World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on June 15^th, it marks a significant day when we should be reminded that many elders who are in nursing homes, hospitals, and even in the comfort of their own homes are currently being abused.  This abuse may be at the hands of people who are their caretakers or those who they know and love. Many elders are facing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse every day, struggling to have their voices heard.  Some elders may even feel conflicted about telling anyone they are in need of help, as they do not want to be a burden.  

The CDC has shared these ways to help prevent elder abuse:

• Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
• Report abuse or suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services.
• Educate oneself and others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
• Learn how the signs of elder abuse differ from the normal aging process.
• Check-in often on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
• Encourage and assist persons (either caregivers or older adults) having problems with drug or alcohol abuse in getting help.
• Provide over-burdened caregivers with support such as:
  • help from friends, family, or local relief care groups
  • adult day care programs
  • counseling
  • outlets intended to promote emotional well-being

CDC Updates Guidance for Vaccinated People

The CDC has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated people. Some of the changes include:

• Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues.

• Fully vaccinated workers do not need to stay home from work after exposure, as long as they don't have any symptoms.
• Fully vaccinated people living in a non-healthcare congregate setting no longer need to quarantine after an exposure.
• Fully vaccinated people, who have not been exposed to COVID-19 and do not have any symptoms, may be exempted from routine screening testing.

The CDC adds that immunocompromised individuals should check with their doctor about these recommendations.

For more information, you can read the full CDC document here.

Activity Engagement Coaching

As we all continue to spend time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.

For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are:

• person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, preferences

• meaningful
• appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress

If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these supplies, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.