free, unbiased, objective plan comparisons, call

Call Legacy Link and ask for —

GeorgiaCares 770-538-2650

Just for Laughs

georgiaCares at Legacy Link inc. is a volunteer-based program that provides free, unbiased and factual information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

Local assistance is available for health insurance related issues including Medicare, Medicaid, financial assistance programs, health error, fraud and abuse and long term care insurance.

For more information call 770-538-2650.

Medicare Open EnrollmentMedicare Open Enrollment is October 15th - December 7th

Call 770-538-2650 to ask questions about Medicare and receive your free health and drug plan comparison.

We don’t hear about many issues these days that draw bipartisan sup-port—but a recent poll from the AARP shows that people of every political lean-ing recognize the need to improve the lot of family caregiv-ers in America.

Maybe this is because fam-ily caregiving knows no political party. According to the AARP, 42 million of us are caring for el-derly and/or disabled relatives—and the number of people who need care is expected to double by 2050. The care provided by these family members is valued at close to $500 billion each year!

A new group, the Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Cau-cus, includes U.S. Senators and Representatives from both par-ties. AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said, “The fact that this caucus is both bipartisan and bicameral is significant and encouraging. It

sends a message that members of Congress recognize that the issues facing family caregivers and the desire to live indepen-dently and with dignity are not bound by politics or ideology.”

The poll found that among registered voters, 77 percent think that Congress should make it a priority to improve resources for family caregivers. And can-didates take note: 68 percent said that they would be more fa-vorable to members of Congress who wanted to improve family caregiver resources!

Source: IlluminAge reporting on news release from the AARP.

Caregivers Need HelpTax Deduction

Father Vince answers the phone. “Hello, is this Father Vince?”“It is!”“This is the IRS. Can you help us?”“I can!” “Do you know a Sean Flanders?” “I do!” “Is he a member of your congregation?” “He is!”“Did he donate $10,000 to the church?”“He will!”

Community ServiceA florist went into a barber shop to get his hair cut.

When he reached for his wallet to pay the barber the barber said, “Oh, I’m doing this for community service. I cannot accept your money.” The florist graciously thanked him.

Next morning when the barber arrived at work there was a thank you card from the florist and a dozen carnations.

Later that day a policeman came into the barber shop. When he reached for his wallet the barber’s reply was the same, “Oh, I’m doing this for community service. I cannot accept your money.”

The policeman graciously thanked him.Next morning when the barber arrived at work there was

a thank you card from the policeman and a dozen donuts.Later that day a senator came into the barber shop. He

got a haircut and was reaching for his wallet when the barber said, “I’m doing this for community service. I cannot accept your money.” The senator thanked him and left.

The next morning when the barber arrived at work there were a dozen Senators on his doorstep.

One + one = 5One of the mysteries of life is that a two pound box of

chocolates can make you gain five pounds.

Stress SymptomsI read some article which said that the symptoms of

stress are impulse buying, eating too much and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That’s what I call a perfect day.

Towns County Senior Center honors Volunteers

Bobbie Parker and Susie Adelman

LEGACY LINKArea Agency on Aging

4080 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, Ga 30566

nOn PROFiT ORg.U.S. POSTAgE PAiDgAinESViLLE, gAPERMiT nO. 82

Resource GuideHome Based ServicesGateway to Aging Services: Legacy Link’s toll free number (855-266-4283) accesses the Gateway to Aging Services. Trained intake specialists provide confiden-tial access to information, assistance and referral concerning services for seniors, family members and persons with disabilities. Callers are assisted in locating resourc-es and services in the regions, in georgia and across the United States.

Community Care Services Program: (CCSP) serves low-income, frail persons of all ages in the 13 county service region. The program assists people who are elderly and/or functionally impaired to continue living in their homes and com-munities by offering personal support services, such as, adult day health, caregiver support, respite care, home delivered meals, emergency response systems, and basic personal care. The individual or family members along with the CCSP nurse and care coordinator will develop a care plan to prolong independence and avoid nursing home placement. (855-266-4283). Source Program: Serves individuals who meet nursing home level of care and are SSi Medicaid recipients. Personal support services are arranged with the individ-ual, physician and care management team to reduce emergency room visits, hospital-izations and improve quality of life while living in the community. in addition to the 13 county service region, Source is also offered by Legacy Link in Barrow, Cherokee, Clarke, Elbert, gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties. (855-266-4283). Alzheimer’s Care Consultation Program: A free, telephone-based information and support service for adults with memory impairment, including Alzheimer’s and demention, and friends or family who care for them. Care Consulta-tion provides, particularly to caregivers, ongoing help to find practical solutions to concerns about health and care as well as coaching and support. Clients do not have to be enrolled in any other Legacy Link program to be eligible to participate in Care Consultations. (855-266-4283).

Employment and EducationEmployment and Training for Mature Workers (SCSEP): Persons aged 55+ on the Senior Community Service and Employment Program are placed in part-time positions in public and non-profit agencies for training to enable them to enter the workforce. Funded by the national Council, assistance is provided to residents of 23 north georgia counties. (770-538-2650)

Community Based ServicesWellness Programs: Addresses social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellec-tual well-being of adults 60 years or older, including but not limited to: nutrition and health education, fitness and physical activity, health screenings, art classes, computer classes, and other educational opportunities. For more information about what is available in your area, contact your local senior centers. (770-538-2650)Kinship Care Program: This program provides information and referrals re-garding benefits availble for children being raised by Grandparents, Aunts, or Uncles. kinship Care Support groups for persons who are “parenting the second time around” are available in the 13 counties of north goergia. (770-538-2650)Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: RSVP, a national Senior Corps program, matches adults age 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at public and non-profit agencies in 10 counties. Funding is provided by the Corporation for national and Community Service (CnCS), a federal agency. 770-538-2650 www.nationalservice.gov

Legal and AdvocacyLong-Term Care Ombudsman: Ombudsman staff provides advocacy services to nursing home and personal care home residents and family members in 13 coun-ties. (770-538-2685). Georgia Legal Services: for assistance and counsel-ing for persons aged 60 and above. (770-535-5717).

Medicare CounselingGeorgia Cares Program: Medicare Counseling - Staff and trained volun-teers make presentations to groups and counsel individual beneficiaries and assist in enrollment in all Medicare Programs. Eligibility screenings and assistance are provided for those qualifying for help paying Medicare and other health benefit programs. (770-538-2650)

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september / october 2015 the link your aging and disability … · 2017-11-02 · september /...

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