Dec. 2024 Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

Issue 103

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

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.  

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 am deep into taking care of my sister who has dementia and have run out of ideas for holiday gifts that we can provide her this December. Please help.

Signed, A Concerned Caregiver

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Dear Concerned Caregiver,   

Thank you for reaching out to BCAAA! In collaboration with the Jim Herlihy with Alzheimer’s’ Association - Rocky Mountain Region, we offer this response to your question. Please note that Boulder County AAA has caregiving professionals available to discuss these issues in full.  You can best reach us at 303-441-1617 and by asking for a Caregiving Resource Specialist. 

Holiday Gift Guide for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. There are seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 91,000 Coloradans. Depending on the stage of disease, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical for the person.

For the holiday season, the Alzheimer's Association has released its 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, offering gift ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes gift suggestions aimed at keeping those living with dementia engaged and involved in everyday tasks, as well as gift ideas for the more than 11 million family members and friends across the country serving as unpaid caregivers for these individuals.

Five Gifts for People Living with Alzheimer's – Early Stages

• Post-it notes or an erasable white board to list reminders or the day’s activities.
• Baskets or trays that can be labeled within cabinets or drawers.
• Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (e.g. golf, movie, restaurant) helping the person to remain active.
• GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, small trackers) or enrollment in a safe return program to keep the person safe.
• A “memory” calendar featuring family photos – write-in special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Five Gifts for People Living with Alzheimer's – Middle to Late Stages

• Music playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs.
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on blouses/shirts, non-slip socks, Velcro-fastened shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts or a fluffy bathrobe.
• Framed photographs or a photo collage created specifically for your loved one. Insert the names of the people in the photos to help with identification.
• Soothing gifts that can help with anxiety like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket.
• Adaptive dining equipment such as no-spill cups, plate guards and silverware with specifically designed handles that enables greater independence during meals.

Five Gifts to Help with Everyday Tasks and Keep the PErson Living with Alzheimer's Engaged

• A memory phone that can store pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends.
• Nightlights that activate automatically when it gets dark.
• A digital clock with large type to indicate date and time.
• An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or possibly an organized holiday shopping trip with friends and family.
• Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts for the family, painting ornaments, decorating stockings, table setting, scrapbooking or other activity gifts.

Give Gifts for Dementia Caregivers

• The most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver is the gift of time. In fact, just a 20-minute break each day can help lower a caregiver’s stress and help avoid burnout.
• Self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
• Gift cards and certificates for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, computer/technology support, maid services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures.
• Books – in addition to giving novels on the caregiver's "must read" list, there are a number of books on caregiving and maintaining self-health.
• Focus on self-care with a bundle of personal care items (moisturizers, bath bombs and soaks, foot creams, scrubs, soaps).

For more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays, visit the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, programs and services at no charge to help families facing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. For additional information, call the free 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411. Registration #185005-24.

Monday, Dec. 2, 3-4:30 p.m.

Alzheimer's and other dementias cause changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that interfere with daily life. Join us to learn about 10 common warning signs and what to watch for in yourself and others, typical age-related changes, how to approach someone about memory concerns, early detection, the benefits of a diagnosis and the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer's Association resources. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association.

BeReady Longmont

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411. Registration #184512-24.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Winter storms, flood, and fire are Longmont’s greatest natural hazards. These can result in severe disruptions in utilities and services that we all rely on daily. How would you and your family handle the challenge? Come learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighbors! Presented by Kevin Esmail, City of Longmont Office of Emergency Management.

Dementia Activity Ideas for Caregivers

Please register in advance at 303-651-8411. Registration #188912-00 (Registration opens Dec. 9.)

Saturday, Jan. 18, 10–11 a.m.

We'll introduce best practices for meaningful engagement (activity) ideas for your person living with mild cognitive impairment, as well as the different stages of dementia. We'll discuss the Montessori Method for dementia caregiving, as well as the art program, Memories in the Making. And we'll also identify how to modify engagements for your person's present abilities. Presented by Brenda Gurung, credentialed dementia specialist, founder of Be Growth Dementia Education, Forbes Health Advisory Board Member, and National Senior Living leader.

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. 

City of Boulder Older Adult Services offers a variety of Health and Wellness, Lifelong Learning, and Aging in Place programs, as well as Special Interest Groups. Programs are offered online and in person at 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 Dec. 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.

Compassionate Choices at the End of Life: Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED)

East Age Well Center, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2:30–4 p.m.

No Fee.

This program will begin with a 30-minute film titled “Dying Wish: A Doctor’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking”. Participants will leave with information and resources, including websites and book titles for further information. Facilitators Diane Hullet and Margaret Kane are end-of-life educators and doulas.

AARP Driver Safety Course

East Age Well Center, Thursday, Dec. 12, 8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Fees: $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members is paid directly to the instructor the day of the class. Cash or check only. No credit cards.

Participants will learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate their vehicles more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. Registration is required and space is limited. Register now by calling 303-413-7290.

NEW! CRAFTS: Dichroic Fused Glass Art Workshop

West Age Well Center, Monday, Dec. 16, 2–3:30 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Each participant will be guided to create two one-of-a-kind glass pendants or magnets. Finished pieces are kiln fired at the Sweet Glass Art studio and returned to the Age Well Center for pickup. Instructor: Melissa Sweetser is a Boulder native with over 10 years of experience in glass art.

3^rd Law Dance/Theater’s In Motion

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

No Fee.   

These movement classes for people living with Parkinson’ but benefit anyone with mobility concerns. Classes welcome and include older adults 60+ of all abilities and care-partners

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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.

Holiday Mixed Media Art Class

Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8 p.m.

The fee is $36 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

Looking to craft something heartfelt and handmade for the holidays? Join us for a creative session where we will explore the unique qualities of gelli plates and monoprints to create handmade holiday cards and paper ornaments. All supplies are provided.

Bingo

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 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.

Holiday Lights Bus Tour – Easy

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5-10 p.m.

Register by Dec. 3 The fee is $24 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

Join us for a driving tour of this year’s best holiday light displays in the Denver area. Take in all the magic and cheer of this festive time of year from the comfort of the shuttle. Fee includes transportation lights tour. Dinner is on your own.

Movies Together

Friday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.

Register by Dec. 16. The fee is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents.

Enjoy 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. Social time begins at 12:30 p.m.

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.

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 Holiday Luncheon

Wednesday, Dec. 11, Noon-1 p.m.

The meal is free with a suggested donation of $4.25. Register with #38042-1 for a non-vegetarian meal and #38042-2 for a vegetarian meal.

Let’s celebrate the holidays together this year with a Holiday Luncheon! There will be ham, cheesy potatoes, caramelized carrots, banana, and a roll. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share with your table. Featuring roaming carolers! Register at www.louisvillerecreation.com or 303-666-7400.