Issue 87

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

Collaborative Care with Jane Barton

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

For most people rooted in Western culture, it is difficult to ask for and receive help from other people. However, the reality is that we will all need help due to the challenges posed by aging and/or illness. So, how are we to overcome our resistance to assistance? Well, our friend the goose has much to teach us about giving and receiving care. Look to the skies. As geese fly in formation, they embody the essential ingredients of collaborative care: shared leadership, interdependence, self-care, encouragement, and trusted relationships. This is not a “fly by night” approach to care! If we choose to emulate the collaborative flight of geese, all involved in the caregiving journey will be well served.

Register for "Collaborative Care with Jane Barton" 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 92-year-old grandparent lives in an assisted living facility. My mom and uncle make all the decisions about her care and never seem to include me. What things can I do to help this very important person in my life?

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. 

Grandchildren can play a significant role in caregiving for their grandparents. While it can be frustrating to not be included in the decisions of someone you care about, unless you believe the decisions are hurtful*, perhaps the gift is that you can enjoy being the one to NOT make tough decisions; your role is primarily to enjoy being present with your grandparent while also being able to help your mother and uncle.

*If the case is that you do not like the decisions that are being made and therefore want to have a say in matters, we would recommend something along the lines of attempting to communicate first by meeting to explore exactly with what you disagree, what you would like to happen, and requesting a plan to shift accordingly. If not being able to express you concerns or frustration is not possible, we’d encourage you to evaluate true safety concerns versus lifestyle preferences. If true safety concerns appear to be present, you can call Boulder County Adult Protection Services (staffed 24/7) at 303-441-1309. If no true safety concerns appear to be present, it could be worth considering that common practices for care are different in each family, culture, and generation so you might seek support from friends, other family members, or a professional counselor to be able to work through your feelings with current decision-making processes.

Here are some ways in which you can provide contribute:

Companionship & Emotional Support: Spending quality time with your grandmother can help combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. In this way you provide emotional support AND your physical presence at the facility can prop up a slim staff-to-resident ratio. This attention can be a source of emotional comfort, providing a sense of belonging and purpose for both of you. Research suggests that being involved in caregiving can cultivate empathy and compassion.

Household Tasks & Meal Preparation: Grandchildren can assist with light housekeeping chores such as cleaning, organizing, or grocery shopping that might be otherwise challenging. This can also alleviate some of the daily burden that other caregivers might otherwise provide. It is essential to recognize that these responsibilities should fit with your availability and bandwidth. Many grandparents have had their identity at some point associated with nourishing their grandchild – or sneaking sweets – and this could be the time to engage in any of these activities if your grandmother finds them comforting or enjoyable. Assembling a favorite recipe, or baking cookies together can be satisfying for everyone involved. This is a great way to acquire and/or practice skills to benefit you throughout a lifetime.

Technology Assistance or Transportation Help: Grandchildren sometimes have a better grasp of digital devices and the internet. You can help with things such as setting up smartphones, tablets, or computers to better facilitate communication with other people in their lives as well as navigating access to online resources. This can include locating appropriate transportation if unable to drive to social engagements or necessary appointments. Within this dynamic though, you also could learn from your grandmother, gaining insight and wisdom that is passed down through generations. One technology assist might be helping to set up a personal play list with www.musicandmemory.org. 

Advocacy & Respite: Grandchildren can provide an extra eye to ensure that their grandparent’s living environment remains safe and comfortable. You can assist with understanding complicated instructions for any number of items that might need explanation (from the TV remote to medication management). You might be the one who can easily discover that your grandparent keeps an empty fridge or doesn’t like “burden” others with requests for help.

Take good care, Your BCAAA Caregiving Team

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.

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.

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. Case Managers 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 Case Manager, please call 303-441-4388. For a complete list of July 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.

July Featured Programs

Community Protection Division Drop-in Office Hours.

West Age Well Center, July 10, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Purchased a used car recently and the dealership is not honoring the warranty? Hired a contractor to do some work on the home and the work is not as expected? Unsure about all the emails and phone calls you get? Older adults can meet with a Community Protection Specialist to discuss personal situations and ask questions.

SPARK and Studio Arts Boulder Pottery Class

West Age Well Center, 2^nd Tuesday July 11, 1–2:30 p.m.

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

Electric Bikes and Boulder B-Cycle

West Age Well Center, Tuesday July 18, 10–11:15 a.m.

City of Boulder and Boulder B-Cycle, a nonprofit bike-share operator, launched one of the first station-based bike-sharing programs in the U.S. in 2010. All the bikes are now electric. Join General Manager Kevin Crouse of Boulder B-Cycle to learn how the program works, where and how to access the bikes, and free and discounted programs. City Transportation staff will also be available. After the presentation, participants will walk a short distance to the B-Cycle station to learn how electric bikes work, how to operate them safely, and how to use the stations.

Cultivate Information Table Drop-in

West Age Well Center Lobby, 4th Tuesday, July 25, 11 a.m.–Noon

Cultivate connects older adults with volunteers to assist with a variety of needs including home repairs, grocery delivery, lawn care, and snow removal. Information table staffed by Cultivate’s Outreach Specialist, Virginia Bryan.

Affordable Rental Options with Boulder Housing Partners

West Age Well Center, Thursday July 27, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) is the Housing Authority for City of Boulder which offers a variety of housing options including section 8 communities, housing choice vouchers, affordable rentals, and market rate rentals. Join Lyndall Ellingson, BHP’s Resident Services Program Manager, to review BHP housing programs.

Technology Workshop: Smartphone Basics

West Age Well Center, Wednesday August 2, 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

In this beginner-intermediate level tech class participants will practice using apps, various aspects of texting, email, finding and changing settings, and sharing photos in a supportive class setting. Must bring own device. Instructors: Tech Pals, a non-profit technology training organization in Boulder. Register by July 26.

Studio Arts Boulder Pottery Class

East Age Well Center, Monday July 10, 1–2:30 p.m. Fee: $10 Residents, $13 Nonresidents.

Older Adult Services partners with Studio Arts Boulder to offers monthly hand building classes. Participants will learn about three fundamentals of pottery: pinch pots, coils, and slabs. Studio Arts Boulder will supply all materials and tools, and all work will be processed at their Pottery Lab facility. No experience necessary.

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

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–4 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.

Garden Workshop - Summer Planting & Cooking Your Harvest

Thursday, July 20, 5-6 p.m.

These days, more and more people are discovering the joys of playing in the dirt or, as grown-ups prefer to call it, gardening. A local expert, with years of experience, will help you plan, plant and harvest a successful garden. Did you know, gardening promotes wellness, reduces exposure to pesticides, and can reduces stress? What are you waiting for?

CircleTalk Introduction

Monday, July 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

A conversation program with engaging activities to learn about each other by sharing stories while forming connections! The circle is guided by trained leaders. We will discuss life and have laughs as we learn about each other. This is a wonderful way to share perspectives, personal stories and get to know people in a completely new way. This is an introduction to the fall session of the CircleTalk. 

Purchasing a Used Car? The Do’s and Don’ts

Tuesday, Aug. 15. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Looking at purchasing a used car? In this presentation, you will learn tips and necessary steps to take before making a used car purchase from a third party. This will help assure your purchase goes smoothly. Presented by the Boulder County DA’s office.

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.

Rockies vs Houston Astros

Wednesday, July 19, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Enjoy the day at the ballpark with friends cheering the Colorado Rockies to win against the Houston Astros.  We will enjoy shaded seats while we watch the game.  Meet at the Senior Center at 11 am for the bus ride to the stadium.  Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please call 303-665-9052 to register.

Flamenco Fitness Class

Thursday, July 20, 11 a.m.-Noon

Have you ever wanted to have as much fun as a Flamenco Dancer? Well, now you can! Try something new in 2023 and join Mariana Ole for 2 fitness-based Flamenco Classes. Please call to register.

Spellbinders

Friday, July 21, Noon

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. You’ll also discover how Spellbinders develop their craft through the use of sound, rhythm and repetition to paint memorable word pictures.  Free will be held at the Lafayette Senior Center.  Please call 303-665-9052 to register.   

LaBlast® Chair Fitness

Tuesdays, 9-9:45 a.m.

LaBlast® Chair Fitness is a dance fitness program done 100% seated.  No partner needed (except for your chair!), LaBlast® is based on all the dances you see on "Dancing with the Stars"- Disco, Jive, Foxtrot, Waltz and more.  Learn the true skill of dance while blasting away calories to music of all genres and seriously having a blast!

Louisville Senior Services

Louisville Senior Services at the Recreation & Senior Center currently offers a variety of drop-in programs, classes and activities, trips, as well as Brooks Café lunch. Contact Katie Beasley, by calling 303-335-4914 or email KatieB@LouisvilleCO.gov. Need resources? Find Senior Resources help with transportation, housing, legal assistance, and financial guidance. Medical equipment loans also available. Contact Katie Tofte, Community Resource Coordinator, at KTofte@LouisvilleCO.gov or by calling 303-335-4919. Check out more from Louisville Senior Services here.