February 2022

Red heart outline with blood pressure graph in the middle

Get Heart Healthy this February!

Happy February! We appreciate the time, love, and care that Caregivers give daily. We know caregiving can be overwhelming, and this is our gentle reminder that having an enjoyable time while meeting self-care goals is possible.

American-Heart Month begins on February 1^st and ends on February 28^th. The focus this month is cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities, the number one cause of death for most groups. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use. To reduce your risk for heart disease, you can make small changes by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. Here are some ways to celebrate and keep your heart healthy this month:

Check out the virtual and in-person classes at Seymour and Passmore Senior Centers. These classes can help you make those small health changes that can make the most valuable difference in your heart health.
The first Friday of February (February 4^th, 2022) has been designated by the awareness campaign, Heart Truth, as National Wear Red Day, in the United States. On this day, men and women are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of their support of women’s heart health.
Let’s not forget the Super Bowl this month! We know the Super Bowl commercials can be comical and memorable. To get your heart pumping while watching the Super Bowl, try doing some seated exercises during the commercial breaks. You can try Super Bowl leg raises or arm raises. You will complete the activities in no time!
It’s important to work in some heart healthy foods into your diet, these are low in saturated fats, high in omega-3s and packed with fruits and vegetables! Try this one for the Super Bowl: Cilantro & Lime Chicken
Another big favor we can do to our heart is reduce our stress! Caregiving can be stressful, but the American Heart Association provides some helpful tips to reduce stress including, slowing down, staying connected with loved one, sleeping for 8 hours a night, and practicing breathing and meditation.

Learn more about incorporating heart health into your routine in the additional resources below.

This month's article was written by Kenesha Wood, one of two social work practicum students working with OCDoA's Aging Transitions team this academic year. Kenesha is a second year student with UNC's MSW program.

Additional Resources

Fight Stress with Healthy Habits from the American Heart Association

Heart Healthy Diet from the Mayo Clinic

3 Kinds of Exercise that Boost Heart Health from Johns Hopkins

Announcements

Get Free At-home COVID-19 Tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-?home COVID-?19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

Order Free At-Home Tests

If you need a COVID-?19 test now, please see other testing resources for free testing locations in your area.

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Is Options Counseling For You?

Are you considering making a change in residence or level of care for yourself or a loved one? Have you found that you or your loved one need more support with personal care and household tasks? Do you want to downsize or move into a senior living community? The Orange County Department on Aging’s Options Counseling program may be of use to you.

Our trained Options Counselors can help you plan for changes in living situation or level of care. They can provide information on your options and help you decide which option is best for you considering your needs, values, and preferences. They can also make referrals and help you connect with various resources and services.

Please contact the Aging Helpline if you are interested in learning more about Options Counseling or scheduling an appointment: 919-968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Options Counseling is a free service.

Senior Center Update:

Previously scheduled outdoor group programs have moved inside with limited capacity. Social distancing and masks are required at both senior centers. We continue to offer virtual and hybrid (combination in-person and virtual) programs, information, individual services, and one-on-one appointments Monday - Friday; 8 am - 5 pm.

For more information please see:

Activity Calendar: Download a copy of our monthly Activity Calendar including all of our videos, live classes, and online programs.
Endless Possibilities Activity Guide: View the latest Endless Possibilities (formerly Senior Times) for all of our programs, services, and resources.
Information & Services: Information, individual services, and one-on-one appointments are available M-F, 8 am - 5 pm. For an appointment, please contact the Aging Transitions Services Helpline at 919-968-2087.
Lunch Program: Meals are available via curbside pick-up. Email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256 for more information or to register for our Lunch Program.
New or Modified Programs, Services and Resources for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond here.
Register Online: Register for classes online. Choose display option "Detail" and search by title, activity code and more to find and register for your class or event.

For regular updates about senior center programming, please subscribe to the biweekly Endless Possibilities e-newsletter.

Everyone 18+ years who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible for a booster.

Changes to OT Services

Our Aging Transitions Occupational Therapist Marie Dagger will be out of the office on family leave until early May. Home safety evaluations and consultations will be on pause until her return, but the dementia education programs and durable medical equipment donation/loan program will move forward with team support. Please reach out to the Aging Helpline for any questions or needs you may have: 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov.

Brief Counseling Services

Our team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness.

Contact the Aging Helpline for more information: (919) 968-2087.

Handyperson Recommendations

Have you hired a fair, helpful, and trustworthy handyperson? We are compiling a list of individuals who assist with home repair work in our community. If you had a positive experience with a particular person or company and would recommend them to a neighbor, please share!

Complete our online recommendation form or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) to submit your recommendation.

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these items, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.

Dementia Friendly Orange County

The Orange County Dementia Friendly Business Program is now offering virtual trainings!

Dementia Friendly organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia or other special needs. Thank your local businesses for being a Dementia Friendly Partner or ask them to become one!

Activity Engagement Coaching

It can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day. For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are:

person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, preferences
meaningful
appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress

If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional.

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Upcoming Programs

Physical, Emotional, & Social Wellbeing

Orange County Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups are resuming in person meetings! The first session of each month will meet at the designated senior center, with the second meeting happening via Zoom. These support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.

Chapel Hill Support Group

Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.

Friday, February 11 at 10:30am via Zoom
Friday, February 25 at 10:30am via Zoom

Hillsborough Support Group
Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.

Thursday, February 10 at 1pm via Zoom
Thursday, February 24 at 1pm via Zoom

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

This month's meeting will be a split group open discussion. Available via Zoom - contact Maggie Ivanic for more information and to RSVP.

Care Partner Meeting: Tuesday, February 1 at 12:30pm
People with PD Meeting: Tuesday, February 1 at 2:30pm

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group

Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month topic is “Self-care: What it is and what is isn’t!” Available via Zoom - contact M aggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP

Wednesday, February 2 at 1:30pm

Fit Seniors

At-Home exercise and wellness options designed to help keep you fit and healthy with your favorite OCDOA fitness instructors: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/2371/Fit-Seniors.

Memory Café
Memory Café has returned at various locations around the county. We invite people living with memory loss and their care partners to join us for a fun, casual social outing! Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information and registration by Mon, Feb 7, 5 pm.

Thursday, February 10; 10 am at the Honeysuckle Tea House

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Educational Events

Caregiver Education Series: Caregiving at Different Levels of Care
Caregivers face different challenges in different situations. Having a loved one at home is different from caring for someone living in an assisted living facility. MSW Interns Kenesha Wood and Kim Snipes will discuss how to plan for different caregiving situations as your loved one requires changes to their care plan. Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information. Register in advance here

Wednesday February 23; 1:30-2:30 pm

Dementia - Let's Talk About It
Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, February 1 at 10:15am: Levels of Care
Tuesday, February 15 at 10:15am: Mild Cognitive Impairment

Contact Us

For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline:

919-968-2087

or

AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov