July 2019

Caregiver Declaration of Independence

Although individuals affected by various chronic conditions experience a gradual decrease in independence, there are several ways that caregivers can maintain their autonomy and keep a positive state of mind. To honor Independence Day on July 4, we are drawing on parts of the Declaration of Independence to help caregivers – life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness:

Life

A short break can go a long way: Instead of digging in for a difficult discussion or task with the person you’re caring for, try stepping away for 5 - or 25 - minutes. You can ensure their safety, play some of their favorite music, and go to a different room. You might find out that the conversation or activity goes more smoothly when you return.
Shift from trying to do everything right to focusing on priorities: Instead of always trying to fully achieve your own high expectations for caregiving, ask yourself if the tasks or challenges will be important in a month from now, or not. Then, change your focus to something that can provide some help in the moment.

Liberty

Act promptly if you notice a new issue: Attempting to cope by denying a problem may make things a little easier in the short term, but it can delay the diagnosis or treatment of a progressing condition. While it can be anxiety-provoking to schedule an appointment with a medical professional, it will be helpful to know the right next steps.
Engage in tough conversations about medical, financial, and legal choices: Instead of avoiding the uncomfortable conversations about medical, financial and legal decision, take time for these important discussions. Have these talks with the person receiving care sooner rather than later, so that you can honor their personal preferences and give yourself peace of mind.

Pursuit of Happiness

Reach out for help to reduce isolation: Millions of caregivers spend most of their days with limited personal time or social interaction. In order to overcome the isolation of caregiving, seek out home health care services, adult day care facilities, respite care, and support groups.
Make interactions more pleasant through validation therapy: People living with a medical condition sometimes experience a different reality than we do. Try taking five minutes to ask the person you care for about what they are experiencing by asking them open-ended questions, part of validation therapy. You can adjust your focus to see things their way, rather than putting significant effort into convincing them to see it from your perspective.

Resources

For more ideas, check out....

Announcements

Dementia Friendly Orange County Updates

Special thanks to the following organizations for recently committing or recommitting to being part of the Dementia Friendly movement!

The Downsizers
Orange County Board of Elections
Wells Fargo Meadowmont

Dementia Friendly organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia or other special needs. Thank your local businesses for being a Dementia Friendly Partner or ask them to become one!

New Program: Care Partner Collaborative

Join us as we come together weekly to co-create a space that welcomes and supports seniors experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. In a relaxed setting, we’ll share conversation, have lunch, and enjoy music, movement and other activities of our own design.

This gathering, Wednesdays at the Seymour Center from 10 am to 2 pm, is part of a collaborative project that relies on the input and participation of care partners. Through their active involvement, care partners gain connection, community, comfort and confidence for their journey ahead.

Registration is required. Please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251 to discuss eligibility details and whether this is a good fit for you and the person you are caring for.

Upcoming Events

Social Events

Memory Cafe at Cup-a-Joe

Tuesday, July 2 at 12:30pm
120 W. King Street, Hillsborough
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, July 8 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe on the Move

Frank Gallery Tour - 201 S. Estes Drive, B6, Chapel Hill
Tuesday, July 9 at 2pm
Contact Kim for more information

Pickleball for Parkinson's

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

Support Groups

Well Spouse Association Support Group for the Triangle

Seymour Center
Thursday, July 11 at 5:30pm
Contact Russ Wiener for more information.

Caregiver Support Group at Passmore

Thursdays, July 11 and 25 at 1pm
Contact Kim for more information.

Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, July 12 and 26 at 10:30am
Contact Kim for more information.

Educational Opportunities

Techniques for Assisting a Person who Uses a Walker or Wheelchair

Seymour Center
Tuesday, July 9 at 3pm
Passmore Center
Wednesday, July 17 at 10am
See Flyer for more information

What Can We Expect? - A Dementia Basics Education Series

Orange County Public LIbrary
Mondays, August 5-26 at 1pm
See Flyer or contact Marie for more information.

Parkinson's Disease 101: An Introduction to Parkinson's Disease

Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club - 3001 Cameron Blvd
Friday, August 9th at 12pm
See Flyer for more information.

Special Events

Assistive Technology & Durable Medical Equipment Vendor Expo

NC State McKimmon Center - 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh

Thursday, September 26 at 9am
See website for more information.

Parkinson's Wellness Recovery

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

Upcoming at the Senior Centers

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

Please note each event’s location and call the respective senior center to register. Passmore Center: 919-245-2015 Seymour Center: 919-968-2070

BUILD YOUR OWN ICE CREAM SUNDAE
July is National Ice Cream month and we are pulling out all the stops! You will go bananas with all the delicious toppings available on our Ice Cream Sundae Bar.   Spend the afternoon with friends and we will see who is the most creative when it comes to creating an Ice Cream Sundae.
Min: 15/Max: 30
Register by: Fri, Jun 28
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Fri, Jul 5          (233002-01)    3 pm

BINGO
BINGO! Join our caller Joseph Degraffenridt to see if the ball rolls in your favor.
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Wed, Jul 10         (353041) 10:30 - 11:30 am

THERAPEUTIC COLORING FOR THE SOUL
Scientific research shows that coloring is therapeutic and has many benefits. Benefits include reducing anxiety, relieving stress, achieving mindfulness, enhancing creativity, and overall better mental health. Take advantage of these benefits while coloring mandalas, enjoying a cup of lemonade, and the fresh air to make for a relaxing afternoon. Min: 10/ Max: 35
Register by: Thu, Jul 4
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Thu, Jul 11                  (334061-01) 1 – 3 pm

MINGLE WITH THE ARTIST THE SEYMOUR CENTER
You will be greeted with a bio of the artist, list of artwork in the show and a beverage and refreshments for the occasion. The artist will be available to share inspirational stories and to answer questions about the show.

ANSHU GUPTA: EXPRESSIONS OF INDIA
Anshu, a native of India, graduated from NC State Univ with a MBA. She has been very interested in different forms of arts and crafts. Recently she started painting with acrylics and has found it a very satisfying medium. Her paintings cover a wide range of landscapes, landmarks and pieces inspired by Indian culture, and will be on display from Mon, Jul 15 – Thu, Sep 5.
Seymour Center
Mon, Jul 15 (353003-05) 3 – 4 pm

CELEBRATE ICE CREAM MONTH WITH WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD
In recognition of National Ice Cream Month, Whit’s Frozen Custard has partnered with us to provide freshly made ice cream for you to enjoy! Come out for a fun time, trivia with prizes and live music with our very own trumpet player, Horace Sher. Hope to see you there!
Min: 30 Max: 75
Register by: Tue, Jul 9
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Tue, Jul 16      (353215-02) 3 – 4 pm

CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL WITH ELIZABETH LONGMAN
Elizabeth is an accomplished pianist who studied at the Julliard School in New York City. She brings a rich tapestry of light classical music featuring Chopin, Bach, Mozart, and more that will be familiar and relaxing. Join her for an afternoon of beautiful medleys. Min: 40 Max: 80
Register by: Wed, Jul 10
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Wed, Jul 17      (323033-06)    2 - 2:45 pm

SOUND OF MUSIC WITH JONI AND NINA
If you love the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical The Sound of Music, you will thoroughly enjoy the sister duo, Joni and Nina Meinert, as they serenade you with classic tunes you are sure to know! Let’s journey down memory lane with these talented sisters as they harmonize the von Trapp’s family songs. Min: 30/ Max: 50
Register by: Thu, Jul 11
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Thu, Jul 18      (313081-05)    2 – 3 pm

Contact Us

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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