Aging Well in Boulder County | Issue 14 | November 28, 2016

President Obama reminded us that, “no one said democracy would be easy; democracy is tough.” And, at the same time, our 240-year experiment thrives because we have a peaceful transition of power. In spite of that, some grieve and some celebrate after each election. The dichotomy may be more pronounced this year because the election season was such a divisive one. Many residents of our country are scared, even fearing for their safety, fearing a loss of benefits, or simply apprehensive about the direction our country will take or nervous about the unknown that comes with the transition of power.

Course of action:
• The mission of the Area Agency on Aging remains the same. We will continue to do the excellent work that we are known for: to support older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans, and family caregivers, to live as well as possible, to live where they would like, and to live with dignity.
• We have a strong aging network in Boulder County, including the local senior services, nonprofits, service providers, volunteers, caregivers, and older adults themselves. Together we will continue to create a community where all can age well.

Issues to watch:
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA). It now appears that some parts may be kept, but the promise has been to dismantle the current program. That could have impacts on many programs, including efforts to save Medicare funds through positive hospital transitions, closing the donut hole for Medicare Part D, and of course, mandated coverage. Questions also remain for the future of the Elder Justice Act and Medicaid expansion, which are both part of ACA.
• The Older Americans Act (OAA)future is also unknown at this time. In the short-term, we will be on guard for eroding funding for OAA and also for Medicaid HCBS, two programs that provide services needed by many older adults.
• Cuts to Medicare and also SHIP (Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program) that the Senate proposed eliminating last year.
We will keep you updated as we receive more information and as the transition and new administration progress. As always, please reach out to us with your questions and concerns. Email us, or call us at 303-441-3570.

The 16th Annual Lavender Gala, a celebration for the Boulder County LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/ transgender) community age 60 and better plus friends, families, and allies, will be on Sunday, December 4th. This holiday event is specifically geared to affirm the lives of Boulder County LGBT older adults---friends, family and allies of this diverse community are welcome. Light hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks are included in the $10 advance registration ($15 at the door). A cash bar is offered and there will door prizes. Festive attire is encouraged. RSVP by Nov. 30.
Call 303-441-3583 or e-mail us for more info, to donate a door prize or to arrange a ride.

Did you know that the Aging Services Foundation of Boulder County helps us build and sustain programs like Project Visibility, Rainbow Elders, the Age Well Conference, our new Diabetes Prevention Program, and the Caregiver Initiative? The ASF receives charitable gifts and contributions from individual donors, local businesses and corporations, as well as gifts and grants from other nonprofits. Nearly 94% of the ASF annual budget goes directly toward programming and direct services.
A charitable gift to the ASF, as an individual or through your company, goes a long way toward improving the life of a senior or caregiver. And when you date your online gift for Dec. 6th (Colorado Gives Day), it goes even further! Give Now!

Santa himself stopped by the Longmont Senior Center and worked with Medicare Counselor, Guio Bravo to review his Medicare prescription drug plan. He saved over $700 on his part D plan for 2017! Our Medicare Counselors have been busy conducting 22 Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics at senior centers all around the county. There’s still time for your to drop, change, or enroll in Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage/Health Plans for 2017. Click here for more information:

Call to make your appointment today! 303-441-1546.

We Celebrate Family Caregivers

November is upon us once again, that time of year when family and friends come together to give thanks, to reflect on our many blessings, and to remind ourselves of what is truly important. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate our nation’s 90 million family caregivers (thousands of whom live here in Boulder County). They provide invaluable help to older loved ones and to children and adults with disabilities.
The theme this year is “Take Care to Give Care.” Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it’s also physically and emotionally demanding. The stress of dealing with caregiving responsibilities leads to a higher risk of health issues among family caregivers. We’d like to remind caregivers to pay attention to their own physical and mental health, and get proper rest and nutrition. Only by taking care of themselves can caregivers maintain the ability to provide good care for their loved ones. To learn about resources that help support family caregivers, please call 303-678-6116, email us, or contact the ADRC at 303-441-1617.

Boulder County is home to thousands of family caregivers. They’re on the search for information about resources and services, and for over 20 years they’ve turned to Care Connections for that information and support. Share your business message by advertising with Care Connections. Click here for more information, or email Emily.

Karen Townsend and Michael Holliday from our Veterans Services Office helped organize a pinning ceremony for Vietnam era veterans following the parade on Veterans Day. A total of 138 pins were handed out to well deserving veterans.

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• Medicare Open Enrollment | Now - December 7 | County-wide
• Rainbow Supper Club | December 8| Longmont
• Lavender Gala | December 4 | Lafayette
• Pain Self-Management | Thursday's January 19 - February 23 | Boulder
• Matter of Balance | Tuesday's January 24- March 14| Longmont
• Walk with Ease | Wednesday's and Friday's February 6 - March 17 | Louisville
• Be Well Classes | Ongoing | County-wide
• Be Well Diabetes Classes | Ongoing | County-wide