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 Social Services
For many people change is frightening - loss of abilities, loss of
friends, inability to care for oneself, insecure financial situations, the
need to change residence and not knowing the options. These are the kinds of
questions the Social Services Department hears each day, several times a
day. Reassuring answers, lists of resources, telephone calls, a warm hug,
getting to know others in similar situations - these make the senior who
thought they were alone feel confident that they can master these new
challenges.
Preventive services are also offered and many people take advantage of
them. Over 1,000 people receive flu shots and over 450 people attend the
Health Fair and receive information and screening from a multitude of
vendors. If you have any questions or would like more information call (302)
737-2336 ext. 12 or email
Lee Perkins.
COUNSELING “TALK
THERAPY” SERVICES AT THE NSC!Counseling Hours at Newark Senior Center: Lee Perkins, MS, NCC, Board Certified Counselor Specializing in Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Grief Counseling Hours at Newark Senior Center Daily, Monday thru Friday, 12noon - 5:00pm and Evening hours are available upon request. In-Home Counseling Services are also provided (Call for an appointment). FROM THE DESK OF SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR: UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA Dementia is the name for a group of brain conditions that makes it harder to remember, reason and communicate. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Other types include vascular dementia, fronto-temporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. Years ago, dementia was often called senility. It was even thought to be a normal part of aging. We now know that it is not normal. It is caused by ongoing damage to cells in the brain. Symptoms: ~ Depending on which parts of the brain are affected and the stage of the disease. ~ Memory loss, including trouble with directions and familiar tasks. ~ Language problems, such as trouble getting words out or understanding what is aid. ~ Difficulty with organization, concentration or judgment. ~ Changes in behavior and personality Delaying Dementia: Research has shown there are some activities that may help delay the onset of dementia. The national women’s health resource center offers suggestions: 1. Get regular physical exercise. 2. Participate in mentally stimulating activities, such as playing cards, chess or a musical instrument; study a foreign language; or work on crossword puzzles. 3. Stay at a healthy body weight. 4. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants with plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Source: Vitality Issue 2, 2008 COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCIETY, INC., ELDER LAW PROGRAM The Elder Law Program has temporarily discontinued its monthly visits to the Newark Senior Center. All customers are welcome to call the Elder Law Office directly to schedule an appointment. The locations and phone numbers for the Elder Law Program are: Wilmington Office 302-575-0660 Located in The Community Service building at 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 801, Wilmington, DE Dover Office 302-674-8500 840 Walker Road, Dover, DE SENIOR CONNECTIONS – NSC IS YOUR CONNECTION TO SERVICES THAT HELP YOU MAINTAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE -Are you in need of short term assistance with Housekeeping or Personal Care? -Do you need assistance with Meals or Transportation? -Are you new to the area and trying to get a handle on supportive resources in the community? Call Newark Senior Center’s in-Home Support Program also known as Senior Connections at 302-737-2336 and ask for Lee Perkins, Social Services Director. We can assist you with identifying resources: Home Delivered Meals Transportation to Medical Appointments Adaptive Equipment Money Management services Minor Home Repairs Accessing Benefits, i.e., VA, Medicare and more EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION Effective August 2008 on every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm The Ekklesia Fellowship Center, Outreach Ministry will be partnering with The Newark Senior Center and The Food Bank of Delaware to distribute food to individuals and families, and those who are disabled. There is no fee for this service. For information on making donations or volunteering, please contact: Stephanie Davis-Harris, Program Director, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00am to 12:00 noon at 302-607-3621. SENIOR CITIZENS AFFORTABLE TAXI (SCAT) SCAT is sponsored by the State of Delaware’s Department of Transportation. SCAT provides half-price taxi service for persons aged 60 and over and qualified disabled persons. SCAT ticket books contain $10.00 worth of tickets and may be purchased for $5.00 at either Newark Senior Center or Newark City Hall. To purchase SCAT tickets or to ride the taxi, you must first show your SCAT Photo identification. An application for a SCAT Photo Identification can be obtained by contacting Lee Perkins, Soc. Serv. Dir., 302-737-2336. Taxi service is provided by privately owned companies and is offered seven days a week, including holidays. Contact Lee Perkins for a listing of Taxi companies in the New Castle County area. THUMBS UP SUPPORT GROUP: STROKE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP Every 2nd & 4th Thursday at 1:00pm Bring family and friends to learn more. Everyone needs support. Contact: Robin Roth at 633-9313 at Delaware Stroke initiative. BLOOD PRESSURE 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month at 1:00pm Gardens at White Chapel 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month at 1:00pm Newark Manor SUPPORT GROUP FOR SPOUSES CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER Every 3rd Thursday at 12:30pm Starting September 18th & October 16th Facilitator: Lee Perkins, MS, NCC, Social Services Director & Adele Brett, RN Bring lunch and meet other caregivers in the support group. Here you will be able to voice your concerns freely over a light lunch in a non-judgmental environment. Many who have “walked in your footsteps” can provide practical advice and emotional support. MEDICARE HEALTH CARE SERVICES: QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE??????? If you have questions pertaining to when to enroll in Medicare whether it’s Part A, B, C, or D, the answer may be found in Tip Sheet published by Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain your copy or for more information stop by the office of the Social Services Director, Lee Perkins, or contact the Delaware’s Insurance Commissioner’s Office at 1-800-336-9500. Make an appointment for Assistance with Medicare every Wednesday and Thursday by contacting the Reception Desk at 302-737-2336. You can also visit www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare,asp for more details on enrollment periods. PARKINSON’S FAMILY PROGRAM Pat Brill, Facilitator & Lee Perkins, Co-Facilitator Thursday, August 7th Meets the first Thursday of each month at 9am During the time of the Parkinson’s Strength Training classes. Family members share experiences while their loved ones exercise. PARKINSON’S STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES Thanks to our sponsor AstraZeneca Classes are Free Every Tuesday at 10:30am Every Thursday at 9:00am AARP’S SAFE DRIVING The AARP’s Safe Driving is designed to keep you updated on new or current rules of the road to prevent accidents. When you participate in the Safe Driving Course, you are eligible for a 10% reduction on the liability portion of your automobile insurance. Cost: $10, due at the first class. Please register at the Reception Desk. AARP’s Beginner’s Course August 11th & 12th 1:00pm to 5:00pm AARP’s Refresher Course Select 1 of the 2 classes available: August 13th 12:30pm to 4:30pm (4 hr) August 13th 6:00pm to 10:00pm (4 hr) Or September 10th 12:30pm to 4:30pm (4 hr) September 10th 6:00pm to 10:00pm (4 hr) BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF DELAWARE Tuesdays, August 12th & 26th 9:00am - 12:00pm Thursdays, August 14th & 28th 12:00pm-3:00pm Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) began a roaming Customer Service program in New Castle County. A BCBSD Customer Service rep is on hand during the listed times at the Newark Senior Center to answer BCBSD members’ questions on a routine basis. Updated schedules can be found at bcbsde.com or by calling BCBSD’s Customer Service at 302-429-0260. Additionally, BCBSD has set up a secure drop box at its new 800 Delaware Avenue location for claims and payment drop-off. ADVANCED FUNERAL PLANNING Wednesday, August 20th 2:00pm Presenter: Bob Foard of R T Foard & Jones Funeral Home New power point presentation!! Learn more about: Burial and Cremation Services, Final Expense Funding Options and Veterans Benefits. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: PART TIME AND FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Wednesday, August 20th 10:00am - Noon (First come, first serve basis. No appointment required). Jim Manley, serve as Job Development Specialists for the Senior Community Services Employment Program of Wilmington Senior Center, Inc. Two Programs are designed to help individuals who are seeking employment: 1) The Senior Community Service Employment Program, provides useful part-time activities for individuals fifty-five (55) or older and 2) The Job Referral/Placement Program is open to job seekers who are fifty (50) years or older. For additional questions and appointments, please contact 651-3400. NEW!!! BROWN BAG LUNCH - bring your lunch SUPPORT GROUP FOR SPOUSES CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER Thursday, September 18th 12:30pm Facilitator: Lee Perkins, MS, NCC, Social Services Director & Adele Brett, RN Meet other caregivers in the support group. Here you will be able to voice your concerns freely in a non-judgmental environment. Receive practical advice and emotional support from those who may already have “walked in your footsteps.” |
Last modified: 08/20/2008 |
