december 2008, contents · the senior viewpoint is the monthly publication of gwinnett county...
TRANSCRIPT
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Community Services75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30045-6900
The Senior Viewpoint is the monthly publication of Gwinnett County Senior Services. For newsletter questions and comments, call (770) 822-8837.
Social Services CoordinatorDiane Evans678.377.4157
Volunteer Services CoordinatorGary Galloway770.822.8837
Graphic DesignerShawn [email protected]
In-Home Services CoordinatorKathy Roberts, RN770.822.8886
Nutrition Services CoordinatorPat Milhous, [email protected]
Health Services CoordinatorArlene Williams, [email protected]
Senior Services StaffSenior Services Manager Linda [email protected]
Center Operations CoordinatorTim [email protected]
Meals On Wheels CoordinatorMarilynn [email protected]
senior services (678) 377-4150
First Call for Help, United Way Dial 2-1-1DFCS – 446 W. Crogan Street (678) 518-5500Adult Protective Services (404) 657-5250Medicare – Social Security 1-(800) 772-1213Health Departments:
Lawrenceville (770) 963-6136Buford (770) 614-2401Norcross (770) 638-5700
GeorgiaCares (Health Insurance info) (404) 463-3350
Voter Registration (678) 226-7210Senior Auto Emissions Waiver (770) 822-8818Senior Elder Abuse (404) 657-5250Senior Information & Referral (678) 377-4150Georgia Senior Legal Hotline (404) 657-9915Gwinnett County Library (770) 978-5154Gwinnett County Extension Service (678) 377-4010Gwinnett Council for Seniors (770) 822-5147Elder Care Locator 1-(800) 677-1116
For services you or someone else might need:Homemaking Services (678) 377-4150Meals on Wheels (678) 377-4150Senior Transportation (678) 377-4150
If you want to help with:Donations (770) 822-8775Volunteering (770) 822-8837
Area seniors and caregivers are always encouraged to contact Gwinnett County Senior Services, either by using the Internet or calling on the phone. The website address is www.GwinnettSeniorServices.com. To contact via e-mail write to [email protected]. The contact numbers are as follows:
Contact Information
Senior CenterLocations
Buford2755 Sawnee AvenueBuford, GA 30518
(770) 614-2527
LawrencevilleRhodes-Jordan Park225 Benson Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045(770) 822-5180
Norcross5030 Georgia Belle Court
Norcross, GA 30093(770) 638-5683
2 • ImportantInformation
2 • ProgramIncome
3 • Health &Nutrition
4 • Profi le
Contents"There's No Place Like Home" December 2008, Season’s Greetings!!
Project A.W.A.R.E.
December HighlightsDecember 21 – First Day of WinterDecember 25 – ChristmasDecember 31 – New Year’s Eve
Birthstone – Blue TopazFlower – Poinsettia
err
Project A.W.A.R.E. (Added Warmth Assistance for Residences of our Elderly)
is a new program to collect donated portable electric heaters to distribute to seniors living in chilly residences. Gwinnett County Senior Services (GCSS) and the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services are working together to help our seniors stay warm this winter.
Senior Services Manager Linda Bailey says, “Many seniors struggle to pay their increased heating bills along with their food and prescriptions during these times. All too often, seniors will forego their medication or other basic needs in order to make ends meet.” It is important for our seniors not to cut back on heat, medications, or food, because getting sick is one of the worst things that could result from cutting corners. However, seniors who are already having trouble paying their utility bills need to know that portable electric heaters can increase electric bills, if not monitored closely. We are asking people to please consider making tax-deductible donations of brand new portable electric heaters for some of our local seniors. They can drop off their donation at any local Gwinnett County fi re station from now until February 15, 2009. Gwinnett Senior Services will collect the
heaters from the stations and distribute them to our seniors in need. A smoke detector and information on fi re safety will also be included along with the distr ibuted heaters.
For more information on Project A.W.A.R.E., please contact Melanie Miller (GCSS) at 770.822.8842 or e-mail [email protected]. If you think that you need additional heat from a portable heater in your residence, please contact your Case Manager, Senior Center Manager or Melanie Miller. The supply will probably be limited for this new program.
Project A.W.A.R.E. is sponsored by Gwinnett County Senior Services. Our non-profi t partner is Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services. We really appreciate the opportunity to work with Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com senior services (678) 377-4150
Prevention: The Key to Catching On Early
Program Income
Congregate $1241.40
Home Delivered Meals $ 177.00
In-Home Services $ 140.00
Transportation $2066.02
The mission of Gwinnett County Senior Services is to provide our citizens with a range of collaborative services structured to enhance the quality of their lives, maintain their independence, and prevent premature institutionalization.
Profi le
There are several screens, simple tests, or questionnaires used today that can catch the early stages of many common diseases affecting the elderly population or even postpone them. Some of the most important ones are listed below:
Screening for: How Often?1. Height, Weight, and Blood Pressure At least yearly2. Vision and Hearing At least yearly3. Bone Density For women: at age 65
For men: can be over 654. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels Yearly in people who had previously a heart attack, stroke,
peripheral vascular disease, or chest pain5. Glucose Levels (Diabetes) Every year; more often if you have high blood pressure6. Depression or alcoholism (questionnaires) First visit and periodically according to the doctor’s suggestion7. Mental Processes Every year8. Thyroid Function For women: every year
For men: as suggested by doctor9. Mammogram and Pap Smear For women: mammogram yearly; pap smear every 3 years
until age 65 if all were normal10. Prostate specifi c antigen(PSA blood test and rectal examination for prostate cancer)
For men: yearly
While preventing disease is still important, maintaining good health for older adults focuses on preventing a loss of function and supporting the abilities we need to remain independent.
Adapted from http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=10
Important Info
2009 Vehicle Emissions – Senior Exemption
If you are age 65 or older and are a registered owner of a vehicle 10 years old or older, and if you drive less than 5,000 miles per year, you may be eligible for a senior exemption. Apply by completing a Senior Exemption Application, available at any Gwinnett County Tag Offi ce, a Georgia Clean Air Force Waiver Center, or visit www.cleanairforce.com.
Prospective volunteers ages 55+ are encouraged to apply to become RSVP volunteers to serve throughout Gwinnett County in the following impact areas:• Disaster preparedness• Information about senior issues• Assisting with health and well being • Home repair
Please contact the Atlanta RSVP offi ce at (404) 463-3119 or e-mail [email protected]. A limited number of opportunity slots are available.
'New & Improved' RSVP Volunteer Program
Be a Smart Shopper!
Here is a list of high sodium foods to limit.• Cured foods, such as bacon and ham• Pickled foods, such as olives• Canned soups and broths, and sauces• Frozen pizzas and dinners• Regular and processed cheese, cheese spreads and sauces• Condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, soy sauce,
salad dressings, and hot sauce• Buttermilk and cottage cheese
And, here are foods to enjoy!• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables with “no
salt added” or “low sodium” on the label• Fresh or frozen fi sh, poultry, and lean meat• Dry peas and beans• Milk, yogurt, ice cream• Low sodium cheeses• Low sodium bread, corn tortillas• Fresh and dried herbs and spices, and salt-free seasoning
blends, such as Mrs. Dash
The average American consumes 6 to 10 grams of salt each day. Those with high blood pressure and the elderly should consume less than 1.5 grams of salt per day, according to the American Heart Association. A diet low in salt and sodium
includes choosing ingredients that are fresh or frozen and less processed. Reducing salt intake can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Sources of salt and sodium in the diet include prepared and processed food (77%), natural sources (12%), salt added while eating (6%), and salt added while cooking (5%).
Charla & Ron Cebulski
Grand-Families – Holiday Challenges Even for Santa
Mrs. Charla Cebulski is a woman with plenty of passion and dedication when it comes to the
well being of grandparents raising grandchildren (or ‘grand-families’). Armed with a masters degree in Counseling/Rehabilitation and a compassionate heart, Mrs. Cebulski volunteers her time to facilitate a support group for grand-families called The Changing Role of Grandparents at the Centerville Community Center in Snellville.
It is estimated that over 15,000 seniors are raising over 35,000 grandchildren or great grandchildren in Gwinnett County. Surprisingly, most people have no idea what grand-families are all about or what the challenges are like for elderly people trying to raise grandchildren or great-grandchildren on a fi xed income.
The physical, fi nancial, and emotional burden of raising a grand-child or great grand-child can be overwhelming at times, but is not without its rewards. Mrs. Cebulski offers advice to grand-families that reaffi rms that fact. “It doesn’t matter, loss is loss, whether it is the freedom to do what you want in retirement or something else. Grandparenting has changed, it’s a whole different world than what it used to be.”
If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild and would like to be a part of this support group, please register at (770) 985-4713. For curriculum information, contact Mrs. Cebulski at [email protected].
Within the next few years, the senior population in Gwinnett County is expected to exceed our school-age population. One of every five
residents in Gwinnett County will be 65 or older within the next ten years. As a result, many of us may find ourselves taking on the role of caregiving for a loved one. What can we do to prepare for this task?
• Help build awareness of support services, family caregiver issues, concerns, and other resources in Gwinnett County.
• Offer companionship to family caregivers or help them network with other family caregivers to support one another.
• Support Gwinnett Senior Services through the Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds that support senior programs, such as Meals on Wheels.
Adapted from http://www.extension.org/pages/Support_ for_Caregivers
Caregiver's Corner
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com senior services (678) 377-4150
Prevention: The Key to Catching On Early
Program Income
Congregate $1241.40
Home Delivered Meals $ 177.00
In-Home Services $ 140.00
Transportation $2066.02
The mission of Gwinnett County Senior Services is to provide our citizens with a range of collaborative services structured to enhance the quality of their lives, maintain their independence, and prevent premature institutionalization.
Profi le
There are several screens, simple tests, or questionnaires used today that can catch the early stages of many common diseases affecting the elderly population or even postpone them. Some of the most important ones are listed below:
Screening for: How Often?1. Height, Weight, and Blood Pressure At least yearly2. Vision and Hearing At least yearly3. Bone Density For women: at age 65
For men: can be over 654. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels Yearly in people who had previously a heart attack, stroke,
peripheral vascular disease, or chest pain5. Glucose Levels (Diabetes) Every year; more often if you have high blood pressure6. Depression or alcoholism (questionnaires) First visit and periodically according to the doctor’s suggestion7. Mental Processes Every year8. Thyroid Function For women: every year
For men: as suggested by doctor9. Mammogram and Pap Smear For women: mammogram yearly; pap smear every 3 years
until age 65 if all were normal10. Prostate specifi c antigen(PSA blood test and rectal examination for prostate cancer)
For men: yearly
While preventing disease is still important, maintaining good health for older adults focuses on preventing a loss of function and supporting the abilities we need to remain independent.
Adapted from http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=10
Important Info
2009 Vehicle Emissions – Senior Exemption
If you are age 65 or older and are a registered owner of a vehicle 10 years old or older, and if you drive less than 5,000 miles per year, you may be eligible for a senior exemption. Apply by completing a Senior Exemption Application, available at any Gwinnett County Tag Offi ce, a Georgia Clean Air Force Waiver Center, or visit www.cleanairforce.com.
Prospective volunteers ages 55+ are encouraged to apply to become RSVP volunteers to serve throughout Gwinnett County in the following impact areas:• Disaster preparedness• Information about senior issues• Assisting with health and well being • Home repair
Please contact the Atlanta RSVP offi ce at (404) 463-3119 or e-mail [email protected]. A limited number of opportunity slots are available.
'New & Improved' RSVP Volunteer Program
Be a Smart Shopper!
Here is a list of high sodium foods to limit.• Cured foods, such as bacon and ham• Pickled foods, such as olives• Canned soups and broths, and sauces• Frozen pizzas and dinners• Regular and processed cheese, cheese spreads and sauces• Condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, soy sauce,
salad dressings, and hot sauce• Buttermilk and cottage cheese
And, here are foods to enjoy!• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables with “no
salt added” or “low sodium” on the label• Fresh or frozen fi sh, poultry, and lean meat• Dry peas and beans• Milk, yogurt, ice cream• Low sodium cheeses• Low sodium bread, corn tortillas• Fresh and dried herbs and spices, and salt-free seasoning
blends, such as Mrs. Dash
The average American consumes 6 to 10 grams of salt each day. Those with high blood pressure and the elderly should consume less than 1.5 grams of salt per day, according to the American Heart Association. A diet low in salt and sodium
includes choosing ingredients that are fresh or frozen and less processed. Reducing salt intake can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Sources of salt and sodium in the diet include prepared and processed food (77%), natural sources (12%), salt added while eating (6%), and salt added while cooking (5%).
Charla & Ron Cebulski
Grand-Families – Holiday Challenges Even for Santa
Mrs. Charla Cebulski is a woman with plenty of passion and dedication when it comes to the
well being of grandparents raising grandchildren (or ‘grand-families’). Armed with a masters degree in Counseling/Rehabilitation and a compassionate heart, Mrs. Cebulski volunteers her time to facilitate a support group for grand-families called The Changing Role of Grandparents at the Centerville Community Center in Snellville.
It is estimated that over 15,000 seniors are raising over 35,000 grandchildren or great grandchildren in Gwinnett County. Surprisingly, most people have no idea what grand-families are all about or what the challenges are like for elderly people trying to raise grandchildren or great-grandchildren on a fi xed income.
The physical, fi nancial, and emotional burden of raising a grand-child or great grand-child can be overwhelming at times, but is not without its rewards. Mrs. Cebulski offers advice to grand-families that reaffi rms that fact. “It doesn’t matter, loss is loss, whether it is the freedom to do what you want in retirement or something else. Grandparenting has changed, it’s a whole different world than what it used to be.”
If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild and would like to be a part of this support group, please register at (770) 985-4713. For curriculum information, contact Mrs. Cebulski at [email protected].
Within the next few years, the senior population in Gwinnett County is expected to exceed our school-age population. One of every five
residents in Gwinnett County will be 65 or older within the next ten years. As a result, many of us may find ourselves taking on the role of caregiving for a loved one. What can we do to prepare for this task?
• Help build awareness of support services, family caregiver issues, concerns, and other resources in Gwinnett County.
• Offer companionship to family caregivers or help them network with other family caregivers to support one another.
• Support Gwinnett Senior Services through the Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds that support senior programs, such as Meals on Wheels.
Adapted from http://www.extension.org/pages/Support_ for_Caregivers
Caregiver's Corner
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Community Services75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30045-6900
The Senior Viewpoint is the monthly publication of Gwinnett County Senior Services. For newsletter questions and comments, call (770) 822-8837.
Social Services CoordinatorDiane Evans678.377.4157
Volunteer Services CoordinatorGary Galloway770.822.8837
Graphic DesignerShawn [email protected]
In-Home Services CoordinatorKathy Roberts, RN770.822.8886
Nutrition Services CoordinatorPat Milhous, [email protected]
Health Services CoordinatorArlene Williams, [email protected]
Senior Services StaffSenior Services Manager Linda [email protected]
Center Operations CoordinatorTim [email protected]
Meals On Wheels CoordinatorMarilynn [email protected]
senior services (678) 377-4150
First Call for Help, United Way Dial 2-1-1DFCS – 446 W. Crogan Street (678) 518-5500Adult Protective Services (404) 657-5250Medicare – Social Security 1-(800) 772-1213Health Departments:
Lawrenceville (770) 963-6136Buford (770) 614-2401Norcross (770) 638-5700
GeorgiaCares (Health Insurance info) (404) 463-3350
Voter Registration (678) 226-7210Senior Auto Emissions Waiver (770) 822-8818Senior Elder Abuse (404) 657-5250Senior Information & Referral (678) 377-4150Georgia Senior Legal Hotline (404) 657-9915Gwinnett County Library (770) 978-5154Gwinnett County Extension Service (678) 377-4010Gwinnett Council for Seniors (770) 822-5147Elder Care Locator 1-(800) 677-1116
For services you or someone else might need:Homemaking Services (678) 377-4150Meals on Wheels (678) 377-4150Senior Transportation (678) 377-4150
If you want to help with:Donations (770) 822-8775Volunteering (770) 822-8837
Area seniors and caregivers are always encouraged to contact Gwinnett County Senior Services, either by using the Internet or calling on the phone. The website address is www.GwinnettSeniorServices.com. To contact via e-mail write to [email protected]. The contact numbers are as follows:
Contact Information
Senior CenterLocations
Buford2755 Sawnee AvenueBuford, GA 30518
(770) 614-2527
LawrencevilleRhodes-Jordan Park225 Benson Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045(770) 822-5180
Norcross5030 Georgia Belle Court
Norcross, GA 30093(770) 638-5683
2 • ImportantInformation
2 • ProgramIncome
3 • Health &Nutrition
4 • Profi le
Contents"There's No Place Like Home" December 2008, Season’s Greetings!!
Project A.W.A.R.E.
December HighlightsDecember 21 – First Day of WinterDecember 25 – ChristmasDecember 31 – New Year’s Eve
Birthstone – Blue TopazFlower – Poinsettia
err
Project A.W.A.R.E. (Added Warmth Assistance for Residences of our Elderly)
is a new program to collect donated portable electric heaters to distribute to seniors living in chilly residences. Gwinnett County Senior Services (GCSS) and the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services are working together to help our seniors stay warm this winter.
Senior Services Manager Linda Bailey says, “Many seniors struggle to pay their increased heating bills along with their food and prescriptions during these times. All too often, seniors will forego their medication or other basic needs in order to make ends meet.” It is important for our seniors not to cut back on heat, medications, or food, because getting sick is one of the worst things that could result from cutting corners. However, seniors who are already having trouble paying their utility bills need to know that portable electric heaters can increase electric bills, if not monitored closely. We are asking people to please consider making tax-deductible donations of brand new portable electric heaters for some of our local seniors. They can drop off their donation at any local Gwinnett County fi re station from now until February 15, 2009. Gwinnett Senior Services will collect the
heaters from the stations and distribute them to our seniors in need. A smoke detector and information on fi re safety will also be included along with the distr ibuted heaters.
For more information on Project A.W.A.R.E., please contact Melanie Miller (GCSS) at 770.822.8842 or e-mail [email protected]. If you think that you need additional heat from a portable heater in your residence, please contact your Case Manager, Senior Center Manager or Melanie Miller. The supply will probably be limited for this new program.
Project A.W.A.R.E. is sponsored by Gwinnett County Senior Services. Our non-profi t partner is Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services. We really appreciate the opportunity to work with Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.