Commentary: Can other cultures teach us something about dementia? Page 2
Where local seniors can turn for aging and disability resources Page 3
Homage volunteer opportunities Page 4
www.homage.org
VOL. 45 NO. 8 | SEPTEMBER 2018
Cutting the ribbon on Homage’s new home
RSVP volunteer opportunities Page 4
Perspectives on the Past: Old-growth timber lured settlers to Bryant Page 6
How to find a job at any age — even after 55 Page 8
Women 55 and older are redefining retirement Page 9
Travels With Kathy: Kentucky’s a goto destination for gourmands Page 10
Barber shops serve homeless veterans Page 11
Plugging in socially can boost your well-being as you age Page 12
Homage Senior Services 5026 196th St. SW Lynnwood, WA 98036
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Learn about programs and services available to seniors by visiting www.homage.org.
From left, Lynnwood City Council vice president Shannon Sessions, Homage CEO Steve McGraw, Homage Board President Amy Drewel and Gary Hauff of the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County cut a ribbon during Homage Senior Services’ open house Aug. 23 at the agency’s new location on 196th Street W. in Lynnwood (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Homage’s Older Adult Access Program helps county seniors find support By Christine Sullivan Special to The Herald The key to aging well in today’s world may seem obvious: healthy diet, exercise, eight hours of sleep. All these important pieces to the aging puzzle have been researched, discussed and observed, helping people live healthy, successful lives down the road. Maintaining good mental health in aging adults is critical, but not always obvious. Even more specifically, does talking about it really help? The subject of mental health and how to properly address the issue, especially in older adults, is sometimes controversial. Homage Senior Services offers a wide range of health and wellness programs to clients. One of them focuses on the importance of mental health and its impact on healthy aging. The Older Adult Access Program is unique. Its purpose is to educate and assist older adults struggling with adjustments, including depression, anxiety and grief. Emotional wellness is critical to maintaining physical health but is often overlooked. Christine Vervitsiotis, mental health program
Nancy Brosemer takes a call to Homage Senior Services’ Older Adult Access Program. (Photo by Christine Sullivan) supervisor at Homage Senior Services, and Nancy Brosemer, mental health specialist, are doing their best to fill the blurry gap — one phone call at a time. “I think the nice part about the program is that Nancy (Brosemer) is really able to engage in a conversation with people about what mental health services might be best,” Vervitsiotis said. “I know a
lot of times, clients call around and are told, ‘Oh you’re not eligible for this program,’ and that’s a burden to place on a person. Nancy is able to listen and assist callers with their unique needs. “We are able to really meet people where they are and give more gentle assistance, rather than just saying, ‘oh, sorry — you’re not eligible,’ which is really nice,” Vervitsiotis said.
The Older Adult Access Program (OAA) is for Snohomish County adults 60 and older, and is primarily a phonebased program aiding seniors who suffer from depression, loss of loved ones, transitions or chemical dependency. OAA gives seniors a well-grounded emotional support system. Or simply, just someone CONTINUED ON PAGE 5