October 2023

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! What is cybersecurity and why is it important? According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), "Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information." In today’s digital age, it is crucial to stay safe online and protect ourselves and those who we care for. In this article, we will explore practical tips and resources to enhance cyber security knowledge and ensure a safer online experience.

Why is Cybersecurity Important for Caregivers?

As caregivers, we rely on the internet for various tasks, including things like online shopping, researching medical supplies, and communicating with healthcare providers. Caregivers often handle sensitive information such as medical records, financial data, and personal details. Cybersecurity puts up safeguards to prevent this information from being viewed by unauthorized eyes. Older adults are frequently the target for online scams and phishing attempts. Increasing knowledge on this can help prevent loved ones from falling victim. With the growing use of technology in healthcare, ensuring safety is essential for remote consultations, monitoring devices, and telemedicine services.

Cybersecurity Tips

There are several ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones from having our sensitive information be attacked. The following are recommended:

Use strong and unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication. This will add an extra layer of security by requiring a code be sent to your phone or email for access.
Be aware of phishing emails and messages. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
Update your software regularly. Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
Secure your Wi-Fi Networks. Make sure yours and your loved ones' Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong, unique password and WPA3 encryption.
Be cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information like Social Security numbers or banking details with anyone online or over the phone unless it is with a trusted source.
Monitor Financial Accounts. Regularly review bank and credit card statements to check for any unauthorized transactions.

Resources

For More Information:

AARP Online Safety: AARP offers valuable resources on online safety for older adults including articles, webinars, and tutorials.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Cybersecurity Basics: The FTC offers guidance on protecting against common online scams and cyber threats.
National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA): NCSA’s mission is to create a safer and more secure digital world. Their website offers tips, tools, and resources for those who want to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge.
CyberSeniors.org: Cyber Seniors provide free technology support and training for older adults.

Announcements

2023 Direct Care Worker Awards - Nominations Open until October 4

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Sensory Kits for Adults at the Chapel Hill Public Library

The Chapel Hill Public Library has a new collection of 10 nature-inspired sensory kits designed specifically for neurodiverse individuals, in particular those living with dementia and their caregivers. Each kit includes items that activate the senses and focus on a particular nature-related theme. The kits also include two resource books for caregivers and loved ones. While the kits were primarily designed for adults experiencing memory loss and their caregivers, we hope these kits can provide engagement, reminiscence, and connection for any neurodiverse or neurotypical adults. Available now for check out!

For additional information on the Neurodiversity & Nature Initiative at the library, check out this article.

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New Radio Program - Aging Well Together - Thursdays at 2pm

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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.

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FREE Nutrition Supplements

If you have NC Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive free oral nutrition supplements, like Boost or Ensure. Contact the Aging Helpline for more information at 919-968-2087.

Notary Services Available

Did you know that notary services are available free of charge at the Passmore and Seymour Centers? The following staff members are notaries;

Lydia Arnold, Aging Transitions/Volunteer Connect 55+ Specialist (919-245-4276)
Kendall McMillan, Social Worker (919-245-4278)
Lisa Meinert, Program Assistant/Facility Manager - Passmore (919-245- 2016)
Jan Oldenburg, Facility Manager – Evenings/Saturdays – Seymour (919-968-2070)
Dawn Smith, Programs and Operations Manager - Passmore (919-245-2021)

Call any of them to make an appointment directly, or call the front desk at the Passmore Center (919-245-2015), the Seymour Center (919-968-2070), or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) to schedule an appointment.

Upcoming Programs

Dementia Basics - October 2023 - Passmore Center

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Caregiver Education Series:

I'm a Caregiver: Now What?

Maybe your spouse has had a recent health change, or your parent received a new medical diagnosis. We can become caregivers very quickly or over time. Join us to learn about how to care for others, while caring for ourselves, including community resources, self-care tactics, and tools to help you build your support network. For more information or to register your interest to join, please contact Kendall McMillan, MSW, LCSW at KMcMillan@OrangeCountyNC.gov or 919-245-4278.

Wednesday, November 8 at 10:00am at the Seymour Center and via Zoom

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 the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, October 17 at 10:00am: Social Isolation & Dementia, via Zoom

Support Groups

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. We have resumed in-person meetings and have added a new Zoom only group.

Chapel Hill Support Group
- Contact Kendall McMillan to join - K Mcmillan@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.
- 2nd & 4th Fridays: October 13 & 27 at 10:30am at Seymour
Hillsborough Support Group
- Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
- 2nd Thursdays: October 12 at 1pm at Passmore
Zoom Only Support Group
- Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - KLoperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays: October 3 & 17 at 12:30pm via Zoom
Hybrid Support Group for Mandarin Speakers
- Contact Hong Zhou to join - hzhou@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4275.
- 2nd Thursdays: October 12 at 1pm at Seymour and via Zoom
Charles House CORE Support Group
- Contact Paul Klever to join - paul@charleshouse.org
- 3rd Wednesdays: October 18 at 12pm via Zoom

Parkinson's Disease 301

This educational program is intended for people who are living with more advanced Parkinson’s (ex: long-standing diagnosis, medications and/or exercise not working as well, increasing everyday functional difficulties and safety issues) and their family care partner. The registration fee is $10 per person
Register here: UNCPD301.eventbrite.com

Friday, October 13 at 11:00 am, at the Courtyard by Marriott (100 Marriott Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517)

Taboo Topics & Parkinson's Disease

Join the UNC Movement Disorders Center for a monthly webinar series starting in October exploring topics that you’ve always had questions about but didn’t know how to ask. Each webinar will occur on the third Friday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Topics include genetics, death and dying, cannabis and CBD, racial disparities, sex and intimacy, and spirituality. FREE

Friday, October 20 at 1:00 pm: Genetics and PD

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

This month will be a full group virtual meeting with guest speaker Dr. Roque, speaking on focused ultrasound. Contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - mivancic@neurology.unc.edu

Tuesday, October 3 at 1:30pm, via Zoom

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group

Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. This month's group will feature guest speaker Dr. Sklerov to share about research updates related to PSP/CBD from the past year. Contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - mivancic@neurology.unc.edu.