Dementia – Let’s Talk About It:
Signs of Pain in People with Dementia

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for an ONLINE 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. You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Signs of Pain in People with Dementia; Fee: FREE 
Date: Tue, Aug 2; Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am; Location: Virtual;
Register by: Mon, Jul 18. To register, email or call the Aging Helpline (agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov or 919-968-2087). You will receive the meeting link/phone# after registration.

Summer LGBTQ+ Dinner and a Movie Series

Warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect opportunity to spend the evening out. Each month will feature a new movie that celebrates the joys, struggles, and journeys of the LGBTQ+ community. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. Co-Sponsored by SAGE of Central North Carolina and Project EngAGE LGBTQ+ SRT.
 
This month’s feature, Paris is Burning, is a documentary film highlighting the “Golden Age” of New York City drag queens. Watch the vibrant 1980s drag-ball scene come to life and experience the chronicle of community and resilience transpire amongst the African-American, Latino, gay and transgender community. The film includes featured interviews from renowned drag queens, Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey.
 
Date: Wed, Aug 3; Time: 5:30 – 8 pm
Location: Seymour Center; Register by: Fri, Jul 29
Phone: 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

ABC Dementia

Dementia can cause changes in an individual’s abilities, behaviors and communications that affect day to day life.  We invite you to join Tammy Curry, RN in tackling talks about ABC Dementia. 

Date: Aug 10
Time: 11am – 12noon
Fee: Free
Register by: Aug 4, Virtual link provided after registration

New to Medicare?
Join our Welcome to Medicare Class

If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare.  This free class will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work.  You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. 
 
Monday August 15, 12 – 1:30 pm
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough NC
Register by calling 919-245-2015
 
Wednesday September 7, 6 – 7:30 pm
Online class using ZOOM
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_Sep

Retirement: Making Your Money Last

This class will discuss strategies designed to help towards fulfilling your retirement expectations, focusing on providing your income needs today and into the future. We'll also explore key concerns as inflation, health care expenses and market volatility, as well as to prepare in advance for things that may not go as expected. Presenter: Cynda Beauchamp, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Date: Tue, Aug 23; Time: 10 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 244001-08; Register by: Tue, Aug 16; Fee: FREE

August is National Vaccination
Awareness Month

Immunizations are especially important for older adults and for adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease.   Part B (Original) Medicare and all Medicare Advantage Plans cover flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B and covid-19 vaccinations at no cost to you.   These shots can be provided at a pharmacy or your provider’s office.
 
Other vaccinations such as for shingles may be covered by your Medicare Drug Plan (Part D) or Advantage Plan but you will likely pay a share of the cost.  To minimize your cost, be sure to check your plan’s list of covered medications and visit an in-network pharmacy to receive the shot.  If you’ll receive the vaccination at your provider’s office, check first that the office can bill your Plan. 

Community Spread for COVID-19 High

Orange County is currently at a high level of community spread for COVID-19, according to the CDC. To reduce the spread in our community it is helpful to mask indoors, wash your hands often, give each other a little space and, most importantly, be sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination.

If you do think you have been exposed, or are feeling ill, please get a COVID-19 test. There are test to treat sites available that will allow you to access medication should you test positive. A list of test to treat locations in Orange County: https://www.orangecountync.gov/2451/Testing 

Orange County Health Department vaccine flyers in English-Spanish, Karen-Burmese, and Chinese- Swahili.

Volunteer with VITA!

Looking for a challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunity?  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) assists low and moderate-income taxpayers with preparing their annual income tax returns.  Our tax season runs February 1 to April 15 and most volunteers work one or two 4-hour shifts per week.
 
Volunteers assist in a wide variety of roles, including:

• Tax Preparers (requires IRS Tax Law training that starts November 1)
• Receptionists greet clients, explain the process, and organize paperwork
• Appointment Schedulers answer phones and return voicemails to schedule appointments using computer software
• IT Specialists troubleshoot and maintain our Windows laptops and printers

 
To learn more, contact Jeanne Chamberlin at 919-245-4240 or jchamberlin@orangecountync.gov.

Aging Transitions Services

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
Call 919-245-4245 to leave a message in Spanish.

Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, phone, or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative; gather and stay connected with us online or in-person, depending on the program.  For upcoming programs download our Current Caregiver Programming flyer.  For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Do You Need Help Finding Transportation?
The Transportation Specialist provides information on transportation, travel training, the volunteer driver program, and advocacy. 
Call the Transportation Help Line: 919-717-1853 (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm).

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 supplies, 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.

Technology Classes: Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center

Seymour Tech offers FREE classes for older adults around personal computer, tablet, and smart phone use. See the full list of upcoming programs here and contact Mike Gilliom with questions.

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  To volunteer, please contact Orange County Department on Aging's Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) Volunteer Coordinator, Alison Smith by phone at 919-245-4241 or email alsmith@orangecountync.gov. 

For more information about ways to help during COVID, please visit:

• Orange County Health Department - How I Can Help

• UNC Health- Ways you can help

• Duke Health - How you can help during COVID-19