Department of Family Services Alert:
Shining a Light on Volunteering
Meet Mujeeb Chowdhry, a gentleman who shines his light wherever he goes and exemplifies what it means to be a compassionate volunteer. He smiled as he shared, “I like volunteering with Fairfax County. It’s very organized and there are so many options.”
Spring is a time for growth and appreciating the beauty around us. This season appropriately coincides with National Volunteer Month. Every April, we recognize and honor the beautiful ways volunteers make our communities better. Read more.
Understanding Long-Term Care Facility Inspection Reports
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. Read more.
George Mason Seeks Participants for Dementia Care Partner Study
George Mason University (GMU) Department of Social Work invites care partners who are caring for a loved one with dementia to participate in Mason CARES, a research study about care partner stress-management. The program aims to reduce care partner stress/burden and increase care partner well-being. Learn more.
Disclosure of Sexual Violence in Later Life
Sexual violence can impact people of any age. Some older adults who experienced sexual violence as children or young adults may disclose their experience for the first time later in life. Many older adults grew up with a more rigid understanding of gender roles and sexuality than younger generations. Additionally, norms around consent in previous decades often kept people from reporting their experiences, or even thinking of them as assault or abusive. Read more.
(by Jacquie Woodruff, Legislative and Policy Supervisor)
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 March 16 COA meeting, Colin Brody, Assistant Public Health Emergency Management Coordinator, Health Department, presented a COVID-19 update.
The COA reviewed information-gathering approaches to support the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan development. Commissioners also discussed COA budget testimony for the BOS FY 2023 Advertised Budget hearings.
Next COA Meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 1 p.m.
The COA continues to meet virtually this month.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81959886538
Access Code: COA-m1234!
For live audio dial, 888-270-9936 or call
602-333-0032; Conference Code: 231525
For ADA accommodations, contact:
Hilda Naranjo, 703-324-7496 or
Hilda.Naranjo@FairfaxCounty.gov;
TTY services available via 711.
For meeting updates, visit:
https://bit.ly/DFS-BAC-COA-Meetings
(from Disability Rights and Resources)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published a guide - Getting The Care You Need (A Guide for People with Disabilities), which offers information and checklists to assist people with disabilities in receiving the healthcare they need. According to the guide, people with disabilities have the right to access the same medical services as everyone else. This means providers:
The guide talks about understanding your rights, working with providers to get the care and resources you need, what to do if you experience difficulties, and more. Read the full guide here: www.cms.gov/Files/Document/Getting-Care-You-Need-Guide-People-Disabilities.pdf.
(from the AARP and the Silver Shield Task Force)
Knowledge gives you power over scams. Join AARP Virginia and attendees from across the U.S. for a FREE virtual event on Friday, April 22, at 9 a.m. ET. AARP membership is not required.
The 5th Annual Scam Jam will provide reliable, up-to-date insights, and information and resources to better protect yourself and loved ones. With AARP Virginia and the Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force on your side, you’ll be better equipped to stay ahead of scammers. Registration for Scam Jam is required.
To strike back against scammers, AARP Virginia and the Silver Shield Task Force are working together to empower consumers to spot and avoid scams, and to provide support and guidance to victims and their families when fraud happens.
Register and attend Scam Jam to receive a complimentary copy of Mensa® AARP® Challenging Brain Twisters:100 Logic and Number Puzzles.
(by the Office of Emergency Management)
Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergencies. In these stressful times, having access to records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.
Preparedness Tips
More information: www.ready.gov/finanical-preparedness.
(by Christina Paladeau, Fairfax County Public Library)
Throughout 2022 Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is celebrating literacy in all its forms, showcasing a different type through programs, activities and resources each month. With tax season in full swing, April is Financial Literacy Month at your local library.
What is Financial Literacy?
According to the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy as noted by PBS.org, personal financial literacy is "the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively” to achieve and maintain financial well-being. It’s never too late to boost your financial literacy and benefit from better money management skills; the following library programs and resources will help you do so!
Free Financial Literacy Month Events
Visit Centreville Regional Library any time in April to participate in a financial literacy scavenger hunt. Turn in your completed form by April 30 for the chance to win a personal finance book.
Join FCPL virtually on Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. for a workshop on saving and investing — including discussion of asset allocation and diversification as well as tips for retirement and how to avoid fraud in the investment world — with Suzanne McGovern of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Advance registration is required.
Learn about all aspects of Social Security from an expert during a presentation by AARP at Sherwood Regional Library on Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m. For more events like this, check out the library events calendar at bit.ly/FCPL_GG-finance
Need tax help, too? Appointments are available through April 16 for AARP Tax Help at Herndon Fortnightly Library and VITA Tax Assistance at Kingstowne Library. Register at bit.ly/FCPL_TaxHelp.
Always-Available Money Management Resources
FCPL cardholders now enjoy fine-free* borrowing from the library’s collection, which includes 500+ books, eBooks and audiobooks on personal finance: bit.ly/FCPL_ReadPersonalFinance. Plus, access curated information, databases, tools and more anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection by visiting the online guide to Finance, Investing and the Economy at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/finance.
FCPL’s online guide for Adults and 50-Plus at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/adult offers recommended books, programs, recorded presentations and more on a variety of topics.
*Some special collections, including interlibrary loans, Chromebooks and hotspots, continue to accrue overdue fines.
(by Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. According to The Parkinson’s Foundation, “Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's Disease (PD)…[and] this is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.” Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, and symptoms generally develop slowly over time, according to the Mayo Foundation.
If you are caring for someone who has been diagnosed with PD, it is important to remember that as the disease progresses, your role as a caregiver will change with it. Hence, having a strong support network is essential because it will provide connections and opportunities to learn from others who have experienced similar situations.
Caring for someone with PD takes time. In fact, The Parkinson’s Caregiver: 7 Ways to Help Your Loved One from Johns Hopkins Medicine, recommends educating yourself to have a better understanding of the disease; attend doctors’ appointments, ask questions and take notes; keep track of changes and new symptoms, and make sure medications are taken accordingly.
To learn more about Fairfax County Family Caregiver Support Programs, contact our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948.
Living Better with Parkinson’s Disease - Caregiver Webinar
Drew Falconer, M.D., director of the Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, a board-certified neurologist, and a fellowship-trained movement disorders specialist, will provide caregivers with a basic clinical understanding of Parkinson’s Disease. He will also provide an understanding of what it feels like to live with Parkinson’s as a patient and share tips and resources to help make life with Parkinson's less challenging. Join us on Wednesday, April 20, from Noon-1 p.m. Online Registration: https://bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-5484.
Yoga and Meditation for Stress Reduction - Caregiver Workshop
In this session, caregiver wellness coach Lucy Gerland, will lead us into Chair Yoga moves and simple meditation to help relieve stress and bring calm and focus to your day. Lucy understands caregivers and their needs on a very personal level as she took care of both of her parents and is beginning a caregiving journey for another relative. Join us on Friday, April 8, from Noon-1 p.m. Online Registration: https://bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 703-324-5484.
Mindfulness in the Kitchen- Caregiver Workshop
Staying in the present moment reduces stress, improves memory, and (best) invokes gratitude. Preparing food offers a beautiful opportunity to come into the present. While demonstrating how to prepare a simple whole grain meal, cookbook author Cynthia Lair will share exercises on how to use all five senses to calm the mind, focus attention, and prepare better tasting food. Cooking with this intention improves our relationship to food, our cooking skills, and our sense of well-being. Lair has written three cookbooks, given a TEDx talk on "How to Cut an Onion", and was the host of the YouTube series Cookus Interruptus. Join us on Friday, April 29, from Noon-1 p.m. Online Registration: https://bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 703-324-5484.
Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center
As part of an international effort to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, the Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center is hosting a virtual Parkinson’s resource fair on April 13. Throughout the year, they will also offer a variety of educational, wellness and supportive programs for people with Parkinson’s, their families and friends, and professionals. The Inova team of movement disorders specialists always provides comprehensive, patient-centered care, as every patient is unique and should have their own individualized treatment plan. For more information, please contact sonia.gow@inova.org or go to inova.org/move.
Call 703-324-5374, TTY 711, for a free caregiver consultation, 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Caring for You, Caring for Me Thursdays, April 21-May 19, Noon-2 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 offered via Zoom. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577 or visit https://tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U to register.
Virtual Live Well: Chronic Disease Self-Management Mondays, April 4 through May 9, 2-4 p.m. Free.
Don't let ongoing health problems stop you from living the life you enjoy. Fairfax County's Virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. Learn positive strategies for better overall health, such as managing pain and fatigue, sleeping and eating better, increasing physical activity and so much more! Connect with others managing similar concerns. Classes offered via Zoom. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. For more information, please call Dianne Duke at 703-324-7721, TTY 711, or register at: https://tinyurl.com/CDSMP123.
Walk with Ease Thursdays, April 14-May 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.
This program, created by the Arthritis Foundation, allows you to walk at your own pace 3 x week. We will meet weekly to discuss successes, challenges, encourage one another, and learn information to stay healthy. Receive free guidebook and access to online resources. Class offered via Zoom. Contact Dianne Duke at 703-324-7721 or visit https://tinyurl.com/ElderLinkWWE.
(by Maria Loh, Program Coordinator, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number is systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is called diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Our blood pressure changes throughout the day based on our activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of hypertension. Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke which are the first and fifth leading causes of death for Americans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides helpful tips on how we can prevent hypertension and lower our risk for heart disease and stroke:
Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lower in saturated fat and sodium (salt) is recommended. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is proven to lower blood pressure. It emphasizes the following:
When making changes to your diet, starting with small changes may help you stay motivated. For example, instead of omitting all added sugars from your diet, make gradual changes such as replacing your sweetened desserts with fresh fruit three times a week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for hypertension and other diseases. Talk to your health care provider about ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, including through a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
Be Physically Active
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycling, five days a week. For older adults, physical activity reduces the risk of fall related injuries. Participating in a class like Matter of Balance, SAIL, Bingocize, Yoga, or Zumba, at your local senior center is a great way to increase physical activity. Always check with your health care provider before embarking on any new exercise regimen.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking is not just harmful to your lungs but also increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two alcoholic beverages a day while women should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can raise our risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Habitual short sleep duration (less than 7 to 8 hours) has also been linked to higher body mass index and weight gain. The appetite regulation hormones, leptin and ghrelin, can be affected by inadequate sleep.
More information about high blood pressure can be found at www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Are you looking for a way to lift your spirits and help someone else, too? There are many ways to spread kindness in our community. Learn about these volunteer opportunities below, or several others at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
Volunteer Solutions
The 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, English as a Second Language (ESL), American Sign Language (ASL), arts & crafts, 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
The Department of Family Services needs mentors throughout Fairfax County 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. Questions? Call a Befriend-A-Child Program Coordinator at 703-324-7072, or email Tiffani.Peguese2@fairfaxcounty.gov or EmilySwenson2@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Body Safety Program
Last year, 1,413 cases of child abuse or neglect were identified in Fairfax County. 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. Training is provided. Visit bit.ly/BodySafetyProgram or contact Francesca Watson at Francesca.Watson2@FairfaxCounty.gov, or 703-324-7459.
Humane Society of Fairfax
The Humane Society of Fairfax needs volunteers to help in their Second Chance Thrift Store at 4055 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax. Hours are flexible between 10am- 3pm, Monday through Friday, or until 4pm on Saturday. Volunteers are also needed to socialize with cats and dogs. Apply at hsfc.org. Email outreach@hsfc.org for more information
Submit county volunteer opportunities to Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions connects people with meaningful opportunities to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. Our volunteers provide support in one-on-one or group settings. Learn more by calling us at 703-324-5406, TTY 711 to speak with a volunteer coordinator. We'll help you find the right volunteer role for your schedule and interests!
(From the Fairfax County Office of Elections)
The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs additional bilingual election officers to assist voters in the June primary and November general elections.
Specifically, registered Virginia voters who speak Vietnamese and English fluently or Korean and English fluently are needed to serve in the areas Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church.
You will perform all regular election officer duties, including assisting most voters in English, but will be assigned to precincts with a significant number of voters who may primarily speak Vietnamese or Korean. To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you must also complete a short oral language skills assessment.
Fairfax County is the largest voting jurisdiction in Virginia with 247 precincts countywide. It takes thousands of enthusiastic and trained election officers to ensure that we have efficient and well-run elections. Compensation begins at $175 and training is provided online for new officers.
To apply: https://www.vote4fairfax.com/apply/ (be sure to indicate if you speak Vietnamese or Korean)
More information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/officers/new-officers
Videos: Become a Fairfax County Election Officer
A medical appointment or trip to the pharmacy is a challenge if you no longer drive. Consider becoming a volunteer driver or office assistant/ride scheduler through one of these organizations.
Herndon Village Network
703-375-9439, HerndonVillageNetwork.org
Mount Vernon at Home
703-303-4060, MountVernonAtHome.org
Reston Community Center
703-390-6198, RestonCommunityCenter.com/About-Reston/RCC-Rides
The Shepherd Centers are a non-profit organization sponsored by local area congregations, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 years and older.
Its primary purpose is to assist older adults to live independently in their homes and to offer programs for enrichment and socialization. They also provide transportation service. You must apply for the transportation service. Once accepted into the service, a request for a ride must be five days in advance.
The centers are also seeking volunteers. Call or email specific sites for information on what is available.
Women’s Softball
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. We play on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna. For more information, please call visit our web site www.goldengirls.org or call 571-261-9163.
Medicare Workshops
Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road: Crooked Road Royalty
March 20 - September 6, Free Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center 10209 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Crooked Road Royalty showcases the long history of picking and singing in the mountains. Visitors can explore the rich variety of roots music in western Virginia.
571-261-9163.
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.