Staying Connected

There’s no doubt about it, we’re in the midst of a very challenging time. As our normal routines are up-ended on a daily basis, it’s easy to feel frightened or overwhelmed. My goal during this time is to help ease your fears, determine your needs, and provide information about existing resources that can help.

I’m reaching out to those of you I affectionately refer to as my "Peeps," my people, i.e. Seniors and Family Caregivers the Senior Connection was designed to serve. I’m also reaching out to my Member Agencies (the companies who make the Senior Connection possible), as well as reaching out to the larger community to find out what additional resources are available to those of you in need.

If you are in need of help due to ramifications of the Coronavirus, please let me know (via email is best). If you are aware of various types of assistance that has become available, such as stores that have begun offering delivery service or are making other accommodations for their customers, please let me know that as well. As I become aware of resources in response to the Virus, I will keep you informed. Heartwarming efforts are already being put into place, such as the pick-up and delivery of essential grocery items and prescriptions for those who can’t or choose not to go out and cannot afford to hire this type of service (see the Events Section of this newsletter for details about "PCA Serves").

A Request to my Peeps – I’m guessing I’ll need help making phone calls and following up on leads. Please let me know if you would be willing to assist me by making some phone calls and sending to me the results of your calls via email.

The best of human nature shines through in times of trouble. As my husband, Don, points out "Social distancing does not mean being anti-social. Make eye contact and smile at others in the grocery store. Show tolerance toward the clerks. Just try to be pleasant." Let’s each do what we can to shine the light for each other. It’s as simple as picking up the phone and reaching out to someone who is homebound or alone. We will get through this, together!

Making the Connection,
Debbie

Senior Connection
P.O. Box 11929
Prescott AZ 86304
(928) 778-3747
www.SeniorConnection.us
Debbie@SeniorConnection.us

As Caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished for your loved one each day. While it’s easy to remain upbeat on good days, it’s the bad days that can leave you feeling confused, exhausted or resentful. At these times, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. 

Knowing what to expect can help tremendously in your ability to cope. Knowledge is Power! Each month in this newsletter we include one or more articles on topics relating to the joys and challenges of aging and caregiving. To read additional articles on a variety of topics, please visit the Articles section of our website. Dozens of candid articles get right to the "heart of the matter," from both the Caregiver’s and Senior’s perspectives.

This month’s Newsletter articles:

"Covid-19 Update for Seniors"
by Dr Sam Downing

"Anxiety & The Coronavirus -
 Getting Through These Tough Times"
by Susan Drysdale, PhD

"Addressing Covid-19 Concerns
 for Your Loved One With Dementia"
by Mike Direen, Adult Care Services

"Simple Exercises for Combating Stress"
by Nick Brown, Touchmark at the Ranch

These articles can be found below the Meetings, Events & Educational Opportunities Section in this Newsletter

Click here to find all of our Articles: http://www.SeniorConnection.us/Articles.htm

Please let me know if you find the articles useful and what other topics you’d like to see.

MEETINGS - EVENTS -
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

PLEASE NOTE: Many of the regularly scheduled meetings and events have been postponed or cancelled, due to Covid-19. Below, please find a list of some of these events, as well as information provided by some of our Senior Connection Members relating to temporary changes to their programs and office procedures.

SENIOR CONNECTION’S SENIOR RESOURCES ON-LINE DIRECTORY is your one-stop source for products and services available to Seniors and Family Caregivers throughout Yavapai County. Included is contact information for nearly 400 for-profit, non-profit and government companies and agencies. Search on nearly 30 categories, including Independent and Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing, In-Home Care, Transportation, Respite, End of Life, Financial, Legal, Emotional Support, and more. Save hundreds of hours of your valuable time and endless frustration looking for the help you need. Visit www.SeniorConnection.us and select the link to the Resource Directory.

COVID-19 INFORMATION
Arizona Department of Health Services: www.azdhs.gov
Yavapai County Community Health Services: www.yavapai.us/CHS
(928) 442-5103, 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

"PCA SERVES" BASIC NECESSITIES GROCERY SHOPPING, PRESCRIPTION & MAIL PICK-UP, MEAL DELIVERY is being offered as a free community service by volunteers with the Prescott Arts Center, to vulnerable adults in the extended tri-city area. This is for people who are unable or would prefer not to leave their home, and cannot afford to otherwise pay for this type of service. The program is called "PCA Serves." For details, including a Services Request Form, visit PCA-AZ.net or call (928) 445-3286.

SENIOR CONNECTION'S "Senior & Caregivers Conference & Expo" occurred Friday, March 13. Several of the presentations were audiotaped during the event and can be accessed via our website at http://www.seniorconnection.us/Expo-Video-Spring-2020.html  The presentations are: "The High Cost of Dementia – Minimizing the Impact" by Sam  Downing, MD - YRMC Geriatrics; "Stem Cell Therapy – New Hope or Snake Oil?" by Wayne Bennett, DC - Bennett Clinic; "Finding Purpose in Your Senior Years" by Connie Boston - Senior Peer Program, WYGC

SENIOR CONNECTION WEEKLY SPEAKERS BUREAU presentations are currently being made available at noon on Thursdays via TeleConnection Streaming. To watch the presentation: Go to www.SeniorConnection.us  On the Home Page, a little way down the page, click on the blue link to:
SPEAKERS BUREAU TELECONNECTION STREAMING
Previous presentations, as well as hand-outs from some of the presenters, remain available for viewing after their initial release.

"CORONOVIRUS-19 & SENIORS" This a special Senior Connection Speakers Bureau presentation by Dr Sam Downing, renowned local physician whose specialties include Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine. He provides a common sense look at the Coronavirus-19, as well as offers precautions and addresses concerns specifically related to vulnerable individuals, including seniors. He covers: A realistic perspective of Coronavirus-19, how Yavapai County fits into the overall picture, how it differs from the regular flu, who is most at risk for complications, what precautions and actions each of us should be taking to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones. To watch the presentation: Go to www.SeniorConnection.us  On the Home Page, a little way down the page, click on the blue link to:
SPEAKERS BUREAU TELECONNECTION STREAMING
(Please see Dr Downing's article "Covid-19 Update for Seniors" in this edition of the newsletter, below.)

"COST-SAVING PROGRAMS FOR MEDICARE RECIPIENTS" is a free, educational, Senior Connection presentation to occur Thursday, April 2 at NOON via Senior Connection TeleConnection Streaming at our Senior Connection website. Did you know there are over 2,500 federal, state, and private service programs? These programs may help you pay for healthcare expenses and other basic needs. Maureen Zeurcher, Aetna Medicare Solutions, will explain these benefits and help you understand what is available to you. She will cover "Extra Help" for Medicare prescription costs, "Medicare Savings Program," and "Benefits Checkup" which can locate programs to help with the costs of daily living. To watch the presentation: Go to www.SeniorConnection.us 
On the Home Page, a little way down the page, click on the blue link to:
SPEAKERS BUREAU TELECONNECTION STREAMING
(Previous presentations, as well as hand-outs from some of the presenters, remain available for viewing after their initial release.)

"WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PAYCHECKS STOP? A RETIREMENT INCOME PRIMER" is a free Senior Connection Speakers Bureau presentation to occur Thursday, April 9 at NOON via TeleConnection Streaming at our Senior Connection website. Presenter Joe Allen, Edward Jones, will explore with you how to budget for retirement expenses, examine potential sources of retirement income and identify ways to address potential risks. He will cover: What does retirement look like?: Sources of income; Addressing risks to retirement income, outliving your retirement savings, market declines, inflation, health care and Long-term Care costs; and How to stay on track. To watch the presentation: Go to www.SeniorConnection.us  On the Home Page, a little way down the page, click on the blue link to:
SPEAKERS BUREAU TELECONNECTION STREAMING
(Previous presentations, as well as hand-outs from some of the presenters, remain available for viewing after their initial release.)

Please call the agencies below to verify any updates that may have occurred since the date they provided their information to me.

AARP WILL HOST A TELE TOWN HALL CONFERENCE CALL with updates on the coronavirus every Thursday at 10am AZ time. Call-in number is 1-855-274-9507

AARP SHRED-A-THONS previously scheduled for April 17 (Prescott Gateway Mall) and May 20 (Town of Chino Valley), have been postponed. For updates, visit www.aarp.org/prescott or www.aarp.org/prescottvalley 

AARP FOUNDATION’S TAX-AIDE PROGRAM (As of 3/26) "The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has suspended services until further notice. As of now, Tax-Aide is not engaging in alternate delivery of tax services (e.g., drop-off services). We are currently exploring other service options and will communicate this information after they have been vetted internally and by the IRS. In the meantime, taxpayers can visit IRS’s free tax filing service at: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free The IRS has announced a 90-day extension until July 15 of the due date for tax payments up to $1 million. This relief applies to federal income tax payments (including estimated tax payments) normally due on April 15, 2020. For the full notice and information, go to: IRS Notice 2020-17. The State of Arizona’s Department of Revenue has announced that the due dates for reporting and paying Arizona individual, corporate and fiduciary income taxes for Calendar Year 2019 that were previously due on April 15, 2020 are extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Late filing and payment penalties and interest will be suspended for all returns and payments received on or before that date. Go to: https://azdor.gov. To reach the AZ State Department of Revenue, you can call: (800) 352-4090. Taxpayers can also check Tax-Aide’s locator tool for updates: www.aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call the Tax-Aide phone number at 1-888-227-7669" For more info: Contact Shawn Trobia, Assoc State Director – Community Outreach, AARP Arizona at STrobia@aarp.org or (928)273-7601.

AARP ARIZONA has developed a new webpage, "Information, Health and Food Help During COVID-19 Outbreak in Arizona." You can access this webpage by visiting the local websites at www.aarp.org/prescott or www.aarp.org/prescottvalley. A link to the new COVID-19 webpage is on the top of the homepage of both websites. All in-person AARP-sponsored events are canceled until May 1. As that date approaches, plans will be reassessed as needed. With regard to the AARP Driver Safety programs, cancellations include AARP Smart Driver classroom courses, Smart DriverTEK workshops (visit the online workshop: www.aarp.org/SDTEKonline.  This course is free of charge), CarFit events, We Need to Talk in-person Seminars. For Smart Driver course participants who may not be able to renew their car insurance discount due to course cancellations, you can access the AARP Smart Driver course online, which is offering a special 25% discount (good for 90 days beginning 3/10/2020) for those who take the class online.  This offer is to keep the price in line with the classroom course price. Website: www.aarpdriversafety.org  and use the Promo code for 25% discount: DRIVINGSKILLS

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION - DESERT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER (As of 3/24) Staff is working remotely. Help can be reached through the 24/7 Helpline for assistance and support at (800) 272-3900. The local number in Prescott is (928) 771-0257. For updates on meetings and events, visit www.alz.org/dsw. Caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia should follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), available at the above website address. Additional information is available at the following links: COVID-19 Tips For Caregivers at alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care and Resources From the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/help-support/resources

"CHALK IT UP! PRESCOTT" sponsored by West Yavapai Guidance Clinic has been cancelled. This annual fundraising event will resume in 2021. Info: Cindy Brown (928) 445-5211 ex 3634.

DESERT FLOWER CBD AND WELLNESS (As of 3/27) "Although our Prescott Valley store is still open (for now), we are offering delivery service in the local area. If you are unwilling or unable to go out, just call our store to place your order and we will deliver it to your door. Remember that CBD has been shown to play a role in maintaining immune health during these challenging times." Info: www.desertflowercbd.com (928) 350-9943

EDWARD JONES (as of 3/24) "We're still here to listen, answer any questions you have, support you and help navigate this situation together. However, Edward Jones has made the decision to suspend all in-person meetings and visits with the public to reduce the risks to our associates, clients and communities. Folks can call our office and if they are willing and able we can leverage online screen sharing technology." Contact Joe Allen, Financial Advisor via email at joseph.allen@edwardjones.com or call (928) 445-2226.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY’S 2^nd Annual Bob Mariano Memorial Golf Classic for the Marley House Endowment Fund has been postponed from April 28 to October 27 at The Club at Prescott Lakes. Info: www.good-sam.com/marleygolf or contact Gretchen Gallagher, (928) 460-9678 or email ggallagh@good-sam.com

LAW OFFICES OF CHESTER McLAUGHLIN (As of 3/22) "We are closing our physical office effective Monday, 3/23. Everyone is working remotely however, and we can still be reached at the same office numbers (928-443-9934 Prescott or 480-407-4944 Phoenix) and we are still sending and responding to e-mails (admin@azelderlaw.com). We are also accepting new clients but are only open for telephonic consultations. We can still do estate planning signings by video-conferencing for clients who are feeling anxious about getting their estate planning in order without waiting out the crisis." Website is www.azelderlaw.com

MARY HELLER DANCE ARTS (As of 3/20) BeMoved® small classes are still occurring. Plenty of space to dance together within 6 feet of each other, capping classes off to 10 people, only 55 minutes long, and sanitized with CDC alcohol wipes, and extra medicines like harmonized water with lemon essential oil, grapefruit seed extract, and immune oil mix equal to thieves oil. Gentle BeMoved® classes are the only classes NOT happening in person until further notice due to those spaces canceling their usage. (As of 3/30) Classes are also now available Online, as well as in person. For a schedule, visit marychoreographer.com/bemoved-dance-classes or contact Mary by email at marychoreographer@gmail.com

MATFORCE has replaced their "Stand With Me Be Drug Free" event with "Walk With Me Be Drug Free" to occur Saturday, April 4. A virtual walk can be walked from any location you choose – in your neighborhood, on the trail, on a treadmill, or anywhere. You get to walk at your own pace in your own place. For information contact matforce@cableone.net

MJ CONSULTING LLC (As of 3/26) "We are now offering phone orders for our CBD products and other store items so that you will be able to pick up items quickly, reducing contact and exposure. Dispensaries and medical doctors have been declared as essential entities by the state of Arizona, and as of now our company does not foresee the need for any closures. Please give your local Dispensary a call if you have any questions regarding their guidelines and procedures during this trying time." Info: www.mymjfamily.com or call (928) 772-2011.

NEW HORIZON DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER (As of 3/30) "Current hours are: Monday and Wednesday, 9am-5 pm and Friday, 9am-2 pm. We would prefer phone contact if possible, but are open to the public during the above hours (we are a Fragrance-Free Facility). Our current operational services are: Transportation, Jobs Program, Information and Referral and Durable Medical Loan Closet. Our 2020 Gala and all groups have been postponed until further notice." Website: www.nhdec.org or call (928)772-1266.

NEW LIFE CPR (As of 3/27) located at 3767 Karicio Ln (behind Costco in Prescott) is still offering CPR and First Aid classes for the Community. They are abiding by American Heart suggestions regarding the CPR classes. Class participants will not be giving breaths, but will be "simulating the breaths." If you attend an AHA BLS Class you will be using a valve/mask for your breathing skills. For a schedule or more info, visit www.NewLifeCPR.org or contact Lesa at Lesa@NewLifeCPR.org or call (928) 445–5024.

PRESCOTT MAID TO ORDER, MTO JANITORIAL (As of 3/23) "We can help combat illness by offering help to the community in a number of ways, including using specialized "touch point" cleaning to sanitize the complete inside of your home, using commercial grade disinfectant and Lysol. Besides cleaning, we are also providing help by running errands, shopping for groceries, and much more. Our employees have been trained on preventative measures for both their, and your, protection. Our business is considered an "essential" service, and we are ready to respond to any request to the best of our ability. For further information, please call (928) 899-8518."

PRO SOLUTIONS DENTAL GROUP (As of 3/26) "is following all local and national mandates, however is continuing to see immediate or emergency dental services, and are also conducting virtual Tele-Dentistry consultations that can be accessed anywhere by mobile phone or computer. To make a Tele-Dentistry Consultation, visit our website at: www.prescottdentist.com, or call 928-776-1208 to speak directly to a provider."

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM (As of 3/17) "All program volunteers have been asked to follow the CDC guidelines and stay home. All Senior Companion volunteers are prohibited from going to their host agencies, attending in-person training, or other in-person program activities. The monthly in-person In-Service Trainings for March and April along with the state-wide recognition event that was scheduled to be held in May have been canceled. Your program coordinator will get in touch with you regarding In-Service Training options for your area. If you are concerned about a certain client, please let your supervisor know. We are working to gather additional resources for volunteers and clients and will communicate as the information becomes available. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. For Yavapai County contact, Joella Willey, phone: 928-713-4114, email: Joella.Willey@nau.edu"

THE SUSAN J RHEEM ADULT DAY CENTER (As of 3/19) "is currently staying open and accepting new participants, though we're of course taking additional precautions at all of our buildings to help keep everyone safe and healthy during this time." Info: Mike Direen - Community Liaison, Adult Care Services (The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and The Margaret T. Morris Center), Direct (928) 441-1039. www.AdultCareServices.org

WEST YAVAPAI GUIDANCE CLINIC (As of 3/19) "Our organization is open and fully staffed. Our Windhaven Hospital and SUD-R facilities are open and accepting patients. We are trying to do telehealth as much as possible, but our doors are still open to clients at all locations. The CSU, Crisis Stabilization Unit, in Prescott Valley is open to anyone having an immediate behavioral or mental health crisis. We are evaluating our current services and responding with new services such as Telehealth and Virtual Intake. Telehealth is being organized to assist anyone via phone in their home. Our community can call our main number 928-445-5411 ext 1 and that will take them to our CSU with 24/7 coverage. WYGC is responding to the national pandemic and if a shelter in place order comes down, we will have additional services that will be put in place. Obviously, this is a work in progress but our response is that we are here for our community during these very stressful and uncertain times."

Like many things these days, by the time you are reading this, I suspect there will be lots more news about Covid, both locally and nationally. Thanks to Debbie and Don Stewart for this chance to share a few thoughts. Check with the Arizona Department of Health website for current State of AZ updates.

1:  Seniors remain a high target for more severe coronavirus infection, especially those with underlying medical diseases like, COPD, heart disease, diabetes or cancer. Please continue to limit your direct contact with other people, including family and friends. This is such a difficult thing to do over time, but persistence in this effort will likely bring significant benefits for us all.

2:  If you develop symptoms of fever, aches, cough or shortness of breath, call your physician or medical provider for advice. Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has opened a Covid clinic for YRMC patients and will also soon be offering Covid-19 testing for those community members with symptoms and specific criteria. DON'T go to the ER at either YRMC campus unless it is a true emergency. 

3: Medical providers are being advised to delay routine office visits and to consider telemedicine visits, or virtual visits, with patients when possible. These visits are possible using computer, tablet or smart phone technology, so please consider using this technology to limit direct exposures in offices. This also decreases risk to health care providers as well.

4: Infection with Covid-19 virus is still a mild infection for about 80% of people who get it, so we know that a strong immune system can help minimize the impact if you do become infected. Proven ways to strengthen your immune system include:

• getting plenty of rest

• staying well hydrated

• limiting stress (tough during a Pandemic!)

• quit smoking if you smoke

• limit or avoid alcohol intake

• continue to get regular exercise

5:  Seniors are often alone and isolated to begin with and this time only exacerbates that reality. Please make a list of your friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances that you can call, email or send a note to on a regular basis. We will get through this time much more intact if we stay connected as we are able.

Best Wishes and Virtual Hugs to you all!
Sam Downing, MD

Everybody reacts differently to trauma. Your genetic predisposition and the previous experiences you have had with trauma, will determine your reactions to and coping abilities concerning this new trauma. If you have a tendency towards anxiety, this situation will probably hit you harder than those who generally tend to worry less. What is important to realize is that it is normal to be scared by what is happening right now. It would indeed be unusual to be totally calm about the health situation in the world. But there is judicious fear and there is hysteria leading to inability to function. I want to talk about what to do to keep the fear from overwhelming you.

First of all, it is important to be informed. But we each need to decide how much information we want to take in. How much is helpful? How much is making us too scared to be able to function. And when we hear contradictory facts, we have to decide what to believe. My professional advice would be to listen to the authorities, talk to friends and relatives, and then find what works for you. Also find a new daily routine for yourself. Put in some work projects and some fun activities each day. Get to work on something productive you have been putting off because you have been too busy……e.g. closets that need cleaning out? Personally, I wrote out a list of things I can still do, given all the cancellations in my environment. Find a new normal for the moment. Finding a routine is important, so that when you are feeling heightened anxiety, you have something to fall back on. There is no one perfect answer to any of this. You need to pick some ideas that work for you and try to stick with them as much as possible.

Some tried and true methods of dealing with any kind of anxiety will be helpful. Some tools will be more helpful than others given the specific nature of this problem. When someone asked my professional advice the other day, I realized that there were four coping elements that I was personally using for this crisis:

First of all, stay in the moment and figure out your plan for the day. Do not focus on the future and what may or may not happen. Most of us can figure out how to cope with one day. Do that today, and tomorrow you will do the same when that day arrives. Second of all, be sure to stay in touch with friends and relatives. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for support. There are agencies and individuals all over town who are available to help you with any part of this situation which seems overwhelming. Third of all, remember a time in your life that you got through a past crisis or trauma. How did you do it? Remember that somehow you made it through, and you will make it through this one too. Fourth of all, if there is a thought or a behavior which you notice is worsening the problem for you, try to substitute another thought or another behavior. For example, if worrying about how you will keep busy for several months is upsetting (as it would be to many of us), substitute that thought with a plan for that day and begin working on that plan. if watching the news is making you more anxious, try skipping it for a day or two or forever if necessary. The important news will eventually catch your attention.

Your anxiety will ebb and flow as the days pass. Here are some tools that work with any kind of heightened anxiety state. Remind yourself to stay in the manageable present moment. It is easier to deal with what is actually happening in your world in the present moment than to think about all the "what ifs" of the future. Think about activities that could be distractions for you: e.g. watching funny "you tube" videos or favorite old movies could be useful. Listen to your favorite music. Play with your pet. Figure out an exercise routine which will help you maintain your health and be a distraction. Try to stick to it on a daily basis if possible. If you miss one day, come back to it the next. When the weather permits, go outside and enjoy nature. The fresh air will feel good and looking at our surroundings will remind us how lucky we are to be living in such a wonderful area of the country. Even though we should not be in large gatherings, you can set up dates to get together with friends in their homes or your own. It is important to take precautions as far as being with other people, but each of us needs to make a personal decision about the physical benefits versus the emotional risks of being alone.

Remember that all feelings do eventually pass, even if the underlying origin of the feeling still exists. So even though this illness is still out there, our anxiety will continue to ebb and flow over the course of this situation. Know that heightened feelings do usually diminish. Also, acceptance of the feelings will help them pass faster than denying their reality. Remember that your anxiety is a physiological sensation, not a reality. If you actually do get the virus, the experts are saying that the symptoms will most likely be mild and your body will have developed its own immunity afterwards. It is important to remember that anxiety cannot hurt you, although it certainly feels like it can.

In the middle of an anxiety episode, try to slow your breathing down. You may consider starting a practice of meditation. If your anxiety persists and becomes unmanageable, call your physician and discuss the possibility of medication. There are also some supplements that are helpful and are not as detrimental to the body as some medications. Naturopathic doctors can be useful in finding the right supplements for you. Ask friends for recommendations of professionals they have used.

You might consider journaling to help identify problems and possible solutions and to have an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. Remember all the things in your life that have not changed and what you have to be grateful for. Remember that things will eventually return to the old normal and that this too shall pass.

And last, but far from least, there are professionals who are trained to help you get through these tough times. Do not be afraid to reach out for professional help.

"Addressing Covid-19 Concerns With Your Loved One Who Has Dementia"

According to research from the Bradford University Dementia Group, one of our most essential psychological needs is the need for physical as well as emotional comfort (Kitwood 1997). In these times of confusion and uncertainty related to Covid-19, how can we communicate in a way that supports the comfort, dignity and well-being of a loved one who is living with dementia?

With the ongoing updates and changes related to this epidemic, it’s important that the person’s routine remains as consistent as possible. You may want to keep a collection of familiar items on-hand such as photographs your loved one would enjoy discussing, music they like listening to, favorite games, hobbies, and special movies to watch together. Incorporating items that relate to your loved one’s unique preferences and life experiences can help ensure that your time together is meaningful.

Your loved one may be concerned about information they are receiving from the news or other sources. It’s important to acknowledge and validate their concerns in a genuine manner, without over-informing and further contributing to feelings of agitation and anxiety. If they reside in an assisted living community or other setting that is currently not accepting visitors, you can explain, "There’s an illness going around, so the community where you live is being extra careful to keep everyone healthy."

During this time, an extra measure of warmth and reassurance will help your loved one feel more at ease. If visiting precautions prevent you from being with them in person, you may be able to stay in touch through options such as telephone calls, letters, postcards, or even video chats or email. Reminding your loved one that everything is taken care of with the community where they live can also help alleviate their worry.

It should also be noted that this is a particularly challenging time for many caregivers and families. Be sure that you’re giving yourself the necessary respite time to care for your own health and well-being. By reaching out for help and tending to your own needs, you make it possible to continue being fully present for your loved one during this time.

April is National Stress Awareness Month. While it’s obvious that feeling stressed is unpleasant, it is also important to understand the toll that stress takes on our bodies, especially as we age.

As we get older, our bodies have a harder time bouncing back from stress. We produce adrenaline and cortisol, which make our hearts beat faster and increase our blood pressure. If these stress responses are happening regularly, they can result in chronically high blood pressure and make us more vulnerable to illness and other health risks. It’s not all bad news, though, as simple exercises and healthy activities can have a dramatically positive effect on our stress management.

Walking: Many people swear that walking or running is the best way to "clear their head." When we set out for a walk, our blood gets pumping, we take in more oxygen, and utilize some of our largest muscle groups. It doesn’t take long for our mind to wander to a more blissed-out place. Researchers from Harvard recommend walking at least 30 minutes per day and breaking that time into five- to 10-minute increments if needed.

Water aerobics or lap swimming: The weightlessness we feel when in water truly is a gift to our bodies. We can get in a good workout with virtually no impact on our joints. Side breathing while swimming laps forces us into a steady repetition akin to meditation.

Yoga: Did you know yoga is essentially just structured stretching? Practicing yoga allows us to slow down, move intentionally, and be in the moment. You can take a class or look up no-cost resources online to get started. Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician, says on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, "I focus a lot of my efforts on preventative medicine and practices, and in the body’s ability to heal itself. Yoga is a great tool for staying healthy because it’s based on similar principles."

Tai chi: The slow-moving art of tai chi packs all the same benefits of yoga, but focuses more on meditation, balance, and building strength. It can be done entirely standing or sitting, so is easily adaptable for all abilities.

The point is to get the body moving daily in order to channel routine stress into a healthful outlet. Not only will you feel more balanced emotionally, but you’ll also notice an increase in your overall physical health.

Compiled by: Senior Connection, www.SeniorConnection.us
We would appreciate if you would notify us at Debbie@SeniorConnection.us if you learn of any changes to the above information. Thank you!

Please let our Community Partners and Member Agencies know you found them via the
 Senior Connection.

thINK4inc
Ink & Toner Cartridges
Small Quantity Photocopying
301 N Alarcon
Prescott AZ 86301
(928) 777-9288
www.think4inc.com

PRESCOTT VALLEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
7120 Pav Way #102
Prescott Valley AZ 86314
(928) 772-8857
www.pvchamber.org

AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
1085 Scott Drive
Prescott AZ 86301
(928) 445-4348
www.americanlutheran.net

FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH
2820 N Pleasant View Drive
Prescott Valley AZ 86314
(928) 237-3458
www.firstsouthernpv.org 

PRESCOTT VALLEY
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
7655 Long Look Drive
Prescott Valley AZ 86314
(928) 772-7364
www.PrescottValleyChristian.org

PRESCOTT VALLEY
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
8944 E Sommer Drive
Prescott Valley AZ 86314
(928) 772-6366
www.PrescottValleyUMC.org

SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1202 Green Lane
Prescott AZ 86305
(928) 778-9122
www.prescottshepherd.com

STEP ONE COMMUNITY CENTER
6719 E 2nd Street 
Prescott Valley AZ 86314
(928) 772-4184
www.SteppingStonesAz.org

YAVAPAI COUNTY
JEEP POSSE
(928) 308-7687
www.YCJP.org

Disclaimer:
The inclusion of information about the companies listed above does not represent an endorsement on the part of this publication. It is your responsibility to verify the validity, reliability and suitability of any of the companies with whom you may wish to do business.

Whether you are an adult child caring for an aging parent, a spouse or sibling providing care to a relative, or a senior caring for yourself, the information and products available via the www.SeniorConnection.us website are designed to improve your quality of life. 

THE
SENIORCONNECTION.US WEBSITE

   As caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished for your loved ones each day.
    Although hundreds of resources exist to help you, the hardest part can be finding what’s available. 
   Therefore, in addition to the Caregiver Connection newsletter, I am also pleased to make available to you several valuable resources via the “Senior Connection website.” This web-based one-stop Educational and Information center for Caregivers and Seniors is designed to save you time and money, as well as your sanity.
   The SeniorConnection.us website consists of a comprehensive Resource Directory, Articles on topics of relevance to caregivers and seniors, and informational Videos and Slideshows about agencies that offer help throughout Yavapai County.

SENIOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY

   The Resources Directory contains contact information for hundreds of local nonprofit, government and commercial agencies that provide helpful products and services to ease the life of caregivers. 
   Updated weekly, this searchable database will save you literally hundreds of research hours and connect you with nonprofit, government and commercial agencies that can help with every aspect of being a caregiver. 
   Categories include areas such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, in-home care providers, transportation, meal preparation and delivery, and financial assistance. 
   A search on one or more keywords results in all of the companies that provide a particular product or service. You can then print out the Profile of each agency that is of interest to you. 
   All on the website at: 
Senior Connection.us

INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES

The Informational Articles section contains articles on a wide variety of topics relating to aging. The articles are short and sweet, yet go directly to the heart of the matter of some of the most sensitive issues surrounding our fears and frustrations as caregivers. No topic is off-limits and new articles are constantly being added to the website at: SeniorConnection.us

EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

Educational Videos and Slideshows, narrated by recognized experts in the community, are posted on the website. Additionally, videos and slideshows featuring nonprofit and for-profit agencies that provide products or services to caregivers and seniors will be available at the website: 

Senior Connection.us

The information contained herein and throughout the website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be construed as legal, medical or financial advice. Use of this information indicates your understanding of, and agreement to the above.