July is Healthy Vision Month!

As time goes by, many people’s vision may not be the same as it used to be. There are many vision-related health issues that can come along with aging. Some of the most common include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.  It is important for everyone to meet with an optometrist every two to three years - you only have one pair of eyes!
 
As a caregiver, you are already working to support your care recipient in many ways; there may be different steps needed if your loved one has declining vision.  Using verbal (rather than visual) cues is very important.  You may tell your loved one what is happening in their surroundings, such as announcing when you are leaving their presence or when someone has entered the room. You may also consider adding more light to commonly used dim areas, or making sure to leave items in the same places each time you put them back down.  If you are not sure what else may be of help, consider joining a counseling or support group to hear directly from other caregivers or people living with vision changes.
 
In addition to seeing your optometrist regularly, ‘Today’s Caregiver’ has a few more  recommendations for maintaining your eye health:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet! Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards are a good source. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon and tuna.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.
3. No smoking. Smoking increases risks to your health.
4. Wear sunglasses and brimmed hats when outdoors.

Activity Engagement Coaching

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 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.

Introducing Brandi Beeker - Our New Transportation Specialist

Brandi started with Orange County in March 2020 as Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, working closely with Orange County Public Transportation and area transit providers and partners to promote alternatives to driving alone.  Prior to that, Brandi worked as marketing manager for a corporate law firm and has more than 12 years of experience working in public outreach and communications, including over 8 years working with GoTriangle/Triangle Transit. Brandi first fell in love with public transportation as a college freshman at UNC Chapel Hill without a license or a car and has been a fan of the bus ever since. Brandi enjoys online karaoke and currently lives in Durham with her husband (also picked up at UNC) and her two cats, but will soon be moving to West Hillsborough.