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JUST FOR YOU A publication of Eastern Area Agency on Aging

Information to help you live well and age well

FEB / MAR 2010 EAAA.org 1-800-432-7812

DIRECTOR’S DESKTOP

By Noëlle Merrill,

Executive Director

Today, I am packing my bags in order to travel to my parents’ home. They called last night and said they needed my help. My dad hurt his back and is in extreme pain and my mother is overwhelmed. Why am I writing about this? Does this scenario sound familiar to you? This is a scene that is playing over and over in our society today. And not only that, these calls are being made from afar, not next door. It has become much more difficult to care for family members. I have to take two planes and a cab to get to my parents’ place. They are 88 and 87 years old and no longer drive. In fact, everything that has happened to hinder their independence developed within the last two months.

The fact is that we all need to be prepared for caregiving. Things can happen so quickly, particularly with the elderly, that not having an articulated plan leaves many strug-gling to figure out what to do next. My parents live in a place that has many options for care like housekeeping, transportation and meals. I often thought how brilliant it was that they moved there, thinking that they would not need help from us kids. I guess I was wrong. When I think about how hard it was for them to call and ask for my help, I realize that they probably would’ve taken even longer to ask for help from someone that they don’t know or trust, even someone employed by the retirement community in which they reside. Don’t be afraid to ask your children for help. I feel honored that they need my help. I believe many children will feel this way. I am not sure exactly what I will find when I get there, but I have purchased a one-way ticket so that I am not restricted to an unrealistic time frame.

One of EAAA’s fastest growing programs is Family Caregiver Services. If you are caring for someone and need help, please call us. We offer respite funds, support groups and many other options that help elders stay at home and get the care they need. If your family is far away, we can work with them on your behalf so give us a call. We are your trusted com-munity partner in Caregiving.

Becoming a caregiver at a moment’s notice

Editors note… If you’d like to be removed from the mailing list so you’ll no longer receive Just for You, please contact Carol Higgins Taylor, at 992-0135 or (800) 432-7812. You may also send a card to Carol at 450 Essex St, Bangor, ME 04401, and request that your name be removed. Thank You.

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Serving Penobscot, Hancock, Piscataquis, and Washington counties. 1 - 800 - 432 - 7812 — EAAA.org

Exploring Greece and its islands

Eastern Area Agency on Aging will be hosting a slide show and informational meet-ing at their offices on April 6, 2010, at 4 p.m. for folks interested in going to Greece next fall.

Whether you are interested in going on the tour or just curious about the destination, you are welcome to attend the presentation.

The Collette Tour website encourages you to “Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece in their tranquil Mediterranean settings.”

The 15-day journey will take you to Greece's most important Classical age monu-ments. There will be abundant time to meander the “winding streets, vineyards, boutiques, marketplaces and beaches on Mykonos and Santorini. You will explore Athens’ fascinat-ing monuments including the famed Acropolis, visit a Byzantine monastery in Metéora and explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.”

Please come to Eastern Area Agency on Aging April 6, to experience the presentation that will whisk you away to the Greek Isles and provide you with a sure cure for the winter doldrums.

If possible, please RSVP by April 2, so we can be sure to have enough refreshments! Call EAAA at 1-800-432-7812 to reserve your space.

Just for You 1 - 800 - 432 - 7812 — EAAA.org

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Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) is pleased to announce that it has received a $15,000 grant from Universal American and its family of companies which offers Medicare Advantage health plans and Medicare prescrip-tion drug plans. Universal American’s Collabo-rating for Good Health Giving Back Program will support EAAA in its mission to be the best source of information, options and services for people with Medicare in the Bangor area.

“We are delighted that Universal American has selected our organization for this donation,” said Dyan Walsh, MSW, director of community services. “We recognize that the health and wellbeing of our seniors is depend-ent on support from generous community part-ners like Universal American.”

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) provide thousands of Medicare beneficiaries in the State of Maine valuable assistance with medical and prescription drug costs. Based on estimates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), many older Mainers in the greater Bangor area who could benefit from these programs are not accessing them. The funding from Universal American will bridge this gap by staffing a person to lo-cate many of the 3,000 people who would save money with these programs. This person will reach out to Washington, Hancock, Piscataquis and Penobscot counties and educate residents about the availability of benefit-enrollment

kiosks and how to operate them. These self service kiosks, most located in public libraries and town offices, make screening for Medicare Savings Programs possible for people with Medicare in rural commu-nities.

According to Bob Downs, vice president and general manager of Maine for Universal American, “Our Healthy CollaborationSM model demonstrates Universal American’s approach to health-care and that the key to an older adult’s wellbeing is their relationship to the community. It is an honor to support organizations like the Eastern Area Agency on Aging that share this same commitment to embracing older adults and helping them access the benefits they deserve.”

Universal American, through its family of healthcare companies, is focused on providing comprehensive and afford-able healthcare for people with Medicare. Universal American’s Medicare plans are based on A Healthy CollaborationSM, which is a dedication to working collabo-ratively with its members and their health-care professionals in order to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

See GRANT page 8

Eastern Area Agency on Aging Receives Grant from Universal American

Monies will be used to identify and educate local residents who qualify for assistance with Medicare costs


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The fourth annual Senior Connections Expo will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd., Bangor, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the first time, the Disability and Aging Services Helpline (DASH) and the Senior Expo will be combined for one spectacular event! Exhibitors will have something for everyone. Everything from health and well-ness, to bathroom remodeling - area organi-zations and businesses will be on hand to show-off their wares. Presentations include: Matter of Balance - reduce your falls risk. Eating healthy on a tight budget. Adaptive equipment - everything from

gardening tools to talking computers. These tools can make everything easier.

AND the George Hale Silver Frame winners will receive their awards.

There will also be give-aways, door prizes, and delicious refreshments. This event is not to be missed. Clip this notice and put it on your fridge.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SAVE THE DATE: For the Senior Connections Expo

Exclusively sponsored by Martin’s Point Health Care

Thank you …

Special thanks to the Central Maine Street Rods!!!! For years, this group has created and donated special gifts to EAAA which are dis-tributed to our homebound clients. With each holiday that arises, Eastern receives a large allotment of gifts bags or baskets that are spe-cific to that holiday. These gifts include food items and things that are unique to that par-ticular holiday. For Valentine’s Day this year we received gift bags filled with candy, crack-ers and cookies and each one of them had a little valentine attached as the gift tag. We truly appreciate the thought and time that goes into putting together these items. Your group has truly touched many of our clients, thank you for your continued support to the clients of EAAA.


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Getting more than you pay for has never been easier. Alan Shawn Feinstein, a multimillionaire from Cranston, RI, has a plan which will make donations to Meals on Wheels and our Community Cafes go even further to help seniors.

Feinstein has a goal of ending hunger in the United States, so for the past decade he has donated one million dollars annually to organi-zations across the country that provide food to people in need. His funds are used as a match for monies raised by the food programs from March 1 to April 30. He calls this philan-thropic event the Feinstein Challenge. Meals on Wheels is taking that chal-lenge. All donations that we receive, during March and April, will be eligible for a small portion of Feinstein’s million. For decades, the number of meal dona-tions has always fluctuated depending on the economy. Yet, through good times and bad, every elderly person who desired a meal received one.

If you’d like to take the Feinstein Challenge, make out a check to: Feinstein Challenge and mail to

EAAA, 450 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. You can also deliver your donation to EAAA, or your local Community Cafe. You may also donate on line at www.eaaa.org.

Meals on Wheels to take Feinstein Challenge: Your donation can make a difference!

“It is definitely difficult sometimes but we would never turn someone away,” said Rob Crone, nutrition services director. “And rest assured all the meals are nutritionally bal-anced. Less money often means cutting back on some of the special extras. We have started serving non-seniors for a flat fee of $5 which helps increase our income plus is a great way for seniors to bring family to the Community Cafe with them.” And little extras make a difference, but they are not always affordable. However, from a decorated cake for a holiday celebra-tion to fresh produce, Meals on Wheels tries very hard to make lunch something “to look forward to for the thousands of seniors we serve,” said Crone. Feinstein believes that we are each put on this earth to help those in need, and his one million dollars will go a long way toward that end. His million is divided proportionately among all of the agencies that take the chal-lenge. The amount raised by each agency, nutrition program, or food bank, dictates the amount of the match. It is not a hundred percent match but it helps bring people together and make their dollars stretch. “We hope to raise $20,000 this year,” said Crone. “It is always exciting to see how supportive the community is when we start getting donations.” Of course, all donations are tax deductible and you will receive acknowledgement of your donation.

http://www.eaaa.org


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Eastern Area Agency on Aging announces its Fourth Annual

George Hale Silver Frame Awards:

The Picture of Active Aging

To Nominate Someone:

Complete the nomination form (see next page) and mail it with a letter explaining why your nomi-nee deserves to win (include his or her age). You may send photos but it is not necessary. Winners receive an engraved silver frame. Awards will be given out at the Senior Connections Expo!

George Hale

Living Well is a six week program for anyone living with a long-term health problem such as: Asthma, Arthritis, COPD, Diabetes, Obesity, etc. During the class folks will learn how to set goals that are attainable for them, find ways to relax, manage stress, find support and solutions to health problems and make daily tasks easier.

The six week workshop covers techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, appropriate use of medication, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals and how to evaluate new treatments.

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program developed by Dr. Kate Lorig at Stanford University, is an evidence-based program that takes two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings such as senior and community centers, churches, libraries, senior housing, retirement communities and physicians offices. People with different chronic health problems attend together.

For more information on these beneficial classes, call Eastern Area Agency on Aging and ask for Lisa.

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EASTERN AREA AGENCY ON AGING GEORGE HALE SILVER FRAME AWARDS - The Picture of Active Aging 2010

Nomination form

EAAA is looking for nominees in two age groups: 60 to 75; & 76 and older, who have shown themselves to be exceptional role models in any one of the following categories:

Artistic / Creative Fitness Enthusiast / Adventurer

Life-Long Learner / Community Supporter / Entrepreneur

To nominate someone for this prestigious award, please write a letter telling us why your senior is deserving of a George Hale Silver Frame Award and complete the following form.

PLEASE PRINT

Nominee name __________________________________________________________________

Mailing address __________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________ State _____________Zip _________

Telephone _______________________________ E-mail_________________________________

Category (Please check one and enter age of nominee)

Artistic / Creative _____ Age __________

Fitness Enthusiast / Adventurer _____________ Age __________

Life-Long Learner / Community Supporter / Entrepreneur ________ Age __________

Nominator name _________________________________________________________________

Nominator address _______________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________State _________Zip ______________

Nominator phone number (day) ________________________(evening) ____________________

Please send this completed form with your letter to:

Noëlle Merrill, Executive Director, EAAA 450 Essex St.

Bangor, ME 04401

Thank you for your nomination.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS March 31, 2010

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Just for You is published by Eastern Area Agency on Aging and edited by Carol Higgins Taylor, director of communica-tions at EAAA. If you have questions or comments regarding

content, please call Carol at 992-0135, 1-800-432-7812, or email her at [email protected].

EAAA programs are funded in part by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Office of Elder Services. EAAA is also a partnership agency of the United Way of

Eastern Maine. EAAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and

Service Provider

GRANT from page3

About Universal American

Universal American, through its family of healthcare companies, offers benefit plans designed to promote collaboration among our members and their healthcare pro-fessionals. This Healthy Collabora-tionSM improves the health and well being of more than two million people with Medicare every day.

For more information on Uni-versal American and its Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, which include: Today’s Op-tions® PPO, Today’s Options® PFFS, Community CCRxSM PDP and PrescribaRxSM PDP, offered in the Maine area, visit our website at www.UniversalAmerican.com.

About Universal American’s ’Collaborating for Good Health’ Giving Back Program Through its Giving Back Program, Universal American supports local organizations that are dedicated to helping older adults and Medicare beneficiaries maximize access to services and increase their quality of life.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging Community Cafes

are open for lunch and are serving everyone!

Call 1 - 800 - 432 - 7812 for a Community Café near you.

http://www.UniversalAmerican.com

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Support Group for Male Caregivers Planned

Dottie VanHorn LSW

When we hear the word caregiver, most of us think of the dutiful wife caring for an ill or disabled husband or the ‘designated daugh-ter’ selflessly caring for one or both elderly parents. Our culture historically assigns females the role of dominant nurturer. However, the National Family Caregiver Association esti-mates that 44 percent of family caregivers are male. Most males, particularly those over the age of 65, have not had the opportunity to learn or to practice caregiving skills before the role is thrust upon them as their spouse, partner or parent needs more and more care. Although most caregivers who are over 65 are retired and can devote more time to caregiving, younger male caregivers may find themselves members of the ‘sandwich genera-tion’ juggling multiple roles as caregiver, em-ployee, spouse and parent just as their female counterparts do. Whether younger or older, most men have never imagined that they will embark on the difficult road of caregiving. The journey is not an easy one but there are things that make the trip a bit less difficult. One thing that seems to help is being a part of a support group. Many caregivers find that being a part of a support group offers several benefits to assist them in the difficult task of caregiving. First of all, being a member of a support group helps alleviate the social isolation that caregiving brings. Sometimes sharing a laugh with others is the saving grace of an otherwise dismal day.

Through laughter and sometimes tears, taking time to share with others who are also caregivers offers the opportunity to see that others may be going through difficult times and coping. This insight helps one find that inner core of strength, resilience and determination that caregivers possess. Caregiver support groups also offer opportunities for education. Members of the support group learn tips and techniques from other members of the group. Additionally, the group facilitator often shares information with members. Last but certainly not least, a warm suppor-tive group allows members a safe environ-ment in which to deal with emotional pain and anxiety about caregiving. In the spring of 2010 Eastern Area Agency on Aging hopes to offer its first gender specific support group for male caregivers. The support group, called Man2Man, will offer education and support to all men who are caring for a spouse, partner or parent in the Bangor area. Eastern Area Agency on Aging currently offers mixed gender support groups in Hancock, Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties. See our listing of support groups on page 10. Call EAAA at1-800-942-7812 if you have an interest in attending Man2Man.

The Senior Connections Expo is coming Friday, May 21. See page 4 for details. Hope to see you there!

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Bangor 2:00-3:30 3rd Tuesday of the month 450 Essex St. Bangor ME Contact: Dottie VanHorn, LSW, Bangor 2:00 - 3:30 1st Tuesday of the month Sunbury Village Contact: Dottie VanHorn, LSW Blue Hill 2:00 - 3:30 4th Tuesday of the month, Parker Ridge Contact: Janet Lewis, LSW Dover-Foxcroft 1:00-2:30 3rd Tuesday of the month Borestone Room Mayo Hospital Contact: Gail Rush, LSW

EAAA CAREGIVER SUPPORT & EDUCATION GROUPS

For more information, call 1-800-432-7812

Corinth 10:00 - 11:30 1st Tuesday of the month Corinth United Methodist Church contact: Gail Rush, LSW Ellsworth 2:00-3:30 2nd Tuesday of the month Ellsworth Library, Riverside Room (focus on Alzheimer’s and other dementias) contact: Janet Lewis, LSW Southwest Harbor 10:00-11:15 4th Wednesday of the month Southwest Harbor Health Clinic Conference Room Contact: Janet Lewis, LSW If you are interested in a support group but don’t see one in your area, give us a call at 1-800-432-7812 and ask for Deb Poulton. We will try to accommodate you.

Support and education groups are important because they bring people together who are sharing a common experience. Through conversation, they learn from each other and offer a type of understanding that can only come from someone who “walks in their shoes.” They feel like they are listened to, and sometimes another member will make a helpful sug-gestion to a fellow caregiver. Many times, at the end of a group, a caregiver will say he/she they feels better after having “vented” his/her frustrations, and feel a bit more energized. Laughter is also encouraged!

BANGOR – All Souls Church Mon, Wed & Fri - 356-5360 - Autumn Park West Tuesday - 942-6365 – Bangor House Mon thru Fri - 941-2949 - Nason Park Manor Tues & Thurs - 941-2871

BAR HARBOR - Harbor Hill Estates Tues & Thurs - 288-9418 -Malvern Belmont Apts. Mon thru Fri - 288-4770

BLUE HILL - First Baptist Church Wed & Fri - 469-2230

BREWER– First United Methodist Church, Friday - 735-5654

BROOKSVILLE - Townhouse Thursday - 326-4912

BROWNVILLE JCT - Quarry Pines Friday - 943-2488 BUCKSPORT - Bucksport Sq Apts Mon, Wed & Fri - 469-7586 CALAIS - St Croix Apts Mon thru Fri - 454-2215 CHERRYFIELD - Narraguagus Estates Tues & Thurs - 546-4493

CORINNA - Pleasant St. Church Tues & Thurs - 938-2709

DEER ISLE - Deer Run Apts Mon thru Fri - 348-6879 DEXTER - Dexter Town Hall Community Center Tues & Thurs - 924-3458

DOVER - Morton Ave. School Monday - 943-2488

EASTPORT - Senior Citizen Ctr Mon thru Fri - 853-2364 ELLSWORTH -The Meadows Tues, Thurs, & Fri - 667-9039 -MeadowView Apts Mon thru Fri - 667-9039

FRANKLIN - Pinebrook Apts. Tuesday - 565-3382

GLENBURN– Sunny Gables Tuesday– 942-4511

GREENVILLE - Dean Park Housing Tues & Thurs - 695-3844 GUILFORD - Methodist Church Wednesday - 876-3372 HAMPDEN - Kiwanis Civic Center Thursday - 862-5668 - Roe Village Tuesday - 862-2339 HERMON - Boulier Apartments Tuesday - 848-3015

HOLDEN - Holden Sq Apts Tues & Thurs - 843-6317

HOWLAND - Methodist Church Thurs - 732-4876 JONESPORT - Gaelic Square Apts Mon, Wed & Fri - 733-4555 LINCOLN – Ballard Hill Community Bld Mon, Wed & Fri - 794-3219 LUBEC - Sunrise Apts Tues & Thurs - 733-4555 MILLINOCKET - Stearns Senior Ctr. Mon, Tues & Thursday - 723-2045 MILO - Town Hall Mon & Thurs - 943-2488 NEWPORT - Community Center Tues & Thurs - 368-4787

NORTHEAST HARBOR - Maple Lane Apts. Wednesday - 288-4770

OLD TOWN - Methodist Church Friday - 827-7410 ORONO- Freeman Forest Thurs - 866-5777 - Parker Dining Room Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri - 866-7944

ORRINGTON - United Methodist Church Tuesday - 825-4414

PEMBROKE - Country View Apts Tues & Thurs - 726-4288

PENOBSCOT - Methodist Church Mon - 326-9488 SEDGWICK - Benjamin's Pantry Wednesday - 359-2716

SOUTHWEST HARBOR Ridge Apts. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 288-4770

TRESCOTT - Cobscook Community Learning Center Mon - Fri 733-4555

WOODLAND - People’s UMC Wednesday - 427-3923

EAAA Community Cafes. Please call for a reservation.

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JUST FOR YOU

A publication of Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Information to help you live well and age well.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is the best source of information, options, and services for seniors and their families. Call us for anything. We will try to help.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging 450 Essex St.

Bangor, ME 04401 1-800-432-7812

EAAA.org

just for you - resources for seniors and caregivers · adaptive equipment - everything from...

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