Newsletter and Publications

As we get older, our nutrition needs can change. Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition, which can increase the risk of falling, slower recovery times, possible hospitalizations, and other health complications. Fortunately, there are many resources that can assist us in making sure that seniors get healthy meals.

The "winter blues" are common during the month of February, as the cold weather continues and some people struggle with the lack of daylight.

What's New to Start 2022: Beginning-of-the-year Highlights

Four members of the Dementia Coalition presented at the fall Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) conference on November 5 on the topic "Creating a Dementia-Capable Community: A Collaboration of Disability and Aging Services in Northwest Ohio." These presenters shared about the work that has been underway for the past three years, and shared plans for the future as the work continues.

The Senior Committee would like your feedback regarding some training opportunities we are planning for 2022. Our goal is to make our trainings as beneficial as possible for those who are interested in attending.

Recap of the September Dementia Coalition quarterly meeting o presentation on people with dementia wandering o information on the upcoming Dementia Coalition presentation at the Fall Ohio Provider Resources Association (OPRA) conference · Department of DD Health and Welfare Alert on Fall Prevention · Section Added - Opportunities not always available, but going on for several months - Trainings and Engagement Opportunities continued from last month – updated to highlight the October sessions of each series

· The effort to make the Solheim Cup event inclusive and disability-friendly, and accommodations being offered · Upcoming webinars hosted jointly by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, about supporting people with IDD and dementia · Jennifer Wolfe and staff from other dementia grant partner organizations have been selected to present about the grant project at the November Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) · Additions to the Ongoing Resources section o Legal help and legal resources from ABLE, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Toledo Bar Association, featured in August, have been added to the ongoing resources o TARTA Next web site – web site launched by TARTA to engage the community in their system re-design and receive feedback – this is in ongoing resources because it will be ongoing at least through mid-2022

AAA ‘Round Town Transportation Program for Seniors o Rides Free for those 65 and up until September 13 o Rates after September 13 TBD · Legal concerns and issues for aging people and those caring for loved ones with disabilities, and where to find help with those issues · Article about potential of using light and sound to treat Alzheimer’s

· Upcoming free webinars about strategies for supporting those with DD who also have dementia or are at risk, offered by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association · Information about Aducanumab – new drug approved by the FDA which may slow Alzheimer’s-related decline · Ultra-violet ray and sun safety · Health and Welfare Alert on Summer Safety from the Department of DD

· History, timeline, and purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15). · MedicineNet.com article summarizing studies about how effects and progress of Alzheimer’s may differ for male and female patients · “Emotional Self-Care for the Helping Professions” recorded webinar · Changes to Ongoing Resources section: o Updates to Virtual Activities section – includes Area Office on Aging and We Thrive Together activities o Emphasizes WTT 60+ events · Footer updated to add new member.

· Opportunity to provide feedback to the Ability Center on what barriers exist for people with disabilities: survey link and opportunities to meet with the Ability Center advocates · Dementia Friends trainings coming up May 11 and May 19, plus a little about Dementia Friends · May is Trauma Awareness Month; more about the Lucas County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition

In each odd-numbered year, the state of Ohio passes two budgets. The general revenue budget gets passed by July, but a separate transportation budget has to be passed first, by the end of March. The 2022-23 transportation budget has just been passed.

The Toledo Museum of Art and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo have formed a partnership designed to bring the Ability Center's knowledge and resources to the Museum, in order to give the Museum "the expertise to identify and systematically eliminate barriers to encounters with art, improving the Museum experience for people with disabilities at any stage of life."

A worldwide expert in Developmental Disabilities and Dementia will present the training "Basics of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia" as part of the "dementia capable communities" grant in which LCBDD is a partner.

This year the Aging Gracefully newsletter will spotlight different resources, education, and information each month to assist you in supporting those with developmental disabilities. We will continue our focus on aging and persons who are diagnosed with or at risk of developing dementia.

· Hunger and food insecurity. How they’re affected by the pandemic. List of local food banks. Information about Medicaid Managed Care Plan coverage of transportation to food banks · Information about Senior Committee and call for newsletter feedback.

· Sleep. Sleep hygiene, importance of sleep, sleep disorders.

Self-Esteem for/in seniors.

Introduction to Diana Waugh, a dementia expert living in the Toledo area, and her resources.

“Reading by the Colors” – Helen Irlen’s technique of using colored background or color transparencies to accommodate those with difficulties reading printed materials.  Written by a committee member who has completed a training on Irlen techniques.