Vol. 14, No. 2
March/April 2010
180 E. Main St, Suite 208 Hillsboro • Phone & TTY: 503-640-3489 • www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/DAVS
A ging and Veteran
Services Advisory Council
John Concepcion
Roger Fields
Roger Harbaugh
Patricia Maberry,Chair
William Newton
Edgar Penaloza
Betty Pomeroy, PastChair
Dick Schouten
Lacey’s House “A Place to Call
Home” for Homeless Veterans
“OnanygivennightinAmerica,whilewegotosleepinourhomes
therearehundredsofthousandsofAmericanswhohavefoughtforour
freedomwhogowithouttheirownhome.Veteransmakeup11percent
ofAmerica’sadultpopulation,but26percentofthehomelesspopulation.
“Already,weareseeinghomelessveteransfromthewarsinIraqand
Afghanistan.That’sjustnotright!That’sjustnotwhoweareasacountry”
~President Barack Obama, March 2009
InsupportofthePresident’sfocusonhomelessnessamongournation’s
veterans,Secretary Shinseki oftheDepartmentofVeteransAffairshas
launchedaninitiativetoendhomelessnessamongveteranswithinfiveyears.
Tom Smith, ViceChair
Glenna Wilder, Secretary
Locally,therearecitizenswhohaverecognizedandactedontheneedin
WashingtonCountytoassisthomelessveterans.
I n This Issue
Lacey and Mike BryantofHillsboro,possessastrongsenseof
communityandhavemadeittheirmissiontoassistthoseinneedwith
aphilosophyofgiving“ahandup,notahandout.”
• ChubbyChecker
AnnouncesNew"Twist"
inMedicareLaw
2
• Medicare101Classes
2
• ManyChangesto
Oregon’sMedicaid
Programs
3
• Supplemental
NutritionAssistance
ProgramEvents
3
• OregonPropertyTax
DeferralforDisabled
andSeniorCitizens
4
• 20MinutesCan
StopElderAbuse4
• FreeTaxAssistance
• CaregiverAdvisory
• VeteransView
• LongTerm
CareInsurance–
PurchaseEarly
Thecouplebelievesstronglyinprovidingoptions,especiallyforthose
whohavelosthope.Byprovidingthoseinneedwithasafeplacetocall
home,Lacey’sHouseconnectseachveterantopositiveprogramsand
serviceswithinthecommunity,whichinturnencouragestheveteran
tohelpthemselvestosucceed.Eachday,LaceyandMikewitness
thetransformationinmanyofthelivesthatarepositivelyaffectedby
theassistancetheyprovide.Thiswillbethefirstfull-servicehomeless
veteran’shouseintheStateofOregon.
Lacey’s House Grand Opening
Friday,April16,from10:00a.m.to2:00p.m.
Publiciswelcome
4
5-8
9
10
• GetLibraryBooks
DeliveredtoYourHome 10
• April:National
Parkinson's
AwarenessMonth
11
• DAVSSeekingNew
CouncilMembers
12
• CalendarofEvents
12
Lacey's House in the final remodeling phase - picture taken February 2010
continued, see Lacey's House, p.12
For Information and Referrals please call us at 503-640-3489
The Advisory
Medicare
Chubby Checker
Announces New “Twist”
in Medicare Law
By Alan Edwards
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Ifyou’vebeenthinkingaboutapplyingforextrahelpwithyour
Medicareprescriptiondrugcosts,thennow’sthetimetogeton
thedancefloorandhoptoit!
Chubby Checker,theGrammy-Award-winningrock-and-roll
legendmostknownforhishit,“TheTwist,”hasteamedupwith
Michael J. Astrue, CommissionerofSocialSecurity,totellpeopleaboutanew“twist”inthelaw.The
changeinthelawmakesiteasierforpeoplewithMedicaretoqualifyforextrahelpwiththeirprescription
drugcosts.
“ThechangesintheMedicarelawwillallowhundredsofthousandsofAmericanswhoarestrugglingto
paytheirprescriptiondrugcoststogetextrahelpduringthesetougheconomictimes,”saidCommissioner
Astrue.“IamthrilledthatChubbyCheckerhasvolunteeredtohelpusspreadthisimportantmessage
throughanewtelevision,radio,andInternetspotaswellaspamphletsandposters.”
“Listenup,America!For50years,peopleofallagesandbackgroundshavedancedtheTwist,”Chubby
Checkersaid.“Nowit’simportanteveryonelearnaboutthisnewtwistinthelaw.Checkitoutat
www.socialsecurity.gov.”
Thereareincomeandresourcelimitsapersonneedstomeettoqualifyfortheextrahelp.Butthenew
Medicarelaweasesthoserequirementsintwoways:
• Thecashvalueoflifeinsurancenolongercountsasaresource;and
• Assistancepeoplereceivefromotherstopayforhouseholdexpenses,suchasfood,rent,mortgage,
orutilities,nolongercountsasincome.
Abonus“twist”isthattheapplicationyoufileforextrahelpcannowstarttheapplicationprocessfor
MedicareSavingsProgramsaswell—stateprogramsthatprovidehelpwithotherMedicarecosts.These
programshelppayMedicarePartB(medicalinsurance)premiums.Forsomepeople,theMedicareSavings
ProgramsalsopayMedicarePartA(hospitalinsurance)premiums,ifany,andPartAandBdeductibles
andco-payments.
TolearnmoreabouttheextrahelpprogramandtoviewthenewtelevisionspotfeaturingChubbyChecker,
visitSocialSecurityonlineatwww.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.
Medicare 101 Classes
ComelearnaboutMedicare!Theseclassesareforanyonegettingready
toturn65orthosewhoarealreadyonMedicareandwanttolearnmore.
(Notethattheclassesareintwoparts)
May 4 and May 11 (Tuesdays) from5:30pm-8:00pm
ElsieStuhrCenter-5550SWHallBoulevard,Beaverton,OR97005
Toregister:call503-439-9400oronlinewww.thprd.org/activities
keyword:Medicare101
May 6 and May 13 (Thursdays)from5:30pm-8:00pm
ElsieStuhrCenter-5550SWHallBoulevard,Beaverton,OR97005
Toregister:call503-439-9400oronlinewww.thprd.org/activities
keyword:Medicare101
2
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
The Advisory
Medicaid
Many Changes to Oregon’s
Medicaid Programs!
T h e
OregonDepartmentofHuman
Services(DHS)andtheOregon
HealthAuthority(OHA)are
spreadingthewordtolowincomeOregoniansthatthey
haveanopportunityforhealth
care.The2009Legislature
providedfundingforcoverage
foranadditional35,000lowincomeOregonadultsthroughtheOregonHealth
Plan(OHP).However,DHSestimatesthereare
approximately140,000Oregonianswhoseincomes
wouldqualifythemforthiscoverage.
Toensureeveryonequalifiedhasanequal
opportunityforthecoverage,statehealthworkers
aretryingtoreachasmanypeopleaspossible
toletthemknowitisavailable.Anyonewho
contactsthestatewillbeaddedtotheOregon
HealthPlanreservationlist,whichwillbethe
sourceofmonthlydrawingsforhealthcare
coverage.Peoplewhoqualify,basedonincome
statusandotherfactors,willbeabletojointhe
OregonHealthPlanStandardinsurancecoverage.
Toaddyournametothelist,gotowww.oregon.
gov/DHS/openorcall1-800-699-9075.Youcan
alsogotoalocalDepartmentofHumanServices
officetorequestareservationpacket.Localcounty
healthdepartments,mosthospitalsandhealthcare
clinicsalsohavereservationpackets.
Thelatestdrawingfromthecurrentlistofnames
wasonFeb.1,anddrawingswillbeheldona
regularbasisuntilallfundedhealthcarecoverage
isfilled.Onceaperson’snameisdrawn,heorshe
willbesentanapplicationpackettoapplyforthe
healthplan.Eligibilityisbasedonstrictincome
limitsoflessthanthefederalpovertylevel,which
isbasedonthenumberofpeopleinahousehold.
Forexample,thelimitis$903foranindividualor
$1,526forafamilyofthree.
OHP-Standardcoversphysicianservices,
prescriptiondrugs,mentalhealthandchemical
dependencytreatment,emergencymedicalservices
andlimiteddental,hospitalandvisionservices.
TheOregonHealthPlanispartofthenewOregon
HealthAuthority.TheOHAisthecentrallocation
forpubliclypurchasedhealthcareinOregon,
includingtheOregonHealthPlanandcoverage
forteachersorpublicemployees.TheHealth
Authority’smissionistolowercostsforeveryone
inthehealthcaresystemwhileincreasingaccess
tocareandimprovingthequalityofcare.
Aspartofthereformefforts,the2009Legislature
alsopassedhealthcarefundingfor all Oregon
children.Formoreinformationabouthealthcarefor
allOregonchildren,gotowww.oregonhealthykids.gov
orcall1-877-314-5678.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Events
Duetothesuccessofthisprogram,duringthemonthsofMarchandApril,DepartmentofHuman
Services(DHS)andtheOregonHungerTaskForce(OHTF)willcontinuetobepresentatmanyofthe
WashingtonCountyseniormealsitesandoneseniorcentertoassistindividualsinfindingoutwhat
foodassistancetheymayobtainaswellasotherservices.Findoutifyoumayqualifybydroppingby
atthefollowingdatesandlocations:
Tuesday, March 9 10:30am-1:00pm
TigardSeniorCenter
8815SWO’MaraSt.,Tigard
Wednesday, March 31 10:30am-1:00pm
ElsieStuhrCenter
5550SWHallBlvd.,Beaverton
Thursday, March 11 10:30am-1:00pm
ForestGroveSeniorCenter
2037DouglasSt.,ForestGrove
Wednesday, April 7 10:30am-1:00pm
SherwoodSeniorCenter
21907SWSherwoodBlvd.,Sherwood
Saturday, March 20 10:30am-1:00pm
HealthFairatNorthPlainsSeniorCenter
31450NWCommercialSt.,NorthPlains
Tuesday, April 27 10:30am-1:00pm
TigardSeniorCenter
8815SWO’MaraStreet,Tigard
Friday, March 26 10:30am-1:00pm
JuanitaPohlCenter(formallyTualatinSeniorCenter)
8513SWTualatinRd.,Tualatin
Thursday, April 29 10:30am-1:00pm
HillsboroLoavesandFishesSite
372NELincoln,Hillsboro
Tuesday, March 30 10:30am-1:00pm
HillsboroCommunitySeniorCenter
750SE8thAve.,Hillsboro
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
3
The Advisory
Free Tax
Assistance!
IRS-certifiedvolunteer
preparersareavailable
beginningFeb.1and
continuinguntilApril15
throughoutOregon.Walk-ins
welcomeatthefollowing
WashingtonCountylocation:
Hillsboro Main Library
2850NEBrookwoodPkwy
8:00a.m.to8:00p.m.
MondaysandTuesdays
Forotherlocations
throughoutWashington
County,pleasereferto
theorganizationsbelowfor
moreinformation(notethat
manypreferappointments):
CASHOregon
www.cashoregon.org
AARPTaxAide
www.aarp.org
(keyword“freetaxaid”)
Oregon Property Tax Deferral
for Disabled & Senior Citizens
Aqualifiedcitizencanapplytohavetheirpropertytaxesdeferred.The
StatewillpayyourtaxestotheCountyandalienwillbeplacedon
yourproperty.TheStatewillkeepyourbalanceduewhichincludesthe
taxesthattheypaidforyou,lienfees,and6%interest.Deferralmeans
thatthebalanceduewillneedtobepaidbackatalaterdateifthe
propertyownerdies,movesawaypermanently,orthepropertyissold.
Toqualifyfortheseniorportionofthisprogramyouwouldneedtobe
62orolderandhaveahouseholdincomeoflessthan$38,500forthe
incometaxyear2009.Thisincludestaxableandnontaxableincome,
includingSocialSecurityandpensions.ToqualifyfortheDisabled
portionofthisprogramyouwouldneedtobereceivingfederalSocial
SecurityDisabilitybenefitsandwouldneedtosubmityourfederal
SocialSecurityawardletterorstatementofeligibility.Thereisno
agerequirementfortheDisabledDeferralportion.
PleasecontactWashington County Customer Service at (503)
846-8741andasktospeakwithastaffmemberabouttheSenior/
Disabled Citizen Deferralprogramortorequestanapplication.
Applicationscanalsobefoundonlineat:http://oregon.gov/DOR/
SCD/docs/490-015AW.pdf
Please return the completed applications to:
WashingtonCountyDept.ofAssessment&Taxation
155NFirstAve,Suite130,MS8
Hillsboro,OR97124
ThefilingperiodforthisprogramisJanuary 1, 2010 to April 15,
2010–wecanonlyacceptapplicationsduringthattime.
20 Minutes Can Stop Elder Abuse!
Eachoneofushasaresponsibilitytokeepvulnerableelderssafeandoutofharm’sway.Thelaws
inmoststatesrequirecertainprofessionswhoserveonthefrontlines—suchasdoctorsandhome
healthproviders—toreportsuspectedabuseorneglect.Mostoften,theseprofessionalsarecalled
mandatoryreporters.However,youdonotneedtobeamandatoryreportertoreportabuseorneglect.
Call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if you know of someone
who is in immediate, life-threatening danger!
Ifthedangerisnotimmediate,butyoususpectthatabusehasorisoccurringtoanolderadultwho
is65+orapersonwithdisabilities,pleasereportittosomeone.Shareyourconcernswiththelocal
AdultProtectiveServicesoffice:
Adult Protective Services in Washington County: (503) 640-3489 ext. 2
WhenyoumakeacalltoAdultProtectiveServices,itishelpfultohavethereportedvictim’sname,
address,contactinformationandspecificdetailsabouttheincidentorwhyyouareconcerned.
Youmayalsobeaskedaseriesofquestionstogainmoreinsightintothenatureofthesituation.
•
•
•
•
Arethereanyknownmedicalproblemsincludingconfusionormemoryloss?
Whatkindoffamilyorothersocialsupportsareinplace?
Haveyouseenorheardincidentsofhitting,yellingorotherabusivebehavior?
Aretheresafetyconsiderationsinthehomesuchasdogs,weaponsordrugs?
ThecallthatyouplacetoAdultProtectiveServicesisconfidentialandtypicallytakestwentyminutes
orless,sopleasedon’thesitatetocall.Mostcasesofabuseareundetected,sodon’talwaysassume
thatsomeoneelsehasalreadyreportedasuspicioussituation.
4
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
March/April 2010
Caregiver Advisory
The Family
“Caring For You ...Caring For Others”
What is ADHD?
Welcome to the
Family Caregiver
Advisory.
Wehearthatkidshave“ADHD”oftennow.Chancesarethatifsomeone
inyourfamilyisn’taffectedbyADHD,friendsorclassmatesare.
Ifyou’reacaregiver–a
familymember,friend,or
neighborwhohelpscare
foranelderlyindividualor
personwithadisabilitywho
livesathome–thissection
isforyou.Here,you’llfind
informationabout:
• findingsupportive
servicesinour
community;
Attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder(ADHD)isachildhooddisorder
thatmakesitdifficultforchildrentopayattention,focus,orcontrol
theirbehavior.Thesechildrenaremorehyperactiveandimpulsive,
orhavedifficultygettingalongwithotherchildren.
AchildwithADHDmighthaveinattentionsymptoms–theymight
oftenlosethings(likehomework),daydream,havetroublefollowing
instructions,andbecomequicklyboredwithactivities.
HyperactiveADHDsymptomsincludefidgeting,non-stoptalking,
andtroublesittingstill.Impulsivitysymptomscanbeimpatience,
inappropriatecomments,andfrequentinterrupting.Allyoung
childrencanbehavethiswaysometimes,butADHDsufferersshow
thesesymptomsfrequentlyandwithoutseemingtogrowoutofthe
difficultphases.
• caregivingresources;
• wheretofindhelp;
• waystotakecareof
othersandyourself;
ADHDisoftenmissedormistakenforotherissues,suchasemotional
problemsorlackoforganization.
• joiningacaregiver
supportgroup;and
Treatments
• otherusefulresources
andideas.
Caregivingmaybeoneof
themostimportantroles
youwillundertakeinyour
lifetime.Itistypicallynot
aneasyrole,norisitone
forwhichmostofusare
prepared.TheDAVSFamily
CaregiverProgramoffersa
varietyofresourcestohelp.
Formoreinformation,call
usat503-640-3489.
ThereisnocureforADHD,butwith
treatment,manychildrencanbe
successfulinschoolandlife.
Aphysiciancandetermineifachild
hasothermedicalissuesthatmaybe
causingADHD-likesymptoms,suchas
learningdisabilities,depression,family
stress,ormedicalconditions.Thephysiciancanthenreferthefamily
toamentalhealthspecialistifADHDisapossiblediagnosis.
Treatmentsincludemedication,psychotherapy,educationandtraining.
“Stimulant”medicationshaveacalmingeffectonchildrenwithADHD.
Sometimesavarietyofprescriptionsortreatmentsneedtobetriedto
findasuccessfulsolution.
I n This Issue
Family Support
•MealTipsandTechniques
fortheBusyCaregiver6-7
CaregiverscanhelpachildwithADHDbypraisingwhenthechild
behaveswell–complimentthechild’sstrengthsandefforts.Follow
throughonappropriateconsequenceswhenthechildisactingout
ofcontrol,suchasgivingashort“timeout”or“quiettime.”
•TakingCareofYourself:
ExerciseasPartofLife
7
•EatingandAlzheimer’s
Disease
7
•GrandparentsRaising
Grandchildren:
ADayforYou!
8
•FamilyFunontheRoad
8
AstructuredschedulehelpsachildwithADHDknowwhattoexpect.
Keepthechild’sbelongingsinthesameplacetohelphimfindthem
moreeasily.Limitoverstimulation,suchasbyhavingonlyoneortwo
friendsoveratatime.Youcanhelpachildwhoseemsoverwhelmedby
ataskbyhelpinghimtobreakitdownintosmaller,manageablepieces.
CaregiverscanbeoverwhelmedbyneedsofanADHDchild.Itisnormal
toneedextrapatienceandselfcaretomanagethechallenge.Online
discussiongroupsandsupportgroupscanhelp.
Source: National Institute for Mental Health
The Family Caregiver Advisory
Meal Tips and Techniques
for the Busy Caregiver
Written by Julie Webber,Nutrition Program Coordinator
Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services
WhetheryouarenewtotheroleofCaregiver,orhavebeen
offeringcareforquiteawhile,yourtimemaybeusedinways
thatareverydifferentnow.Tipsandtechniquestomakemeal
preparationmorepleasant,andviewedlessasachore,will
benefitthepersonreceivingcareandhelp“You”astheir
Caregiver.
Tips for successful meal planning
and preparation:
1. Survey the person in your care to learn
the nutritious foods they most like to eat.
• Designmealsaroundtheperson’s40mostpreferred
nutritiousfoods.
2. Think of main ingredients that make up the dish,
vs. the finished entrée as “one” food item. • Howcouldtheabovementionedingredientsbeusedin
othermeals?
• Whatcouldyoustocktobeabletocreateadditionalmeals?
(Condiments?Cannedorfrozenfood?Spices?)
3. A nutritious and flavorful meal does not have to
require a recipe, just an idea and a basic plan.
• Color,texture,flavor,andvarietymakeforwinningmeals.
• Identify1to3itemsyoucanaddtomakethemealmorenutritionallycomplete.Slicedfruit?Aglass
ofjuice?Peanutbutter,fruitbutter,orasliceofcheeseinsteadofbutteronlyonasliceoftoast?
• Addorgarnishwithsoftfoodslikeapplesauce,yogurt,cottagecheese,avocado,tomatoes,peanut
butter,cheesecubes,orslicedhardboiledeggs.
• Enhancepreparedfoodstoincreaseflavorandnutritionalvalue.Addlow-fatmilktocannedsoups
insteadofwater.Addfreshordriedherbstosoupsorsauces.Addnutritious,proteinbased
garnishessuchascheese,dicedmeat,orcannedbeans.
• Orangejuicecanbeusedtodeglazeapanandcanbeturnedintoaflavorfulsauce.
4. Prep work can be done a few meals ahead, resulting in meals made very quickly.
• Combinetasks.Whenpreppingfreshvegetables,cuttheentirebunch.Storeremainderinzip-locked
bagsforreadyuseinavarietyofwayswithouttakingmoretime.
• Usemorethanoneburneronyourstove.Whilebrowningmeatforameal,placeeggsinasaucepan
toboiltohavereadyforsandwichesorsalads.
5. Timing is a skill which improves with practice.
• Sequenceyourtasks.Setwateruptoboilbeforeyoustartbrowningmeatorsauteingchicken.
Preparesidedisheswhileotheritemscook.
• Fillaskilletwithabout2inchesofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Choppedfreshvegetablescanbe
“blanched”for3-5minutesthendrained,resultinginaperfectlytender,flavorfulsidedish.Toss
withasqueezeoflemonjuice,butterspray,orshreddedparmesancheese.You’llnevermisssalt.
6
March/April 2010
The Family Caregiver Advisory
6. A salad isn’t only made with lettuce!
• Combinetwoorthreeingredientstomakeinterestingside
salads.Mixmandarinorangesorotherfruitswithafewnuts,
raisins,ordates.Topwithyogurt,cottagecheese,oradropof
sourcream.
• Combinechoppedtomatoes,cucumbers,andcubedcheese
withasplashofsaladdressing.Thecombinationsareendless.
7. Salad dressing can be used sparingly in place of a sauce.
• Coatpastalightlywithsaladdressing.Choosecannedcorn,
afavoritecannedbean,ordicedvegetablestomakeaquick
pastasalad.
• Flavormeatorchicken,whencompletelycooked,withasplash
ofCaeser,BleuCheese,orHerbedVinaigrettedressingtocreate
anewflavor.
Taking Care of Yourself —
Exercise as Part of Life
Physicalactivityandgoodnutritionareperfectpartnersingood
health.Togethertheyhelpinmanagingweightandprovidingenergy.
Physicalactivitynotonlyburnscalories,butitcanalsohelpyouand
thepersoninyourcareby:
• Makingthemostofmusclestrength,orevenbuildingstrength.
• Slowlyincreasingtheabilitytodomoreforlongerperiodsoftime.
• Increasingrangeofmotionandjointflexibility(theabilityto
moveeasily).
• Strengtheningtheheart.
• Decreasingfatigue.
• Decreasingsymptomsofdepression.
• Maintainingregularbowelandbladderfunctions.
• Cuttingdownontheriskofskinbreakdownandirritation.
• Protectingweight-bearingbonemass(spine,hips,legs).
March/April 2010
Eating and
Alzheimer’s
Disease
Theabilityofaperson
withADtomakegood
foodchoices,touse
utensilscorrectly,tochew
andswallowhisfood,and
tositatthetablechanges
overthecourseofthe
illness.Aswithother
activitiesofdailyliving,
peoplewithADneedmore
andmorehelpastime
passes.
Allow plenty of time for
each meal —aminimum
of30–45minutes.
Intheearlystageyoumay
notneedtodoanything
specialwhenpreparing
food,butmayneedto
helpchooseahealthy
diet.InmiddlestageAD,
theymayeatonlyfood
thatisunhealthyoris
unsuitableforany
medicalconditionsthey
mayhave.Keepitemsthat
aregoodfortheperson
toeatreadilyavailable.
Whenofferingfood,don’t
cluttertheplate.Cutfood
intobite-sizepieces.Ifthe
personwantstoeatwith
hisfingers,trynottobe
criticalandofferfinger
food.Beawarethatpeople
inthisstagemayaddtoo
muchsaltorpepperto
theirfoodbymistakeor
putsugarratherthansalt
onahamburger.Itmay
bebesttokeepthese
condimentsoutofreach.
7
The Family Caregiver Advisory
Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren:
A Day for You!
OnFriday,May14from9:00a.m.–2:00p.m.
thesecondannual“GrandparentsRaising
Grandchildren:ADayforYou”conferencewillbe
heldattheBeavertonFoursquareChurch.The
eventisco-sponsoredbytheFamilyCaregiver
SupportProgramofWashingtonCountyDisability,
AgingandVeteranServicesandtheWashington
CountyCommissiononChildrenandFamilies.
“Aftertheresponsefromparticipantslastyear,
ourprogramwantedtoputsomethingononce
againforgrandparentswhoareparentingasecondtimearound,”
saysWCDAVSProgramCoordinator, Deborah Letourneau.“Wearehappytohavethesupport
oftheCommissiononChildrenandFamiliesthisyear,andawonderfulfacilityfortheday,thankstothe
generosityoftheBeavertonFoursquareChurch.”
Therearemorethan4.5millionchildrenlivingingrandparent-headedhouseholds,accordingtothemost
recentcensus.Nearly38,000childreninOregonliveingrandparent-headedhouseholds.20,735children
livewiththeirgrandparentswithouteitherparentpresent.Oftengrandparentcaregivershavestepped
forwardtoraisechildrenbecausetheirparentsstrugglewithdrugandalcoholabuse,incarceration,HIV/
AIDS,mentalillness,domesticviolence,divorce,unemploymentormilitarydeployment.
Morethan30agencieswillberepresentedataresourcefairconnectedtotheevent.Speakersarebeing
recruitedtoaddressvariousissuesofconcerntograndparents.Freelunchandprizesarealsooffered.
AccordingtoLetourneau,“Therealbonusisthatgrandparentsmeetoneanotherandfindtheyarepart
ofalargercommunityexperiencingsimilarjoysandchallenges.”
Whiletheeventisfree,pre-registrationisrequired.Peopleareaskedtocall503-615-4676forinformation
andtosavetheirspace.
Family Fun on the Road
Herearefungamestoplayonbusesandincars
topassthetime.
themtolistofallthestatesthattheydidnotsee.
Thewinneristhekidwhonamesthemoststates.
License Plate Game
I Spy
Askkidstospotsomethinginsideoroutsidethe
carandthenaskotherpassengerstoguesswhat
theyspy.Theymustchoosesomethingthatis
Older Kids: Askthekidstocalloutorwritedown
fixed(notanothercarorlandmarkthatwill
eachtimetheyspotalicensefromanewstate.Ask quicklypassfromsight,butsomethinginside
thecaroronthehorizon).Kidsleadthegameby
saying,“Ispywithmylittleeyesomethingthat,”
andaddaclue.Forexample,“Ispywithmylittle
eyesomethingthathassnowatthetop.”
Younger Kids:Askkidstocalloutthenamesof
thestatestheyseeonplatesascarspass.
Synonyms/Antonyms
Younger Kids: Askkidstogivetheoppositefor
everywordyougive,ortogiveanotherwordthat
meansthesamething.
Older Kids:Pickonewordtostart,andeach
personinthecarsaysawordthatmeansthe
opposite(orthesame)untilthepassengersrun
outofmatches.Theonewhogavethelastmatch
winsapoint.
8
March/April 2010
Veterans View
Honoring Service, Honoring Sacrifice
Women Veterans to be
Honored at Conference
in Canyonville, Oregon
On March 25 and 26theOregon
DepartmentofVeteransAffairs
willbecelebratingourwomen
veteransinthePacificNorthwest.
TheeventwillbeheldatSeven
FeathersinCanyonville,OR.
Theconferenceisnotonlyto
honorthewomenwhohave
servedtheircountry,butto
informthemofthevarious
benefitsthattheymaybeentitled
toAshistoryhasshown,women
haveservedthemilitaryinmany
differentcapacities,however,the
careandbenefitsthattheirmale
counterpartsreceivedwasnot
alwaysreadilyavailableoreasy
forwomentoaccess.Today,
womensoldiersareservingin
thesamecapacityasthemen,
yettheservicesandmedicalcare
arefallingshort.
Let’shelptheOregonDepartment
ofVeteransAffairstohonorthe
servicesthatourwomenveterans
haveprovidedsothattheywill
neverbeforgotten!
Formoreinformationonhow
toregister,pleasecall503-3732264orvisitthewebsiteat
http://www.oregon.gov/ODVA/
wvc.shtml.
Inspiration
Howimportantitis
forustorecognizeand
celebrateourheroesand
she-roes!
~Maya Angelou
Weoftentakeforgranted
theverythingsthatmost
deserveourgratitude.
~Cynthia Ozick
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
9
The Advisory
Long Term Care Insurance - Purchase Early!
Long-termcarereferstothemanyservicesbeyond
medicalandnursingcareusedbypeoplewith
disabilitiesorchronicandlong-lastingillnesses.
Long-termcareinsurancehelpsyoupayforthese
services.Apolicyalsoensuresthatyoumakeyour
ownchoicesaboutwhatlong-termcareservicesyou
receiveandwhereyoureceivethem.
Long-termcareinsurancetypicallycoversthecostof:
• Helpinyourhomewithdailyactivitiessuch
asbathing,dressing,eatingandcleaning;
• Programssuchasadultdaycare;
• Assistedlivingservicesthatareprovidedinaspecial
residentialsettingotherthanyourownhome;
• Visitingnurses;and
• Careinanursinghome.
mayevenopttopurchasecoverageforamixtureof
careoptions.Somewillevenpayforafamilymember
orfriendtocareforyou.
Daily or Monthly Benefit–Thisistheamountof
moneytheinsurancecompanywillpayforeachday
ormonthyouarecoveredbyalong-termcarepolicy.
Benefit Period –Thebenefitperioddeterminesthe
lengthoftimeyouwillreceivebenefitsfromyour
policy.Youmaychooseabenefitperiodthatspans
fromtwotosixyears,ortherestofyourlife.
Elimination or Waiting Period–Duringthisperiod
youmustpayforallofyourlong-termcareexpenses
outofyourownpocket.Thisperiodvaries.Thelonger
thewaitperiod,theloweryourpremiumswillbe.
Inflation Protection –Therearetwomainkindsof
inflationprotection:therighttoaddcoverageata
Thebesttimetobuylong-termcareinsurancemay
bemiddle-agebecausepoliciesgenerallycostlessthe laterdate;andautomaticcoverageincreases.Itis
highlyadvisedtoshopandcomparepolicies.When
earliertheyarepurchased.
yougetyourpolicy,reviewitthoroughlytobesureit
AstudybyFidelityestimatedthata65-yearold
coverswhatyoupaidfor.
coupletodaywillneed$85,000onaveragetocover
Whencontemplatingpurchasinglong-termcare
annualpremiumsforlong-termcareinsurance.
insurance,makesureyoudoyourresearch.Ifyou
Somekeyissuestoconsiderinclude:
decidetopurchase,besuretodosofromastrong,
Coverage –Youmaychooselong-termcarepolicies
reputablecompanythathasatrackrecord.
thatpayfornursinghomecare,homecareoryou
Get Library Books
Delivered to Your Home!
The Washington County Cooperative Library Services Outreach Program
providesmaildelivery,free-of-charge,toWashingtonCountyresidents
unabletoaccessorusetheirlocallibrary.Thecheck-outperiodisfor3
weekswiththeoptiontorenewupto2timesaslongastheitemsarenot
onholdorrequestedbyanotherperson.
Who Qualifies?Homeboundadultsandchildrenwithnoreliable
transportationtoalibrary,orwhoareseverelydisabledandunabletouse
alibrary.Forthosewhoaredisabledtemporarily,thetermmustbeat
least6months.Caregiverswhocareforhomeboundindividualsalso
qualifyforthisprogram.
What Is Available To Me?Anythingfromthelibrarythatcanbemailed!
Therearemanycollectionsavailablesuchasbooksinlargeprint,audio
books,describedvideos,memoryandactivitykitsforadults,magnifying
sheets,drivingskillstestsandambient-meditativeDVDsandCDs.
Extra Help For Caregivers! Kitsareavailabletocaregiversthatcontain
videos,audiotapes,songs,skitsandotheritemstohelpstimulatememories
anddiscussion.Therearekitsappropriateforgroups,aswellasothersthat
canbeusedone-on-one.
How Do I Get Started?CalltheLibraryOutreachServicesHomebound
Programnumberat503-648-9785anytimeMondaythroughFridayfrom
8am-5pmandrequestanapplication.Youcanalsogettheapplication
onlinebyaccessingthehomeboundwebsiteatwww.wccls.org.Lookunder
theLibraryServicestabandclickon“HomeboundServices.”Yourselections
willarriveviaU.S.mailinanylonzippered-bagwithsimpleinstructionsfor
return.Therearenooverduefees.
10
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
The Advisory
April: National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Who gets
Parkinson’s disease?
So what exactly is
Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’sdiseaseisa
progressivemovementdisorder
markedbytremors,rigidity,
slowmovements,andposture
instability.Ithappenswhen
certainnervecells(neurons)
inapartofthebraindieor
becomeimpaired.Normally,
thesecellsproduceavital
chemicalcalleddopamine.
Dopamineallowssmooth,
coordinatedfunctionofthe
body’smusclesandmovement.
Whenapproximately80%of
thedopamine-producingcells
aredamaged,thesymptoms
ofParkinson’sdiseaseappear.
Sometimespeoplebecome
concernedthatattending
asupportgroupmightbe
discouragingorembarrassing.
Parkinson’sdiseaseaffectsboth
Butmoreoftenthannot,the
menandwomeninalmostequal
experiencecanturnouttobe
numbers.Itshowsnosocial,
extremelyencouraging.Youare
ethnic,economicorgeographic
likelytomeetpeoplewhoaredoing
boundaries.Approximately1
greatdespitehavingParkinson’s
millionAmericanssufferfrom
diseaseforanumberofyears,
Parkinson’sdisease.Thecondition
andwhoarerespondingwellto
usuallydevelopsaftertheageof
medicationsandenjoyinglife.
65,while15%ofthosediagnosed
areunder50yearsofage.
Supportgroupsoffereducation,
Parkinson’sdiseaseisoneofthe
socialization,andaforumwhere
mostcommonneurodegenerative
peoplegenuinelyunderstandyour
diseases,secondonlyto
concerns,andshareinsightsinto
Alzheimer’sdiseaseinthe
copingwithParkinson’sdisease.
numberofpeopleaffected.
Formoreinformationonwhere
tofindalocalsupportgroup,
Maintaining Wellness
visitwww.parkinson.org.Click
onFind Resources andclickto
Itisimportanttorecognize
findaffiliatedchaptersandsupport
thattheconditionisonethat
demandsadaptation,notdespair. groupsbasedonyourzipcode.
Prioritizinggoals,pacingyourself, Thereareanumberofgroups
andmakingtimelyuseofphysical, locatedinWashingtonCounty,
occupationalandspeechtherapies socheckitout!
willenhanceyouoryouloved
Content adapted from the
one’swell-being,andcanmake
www.parkinson.org site.
allthedifferenceinhowone
enjoyslifeandmaintainstheir
independence.
Vol. 14, No. 2 • March/April 2010
11
The Advisory
DAVS
Seeking
New Council
Members
TheDAVSAgingand
VeteranServicesAdvisory
Councilisseekingnew
members.Councilmembers
adviseDAVSabouthow
tobestserveseniors,their
familiesandcaregivers,
andveteransandtheir
dependents.Ifyouwould
liketobeconsideredfor
thisvitalrole,contact
Janet Long,503-615-4651
[email protected].
Calendar of Events
Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council
Thursday,March25,9:00a.m.–Noon
WashingtonCountyDisability,AgingandVeteranServices
180E.MainSt.,Suite208,Hillsboro
Thursday,April22,9:00a.m.–Noon
WashingtonCountyDisability,AgingandVeteranServices
180E.MainSt.,Suite208,Hillsboro
Council on Aging, Inc.
Monday,March8,1:00p.m.
ElsieStuhrCenter
5550SWHallBlvd.,Beaverton
Monday,April12,1:00p.m.
SherwoodSeniorCenter
21907SWSherwoodBlvd.,Sherwood
Disability Services Advisory Council
Monday,March8,1:00-3:00p.m.
BeavertonSeniorsandPeoplewithDisabilitiesOffice
4805SWGriffithDr.,Beaverton
Monday,April12,1:00-3:00p.m.
BeavertonSeniorsandPeoplewithDisabilitiesOffice
4805SWGriffithDr.,Beaverton
Lacey's House cont. from p. 1
Address Services Requested
133 SE 2nd Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97123-4026
PRSRT STD
US Postage
PAID
Hillsboro, OR
Permit #990
Recently,Lacey’sHousehasbeen
recognizedbyWal-Mart,thathas
pledged$10,000tosupportthe
effortsofthisnon-profit
organization.
TherewillbeanofficialGrand
OpeningheldFriday,April16,
from10:00a.m.to2:00p.m.
Bruce Starr,aState
Representative,willbein
attendanceofthislargeevent.
Anyoneinterestedinsupporting
Lacey’sHousemaymake
donationstoanyWellsFargo
Bankandrequestthepledgeto
beappliedto“Lacey’sHouse.”
A1968Camarowillberaffled
awaytohelpraisefundsfor
Lacey’sHousefor$25perticket.
ThechosenticketandCamaro
giveawaywilltakeplaceMonday,
June14,2010.Forinformation
regardingtheraffletickets,you
mayemailRoger Harbaugh
[email protected].
Quick Facts:
RecentlyDAVSparticipated
inaveteranshomelesscount.
Belowyouwillfindafew
interestingquickfactsabout
someofWashingtonCounty’s
homelessveteranpopulation.
Vietnam Era Veterans
Averageage–55.5years
Averagelengthof
homelessness–145months
Gulf War and Post-Gulf
War Veterans
Averageage–32.38years
Averagelengthof
homelessness–8months
Top 3 reasons a veteran
(regardless of era served)
left their last living
arrangement (self declared)
1.MentalorEmotional
Disorder
2.Unemployed
3.MedicalProblems
Lacey’s House
530 S. 1st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-890-9791
Web: www.laceyshouse.com | E-mail: [email protected]
The Advisory
Rebecca Tabra
To subscribe for a free copy of The Advisory
call 503-615-4646 (TTY: 503-640-3489)
or view The Advisory on the Web at
www.co.washington.or.us/News/Newsletters/theadvisory.cfm