The program was extremely well received by professionals and caregivers alike.  It also consisted of a lot of information, so we plan to have a DMAS representative return to our October 10 SANG meeting in the Northern Neck for more clarification on programs specific to seniors.  

For those of you who missed the presentation, you can click here to view Steve's power point presentation and we hope to see you in October!

Marsha Ombreski, Executive Director of the Pavillion Place at Williamsburg, spoke to the Senior Advocate Network Group in September about, "Myths about Mental Health Issues in Older Adults."

Click here to view her PowerPoint presentation.

Click here to read a review of her talk in the Virginian Gazette Newspaper.

Click here to get highlights from Bill's power point presentation.

- The Global Impact of an Aging World.  The Nielsen Company, February 8, 2011

Boomers continue to redefine each life stage as they arrive at it.  They utilized technology and social media to communicate with each other, their children and grandchildren.

Learn more by checking out the pdf presentation link, shared courtesy of Open Door Communications in Kilmarnock, Virginia.  For additional information, contact Susan McFadden at 804-435-8980.

The U.Va. Institute on Aging, the U.Va. School of Nursing, the Alzheimer's Association, the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology also developed this program

More than 35 million people in the United States are over 65 years old; that number is expected to more than double through the year 2050. The risk of Alzheimer's disease increases dramatically with age, and with the existing growth of the aging population, Alzheimer's disease is already a major public health challenge.

The Memory Commons site is designed to provide the latest clinical and research advances in the diagnosis and management of people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Through a variety of links, Memory Commons will add to the significant body of information the Alzheimer's Association already provides to patients, families and caregivers.

Memory Commons employs multiple educational formats to encourage learning and update health care providers on advances in dementia and Alzheimer's disease care, as well as improve quality of care and access to the latest treatment guidelines. Learning methods include tutorials, interactive case discussions, open case consults, blogs and an innovative interactive simulation of outpatient clinic encounters using a computer-gaming platform.

Commenting on the collaboration, the Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia Chapter addressed the importance of collaboration: "The association realizes the value and importance of collaboration to meet our goal of providing quality medical information on Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis and treatment to physicians and health professionals. Memory Commons is designed to meet this growing need through a convenient and accessible format. The website will also include valuable links to the Alzheimer's Association, providing current information of benefit to those with the disease, their caregivers and the general public."

Is Your Home Livable?

Would you like some ideas and a tax rebate to improve your home's convenience and visitability?
First, you can find a wealth of ideas by viewing the slide shows and videos of the category winners of AARP's 2010 Livable Communities Awards. The first house in particular, winner in the newly built 2,500 square foot category, is a fine example of how universally designed features and green building techniques work together without being noticeable or costing a fortune. We hope to enter a house in the 2011 competition so maybe your project can be it!
 
And how about free money? General Assembly HB 1950 is among 94 bills being reviewed by the Finance Committee. The Livable Home Tax Credit already exists and has been appropriated for 2011 but HB 1950 seeks to increase the credit from $2,000 to $5,000 to encourage more participation and to include developers and builders. Remember, a tax deduction merely lowers your amount of taxable income (reduces the size pie that the IRS chomps) whereas a tax credit is essentially a dollar-for-dollar rebate, free cash so to speak.
 
For more information on Universal Design, contact BuilderFish at www.BuilderFish.com or 434-299-8633.