COA MAY 2007 Evergreen newsletter
WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK
The Telephone Assurance Program has been started to provide a much-needed link to the community to individuals who are restricted in being able to get about.
Through a weekly half-hour phone call from your home or workplace as a T.A.P. volunteer you can provide a welcome relationship with a neighbor.
For information, please ask for Frank McDonough at the Westport COA, 508-636-1026, or e-mail him at coavolunteers@westport-ma.gov.
BCBS of MA joins AARP and Banker’s in offering continuous open enrollment for its MediGAP products.
With health insurance costs rising, there are State programs available that may provide some assistance in paying for Medicare-associated premiums. Contact the SHINE counselor for more details.
Tuesday, May 15th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
T’ai Chi—all geared to people 60 years of age and over.
Thursday, May 3rd, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers. Transportation is available.
Did you know that one minute of laughter is as beneficial to your body as ten minutes of aerobic exercises? That’s why if you come by the Social Day room we are always laughing – we love that kind of exercise!
March and April were very busy months for our folks – celebrating St. Patrick’s Day through the delightful music of Mark Deschenes, and preparing for Easter with our various art projects, including making papier-mâché bunnies and wooden baskets filled with a variety of treats from Peter Rabbit.
One afternoon Lt. Brian from the Westport Fire Department came by to present an informative program on the need for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. We are looking forward to his return visit in May when he will discuss in detail the subject of fire prevention.
On a rainy day in April, some of us went to Me & Ed’s in
New Bedford to enjoy a leisurely luncheon. The conversation was as enjoyable as the food.
With the warm weather right around the corner, we are hoping to plan several more outings as well as getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine. If you have some spare time, stop by and have a chat with us. We love to have visitors come in to admire our many projects.
2. Talk with someone about building strong bones.
3. Bring a calcium-risk snack to work and share with co-workers.
4. Go dancing.
5. Quit smoking or encourage others to do so.
6. Share a calcium-rich recipe.
7. Try a high-calcium vegetable like broccoli, collard greens, or bok choy.
8. Take a friend for a walk.
9. Try tofu.
10.Organize a sports team.
· Do I have difficulty turning around to see over my shoulder while backing up or changing lanes?
· Do I take more time to respond to situations on the road?
· Do I get physically exhausted while driving?
· Do I keep riding the brake?
· Do I get easily distracted while behind the wheel?
· Do my thoughts wander while driving?
· Are people constantly honking at me?
· Do I perceive signals incorrectly?
· Do I forget to give the appropriate signal?
· Do I hit curbs while parking?
· Do I fail to notice activities at the side of the road?
· Have I had any near-misses recently?
· Do I move into the wrong lane?
· Do I display bad judgment when making left turns?
· Do I get confused at exits?
· Do my friends and family members avoid riding with me?
The Assistive Technology Exchange of New England offers any device that helps a person with a disability to live more independently or safely. Supplies and equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen equipment, and catheters will be not accepted. Items posing hygiene or safety risks also will not be listed.
The goal of the AT Exchange in NE is to put equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. People from states outside NE can list. The listings on the Exchange will include items for vision, hearing, speech communication, learning, cognitive, developmental, mobility, seating and positioning, daily living, environmental adaptations, transportation and vehicle modifications, computers, recreational, sports and leisure. The Exchange is not for vendors or distributors, it is for the individual who has an item, or is looking for an item. Companies are welcome to donate equipment.
Anyone can browse the AT Exchange on the internet, but to sell or buy, you first have to register, which is easy to do. Each person who signs up gets a unique user name and password. Every listing submitted is reviewed by a staff person at the Exchange for approval. Staff at the AT Exchange can help review current listings for you, or post items on your behalf. You must update your listing at least once every 90 days, or it will be removed from the Exchange. Items posted within the last 7 days are identified with a “new” symbol.
You can even search for items that have been added within the past 7, 14, or 30 days. Currently, there is only one item on the Exchange: a wheelchair for $150 offered by someone in Hanover, Massachusetts. But check out this new service, and spread the word. In a few months, you may find something you really need for a loved one, or a friend.
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the
Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
Read carefully all of the contents in this issue of “Evergreen”.
There is always a need for volunteers, the more the merrier. Read also about plans for expansion of the facility.
The new Westport TelephoneBook will be ready for distribution this summer. Watch for it in your mail box. Finally, there is a constant drive for new members of the Friends. Please join and make your efforts felt at 75 Reed Road.
--Peter C. Forrester, Vice President, FWCOA
The 8th annual National Women's Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day, May 13, and will be celebrated until May 19. With so many things to do and others to take care of, it is all too easy for women to forget about their own health. National Women’s Health Week is a time to change that. With the theme “It’s Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit,” National Women’s Health Week urges women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life and brings groups across America together to make women’s health a top priority. On National Women’s Check-Up Day, Monday, May 14, women across the country are encouraged to visit their doctor. Check out www.womenshealth.gov/whw for local events in your area and for more information on how you can participate in National Women’s Health Week or contact Elizabeth Osborn at eosborn@hagersharp.com or 202-842-3600 x261.
PODIATRY CLINIC The next foot clinic at the office of Dr. Spiri in Somerset will be held on Thursday, May 10. This visit is for routine nail cutting only. If you would like to schedule an appointment and transportation, contact the Council on Aging by May 4th.
HELP US HELP YOU! The Westport COA is looking for a few good volunteers to help Westport seniors to remain independent in their homes.
The Telephone Assurance Program has been started to provide a much-needed link to the community to individuals who are restricted in being able to get about.
Through a weekly half-hour phone call from your home or workplace as a T.A.P. volunteer you can provide a welcome relationship with a neighbor.
For information, please ask for Frank McDonough at the Westport COA, 508-636-1026, or e-mail him at coavolunteers@westport-ma.gov.
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS—OPEN ENROLLMENT
BCBS of MA joins AARP and Banker’s in offering continuous open enrollment for its MediGAP products.
With health insurance costs rising, there are State programs available that may provide some assistance in paying for Medicare-associated premiums. Contact the SHINE counselor for more details.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 15th, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
BOOKS ON TAPE--Wide selection available.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER--To help read documents more easily.
FITNESS PROGRAMS—Sign up for Aerobics, Balance and Movement, Osteoporosis Prevention Weight-Training,
T’ai Chi—all geared to people 60 years of age and over.
AGING SMARTER WITH EXERCISE – A lifelong habit of regular exercise may keep you on your toes mentally. Some researchers speculate the decline of mental and physical energy as we age may be linked to a decline in our central nervous system’s efficiency, which may be affected by circulation to the brain. So physical exercise, which is known to improve the efficiency of circulation in older people, might help keep the cognitive skills fresh.
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR THE ELDERLY – Eighty- and ninety-year olds in sweat clothes is probably not what most people envision when they think about pumping iron. But weight training has worked wonders for residents in rehabilitation centers. Before embarking on an exercise program, check with your health care provider. Patients whose initial evaluation reveals no symptoms or illnesses that preclude exercise can work with the doctor to determine what type of program will work best for them.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL for Westport residents, 60 years of age and over to the network of services available to elders. WCOA is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
SERVING THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF ELDERS (S.H.I.N.E.)--information about Medicare, supplements, MassHealth. Phone consultations and one-on-one appointments.
TRANSPORTATION for Westport’s elders, and handicapped persons of all ages, Monday - Friday, to area appointments scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Minimum 48-hour notice required.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, May 3rd, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Join us each month as we share information on understanding and coping with behavioral problems and learn about accessing local resources for caregivers. Transportation is available.
SENIOR SOCIAL DAY PROGRAM N E W S
Did you know that one minute of laughter is as beneficial to your body as ten minutes of aerobic exercises? That’s why if you come by the Social Day room we are always laughing – we love that kind of exercise!
March and April were very busy months for our folks – celebrating St. Patrick’s Day through the delightful music of Mark Deschenes, and preparing for Easter with our various art projects, including making papier-mâché bunnies and wooden baskets filled with a variety of treats from Peter Rabbit.
One afternoon Lt. Brian from the Westport Fire Department came by to present an informative program on the need for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. We are looking forward to his return visit in May when he will discuss in detail the subject of fire prevention.
On a rainy day in April, some of us went to Me & Ed’s in
New Bedford to enjoy a leisurely luncheon. The conversation was as enjoyable as the food.
With the warm weather right around the corner, we are hoping to plan several more outings as well as getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine. If you have some spare time, stop by and have a chat with us. We love to have visitors come in to admire our many projects.
MAY IS OSTEO AWARENESS MONTH
THINGS TO DO FOR OSTEO AWARENESS MONTH FOR YOURSELF, FOR YOUR FAMILY, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.
1. Try calcium fortified OJ.
2. Talk with someone about building strong bones.
3. Bring a calcium-risk snack to work and share with co-workers.
4. Go dancing.
5. Quit smoking or encourage others to do so.
6. Share a calcium-rich recipe.
7. Try a high-calcium vegetable like broccoli, collard greens, or bok choy.
8. Take a friend for a walk.
9. Try tofu.
10.Organize a sports team.
AARP DRIVING SELF-ASSESSMENT
· Do I have less confidence while driving?
· Do I have difficulty turning around to see over my shoulder while backing up or changing lanes?
· Do I take more time to respond to situations on the road?
· Do I get physically exhausted while driving?
· Do I keep riding the brake?
· Do I get easily distracted while behind the wheel?
· Do my thoughts wander while driving?
· Are people constantly honking at me?
· Do I perceive signals incorrectly?
· Do I forget to give the appropriate signal?
· Do I hit curbs while parking?
· Do I fail to notice activities at the side of the road?
· Have I had any near-misses recently?
· Do I move into the wrong lane?
· Do I display bad judgment when making left turns?
· Do I get confused at exits?
· Do my friends and family members avoid riding with me?
Take the online self-assessment online for free at http://www.aarp.org/life/drive.
Eldercare Q & A --USED ELDERCARE EQUIPMENT
Q: Where can I buy & sell used home care equipment?
A: There is a new service on the internet that will allow people to buy and sell equipment for individuals with disabilities—with free listings. If you have some equipment that you no longer need—like a wheelchair, grab bar for the shower, hospital bed, tub seat, lift chair—there is now an “assistive technology website with free listings.
The Assistive Technology Exchange of New England offers any device that helps a person with a disability to live more independently or safely. Supplies and equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen equipment, and catheters will be not accepted. Items posing hygiene or safety risks also will not be listed.
The goal of the AT Exchange in NE is to put equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. People from states outside NE can list. The listings on the Exchange will include items for vision, hearing, speech communication, learning, cognitive, developmental, mobility, seating and positioning, daily living, environmental adaptations, transportation and vehicle modifications, computers, recreational, sports and leisure. The Exchange is not for vendors or distributors, it is for the individual who has an item, or is looking for an item. Companies are welcome to donate equipment.
Anyone can browse the AT Exchange on the internet, but to sell or buy, you first have to register, which is easy to do. Each person who signs up gets a unique user name and password. Every listing submitted is reviewed by a staff person at the Exchange for approval. Staff at the AT Exchange can help review current listings for you, or post items on your behalf. You must update your listing at least once every 90 days, or it will be removed from the Exchange. Items posted within the last 7 days are identified with a “new” symbol.
You can even search for items that have been added within the past 7, 14, or 30 days. Currently, there is only one item on the Exchange: a wheelchair for $150 offered by someone in Hanover, Massachusetts. But check out this new service, and spread the word. In a few months, you may find something you really need for a loved one, or a friend.
To contact The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England, go to their website at http://www.getatstuff.com / or, you can reach them by email at ATinMA@getatstuff.com or by phone toll free 1-866-682-9955 (instate), 1-617-204-3851 (voice),
1-617-204-3815 (TTY), 1-617-204-3887 (fax).--Bristol Elder Services I & E
FRIENDS OF THE WESTPORT
COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.
Supporting the
Senior Center
P. O. Box N-192
Westport, MA 02790
There are many things going on at your Senior Center located at 75 Reed Road in Westport. If there is a chance you haven’t been there, please make an effort to go and visit. There are great programs and great people.
Read carefully all of the contents in this issue of “Evergreen”.
There is always a need for volunteers, the more the merrier. Read also about plans for expansion of the facility.
The new Westport TelephoneBook will be ready for distribution this summer. Watch for it in your mail box. Finally, there is a constant drive for new members of the Friends. Please join and make your efforts felt at 75 Reed Road.
--Peter C. Forrester, Vice President, FWCOA
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