Quality Aging in Henry CountyPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Henry County CES

Title:
Quality Aging in Henry County
MAP:
Embracing Life as We Age
Agents Involved:
Maryellen Garrison
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Keys to Embracing Aging
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Stand Up to Falling
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Know the 10 Signs
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Traditions
Situation:
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3%, a number that is expected to double in the next 40 years due to the aging Baby Boomers (post WWII babies born between 1946-1964). Approximately 25% of Kentucky’s population includes Boomers, who, in 2011, started turning 65. Meanwhile, babies born in Kentucky in 2011 are projected to live to be 75 years old (3 years younger than the national average). Whether it is the graying of America or extended life expectancies, aging is a lifespan process. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the changes that accompany aging, in regard to health, independence and life quality throughout all stages of life. The goal of the Embracing Life As We Age Initiative is to develop programs and work with other FCS initiatives to help individuals, families and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.:
Decrease falls
Decrease obesity
Decrease # of individuals with chronic disease
Increase physical activity
Increase estimated health savings
Increase caregiving knowledge and quality relationships
Improve financial education
Improve healthy homes and communities
Improve quality of life for Kentucky’s aging families
Intermediate Outcomes:
Change behavior to decrease risk of falling.
Increase communication and enhance relationships and social support.
Enhance brain activity
Improve mental health
Create a legacy
Increase skills to interact/work with older adults
Make healthy eating choices and follow safe food handling practices
Work as a family unit to acknowlege and embrace aging issues
Initial Outcomes:
Risk of falling
Healthy lifespan behaviors
Life story and legacy
Ageism
Empathy
Death, dying, loss and bereavement.
Healthy eating and food safety
Financial Planning
Age-related family issues (e.g. dementia, power of attorney, living wills, failing health, end-of-life)
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Awareness of Alzheimer's Disease

Indicator: A change in knowledge/skills related to Virtual Dementia

Method: Written Evaluation

Timeline:After programming


Intermediate Outcome: Personal Music Provided to Alzheimer's Patients

Indicator: Number of volunteers/donations for program

Method: Survey and Record Keeping

Timeline: Spring 18


Long-term Outcome: Improved Quality of Life for Seniors

Indicator: Reported Quality of Lifestyle

Method: Focus Group

Timeline: on-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Senior Citizens

Project or Activity: Workshop Series

Content or Curriculum: A Matter of Balance/Falls Reduction

Inputs: Program promotion/presentation/evaluation

Date: Winter 2018


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Prepare to Care

Inputs: Program Presentation, collaboration with Health Coalition

Date: Fall of 2017


Audience: Extension Homemakers/General Public

Project or Activity: Workshop Leader Training

Content or Curriculum: Ins and Outs of Downsizing

Inputs: Program Presentation

Date: September 2017


Audience: Senior Citizens

Project or Activity: Living Well Series

Content or Curriculum: UK Provided

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Weekly classes Oct/December 2017 and Mar/May 2018


Audience: Those with Alzheimer's and Family Members

Project or Activity: Music Therapy

Content or Curriculum: Music and Memory

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Monthly


Audience: Family Members of Alzheimer's Patients

Project or Activity: Virtual Dementia Simulation

Content or Curriculum: RADD (Raising Awareness about Disability)

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Spring 2018



Success Stories

Prepare to Care

Author: Maryellen Garrison

Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)

Based on demographic trends, Kentucky needs to plan for a great increase in caregiving, by 2030 it is predicted that 19.8% of our population will be over 65. Today, over half of Kentucky’s older adults report living with a disability and there is a growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  The Henry County Extension Service recognizes that caregiving is one of the most important roles a person will ever hold and that we are not trained for the role.   We coll

Full Story

Second Wind Dreams

Author: Maryellen Garrison

Major Program: Nurturing Families (general)

Anxiety and depression are major problems in nursing homes and many medications are used to treat these conditions.  The statistics reflecting incidents of abuse involving elderly residents in nursing homes and care facilities are both staggering and disheartening. At the broadest level, more than two (2) million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost one out of every ten elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse and in Kentucky there are currently over

Full Story

The Power of Kindness

Author: Maryellen Garrison

Major Program: Nurturing Families (general)

Imagine yourself living in a nursing home, relying on 24 hour care, and owning nothing more than the clothes on your back. Picture a life with no family and an overwhelming feeling that you have lost your control, freedom, and rights. Although this scenario may seem unimaginable, unfortunately it’s a sad reality for many elders anytime but especially during the holiday season. During a time that is typically filled with joy, compassion and family, for many nursing home residents, the holid

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County