Testers Needed

The Alzheimer's Foundation is seeking families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or related dementias who would be interested in testing a new locator device at no charge.


Dear Friend,

As you well know, wandering is an enormous concern for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families-and we are committed to finding solutions to this problem.

We're excited to let you know that the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is teaming up with Breadcrumb, a technology company, with the intent of marketing a new, innovative locator device specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who may wander. To move this forward, we are currently seeking individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their family caregivers to participate in a free, 30-day pilot project.

We ask that you help us locate interested participants by spreading the word about this important project. As a thank you, participants will be able to continue to use the locator device for one year at no cost (a value of approximately $600+).

Breadcrumb is a small wristband-type device strapped to the individual, and uses a cellular system to identify the location of a participant who wanders out of doors and to display the person's route and real time location on a map or Smartphone. The device regularly reports the person's location to the Breadcrumb call center around the clock, and pre-identified caregivers are notified via text message and/or phone call when the person leaves a designated geographic field.

We will provide participants with the system and operating instructions, and ask that they use the system for 30 days and fill out pre-, mid- and post-surveys, as well as data for the call center.

Specifically, we are seeking a diverse group of participants: residing at home in urban/rural areas from coast to coast, various ethnic backgrounds, various ages, male/female, various stages of the disease, etc.

Please help us spread the word, and ask your clients who are interested and/or want more information to please contact Christine Valentin, an AFA social worker and project coordinator, at 866.232.8484 or cvalentin@alzfdn.org. We would appreciate your prompt attention.

Thanks so much,
Carol Steinberg
Executive Vice President
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
866-232-8484
csteinberg@alzfdn.org

Volunteers In the News

Great work by Becky Holder and Charlie Marks!

http://www.chronicle-express.com/features/x1290551056/Telling-Tales-Out-of-School

Yates County Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Yates County Falls Prevention Awareness Day
September 21, 2010

Did you know that medication interactions are a leading cause of falls for seniors 60 years of age and older? Community based adults over the age of 65 who experienced a fall within the past year were more likely to be taking more than 4 prescribed medications.

Wouldn’t you like to know if your prescription and over the counter medications could cause you to fall? ProAction Yates Office for the Aging, Yates County Public Health, and Yates County Emergency Management Services are conducting a Medication Review Event.
At this event, a local pharmacist will be evaluating your medications. You will also receive Falls Prevention education including home safety tips, and the sign ups for the Matter of Balance Falls Prevention Exercise class.

Please bring a list of your prescription and over the counter medications including the name of the medication, the dosage, the dosage instructions, the name of the prescriber, and what the medication is being taken for, to the event location of your choice:

10am -12noon: First Presbyterian Church, Corner of Main and Clinton Streets, Penn Yan


1pm-2pm: Roy Wood Community Room, Dundee Youth Center 15-17 Main Street, Dundee

Volunteer Needed: Alzheimer's Group Facilitator

Description

Guide participation of support group members, emphasizing group interaction and non-judgmental atmosphere for sharing with one another, utilizing educational materials provided by the Alzheimer's Association.

Skills

Alzheimer's Knowledge: Some knowledge of Alzheimer's disease ad the impact on families helpful, general care giving knowledge , comfort with the expression of emotions, active listening skills, ability to redirect and facilitate discussion. Non-judgmental/Confidential.

Requirements

Guide participation of support group members, emphasizing group interaction and non-judgmental atmosphere for sharing with one another, utilizing educational materials provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Some knowledge of Alzheimer's disease ad the impact on families helpful, general care giving knowledge , comfort with the expression of emotions, active listening skills, ability to redirect and facilitate discussion. Non-judgmental/Confidential.

Routinely meet 2nd Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 (meeting runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m.).

Volunteers Needed!

We're still searching for volunteers for the following assignments.  Call or email Jen if you'd like more information!  607-535-7105 or JLG228@cornell.edu


YATES COUNTY:
Historical and Genealogical Society - Assistants
Keuka Comfort Care - Resident Care Volunteer
Office for the Aging - Alzheimer's Group Facilitator (2 hours once/month)
Office for the Aging - Phone Pal


SCHUYLER COUNTY:
Franklin Street Gallery and Gift Shop - Sales Clerks
Office for the Aging - Congregate Meal Deliverers (using OFA van)
Office for the Aging - Kitchen Helpers
Office for the Aging - Shopping Assistants
Office for the Aging - Wii Instructors
Office for the Aging - Dial-A-Ride Assistant (door-to-door)
Historical Society - Docents and Clerical
Montour Falls Library - Read to Children
Montour Falls Library - Library Assistant
Strong Kids/Safe Kids - Greeters
Habitat for Humanity - Greet and Register (One-time event.  9/23 meeting.)
International Motor Racing Research Center - Assistants and Cleaners

Mark Your Calendars!

Schuyler-Yates Recognition Events are planned in October.

The Yates County RSVP recognition event is scheduled Monday, October 4th, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Penn Yan Moose Lodge, 301 East Elm Street. It will feature a buffet-style luncheon, a short awards program and entertainment.

The Schuyler County RSVP recognition event is scheduled Wednesday, October 13th, 10 a.m. until noon at Watkins Glen International. It includes a brunch, short awards program and entertainment.

Volunteers Needed: Keuka Comfort Care Home

The Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan is looking for volunteers to provide end of life comfort care, including help with medications and personal care, to residents of Keuka Comfort Care Home.  Also to provide emotional support to residents and family members.

Skills required:  compassion, empathy, positive demeanor, ability to perform or assist with caregiving activities including feeding, grooming, repositioning, hygiene; ability to perform basic cooking and housekeeping activities; must be able to read, write and speak English.

Training:  4-part classroom style training (approximately 6-8 hours) followed by 2-3 shadowing experiences.  Training to include information on communication, stress management, grief and spirituality, and hands-on caregiving.

Times/Dates Needed:  Volunteers work in 4-hour shifts.  Thursdays between 3:00 - 8:00 p.m..  Fridays between 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. periodically.  Saturdays between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m..  Sundays between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m..  Volunteer support on evenings and weekends are most needed.  Volunteer weekly or every other week.

If this sounds like an assignment you would like to pursue, please contact RSVP at 607-535-7105 or email Jen at JLG228@cornell.edu.

Keuka Comfort Care Fund Raiser

See HERE for flier.

The Keuka Comfort Care home is hosting its Fifth Annual Pig Roast, Sunday, September 12, at The VALLEY INN in Guyanoga, from 1 to 4 PM.

Bring your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, and join in all the fun with the folks from the Keuka Comfort Care Home for their 5th Annual Pig Roast. Willie and Jennifer Allison, along with the fine staff at The Valley Inn, and the wonderful volunteers from the Keuka Comfort Care Home, make this an enjoyable day with all you can eat, spit roasted pig, fabulous salads and fine accompaniments, and of course great friends, both old and new.

Takeouts will be available for those who can’t stay and socialize or if you can’t get enough of this mouthwatering meal. Tickets are a $12.00 donation. and are available at THE VALLEY INN, THE MOOSE CLUB, PINCKNEY HARDWARE, and LONG’S CARDS AND BOOKS, or call BILL KAYS at 315-536-9651, BILL MCEVILY at 315-536-0067 OR THE KEUKA COMFORT CARE HOME at 315-536-1690, and as always, at the door on SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 from 1 to 4pm.

"My Benefits"

This website offers a quick, easy and confidential pre-screening for individuals to determine if they may be eligible for help.  By answering a simple set of online questions, New Yorkers can find out if they may qualify for supports such as nutritional assistance (food stamps, school meals),  Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC, many other tax credits), health insurance programs including Healthy NY, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicaid , and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Temporary Assistance.  The myBenefits.ny.gov homepage includes additional valuable links on these resources and others.

Residential Energy Credit

You still have time to make qualified improvements to your main home and claim the credit on your upcoming Tax Year 2010 tax return.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products. Publication 4845 highlights some key points about the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Homeowners who have been considering some energy efficient home improvements may find these tax credits will result in bigger tax savings. Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, is used to claim the credits.

Attached is a PDF of the Residential Energy Credit flyer for your information. It is posted on IRS.gov. It can be downloaded and printed or distributed electronically.

Bone Builders Classes

Bone Builders classes resume this fall. These exercise classes are designed to help reduce the incidence of osteoporosis in men and women age 50 and older. Trained RSVP volunteers lead weekly classes, utilizing progressive weight-bearing exercises developed at Tufts University. These FREE classes will be offered at sites across Schuyler and Yates Counties.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of people age 50 and older. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men can also suffer from osteoporosis. Those affected by osteoporosis cannot feel their bones getting weaker. They may not know they have it until they break a bone, often the result of a minor fall.

Bone Builder classes are recommended for men and women 55 and older to help reduce the chance of getting osteoporosis. Participants must have a signed release from their doctor to join. Call Schuyler-Yates RSVP at (607) 535-7105 for enrollment information. Space is limited.

RSVP…Experience in Action

Join today!

Volunteers Needed: Yates County Genealogical & Historical Society

The Yates County Genealogical and Historical Society is in need of two volunteers to do museum work. Volunteers will be asked to assist with routine museum inside and outside care and basic office work. Mobility and basic office skills are a must. Three hours in the am or pm per week are needed. Training is provided.

Free Computer Training

Digital Inclusion Project
Open to the public 55+

Sponsored by the Senior Employment Program

Two Training Site Available:

CSS Workforce Center
117 E. Steuben St., Bath

Monday 8:30-4:30pm
Thursday 8:30-4:30pm
Friday 12:30-4:30pm

Peer Coach - Andrew Morrill


Dormann Library
101 West Morris Street, Bath

Monday 10:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 12:00-2:00pm
Thursday 10:00-2:30pm
Friday 10:00-2:00pm

Peer Coach - Linda Abeling


You may participate at either facility, at any time during the hours above.

For further information, contact: Jo-Ann at 776-2125 ext. 118

Volunteer Needed: Web Site Designer

RSVP is looking for a volunteer to help design a new web site for their Schuyler & Yates office.  If you have experience in web design, please email Jen at JLG228@cornell.edu and provide any examples you may have. Thanks!