Department of Family Services Alert:
Hooah to Veteran and Caregiver Mike Keel
Mike acknowledges that being a caregiver is a tough situation, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He encourages others to reach out to the Fairfax County Adult, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948. “They have given me many practical tips, shared methods of coping and allowed me to be with others in the same situation, and I very much thank them.” Learn more about Mike's story.
Meet James Arthur Keaton, Sr. United States Army
Fairfax County counts thousands of veterans among its neighborhoods. At the age of 93, James Arthur Keaton, Sr. is among a small list of nonagenarians in our county who have served in multiple wars.
Keaton left his home in Brooklyn in 1950 when he was drafted into the Korean War. He was trained as a helicopter technician, specialized as a rotary wing technician, and was also an aircraft maintenance supervisor. In addition to the Korean War, he completed multiple tours in Germany, France and Vietnam.
Learn more about James' story.
Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Fairfax County and all its Adult Day Care Centers honor those who bravely served in the United States military.
Simple Exercises to Manage Chronic Pain
No matter what your age, chronic pain can be a part of your life. It is often defined as a pain that lasts for more than three months. Learning how to manage pain can make a big difference in quality of life. Fairfax County offers an evidenced-based Chronic Pain Self-Management program that focuses on strategies and tools to effectively manage pain. Learn more about exercises to manage chronic pain.
Virtual 50+ Employment Expo
If you are over fifty and looking for employment, attend the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo by using Zoom—which is a popular way to join meetings and conferences using a computer or phone.
Network with area employers.
Attend free workshops.
Learn new job-search skills.
Visit with multiple employers with available full-time and part-time salaried job opportunities.
There are three upcoming expos to choose from. The first one is Friday, Dec.4 10 a.m.–2p.m. Check back at the Golden Gazette to learn details for February and May. Registration is free.
Learn more about the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo.
The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) is comprised of 12 volunteers appointed by elected officials of Fairfax County, Falls Church and the City of Fairfax.
The COA advocates for the needs of older adults and taps their potential to enrich the community.
The federal Older Americans Act mandates that local area agencies on aging have community advisory committees. The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging is the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's community advisory committee. It advises the agency on developing and coordinating community services, policies, programs and actions affecting older adults in the Fairfax area.
Fairfax Area Commission on Aging Officers
Chair: Carolyn Sutterfield, City of Fairfax
Vice Chair: Mike Perel, Braddock District
Secretary: Cathy Muha, Sully District
Virtual. Join by PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android at https://zoom.us/j/99461889022. Use access code COAm12345!
COA Virtual Meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m.
Live audio available. Dial 888-270-9936 or 602-333-0032. Conference code 231525.
For ADA accommodations, contact Hilda Naranjo by email or call 703-324-7496, TTY 711. To access via AT&T Bridge, call 1-877-336-1829, access code: 8628844.
Winter weather includes ice, heavy snow, and extreme cold conditions. These can cause power outages and loss of heat and communications services—sometimes for many days. The greatest threat from winter weather is often its secondary impacts, such as traffic accidents on icy roads. Hypothermia and frostbite, which can result from prolonged exposure to cold, are also risks. Additionally, clean-up (shoveling) from winter weather events can be strenuous and may therefore pose a risk for older adults and others with physical limitations.
Before
During
After
Learn more information about preparing and making your emergency plan.
November honors and celebrates caregivers who are selflessly caring for family, neighbors or friends who have an illness, injury, or disability. Learn more about National Family Caregivers Month.
The Department of Family Services (DFS) also recognizes that caregivers are experiencing more stress and isolation during COVID-19. This is why DFS is offering helpful information, support, and resources. Programs include in-home care, respite services, caregiver support, consultation, bathing services, care management and monthly webinars on important caregiving topics. Learn more about Older Adults' program information and services or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711 Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you are caregiving at home, you may be helping with personal care, financial issues, legal matters and medical needs. Join the caregiver webinar on Wednesday, Nov., 18, 12-1 p.m. and learn about helpful programs and services available. Karen Hannigan with the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources will present this webinar.
Register online and scroll to Free 2020 Webinars for Family Caregivers or call 703-324-5484.
Discussion focuses on the good things caregivers do, and how caregivers are on this journey together. Join the call, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7-8 p.m. to share your observations about what it means to be a caregiver. This support group is facilitated by two dynamic and experienced ElderLink social workers, Daphne Van Tiem and Jennifer Purcell.
Register online and look for the links in Hot Topics. You also may call 703-324-5376 or email Daphne Van Tiem. An access phone number will be provided for the call.
A person who lives in a long-term care facility maintains all of the same rights as an individual living in the community. A person living in a long-term care facility also gains additional rights as a resident, one of which is the right to raise formal grievances. A resident can present their grievances at any time to facility staff or any other person without fear of discrimination or retaliation. The facility must act promptly to help resolve the grievance, and provide a written decision to the resident, if requested. The resident also has the right to file a complaint with their local state survey agency or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
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 in order to protect dignity, choices, and self-determination.
The Ombudsman Program is a resident-directed program that is available to assist with concerns about quality of care, and to educate the community about long-term care services. For more information about residents’ rights or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the Ombudsman Program at 703-324-5861 or contact the Ombudsman Program by email.
Tune in to Channel 16 for a taste of community! The award-winning station provides an interesting mix of county news and government proceedings as well as features on the interesting people and places that make Fairfax County such a wonderful place to live.
Shows include 16 Around Fairfax, County Magazine, the library’s Check It Out, and Parks Plus. Each of these programs include beautiful footage of county parks and facilities as well as interviews with county staff and residents.
You can enjoy Channel 16 programming online, anytime, or just turn on your television. Learn more about online programming, live streaming and the complete broadcast schedule.
The Silver Shield Campaign helps older adults avoid being scammed by sharing critical information about current scams.
Check out the latest warning about COVID-19 scams about miracle cure and stimulus checks.
Ruhi Ahmed is a volunteer virtual social visitor with Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions. When Ruhi learned that Volunteer Solutions created a virtual social visitor role, she jumped at the chance to help reduce social isolation. Ruhi shared, “I am forever grateful for having been given the opportunity to volunteer. This year, I have learned that life can be unpredictable, but I am reminded of the importance of positive thinking, thanks to my client.” Learn more about Ruhi's story.
Losing the ability to drive poses real challenges to getting around. When a pandemic is added to this scenario, the need for volunteers becomes greater. If you need services, or, would like to volunteer to help adults (55+) and their caregivers, select a Shepherd's Center below. Drivers are needed throughout the county, and some centers are also looking for administrative support, too.
Driving includes going to the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, picking up food from a restaurant, taking others to medical appointments, and more. Volunteers choose their hours and preferred task. The Shepherd's Center adheres to CDC safety guidelines for volunteers.
Online Medicare 101 training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it.
This session will address Medicare:
This free class is taught by Fairfax County staff who are non-biased, state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors. Registration is required. Login/phone call-in information will be sent to all registered participants a day before the event. Learn more and register for an upcoming class.
