Department of Family Services Alert:
Safely Visit Grandparents and Older Adults
Since March, many older adults have been kept safe in quarantine, limiting contact with family to Zoom or Facetime. Now, many long to see their children, grandchildren, and other family and friends, but are unsure of the risks. Learn more about what to keep in mind as you make your decision whether or not to visit with family members who are older.
Three Steps to Stay Safe from COVID-19 if You are 60+
As communities and businesses continue to open, people are looking for ways to resume some daily activities as safely as possible. It is important to remember that COVID-19 continues to spread in our community. Everyone is at risk, but older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Learn about three steps that can help protect you.
So Many Ways to Volunteer
Volunteer Solutions explains the differences and needs of various service-related organizations in the Fairfax area. Learn more about the organizations most Golden Gazette readers asked about.
Family caregiving often comes unexpectedly. As a result, lives and relationships to other family members may change. That is why having a plan is important. For instance, what can you do if family members are hours away? How can you come together and start planning? And, how can you avoid tension and possible arguments? The truth is that caregiving comes with much satisfaction along with stress and pitfalls. If you are in this situation, do not wait to start a conversation to plan for the future. Find online support and health group options offered by Fairfax County for caregivers, or call the Adult and Aging Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711, if you need further information on caregiver support.
A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming. Many caregivers are anxious about the future and need advice. This webinar helps caregivers plan for the future. You will also learn how to maintain friendships, tips for traveling, changes in routine and more. Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 12-1 p.m. The webinar is presented by Lindsey Vajpeyi, Insight Memory Care Center. Register or call 703-324-7496.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias are often accompanied by challenging behaviors such as anger and aggressiveness. Feeling hurt or frustrated
is not unusual. Learn how to cope and better understand dementia by joining the Caregiver Telephone Support Group, Tuesday, Sept. 8,7-8 p.m. This group is facilitated by experienced Elderlink Social Workers Daphne Van Tiem and Jennifer Purcell.
According to the Fairfax County Office of Elections, absentee voting by mail begins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and you can apply now. Fairfax County election officials are strongly encouraging absentee voting for the Nov. 3 general election as the safest, quickest option during the ongoing pandemic.
You no longer need a reason to vote absentee due to a new state law, and any registered voter can vote absentee by mail or in person. But, you still must apply to vote absentee.
Because mail delivery may be slow, officials urge voters to apply now – and return their ballots as soon as possible. It’s anticipated that many voters will choose to vote by mail, and this is another reason to act now since election officials will need to process a large number of applications.
The easiest and fastest way to apply is online.
In-person absentee voting will also be offered at 14 locations across Fairfax County starting Wednesday, Oct. 14. If you choose to vote absentee in person, you will fill out an application when you arrive at one of these locations:
For more information or questions about absentee voting, contact the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711 or by email. Learn more about the Office of Elections.
Fairfax County Channel 16 Mature Living focuses on the activities and community contributions of the Fairfax County’s older adults.
Adjusting to the New Normal explores how older adults are adapting to the “new normal” of social distancing and virtual programming. Host Anne Hall first interviews Jackie Rich, technology instructor for the county senior centers. Rich shares how the county’s new Virtual Center for Active Adults came online using the Zoom platform. She explains the county had been exploring a virtual senior center option for some time to accommodate participants who could not come to the center because of illness or disability. The pandemic put the project in high gear.
You can tune in to this show online or on television at the days and times listed.
Sunday 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
Monday 5 p.m.
Tuesday 4 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
Wednesday 6:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m., 4 p.m.,11:30 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m., 4 p.m., 11 p.m.
Tune in to these shows online or on television at the days and times listed.
Everyday Tai Chi
Sundays 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Mondays at 7 a.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Everyday Yoga: Movement for Life – Very Gentle
Mondays 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Everyday Yoga: Movement for Life – Medium Gentle
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 8 a.m.
Everyday Yoga: Light Challenge
Thursdays, 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Everyday Yoga: Medium Challenge
Fridays 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Finding work is never easy and the pandemic has made it that much more of a challenge. The good news is the county has new virtual employment services that can help! Find out how by tuning into the Fairfax 50+ Podcast and check out the topic: Northern Virginia’s Senior Community Services Employment Program – Jim Person’s interview with Linda Siam of the Senior Community Services Employment Program.
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Scam Slam Audio Series is Fairfax County’s newest podcast program. Martin Bailey, who represents AARP Virginia and the Senior Medicare Patrol on Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force, hosts the show. He provides listeners information on current scams as well as advice on protecting their identity and credit. Tune in to the Scam Slam Audio Series – Two Factor Authentication.
Scam Slam’s motto is that the best way to avoid a scam is to know what scams are going around. But it’s also important to know how to protect yourself from hacking, fraud and identify theft, says Bailey. That’s why his recent show focuses on Two-Factor Authentication. According to Bailey, many financial web sites offer this as a choice to customers for added protection. However, he says, too many of us don’t bother to take advantage of it.
What is Two Factor Authentication?
According to Bailey, it’s an online process that requires you to enter a password and an additional piece of information to log into your account. With one of the elements either missing or supplied incorrectly, access is denied.
Generally, the first piece of required information will be:
Two-Factor Authentication, says Bailey, is based on the assumption that it is unlikely a scammer will be able to provide both pieces of information to gain access to your account. He recommends that if your accounts have a Two-Factor Authentication option, that you implement it as soon as possible to give yourself an extra layer of security. According to Bailey, you can find more information through your financial institution or the Federal Trade Commission.
As always, if you feel you have been a victim of any scam, he advises calling the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency at 703-691-2131, TTY 711.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), some Virginia residents have received unsolicited seed packages from China. Chinese writing may be on the outside packaging. The types of seeds in the packages are unknown and may be invasive plants. VCACS says not to plant the seeds. Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops.VDACS encourages county residents to report unsolicited seeds. Send an email to the Office of Plant Industry Services.
New members, men and women, are always welcome to join the John Weber Senior Bowling League – a full handicap, non-competitive senior league. Bowling occurs at the Falls Church Bowl America on Tuesday and Friday mornings,10 a.m. from Labor Day Week to early May. All players must comply with current safety guidelines and wear a mask.
Each day is a different league, and you can bowl both days. New and experienced bowlers are welcome to join. According to Jim Allison, league president, bowling is ideal for retired persons who want to continue an active lifestyle. Contact Allison at 703-323-8132 for more information.
After a months-long pandemic-related hiatus, programs and classes of the Fairfax County Park Authority are scheduled to resume this fall! You can learn all about the classes, tours and events with the new Parktakes quarterly magazine. It is available online.
All classes will be conducted according to the Fairfax County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines. Outdoor, indoor and virtual programming options are available in a wide range of interest areas and age groups, including fitness, nature, fine arts, gardening and golf. You can even find classes just for seniors.
“We have reduced our class sizes to enable appropriate social distancing, and we are allowing more time between classes for cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces,” said Park Authority Program Branch Manager John Berlin. “To further guard against the spread of illness, temperature checks are required for everyone who enters our facilities, and everyone over the age of two is required to wear a mask or face covering at all times, except when actively exercising.”
Parktakes subscribers are receiving printed copies in the mail at this time, and copies also will be available at public libraries and Park Authority facilities. Registration is currently underway. To learn more, call 703-222-4664 or register.
Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) has postponed its fall season, but all is not lost. With sensible safety precautions in place, NVSS is currently holding batting practices at Hummer Park in Annandale. It begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Another batting session is held at Braddock Park, 9 a.m., on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The league does not hold tryouts – just an assessment of skills. Learn more details. For safety precaution information, contact Dave at 703-663-7881.
Eleven virtual classes feature a gentle introduction to the Vinyasa method, which helps participants increase the strength, flexibility and endurance necessary for gardening. $127 per person. Register online (code 5MM,9ZGL) or call 703-642-5173.
Attend this free virtual workshop by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) experts for a better understanding of Medicare, Medigap, drug plans and long-term care insurance. Registration is required. Contact Anouphone Chinyavong, 703-339-7676, TTY 711.
Learn from the Insight Memory Care Center about multiple care options to plan and evaluate what is right for your family. This program is a part of a series of classes for caregivers. Sessions are free and held the third Wednesday of each month. Log-in information will be sent to registrants prior to the class. Register.
The Mount Vernon Genealogical Society hosts a free virtual presentation by award-winning author and genealogist Shannon Combs-Bennett. Details to access presentation provided by email to registered participants. Register or learn more information.
Program is for individuals interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing symptoms. Learn how to manage pain and fatigue, eat healthier, and remain active. Offered via phone. Call from anywhere! Registration is required. Register by calling Dianne Duke, ElderLink, 703-324-7721, TTY 711.
