D.C. Office on Aging: Latest DCOA E*News

DCOA Banner

October 4, 2016

Table of Contents

DCOA Kicks Off Senior Services Town Hall Meetings

Image of ED Newland at a Recent Town hall

DCOA is hosting a two-part Senior Services Town Hall series in September and October on senior services in the District. In the first meeting Executive Director Laura Newland and staff will provide in-depth presentations to the public on the agency’s budget, programs, and services.  At the end of the first meeting, DCOA will identify community volunteers to lead a conversation with the group that will then be translated back to Director Newland in a presentation during a second visit.

The presentation by the community will offer suggestions for improvement, how to prioritize people needing services when services reach capacity, and any additional information the community thinks DCOA should be aware of regarding services offered and received.

DCOA will be leading the conversation in each ward of the city and wants to get your feedback. To view the complete schedule, visit www.dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5626.    


Join the Commission on Aging

Image of Commissioners on Aging with Laura Newland

Are you interested in serving your community as an aging advocate? The District of Columbia Commission on Aging is a citizen's advisory group to the Mayor, Council of the District of Columbia, Office on Aging, and the general public on the needs and concerns of older Washingtonians. The Commissioners serve as advocates on behalf of the District's nearly 107,000 seniors and accomplish their responsibilities through outreach to individuals and institutions.

The Commission's 15 members are appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council of the District of Columbia.

To apply to become a member, visit the Mayor's Office of Talents and Appointments website http://motaboards.theresumator.com/apply/Ut1kD1/Commission-On-Aging


Falls Prevention Awareness Day 2016

Older Adult with therapist

DCOA and community partners hosted Falls Prevention Awareness Day at sites across the city to screen District seniors for their risk of falls.  The annual event included medication review and a screening for low vision, which experts say both contribute to the risk of falls in older adults.  More than 170 residents were screened and received the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG Test) to measure the ability for participants to get up out of the seated position by physical and occupational therapists.  In addition to the testing, resources and tips were also provided.

If you have issues with falls, contact us at 202-724-5626 for assistance and resources.  


Get out and Vote!

As we get closer to Election Day on November 8, 2016,  DCOA is encouraging community members to exercise their right to vote.  Voting may become a challenge for those who are temporarily hospitalized or placed in a nursing home. 

To request an absentee ballot and/or your polling location contact the District of Columbia Board of Elections at 202-727-2525 or visit www.dcboee.org 

Get out and vote! The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, November 1st.       


Support for Those Who Care for Others

Image of Hand of Older Adult and Caregiver

The Lifespan Respite Caregiver Conference was held on Friday, September 16, 2016, at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Ward 8.  The conference included 46 caregivers and 23 professionals and advocates.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Educate, Empower, and Support Family Caregivers,” was selected to serve as a guide and source of encouragement for those that provide compassion, care and services to individuals in need of assistance while aging in place.  Workshops topics included: Behavioral Symptom Management, Elder Abuse and Caregiving, Problem Solving for Caregivers, Caring for a Person with an Intellectual/ Developmental Disability, and the Working Caregiver.  In addition, respite care was provided to all attendees to provide additional support.    

For additional information, contact 202-724-5626 to find out about all resources available to District caregivers. 


Mayor's Disability Awareness Expo

You are invited to attend the 9th Annual Mayor's Disability Awareness Expo on October 25, 2016, 10 am - 2 pm at the Department of Employment Services, 4058 Minnesota Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20019. The purpose of this free event is to advance the conversation on equal opportunities and inclusive environments for people with disabilities, complete with information tables and over 40 exhibitors.

This event will feature:

  • Workforce Development
  • Employment Readiness
  • Disability Advocates
  • Youth Transition
  • District Resources,
  • Programs and Services.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact 202-724-5055.

Grade.dc.gov

Take a minute and tell us what you think!


Sign up to become a DCOA Ambassador today!


Spotlight on Aging Newsletter

Newsletter Front Page Image

  (click image to view)


Spotlight on Community Living Newsletter

Image of Spotlight on Community Living Newsletter

(click image to view)


Click here for the DCOA Calendar of Events!

Flip Calendar Image

DCOA in the Media

Mayor's Fifth Annual Senior Symposium

August 4, 2016

Video-DCN-16 Coverage on YouTube

Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2016

June 26, 2016

Video-DCN-16 Coverage on YouTube 

30th Annual Salute to DC Centenarians April 28, 2016

WJLA-TV Coverage

http://wjla.com/…/dc-centenarians-gather-share-secrets-of-l…

 

VIdeo: NBC Coverage of Genesis Opening

29th Annual Centenarian Salute

April 20, 2015

NBC4-TV Video 

Mayor's Third Annual Senior Symposium

May 7, 2014

Video: DCN-16 Coverage on YouTube

The Washington Informer, May 15, Pg. 20

28th Annual Salute to DC Centenarians

March 24, 2014

WJLA-TV article and video

FOX5DC article and video

VIDEO DCN-16 on YouTube

Age-Friendly DC Forum, 9/21/13

Washington Times article 9/26/13

Washington Post InBrief 9/19/13

Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2013

Washington Informer, June 26, 2013

The Washington Post Brief, July 3, 2013

The Washington Sun

Video: DCN-16 Coverage Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2013

Mayor's Second Annual Senior Symposium

Video: DCN-16 Coverage Senior Symposium

WJLA-TV article

Washington Informer Symposium article

27th Annual Salute to DC Centenarians media coverage links

Washington Post article and photo gallery

WJLA/News Channel 8, article, video and photo gallery

WJLA video coverage

Fox5DC article and video coverage

WTOP article and photo gallery

WAMU 88.5FM How to Live to be 100 in DC

Other Media Links

DC-TV Centenarian Project

George Boggess https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy_mZzzqAq0

Frank E. Braxton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cheh233wExs

Corporal Alyce Dixon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0P7eW-d3Ko

VIDEO: DCN-16 Did You Know? Overview of DCOA

Washington Post article DC Program Reflects National Trend Toward Moving Older Americans Out of Nursing Homes 1/2/2014

Washington Post article Alzheimer's First State Plan 11/19/2013

Washington Post Brief Smart911 Presentations 11/20/2013

DCOA Interview WHUR 96.3 FM Insight Segment on the  "Daily Drum" 2/19/13

Video: DCN-DCOA Performance Oversight Hearing 2/21/13 Part I

Video: DCN-DCOA Performance Oversight Hearing 2/21/13 Part II

Video: DCN-DCOA Performance Oversight Hearing 2/21/13 Part III


Facebook
 
Twitter
 
Instagram IconFlickr IconYouTube Icon