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

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.

Living Well with Dementia: Hope for Those on the Dementia Journey

Thursday, Sept. 14 - Details at the top of the newsletter!

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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 father, who is in his 80s and in declining physical and mental health, refuses to give up his firearms. Could you please provide guidance on how to have a productive conversation with him?

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.   

Having difficult conversations with our loved ones about controversial topics of any kind is never fun or easy. But, engaging in a productive conversation with someone about their firearm safety can be extremely challenging for anyone to engage in. This is especially true if the family member in question is experiencing any significant brain change or dementia that may impact their logic and reasoning abilities, as well as their overall emotional state.

It’s always advisable to mentally prepare yourself in advance for the conversation so that you’re able to lead with empathy, and to primarily focus on the persons safety and well-being. Here are some steps that can guide you in preparing for this important discussion:

1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable, and non-confrontational setting for the conversation. Ensure there are no distractions or interruptions.
2. Be Calm and Patient: Approach the conversation with a calm and patient demeanor. Avoid raising your voice or becoming confrontational, as this can escalate the situation, and no one’s brain is at their best when they are upset—including ours.
3. Use "I" Statements: Express your concerns using "I" statements to avoid making others defensive. For example, say, "I'm worried about your safety" instead of "You need to give up your firearms."
4. Empathize and Validate: Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings and concerns. Try to understand their perspective and validate their emotions wherever possible.
5. Share Your Concerns: Express your concerns about how their declining physical and mental health may be impacting their ability to safely handle firearms.
6. Discuss the Risks: Talk about the potential risks associated with firearms, such as accidents, injuries, or misuse. Emphasize that your primary concern is their safety and the safety of others.
7. Offer Alternatives: Suggest alternatives to firearms that might provide your family member with a sense of security. This could include personal alarms, home security systems, or involving a trusted friend in the situation. Sources for responsible, safe, trusted offsite storage include, local gun shops and practice ranges, local law enforcement.
8. Involve a Third Party: Consider consulting a healthcare professional who can objectively evaluate your loved ones mental and physical capabilities. That way, you can obtain a current baseline measure of their cognitive and physical functioning levels, which can also be beneficial in making future decisions down the line. Your loved one has been a responsible gun owner for many years and this decision is one more responsible decision that leaves a lasting legacy.
9. Seek Support: Caring for a loved one who is in declining health can be emotionally taxing for care partners. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from others in your life, or from knowledgeable professionals to help you cope and make informed decisions. When it comes to caregiving, it is often more of a marathon than a sprint, so harness all the support you can, as early as you can.

Please remember that it may take time for your loved one to come to terms with the idea of giving up their firearms, so practice patience along the way. If firearm safety is a serious concern to the well-being of your loved ones or to the greater community, you may consider involving local law enforcement officers to help remove firearms from the home. As the wise adage reminds us, “it is better to be safe, than sorry.”

Some suggested sites for additional information are:

Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition

The BulletPoints Project

Staying Safe in Dementia

Written by Kay Adams, LCSW. Kay is a Denver-based Dementia Coach and Educator, and the Founder of Compassion Works, LLC—a company dedicated to educating and empowering care partners and organizations impacted by dementia. You can learn more about Kay’s work by visiting her website.

Call the BCAAA at 303-441-1617 or visit BoulderCountyhelp.org to learn about local assistance.

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 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.

September Featured Programs

Falls Prevention Programs in September

Our goal remains the same – helping older adults learn the many ways to prevent falls. For a complete schedule of Older Adult Services and Boulder County falls prevention programs, visit https://boco.org/FallsPrevention.

NEW! MHP Peer Counseling: Women’s Support Group.

West Age Well Center, 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays, Sept. 6–Dec. 20, 2-3:30 p.m.

This group meets twice monthly for a confidential, emotionally supportive conversation about the challenges associated with aging. For more information or to register, contact MHP Senior Peer Counseling Program at 303-402-8022. 

Technology Class: Staying Safe Online

Online, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 3–4:15 p.m.

This program will review how to recognize and avoid technology-based scams by identifying symptoms of computer viruses and protect devices against them. Learn about browser security features and tips to create strong passwords. Instructors: Tech Pals, a non-profit technology training organization in Boulder.

3rd Law Dance/Theater In Motion Project

West Age Well Center, weekly on Thursdays, 1–2 p.m.

Gentle movement classes for people living with Parkinson’s Disease or other mobility considerations.

Community Protection Division Drop-In Office Hours

West Age Well Center, Monday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Older adults can meet with a Community Protection Specialist once a month for 15-30 minutes to discuss personal situations and ask questions. Drop-in, no registration required.

SPARK and Studio Arts Boulder Pottery Class

West Age Well Center, 2^nd Tuesdays, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12, 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.

Accessing Digital Library Books, Movies and Magazines

Main Library, Boulder Creek Room, Sunday, Sept. 17, 1–2:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to access their favorite books, magazines or movies from anywhere with internet access or directly from the comfort of their home for free. Please bring library card to class.

Special Event: Older Adult Services Open House and Social

East Age Well Center, Monday, Sept 18, 1:30–3 p.m.

Join Older Adult Services staff and volunteer leaders for an afternoon of cake, ice cream and a program about the many different programs volunteer leaders help us offer.

Conversations about Death: An Introduction to MAID and VSED

West Age Well Center, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – noon

End-of-life educators create conversation about death and dying. Join this program to learn what Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED) statutes are and what they are not.  

Cultivate Information Table

West Age Well Center, Sept. 26, 11a.m. – noon

Cultivate is local non-profit that connects older adults with volunteers to assist with a variety of needs including home repairs, grocery delivery, lawn care, and snow removal. Stop by the information table in the lobby staffed by Cultivate’s Outreach Specialist to learn more.

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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.

Beginner Partners Country Two Step and Social Dance Classes

Thursday, Sept. 7-28, 2-3 p.m. (The fee is $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents.)

Learn popular Country Western and Social Dances in fun group classes! Recommended for beginners interested in learning the basics of social couples dancing. Couples dance moves your body, improves your brain and lifts your spirit. Must be partnered up when you register. Price is per person. 

Bingo

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 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.

Beginning Drawing

Fridays, Sept. 15-29, 12-2:30 p.m. (The fee is $84 for residents and $105 for non-residents.)

There are many benefits to learning how to draw. Drawing actively opens your brain to creative thinking, imagination, problem solving and it stimulates the brain. It can also be a form of meditation. Each month we apply drawing techniques to different subjects. This class is designed to set you up for success!

Community Resource Fair

Thursday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Resources available from Boulder and Weld County for anyone 60 and over. Resources could include: financial, caregiver, assistance, respite assistance, home services, dental, vision and hearing assistance, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc. Registration is not required. However, if you would like to attend the Thursday lunch, please make your reservation no later than Tuesday evening by calling 303-926-2569. 

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.

CSU Extension - Putting Your Landscape to Bed

Thursday, Sept. 7, 1-2 p.m.

Join Boulder County Master Gardeners from CSU Extension for an overview of best practices in preparing your landscape for winter. From lawns to leaves to vegetable gardens, proper autumn preparation can mean a successful spring in your yard. 

Thinkfirst Fall Prevention Class

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2-3:30 p.m.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for people over age 65, and a leading reason for emergency room visits in the United States each year. Falls can cause brain injuries, hip fractures and other devastating consequences. Many falls could be avoided through simple preventative measures. ThinkFirst To Prevent Falls is now available as a presentation on the basics of fall prevention for older adults. 

Resource Fair!

Friday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon

Immerse yourself in a vibrant gathering where you can engage with informational speakers, discover community resources, and much more. Breakfast will be provided, so we highly encourage registering for this event. Vendors include: SCL Health, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Project Angel Heart, Ensight Skills Center, Audio Information Network, Colorado Gerontological Society, Cultivate, and TRU PACE. Presentations include:

            10:15 a.m. - How to get paid to be a family caregiver, presented by PASCO

            10:30 a.m. - Vision changes and eye diseases.”, presented by Ensight®

Dissecting Diabetes

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2-3 p.m. 

Join Chinook Pharmacy as they discuss the effects of Diabetes on the body. What is happening in the body of someone effected by Diabetes? Why do people get Diabetes? Ways to recognize symptoms of Diabetes. Discussing new and innovative treatment options to empower individuals to take control of Diabetes. 

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.

BEGINNING SPANISH 1

Tuesdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The fee is $100. The registration code is 38112-1.

This class covers the foundational skills for Spanish study. We will learn and practice Spanish pronunciation and some basic grammatical rules. Students will be given tools to quickly build their Spanish vocabulary and will be introduced to regular verbs and some frequently used irregular verbs. Instructor: Rosalie Olson. *Each student will need the textbook, EASY SPANISH STEP-BY-STEP by Barbara Bregstein (can be purchased at the retailer of your choice)

CONNECT WITH PEOPLE & PROGRAMS

Thursday, Sept. 21, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

The registration code is 38204-1.

Are you new to the area or new to Senior Services, and interested in connecting with others and learning more about the opportunities and resources available through the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center? Join us to connect with other people and various programs offered. Facilitated by Senior Services staff. Registration required.

GAME NIGHT

Thursday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m.

The fee is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. The registration code is 38043-1.

Join us for a night of board games! Have fun and meet new people while challenging your brain with a new game each month. Board game choices will be made while here and will sure to be a good time! Snarf's sandwiches and refreshments provided. Led by David Younghans our volunteer game host.

For more information on Louisville Senior Services or to register for any programs, call 303-335-4914 or online at www.louisvillerecreation.com.