August 2021

Summer Heat Safety

Given last week’s heat advisory, it’s important to remember that summer has not yet come to an end! Each year, 700 people in the United States pass due to extreme heat conditions. We have to remember that heat like this is not only uncomfortable, but dangerous as well. As we stretch into these last summer months, please stay aware of some of the signs and symptoms of extreme heat illness:

High body temperature
Rapid and strong pulse
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle spasms
Nausea & vomiting
Tiredness or weakness

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both dangerous conditions – please don’t hesitate to reach out to 911 for medial support! Staying aware of these signs may help protect both you and your loved ones. Older adults as especially at risk! Prescription medications, chronic health conditions, and dehydration can all impact how the body is able to tolerate summer heat. The CDC has several recommendations for protecting ourselves and those we care for in extreme heat situations:

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water. If you or the person you are caring for typically restrict fluids, talk to your doctor about hydration options in the heat.
Dress appropriately. Wear loose, light-weight, light-colored clothing. Add sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat while in the sun.
Be aware of your environment. Stay in air conditioned buildings as much as possible, especially in the heat of the day. Schedule outdoor activities for morning and evening hours.
Never leave anyone in a parked car. Double check your vehicle each stop for children, pets, and adults with physical and/or cognitive concerns.
Stay in touch! Regularly check on your friends, family, and neighbors.

This month’s article is written by Jin Lim. Jin is a senior attending North Carolina Central University working on her Bachelor of Social Work; she just completed her field experience at the Orange County Department of Aging. She holds past experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and has experience working with many elders and has found the importance of the safety of many of the patients that she has encountered through her experience as a CNA.

Additional Resources

For more information, check out:

From A Place for Mom:
Heat and Elderly People

From the CDC:
Heat and Older Adults
Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather

Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illness

From Ready.Gov:
Extreme Heat

Announcements

Senior Center Update:
Previously scheduled outdoor group programs have moved inside with limited capacity. Social distancing and masks are required at both senior centers. We continue to offer virtual and hybrid (in-person and virtual) programs, information, individual services and one-on-one appointments Monday - Friday; 8 am - 5 pm.

For more information please see:

Activity Calendar: Download a paper copy of our monthly Activity Calendar including all of our videos, live classes and online programs.
Appointments: Information, individual services and one-on-one appointments are available M-F, 8 am - 5 pm. For an appointment, please contact the Aging Transitions Services Helpline at 919-968-2087.
Lunch Program: Meals are available via curbside pick-up. Email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256 for more information or to register for our Lunch Program.
New or Modified Programs, Services and Resources for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond here.
Register Online: Register for classes online. Choose display option "Detail" and search by title, activity code and more to find and register for you class or event.
Senior Times: View the latest Senior Times for all of our programs, services and resources.

For regular updates about senior center programming, please subscribe to the biweekly Endless Possibilities e-newsletter.

2021 SHARP Direct Care Worker Nominations are OPEN

The Orange County Department on Aging and the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) are pleased to invite you to nominate Direct Care Workers as a part of the seventh annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards.

Nominations will be accepted from July 7 – September 24, 2021. A hybrid recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, November 4, 2022. This event is in honor of Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis and make a difference in the Orange County community.

In recognition of the outstanding service provided by direct care workers, the Department on Aging and SHARP will present awards in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as the “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”

To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories. Honorees must have provided direct care to clients and have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year. Nominators may submit up to (5) nominations total.

For more information about the awards and to nominate a direct care worker, please complete the online nomination form at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/249/SHARP-Direct-Care-Worker-Awards. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

NC Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

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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).

Handyperson Recommendations

Have you hired a fair, helpful, and trustworthy handyperson? We are compiling a list of individuals who assist with home repair work in our community. If you had a positive experience with a particular person or company and would recommend them to a neighbor, please share!

Complete our online recommendation form or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) to submit your recommendation.

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.

Dementia Friendly Orange County

The Orange County Dementia Friendly Business Training is now offering virtual programs!

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!

Planning for a Surgery? Borrow your equipment!

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Upcoming Programs

Physical, Emotional, & Social Wellbeing

Orange County Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups are resuming in person meetings! The first session of each month will meet at the designated senior center, with the second meeting happening via Zoom. These support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.

Chapel Hill Support Group

Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.

Friday, August 13 at 10:30am at the Seymour Center
Friday, August 27 at 10:30am via Zoom

Hillsborough Support Group
Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.

Thursday, August 12 at 1pm at the Passmore Center
Thursday, August 26 at 1pm via Zoom

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

The “split” support groups are meant to be safe and dedicated spaces to reflect, learn, and show and give support with others who may relate to your roles with the PD experience. Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer (919-843-1657) for more information and to RSVP.

Tuesday, August 3 at 12:30pm: Care Partner Meeting
Tuesday, August 3 at 2:30pm: People with PD Meeting

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group

Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. this month's topic is Aging-in-Place renovations, with Kate McAteer, Construction program mange of Hope Renovations. Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer (919-843-1657) for more information and to RSVP.

Wednesday, August 4 at 1:30pm

Fit Seniors

At-Home exercise and wellness options designed to help keep you fit and healthy with your favorite OCDOA fitness instructors: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/2371/Fit-Seniors.

Memory Café is Back!
Memory Café is returning is returning this fall at various locations around the county. We invite people living with memory loss and their care partners to join us for a fun, casual social outing! Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information and registration.

Seymour Center: Tuesday, August 3, 2:30-3:30pm
Passmore Center: Monday, August 9; 2-3pm
On the Move: Tuesday, August 17; 12:30-1:30pm at Maple View Farm

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Educational Events

Caregiver Education Series: Veteran's Programs

Understanding the various programs Veterans and their spouses may be eligible can be confusing. Ivan Sarabia, MSW, our Orange County Veteran Services Officer is here to help you navigate these programs! Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information and to register. Please register by Wednesday, August 11.

Monday, August 16; 1:30 – 2:30pm at the Seymour Center

Dementia - Let's Talk About It
Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, August 3 at 10:15am: Communication: Accomplishing a Task
Tuesday, August 17 at 10:15am: Driving & Dementia

Home Safety Chats

Join occupational therapist Marie Dagger virtually on GoToMeeting for 30 minutes of education and Q&A about staying safe at home. Bring your requests related to the day's topic! Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, August 10 at 10am: Ramps

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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