Winter 2023

In this issue: Daylight Savings Time & Alzheimer's • The Importance of Vitamin D
Stocking Your Pantry and Freezer for Winter • Power Outage Preparedness
Case Management Agency Updates • AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program 
Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Daylight Savings Time & Alzheimer's

For most people, the end of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, Nov. 5, means an extra hour of sleep. But for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, it may accelerate the disorientation that comes with “sundowning” that can last through the winter months.

For the more than 160,000 Colorado family members who serve as unpaid caregivers for 76,000 loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, the time change and prolonged hours of darkness provide a caution that they may see behavioral changes in their loved ones in the weeks and months ahead.

What is sundowning?

The term sundowning covers a group of symptoms that often occurs in people with dementia. Those symptoms can include anxiety, sadness, restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, sudden mood swings, increased confusion and energy surges. Sundowning generally occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours, and may be associated with disruption in the sleep and wake cycles, which the Daylight Savings Time change will exacerbate.

“While the cause of sundowning is unclear, there are steps that families can take to help manage sundowning in their loved one,” said Jeff Bird, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “The more we understand about sundowning, the better we can help our loved ones cope with the discomfort it can cause them.”

Tips for coping with sundowning

Following are tips that the Alzheimer’s Association offers to caregivers to help them manage sundowning in their loved ones:

• Get plenty of rest so you, the caregiver, are less likely to exhibit unintended nonverbal behavior, which can inadvertently contribute to the stress level of the person living with Alzheimer’s. People living with dementia have a very sensitive emotional radar and readily pick up the feelings of those around them. Try to always promote a sense of safety and security.
• Schedule activities, such as doctor appointments, trips and bathing, in the morning or early afternoon when the person living with dementia is more alert.
• Make notes about what happens before sundowning events and try to identify triggers.
• Reduce stimulation during the evening hours (e.g. TV, doing chores, loud music, etc.). These distractions may add to the person’s confusion.
• Offer a larger meal at lunch and keep the evening meal lighter.
• Keep the home well-lit in the evening. Adequate lighting may reduce the person’s confusion.
• Do not physically restrain the person. It can make agitation worse.
• Allow the person to pace back and forth, as needed, under supervision.
• Exercise during the day is a wonderful way for the person to expend their energy. Take a walk in the park together or maybe play some music and clear a space to dance. Taking a walk with the person is also a good way to help reduce his or her restlessness.
• Talk to your physician about the best times of day for taking medication.
• When behavioral interventions and environmental changes do not work, discuss the situation with your doctor.

Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh-leading cause of death of people in the United States. More than 6.7 million Americans are living with the disease, which currently has no prevention or cure. All programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association are provided to families at no charge, including a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) staffed by trained professionals. To learn more, go to www.alz.org. 

(Source: https://www.alz.org/co/news/daylight-savings-time-alzheimer-s)

The Importance of Vitamin D

by Jessi Like, Friendly Fork Dietitian

Vitamin D is called “the sunshine vitamin” because our bodies create vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is a nutrient with many important roles within the body. It is involved in immune response, cell growth, muscle movement, strengthening bones and teeth, and more.

For individuals living in northern states, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from the sun. During the winter in northern Colorado, the sun’s rays may not be strong enough to trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Additionally, little skin is exposed when we bundle up for cold weather.

The best source of vitamin D comes from the sun’s UV rays; however, you can also consume vitamin D from a few select foods. Egg yolks and oily fish, such as trout, salmon, sardines, and tuna, naturally contain vitamin D. Other foods are fortified with vitamin D, meaning this nutrient is added during processing. Foods commonly fortified with vitamin D include cow’s milk, soy milk, and breakfast cereals. Check out the nutrition facts label to see how much vitamin D is in your milk or cereal.

Researchers are working to discover how vitamin D affects our health and how much we need to get daily for optimal health. Some studies suggest that getting enough vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune conditions, diabetes, hip fractures, and certain cancers.

As we age, our requirement for vitamin D goes up. This is because after 70 years of age, the body makes 50-75% less vitamin D compared to a 20-year-old. The Food and Nutrition Board has set a guideline, called the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), that tells how much vitamin D an individual likely needs for good health. For individuals 51-70 years old, the RDA is set at 15 mcg or 600 IU. For adults over 70 years of age, the RDA is 20 mcg or 800 IU.

Many health care professionals recommend a vitamin D3 supplement to meet these needs; however, it is important to be aware of how much vitamin D the supplement contains. Consuming too much vitamin D can be harmful. It is always a good idea to speak with a trusted physician before starting any nutritional supplement.

Stocking Your Pantry and Freezer
for the Winter

Pantry Items:

• Dry Beans & Legumes
  • Lentils, peas, black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.
• Whole Grains
  • Oats
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Brown rice / wild rice
• Canned Vegetables
  • Look for low-sodium or “no salt added”
  • Diced tomatoes, green beans, corn, peas, carrots, etc.
• Canned / Shelf-Stable Fish
  • Tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies
• Canned Fruit
  • Look for “packed in 100% fruit juice”
  • Avoid fruits that are packed in syrup
• Dried Fruit
• Heart Healthy Cooking Oils
  • Olive, avocado, vegetable oil
• Nuts & Seeds
• Olives

Freezer Items:

• Fruit
  • Berries, peaches, pineapple, cherries, mangoes, etc.
• Vegetables
  • Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, edamame, spinach, corn, mixed vegetables, etc.
  • Steam-in-bag can be a convenient option
  • Avoid packages containing sauces as these will provide additional sodium and calories
• Meats
  • Chicken, ground beef, turkey, fish, seafood, steak, pork, etc.
• Grains
  • Freeze partial loaves of bread to reduce waste
  • 100% whole wheat or whole grain bread, sourdough bread / rolls, whole grain tortillas

Winter Safety Supplies for
Power Outages

Supplies:

• 1-2 flashlights
• Extra batteries of all sizes
• Emergency candles
• Matches
• Medications & medical devices
• First-Aid (stocked)
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra blankets & warm clothing
• Battery operated radio
• Full tank of gas in car(s)
• Portable power bank for phone
• Wood for fireplace
• Heating fuel, oil or propane
• Snow shovel
• Non-clumping cat litter (great for getting a car out of deep snow)

Food Items:

• Bottled water
• Protein shakes or bars
• Nuts, peanut butter, crackers
• Canned tuna/chicken
• Dried meats, vegetables, fruit
• Manual can opener
• Extra food for pets

Did you know that you can build a heat source out of 2 terracotta pots and tea light candles? For a short video on how to make one using household items, click this link. If the power goes out, find a central room to stay in. Close all doors to rooms that aren’t being used to keep as much heat in one room as possible. You can also use painters tarps and tape to put over windows to help keep the heat in.

Case Management Agency

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has been designated as the Case Management Agency (CMA) for Weld County. While some of these functions have historically resided within the AAA, the CMA designation will require AAA to expand to determine eligibility and provide case management for all long-term care programs for the aging population as well as youth and adults living with disabilities. The AAA leadership team has been working through several processes in preparation for the transition officially occurring March 1, 2024. You can find more information on the Healthcare Policy and Finance website here.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking for compassionate, friendly people to join our team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Tax-Aide is a free program that makes it easier for older taxpayers to file their tax returns. Neighbors like you help prepare tax returns or serve in other ways, like organizing client paperwork, managing computer equipment, acting as interpreters, or making sure everything runs smoothly. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is seeking new volunteers for our Greeley and Eaton locations. If you have computer skills, are comfortable learning tax rules, and are available weekdays during business hours, we'd love to have you. There’s a role for everyone. You can volunteer in person or virtually. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer.

AARP Offering Free Tax Preparation in Greeley and Eaton

AARP offers free tax preparation in Greeley and Eaton. Tax-Aide is available to all ages but emphasizes low-income residents and those over 60. AARP membership is not required. Federal and State taxes are electronically filed only by our IRS certified volunteers. Appointments are required; we do not serve walk ins. The first available appointments begin February 1 and continue through April 11. 

For Greeley, call (970) 584-0144 starting the last week of January to schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The High Plains Library District Administration has donated a room for our use at 2650 W. 29th Street.

For Eaton, call The Eaton Public Library at (970) 454-2189 to schedule. A few complicated tax requirements, such as depreciation, out of state, or business use of home, are not in the scope of our training. If you have an unusual situation, leave a message and someone will return your call to inform you whether you qualify for our services.

Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

The 2023-24 LEAP season is now open.
Applications are accepted until April 30, 2024.

About LEAP

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Our goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to your home and family by assisting with heating costs.

The LEAP program works to keep our communities warm during the winter (November through April) by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating tools. While the program is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, we aim to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado's colder months.

In most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. In most cases, if you are approved for LEAP, payments are made directly to your primary heating fuel vendor and a notice will be sent to you informing you of the benefit amount. Other benefits provided by LEAP include repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. The program does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or portable heating.

LEAP Eligibility

If your income is up to 60% of the state median income level, you may qualify for heating assistance through LEAP. The state median income level used for the 2023-24 LEAP season was released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in July 2023. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the primary heating fuel costs and income.

How to Apply

To apply for LEAP, you can submit an application several ways starting Nov 1st through April 30th:

• Apply online on the Colorado PEAK website starting Nov 1st.
• Click on links below to download a LEAP application and drop it off at your local human services office, or mail/email it to your county/contractor to process. For contact information, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). You can also find your county's mailing address in this contact list.
• Click here for the LEAP English Application and Information Sheet.
• Click here for the LEAP Spanish Application and Information Sheet. 
• To request a paper application mailed to your please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)
• If you are having a heating emergency, please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply over the phone.

Application Checklist

Delays in processing time most often relate to incomplete applications. Use the checklist below to ensure you submit all necessary information and paperwork.

• I have answered all the questions in each section of the application.
• I have enclosed a readable copy of lawful presence documentation for myself and my household members born outside of the U.S.
• Social Security numbers and birth dates for all members of my household have been included on the application.
• Proof of all monthly household income (pay stubs, award letters, loans, etc.) has been attached with the application.
• I have attached receipts for all expenses claimed on my profit and loss statement for self-employment income. 
• A copy of my most recent heating bill has been enclosed with the application (if you pay your heat as part of your rent, include a copy of your most recent rent receipt).
• I have signed my application.
• I have double-checked that I am submitting my application to the correct county LEAP office.
• If my county LEAP office can accept email, I have scanned my application and all required paperwork and have attached the files to the email.