Tag Archive for: #kerrtaragencyonaging

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Operation Fan Heat Relief’ Provides Fans To Eligible Elderly, Disabled

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-Information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services is partnering with the N.C. Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief.

People over the age of 60, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance now through the end of October at local aging agencies across the state, according to information from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Residents in Vance, Granville, Warren, Person and Franklin counties can contact the Kerr Tar Regional COG, 1724 Graham Ave., Henderson at 252.436.2040 or visit their website https://www.kerrtarcog.org/

Since 1986, the relief program has purchased fans for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing them with a more comfortable living environment and reducing heat-related illnesses.

The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Resources and Valassis, and allows regional area agencies on aging and local provider agencies to purchase fans for eligible individuals. Local provider agencies can also purchase a limited number of air conditioners based on a person’s specific health conditions.

Last year, DAAS received $85,500 in donations, allowing for the distribution of 3,240 fans and 26 air conditioners.

As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, and they may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer.
In addition to applying for fans, people ages 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, can take the following steps during high temperatures:

  • Increase fluid intake
  • Spend time in cool or air-conditioned environments regularly
  • Reduce strenuous activity during the afternoon
  • Speak with their physician before summer about how to stay safe while taking medication that can affect the body’s ability to cool itself (e.g., high blood pressure medications)

For more details, individuals may contact their area agency on aging or the Division of Aging and Adult Services’ housing program consultant at 919.855.3419.

More information about Operation Fan Heat Relief, including tips on preparing for extreme heat and a list of local agencies distributing fans, is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/operation-fan-and-heat-relief.

Town Talk 05/04/20: Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging ‘Still Here’ for Seniors, Caregivers

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Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging’s Harvey Holmes, family caregiver resource specialist, and Michele Brigandi, aging projects coordinator, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

With current COVID-19 social distancing measures in place for the protection of at-risk populations such as the elderly, Holmes and Brigandi said times are difficult for both seniors and their caregivers.

“Social isolation is a huge issue for seniors right now with many programs closed or limited for their safety,” said Brigandi. “Seniors in our area value their time at the Senior Centers engaging in friendships, daily interactions and physical activities.”

Brigandi said she has been impressed with how diligently the Senior Centers in the Kerr-Tar area, which includes Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren and Person counties, have worked to ensure nutrition programs for seniors continue even while other programs are temporarily suspended.

With in-person congregate meals shifted to home delivery, Brigandi said Senior Center staff and volunteers have risen to meet the challenge of providing nutritious food and necessary hygiene supplies to those isolated in their homes.

“I have talked to staff for the nutrition program and they are seeing first-hand the effect this is having on our seniors,” stated Brigandi. “Depression and boredom are huge; many also suffer from dementia, anxiety and mobility issues. If you have a senior in your life, I encourage you to reach out often – daily, if possible – to check on them.”

With many Senior Centers closed and programs such as adult day care and respite care currently unavailable or limited, caregivers who rely on these services are also feeling overwhelmed.

“A lot of times it’s hard for caregivers to ask for help or admit they need help,” Holmes commented. “Both myself and the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging want to be that rock for caregivers and to assure them that we’re still here. We are still only a phone call or email away.”

Noting a possible stigma with the term “social distancing,” Holmes said he is encouraging the public to view it more as a physical distancing. “Be physically distant instead of socially distant. You can be social and stay connected with others by phone or online,” said Holmes.

Holmes encouraged seniors and caregivers to stay “socially connected” with the Agency on Aging via Facebook, Twitter, or the organization’s website at kerrtarcog.org/departments/aging. You may also call the agency at (252) 436-2040 for additional information or with questions.

2020 Kerr Tar Senior Games

Brigandi, who is also the coordinator for the Kerr Tar Senior Games, clarified that the games have been canceled for 2020. Both athletic events and performing arts activities were originally scheduled for spring 2020.

“We are tentatively planning a celebratory get-together or banquet for the end of September,” Brigandi said. “We want to recognize seniors in the area, offer fellowship and entertainment and recruit participants, hopefully, for next year’s Senior Games.”

To hear the interview with Holmes and Brigandi in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

‘File of Life’ Pouches Help Make Seconds Count

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, confusion can often be a result. That’s why the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the Granville County Senior Center, emergency responders, businesses and faith-based organizations, is sponsoring the local “File of Life” project to help make seconds count.

When first responders arrive at an emergency scene, they usually have no information about the person in need. Does the patient have prior medical conditions or allergies? Are they on medication? How are family members to be contacted? “File of Life” can provide easy and convenient access to information that will help answer these questions, allowing emergency teams to quickly begin the best possible treatment, notify loved ones and pass information on to awaiting physicians in the emergency room.

Since 1995, more than 5,000 communities across the country have implemented a “File of Life” program, gaining the support of national and state civic organizations such as the American Red Cross, the National Council on Aging and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

These information cards – in the form of refrigerator magnet pouches and personal-sized sleeves for wallets, purses or glove boxes – are now available locally through the Granville County Senior Center, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, Granville County Emergency Services and the Creedmoor Police Department, as well as the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging in Henderson.

Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available to local organizations who would like their name/logo on the front of the information card. If interested, contact Nancy Francis, Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging Director, at 252-436-2040.