Issue 86

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) Caregiver Initiative is focused on empowering and supporting caregivers of older adults. Learn more about what we offer at boco.org/Caregiving.

Upcoming Caregiving Events

After the Diagnosis - Living with a Serious Disease

Tuesday, March 14, 10-11:30 a.m. (Zoom)

In the aftermath of the diagnosis of a serious disease, we often feel dazed, confused, and afraid. A natural reaction to devastating—and often unexpected—news. Based upon the specifics of our diagnosis and situation, we will confront the challenge, consider the options, and make the necessary decisions. Fundamental to how we move through the process includes: realizing that the diagnosis is a family challenge, recognizing that our attitude shapes our expectations, and understanding that different stages of the disease present unique challenges and opportunities.

Register for "After the Diagnosis, Living with a Serious Disease" here.

Gentle Yoga for Cultivating Resilience

Tuesday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m. (Zoom)

Studies have shown that yoga can have a positive impact on your health and well-being and is especially beneficial to family caregivers. For example, caregivers who engage in a regular practice may benefit from reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, decreased symptoms of depression, and improved sleep. This accessible movement practice will help to release tension in the body and discover tools to calm your mind. Feel free to practice in a chair or on a yoga mat. All are welcome!

Register for "Gentle Yoga for Cultivating Resilience" here.

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Disclaimer: Boulder County Community Services is not a healthcare provider and cannot provide medical advice. This resource is provided for informational purposes only. Individuals should seek medical advice directly from a licensed medical professional.

Ask a Caregiving Expert

Dear BCAAA,

My family can tell my parent has dementia, why do we need to go through the process of getting a diagnosis?

Signed, A Concerned Caregiver

Dear Concerned Caregiver,

Thank you for reaching out to BCAAA! In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, we are here to help you navigate challenges associated with caregiving. 

A disease without a cure still requires a diagnosis.

More than 6.5 million people across the United States, including 76,000 Coloradans, are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the only major disease without a prevention or cure. Sadly, half of those with the disease never receive a diagnosis, preventing needed care and potentially putting these individuals and others at increased risk.

Close family members, who know their loved ones best, are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems, but they are often hesitant to speak up, even when they know something is wrong. A recent Alzheimer’s Association/Ad Council omnibus survey found:

• Fewer than half of Americans surveyed (44%) say they would talk to a loved one right away about seeing a doctor if they noticed signs of cognitive decline.
• Those polled say they are more likely to check in with other relatives (56%) and do research online (50%) when observing troubling signs.

Why is a diagnosis important?

Ensuring that a loved one sees their doctor for a professional diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate care, particularly since there are a number of medical conditions that may mimic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Those medical conditions include:

Depression

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Side effects of medications

Chronic stress

Thyroid disease

Diabetes

Lyme disease

Urinary tract infections

“Any of these conditions can produce symptoms that can be mistaken for early dementia, such as issues with memory or communication as well as behavioral changes,” said Meg Donahue, director of Community Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “Without a proper diagnosis, these potentially treatable conditions cannot be identified. And if it is the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis enables the family to explore treatment options as well as lifestyle changes that could help extend the individual’s cognitive health.”

To learn more about the approaches that physicians (including neurologists, geriatricians and neuropsychologists) use to make an Alzheimer's diagnosis, go to the Alzheimer’s Association website or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Take good care, Your BCAAA Caregiving Team and the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help families prepare for and cope with learning about a positive diagnosis. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the Association’s free Helpline, staffed by trained professionals around-the-clock, at 800-272-3900.

Call the BCAAA at 303-441-1617 or visit BoulderCountyHelp.org to learn about local durable medical equipment closets, fix-it programs, home modification options, and to connect with a Resource Specialist to determine if someone qualifies for temporary programs that provide fall prevention strategies, home modifications, and safety recommendations. Visit boco.org/Caregiving to learn more about services and educational opportunities.

Written by Jim Herlihy, Senior Marketing & Communications Director of the Alzheimer’s Association

City of Longmont Senior Services

The Longmont Senior Center (LSC) is OPEN Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their resource specialists and counselors are now offering home visits and in-person appointments. Check out classes from City of Longmont Senior Services in The GO Catalog! (View the Summer GO for June, July, and August programming.) Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov Phone: 303-651-8411 Sign up for weekly email updates by visiting Longmont Senior Services or emailing senior@longmontcolorado.gov.

Caregiver Services for friends or family members caring for an older adult in Longmont include:

• Caregiver Consultations and Family Meetings: Referrals & information about adult day programs, home health care, long-term care, counseling, caregiver self-care, etc.
• Respite & Companion Volunteer Program and Respite Assistance referrals: Volunteers matched with older adults who live alone or with a family caregiver provide respite, a friendly visit, and a caring connection. Respite Assistance funds can help pay for respite care for a caregiver.
• Social Groups and Educational Programs for family caregivers and those living with dementia (options may vary quarterly).
• Caregiver Support Groups provide information and support for family caregivers; no registration required: 
• 1st Monday, 6–7:30 p.m. at Longmont Senior Center
• 2nd Tuesday, noon – 1:30 p.m. (Alzheimer’s Assn. group) at Longmont Senior Center

Questions? Call Brandy Queen with City of Longmont Senior Services at 303-651-8414.

Upcoming Programming from the Longmont Senior Center

Property Tax Remedies for Seniors

Monday, March 13, 3:30–4:30 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #284506.00)

In this class, an overview of the Senior Homestead Exemption program and the Senior Deferral program will be discussed. Presented by Boulder County Assessor ’s Office and Boulder County Treasurer’s Office staff.

The Day the Music Died

Wednesday, March 15, 1–2 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #284315.00)

The fee is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents.

Tracy Perry will discuss the unfortunate events of celebrities who have died in plane crashes, all from pilots flying into weather in which they were not qualified to operate.

Self-Care Techniques for Caregivers and Individuals Living with Dementia

Wednesday, March 15, 1–2 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #285070.00)

This interactive workshop will introduce three proactive and reactive interventions: laughter therapy, horticulture therapy, and art therapy. We will incorporate modifications for individuals with cognitive impairment or dementia. We will also discuss briefly other interventions (reminiscence, music, and sensory) as well as strategies to identify triggers for behavioral expressions.

Menopause and Post Menopause: Addressing the Changes

Thursday, March 23, noon-1 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #285101.00)

Let’s talk about the impact on women’s lives and health for those going through, and those having gone through, “the change” of life- as well as of ongoing impacts. Going through the change may be much more than just hot flashes, night sweats, mood, and sleep issues. And once through, it is important to understand how you can address the long-term impact of menopause on heart, bone, bladder, and libido/intimacy issues as well as of various screening and treatment modalities discussing these important changes and take the opportunity to ask questions. This is a great mother/daughter class appropriate for women navigating new or ongoing changes.

You Can Become a Savvy Caregiver

Thursdays, March 23–April 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration 285023.00)

This training program teaches an understanding of dementia and strives to increase caregiver confidence while reducing the adverse effects of caregiving. It focuses 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. This is a six-week course is led by Jessica O'Leary, MA, CVW, a gerontologist and specialist in dementia. Please note that this course is for those taking care of a loved one and not for professional caregivers; it is also for caregivers of those with early or mid-stage dementia. Attendance at all classes is required, and class size is limited.

City of Boulder Older Adult Services offers a variety of health and wellness, lifelong learning, aging in place, special interest groups, and travel/trip opportunities. Many programs are offered online as well as in-person at the East and West Age Well Centers. Client Services Coordinators are available to assist City of Boulder residents 60+ and their caregivers with referrals to community resources, options counseling, and financial support for eligible clients. To speak with a Client Services Coordinator, please call 303-441-4388. For a complete list of March programs and services, please visit the website to view the “Let’s Age Well!” program guide. For weekly updates, register online to receive the Age Well e-Newsletter.

March Featured Programs

Chair Yoga and Balance Series

West Age Well Center, Fridays, March 10–31, 10–10:45 a.m. Fees: R/NR $32/$40.

This class brings together postures and techniques of yoga with the support of a chair. All levels welcome.

Move With Ease: A Series to Introduce Feldenkrais

East Age Well Center, Tuesdays, March 7–28, 2:30–4 p.m. Fees: R/NR $40/$50.

The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education® helps participants learn to move with ease using slow, mindful movements to achieve powerful effects in terms of balance, flexibility, and coordination.

SPARK and Studio Arts Boulder Pottery Class

West Age Well Center, Tuesday, March 14, 1–2:30 p.m.

Participants learn about the fundamentals of pottery to make functional and whimsical pieces. SPARK programs are designed for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's, who are accompanied by their caregiver or partner.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

West Age Well Center, Wednesday, March 15, 11a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Learn about ten warning signs, the importance of early detection, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Aging and the Brain

Online, Thursday, March 16, 10–11 a.m.

Join this program to explore the effects of aging on memory capacity and chronic pain. Instructor: Dr. Kevin F. Reichlin, chiropractor and author.

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

East Age Well Center, Thursday, March 30, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

TRU Community Care and City of Boulder Older Adult Services would like to honor all Veterans, and on this day, especially Vietnam Veterans

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West Age Well Center:  909 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder | 303-441-3148

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Meals on Wheels’ Eat Well Café: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

East Age Well Center:  5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder | 303-413-7290

Monday – Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Town of Erie Parks & Recreation - Active Adults

Erie Active Adults staff are available, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Email: ActiveAdults@erieco.gov Phone: 303-926-2795 The Town of Erie's Active Adults program provides a Senior Nutrition Lunch Program at the Erie Community Center. Reservations are required by calling 303-926-2569 or emailing ActiveAdults@erieco.gov prior to the meal date. Check out upcoming Active Adults programming here.

BINGO

Tuesday, March 14, 1-2 p.m.

Join the fun in this friendly game of BINGO and an afternoon of connecting with friends. Registration is not required. Prizes sponsored by The Bridge at Longmont.

Dinner and Concert with Brightenstar

Friday, March 17, 6-8 p.m.

The fee is $16 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Brightenstar’s memorable performances reflects their vast experiences. Their song list covers Irish tunes for St. Pat’s, rock and pop, with a hint of country. This duo includes keyboards, guitar, ukulele and bass, a full sound that rivals big bands. Catered dinner provided. Cash bar available. Event sponsored by Hinman Financial Planning. The meal includes Irish stew, soda bread, and salad.

Movies Together

Friday, March 31, 1 p.m.

The fee is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents.

Come to the Erie Community Center and watch a movie in a small group setting. Movie selections will be posted in Amilia one month in advance of the showing. Drinks and snacks will be included in your registration fee. Registration deadline is on the Monday before the movie.

The Magic of Watercolor Paints

Wednesdays, April 5-19, Noon-2:30 p.m. (Subject: Hummingbird)

The fee is $84 for residents and $105 for non-residents.

Discover the joy of watercolor painting. Regardless of your experience, there is something for everyone with this versatile, luminesce paint.  In a relaxing and supportive environment, Kristi will walk you through this painting step-by-step, giving you the confidence to paint, explore and have fun.

The Lafayette Senior Center (103 S. Iowa Avenue) is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 303-665-9052 or email olderadults@lafayetteco.gov to register. For more information, visit lafayetteco.gov/seniors. Loan Closet You can check out equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, canes, crutches, transfer benches, shower seats, and temporary ramps. Check out basic mobility equipment by calling 303-665-9052 or emailing olderadults@lafayetteco.gov.   Upcoming Events from Lafayette Senior Services Creative Brushstroke March 14, 1-3 p.m. Are you in the mood to do something creative? Rebecca Lefebvre was when she opened her art gallery and shop (The Hearth) on East Simpson in the summer of 2022. She will lead this relaxing and creative painting session with us at the Senior Center. Check out her work here: About — Rebecca Lefebvre Art (rebeccalefebvre.art) and please sign up to join us for the class! All supplies are provided. St. Patrick’s Day Event March 17, Noon-2 p.m. Luck of the Irish will be in 2022.  Join us by wearing Green for a St. Patrick’s Day special event.    Enjoy the festivities with great friends, good luck and a great Irish meal. Spellbinders March 24, 10-11 a.m. Stories help us make sense of our world, impart a lesson, pass down history, and more. They teach us to love, to forgive, to be just and to strive for better than we have.  Join Spellbinders’® trained veteran storytellers and new volunteers as they bring a variety of story genres to life.

Louisville Senior Services

Louisville Senior Services at the Recreation & Senior Center currently offers a variety of trips, classes and activities, as well as Brooks Café indoor dining and Grab N Go lunch. Senior Resources help in the areas of transportation, housing, legal assistance, financial guidance, and medical equipment loans are also available. For more information, contact Katie Beasley at 303-335-4914 or visit their website at www.louisvillerecreation.com Check out more from Louisville Senior Services here.

KISS ME, I’M IRISH

Friday, March 17, Noon

You won’t want to miss the fun as we celebrate Irish style with the McTeggart Irish Step Dancers at our Brooks Café lunch! Enjoy Corned Beef & Cabbage, Potatoes and Carrots, Irish Soda Bread and a delicious dessert. Vegetarian Salad option available. Suggested donation $4.25 for those 60+. Cost is $12 for anyone under 60 years of age. No Grab n Go on this day. Indoor dining only.