Aging Well in Boulder County | Issue 6 |March 21, 2016

Project Visibility is a dynamic training designed to improve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cultural responsiveness for senior care professionals. The training features an award-winning film highlighting the experiences of local LGBT older adults, small group exercises, and plenty of time for Q&A.  Participants will:

• Develop a new awareness of the strengths and needs of LGBT elders
• Gain tools for creating an open and inclusive environment
• Receive a manual packed with resources

The next free training is:
Tuesday, March 28th
8:45 - Noon
Longmont Senior Center

For more information or to register, contact Nancy Grimes at 303-441-3583 or ngrimes@bouldercounty.org. 

A big welcome to Jean Hart, the newest member of the AAA team.  A certified SHIP Counselor who has been a volunteer with the Medicare Counseling program for over two years, Jean came to us through reading a Medicare Counselor volunteer ad in the Longmont Times-Call.

“I was at a point in my life where I wanted to do something to help people.  The Medicare system offers help and it can be confusing to people. I enjoy helping them understand." 

Katie Wade recently left the AAA after serving as the Respite and Companion Volunteer Program (RCVP) Coordinator.  During her time with us, Katie streamlined the volunteer program, forged relationships with many community partners and was an encouraging and supportive voice for volunteers and program participants. We wish her well!

On February 26th, more than 50 professionals in the Boulder County area gathered for an informative presentation by Sara Schmitt with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI).  Attendees learned about health insurance coverage, affordability, and access to care for adults 60 and older.  Stay tuned for more informative health and aging presentations coming in the near future!

You can access the CHI presentation here. 

All client-facing human service providers in Boulder County are invited to attend a free training series called Strengths-Based Service Delivery. The series will be 4 days long for 3 hours/day. Attendance will be required at all 4 days to complete the curriculum and earn a certificate. 

Tuesday, April 19 – Friday April 22  
9:00-Noon (All 4 Days)
Lafayette Public Library 
775 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette

**This curriculum has been approved towards the 40 hours needed for Child Welfare workers and is required as part of the Integrated Case Management Basic C.O.R.E trainings**

Register by emailing Wade Branstetter at wbranstetter@bouldercounty.org

Every year, the number of older adults turning 65 increases, and so does the demand for sound Medicare education and guidance.  We are searching for a few intelligent, dedicated people to become volunteer counselors on our Medicare Counseling team. Could this be you? Volunteers will be trained and receive certification as a SHIP (Senior Health insurance program) counselor. By doing so, you will know what part A, B, C and D covers. You will understand what a supplement and an advantage plan is. You will educate, empower and assist others with their situations.  This is knowledge you will be able to use to help yourself, your family, and community!

Please contact Teresa DeAnni at tdeanni@bouldercounty.org for more information.

Here at the AAA, our Long-term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities through a team of skilled staff and volunteer Ombudsmen.  One volunteer in particular is Bill Nagel.  After retiring several years ago, Bill decided to volunteer as an Ombudsman because of experience with elder exploitation and abuse in his work as Assistant District Attorney for Boulder County.
Bill continues in the role because of relationships he has developed with older adults and people with disabilities who reside in the homes he visits. 
What drives him, though, is the great need for advocacy in long-term care, as well as a desire to make life better for residents. “After all, (aging) is an issue we’re all going to face.”

Learn more about our Long Term Care Ombudsman Program here.

• Project Visibility Training | March 28 | Longmont
• Aging Advisory Council Meeting | April 1 | Longmont
• Medicare Basics | April 7 | Boulder
• Medicare Basics | April 18 | Longmont
• Strengths Based Training Series | April 19-22 | Lafayette
• Aging With Spirit | May 6-8 | Boulder
• Caregiving Symposium | May 19 | Longmont
• Medicare Basics | May 20 | Lafayette
• Age Well Conference | October 28 | Longmont
• Be Well Classes | Ongoing | County-wide
• Matter of Balance Classes | Ongoing | County-wide