This class will look at assumptions that people have about hospice care and will be answering frequently asked questions. The instructors will role play a hospice 101 presentation, where hospice is explained to a person who is considering hospice care. They will also cover how to get hospice started sooner rather than later and the empowering benefits/advantages of hospice care versus no hospice care. The important role that volunteers play in providing hospice care will be discussed.
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AARP Driving Smart Driver Course
This national classroom refresher curriculum is tailored to the needs of local drivers over the age of fifty. The course provides a review of driving situations, self-assessments, and driver guidance that will update your driving knowledge, sharpen your driving skills, and help you compensate for normal age-related physical changes. The instructor will use video clips and a workbook. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion to take to their insurance agent for an auto insurance discount.
Senior Law Day 2019
The Colorado Springs Senior Center is proud to host the 33rd Annual El Paso and Teller Counties Senior Law Day. This event addresses legal topics pertaining to seniors, their adult children, caregivers, and other interested parties in the state of Colorado. Topics will include: Senior Housing, Estate Planning, Probate, Social Security Retirement Benefits, Scams and Elder abuse. Lunch will be provided to those who register. Registration is required to attend. Call the Senior Center at (719) 955-3400 or stop by the front desk to register. The Senior Center is located at 1514 N. Hancock Rd.
The State of Caregiving in the Pikes Peak Region
An event to bring together community partners, serving all ages and all special health care needs, to collaborate in addressing gaps in respite care and caregiving supports. Discussion will be facilitated about existing services, understanding challenges, and identifying solutions. Bring your perspective and experience!
Register here: https://PikesPeakCaregiving.eventbrite.com
Questions? Contact Elle Billman at ebillman@eastersealscolorado.org
Bleating Heart Night for Innovations in Aging Collaborative
By joining the Goat Patch Tribe on a Bleating Heart Night, every
pint you purchase between 5pm – 9pm will result in a $1 donation to the featured non-profit.
On Tuesday, July 30th, Goat Patch Brewing Company will be hosting Innovations in Aging Collaborative.
Dementia Myth Busting
On March 27th, Innovations in Aging Collaborative joined Dementia Friendly America in their efforts to make America a safer place for people with Dementia. Colorado Springs is now considered a Dementia Friendly city and IIAC is working hard to improve our city for those experiencing dementia. In society there is often a cloud of confusion and myth surrounding Dementia. To become more Dementia Friendly, it’s important we educate ourselves and our community about Dementia. To do this, we need to define what dementia is and debunk some of the common myths about it.
Dementia is defined by the Mayo Clinic as, “a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn’t a specific disease, but several different diseases may cause dementia”.
Myth: Dementia is the same thing as Alzheimer’s Disease.
This is false. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is caused by plaques which are buildups of protein, and tangles which are tangled bundles of protein in the brain. These plaques and tangles can cause memory loss which contributes to dementia.
Myth: Dementia is a normal part of aging
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Many older adults will experience some minor memory issues such as temporarily forgetting an event or the name of an acquaintance but eventually recalling it. Persons experiencing Dementia on the other hand may not remember the name of a relative or what season it is. Some memory loss is normal for aging adults, but when it interferes with their quality of life or ability to function it could be considered Dementia.
Myth: Only seniors can experience Dementia
Early onset dementia affects people under 65 years old. 5% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease experience early onset. Although it is a small percent, it is a significant group of people that are experiencing symptoms of dementia as early as their late thirties.
Myth: If your parent has dementia, you will have Dementia
There are different types of Dementia and the majority of them are not hereditary and will not be passed down to children or grandchildren.
Myth: You cannot do anything to prevent getting Dementia
This is false, there are multiple lifestyle changes that can aid in keeping you healthy later in life. Through research and clinical trials, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found three practices that can prolong Dementia: Increased physical activity, blood pressure management for those with hypertension, and cognitive training.
Myth: People with Dementia need to be treated like children
This is an especially harmful myth. There is a phenomenon called ‘elderspeak’, which is a term used to describe how younger people talk to elders. Elderspeak often has a high-pitched tone and the use of words like ‘sweetie’ and ‘honey’. Elderspeak can make seniors feel disrespected and degraded. Studies have shown that elderspeak is correlated with an increase of challenging behaviors such as refusing care.
These myths are commonly held to be true in our community. As we learn more about Dementia it is important that we all do our part to educate each other. The more we know, the more we can support those living with dementia and their caretakers.
To learn more about Dementia and Dementia Friendly America visit these resources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
https://www.dfamerica.org/