May 2020

Orange County "Stay at Home” Order Extended through May 8th 2020

Orange County’s stay-at-home order will be extended through May 8, Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Penny Rich announced Thursday, April 23. READ the full press release.

Activities at both Orange County senior centers were suspended on Monday, March 16, due to the risks presented by COVID-19. Since that time staff have worked to implement and modify programs and services to help support seniors throughout the crisis. See the new COVID-19 Resource for Seniors web page for more information.

For updates, closures, and resources visit the Orange County Health Department’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) web page.

As caregivers, we should all be looking after our mental health on a (more) regular basis; but this is especially important for this year's 'Mental Health Month' during the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are so many routine (and non-routine) things that we are worrying about right now. Many of these worries are justified. Many of these worries may be beyond our control. However, throughout this journey, Mental Health America is reminding us all to recognize what we CAN control:

Your mind and body

Keep a healthy diet
Exercise at home
Get enough sleep
Do not smoke or drink alcohol excessively
Take care of your mental health
Maintain self-care and personal hygiene

Your immediate environment

Your house, your bedroom, your closet, your kitchen – now is the time to clean and get organized
Make responsible choices about when to leave the house and only go out if necessary
Limit the number of people you come into physical contact with
Work from home if you are able to

What you consume

Don’t overdo your news and information intake
Get your information from reliable sources like the CDC or WHO
Watch TV, movies, and videos that make you feel good

How you prepare

Keep 2-4 weeks of food on hand
Avoid overstocking on supplies that are in high demand so other people can have enough of the essentials, too
If you or the person you are caring for take medication, get refills and keep a month’s supply at home if possible

How you protect yourself

Regularly wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid greeting people by shaking hands, kissing or hugging
Keep 6 feet of distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing

How you protect others

Stay home if you are sick, aside from getting medical care
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

COVID-19 will likely have an impact on the mental health of the person you are caring for as well, especially if they often have challenges connecting to the world around them. As a caregiver, there have been changes to your routine and mood that may or may not be fully understandable to him or her. Someone who is already feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, or confused may experience more of these feeling than normal. Mountainland Caregiver Support recommends only sharing pertinent information about COVID-19 to reduce unnecessary fear and anxiety.

If you would like to brainstorm further ways to care for yourself or the person you are caring for, don't hesitate to reach out to the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov. We are not available for walk-in meetings at the Seymour or Passmore Centers right now, but we're glad to connect with you via phone or email.

Adapted from 'COVID-19 and Your Mental Health,' Mental Health America

Department on Aging COVID-19 Resources for Seniors
Aging Information Helpline: 919-968-2087
Aging Information Email: AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov

Health Department Information Page
COVID-19 Hotline: 919-245-6111
COVID-19 Email Updates: sign up here

Resources

From Mental Health America:
Family Caregiver Mental Health And COVID-19
Older Adults and Isolation During COVID-19 (Recorded Webinar)

From Caregiver Action Network:
COVID-19 and Family Caregiving

From the Alzheimer's Association:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers

From the Alzheimer's Foundation of America:
Connecting with Someone in a Long Term Care Setting During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Safety Tips for Essential Workers Who Have Loved Ones at Home with Dementia-Related Illnesses

From the Michael J. Fox Foundation:
Ask the MD: Living with Parkinson’s Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

For further mental health support, reach out to:

Cardinal Innovations Crisis Line: **ASK (or **275)
Center for Mental Health Solutions - Free Therapy Sessions
7-Cups Free Emotional Support
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) resources and crisis line: 800-950-6264
Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/ or https://mhanational.org/covid19
MentalHealth.gov, a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Announcements

Tell us your story: "In This Moment" Stories

UNC's Partnerhips in Aging Program (PiAP) is capturing reflections and oral histories during the COVID-19 situation. We want to hear about your current experience, previous life experiences that have influenced how you are managing the situation, and what you have learned.

How did you prepare to maintain social distance and stay at home?
How have other experiences in your life shaped your response to this situation?
What advice would you give to future generations facing something similar?

Visit PIAP's website to hear an example, check out more information, and to sign up to tell your story.

SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards Postponed

The Orange County Department on Aging has partnered with the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP), to recognize Direct Care Workers serving clients in Orange County, NC. Direct care workers impact their client’s lives on a daily basis and make a difference in our community. Each year six awards are presented, including "Direct Care Worker of the Year."

Nominations for the 2020 Direct Care Worker Awards have been suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nominations will reopen in the Fall 2020. The awards ceremony has been POSTPONED until the Fall, date to be determined.

Socially-Distanced Programs

Emotional & Social Wellbeing

Caregiver Support Groups

Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.

Friday, May 8 at 10:30am
Thursday, May 14 at 1pm
Friday, May 22 at 10:30am
Thursday, May 28 at 1pm

Memory Cafe

Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.

Tuesday, May 5 at 2:30 pm
Monday, May 11 at 2pm

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer (919-843-1657) for more information, Please register by Monday, May 4th. Topic: Neuropsychological evaluation and Parkinson’s with Zach Merz, PhD

Tuesday, May 5 at 1:30pm

Let's Get Away, Together! A Six-part travel series for caregivers

This series is comprised of six interactive travel activity sessions. Each week will focus on a new part of the world, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community.

May 5, 1-2pm, “Let’s Travel Together!"
Registration: Click here
May 12, 1-2pm, “Let’s Go to the National Parks!”
Registration: Click here
May 19, 1-2pm, “Let’s have a Hawaiian Luau Party!”
Registration: Click here

AFA's Self-Care Sunday: Caregiver Stress Reduction Series

Access through the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Facebook Page

Sundays at 12:00pm

Online Caregiver Support

Caregiver's Corner - Locally-based Facebook Group
Memory People - Facebook discussion group
Family Caregiver Alliance's Online Caregiver Support Group - un-moderated email discussion board
Family Caregiver Alliance & Smart Patients Online Community - discussion group
SilverLinings for Seniors - now offering telehealth therapy services
The Institute on Aging's Friendship Line is a 24/7/365 phone line for emotional support: 800-971-0016

Physical Wellbeing

American Dance Festival

Archived Dance and Pilates for Parkinson's videos through their YouTube Channel

Virtual Programs with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Access through the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Facebook Page

Programs like 'Stretch and Flex Fitness' and 'Dance with Jackie' offered each afternoon.

Dance for Parkinson's At Home

Online classes and archived videos available from Dance for PD

Rock Steady Boxing of Cary/Raleigh
Virtual Programs are now available! See here for more information.

Educational Events

Virtual Parkinson's Care Partner Summit: Join the Parkinson’s Foundation for a recorded series of panels addressing important topics for PD care partners. Learn more and register here.

Saturday, May 16 at 12:00

For more ideas of ways to engage at home, check out this list of At-Home Activities, curated by programming staff at the Seymour and Passmore Centers.