Oct. 2024 Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

Boulder County Colorado sent this bulletin at 09/30/2024 08:00 AM MDT

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Issue 101

Medicare Open Enrollment is Oct. 15-Dec. 7

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) encourages participating Medicare enrollees to connect with Boulder County’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Medicare Counseling Team to see if you can find lower premiums, extra benefits, or a plan that better fits your health needs.

Each year, from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, people on Medicare can review and change their prescription drug plans (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). This is the only time of the year you can change your Prescription Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans can change their costs, coverage, providers, and pharmacies, so it is important to review the current plan and see if there is a better plan for your needs in 2025.

BCAAA’s Medicare Counselors provide quality and unbiased information, assisting in the Open Enrollment Period by reviewing your current plan against other plans. Schedule an appointment by calling Boulder County’s SHIP Medicare Counseling Team at 303-441-1546. This year appointments will be available in person, on Zoom, or over the phone.

Learn more about Medicare Counseling services at boco.org/Medicare.

Join a Medicare Basics Class

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.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1:30-3 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 10-11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 1:30-3 p.m.

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

To register for Medicare Basics or set up an appointment, please visit boco.org/Medicare.

Watch for Medicare Scams

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period is an annual period that runs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. During this time, people enrolled in Medicare Parts A and/or B can review and make changes to their coverage. It's also a time where fraud and scams around Medicare coverage tend to come up. Here are a few thins to keep in mind this Open Enrollment Period:

Medicare is Not Issuing New Cards

How SHIPs Can Help With Your Medicare Questions and Problems

Doctor Sentenced in Telemarketing Scheme

Join partners across Boulder County as we host the Veterans Stand Down & Resource Fair.

More info at boco.org/VeteranServices.

View and print the flyer here.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Neville at lneville@bouldercounty.gov.

Caregiving Office Hours

Informal caregivers of adults 60+ and caregivers of any age adult with dementia can walk in to our open office hours to meet one on one with a Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Resource Specialist. The resource specialist can provide information and referrals and help caregivers coordinate resources to support their caregiving related needs. Resource specialists can guide caregivers to the next steps in their caregiving journey, help them make a respite plan, give information on end of life and estate planning, and provide resources for wellness and self-care. They can help caregivers locate meaningful support groups and other county and community resources for caregivers.

Option 1 - Lafayette

When: Oct. 10 & Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Boulder County Southeast Hub (1755 S. Public Rd., Lafayette)

Option 2 - Louisville

When: Oct. 18 & Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Louisville Senior Center in the Imperial Room (900 West Via Appia Way, Louisville)

Questions? Please contact us at infoCaregiver@bouldercounty.gov or 303-441-3945.

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 and sessions are held on Zoom.

The Connection Between Diet, Exercise, and Sleep

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1-2 p.m.

Register here.

Questions? Please email infoHealthyAging@bouldercounty.gov.

Diabetes Education Group

The group provides information, answers to questions, and support from new friends. Each session has a topic. This group is for people 60+ and their caregivers. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated.

Classes are held online from 11 a.m. to noon. Please contact 303-678-6118 to register and ask questions.

Diabetes and Exercise

Monday, Oct. 21

Managing Diabetes During the Holidays

Monday, Nov. 18

(No class in December.)

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 Caregiver Events

Dealing with Dementia

Lafayette Senior Center - Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1-5 p.m. (Register by Nov. 12)

Family/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. 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.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3BfZkln

If you would like to talk to a Resource Specialist about your situation as a caregiver, please email infoCaregiver@bouldercounty.gov. Tell us your name, contact info, and a few sentences about your caregiving situation.   

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 Caregiver:

In the prior Aging Well newsletter September edition we featured one half of an article from the Family Caregiver Alliance that highlights the “Emotional Side of Caregiving” and are now including the second half below. Please note that Boulder County AAA has caregiving professionals available to discuss these issues in full. You can best reach us through the Info & Referral line at 303/441-1617 and asking for a Caregiving Resource Specialist.

This fact sheet will identify some of the common, often hard to admit, feelings that caregivers experience. Once identified, suggestions for how you might better cope with these feelings are offered.

If only we were perfect we would not feel . . .

GRIEF

Watching the care receiver decline, not being able to do things that used to be easy and natural is sad. We also grieve for the care receiver, the person who used to be and our relationship with that person. We often need to grieve the loss we are experiencing on a daily basis or it will come out as something else.

Coping: Sometimes creating a ritual can be helpful. One caregiver would write on a piece of paper the things her husband could no longer do, then go to the ocean and throw the pieces in the water as a way of letting go. We tend to want to avoid the sadness that comes with grief, but allowing ourselves to feel (it) promotes healing. (See FCA fact sheet Grief and Loss - Family Caregiver Alliance.)

GUILT

Guilt is the feeling we have when we do something wrong. Guilt in caring for care receivers comes in many forms. There is guilt over not having done enough to have prevented them from getting sick in the first place. There is guilt over feeling like you want this to end. Or guilt over having been impatient with your care receiver too much. There is guilt over not loving or even liking the care receiver at times. There is guilt over not doing enough for the care receiver or not doing a good enough job as a caregiver. And if the care receiver falls or something else happens, there is guilt about it being your fault that it happened. And sometimes caregivers feel guilty about thinking of their own needs and see themselves as selfish, especially if they should do something like go to a movie or out to lunch with a friend.

Coping: You need permission to forgive yourself. You can’t be perfect 24/7. It’s impossible to be in perfect control of how you always feel. We all carry around a lot of “shoulds,” such as “No one will do as good of a job as I do, so I have to be here all the time.” Or “If I leave and something happens, I will never forgive myself.” Consider changing guilt into regret, “I’m in a difficult situation and I have to make difficult decisions sometimes.” “I regret that I am human and get impatient sometimes.” “I am doing the best I can even though things go wrong from time to time and I regret that I am not perfect.”

IMPATIENCE

How difficult is it to get your care receiver up in the morning? How about up, dressed, given breakfast and to their doctor’s appointment all before 10 a.m.? And you have other things to accomplish that day. All this and the care receiver is acting unhelpful and moving slowly. Perhaps the care receiver refuses to use his walker even though he has fallen many times and the doctor and physical therapist have emphasized he always needs to use it. It is understandable that you would get impatient at times.

Coping: Forgive yourself. When tired, frustrated, and trying to keep things under control, it’s natural to want to speed up and have compliance from the care receiver to keep them safe and healthy. So, first, slow down. Leave a lot of time to accomplish tasks. Leave a LOT of time. Control the environment as much as you can but know you can’t always prevent your father from taking off without his walker. Create a list of the things you are in control of and are not. Understand what you can and cannot control.

JEALOUSY

Do you sometimes feel jealous of your friends who are able to go out and do things that you can no longer do, because of your caregiving responsibilities? Are you jealous of your siblings who are not doing their share to help? Do you feel jealous of a friend whose parent died quickly and easily while you take care of a parent who has had dementia for many years? Are we jealous of someone who got a big inheritance since we are struggling to pay bills and to be a good caregiver? We often don’t admit to this feeling because we have always been told not to be jealous. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t, in fact, feel jealous from time to time, of those who have it easier or better than us.

Coping: It’s okay to admit to being jealous. Because things are not fair, we often have flashes of resentment and envy at other people’s good fortune compared to our own. Jealousy is a problem when we wallow in it and prevent ourselves from enjoying the things we DO have. Focus on what you do have, whatever that may be, and find a place in your heart for gratitude.

LACK OF APPRECIATION

Most of us do not want to be dependent on someone else. Learning to accept help is hard. So, the care receiver is often pushing away our attempts to be helpful and caring. If someone has dementia, this problem is often much worse. And we get our feelings hurt because the care receiver does not thank us or even see how much we are giving up in order to care for them.

Coping: Sometimes we must give ourselves our own pat on the back. Writing in a journal about the things you do each day might help you to appreciate how much you give and how much you do. Having a support group or a group of friends/family to cheer you on is important, and both comforting and necessary to remain resilient through your caregiving journey.

LONELINESS

The longer you are a caregiver, the more isolated you become. With no one to talk to day in and day out except the care receiver, it is easy to lose a sense of yourself. Friends stop calling since we are no longer available, and we hesitate to call them because we know “they don’t want to hear about it anymore” or “I have nothing to talk about because my life is all about caregiving.”

Coping: Find ways to get out of the house and involved in something other than caregiving. Learn about resources from your local Area Agency on Aging about respite programs or day care programs that will allow you to get a much-needed and well-deserved break. No one can do this job alone. Look at your wider circle of support—faith community, neighbors, friends, distant relatives, etc. to see where you might get some nurturing for you.

LOSS

Caregivers experience many losses, some of which have already been mentioned: loss of control, loss of independence, loss of income, loss of your best friend, loss of the future, loss of a sense of yourself. Loss leads to grief and depression.

Coping: Identifying your losses can help you to cope with them. For each of us, the losses will be different. When you know what you are feeling, you will be able to look at the loss and think about what might work for you to help you deal with it. (See FCA fact sheet Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss - Family Caregiver Alliance.)

RESENTMENT

When put in a situation not of our choosing, it’s not uncommon to feel negative and resentful. Perhaps you have siblings who are not helping provide care or maybe you are an only child, became the caregiver by default, and feel you have very little desire or support to offer care. Little things easily become big things when we feel unappreciated and unacknowledged. And feeling like you have to do it all, and do it all by yourself, is a guaranteed way to feel resentment.

Coping: Family situations and dynamics can be a real challenge. Having help from family may make your situation easier, but sometimes family tensions make it even harder to get help. (See FCA Fact Sheet Caregiving with Your Siblings - Family Caregiver Alliance.) The more help and support you accept, the easier it will be to let go of feeling burdened and resentful of those who are not doing their share. If family tensions are getting in the way, it could also help you to refer to the FCA fact sheet Holding a Family Meeting - Family Caregiver Alliance. If you can’t get help from the people you think should be offering it, then you need to broaden your circle of people to include those who can and will help. It is easy to forget about the good things that have happened or are happening when we only focus on the negative.

TIREDNESS

As a caregiver, how often do you get the full eight hours of sleep they always say you need? Sleep is often postponed while you grab a few minutes of alone time after the care receiver goes to bed. Sleep is often disturbed because the care receiver gets up at night and needs help going to the bathroom or being re-directed back to bed. Sleep is often disturbed because you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep because you are worrying about all the stressors that come with being a caregiver.

Coping: Sleep has to be put on the priority list. Lack of sleep leads to obesity, illness, crankiness, impatience, inefficiency in accomplishing tasks, and a state of mental fogginess among other issues. If you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep not related to direct caregiving, talk to your physician. If you are having trouble sleeping due to caregiving problems, talk to the care receiver’s physician. There are ways to help both of you to get the rest you need. As a caregiver, you do amazing work caring for others in need. But as a caregiver, you also need to think about yourself. (See FCA fact sheet Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers - Family Caregiver Alliance.) Just pushing through each day will eventually wear you out and cause you to burn out. Emotional issues can weigh you down and impact not only your ability to cope and provide care, but they can also harm your health and well-being. It is important to learn to ask for help and prioritize getting breaks from caregiving, so that you can be the caregiver you want to be.

Written by Donna Schempp, LCSW

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research, and advocacy. Through its National Center on Caregiving, FCA offers information on current social, public policy, and caregiving issues and provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers.

The Longmont Senior Center has expanded its hours and is now OPEN Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-noon. Their resource specialists and counselors are now offering home visits and in-person appointments.

Check out classes from City of Longmont Senior Services at www.longmontcolorado.gov/GO.

Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov

Phone: 303-651-8411

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 Kayleigh Schernbeck with City of Longmont Senior Services at 303-774-4497.

Lunch Bunch

Please register in advance with Elaine Keiser at 303-335-6933.

Meeting biweekly at the Senior Center on Wednesdays

This supportive group is for those in the early to middle stages of memory loss who are beginning to have some difficulties with the complexities of everyday living. It is an opportunity for engaging in conversation, socializing, and enjoying stimulating activities. Caregivers also attend along with those with memory loss.

You Can Become a Savvy Caregiver

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411. Registration #485043-24

Tuesdays, Oct 1–Nov. 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

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 6-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. If you need respite resources to attend the class, please call Brandy Queen at 303-651-8411.

Advanced Directives

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411. The cost is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Registration #485003-10

Thursday, Oct. 10, 9:30–11 am

There is no better time than the present to consider and clarify your wishes for medical treatment in the event you cannot speak for yourself. Preparing documents expressing those wishes ahead of time is a true gift to yourself, as well as your loved ones and physician, relieving them of the uncertainty of how you want to be treated. In this class, we will review the various documents related to advance planning (medical power of attorney, living will, and Five Wishes) and provide you with the necessary materials. Facilitated by Renita Henson, RN, BSN.

Caregiver Stress and Burnout - Two Sessions

Saturday, Oct. 12, 10–11 a.m. Registration #485161-01

Monday, Oct. 14, 4–5 p.m. Registration #485161-02

Caregiving can be difficult, tiring, and wearing. Brenda Gurung will share several tools to manage stress and burnout - to keep organized, to identify resources and help, and to transform your caregiving work.

Dementia Conversations - Two Sessions

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411.

Monday, Oct. 28, 3–4:30 p.m. Registration #485135-01

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5:30-7 p.m. Registration #485135-02

This workshop offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association.

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 Oct. 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.

Introduction to MAID and VSED

Online, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join this online program to learn more about Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) and Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED). Participants will leave with information and resources to better understand these end-of-life options in Colorado.

Blue Zones

East Age Well Center, Thursday, Oct. 10, 10–11 a.m.

Discover the key factors to a long and healthy life by exploring the “Blue Zones”, regions around the world where people live in good health past 90 years of age.

Community Protection Division Drop-in Office Hours

West Age Well Center, Monday, Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Older adults can meet with a Community Protection Specialist for 15-30 minutes to discuss personal situations and ask questions.

Talk Life: Drop-in Coaching for End-of-Life Discussions

East Age Well Center, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – noon

Drop in, no registration required. The Conversation Project in Boulder County provides confidential, free coaching on advance directives and resources to communicate personal considerations and compassionate end-of-life planning.

Transportation 101 Workshop

West Age Well Center, Monday, Oct. 21, 1:30–3 p.m.

Participants will learn ways to utilize local transportation resources to save money, build strategies for when a vehicle may not available, and expand options to support an active and independent lifestyle.

A Mindful Approach to Falls Prevention

West Age Well Center, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1–2:30 p.m.

This class will offer tools to develop present moment awareness and apply evidence-based fall prevention techniques to everyday life.

Staying Safe in Cyberspace

West Age Well Center, Monday, Oct. 28, 1:30–3 p.m.

Participants will learn the secrets of strong passwords and how to identify sneaky scams to stay safe in the digital world.

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.

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.

The Lafayette Senior Center will be closed Sept. 30-Oct. 21 for a bathroom remodel. Activities and programs will continue at alternative locations.

Call 303-665-9052 or email olderadults@lafayetteco.gov to register. For more information, visit lafayetteco.gov/seniors.

Arvada Center, “Waitress” (Level 1 Walking)

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

Based on the 2007 film by the same name, Waitress features original music and lyrics by Grammy winning musician Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”) and a book by Jessie Nelson. This delicious musical celebrates the power of friendship and chosen family, following your dreams, and the joy of a perfect pie. Trip includes transportation and ticket. Bring money for meal.

Creating Cards

Thursday, Oct. 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Lafayette Library)

Enjoy the afternoon creating cards for friends and family. Put a creative and personal twist to a Birthday, Thanksgiving or Holiday card. Cost includes the supplies and instructor.

Colorado Ballot 2024

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2-3 p.m. (Lafayette Library)

Join Active Minds for an objective review of the current initiatives and referenda on the Colorado statewide ballot this fall. We will review each proposal, presenting the arguments on both sides. We will also review the referendum and initiative process in Colorado, including its history, pros and cons, and significant legislation that has resulted from this process in the past.

Drug Take Back

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Lafayette Senior Center)

Please bring any expired, unwanted, or unused prescription and nonprescription medications for proper disposal. Brought to you by the Lafayette Senior Center in partnership with the Lafayette Police Department.

Louisville Senior Services

Louisville Senior Services at the Recreation & Senior Center 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 the website at www.louisvillerecreation.com

Louisville Senior Services are located at 900 W Via Appia Way in Louisville.

Louisville Senior Services Wellness & Resource Fair

Friday, Oct. 4, 9–11 a.m.

Louisville Recreation & Senior Center Lobby (900 W Via Appia)

Learn about finances, home care, hospice, housing, nutrition, support groups, transportation, and more. This event is recommended for seniors, their families, and caregivers.

Louisville Senior Services Fall Fest Oktoberfest

Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.

The fee is $11 for residents and $14 for non-residents. Register with #38040-1 for a non-vegetarian meal and #38040-2 for a vegetarian meal.

Don’t let this fun event pass you by! We’ll enjoy bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad, pretzels, and German chocolate cake for dessert. The Rhinelanders Band will be playing! Be ready for a fun and festive evening. Register at www.louisvillerecreation.com or 303-666-7400.