Educational Events and Program

The Center for Positive Aging is your connection to resources and information. Each month the congregational affiliates and community partners will receive the Center for Positive Aging Resource Connection Update that includes a Program list like this one, event updates and important information for seniors in your organization. A form to request a program is at the end of this packet.

Our Center Partners, who are professionals in the field of aging, have agreed to help provide these significant programs to our congregational affiliates because of their relationship with the Center. 

Through our discussions and research, we have confirmed that there is a huge disconnect between consumers and the aging services network.  In addition, we know that many times consumers connect with aging services as a result of a crisis situation.  Our hope is to provide information and tools through a variety of programs and services that help families and older adults think and plan ahead so they are better prepared for their future. 

If you are interested in a program at your organization, please call Suzanne Economopolous at the Center. (404) 872-9191 ext 12.   

Programs are free of charge to congregational affiliates and community partners of the Center.

Alzheimer’s Patient Communication

Confusion often prevents the person with Alzheimer’s disease from responding the way he/she would be expected to respond.  Questions are the enemy.  The person with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember if they like a food that was once their favorite, or if they have bathed or even how to go through the many steps it takes to bathe. When daughters are grown, they may look like the sister to the AD patient, not like the daughter at all.  The husband may look like the person who was his Dad, and the confusion is frightening.  The fear reaction takes over and fight or flight might set in. We can help you learn how to redirect the person with AD, calmly and confidently.

This is a 1 hour program presented by Beth Lever of the Center for Positive Aging.

Return to List

Alzheimer’s Proofing Your Home

When you live in your home with a victim of Alzheimer’s disease, you must expect the unexpected.  Tables that are in front of a sofa are an accident waiting to happen.  Your loved one can not visually discern the table from the floor, and may trip.  Medicines that are out and available are poison, as are household cleaners.  Dark colored or patterned area rugs are a stumbling block for the person who can not understand the change in color or the flowers in the pattern.  The family must design safety into the home to ensure that everyone remains safe.

This is a .45 minute program presented by Beth Lever of the Center for Positive Aging.

Return to List

Care for the Caregiver

At the beginning of the 20th century, only 4 % of the American population was 65 or older. By the beginning of the 1990’s, the 65+ population grew to about 12.5 % of our total population. Currently, the ‘baby boomer’ generation is sandwiched between the needs of their children, grandchildren and their aging parents. From 1987 to 1997, the number of care-giving households in the U.S. tripled to more than 22 million. We know that most all primary caregivers of older adults need support and practical assistance to avoid “caregiver burnout”, illness as a result of the ongoing stress related to their care-giving responsibilities.

This is a two hour presentation or an all day workshop presented by Georgia Cares, ARC.

Return to List

Caring for Your Aging Parent 

Taking care of an aging or ill parent is one of the toughest responsibilities some people will ever face. But many families never even discuss this sometimes delicate issue until there is a crisis. Suddenly forced to cope with a host of concerns from health care to housing in an emergency situation, it's no wonder so many adult children feel overwhelmed.  Sandwiched between caring for their own children, grandchildren and their aging parents, they are participating in “Extreme Parenting”.  This seminar is an overview, designed to help you balance care-giving responsibilities and life’s other responsibilities.  You will learn how to discuss independent living and long-term care issues with your parents. You'll also learn to identify potential problems and find workable solutions.
This program can be a 1 hour overview or a 3 hour seminar, presented by a staff member of Personal Care, Inc.

Return to List

Declare Your Independence            

This is a wonderful comprehensive program that provides information that will help residents understand how to remain independent. This program allows seniors to assess their current situation and review what they need to consider and have in place

Some of the key topics in this overview include:

This one-hour program can set the stage for future in-depth educational programs you may want to offer your members.  Presented by Personal Care, Inc.

Return to List

Depression – The Undetected Thief
(A segment of our “Spirituality in Aging” Series)

Depression has reached near epidemic proportions in contemporary America. There is a stigma and shame attached to depression that forces the one with depression into their home and away from family and friends. There is a denial and speculation about depression both by the family member with the disease and the family who is caring for the person with depression.  It is like a thief that steals a person laughter, smile, self-confidence and self-esteem. It robs a family of sweet memories and replaces the lost emotion with indescribable anger and anxiety.  There is help.  You will learn the warning signs, and also learn how to help others seek proper medical, psychological and spiritual help. 

This is a 4 hour seminar presented by Dr. Thomas Lewis, Pastor of Commerce Presbyterian Church in Commerce, GA.

Return to List

Discount Prescription Drug Plan

The Center for Positive Aging (CPA) has joined forces with many agencies to ensure everyone 65 and over and family members are informed about the new Medicare prescription drug plan. Beginning January 1, 2006, prescription drug coverage will be available to all Americans on Medicare. The Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage will provide you with insurance coverage for both brand name and generic drugs. As with any other types of insurance, your monthly premium and out of pocket costs may be different in different plans. You should consider signing up for a prescription drug plan before May 15, 2006. CPA can help you make an informed decision.

This is a two hour program presented by Anne Foster, Americorp Volunteer with the Center for Positive Aging.

Return to List

Driver Safety Program

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom refresher course for drivers age 50 and older that has helped millions of drivers remain safe on today's roads. The 8-hour course is designed to help you:

You can expect to learn about current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in this increasingly challenging environment, and some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will learn about:

You can expect to join others like yourself who have driven for many years but wish to "tune up" driving skills. You'll have an opportunity to share your experiences with others and learn from your classmates. You'll leave with a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how you can avoid potential collisions and injuries to yourself and others.

This is an 8 hour program presented as two 4 hour days, presented by a Volunteer of AARP.  [This program will be offered on May 15 & 16, 2006]

Return to List

The Four Most Important Legal Documents

The ability to exercise control over health care and financial decision in a time of crisis is difficult at best and usually impossible.  Family dynamics and emotions are in the extreme category. There is a variety of legal documents, if handled before the crisis that lowers the level of emotion and offers peace of mind to all family members. While each family’s situation is unique, there are legal steps that parents and adult children may want to consider. The Durable Power of Attorney for finances, Wills, Health Care Power of Attorney and the Living Will are needed in order to reduce the frustration and anxiety in this time of crisis. 

This is a 1.5 hour program presented by RuthAnn Lacey, PC, an Elder Care Lawyer.

Return to List

Good Grief – Coping with Grief

One of the most difficult challenges that residents and staff experience is the multiple losses that occur in a congregate housing environment.  These losses include the losses experienced via staff turnover and the decreased health and death of so many people they have cared for and come to love over an extended period of time.  Residents loose their friends and neighbors.  Coping with these multiple losses is a skill that is rarely taught and seldom is there time set aside in these environments to grieve losses.  Moreover, assisting others with their grief [residents, family members, staff, etc.] is an area where many individuals feel inept. 
The Good Grief workshop is designed for participants to learn more about themselves and their own grief, which in turn will enhance their ability to assist peers and family members during the grief process.
This program may be used as a Train the Trainer workshop.  It offers those tools to become familiar with the techniques and materials in the Good Grief manual.  With this information and experience, it is hoped that these leaders will, in turn, offer the Good Grief training in their respective locations.  This workshop will be an all day workshop.  Each participant will receive a Good Grief facilitator manual and the opportunity to explore the different sessions of the manual throughout the day.
This is a 4.5 hour program presented by AARP.

Return to List

Long Term Care Insurance

As the “Baby Boomer” generation ages, the number of people over 65 grows exponentially.  We are living longer, in some cases, healthier. In order to be prepared for the future, we must research the many opportunities for long term care.  Assisted living and nursing home expenses will continue to rise with less money paid by Medicare. Learn what you need to know about Long Term Care to protect you and your family.

This is a 1 hour program presented by a staff person from a major Insurance Company.

Return to List

 Maintain Your Brain

We now know that there are things we can do to keep our brain healthier as we age – and these steps might reduce our risk for Alzheimer’s.  We can arrange for the Maintain Your Brain Workshop at your church or place of business.

This is a 1 hour program presented by Dr. John Thames of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Return to List

Planning Ahead for the Cost of Long-Term Care

While it is human nature to reject the idea that we might some day need care in our home, that we might be better suited for an assisted living facility, or that we might need comprehensive care in a nursing home, the reality is that most people require one or more of these levels of care at some point during their life.  Those with significant financial resources might be able to afford to pay for this care from their savings.  However, for those of more modest means, wading through the maze of benefits available through Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and Medicaid can be a daunting but necessary task.

This 1 hour program is designed to offer a basic understanding of how these government programs might provide assistance and how those who fear the need for help some day might begin to plan ahead.  This program is presented by Dan Munster, Elder Law Attorney.

Return to List

Sacred Aging
(A segment of our “Spirituality in Aging” Series)

“A revision of attitudes and conceptions is necessary.  Old age is not a defeat but a victory, not a punishment but a privilege. In education we stress the importance of the adjustment of the young to society. Our task is to call for the adjustment of society to the old.”  Abraham Joshua Heschel
A longevity revolution is upon us. The older adults in our community are the longest living, healthier, most mobile and spiritually engaged generation in history. On the horizon is the aging of the baby boomers, a demographic reality that demands that we speak to the lifestyles and religious needs of what is quickly becoming our congregations’ new majority.  Sacred Aging addresses the changing needs of the multi-generational families in our congregations.  “Extreme Parenting” speaks to the many responsibilities of the baby boom generation.  It is no longer called the ‘sandwich generation’; it is the “club sandwich” generation.  Sacred Aging can help us learn to care for the many stages of aging with respect, dignity, and compassion.

This is a 4 hour program presented by Rabbi Address of the Jewish Reform Union. A nominal fee applies.  [This program was presented March 7, 2006]

Return to List

Volunteer Training

Volunteering to help others is actually “Stewardship”, a ministry, and this session is designed to focus on providing assistance to older adults. The objective is to improve and maintain a reasonable quality of life for an older adult who is experiencing a social, physical or mental need. Being a volunteer carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment. The volunteer will be expected to be totally confidential, be a good listener, have good communication skills, have the desire to serve older adults, and have complete respect for the care recipient. Volunteers commit time, energy and talent to fulfilling their assignments. Their work can be challenging and demanding and still be the most rewarding, honorable gift you can give to an individual or to the community. This is a 2 hour program presented by a staff person form the Center for Positive Aging.

Return to List