January 2021
 
Looking Ahead ... and Back
A Letter from Diane Slezak
AgeOptions President and CEO 
Diane Slezak
 As we begin a new year, the importance of partnerships is at the heart of everything we do at AgeOptions. Our partners have made all the difference in the world in assuring we serve older adults in the best way possible throughout this pandemic.
Ensuring Older Adults Don't Go Hungry During the Pandemic 

 The COVID-19 pandemic had already begun a year ago, but it wasn't until March that almost everything in the U.S. shut down and people were advised to isolate in their homes. Almost overnight, we all had to rethink our work and family lives while fearing a deadly disease. Imagine if at that time you were an older adult and knew that 88 percent of mortalities were older adults. How would you get your basic necessities, like food?
Client Stories:
How AgeOptions and Our Partners 
Are Helping Older Adults and Caregivers
 
Every day, older adults and caregivers call AgeOptions and our partner agencies throughout suburban Cook County for assistance with challenges such as access to food, financial crises, caregiver stress, Medicare enrollment and many more that affect their ability to thrive as they age. Below, dedicated staff members at AgeOptions and our partners share some recent experiences assisting members of the community.
COVID-19 Vaccine Answers from the Illinois Department on Aging
Caregiver Collaborative Reconvening:
Agency Workers Invited to Take Part

The Caregiver Collaborative will reconvene virtually on February 2. The group's purpose is to bring together and engage organizations to share ideas and resources and collaborate on the needs and issues facing caregivers and their loved ones.

Read More
 
Township Newsletter Features 
SMP Fraud Prevention Message

Jesus Armando Enriquez.

After inviting Jesus Armando Enriquez, AgeOptions Outreach and Information specialist, to speak at a Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council meeting, the Milton Township organization featured him and his message about preventing fraud in its quarterly newsletter.

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Research by AgeOptions Partner LAMDA Finds Memory Loss in Latino Family Caregivers as Well as Care Recipients
 
The Latino Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Alliance (LAMDA), which supports Latinos with cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, has been surveying Latino family caregivers about their loved ones.
In the process, the AgeOptions partner agency unearthed some stunning findings: family caregivers were showing signs of memory problems in alarming numbers.
Board Member Anthony J. Perry, M.D. Named a Chicago Top Doctor
 
Anthony J. Perry, M.D.
 
Anthony J. Perry, M.D., a member and former chair of the AgeOptions Board of Directors, is one of Chicago Magazine's Top Doctors of 2020. Physicians in the six-county area are nominated by their peers for the honor. Dr. Perry is a geriatric medicine specialist at Rush University Medical Center where he is vice president for Ambulatory Transformation.
 
A member of the AgeOptions Board of Directors since 2007, Dr. Perry served as Board chair in 2014 and 2015. He currently serves on the Program and Executive committees.
H.O.P.E. by AgeOptions 
Has New Informational Video
 
H.O.P.E. (Home Options Path to Empowerment) by AgeOptions has a new video for residents of nursing facilities and their families. H.O.P.E. aims to help interested individuals leave nursing facilities and move independently into the community. The video explains how H.O.P.E. staff work with interested individuals, family members or facility staff to evaluate readiness to move into the community, discuss options and coordinate services and support.
 
 
If you're interested in learning more about H.O.P.E. by AgeOptions, go to http://hopebyageoptions.org/. 

 


   
Interesting and Useful
Upcoming AgeOptions Programs 



Hit the reset button and start the new year fresh with a Take Charge workshop. Click the links for complete information.




Take Charge of Your Diabetes  January 27 - March 23
 
Tomando Control de Su Diabetes  2 de Febrero - 9 de Marzo

 

Click on the links below for information on two upcoming Thrive with Pride programs.
 
Thrive with Pride Cafes. A new online community for older adults and caregivers of all stripes. 
Connect virtually on the fourth Tuesday of every month. For information go to
https://thrivingwithpride.weebly.com/

SAGE Table February 18.An intergenerational virtual event for the LGBT+ community that seeks to combat the social isolation of LGBT+ older adults. Meals will be provided. For information and to RSVP, go to https://thrivingwithpride.weebly.com/sagetable.html



Virtual Sing-along Cafe - for people with memory concerns and their care partners. 
Wednesdays 1-2 pm until September 30