Living longer

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

LIVING Longer, Living Well

Friday, March 10, 2017

A resource guide for 55+ MARCH 2017

1

2

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

Dogs provide therapy, joy to children, seniors

By Glennette Poland, Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing

J

OY! Pure joy is the best description of what the Therapy Dogs International Chapter #296 brings every month to Generations Crossing Adult and Child Day Care Center. This chapter has about 100 people and dogs who have gone through the extensive training to become certified to visit schools, libraries, hospitals and nursing home communities in the Shenandoah Valley. While the dogs are not “service dogs,” their purpose is to bring emotional support to those with whom they interact. You can visit the TDI website http://www.tdi-dog. org to learn more about this amazing organization and how the dogs are trained.

Generations Crossing is fortunate to have four of those therapy dogs and their owners visit the adults and children twice each month. Jen Steel and Indie visit on Tuesdays. Elaine Hurst and Cooper visit on Wednesdays. Johanna Beers and Sky visit on alternate Wednesdays, and Cathy Goscha and Brutus visit on Fridays. These wonderful ladies are truly dedicated with their visits to the center and have connected with adults and children.

They have become part of the Generations Crossing family.

Seeing the looks on the adults’ faces says it all. They are full of smiles and express pure joy as they reminisce while bonding with the dogs. Watching the children and the dogs interact is yet another reason for smiles. It brings back fond memories for the adults of playing with their own dogs. During their visits, the dogs are in a room with about 30 adult participants and staff as well as up to 20 children. It is truly remarkable how disciplined the dogs are. They, too, receive joy from all of the “love” that they receive during their visits. The owners enjoy seeing how well the children and adults interact with their dogs.

They have formed personal and meaningful relationships with the adult clients at Generations Crossing. ◆

COVER PHOTO Syamala Chalam and three-year-old Sierra Dyer enjoying their visit with Indie, Jen Steele’s therapy dog. Jen and Indie visit Generations Crossing twice a month.

Photo courtesy of Nikki Fox, DNR

Harrisonburg, Va.

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record, and ElderAlliance, Inc. ElderAlliance Workgroup Members: Jeannette Suter, Workgroup Chair Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care Beth Bland Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS Lavenia “Lev” Norford Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community Maureen Pearson Director of Communications, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Glennette Poland Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage Annie Shaffer Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community Cristin Sprenger Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension

MISSION: The Education Workgroup mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers, and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

ElderAlliance – Living Longer, Living Well P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803 No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The ElderAlliance Education Workgroup welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, not this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services.

For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The ElderAlliance Education Workgroup is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have. Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at jsuter@homeinstead.com, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Positive Living Amy Mitchell, M.S.W., Sentara RMH Community Health

T

he heart is needed for sustainability of life while the brain is needed for quality of life. It seems as if our brain kind of “happens” to us – we all “wake up” one day and here we are. It’s usually around the age of 30 – 36 months – and there is our brain which has been hard at work all along. I’d like to share some tools to help train your brain toward positivity, even if you have had more than your share of negative things go on in your life.

As a child, I watched the children’s television show, “Sesame Street,”, and there was always a number of the day and a letter or two. In this article, our “letter of the day” is P. All of the points I am sharing begin with the letter P. POWER—take back control. As we approach these later years in life, we see losses begin to accumulate in a more marked way. Losses come in many forms — loss of people to death, loss of physical abilities, loss of hair, of memory, loss of fertility, of libido, of children in our home, loss of that familiar face in the mirror, loss of wrinkleless skin … the list goes on and on. Losses are out of our control.

Thinking specifically of the depressing feelings that come from loss of control, I want to encourage you to take control of the things you can. The most important of these things is the mind which contains our thoughts, memories, beliefs and interests. We often struggle with thoughts that come to our minds uninvited. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches a technique called “thought-stopping” and it really works. It’s so simple, it is almost laughable that it is an evidence-based technique for taking control of your mind. This is

Advanced Care Planning Day

Friday, March 10, 2017

how it works: You have a thought enter your mind you do NOT want to — and you simply say aloud with authority, “STOP!” My husband once told me that thoughts are like birds flying through the airspace of our minds, and we can choose whether or not those birds will build a nest. The next step is to take a moment and replace that unwanted negative thought with a positive thought.

PEACE—stop, breathe and accept. We must actively tell our minds to calm down. There are times when I have racing thoughts about an issue that is trying to overwhelm me and this is what I do. Out loud — I say, “come on Amy, it’s going to be okay. Calm down.” I also breathe out slowly through my mouth with tightly closed lips and this engages breathing that we can do that is beneficial for stress relief. It is a deep breathing exercise — breathing that comes from your tummy, right around your belly button. This breathing wraps all the way around your body. Let’s try this! Right hand on chest left hand over belly button. If your chest hand rises, try to breathe while pushing with your belly button area pushing against your left hand. Lying down naturally helps with this, and you can practice this breathing which can be learned and become a great, healthy habit!

PRAISE—“give thanks,” “an attitude of gratitude.” These are all great catch phrases, but let’s bring this down to real life, shall we? And let’s also take a moment to remove “SHOULDS.” SHOULDS are about the most oppressive things there are in life. I’m not telling you to Give Thanks because you SHOULD be grateful! I’m encouraging you to look deeper at the concept of gratefulness and thankfulness as a weapon against negative thinking. Take a moment to give thanks about the smallest things – your life, your loved ones, Positive Living continued on page 4

AUGUSTA AUDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, PC Licensed And Certified Clinical Audiologist Julie Farrar-Hersch, PhD

STATE-OF-THE-ART HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY We Follow You Every Step of the Way to Ensure Your Hearing Aids are Comfortable, Beneficial ds, and Meet Your Communication Needs, During and After Your Trial Period.

OUR SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE Do you have an advance directive? Advance care planning is about making decisions for care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These are your decisions to make, based on your personal values, beliefs and preferences.

On April 12, our staff will be available to answer your advance care questions! Stop by to talk with us and we’ll help you through the process. We’ll provide you with the necessary paperwork, and we’ll even scan your documents into your medical record and the national registry. No registration required. For more information, call 540-564-7001. www.sentara.com

Wednesday, April 12 11am-2pm or 5-7pm Sentara RMH Hahn Building, conference rooms A & B 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg Park in Lot B and enter the “Medical Offices” entrance, not the Cancer Center entrance

Your community, not-for-profit health partner

3

Assistive Technology for Personal listening, T.V., And Telephone

SPECIALIZED EARMOLDS FOR Musicians • Mobile Devices Hunters • Swimmers • Nascar Fans Industrial Employees and More Augusta Health Medical Off. Bld. Suite 204 70 Medical Center Circle Fishersville, Virginia 22939

Over 35 Years of Experience www.augustaaudiology.com 540-332-5790

4

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

Spring Cleaning For Mind, Body and Spirit Annie Shaffer, Wellness Director, Sunnyside

A

s we spring clean our homes, we should also consider spring cleaning our minds, bodies and spirits. Try these tips for renewed energy, fresh attitude and a new perspective on life.

1. Eat real food: Eat whole, unprocessed foods that nourish and detoxify.

Consume a mainly plant-based diet full of natural foods that are as close to the source as possible and not highly processed. Avoid added sugar, alcohol, caffeine, saturated and trans fat and refined white flour.

2. Take time to breathe and meditate: Try sitting still for at least 10 minutes a day, breathing in and out. Just relax, clear your mind of thoughts, and then focus on your breathing and an object such as a candle, or positive affirmation that you repeat to yourself.

3. Drink water: Drinking water and teas is a perfect way to cleanse and hydrate the system. When increasing your water intake, try adding citrus, strawberries, basil or other fresh flavors.

4. Journal: If you’ve never kept a journal before, or you’ve gotten out of the habit of it, commit to this powerful habit. You can write to reflect on events of the day, focus solely on your feelings, count your blessings or declutter your thoughts.

5. Forgive yourself and others: To replenish our energy and regain our

Looking for a Patient Centered Medical Home?

We are at VMRC – Park Gables

Harrisonburg, Va.

balance, we have to remind ourselves that no one is perfect. When we forgive ourselves and others, we free ourselves of toxic thoughts and emotions.

6. Maintain healthy relationships: Take time to think about the people in your life. Are you surrounding yourself with encouraging, uplifting people and are you making people you care about a priority? The answers to these questions will help you to make some healthy, if not easy changes.

7. Clean up Your Media Consumption Habits: Take the time to consider the information you are consuming on television, paper and the internet. Is it mainly positive and enriching, or is it mostly negative, worrisome, and violent? Be mindful of the impact of this on your mental health and outlook.

8. Get outside and move: Whether you walk, bike, garden or play, being active in the fresh air and natural light of the outdoors can be miraculously rejuvenating. It also helps with Vitamin D levels that can drop dramatically during the winter months. Twenty minutes of sunshine and fresh air each day is a great goal to set.

9. Reduce Stress: There is so much in the world that we cannot control or change. Resolve to work on the ways that you can make a difference, and let the rest go. ◆

Providers Now Available Full Time:

Harrisonburg Community Health Center

Christopher Benjamin, FNP-C Emily Davis, FNP-C

• Accepting new patients • On-site lab available

Positive Living continued from Page 3 food to eat, a car to drive – I give thanks for the green lights and the close parking spaces! This practice will train your brain to lift your spirits and it gets easier and easier to do.

PARTY!—What does that mean to you? I am talking legal, healthy, lifegiving examples, please! Is there such a thing? Yes, yes and yes. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, we all like a party and we all need to be at the party. The word “partying” these days usually means use of illicit drugs or getting drunk on alcohol and losing control. But I have found that sometimes people are so afraid of losing control that they don’t let enough of the party in.

So, find something to celebrate and have a party every day.

1491 Virginia Avenue | Harrisonburg, VA 22801 M–F 8–4:30 pm | 540.574.3895 | www.hburgchc.org

PINCH – and that simply means to live in the moment. Give yourself a pinch and say, “I matter. I am here. I am alive and there is a life to live.”

So — what’s the good news? You have an incredible, awesome brain and you can actually be an active participant in helping your brain do its work to help you increase and sustain your quality of life. If you take time every day for a “Brain Break”, to get those good, positive chemicals working in your brain, then you are getting the benefits of activity that positively strengthens your brain. ◆

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Buyer Beware: Avoid purchasing a flood damaged car Cristin L. Sprenger, M.S., AFC©, Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

D

uring natural disasters that include flooding, vehicles are often damaged. This can be cosmetic, but it can also affect the electrical components and computer. Sometimes the effect of the water isn’t immediately obvious. If you plan to purchase a vehicle, there are some steps you can take to avoid purchasing one of these damaged cars.

After the storm, some vehicles that are deemed “flooded” or “salvaged” may be sold in another area or out of state. It is estimated that half of these types of cars are resold. Titles for these cars may be “washed” or “laundered” to hide the vehicle’s past. This can make it difficult to know if and where any damage occurred.

Before you buy any used car, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection. You will also want to have an independent inspection done by a trusted mechanic. Look for any signs of water damage by pulling up the carpet, looking under the hood, under the seats, and asking about any recent work done to the car.

Many car lots will offer a free vehicle history report so you can see what has happened to the car in the past. If they don’t offer, ask to see one and shop elsewhere if they don’t provide one. For private sellers, you may have to do this on your own. Ask for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and purchase the report on your own. You can also check the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) website at no cost to determine if the vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged. It doesn’t cover every vehicle (only participating NICB members), but it can help you make a decision.

Currently CARFAX is offering a free CARFAX Flood Damage Check on their website. You’ll need to make an account and if you want more than just the flood damage information, you’ll need to pay for the full report. The website is flood.carfax.com. Another place to get a vehicle history report is AutoCheck. Their website is www.autocheck.com.

Buying a used vehicle is a great way to save money over buying a new one, but be careful and do your homework before making the purchase. ◆

Lee Norford, Plant Specialist, Master Gardner

L

ate winter is a great time to begin planting beginning seedlings for your patios or spring and summer gardens. Why not make this a fun activity with friends, or children and grandchildren in your family?

If you are going to do this with children, you might want to pick seeds with higher success rates or ones that are easier to grow. Marigolds, morning glories, zinnias and nasturtiums are good examples. If you want to plant vegetables, early plants like radishes and spinach, kale, or peas—something that will climb—make fun beginner plants.

5

You will need containers that have drainage. Old teapots with holes oles drilled in the bottom, small clay pots, large ceramic pots all work well. Anything will do except metal. etal.

Metal does not work well because se it can retain too much heat andd metal elements might leach into your soil. Consider your pot size. Remember, dirt weighs a lot, and may prevent you from moving ving it once it is filled. Filling the bottom tom with Styrofoam peanuts beforee you add dirt will aid drainage and save on weight. If you use waxed paper cups for planting, you can later transfer cup up and all to a larger pot.

A good potting soil mix can be purchased at any hardware store or garden center and will work fine. After everything is assembled, plant your seeds according to the depth on the package. Then water, but DON’T overwater.

More plants are killed by overwatering than any other cause.

Put your plants in a place that receives sunlight at least 6 hours per day.

Remember to water in small amounts as needed. Use the finger test; you have 10 watering gauges on your two hands. If the dirt feels moist right under the top, you don’t need to water.

Be patient. Like people, seeds grow at their own pace. Have a good time preparing for spring. ◆ ❖ Avante at Waynesboro is a 4 ★★★★ community specializing in short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

If you are a skilled healthcare professional who enjoys making a difference in the lives of others, we would love to talk with you!

We offer health, dental and vision insurance, 401k for FT positions, and paid time off for FT and PT positions.

Grand Idea!

Preparing Spring Fun

Friday, March 10, 2017

Internal Admissions Director RN / LPN FT 3-11:30

CNA FT 3-11 & 11-7 PT & PRN also available

Qualified applicants must hold a current Virginia license in good standing. ❖ Please apply online at avantecenters.com 1221 Rosser Ave Waynesboro VA 22980 (540) 949-7191 EOE

6

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

A Simple Life of Service

Harrisonburg, Va.

Kathy Cheeks

“It’s the little things.”

“Think globally, act locally.”

T

hese two phrases may sound trite on the surface, but when embodied, they can feed the hungry and change the world.

While planning for this edition of Living Longer, Living Well, a colleague mentioned my grandmother, Olive Roop. I said, “She’s my hero.”

Knowing that Olive and my grandfather, the late Roger Roop, were instrumental in the foundation of Heifer Project International, my colleague suggested I write an article.

Articles have been written about the Roops’ involvement and can be found in recent archives. What feels story worthy is their underlying compassion and dedication to helping others.

The simplicity of their life choices is remarkably unremarkable. Mr. and Mrs. Roop just did the right thing on a regular basis, such as taking food to sick neighbors, babysitting for young neighbors and church members, helping neighbors rebuild after a barn fire, offering their farm and skills to care for animals destined abroad to feed the hungry. Their way of living had a deep impact on people near and far.

Beyond their reputation for lending a helping hand, Olive and Roger were dairy farmers and active members of the Union Bridge Church of the Brethren

Cardiology

Heart Problems?

in Maryland. One day in the late 1940s, my grandparents went to visit the collection site for cattle being held for the Heifer Project, a charity organization that was then in its infancy. The conditions for the animals were poor, and Roger commented that he and Olive could offer their farm for holding Olive and Roger Roop at their home heifers prior to international in Union Bridge, MD shipment. (photo courtesy of Olive Roop, circa early 1980’s) They discussed this with a friend and colleague, M.R. Zigler, who replied, “I don’t see why that wouldn’t work.” There was no further discussion or agreement beyond that conversation, but soon after a truck loaded with heifers pulled into their farm.

“Is this the farm where heifers for relief are being collected?” the driver asked. Roger replied that this had not been finalized. But the farm was there and so were the heifers, so they unloaded the cattle. Roger retrieved a record book from the house to document the deliveries, and thus it began.

When farmers arrived, weary from days of travel with their cattle, Olive housed and fed them, preparing food in the wee hours of the morning. She then continued on with her day of raising her young daughters and helping on the farm. Three thousand six hundred head of cattle and many stories later, a simple act of kindness had expanded into an integral part of the history of the Heifer Project.

During World War II, Roger and Olive sent care packages and letters to Japanese immigrants who were being held at internment camps. They developed

You Want Experience on Your Side

www.augustahealth.com

(540) 245-7080

Olive Roop and her daughters, Shirley Kirkwood and Pat Roop Hollinger, working together as volunteers for a Heifer project.

(Photo courtesy of Olive Roop, circa early 1970’s)

Harrisonburg, Va.

close friendships with several of the families through their letters. Years later they visited one such family and noticed that one of the gifts they had sent, an iron, was displayed on the family’s mantle. The family told them that simple, practical gift represented the compassion they had felt through care packages and letters, and was something they never forgot. They kept the iron visible as a symbol of the kindness shown to them in a time of great distress.

German prisoners of war worked on their farm. Olive and Roger broke the rules in favor of human kindness, inviting the men into their home, providing warm meals, conversation, and along with their daughters, some semblance of family. Shirley, the oldest of the Roop daughters, entertained them with piano music. When the men returned to Germany the Roops kept in touch, sending care packages to help the families recover from the devastation of war. They

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Olive Roop pictured at her Bridgewater residence February 2017 (photo courtesy Kathy Cheeks)

Friday, March 10, 2017

7

remained lifelong friends with a few families, corresponding and exchanging visits to each other’s homes many years later.

After the war, Olive and her children routinely went to the New Windsor service center where they would fold and pack clothing to be sent overseas to victims of the war. The Roops helped with immigrant resettlement, assisting families new to the New Windsor area. They also packed and delivered Meals on Wheels to neighbors with limited resources.

Olive and Roger’s engagement with their community had no bounds. They regularly invited church members into their home. The pond out back was home to many ice skating parties and community gatherings. Much to the delight of those who enjoyed the skating, Olive provided unlimited cups of homemade cocoa.

The Roops’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were dearest of all to them. Roger and Olive taught love, compassion and appreciation for simple joys. We (grandchildren) were taught to cook, sew, knit, tend the garden, work and play. We learned to hook worms on homemade bamboo fishing poles, enjoyed walks around the pond and conversations beneath the willows. Evening brought discussions around the dining table followed by raucous laughter over games of Rook and spoons.

From family to strangers, the Roops regarded each person they met with kindness and respect regardless of circumstances. They helped feed the hungry abroad and at home, provided for people in need and offered a solid loving home to family, neighbors, and strangers just passing through.

Olive and Roger Roop shared a simple life of service. They engaged locally to support the community at large. In doing so, they touched and impacted the lives of many, and provided support and hope through their words and actions. ◆

8

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

Community Theater in the Valley Kathy Cheeks, Community Health Educator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

“The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life.” ~Oscar Wilde

S

henanArts is the Shenandoah Valley’s non-profit community theater, bringing people together and art to life.

Nestled between the Staunton Public Library and Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton is the former Robert E. Lee High School. Within the walls of this historic landmark lives a treasure of knowledge, experience, history and drama.

The former high school is now Gypsy Hill Place which houses a senior living community, ShenanArts community theater and Staunton Senior Center. The blending of these organizations creates a rich marriage of history and culture.

Tenants have a combined wealth of history, experiences and stories. On the main floor of their residence is ShenanArts, a vibrant, non-profit community theater. One of the unique amenities of Gypsy Hill Place is resident access to theater productions. Like other members of the valley community, they also have the opportunity to contribute personal interests and talents to productions at ShenanArts.

ShenanArts has been through several incarnations, beginning as a playwright retreat center in 1981, transforming into a children’s theater camp and travelling troupe, thriving as a black box theater in Verona and achieving permanent residence at Gypsy Hill Place in Staunton. Shows are performed on the original stage of the former school theater. A tour of this historic landmark

Harrisonburg, Va.

delights with remnants of high school days, from lockers in the hallways to original chalkboards and tiling.

Mike Conner, ShenanArts’ board chair, speaks with great enthusiasm for the organization and opportunities that abound. He puts his heart and soul into the theater, evident by his eagerness to share the history of both ShenanArts and Gypsy Hill Place.

Having seniors involved in shows, he says, makes history relevant, allows people to remember and share the “good old days” and make connections to the past.

Theater holds opportunities for people of all ages and skills. Do you have creative talents to share? Love being with people? Want to escape into dramas on stage? ShenanArts embraces volunteers in every aspect of production: set design, construction, costume design and creation, musicians for orchestras, box office ticket sales, ushers … the possibilities are as endless as your interests and talents. ◆

Jane E. Ballurio and Tommy Crawford performing in a recent ShenanArts production. (Photo courtesy of ShenanArts)

Let the art return to your life!

Upcoming shows: • Children of Eden March 31-April 2, April 7-9 • A Piece of My Heart May 5-7 and May 12-14 • The Great American Trailer Park Musical June 2017 (dates not yet available) You can find ShenanArts at 300 Churchville Ave., Staunton, Va. 540.712.0001 http://www.shenanarts.org/ Contact information for Gypsy Hill Place:

http://gypsyhillplace.com/

Don’t look at it as getting older. Look at it as improving life!

Hear what you’ve been missing with an exclusive line of hearing devices available from Dr. Hinkle & Associates The greatest breakthrough in senior care?

Mom’s cozy cottage.

We help aging parents stay at home, whether they’re dealing with Alzheimer’s, arthritis or anything in between.

540.213.7800 HomeInstead.com/319

PERSONAL CARE | 24-HOUR CARE | MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT | MEALS AND NUTRITION

Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise is independently owned and operated. © 2017 Home Instead, Inc.

35

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

VPAS Helps Older Adults Navigate Aging in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County Beth Bland, Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

I

t is estimated that across the nation 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day for the next 14 years. By 2029 more than 20 percent of the total U.S. population will be over the age of 65 years.

In Rockingham County, 24 percent of the population is 60 years or older; in the City of Harrisonburg 11 percent of the population is 60 years or older.

(Source: Weldon Cooper Center) Valley Program for Aging Services, a local non-profit organization established in 1974 as the local Area Agency on Aging, serves adults 60 years and older and their families in the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham, and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro.

This past year VPAS provided services to 1,481 older adults living in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The impact of our services in the community included: • 35,656 Meals on Wheels delivered to 267 homebound older adults • Case Managers had 5,275 contacts with 1,006 older adults and family members seeking information and assistance with aging needs • 4,796 congregate meals were provided to 119 members of the Harrisonburg, Timberville Broadway, and East Rockingham Senior Centers • 1,747 hours of personal care hours provided to 30 older adults • Medicare Counselors assisted 625 community members, helping them to better understand Medicare benefits • During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Part D prescription coverage (October 15-December 7) VPAS’ certified Medicare Counselors saved a total of $319,537 by assisting individuals to find the best plan at the lowest cost • 81 rides were provided to non-emergency medical appointments and other life necessary destinations • 58 individuals learned how to better manage a chronic condition in our Chronic Disease Self Management workshops • Volunteers gave 6,434 hours to help deliver meals, provide rides to medical appointments, give programs in the senior centers and to help wherever needed Note: Data reflected represents VPAS’ Fiscal Year 2015-16 (October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016).

Do you have questions about hearing aids and how they can help but aren’t sure where to start or who you should ask?

Dr. Diane Schwalbach Audiologist

590 Neff Ave., Suite 5000 Harrisonburg, VA 22801

VPAS on the Move

V

alley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) has relocated their Harrisonburg – Rockingham Administrative offices to 975 South High Street in Harrisonburg. This move took place in late September. The office houses VPAS Case Managers, Health and Wellness Coordinator, certified Medicare Counselors, Development staff and the Regional Director for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

For more information and assistance on services for older adults, the Meals on Wheels program, general information related to aging or care giving, Medicare Insurance Counseling or to schedule appointments, please call 540-615-5341.

As of January, VPAS’ Harrisonburg Senior Center (HSC), Meals on Wheels and Senior Transportation programs moved to 315 South Dogwood Drive in Harrisonburg.

Programs operate out of the lower level of Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren.

For information regarding Harrisonburg Senior Center, call 540-433-2893.

For information on volunteer opportunities or the Senior Transportation program, call 540-383-6855. ◆ turner pavilion, south liberty street

www.harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com

Dr. Scott Murray Audiologist

Honest Answers. Expert Advice. Incredible Results!

9

VPAS not only acts as a resource for individuals and families seeking information and assistance related to aging and caregiving; VPAS provides excellent in-home and community-based services that help our most vulnerable older neighbors live safely, with dignity and choice. VPAS also offers programs that address the unique needs and preferences of the rapidly growing number of residents approaching retirement. Once an individual accesses VPAS they are enveloped in a supportive network that helps them navigate the changes, and sometimes challenges, that occur as a person ages.

To learn more about VPAS, our service areas and the programs offered visit our website at www.vpas.info. ◆

We are audiologists.

The best and most knowledgeable resource you have for information on your hearing health, diagnostic testing and hearing aid technologies.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Winter Market January - March Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Summer Market April - Thanksgiving Tuesdays & Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

EBT & credit/debit cards welcome!

10

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

Is Joint Pain

Slowing You Down?

Harrisonburg, Va.

Community Calendar of Events Any reader interested in attending an event is asked to call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable.

JMU Lifelong Learning Institute classes and events continue New 5-week class sessions starts March 13 – April 14 & April 17 – May 19 Cost: $20 yearly membership (1st year free), most classes are $35 Information and registration: 540-568-2923, www.jmu.edu.lli GrandPEAS Meetings Sponsored by Sentara RMH Family Connection All events free, including dinner and childcare Contact Marilyn Turner at 540-564-7080 to register South River Elementary School, 2101 Elm Ave., Grottoes March 15, 6-7:30 p.m. , April 5, 6 -7:30 p.m., May 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Lacey Spring Elementary School, 8621 North Valley Pike, Lacey Spring April 4, 6-7:30 p.m., May 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

Lunch and Learn; Topic: Chronic Sinusitis, Speaker: Dr. Stephen Keefe March 22; noon-1 p.m.; Sponsored by: Augusta Health Location: Augusta Health, Augusta Community Care Building, Rooms 2/3 Free. Registration required. Please call 540-245-7827 to RSVP. Bridgewater Home Auxiliary Pasta with the Pastors Location: Bridgewater Church of the Brethren March 24, 5:30-7 p.m.; Call 540-828-2682 for more information

At the Sentara OrthoJoint Center ®, we know it happens all the time. Just as you’re in the middle of getting things done, joint pain slows you down.

But joint pain doesn’t have to keep you down. Our expert team provides seamless, coordinated care of your joint replacement surgery. We offer: • A dedicated patient navigator to guide you through the process • Pre-surgery classes • No hospital gowns – wear your own clothes at the hospital!

• Detailed guidebooks for you to keep • Reunion luncheon to celebrate your recovery To learn more about the Sentara OrthoJoint Center ® program, call our dedicated line at 1-855-2ORTHOJT or visit Sentara.com/orthojointcenter.

sentara.com Your community, not-for-profit partner

Your Health Now Monthly Health Education Lectures Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Hahn Medical Office Building, Park in Lot B. Registration a must. Call 1-800-SENTARA to register.

April Topic: What Is Prediabetes and What Does It Mean to You? Presenter: Julie Pierantoni, R.N., Sentara RMH Diabetes Educator Monday, April 3, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

June Topic: What is Melanoma?

Presenter: Yvonne Jarrels, M.S.N., R.N. Monday, June 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Walk with a Doc- A Community Walk Led by a Local Physician Sponsored by: Augusta Health Location: Staunton- Gypsy Hill Park (meet at Bandstand) April 8 – 8:30 a.m., May 13 – 8:30 a.m., June 10 – 8:30 a.m.

Location: Waynesboro-Constitution Park (meet at Dominion Shelter) April 15 – 8:30 a.m., May 20 – 8:30 a.m., June 17 – 8:30 a.m.

Free. For more information, contact Kara Meeks (540) 932-4191.

AARP Smart Driver Course Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Hahn Medical Office Building, Park in Lot B. Tuesday, April 11, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.

Call 1-800-SENTARA to register.

Age Well Speaker Series: Preventing Falls Sponsored by: VMRC Location: VMRC’s Detwiler Auditorium, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg April 13, 6 p.m. Free. No registration. 540-564-3400 for more information

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Community Calendar of Events Continued from Page 10 Lunch and Learn; Topic: Overuse of Antibiotics Speaker: Infection Control Department and Murphy Deming Students Sponsored by: Augusta Health Location: Augusta Health, Augusta Community Care Building, Rooms 2/3 April 18, 2017; noon-1 p.m.

Free. Registration Required. Please call 540-245-7900 to RSVP. In the Loop Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, 2010 Health Campus Drive. Gather in Lot B, close to the walking loop.

Begins for the season Thursday, April 27, 8:30 a.m. (weather permitting) Call Sentara RMH Senior Advantage at 540-564-7001 if you have questions.

Aging Gracefully Half day conference sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage May 3; Location: Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene; Doors open at 8 a.m.

Free to Senior Advantage members. To become a member, the cost is $10 per person and $15 per couple for a lifetime membership.

Questions, please call 540-564-7001.

GACAAA Annual Training on Adult Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation Sponsored by: Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse Location: Blue Ridge Community College May 10, 9 a.m.

Free. For more information, contact Anne See 540-433-1830, asee@brls.org., or visit www.gacaaa.gov Save the Date! Family Caregiver Workshop Sponsored by: The Caregiver Coalition Thursday, May 25, 1—3:30; Free event for family caregivers Location: The Sunnyside Room at Sunnyside Retirement Community To register call 540-830-8445 or e-mail karen@vpas.info

Friday, March 10, 2017

11

Did you know?

Planning in advance is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

We all realize that the best decisions are those that are made calmly, rationally and with ample information at hand. Taking the time now to make your final arrangements before the time of need can be a great relief to both you and your family.

Preplanning today:

• Allows you to make arrangements at your own pace, in the comfort of your home.

• Ensures that your wishes are known.

• Spares your loved ones from guessing what you would have wanted.

• Removes a tremendous emotional burden from your family.

• Can save you money when you choose to prefund tomorrow’s arrangements at today’s prices.

• Provides peace of mind in knowing you’ve taken care of this important responsibility.

The plans you make today are very important and will be forever appreciated by the loved ones you leave behind. behind

EASTLAWN MEMORIAL GARDENS 3289 Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg, VA

(540) 434-3827

VMRC presents the Age Well Speaker Series Preventing Falls Learn risk factors, prevention tips and home modifications

Sunnyside’s 16th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day Health Fair May 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Location: Sunnyside Retirement Community, 1130 Highlands Place Questions? Call 540-568-8289

Featuring a panel of experts from VMRC’s – Outpatient Therapy Services – Construction Management – Wellness Center

Alzheimer’s Conference: Creative Caregiving: A positive Approach to Dementia Care Presented by Alzheimer’s Association, CWVA and The Center for Aging, Virginia Commonwealth University - HRSA Grant Location: JMU Student Festival and Conference Center, Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg June 8; 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Registration will open in April Contact: Ellen Phipps, 434-973-6122 ext. 103 or ephipps@alz.org

April 13, 2017, 6 p.m.

VMRC Detwiler Auditorium 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg Free

540-564-3400

vmrc.org

Age well, live fully

12

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 10, 2017

Live 5 Live here.

At Bridgewater Retirement Community, we know how important it is to stay happy and healthy. You may choose to work out in the gym, go for a bike ride, or simply take a stroll with friends in one of our many town parks. No matter what your exercise of choice may be...we know we IBWF B mU GPS ZPVĂž

Call today to learn how you can begin living the happiest days of your life.

.

5 5 302 North Second Street Bridgewater, Virginia 22812 1.800.419.9129 | 540.828.2540 | brc-energy.org

Harrisonburg, Va.