Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison

& Transylvania Counties Advocacy, Assistance,Answers on Aging

Website: www.landofsky.org/aging Phone: 828-251-6622

Volume V, Issue 2 May - July 2010

Area Agency on Aging

Age Strong! Live Long!May is Older Americans Month—a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies and ongoing contributions

of older Americans and support them as they enter the next stage in life. Land-of-Sky Regional Council is joining communities regionwide in celebrating this month with special activities and events.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme—Age Strong! Live Long!—recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations. They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans.

These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.

Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history—America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.

While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.

In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services. Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.

The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly. Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more. Please review the Calendar of Events on page 3 for more information on local activities.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 2

Family Caregiver Support ProgramPrograms for People with Early Memory Loss

The Family Caregiver Support Program is looking for people with early memory loss to participate in support groups,

Healthy Living and Guided Autobiography programs.

Recent focus on the needs of people with early memory loss indicates that these individuals often feel the need to talk and share, in confidence, with others who have similar problems. Many people with early memory loss find it difficult to express their feelings about their memory problems and report that friends and family can be uncomfortable with their changes in memory. They desire a place that is “safe” to talk openly about their memory loss. They are looking for a place where they can socialize, problem-solve together, share experiences and create friendships.

People with early memory loss are often independently functioning members of the community. Many are employed or volunteering and living in their own home. There are few programs available for them. We would like to develop a program where people with early memory loss can meet and interact with others who face similar issues. Participation in an early memory loss program can be vitally important to a person experiencing changes in memory. It can provide mental and physical stimulation, opportunities to stay involved in meaningful activity and an outlet to express feelings.

Ten people completed the Guided Autobiography for People with Early Memory Loss Program at the Pardee Health Education Center in Hendersonville. They all enjoyed it and are looking for ways to complete their memoirs.

Future programs for people with early memory loss: Guided Autobiography in Brevard, Healthy Living in Asheville, and “Partner” support group in Asheville.

Contact Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Specialist at 251-6622 to learn how you or someone you know may participate in an Early Memory Loss Program.

The Crowne Plaza8 am - 3:30 pm

For older adults, caregivers and others interested in aging

successfully.

A day of entertainment, education and fellowship. The registration fee of $15 includes

all classes, continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and

entertainment! Visit www.coabc.org or call 277-8288 for a conference brochure.

It Takes a Village: Caregiving 2010Thursday, June 3, 2010

11:30 am - 4 pmThe Arboretum’s Education Center

Caregivers of frail, older adults need the support and resources of a village. This workshop identifies the many ways our community comes together to promote the wellness of both

the caregiver and the loved one who is the recipient of care. This workshop is free for family caregivers and $15 for professional caregivers - lunch is provided by Park Ridge Hospital. If possible, pre-register at 682-2459, 681-2203 or ruth@rutheprice.com. Presentations include:

• Village Pressure Points: Expressing Anger Safely - Lisa Gwyther, The Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Duke Medical Center• The Village Comes Together as a Team - Panel: Robert Ford, Hospice of Madison County; Gene and Mary Lou Tatsch, Caregivers; Andrea Gray, and Tina Garren, Four Seasons Hospice• The Village Promotes Healthy Living - Julie Palmer, Park Ridge Hospital

The vendor fee is $75 for for-profits and $25 for non-profits, which includes lunch for two people. Vendors should arrive at the Arboretum by 11:00 am. The vendor period is from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. If you would like to participate, contact Carol McLimans by May 14th.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 3

Calendar of EventsMay 5 Viva La Volunteers, Land-of-Sky Regional Council (LOSRC) Volunteer Recognition Event at the NC Arboretum, 10 am - 12pm, Free to LOSRC volunteers, Adult guests are welcome at $5 charge. Call Brenda at 251-6622 to register.

6 Sense and Nonsense About Memory, Spring Creek Community Center, For those concerned with memory loss in themselves or a loved one. 9:30am - 12pm. To register contact Pat at 645-9189.

6 Walk Wise, Drive Smart, Oklawaha Greenway, see page 6**

7 Fabulous Fridays at UNCA - Growing the Future, Free to members and guests, 11:30am - 1pm, Manheimer Room. Have lunch at the Reuter Cafe or bring your own. Visit the calendar listed below for more Fabulous Fridays.**

10 Public Policy Roundtable, LORSC, see page 4**

11 Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30am - 1pm.

12 Older Americans Month Kick-Off Gala, Silvermont Opportunity Center, see page 7**

12 Food Services & Activities CEU Class, LOSRC, 9am - 1pm, For info contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622

13 Fall Prevention Task Force Meeting, LOSRC, 3 - 4:30pm**

14 Century Club’s 2010 Annual Celebration, Park Ridge Hospital, see page 7**

14 Fabulous Fridays at UNCA - Geriatric Care manager - What is that?, Free to members and guests,11:30am - 1pm, Manheimer Room, Have lunch at the Reuter Cafe or bring your own. Visit the calendar listed below for more Fabulous Fridays.**

14 CERT Training, Westwood Baptist Church, see page 8**

17 NC Respite Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11am - 2pm. For more information contact Jane MacLeod at 919-740-6605 or email at jane.macleod@nc.eastersealsucp.com

20 Walk Wise, Drive Smart, Naturalist Urban Hike, see page 6**

24 Financial Fraud, Scam & Exploitation Summit, LOSRC, see page 5

25 Successful Aging Celebration, The Crowne Plaza, see page 2**

25 Blue Zones - The Secret to Long Life Presentation, Dan Buettner, aurthor of the “Blue Zones”, 6pm, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, register at WNCBlueZone.com by May 5th, see page 7**

25 Living Healthy Workshop begins, Bethal ‘A’ Baptist, see page 6**

26 Living Healthy with Diabetes Workshop begins, Marshall Senior Center, see page 6**

June3 It Takes a Village - Caregiving 2010, NC Arboretum, see page 2

3 Walk Wise, Drive Smart, Main Street to Hyman Heights, see page 6**

7 Dealing with Caregiver Feelings: Anger, Guilt, & Depression, Mission Hospital’s Women Resource Center, 5 - 6:30pm. Sponsored by CAPES (Caring for Aging Parents Education & Support Program). For more info contact Kathleen Lang at 277-8288**

15 Elder Abuse Awareness Day, For more information see page 11

17 Watch Out For Us - Pedestrian Safety Presentation, Sammy Williams Center, see page 5**

23 2010 Mountain Green, Sustainable Communities Conference, Warren Wilson College, see page 5**

25 Community Resource Connections Meeting, Park Ridge Hospital, 10am - 2pmJuly1 Walk Wise, Drive Smart, West Hendersonville Walking Route, see page 6**

5 July 4th Observation, LOSRC Offices CLOSED

8 Fall Prevention Task Force Meeting, LOSRC, 3 - 4:30pm**

8 Living Healthy Workshop begins, Weaverville Town Hall, see page 6**

14 Careplans & Documentation CEU Class, LOSRC, 9am - 1pm, For info contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622

** For additional information on upcoming events, visit www.landofsky.org/aging and click on Calendar and upcoming

events for older adults.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 4

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

We would like to inform you of the Governor’s Policy Roundtables on “Building a Livable and Senior Friendly North Carolina”.

Six separate round tables will be held around the State on topics of Economics of Aging; Health and Aging; Access and Choice in Services and Supports; Lifelong Engagement and Contributions; Homes and Neighborhoods; and Safe Communities. These Policy Roundtables are being produced by the Office of the Governor, the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, the UNC Institute on Aging and the state’s Area Agency on Aging.

Access and Choice in Services and Supports RoundtableFor Region’s A, B and C

Land-of-Sky Regional Council May 10, 20101:00 - 4:00 pm

Attendance is FREE, but preregistration is required. Register at www.aging.unc.edu/nccoa/2010roundtables

The issues identified at each of the roundtables will be compiled and summarized to lay the groundwork for the Governor’s Conference on Aging planned for October 13 - 15, 2010 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Raleigh, NC. In turn, the conference will allow participants to develop policy recommendations and continue the work of developing public/private partnerships to meet the challenges of an aging society.

Governor’s Public Policy Roundtables“Building a Livable and Senior Friendly North Carolina”

The late winter/early spring months have been busy for SCSEP as we have been moving Participants from one Host Agency to another to improve their work skills. We have added two new Host

Agencies (Goodwill Industries in Asheville and American Red Cross in Hendersonville).

We are pleased to announce that we now have seven Participants in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, and we will be looking forward to bringing some of those folks into the regular program on June 30. We have 23 regulars right now.

The best news is that we have had seven people hired in unsubsidized employment during this grant year. This has been one of our very best years ever, despite the economic situation. We’re happy to note that most of our people were hired by the Host Agency where they had been doing their SCSEP community service. Jobs have been created because of our Participants’ skills and contributions to the agencies.

We experienced our first monitoring visit from Kim Jacobs in Raleigh at the Division of Aging and Adult Services. Kim does financial monitoring and looked at both the regular program expenditures and payrolls and the ARRA expenditures and payrolls. While we have not received our written assessment yet, the meeting went very cordially, and we felt that we provided all the information Kim needed. We will be monitored by Liz Needham, SCSEP Coordinator in June.

On April 6, 2010, we had our second Job Club of the year for our Participants. We were snowed out in December, so we will try to get one more training in for our Participants before the end of June. There were 30 Participants present at the training, the largest group since Brenda and I have been working with SCSEP Title V.

If you have any questions about hiring a SCSEP Participant for unsubsidized employment, becoming a Host Agency and receiving a Participant for 20 hours of community service, or wanting information about eligible information for joining the SCSEP Title V Program, please contact Jennifer or Brenda at 251-6622. SCSEP Participants

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 5

2010 MOUNTAIN GREENSustainable Communities Conference

Warren Wilson CollegeJune 23, 2010

8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Warren Wilson College’s Environmental Leadership Center is convening the Mountain Green

Conference. Mountain Green is a program of The Environmental Leadership Center of Warren Wilson College (ELC) that began in 2006. With leadership from a Steering committee representing western NC, Mountain Green provides an annual conference, a public seminar series, and a service component INSULATE! to promote sustainable community practices for our mountain region. Registration is $100 before May 15th and $150 after May 15th.

The Mountain Green Conference will be featuring:

Dr. Bill Thomas - An international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare and a Professor of Aging Studies and Distinguished Fellow at The Erickson School of the University of Maryland, Baltimore

Barry Patterson -Sustainability+Revitalization, Finding effective ways to integrate economic, environmental, social and cultural components

Robyn Griggs - Editor-in-Chief, Natural Home and Author, The Wabi-Sabi House

Vladimir Novotny - Professor, Director, Center for Urban Environmental Studies at Northeastern University’s Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Kathryn Lawler and Scott Ball - Kathryn Lawler of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Scott Ball of the architect firm Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company

Stan Cross - Education Director for the Environmental Leadership Center of Warren Wilson College

Sponsored by:

For conference information and to register visit: www.warren-wilson.edu/~elc/ Scroll down to June 23rd and click on the Mountain Green link.

Financial Fraud, Scam and Exploitation Summit Planned for May 24th

On Monday, May 24, 2010, the Area Agency on Aging at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council along with the Buncombe

County Sheriff’s Office and the Buncombe County Aging Coordinating Consortium will host a Financial Fraud, Scam and Exploitation Summit. The event will be held in the large conference room at Land-of-Sky from 9:30am – 2:30pm.

This program is designed for banking and other business and community professionals and concerns recognizing and protecting older adults and people with disabilities from financial exploitation. Scams, fraud and exploitation are becoming more and more prevalent in our society. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (2006), “one older adult is victimized every 2.7 seconds.”

Roxanne Sizemore of the Buncombe County Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services Division reports “In Buncombe County our reports on exploitation have grown 8% since 2006. It is one of those silent crimes, where although there are no visible signs; such as bruises or unkempt appearance, it is just as devastating to the adult.”

According to Detective John Cabe with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, “We’re seeing a wide variety of financial fraud, scams, and exploitation, of the disabled and elderly, and all adult age groups, utilizing various methods, all of course purposed toward getting at the victim’s assets. We continually work to educate the public in a prevention effort. It is imperative that we also place a focus on educating the business people through whose hands these assets pass to be alert, recognize, prevent, and report these crimes before and as they are happening.”

During the Summit, the signs and indications of fraud, scams and financial exploitation will be covered as well as ways in which local banks and other organizations can respond to protect their customers while still respecting confidentiality. Following opening remarks by North Carolina Representative Heath Shuler and Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, speakers will include Caroline Farmer, Deputy Director, Victims and Citizens Services from Attorney General Roy Cooper’s Office and a panel of local experts from the State Employees Credit Union, the Better Business Bureau, DSS/Adult Protective Services, Pisgah Legal Services, and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. By the end of the event, all participants will discuss and identify preliminary strategies for improving prevention and protection for vulnerable citizens of Buncombe County.

This program will be helpful to bank branch managers, security officers, and all business and community partners that train staff who come in contact with customers. The program is free and lunch is included. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Christina at christina@landofsky.org.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 6

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

Caution! Wisdom Yields Optimal Health

This year’s Older Americans Month theme—Age Strong! Live Long! reflects a remarkable opportunity for a healthy nation. As we honor the stories and contributions of our aging population, we can honor the cultivation of wisdom. Wisdom is

a deep understanding of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to choose or act to consistently produce the optimum results with a minimum of time and energy.

As we age, we have the potential to become wiser and therefore healthier individuals. As wisdom is applied to health choices, optimal health becomes a practical reality. We can aspire for optimal health now and our elders can lead the way.

Our wise choices and perspective will help us to create healthier cells. With each passing day we have the opportunity to get healthier and healthier….Let’s orient around a new paradigm – Age Strong! Live Strong!

Our community is rich with passionate and empowered older adults. With focused effort, we can be a healthier and happier nation. Call or email Rebecca to share your strategies for optimal health at 251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org …. All the best, Rebecca

Whatever health issue you are facing, it’s time to take charge and enjoy a

better quality of life with the living healthy program. Living Healthy is a fun, interactive workshop designed to help you live in optimal health. Programs are free and open to the public. Please call Rebecca at 251-7438 or email rebecca@landofsky.org for more information or to register.

Living Healthy with DiabetesFor individuals with diabetes and their caregivers

Marshall Senior Center462 Long Branch Road, MarshallWednesdays, May 26 - June 30

1:00 - 3:30 pm

Living Healthy with a Chronic ConditionBethel ‘A’ Baptist

290 Oakdale Street, BrevardTuesdays, May 25 - June 29

12:00 - 2:30 pm

Weaverville Town Hall30 South Main Street

Thursdays, July 8 - August 121:00 - 3:30 pm

Are you interested in becoming a Living Healthy Leader Trainer? Are you a Leader and would like to expand your Leader Trainer capability to include diabetes prevention? If so, classes will begin in August. Call Rebecca if you are interested or for more information.

Healthier Every Day in Every Way WALK WISE, DRIVE SMART

Walk Wise, Drive Smart is a neighborhood-based project that is part of the Henderson County Livable

and Senior Friendly Community Initiative. The program builds upon established community relationships and uses community input to guide improvements to the walkabilty of Hendersonville.

May 6th - 9 amOklawaha Greenway

May 20th - 9 amNaturalist Urban Hike

June 3rd - 9 amMain Street to Hyman Heights

July 1st - 9 amWest Hendersonville Walking Route

August 5th - 9 amCarl Sandburg Home

Contact Rebecca at 251-6622 for more information about the Summer Walks.

Summer Walks

“Watch Out for Us” Pedestrian Safety June 17th - 10:30 am

Sammy Williams Center, 301 N Justice Street

Join us for this 45 minute presentation to learn more about how YOU can take responsibility for being a safe

pedestrian.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 7

In honor of Older Americans Month, the Transylvania County Council on Aging is joining Park Ridge Hospital’s regional Blue Zone effort,

with a focus on the “What’s Your Hundred?” challenge.

We challenge you to improve your health over the next 100 days. Consider making a ’100’ goal towards being active and healthy.

Hundred examples:- Reduce 100 calories a day- Walk 100 miles in 100 days- Volunteer for 100 hours

How to Participate?Attend the Kick-Off Gala on 1. May 12th at 9:45 at Silvermont.Complete the card with your goal(s) and return to Silvermont.2. Track your progress on the form provided.3. Email, call or stop by Silvermont to share your stories of success.4. Celebrate your success in during Active Aging Week, September 5. 19 – 24.

You are invited to attend the Century Club’s 2010 Annual Celebration

The Century Club cordially invites you and your guests to join in a Reception Honoring our Century Club Members.

In celebration of Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to the region’s oldest citizens. Please help us Celebrate!

May 14, 201011:15 am - 1:00 pm

Park Ridge HospitalDuke Room - Grand Floor Across From Cafe

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville684-8501

FREE Valet Parking Available

Please RSVP to Christina Giles at 251-6622 by May 7, 2010. Also, please let us know if transportation is a problem or if you have any dietary restrictions.

Brought to you by:

What’s Your Hundred? At Silvermont in Brevard

Dan BuettnerAuthor, The Blue Zones

Thomas Wolfe AuditoriumTuesday, May 25th, 6 pm

Dan Buettner and his team have identified regions

where people live to a healthy 100 due to common threads in lifestyle, behavior, diet, outlook and stress-coping mechanisms. On May 25th, he will map out these simple but proven principles and inspire us to begin our personal journey to living a longer, healthier life.

This event will be free for the community - a gift from Park Ridge Hospital and The Asheville Citizen-Times, as we invite the region to join us in embracing the principles and practices of the Blue Zones.

To register for the May 25th event visit www.wncbluezone.com. Registration is open until May 5th. For more information on “Blue Zones” visit www.bluezones.com.

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May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 8

CERT Training

Friday, May 14th, 6 pmWestwood Baptist Church, West Asheville

CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) educates people about disaster

preparedness for specific hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The free CERT training consists of a 25-hour course broken down into weekly sessions. Mike West, CERT Instructor, will train you to be able to assist others in your neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

For more information or to register contact Corporal Ben Parker, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention - Community Relations at 775-2672.

On Tuesday, March 30th Gov. Perdue signed Executive Order No. 54, directing

state agencies to develop strategies and proposals to strengthen their preparedness for and response to North Carolina’s aging population.

For the first time in state history, agencies will identify ways to better prepare for aging workforce, to improve the safety and security of seniors, to increase opportunities for lifelong learning and to identify ways to better utilize senior volunteers and their skills.

“Older North Carolinians are tremendously important to this state - they provide knowledge of their experience that will guide the future generations,” said Gov. Perdue. “Setting government straight means structuring state government to meet the needs of all our people and recognizing the unique needs of the aging population.”

By understanding the aging population, the use of smart technologies can improve environments such as walkways, parking and home/office modifications to better meet their needs and to promote their health, independence and continued civic engagement.

State to Assess Government Readiness for Aging Population

Senior Tar Heel Legislature

The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature Begins Resolution Process in Raleigh

The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) convened in Raleigh on March 16-17 to work on legislative priorities for 2011. This is the first of three state meetings in 2010. Delegates were also presented with an update of

North Carolina’s employment condition and several aging issues that state leaders plan to take to Congress next year.

State leaders are in the process of gathering information for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Dennis Streets, Director of the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, addressed several topics that will be proposed to the Federal Government when the OAA is reauthorized in 2011. Streets said that local governments need more flexibility to use block grant funds to meet the growing demands for older adult services. Currently, there are more than 14-thousand seniors on waiting lists for programs such as home delivered meals and in-home aide care.

State leaders also would like to see more federal support for new programs such as Project C.A.R.E. (Caregivers Alternatives to Running on Empty) and Evidence Based Health Promotion programs like Living Healthy with Diabetes. It is estimated that by 2030, six out of ten older adults will be living with two or more chronic health conditions.

The STHL promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the General Assembly and assesses the legislative needs of older adults by convening a forum modeled after the North Carolina General Assembly. It is during these forums that the STHL establish priorities for the upcoming years.

The 2010 legislative priorities for the STHL include:1. Provide funding to sustain Project C.A.R.E.2. Increase funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant by $5 million.3. Increase funding for senior centers by an additional $2,000,000 in recurring funds.4. Establish a cap on the increase in the assessed value of property determined during revaluations for persons over the age of 65, eligible for a Homestead Exemption. Revise the limits of the Act to income of $35,000.5. Mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing and assisted living facilities.

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 9

Ombudsman OverviewAn Ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.

Health Care Reform Includes: Elder Justice Act,

Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act, and Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act

What It Means for Older Adults

The historic health care reform bill that President Obama signed into law on March 23rd includes the Elder Justice Act, the Nursing Home Transparency

and Improvement Act, the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act and provisions designed to improve the ability of people to get needed long-term care services at home.

The Elder Justice Act (EJA) was introduced in the Senate on April 2nd, 2009 and the House on April 21st, 2009. The Elder Justice Act was authored in the Senate by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and co-authored by Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). On the House side the EJA companion bill, was authored by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and co-sponsored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA).

Elder Justice Act Millions of victims of elder financial abuse are reporting losses nearing $2.5 billion dollars a year. Congress has responded to this growing national problem with the passage of bills which will provide financial support to protect older adults from financial abuse and exploitation.

Key Provisions: • Adult Protective Services (APS) funding. Provides $400 million ($100 million per year) for adult protective services. Provides $100 million ($25 million annually) for state demonstration grants to test a variety of methods to improve APS.

• Provides $32.5 million (over 4 years) in grants to support the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and an additional $40 million ($10 million annually) in training programs for national organizations and State Long Term Care Ombudsman programs.

Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement The nursing home transparency provisions are the first comprehensive improvements in nursing home quality legislation since 1987. When fully implemented, the law will provide consumers a substantial amount of new information about individual facilities. Key Provisions: • Public disclosure of nursing home owners, operators, and other entities and individuals that provide management, financing, and services to nursing homes.

• Establishment of internal procedures to reduce civil and criminal violations and improve quality assurance.

• Collection of staffing data, public reporting, turnover and retention rates.

• Improved public information on www.medicare.gov/Nursing Home Compare.

• Establishment of a consumer rights information page on www.medicare.gov/Nursing Home Compare, including services available from the long-term care ombudsman.

• A Government Accountability Office study of the Five Star Quality Rating System.

• Improved timeliness of survey information made available to the public. Continue Health Care Reform on Page 10

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 10

828-251-6622OR

1-800-727-0557

Barbara Hinshaw

Buncombe County

Terry Collins

Henderson & Madison Counties

Lee Ann Smith

Buncombe & Transylvania

Counties

Who do you call with your Long-Term Care

Facility Concerns?

• A requirement for nursing homes to make surveys and complaint investigations for three years available on request and to post a notice that they are available.

• A requirement that states maintain a website with information on all nursing homes in the state, including survey reports, complaint investigation reports, plans of correction, and other information that the state or CMS considers useful.

• Establishment of a methodology for public reporting of facilities’ expenditures.

• Improved complaint handling, including a voluntary standardized form for filing complaints with the survey agency and ombudsman.

• Escrowing of civil monetary penalties after an independent informal dispute resolution process and pending resolution of further appeals.

• Sixty-day advance notification of facility closure and authorization to continue Medicaid payments pending relocation of all residents.

• Dementia care and abuse prevention included in nurse aide training programs.

The Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act Creates a national program of criminal background checks on employees and those seeking employment in nursing homes and other long-term care providers who have access to residents of facilities or people receiving care in their own homes.

Continued Health Care Reform from Page 9

Victim’s Assistance Program

These fraudulent scammers are getting better at what they do; all

the more reason to arm yourself with the latest information and tactics to better protect yourself and your loved ones.

Speakers, Donna White and Dorothy Strickland, at the Victim’s Assistance Program offered excellent insightful strategies scam perpetrators employ on their senior victims. Many will develop a trusting rapport with the seniors by faking sympathy, worry, friendship and then turn around and

use fear to keep them from telling anyone about their conversations or coerce them to send money.

Those most vulnerable are people 75 years or older. Surprisingly, many victims are repeatedly defrauded by using variations of the same scam or a variety of different scams. These repeat victimization scams are often overseas lotteries and sweepstakes, money transfer schemes and counterfeit checks.

To keep current with the ever-changing scams, the NC Attorney General’s Office keeps updated lists of “senior scams”. They are available at www.ncdoj.com/seniors. The Victim’s Assistance Program works with volunteers to provide follow-up with community seniors who have been victims of crime.

VAP

May - July 2010 Area Agency on Aging Page 11

Welcome New CAC MembersWelcome:Kelly Stamey and John Bernhardt to the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CACCarol Lackey to the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC

Thanks and Farwell to:Cesar Romero from the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CACCarol Harness from the Henderson County ACH/NH CAC

You will be missed! Thank you for your services!

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) CAC Meeting Calendar

Buncombe County ACH: May 21, June 18, July 16

Buncombe County NH: July 8

Henderson County ACH/NH: May 12, June 9, July 14

Madison County ACH/NH: July 12

Transylvania County ACH/NH: July 15

2010 NC Elder Abuse Awareness CampaignMay 10 – June 18

What can you do?

You can help raise awareness of this far-reaching and devastating issue by participating in our Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign:

Learn more about the issues. (Visit the Division of Aging and •Adult Services website at: www.ncdhhs.nc.gov/aging.) Wear a purple ribbon from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day.•Start your own campaign in your county. (A toolkit will be •available soon on the DAAS website with information and ideas.)Encourage your social clubs, church groups, etc. to •participate. (Call and ask a DSS APS worker to come and speak to your group.)Of utmost importance – report suspected cases to your local •county department of social services.

YOU can make a difference!

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call your local Department of Social Services/ Adult Protective Services:Buncombe: 828-250-5800 Henderson: 828-697-5500Madison: 828-649-9498 Transylvania: 828-884-3174

North Carolina Facts:

According to the North Carolina Adult •Protective Services Register, 78% of the reports were on adults with disabilities living in their own homes, while about 22% of the reports were on individuals living in long term care facilities.NC’s Adult Protective Services (APS) law •provides protection to all adults age 18 and older who have a disability and who are abused, neglected or exploited.Older adults comprise the majority of those •receiving APS in North Carolina. 69% were 60 years of age or older. Women comprised 63% of all reports and men 37%.

Did you know?

One older American is victimized •every 2.7 seconds.Research indicates elder abuse •is highly under-reported. Data on elder abuse in domestic settings suggest that only 1 in 14 incidents (excluding self-neglect) are reported.In 2009, more than 17,000 reports •of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults were made to NC’s 100 county departments of social services.

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

May 2010Volume V / Issue 2

Aging Program Staff

Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant, Newsletter Layout & Design Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service Employment Program Coordinator (SCSEP) Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on AgingLee Ann Smith - Regional OmbudsmanLinda Kendall Fields - Community Resource Connections CoordinatorMargaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - ContractsPat Hilgendorf - Alzheimer’s Demonstration GrantRebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - ProgramsTerry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

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VISION

The Area Agency on Aging is a leader and catalyst in helping our four-county Region (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania) develop a comprehensive system of programs and opportunities that provide older adults the information and support needed to age optimally in

the setting of their choice.

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140Asheville, NC 28806Phone: 828.251.6622

Fax: 828.251.6353Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa

Age Strong! Live Long!

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