December, 2014

From the Director

We'd like to thank everyone who worked to make our November 6 Awareness Luncheon such a success. This annual luncheon, held during National Family Caregiving Month, focuses on helping people become more aware of BACOA's services and programs. Particular thanks to Barrington resident Sue Randall, who discussed her caregiving journey with ALS patient Paul Launer. We're also grateful to Val Bongiovanni, from Chico's in the Arboretum of South Barrington, who put together a great fashion show, with holiday ensembles from Chico's, White House/Black Market, and Soma.

We know that the holidays can sometimes be challenging for caregivers. If you're not a caregiver - but know someone who is - be sure to read our suggestions on ways you can make the season a little easier for someone who's caring for a loved one.

From all of us here at BACOA - staff and board - we wish you happy holidays and a warm and safe New Year.

Joyce Palmquist

Executive Director

The caregiver's gift list

At this time of year, we're bombarded with holiday gift suggestion lists, designed to make gift-giving easier.

No one needs a great holiday present more than a caregiver, but before you buy another scented candle or even (gasp!) a fruitcake, consider a few of these suggestions for those who are taking care of loved ones.

Beware of tax scam letters!

The Lake County Treasurer's Office is alerting homeowners to a scam targeting seniors.

Seniors are receiving a letter in the mail claiming that the county will take their house if they don't pay the delinquent taxes on their property. The county report that in each of the cases they've seen so far, the homeowner is paid in full and not delinquent in their taxes.

If you receive one of these letters, you do not need to take any action if your taxes have been paid in full. If you have any questions or want to double-check the status of your payment, you should call the Treasurer's Office at (847) 377-2323 or check online at www.lakecountyil.gov/treasurer. Do not contact the person listed on the letter.

Now playing on YouTube:
"When I'm 64"

Did you miss our September "When I'm 64" series at the Barrington Area Library? Now you can catch it on YouTube.

The annual three-part workshop is designed to help guide sixty somethings as they look toward retirement; this year's topics included: Read more...

Good work!

BACOA's helping hands

Every day, BACOA volunteers put their many skills to work, helping seniors and caregivers through our services and programs. Who are they - and what do they do?

Chances are that if you threw a dart at a map of the world, Pat Nagle has been there. Since she was 19 years old, Pat has made sure she made traveling a priority in her life.

Luckily for BACOA, Pat also has made it a priority to help seniors and their caregivers.

Pat Nagl

After taking care of her mother who had Alzheimer's, Pat has a special place in her heart for families going through the same experience. Pat started out helping in the BACOA office, and then took over the Meals with Wheels Palatine pickup every Tuesday. She also volunteers for "A Day Out," BACOA's new day respite program, as well as the Alzheimer's Association Support Group, which meets once a month.

What does she enjoy most about her volunteer time with BACOA? Pat says that she loves seeing the delight on the faces of the participants in the respite program and that she feels that the time and talent she is giving is valuable and helpful to the Barrington community.

December Cuisine Club:
It's Christmas time in the city

BACOA's Cuisine Club, along with the Barrington Park District, will take a holiday excursion to Chicago on Thursday, December 11.

The day will include a stop at Chicago's Christkindlmarket and shopping at Macy's
on State Street. The group will then attend high tea at the Drake, where they will enjoy custom-made tea, finger sandwiches, bread, scones, and seasonal desserts.

Cost is $76 per person; transportation will be by motorcoach bus. The group will depart from the Barrington Park District at 10 a.m. and return at 6 p.m.

For more information or reservations, call the Barrington Park District at (847) 381- 0687. Space is limited, so call early for reservations.

What's Coming Up

Lunch and Activity Program. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Barrington Park District. Our annual holiday luncheon is December 15; make your reservations today! Details.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class. Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m-12:15 p.m. Classes are held at fitMS Neurobalance Center at 800 Hart Road, Suite #140, Barrington. Find out more.

Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute Lecture Series.Through December. Expand your horizons at a lecture series developed by the Harper College Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Institute and co-sponsored by BACOA and The Garlands of Barrington. Get the schedule.

You can help seniors and their families.

Donate today

In This Issue

From the Director

The caregiver's gift list

Beware of tax scam letters!

Now playing on YouTube: "When I'm 64"

Good work! BACOA's helping hands

December Cuisine Club

What's coming up

Quick Links

BACOA Home

"A Day Out" day respite program

Local events and outings

Helpful links for seniors and families

Resources for caregivers

Financial, insurance and benefits information

BACOA calendar

BACOA support and education groups

Caregiver Support Group

Tuesday, December 2
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Music therapist Mary Helen Ekstam, of JourneyCare, will present "Using Music to Enhance One's Mind, Body and Spirit."

Details.

Alzheimer's

Support Group

Wednesday, December 10
10:30 a.m. - noon

Open forum discussion on the special challenges to coping with Alzheimer's during the holiday season. Details.

Parkinson's Disease Education Group

The Parkinson's Disease Education Group will not meet in December and January; meetings will resume in February.

For information on these groups, please call Bonnie at (847) 852-3890.

Low Vision Support and Education Group

BACOA's Low Vision Support and Education Group provides education and support to persons whose eyesight has grown weaker or has disappeared altogether. For more information, call Diane Vos Hansen at BACOA at (847) 852-3898. Details.

In the News

Caregivers and the workplace

As more workers are taking on elder care responsibilities, more employers are offering flexibility. Read more.

Accessibility afoot

As boomers age, walkable cities become more important. Find out why.

A shot in the arm

This won't hurt a bit: Three vaccines that keep you healthy. Read more.

__________________________

Barrington Area Council on Aging

6000 Garlands Lane

Suite 100

Barrington, IL 60010