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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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