February 2024

www.aoascc.org

Spotlight on

VOLUNTEERING

Happy New Year to all!

Now that the dust has settled from welcoming in the New Year, it might be time to consider participating in either the Foster Grandparent or the Senior Companion volunteer programs. Participation will allow you to be part of a unique AmeriCorps Seniors service team, and it will improve your health and longevity because you will develop new personal connections, help others in need, and experience joy by making a difference in your community.

Foster Grandparents enrich young children’s lives by serving as mentors to young people who need extra support in the classroom. Foster Grandparents provide guidance, comfort, and love necessary to put a child on a path to a brighter future. Senior Companions use their talents to help older adults who need assistance with daily tasks remain living independently for as long as possible. Senior Companions often become friends with their clients because they regularly participate in social activities and engage in meaningful conversation together. Click to read more.

Find out more about volunteering through AOASCC. Or call Cheire Strucaly at 203.752.3059 ext. 2907

CHOICES Corner:

Women & Heart Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. The CDC reports that “over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease.” Given that there is less awareness of this disease, advocating and screening is critical — particularly for older women.

There are differences in heart disease between men and women. John Hopkins Medicine reports: “Women can develop symptoms that are subtler and harder to detect as a heart attack, especially if the physician is only looking for the "usual" heart attack symptoms. Women are much more likely to have atypical heart attack symptoms." Click to read more.

This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of 2 financial assistance awards totaling $1,055,617, with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. Approximately 60% SHIP, 40% MIPPA. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

CAREGIVER Corner:

End of Life Plans

It’s a new year and that usually brings with it the intention to make some changes to make us healthier, happier, more successful in whatever we do. And then we go back to life as usual since we never seem to have the time or energy to add something new to our list of things that must be done.

I suggest to you there is one thing that can’t be put off to another day. I have been involved in caregiving for more than 25 years, personally and professionally. Over the Christmas holiday a very close friend, who had multiple chronic conditions died unexpectedly. Her caregiver was a long-distance situation provided by her young daughter. There never was enough time for my friend and her daughter to have the type of conversations necessary in all caregiver relationships where we speak honestly about what we want, we need, we have at the end of our lives. We think there’ll be time during the next visit to discuss these topics, but today, let’s just celebrate the holiday. Sadly, we don’t know when it will be our last holiday and then there’s no time to plan.  Click to read more.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) affects tens of thousands of older Americans each year, and if left untreated, the symptoms can get worse, even resulting in death. Vaccines, and preventive steps can help keep you and your loved ones healthy.

RSV risk is highest among:

• Older adults
• Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
• Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities

How to keep yourself or a loved one healthy

• Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people

Avoid close contact, such as kissing, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who have cold-like symptoms.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces

Clean surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. When people infected with RSV touch surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.

• Stay home when you are sick

If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when you are sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness.

For more information visit, Centers for Disease Control