National Preparedness Month

• Emergency and disaster events can occur without warning.  We may know of times of increased risk prior to a hurricane or winter storm, but tornados and flash floods (for example) may not provide that luxury.
• There is a possibility that a caregiver and care recipient may be separated for a period of time during a disaster.  Depending on the situation, there may or may not be modes of contact available.
• Utilities, including electricity, water, telephone, and internet, may be interrupted.  Bear in mind how this would impact medical equipment, medications, and communication.
• Official assistance may be delayed.  Depending on the breadth of the emergency, there may be significant need in many areas of the community or region.

• Include a comfort item in the emergency supply kit.  This could be a preferred book, blanket, purse, or favorite-scented lotion.
• Try to find a quiet, comfortable place to sit.  Use a seat with a cushion.  If in an emergency shelter, talk to staff about possible quieter locations.
• Make notes ahead of time about your care recipient's typical daily routine.  There may be elements that could be adapted, even during an emergency situation.

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).

FBI Warns of a Grandparent Fraud Scheme Using Couriers

Criminal actors target elderly U.S. citizens in a grandparent fraud scheme in which they arrange for couriers to pick up bail money in person at the victim’s residence. Criminals telephonically contact their victims and pose as a grandchild, or another family member, in distress who has been arrested and needs bail money. They may also pose as a representative of the detained relative, such as an attorney or a bail-bondsman. Criminal actors then send couriers to collect the money in person from the victim’s residence. In some instances, ride share drivers are used to pick up the money.

Read the full public service announcement. 

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 items, 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.

Research Opportunity: Do you or your partner have Parkinson’s disease?

You may qualify for a research study about triumphs and challenges of hospital care for Parkinson’s.

UNC Movement Disorders Center wants to hear your feedback about your experience with a hospital stay. It will inform us how to improve care for patients with Parkinson’s disease while admitted to the hospital.

You may be eligible to participate if:

• Diagnosed with Parkinson’ s disease or care partner for person with Parkinson’s disease.
• The person with Parkinson’s was admitted to a hospital for at least 24 hours, between December 2017 and July 2021 (not for DBS implantation).
• You do not need to be a patient of UNC to participate or to have been hospitalized within the UNC system. The hospitalization could have been planned or unplanned, and related to Parkinson’s or not.
• Have access to Internet and Zoom online platform.