Issue 88

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

Building Your Circle of Care with Tam Cummings

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

We will discuss Building the Circle of Care for the Care Recipient, which is a complex coordination of services and help needed to prepare for the disease progression. In the first session, we will review “the beginning.” This is the moment when the spouse or adult child and sometimes teens child realizes something is seriously wrong with their loved one.

Unlike a ‘circle of care in cancer’, the person with dementia is typically unaware of any cognitive issues. This leaves the family caregivers with the additional task of educating those around them, including medical professionals, as they begin to get their ducks in a row. (The ducks include financial, medical, spiritual, family involvement, government assistance, diagnosis, and self-compassion are just a few).

Register for “Building Your Circle of Care – for Care Recipients” here.

Demystifying Hospice and Palliative Care with Jane Barton

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10-11:30 a.m.

Palliative care is a philosophy and model of care that can potentially transform our experience of health care today. However, due to a lack of awareness combined with a lack of information, most people fail to reap the benefits of this type of care. So, let’s review the fundamental tenets of palliative and hospice care (a specific type of palliative care), the history of this form of care, and how/when this approach to care could be a tremendous benefit to you and your family. You need not fear palliative and hospice care. Instead, learn to leverage these resources to enhance your quality of life.

Register for “Demystifying Hospice and Palliative Care” 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,

I have recently learned of an opportunity to visit a family member and will be traveling with my care partner. What might I need to know to make this trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for both of us?

Signed, A Concerned Caregiver

Dear Concerned Caregiver,

Thank you for reaching out to BCAAA, we are here to help you navigate challenges associated with caregiving. 

Traveling can still be fun with our loved one, and yet, it provides its own unique challenges for family caregivers when the person needs special assistance. Communication and preparation are essential. Here are some tips to help with that planning:

1. Communicate with your care recipient about the upcoming trip and offer them choices whenever possible including whether they go or stay home. This includes asking for their ideas and preferences about places to tour and family or friends that they may want to see. Discuss wishes and expectations and recognize that it's important to be realistic and honest about your own needs and limits.
2. Plan ahead as much as possible. Researcher your destination and make any necessary arrangements in advance, such as accessible accommodation requirements (calling your hotel beforehand to learn about entrances and rooms that accommodate wheelchairs, as an example), transportation, and activities that cater to your needs and your care recipient's necessities. Think about special dietary issues and whether extra adjustments are needed, from bathroom stops to additional snacks.
3. Create a travel itinerary, and as much as possible, involve your care partner in this creation. Consider the energy levels of both of you, the additional cognitive load, and consider your comfort needs. Allow for, and expect, that some things will take longer. Have that extra time baked into your agenda.
4. Pack with the expectation that you'll need to manage more than just one set of luggage. Make a checklist of essential items like medication, medical equipment, and other supplies. Ensure that you have enough of these items for the duration of the trip plus some extra in case of unexpected delays. Plan room in your suitcase for comfort items such as a favorable favorite pillow or walking shoes.
5. Inform your care partner's health care provider, and perhaps your own as well, to ensure that they are medically fit for travel. They can offer guidance, advice, and any necessary documentation you may need while traveling. If possible, refill prescriptions before you leave.
6. Carry important documents such as identification, prescriptions, medical records, and contact information for healthcare providers. It's a good idea to have a full list of emergency contacts easily available. Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and specific needs related to your care partner's health condition. If dementia is of concern, arrange to have a handful of business size cards you can hand out that request extra patience since your care recipient has dementia.
7. Plan for quiet activities and downtime. Consider obtaining adult coloring books, crossword puzzles, using easy listening music on a portable device, and other things your care partner has liked in the past. Give your partner a camera so they can capture their own memories.
8. Take time to rest for yourself and to have fun. Practice asking other family members to spend time with your partner and share in the caregiving duties so you can recharge. Be prepared to make this easier by compiling an instruction list that includes any information specific to your loved ones needs.

Planning ahead before you travel reduces unexpected challenges during the trip.

Take good care and have fun! 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.

Upcoming Programming from the Longmont Senior Center

Navigating Change in Community Living

Monday, Aug. 7, 10–11 a.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration # 384516.00)

Making changes in how and where you live in community can be a daunting process, and having some information about your options can help this process be less difficult. Join three professionals in the field, Jan Somers, LCSW, Doug Page from CarePatrol, and our Long- Term Care Ombudsman, Erica Corson, to discuss how to navigate these changes with confidence. We will help you explore your values and questions you want to ask in order to find the right fit in an assisted living, skilled nursing facility, or memory care. You do not have to be considering a move right now in order to participate.

Reverse Mortgages: Learn the Facts

Monday, Aug. 14, 4–5:30 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration # 384220.00)

The workshop is presented by HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselors from the Boulder County Personal Finance Program. We will present objective information on how a reverse mortgage works and its advantages and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

Practical Caregiving Tips for the Shower, Restroom and Eating

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1–2 p.m.(Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration # 385087.00)

Brenda Gurung will present simple, empowering tips for caregivers and care partners - especially for those with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, short term memory loss, or decreased cognitive ability.

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 August 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.

August Featured Programs

Community Protection Division Drop-in Office Hours

West Age Well Center, Aug. 7, 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, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1–2:30 p.m.

Pottery class designed for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases including dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's who are accompanied by their caregiver or partner.

Optimizing the Nervous System While Aging

ONLINE, Friday, Aug. 11, 10–11 a.m.

This online program will review the importance of the nervous system in optimizing health and increasing quality of life while aging. Benefits may include the ability to regulate blood pressure and maintain optimal mobility, and adaptability of the cardiovascular system, immune response, memory, and more.

Physiological Processes in Aging

East Age Well Center, Monday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.–Noon

The Integrative Physiology of Aging (IPA) Lab at CU Boulder studies the efficacy of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions for reversing the adverse changes in blood vessels, physical health, and brain function that can occur with age. This program will review the science behind the interventions the IPA Lab is studying to help slow these processes and improve the length of time someone can remain healthy. Presenters:  Dr. Kevin Murray, postdoctoral fellow and Morgan Berryman-Maciel.

Cultivate Information Table Drop-in.

West Age Well Center Lobby, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 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.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness

ONLINE, Thursday, Aug. 24, 10–11:30 a.m.

During this 90-minute workshop participants will learn about Boulder County hazards, how to receive emergency alerts, how to assess risk, and how to create a disaster preparedness plan. To request additional accommodations, inquiries about accessibility, or to register over the phone please contact the front desk at 303-441-3148.

Technology Workshop: Staying Safe Online

West Age Well Center, Monday, Aug. 28, 1–2:15 p.m.

This in-person program will review how to recognize and avoid technology-based scams by identifying symptoms of computer viruses in order to protect devices against them. Learn about browser security features and tips to create strong passwords. Bringing a personal technology device is recommended.

DeliverZero Reusable Takeout Container Program

ONLINE, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 10–11 a.m. 

The city of Boulder has teamed up with DeliverZero to offer reusable takeout containers as a sustainable alternative. Learn about this program, which multiple Boulder restaurants and Whole Foods Ideal Market have joined, and how to participate.

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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.

The East Age Well Center will be closed Aug. 22 and Aug. 26–Sept. 4 for building maintenance. 

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.

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.

Dinner and Concert with The Weekly Band

Friday, Aug. 18, 6-8 p.m. (The fee is $16 for residents and $20 for non-residents.)

This favorite group will keep you on your feet and dancing all night long! Comprised of local musicians based in Erie or Boulder, this band is guaranteed to deliver a high-energy performance every time they take the stage. Cash bar available. The menu is pulled pork or chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and corn bread. The registration deadline is Sunday, Aug. 6. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

Movies Together

Friday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. (The fee is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents.)

Come to the Erie Community Center to 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. The registration deadline is on the Monday, Aug. 21.

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.

Looking for Artists - Older Adult Artist Showcase Sept. 1-30  

If you are a local recreational/amateur artist age 55 or better, you are invited to display your 2-D original artwork at the Lafayette Senior Center during the month of September.  Artists can email Dana Hoffman at Dana.hoffman@lafayetteco.gov for entry information. Applications are due by Aug. 23. 

Lions Club Glasses

Aug. 4, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

The Senior Center is proud to partner with their local Lions Club to offer FREE sunglasses and reading glasses to seniors in need. The Lafayette Lions Club accepts donations of prescription glasses that individuals in the community no longer need. However, at times they are also given reading glasses and sunglasses that they cannot donate overseas. Stop by the Senior Center if you need reading glasses or sunglasses.     

Monday Morning Glories

Mondays, 10-11 a.m.

Come join us on Monday mornings for friendship and coffee. Grab your free cup of coffee and Panera Bread treat from inside the Senior Center, then head out to the picnic table to start the week off right. We will meet inside if the weather does not cooperate. 

Plarn Group

Friday, Aug. 25, 1-4 p.m.

Our volunteer/craft group has tasked themselves with the assignment to reduce plastic waste and help our local community. They are using plastic bags to make mats for those experiencing homeless in our area. They use donated plastic grocery bags, and our volunteers crochet them into sleeping mats. If you are interested in knowing more about this group, please contact the Senior Center.  

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.