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Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa)
Happy National Older Adults Month to the people you support. May is here and filled with possibilities. What can you learn about this month that is beneficial to you and your care recipients? Let’s discuss the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa Test). This is an assessment designed to detect early signs of cognitive impairment. It is important to remember the MoCa Test is not a diagnostic assessment.
The MoCa Test was created by Dr. Ziad Nasreddine. He is a board-certified neurologist and graduated from the University of Sherbrooke, Quebec. Dr. Nasreddine completed a fellowship in Cognitive Neurology and Neurobehavior at the University of California, Los Angeles. During his residency, Dr. Nasreddine realized a need for an in-depth cognitive screening tool in clinical settings. The first version of the MoCa Test was created in 1996 and today, it is used in 100 countries worldwide.
The fascinating detail about the MoCa Test is that Alzheimer’s disease can be detected up to 2 years earlier than when using other cognitive tools. This will give caregivers time to start routine preventative measures for whomever they are rendering care. The assessment is brief, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Several areas of the brain are assessed while the MoCa test is administered. Six areas are evaluated during the MoCa test. These areas are executive functioning (working memory, adaptable thinking), short term memory, orientation to time and place, language, visuospatial abilities (analyze space and visual form), and attention. It is important to note, that while the MoCa can help detect signs of mild cognitive impairment, as well as cognitive strengths and challenges, it is not a diagnostic tool. If the MoCa indicates signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment, participants are advised to see their doctor for a full medical assessment.
This month's article was written by Kimuria Snipes, one of two social work practicum students working with OCDoA's Aging Transitions team this academic year. Kim is a first year student with NCCU's MSW program.
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If you are interested in receiving this cognitive screening, contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 to make an appointment with one of our certified screeners.
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Cognitive AssessmentsDid you know that you can get cognitive assessments right in our senior centers? Several of our Aging Transitions Team are certified to administer the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). While this is not the same as a medical diagnosis, it can provide a baseline of cognition, as well as help determine your strengths and challenges. Contact the Aging Helpline to schedule an appointment (919-968-2087).
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Brief Counseling ServicesOur 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.
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Activity Engagement CoachingIt 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: If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional.
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Dementia Friendly Orange County Our partner organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia and their caregivers.
To date, over 100 local organizations and over 1,200 employees have participated in our training. https://dforangecounty.org/certified-businesses/
Founding sponsors of Dementia Friendly Orange County include the Orange County Department on Aging, the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, and Acorn of Chapel Hill.
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Handyperson RecommendationsHave 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.
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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.
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Senior Centers are Fully Open!Both senior centers are fully open to all activities and pre-pandemic operations. In addition, we will continue to offer programs in a hybrid (in-person/virtual) format.
Seymour Center adds Saturday and Evening Hours Effective April 2, the Seymour Center will expand their hours of operations to include: - Saturdays, 8 am – 5 pm,
- Monday – Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
If you are interested in attending a program feel free to stop by or call the Center at 919-968-2070 or if you are interested in offering a program during these times, please contact Seymour Center Programs and Operation Manager, Cydnee Sims, at 919-245-2050.
For a complete listing of the Passmore Center & Seymour Center hours, click here.
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: We will offer a dual program lunch with meals being served curb-side or indoor dining. Registration is required to participate in the lunch program. Email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256 for more information or to register for our Lunch Program.
- 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.
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Physical, Emotional, & Social WellbeingSupport groups are resuming in-person meetings! 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. We have also added a new Zoom only group.
Zoom Only Support Group
Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253. - Tuesday, May 3 at 12:30pm via Zoom
- Tuesday, May 17 at 12:30pm at via Zoom
Chapel Hill Support GroupContact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278. - Friday, May 13 at 10:30am at Seymour
- Friday, May 27 at 10:30am at Seymour
Hillsborough Support GroupContact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022. - Thursday, May 12 at 1pm at Passmore
- Thursday, May 26 at 1pm at Passmore
Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support GroupThis month's meeting will be a full group meeting on the topic of Preparing for planned or unplanned hospitalizations with PD with Courtney Malburg Senior Coordinator, Education & Publications from the Parkinson’s Foundation “. Available via Zoom - contact Maggie Ivanic for more information and to RSVP. Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support GroupSupport group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month’s topic is: Mental Health and Mood. Available via Zoom - contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - Wednesday, May 4, at 1:30pm
Fit SeniorsAt-Home (Add this) àor in-person at the senior center 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 Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278 or Kkopchick@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register. - Memory Café on the Move
- Monday May 23, 1pm at The Carolina Basketball Museum
- Register by Thursday May 19 at 5pm
- Hillsborough Memory Café
- Tuesday May 3, 2:00pm at Cup-A-Joe
- Registration encouraged but not required
- Chapel Hill Memory Café
- Monday May 9, 11am at Bruegger’s Bagels
- Registration encouraged but not required
Care Partner Collaborative For caregivers and those they care for - a space to be in community, where many hands make light work. A weekly gathering that offers opportunities for connection and active engagement in ways that work for all. Let’s do this together! Registration required. Please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251 to discuss eligibility. Max 10. - Seymour Center
- Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00, starting June 1
Educational EventsCaregiver Education Series: Managing IncontinenceIncontinence is a common issue people face, but no one talks about. We will discuss tools, and tactics to manage incontinence in the person you care for. Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information. - Monday May 16; 1-2 pm at Seymour Center
Dementia - Let's Talk About ItJoin 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, May 3 at 10:15am: Incontinence and Dementia
- Tuesday, May 17 at 10:15am: How to Slow Down So Your Loved One Can Keep Up
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For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline:
919-968-2087or |
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