March 2023

March is National Nutrition Month!

If this weather outside was not indication enough, spring is here and it is officially March! In addition to the beautiful weather, sunshine, and daylight savings time beginning, March is also National Nutrition Month. While people often associate healthy eating with body weight, nutrition impacts all areas of our health from energy, sleep, and disease prevention. Nutrition is important for people of all ages, but as we, and those we care for age, our nutritional needs change. We may need more of certain nutrients, or feel less of an appetite and unintentionally lose weight. Here are some tips for maintaining proper nutrition in those we care for:

Drink enough liquids. As we age, sometimes our sense of thirst decreases; or, if the person you care for is living with cognitive impairment, they may not realize the discomfort they feel is thirst. Try to keep a drink nearby, in sight most of the time. Consider adding foods to your plate that contain more water, such as fruits, vegetables, or low sodium soups. If water isn't appealing, try sparkling water instead of flat, or adding flavors, like fresh cucumber or lemon.
Not hungry? Drink your calories. If your loved one is showing a decrease in their appetite, try adding in liquid nutrition (such as Boost, Ensure, or other protein drinks), to supplement their calories and protein.
Pay attention to medical conditions. What’s considered a healthy, balanced diet for your loved one may vary if they’ve been diagnosed with a condition like diabetes or high cholesterol. Reduce added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition.
Make eating a social occasion. As we age, it’s natural to lose friends, family, and loved ones. This can lead to social isolation and depression, which often leads to loss of appetite. Meals can be a great way to bring people together and brighten our day.

Resources

Announcements

Options Counseling - Is it for you - Elderly Hispanic couple

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Advanced Directives - Contact the Aging Helpline

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Upcoming Programs

Caregiver Education Series: Downsizing

Sarah from Caring Transitions will discuss how to downsize your home to prepare to age-in-place or move to a better fitting location. For more information or to register, contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245- 4278, Kkopchick@OrangeCountyNC.gov).

Monday, March 6 at 1:30pm at the Seymour Center

Dementia - Let's Talk About It (Virtual via Zoom)
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, March 21 at 10:00am: Driving & Dementia

Memory Café
Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. Contact Alison Smith (919-245-4241 or AlSmith@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register.

Thursday, March 23 at 1:30pm

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.
- 2nd & 4th Fridays: March 10 & 24 at 10:30am at Seymour
Hillsborough Support Group
- Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
- 2nd Thursdays: March 9 at 1pm at Passmore
Zoom Only Support Group
- Contact Lydia Arnold to join - LArnold@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4276.
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays: March 7 & 21 12:30pm via Zoom
Hybrid Support Group for Mandarin Speakers
- Contact Hong Zhou to join - hzhou@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4275.
- 2nd Thursdays: March 9 at 1pm at Seymour and via Zoom

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

This month's meetings will be split group discussion. Contact Kendall Kopchick for more information and to RSVP.

Virtual Carepartner Group: Tuesday, March 7 at 12:30, via Zoom
Virtual Parkinson's Disease Group: Tuesday, March 7 at 2:30, via Zoom
Split Group In-Person Meetings: Thursday, March 16 at 1:30, at the Seymour Center

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group

Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month's group will focus on open discussion. Contact Jessica Shurer for more information and to RSVP.