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April
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Dear Caregiver,
We hope you are taking good care of yourself as our entire community takes unprecedented measures to keep each other as safe and well as possible in response to COVID-19. We also want to let you know that following Boulder County policy and Public Health guidelines, all Boulder County government buildings are currently closed to the public. Normal in-person volunteer services have also been suspended, including Respite & Companion, and Rainbow Connections volunteer visits.
We are taking precautions, with safety being the utmost priority, especially with the older adult population we serve. The health, safety and well-being of clients, volunteers, and staff is of paramount importance. We acknowledge the inconvenience these changes may cause, but believe it is best to reduce the risk of community spread and exposure. Our services are available by phone and email only, and service changes have been implemented to continue to serve the community. Our staff is available to answer calls and emails during normal business hours from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Read more about how to connect with our staff during this time.
Updates and information will continue to be shared through our Facebook page.
While in person programs and events have been cancelled throughout Boulder County, online and telephone support remains there for you - and this is the perfect time to give this method of connecting a try. Below is information on programs that routinely offer remote learning and support, as well as offerings that have just been created to make sure caregivers have resources during this time of social distancing. May something here be of service to you.
Upcoming Opportunities
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Caregiver Teleconnection
Brought to you by WellMed Charitable foundations, this is a free, confidential program that connects caregivers and family members to information and support through the telephone or "tele-learning." Call in on the day indicated, or listen to podcasts of past sessions.
Coping With Coronavirus Outbreak while Caregiving
Join as class leaders take questions and discuss Coronavirus. Topics covered include feeling a sense of control, not letting fear take over, how to cope with being quarantined at home, and how to prepare.
Live: Wednesday, Apr. 1, 9-10 a.m. MST
Live: Wednesday, Apr. 8, 9-10 a.m. MST
Caregivers and Coronavirus: Dealing with Forced Isolation
Due to the impact of the pandemic many family caregivers are more isolated and unsupported than ever before. During this session, clinical psychologist Barry Jacobs will share ideas for maintaining connections with others. He will also discuss techniques for reducing fears and anxiety about the virus.
Live: Tuesday, Apr. 7, 10-11 a.m. MST
How to Manage Being Sheltered at Home with Your Loved One who Suffers from Dementia
Join this interactive discussion about being sheltered in place with a loved one who has dementia. Topics discussed will include how to organize a daily routine and how to take care of yourself by maintaining your physical and mental well-being.
Live: Thursday, April 9, 9-10 a.m. MST
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Well Connected
Well Connected offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversation over the phone or online for adults 60 and over.
Winter/Spring Catalog of Programs
Social Call
Social Call volunteers call registered clients 60 and over for a weekly phone visit. For more information on this program call 877-797-7299 or email Well Connected.
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Longmont Senior Center Upcoming Events
The Longmont Senior Center is currently scheduled to reopen on April 20. If the closure is extended, they will contact those registered for programs to let them know. All programs scheduled for before April 20 will be postponed and they will follow up with those who are registered about when the new schedule will be.
Support Groups for Dementia Caregivers
These groups offered through the Alzheimer's Association will be held via telephone in April. They can be accessed by dialing 1-312-874-7636, pressing 1 to enter the group and then entering the access code 45526#. The regular facilitators will be on these calls.
Tuesday, Apr. 14, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Apr. 28, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
No Cost. For more information call 303-651-8411.
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Further Helpful Resources in Light of COVID-19
Boulder County is working with community partners to help those affected by COVID-19. Check out the following links for advice, resources, and community updates:
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Alzheimer's Association Classes and Support
COVID 19: Tips for Dementia Caregivers
Access online tips specifically for those caring for someone with dementia.
Online Support Group
The Alzheimer's Association message boards and chat rooms provide a virtual online community for persons with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and care providers. Available 24/7.
Log in and Information
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Recognize common warning signs of Alzheimer's and learn what symptoms to look for in yourself and others.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
About the basics: memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning
Learn to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
Effective Communication Strategies
Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
Living with Alzheimer's: For People with Alzheimer's
Learn what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you can do as you navigate this chapter of your life.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior
Learn about some of the common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, how to assess the person's needs, and how to intervene effectively.
Online: Available at your convenience
Register Here
No cost for the above programs.
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Become a Savvy Caregiver
This training program teaches an understanding of dementia and strives to increase caregiver confidence, while reducing the adverse effects of caregiving. Classes focus on helping caregivers to acquire and strengthen their knowledge, skills, and attitudes for this role and teaches caregivers how to manage and care for themselves day-to-day. Led by Jessica O'Leary, MA, a gerontologist and specialist in dementia.
Note: this class if for those caring for a loved one with early or mid stage dementia, and not for professional caregivers. Attendance at all classes is required.
Delayed start/new dates being proposed
Longmont Senior Center
910 Longs Peak Ave
If you have registered, you will receive a call from the Longmont Senior Center. If you are interested in registering, please contact Brandy to register, call 303-651-8411.
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About the March/April Issue
Inside this Edition of Care Connections
Since this issue was put together, many cancellations and program adaptations have occurred related to the impact of COVID-19. I want to let you know that our ADRC Resource Guide, discussed in the first piece below, is full of online information - including updates on COVID-19 - and that our Boulder County Veterans Services, featured in another article, are still available through phone appointments and email.To learn how other programs cited in this issue are currently being adapted, please visit their websites or contact them directly.
When balancing caregiving, self-care, and the rest of life’s responsibilities, the more you know about what’s out there to support you and the person you care for, the better. However, many people don’t know that a plenitude of programs exists that can help. Some may have heard (or guessed) that there are programs available, but the task of figuring out what they are, and who to call to pursue them, can feel like a chore sometimes. To alleviate these challenges, this issue of Care Connections provides information on resources and benefits that may be of support to caregivers in Boulder County. Appropriately, we start with an article about the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging’s (BCAAA) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which houses an excellent online resource guide. Please keep reading to learn about accessing respite, Veterans Services, the Caregiving Symposium (for which we are exploring rescheduling options), and the growing phenomena of technological support.
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The Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC): Caregiver Support
By Carol Cross
Warning – I am a policy wonk, so the following story starts, as Michener would say, in the beginning. For a policy wonk, that is the birth of legislation. The Federal Administration on Aging, State Units on Aging, and local Area Agencies on Aging were established in 1965 with the passage of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA was the first federal level initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for older adults. It took Congress 35 years to recognize that investing in informal caregiver supports improved outcomes for both the caregiver and those they provide care for.
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Boulder County Veteran Services
By Karen Townsend
The Boulder County Veterans Services Office develops and submits claims for benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability compensation, pension, death pension, medical benefits, burial benefits, insurance, education, home loans, records requests, and various benefits through other government agencies.
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Veterans Independence Program:
Supporting Freedom for our Service Personnel
By Chris O'Brien
The Center for People With Disabilities’ (CPWD’s) Veterans Independence Program(VIP), is a specialty program for veterans with disabilities that helps them achieve and maintain their independence as civilians. The program itself is funded through the Veteran’s Administration (VA) and administered by CPWD.
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What is Respite?
By Dinah Pollard
Respite: “a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant.” We all need a respite from something from time to time – work, children, the news – to do things that restore us. There are also times when we need respite not to recharge but to take care of our own needs, as with medical appointments.
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The Caregiving Symposium Is Coming
By Juliette Kershner
Since this piece was written, the April 8, 2020 Caregiving Symposium has been cancelled. We are exploring dates for rescheduling. In the meantime, read on to find out what the Symposium is all about - and keep an eye out for the new date.
Whether you are a primary caregiver, are supporting someone at another level, or have a general interest in care-giving issues, you don’t want to miss the 2020 Caregiving Symposium. Each year, we gather experts who share education and support for family and other informal caregivers. The compassionate and knowledgeable speakers who step forward are a huge draw, and past attendees have told us that the large resource fair- full of program representatives from organizations who serve older adults and caregivers-is also incredibly valuable to them.
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Support Through Technology: A Sampling
It has become increasingly clear that technology can provide a piece of the puzzle of finding support and care solutions for older adults and their care partners. For this issue of Care Connections, we reached out to a few folks who have expertise or experience in this area. Read on to learn about some of the products and services out there that can help caregivers.
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A Word From Our Sponsors
We are grateful to our sponsors - who support the production and distribution of Care Connections. They also offer a helping hand, in a variety of ways, through the services they provide to older adults and family caregivers. Read on to learn who they are and what they do.
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Community Resources
Please note that this section of the March/April issue is now out of date, as Covid-19 and social distancing has led to program cancellations across the board. Still, feel free to take a look at the types of programs offered - many of which will be rescheduled when it is appropriate and safe to gather again.
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If you have questions about aging or caregiving resources, you can reach out for information and support at several places. The Aging and Disability Resources of Colorado has a robust resource guide (see the Community Resources link at the top of this newsletter). You can also reach our Options Counselors by phone at 303-441-1617 or email at infoADRC@bouldercounty.org. Resource Specialists, often found at local senior centers, are also there to help you. Please see the last page of Care Connections for detailed information on how to reach the right Resource Specialist for your area. And if you want to learn about caregiver classes, support groups for caregivers, or just want to talk through your caregiving situation, you can call 303-678-6116 or reach out by email using the Contact link at the top of the page.
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