Community News for Caregivers

April 2019

Welcome to the new version of Orange County's 'Community News for Caregivers!'  We're excited to debut this new platform, and welcome any feedback you have for us.  Please reach out to newsletter editor Marie Dagger with any comments or suggestions!

Advocacy Image

The Role of Advocacy
in Caregiving


April 3rd was Long Term Care Advocacy Day – an opportunity for people from across the state to speak with their representatives in Raleigh regarding the specific needs in long term care.  We know that these needs are varied, but the Friends of Residents in Long Term Care team has outlined a couple specific goals for 2019.

However, going to Raleigh to advocate to our representatives might not be something you're comfortable with - or able - to do right now.  What else can you and your circle do to advocate for your needs and the needs of the person you are caring for?

  1. Start small and just listen!  Advocacy can happen in the littlest ways - whether that’s listing to your own body and giving yourself an extra 5 minutes or supporting your 'caree' in making choices for themselves.

  2. Ask (often!) for what you need. No matter the organization, receiving and understanding feedback has an important role to play!  Whether it's asking a favorite restaurant to turn up the lighting, requesting a new program at the senior center, or letting your local ombudsman know about concerns at a long-term care home, your voice plays a critical role! 

  3. Call or write to your representatives - or ask others in your care to do so on your behalf.  Our representatives don’t know exactly what we need unless we tell them - and the more people that reach out lets them know the magnitude of the concern.  You can find your representatives here.

Resources

For more information, check out.....


Being an Advocate for your Loved One

From the National Caregiver's Library


How to be an Effective Advocate for Aging Parents

From AARP

Advocacy Tips for Family Caregivers

From the Family Caregiver Alliance

A Caregiver's Bill of Rights

SHARP Direct-Care Worker Award Nominations

SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards

Direct care workers impact their client's lives on a  daily basis and make a difference in our community. Each year six awards will be presented - one in each of five different categories and one person will be chosen as "Direct Care Worker of the Year." 

The 2019 Direct Care Worker Award nominations will be open until April 15.  If there is a direct care worker who has impacted your life, please nominate them today!  

New Program: Care Partner Collaborative

Orange County Caregiver Support Logo


For people experiencing early stage memory loss, and their care partners. This is a new collaborative project that will include a weekly gathering at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill (Wednesdays, 10:00 – 2:00) and relies on the input of care partners, who are invited and expected to participate on a limited basis. Through their involvement in various aspects of the collaborative, care partners gain connection, community, comfort and confidence for their journey ahead.


Participation is free for Orange County residents and registration is required. For more information and to discuss whether this is a good fit for you and the person you are caring for, please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251.

Upcoming Events

Social Events


Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, May13 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information


Memory Cafe on the Move

Counter Culture Coffee Roasters
Friday, May 17 at 10am
Contact Kim for more information.

Pickleball for Parkinson's

Seymour Center: Wednesdays at 2pm
See Flyer for more information.


Support Groups


Caregiver Support Group at Passmore

Thursdays, April 11 and 25 at 1pm


Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, April 12 and 26 at 10:30am

**No Registration Required - Contact Kim for more information.**


Educational Opportunities


The Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia

Seymour Center: Tuesday, April 9th at 3pm

**No Registration Required Today - Please Join Us!**

Passmore Center: Tuesday, April 16th at 3:30pm

Please register by April 12th at 919-245-2015

Contact Marie for more information.

Parkinson's Disease 301 - An Overview of 'Advanced Parkinson's'

Courtyard by Marriott, Chapel Hill: May 10th at 11am
See Flyer for more more information.


Special Events


Meet the Researchers - Duke University Comprehensive Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: April 26th at 12pm
See Flyer for more information.

Parkinson's Wellness Recovery

UNC Wellness Centers: New program each month
See Flyer for more information.

Upcoming at the Senior Centers

Passmore Center Image

The doors to the senior centers are open to anyone who wishes to participate, but below is a selection of low-stress programs that may be most enjoyable for caregivers and those they care for.

Seymour Center Image

CINEMA NIGHT AT THE SEYMOUR CENTER
Co-sponsored with the Program Advisory Committee, come out on the 2nd Wed evenings of the month and enjoy a recently released movie. Concessions will be available for purchase from 5:30 - 6 pm. FREE movies will begin promptly at 6 pm. If you have movie suggestions, speak with a Program Advisory Committee member for future viewings. These romantic selections will not only touch your heart, but will also make you laugh and cry.  Movies are provided through a partnership with the Chapel Hill Public Library, and are subject to change.

  • Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! – Wed, Apr 10


TEEN BUILDERS WITH LAILA & FRIENDS

Multigenerational meet ups are now the “in thing” and are super fun! Teen Builders is a unique social outlet created for opportunities to share, learn and develop lasting friendships between senior adults and teens.  These interactive connections not only offer a fun atmosphere, but enable each generation to learn more about the other. Take advantage of this empowering experience every 4th Monday. You’ll love it!  Light refreshments provided.
Min: 5/ Max: 10
Register by: 1 week prior to each social
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Mon, Apr 29               Game Night                                        (323095-02)                5 - 7 pm
 
SPRING & SWING INTO JAZZ
Put some spring in your step by listening to the Jazz organ duo of Gary Brunotte & George Hindenach. They will perform classic songs relating to spring including the following:  April in Paris, Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, Spring Is Here, It Might As Well Be Spring, Up Jumped Spring, I’ll Remember April, Joy Spring, If You Believe In Spring, plus others.  Gary is a graduate and former faculty member of Berkeley College of Music in Boston and has a Masters in music degree from NC Central University. Min: 30/ Max: 80
Register by: Wed, Apr 3           
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Wed, Apr 10   (323092-01)                                                                                      1 – 2 pm
 
AN AFTERNOON WITH THE CHATHAM CHORUS
Get ready for a real spring treat! The Chatham Chorus, a group of friends who share a love of singing, will present a concert featuring music from Gershwin to the Beatles. They say that music soothes the soul, so come and be prepared to relax and enjoy an afternoon medley of songs. As Ella Fitzgerald said, The only thing better than singing is more singing!  Meet the choral group over light refreshments after the concert. Min: 30/Max: 80
Register by: Fri, Apr 5
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Fri, Apr 12                   (323093-01)                                                                                2 pm
 
THE PEOPLES’ CHOICE
Let your voice be heard and ideas shared as we discuss programs of interest you would like offered. Meeting is also for those who would like to teach or lead a class. All suggestions and recommendations will be given consideration. Start thinking and jot down a few things prior to our meeting. Let’s make program magic happen. Feel free to bring a friend or two. Registration required.
Register by: Fri, Apr 5
Facilitators: Cydnee Sims and Paula Morvan           
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center        Fri, Apr 12                  (313088-02)                                   10 – 11 am
 
ORANGE COUNTY SILVER ARTS EXHIBIT
SilverArts Exhibit will be on display Mon, Apr 8 – Wed, May 8 at the Seymour Center.  SilverArts is a celebration of creative expression, and a major component of NC’s Senior Games traditional athletic competition.  SilverArts unites the athlete and artist in a program that recognizes the similarities of both endeavors: discipline, dedication, and pride in one's accomplishments. 
 
FIND YOUR OWN VOICE SING-ALONG
Visit for an hour with the Find Your Own Voice Singers, local musicians who bring their voices and instruments to create an enjoyable sing-along, featuring American folk and pop favorites, classics from the 1960s--and songs you suggest. Raise your voice in song, clap your hands or just enjoy the rousing music. Embrace Spring by experiencing songs that will lift your spirits! Min: 25/ Max: 65
Register by: Fri, Apr 19
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Sat, Apr 27                           (323085-01)                                                   11 am – 12 noon

Contact Us

Aging Information and Referral Helpline - (919) 968-2087

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

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