Older Adults – TheNBXpress.com

Birchaven Village Hosting ‘Bazaar Days’

Bazaar Days will feature a variety of items handmade by residents, staff, volunteers and families……

Birchaven Village will host its annual Bazaar Days craft and bake sale Friday, December 14 through Monday, December 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Birchaven’s indoor “Main Street,” located at 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay. The event is open to the public.

Bazaar Days will feature a variety of items handmade by residents, staff, volunteers and families. Items for sale include:

Homemade hardtack candy, fudge, buckeyes and dipped pretzels
Hand-crocheted doilies and other items
One-of-a-kind tree ornaments
Gifts for teachers
Cookie jar mixes and custom candy tins
Slippers for the whole family

A comfort food and bake sale will be held Friday, December 14 beginning at 10 a.m. featuring homemade chicken and noodles.

Beyond MedSpa, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System that specializes in cosmetic and aesthetic services, will have a table setup with their information on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will be offering holiday gift sets and gift cards to purchase as well as an opportunity to win a door prize.

All proceeds benefit the activities’ program at Birchaven Village. For more information, please contact Birchaven Village at 419.424.3000.

Birchaven Village is a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, which provides a total continuum of care to more than 100,000 households in an eight-county area.

WCCOA Offers Support Groups for Caregivers

Monthly Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support ……..

Wood County, Ohio – The Wood County Committee on Aging would like to invite caregivers to our monthly Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups. The Bowling Green support group will be held the second Monday of each month at 2:30p.m at the Wood County Senior Center (305 N. Main St. Bowling Green, OH).

The Walbridge support group will be held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30a.m at the Northeast Area Senior Center (705 N. Main Street, Walbridge, OH).

*Respite is provided for care recipients at the Wood County Senior Center, (Bowling Green) during the group. No registration required to attend. For questions, contact Jessica Ricker with the Social Services Department at 419-353-5661.

About the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc

The Wood County Committee on Aging was founded in September of 1973, as is dedicated to the planning and development of programs and services that will allow older adults of Wood County to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. As Ohio first nationally accredited senior center, the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc is working to encourage older adults to enjoy, enrich and explore this season of life.

Holiday Entertainment with Friends and Family of All Ages

It can be a big job playing host during the holidays…….

(Family Features) Holiday entertaining is no small chore. From feeding the masses to keeping everyone happy and engaged, it can be a big job playing host during the holidays.

From time-saving meal options to ideas that encourage everybody to take part in the festivities, consider these tips to help make it easy to keep guests of all ages entertained:

Simply catch up. Once the whole crew gets together, make a game out of giving everyone the chance to catch up. Put topics in a hat and draw to determine which category you’ll hear about, such as “favorite vacation this year” or “the latest on the grandkids.” Go around the room and give each guest a turn to share.

Go out for a change. Rather than trying to cook at home, save time by finding a restaurant or take-out option that suits everyone’s tastes. Keep pricing in mind, as a large group can rack up quite the bill if you don’t plan ahead. Several restaurants offer special deals, such as the 10 percent discount available at select eateries for AARP members. From Italian to seafood, finding the right spot for a bite to eat with grandkids or longtime friends can be a breeze.

Catch the newest release. When you feel like getting out of the house, heading to a movie theater can provide a chance to relax, especially for family members who have traveled long distances to join the group. Re-makes of classic favorites and holiday blockbusters can put a smile on just about anyone’s face. Additionally, some theaters offer discounts for ordering tickets online ahead of time.

Deck the halls. Adding a touch of festive flair can make guests feel welcome and ready to celebrate the occasion. But you don’t have to spend hours dragging out boxes of decorations to get your home holiday-ready. Colorful flower arrangements can add instant seasonal character and cheer to a room. Some floral services make it easy and affordable to have those bouquets delivered straight to your door, so all you have to do is find the perfect spot to showcase the pretty blooms.

Head to the mall. Shopping is another option for those looking to leave cramped quarters behind, and finding last-minute holiday deals could appeal to the procrastination-inclined gift givers. Take advantage of stores offering special deals or discounts with your AARP membership.

Find more solutions for your entertaining and holiday needs at AARPBenefits.com.

SOURCE:
AARP

5 Steps to Incorporate Universal Design

Before starting any remodeling project, take the time to define your needs……

(Family Features) As more homeowners opt to remodel their current homes for accessibility and safety, those concerns are taken into consideration especially for kitchens or bathrooms.

Special considerations often should be made for those falling in the Baby Boomer age group, who especially should take into account the accessibility of their homes and improvements that can be made.

Incorporate universal design strategies into your next remodeling project with this five-step guide from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), which offers certification in universal design to provide contractors with the knowledge and training to ensure accessibility in kitchen and bathroom designs.

Understand Your Needs
Before starting any remodeling project, take the time to define your needs. Ask simple questions such as:
- How do you live in your current home?
- What health issues – current and future – should be considered?
- How can a remodel help make your space safer and easier to use?

Identify Structural Mobility Changes
Mobility addresses the ability to move freely in a space. While mobility issues can impact older adults, it is not limited to only the elderly. While you might not need mobility assistance today, take a walk through your home and identify structural items that should be addressed, such as:

Doorways

Widening doorways to 32-36 inches so walkers, wheelchairs or even large household items may easily move through
Removing thresholds that may create a tripping hazard

Hallways

Expanding hallway widths to 36-42 inches
Well-lit hallways can improve safety

Clear Space

Incorporating clear space, especially in front of kitchen appliances
Best practices suggest clear space of 30-by-48 inches to allow for easy access

Safety First
Stairs pose a considerable hazard for those with decreased mobility. Ensure the first level of your home provides space for sleeping, eating and has at least one full bathroom. Other safety considerations include:
- Incorporating non-slip flooring surfaces
- Removing the need to go up or down stairs
- Creating well-lit rooms

Kitchen Updates for Ease of Use
Cabinets and counter heights, as well as the location of appliances, can improve the cooking experience. Other checklist items include:
- Dishwashers in drawer units eliminate the need to bend over when loading or unloading
- Push button controls for dishwashers for easier use
- Refrigerators with drawer unit options or side-by-side models
- Ovens and microwaves placed in the wall at appropriate heights

Bathroom Best Practices
Adjusting counter and toilet heights are two ways to make bathrooms more accessible. Wall-hung toilets should be approximately two inches higher. A first floor or main floor bathroom should incorporate:
- Structural bracing around the tub, shower and toilet for grab bars
- Walk-in tub or curbless stand-up shower with no threshold
- Levered handles for faucets
- Adjustable showerhead

For more information or ideas to incorporate universal design, visit NARI.org.

SOURCE:
NARI

Medicare Open Enrollment 101

Know your options and get free help…….

(Family Features) As autumn progresses, it’s important to keep your health in mind. Medicare’s fall open enrollment period is the time for you to review your plan options and make any changes to your Medicare coverage.

Maybe you have a new prescription that is not covered by your current drug plan or you have a new health condition. To ensure you get the most from Medicare in 2019, you should research your health and drug plan options during Medicare open enrollment.

Open enrollment closes Dec. 7. Changes made during this time will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

During open enrollment, you can adjust your Medicare health or drug coverage:

Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or vice versa
Switch between Medicare Advantage Plans
Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Switch your current drug plan
Drop Medicare prescription drug coverage

Your Medicare plan options depend on where you live. To find available health or drug plans, you can look in your 2019 Medicare & You handbook or visit medicare.gov. If you’re unsure where to start, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help.

SHIPs offer free one-on-one assistance year-round to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. Trained counselors in your area can help you understand Medicare benefits and the enrollment process. Assistance is personalized, so SHIP counselors can help you find available options that best meet your unique needs.

The program – funded by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – provides services in every state as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Take care of your health now and find your SHIP at shiptacenter.org, or contact Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or medicare.gov. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

SOURCE:
Administration for Community Living

Save Winter Driving Event at AAA

Stop by to ensure your car is ready for winter………..

Safe Communities of Wood County is sponsoring a safety event for older adult drivers. Winter driving is coming soon. Be prepared by attending this event:

This event is from 1-3 pm on Tuesday, October 23rd at the Perrysburg AAA.

Cholesterol Screenings to be held in November

Appointments rquired…………

Wood County, Ohio –The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. will be holding cholesterol screening clinics in November. You must be a resident of Wood County and 25 years of age or older. The cost is $20 for those 60 and over, $25 for those 25-59.

These screenings require an appointment and pretest instructions.

The screening panel includes: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio and a blood glucose level. Results will be immediately available and discussed with clients by a Registered Nurse.

Bowling Green Senior Center: 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Friday November 2, 2018
Thursday November 8, 2018
Wednesday November 20, 2018

Perrysburg Senior Center 9:30 am to 11:30 am

Wednesday November 7, 2018
Thursday November 15, 2018

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-367-4935 or 419-353-5661 and ask for the Social Services Department.

Tinkle Time?

Waking up to go to the bathroom multiple times per night? It’s not because you’re ‘getting old’…………

(Family Features) It’s a common misconception: the older you get, the more frequently you need to use the bathroom at night. Did you know waking up more than once per night to urinate is a medical condition known as nocturia? Shockingly, 64 percent of American adults do not know.

A recent Harris Poll of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, endorsed by The Simon Foundation for Continence, National Association for Continence (NAFC) and the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC), found that approximately one-third of them suffer from nocturia. Nocturia, which forces individuals to get up more than once per night to urinate, is a leading cause of sleep loss and can put one’s health at risk.

“Before receiving treatment for nocturia, I typically wound up making five trips to the bathroom each night, which I knew wasn’t normal,” said Jack Fagan, a 67-year-old resident of Sewell, NJ. “Treatment has made a noticeable impact on my quality of sleep. I find myself more refreshed and have the energy to enjoy time with family and friends.”

Most people living with nocturia (72 percent) reported they are negatively impacted by the condition at night; 43 percent of whom have trouble falling back to sleep, 12 percent indicated they wake up their partners and 10 percent expressed nervousness about tripping or falling while walking to the bathroom. The impact of nocturia-induced sleep loss can be wide-ranging, affecting physical and mental health. Sixty-one percent of nocturia sufferers experience daytime issues as a result of nighttime urination, including: drowsiness, irritability and reduced productivity and concentration.

Sixty-six percent of nocturia sufferers surveyed have never discussed their symptoms with a healthcare professional; half of respondents reported they thought it was a normal part of aging, and 27 percent believed nothing could be done to remedy the problem.

“We see patients who have suffered with nocturia for many years, as it slowly progresses from getting up twice to over four times per night to urinate,” said Roger Dmochowski, M.D., a nocturia sufferer and professor within the department of urologic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “In my personal and professional experience, nocturia can have serious implications for an individual’s emotional state and daily life, due to sleep disruption, if not diagnosed and treated. Up until recently, we didn’t have effective treatments.”

For more information on nocturia, visit www.whatisnocturia.com, or www.simonfoundation.org/nocturia.

The Harris Poll survey was funded by Avadel Pharmaceuticals and Serenity Pharmaceuticals.

SOURCE:
JPA Health Communications

Updated: WCCOA Seeks Public Input on New Center

Monday, October 22 @ 5p.m. and Tuesday, October 23 @ 1p.m. in Bowling Green…….

The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., welcomes community input as we begin the planning process for the new WCCOA / Wood County Senior Center location. Please join us for a brainstorming session to plan for our future facility:

Monday, October 22 @ 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 23 @ 1:00 p.m.

Both sessions will be held at the Wood County Committee on Aging, located at 305 N. Main Street, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Job Posting WCCOA – Senior Center Site Manager

A 25-hour per week position at the Wood County Committee on Aging’s North Baltimore Area location.

Senior Center Site Manager

A 25-hour per week position at the Wood County Committee on Aging’s North Baltimore Area location.

Responsibilities include: Manage daily operations and services; develop, schedule and facilitate activities; completion of all documentation and reports; maintain compliance with all regulations and standards.

Qualifications: Bachelor degree in Gerontology, Social Work, Recreation, Business or related field. Equivalent experience working in a related field may be considered in lieu of degree. Computer knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required. Must have strong verbal and writing skills. Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must be able to satisfactorily complete required ServSafe course in food handling and sanitation. Must have a proven record of working harmoniously with older adults as well as colleagues. Must be eligible for bonding and insurable under agency policy. Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s license with proof of auto insurance (state minimum). Must meet the requirements contained in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 173-3-06.6 (B)(3). Compliance shall be reviewed not less than annually. Must successfully complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) records check, as defined in OAC 173-9-01.

Agency application available at the Wood County Committee on Aging, 305 N. Main Street, Bowling Green, Ohio; at our website http://wccoa.net/employment/; or by calling 419.353.5661. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. EOE.

WCCOA Position: Driver/Maintenance (Part-time)

Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. – Position: Driver / Maintenance (Part-time) – Position Description

Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc.
Position Description

Position: Driver / Maintenance (Part-time)
Index Number: 203

Reports to: Director of Fiscal and Facility Operations

Purpose: Maintain a clean and safe environment for the participants, guests, and employees of the Wood County Committee on Aging.

Responsibilities to include:

1. Transport Lunch Bunch clients daily.

2. Oversee maintenance of vehicles and compliance with state regulations.

3. Serve as back-up to Kitchen Assistant and/or Food Service drivers, as assigned.

4. Oversee maintenance of physical operations of the Bowling Green location, including coordination of administration approved work projects.

5. Set-up and teardown of rooms /facility for all meetings, and classes, and Wood County Seniors rummage sale events.

6. Provide scheduled cleaning of common areas at the Production Kitchen.

7. Observe and report any conditions requiring attention or repair.

8. Maintain clean, debris-free exterior building entrance areas (including snow/ice removal/leaf removal from steps, railings, ramps and landings), as needed.

9. Provide at a minimum, weekly vacuuming for all carpeted surfaces.

10. Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Essential Skills:
Education requirements: Minimum requirements high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Must understand importance of maintaining sanitary standards for public venues. Must successfully complete ServSafe for Employees food service training. Must be a self-starter with the ability to assess and prioritize projects. Must have a minimum of 5 years driving experience and a demonstrated ability to operate large vehicles (does not require a CDL).

Minimum Requirements:
Must have a proven record of working harmoniously with older adults as well as colleagues. Must be eligible for bonding and insurable under agency policy. Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s license with proof of auto insurance (state minimum). Must meet the requirements contained in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 173-3-06.6 (B)(3). Compliance shall be reviewed not less than annually. Must successfully complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) records check, as defined in OAC 173-9-01.

Abilities Required:
Must demonstrate fluency in English, both written and oral. Requires lifting, bending, stooping, reaching, and standing for extended periods of time, and carrying hot pans/trays of food. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to work in kitchen environment with heat and steam.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of this position. This description shall not be construed as declaring the specific tasks and responsibilities. It is not intended to limit, or in any way modify the rights of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of this particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Note: Responsibilities are not listed in any defined order or priority, but are requirements of the position.

The Wood County Throwdown is coming!

Five area chefs will compete to showcase their culinary skills…..

Bowling Green, OH (September 22, 2018) – The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. presents the 6^th annual Wood County Throwdown. On Saturday, September 29, 2018, five area chefs will compete to showcase their culinary skills. The event will take place at Penta Career Center (9301 Buck Rd, Perrysburg) and doors open at 11 a.m.

Each contestant will represent a local organization that serves our local older adults, including: Brookdale of Bowling Green, Perrysburg Commons, StoryPoint Senior Living, Wood Haven Health Care, and St. Clare Commons. Attendees will taste five different appetizers, entrees, and desserts created by the contestants and will have the unique opportunity to critique these samples and vote to crown the People’s Choice Award for each dish presented. Local celebrity judges will announce the Wood County Throwdown Champion of 2018!

Local vendors will be present and entertainment will include live music by James Askins.

Cost for entry is $10 per person. If you would like to attend this event, please contact the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 OR 800-367-4935. You can also e-mail programs@wccoa.net.

For more information, contact the Wood County Committee on Aging’s Programs Department through the above e-mail or by calling 419-353-5661 OR 800-367-4935.

The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., shall be to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives.

For information on programs and services, please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., at (419) 353-5661, (800) 367-4935 or www.wccoa.net.