Department of Family Services Alert:
Dr. Heisung Lee, Agent of Change
More than 50 years after emigrating from Korea, Dr. Heisung Lee has established deep roots in her chosen country and community. In addition to raising a family in Fairfax County, Dr. Lee is the founder of and driving force behind the successful Central Senior Center (CSC) in Centreville, VA. The CSC has served thousands of Korean older adults in the Northern Virginia area, creating community among a population vulnerable to isolation. Even more remarkable is that Dr. Lee accomplished this as a volunteer. Read more.
Assistance for Older Adults on a Fixed Income
If you’ve visited a store, restaurant or gas station lately, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. For older adults on a fixed income, the steep rise in prices is making it difficult to afford even the basics. However, services and programs are available in Fairfax County that can provide some relief to those who qualify. Read more.
Summer Recycling and Waste Prevention
How you manage waste and recyclables encompasses more than just what’s inside your home. It applies to your outdoor area as well. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or doing a bit of weeding and planting over the weekend, there are many things you can do to prevent or reduce waste from outdoor activities. Read more.
Summer Scams
Scammers never take a vacation. If you are planning a vacation, be aware of scams that target people making plans to travel. Read more.
COVID-19 has impacted all of us on so many levels and significantly altered the way we connect to one another. In this episode, representatives from three county agencies share how COVID affected their services, and what adjustments they have made to their programs now that we are slowly emerging from the pandemic.
Mature Living host Anne Hall talks with Dianne Duke, Social Work Case Manager with ElderLink, about how her clients have adjusted, and what the future looks like for her agency’s programs and services. Rabinder Singh, Adult Programming Assistant with the Fairfax County Public Library, reveals how library programs have been affected, and reveals plans for future programs. Lynne Lott, Director of the Sully Senior Center, tells Mature Living producer Fran about how the county’s senior centers – how clients and staff have coped during the pandemic, and what they are planning for both in person and virtual programs in the future.
Mature Living can be seen on Channel 1016 on the following days and times:
This program can also be seen on your computer: FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/mature-living
You can find information on services for older adults at FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday.
(by Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adults in the United States are not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue that has been linked to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and frequent mental distress.
For family caregivers, the lack of sleep can be a huge challenge as their sleep routines are closely linked to their loved one’s sleep cycles. For people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, experiencing frequent sleep disturbances can be common. The most common form is “sundowning,” which causes restlessness, agitation, irritability, and confusion during the late afternoon and lasts into the night.
If you are not getting enough sleep, talk to your doctor to help you identify causes and potential solutions. Have a regular sleep routine and consider having respite help at night. Exercise and avoid caffeine at night. Reach out to our Aging Disability and Caregiver Resource line to learn about our respite programs at 703-324-7948.
Supporting a Loved One Living with Mental Illness, Caregiver Webinar
Join Lyn Tomlinson, the Deputy Director for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, as she shares how to communicate and support your loved one living with mental illness. Learn how to explain mental illnesses such as bipolar, schizophrenia, mood disorders, manic depressive disorders, personality disorders, etc., to family and friends. Learn how you can establish community and support, as well as boundaries and resources.
Join us on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, noon-1 p.m. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-2019.
36th Annual Caregiver's Conference: Caregiving with Hope and Inspiration
The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium has been educating caregivers since 1986. This year’s conference keynote speaker is Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH, author of "The 36-Hour Day.” Join us to become better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility, learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia, and visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services. Topics include:
Wednesday, Nov. 9-Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily (virtual sessions). To learn more about this conference, each day's sessions, speakers, and registration, visit nvdcc.com or call 703-204-4664 ext. 131.
Caregiver Support Group
The Fairfax Adult Day Health Centers invites you to join their family caregiver support groups every 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. In August, the topic will be sundowning. If you wish to attend, please sign onto: Zoom Meeting: vdh.zoom.us/j/3222872381
Caregiver Alert Notifications
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you! Now, family caregivers can receive email or text notifications of Fairfax County caregiver services and programs. These programs include case management, in-home respite, caregiver support and webinars, wellness workshops, and much more. To sign up, please go to FairfaxCounty.gov/alerts then select Area Agency on Aging/Caregivers.
(by Jacquie Woodruff, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) is an advisory board mandated by the Older Americans Act. Commissioners for the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.
At the July 20th COA meeting, staff from the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services shared their expertise in a discussion about access to mobility options.
Area Plan update/waivers were also presented at the July 20th COA meeting.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
For adults living with a disability, a simple task like filling your tank at a gas station can be a challenge. An app called fuelService is now available to help. Individuals can use the app to see which local gas station can assist them, then fuelService tells the gas station when the individual has arrived and lets the driver know how many minutes it will be until someone assists them.
The fuelService app is free of charge for the user, both to download and use. All costs are paid by fuel companies with any proceeds benefitting research into curing paralysis from spinal cord injuries.
Learn more at fuelService.org or download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Call 703-324-5374, TTY 711, for a free caregiver consultation, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Caring for You, Caring for Me
Thursdays, August 25-September 22
1-3 p.m. Free.
This signature program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers is a blend of interactive support and education for caregivers. Participants report increased confidence and competence when caregiving. Class is offered in-person at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. To register, call Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577 or visit tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U.
(by Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Emergency kits include basic supplies and are tailored to every person's need. You will need additional supplies if your household has children, older adults, individuals with access and functional needs, or pets. Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday (August 5-7, 2022) is a great time to stock up on hurricane and emergency preparedness items, without paying sales tax. Yes, that’s right, NO SALES TAX. What is included?
What are you going to buy? First, review the Emergency Kit Checklist in the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG) at FairfaxCounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg.
You should include basic supplies and tailor the emergency kit to your needs. Fairfax County recommends every household keep 3-5 days’ worth of food, water, and supplies for each member of the household.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
All nursing and assisted living facilities should have a comprehensive emergency plan in place so that people can be protected and supported in times of crisis. A nursing home, by federal law, is required to have evacuation plans in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Emergency preparedness plans should be tailored to a facility’s geographic location and should take into consideration the residents’ levels of care. Each facility must also review the evacuation plan with residents, train new employees in emergency procedures, and hold drills and periodic reviews with staff. Assisted living facilities are required by the state to have a similar emergency preparedness plan in place as well. Residents and families should inquire with their specific facility about their plans and ask questions if needed.
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. For more information about long-term care facilities emergency preparedness requirements, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Office of Public Affairs)
Do you have a vacation or extended trip on the horizon, especially now that it’s summer?
Burglars might be interested to know, too, and they will look for signs you’re not home.
If Your Home is Broken Into
If you or a trusted neighbor, relative or friend discover that your home has been broken into, call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131, TTY 711, so a police officer can be dispatched to take the report.
The Shepherd Centers are a nonprofit organization sponsored by local area congregations, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 years and older. The centers offer free transportation for medical appointments and companion trips (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50 and older who live in the center’s service area and are ambulatory. You must apply for this transportation service. Once accepted into the service, a request for a ride must be made four days in advance.
Individual centers also offer additional programs and services. Visit the website or call the center in your area for more information. Interested in volunteering at a Shepherd Center? Contact a center to learn more:
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions)
Would you like to advocate for older adults who may not feel they have a “voice,” or help them feel more connected to others? Do you want to empower and mentor children? Would you like to help enrich senior centers’ programming with your skills? Check out the array of volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteer Advocates
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. Empathetic volunteers are needed to advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities and help them with concerns they are unable to resolve alone. If you have skills in listening, communicating, and problem-solving, consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman.
Volunteers must complete an initial three-day training, commit to a minimum of one year of service, and at least four hours per week assisting residents at assigned facilities close to home or work. There are also ongoing, required training opportunities during their tenure with the NVLTCOP. For more information about volunteering, or other nursing or assisted living concerns, call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact Camden Doran at Camden.Doran@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Volunteer Solutions
Department of Family Services’ Volunteer Solutions offers various opportunities to provide support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. Do you enjoy socializing or driving? Would you like to help as a grocery shopper? Are you organized and efficient with household tasks? If you prefer group settings, senior centers have various needs for activity leaders, instructors, entertainers, and assistants.
Skilled volunteers are needed in these areas and more: Fitness, Dance, History, Languages (Spanish, Italian, ESL and ASL), Arts & Crafts, Cooking, and Music. Are you bilingual? You’re needed, too! To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.
Befriend-A-Child Program
Department of Family Services needs mentors for children 5 to 12 years old. Males and bilingual English-Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply. Mentors must be able to make a two-year commitment, spend at least eight hours per month with their mentee and participate in monthly group outings. Fill your time in a fun, new way, while making a positive impact on a child. Go to bit.ly/DFSBAC. Contact the Befriend-A-Child Program Coordinator at 703-324-7072, or DFSBefriend-A-Child@fairfaxcounty.gov
Body Safety Program
The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation. The next training will be in Fairfax on Friday, August 19, 2022. Visit bit.ly/BodySafetyProgram or contact Francesca Watson at Francesca.Watson2@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-7459.
Submit volunteer opportunities to VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov. They must be based within Fairfax County (including the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax.)
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Competitors rejoice! The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) are back and bigger than ever. From September 10-24, the NVSO will offer 77 individual events at 25 venues throughout Northern Virginia. The events offered are diverse – ranging from recreational physical activities to competitive athletics to non-physical games.
To compete, participants must be 50 years of age or older and live in one of these sponsoring jurisdictions:
Most events are held in five or 10 year age groups, but for some events, participants compete against all ages. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top finishers after each event. To compete, you must register online between July 6 and August 31. The registration fee is $20 which covers multiple events.
Want to join the fun without competing? Consider volunteering for the games. The public is also invited to attend the opening day ceremony on Saturday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd Street in Arlington.
To learn more about the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, register to compete, or volunteer during the games, visit nvso.us.
(by Maria Loh, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Watermelon is a sweet and refreshing fruit, especially delicious during hot summer days. August 3rd is National Watermelon Day, the perfect time to enjoy this versatile melon. In Virginia, watermelon is in season from July through mid-September.
Watermelon consists of 92 percent water by weight. It is also a good source of lycopene, a carotenoid that is an antioxidant and protects cells from damage. Lycopene is a natural pigment that helps to give some foods their red color, such as tomatoes and watermelon.
Enjoy Watermelon:
Melon Food Safety:
Watermelon-Lime Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients
Directions
Refreshing Watermelon Fruit Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
Directions
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality
July 26-August 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture's Traveling Exhibit Determined: The 400-year Struggle for Black Equality is on display at the Reston Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza N, Reston, VA 20190. RestonMuseum.org
Register Now for Lifetime Learning Institute
( LLI /NOVA) Classes and More
Registration begins August 15 at 9 a.m.
Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI/NOVA) invites you to be part of its exciting 2022 fall term (Tuesday, September 6-Friday, December 16). You can also participate in other activities, including monthly forums, day trips, classes, special interest groups, and social activities. LLI/NOVA is located at the Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Tpke., Annandale. To learn more about programs, go to LLINOVA.org.
P.O. Box 1142, WWII Intelligence Camp (hybrid presentation)
Sunday, August 28 at 3 p.m.
Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd., Burke, VA, 22015
Presenter Ann Shields returns to speak about her extensive research into P.O. Box 1142, the top-secret military intelligence camp at Fort Hunt, Alexandria, during the Second World War. For information on how to join the meeting virtually, visit BurkeHistoricalSociety.com
John Weber Senior Bowling League (55+)
New and experienced bowlers, both men and women, are welcome to join this full handicap, non-competitive senior bowling league. We bowl at the Falls Church Bowl America on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10 a.m. beginning September 6 through early May. Enjoy fellowship and recreation while you maintain an active lifestyle. For more information and to sign up, contact league president Jim Allison at 703-323-8132.
Northern Virginia Senior Softball for Men and Women
It’s not too late to join NVSS for the healthy rewards of fun, fitness, and friendship playing slow-pitch softball. Average age is 67, with many in their 80s. No try-out, just a skills assessment for assignment to one of 24 teams in 3 skill-level conferences. Tuesday and Thursday morning games. Visit nvss.org or call Dave at 703-663-7881.
Please note that dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information by calling or checking provided phone numbers or websites.
Access the print version of this month's newsletter.*
Check out the past newsletters.
*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948 or TTY 711.