FROM THE TOP

MILWAUKEE

COUNTY

DEPARTMENT

ON AGING

December 2014

The Aging Source

In this Newsletter

Message from

Director Stephanie

Sue Stein

Stephanie Sue Stein

40 Years of Service

Feature Story -

Transition of Care

Feature Story –

Dementia Friendly

Communities

Advocacy in Action

Meet Your

Neighbor

Senior Safety

Commissioners in

the Community

Wellness Watch

Social Engagement

By Stephanie Sue Stein, Director, Milwaukee County Department on Aging

It seems as if there are always new ideas and then new projects here at the Department on Aging. The ideas arise from questions we ask ourselves or others ask us.

A few of those questions are: How can we let everyone in Milwaukee County know about services and opportunities for our over 60 citizens? How can we convince people that knowing about dementia and asking for support will help everyone? Are there enough opportunities for social engagement?

Can we help senior homeowners get the repair services they need to maintain their residences? Can we take steps to make sure that our Senior Meal program is a true asset to our community?

We are fortunate that we do not have to answer these questions ourselves. Rather we have other professionals in the community and seniors join us in finding the answers and taking action. That is why we continue to ask questions, to engage others and to constantly craft new exciting projects.

I wish to take the opportunity to introduce our first modern issue of the newsletter and to thank everyone who believes, as we do, that seniors are valuable and giving. The seniors of Milwaukee County deserve the best possible lives and the most wonderful opportunities that we can offer. Thank you and please join us in our journey.

SSS

A Celebration of a Pioneer by Jonette Arms, Assistant Director

On Friday, October 24, 2014, over 150 individuals gathered at Washington Park Senior Center to celebrate Stephanie Sue Stein, a remarkable woman who truly embodies the role of a leader in the field of aging.

The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging hosted a two-hour event inclusive of staff, seniors, advocates, friends, family members, state and local leaders and elected officials.

Continued on page 7

MILWAUKEE COUNTY

DEPT. ON AGING

1220 W. VLIET STREET

SUITE 302

MILWAUKEE, WI

53205

(414) 289-6874 WWW.COUNTY.MILWAUKEE

.GOV/AGING

Volume 1, Issue 1

Earlier this year, Carmen Pangilinan, outreach social worker with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, accepted the role as facilitator of the Milwaukee County Transition of Care Coalition. The focus of this coalition to provide assistance for a smooth transition for someone leaving the hospital.

Have you or a loved one been sent home from the hospital only to have to be readmitted after a short amount of time? Unfortunately one in five older adult patients is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. This is bad news. No one wants to spend more time in the hospital than they have to, and it’s also costing Medicare $15 billion per year! Many times these readmissions are avoidable, so we have to ourselves, “Why is this happening”? The issue is complex for a number of key reasons. Many times people have difficulty understanding what they need to do after they leave the hospital. Often people don’t realize they should see their doctor after they get home from the hospital.. Perhaps they don’t have transportation or know how to sign up for transportation services. Issues may also arise from trying to manage new medications. Sometimes the communication between health care providers is not clear, causing unnecessary confusion for the patient or the family.

What can you do? If you or a loved one are hospitalized, make sure you have a plan in place before you go home. You must be an advocate for yourself. Ask questions and let hospital staff know if you have any reasons that will prevent necessary follow up care. They may suggest ways to help.

What is Milwaukee County doing to try to make this situation better? A coalition of individuals from all different areas of health care: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, hospice and community agencies, have been brought together to try to improve communication and identify ways to make the transition go more smoothly. For more information on the coalition, please contact Carmen Pangilinan at carmen.pangilinan@milwaukeecountywi.gov or 414-289-5929.

Transitions of Care By Carmen Pangilinan, Outreach Social Worker

Page 2 The Aging Source

Participants at Franklin

Dining Site enjoyed a special lunch as they

toasted their friendship

with grape juice.

Milwaukee County Department on Aging

partnered with local businesses to provide a

restaurant style atmosphere. The Italian

themed meal included

partnerships with Casa Di

Giorgio, Papas Bakery,

Natures Nook and

McDonalds.

To apply for one or more of the

following programs listed below or for more information

call the Milwaukee County Department on Aging Resource Center at: (414) 289-6874

Home Delivered Meals Transportation Family Care Giver Support Network (FCSN)

Thanks to a generous grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) is embarking on a new venture to become a dementia capable organization.

Milwaukee County now has one of 16 dementia care specialists that serve 26 counties in Wisconsin. Ultimately, this opportunity will put MCDA in the forefront of creating a dementia friendly community where providers, public health, medical professionals, veterans service organizations, businesses, and the community-at-large can support people to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Through the leadership and carefully planned collaborations of the new dementia care specialist (DCS), Bashir Easter, M.P.A., B.S., department staff will be trained and a major community awareness and education campaign will be implemented across the county. Bashir transitioned into the DCS position in October from his human service worker role where since 2011, he worked with MCDA’s Elder Abuse and Adult Protective Services Unit. In addition to bringing fresh thinking and a positive outlook to the program, Bashir has a wealth of experience working in the community with older adults and families who are dealing with challenging situations.

According to Bashir, “When my mother was diagnosed 11 years ago with early onset dementia, my sister and I did not know what to do. However, when we learned about the supportive resources available and were educated on the issue, it truly helped to make sense of some things and ease the burden of caregiving. I want to assist the community with understanding this devastating disease and learning that having a quality life does not end with diagnosis. There will be difficult times, but with the help of an appropriate crisis plan, resources, and a community that works together to understand and address the issue, individuals with dementia and their families can continue to enjoy and share in valuable daily experiences. I see the same challenges with so many families that I work with and I see my personal situation as a blessing that prepared me to help to others”

With the utilization of early diagnosis, community involvement, implementation of evidence based training programs, memory cafes, crisis planning and other unique initiatives, Milwaukee County is going to ensure the independence, quality of life and wellbeing for persons diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers.

According to the 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 100,000 people in Wisconsin are projected to have Alzheimer’s and within the next decade, those numbers are expected to rise by 30% increasing the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias to 130,000 individuals. In the United States, more than five million people live with the disease and one in three older adults die with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Department on Aging Director, Stephanie Sue Stein stated, “With no cure or option for slowing the progression of the disease available, we know the time to take action is now. Implementation of the DCS Program aligns with the Wisconsin Dementia Care System Redesign and Milwaukee County is especially pleased to be a part of an effort that will forever change the course of how we think about and interact with persons diagnosed with dementia and their families.”

Keep your eyes and ears open for more information as components of the program are developed. For information and resources related to the Dementia Care Specialist Program and older adults 60 years plus, please call the Milwaukee County Department on Aging Resource Center at 414-289-6874.

Milwaukee County Embraces a Dementia-Friendly Community By Jonette Arms, Assistant Director

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 1

“I always

told my

self that

when I got

old I

would age

gracefully.

I can say

that I have

not been

graceful in

my aging

because I

never

considered

myself as

old.”

Meet your Neighbor

The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging Advocacy committee has identified numerous advocacy opportunities for older adults this past year. One of the biggest advocacy efforts has been pushing for improved bus access at Southridge Mall. On November 6, 2014, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Southridge Mall that would change bus service at the mall. The agreement, which goes into effect on January 1, 2015 and initially lasts two years, establishes a new bus stop on the south side of the mall which would be about 350 feet from the mall entrance. The agreement would also move the existing north-side bus stop, which is about 1,000 feet from the Sears store entrance, about 200 feet closer in an effort to improve rider safety.

The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging and other community advocates are disappointed that the new north-side bus stop will remain too far from the Sears store e entrance. Advocates continue to be concerned with the bus stop’s distance from the mall entrance as well as the uphill slope of the pathway. As winter sets in, advocates will be closely monitoring the new bus stop locations to ensure that seniors and other riders safely reach the mall entrances.

The Southridge Mall bus stop relocation was not the only issue taken up by senior advocates in 2014. The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging strongly opposed a County Supervisors’ budget proposal that would have provides “free” bus rides for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Earlier in the year, the Commission rejected a federal budget proposal that would have dismantled Senior Corps programs. Advocates also helped defeat a state bill requiring a person 75 years or older to renew his or her operator’s license every four years. The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging also weighed in on issues such as Family Care expansion and transit aid for local communities.

With state and federal budget processes around the corner, older adults will have plenty of advocacy issues to tackle in 2015. Interested in more information? Want to help the Commission on Aging with this effort? Contact Jon Janowski at 414-289-6546 or jonathan.janowski@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

Advocacy in Action

Meet Your Neighbor

Jean Haase Community Volunteer and Literacy Educator

By Lisamarie Arnold, Information and Outreach Coord.

As a volunteer for the past 21 years, Jean Haase, a retired English teacher, continues to demonstrate her tireless dedication to the literacy education of both children and adults. Centered on her love for teaching, reading and helping

Stephanie Sue Stein and Jonette Arms at

“Breaking the Silence”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

at Lapham Park Senior

Housing Building

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.

Betty Friedan

Page 4 The Aging Source

By Jon Janowski, Policy and Program Coordinator

others experience the joy of learning, Jean has continued her commitment to education throughout her retirement. Jean offers the community countless volunteer hours in a variety of critical roles at area public schools, Milwaukee’s Literacy Center, the Greenfield Public Library, summer camps for children with special needs and driving older adults to Washington Park for monthly OWL (Older Women’s League) meetings. Jean actually organized the local OWL branch and continues to lend herself to its mission. Her volunteer efforts reflect her passion for education, advocacy and action.

For the last 10 years, Jean sets aside each Tuesday morning to tutor adults who are working on passing their GED. When working with her students, Jean provides more than instruction in reading, writing and math; she provides them with the gift of self-esteem. Jean teaches with kindness, a sense of humor and limitless patience.

Jean’s generous contribution of volunteer time and aptitude for teaching both young children and adults to learn can define Jean, as a treasure who makes our community a better place. She provides all of us with an example of how to live life – by voluntarily engaging with the community where there is a need. On May 23, 2014, Jean was inducted in to the 2104 Milwaukee County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. The Senior Citizen Hall of Fame awards are an integral part of Milwaukee County’s Celebration of Older Americans Month. Fred Knueppel, Lennie Mosley, Robert Pietrykowski, Dorothy Smith were also recipients of the 2014 Milwaukee County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame award. If you know of anyone 60 years who gave voluntary service, made exceptional contributions as a volunteer, or advocated on behalf of Wisconsin senior citizens. Nominees must be 60 years of age or above and live in Milwaukee County. Forms are available at www.milwaukee.gov/county/aging or call Jill Knight at (414) 289-6794. Nominations are due no later than February 9, 2015.

Senior Safety

Take Care in the COLD ! By Steve Peterson, Program Supervisor

Cold Weather Danger is MORE than Ice and Frostbite!!! Lowering the thermostat to save on heating bills can have devastating effects on older persons. A drop of only a few degrees in body temperature can result in the condition known as hypothermia. When body temperature drops below 96 degrees for a prolonged period, the results of hypothermia can be fatal.

2014 Connecting Aging

Veterans to Their

Benefits event was

hosted by Milwaukee

County Department on

Aging and the Veterans

Services Office.

Jim Duff, Director,

MCVS, assisted many

of the veterans and

their spouses at the

event.

Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5

Continued on page 6

Cont. page 5…. Older people who have arthritis, Alzheimer’s or other dementia, thyroid problems, stroke, Parkinson’s and people who take medications like tranquilizers, sleeping pills or antidepressants have a higher risk for hypothermia.

People over the age of 60 should keep their thermostat at 68 to 70 in living or sleeping areas. If the room temperature is kept lower than 68, dress warmly or use an electric blanket.

To prevent hypothermia, the National Institute on Aging recommends: Ask your doctor if the prescription drugs or other over-the-counter medications you take can affect body

temperature regulation. Dress in layers even when indoors, wear warm clothing to bed and use blankets. If you live alone, ask friends or neighbors to check on you once or twice a day and register with Interfaith’s Older Adult Telephone Reassurance program and Neighborhood Outreach at 291-7500 Use alcohol moderately, if at all. Avoid alcohol altogether near bedtime. Consume hot foods and liquids to raise your body temperature and keep warm.

To determine if an older person is experiencing hypothermia, watch for changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Signs of hypothermia are: Confusion or sleepiness Poor control over body movements or slow reactions Slowed, slurred speech, or shallow breathing Weak pulse; low blood pressure Excess shivering or no shivering in a cold room; stiffness in the arms or legs

If a person’s temperature reading is at or below 96°F, call 911 immediately. If emergency help is not available right away, move the hypothermic person to a warmer location, and wrap him or her in a warm blanket to stop further heat loss. Do not rub the skin roughly to get circulation going.

To see if you are eligible for help with heating bills through Energy Assistance contact: The Social Development Commission (414) 906 - 2800 Community Advocates (414) 270 - 6954 Homebound elders should call (414) 875 - 2009

For more information about helping older adults stay safe during emergency situations, contact the Aging Resource Center of Milwaukee County’s Call Center at 289-6874. The Call Center is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Page 6 The Aging Source

Commissioners in the Community

Viola “Vi” Hawkins truly understands her leadership role as the Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging. She can be found almost everywhere in the community leading by example as a strong community advocate and mentor for many low income residents and seniors. Starting last winter, Ms. Vi trekked along-side reporters, local politicians and community residents through snow and ice in efforts to move the Southridge Mall bus stop back to a safe location for seniors.

Viola “Vi” Hawkins, Chair, Commission, Milwaukee County Department on Aging

By Lisamarie Arnold, Information & Outreach Coordinator

Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 1

Cont. page 1... Individuals from Milwaukee County and around the state came out to commemorate Stephanie’s 40-year work anniversary. The morning kicked off with a historical and extremely informative presentation from Tom Frazier, former executive director of Coalition of the Wisconsin Aging Groups and George Potaracke, retired executive director of he Wisconsin Board on Aging and

Long Term Care. The presentation highlighted Stephanie’s many accomplishments, like the development of Family Care and SeniorCare.

Throughout the morning there were an array of gifts, balloons, flowers, greeting cards, awards, plaques, letters, and proclamations presented by Milwaukee County Executive, Chris Abele; Milwaukee County Board Chair, Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic; and Supervisor Steve Taylor; the offices of Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Gwen Moore and City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; and Alderman Tony Zelinski on behalf of the City of Milwaukee Common Council just to name a few.

The biggest surprises of the morning were a serenade from Milwaukee’s local talent, Robin Atkins singing “Unforgettable”, a letter presented to Stephanie from retired U.S. Representative Gary Kleczka, and the distribution of a her very own publication of the 50 Plus Newsletter!

As quoted by former Aging Commissioner and current advocate, Casper Green, “Stephanie is a whirlwind of energy and activity when it comes to her passion for seniors and persons with disabilities.” This sentiment was confirmed by the number and diversity of people who assembled to celebrate Stephanie’s 40 years in aging.

As negotiations continued throughout the year, Ms. Vi attended numerous transportation meetings, contacted local politicians and let the “voice” of the community be heard on this issue.

Vi Hawkins may be retired from the city of Milwaukee Housing Authority as a supportive services coordinator supervisor, but still has a full calendar. She attends all Commission on Aging committee meetings and special workgroup meetings. Keeping a pulse on the senior community and its needs, Ms. Vi regularly visits all five Milwaukee county owned senior centers and has dined at many of the 28 Milwaukee County Senior Dining Sites.

Acting as Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) ambassador, Ms. Vi can be seen at all special events and often presents the opening remarks for the signature affairs. Outside of Milwaukee County, Hawkins represents the MCDA at the state level as a member of the State Aging Advisory Council. The Council consists of older adult member representatives from other counties around the state. This Council meets quarterly to share ideas, concerns and projects that have an impact on older adults in the community.

Ms. Vi, recently celebrated 50 years of volunteer services. In addition to the countless hours she devotes to MCDA, she gives time to the American Red Cross, Friends of Dineen Park, her church and the Institute for Future Wisconsin, to name a few. In recognition for her commitment to volunteerism she was a 2010 inductee into MCDA's Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and was an honoree at the Milwaukee Community Journal's 38th Anniversary - Inspiration Meets Aspiration Award Luncheon."

As a dancer, one of her favorite activities is leading the 2009 Golden Idol winner, the Jazzy Jewels, in dance performances for the community. This Thanksgiving, you could find the Jazzy Jewels in a volunteer performance at the Hillside Housing Complex.

Wellness Watch

Falls Prevention By Randy Kohl, Program Coordinator

The recent cold temperatures and snowfall serve as a reminder to all; not that we live in Wisconsin and love the winter months, but that the snow and ice are hazards which should heighten our awareness and cause us to take the necessary precautions to not experience a fall.

Falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths of adults over the age of 65 living in the United States. Unfortunately the number of people over the age of 65 who died after a fall has doubled in the last 10 years.

We often think that falls primarily occur outside because of conditions such as snow, ice, uneven or slippery surfaces; or because of activities such as climbing ladders, reaching for things or moving too quickly.

Statistically the majority of older adult falls occur inside the home. The reasons for home-based falls is due to many factors such as: lighting, clutter, surfaces, electrical cords, and pets. Many of these factors can be addressed without much effort or expense. Education on how to reduce the risk of falls is provided by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging through an evidence based prevention program titled, “Stepping On” which is a falls prevention class series. Workshops are provided one day per week for 2 hours and are conducted for a duration of 7 weeks. Individuals whom have fallen, have had a near fall, or have a fear of falling should register and attend a “Stepping On” workshop for free. Workshops are held on a regular basis at locations throughout Milwaukee County. A listing of currently scheduled workshops can be found at this link: http://county.milwaukee.gov/steppingonschedule.

Page 8 The Aging Source SOCIAL

ENGAGEMENT

Jan. 16 10am

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr. Documentary at

Washington Park S.C.

Jan 24 9am - 6pm

Chinese New Year

Mitchell Park Domes

Jan. 25 10am - 2pm

Winterfest at Boerner

Botanical Gardens

Jan. 26 10 - 11am

Dealing with Domestic

Violence Issues

Washington Park S.C.

Jan. 26 9:30am - 3pm

Open Ceramics

Wilson Park S.C

Feb. 2 8am - 4pm

AARP Free Tax Prep

** Must Preregister

McGovern Park S.C.

Feb. 6 9am - 1:00pm

Super Senior Friday at

Clinton Rose S.C.

Feb. 13 2:30 - 3pm

Valentines Day Dance

Clinton Rose S.C.

Feb. 17 10am

Fat Tuesday’ Paczik’s

Wilson Park S.C.

March 19 1:30 - 3pm

Wisconsin Humane

Society Tour

MCDA Social

Engagement

Calendar

www.county.

milwaukee.gov/aging

Jonette Arms, Assistant Director

presenting at the Pastors United AARP

Informational Event

Join a Milwaukee County Senior Center for free. Participate in senior friendly fitness centers, evidence based prevention programs and numerous social engagement opportunities.

Wilson Park Senior Center

2601 W. Howard Ave (282-3284)

Washington Park Senior Center

4420 W. Vliet St. (933-2332)

McGovern Park Senior Center

4500 W. Custer Ave. (527-0990)

Kelly Senior Center

6100 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy (483-3532)

Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center

3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr. (263-2255)

The Milwaukee

County Department

on Aging affirms the

dignity and value of

older adults of Milwaukee County by

supporting their

choices for living in,

and giving to, our

community.