November 2019

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Designated in 1997, this month is designed to honor and recognize the efforts of the more than 40 million family caregivers across our country. The Caregiver Action Network has chosen #BeCareCurious as this year's theme.

Let's #BeCareCurious about....

Your Loved One's Goals
Start - or continue - the conversation with the person you are caring for about their goals. This can be as simple as how they want to spend their day or as important as their end of life wishes. Knowing what their goals are can give you peace of mind if or when you take over more of the 'driver's seat' responsibilities.

Treatment Options
There can be an overwhelming number of treatment choices for the medical conditions the person you are caring for is experiencing. DO ask questions of your providers - the doctors, therapists, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and others who are part of the care team. Ask about medications, procedures, activities, social supports, environmental factors, and behavior changes that could help the situation. Understanding the options will help you to be a better advocate for the person you are caring for's needs.

Research
The Triangle area is rich in research opportunities - and many of us have the option to get involved, contribute to better understanding of health conditions, and gain a better understanding for ourselves of the research process. The Alzheimer's Prevention Registry provides information about studies related to cognitive change in your local area, and you can talk to your doctor about finding studies related to your specific health conditions.

The Care Plan
Stay in touch with your loved one's providers - not just during a health event, but throughout the care journey. Understand the care plan that has been created for the person you are caring for and advocate for it to match your person's goals.

Coverage
Coverage for medications, treatments, and medical stays can sometimes change in unexpected ways. Again, stay in communication with your providers to ensure that you understand the how various health needs are covered, and advocate to your providers and insurance for ones that are not covered. Check in with your Medicare plan each fall as well! Now through December 7th is open enrollment for Medicare - make an appointment with a SHIIP counselor to ensure that your Medicare plan is the best one for your needs.

Resources

2019 Orange County Caregiver Day of Care

Join us on Saturday, November 9th for a day of honoring family caregivers, featuring:

All-day relaxation room with massage and aroma therapy
Wellness activities
Educational classes
Art workshops
Live Music
Raffle prizes from: UNC Wellness, Chopt, Trader Joe’s, Tallula’s, Pop’s, Harris Teeter, Clean Juice, Starbucks, Bonefish Grill, Home Instead Senior Care, Thousand Petals Yoga, Red Lotus.
Refreshments, lunch and more!

Registration is open through Thursday, November 7th! Call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070 to register and contact Kim for more information about the event.

Thank you to our Community Partners!

Charles House
Florence Gray Soltys Adult Day Health
Friends of the Seymour Center
Piedmont Health-PACE
Gold Level Sponsor- ACORN Home Care
Silver Level Sponsor - Right at Home of Durham and Chapel Hill

Announcements

Dementia Friendly Orange County Updates

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 1 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, November 5 at 2:30pm
Tuesday, December 3 at 2:30pm
120 W. King Street, Hillsborough
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, November 11 at 2pm
Monday, December 9 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe on the Move

Duke Chapel Tour - 401 Chapel Drive, Durham
Tuesday, November 19th at 1:30pm

Contact Kim for more information

Pickleball for Parkinson's

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

Parkinson's Players

UNC Hospitals Center for Rehabilitation Care - 1807 Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill
Wednesdays, September 11-November 6 at 2:30pm
See Flyer for more information

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group at Passmore

Thursday, November 14 at 1pm
Contact Kim for more information.

Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, November 8 & 22 at 10:30am
Contact Kim for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Caregivers Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, November 5 at 12:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Patient Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, November 5 at 12:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Well Spouse Association Support Group for the Triangle

Seymour Center
Thursday, November 14 at 5:30pm
Contact Russ Wiener for more information.

Educational Opportunities

Parkinson's Disease Support & Education Group
A Discussion on Helplessness and Hope

Seymour Center - 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Tuesday, November 5 at 1:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Caring Basics Series

What is Palliative Care?
Seymour Center - 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Thursday, November 21 at 1:30pm
See Flyer or contact Kim for more information.

Special Events

Poised for Parkinson's

The Community Church of Chapel Hill - 106 Purefoy Road, Chapel Hill

Mondays & Thursdays, September 30 - November 21
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

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

ART SHOWS – PASSMORE CENTER
FEATURED ARTISTS: THE PASSMORE PIECE MAKERS
This exhibition will highlight beautiful handmade quilts created by quilters who meet at the Passmore Center on Tuesdays. Many of their quilts are donated to local charities, Veterans, and the UNC Children’s hospital. Come and enjoy the unique creations on display created by 15+ local quilters. You will have an opportunity to meet many of the quilters at the opening reception.
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Mon, Nov 4    (253002-07)                                        3 pm

CLASSICAL UP-CLOSE FEATURING ROBERT BUXTON
Spend your Friday afternoon taking in the melodious sounds of pianist Robert Buxton. Enjoy classical music up close in this intimate setting. Robert will play classical pieces from different eras. He will tell about the composers, their historical context, and what to listen for. Feel free to mingle with the pianist following the performance. Light refreshments will be provided. Min: 8/Max: 50
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Fri, Nov 8        (253006-01)    2 - 3 pm

IG -TEEN BUILDERS
Multi-generational 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 each other. Take advantage of this empowering experience every 4^th Monday. You’ll love it! Min: 5/Max: 10
Register by: 1 week prior to each social
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Mon, Nov 25              Feast & Fellowship Night                 (323095-08)                5 - 7 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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