Download - GaGen 2002 Winter

GenerationsGeorgia

Also in This Issue: Monica and Mom ■ News & NotesGeriatric Case Management . . . and more

Resources forCaregivers

Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

Also in This Issue: Monica and Mom ■ News & NotesGeriatric Case Management . . . and more

Resources forCaregivers

TMWinter 2002

2 Georgia Generations

Northwest GeorgiaLegacy LinkAtlanta Regional

CommissionSouthern CrescentNortheast GeorgiaWest Central GeorgiaMiddle GeorgiaCentral Savannah RiverHeart of Georgia

AltamahaSouthwest GeorgiaSoutheast GeorgiaCoastal Georgia

AAAs – Gateways toCommunity Resources

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Georgia is divided into12 AAAs, each serving a

different part of thestate. They are:

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WINTER 2002 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

On the Cover:A special mother/daughter moment isshared by Monica Kaufman, WSB-TVnews anchor, and her mother, HattieEdmondson, both of Atlanta. The twowomen enjoy a close relationship basedon companionship, friendship andrespect. See story, page 4.

Photo by Caroline Joe.

GenerationsGeorgia

Winter 2002, Volume 1, #2 © 2002 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 reli-ability of this information. No part of thispublication may be reproduced or trans-mitted in any form or by any means with-out written permission. All rightsreserved.

&NEWS NOTESCAREGIVING

In light of the recentevents in our country,this advice is timely:People with dementiamight not understandwhat is going onaround them during anemergency. However,they do pick up emo-tions and might have apartial understanding,which could lead togreater confusion.Take these steps toreduce agitation:■ Shield the person from media coverage of the event,including TV, radio andnewspaper.

■ Find ways to verbally reassure the person.■ Try to maintaindaily routines as muchas possible.■ Seek ways to takecare of yourself. It canfeel particularly lonelywhen your loved onecan’t respond to yourneeds during a diffi-cult time. Look for themeans to feel nurturedand connected withothers as much aspossible.

Source: www.caregiver.org

Medicare benefits andservices are expandingthrough the BenefitsImprovement and Pro-tection Act of 2000(BIPA). Some portionsof the Act are alreadyin effect, with others onthe way.

Make a note ofthese new andexpanded benefits: ■ Pap tests, pelvicexams and clinicalbreast exams, previ-ously covered onlyevery three years arenow covered once everytwo years. ■ New coverage forglaucoma screening willbe offered to high-riskindividuals annually,beginning January 2002. ■ Colonoscopy screen-ing, previously onlycovered for high-riskindividuals, is nowoffered once every 10years to all Medicarebeneficiaries.

■ Medical nutritiontherapy, previously notcovered, will be offeredto people with diabetesor renal disease begin-ning January 2002. ■ The normal 24-month waiting periodfor disability coveragefor Amyotrophic LateralSclerosis Disease (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)is now waived. ■ The definition of“homebound” will, at anundetermined date, berelaxed to include adultday care as a treatmentplan, and allowMedicare recipients toattend religious serv-ices outside the home.

Interested in moredetails? In metroAtlanta, call HICARE(Health InsuranceCounseling and Referral for the Elderly)at 404-463-3350; elsewhere, call 1-800-669-8387.

Caregivingin an

Emergency

Medicare Changes

Winter 2002 3

To Soak or Not?

Surfing the NetHelp is at your fingertips. Here are justa few of the many Web sites devotedto caregiving information and resources:

www.caregiving.org, site of theNational Alliance for Caregiving, provides an extensive searchable databaseof resources.

www.benefitscheckup.org is run by The National Council on the Aging. Visitors fill out a short questionnaire; then the site identifies federal andstate benefit programs for which the care recipient might be eligible.

www.careguide.com is run by a professional care management company. It offers tips, online support groups and a search tool to find providers and services. You can also get a professional consultation at $125 an hour.

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

Cold winter nights may bring thoughts of soaking in a hot tub.Should you encourage your elderly loved one to take a hot bath?

Doctors point to the advantages of ahot soak: The heat helps to tem-

porarily relax stiff arthriticjoints, relieves back pain

and might aid in sleeping.However, here are words ofcaution: Limit the person’s

soak to no more than 15minutes and avoid very hottemperatures, so they won’tbecome overheated.

Use EXTRA CAUTION whenthey are getting out of the tub (and for

several minutes afterwards), to make sure they don’t slip. Also,watch for any signs of dizziness or faintness. Anyone taking beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors (both of which lower blood pressure), aswell as anyone with low blood pressure, should be extra careful.


BY MARTHA NOLAN MCKENZIE

ast July, Robin Hodges-Caraballo of Stockbridge, GA, moved her 71-

year-old father, James Hodges, into her home. The elder Hodges suffers

from Alzheimer’s and could no longer live alone. She was happy to take

her father in, but she works full-time as a legal assistant in an Atlanta

law firm, so she couldn’t provide care during the day.

Happily, she found Benton House, an adult day care facility in Stockbridge. “It’s

an excellent facility,” said Hodges-Caraballo. “It’s clean and the staff really treats

him like family. My father actually looks forward to going.”

Hodges-Caraballo has also used Benton House for respite care, leaving her father

overnight so she and her husband can escape to the North Georgia mountains for a

much-needed break.

“It’s been such a relief to have Benton House,” said Hodges-Caraballo. “I’m at

peace, and my dad loves it.”


ResourcesCaregivers

FOR

As Hodges-Caraballo has found,there are more resources available forcaregivers than ever before — fromrespite care to transportation services,from legal aid to support groups andfrom home health services to utility dis-count programs. The challenge for care-givers is to locate and evaluate theseresources.

“One of the biggest problems is thateverything is so fractured,” saidSuzanne Mitz, president and co-founderof the National Family Caregivers Asso-ciation in Kensington, MD. “Even if thereare a lot of resources available in yourarea, it’s difficult to pull together exactlywhat you need. And you’re generally try-ing to do this when you’re under stress,which makes it that much harder.”

Caregiving experts point out that ifyou know where to look, however, theprocess can be a lot easier. Here areeight general areas in which to beginyour search.

Your local Area Agency on Aging

AAAs are located in communitiesacross the country and serve as gate-ways to local resources for caregivers.“Your first stop should be your AreaAgency on Aging,” said Pat Freeman,executive director of Legacy Link Inc, aAAA in Gainesville. “We all have largedatabases of resources and services inour areas. We can’t give you everything,but we can get you started.”

For example, if you wanted to findrespite care for your elderly fatherso you could take a much-neededbreak, a counselor at the AAA couldgive you a list of options in your areaor in the area in which your fatherresides. She could tell you whichplaces offer daytime services andwhich will allow you to leave himovernight. She would know whichones take people with dementia andwhich ones take people with inconti-nence. She could give you theirhours, prices and eligibility require-ments, if any. And she would providethis information free of charge.

Carl Conine, a participant in the day care program atBenton House, Stockbridge, GA, enjoys a helping handfrom Carolyn Griffin, CNA.

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Cynthia Haley, caregiver specialistwith CSRA Agency on Aging in Augusta,emphasized the wide range of informa-tion available. “We can help people findlow-cost transportation, homemakerservices, help with bathing and groom-ing, adult day care and home modifica-tion programs. We can tell people whereto find assistive devices — everythingfrom bathtub rails to panty hose grab-bers. Many people just don’t realize howmuch they can benefit by reaching outto organizations such as ours.”

To find the AAA nearest you, turn to “A Look at AAAs Around Georgia,”beginning on page 9. For AAAs in otherstates, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Your employer or the carerecipient’s employer

When Glen Fuse’s mother wasadmitted into the hospital in June for about of amnesia, they both had to facethe fact that she could nolonger live in her ownhome. But where shouldshe go? With Fuse livingin Atlanta, his sister inNashville and his 84-year-old mother in St.Louis, finding a placewasn’t going to be easy.“My sister and I weretrying to coordinatethings long-distance, andwe were on a very shortdeadline, since shecouldn’t stay in the hos-pital very long,” saidFuse, a regional editorialmanager of the FW Dodge division ofMcGraw-Hill. “We weren’t sure where toturn.”

Then Fuse remembered his com-pany’s employee assistance program,which offered eldercare counseling andreferral, through a work/life servicesfirm called Harris Rothenberg. He wasput in touch with a counselor andexplained his situation.

“I was so impressed,” said Fuse.“She (the counselor) started helpingalmost immediately. She began leavingvoice messages with recommendationsof assisted living facilities near mymother’s house.”

Fuse and his sister ended up findinga place for their mother on their own —a nearby apartment complex for seniors— but he was very happy with theassistance he got from his employer. “I have nothing but good things to sayabout the employee assistance pro-gram,” said Fuse. “It brought a lot of

peace of mind knowing I had someone I could turn to.”

Caregiving benefits provide awin/win situation for everyone.

A 1997 study by MetLife MatureMarket Group found that employeeswho are caregivers cost their employersas much as $29 billion a year in lost

For older Americans, there is truly no

place like home, and most would pre-

fer to stay there. Unfortunately, that’s

not always possible. Decreased mobility, for-

getfulness and impaired senses may limit the

ability of seniors to live safely at home.

However, computer systems being devel-

oped at Georgia Institute of Technology could

make aging in place more feasible. The Aware

Home project, now under development at

Georgia Tech, would combine a system of

computers and sensors throughout the house

that could warn the resident of impending

problems, deliver reminders about daily rou-

tines, such as taking medications, and even

contact emergency services.

Here’s how it would work. Suppose your

mother was preparing a meal and was inter-

rupted by someone at the door. By the time

she got back to the kitchen, she may have for-

gotten what she was doing. A computer and

cameras would have been recording her activ-

ities, so she could look back at the images of

her actions to jog her memory.

What if she lost her keys or eyeglasses?

She could go to one of the touch panels

located throughout the house and the sys-

tem would track the missing object, which

would have been outfitted with a small

radio-frequency tag. The system might then

tell her, “The keys are in the bedroom.”

If your mother is arthritic, she could wear

a pendant that acts like a camera and can

detect simple gestures done in front of it. So

if she wanted to turn a light on, she could

point to the light and raise her finger.

Sound like a far-fetched “Jetson’s”

episode? Well, it’s closer than you may think.

Aware Home technology may be a reality

early in this century.

“We have an impending crisis in the United

States of an aging population,” said Dr. Eliza-

beth Mynatt, assistant professor in the Col-

lege of Computing at Georgia Tech. “If we can

create an environment in the home that can

partner with [seniors] for even basic daily

activities, then we can enable these individu-

als to live independently in their own homes,

in contrast to moving to an institutional care

setting.”

For information about the Aware Home, visit

the Web site at www.cc.gatech.edu/fce/ahri

Georgia Tech’s Aware Home Project

Dr. Elizabeth Mynatt, assistant professor in the Georgia Tech College of Computing, demonstrates the digital family portrait, whichhelps caregivers track senior family members.

Winter 2002 5

productivity. As a result, many compa-nies have begun to offer benefitsdesigned to help the employee who iscaring for an aging relative.

One such company is AT&T, whichemploys some 10,000 workers in Geor-gia. Employees can take up to 12months in family leave over a 24-monthperiod and retain their benefits duringthe entire time. They have the option ofgradually returning to work after theleave, in case they are still giving care.They can have three excused workdays per year, which can be taken intwo-hour increments, flex schedulesand job shares.

AT&T also offers onsite caregivingsupport groups for any office thatrequests them and has a quarterlyeldercare conference call, which oper-ates like a radio call-in show. Consul-tants are available for all employees viatelephone 24 hours a day, seven days a

week. AT&T contracts with CeridianBenefits Services, a provider of humanresources and benefits administrationservices, to offer some of these benefits.

For AT&T, such benefits are goodbusiness. “It is very much a businessissue,” said Skip Schlenk, director ofwork and family programs at AT&T.“The MetLife study showed how muchcaregiving costs employers, and thatstudy is more than 10 years old. If youlook at this country’s demographics, youcan only assume that cost is going up.”

While the largest U.S. companieslead the way in providing caregivingbenefits, smaller firms are starting tojoin in. The CSRA Agency on Aging inAugusta has begun a program calledthe Coalition for Caregivers in theWorkplace. The program is designed toeducate employers on the impact care-giving can have on their bottom lineand to share approaches to the issue.

“We are eager to get the word out,”said Haley. “There are a number ofthings a workplace of any size couldimplement, some at no cost at all —such as flex hours, having informationavailable onsite and sponsoring supportgroups. The employees would benefit,and so would the company.”

Local hospitalsMany hospitals have outstanding

programs for seniors and their care-givers. The John D. Archbold MemorialHospital in Thomasville, GA, is a goodexample.

Archbold houses the later liferesource center. Anyone in the hospi-tal’s five-county area can come into thecenter for a free assessment of theircaregiving needs and get referrals toavailable services.

An Anchor’s Family ‘Anchor’

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Ask Monica Kaufman how she ever con-

vinced her mother, Hattie Edmondson,

to leave Louisville, KY, and move to

Atlanta at the age of 65, and she’ll quickly give

all the credit to her 21-year-old daughter, Claire.

The popular WSB-TV news anchor recalls:

“Claire wanted her to move here. She was too

far away! Claire was eight years old at the time,

and she wanted her grandma to come to all

her games.”

“Grandma Hat” decided to make the move

to Atlanta, but not until she had the house of

her dreams . . . a cozy bungalow on the property

behind Monica’s home. In fact, Monica custom-

built the home to Grandma Hat’s specifications:

two large bedrooms, two baths, a raised toilet,

a lowered tub and wider-than-usual doorframes.

That was 13 years ago, and since then, the

two women have established a routine and a

lifestyle that combines companionship with

friendship and respect. Every Wednesday is

“their day,” spent shopping, running

errands, or whatever Grandma Hat,

now 78, chooses to do. Sometimes

Monica takes her to Tullwater Ele-

mentary School, where she

reads to first graders. “The

kids love it,” she says. “Many

of them have never seen

an older grandma.”

At other times, Grandma Hat goes to Mon-

ica’s church, where she helps her daughter organ-

ize activities for seniors. “She has more friends

my age than her own age,” Monica says. “She

likes to stay around young people, who are more

active.”

Grandma Hat stays busy all week, often walk-

ing to the museum or to the mall, or taking a

bus to Lenox Square. On Sundays, Monica always

takes her to church, followed by dinner or shop-

ping. “I am fortunate to have good friends who

stop in to help when needed. They’ll take her to

church, check on her and watch over her when

I’m out of town.”

Monica is learning to deal with the role

reversal that comes with caregiving for an older

parent. And she now seeks out close friends who

have older parents, in order to compare notes

on caregiving. “But I’m still learning a lot from

her — about family history and family stories

. . . and she still sits up and waits for me to come

in after work every night,” she says with a grin.

Georgia Generations

Your church or faith-basedorganization

Religious organizations, such asCatholic Charities USA, the LutheranMinistries Association, Jewish Family & Career Services and other similargroups, are good places to look for help.

Jewish Family & Career Services,for example, has a program called Jew-ish Elder Access, which is a free infor-mation and referral service. Counselorscan guide callers to home services,such as in-home care, homemakerservices and kosher meal delivery, andto community services, such as trans-portation, senior centers and elder law.“I either give people actual referrals toa service or I provide general informa-tion, such as explaining the differencebetween assisted living and independ-ent retirement communities,” said CoriSackin, C.I.R.S., information and refer-ral specialist with Jewish Elder Access.

Associations dedicated to aspecific illness

Organizations such as The Ameri-can Cancer Society, the American Dia-betes Association and the AmericanHeart Association can offer valuableservices, advice and referrals to care-givers. The Alzheimer’s Associationstands out for the level of service it pro-vides for those who suffer from thedisease as well as for their caregivers.

The Greater Georgia Chapter of theAlzheimer’s Association operates a 24-hour help line on which callers canalways reach a live counselor. Thechapter also organizes more than 70support groups in metro Atlanta andthroughout parts of the state, reachingto Columbus and Rome. It runs a multi-cultural outreach program to educatethe African American and Korean communities about the disease and tomake sure they are accessing all theresources available to them.

The Georgia chapter also offers acaregiver time-out program, whichhelps fund respite care. “It pays up to$100 a month for a year, which can beused for adult day care, a caregiver tocome into the home or an overnight stayat an assisted living facility,” said JohnThames, family and community servicesdirector for the chapter.

Geriatric care managersContacting all the above resources

and following up on their leads islikely to be a time consuming proposi-tion. There is an alternative. You canhire a geriatric care manager to workhis or her way through the labyrinthfor you.

For a fee usually ranging from $75 to$150 an hour, a geriatric care managerwill meet with your family member,assess his needs and help set up a planof care to meet his immediate needsand those of the future.

“A geriatric care manager canarrange for home care, make the callsto set up services for adult day care orfor having meals delivered and monitorthe care the person receives,” said Con-nie Rosenberg, president of the NationalAssociation of Professional GeriatricCare Managers in Tuscon, Ariz.

A note of caution. No license isrequired to become a geriatric caremanager. So ask questions about themanager’s background and check ref-erences to be safe. To find a geriatriccare manager in your area, you can

visit the association’s Web site atwww.caremanager.org and look up theinformation for free, or you can call 1-520-881-8008 and purchase a directoryfor $15.

The WebFor those who can navigate the

Internet, the Web offers a wealth ofinformation for caregivers. Examples ofsome of the best caregiving Web sitesare listed under Caregiving News &Notes, on page 3.

Other caregivers“Sometimes the best information

comes from other caregivers,” said Mitzof the National Family Caregivers Asso-ciation. “A neighbor of mine called methis morning for recommendations forhome care services for her husband,who had a stroke. Since I’ve been pro-viding care for my husband, I knewwhere to send her.”

To find other caregivers, considerjoining a support group. You can findsupport groups by contacting some ofthe resources listed in this article.

Winter 2002 7

The Rosalynn Carter Institute

In the caregiving journey, the biggest hurdle many providers encounter is the fragmentation

of the system. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development in Americus, GA, is

working to remove that obstacle by helping community caregiving leaders develop more

coordinated, integrated systems of care.

To that end, the Institute is expanding its successful Caregivers’ Networks (CARE-NETs).

“In CARE-NET, we bring together all the people in a community who are involved in care-

giving issues — hospitals, community service groups, not-for-profits and the AAAs,” said Ronda

C. Talley, executive director of the Institute. “We talk with each of them about what they are

doing and try to break down the communication barrier so they all talk to each other.”

The Institute already has two CARE-NETs in place — one in Americus serving west central

Georgia and one in Valdosta serving south Georgia. Through a grant from the U.S. Administra-

tion on Aging, it will establish six more CARE-NETs in the state. The Institute also garnered a

grant from Johnson & Johnson, which it will use to fund a field study and a “science to practice”

program. The “science to practice” program will assemble four national expert advisory panels

to determine best practices as well as areas of need. Each panel will produce a book on its find-

ings that can be used as a comprehensive caregiving handbook. The panels will focus on specific

caregiving areas, such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

For information on the Rosalynn Carter Institute, visit its Web site at rci.gsw.edu or call

(229) 928-1234.

By Nancy Morrison, Program Director, Sixty Plus Older Adult Services at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta

For many anxious caregivers, the path to information andunderstanding often starts when a geriatric case manager

asks, “Can you tell me a little bit about your situation?” Ageriatric case manager is a professional who brings togetherthe skills of a problem solver, educator, coordinator, facilita-tor, liaison and, often, a negotiator. Whether the issue is theolder adult’s ability to continue living independently, drivingskills, memory decline, chronic or acute illness, complex family dynamics or other equally challenging circumstances,a geriatric case manager can focus and coordinate the rightplan of care. Problems that at first seem insurmountablebegin to look more manageable once concerns are expressedand the assessment begins.

“Fortunately, a friend directed us to a geriatric case man-ager who under-stood mymother’s situa-tion and the con-cerns of thefamily,” said Sid-ney Guberman,who is a care-giver for his 85-year-old mother.“Moira [Keller, LCSW, geriatric case manager] helped us lookat options we didn’t know existed. It is so helpful for my family to know that if our situation should change, we havesomeone who will continue to work with us and offer supportand encouragement.”

Involving the older adult’s physician early in the planningprocess is essential to a successful outcome. The combinedexpertise of the case manager, physician and other healthcareand service providers can assure the right balance betweenindependence and safety. “When I see people in the office,

they’re completely out of context,” said Patrick S. Coleman,M.D., an internist at Piedmont Hospital. “Plus, I’m sure thatpeople are often more reserved around their physicians. Athome they’re able to open up more, and nurses and casemanagers are trained to pick up on these kinds of things.”

“The case manager is a wonderful partner when mypatients and their families are faced with difficult issues,”added Paul A. Herd, M.D., internist at Piedmont Hospital.“Having the capacity to intercede or evaluate the patient in

the home and helpmeet their psychoso-cial needs is benefi-cial to the doctor’soverall treatmentplan.”

While geriatriccase managers oftenwork independently inprivate practice, they

are also employed by hospitals as an outpatient service, inaging services and in community agencies. Depending on thesponsoring organization, their services range from free toseveral hundred dollars.

When seeking the services of a case manager, it is impor-tant to interview the person to learn more about his or herexperience and credentials, and to determine whether youcan establish a rapport with this person. For referral informa-tion, contact 404-605-3867.


GUEST CLOSE-UP

The combined expertise of the case manager, physician and other healthcareand service providers can assure the rightbalance between independence and safety.

Putting It AllTogether withGeriatric CaseManagement

GUEST CLOSE-UP

Gail Bechtel, LCSW, Geriatric Case Manager with Piedmont Hospital’s Sixty PlusOlder Adult Services, talks with family caregiver, Alice Emig.

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Winter 2002 9

Adult day services help caregivers

Decades ago, sons, daughters andspouses agonized over one question

that would change their lives forever: “Canwe care for them by ourselves, or shouldwe call a nursing home?” Today, familieshave an ever-widening range of options tohelp their loved ones remain in the com-munity.The Central Savannah River AreaAgency on Aging (AAA) is on a mission toconnect individuals with these newresources during the caregiving process —one of the most poignant journeys thatfamilies will ever face.

“The AAA works to preserve seniorcitizens’ roles in their families and neigh-borhoods for as long as it is safe to do so,”said Cynthia Haley, caregiver resource spe-

cialist for the AAA.“We believe in awhole-family approach to caregiver sup-port, and some of this field’s most criticalproviders are in the adult day servicesarena.”

Adult day services haveexploded in popularity acrossAmerica — growing from 300facilities in 1978 to more than4,000 today — as families seekalternatives to nursing homesand ways to balance careerswith the growing demands ofeldercare.

“Home is where most indi-viduals desire to stay for aslong as possible,” said PatMadray, executive director ofAugusta’s AutumnCare DayCenter. “Because our center iscomprehensive and includes

medical oversight as well as socialization,this is an attainable goal.” At AutumnCare,a diverse group of men and women engagein therapeutic activities, exercises, and con-versation surrounded by colorful murals

SPOTLIGHT ONCentral Savannah RiverCovers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Tomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville

A Look at AAAsAround GeorgiaHere are the programs and services offered by Georgia’s AAAs.

Our special “Spotlight” highlights a differentAAA in each issue of.

Generations come together at Jud C. Hickey Adult DayCenter in Augusta.

reminiscent of small-town South-ern streets.

Families facing Alzheimer’sdisease must meet unique chal-lenges, explains Mary Craft, carecoordinator for the AugustaChapter of the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation. Craft, Executive DirectorLaura Hydrick, and their localteam serve CSRA caregiversthrough offerings such as ahelpline, support groups andadult day care services for clientswho have been diagnosed withAlzheimer’s disease or a relateddementia.

“In the beginning, caregivers often feelHerculean in mind and overestimate theirability to deal with Alzheimer’s,” Craft said.“They may feel that their ‘rainy day’ hasn’tcome yet, even though they’re actuallystanding in the middle of a thunderstorm.”

This season, the CSRA Agency on Agingwill reach out to caregivers through a vari-

ety of programs, including new volunteer-led initiatives in neighborhoods and faithcommunities.The organization will alsoexpand the CSRA Coalition of Caregiversin the Workplace, a regional network thatprovides free technical support and publiceducation to employers who want to helpworkers remain healthy and productive

throughout the caregiving process.“Our agency is a one-stop center for

access to hundreds of local and nationalresources,” Haley said. “Caregivers don’thave to struggle alone.We’re here to help.”

The CSRA Agency on Aging, a divisionof the CSRA Regional Development Center, serves the needs of senior citizensand caregivers in 14 Georgia counties by coordinating area resources and encourag-ing innovation in the field of aging.

For further information, contact: CentralSavannah River RDC, 3023 Riverwatch Pkwy., Suite A, Augusta, GA 30907-2800;706-210-2018 or toll-free 1-888-922-4464.

Agency launches publicawareness campaign

In an effort to reach more potentialclients in the 18-county region, the

Southeast Georgia RDC’s Area Agency onAging kicked off a public awareness cam-paign this past June.All three phases of thecampaign have been implemented and areproducing positive results.

The first phase of the campaigninvolved placement of display advertisingin several regional telephone books thatcover the majority of the region. Phasetwo was the erection of billboards in eight specifically targeted counties.Two criteria were used in choosing the coun-ties in which the billboards were placed;the counties either had to be a regional economic hub or had less than antici-

pated participation in the aging programs.Advertising in local newspapers in the

18 counties makes up phase three, whichbegan in August. A sizeable ad for theSoutheast Georgia AAA is being placed inthe region’s local newspapers every twoweeks for a period of six months.

“This public awareness campaign hasproven to be a great investment by theSoutheast Georgia AAA,” stated Director

Catherine Larkins.“We have seen asignificant jump inthe number ofreferrals of poten-tial clients that canbe directly attrib-uted to the marketing.”

For further infor-mation, contact:

Southeast Georgia RDC; 3395 Harris Road,Waycross, GA 31503-8958; 912-285-6097 ortoll-free 1-888-732-4464.

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

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

Day care participants enjoy exercise and socialization.

Eyecatching billboards promote region’s AAA services.

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


RN specialist supportsfamily caregivers

Family caregivers often face challengesfor which they are not prepared. Har-

riet can no longer help her paralyzed eld-erly mother out of bed due to a backinjury and is reluctant to ask friends forassistance. Martha lovingly cares for herhusband who has Alzheimer’s Disease, buthe has recently begun refusing to bathedespite all her efforts. Howard wants tocontinue to be the primary caregiver forhis disabled father so he can remain athome, but Howard’s siblings are insistingon nursing home placement. Shirley isunsure whether she should quit her job tocare full-time for her adult daughter withmultiple sclerosis, since she hesitates to“bother” the physician with too manyquestions.

To assist family caregivers in addressing these and otherimportant issues, the AtlantaRegional Commission (ARC),the Area Agency on Aging forthe metro Atlanta region, hashired a registered nurse asARC’s Caregiver Support Specialist. Mar-garet Anderson, M.S., R.N., provides special-ized phone consultation to strengthen

caregivers’ confidence and compe-tence in their roles as caregivers.Caregivers who call the Aging Con-nection (ARC’s regional andcounty-based information andreferral system) are first assessedby Information and Referral Special-ists for needs related to specificservices. Referrals are provided toservices such as adult day care, in-home or out-of-home respite care,support groups, and care manage-ment. Callers who could benefitfrom additional assistance in solvingtheir caregiving problems then havethe opportunity to consult with theCaregiver Support Specialist.

Anderson is also convening aCaregiving Advisory Committee toidentify methods of supporting family care-givers in the Atlanta region. A key initiative

will explore opportunities for outreach tocaregivers affiliated with religious congrega-tions in partnership with organizations rep-

resenting Atlanta’s faith community. A senseof trust and familiarity often characterizes

the relationship between fam-ily caregivers and their congre-gations, providing a uniqueopportunity to reach care-givers with information andsupportive services.

In addition, the CaregiverSupport Specialist will serve as

a resource to community organizations andprovide community education on issuesrelated to family caregiver support. She willalso assist with the development of infor-mation for caregivers on ARC’s Web siteand contribute to articles included in theGeorgia Generations publication.

For additional information or to consultwith ARC’s Caregiver Support Specialist, callthe Aging Connection at 404-463-3333.

Atlanta Regional CommissionCovers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta

County Contacts:Cherokee County Cherokee CountySenior Services; 770-345-5312

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

Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, 770-528-5364

DeKalb County Senior Connections, 404-377-9901

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 CountySenior Services, 770-822-8850

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

Rockdale County Rockdale CountySenior Services, 770-922-4633

Atlanta Regional Commission404-463-3333

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

Winter 2002 11

Caller consults with Margaret Anderson, new CaregiverSupport Specialist.

New service provides specializedconsultation to strengthen confidence and competence.

Survey points outcaregiving needs

The coastal region Caregiver NeedsAssessment was completed in Octo-

ber. Coles and Associates, the companythat conducted the surveys, presentedtheir findings in November. Some of theresults were rather surprising, while others were expected. The pie charts displayed here show some of these care-giver statistics.

The median age of caregivers in thestudy was 61.1 years, while the average ageof care recipients was 77.Adult childrenaccounted for 34% of caregivers, while 28% were spouses. One especially interest-ing statistic was that while 78% reportedthey owned a vehicle, only 44% drove on aregular basis.

Disturbingly, 77% reported moderate tosevere stress associated with their role ascaregiver, and 47% rarely or never attendany social groups or functions.

The study findings will be a good toolwhile developing caregiver support pro-grams.The largest single need reported byall caregivers was respite care; however, thelisting of needs was extremely diverse andwill be a challenge for our programs toaddress.

The Coastal Area Agency on Agingplans to have new services in effect as of

January 2002. For more information call 1-800-580-6860.

For further information, contact: CoastalGeorgia RDC; P.O. Box 1917, Brunswick, GA31521; 912-264-7363 or toll-free 1-800-580-6860.

Coordinator overseesAAA programs

ASpecial Projects Coordinator washired in September to administer the

Caregiver Program. Caregiver activities inthe region include:

■ Alzheimer’s and Caregiver supportgroups have been established.

Information and resources are distrib-uted at each meeting to provide trainingwith coping and stress management.

■ A Family Caregiver Conference washeld in November 2001 and focused onNational Family Caregiver’s Month.Topicsincluded: Coping With Stress as a Care-giver,Ten Tips for Family Caregivers, andCelebrating the Family Caregiver.

■ In December, a Christmas programwas presented for selected areas.

The program theme was “ChristmasAround the World” with arts and crafts andChristmas dishes from different countries.

■ A Home Modification Program, whichfocuses on installation of grab bars in rest-rooms and construction of ramps that pro-vide access to and from the home, beganin November 2001.

■ Heart of Georgia Altamaha was oneof five AAA’s in the state that were fundedfor a Voucher Demonstration Grant. Eligi-ble participants are given a booklet ofvouchers to be used for in-and-out ofhome respite, lawn care, personal careneeds and other items as needed.

■ A Regionwide Caregiver Forum willbe held in April, 2002.

For further information, contact: Heart ofGeorgia Altamaha RDC; P.O. Drawer 1260,Baxley, GA 31515; 912-367-3648 or toll-free1-888-367-9913.

Coastal GeorgiaCovers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah

Maria Rea, Special Projects Coordinator.

COASTAL GEORGIA ENCOMPASSESTHESE COUNTIES: Bryan, Bulloch,Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn,Liberty, Long, McIntosh

HEART OF GEORGIA ALTAMAHAENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge,Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson,Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair,Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler,Wilcox


Heart of Georgia AltamahaCovers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro

Female Married Employed Live WithCare Recipient

Annual IncomeUnder $15,000

Partners promotewellness program

The Village Wellness Centerin Chicopee Village near

Gainesville has many “partners”involved in promoting wellness services for seniors. ChicopeeMethodist Church donated theuse of the old Chicopee VillageClinic to a local non-profitgroup called GHAIN.Volunteerscleaned, painted, swept andraised money to fix up the building.

Legacy Link, Hall County Public Healthand PACE, Inc. (Programs Assisting Com-munity Elders) became partners and set upa new Wellness Program for seniors in therefurbished clinic. Legacy contracted with

PACE to offera wide varietyof wellnessservices, work-shops andcounseling forseniors andtheir families.

Lunch &Learn sessionsare held regu-larly on topicssuch as arthri-tis, hearing,“Plants, Herbs& Prescriptions

— Do They Mix”, and many others.A walking club has a regular schedule

and creative movement classes are heldevery Wednesday, both led by a physicaltherapist. One of the most popular

services is the “Goodfoot” program.The Center is open on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays.A schedule isavailable listing mammograms, hearingscreenings, bone density scans and othertests. Village Wellness Center is located at 3 First Street in Chicopee, just off theAtlanta Highway. Call 770-538-2790.

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

Gadgets and gizmosmake life easier

Many people need a little help witheveryday activities as they grow

older.Things like taking a jar lid off or turn-

ing a key in the lock can be frustratingtasks due to arthritis.The after-effects of astroke can make dressing,bathing and grooming harder toaccomplish.Therapeutic toolsare available but are often verycostly. Nancy Harper, Family

CaregiverProgram Coordinatorat SOWEGA Councilon Aging presents aprogram using everydayobjects in unusual waysto make life easier. Forinstance, foam haircurlers turn into assis-tive devices by makingeating utensils, pens,and toothbrushes eas-ier to grasp. Kitchentongs turn into “grab-

bers” to reach the hard to reach things onthe floor or up high. A little imagination

and the Dollar Store are making life easierin Southwest Georgia.

For further information, contact: SouthwestGeorgia COA, 308 Flint Avenue, Albany, GA31701-2508; 229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612.

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

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

Seniors enjoy “Goodfoot” program.

Coordinator Nancy Harper demonstrates use of foam hair curlers.

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

Everyday objects are usedas assistive devices.

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

Winter 2002 13

New program promoteshome safety

Did you know that each year morethan 11 million Americans over the

age of 65 — one out of every three — falldown? Hip fractures cost an average of$33,000 perpatient for medicalcare. Most alarm-ing, falls kill morepeople over 65than cancer,stroke, and heart disease combined. How-ever, there is some good news. One-half ofhome accidents, including dangerous falls,can be prevented by making a few simplechanges.A sensible home modificationstrategy will allow you and/or a loved oneto stay at home.

With funding through the NationalFamily Caregiver Support Program of theOlder Americans Act, the Middle GeorgiaArea Agency on Aging will contract withvolunteer-based agencies to provide assess-ments and home modification to assistcaregivers and to promote the safety andwell-being of adults in their residences.

Home modification services are alsodesigned to reduce the risk of injury andto facilitate the ability of older individualsto remain at home.The program will beimplemented in Bibb County and expandedinto additional counties within the planningand service area. Caregivers will also have

access to a self-assessment guide to assistthem in identification of fall hazards andaccessibility issues.The most commonhome modifications include installing grabbars, railings and ramps, and makingimprovements to lighting.The result? Olderadults can stay where they want to be —in their own home.

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

Margie Searcy leaves 31-year legacy

After 31 years ofserving the eld-

erly of Walton County,Margie Searcy hasdecided to retire.The79-year-old Searcy hasserved as the directorof the Walton CountySenior Citizens Coun-cil, Inc. since its incep-tion in 1971.

During her tenure,Searcy helped overseethe development oftwo satellite seniorcenters in Loganville and Social Circle aswell as overseeing the Monroe facility on a

daily basis. “We give the people somethingto do and something to look forward to.The job has been such an important part

of my life, and I will missit,” said Searcy. Searcy isretiring to spend moretime with her grandchil-dren. “I guess I didn’twant to be an 80-year-olddirector; I think 79 isclose enough,” saidSearcy.

In 31 years, Searcy hasplenty of memories totake with her, but perhapsher favorite is the time thesenior center won a newSaab automobile.At thetime, food deliveries were

being made in a deteriorating van. Searcyheard of an essay contest for use of a car

for one year. Not expecting to win, sheentered. For the next three years, the centerwas given a car each year to deliver mealsto the homebound. Another accomplish-ment that Searcy takes pride in is the cen-ter’s Community Achievement Award, whichis a national award based on the servicesprovided by community organizations.

“I love what I do.You do it for the peo-ple,” she said. “That’s wonderful whenyou’re able to help someone. It makes youfeel good. It’s so rewarding.”

For information, contact: Northeast GeorgiaRDC, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30610-2795; 706-369-5650.

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

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

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

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

Retiring Director Margie Searcy.


Home modification services helpseniors remain at home.

Council learns aboutcaregiving services

An important aid to caregivers in theNorthwest Georgia area is the Elder

Rights Council, agroup of representa-tives from profes-sional caring agencieswho meet to shareideas and resourcesto protect theregion’s elderly. AreaAgency on AgingDirector DebbieStuddard reported

that recent guest speakers have includedrepresentatives from the HICARE pro-gram, Georgia Legal Services, and AdultProtective Services. Information has beengiven on legal guardianship and issues ofthe rights of those with Alzheimer’s disease

and other demen-tias; Medicare andhealth insurancecounseling andassistance; elderabuse in Georgiaand protectionsafforded those whoreport it; and in-home services suchas respite care,homemaker, mealsand nursing to keepelders living in theirhomes as independ-

ently as possible. Council members attend-ing meetings include representatives fromthe NW Georgia AAA, Department ofFamily and Children Services (DFCS),Georgia Legal Services, assisted livinghomes, mental health professionals, andothers.

For information about these and otherservices, please call 1-800-759-2963. In theRome calling area, phone 706-802-5506.

For information, contact: AAA of NorthwestGeorgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA 30162-1793; 706-295-6485.

Strong bond betweenmother and daughter

According to the National Long TermCare Survey (1994), more than seven

million persons are informal caregiversproviding unpaid help to older personswho live in the community and have atleast one limitation in their activities ofdaily living.The Southern Crescent AAA

would like to highlight one

such exemplary caregiver from one of ourcommunities, Carroll County. Ms. OthessiaJones, a senior herself at 63, is caregiver toher mother, 88-year-old Bunice Jones.Bunice suffered a stroke in January 2001and is now paralyzed on her right side.Othessia became primary caregiver andrelocated to her mother’s residence afterBunice came home from the hospital. Oth-essia had retired from the University ofWest Georgia just one month prior to hermother’s stroke.

Ms. OJ, as Othessia is affectionatelycalled, sat by her mother’s side every dayand all night at Tanner Medical Center. Shecontinued to do the same when Bunicewas able to come home.Along with herconstant caregiver duties, Ms. OJ mustmake periodic visits to her own home tomaintain it as well.When asked aboutmajor obstacles to caregiving, Ms. OJ

stated that transportation is the biggestproblem.

Ms. OJ credits her ability to continuecaring for her mother amidst all her otherresponsibilities to her strong faith and thesupport she receives from her church com-munity. Ms. OJ will tell you that she doesnot question why any of this has happened;in fact, her mother’s illness has broughttheir family closer together and given thema stronger bond than ever before.

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

Northwest GeorgiaCovers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville

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

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

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

Dainty Woody at the BlueRidge Senior Center in

Fannin County.

15

Ms. OJ and mother Bunice.

SponsorsThanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support

AARPAssuming responsibility for the homecare of loved

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

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

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.

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

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

Grady GoldGrady SeniorServices was

created with the special care needs of older adults inmind! People over 60 can receive comprehensiveevaluations and care for common problems seen inolder adults. 404-616-0800.

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

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

PfizerThe “Health, Medicines & Lifestyles”icon on Pfizer’s Web site, will leadyou to topics that include “Profile ofCaregiving,” “Exploring Your Health On Line,” andmany more. www.pfizer.com

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

The Governor’s Council OnDevelopmental Disabilities

The Governor’s Council collaborates with citizens, advocates and policymakers tohelp enhance the quality of life

for people with disabilities and their families. Tolearn more: 888-ASK-GCDD or www.ga-ddcouncil.org

Georgia Generations is published and supportedby Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging. Additionalcirculation support is provided by the generoussponsors listed here. For more information onbecoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations,please call 404-463-3222.

Governor ’ s

Council On

Developmental

Disabilities

You can help children and the elderly bycontributing to the Fund when you fileyour state income tax return. Forms 500 and500 EZ include a place to write in an amount — as

little as one dollar! Your tax-deductible contributionwill provide home-delivered meals and transporta-tion to the elderly and will help children with specialneeds. Look for information in your instruction book.

Do You Know About...The Georgia Fund for Children and Elderly?