Area Agency on Aging February 2009 Newsletter

Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison

& Transylvania Counties

Volume IV, Issue 1 February - April 2009

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance,

Answers on Aging

Website: www.landofsky.org Phone: 828.251.6622

New Years Resolution – Plan for Long Term Care“According to some sources, 60% of us will need long term care sometime during our lives. It is important for all of us to prepare for that day when we will need to help loved ones with elder care or we will need elder care for ourselves.”

“It is simply a fact of life to prepare financially for unexpected disasters by covering our homes, automobiles and health with insurance policies and to provide funding for our retirement. But no other life event can be as devastating to our lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It drastically alters or completely eliminates the three principal retirement dreams of elderly Americans, which are:

Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others. 1. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care. 2. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income. 3.

Yet, it is our experience that the majority of the American public does not plan for the devastating crisis of needing elder care. This lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person’s family, with sacrifices made in time, money, family lifestyles and even affecting the family’s or caregiver’s medical and emotional health.” National Care Planning Council “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning”

Because of changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation -- more-than-ever -- needs to plan for long term care.

If you have spent time helping a parent or loved one cope with a disability resulting from aging, you know the frustration of balancing what you feel they need to do and what they want to do. Communication is strained at times, because after all, you are the child and they the parent, yet physically and mentally the rolls have changed.

When you make directives, assignments and arrangements in advance of needing elder care, then everyone involved can follow the prearranged care plan.

As an example, Jefferson Simpson wrote in his care plan that if dementia or Alzheimer’s inhibited his mental abilities to communicate or recognize his surroundings. He wished to be in a respectable facility and only asked that he be visited and brought chocolates. To his children this request seemed silly at the time, but when his mental capacities did diminish, the instructions were there. No one had to wonder if they should try to take care of Father Jefferson at home and how they would do it. Without guilt or question they placed him in a respectable facility that took care of his needs. All they had to do was make loving visits, and of course they brought chocolates.

In order for Jefferson’s simple request to happen, he had made financial, legal and personal long term care plans years before.

• What do you want your children or friends to do on your behalf? • When it comes time for them to help, what if you can’t say what you want because of a physical or mental disability? This is where a written long term care plan comes into effect. • Do you have a financial plan or long term care insurance? Retirement savings can disappear quickly when used for care services. • Where is your paperwork: insurance policies, living will, medical directives, Armed Services discharge or disability papers? Is there someone designated to know the location? • What are the legal documents that are needed for power of attorney, estate planning and disbursement of assets? When do they have to be completed? • What types of care services and facilities are available, and what are the costs? • What will government programs pay for and how do you qualify?

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February - April 2009 Area Agency on Aging Page 2

Family Caregiver Support Program

A Wonderful Afternoon for Caregivers

Over 50 caregivers enjoyed an afternoon of music, relaxation and stress relief at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville on

November 12th. Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program in collaboration with the Park Ridge Hospital Caregiver Wellness Program, Memory Care, and Park Ridge Home Health sponsored this 3-hour event. Life Coach and professional musician Pamela Bruner asked caregivers to talk about their caregiving burdens and joys and provided them with helpful stress relief techniques. Caregivers practiced tapping on pressure points to relieve tension and relaxed as they listened to Pamela’s wonderful music. To conclude her workshop Pamela helped caregivers create affirmations which they set to the music of her Celtic harp. Affirmations set to music are more effective.

Comments from those who attended included: “Thanks for a great learning experience, healthy snacks and a fantastic presenter.”

“Thank you very much for bringing Pamela Bruner to the caregiver workshop. Her techniques helped reduce stress immediately and her stress-reducing pointers were greatly appreciated. I left the workshop feeling lighter, rejuvenated and full of hope for change. Thank you so very much for sharing Pamela’s gifts with us.”

“Thank you for a beautiful afternoon.”

“Thank you for making it possible for caregivers to attend such an uplifting program. How wonderful to learn of new ways to overcome the emotional problems we all face, and without the use of medication! I am already making up little songs and it really helps.”

“I enjoyed the Arboretum program and will try to attend more of your programs as I can use all the help I can get.”

“My wife and I got a lot from your meeting at the Arboretum.”

Exhibitor fees and sponsorships for the 2008 Annual Caregiver Conference provided funding for this event and for chair massages at caregiver support group meetings in addition to funding the Annual Conference. Remaining funds will be used to sponsor two caregiver workshops next year.

For more information about Pamela Bruner go to www.pamelabrunermusic.com

Life coach and professional musician, Pamela Bruner

Welcome New Caregiver

Advisory Committee Member

Kathe Harris

Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps caregivers

thrive, not just survive!

Seven people are currently taking the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course at the Lakeview

Senior Center in Black Mountain. This course is designed to provide caregivers with the “tools” to increase their self-care, confidence, and ability to handle difficult situations, emotions and decisions.

After completing this program they will have tools to:• Reduce personal stress • Recognize the signs of depression and when to seek help • Help them communicate their feelings and needs to others • Deal with emotions such as anger and guilt • Deal with difficult situations• Change negative self-talk• Make difficult caregiving decisions• Help them set limits and ask for help

Powerful Tools for Caregivers has been shown to reduce caregiver stress and improve the caregiver’s ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. Participants attend 6 classes and receive a copy of the Caregiver Helpbook.

To learn more about this program contact Family Caregiver Specialist Carol McLimans at Land-of-Sky Regional Council 828.251.6622.

Calendar of Events

February3 Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council3 “Living Healthy” workshops begin at Leila Patterson Center, see page 512 “Living Healthy” workshops begin at Harvest House, see page 517 DTV Conversion, see page 5

March13 Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council24 Health Connections: Aging Well Learning Network Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council

April 7 Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, Land-of-Sky Regional Council7 “Living Healthy” workshops begin at First Baptist Church of Asheville, see page 58 “Living Healthy” workshops begin at Madison County Cooperative Extension, see page 510 Easter - Good Friday, Land-of-Sky Offices Closed


There is a lot you can do now to put together a plan for your own long term care. You may have limited resources in the future for health problems that will inhibit your ability to take care of things you could do now. For example: James and Cindy want to be able to stay in their home as they age. In order to do this, when they were in their 40’s they took out a long term care insurance policy that will pay for home care if it is needed. The policy will also pay for nursing home costs as a care option. With taking the policy at a younger age and in good health the monthly payments are low. Extra funds can now be put away for retirement without worries of having to deplete savings for care costs. Or consider Sarah’s following experience: After taking care of her own parents for many years, Sarah realized the importance of making, in advance, a plan and preparations for herself. She saw all of her parents’ assets dissipated in order for her father to qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage. She didn’t want the same thing to happen to her. She took the time to create her own plan on paper-- expressing her wishes for her own care. A trip to her attorney provided all the legal documents and estate planning she wanted to be in place to insure care for her and an inheritance for her children. There is much to learn about long term care, and there are a lot of new services and programs available to draw from.

The National Care Planning Council has gathered together an overall review of government and private long term care services both on the Council website, www.longtermcarelink.net and in their book The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning.

The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning provides comprehensive information about long term care planning. The design also allows you to record personal information, family agreements and directions on 20 planning sheets at the back of the book. Using this book as a single-source repository for information and directions makes it much easier for you or your care coordinator to carry out your wishes when the need for care occurs.

**Reprinted as seen at www.longtermcarelink.net

New Years Resolution - Plan for Long Term Care continued from Page 1

L:R - Ali Climo and Beth Lazar

L:R - Carol McLimans and Charles Dickens.

2008 NC Conference on Aging

The Buncombe County Aging Coordinating Consortium (ACC) received the 2008 Ernest Messer

Award for their work in developing the 2008-2012 Aging Plan for Buncombe County. Beth Lazer, ACC Chair, and Ali Climo, Warren Wilson College Social Work Program Director, accepted the award on behalf of the Consortium.

Charles Dickens, NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature Speaker and Buncombe County Delegate received the 2008 Margaret Hart Hardee Excellence in Aging Award for his leadership in advocacy to secure state funding for Project C.A.R.E, a program that provides respite and other support to families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)


Spotlight on SCSEP Participants- Hire an Older Worker Today!

We are very pleased to introduce to our “Area Agency on Aging Newsletter” audience another two of our

fine SCSEP participants.

Sandra MorrisSandra Morris came into our program in March of 2008. She has been a wonderful addition to the staff of several of our host agencies; ABCCM Women’s Shelter and Vanderbilt Apartments.

Sandra brings warmth, competence, and a desire to help others to her work and her co-workers find her to be very conscientious. She is interested in a full time position with the public where she can utilize her customer service and organizational skills. Sandra has a very positive and engaging demeanor and makes those around her feel at ease.

Should your organization have a need for a smiling face and sweet disposition, please consider meeting Sandra Morris and find out what we already know...She’s great! If you wish to meet with Sandra, call Jennifer Atkinson or Brenda DelaCruz at 251.6622.

Edwin O’BrienEdwin O’Brien is one of our newest faces here at SCSEP. What is most impressive about Edwin is his “go get it” attitude and relaxed friendliness. Edwin worked for himself for many years in the pet grooming business. He now wishes to step out into another arena. He says

he wants to work with the public in reception work, or perhaps as a cashier. Edwin O’Brien is seeking part time work on a bus line in the Asheville area.

We ask that you consider Edwin for your part time office needs. If he would be a good fit for your office, please contact either Jennifer

Atkinson or Brenda DelaCruz at 251.6622.

SCSEP Participant

Sandra Morris

SCSEP Participant

Edwin O’Brien

We wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year as we face the challenges of our troubled

economy with new vigor and enthusiasm.

Older Americans are not immune from the impact of the present economic woes, but we are still helping our Participants continue their search for meaningful employment.

In this issue of the Newsletter, you will find two more of our Participants highlighted. Sandra Morris has been with the program for about a year, and she has proven herself a quick learner and conscientious worker. Edwin O’Brien has been with us only a few months, but his eagerness to learn new work skills and his ability to get along with his fellow workers show much promise for him in the future.

We have been pleased in recent months to add two more Host Agencies to our list, and we were able to place two new Participants with these agencies. At our quarterly Job Club for our 23 Participants, we had a wonderful turnout of 20 Participants who learned of new training opportunities at Goodwill Industries. The Participants’ good humor and continued desire to achieve unsubsidized employment lifted Brenda’s and my spirits.

News for Unsubsidized Employers - once again readers, we wish to encourage you to share with employers you know that hiring older American workers is a very smart move. Also, please tell them to contact us about our On-the-Job Experience part of our program. SCSEP Title V is prepared to pay 100% of wages for one month to an unsubsidized employer for one of our Participants to receive training and skill development before the Participant is fully hired by the employer. There is time for the employer to evaluate the Participant, and for the Participant to evaluate the new position with the employer. It is a win-win part of our program for all concerned.

Remember: Hiring skilled older Americans with good work ethics, a get-it-done attitude, commitment to the job, and who bring life experience to the work place is the way to go now and in the future!

For more information about the program or our Participants, contact Jennifer Atkinson or Brenda Delacruz at 828. 251.6622.


Congratulations Louise Koontz!

This years recepient of the Transylvania

County Employee of the Year goes to...Louise Koontz! Transylvania County DSS Director, Carson Griffin, presented the award to Louise at the Transylvania County Holiday Party on December 19, 2008. Way to go, Louise!!

Transylvania County Employee of the Year,

Louise Koontz

What if there was an Emergency in your neighborhood?

Learn how to be leader in an emergency situation. Emergency Services may not be able to get to everyone immediately in

the event of an emergency. The Area Agency on Aging will be coordinating a Community Action Response Team (CERT) Training this spring to help our community to be more prepared. This 4 day FREE training will teach you take care of yourself AND help others in your community for the first three days following a disaster. The training is offered by Heart with Hands and is fun, interactive and very educational. Contact Rebecca Chaplin at 828.251.7438 or [email protected] for more information.

The Living Healthy Program Touts “Success” Come join us!

Living Healthy is designed to support people with one or more chronic condition, and their caregivers, to take charge of their health and their life. One participant who has since become a Living Healthy leader, Marjorie Linden, states that

her participation in the class has given her the opportunity to “lean self-empowerment tools and exercises which remind me that my condition does not define who I am – that my condition is only a part of who I am” and her leadership in the program has allowed her to “meet other folks who are coping with their chronic condition(s)… Practice the methods of managing my disease which I learned while participating in the course; and pass on my learning from the course to others.” See for yourself! To register of for more information, contact Rebecca at 828.251.7438 or [email protected]

Living Healthy Workshop Schedule:Leila Patterson Center (Fletcher) – Tuesdays, February 3 – March 10, 2:00 – 4:30 pmHarvest House (Asheville) – Thursdays, February 12 – March 19, 2:00 – 4:30 pmFirst Baptist Church of Asheville – Tuesdays, April 7 - May 12, 5:30 - 8:00 pm Madison Co Cooperative Extension – Wednesdays, April 8 - May 13, 9:30 am - 12:00 noonTransylvania Health Department – Thursdays, May 7 - June 12, 2:00 - 4:30 pm

Digital TV Conversion

The North Carolina Auditor Is Coming to the Mountains

Are you a non-profit? Do you receive grant funding? If so, you may want to register for the classes provided by the NC

Auditor’s Office that will cover the recent changes in reporting and grant management requirements for non-profits. Home and Community Care Block Grant providers, non-profit board members and staff in Region B are invited to attend the series of classes in February that will help us stay in line with the auditor’s point of view. The series includes the following classes: • Basics of Internal Controls - Feb 11• Establishing Effective Grants Monitoring Programs - Feb 12 • Allowable and Unallowable Costs - Feb 17• Creating Effective Policies and Procedures - Feb 18• State Grants Accounting and Reporting Responsibilities Update - Feb 19

For additional descriptions on these classes and others, please go to http://www.ncauditor.net/NonProfitSite/resources.aspx. A Certificate of Completion for each class and a Certificate in Grant Management for the group of classes will be available. To register for the classes, please email Margaret Stanley at [email protected] or call her at 251.6622. Make plans now to attend!

The Digital TV Conversion may be delayed from February 17th to June 12th. The U.S.

Senate has approved the transition delay and the House of Representatives is excepted to review the legislation soon. Earlier this year, the TV Converter Box Coupon Program reached its funding ceiling and over 2 million people have been placed on a waiting list. Currently coupon requests from eligible households will only be filled as funds from expiring coupons become available. To apply for the coupon, go to www.DTV2009.gov, call 1.888.DTV.2009, or mail to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208.


Step Away from the Stress

When was the last time you experienced stress? If you are anything like me, it was probably in the past 24 hours! Common stress responses include heightened senses, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tensed muscles,

rapid breathing, slowed digestion, dry mouth and sweating. Stress is widespread in today’s fast pace world, especially considering the recent economic, political and environmental changes on top of our daily pressures and concerns.

Stress, also known as the fight of flight response, is a healthy sign that the body is preparing to adapt to a new demand. When confronted with a stressor, the hypothalamus causes the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline, cortisol and other related hormones. These chemical messengers propel you into a state of excitement. In its proper function the stress response leaves you feeling focused, energetic and alert. The stress response may be useful in an emergency situation or to assist us in meeting other types of challenges such as completing an important project or winning a basketball game.

Interestingly, the body does not distinguish between real, imagined, physical or psychological stressors. If you have a lot of responsibilities or worries - the stress response may be “on” most of the time. Research suggests that chronic stress may have a negative impact on health.

Chronic stress can contribute to health problems such as hypertension, shortness of breath, asthma, obesity, insomnia, headaches, and body pain. In addition, stress can make it more difficult to heal from a health condition, such as an infection or cancer. Unfortunately, living with a chronic health condition and navigating through the health care system can be stressful in itself!

The bills are never going to stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and family responsibilities are not likely to change. The good news is that we can learn to mitigate these negative health effects through stress management!

Stress management is all about taking charge. This includes taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, environment and the way you deal with problems. Here are a few of the many strategies that may help. Remember the six “A”s for effective stress management.

Awareness - Identify the stressors in your life; and replace unhealthy stress management strategies with healthier ones.

Avoid unnecessary stress – You may be surprised at the number of stressors you can eliminate. Learn to say no and avoid people who stress you out.

Alter the stressful situation – If you cannot avoid the stressful situation, figure out if you can alter it so that the problem does not present itself in the future. Be willing to compromise.

Adapt to the stressor – If you cannot change the stressor, change yourself! Look at the big picture, adjust your standards and focus on the positive.

Accept the things you cannot change - You cannot prevent or change stressors such as death of a loved one, a serious illness or a national recession. Don’t try to control the uncontrollable; look for the upside; share your feelings; learn to forgive.

Allow time for fun and relaxation – If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you will be in a better position to handle life’s stressors when they come.

Take good care of yourself ~ because you can! And it will improve your health. Sincerely, Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist

Research Spotlight: Caregiving and Stress

Dr. Kiecolt-Glaser is well known for her research contributions to psychoneuroimmunology—an interdisciplinary field that studies the relationships among the endocrine system, the nervous system, and the immune system, and their affect on health.

Recently, Dr. Kiecolt-Glaser studied the effect of caregiver stress. Caregiving is “an important and chronic stressor that takes a large toll on the body,” she said. “It is, actually, a process of living bereavement.” Her team has found lowered immune function and impaired wound healing in study groups of these caregivers. In one study, when given a flu shot, the caregivers had poorer antibody and virus-specific T-cell responses to the shot than did a control group of noncaregivers (CAM at the NIH, Volume XV, Number 3: October 2008).

Caregiver stress impacts the physical and psychological health of the caregiver. It is time for us to recognize that the caregiver requires care as well. In order to truly impact the health of the patient, it is suggested that our medical system needs to include assessment and treatment of psychological symptoms of the caregiver, too. (Journal of General Internal Medicine. Volume 23, number 11, November 2008)


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.

Star Rating Systems for Facility Care

The often-requested, much-anticipated, rating systems for long-term-care facilities are finally here in North Carolina. Over the years, the Ombudsmen have had so many questions, and so many requests for such a system that we are pleased

to announce its arrival. However, it’s “be careful what you wish for” because now at almost the exact same time, we have two star rating systems for our two levels of care. The two systems, one for the more medically oriented nursing homes, and the other for licensed assisted living facilities; i.e. adult care homes and family care homes; may be a bit confusing to consumers. The bullet points below, written by Jill Passmore, Lead Regional Ombudsman at the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging, will help explain the differences.

Nursing Homes The Federal Nursing Home Five Star Rating System, implemented December of 2008, is based on compliance with Federal regulations or minimum standards.

Nursing Home Ratings are based on three sources of data: health inspections, staffing and quality measures. Health inspections look at ALL major aspects of nursing home care, about 180 different items, and are conducted by trained state surveyors, looking to assure compliance with Federal regulations.Staffing ratings are derived from a facility’s self-reported staffing ratios 2 weeks prior to the (unannounced) annual survey. Keep in mind that this is merely a 2-week view reported by the facilities themselves and may not be reflective of staffing on a long-term basis.Quality Measures provide an in-depth look at how well each nursing home performs on ten important aspects of care, including the residents’ health, physical functioning, mental status, and general well being. Again, this is self-reported data and represents only a few of the many aspects of care important to residents.Nursing Home ratings will remain in effect for one year, so consumers should check with their Ombudsmen to ask if anything has changed during that period of time. Turnover in key administrative staff can affect quality of care fairly quickly. Just because a facility received 5 stars on its annual inspection does not mean that it is still providing 5-star care; the same holds true for a 1 star facility.Nursing Home Star Ratings are based upon their comparison with other nursing homes.

Access Nursing Home Star Ratings at: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare

Adult Care HomesThe State Adult Care Home Four Star Rating System, implemented January of 2009, is based on compliance with State rules or minimum standards.

Adult Care Home (ACH) Star Ratings are based on the results of annual and follow-up survey inspections by state surveyors, and findings (Type A and Unabated Type B violations) by the local County Department of Social Services which have been reviewed and concurred by the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR). The ACH Star Rating System is not like a restaurant star rating system which gives maximum stars for going above and beyond minimum standards. This rating system is based on an evaluation of the homes compliance with minimun standards or State rules and is based on a 100-point scale. All facilities start with 100 points. Ratings are not based on a facility’s comparison with other adult care homes.

Nursing Home Star Rating Scale

5 Stars - Well Above Average

4 Stars - Above Average

3 Stars - Average

2 Stars - Below Average

1 Star - Well Below Average

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Buncombe County CAC Volunteers Play Santa!

The Buncombe County Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members were hard at work over the holidays making sure the residents of area nursing homes felt the Christmas spirit. Judy McDonough and Mary Israel of the Buncombe County

Nursing Home CAC are just two volunteers who helped make sure residents received a gift. By each member taking a name from an angel tree in a facility, they were able to tailor a special gift for an individual who participated in the activity.

The Brooks-Howell Home in North Asheville was very generous this year in donating items remaining after a White Elephant Sale at their facility. Their donations of jogging clothes, bath robes, knick knacks, and numerous boxes of Christmas items were shared with residents at other area facilities with residents in need. The CAC Volunteers played Santa as they organized the transport of these donations.

Our gratitude goes out to these and all the dedicated CAC volunteers who helped brighten up the holidays for our regional nursing home residents! The CAC volunteers would also like the public to be aware that Brooks Howell Home has a storehouse of durable medical equipment available to the public. Items for the taking include; walkers, grabbers, and other assistive devices. Please contact the facility at 828.253.6712 for more information. Happy New Year!

The highest rating that an Adult Care Home can receive is 4 stars, after scoring 100 or greater points on two consecutive annual surveys. No Adult Care Home will receive 4 stars until 2010. Demerit points are subtracted from a facility’s rating score for citations and violations of non-compliance cited during an inspection. Demerit points may also be issued if action is taken by DHSR against a facility’s license. Facilities can receive merit points, which will positively affect their ratings, for correcting deficiencies and violations and for installing or contracting for a power backup generator or participating in a quality improvement program. A facility may request a follow-up inspection not less than 60 days after the date of the annual inspection if a facility receives citations on its annual inspection with no Type A or Type B violations and the rating from the annual inspection is one or zero stars. Follow-up inspections will be completed depending upon Division of Health Service Regulation staff availability.

Access Adult Care Home Star Ratings at: www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/star

Please remember that both rating systems provide only a “snapshot view” of facilities, and are an additional tool for consumers to help you make informed decisions about placement. While the home’s star rating is very valuable information, consumers are encouraged to ALWAYS visit facilities, observe how residents are treated, speak with staff, ask questions, and use your five senses to evaluating a facility. It’s YOUR decision, and star ratings are only one piece of the puzzle.

Adult Care Home Star Rating Scale

4 Stars: 100 or more points on 2 consecutive annual surveys

3 Stars: 90 – 99.9 points & for a facility whose score is 100 points or greater on one annual inspection

2 Stars: 80 – 89.9 points

1 Star: 70 – 79.9 points

Star Rating Systems for Facility Care Continued from Page 7

Who do you call with your Long-Term Care Facility

Concerns?

828.251.6622OR

1.800.727.0557

Barbara Hinshaw - Ext. 109Buncombe County

Terry Collins - Ext. 112Henderson & Madison Counties

Lee Ann Smith - Ext. 110Buncombe & Transylvania Counties

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Corner

Welcome New Members: Chris Bradford, Lisa Reeves Wells and Rose Garrison to the Buncombe County Nursing Home CAC.Kay Ellen Nelson to the Henderson County Joint CAC.Dot Cody to the Madison County Joint CAC.

Thanks and Farwell to:Alison Karr from the Buncombe County Adult Care Home CAC.Nancy Mitchell from the Henderson County Joint CAC.

You will be missed! Thank you for your services!

CAC Meeting Calendar

Buncombe County Adult Care HomeFebruary 20March 20April 17

Buncombe County Nursing HomeApril 9

Henderson County Joint February 11March 11April 8

Madison County JointMarch 12

Transylvania County JointApril 16

CAC OrientationThe Community Advisory Committees for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties will be having its next class orientation for new members on February 10th and 11th from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer to help older adults in long-term care facilities, call Barbara Hinshaw, Lead Regional Ombudsman, at 828.251.6622.


Community Advisory Committee Retreat

One of the Community Advisory Committee members said to Land-of-Sky Regional Ombudsman, Terry Collins, “Walking in the Governor’s Western Residence felt

like old home week.”

It was an unusually beautiful day this November 5th. The sun shone brightly and the polished wood floors in the Residence competed with that sparkling sunshine. The leaves still had beautiful burnished undertones. Here we are again to celebrate our valuable volunteers who help make the Region B Ombudsman Program successful.

Our speakers this year provided a wide distinction of interesting and useful topics. Sara Melton, the Regional Ombudsman from Region A held the CAC members attention with amusing detail and humor. Sara’s gift of storytelling offered her audience a different perspective on the rights of residents in long term care facilities.

The second speaker, Elder Law Attorney Wendy Craig was excellent in clarifying legal issues and documents that pertained to all of us. She explained in laymen language how to effectively and legally prepare for the future. Many of the CAC members verbalized how valuable her information was to them.

To end the afternoon, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s very own Area Agency on Aging and Volunteer Services employees, Carol McLimans, Connie Pegg and Rebecca Chaplin discussed and explained their unique roles in serving the community.

Thanks to all for their valuable participation, including Christina Giles, who organized so much of this year’s Retreat. A good time was had by all and some said they looked forward to the next year Community Advisory Committee Retreat.

Left to Right: Region A Regional Ombudsman Sara

Melton and Region B Regional Ombudsman Terry Collins

Left to Right: Region B Regional Ombudsman Barbara

Hinshaw and Elder Law Attorney Wendy Craig

Area Agency on AgingAdvocacy, Assistance, Answers on Aging

February 2009Volume IV / Issue 1

Aging Program Staff

Joe Connolly - Director, Area Agency on Aging

Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman

Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman

Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist

Margaret Stanley - Aging Specialist - Contracts

Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Specialist - Programs

Jennifer Atkinson - Senior Community Service

Employment Program Coordinator (SCSEP)

Brenda DelaCruz - Assistant Job Developer, SCSEP

Christina Giles - Area Agency on Aging Project Assistant,

Newsletter Layout & Design

Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested

in our community.

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.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDASHEVILLE,NCPERMIT #367

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

Fax: 828.251.6353

Website: www.landofsky.org/aaa

We would like to hear what you think about the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter. Also, if you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please notify Christina Giles at 828.251.6622.

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more

important than any other.

~Abraham Lincoln

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Documents

Area Agency on Aging February 2009 Newsletter