Area Agency on Aging Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties Volume VI, Issue 1
Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
February - April 2011
What is a “Green House”? (and How is it Related to Long-Term Care?)
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he Green House approach, developed by Dr. Bill Thomas, is a radically new, non-institutional model that reinvents the experience of long-term care for elders. Elders receive needed assistance and care in small homes that meet all required state and federal regulatory and reimbursement criteria for licensure as skilled nursing facilities. A Green House home is a self-contained dwelling for seven to ten people, designed to look like a private home or apartment in the surrounding community. Each person who lives in a Green House home has a private bedroom and full bathroom, opening to a central hearth/living area, open kitchen and dining area. Elders share meals at a common table. Family members, friends and staff are welcome to join the community at mealtimes and other activities. Each home is staffed by a team of universal workers, known as Shabazim. The staff has core training as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s), plus extensive training in The Green House philosophy, the self-managed work team structure of The Green house home, culinary skills, and household management. Shabazim provide personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry, among other duties.
As of Dec 2010, Green House homes are fully operational in 25 sites.
Living room area at The Green House Cottages of Southern Hills Rison, AR
A clinical support team includes nurses, social workers, therapists, physicians, activities and dietary professionals and pharmacists. Nurses serve each Green House home on a 24-hour basis. One nurse typically covers two homes during the day and evening and up to three homes at night. The other clinical professionals on the team visit the houses regularly and as individual residents require. The people who live and work in a Green House home collaborate to create a daily routine that meets individual needs. If they wish, elders can help cook, help with housekeeping and laundry. There is no predetermined routine, facilitating independence and the ability to pursue individual interests.
The Cottages at St. Martin’s Birmingham, AL
Core Principles of a Green House: • Create a true “home” for people requiring skilled nursing care • Provide control, dignity, & intentional communities to support meaningful lives & relationships • Transform culture in a lasting way through comprehensive & “slip resistant” change There is interest in trying to open Green Houses in the Asheville area! A very excited group of people are meeting periodically at Land-of-Sky Regional Council to learn more about the Green House model and research possibilities. If interested in learning more or attending these meetings, please contact Barbara Hinshaw or Terry Collins at 251-6622. Article adapted from The Green House Project: Caring Homes for Meaningful Lives. For more information visit www.thegreenhouseproject.org.
Website: www.landofsky.org/aging
Kitchen & dining room at Porter Hills Retirement Communities Grand Rapids, MI
Phone: 828-251-6622
Family Caregiver Support Program
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Who are Family Caregivers? What is Caregiver Assessment and Why is it Important?
ncreasingly professionals “hand off” very sick or disabled patients to family caregivers after a hospital stay, a short-term nursing home stay, or an episode of home care services. In these transitions, especially when the patient is elderly or chronically ill, the patients’ continued health and well-being depends on a family caregiver. Family caregivers include relatives, partners, friends, or neighbors who provide essential assistance to an adult or child with chronic illness or disability, or to a frail or cognitively impaired older person. Some of the ways in which the family may respond are emotional support, surrogate decision making, financial contributions, care management, and hands-on care. Family caregivers may provide or manage all or some of the care, either part-time or fulltime, and may or may not live with the care recipient.
The Family Caregiver Support Program contracts with providers to provide respite and case assistance for family caregivers. Caregiver assessment is an important part of these services.
A caregiver assessment is a systematic process of gathering information that describes a caregiving situation and identifies the particular problems, needs, resources and strengths of the family caregiver. It approaches issues from the caregiver’s perspective and culture, focuses on what assistance the caregiver may need and the outcomes the family member wants for support, and seeks to maintain the caregiver’s own health and well-being For family caregivers, an assessment is a chance to talk about their own lives for perhaps the first time in any encounter with the patient’s health care team. They can express concerns about their own abilities to provide certain kinds of care, and the realities of their own situations. In health care settings, assessments will necessarily be brief but they can raise questions that the family caregiver can discuss further with others and can suggest types of resources that may be available and helpful. Sometimes professionals are reluctant to ask questions about the kinds of help that a caregiver may need, because they cannot fill those gaps. But most caregivers are grateful for any suggestions and for the attention being paid to them. Family caregiver assessments are important tools to help obtain critical information about the person who will be responsible for patient care and follow-up after discharge from a hospital, short-term nursing home stay, or episode of home health care services. Although they are being widely used in community-based social service settings, they are a relatively new tool in health care settings. Caregiver assessments recognize the importance of family caregivers as direct care providers and managers, and affords them the opportunity to self-identify as a caregiver and take stock of their strengths, limitations, and needs. Excerpted from Assessing Family Caregivers: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, www.nextstepincare.org.
Circle of Parents Foster Seventh Day Adventist Church 375 Hendersonville Road, Asheville Two Groups 1st Tuesday of each month 9:30 - 11 am 3rd Thursday of each month 5:30 - 7:30 pm Childcare is available at no cost. Dinner is provided for evening group and snacks for morning group. Parents can participate in either or both groups.
February - April 2011
Many Grandparents & Other Older Relatives are Raising Children
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f you are one of them help is available. Do you just need to talk or have questions you need answered? The Blue Ridge Circle of Parents group can help you.
The Family Caregiver Support Program partnered with the Family Support Network of WNC, Mountain Youth Resources, Professional Parenting and Buncombe County DSS to provide a Circle of Parents group for people caring for someone else’s child through adoption, kinship or foster care. Parenting can be hard, especially for older individuals who may feel that they do not have enough time, strength or wisdom to give the children what they need. Sharing ideas and sharing support with others in a similar situation can help. Parents lead the group with the help of a trained facilitator. Groups will talk about anything related to raising children; discipline, school, health, safety, and more. Participants will decide the topics for the meetings, lead the discussions, and be involved in all levels of decision making. All information shared will be kept confidential and there is no judgment of other people’s situations or stories. Attend the Blue Ridge Circle of Parents group to share ideas and support. If you need childcare please contact Sandy Fowler at Mountain Youth Resources 734-4902 or sandra@myrnc.us.
Area Agency on Aging
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Calendar of Events February Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 8 11:30am - 1pm 14
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops begins, Carver Center, see page 4.
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NC Respite Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11am - 2pm, For more information contact Jane MacLeod at 919-740-6605 or email at jane.macleod@nc.eastersealsucp.com.
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Matter of Balance Coach Training, LOSRC, see page 4.
March 1,4
Ombudsman Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Orientation, see page 7.
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Matter of Balance Coach Training, LOSRC, see page 4.
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Caregiver Workshop w/ Teepa Snow, Givens Performing Arts Center, see page 3.
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Matter of Balance Classes begins, Silvermont Opportunity Center, see page 4.
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Mental Health Services w/ Medicaid Community Information Session, Hendersonville Public Library, 6 - 8pm.
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WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30am - 1pm.
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops begin, LOSRC, see page 4.
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops begin, CarePartners, see page 4.
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Living Healthy with Diabetes Workshops begin, MAHEC, see page 4.
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Guided Autobiography Workshops begins, Lakeview Senior Center, see page 5.
28,29 SCSEP Statewide Meeting, LOSRC 31
Meal Planning and Nutrition CEU Class, LOSRC, 9am - 1pm, For more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622.
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Leader Training, MAHEC, see page 4.
April 1
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Leader Training, MAHEC, see page 4.
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Advocating Gracefully and Effectively (Education Series), Mission Hospital’s Women Resource Center, 5 - 6:30pm. Sponsored by CAPES (Caring for Aging Parents Education & Support Program). For more information contact Kimberly Webb at 277-8288.
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Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, LOSRC, 9:30 - 11am.
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Leader Training, MAHEC, see page 4.
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The Road to Wellness Workshop, Blue Ridge Community College, Hendersonville, 8:30am - 2:30pm. This workshop is for older drivers and includes topics on how to assess your driving abilities, changes associated with aging that affect driving skills, tips to reduce your risk of being in a collision, etc. $5 registration in advance, space is limited, contact LeeAnne Tucker at 251-6622 for more info or to register.
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Scam Jam, LOSRC, see page 7.
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Scam Jam, Silvermont Opportunity Center, see page 7.
Caregiver Workshop
Typical Progression of Dementia - What Can You Do to Help?! Featuring Teepa Snow Tuesday, March 1 2 - 4 pm Givens Performing Arts Center
(parking with shuttle at New Hope Presbyterian Church across from Givens Campus)
This workshop will help you understand the typical progression of dementia and what you can do to help your loved one through each stage of the condition. Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist currently working in independent practice as a nationally respected dementia care and dementia education specialist. Registration is required for this FREE workshop. Call 274-4801 ext. 2229 or 7712219 to register. Sponsored by:
COMING SOON To Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties
14, 15 Living Healthy with Diabetes Leader Training, MAHEC, see page 4. 15
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Mission Hospital Health Education Center, see page 4.
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Easter - Good Friday, Land-of-Sky Office Closed.
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Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Mars Hill, see page 4.
February - April 2011
Area Agency on Aging
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Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
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e continue to work at recruitment of both new enrollees and new host agencies. We are presently up to 32 participants, but we still need have 5 more slots to fill. We presently have 22 host agencies, but we still need at least 4 more. We are placing ads in newspapers all over Region B in an attempt to reach a greater potential pool for recruits. If our readers can be of any help, we would be most appreciative. We have taken in 6 new enrollees during the past quarter (Oct - Dec), and we plan to add at least 3 new enrollees in January. While we haven’t added any new host agencies this past quarter, we have been able to move 2 of our participants to different host agencies to broaden their job skills. Maggie Anderson in Madison County, Jacquelyn Chinsky in Hendersonville County, and Gilbert Webb in Transylvania County all the left the program this last quarter. We wish them well, and we shall miss them. We are definitely in a time of change and rearranging, plus increasing our recruiting efforts as we move forward to spend the money we received this grant year. If your readers have any suggestions for possible companies, offices, or clinics that may be interested in hiring any of our participants, please let me know. The On-the-Job Experience portion of our program can help facilitate the training for a new employee in unsubsidized employment by paying the new hire’s first month salary while they learn about the new job. This is a win-win offer for everyone – our program, the new hire, and most of all, for the company or group that is doing the hiring. Older Americans make the best new hires because they are dedicated to doing the job well, staying at the job position, and being both punctual and steady on the job. They have the lowest rate of missed job time than any age group in the workforce, and they bring considerable past experience to the job. Please contact Jennifer Atkinson or Brenda DelaCruz at 251-6622 for more information about hiring participants, becoming a host agency, and or enrolling in our SCSEP Title V program.
Upcoming Events for Living Healthy, Matter of Balance & Guided Autobiography Living Healthy is a FREE six-week workshop for people living with ongoing health problems to help improve their health. For more info or to register for a workshop or training, contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438. Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Leader Training MAHEC - 501 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville Thursday and Friday - March 31, April 1, April 7 & April 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Living Healthy with Diabetes Leader Training MAHEC - 501 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville Thursday and Friday - April 14 & April 15 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshops LOSRC - 339 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville Mondays, March 14 - April 18, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon CarePartners Health Services - 68 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville Tuesdays, March 15 - April 19, 4:00 - 6:30 pm Mission Hospital Health Education Center (Cost - $30) 445 Biltmore Ave, Asheville Fridays, April 15 - May 20, 1:00 - 3:30 pm Mars Hill Retirement Community (Cost - $30) 170 South Main Street, Mars Hill Thursdays, April 28 - June 2, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Living Healthy with Diabetes Workshop MAHEC - 501 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville Wednesdays, March 16 - April 20, 2:00 - 4:30 pm Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels in older adults who have concerns about falling. For more information or to register for the coach training, contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438.
Matter of Balance Coach Training LOSRC - 339 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville Feb 28 & March 1, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm **Participants are asked to commit to facilitating at least one 8-session workshop in the next 12 months & coordinate this class w/ Rebecca.
Matter of Balance Class Silvermont Opportunity Center - 364 E Main Street, Brevard Wednesdays, March 2 - April 20, 1:00 - 3:00 pm **Register with Alice Taylor 884-3166 or Myra Lynch 254-6373 ext 317.
February - April 2011
Area Agency on Aging
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Health Promotion & Disease Prevention The Changing Face of Aging
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ho’s Aging? We all are and collectively we are changing the face of aging. As we all get older everyday, the market is changing to address the needs and desires of an aging population.
“We’re looking at a huge market that, in effect, embraces people ages 50 to 100 and beyond,” says Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (www.icaa.cc), who is among those turning 50 in 2011. “While there’s bound to be some segmentation, certain values, principles, and social-economic forces are converging to the point where we can make some predictions for the market as a whole.” Below is a summary of some trends predicted by Milner. 1. More wellness programs and energy boosting solutions. Wellness is exploding. The field has grown exponentially in the past five years and is projected to continue doing so. Among the 65% who have a formal wellness program, 46% of programs have been in place for 1-5 years. According to Milner “the industry will focus on overcoming the paradox identified by researchers a few years back: 69% of older adults exercise to increase their energy level, yet lack of energy is consistently put forth as a barrier to exercise.” 2. Convergence of rehabilitation and wellness. “The convergence is [in part] being driven by a focus on function. Preventing functional decline is a purview of wellness; returning people to optimal function is the purview of rehabilitation.” 3. Rejection of stereotypes of aging. “Because of sheer numbers alone, companies will be focusing more on this demographic. To be successful, they will have to change their perceptions of what ‘aging’ means and what older adults want.” 4. Redefinition of “retirement.” Workers over 55 are expected to account for 93% of the U.S. labor force’s growth through 2016, and many of these workers say they’re staying on the job not for the money, but because they want to continue feeling useful and productive. 5. Technology, technology, technology. “Moving beyond the Wii, we’ll see everything from immersive games for lifelong learning and participation in social causes to more sophisticated ‘brain games’,” says Milner. “We’ll also see more innovative technologies in support of aging in place, including e-health technologies and social media.” 9. Growth of “green exercise” and green communities. Hiking, trail walks, meditation gardens, labyrinths, cycling paths, gardening, and eco tourism will flourish going forward, according to Milner. Research has shown that five minutes of exercise in a park, working in garden, or in another green space benefits self esteem and mood. What’s more, “Boomers are fueling a new era of social responsibility and environmental stewardship, and are active participants in organizational ‘green teams.’” Guided Autobiography helps individuals to recall, organize and share life experiences. The program uses a combination of writings and group discussion to help organize and put into words the details of participants lives’. For more info or to register for a workshop, contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438.
Guided Autobiography Workshop Lakeview Senior Center 101 Carver Avenue, Black Mountain Fridays, March 25 - May 6, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
February - April 2011
10. More age-friendly cities. In the push for the continued creation of environments that foster social inclusion and social participation, WHO (World Health Organizations)stresses that “Active aging is a lifelong process, …[therefore] an age-friendly city is not just ‘elderly friendly.’” Says Milner, “if we view active aging as a process that begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan, then this initiative can only continue to grow.” At Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging, we are dedicated to working with the community to address these trends. Stay current on regional health happenings on Facebook by finding “Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Network” clicking “LIKE.” In good health! Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist at the Area Agency on Aging
Area Agency on Aging
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Ombudsman Overview An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf 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.
Validation Therapy from Master Trainer Steven Klotz
Summary of NC Study Commission on Aging Final Report
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he North Carolina Study Commission on Aging met in its final session on January 25 and approved their report and recommendations. The Study Commission made 12 recommendations in the following areas: Recommendation 1: Maintain HCCBG Funding Recommendation 2: Maintain Funding for Project C.A.R.E., Senior Centers, and Adult Protective Services
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s part of National Family Caregiver Month and National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support and LongTerm Care Ombudsman program partnered with Givens Estates, MemoryCare and Park Ridge Health to hold 2 free workshops for family members and professionals caring for someone with memory loss.
Stephen Klotz, Validation Director and Certified Validation Teacher with Country Meadows Retirement Communities in Hershey, PA gave practical pointers and simple techniques to foster better communication by using basic validation principles at Givens Estates on November 3rd About 200 people attended this workshop.
Recommendation 3: Baby Boomer Preparation Recommendation 4: Nurse Aide Training Recommendation 5: Direct Care Worker Wage and Benefit Study Recommendation 6: Task Force on Fraud Against Older Adults Recommendation 7: Co-Location Task Force - Adult Care Home to Independent Supported Housing Recommendation 8: Co-Location Task Force - Appropriation to Increase Housing Options Recommendation 9: Co-Location Task Force - Appropriation for Standardized Preadmission Screening, Assessment, and Care Planning
Heritage Hills Retirement Center hosted a half day workshop on November 5, 2010 where participants learned more about the 11 Principles of Validation and were taught some techniques to help them develop a more trusting relationship with someone with memory loss. About 50 people attended this workshop which offered Adult Care Home continuing education credits. Forty six people completed evaluations for this workshop; everyone agreed that the session increased their knowledge on the subject matter and the training met their needs and expectations. If you are interested in further information about Validation Therapy training, please contact the Ombudsmen, Barbara Hinshaw or Terry Collins at 251-6622.
Recommendation 10: Co-Location Task Force - Adult Care Home Direct Care Worker Training Recommendation 11: Co-Location Task Force - Support IOM Report Recommendations
828-251-6622 OR 1-800-727-0557 Barbara Hinshaw
Recommendation 12: Extend the Task Force on Guidelines for Consumers with Hearing Loss To view the Study Commission’s Executive Summary and Full Report, visit www.ncleg.net.
February - April 2011
Who do you call with your Long-Term Care Facility Concerns?
Area Agency on Aging
Buncombe & Transylvania Counties
Terry Collins Henderson & Madison Counties
Lee Ann Smith Buncombe County
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Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Welcome New CAC Members
CAC Meeting Calendar
Welcome: Sarah Oram to the Buncombe County ACH CAC Brendan Mullen and Andrea Block to the Buncombe County NH CAC Cynthia Daye and Candy Rice to the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC
Buncombe County ACH: Feb 18, March 18, April 15
Thanks and Farwell to: Alice Wheat and Karl Katterjohn from the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC Robert Rapp from the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC Cathy Lasater from the Transylvania County ACH/NH CAC
Henderson County ACH/NH: Feb 9, March 9, April 13 Madison County ACH/NH: April 6 Transylvania County ACH/NH: April 12
You will be missed! Thank you for your services!
!
Buncombe County NH: March 17
CAC Orientation will be held on March 1 and 4 at Land-of-Sky Regional Council from 9 am - 1 pm.
COMING SOON! The 2011 Long-Term Care Housing Directory for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties. Attention Administrators - Remember to turn in your facilities information sheet and there is still room for advertisements. Call Christina at 251-6622.
Scam Jams 2011
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cam Jams are programs designed to inform you about frauds and scams being conducted in your community. You’ll learn what to look and listen for, as well as who to contact with a complaint. Landof-Sky Regional Council’s Ombudsman Program is partnering with NC AARP to educate you about how to protect yourself. These events are free to the public. Contact Lee Ann Smith or Terry Collins at 2516622 for more information. April 13 Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville Registration: 12:30 pm Program: 1:00 - 4:00 pm April 14 Silvermont Opportunity Center 364 East Main Street, Brevard Registration: 8:30 am Program: 9:00 am - 12 noon
February - April 2011
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus… …and in Madison County, there is more than one…nine to be exact.
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t’s quite a miracle that every one of these Santas also volunteer on the Madison County Community Advisory Committee! The Committee regularly visits all of the long-term care facilities in Madison County to assure the residents’ rights are honored. It all started in November when one of the most experienced, Ms. Grace Santa, thought it would be good to get clothing for some of the more needy residents. Her idea caught on like wildfire. All of the Committee Santas talked with these residents about what they would like for Christmas. Most asked for clothing like coats and sweaters. A couple asked for a radio or boom box, even yarn to crochet with. With the gracious help of Mars Hill Baptist Church, Beacon Outreach and Ross Young at Mount Sheba Baptist Church, all of the residents’ requests were abundantly filled. The next hurdle was to store, sort, assemble and distribute the gifts. Madison County Community Services opened their offices for the Santas to gather and begin an effort not soon to be forgotten. Through snow and cold weather, Santa Bruce, Santa Joe, Santa Van, Ms. Santas Dot, Grace, Annie, Faith, Bea and Penny distributed the gifts, neatly bundled in a large paper sacks with bows to each of the 28 residents who lived in the homes. Their eyes sparkled with tears as they received their unexpected gifts. Without reservation, these 28 people know that there are Santas in Madison County who offered them the selfless miracle of Love the Christmas of 2010.
Area Agency on Aging
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367
339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: 828.251.6622 Fax: 828.251.6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” ~World Health Organization We would like to hear what you think about the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter. Also, if you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please notify Christina at 828.251.6622. Please recycle this newsletter.
Area Agency on Aging Advocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging
February 2011 Volume VI / Issue 1
Area Agency on Aging Staff Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman
VISION
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 Linda Kendall Fields - Community Resource Connections Coordinator
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.
Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts Pat Hilgendorf - Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant Assistant 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.