Arapahoe County Council on Aging

2014 Annual Report

Arapahoe County Council on Aging P.O. Box 882

Littleton, CO 80160 Phone: (303) 273-2855

Email: accoa@comcast.net www.accoa.info

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Arapahoe County Council on Aging

“Pathways to Wisdom, The Dynamics of Aging”

Annual Report 2014 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of this council is to identify the needs, concerns, and issues of older adults (60 years of age and older) in Arapahoe County. To plan, advise and advocate for services which will best meet these needs by enlisting, encouraging, cooperating and coordinating within the community. The Arapahoe County Council on Aging was organized in 1975 as the official spokesman for the county’s older population and to represent agencies and organizations serving older people. It was founded as a result of the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended. 2014 OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Andrea Olson, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement VICE PRESIDENT: Debra Kirsten, Consultant TREASURER: Randy Gornbein, Sarah Care at DTC SECRETARY: Michelle Clopton, Julia Temple Heathcare Center HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST YEAR Held our Annual January “GET TOGETHER” on Monday, January 28th and provided a light lunch prior to the program. The program for the event was a discussion of services available to seniors in Arapahoe County. Featured speakers were the Mayors from Greenwood Village, Englewood and Centennial as well as representatives from city governments in Arapahoe County who focused on issues and solutions for meeting the needs of seniors within their communities. ACCOA Officers and Committee Chairs for 2014 were installed. The meeting was held in the dining room of Caley Ridge Assisted Living facility, 9350 E Caley Avenue, Englewood, CO where we had been meeting during the year. Joined with Adams County Aging Network (ACAN) and Tri-Valley Seniors Association to hold a “Joint Meeting” on June 23rd at the Byers American Legion Hall. Following the luncheon provided by ACCOA, the speaker, Sister Georgeann Quinlan, BVM presented a program on “Angels Everywhere.” The presentation was followed by an extensive question and answer session.

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Attendees were encouraged to share their personal experiences with miracles, angels and coincidences with the group and many participated. SPECIAL PROJECTS Continued to expand the criteria to be utilized by ACCOA representatives participating in the ACCOA Speakers’ Bureau. Increased the number of topics and speakers utilized in the ACCOA Speakers’ Bureau. Distributed ACCOA and Speaker’s Bureau brochures, to local organizations and churches to be shared with their members and congregations. Participated in Senior Health and Resource Days at various events throughout the County. Represented ACCOA on the DRCOG Advisory Committee on Aging. The ACCOA representatives kept members updated on funding issues, discussed livable communities for the Boomers and stressed the need to keep people aging in place as it is so much less expensive than placing them in assisted living or nursing homes. They continued to work with the Funding Committee for 2014 regarding the Budget recommendations of funds for the State Fiscal Year and worked as part of the group that reviews and determines the actions, plans and support for adjusting the funding. Maintained the ACCoA website providing information concerning our services and mission. The website, www.accoa.info, affords public access to various sources of information about ACCoA as well as on-line resources that are available for seniors. The website averages 125 to 150 hits each month. Activity does not appear to be related to any specific function but is spread with visits throughout the website. The site also provides the ACCoA calendar of events, meeting dates, program topics, list of Officers and Committee Chairs, minutes of past meetings, By-Laws, the Annual Reports, and means of contact. Distributed the Colorado Senior Lobby Newsletter to the ACCoA email data base monthly. Distributed the Healthy Lifestyle E-Letter for the Colorado Office of Community Access & Independence Division of Aging & Adult Services. Maintained an email data base in excess of 475 service providers, vendors and seniors. During the year, information has been distributed concerning consumer alerts on scams against seniors, the potential effects of budget deficits relative to senior programs, requests for action by agencies, and monthly meeting information and minutes along with appropriate notices relative to senior issues. Made available resource counseling to callers and email contacts through the ACCoA Administrative Coordinator office and referrals to other agencies. Contacts are made throughout the year

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requesting assistance with everything from locating help with snow removal, housing, transportation, financial assistance for equipment, legal assistance referrals, “bait and switch” problems, and in-home care, to such things as needing “senior friendly” places to meet with other people. Grown children, family members and concerned friends who live out of state call the ACCOA phone number to determine what resources are available for their seniors living in Arapahoe County. During the Holidays, there is generally an increase in the number of calls from some seniors who appear to need nothing more than someone to talk to for a few minutes. Calls and emails are received and returned daily. PROVIDED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS January - Speakers: Mayor Cathy Noon – City of Centennial Mayor Randy Penn – City of Englewood

Camie Chapman speaking for Mayor Ron Rakowsky – City of Greenwood Village Community Program Manager Kay Wilmesher – City of Littleton Division Manager, Senior Resources Division, Linda Haley– Arapahoe County

Topics: Mayors and their representatives spoke of projects, events and

updates relative to senior issues in their cities Linda Haley spoke about the county funds supporting senior services to help work toward keeping seniors independent.

February - Speaker: Matt Cunningham, Multi-County Mobility Manager, DRMAC

Topic: Transportation needs and issues in the county, available resources, and how you can get involved in developing transportation solutions

March Speaker: Barbara Martin-Worley, Director of Consumer Protection for the District Attorney’s Office of the 18th Judicial District Topic: Common Frauds and Scams April - Speaker: Laura Wayman, Director of Dementia Care Services

Comfort Keepers Home Care, The Dementia Whisperer, Author of A Loving Approach to Dementia Care

TOPIC: Dementia Care May - Speaker: Randy Anderson, CFP, Financial Professional

Topic: Social Security, what everyone should know to protect themselves

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June - Speaker: Sister Georgeann Quinlan, BVM

Topic: “Angels Everywhere”.

July Speaker : Valerie A. Purser, Executive Director, South Metro Health Alliance.

Topic: The Senior Reach program

August Speaker: Lori Ramos, Care Partners Resource

Topic: Caregiver support

September Speaker: Randy Gornbein

Topic: How Adult Daycare Fits Into the Continuum of Senior Care

October - Speaker: Matt Zanotelli, Attorney with Meurer Law Offices

Topic: Estate Planning and Elder Law

November - Speaker: Jayla Sachez-Warren, Area Agency on Agency Director

Topic: Denver Regional Council of Governments Update

The major project for the Arapahoe County Council on Aging in 2014 was the continued development of the Speaker’s Bureau. The ACCOA Speaker’s Bureau is replacing the annual Senior Resource Day as our primary avenue for reaching out to the community and sharing resource information. The Community Awareness Committee focused on adding numerous topics to the program along with additional speakers well versed in each topic. The title of the series, The Dynamics of Aging Informational Series, was created as well as an appropriate mission statement:

The mission of the Arapahoe County Council on Aging (ACCoA) is to identify the needs, concerns, and issues of adults 60 and over in Arapahoe County and meet these needs through education, collaboration and coordination in the community. This Speakers’ Bureau is designed to share information to groups about the many community services and resources available when older citizens are preparing for dynamic aging or if they are caring for someone in immediate need of information regarding aging.

A partnership was developed between Regis University and The Arapahoe County Council on Aging for the presentation of a series of seminars to be held throughout the year at the Regis Campus.

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Presenters and topics for Regis Series Held at Regis University, DTC Campus, Room #260, 6380 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, Second Wednesday of each month, 10:30-11:30 February: Randy Gornbein, Owner, SarahCare Adult Day Care Center Continuum of Care: An Overview March: Sarah Harman, Community Relations Manager, Vi at Highlands Ranch 3 Levels of Care April: Whitney Warkentin, Director of Rehab at Hallmark Nursing Center Programs for All: Fitness & Aging May: Randy Anderson, CFP, Financial Professional Programs for All: Social Security

June: Greg Glischinski, Volunteer, Legislative Advocate, Senior Commission for City of Centennial, AARP Programs for All: Medicare July: Barbara Martin-Worley, Director of Consumer Protection for the District Attorney’s Office of the 18th Judicial District Programs for All: Senior Fraud August: Elizabeth D. Mitchell, CELA Ambler and Keenan, LLC Programs for All: Wills and Trusts September: Linda Haley and Katherine Smith, Arapahoe County Community Resources Grant Funded Services, Medicaid, Home and Community-based Services October: Jim Brown, Long Term Care Specialist Skip Reynolds, Elder Law Specialist Retirement Planning Solutions

(ACCoA Members Facilitators for the Regis/ACCOA meetings were: Leslie Brezina, Sharon Hill, Randy Gornbein, Greg Glischinski, Jason Hubbard, and Cynthia Winslow)

Presenters and topics for the Malley Senior Recreation Series Held at Malley Senior Recreation Center, Eldorado Room, 3rd Monday of each month, 1:00-2:00 September: Barbara Raynor, Managing Director, Boomer’s Leading Change in Health Boomer’s! Who Are They Really

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October: Jill Lysengen, Volunteer Co-coordinator Rocky Mountain Arthritis Foundation Alternatives Therapy for Arthritis November: Vicki Siegle, Director of PT Services South Denver Cardiology Associates The Healthy Heart

(ACCoA Members Facilitators for these meetings were Cheryl Adamson and Mona Gardner) Presenters and topics for Individual Programs requested by the Community: January: Barb Lotze, Visiting Angels to Hughes Aircraft Retirees What is ACCoA? Barbara Martin-Worley, DA’s Office to Bucks’ Community Center Senior Fraud J. Mel Harris, ACCoA to Bucks’ Community Center What is ACCoA? Barbara Martin-Worley, DA’s Office to Aurora Senior Center Senior Fraud J. Mel Harris, ACCoA to Aurora Senior Center What is ACCoA? February: Barbara Martin-Worley, DA’s Office to Council of Blind & Visually Impaired Senior Fraud J. Mel Harris, ACCoA to Council of Blind & Visually Impaired What is ACCoA? March: J. Mel Harris, ACCoA to St. Thomas More Church AARP What is ACCoA? J. Mel Harris and Sharon Hill to Someren-Glen Retirement Center What is ACCoA?

Library Resources for Seniors Contact Meetings held with Community Organizations:

1. Invited to attend the Pikes Peak Council of Governments, Colorado Springs meeting, via Dr. Linda Merkel.

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2. Met with Cheryl Adamson of Malley Senior Recreation Center. 3. Met with the Bemis Library Staff and Kay Williamson of the Littleton Coalition for Aging Well

(LCAW) 4. Met with Leslie Brezina, Campus Manager DTC Campus of Regis University 5. Met with Vicki Siegel and Randy Cupps of South Denver Cardiology Associates 6. Met with Anna Nortin of South Denver Cardiology Associates 7. Met with Michelle Collette of Buck Recreation Center of Littleton 8. Met with Jill Lysengen of the Rocky Mt. Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation 9. Met with Barbara Raynor of Boomer’s Leading Change in Health 10. Met with Bart Rice of EXIT Realty DTC 11. Met with Rick Bloemen of Colorado Senior Care Advisors 12. Met with Leslie Brezina of Regis University DTC Campus

Topics currently available for presentation through the Speaker’s Bureau include: Arapahoe County Council on Aging (ACCoA)

The presentation discusses the Arapahoe County Council on Aging in detail. It may be presented in a 20-minute format as typically given at a luncheon meeting or it may be presented in a 45-minute format as typically presented as the program for an organization. PowerPoint presentations accompany both formats. The 3 levels in the Continuum of Senior Care

The presentation gives an overview of programs for Independent Seniors plus seniors needing some assistance both at home and in Assisted Living through Skilled Care and End of Life care. A complete description of home and community-based services available in Arapahoe County along with other, lesser known services will be included within the presentation. Discussion is also related to Adult Day Care services and residential Living with assistance and transportation options. Aging: Legislative Issues

This is a report provided by representatives from Arapahoe County Council on Aging (ACCoA) who serve as advocates on issues and legislation affecting seniors in Arapahoe County. These advocates attend and report concerning the meetings of the Senior Lobby and promote any educational events sponsored by that lobby. Alternative Therapies for Arthritis

This PowerPoint presentation shows the many ways to combat the various types of arthritis. Focus points include: aquatics, low-impact floor exercise, massage, acupuncture, nutrition, and tai chi. Angels Everywhere

This hour-long program was created to raise awareness of the many forms and ways in which angels are presented to us and touch our lives. Miracles and coincidences are happening to us all of the time. Angels are messengers of the abiding presence and power of God in the world.

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Boomers: Who are they really?

Have questions about the ‘real’ Boomer? This program, presented by Boomers Leading Change in Health, an organization devoted to defining and advocating positively for the ‘Boomer’ generation, will help answer those questions. Laugh Together

Do you often feel bogged down? Stressed? Remember when we were kids and there was time everyday just to play together and have fun? Laughaceuticals will have you ringing the bell for recess. Put down your pen; get up from your computer and discover once again the de-stressing value of laughter and play. Every activity in the interactive Laughaceutical workshop supports the evidence that laughter is actually good medicine. Evidenced based facts about the health benefits of laughter, including reducing stress and blood pressure, are shared. Ideas for regularly incorporating laughter and play throughout one’s day are provided by the Kaiser Permanente group. Community-Based Services for Seniors

Arapahoe County’s Senior Resources Division staff provides information on the services available in the community which assist seniors in remaining independent in their own homes. Information ranges from those services provided by non-profits in the community to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services as well as the fees charged for securing each service program. Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stresses of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. The goal of Palliative care is to improve the patient’s quality of life while having a support team in place throughout medical treatment. Palliative care is appropriate for many diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, COPD, Heart Failure, Kidney Disease, ALS and Parkinson’s. Planning for Aging: When to start?

Facing difficult life decisions for yourself or someone you love? Making these decisions alone, without direction or support, is a most stressful and fearful time for each and every family. This session brings those with training and experience to assist you in making the proper decisions for your family. Retirement Planning Solutions

This seminar deals with ways to protect your assets without long-term care insurance. “Learn planning tips, strategies, and laws to avoid spending down your hard-earned nest egg when a medical crisis occurs. This seminar is presented by an advisor to the Council of Aging, a long-term care specialist and an elder law specialist.

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Senior Reach By 2020 the 60+ population will more than double. Some seniors have little or no support

from family and friends. Many of them are not aware of resources that are available within their local communities. Senior Reach is a community-based volunteer program that identifies older adults who may benefit from additional assistance and support and strives to connect these individuals with community services that may improve their lives. This program is presented by a member of Senior Reach of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties Social Security

Is it time to make a decision about Social Security? Before you make that decision you will want to hear this discussion of social security. Important facts such as what it is and what it isn’t, as well as when to begin receiving this earned benefit and when to ‘wait awhile’ before you do. Sorting through the Information: What’s valid, What isn’t?

Websites—a help, a hindrance? There is so much information on the website, we sometimes have trouble figuring out which we should believe and which we should leave alone. This one-hour session helps us figure out what’s good, what isn’t. The Affordable Care Act and Medicare

This presentation deals with the thousands of questions concerning the new health care laws: Does this new law affect everyone? If so, how? Do all plans cover the same kinds of things? If not, how do they differ? Can a person be denied because of pre-existing conditions? Does the plan cover things like flu shots, exercise programs, different kinds of screenings? Describe “income-related Medicare premiums”. What is a doughnut hole? These and additional questions are answered by a qualified AARP representative and a healthcare professional. The Healthy Heart

A discussion of the importance of nutrition and exercise as it relates to keeping the heart healthy. Some discussion may center on risk factors of coronary heart disease, controlling stress, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Transportation Needs in Arapahoe County

DRMAC, the Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council works with our members, transportation providers, and the community to improve access to transportation and facilitate solutions to transportation problems. Without transportation, older adults, people with disabilities, people with limited incomes, and others with mobility challenges, are isolated and disconnected from the medical, nutritional, and social supports necessary for healthy living. Through coordination, information-sharing and education, we identify and address barriers to transportation. If you need transportation assistance, please call us a 303-243-3114. To learn more, visit our website: http://drmac-co.org/.

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Veterans Services A County Veteran Services Officer provides a general overview of VA Benefits. Also

discussed are the claims process and key issues facing veterans. At the end of the session, the presentation includes a large question and answer session to address individual concerns. Wills and Trusts

Seniors face many challenges as they age. Two such challenges are: making sure that someone is legally qualified to make financial and medical decisions for them and involving the right people to help them make financial and medical arrangements and decisions should they be unable to carry out these decisions for themselves. This informative presentation discusses: How can Powers of Attorney appoint the right person to become a decision-maker? What is probate and does it need to be avoided? What happens if a person does not have a Will? How do revocable trusts work? Topics presented in the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Fraud Prevention Series include: Outfoxing The Predators: Preventing Fraud and Exploitation

This series is presented by the Office of the District Attorney-18th Judicial District. The presentation series is given by Barbara Martin-Worley; Director, Consumer Protection. Organizations may choose presentations individually from the series or have the series presented in its entirety. Common Frauds & Scams

Predators—those who perpetrate frauds against others for their own personal gain, do so because it is easy, highly profitable and very low-risk. Unfortunately, such con games leave too many victims, especially elders, depleted of their savings and financial security. With the advent of technology, victims of all ages are being taken in cybercrimes, and scams that have been around for years are becoming more complex. This session covers the most common frauds against people of all ages, including cybercrimes, solicitation and extortion scams, current trends; and what consumers should know and do. Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, and Colorado is no exception. By definition, identity theft occurs when someone illegally uses one’s personal and financial information to open credit card and other accounts, steal tax returns, apply for loans in that person’s name, or draw down on a victim’s line of credit. Although mostly associated with financial gain, stealing an individual’s identity is also done to obtain benefits, such as public and private health insurance, or to gain employment using a victim’s SSN. This presentation covers the types of identity theft, prevention and what is known about the perpetrators.

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Elder Abuse and Exploitation As of July 1, 2014, certain professional groups in Colorado are now required to report

caregiver neglect, and physical, financial and sexual abuse. This presentation provides examples of each category of abuse, the prevalence and impact of neglect and exploitation on older victims, motives and insights into the offenders and the role of reporting parties in responding to such cases. Health Claims & Advertising Lures: Do They Deliver?

Crimes are not the only ways in which elders are taken. As primary consumers of health care, older adults are aggressively targeted by manufacturers of dietary supplements and by companies whose products sound, well. . .too good to be true! Free trial offers sound great—until you try to cancel one. And, how do you know that a product is really as efficacious as its claims? Quality goods or pyramid scheme? . . .Learn how to be a discerning consumer ACCOA STANDING COMMITTEES Advocacy/Legislative Committee - Bob Epstein, Chair The purpose of this committee is to advocate on issues and legislation affecting seniors in Arapahoe County and to promote educational endeavors. Community Awareness - Mona Gardner, J. Mel Harris Co-Chairs The purpose of this committee is to solicit a diverse ethnic and economic representation of the 60 plus Community; help meet their needs; partner with other organizations within the County to promote greater cooperation and coordination of needed services; sharing of information; and developing interest in community participation to further increase awareness and advocate for seniors in Arapahoe County. This committee, with the assistance of Linda Haley, organizes the collection and distribution of non-perishable food items for the Strasburg CARES Food Bank in Strasburg. Eastern Plains Committee - Linda Haley, Chair The Eastern Plains co-sponsors the Joint meeting with ACCOA and ACAN. In 2014 the committee participated in a needs assessment survey meeting with participants of the Strasburg CARES Food Bank, and rural residents who attended a transportation meeting held by VIA and through distribution of the assessment survey itself. Program Committee - Debra Kirsten, Chair The purpose of this committee is to schedule presentations at the regular monthly meetings that inform and educate the Council on issues pertinent to older adults in Arapahoe County. Public Safety Committee - Scott Sickafoose, Chair The purpose of this committee is to keep the older citizens of Arapahoe County informed about issues and resources relating to their safety and well-being.

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Special Events Committee - Krista Keller, Chair The purpose of this committee is to work in conjunction with the Community Awareness Committee in an effort to extend the presentation of resource materials to those groups most in need, specifically those who have been difficult to reach or unidentified in the past. One section of the committee, headed by Barb Lotze, organizes the collections of holiday gifts for clients of Adult Protective Services. Members of ACCOA secure one or more names, including the client’s wish list, purchase and wrap the gifts and return them at the November meeting for distribution in early December. DRCOG Advisory Committee on Aging - Cathy Noon, Jim Fleenor, Michelle Clopton, ACCoA

Representatives The purpose of this committee is to ensure effective representation on the DRCOG Committee on Aging from Arapahoe County. Ad Hoc Committee Ad Hoc Committees are appointed as necessary by the President and report to the President on a regular basis. Among these committees are the Review Committee, Nominating Committee and a possible Retreat Committee. Review Committee The purpose of this committee is to review how grant money is being used in Arapahoe County, to assess the needs of our service providers and how we might be able to assist them. Nominating Committee The purpose of this committee is to identify members who would be an asset to ACCoA and would be interested in an Executive Board position. Meetings The Arapahoe County Council on Aging met monthly, January through November, on the 4th Monday of the month at Caley Ridge Assisted Living, 9350 E. Caley Avenue, Englewood, CO 80111. Attendance at meetings during the year has fluctuated between 45 and 87 representatives of organizations, service providers and seniors. Meeting announcements and minutes are emailed to the membership monthly and meeting dates, times and program information are updated on the website each month. Meeting minutes are posted on-line as well as telephone and email contact information for the ACCoA office, Officers and Committee Chairs. Funding/ Expenses Funding for ACCOA in 2014 was provided by a $2,000 grant from DRCOG

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Major expenses for the organization during the year included: * Senior Lobby membership * ACCoA Annual meeting * ACCoA/ACAN/Tri-Valley Seniors Association meeting * Sponsorship of 2014 Senior Day at the Capitol * Purchase of Speaker’s Bureau brochures * Administrative expenses * Golden Voice phone services * Donation to Caley Ridge Assisted Living for facility use Financial Statement is available upon request. Comments from ACCOA 2014 President Andrea Olson Krisztal: This year ACCOAs primary focus was bringing resources to the community and educating the aging population across Arapahoe County where they reside. Arapahoe county is unique in that it is 72 miles east to west, making it very difficult for some seniors to attend our monthly meetings as well as annual events such as Pathways to Wisdom, to learn about valuable resources available for them. Instead, we’ve focused on the Speakers Bureau and other smaller fairs and events across the county to have a more direct impact on our aging population, in addition to our monthly meetings. Additionally, we’ve partnered with several organizations that also serve seniors across Arapahoe County and Colorado to ensure that we have the best possible referral network in place for anyone needing guidance. These partnerships include Regis University, South Metro Health Alliance, Colorado Gerontological Society, Colorado Coalition for Senior Economic Security, Malley Senior Center, Aurora Center for Active Adults, Buck Recreation Center, Strasburg Food Bank, Mission Hills Community Church Food Bank, Holy Cow Food Bank, Byers Silver and Gold, Tri Valley Seniors, Adams County Aging Network, Denver Commission on Aging, St Joseph’s Hospital Community Resource Forum, City of Centennial Senior Commission, Littleton Housing Authority, Littleton Coalition for Aging Well, TLC Meals on Wheels, Shalom Park, Rocky Mt. Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, Boomers Leading Change in Health and the Senior Resource Center at Bemis Library. As the 2014 President of ACCOA and board member of several years, I am very proud of the impact that ACCOA has on our community. Our monthly meetings continue to grow, with new community partners attending every time. We will continue our outreach to the community and advocate for seniors across Arapahoe County for years to come.