August 2019

Staying Cool in the Summer

As we enter the final months of summer, it’s important to remember a few key ideas about staying cool and hydrated. We’re all at risk for heat-related illnesses, but due to changes in heart functioning, lung functioning, and medication use, older adults are at greater risk. Symptoms of heat related illnesses include:

Dizziness
Muscle cramps
Foot or ankle swelling
Weakness
Nausea

If you or someone you are caring for experience these symptoms, there are a few strategies you can take to help cool down.
Hydrate! Staying hydrated can be a challenge for older adults, but is even more important during hot times of the year.

Set an alarm or use an app to remind yourself to drink often
Offer a small drink to the person you are caring for. People are more likely to drink from a cup that is already in hand
Keep preferred beverages available. We typically think of plain water, but seltzer, juices, and water flavorings are tasty ways to keep hydrated

Find your Cool! During the heat of the day, try to be in a location that is away from intense heat.

If outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible
Spend time in places with air conditioning - your home, the library, a mall, or join us at the Seymour or Passmore Centers!
If you do not have air conditioning at home, set up fans in the areas that you are spending time. If you do not have access to a fan, please reach out to the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087). We want to be sure you’re as safe at home as possible!

Please note – if you or the person you are caring for begin to feel flush or faint, have a high temperature or change in pulse, or experience a change in behavior, please call 911 for immediate medication attention.

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!

Orange County Living Wage
Margaret Lane Gallery
Thomas Stevens Arts
Laughter Yoga with Neidra
Zwick Enterprises, Inc.

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, August 6 at 12:30pm
120 W. King Street, Hillsborough
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, August 12 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe on the Move

Maple View Farm - 6900 Rocky Ridge Road, Hillsborough
Wednesday, August 7 at 2pm
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, August 8 and 22 at 1pm
Contact Kim for more information.

Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, August 9 and 23 at 10:30am
Contact Kim for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Caregivers Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, August 6 at 12:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Patient Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, August 6 at 1:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Well Spouse Association Support Group for the Triangle

Seymour Center
Thursday, August 8 at 5:30pm
Contact Russ Wiener for more information.

Educational Opportunities

What Can We Expect? - A Dementia Basics Education Series

Orange County Public Library - 137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
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

WILD, WILD WEST COMES TO PASSMORE
OK Partner, it’s time to bring out your inner cowboy! We expect to see cowboy hats, western wear, and your boots. The center will rustle up the beef and provide the hamburgers and you bring the sides to share. We will open up the sarsaparilla bar as we enjoy the sounds of country singer Mike Poole, who’s coming back by popular demand. Enjoy the sarsaparilla bar and the sound of his county music. Min: 25/Max: 75
Register by: Thu, Aug 8
Fee: Side dish to share
Passmore Center
Thu, Aug 15                           (253007-08)                            5:30 pm

PRE-LUNCH CHALLENGE
Work up an appetite with our pre-lunch Jenga challenge. This will be fun as we gather prior to lunch and see who has the steadiest hand. Even if you don’t care to play, be sure to come and cheer on those who are participating. Min: 5/Max: 15
Leader: Passmore Staff
Register by: Tue, Aug 13
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Tue, Aug 20                            (257057-03)                            11:30 am

FOLK MUSIC FRIDAY
Kick off your weekend with Blumora’s folksy tunes. Blumora is an acoustic vocal duo whose members have performed together since 2013. Their instrumentation includes guitars, mandolin, and electronic foot percussion. They enjoy playing just about any genre of music that lends itself to an acoustic duo arrangement with strong melodies and harmonies. They draw both old and new materials from folk, country, bluegrass, Americana, and even a recent movie soundtrack! For familiar songs, sing-alongs are always welcome. Stick around after the show to meet the musicians! Min: 25/Max: 50
Register by: 1 week prior to show
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Fri, Aug, 30                   (313054-07)                                     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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