News

Many thanks to our ASA Members for their generous donations of taxable goods at the ASA Membership Breakfast on 1/26/2023! Staff at the Lake County Council on Aging will distribute these items throughout the year to needy seniors in our community. 

Are you feeling unsure of where to find the link for our online meetings? Did you register for the meeting event on our website and the confirmation email still did not contain a link?? These are normal and typical responses to those that may not have opened or fully read their most recent edition of...

the ASA Blast - it holds the key: the link!!

It's good online meeting security protocol to NOT have the link listed on our website or Facebook page publicly. Our Facebook page reminds you of how to find the meeting link... 

ASA May Monthly Membership Meeting Online

The details of the May monthly meeting event on our website also tell how to obtain the link for the meeting.

The ASA Blast is now sent to more than just our members, so.. 

How will guests be allowed to join the virtual meeting?

(Hint: the answer is also listed in the ASA Blast..) Guests can email asaneo1984@gmail.com and we always invite them to sign up for an ASA membership through our website so they can be included on all the hot news (and meeting links!) shared in our bi-monthly ASA Blast emails! 

ASA members: see your most recent ASA Blast for the link to join our virtual meeting!

We are delighted to announce two 2020 ASA $1,500.00 scholarship recipients: Katie Lemr, a senior at Fairport Harding High School, and Suzanne Nedlik, a senior at Mentor High School. Katie plans to attend the University of Akron to pursue a degree in biochemistry and would someday like to contribute to finding a cure or treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Suzanne will attend Lakeland Community College, then a four-year university, leading to a degree in occupational therapy. We hope to have Katie and Suzanne join us at a summer ASA membership meeting. Congratulations Katie and Suzanne!

ASA Monthly Membership Meeting - May
Hosted by ASA Board

Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:00 am | 1 hour | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Meeting number: 625 007 160
Password: 3p4nTZNKiB7 (37468965 from phones and video systems)

Agenda: The ASA president will guide us through the format of our meeting.

Spotlight Sponsors: Lake Health Geriatric Psychology and Concord Community Center

Speaker: Brandon Smith, United States Social Security Administration

https://meetingsamer5.webex.com/meetingsamer5/j.php?MTID=mf093089328ada05d1acd2fbb98da2329

Join by video system
Dial 625007160@meetingsamer5.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone
+1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
Access code: 625 007 160

Remote Music Services

Music has always been the way to help ourselves and our communities through crisis.

Remote music services are now available for older adults

to access the benefits of engaging music experiences while in-person services are on hold.

We can help:

• Provide meaningful music activities to older adults, caregivers, and/or staff
• Give stressed-out caregivers and family members a musical break
• Reduce the need for anti-psychotic and anti-anxiety medications
• Provide a means for social interaction and emotional support tailored to the individual

Remote Music Services

Tailored to the client’s needs and musical preferences, these service options may be designed for maximum independent engagement and accessibility over time.

LIVE

• Remote Music Sessions
• Custom Playlist Interviews
• Social Music Sessions with Family and Friends

PRE-RECORDED

• Musician Biographies
• Themed Playlists
• Music Enrichment Experiences

How? Your device with strong internet, an adequate visual display, and loud enough audio. We provide access via private video platforms compatible with any internet browser.

FREE 30-minute phone call consultation

Let us guide you in finding the most suitable option

Contact us today

(440) 290-9883 Lucy@soundinspirationsmt.com

2020 Scholarship Guidelines

Any individual who is a high school senior in Lake County, Ohio, who has applied to, or currently attends, an accredited vocational, four-year or two-year degree-granting institute of post-secondary education, is eligible to apply for The Association of Specialists in Aging (ASA) Scholarship.  The scholarship is awarded in recognition of academic excellence as well as a student’s desire to pursue an education that pertains to health and wellness with an “emphasis towards geriatrics”.  The ASA Scholarship Committee will grant the award(s) based on the following criteria to Lake County residents.

Qualifications and Guidelines:

1.  The applicant has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

2.  The student must be enrolled in a healthcare, social service, or community service program with the intent to work with seniors, and/or currently be employed in a senior service-related business and continuing their education to advance their knowledge in working with seniors.

3.  The applicant must be a student in Lake County, Ohio.

 

Application Procedure:

1.  Each applicant must complete the ASA Scholarship Application and return it to The Association of Specialists in Aging by the specified deadline
(see below).  Scholarship Application 2020.pdf

2.  Submit a  250-word typewritten personal statement addressing the following areas:

•  Your career aspirations or goals;

•  How your future career aspirations or goals contribute to the betterment of the aging community or society;

•  Your need for a monetary scholarship

3.  Applications will be made available on this site or at the Guidance Office of the following schools:

Andrews-Osborne Academy, Auburn Career Center, Eastlake North High School, Fairport Harding High School, T.W. Harvey High School, Kirtland High School, Lake Catholic High School, Madison High School, Mentor High School, Perry High School, Riverside High School, Willoughby South High School, Wickliffe High School

•  Lake County, Ohio high school seniors may find the scholarship application form on-line at www.asaneo.org.

•  Completed applications & statements must be (postmarked by March 27, 2020) and mailed to:

The Association of Specialists in Aging, PO Box 146 Painesville, OH 44077

Amount of Scholarship(s)

Typically the Association of Specialists in Aging has awarded one or more Scholarships of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

The amount and number of scholarship(s) awarded in any given year will be determined by the Trustees of the Board of The Association of Specialists in Aging.

Scholarship Application 2020.pdf

The Alzheimer's Association caregiver support groups are designed for the loved ones of individuals with dementia.

A support group is an open gathering of individuals with common challenges, needs and interests who come together to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage their shared challenges in a safe, confidential environment.

There are more than 30 caregiver support groups led by trained facilitators in the chapter's five-county service area. The groups offer vital links to other caregivers and an opportunity to learn more about caring for a loved one with dementia. Group members support and encourage each other while exchanging practical information and resources.

Find a complete list here of all of the chapter's caregiver support groups in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties.

For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline anytime day or night at 800.272.3900. Visit alz.org/cleveland.

The Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter is pleased to offer a new Geauga County caregiver support group in Newbury at St. Helen Church, 12060 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065. The group will meet the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Led by a trained facilitator, the group offers a safe place to share practical information, build a support network, talk through issues and ways of coping, and learn about community resources. alz.org/crf

NON-MEDICAL IN-HOME CARE PROGRAM

The Lake County Council on Aging has published a Request for Proposal (RFP) application for a “Non-Medical In-Home Care Program” for Lake County Seniors, 60 years of age and older.  

The Lake County Council on Aging will allocate units of service to multiple bidders based on the responses received in connection with this Request for Proposal. This in-home care program will allow for a weekly visit from a home care aide to provide basic assistance with activities of daily living such as personal care and light housekeeping. This supports the goal of older adults having the services and supports they need to “age in place” and to be maintained in their own homes.

The specifications and application for interested bidders / providers may be obtained on our website or at the main office of the Lake County Council on Aging, 8520 East Avenue, Mentor Ohio 44060, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bids must be submitted before 2PM on September 13, 2019. 

https://www.lccoa.org/rfp-questions-and-answers-9-13-19/

Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. Based on this research, the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, a collection of tips that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body:

1.     Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

2.     Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

3.     Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

4.     Follow your heart: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

5.     Heads up: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

6.     Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

7.     Catch some ZZZ’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

8.     Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress..

9.     Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.

10. Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

It’s never too late or too early to start thinking about your brain’s health – making healthy choices at any age is beneficial. Visit alz.org/10ways to learn more.

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter's main office is in Beachwood with smaller offices in Avon and Mentor.  Visit our offices M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or get assistance anytime, 24/7, from dementia experts at 800.272.3900. Visit alz.org/Cleveland to learn more about free local programs services including, community education, care consultation, early-stage programs, caregiver support groups, and events.

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