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In This Issue:
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January 2006
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Specialized Dementia Care Contract Awarded to ElderHealth Supported Living
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Have a Special Talent to Share with ElderHealth?
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WADSA Plans February 1 Advocacy Day
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Holiday Parties Warm ElderHealth Adult Day Centers
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Aging Families Face Care Needs of Adult Children with Developmental Disabilities
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Save the Date: Fifth Annual Diabetes EXPO
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By Sara Myers, Executive Director
Washington Adult Day Services Association (WADSA)
[Editor’s Note: In the November issue of “Inside ElderHealth,” we reported on a call-in campaign to save adult day centers. Following is an update on our advocacy efforts.]
According to Governor Gregoire's Constituent Services Unit, her office received 400 calls in support of the proposed adult day services reimbursement rate increase. Not only did our call-in campaign generate more calls than most, but our callers were "knowledgeable of the issue and very nice." The list of organizations supporting the rate increase is long and distinguished: staff members from the Area Agencies on Aging around Washington pledged their support, and CEOs of five hospitals and health care systems sent letters to the Governor asking her to include the rate increase in her budget. Thanks to everyone who made a call or wrote a letter on behalf of this effort.
While eight adult day centers have closed in the last two years, some adult day centers are forging ahead with new programs, despite the odds. A new adult day program for persons with dementia begins January 4 at the Mt. Si Senior Center in North Bend. To find out more, call Tammy Clark at (425) 333-4152. The program meets every Wednesday and is sponsored by the Brookdale Foundation, Mt. Si Senior Center and the Sno-Valley Senior Activity Center and Adult Day Health. Lutheran Community Services (LCS) is working with stakeholders to establish an adult day center on Bainbridge Island. Working with a host of organizations and individuals, LCS will kick-off their development efforts at a community meeting January 25. For more information, contact Kay Tanno at (360) 377-5511. These are two examples of the types of coalitions needed to meet the demand for adult day services, but there is much more work ahead to ensure the financial stability of new and existing adult day centers.
We're laying the groundwork for legislative action on the rate increase. We continue to meet with key legislators. Eileen Cody, Health Care Chair and member of the Appropriations Committee was recently asked what needs to be done during the upcoming session. Her reply included "fix" the adult day services rate.
On Wednesday, February 1, 2006, the Washington Adult Day Services Association invites you to participate in Adult Day Services Advocacy Day. Centers from across the state will be encouraged to meet with their legislators in Olympia to communicate the urgent need for the adult day services rate increase. No one can communicate the message in any more depth than the individuals and families who use the service; participants and their families will be invited to attend as well. We will all meet in Olympia and fan out from there. Specific details will be available by January 9. For more information, contact Sara Meyers at WADSA: (206) 461-3899.
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“THE TIES THAT BIND” ON KCTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 9:00PM-10:00PM
“BEYOND THE TIES THAT BIND,” DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THE FILM, 10:00-10:30PM
How do parents and siblings of the disabled give up a lifetime of caregiving and surrender that charge to others?
“The Ties That Bind” follows the life of Chris who, at 28, longs for the stability to live on his own. To do this he must overcome his parental dependency, and the instincts compelling them to hang on. In doing their part to ensure his success, Chris’s family must develop a network of support so strong that it will eventually replace them. Through raw emotions, surprising humor and tender poignancy, this film reveals the life of one disabled man as he reaches for independence and helps his parents and siblings to let go.
The documentary mirrors the challenges faced by many adults with multiple disabilities, such as the participants in ElderHealth Northwest’s “Get Active Program” (GAP), an adult day health program designed for participants with developmental disabilities. GAP participants enjoy nursing and rehabilitation therapies, as well as a wide variety of activities ranging from reading to woodworking, nail care, field trips and more.
This presentation is sponsored by KCTS through the support of LifeSPAN, PLAN, ElderHealth Northwest and a host of agencies serving the needs of older and disabled individuals.
CLICK PICTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT “THE TIES THAT BIND.”
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Walk into any ElderHealth adult day health center and you’re bound to notice a wealth of volunteer support. Over 100 volunteers work in the centers, doing everything from serving hot meals to mediating games of UNO.
Sometimes, volunteers bring specialized skills to ElderHealth. Ever since last summer, Melissa has come in twice a month to clean and condition our fish tanks, a process which can take up to two hours. Melissa also owns her own business, Aquarium Care (http://www.aquariumcare.com), so her donated time is especially appreciated. Similarly Bruce, our almost-weekly piano player, travels to several ElderHealth locations to present his ever-changing array of show tune standards. Support like theirs brightens the atmosphere at ElderHealth for our participants and staff.
So even if you don’t have a skill directly related to eldercare, you can still provide a valuable service to our clientele. As an added incentive, many businesses are now matching employee contributions of time and money.
For more information on volunteerism at ElderHealth contact Ginger Seybold at (206) 224-3790.
PICTURED: Melissa cleaning a tank. Click picture to learn more about her work.
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By Andy Francisco (Seattle University Freshman, Journalism Major)
Each year, every ElderHealth adult day health center hosts a holiday party for its participants. As a new intern at ElderHealth, I recently attended the downtown Seattle party attended by close to 70 elders and disabled adults. I’m reminded of a few especially poignant moments.
First to receive a gift was Tom, an aging man with multiple disabilities. He received a sweater, nothing fancy, just a simple button down cardigan. Tom always wears a sweater, but he was so happy with his gift that he immediately put on the new sweater and placed the old one in the gift box. Some confused staff members thought the new sweater was still in the box and tried to get him to try on his “old” sweater. We all found it amusing when I intervened to explain that Tom was already wearing his new gift.
I walked over to Mr. Greeves and noticed that he hadn’t opened his present for fear of littering the linoleum with the wrapping paper. I persuaded him to proceed after offering to take his trash. “Oh boy, oh boy, well will you look at that!” He too had received a sweater which matched his style. It was truly amazing, the care and consideration which went into the purchase of every single present that afternoon.
Next I eyed Robert, sitting in the back as usual; however, what wasn’t so usual was his grin. I’d never seen Robert smile. His daily routine involves drawing and creating abstract drawings, and he was very happy to find his gift of a set of colored pens. Robert and I thought this was truly the perfect gift.
Christmas has always been about giving, but it’s often easy to forget that. ElderHealth reminded me of the true spirit of the season. The clients were not the only ones to receive gifts that day. I think it’s fair to say that every volunteer and staff member took away a gift of memories that will last a lifetime.
PICTURED: Katherine, Tom and Annie enjoy the holiday party.
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"Inside ElderHealth" is an occasional e-newsletter of ElderHealth Northwest, a non-profit organization providing innovative eldercare options since 1976.
Adult Day Health Centers * Supported Living Homes * Geriatric Care Management
In-Home Services * ElderFriends Volunteers
Copyright © 2006 ElderHealth Northwest
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