POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS is an educational series designed to provide
you with the tools you need to take care of yourself. This program helps family caregivers
reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives,
increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Classes
consist of six weekly sessions held once a week beginning Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012,
and continuing Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7 and 14 at the Aberdeen Senior Information and
Assistance office, 2700 Simpson Ave. Suite 205, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Two experienced
Class Leaders will conduct the series. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming
will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life. You will
receive a book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class. A donation
of $25 to help defray the cost of the book is suggested, but not required to attend the
class. For more information or to register, contact Eric Nessa, (360) 538-2458, or 1-866-
582-1485; email: nessaem@dshs.wa.gov. Class size is limited and pre-registration is
required. (Sr. Event Column Sept. 16, 23, 30)
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE – “STAYING INDEPENDENT” FAIR: Senior
Information and Assistance and Olympic Area Agency on Aging Nursing Services are
hosting their yearly free “Staying Independent” Fair on Thursday Nov. 1, 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at River of Life Fellowship, 308 W. King Street, Aberdeen. The fair
will include professional guest speakers, clinics and exhibits, including information
on services for older adults and persons with disabilities, with a focus on staying
independent and preventing falls. A SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits
Advisor) will also be available to answer questions. This year the Fair will also include an
emphasis on dental care. Several free drawing gifts have been donated by businesses
in the community. Lunch will be provided (while supplies last); so come and enjoy a fun-
filled, educational day. Come for a short visit or stay all day. If you have any questions
please call 1-866-582-1487 or (360) 538-2457.
LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS WORKSHOP: Sea Mar Community
Health Centers, in collaboration with The Olympic Area Agency on Aging, has scheduled
a FREE Workshop open to the public: Living Well With Chronic Conditions, to be held
one evening a week (Tuesdays, 2.5 hours, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) for six consecutive weeks
beginning Monday Oct. 16 and continuing Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 at the Seamar
Health Care Center, 1813 Sumner Ave., Aberdeen. The workshop will be taught by two
trained leaders. All of the materials individuals will be using were developed by Stanford
University’s Chronic Disease-Self Management Program. This program is designed to
help individuals who suffer from a chronic condition, including diabetes, asthma, heart
disease, chronic pain, arthritis, and hypertension just to name a few; to lessen their stress
and frustration, manage symptoms, and deal with fatigue. Those caring for a loved one
with a chronic condition may benefit from this workshop also. Each participant will have
access to a “Living Well With Chronic Conditions” book. The goal of the program is to
help you live a healthy life with your chronic conditions by managing your symptoms. In
addition, these Living Well Workshops will be offered from time to time throughout the
year. Please call for dates and locations. Space for the workshop is limited so please
register early. For more information and registration, please call 1-866-582-1487 or
(360) 538-2457. The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable
accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance 7 day notice
by calling Paulette Dodgen at 1-866-582-1487 or (360) 538-2457 or emailing her at
THE LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS IN WASHINGTON STATE
WEBSITE IS now available. This website is dedicated to healthy aging and self-
management programs. Living Well with Chronic Conditions in Washington State is
a website for providers and potential providers, leaders, trainers and participants to
learn about healthy aging and self management programs. On this site you will find
links to: Programs, Training, Workshops, Resources and Events both locally and
throughout Washington State. To visit the Living Well website please go to: http://
livingwell.doh.wa.gov
HOME CARE REFERRAL REGISTRY: The Home Care Referral Registry serves
consumers/clients receiving in-home care services through the Department of Social
and Health Services or those on the COPES (Community Options Program Entry
System) program. They are also helping clients receiving services through the Division
of Developmental Disabilities find the right Individual Provider. The Referral Registry
matches pre-qualified, pre-screened, individual providers with Medicaid eligible clients
who need in-home care services. Please stop by their Aberdeen office located at 2700
Simpson Ave., Suite 207. If you have questions or need an application please contact
Katrine at (360) 538-8875 or Chris at (360) 538-2440. The Referral Registry also serves
Pacific County at the O3A Raymond office, located at 430 3rd St., Raymond, WA. Please
call Linda at (360) 942-2177.
MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT: The annual Medicare enrollment period is Oct.
15 to Dec. 7, 2012. This is the chance for you to review any changes you would like to
make to your Medicare Advantage Plan and/or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
and select your plan for 2013. The SHIBA Helpline can help you understand changes
and find the best plan for you. Mark your calendar today to call us during the new Annual
Enrollment Period. Please call Kathy at (360) 538-2443 or Dave at (360) 538-2444 or toll
free 1-800-801-0060. The SHIBA Helpline is a free, unbiased service of the Washington
State Office of the Insurance Commissioner offering healthcare coverage counseling,
advocacy, assistance and education. It is hosted locally by the Olympic Area Agency on
Aging to assist community members to access affordable healthcare.
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM: The YMCA Senior Companion Program would
like to announce that the program has volunteers available to provide services for most
areas of Grays Harbor and northern Pacific Counties. Senior Companions provide one-
on-one support services for individuals who may be lonely and/or need assistance with
activities to enhance continued independent living in their homes or apartments. Services
are provided to individuals 18 years or older, with no income guidelines to qualify and
no service fees and length of time for participating in the program. Activities addressed
by volunteers can include reading/writing correspondence, recordkeeping activities, and
socialization activities for those homebound or who have difficulty getting out. Volunteers
also provide exercise activities, limited transportation for essential errands, such as
grocery shopping and local medical appointments, and advocacy in obtaining necessary
services to promote independence. One of the primary services provided is weekly
respite care for homebound individuals living with family caregivers who may need a
break. For more information on receiving services, please call (360) 532-9542 or 1-888-
532-9542.
ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE/ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES: If there is any
questionable abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to call toll free at 1-877-734-6277.
Source: Olympic Area Agency on Aging and Senior Information & Assistance. Please visit
our website at http://www.o3a.org/
