If you or someone you know is caring for an aging parent or a friend who is chronically ill, you are one of 22 million people doing so – according to www.senior.com sources. Caregivers provide 80% of all in-home care, yet are unpaid for their volunteer activities. Here are some tips for caregivers to take care of themselves and others:
Don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for professional help from nurses, etc.
Discuss long-term solutions, such as transportation, with a parent before the need arises.
Take care of yourself, mentally and physically, so you can be the best possible caregiver.
Stay informed about medications and treatments.
The web site www.senior.com also provides information about personal finances, Medicare, nutrition, travel, recreation, and other valuable resources for independent living.
-- by Brad Catherman, Vice President for Gift Planning
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is recognized by communities throughout the world as a time to increase our efforts to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. There are many ways you can become involved in the fight against elder abuse and to help spread awareness. Here are some suggestions that National Council on Elder Abuse offers:
- Make it a priority to visit an older friend or relative, especially someone you haven’t seen in a while.
- Wear purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Purple is the color that has been designated for elder abuse awareness by the International Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
- Start an elder abuse awareness group on a social networking site like “Facebook,” and encourage friends to join the group. Provide links to information and advocacy resources.
- Reach out to elders who may be isolated. Commit to visiting an older friend, family member or neighbor who lives alone or invite them to a family activity. Ask an older acquaintance to share their talents by teaching you a new skill, such as knitting or how to bake a favorite recipe.
- Volunteer for a program that serves elders. Consider becoming a nursing home ombudsman, health insurance advisor, Money Management Program volunteer, home-delivered meals driver, medical escort or friendly visitor.
You’ll find more suggestions like these on NCEA’s web site at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx.
Anyone who suspects elder abuse should report it to their local elder services protection agency. Protective Services are designed to eliminate or alleviate the alleged abuse of an elder. Caseworkers work in conjunction with community agencies providing health, mental health and social services.
If you need assistance after hours, call the 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
-- by Steve Hargrove, Director of Events and Marketing
- Make it a priority to visit an older friend or relative, especially someone you haven’t seen in a while.
- Wear purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Purple is the color that has been designated for elder abuse awareness by the International Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
- Start an elder abuse awareness group on a social networking site like “Facebook,” and encourage friends to join the group. Provide links to information and advocacy resources.
- Reach out to elders who may be isolated. Commit to visiting an older friend, family member or neighbor who lives alone or invite them to a family activity. Ask an older acquaintance to share their talents by teaching you a new skill, such as knitting or how to bake a favorite recipe.
- Volunteer for a program that serves elders. Consider becoming a nursing home ombudsman, health insurance advisor, Money Management Program volunteer, home-delivered meals driver, medical escort or friendly visitor.
You’ll find more suggestions like these on NCEA’s web site at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx.
Anyone who suspects elder abuse should report it to their local elder services protection agency. Protective Services are designed to eliminate or alleviate the alleged abuse of an elder. Caseworkers work in conjunction with community agencies providing health, mental health and social services.
If you need assistance after hours, call the 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
-- by Steve Hargrove, Director of Events and Marketing
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
No Senior Hungry; No Senior Isolated
We recently invited Michael Kumer, Executive Director and Faculty for the Nonprofit Leadership Institute of Duquesne University to work with our Board of Trustees and staff with regard to strategic planning. I had the opportunity to work with Michael when I attended Meals On Wheels of America’s Leadership Training in Ohio last year and I was in awe! How did he get our group to be so productive in such a short amount of time?
Michael reminded us that as nonprofit community benefit organizations we are not here to plan for the sustainability of our own organizations. Rather, we exist to make an impact in the community we serve. “How is SCS making an impact on the lives of metro Atlanta seniors?” Michael asked me. I responded with how many lives we affect with life-sustaining services that truly help seniors remain independent.
Michael probed further. “How are you measuring it—and not just in outputs, but in outcomes?” Proudly, I knew where he was going—nonprofits are more than just the meals they deliver and home repairs they complete—they are about change for the communities they serve. What I did not realize until he framed things the way he did, was that even though we pride ourselves at being as client-driven as possible, we were still focusing our planning efforts on how to grow the organization (with the end result of impacting more seniors) as opposed to how to truly resolve a perplexing issue for our seniors.
If we want to envision an Atlanta that is free of senior hunger and isolation, which is what we as an organization have envisioned since our first year in 1965, we need to fully grasp the need and think big about bold solutions. This means that we may need to partner with or invest in studies that help us understand our local need. For the most part we’ve relied on census data and internal waitlists to comprehend the need. This will not suffice going forward.
This also means that we will have to think more broadly about solutions. We need to think more about advocacy and how public policy may more quickly affect the change we need than just service delivery. We certainly have some recent experiences with our seniors advocating on behalf of SCS, but something even more substantial will be necessary.
Finally, this means that SCS will need to think more about collaborations and may need to extend its reach beyond our current service delivery area. We may need to think about other factors that affect our vision and form more strategic partnerships. We may need to invest more in awareness, marketing and education.
You can see that our time with Michael was a wise investment for the organization and a break-through for me. Though sustainability for SCS is vital in serving our seniors, it is the means, not the end. We remain dedicated to an Atlanta where no senior is hungry and no senior is isolated. Will you jump in with me?
-- by Jeffrey M. Smythe, Executive Director
Michael reminded us that as nonprofit community benefit organizations we are not here to plan for the sustainability of our own organizations. Rather, we exist to make an impact in the community we serve. “How is SCS making an impact on the lives of metro Atlanta seniors?” Michael asked me. I responded with how many lives we affect with life-sustaining services that truly help seniors remain independent.
Michael probed further. “How are you measuring it—and not just in outputs, but in outcomes?” Proudly, I knew where he was going—nonprofits are more than just the meals they deliver and home repairs they complete—they are about change for the communities they serve. What I did not realize until he framed things the way he did, was that even though we pride ourselves at being as client-driven as possible, we were still focusing our planning efforts on how to grow the organization (with the end result of impacting more seniors) as opposed to how to truly resolve a perplexing issue for our seniors.
If we want to envision an Atlanta that is free of senior hunger and isolation, which is what we as an organization have envisioned since our first year in 1965, we need to fully grasp the need and think big about bold solutions. This means that we may need to partner with or invest in studies that help us understand our local need. For the most part we’ve relied on census data and internal waitlists to comprehend the need. This will not suffice going forward.
This also means that we will have to think more broadly about solutions. We need to think more about advocacy and how public policy may more quickly affect the change we need than just service delivery. We certainly have some recent experiences with our seniors advocating on behalf of SCS, but something even more substantial will be necessary.
Finally, this means that SCS will need to think more about collaborations and may need to extend its reach beyond our current service delivery area. We may need to think about other factors that affect our vision and form more strategic partnerships. We may need to invest more in awareness, marketing and education.
You can see that our time with Michael was a wise investment for the organization and a break-through for me. Though sustainability for SCS is vital in serving our seniors, it is the means, not the end. We remain dedicated to an Atlanta where no senior is hungry and no senior is isolated. Will you jump in with me?
-- by Jeffrey M. Smythe, Executive Director
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Go Out and Play!
Now that spring is here, and summer is approaching quickly, it’s a glorious time to be active. Many renew their commitment to an exercise program during this time. Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefits, and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even moderate exercise and physical activity, indoors or outdoors, can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. SCS provides exercise opportunities at its senior centers that are listed on our web site.
The National Institutes of Health have created a special senior health and exercise web site that is informative and motivational. You and others whom you know may be interested in learning more:
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/toc.html
Enjoy the summer months by being active – go out and play!
-- by Brad Catherman, Vice President for Gift Planning
The National Institutes of Health have created a special senior health and exercise web site that is informative and motivational. You and others whom you know may be interested in learning more:
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/toc.html
Enjoy the summer months by being active – go out and play!
-- by Brad Catherman, Vice President for Gift Planning
Friday, May 7, 2010
geneRACEtion Run Raises Funds for Seniors and Kids
On Saturday, May 22, two generations will come together to host the annual geneRACEtion 10K Run and 2K Fun Run in Grant Park. We will raise money while running or walking through one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods. Proceeds raised from geneRACEtion will benefit two worthy organizations:
Kate’s Club is a non-profit organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. By creating friendships with kids and young adults that share the experience, Kate’s Club guides children through their grief journey in a comfortable, safe, and uplifting setting. For more information, please visit http://www.katesclub.org/.
Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (SCS), a nonprofit, community-based organization, has been providing services since 1965 and is designed to enable seniors to enjoy a high quality of life, maintaining their independence and dignity. Their programs include Meals On Wheels Atlanta, Home Repair Services, Vivian T. Minor Adult Day Care for Alzheimer’s/Dementia, eight Neighborhood Senior Centers, and CareShare. For more information on programs, please visit http://www.scsatl.org/.
Bernie Goldstein, age 73, will be running the 10K. “I don’t do marathons any more at my age, but I still enjoy an occasional 10K race,” said Mr. Goldstein.
To register for the 10K or 2K, please visit http://www.generacetion.org/. On-line registrations will be accepted until May 19. Registration fee is $25.
Bernie Goldstein, age 73, will be running the 10K. “I don’t do marathons any more at my age, but I still enjoy an occasional 10K race,” said Mr. Goldstein.
To register for the 10K or 2K, please visit http://www.generacetion.org/. On-line registrations will be accepted until May 19. Registration fee is $25.
Kaiser Permanente Donates $70,000 to SCS
Kaiser Permanente announced today a $70,000 donation to Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta (SCS), with the goal of providing meals and nutrition supplements to seniors needing extra support.
The funds will be applied to SCS’ Extra Helping Initiative for its Meals On Wheels Atlanta program. Through these two programs, at least 21 fragile seniors will be provided with nutrition in a way that meets their specific needs. For many, this may be the difference between managing chronic disease and succumbing to it.
“As other corporations cut back on community donations, Kaiser Permanente has increased its commitment to the safety net SCS provides for our community,” stated Jeffrey Smythe, Executive Director for SCS.
Adequate nutrition is paramount for the frailest seniors, who are unable to stomach as many calories as they need to get out of bed in the morning and live independently. SCS’ Extra Helping Initiative will enable seniors to enjoy a high quality of life, maintaining their independence and dignity.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. The grant to SCS to provide Atlanta’s vulnerable seniors the nutrition they need to survive and thrive is a demonstration of that commitment,” said Evonne Yancey, Director of Community Benefit and Community Relations at Kaiser Permanente.
The funds will be applied to SCS’ Extra Helping Initiative for its Meals On Wheels Atlanta program. Through these two programs, at least 21 fragile seniors will be provided with nutrition in a way that meets their specific needs. For many, this may be the difference between managing chronic disease and succumbing to it.
“As other corporations cut back on community donations, Kaiser Permanente has increased its commitment to the safety net SCS provides for our community,” stated Jeffrey Smythe, Executive Director for SCS.
Adequate nutrition is paramount for the frailest seniors, who are unable to stomach as many calories as they need to get out of bed in the morning and live independently. SCS’ Extra Helping Initiative will enable seniors to enjoy a high quality of life, maintaining their independence and dignity.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. The grant to SCS to provide Atlanta’s vulnerable seniors the nutrition they need to survive and thrive is a demonstration of that commitment,” said Evonne Yancey, Director of Community Benefit and Community Relations at Kaiser Permanente.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Greater Impact for Atlanta Seniors: Unchanging Support in these Changing Times
Last year we decided to provide more communications to you via email than via mail in an effort to reduce costs. We have done the same belt tightening that nearly every other business and household has had to do in our society. But I don’t want to utilize this column to bemoan the various challenges that our organization has endured by the difficult economy. Instead, I want you to know how grateful we are to you, our supporters and volunteers, for your unchanging support in these rapidly changing times.
You were there for our seniors last fall when our home repair storage unit was broken into at nearly the same time as rains and flooding wreaked havoc in so many seniors’ homes. Donations and fundraising from Knight Strikers and Iron Bred Motorcycle Club and St. Mark United Methodist Church enabled our Home Repair Services team to restore services almost immediately, replacing the stolen equipment and allowing seniors in desperate need of help to receive it.
You were there for our seniors when our signature black-tie event, A Meal To Remember, saw record-low corporate sponsorships. Under the leadership of Chairs Charlene Crusoe-Ingram and Marlene Alexander and Auction Chair Su So-Longman, corporate sponsorships were replaced by individual donations and auction participation. The loss of revenues by corporate sponsors was replaced by passionate individuals who could not bear to see seniors go hungry. Rather than maintaining keep even more seniors on waiting lists for meals, an increased number of seniors were able to receive the critical nutrition provided by Meals On Wheels Atlanta this year.
You were there for our seniors when volunteerism appeared to also be affected by the economy. With two more months of reporting left in the fiscal year, we have received more than 1,600 hours of additional volunteer support than last year’s 12 months! You are delivering meals, repairing homes, and helping seniors in our centers and in their homes in amazingly meaningful ways.
So I salute you and say a very heartfelt thank you to each of you SCS champions. You have told the world that seniors matter…period. You agree that it is unacceptable to leave seniors hungry, to leave seniors in cold or flooded homes, to leave seniors without the support they need to enjoy a high quality of life. We pledge to continue to make the most of every penny you contribute, of every minute you volunteer. And, we pledge not to rest until every senior in our great city is offered the same support and care that they offered to prior generations.
You were there for our seniors last fall when our home repair storage unit was broken into at nearly the same time as rains and flooding wreaked havoc in so many seniors’ homes. Donations and fundraising from Knight Strikers and Iron Bred Motorcycle Club and St. Mark United Methodist Church enabled our Home Repair Services team to restore services almost immediately, replacing the stolen equipment and allowing seniors in desperate need of help to receive it.
You were there for our seniors when our signature black-tie event, A Meal To Remember, saw record-low corporate sponsorships. Under the leadership of Chairs Charlene Crusoe-Ingram and Marlene Alexander and Auction Chair Su So-Longman, corporate sponsorships were replaced by individual donations and auction participation. The loss of revenues by corporate sponsors was replaced by passionate individuals who could not bear to see seniors go hungry. Rather than maintaining keep even more seniors on waiting lists for meals, an increased number of seniors were able to receive the critical nutrition provided by Meals On Wheels Atlanta this year.
You were there for our seniors when volunteerism appeared to also be affected by the economy. With two more months of reporting left in the fiscal year, we have received more than 1,600 hours of additional volunteer support than last year’s 12 months! You are delivering meals, repairing homes, and helping seniors in our centers and in their homes in amazingly meaningful ways.
So I salute you and say a very heartfelt thank you to each of you SCS champions. You have told the world that seniors matter…period. You agree that it is unacceptable to leave seniors hungry, to leave seniors in cold or flooded homes, to leave seniors without the support they need to enjoy a high quality of life. We pledge to continue to make the most of every penny you contribute, of every minute you volunteer. And, we pledge not to rest until every senior in our great city is offered the same support and care that they offered to prior generations.
--by Jeff Smythe, Executive Director
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