Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison

& Transylvania Counties

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance,

Answers on Aging

Website: www.landofsky.org/aging Phone: 828-251-6622

May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults and create community-wide

opportunities to help older Americans improve their quality of life. This year’s theme is “Living Today For a Better Tomorrow,” and we, as a nation, must work together to give older adults the tools they need to make healthy decisions.

By 2030, 26% of our region’s population (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties) will be age 65 or older. Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many illnesses, disabilities and even death associated with chronic disease are preventable. Nearly 40% of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and smoking. Older Americans can prevent or control chronic disease by adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and ceasing tobacco use.

The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more. Exercise does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all age groups. Older Americans can greatly benefit from a regular exercise routine that includes strength, balance, stretching and endurance exercises.

In addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Improving older Americans’ diets can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains can help put older Americans on the right track to staying healthy. Tobacco use increases

the risk of heart disease and cancer and is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Older adults who stop smoking will gain immediate and long-term health benefits.

While it’s important for older Americans to have good physical health, it’s equally important that they maintain good mental health. Nearly 20% of Americans age 55 and older experience depression and anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that engaging in social activities within the community can greatly improve mental health. In fact, research has demonstrated a strong relationship between volunteering and mental health and that volunteering provides older adults with greater benefits than younger volunteers. Benefits include improved mental and physical health, greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression and lower mortality rates.

Americans of all ages and backgrounds should celebrate Older Americans Month. Volunteer for activities in your area; promote community, state, and national efforts to serve older adults; and find ways to enrich the lives of older adults who touch your life. By working together, we can improve the health and well being of our community’s older adults and pave the way for better health as we age. Please review the Calendar of Events on page 3 for more information on local activities.

Older Americans Month 2009 Living Today for a Better Tomorrow

Volume IV, Issue 2 May - July 2009

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Chairman, Eddie Fox, signing the

Older Americans Month Proclamation at the April Council Meeting

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 2

Family Caregiver Support ProgramRecognizing the Need for Respite:

An Interval of Rest

Many family caregivers go far beyond their abilities and circumstances trying to be the best possible caregivers. Many of these heroic caregivers are risking their own personal well-

being and sometimes their family life in the process. Often caregivers are not fully aware of the short and longer term consequences of “doing it all alone” because they are so overwhelmed with managing their daily tasks and responsibilities.

When caregivers use respite services they are better able to preserve quality in their own daily lives and enhance overall family life. An additional benefit is that the loved ones in need of care usually get better quality care from their caregivers because the caregivers are more likely to have some balance in their lives and better health.

Although not all caregivers experience overwhelming stress, research has documented that caregivers are at a greater risk for experiencing the following problems:

Research has shown that caregivers can reduce some of these negative results by using respite services along with asking for help from others. Caregivers need to look out for their own well-being. It’s similar to being a passenger on an airplane and being told that in case of an emergency you should place the oxygen mask on yourself first before caring for someone else. Why? Because you can be a more effective caregiver if you are healthy, happy and alive.

We know from research that family caregivers provide 80% of all the caregiving in the U.S. Too many caregivers try to do nearly everything on their own, without assistance, for as long as they can. Many studies have shown that respite is most helpful to caregivers when they use it before they become exhausted, isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program contracts with the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter and at least one agency in each Region B county to provide respite for family caregivers. Contact Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Specialist at 251-6622 to learn more about caregiver respite.

New Buncombe County Senior Services Directory Ready For The Public

The Directory lists providers of services to senior citizens and is

available free to the public by calling the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. at 277-8288. The Directory will also be available online at Council on Aging’s website: www.coabc.org .

The Directory was put together by members from the Aging Coordinating Consortium, including Council on Aging, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, CarePartners Health Services, and United Way’s 2-1-1 of WNC.

- depression - guilt, anger, resentment & denial - declines in physical health - strained social and family relations - sleep disorders - anxiety about aging - neglect of self and others - more negative attitude toward care recipient- work absenteeism- loss of income- less marital closeness- loss of free time- abuse- sleeplessness- exhaustion

Congratulations to... Calvin Titus!

Calvin “Cal” Titus is the recipient of the 2009 Kathleen Godwin Cole Award for his numerous

contributions in Henderson County including the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, Home & Community Care Block Grant Committee, Nursing/Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee and also the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. His dedication and services has enhanced the lives of older adults and caregivers throughout Western North Carolina. Way to Go, Cal! Calvin Titus

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 3

Calendar of EventsMay - Older Americans Month (OAM)2 Meet the Silversteins - Fundraiser for Silvermont Opportunity Center, For tickets and details contact 693-1712 **6 OAM - Health Screenings and Focus on Wellness: Stroke Prevention Presentation, Transylvania County Regional Hospital**8 Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council8 AARP Driver Safety Program, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, For more info contact Patti Cameron at 251-6622 or rsvp@landofsky.org** 11-12 Legislative Advocacy Day and Policy Conference, Raleigh, For more info call 919-782-1530 or email friends@forltc.org12 Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council12-16 Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games, For more info contact Danny Hopkins at 259-5809 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/department/parks_rec**14 Don’t Wait Too Late Symposium, Transylvania County Library**17 CreativelyCopingwithDifficultBehaviors,Park Ridge Hospital**17 Madison County Senior Games & Silver Arts Award Ceremony, AB-Tech Madison Campus, For more info contact Lynn Bowles at 649-3635 or lbowles@madisoncountync.org**19 Asheville-Buncombe Silver Arts Competition, For more info contact Danny Hopkins at 259-5809 or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/department/parks_rec**20 Successful Aging at the Crowne Plaza, For more info contact Jacquie Buttles at 277-8288**21 OAM in Transylvania County - Walk through Downtown Brevard and Celebration, For more info contact 884-3219**21 OAM Madison County Picnic, Murray’s Branch in Hot Springs, For more info contact Penny Buckner at 649-2722**25 Memorial Day, Land-of-Sky offices Closed26 NC Community Resource Connections (CRC) Transylvania County Collaborative Meeting, Transylvania County Library, For more information contact Linda Kendall Fields at 712-4003 or lkfields@mindspring.comJune18 Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Provider Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council, see page 3 23 Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Network Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council

July

3 July 4th, Land-of-Sky offices Closed

** For additional information and details on events, visit www.landofsky.org/aging and click on Calendar and upcoming

events for older adults.

Mark Your Calendars!

Thursday, June 18th there will be a Home and Community Care Block

Grant provider meeting. We will talk about funding and use, new policies or procedures, and issues that you would like to raise for discussion. The time of the meeting is 1:30 to 3:00 with the location to be announced in the future. The last several meetings have been at Land-of-Sky Regional Council in Asheville and this may be a good time to float the meeting out to another location. More information to come! Thanks!

Congratulations to... Ali Climo!

Ali Climo, Warren Wilson College’s Social Work Program Chair, has been

selected as a 2009 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Faculty Fellow at the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at NC State University. She is the first faculty member from a small liberal arts college to have been selected for this Institute. The GSK Faculty Fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for professors at universities across the state to

participate in IEI’s innovative public policy programs and make North Carolina a better place to live, work and play.

Great work, Ali!Ali Climo

Going Green!

The Area Agency on Aging would

like to also offer this newsletter as an online publication. You will be able to view the newsletter as if you

are flipping the pages of a magazine and also print it from the site. We will email you a quarterly newsletter update. Let us know if you are interested in receiving this online version of the newsletter. Contact Christina Giles at christina@landofsky.org or call 251-6622.

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 4

We are pleased to announce that the SCSEP Title V program has received $59,463 in American

Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) money. This stimulus money will allow us to add 6 additional Participant slots to our present 26 slots in this grant year. The stimulus money is to be spent over 15 months, from April 1, 2009 till June 30, 2010.

In order to manage the increased need to recruit additional Participants, Host Agencies, and unsubsidized employment, both Brenda DelaCruz and Jennifer Atkinson will be increasing their working hours. We are looking forward to the challenge and opportunities that this additional money will provide for us over the next 15 months.

We are still urging you to speak with non-profits or city and county governments who might be good Host Agencies for our program. Our Participants offer a great deal of help in community service while in our training program for agencies who need a little extra help (at little or no cost to them) at this time of a tight economy. Our program is only as strong as the support we get through our Council members and supporters in each county. We were happy to add SAFE, Inc. in Brevard as a new Host Agency this month.

We are also still urging you to speak with employers about the Title V program. Our On-the-Job Experience can pay the first month salary for our Participant when they begin work with an unsubsidized employer.

The employer then has time to train the person in preparation for them to be hired at the end of the month. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

Please take note of Magnolia “Maggie” Anderson, our highlighted Participant for this issue of the Newsletter on page 5. If you know some group or agency who may be interested in Maggie, please have them contact Brenda or Jennifer at 251-6622.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

(SCSEP)

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

The Grass is always GreenerWhen We Are Present

Spring is upon us once again. Many people get excited during spring ~ It can feel like the tempo of the earth and

our hearts speed up…there is so much to do and get done!

Spring has also been known as a time for simplification and spring feels like the right time to release the old while making space for something new.

How can we integrate this paradox of spring – to create and let go at the same time? I am going to suggest that the practice of “being present” may be helpful as we cultivate our dreams and desires while releasing outdated ideas and behaviors.

The gifts and opportunities of the moment are more readily available when we are present. The sights, sounds, thought and emotions that are RIGHT NOW can provide us with important clues about how to gracefully move forward.

When I am being present it is more natural to connect with my desire for physical activity. It feels so good to move, loosen my joints and clarify my thinking. When I am not being present, it is easy to fall into the habitual pattern of just resting in the hammock. This may help to explain why the practice of being present, also known as mindfulness, is correlated with improved health status and behavior.

The theme of this year’s Older Americans Month is Living Today for a Better Tomorrow. Through living in the present we will become more attuned to the possibilities and pathways to a better tomorrow.

Mindfulness based programs are available in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties. Call me or send me an email if you would like to share and discover these resources.

……Rebecca Chaplin 251-7438, Rebecca@landofsky.org

Mindfulness, Health and Research

One popular evidence-based program is known as the

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program. This eight week program was developed, in 1979, by Prof. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and his team at the University Clinic of Massachusetts. Since then it has been applied by over 250 clinics in the USA to treat chronic bodily diseases and the prevention of stress-related illnesses. Numerous scientific studies have proved the effectiveness of the program.

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 5

Our featured SCSEP Title V Participant for this newsletter is Magnolia (Maggie) Anderson, a long time resident of Madison County, NC. She has been working at the Spring Creek

Nutrition Site in Hot Springs, NC since July 2008. During her time with our program, Maggie has demonstrated loyalty to her job and dependability. She is very conscientious and a warm, friendly person who has enjoyed working with the seniors at the nutrition site. Maggie would like to work in a nursing facility, assisted living facility, or in private duty as a companion / caretaker. She has had a lot of experience in this area of work and wants to have a full or part time position in the Hot Springs / Marshall area.

We ask that anyone who knows of a position opening in Hot Springs to call Jennifer or Brenda at 251-6622 to help make a difference in the life of a very deserving Participant.

Spotlight on SCSEP Participant - Hire an Older Worker Today!

SCSEP Participant Maggie Anderson

Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL)North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature Celebrates 15th Anniversary

The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) celebrated their 15 year anniversary in Raleigh on March 17th with a reception held at the Governor’s mansion. Attending from

Region B were Charles Dickens from Buncombe County, Speaker of the STHL for 2007 – 2009, Donald Lilenfeld, Alternate from Buncombe County, Cal Titus from Henderson County, Jack Roberts from Madison County, Delores Stroup from Transylvania County, and Barbara Hinshaw, Lead Long-Term Care Ombudsman from Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging. Hosting the celebration was Governor Beverly Perdue and her husband Bob Eaves, the First Gentleman. It was a historic moment, not only because Gov. Perdue is the first woman governor, but also because as a former state Senator, she was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 479 that created the STHL in 1993.

The reception was the first held by the new Governor since taking office in January. STHL members and guests enjoyed seeing the beautiful interior and the grounds of the mansion, many for the first time ever. “As the mother of this organization, I feel so proud to have you all

here, in the people’s house, celebrating your 15 year anniversary,” Gov. Perdue said. She went on to say, “...we’re facing tough times and I am always thinking of the welfare and needs of the elderly.” Her budget that went forward to the General Assembly that same day included additional funding for core Health and Human Services programs.

The two day meeting, the first of 2009 for the STHL, included several guest speakers. Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton spoke to the STHL body saying that “...what you do makes a difference in the lives of our elderly and I’m glad you’re here as an organization.” Ms. Maria Spaulding, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Long Term Care and Family Services and Mr. Dennis Streets, Director Division of Aging and Adult Services, spoke and addressed aging services and initiatives for the upcoming year.

The STHL promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the General Assembly, and assesses the legislative needs of older adults by convening a forum modeled after

the NC General Assembly. During these forums, the STHL establishes priorities for the upcoming years. Please feel free to contact your local representative or the Area Agency on Aging with your concerns and ideas. The next STHL meeting will be held in June of this year.

Congratulations to...Shirley Roberts!

The 11th Congressional District honored Shirley Roberts as the Mountain Democrat of the Year at the Liston B.

Ramsey Spring Gala held on April 18th. Shirley has been the Director of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Women for three years. You’re an inspiration!

L:R - Governor Beverly Perdue, Bob Eaves and STHL Speaker Charles

Dickens

Madison County Delegate Jack Roberts

with wife, Shirley Roberts in front of the Governor’s Mansion

L:R - 11th District Chairman Luke Hyde; Congressman Heath Shuler; Shirley Roberts; and Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 6

Ombudsman OverviewAn Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on be-half of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.

Who do you call with your

Long-Term Care Facility Concerns?

828-251-6622OR

1-800-727-0557

Barbara HinshawBuncombe

Terry Collins Henderson & Madison

Lee Ann SmithBuncombe & Transylvania

MORE on the new Star Rating Systems

The new Star Ratings for nursing homes and adult care homes are now available on-line for consumers and family members. The differences between the federal Nursing Home Five Star

Rating system, and the state Adult Care Home Four Star Rating system were discussed in last quarter’s newsletter. Now we’ve had time to access these systems and discover how easy it is to use, and how much information is available.

For nursing homes go to www.medicare.gov/nhcompare. You will see a box that says “Find and Compare Nursing Homes” with four steps. •Click on the box under Step 4 that says “Find and Compare Nursing Homes”.•The next screen says “Enter Search Criteria”. •If you choose city, then enter state and distance from that city, e.g. Hendersonville, NC 20 miles.•On the next screen, scroll down a bit and you will see a list of all of the nursing homes within 20 miles of the city you •entered with several different star ratings. There are many more options on every screen to learn more about nursing homes, such as “What are Health •Inspections?”, a “Nursing Home Checklist”, learning more about “Paying for Nursing Home Care”, etc.

There is a wealth of information on this website about nursing homes and it is definitely worth your time to learn about them and the homes in whatever area you choose.

For adult care homes go to www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/star. You will first see an explanation of the Star Rating Program - “What is the Star Rated Certificate program?” On the •left, there is another list of options. Click on Facility Star Ratings.At the bottom of that screen click on the selection “View Star Ratings”.•This will bring up a list of all the facilities that have been reviewed so far in 2009 alphabetically by county. Scroll •down to the county you wish to see. After reviewing all the scores and ratings, you can select any home to see more detail by clicking on the name of the home.The next screen gives you the date and type of the inspection, the •score, and merit and demerit points. Click on “View Worksheet” to obtain even more details.

This website has more information about individual adult care homes than we have ever had before in North Carolina, so it is also very worth your time.

It is important to note that both systems are only a “snapshot” of each home at a particular moment in time. Consumers should consider them as a valuable new tool to help make an important decision.

However, the most valuable information when choosing a home for yourself or a loved one comes from visiting the home yourself, and using your eyes, ears, nose and your own personal judgment as to whether or not the facility meets your needs. Also talk to friends, family members, your physician, church members, and any one else you know to learn from their experiences. Feel free to call your Ombudsman and Nursing Home/Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee members, too. We have visited every home in the county and can help to narrow down your search.

May - July 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 7

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) CornerWelcome New CAC Members

Welcome: Georgia Shannon & Vicky Wynn to the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CACKelvin Anderson, Virginia Bower, Judith Hallock & Carrie McGuire to the Buncombe County Nursing Home CACLesley Ann Jones to the Henderson County Joint CAC

Thanks and Farwell to:Keith Shipley & Terri Harrington from the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CACLori Webster, Linda Dunlop, Jennifer Waite & David Hord from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CACPhyllis Brown from the Henderson County Joint CAC

You will be missed! Thank you for your services!

CAC Meeting CalendarBuncombe County ACH CACMay 15June 19July 17

Buncombe County NH CACJuly 9

Henderson County Joint CACMay 13June 10July 8

Madison County Joint CACJune 4

Transylvania County JointJuly 16

We Want You!The Community Advisory Committees for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties are seeking new members. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer to help older adults in long-term care facilities, call Barbara Hinshaw, Lead Regional Ombudsman, at 251-6622.

What is Culture Change?

Change in the culture of long-term care and the care of our elders is urgently needed. A concept called “Culture Change” has emerged to address this need. So what exactly is Culture Change? It is the common name given to the national

movement for the transformation of older adult services, based on person-directed values and practices where the voices of elders and those working with them are considered and respected. Core person-directed values are choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living. In other words, Culture Change encourages individuals in long and short term living situations to express choices that will be incorporated into care plans and industry practices. So how do we accomplish that?

Ombudsmen, administrators, direct care workers, regulators, doctors, nurses, and families across the nation are acting to transform the culture of aging and long-term care. Part of transforming practices is finding better words to describe staff, programs, parts of the building, and the industry itself. This new language is being referred to as “person-centered”. Terms such as “wing” and “unit” might become “household”, “street”, or “neighborhood.” Terms such as “admit” would transform into “move in”. The goal is to implement terminology and practices that are respectful, reflect accuracy, and serve the specific needs of a new aging generation.

To learn more about Culture Change in Long-Term Care pick up a copy of the book by the same name written by Audrey S. Weiner or check out this website www.fullcirclecare.org.

$250 Payment Is On Its Way to You!

Good news! Just about everyone who gets a Social Security, Railroad Retirement (RRB) or a Veterans Administration (VA) disability pension will receive a one-time payment

from the U.S. government of $250 coming in May 2009 - thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law in February 2009. These funds do not require an application and will come to you automatically. This money is yours to spend as you wish, or to save. For more information visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment/ or call 1-800-772-1213.

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

May 2009Volume IV / Issue 2

Aging Program Staff

Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman

Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP

Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist

Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant,

Newsletter Layout & Design

Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service

Employment Program Coordinator (SCSEP)

Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on Aging

Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman

Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts

Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs

Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others

interested in our community.

VISION

The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in

the setting of their choice.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDASHEVILLE,NCPERMIT #367

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140Asheville, NC 28806Phone: 828.251.6622

Fax: 828.251.6353Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa

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