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Healthy Vision Month: Dementia, Vision, and YouJuly is Healthy Vision Month! Promoted by the National Eye Institute, the aim of Healthy Vision Month is to raise awareness of the importance of eye care and general vision health. As one of the five senses, vision is a key aspect of health to consider while being in a care partnership. While some changes in vision are a normal part of the aging process, people with dementia may develop vision problems that are caused by changes to the physical and chemical structure of the brain. Individuals with dementia may have otherwise healthy eyes, but still develop certain vision and perception issues that affect the way they perceive and “see” the world. Because the brain plays a critical role in processing visual information, any changes to the brain from dementia can have a significant effect on one’s visual abilities. The optic nerve and the retina are portions of brain tissue that specifically deal with vision. As dementia develops and brain cells are damaged, the optic nerve and retina are damaged as well. Here are some common vision and perception challenges that can be caused by or related to dementia: - An inability to switch their visual focus from one person or place to another
- Inability to make out different colors or shapes
- Difficulties detecting movement
- Misidentification of people or places
- Problems with depth perception
Other diseases that affect vision, such as macular degeneration, may cause confusion or exacerbate an individual’s dementia. Because of this, they may go untreated due to their inability to communicate the changes they are experiencing. Whether they are caused by dementia or other diseases, changes in vision can often be frustrating and confusing for both the individual with dementia as well as their caregivers. These vision changes, while challenging, are not impossible to manage. The following are specific strategies and steps that you can take to help both yourself as a caregiver and your loved one navigate dementia and vision:
- Get regular eye exams to remain aware of diagnoses and spot problems early
- Make sure that your eye doctor is aware of your partner’s diagnosis, and discuss with them how this diagnosis may be affecting their vision.
- Keep environment consistent, and when changes are necessary for safety, change the environment gradually
- Obtain technology and adaptive equipment such as magnifying glasses, audio books, or large print materials.
The Department on Aging has several programs and services available that can help you navigate the caregiving journey and the ways that vision loss are impacting your life such as the Care Partner Collaborative, Options Counseling, and our Caregiver Education Series. Additionally, the Department has an Occupational Therapist on staff that can conduct a home safety assessment and make specific, personalized recommendations. While vision health is only one symptom of dementia, it is nevertheless important to maintain. With proper awareness and some strategic planning, it is possible to better manage the vision-related challenges and difficulties that arise when caring for someone with dementia.
This month's article was written by Clayton Foster, one of two social work practicum students working with OCDoA's Aging Transitions team this summer. Clayton is a senior with NC State's BSW program.
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2022 SHARP Direct Care Worker Nominations are OPENThe Orange County Department on Aging and the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) are pleased to invite you to nominate Direct Care Workers as a part of the seventh annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards.
Nominations will be accepted from June 15 – September 15, 2022. A hybrid recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, November 3, 2022. This event is in honor of Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis and make a difference in the Orange County community. In recognition of the outstanding service provided by direct care workers, the Department on Aging and SHARP will present awards in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as the “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”
To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories. Honorees must have provided direct care to clients and have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year. Nominators may submit up to (5) nominations total. For more information about the awards and to nominate a direct care worker, please complete the online nomination form at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/249/SHARP-Direct-Care-Worker-Awards. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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OCDOA Upcoming Monthly Events are now Available on Podcast for People who are Blind or Print Impaired Thanks to our friends at the North Carolina Reading Service (NCRS), you can find a podcast of each monthly edition of the Orange County Department of Aging’s OCDOA Upcoming Events e-newsletter by taking the following steps:
• Go to the North Carolina Reading Service website (https://www.ncreadingservice.org/) • Click on the “Listen" tab • Next to "How to Listen to NCRS”, click on “Skip to Podcasts Section" • Under the “Newsletters" column on the far right side of the page, click on "Orange County Dept. Of Aging”
About the North Carolina Reading Service (NCRS).
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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 Dementia Friendly Orange County was recently invited to present program updates to a local community group, SHARP (Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County). Local networking and community ties lend our program roots and resilience to keep spreading awareness around dementia. To date, 110 local organizations and over 1,300 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 expanded 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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Caregiver Education Series: Caregiving 101 Join Kendall Kopchick, MSW, LCSWA for an overview of resources and tips and tricks for caregivers. Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information. - Monday, July 18; 1pm at the Seymour Center or virtually via Zoom
Care Partner Collaborative Now In Person! 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.
- Wednesdays, 1-3pm at the Seymour Center
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, July 5 at 10:15am: Visual Changes in Dementia
- Tuesday, July 19 at 10:15am: Aphasia
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
- Friday, July 20, 10 at the NC Botanical Gardens
- Register by Friday, July 15 at 5pm
- Hillsborough Memory Café
- Tuesday July 5, 2:00pm at Cup-A-Joe
- Registration encouraged but not required
- Chapel Hill Memory Café
- Monday July 11, 11am at Bruegger’s Bagels
- Registration encouraged but not required
Support Groups 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 resumed in-person meetings and have added a new Zoom only group. - Chapel Hill Support Group
- Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.
- Friday, July 8 at 10:30am at Seymour
- Friday, June 24 at 10:30am at Seymour
- Hillsborough Support Group
- Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
- Thursday, June 9 at 1pm at Passmore
- Thursday, July 22 at 1pm at Passmore
- Zoom Only Support Group
- Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.
- Tuesday, July 5 at 12:30pm via Zoom
- Tuesday, July 19 at 12:30pm at via Zoom
Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support GroupThis month's support group will be a full group open discussion. Available via Zoom - contact Maggie Ivanic for more information and to RSVP. - Tuesday, July 5 at 1:30pm
Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support GroupSupport group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month’s group will be open discussion. Available via Zoom - contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - Wednesday, July 6 at 1:30pm
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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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