Oct. 2023 Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

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Issue 89


Join Us for Dealing with Dementia

Family and informal caregivers are the backbone of community-based services. To support local caregivers of people with dementia, we are offering this workshop, developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. This workshop provides effective strategies for dealing with dementia behaviors, providing tips and strategies for caregivers on best practices for caring for their loved ones and themselves. Unpaid and family caregivers who attend the workshop will also receive a copy of the Dealing with Dementia Guide, which provides information and solutions to problems caregivers face every day.

What: Dealing with Dementia

When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 12-4 p.m. (Please register by Thursday, Oct. 26.)

Where: Longmont (Details provided upon registration.)

Registration: There is no charge for this program, but registration is required by Thursday, Oct. 26 at InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org.

Please provide your name, contact info, and a few sentences about your caregiving situation. To register by phone, call Rebekah Van Sweden at 303-441-3945. Light snacks will be provided.

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.


Ageism Awareness Day

Ageism Awareness Day is Oct. 7, but Changing the Narrative and their partners will be celebrating all month. Help elevate ageism awareness by joining us for an event, using the tools below, and sharing the message in your circles. Together we can build more momentum towards a more age-inclusive world! There are many activities to celebrate the event during October!

Oct. 6 - Dismantling Ageism: How Stereotypes, Prejudice & Discrimination Based on Age Affects Us All

Oct. 10 - A Conversation with Margaret Morganroth Gullette

Oct. 11 - Five+ Years of Ageism Awareness


Join a Medicare Basics Class

medicare

Our lively and entertaining Medicare Basics classes are designed to provide the necessary information to older adults, and those caring for older adults, when getting ready to apply for Medicare.

Participants will learn about how and when to enroll, the different parts of Medicare, what is covered and what is not, Medicare fraud, and much more!

Interested participants will need internet, a computer, tablet, or phone, and the appropriate application for the class. Once registered, participants will receive instruction on how to join the class. This online course uses Zoom. Upcoming classes are set for:

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19, 1:30-3 p.m.

To learn more about Medicare Basics, Medicare Counseling, and to register for upcoming classes, please visit:

boco.org/Medicare

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.


Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Sunday, Oct. 15

Now is the time to get ready for the Open Enrollment Period, the only time of the year you can change your Prescription Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans! Get information from the trusted and experienced State Health Insurance Program Medicare Counselors. We are certified and trained by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. We offer experience and objectivity. We will start to schedule appointments on Sept. 15.

Please go to boco.org/Medicare for more information.


Avoid Medicare Fraud!

You can help prevent Medicare fraud! Follow these three tips to protect yourself from scammers:

1. If you get a call, text, or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond.

2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully.

3. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).


mugs-for-rugs

Loose throw rugs are a common tripping hazard in homes and can easily be removed to reduce your risk or tripping and falling. Reduce your risk of falling by bringing a throw rug to a participating location this fall and receive a free mug. 

Learn more here.

Check out Two Opportunities to Volunteer With Us!

Become a Companion Volunteer

Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with an older adult who feels isolated or lonely?

Consider becoming a Companion Volunteer. Volunteers are matched with an older adult who lives alone or with caregivers and visit their program partner two hours weekly.

Our program invites adults (21+) to apply to become a Companion Volunteer. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and make at least a six month commitment.

If this opportunity speaks to you, call (720) 864-6526 or email infoRespite@bouldercounty.org for more information. Or submit your volunteer application to boco.org/RespiteVolunteer.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

There are over 2,000 people living in assisted livings and nursing homes in Boulder County. Each one can benefit from an advocate, a person willing to volunteer their time to make sure residents are getting the care they need. You can make a difference.   

We invite adults (21+) to apply to become a volunteer ombudsperson. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and make at least a 12 month commitment. 

Learn more about Boulder County's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

For more information contact infoLTCO@bouldercounty.gov or submit your volunteer application.


Coping with Cancer: A Free Virtual Support Group for People with Cancer

This drop-in group is open to individuals with any stage and any type of cancer, and for their caregivers. Discussions will include coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, the emotional and social impact of cancer, as well as any other topics requested by the group. This group is facilitated by Ben Gaibel, LCSW - Oncology Social Worker at Cancer Centers of Colorado, Good Samaritan Medical Center.

When: 1st Thursday of each month, noon-1:30 p.m.

Where: This group is currently being held virtually over Microsoft Teams.

Registration: Contact Ben at 303-673-1620.


Check Out Our Healthy Aging Programs!

Questions? Email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


Diabetes Support Group

"Carb Counting and Glycemic Index"

This session is conducted by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator.  

When: Oct. 16, 11 a.m.- noon

Where: Virtual

Register: Please call 303-678-6115. You will be sent a Zoom link to join virtually or by phone.    


Fresh Conversations

Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1-2 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Topic: Keeping Your Bones Healthy

Questions? Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


Nutrition Counseling

Individualized counseling and coaching from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are available for Boulder County residents. Call 303-678-6115 (English) or 720-930-0223 (en español) with your contact information.


United Healthcare Update

Boulder Community Health announced on Tuesday, Sept. 12 that they reached an agreement on a new contract with United Healthcare. 

Learn more here.


Guns to Garden Tools

What: Guns to Garden Tools - Surrender Event

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, noon-2 p.m.

Where: Boulder Valley UU Fellowship Parking Lot (1241 Ceres Drive, Lafayette)

For those interested, this event will be a welcoming place to surrender firearms that could endanger lives. Guns are disabled onsite; later to become garden tools.

Learn more here.


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