(by Holly Giovengo, ElderLink)

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, created to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about your future medical care, especially if you become seriously ill and are unable to communicate your preferences yourself. It includes talking with loved ones and medical professionals and creating written plans. 

While it is important to have an advance care plan if you are older or have a serious illness, it is also important for people of all ages and stages of life. A medical crisis could suddenly leave you unable to communicate your wishes. Advance care planning gives you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are understood and will be respected.

Two important documents to include in an advance directive for health care are the living will and the health care proxy. A living will (also called a healthcare directive) is a document outlining your desires for medical treatment if you cannot make your own decisions about the treatment. The health care proxy names a person who can make health care decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate your wishes yourself. A power of attorney can also grant an individual authority to act within the role of health care proxy.

Other medical orders can also be included in your plan. These cover topics such as hospitalization, resuscitation, intubation, and end-of-life care. These orders can be used by medical professionals to direct your care during emergencies.

Advance care planning starts with thinking about your values and wishes for your future medical care and end-of-life decisions. Your next step is to talk to your doctor and, if necessary or desired, an attorney. Ask your doctor about advance care planning during your next annual wellness visit. 

Honoring Choices Virginia offers free assistance with advance care planning to residents of Virginia. Information can be found on their website, honoringchoices-va.org, or by calling 804-622-8141.

ElderLink, a nonprofit partnership between Inova and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, is offering a virtual support call for family caregivers of older adults on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-8 p.m., covering the topic of advance care planning with guest speaker Dr. Shan-Bala, a geriatrician with Inova. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/31MRCuj or call ElderLink’s intake line, 703-324-5374, TTY 711.
 

(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

As we welcome the fresh bloom of April, now is a great time for family caregivers to embrace the theme of organization. For those providing care to older adults, maintaining an orderly environment can significantly improve the quality of care and reduce stress. Creating a centralized medical binder is a highly effective strategy. It keeps important documents, such as medication lists, doctor’s notes, and emergency contacts, all in one place. Additionally, utilizing technology can be a game-changer. There are apps designed for caregivers to help track medications, set reminders for appointments, and coordinate care schedules with other family members, making daily tasks more manageable.

Decluttering and simplifying living spaces is another essential tip for improving home safety and creating a more peaceful environment. Removing hazards and organizing essential items ensures that frequently used items are within easy reach. By implementing these organization tips, caregivers can create a more structured and supportive environment for themselves and their loved ones, ensuring a higher quality of life for everyone involved. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults. 

Family Caregiver Learning Opportunities

Virtual Dementia Friendly Information Session
Wednesday, April 9, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Join this virtual presentation and learn how to become a dementia friend. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Presented by Allegra Joffe, Supervisor with Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online at bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 571-407-6961.

Miscommunication or Missed Communication? The Challenges of Hearing Loss for Caregivers
Wednesday, April 16, Noon-1 p.m.
This virtual webinar is hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and presented by Bonnie O’Leary, with the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons. Learn information about hearing loss as a disability, the types and causes of hearing loss, how to recognize it, its similarities to early-onset dementia, the major myths surrounding hearing aids and cochlear implants, and the emotional and psychological impact late-onset hearing loss can have on older adults. Caregivers will also learn about the speaker/listener/environment/message components of communication and what can be controlled in listening situations to make communication easier. We will look briefly at helpful tools, such as apps and a personal amplifier. The presentation will end with tips and information on effective communication strategies. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-696.

Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC)
Every April, Parkinson's communities around the world from local support groups to national organizations, come together to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. The number of people living with Parkinson’s is growing, and it’s estimated that at least 90,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone. Many people have a family member or friend living with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is simply a dopamine deficiency, and while there still is no cure for it, the life expectancy is the same as it is for someone without Parkinson’s. There are now 25 medications and targeted technologies that can manage symptoms, enabling people to continue to live their best life. Regular exercise that challenges the body and brain, staying socially engaged, and eating well, are all ways that people can help themselves to have a better quality of life. To learn more about living well with Parkinson’s, as well as the programs and resources available to patients, families and friends in Northern Virginia, visit ipmdc.org or contact Sonia Gow at Sonia.Gow@inova.org.
 

(by Linda Hernandez-Giblin, 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 COA are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.

At the March 19 COA meeting, the COA continued discussion on the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan and Initiative Development Committees. SHAPE Initiative Development Committee meetings will be ongoing through the duration of the Plan. At the April 16 meeting, the COA will continue to work on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan.

COA Meeting, Wednesday, April 16, 1 p.m.

In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax – Room 206/200 
To obtain meeting materials, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-commission-on-aging/meetings or contact Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5859. For ADA accommodations, contact Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.

(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

All long-term care facilities are inspected or “surveyed” on a regular basis to ensure they are complying with regulations and standards of care. These inspection reports are available to consumers online, and each facility is required by law to make the latest state inspection report available for examination in a place readily accessible to everyone. These reports provide valuable information about a facility’s deficiency citations in particular areas, and what actions they took to resolve the deficiencies. This information can also be useful for anyone researching a specific facility if they are considering long-term care options for themselves or a loved one.

Nursing facility surveys can be found through the ‘Care Compare’ tool located on Medicare’s website, medicare.gov/care-compare, as well as through the state survey agency, Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification. Assisted living facilities inspection reports can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website, dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/alf.cgi. The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) can also assist consumers in interpreting inspection reports and can provide aggregate complaint data for specific facilities located in the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County. 

As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the NVLTCOP 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 inspection reports and complaint data, 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 Courtney Arroyo, Department of Emergency Management and Security)

With April moving onto our calendars, so does the increased risk of rain and thunderstorms. After all, it is those April showers that bring May flowers. However, instead of hiding under the covers, let’s talk about how to stay safe and be prepared when Mother Nature comes knocking.

Thunderstorms can bring a wide range of issues to the area they affect. They can lead to flooding, power outages, and even tornados. Therefore, it is important to know how to prepare before storms move into your area. Creating an emergency kit is the simplest, yet effective, way to prepare for thunderstorms and tornados. Grab an old backpack or bag and pack an emergency kit. Include important supplies, such as canned food and water, a flashlight, extra batteries, prescription medication, first aid supplies, and copies of important documents in a watertight bag. Having these important supplies in one location will make sheltering during a real event much easier. Create and practice sheltering plans with your family and neighbor so that everyone knows what to do when a thunderstorm strikes.

It is important to know how to react when a thunderstorm occurs. The first, and most important step, is that when thunder roars, go indoors. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm and have nowhere to go indoors, avoid tall objects like trees and flagpoles as these are common targets of lightning strikes. If the storm produces a tornado, you want to move into an interior room with no windows.

Use the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG) for more preparedness tips for thunderstorms and use the emergency plan template to begin putting together an emergency plan and emergency kit: FairfaxCounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

As any gardener knows, gardening can be difficult physical work. As we age, it may be harder to perform some of the tasks we once did. The good news is that gardening is still possible for those with physical limitations. Using adaptive tools and supportive equipment, changing the physical environment of our garden, and making changes to the way we garden can make gardening easier and more accessible.

Adaptive Garden Tools 

• Long-handled gardening tools, such as rakes, hoes, and cultivators, allow you to work in your garden beds while standing or sitting, minimizing strain on the back and joints.
• Adaptive gardening tools are often lightweight with larger, ergonomic handles that are easier for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity to grasp. Some tools are also available with straps for people who lack grip strength.
• Adaptive planting aids, such as bulb planters and seed dispensers, help with planting tasks. The aids may have extended handles, adjustable depths, or mechanisms to make planting seeds, bulbs, or seedlings easier.

Supportive Equipment

• A garden stool or rolling gardening chair allows you to sit while gardening. 
• A reversible kneeling bench provides a comfortable surface for kneeling or sitting. Many also have handles for added stability. 
• Kneeling pads and knee pads provide cushioning. 

Raised Garden Beds 

• Raised beds are a good option for people who have difficulty bending or kneeling and can be constructed to allow a person using a wheelchair to roll directly to the bed. 
• Creating raised beds with clearance all around allows access from all sides, reducing bending. 
• Wide, level pathways composed of pea gravel, pavers, or brick between raised beds provide a stable walking surface that is also wheelchair friendly. 

Container Gardens and Vertical Planters

• Container gardening involves growing plants in pots or bins which can be located on a deck or other easily accessible area. 
• Vertical planters, including wall hanging pocket growing systems and stackable vertical garden planters, reduce the need to bend or squat. 
• Self-watering planters and grow boxes reduce how often you need to water. 

Additional Recommendations

• Using soaker hoses can reduce labor, provide better saturation, and may reduce your water bills. 
• Planting native perennials creates less work because they are adapted to our climate. They also help support local butterflies, bees, birds and moths. 
• Existing tools can be adapted with a bike handle grip or pipe insulation secured with tennis tape. 
• Painting or taping tool handles with bright colors will make them easier to locate in your garden. 
• For advice, contact the Fairfax Master Gardeners. Visit fairfaxgardening.org or call the help desk at 703-324-8556, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon; or email HelpDesk@FairfaxGardening.org.

(by Fairfax County Police Department)

The Quick Response code, or QR code, has become a way of life in society. However, this has made it tempting for criminals to create some QR Codes of their own. Probably everyone has seen them at gas stations, restaurants, paying for public parking, etc, but scammers are finding easy ways to hide harmful links in those codes. 

Ways to Protect Yourself

• If you see a QR code in an unexpected place, inspect the URL before you open it.
• Don’t scan a QR code in an email or text message you weren’t expecting, especially if it urges you to act quickly.
• Verify the source of the QR code. If in doubt, go to the official website of the company or government agency “sending” you the QR code.
• Protect your phone and accounts with updated software, strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
• Install a QR scanner with added security.
• Be wary of any site that asks for personal information, login credentials or payment.

What to Do When Scammed

If you believe you have been targeted by a quishing (QR Code phishing) scam, contact the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Then, file a report using the Financial Crimes Information and Online Reporting System (FiCOR) at FairfaxCounty.gov/police/HowDoI/FinancialCrimes.

Additional Resources 

• Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign – The Silver Shield Campaign helps residents avoid being scammed by sharing information about active scams targeting older adults: FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-county-silver-shield-anti-scam-campaign
• Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch – Consumer Affairs assists residents by responding to advice inquiries and providing mediation and arbitration support: FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd
• Scam Slam Audio Series – This podcast series keeps you informed of the latest scams happening locally: soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty/sets/scam-slam-audio-series
• National Association of Bunco Investigators' cons and scams list: nabihq.org/cons-and-scams.html
• FBI's common fraud and scams list: fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams 

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

You are invited to attend Scam Jam 2025 – Prevention, Protection and Prosecution: Ensuring the Safety of Older Adults Through Adult Protective Services on Wednesday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This annual event is dedicated to fraud prevention and the protection of older adults. Scam Jam 2025 will focus on educating, empowering and engaging our community in the fight against elder abuse. While attending this event, you can:

• Explore our resource fair to connect with representatives from local government agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to fraud prevention and elder protection.
• Learn from Paul Greenwood, LLB, JD, a retired deputy district attorney with over 25 years of experience in elder abuse prosecution. Greenwood has been recognized for his pioneering efforts in seeking justice for older adults and has prosecuted over 750 felony cases of elder abuse. 
• Watch HOAP: Heroes of Adult Protection, a groundbreaking docuseries that showcases the resilience of abuse victims and the dedicated efforts of Adult Protective Services (APS) employees and community members working together to protect vulnerable adults. 
• Hear a panel discussion featuring local police, APS case workers and professionals from the Financial Exploitation Task Force. This session will provide valuable insights into the collaborative efforts required to combat elder abuse and support victims. 
• Enjoy a complimentary lunch while networking with fellow attendees and experts in the field. 

Registration is required. To register, call 1-877-926-8300 or visit events.aarp.org/FFXScamJam25.

Scam Jam 2025 will take place at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale Campus, located at 8430 Center Drive, Annandale, VA 22003. 

To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call 703-324-6877, TTY 711. Language interpretation available upon request. Please provide one week’s advance notice.

Scam Jam 2025 is hosted by AARP Virginia and presented in collaboration with Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign, Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division, Northern Virginia Community College, Northern Virginia Community College Police Department and The Clowder Group. 

(by Allyson Pearce, Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development)

Did you know that Fairfax County offers affordable homeownership opportunities for older adults? Available now is the Crest of Alexandria. Located at 6107 Farmview Drive in Alexandria, the Crest of Alexandria offers an open floor plan, elevator and beautiful amenities. Available to adults ages 55+, age in place at the Crest of Alexandria, where you can enjoy a club house with a fitness center, gardens, outdoor kitchen, pickleball courts and more. Located near the Kingstowne Shopping Center with convenient access to the Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street Metro Stations. See the full listing on the website: FairfaxCounty.gov/housing/homeownership/FirstTimeHomebuyers.

Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services has a whole team dedicated to providing programs, resources and information for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The Adult and Aging Division helps community members find the help they need when they need it. 

Katie Jantzi and Beth Ann Margetta, both Assistant Program Managers within the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, talk about the wide variety of programs and resources available in the Adult and Aging Division, including nutrition resources, Medicare insurance counseling, caregiver webinars, and more. Jonathan Bell, Supervisor of Adult Services and Julie Seo, Supervisor of Adult Protective Services, share information about programs and services to help older adults remain independent and safe. A county resident talks about how she was helped by participating in Adult and Aging programs as she cared for her husband. 

Mature Living can be seen on Channel 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) on the following days and times:

• Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Monday at 5 p.m.
• Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
• Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Friday at 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Saturday at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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.

To submit an event for the Community Calendar, email DFSGoldenGazette@FairfaxCounty.gov. All events are due on the first day of the month prior to the issue month. 

New Series of Social Events
WISE Cities is collaborating with local businesses to host free social events for older adults in the community. To learn more, email contact@wisecities.us or call 571-354-6626.

Softball Players Wanted!
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Women over 40 and all skill levels welcome. We play most Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna from May-July and September-October. For more information, visit goldengirls.org. 

Stop the Bleed
Friday, April 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
Reston Hospital Center, Pavilion II, 2nd Floor, Conf. Room A, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston
Learn lifesaving skills needed to prevent the number one cause of death after an injury: bleeding. A presentation will be followed by a hands-on practice of steps to stop bleeding. Learn more and register at hcavirginia.com/calendar.

Computer Skills Series
Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. Topics: April 4 - Scams: Recognize, Avoid, Report; April 11 - Google Drive; April 18 - Google Docs; April 25 - Internet Basics. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2 Meeting ID: 905 123 5932 Password: 3636

Home for Life 2025 Expo
Friday, April 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Hosted by Fairfax Village in the City, this free event includes 36 exhibitors and four guest speakers on these topics: decluttering, estate planning, how to be tech savvy, and dementia care. Free food and drink provided.

SPARK Movie Screening and Q&A (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 8, 6-8 p.m.
Join Insight Memory Care Center for a special viewing of the film SPARK - Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia. This free event will be held via Zoom, with a live panel discussion after the movie screening. Register at insightmcc.org/get-involved/events.

Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo
Thursday, April 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn how to apply for a Fairfax County job, get tips for creating resumes for the private sector, and join presentations from employers who hire people aged 50+ and have openings. Register at VirtualExpos.AccessJCA.org. For questions, email EmploymentExpos@AccessJCA.org or call 703-6562-1518.

Learn the Local Bus and Metro Transit System
Thursday, April 17, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Reston Association, in partnership with Fairfax County, is offering a hands-on training to help people 65 and older navigate local bus and metro rail systems with confidence. We will end the experience with lunch at Gregorio’s (optional). Free event, but you must bring money ($5) to purchase a metro/SmarTrip card. Registration required as space is limited. Register online at reston.org or call 703-435-6577.

Senior Safety Summit
Wednesday, April 23, 10 a.m.-Noon
McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean
Join the McLean Citizens Association, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and the Fairfax County Police Department to learn about public safety. Topics will include community risk reduction, search and rescue, financial crimes against senior citizens, crime prevention and safety, emergency preparedness, and the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign. No registration needed.

George Mason Friends Book Sale
Wednesday, April 23 – Sunday April 27 
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Preview sale, Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. Entry fee $20/adult. General sale, Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., free. Browse a wide variety of used books, CDs, and DVDs. For more details, visit georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or call 703-813-6616.

Spark Joy: Right Sizing and Decluttering for Seniors with Mary Ann Gallotta 
Wednesday, April 30, 11 a.m.-Noon 
Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke
Mary Ann Gallotta, a certified Marie Kondo - KonMari Consultant, will talk about decluttering, organizing, and keeping what Spark(s) Joy. Registration required at tinyurl.com/nhav4e2w. 

Friends of Centreville Regional Library Spring Book Sale
Friday, May 2, 1-5 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 1-4 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville
Shop fiction and nonfiction for all ages, DVDS, audiobooks, and more! No electronic scanners allowed. On Sunday, fill a grocery bag for just $10!

Free Community Document Shredding Event
Saturday, May 3, 9-11 a.m. (or until truck is full)
The Fairfax Community Center, 9140 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Fort Belvoir (located by the corner of Telegraph Road and Route 1, not on base)
Sponsored by the Army Retirement Residence Foundation – Potomac. Max five boxes per person. Remove any plastic. For more information, call 703-781-2460 or email contactus@aarfp.org.

Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Forum
Wednesday, May 7, 10-11 a.m.
Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Guest Speaker John Lechelt, Professor of Political Science, Northern Virginia Community College, will address the subject of Guns in America: A Complex National Dilemma. This program is free and open to the public without registration. Email any questions to admin@llinova.org.

Dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information using the phone numbers or websites provided.