Celebrations in December …….…..….1

Peace on Earth……………..................2 Health Alliance Medicare……….……..3 Chronic Disease Self-Management program (CDSMP)…………....…..……4 Touch-A-Heart……………….…...…....5

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month……………………………………6

Be Prepared: the Key to Senior Safety During the Winter ……………………..7

Recruiting Older Adults into Research (ROAR)…….………………………..…..8

Advice Clinic & Cookbook…………...9 Do 1 Thing………...……………...10-11

Jackie’s Goodbye, Happy New Yea, Places to Go...Twitter & Facebook ………………………………………….12

Support Groups……………..……….13

U.S. House of Representative, U.S. Senators for IL, IL General Assembly, Board of Directors and Council Rosters…………………..…14

To Receive Senior Gazette, e-mail Hoangvan (Van) Dinh at

hdinh@ciaoa.net

2014, December Issue Joanne Thomas, PhD, President/CEO Hoangvan (Van) Dinh, B.S., Editor

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois 61603 Telephone: (309) 674-2071, Toll Free: 1-877-777-2422

Website: http://www.ciaoa.net

Serving Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties

Senior

Gazette

IN THE ISSUE

Dr. Joanne Thomas, PhD, LPC

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am—8:00 pm 2nd and 4th Saturdays: 9:00 am—1:00 pm

Celebrations in December

Christmas is both a sacred

religious holiday and a

worldwide cultural and

commercial phenomenon.

For two millennia, people

around the world have

been observing it with

traditions and practices

that are both religious and

secular in nature.

Christians celebrate

Christmas Day as the

anniversary of the birth of

Jesus of Nazareth, a

spiritual leader whose

teachings form the basis of

their religion. Popular

customs include

exchanging gifts,

decorating Christmas trees,

attending church, sharing

meals with family and

friends and, of course,

waiting for Santa Claus to

arrive. December 25–

Christmas Day–has been a

federal holiday in the

United States since 1870.

Happy Hanukkah December 16-24, 2014

The eight-day Jewish

celebration known as

Hanukkah or Chanukah

commemorates the

rededication during the

second century B.C. of the

Second Temple in

Jerusalem, where according

to legend, Jews had risen

up against their Greek-

Syrian oppressors in the

Maccabean Revolt.

Hanukkah, which means

“dedication” in Hebrew,

begins on the 25th of

Kislev on the Hebrew cal-

endar and usually falls in

November or December.

Often called the Festival of

Lights, the holiday is

celebrated with the lighting

of the menorah, traditional

foods, games and gifts.

December 26 - January 1

Dr. Maulana Karenga,

professor and chairman of

Black Studies at California

State University, Long

Beach, created Kwanzaa in

1966. After the Watts riots

in Los Angeles, Dr.

Karenga searched for ways

to bring African-Americans

together as a community.

He founded US, a cultural

organization, and started to

research African “first

fruit” (harvest)

celebrations. Karenga

combined aspects of several

different harvest

celebrations, such as those

of the Ashanti and those of

the Zulu, to form the basis

of Kwanzaa.

For additional information, please visit the website http://www.history.com/topics/

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn

gratefully to those who have made our progress possible.

And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely

Thank you and Best Wishes

for the Holiday Season and Happy New Year

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

Peace

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Thank you for being a Gold Sponsor for Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.’s

Annual Caregiver Conference

November 6 & November 13, 2014

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Please Help Us “Touch A Heart”

Many times in our communities there are individuals who

are forgotten during the holiday season. Central Illinois

Agency on Aging, Inc. has undertaken the following

efforts to bring some holiday cheer to individuals who

might otherwise be overlooked.

If you would like to help CIAA “Touch A Heart” this holiday season by making a donation please indicate the amount

of the donation below.

Donation amount $ . Donations can be mailed to CIAA at 700 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria, IL 61603.

To donation by credit card please call JoAnn Olson at (309) 674-2071 or log on to our website to

donate by credit card or PayPal at www.ciaoa.net.

Possible Gift Suggestions

Gift Cards to Grocery Stores or Pharmacies

Gloves, hats, scarves

Socks, non-skid slipper socks

Large Print Books, Playing Cards, Puzzles,

Calendars

Blanket, afghan, throw, comforter

Forever Postage Stamps & box of greeting

cards

Washcloth, Hand and Bath Towel set

Fruit basket, candy, nuts, microwave popcorn

Assistive Devices (Jar opener, Magnifying

Glass, Reacher/Grabber, Night Lights

[automatic on/off]

Bed Pillows & Pillow Cases (Standard)

Pot Holders, dish towels, Kitchen utensils with

built up handles for easy use

Personal care items (soaps, shampoo,

conditioner, shaving lotion, razors,

toothbrushes, lotion, and tissues

If you wish your donation to go to a specific program(s) indicate the appropriate program(s) below.

Holiday Gifts for Seniors & Disabled Individuals

Holiday Home Delivered Meals

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Gifts are provided for individuals who would otherwise not receive a gift.

Home-delivered Meals are prepared and delivered to area homebound senior on New Year’s Day, since this is a day when other programs are not providing meals.

Provides a holiday party for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Relatives as Parents program participants.

Walgreens has generously included CIAA’s “Touch A Heart” program on the Angel Trees at local

Walgreens stores. Look for us on the Angel Trees at the following locations:

221 Western Avenue, Peoria • 3524 N University, Peoria • 1919 W Pioneer Parkway, Peoria

•2324 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria ( by Northwoods Mall) •300 Main Street, East Peoria

6

When it comes to toys and gifts, the excitement and desire to get your children their favorite toys may cause

shoppers to forget about safety factors associated with them. Before you make these purchases, it is critical to

remember to consider the safety and age range of the toys.

Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. The group encourages

everyone to consider if the toys they wish to give suits the age and individual skills and abilities of the individual

child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under age three.

This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages:

Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no

sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being

pulled apart easily.

When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to: Choose toys that may appeal to different senses

such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others; and think

about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it. Consult the “AblePlay”

website at http://www.ableplay.org/ for more information.

Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental

appropriateness before allowing them to be played with.

Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the

American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard)

Keep kids safe from lead in toys by: Educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead

poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain

lead in the paint; having your children wash their hands frequently and calling your doctor if you suspect your

child has been exposed to lead. Consult the last two websites listed below for more information.

Do NOT give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button”

batteries which can cause serious injury or death if ingested) to young

children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of

choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate

for kids under age three.

Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements

Do NOT give crayons and markers unless they are labeled “nontoxic”.

Source: https://www.healthtradition.com/december-is-safe-toys-and-gifts-

month

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Image: Courtesy of Google Images

7 Be Prepared: the Key to Senior Safety

During the Winter and Holidays

Protect Against Hypothermia

Seniors generally produce less body heat. That

makes them especially susceptible to hypother-

mia, which if not detected early, can be extremely

dangerous. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's

disease and severe arthritis -- even some medica-

tions -- can limit the body's response to cold,

leaving seniors even more vulnerable.

Hypothermia prevention tips:

Limit time outdoors and stay indoors on

windy days. Go inside if you begin shivering.

Wear warm, layered clothing of natural

fibers. To reduce heat loss, wear a hat, gloves,

warm socks and boots. Cover your mouth to

protect your lungs.

Keep the thermostat at a comfortable level,

wear warm clothing and use enough blankets

to stay warm at night.

To keep your body temperature up, eat hot,

nourishing meals and drink warm beverages.

Seek medical attention immediately for anyone

you believe is suffering from hypothermia. Keep

the person dry and warm with blankets. Do not

rub limbs to warm them. Encourage the person to

drink hot, nonalcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.

For more information on winter safety and other

emergency preparedness tips, visit the American

Red Cross.

Source: http://www.comfortkeepers.com/home/

info-center/articles/winter-safety

Here are a few tips to help seniors during the

season:

Check on elderly loved ones regularly, or if you live

out of town, arrange for neighbors to check in and

provide their number to call in emergencies.

Help your loved one arrange for someone to keep

sidewalks shoveled and de-iced.

Make sure seniors have emergency supplies.

Arrange for transportation during severe weather to

medical appointments or the grocery store.

If your loved one is physically or cognitively

impaired, arrange for someone to stay with him

during weather emergencies.

Winter Driving

Avoid driving during and after winter storms, but if

you must drive:

Keep the gas tank full.

Let someone know your destination, route and ex-

pected time of arrival. Bring your cell phone.

Keep an emergency travel kit in the trunk, including

a snow shovel, blankets, flashlight, water and first

aid kit

If your car gets stuck, stay with it. Start the car and

use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep

the exhaust pipe clear of snow, so fumes do not back

up in the car. Keep arms and legs moving to keep

blood circulating and stay warm. Keep a window

open to let in air.

Winter is an especially important time to keep an eye on seniors to make sure they are living as safely, healthfully

and happily as possible.

By Mitch Forrest, MSW, LSW,CIRS

I & A and Family Caregiver Specialist

8

Recruiting Older Adults into Research (ROAR)

The Illinois Department on Aging in response to goals laid out in the 2011 National Alzheimer’s Project Act has

requested assistance of Area Agency Caregiver Specialist’s to increase education and sharing of information

regarding Alzheimer’s disease in all the area agencies on aging. The Illinois Department on Aging shared a power

point developed by the Administration for Community Living entitled “Updates on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related

Dementias Resources 2014 ACL/CDC/NIA Alzheimer’s Webinar Series, July 22nd, 2013.” This presentation shared

practical information about Alzheimer’s/dementia resources and ways to become involved in research to help future

generations live a life without diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Several internet sites and Information Resources were introduced including,

1) National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center- 1 -800- 438-4380 and

www.nih.gov/alzheimers , help to refer to government and organizational resources ,

Opportunities to participate in research and Help with Obtaining diagnosis and medical management of the

disease there are two sites in Chicago, Illinois.

2) National Alzheimer’s Call Center- 24/7 Helpline – 1800-272-3900, taken up to 24,000 calls/month provide

support, information and referrals, calls taken by General information specialists and Masters prepared Care

Consultants.

3) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.longtermcare.gov , walks through the basics of who

needs, how to pay for and what options available for long term care.

4) National Institute on Aging and Administration on Community Living, www.ResearchMatch.org/ROAR ,

information is confidential, help find new ways to treat, prevent or cure health conditions through research.

Join into to make a difference! Many clinical trials and studies are going on now that are urgently looking for people

of all kinds including older adults. Can you help? Sign up with Research Match, a service to match you with trials

and studies you may be eligible for.

9 Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

Information & Assistance Department

January Advice Clinics

Got Questions?

Where: Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard

Peoria, IL 61603

When: Tuesday, January 6th from 10:00 am– 11:00 am

and Tuesday, January 20 thfrom 2:00 pm—3:00 pm

Bring your questions about your needs and community resources to our advice clinic. Let us tell you

about what’s available in our six-county area.

Example include, but are not limited to:

For additional information and assistance

you may contact us at: 309-674-2071

Every First and Third Tuesdays of the Month

License Plate Discounts

Caregiver Assistance

Nutrition Programs

Relatives as Parents Program

Bus Passes

Food Pantries

Transportation

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Community Education

Housing

Medicare Part D

We have prepared a taste-tempting cookbook featuring

over 350 favorite recipes from members of our

community in the counties of Fulton, Marshall, Peoria,

Stark, Tazewell, & Woodford.

Available for $15.00

These cookbooks contain special pages of interest in our

community, notable People, helpful Cooking hints, and over 350 recipes

including family favorites past down through many

generations, such as Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Salads, Sides &

Main Dishes, Cookies & Candy and the special This & That Category.

CALL CIAA TO ORDER A COOKBOOK TODAY !!!

December Fact Sheet

10

11

Source: http://do1thing.com/userfiles/file/fact-sheets/december.pdf

(Continued from previous page)

Places to Go ... Things to See

To see what’s happening in Peoria, visit these websites:

Hult Health

Education Center Seniors on the Go

5215 N. Knoxville Avenue Peoria, IL 61614

692-6650

www.hult-health.org

Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 S.W. Washington St.

Peoria, IL 61602 686-7000

www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org

Peoria Park District Luthy Botanical Gardens

Owens Center Forest Park Nature Center

2218 N. Prospect Road Peoria, IL 61603

682-1200

www.peoriaparks.org

RiverPlex Wellness &

Recreation Center

600 NE Water Street Peoria, IL 61603

282-1700 www.riverplex.org

Peoria Civic Center

201 SW Jefferson Avenue Peoria, IL 61602

673-8900 www.peoriaciviccenter.com

Central Illinois Agency on Aging is now on Facebook and our fan base is on an upward trend. CIAA wants Facebook to be a place where our fans/those we serve and those interested in what we do as an agency can come to find information and updates that pertains to those that visit our page or for those wanting to know more about our services and programs. CIAA also wants to know what you/our fans would like to know more about. ? Please email Lorie Pence, Director of Outreach & Community Services at lpence@ciaoa.net with your thoughts/ideas. Thanks to all of our fans and continue to let others know about CIAA’s Facebook page and all that CIAA does.

Jackie’s Goodbye

12

“Jackie’s Goodbye” in NationalJournal, http://www.nationaljournal.com/

magazine/my-alzheimer-s-nightmare-and-why-it-will-soon-be-yours-20141003,

is a worthwhile read for caregivers of loved ones who have dementia or anyone

who may potentially be in that role someday. Author Tiffany Stanley provides a

first-hand, in-depth look at caregiving from many perspectives. The article

examines the history and nature of Alzheimer’s disease, its economic impact at

an individual and societal level, public policy, and the struggle to navigate

perplexing processes in “the system”. Stanley relates each component in the

context of her personal struggle with the joys, sorrows, frustrations, and

complexities of taking on the role of a caregiver for a family member. The

reader becomes engrossed in her moving tale while learning valuable wisdom

that will certainly help any caregiver on a similar journey.

2015

Support Groups

13

Alzheimer’s Association

Marshall County Heartland Health Care Center

1650 Indian Town Road, Henry, Illinois 4th Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.

309-364-3905

Stark County Toulon Healthcare Center

RR 1, Highway 17 East, Toulon, Illinois 3rd Monday, 3 p.m.

309-286-2631

Tazewell County Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc. 1500 Parkside Ave., Morton, Illinois

3rd Thursday, 1:30 p.m. 309-284-1416

Pekin Hospital - SNF 600 S. 13th Street, Pekin, Illinois

2nd Wednesday, 2 p.m. 309-353-0925

Peoria County Apostolic Christian Skylines

7023 N. Skyline Drive, Peoria, Illinois 1st Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

309-691-8091

Lutheran Hillside Village 6901 N. Galena Road, Peoria, Illinois

3rd Tuesday, 6 p.m. 309-689-2180

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral 3601 North Street, Peoria, Illinois

3rd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. 309-286-2631

Pearce Community Center –Chillicothe

(Respite Available) 610 W. Cedar Street, Chillicothe, Illinois

2nd Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. Room 210 309-351-9774

Men’s Only Support Group

606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 3rd Tuesday, 10 a.m.

309-681-1100

PALZ Support Group (Activities available for loved ones with dementia)

606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 2nd Thursday, 4:00 p.m.

Please call ahead to register 309-681-1100

Bradley University Counseling, Research & Training Clinic

Caregiver Support Group Meetings

The Caregiver Program provides emotional support to help family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren raising cope with

their caregivers roles, and/or develop and strengthen their capacities for better social and personal adjustments. Meet other caregivers and

grandparents raising grandchildren, learn how to self-care, and learn how to be there without always “being there”.

There is NO CHARGE for services; however, contributions are accepted.

Co-sponsored by Central Illinois Agency on Aging and Bradley University

For more information, call (309) 677-3189 or visit www.bradley.edu/sites/caregiver

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

First and Third Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, 700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Chrystal Down

Peoria Caregiver Support Group

Fourth Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, 700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Chrystal Down

HCR Heartland Healthcare of Peoria Caregiver Support Group

Second Wednesday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Heartland Healthcare, 5600 Glen Elm Drive Peoria, IL 61603

Facilitator: Mary Hosbrough

Liberty Village Caregiver Support Group

Second Monday of the month (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Liberty Village of Peoria, 6906 North Stalworth Drive Peoria, IL 61615

Facilitator: Nargis Khan, NCC, LCPC

Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal

opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender,

marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The

University is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination,

harassment and affirmative action.

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. does not discriminate

in admission to programs or activities to treatment of

employment in programs or activities in compliance with

the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act,

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Age

Discrimination Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment

Act, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you

have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a

complaint with the Illinois Department on Aging. For

information, call 1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD),

or Joanne Thomas, President/CEO, Central Illinois Agency

on Aging, Inc.

FY 2015 CIAA

Board of Directors

Robert Mueller, Chair Barry Beck, Vice-Chair

Roger Wiseman, Treasurer Wanda Aberle, Secretary

Dereada J. Amos

David Baker Steve Buttice

Thomas Eckert Beverly Grimes

Rose Marie Hasler Roger Hawk

Robert Johnson Cindy Livingston

Mary Frances Prayne Patricia Reinbacher

Denny Rewerts Raymond Russ

Keith Wagy

FY 2015 CIAA

Advisory Council

Paul Flynn, Chair Vicki Hoke, Vice -Chair

Joyce Jackson, Secretary

Zenobia Alexander Maxine Blane

Richard Bowes, Sr. Joan Cheatham Joyce H. Francis

Linda Glackin Donna Ginglen

A. Jeanne Graham Philip Girgurich

Francis Hackwith Shirley Horwedel Maggie Jenkins Donald Koski

Charles Owens Leslie Pulfer

Marilyn Sloan-Couch Roger Sparks

Jerry Vanderheydt Margarie Winters

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District) 300 E. War Memorial Drive, Suite 303 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)681-1992, Fax (309)681-8572 Rep. Keith Sommer (88h District) 121 W. Jefferson Morton, IL 61550 (309)263-9242, Fax (309)263-8187

Rep. David Leitch (73rd District) 5407 N. University, Arbor Hall, Suite B Peoria, IL 61614 (309)690-7373, Fax (309)690-7375 Rep. Mike Unes (91st District) 19 S. Capitol Street Pekin, IL 61554 (309)620-8631, Fax (309)349-3046

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos 3100 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite 205 Peoria, IL 61603 (309)966-1813

Congressman Aaron Schock 100 NE Monroe, Room 100 Peoria, IL 61602 (309)671-7027, Fax (309)671-7309

Senator Darin LaHood (37th District) 5415 N. University, Suite 105 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)693-4921, Fax (309)693-4923 Senator Dave Koehler (46th District) 400 NE Jefferson, Suite 200 Peoria, IL 61603 (309)677-0120, Fax (309)346-4650

Illinois General Assembly

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senators for Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin 525 South 8th Street Springfield, IL 62703 (217)492-4062, Fax (217)492-4382

Senator Mark S. Kirk 607 East Adams, Suite 1520 Springfield, IL 62701 (217)492-5089, Fax (217)492-5099