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It’s Cold Outside: Keeping Your Seniors Active with Fun Indoor Activities
November is here and the fall days are getting chilly. How about a warm mug of apple cider or cocoa and a fun activity or two? There is nothing like doing some engaging indoor activities with the seniors we take care of. The question may arise how to keep them interested in an activity? If your senior client or loved one loses interest in an activity, be sure to have a backup idea ready. Take a look at some indoor activity suggestions below from Bethesda Health Group:
- Board and card games can be an interesting way to stay occupied during the fall season. Communicate with your senior to see what type of games interest them, remembering old standbys like Monopoly, Scrabble, Memory, and UNO. Remember, games can always be modified to accommodate different levels of cognition and physical ability. It is important to know the interests and skills the person you are caring for.
- Keep in mind the older adult’s lifelong hobbies; your senior may be a cook or a musician. They may also like to sing, sew, do scrapbooking, paint or dance. Remember we can learn from one another and maybe your senior can teach you a trick in the kitchen or maybe how to crochet or knit.
- Puzzles make beautiful pictures that can be framed, and they also exercise the brain and provide an opportunity for tactile activities. If you have a senior that enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, then it can be a day of brain exercises combined with a craft. We cannot forget about word searches and crossword puzzles, as well.
- Exercise does not have to be an outdoor activity, especially if the weather is not cooperating. Try seated exercises or making a trail through the home. Dumbbells or dumbbell substitutes (like canned foods or water bottles) can be used as well. Caregivers can participate with the seniors to make it more fun and both of you can improve your health together. Please remember to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routines.
- Last but certainly not least, so much can be learned from our older adults. Try starting a conversation around a topic you know they are comfortable with. Photo albums and other visual aids can help initiate and keep conversation going, especially for those with cognitive changes.
This month's article was written by Kimuria Snipes, one of two social work practicum students working with OCDoA's Aging Transitions team this academic year. Kim is a first year student in NC Central's MSW program.
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Activity Engagement CoachingIt 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: If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).
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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 (combination 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.
- Endless Possibilities Activity Guide: View the latest Endless Possibilities (formerly Senior Times) for all of our programs, services, and resources.
- Information & Services: 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 your class or event.
For regular updates about senior center programming, please subscribe to the biweekly Endless Possibilities e-newsletter.
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Brief Counseling ServicesOur team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness.
Contact the Aging Helpline for more information: (919) 968-2087.
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Handyperson RecommendationsHave 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.
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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.
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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!
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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, November 12 at 10:30am at the Seymour Center
- Friday, November 26 - CANCELLED
Hillsborough Support Group
Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278. - Thursday, November 11 at 1pm at the Passmore Center
- Thursday, November 25 - CANCELLED
Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support GroupThis month's full group discussion topic is 'Living in our values and practicing self-compassion through the Parkinson's journey.' Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer for more information and to RSVP. - Tuesday, November 2 at 1:30pm
Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support GroupSupport group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month's topic is 'your lessons, stories, and hopes with PSP & CD.' Available via Zoom - contact Jessica Shurer for more information and to RSVP. - Wednesday, November 3 at 1:30pm
Fit SeniorsAt-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 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. - Passmore Center: Tuesday, November 2, 2:30 pm
- Katie Garvey, OTRL, CAPS, is joining the Memory Cafe to help attendees spark their innate creativity and make a story together. She is a TimeSlips Certified Facilitator. TimeSlips is a collaborative creative care initiative that brings meaning and purpose into the lives of elders through creative engagement. Check out their work at www.timeslips.org. Katie has recently joined the Soltys Place, Orange County's only adult day health program, as Executive Director and she looks forward to meeting and creating with Orange County community members.
- Seymour Center: Monday, November 8; 2 pm
- Join us for activities centering around gratitude! We will be celebrating all we have to be thankful for in the spirit of Thanksgiving! Please register by Thursday, November 4th at 5pm.
- On the Move: Wednesday, November 17; 11am at Eno River Farm
- Enjoy an ice cream or warm beverage (Because we know how unpredictable North Carolina weather can be) on the rocking chairs at Eno River Farm! Please register by Friday, November 12th at 5pm.
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Educational EventsCaregiver Education Series: Caregiving 101Join Kendall Kopchick, MSW, LCSWA for an overview of resources and tips and tricks for caregivers. Register in advance for this meeting. Contact Kendall (919-245-4278) for more information.- Monday, November 15; 1:30 – 2:30pm
Dementia - Let's Talk About ItJoin 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, November 2 at 10:15am: Caregiver Self Care
- Tuesday, November 16 at 10:15am: Holidays with Dementia
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For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline: 919-968-2087orLet us Know How We're Doing!Take a few moments to complete this brief survey. We appreciate all feedback, comments, and suggestions!
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