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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-05-20; 4-a - Older Americans Month Proclamation 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 5, 2020 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Older Americans Month Proclamation DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on Aging ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Older Americans Month Proclamation Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255 April 17, 2020 Media Release - with Heather Altman, Chair, Advisory Board Additional Updates on Aging PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating the month of May 2020 as Older Americans Month and a time to honor older adults for their contributions to the community. BACKGROUND: May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963. For many years the Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older Americans Month. This year's national theme is Make Your Mark. The theme highlights older adults' unique and lasting contributions to their communities — everything from sharing a story with grandchildren to leaving a legacy of community action. It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in communities. It encompasses the idea that getting older does not mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals and dreams can get a new and second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and redefining the way you want to age. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more. While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults year- round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in their communities. In this era of COVID-19, there are shining examples of how older adults are making a mark on the community. Project EngAGE Senior Leaders are connecting with older adults in their communities to make sure their needs are being met during these difficult times. 2 These Leaders are making phone calls, picking up food, delivering senior center lunches, sewing facial coverings, and pitching in wherever there is an unmet need. The End of Life Choices Senior Resource team saw an unmet need and created a document to aid in emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This new document is not intended to replace persons' advanced directives, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information should an individual be diagnosed with COVID-19. Seymour Center tech volunteers put their skills and creativity to work and transitioned very quickly into offering computer classes in a virtual environment. And lastly, with COVID-19 occurring during tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers should be congratulated for developing a secure process for assisting persons with tax preparation that does not involve a face to face appointment. Today there are over 29,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group, over 1,800 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement age, it is a goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life — studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. With COVID-19, celebrations and activities honoring Older Americans Month are being curtailed, but staff and the Advisory Board on Aging still encourage older adults to "Make Your Mark." With social distancing and the Seymour and Passmore Centers not being opened in the foreseeable future, everyone is encouraged to stay connected through phone calls, virtual gatherings, and participate in the on-line opportunities. This is a time for all of us to "Make Our Mark" on the community by remaining resilient; calling neighbors; saying thank you to frontline workers; and promote a willingness to help the community recover from this pandemic and prepare everyone for whatever the new normal is. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. The Older Americans Act provides funding for senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support, preventive health services, adult day care and other community based assistance. • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. The County's Volunteer Connect 55+ program along with Project EngAGE is committed to engaging volunteers to assist in meeting the growing needs of older adults in the community. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation designating May 2020 as Older Americans Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. 4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION Older Americans Month — May 2020 Theme - "Make Your Mark" Whereas, Orange County includes over 29,000 persons aged 60 and older who make countless contributors to our community every day; and Whereas,Orange County is committed to engaging and supporting older adults,their families and caregivers; and Whereas, Orange County is stronger when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are included and encouraged to make their mark; and Whereas,Orange County recognizes the importance of the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of its residents; and Whereas, Orange County can support our community members by: • Promoting independence, inclusion, and participation; • Engaging older adults through education, recreation and service; and • Connecting people with opportunities to share their time, experience and talents. Now Therefore,we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2020 to be Older Americans Month, and urge every resident to recognize older adults and the people who support them as essential members of our community. This the 5th day of May, 2020. Penny Rich, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners 5 Media Contact Janice Tyler, Director Department on Aging Phone: 919.245.4255 jtyler _orangecountync.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orange County senior centers offer new and modified programs and services to support older adults. ORANGE COUNTY, NC (April 17, 2020)—Orange County Department on Aging suspended activities at both senior centers beginning Monday, March 16, due to the risks presented by COVID-19. Since that time staff have worked to implement and modify programs and services to help support seniors throughout the crisis. "It has been incredible to see everyone pull together as a team to transition services into virtual programs," said Janice Tyler, director of the Orange County Department on Aging. "We are offering new and innovative services and working hard every day to meet the changing needs of our community." Services include: AGING TRANSITIONS SERVICES Aging Helpline: To register for Aging Transitions programs or talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue, please call (919) 968-2087 or email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 am —4 pm, Mon - Fri. Chinese Aging Helpline: Call 919-245-4275 Spanish Aging Helpline: Call 919-245-4245 Care Partner Collaborative: A social gathering for care partners and their loved ones experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. Our group has moved online, coming together each Wednesday at 11 a.m. via GoToMeeting. We continue to create a flexible space for sharing and connection, with all participants welcome to join in simple, enjoyable group activities according to individual ability levels. Caregiver Support Group: Virtual meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. Durable Medical Equipment: Our occupational therapist is available should you need durable medical equipment, or a phone consultation. Employment Services for Older Adults: Job seekers, right now, there are part-time and full- time jobs available. Our employment services specialist can help you be better prepared for your job search. 6 Memory Cafe: A monthly opportunity for persons with dementia and their care partners to relax over a "virtual" cup of coffee and socialize. Volunteer Driver Program continues to provide rides for older adults to essential services. This service has become even more important as Orange County Public Transit and Chapel Hill Transit have limited service. COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES For information or to register for our Community Based Services, call the Passmore Center 919- 245-2015 or Seymour Center 919-968-2070 Fit Seniors: "At home" exercise options offered by our Wellness Program instructors and staff to help keep you fit and healthy. Visit the Fit Seniors webpage for options like Balance Class I, Yoga, Strength Training and more. Watch for more options in the future and get started today, it's FREE! Lunch Program: Lunches are distributed curbside 3-times a week. A hot meal and a boxed lunch are distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one hot meal on Fridays, ensuring that our registered lunch participants continue to receive 5 meals weekly. At this time we are only accepting new applications for those county residents age 60 and over and who can pick up a meal at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or Passmore Center in Hillsborough. Those in group quarters will only be considered if they can identify someone to come and pick up their meal. To register, email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256. Senior Centers: Here are a few of the many ways that senior center staff and volunteers are making a difference: • Lunch program participants receive DIY Activity, Craft and Fitness packets • Implemented a new Stay at Home Scavenger Hunt program, complete with prizes • COVID-19 updates & guidelines are shared using multiple distribution methods • Staff& volunteers encourage isolated participants through letters, text and phone calls • Senior Center Garden Clubs BYOT (Bring Their Own Tools) to work in the gardens while practicing social distancing using a rotational system • Quilters make and donate masks to health care facilities • Download a staff curated list of online activities that mirror some of our drop in activities including crosswords, card games, reading books, painting, table tennis, DIY projects, and more. Seymour Tech Remote Learning: We are offering FREE remote technology courses via Zoom. Find the schedule and sign up for these remote learning courses at www.seymourtechcenter.org. Find the course you want and simply click to enroll for each class. VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES For information about our volunteer programs and opportunities, call the Aging Helpline at 919- 968-2087, email Shenae McPherson or call 919-245-4243. COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County. Leaders from Orange County's Department on Aging and UNC's Partnerships in Aging have created a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer List. 7 Emergency Plan & Serious Illness Plan: When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families and to ourselves. The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team has created a document to aid in beginning your process for emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This form is not intended to be or to replace your advanced directives document, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information for quick access should you need it. Access the form here. Grocery Delivery Service: If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource. To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919- 968-2087. This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply. Supplemental Food Box Program: A FREE monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program food box is available for qualifying for Orange County residents, age 60 and over who meet income requirements. Contact us for information or to apply Tax Assistance -Virtual Services: The Orange County VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) has transitioned to a Virtual Service providing assistance with 2019 tax returns for some taxpayers. The tax filing deadline for both Federal and NC State returns has been delayed to July 15, 2020. To learn more visit our VITA website. Telephone Reassurance: As we continue to enforce social distancing, and social gatherings aren't possible, we want to make sure you're doing okay. Would you like a daily phone call just to check on you? We are actively enrolling new Orange County adults age 55 and over. If interested, contact us today! "The health and safety of our older adults is our priority," said Department on Aging director, Janice Tyler, "We will continue to develop new methods and strengthen existing ones to support their needs throughout this pandemic crisis." Please reach out to our staff for questions or assistance, we are here for you! Staff Appointments: Aging Transitions, Senior Center and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet by phone, email or"virtual" appointment. For more information or assistance, please contact the Passmore Center: 919-245-2015, Seymour Center: 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087. Additional updates Our website is being updated on almost a daily basis. We have created a COVID-19 Crisis Resources Guide. We have a section of our website that is devoted to virtual programming. This section of our website is growing as we continue to adapt our programs to a virtual environment. We are posting daily on our Facebook page. Our Endless Possibilities bi-weekly newsletter has grown to 3466 subscribers and our monthly Community News for Caregivers e- newsletter currently has 673 subscribers. 8 1 have to give a big thank you to all the law enforcement staff that have assisted with lunch and commodity food distributions. Our Front Desks are receiving 30+ phone calls daily and the Aging Helpline is receiving 10-20 calls per day. Facial coverings created by our quilting groups were delivered to UNC Healthcare.The Chinese Folk Dance group have provided facial coverings for the Seymour Center staff. The Chinese American Friendship Association of NC delivered masks that were distributed to lunch participants. A shout-out to the AMS staff for taking the opportunity to do some much needed maintenance on our facilities, including painting, pressure washing, cleaning carpets, etc. The buildings will look "freshened up" by the time we officially reopen for business. In addition to the many services listed above the Aging Transitions Division staff are continuing to have one- on-one meetings with individuals, either through video conferencing or in-person, if needed. Our Volunteer Driver program is meeting a need of taking older adults to the grocery store, if they are unable to participate in our grocery delivery service. In addition to our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program moving to a virtual platform, we are also assisting individuals that are having issues in receiving their government stimulus funds. Chapelboro, WHCL and CBS 17 have all done stories on how our department has adapted programs to address COVID-19. Our department has been working with the low-income senior apartment complexes in Orange County to address the issue of internet access for their residents. Internet access has become even more important, as doctors have been moving to a telemedicine model during the pandemic. We are working the Emergency Operations Center and Orange County IT and hope to pilot this project by the end of April or early May.