Welcome to the December 2009 Seniors Digest

Cathy Von Wald, Chair, ADS Advisory Council

Most of us wish to age in place, no matter what our health challenges. In this issue, Toni Crutchfield (left) and Sally Friedman, who have served as Caregiver Advocates for Senior Services since its inception in 2001, share success stories from the new Nursing Home Diversion program, which provides support services for family caregivers. ______________________

We've had some chilly weather, but no snow…yet! We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season, and we'd like to offer some information and resources to lessen holiday stress and help you ring out 2009 on a healthy note.

Former ADS Advisory Council Member Houston Brown recently moved to St. Louis to be closer to family. We will miss Houston's energy and his wonderful recipes! The final edition of "Houston Brown's Cooking Corner" appears in this issue, along with "Holiday Eating Tips" from WSU Extension Community Health Editor Juana R. Royster. We can all use some inspiration this time of year to keep our healthy eating goals.

Also in this issue….

• Learn about the new Nursing Home Diversion program, which helps family caregivers keep their loved one at home by providing creative solutions and respite care.
  
  
• Cut down on another holiday season stressor—selecting and paying for a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan! Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Kirk Larson reminds us that the plan we had last year might not be the best for 2010, and discusses new eligibility requirements for the "Extra Help" program.
  
  
• Meet local authors K. Eileen Allen and Judith Starbuck, who have just published an upbeat new book about aging and attitude.
  
  
• Find holiday survival suggestions for family caregivers whose loved ones have Alzheimer's disease or other memory loss.
  
  
• Try your hand at the "Winter Wonderland" wordfind.

For More Information…    

See "Links You Can Use" for local websites that can direct you to services for seniors. And check out SeniorsDigest.org, our national companion website, which includes the Online Information Center, where you will find resources and information about issues of interest to older adults and their families.

We hope you will refer to our electronic pages often—to obtain advice, to learn of new and exciting services, and to offer us your constructive feedback.

Read Seniors Digest and tell us what you think. We are here to help.

Cathy VonWald, Chair
Seattle-King County Advisory Council
on Aging and Disability Services