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		Inside ElderHealth

In This Issue:

April 2005

•	Diverse Programs Offered at South Seattle Adult Day Health Center

•	Social Work Conference Offers Paths to Success

•	Gaffney House Hosts Wine & Cheese Tasting

•	TBI Education Series Presents Live Videoconferences

•	State Can Help Meet the Needs of Frail Elders

•	American Diabetes Association Presents 4th Annual Diabetes EXPO

Diverse Programs Offered at South Seattle Adult Day Health Center

Assalamu Alikum! Buenos dias! Hey, how you doin’? Ni hao!

It’s another morning at ElderHealth Northwest’s South Seattle Adult Day Health Center. Located in the vibrant Columbia City district, the clients and staff here are a reflection of the diverse and bustling neighborhood.

Through the years, the South Seattle Adult Day Health Center has partnered with local community groups and leaders to provide targeted programs for people from a variety of ethnic/cultural communities, including Latino/Hispanic, Asian-Pacific Islander, and African-American. These targeted programs recognize the importance of having a place where staff speak the language and understand the unique issues faced by different ethnic communities.

Last fall, the center launched a small and growing Somali/Oromo day health program. In addition to healthcare and rehabilitation services, the program offers activities and meals in accordance with cultural and religious traditions. One of the clients’ favorite activities is taking long walks together with staff in the neighborhood. “These folks come from the nomadic tradition,” quips staffer Ali Hufani, “They love to walk!”

In addition to multi-cultural and multi-lingual services, the South Seattle Adult Day Health Center also has several unique features. Unlike most area adult day health centers, this day center is open seven days a week, and offers special services on weekends, including haircare, nailcare and bathing. Clients who have difficulties attending their place of worship look forward to the optional Christian religious services and Koran classes.

The South Seattle Adult Day Health Center has seen an influx of new clients as a result of the closure of the Southeast Adult Day Center run by Senior Services of Seattle/King County. “We were disappointed to see Southeast Day Center close. It’s been a fixture in the community for many years,” said Theresa Yamashiro, ElderHealth’s South Seattle Adult Day Health Center Program Manager. “We’re working with the Southeast staff and families to make the transition to ElderHealth as smooth as possible.”

Surveying a spirited game of Loteria, a Bingo-like game being called in Spanish and English, Theresa remarks, “We’re delighted that so many different clients and families call our day center home and we’re glad to be a part of this neighborhood.”

For more information about ElderHealth’s South Seattle Adult Day Health Center, please contact Jennifer at (206) 528-5315 or jenniferh@elderhealth.org.

PICTURED: Staff person Enrique and adult day health program participant Luis.

Find out more about our South Seattle Adult Day Health Center

http://www.elderhealth.org/adult_day_centers.html#south_seattle

Gaffney House Hosts Wine & Cheese Tasting

Wednesday, April 20, 2005, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Gaffney House
1605 – 17th Avenue (at Madison), Seattle
Parking at Madison Market Garage (enter on Madison)
No RSVP Needed — Drop-ins Welcome!

We’re pleased to host this free wine and cheese tasting sponsored by Madison Market, Gaffney House’s neighbor. Come sample a variety of wines and cheeses; perhaps you’ll find some new favorites!

Gaffney House is designed for people with chronic conditions (including moderate to advanced dementia) who require frequent supervision and significant assistance with activities of daily living. Its small scale allows residents and staff to create a strong sense of community.

We’ll be offering tours of Gaffney House at the April 20th event. We have a number of new residents—come meet them and see how we’ve grown!

Find out more about Gaffney House

State Can Help Meet the Needs of Frail Elders

by Nora Gibson, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Guest Columnist March 17, 2005

As an organization that helps frail elders stay healthy and out of nursing homes as long as possible, we at ElderHealth Northwest know how critical it is to maintain a safety net for society's most vulnerable citizens. The individuals who rely on us have Alzheimer's and a variety of other chronic and terminal illnesses. These are also people who served our country, raised families and ran businesses. Now they need our help.

The problem is that state funding for the service we provide -- adult day health care -- is not keeping pace with the needs of our growing elder population. The new governor and the Legislature are at an important crossroads where they need to decide if maintaining this non-institutional support system for elders is worth the investment. . . .
[Follow link below for continuation of column.]

PICTURED: Nora Gibson, ElderHealth Northwest Executive Director (Photo: Lani O’Conner, Kristina Goudey, Student Studio, Art Institute of Seattle)

Read Nora Gibson's Seattle Post-Intelligencer Op-Ed Piece in its Entirety

http://www.elderhealth.org/executive_director.html

Social Work Conference Offers Paths to Success

Out of the Maze: Paths to Success in Today’s Reality
April 14 – 16, 2005
DoubleTree Suites (Southcenter Mall), Tukwila

The National Association of Social Workers – Washington State Chapter’s Annual Conference will draw attendees from throughout the Pacific Northwest for its mix of workshop content and networking opportunities. The conference also features live and silent auctions and a raffle.

Friday’s keynote speaker is Uma Ahluwalia, MSW, Assistant Secretary, Children’s Administration, DSHS. Saturday’s keynote speaker is Gary Bailey, MSW, National NASW President.

Visit the ElderHealth exhibit table and sign up for a chance to win a gift certificate to City People's Garden Store!

Find out more about the NASW Conference

TBI Education Series Presents Live Videoconferences

April 11: How to Cope with the Financial Aftermath of TBI
April 18: Persisting Post-Concussion Syndrome
April 25: Community Resources for TBI

This is the 2nd series of videoconferences sponsored by the University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, DSHS/Aging and Disability Services Administration, and UW School of Medicine Telehealth Services.

Health care professionals, case managers, community providers and others who have an interest in traumatic brain injury are invited to participate in the series. Video-cast locations include Harborview Hall in Seattle and seven other Washington locations.

Presenters at the April 25 session include ElderHealth Northwest Executive Director Nora Gibson and Marti Spicer, Director of ElderHealth’s Heads Up Program for younger adults with acquired brain injuries.

The sessions are free, but seating is limited. Follow the link below to pre-register.

Find out more about the TBI Education Series

http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/tbi/index.html

American Diabetes Association Presents 4th Annual Diabetes EXPO

Diabetes EXPO
Saturday, May 14, 2005, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Qwest Field Event Center
1000 Occidental Ave, Seattle
Admission: $5 General/$4 Seniors, Kids Free

REQUEST ALL-AGES FREE ADMISSION COUPONS BELOW

Diabetes EXPO attendees are treated to over 150 exhibitors featuring the latest in products and services, answers to your questions, seminars, free screenings, food and product samples, an interactive Youth Zone and more. The Main Stage features actress and singer Della Reese and the “Change Your Food, Change Your Life!” show. The ADA World Stage presents topics of interest on foot care, weight issues, Latino cooking, healthy eating in restaurants, special concerns for African-Americans with diabetes and more.

For more information, contact the ADA at 1-888-DIABETES or click on the Diabetes EXPO logo at right. ElderHealth has coupons for free admission; follow the link below and we’ll send them to you.

Free Admission Coupons: Send us your Name, Street Address, & Number of Coupons Desired

http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/diabetesexpo/Seattle-Expo.jsp

"Inside ElderHealth" is an occasional e-newsletter of ElderHealth Northwest, a non-profit organization providing innovative eldercare options since 1976.

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Copyright © 2005 ElderHealth Northwest

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