Department of Family Services – Older Adults

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7948 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035
Trina Mayhan-Webb
Director

Golden Gazette – 2020 December


Golden Gazette newsletter banner graphic

2020 December

(Access the printed version.)


James WestrayUnexpected Lessons and Feelings in War
In many of the Fairfax County Senior Centers, you will find veterans. Men and women who served our country admirably and with pride. Sometimes their war stories are kept inside and better left untold. Others want to share as a way of healing. In addition, there are many like James A. Westray, United State Air Force-retired, who want their narrative to provide valuable insight about military service. Learn about James' story.


legs crossed on ottoman in front of fireplaceBeing Lazy Will Help Keep You Healthy this Holiday Season
The Adult Day Health Care team regularly counsels families on how to tweak everyday life to better accommodate special needs of older adults. Learn about the suggestions for a fun, safe and festive holiday this year.


music note with colorful backgroundEnjoy Live Friday Evening Concerts at Home this Winter
Since May, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ Virtual Center for Active Adults, in partnership with ServiceSource, has offered a wide range of classes and programs for older adults every week via Zoom. The VCAA’s classes have traditionally been offered only during the day, but an exciting new partnership with the community-based organization Quarantine Music Busters (QMB) has made it possible for the VCAA to now host a Friday evening concert series. 


person standing on escalator with cane in handUsing a White Cane – Symbol of Blindness and Independence
White Cane Safety Day is celebrated in the fall, but the importance of a white cane as a tool of independence is every day. Rachel shares with us how she learned to cope with visual impairment and, reluctantly, began using a white cane. Learn more about white cane.


decoration with snowflake and lightsTips for an Enjoyable Holiday with Adult Children
Over the last year, many families have been separated from loved ones for longer stretches of time than usual. If you have arranged to be together safely, then cherish that time, and be grateful.

As parents of adult children, check out five tips to make the holidays go smoother


Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force graphic logoSilver Shield Warns About Upcoming Holiday Scams
As the holidays approach, it is estimated that people will be spending about 730 billion dollars. During this time, scammers will try and steal not only money, but also the gifts you are purchasing for family and friends. Check out the top 10 shopping scams expected this holiday season and find out what to do and not to do to prevent them. Learn more about holiday scams.


person standing with arm in front palm faced outRecognizing Intimate Partner Violence in Older Adults
It is believed that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience Intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. Rates are harder to get for those 60 and above. IPV in older adults is similar to the experiences of other victims of domestic violence: abusers control their victims through intimidation, isolation, threats and violence. But for older victims, abuse can be made worse by poor health and other age-related needs. Cognitive impairment also increases this risk. Learn more about IPV, how to recognize signs of IPV and what to do to get help.

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) is an advisory board mandated by the Older American’s 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 Wednesday, Nov. 18 meeting, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented Older Adult Housing Options and Resources in Fairfax County.

The Department of Housing and Community Development and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) administer a variety of housing programs and services to have housing within reach for all who desire to be a part of the Fairfax County community.

FCRHA owns eight affordable senior housing communities and two affordable assisted living communities throughout the Fairfax County area.

COA Virtual Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m.

Virtual. Join by PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83019654527.
Use access code: COAm1234!

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 and use access code: 8628844

older adult and adult smiling(Article by Giuliana Valencia, Caregiver Support Specialist, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

As a caregiver, most of your time and energy is spent caring for your loved one, and you may be struggling to find time for yourself. Caregivers often feel guilty about making their wellbeing a priority. You need to take a break from the stress and weight of caregiving.

Pay attention to your own physical and emotional health. Remember that you are not alone, and you are doing the best you can. Learn more about resources for caregivers by calling the Aging Disability and Caregiver Resources line at 703- 324-7948 or visit Older Adults.

Caregiver Telephone Support Call

Would you like to learn, connect, and discuss the different caregiving challenges that you have experienced on your caregiving journey?

Join us on Tuesday, Dec., 8 from 7-8 p.m. for an open forum on all caregiving issues, questions you might have, and feedback and suggestions for the support call program going forward into the new year.

The group is facilitated by two dynamic and experienced Elderlink social workers, Daphne Van Tiem and Jennifer Purcell. Register online — look for the links in Hot Topics. You can also call 703-324-5376 or send an email to Daphne Van Tiem. An Access Phone Number will be provided.

Home Repair for the Elderly Program for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Are you helping a loved one who lives alone and in need of a home repair? Or needs grab bars, hand railings, special chairs or toilet seats?

The Home Repair for the Elderly Program is designed to provide minor home repairs to eligible low- and moderate-income elderly homeowners residing in the property, as well as accessibility modifications for homeowners with a disability. Fairfax County will provide a crew to do up to one week's labor and provide up to $500 in materials to complete necessary repairs and maintenance. Materials are paid for by county and federal funds. All materials and labor for the work done under this program are provided completely free of charge to eligible homeowners.

Learn more about the Home Repair for the Elderly Program or call Tameka Hawley at 703-246-6624.

Human Services Resource Guide

If you are a caregiver, you may be assisting your loved one with a variety of tasks: from checking in on a weekly basis to assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting, as well as managing medications and financial matters. Hence, it is crucial to be aware of the different programs and services offered in the community, and what a better place to do so than using the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG).

The HSRG is an online, searchable guide to available human services resources, such as food, housing, medical/dental and behavioral health, transportation, and much more. It provides detailed program and service descriptions, eligibility requirements, locations, and contact information. Learn more about the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG).

two candles burning side by side(Article by Courtney Arroyo, Office of Emergency Management)

As you get ready for the holiday season, be sure to decorate safely. A small fire from overloaded outlets or burning candles can quickly start and spread before you know it.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that fire departments across the U.S. responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with holiday trees each year and an average of 780 home structure fires began with decorations between 2013-2017.

To protect your family, follow these simple tips:

  • Turn off holiday lights at night or when you
  • leave the house.
  • Keep candles away from flammable materials.
  • Make sure your holiday tree has water—don’t let
  • it dry out.
  • Don’t overload outlets or extension cords.
  • Change smoke alarm batteries and test the
  • alarm.
  • Review your escape plan in case of fire.
  • Keep a small fire extinguisher handy.

For more information on holiday safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

laptop, cell phone, decorative plants - graphic for virtual classRegistration is required for all virtual Medicare 101 presentations.

Call the provided phone number to register or use email or web addresses. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) at 703-324-5851, TTY 711.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, Medicare 101
Noon–1:30 p.m.
703-324-5851
Contact: VICAP, 703-324-5851
Email: DFSVICAP@fairfaxcounty.gov
Register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEof-mrqDIvGNF_yaYZFpmNfDBi4CvQ6OSg

Thursday, Dec. 3, Medicare 101
10:30 a.m.–Noon
Hosted by Patrick Henry Library
Contact: Deb Smith-Cohen at 703-938-0405, extension 4
Email: dsmit1@fairfaxcounty.gov
Register: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/7057851 

Dec.–Jan. 10. Bull Run Festival of Lights, Centreville.
Open seven nights weekly. Monday to Thursday: 5:30–9:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday and holidays, 5:30–10 p.m. (Holidays include Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan.1) Experience 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. Cost varies from $20 to $30, depending on day. 

Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, free.
Attend if you are seeking a job. There will be a network of employers and training institutions to help you with your job search and search skills. Visit Virtual 50+ Employment Expo to learn more and to register. Sponsored by the Jewish Council on Aging, Fairfax County and local partners. 
 
Saturday, Dec. 12, 9:30–10 a.m., Gentle Yoga. Free. Virtual.
Take a little time for yourself this holiday season. Join in a gentle yoga practice for caregivers. All you'll need is some space to lay out a mat or towel and an extra blanket or towel available during the session. No experience necessary. Register.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 10–11 a.m. Managing Stress for the Holidays. Free.
Join this virtual session to learn practical strategies for stress management and maintaining emotional health during this holiday season. Register.

Sundays beginning Dec. 13, Nature Photography, Huntley Meadows Park, noon–2 p.m.
This is a five-week series. Join a park naturalist and a professional photographer to learn how to use a digital single-lense reflex camera and a tripod to capture images of the natural world. Try a variety of techniques to compose creative images of animals, plants and landscapes. Designed for beginners to intermediate skill levels. Call 703-222-4664 to register and for cost.  

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1–3 p.m. The Art of Friendship in Caregiving. Virtual.
Learn how to use elements of friendship—knowing the person well, enjoying activities together, communication, building self-esteem, and laughter—to make you a better caregiver! Free. Register.

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.


Check out the Golden Gazette's past newsletters – web version or printed version.

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Fairfax Virtual Assistant