GaGen 2004 Summer

Also in This Issue:■ Awarding Senior Advocates■ A Look at Georgia’s AAAs

RecipeFull Life

ModifyingHOME

for

a

to Fit YourYour

LIFESTYLE

GenerationsGeorgia

Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

TMSummer 2004

2 Georgia Generations

Northwest GeorgiaLegacy LinkAtlanta Regional

CommissionSouthern CrescentNortheast GeorgiaLower ChattahoocheeMiddle GeorgiaCentral Savannah RiverHeart of Georgia

AltamahaSouthwest GeorgiaSoutheast GeorgiaCoastal Georgia

Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources

123

54

78

6

9

12

1011

1

10

Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state.They are:

2

35

4

7

8

69

12

11

SUMMER 2004 Published quarterlythrough a cooperative effort of Georgia’sArea Agencies on Aging.

For information contact:Atlanta Regional CommissionAging Services Division40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA [email protected]

Editorial Project Development:JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA

Design and Production:Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA

Georgia Generations is a:

On the Cover:Dinner’s ready, and Geneva BlackshearGant of Marietta has easy access to thisside-opening oven installed at wheelchairheight. For more ideas on how homes canbe modified to fit individual needs, turnto page 4.

Cover photography shot at All in One Accessibility, Marietta.

Cover and feature photography byAnne Ledbetter.

GenerationsGeorgia

Summer 2004, Volume 3, #4 © 2004 bythe Atlanta Regional Commission. Theinformation contained herein has beenobtained from sources believed to bereliable. However, the Atlanta RegionalCommission and JAM Communicationsmake no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any meanswithout written permission. All rightsreserved.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the OlderAmericans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adultsage 60 and over in every community. To read more about each ofGeorgia’s AAAs and the services available, turn to a statewidemap and news from each agency, beginning on page 10.

S

Fall 2003 3

&NEWS NOTESCAREGIVING

Surfing the Net

Each issue of Georgia Generationsoffers several Web sites devoted to

caregiving information andresources:

www.go60.com focuses onaging wisely and successfully. It

offers a wide range of seniors news,thought-provoking articles, how-to tips, travel advice

and an online pharmacy. www.familycareamerica.com works with corporate and

community partners and employers nationwide, helpingfamily caregivers to help themselves and their loved ones.

Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue ofGeorgia Generations.

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits

Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387

Report suspected fraud and errors.Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation.

BITEFIGHTTHE

Identity theft continues to beone of the fastest growing

crimes in the country — andseniors are especially vulnera-ble. One reason is that perpe-trators find seniors moretrustworthy than younger tar-gets; therefore gaining accessto seniors’ personal informa-tion is often easier.

These thieves know how tohack into computers for infor-mation. They also steal creditreports, wallets and purses,

mail and credit or debit cardnumbers. They might evenrummage through your trash!

How can you safeguard youridentity? Monitor the balancesof your checking, savings andcredit card accounts. Look forwithdrawals or charges thatyou don’t recognize. Be awareof bills you should havereceived but have not. If youreceive credit cards that youdid not apply for, act immedi-ately to close those accounts.Finally, denial of credit for noapparent reason could also bean indication of identity theft.

Test your knowledge of good exercise habitswith this true/false quiz:1. Recommended levels of activity decreasefor individuals as they age.2. Even with regular exercise, it is not possible for older adults to be as fit asyoung people.3. A long, brisk walk each day is enough tostay healthy.4. Before beginning an exercise program,you should consult your doctor.

1. False. Recommendations do not vary by age. Everyone who can should aim for moderate exercise daily and vigorous activ-ity at least once a week.2. False. If you stay fit, your body can per-form even better than someone youngerwho is unfit.3. False. Walking is good aerobic exercise,but research indicates you also needstrength training and stretching to stay fit.4. True. Your doctor should examine the stateof your health and check for any limitations.

Exercise facts fictionVS

moking is strongly associated with colon cancer,according to a study reported in the Journal of theAmerican Medical Association. Inadequate intake ofvitamin D and of dietary fiber is also linked to thedisease. The study involved over 3,000 individualsage 50 to 75. Current smokers were at double therisk compared to nonsmokers. On the positive side,factors that reduce the chance of colon cancerincluded having a diet rich in fiber and vitamin D.

The Risks of Colon Cancer

The risk of severe illness and death from West Nile Virus is highest for people over 50 years of age, according to the Centers for DiseaseControl. Avoiding mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease. Here are four important tips to follow:

■ Apply insect repellent con-taining DEET and follow alllabel directions.

■ Mosquito-proof your home —drain standing water andhave well-fitting screens.

■ Wear protective clothing whenoutdoors — light-colored,long-sleeve shirts, long pantsand socks.

■ Be aware of peak mosquitohours from dusk to dawn.

Scam Alert

BITE


By Martha Nolan McKenzie

When Wilhelmina Jackson bought herhouse 37 years ago, it was perfect

for her and her young family. She and herhusband lived most of their married lifein the three-bedroom Augusta home, andthey raised their son there.

Today the house is not so perfect forJackson. With her son grown and movedaway and her husband deceased, she livesalone now. Back surgeries have confinedthe 64-year-old to a wheelchair, so she canno longer make it down her front stepswithout assistance. And since she can’t liftherself in and out of the bathtub, she hashad to give up baths in favor of showers.

Happily, Jackson was able to get mod-ifications made to her home through theCentral Savannah River Area Agency onAging and Walton Options for Indepen-dent Living. A team of volunteers built aramp, enlarged her bathroom door andinstalled grab bars in the bath and overthe toilet.

“I feel so blessed,” said Jackson. “NowI can get in and out of my house by myself,and I can take a bath again. I do like tosoak in my bath. And most of all, I canstay in this home and be independent.”

Jackson’s situation mirrors a wide-spread and growing problem. Seniorsacross the country are living in homesthat suited them well when they wereyoung and able-bodied — when stairs,bathtubs and doorways were mere fea-tures instead of insurmountable hurdles.But now those homes that were so ideal


“I feel so blessed... I can stay in thishome and be independent.”

Wilhelmina Jackson of Augusta

Summer 2004 5

for raising children are increasingly hard to navigate witharthritic hips, imperfect balance and clouded vision.

“The majority of the housing stock in this country is over30 years old,” said Rebecca Stahr, president of Life SpringEnvirons, an Atlanta design firmspecializing in the needs of the50-plus population. “It was builtfor returning soldiers. As peoplehave gotten older, they havedeveloped ways to cope with liv-ing in houses that are no longersuited for them, but this can leadto accidents and injuries.”

When they run out of copingstrategies, many seniors areforced to move — either into anew home (see page 6), in withadult children or into an assisted-living facility or nursing home.Most don’t want to go. A recentAARP survey showed that 89 per-cent of homeowners want toremain in their own homes.

For these homeowners, thegood news is that there are aburgeoning number of productsand modifications that can maketheir home accessible and senior-friendly. They range from theelaborate and expensive, such asadding home elevators, to thesimple and inexpensive, such asreplacing door knobs with levers.The bad news is most seniors are reluctant to admit they needhelp, and even if they do, they don’t know what they need orwhat is out there.

“People may be in dire need of help, but they’ve been cop-ing and they figure they can continue to make do,” said Stahr.

“But they don’t have to. The goal is to have the house adapt tothe person rather than the person adapt to the house.”

Though they are in the minority, some homeowners havegotten that message loud and clear and have begun making

modifications beforethey even needthem. Dr. CecilWhitaker and hiswife, Terry, havelived in their two-story Columbushome for 34 years.At 67 and 65respectively, Ceciland Terry are bothactive and healthy.However, after car-ing first for Terry’smother and thenCecil’s mother intheir home, theyglimpsed a future inwhich they mightneed more help.

So they added amaster bedroomand bath on themain floor. Thoughthey didn’t installgrab bars in thebath, they wentahead and had rein-forcements put in

the walls so they will be able to add them if they need to. Theyalso remodeled the kitchen, installing pull-out drawers in allof the cabinets.

“These changes have made a big difference in our livabil-ity,” said Whitaker. “We don’t have to bend over and drag

Adapting to meet your needs

This free-standing in-home elevator was installed in a living room andoffers easy access to a lower floor in the house.

things out of the cabinet to get to them. We haven’t moved intothe downstairs bedroom yet, but it’s nice to know it’s there, ifand when we need it.”

Homeowners like the Whitakers are few and far between.Most are reluctant to admit they need help in their home.“People rarely, if ever, call and say, ‘I want to make thischange so I can age here,’” said Rob Barefield, general man-ager of HoBart Builders, which did the modifications to theWhitakers’ home. “They just call and want to remodel, and I make sure the changes they make are age-friendly.”

Catherine Ivy agrees. The director of care management forthe Visiting Nurse Health System in Atlanta, Ivy works withlower-income seniors in their homes. “Frequently, older peoplecover up their needs to family members,” said Ivy. “They areafraid they will lose their homes and be institutionalized. Andeven if they do admit they need something, they usually haveno idea what it is.”

If seniors are confused about what types of modificationsthey need, so are builders, remodelers and even health aides.That’s because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “No oneages in the same way,” said Scott Ball, executive director ofthe Community Housing Resource Center (CHRC), an Atlanta-based nonprofit housing community development agency.“Everyone deals with mobility, memory and vision issues indifferent ways. Everyone’s house is different. Modificationsneed to be done on a very individualized basis.”

That means a qualified assessment by someone whounderstands the issues and concerns of seniors is a criticalcomponent in the home modification equation. The NationalAssociation of Home Builders Remodelors Council recently

created a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) designa-tion to address that need. Developed in conjunction with AARP,the CAPS program puts builders and remodelers through athree-day training course to educate them about the uniqueconcerns of seniors. As part of the course, participants donearplugs and Vaseline-smeared glasses and put socks on theirhands with a tennis ball in the palm to simulate the effects ofhearing loss, vision loss and arthritis. Then they try to operatetraditional kitchen appliances, negotiate stairs and visit thebathroom. They are also brought up to speed on the productsavailable to make such tasks simpler.

In Atlanta, a unique assessment project is underway byCHRC in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commissionand the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Representativesfrom CHRC and from the Visiting Nurse Health System meetwith low-income seniors in their homes and evaluate theirhousing and health needs simultaneously. “Funding for hous-ing and for health needs comes from two different governmen-tal sources, so they traditionally don’t overlap,” said Ball. “But housing and health are linked, and to look at one withoutthe other doesn’t solve the problem. For example, a seniormight be getting home health care funds but he’s living in ahouse with broken windows. What he needs is money to havethe windows fixed so he can stay warm. Or a senior mightthink he needs a lot of home modifications because he isprone to falling a lot, but his balance problem stems fromimbalanced medication. You need to look at the whole picture— the individual, his health and his house — to develop atruly workable solution.”

Once seniors recognize that they need home modificationsand find a reliable source to assess their situation, they stillhave to grapple with how to pay for the changes. The bulk ofhome modifications are paid for out-of-pocket, but there areseveral assistance programs around the state, such as the part-nership between Central Savannah River Area Agency on Agingand Walton Options for Independent Living in Augusta. Anothersuch program, Rebuilding Together Macon, repairs and modifieshomes for low-income seniors. “We can do adaptive toilets, grabbars in the bathrooms and ramps, and we also do a lot of gen-eral maintenance,” said Debra Rollins, executive director of thenonprofit volunteer organization. “A lot of these houses havedeteriorated quite a bit, and the owner can’t pay for repairs.”

Margaret Crockett of Macon was able to get a ramp addedto her home through the organization. Now the 68-year-oldCrockett can roll her wheelchair in and out of her house byherself. “What a difference that has made,” said Crockett.“Lord help me, I’ve never had anything better than that ramp.”

For middle- and upper-income seniors, however, there areno funding sources for home modifications. And changes canbe quite expensive. Installing grab bars in a bath can rangefrom $150 to $3,000, depending on the degree of workrequired. Ramps can run around $3,000. Converting a bathtubto a roll-in shower would start at around $3,000 and go up.And an in-home elevator costs between $30,000 and $50,000.

Pricey, to be sure, but consider the alternatives. A nursinghome, for example, may cost between $1,800 and $5,000 a

EasyLiving Homes A small but growing number of seniors and soon-to-be-seniors are

deciding it’s easier to buy a new house rather than try to remaketheir old one to fit their changing needs. These buyers are flockingtoward universal design homes, which are fashioned to increase theusability of the home by people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Basic fea-tures such as zero-step entrances, wide doorways and one-level livingallow the homeowner to live independently for as long as possible.

In Georgia, the Homebuilders Association of Georgia teamed up with Concrete Change and a host of partners, including theAtlanta Regional Commission, to create EasyLiving Homes, a certi-fication program for builders. In addition to the features listedabove, EasyLiving Homes offer levers on doors and cabinetsinstead of knobs, raised appliances and electrical outlets, under-counter lighting and higher toilets.

“We have 26 builders who have signed up so far,” said Bonnie Bonham, program director for EasyLiving Homes. “We have about 50certified homes and about 600 in various stages of production.”

Later this year, EasyLiving Homes will go national, replicating theprogram in other states.

“These types of homes are not only better for seniors,” said Bonham. “They are better for everyone.”


month. And a debilitating fall from a slippery bathtub or downsteep stairs could end up costing even more.

There are plenty of changes seniors can make that areaffordable. “Not all modifications have to be that expensive,”said Shelly Wender, senior aging services specialist at theAtlanta Regional Commission. “Additional lighting in rooms canhelp those with vision problems. Replacing knobs with levers canmake it easier for people with arthritis. Raising the dishwashercan reduce the amount of bending. There are a lot of things thatcan make a house more accessible that aren’t expensive.”

Oftentimes it is the adult child who is making the homemodifications in order to move an aging parent into his or herhome. Caregivers in this situation have many of the samequestions as their parents — what do they need, where dothey find it and how do they pay for it? But, in most areas ofthe state, they face an additional hurdle.

“In most communities, it is illegal to add an apartment oran in-law suite onto your house,” said Ortrude White, an archi-tect with Ortrude White and Associates in Atlanta. “The rea-son is people don’t want renters in their neighborhoods. Butthere are so many reasons why it’s good for seniors — and forsociety — to have the option of living that way. A senior couldrent out an apartment to a younger person, who could do theyard work and help with repairs. And, of course, adult chil-dren could bring their parents to live with them, but allow thesenior some independence and privacy by having his or herown room, bath and kitchen.”

Caregivers also need to balance their own needs withthose of their parent. Lower kitchen countertops might workwell for a senior in a wheelchair, but not so well for an able-bodied adult. A high toilet might be more comfortable forgrandma, but difficult for a young grandchild to use.

“In a caregiver situation, you have a delicate balancing actwhen it comes to home modifications,” said Stahr.

Caregivers and seniors alike are likely to be concernedwith resale values of their homes once the modifications aremade. Happily, modifications have come a long way from thedays of steel grab bars.

“I specialize in making it not look institutional,” said Barbaro Ponce, owner of Adapted Living Spaces, an Atlantaremodeling firm specializing in home modifications. “I makeeverything blend with the decor of the home, as much as possible. You can even landscape around ramps to make themmore attractive.”

When making modifications, seniors and caregivers have animpressive array of products from which to choose. The handi-capped market has actually driven most of the innovations,and it still accounts for the bulk of sales in many of theseproducts. But seniors can profit from these developments.

In the bathroom, for example, not only can you purchasehigher toilets (originally called handicapped toilets and nowdubbed “comfort height” and “right height”), you can get anautomatic toilet seat that raises you back to standing position.You can now get bathtubs with doors, so you can walk or rollin without having to step over the side. In the shower, you caninstall a showerhead that slides up and down on a bar andlifts off on a hose. An overhead lift can help move seniorswithin the bathroom. “We have a lift that is about the size of alarge bagel toaster and weighs about 18 pounds,” said JimKarl, CEO of All in One Accessibility, Inc., a full-service homerenovation and equipment supplier in Marietta. “With thisoverhead transfer system, a 12-year-old could move a 200-pound person by touching a button without risking a fall or aback injury.”

In the kitchen, side-opening ovens and roll-under cooktopswith knobs in the front rather than on the side can make cooking

Summer 2004 7

When Dr. William C. Collins and his wife, Jan,built their Atlanta home 30 years go, they

selected a flat lot, requested an entrance with fewsteps and included two master suites — one upstairsand one on the main floor with a walk-in shower.

“We did that because I was an only child withtwo aging parents, and we thought we might needto care for them at some point,” said Jan. “It didn’tdawn on us that we might need it for ourselves.”

Indeed, Jan’s parents did use the downstairs bed-room at various times when they were ill andneeded extra help. But four years ago, William, aretired orthopedic surgeon, began to suffer mus-cular deterioration that confined him to a walkerand a wheelchair. So the couple moved into thedownstairs bedroom, relinquishing the upstairs totheir adult daughter and her two sons.

They have added handrails at the front entranceand a ramp at the back, extra grab bars in the

bathroom and have portable lift seats throughoutthe house. But the addition they are happiest with is a hydraulic chair that can lift William, 66,in and out of their swimming pool.

“That is probably thebest thing we have doneand it has made all the difference in the world,”said Jan, 65. “His exercisesin the pool are the besttherapy for him, and now hecan get in and out easily. It’s a godsend.

“We’re so lucky that ourhouse was designed in such away that we can stay here,”she continued. “It was justserendipity, but it worked outwell for us.”

It’s Just Serendipity


Does your home meet your needs? For manyseniors and caregivers, the answer is no. Below isa checklist to determine the problem areas inyour home.

Windows / Doors■■ Are windows and doors easy to open and close?■■ Are doors wide enough for a walker or wheelchair? (Most doorways

are 24 inches, but 34- or 36-inch doorways are easier to navigate in awheelchair.)

■■ Is there space to maneuver when opening or closing doors? ■■ Are door thresholds raised too high?

Steps / Stairways / Walkways■■ Are they in good repair?■■ Are there handrails on both sides of the stairway?■■ Are the stair treads deep enough for your whole foot?■■ Would a ramp be feasible in any of these areas if it became necessary?

Appliances / Kitchen / Bath■■ Can oven and refrigerator be opened easily?■■ Are stove controls clearly marked and easy to use?■■ Is counter height good for you? ■■ Are cabinet doors easy to use?■■ Are faucets easy to use?■■ Can you get in and out of the tub and shower with ease?■■ Do you have a bath or shower seat?■■ Do you have grab bars where needed?

Electrical Outlets / Switches / Lighting■■ Are outlets and switches easy to turn on and off?■■ Are outlets properly grounded to prevent shock?■■ Is lighting bright enough for safety? ■■ Do you have night-lights where needed?

These modifications will enhance a homeowner’s safety, comfort andindependence:■ Lever door handles and faucet handles that operate easily with a push■ Adjustable closet rods■ A night-night in the bedroom■ No scatter rugs■ Handrails on both sides of staircases and outside steps■ Brighter staircase lighting■ Large rocker light switches that turn on/off with a push■ Electrical outlets 27 inches above the floor to reduce bending■ Peephole in panel on front door■ Walk-in shower with grab bars and portable or adjustable shower seat■ Handheld adjustable shower head■ Nonskid surface for bathtub and shower floor■ Grab bars by the toilet and tub■ Bathroom telephone that is reachable if you should fall■ Adjustable countertops or lower counter for work space in kitchen■ Rounded counter tops■ Sliding shelves in cupboards, lazy susan in corners■ First-floor bedroom and bath to allow living entirely on one level

if necessary— Compiled by AARP


possible for seniors confined to wheelchairs. Adjustable-heightsinks can be lowered or raised with the touch of a button toaccommodate people in wheelchairs and those standing.Multi-height countertops can be used by cooks of all ages, andcontrasting surface colors can help those with failing visionsee where a countertop begins and ends.

In two-story homes, stair lifts can connect on the side ofthe stairs to carry a senior from level to level. Or private ele-vators can be installed.

“There have been incredible advances in accessibility prod-ucts,” said Karl. “In the past, most of our customers were hand-icapped, but these products will help anyone with accessibilityissues and we are seeing more and more seniors come in.”

And the advances seem sure to keep coming. At GeorgiaInstitute of Technology, development is underway on computertechnology to support aging in place. The Aware Home projectwill combine a system of computers and sensors throughoutthe home to monitor, prompt and warn seniors as they gothrough their daily activities. For example, a memory supportaid will use cameras to record a senior’s movements.

Another element is a technology coach to help seniors usehome medical devices. “Look at a blood glucose monitor,” saidWendy Rogers, a professor of psychology who is working on

the project. “There are 54 steps involved to calibrate it, use itand get accurate results. We are developing a computer sys-tem that can recognize if the person did all the steps in theproper order, and if not, give feedback about what they’vedone wrong and how to correct it. There are going to be morehealth care devices used in homes and they are going to getmore complicated, so we think this has real potential.”

Looking aheadThe need for home modifications is only going to increase

as America’s population continues to age. Homeowners,builders, remodelers and designers would do well to makesure this country’s houses can accommodate the needs ofthese rising seniors.

“As people age, their functional abilities change,” saidStahr. “If their homes don’t keep up with those changes, itputs people at risk. Our houses were built for able-bodied peo-ple, but we have to remember that we are all only temporarilyabled.” GG

To find a CAPS remodeler, call the NAHB at 1-800-368-5242 or visitthe Web site at www.nahb.org.

To find assistance programs in your area, contact your Area Agencyon Aging office, listed in this magazine starting on page 10.

Home Assessment Checklist

By Melanie McNeil, Executive Director of the Georgia Council on Aging

Older adult advocates(age 60 and above)

from across the statewho have devoted timeand energy advocatingfor positive change at thelocal, state or federallevel were presentedwith the Advocating forPositive Change Award atthe Coalition of Advo-cates for Georgia’s Elderly(CO-AGE) meeting held in Cordele, Georgia, on April 22, 2004.The Georgia Council on Aging created this award to recognizerole models for local involvement, in the hope that others willbe encouraged to become advocates for issues concerningolder adults in their own communities.

Each Area Agency on Aging in the State of Georgia submitted the name of one individual worthy of recognition.At the CO-AGE meeting in Cordele, the advocates were presented with individual certificates, treated to lunch andreceived a warm round of applause as thanks for their devo-tion to advocating for positive change.

Senior advocates come from both urban and rural areas ofGeorgia. They find ways to advocate, no matter where theylive. Together, they demonstrate the many ways seniors canmake a positive change on the local and even federal level.Areas they work in include:

■ Serving on aging advisory councils for their local AAAs;

■ Participating in the Georgia Silver Haired Legislature;■ Providing public testimony at hearings on aging issues;■ Participating in CO-AGE;■ Working with elected officials on matters concerning

local senior centers and senior programming.Award recipients from each Area Agency on Aging are:

Warren Jones, Northwest GeorgiaLorene Lindsey, Atlanta Regional Commission Douglass Fisher, Southern CrescentRichard Andersen, Northeast Georgia Cecil Horne, Jr., Lower Chattahoochee Grady Clemonts, Middle Georgia Nancy Drane, Central Savannah River Roger Gene Livingston, Heart of Georgia Altamaha Reba Stewart, Southwest Georgia Lace Futch, Southeast Georgia Sadie Ryals, Coastal Georgia GG

GUEST CLOSE-UPGUEST CLOSE-UP

Summer 2004 9

PositiveChange

The

forAdvocating

ABOVE — Seated: Douglass Fisher. Middle row (left to right): Lace Futch,Lorene Lindsey, Nancy Drane, Warren Jones, Reba Stewart. Back row (left toright): Richard Andersen, Cecil Horne, Jr., Grady Clemonts, Roger GeneLivingston. RIGHT — Sadie Ryals.

Award

A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia

NorthwestNorthwestGeorgiaGeorgia

AtlantaAtlantaRegionalRegionalCommissionCommission

SouthernSouthernCrescentCrescent

LegacyLegacyLinkLink

NortheastNortheastGeorgia Georgia

CentralCentralSavannahSavannahRiver River

MiddleMiddleGeorgia Georgia

SouthwestSouthwestGeorgia Georgia SoutheastSoutheast

GeorgiaGeorgia

Heart ofHeart ofGeorgiaGeorgiaAltamahaAltamaha CoastalCoastal

GeorgiaGeorgia

LowerLowerChattahoochee Chattahoochee

NorthwestGeorgia

AtlantaRegionalCommission

SouthernCrescent

LegacyLink

NortheastGeorgia

CentralSavannahRiver

MiddleGeorgia

LowerChattahoochee

SouthwestGeorgia Southeast

Georgia

Heart ofGeorgiaAltamaha Coastal

Georgia

In communities across the country, Area

Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to

local resources, planning efforts and services

that help older adults remain independent. On

the following pages are the programs and

services offered by Georgia’s AAAs.

Prescription drug coverage is now areality under the Medicare Prescription

Drug Improvement and Modernization Actof 2003.The program is being implementedin two parts:A temporary discount cardmay be purchased between May 2004 andDecember 2005, and a new plan will beginJanuary 1, 2006, which will have a monthlypremium and will allow discounts of vary-ing amounts.

GeorgiaCares volunteers will play akey role in helping older adults choosethe option that best meets their needs.Volunteers will help individuals to under-stand what is available to them and alert

seniors to frauds and scams that may tryto take advantage of any lack of under-

standing about how the programswork.Volunteers have been the backboneof the GeorgiaCares program, offeringprescription assistance, Medicare coun-seling (including filing appeals and buyingMedigap supplementary policies) andSenior Medicare Patrol fraud prevention.If you would like to volunteer, free train-ing is offered and you will have reward-ing assignments. Call GeorgiaCares at1-800-669-8387.

For other information, contact the AAA of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA30162-1793; 706-802-5506 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963.

Northwest Georgia

Volunteers assist seniorswith new prescriptiondrug program

NORTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade,Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon,Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens,Polk, Walker, Whitfield

Covers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville

Bea Richars, charter volunteer with GeorgiaCares,has used her training, compassion and knowledgeto assist hundreds of seniors in obtaining helpwith prescriptions and Medicare questions.


Faith in Action programs are part of anationwide interfaith volunteer caregiv-

ing initiative funded by the Robert WoodJohnson Foundation. These programs bringtogether volunteers of many faiths whohelp people with long-term health needsor disabilities to maintain their independ-ence for as long as possible by providingnon-medical assistance with activities ofdaily living. The Troup Faith inAction transportation program ofCare Link Americorps, launched inOctober 2003, is designed to matchvolunteer drivers with Troup

County senior citizens who, for financial,medical or personal reasons, have no othermeans of transportation to medicalappointments.

According to Beth Daniel, Faith in Actionprogram coordinator, the program has beensuccessful thus far and is experiencing anincreasing demand for more drivers. “This isa great volunteer opportunity for anyonewho can drive and wants to help providecompanionship and transportation for sen-iors in our community,” says Ms. Daniel.“Volunteers will use their own vehicles and

choose their own schedule for service.They may choose to drive once a week,twice a month or once a month, totallydepending upon their preference.”

Volunteer drivers are required to be 20years of age or older and must completean application that includes references,proof of driver’s license and automobileinsurance and permission to obtain a background check of their driving record.

Interested persons should contact Faith in Action at 706-812-2460.

For other information, contact the SouthernCrescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600, Franklin, GA30217-1600; 706-675-6721, 770-854-6026or toll-free 1-866-854-5652.

Legacy LinkCovers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee

Try looking at www.legacylink.org andsee if you learn something about serv-

ices for older citizens and individuals withdisabilities in the 13-county region servedby Legacy Link.

Legacy Link is linked to many otherWeb sites, and hits on the site haveincreased for many reasons. More andmore people are using their own com-puters, or computers at the library, tofind out how to help an elderly person.There are many long-distance caregiverswho can do Internet searches at any timeof the day or night to find helpful infor-mation.

Legacy Link’s Web site has a featurethat allows individuals to make referrals

for services through the Web site. Needto have information in Spanish or Ger-man? All you have to do is hit one com-puter key, and the information isconverted to the language of your choice.

So check out Legacy Link’s Web site(www.legacylink.org) to find out aboutservices or events in the 13 countieswithin Georgia’s Legacy Link region.We’re waiting for you!

For further information, contact LegacyLink, P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 30503-2534; 770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK.

Why look at our web site?

Faith in Action programsbring together volunteers

Volunteers drive Troup seniors to medical appointments.

SOUTHERN CRESCENT ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar,Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup,Upson

LEGACY LINK ENCOMPASSES THESECOUNTIES: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth,Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart,Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns,Union, White

Southern CrescentCovers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton

Summer 2004 11

On April 27, older adults fromthroughout the region converged on

Grant Park for the 18th Annual Mayors’Walk for Seniors. The event showcases theimportance of exercise in maintaininghealth and independence, particularly forindividuals age 50 and older.

More than 1,300 older adults registeredfor the event, which featured one- andtwo-mile non-competitive walks. Joiningthe seniors were mayors from communi-ties throughout the region. Mayor BoydAustin of Dallas, GA, was the host mayorfor this year’s walk. WSB-TV’s JovitaMoore served as the official emcee for the event.

Several walking clubs received awards.Clairmont Oaks Walkie Talkies were recog-nized for the best banner. The PalmettoNeighborhood Senior Center won for thebest t-shirt, and the Wheat Street BaptistChurch S.A.S.S.Y. Club was recognized forthe best club name. The DeKalb CountyParks and Recreation Department receivedthe award for the best walking promotionfor the 125 miles of greenways and trails it

is constructing throughout the county.Presented by Georgia Striders and

organized by the Atlanta Regional Commis-sion and numerous community partners,

the Mayors’ Walk is designed to promotehealthy and independent lifestyles for mid-life and older Georgians through walking. Inaddition to the walk, a health and informa-tion fair featured more than 20 exhibitors.

Volunteers with the Atlanta SeniorMedicare Patrol, a program of the Area

Agency on Aging at the Atlanta RegionalCommission, presented a skit, “The ‘Free’Motorized Wheelchair,” which providedinformation on how to avoid commonMedicare scams. Starring in the skit wereJuanita Heard and Margaret Ross, volun-teers from the Council on Aging, and Zandra Matthews, a volunteer from theGeorgia Association of Homes and

Services for the Aging. Exhibitors offeredinformation about Medicare, GeorgiaCaresand Social Security as part of theMedicare2Seniors statewide outreach toinform older adults about Medicare’s pre-scription drug coverage changes.

The Mayors’ Walk sponsors wereAARP, Pfizer Inc., the Coca-Cola BottlingCompany and WSB-TV Channel 2. Addi-tional support came from Georgia Stridersand the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund.® Incooperation with WSB-TV, theMedicare2Seniors sponsors included AARP,CVS/pharmacy, Novartis and Publix.

For more information, call the AtlantaRegional Commission at 404-463-3333 orcontact the AgeWise Connection numberslisted in the box to the left.

Atlanta Regional CommissionCovers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta

Cherokee County Cherokee County SeniorServices, 770-345-5312

Clayton County Clayton County Aging Program, 770-603-4050

Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, 770-528-5364

DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, 404-687-7117

Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100

Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, 770-461-0813

Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program, 404-730-6000

Gwinnett County Gwinnett County SeniorServices, 678-377-4150

Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-898-7670

Rockdale County Rockdale County SeniorServices, 770-922-4633

Atlanta Regional Commission 404-463-3333

ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSIONENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb,Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett,Henry, Rockdale

If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner:


18th Annual Mayors’ Walk draws seniorsfrom throughout the Atlanta region

Victoria Shanahan, coordinator of the Atlanta Senior Medicare Patrol, introduces “The ‘Free’ MotorizedWheelchair” skit.

™

The Lower Chattahoochee Area Agencyon Aging (LCAAA) has launched a

breast cancer awareness campaign target-ing seniors in the 16-county region. Breastcancer affects over 180,000 women a year,resulting in more than 46,000 deaths. Since77 percent of all breast cancer occurs inwomen over age 50, the LCAAA hasfocused its efforts on developing a pro-gram to make women more aware ofbreast cancer. The program has been pre-sented to 193 clients so far, including thestaff of the LCAAA.

This breast cancer awareness campaignincludes a PowerPoint presentation,informative handouts and breast examina-tion demonstrations using breast models.

The campaign emphasizesthe importance of commu-nicating clearly with physi-cians regarding this disease,and participants areencouraged to ask theirphysicians for clinical breastexams and yearly mammo-grams regardless of age.

Because one percent ofall breast cancer cases arefound in men, participants are alsoencouraged to discuss breast cancer withall of their family members. Women areparticularly encouraged to discuss theimportance of annual exams with theirdaughters.

While sometimes breast cancer canbe a sensitive subject, the awarenesscampaign has encouraged lively andmeaningful discussions among the partici-

pants. Thoseparticipating inthe programleave with acommitmentthat they, as wellas their familymembers, willbecome fullyinformed on thisimportant issue.

For further information, contact LowerChattahoochee AAA, P.O. Box 1908, Columbus,GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or toll-free 1-800-615-4379.

Mark Franklin has joined the NortheastGeorgia Elderly Legal Assistance

Program, based at the law offices of SherryL. Jackson. He will serve as program man-ager, replacing Isaiah Ellison, who servedfor many years in the position.

A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Markreceived both his undergraduate and hisJuris Doctor degree from the University ofGeorgia. Mark is an active part of his com-munity. He has volunteered with Record-ing for the Blind and Dyslexic in Athensand serves as treasurer on the board ofdirectors for the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library.

Mark returns to familiar surroundings inhis new post. He served as an intern withthe Northeast Georgia Elderly Legal Assis-tance Program during his last semester oflaw school. He is especially pleased to jointhe office full-time because he greatlyenjoys working with senior citizens. Alover of history, as well as movies and

music from years ago, Mark enjoysmeeting and talking with people whohave experienced those things first-hand. He also likes being able to drawfrom both his educational backgroundand his legal training when providingcommunity education sessions. Helooks forward to returning to helpingelderly Georgians in his region withtheir respective legal issues.

For further information, contact the Northeast Georgia RDC, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30605-

2795; 706-583-2547 or toll-free 1-800-474-7540.

Lower ChattahoocheeCovers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert

LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly,Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee,Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart,Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster

Breast cancer campaignraises awareness

Northeast GeorgiaCovers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison

NORTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene,Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan,Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton

Mark Franklin joins Elderly LegalAssistance program

Mark Franklin, program manager for the Elderly LegalAssistance Program, provides legal assistance to a client.

Ilona Preattle, RN (left), and Tiffany Ingram,director of the Lower Chattahoochee AAA,demonstrate how to conduct a breastexamination.

Summer 2004 13

As a result of a partnership betweenthe Middle Georgia Area Agency on

Aging and Georgia College and State Uni-versity’s nursing program, student nursesand Middle Georgia seniors have both got-ten what they needed. The partnership gavethe nursing students valuable experienceworking directly with patients. At the sametime, older adults in Middle Georgia gainedaccess to a range of health screenings.

The nursing students visited senior cen-ters in Bibb, Jones, Monroe and Twiggscounties. The students conducted vision,heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugarscreenings. They identified the seniors’

medical needs, and those with abnormalresults were referred to their physicians.More than 100 seniors and 20 nursing stu-dents participated in these screenings. Theseniors received free health screenings, andthe nursing students received hands-on

training with the seniors under directsupervision.

“This is a wonderful experience for ournursing students to participate in a health-promoting activity that impacts the lives ofolder adults living in the community,” saysDeborah J. Clark, PhD, RN, assistant profes-sor of nursing at Georgia College andState University. “It improves the way thestudents interact with clients while givingthem hands-on experience with basichealth screenings.”

For further information, contact the Middle Georgia RDC, 175-C Emery Highway,Macon, GA 31217; 478-751-6466 or toll-free 1-888-548-1456.

MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSESTHESE COUNTIES: Baldwin, Bibb,Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe,Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs,Wilkinson

Middle GeorgiaCovers an 1 1-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville

Wellness programpartners with universitynursing program

Central Savannah RiverCovers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Thomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville

“For our young people, serving olderadults is on-the-job training in how

to live right,” says Reverend Jimmy Huff,pastor of Power of God Ministries inSparta. For 12 years the church has guided

dozens of Sparta’s young residents in deliv-ering 100 hot meals to Hancock County’sseniors every month, rain or shine.

“This has attracted a lot of young peo-ple because they’re all so excited aboutbeing a part of it,” says Rev. Huff. And theservice doesn’t stop with meals. Churchteens and children also join Rev. Huff andhis wife, co-pastor Joycelyn Huff, for com-munity cleanup days that always includeservice to older adults.

“These activities help our youth experi-ence the responsibilities of giving, sharing,caring and understanding. By joining withseniors, they learn to live out the Bible andunderstand the meaning of the messagethat the young are strong but the oldknow the way.”

To learn more about Power of GodMinistries’ intergenerational service proj-ects and to get tips on organizing similarprograms in your own faith community,contact the Huffs at 706-444-8995 or [email protected]. The AAA offers morelinks and ideas for intergenerational serviceprojects at www.AgingAction.org, theCSRA’s online center for aging-relatedadvocates, volunteers and supporters.

For further information, contact the Central Savannah River AAA, 3023 RiverWatch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800; 706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464.

CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock,Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie,Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro,Warren, Washington, Wilkes

Youth make mealdelivery a 12-yeartradition

Josephine James (front left) receives a bloodsugar screening from student nurse Lindsey AnnBarnes (front right) as Professor Deborah Clark(rear left) and Wellness Coordinator BrendaKirkland (rear right) look on.

Young volunteers and elders buildrelationships through monthly mealdeliveries.


How do you handle offers of help? If afriend asks you to call her when you

need something from the store, do youcall? If a family member offers to stay withyour care receiver while you take a breakfrom caregiving, do you accept? If someonecalls and asks when he might bring you ameal, do you discourage that thoughtfulmission?

Too often I hear caregivers lament thatthey need help around the house, someoneto sit with their loved one, an opportunityto socialize or go to church, help runningerrands and so on. When asked about fam-ily, friends and church ministries, the care-givers too often mention instances whenhelp was offered and they refused it.

How sad! Both the person offering to

help and the caregiver needing the helphave lost. In the National Family CaregiversAssociation’s 10 Tips for Family Caregivers, tip

#3 is: “When people offer to help, acceptthe offer and suggest specific things theycan do.”

Make a list of things with which youneed help: Mow the grass, pick up prescrip-tions, run the vacuum, wash windows, takethe care receiver for a ride… Then whensomeone offers to help you, be prepared to say “Yes!” and enjoy the gift they areoffering. Remember: They are offeringthemselves.

For further information, contact SouthwestGeorgia COA, 1105 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612.

The Southeast Georgia Area Agency onAging (SEGa AAA) participated in

Senior Safety Day in Waycross on March12. More than 250 older adults fromCharlton, Coffee, Echols, Pierce and Warecounties gathered at Waycross MiddleSchool to participate in a safety program,take advantage of numerous health screen-ings and enjoy a free lunch prepared bymembers of the Waycross Police and FireDepartments.

The SEGa AAA distributed informationto seniors about services, elder abuse pre-vention and advocacy. Representativesfrom McKinney Community Health Center,the SEGa AAA’s GeorgiaCares provider,and Georgia Legal Services, one of the

SEGa AAA’s contractors for elderly legalassistance, were available to answer ques-tions and offer information specific to eachagency’s programs. McKinney providedvaluable information about assistance inobtaining low- or no-cost prescriptionsthrough the GeorgiaCares program, whileGeorgia Legal Services provided informa-tion about consumer fraud protection andpreparation of wills and power-of-attorneydocuments.

The senior safety programs includedpresentations by the Waycross Police andFire Departments and Satilla Regional Med-ical Center. The topics included emergencyresponse cards, fire safety and end-of-lifehealth care decisions. The Ware CountyHealth Department,AARP, the AmericanRed Cross, Hospice, Care One and manyother agencies displayed additionalresource booths.

For information, contact Southeast GeorgiaRDC, 1725 South Georgia Parkway West,Waycross, GA, 31503; 912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464.

Southeast GeorgiaCovers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston

A Waycross police officer and a Senior Safety Dayparticipant.

Brad Berisford assists Bertha Richardson byproviding transportation services.

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSESTHESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon,Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks,Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols,Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift,Turner, Ware

Seniors gatherimportant safety tips

Learning to say “YES”

Southwest GeorgiaCovers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur,Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller,Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas,Worth

Summer 2004 15

SponsorsThanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support

AARPAssuming responsibility for the home care of loved

ones can involve assist-ing with daily activities,managing high-tech

medical treatments and dealing with issues arounddying. AARP’s “Life Answers” program can help youmeet these critical responsibilities. Find out more atwww.aarp.org/lifeanswers.

Bridgebuilders, Inc.Personal care in thecomfort and privacy ofyour own home.

Customized services delivered with compassion,integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave.,Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.

Eldercare LocatorOlder adults and their caregivers can access local independent living andaging services by contacting theEldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116

or www.eldercare.gov. A service of the U.S.Administration on Aging.

Georgia Alliance for Staffing Solutions

An alliance that promotes qualitylong-term care for seniors and persons with disabilities by seeking

innovative solutions to improve staffing and supportcaregivers. www.agingatlanta.com

GeorgiaCaresGeorgiaCares is a private-publicpartnership that assists Medicarebeneficiaries with health insurance

questions and Medicare problems. GeorgiaCares alsoseeks to enroll all eligible Medicare beneficiaries inall low-cost prescription assistance programs. Forassistance please call 1-800-669-8387.

Georgia Council on AgingThe Georgia Council on Aging advocates on behalf of olderGeorgians and their families. For more information, please visit

the Web site at www.gcoa.org.

Georgia Nursing HomeAssociation

GNHA is committed

to continuously improving the quality of life of all persons requiring long-term health care. “ServingGeorgia’s elderly since 1953.” Call 678-289-6555 formore information or visit www.gnha.org.

Lifestyle TransitionsMagazine

Lifestyle Transitions magazine serves greater

Atlanta's mature and active adult community. Call 770-587-9421 or visit www.ltmag.com.

Northwestern MutualFinancial Network An hour invested in long-term care planning today

can make thinkingabout tomorrow

much more comfortable. Contact 678-638-1305 [email protected].

PfizerThe “Health, Medicines &Lifestyles” icon on Pfizer’s Website will lead you to topics that

include “Profile of Caregiving,” “Exploring Your HealthOn Line” and many more. www.pfizer.com

Sixty Plus, Piedmont HospitalA program to enhance the well-being of olderadults and their familiesby providing services,

education and support. 1968 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta30309; 404-605-3867.

Southern Home Care ServicesNursing and personalcare services tailored

to your needs, Southern Home Care Services servesall ages with compassion, skill and respect. Licensedand accredited. www.southernhomecareservices.com

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

Dedicated to promoting the mentalhealth and well-being of individuals,families and professional caregivers.

The RCI is proud to partner with Area Agencies onAging (AAAs) in Georgia to develop CARE-NETsacross the state. www.rosalynncarter.org

United Hospice of CalhounServing Northwest Georgia with compassionate and gentle care for

those with life-limiting illnesses. Call Caroline Talleyat 1-800-867-7976 or 706-602-9546.

Georgia Generations is published and supported byGeorgia’s Area Agencies on Aging.

Additional circulation support is provided by thegenerous sponsors listed here. For more information onbecoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations please call404-463-3222.

GEORGIA NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION

Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly Since 1953

Bridgebuilders, Inc.Bridgebuilders, Inc.

How canI help?

A contribution to the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund®

honors parents, grandparents and mentors by supporting aging programs. Call 1-800-676-2433to learn how.

GaGen 2004 Summer

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