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A NOTE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIRWOMAN
Dear Seniors and Supporters, I am humbled and honored to assume the role of Board President for the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging. The amazing growth that the EBR Council on Aging has achieved in a short amount of time is a testament to the collective strength of the seniors, community supporters and the leadership team here at the agency. In the year ahead, we look forward to eliminating our current Meals on Wheels waiting list, expanding our Meals on Wheels program to 7 days a week from 5, starting new Wellness classes at our senior centers and offering a new Intergenerational Program. If you are looking for a way to get involved we welcome you at our senior centers.
“One idea stands at the heart of what we do which is the goal that more seniors will be welcomed into the fold of our services . . .”
It is my hope that during my tenure at the EBRCOA we will engage more people willing to stand for the cause of senior issues, that those who were once hungry, will be fed; and those who are alone will receive comfort. One idea stands at the heart of what we do which is the goal that more seniors will be welcomed into the fold of our services and no senior will be left wondering where their next meal will come from or how to make ends meet. I invite each of you to take up this mantle whether you are a senior receiving services, a corporate partner, staff member, or just a citizen of this parish. Now, let’s join our hearts and hands and get to work!
Jennifer M. Moisant Board Chairman
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
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EBRCOA IS ON THE MOVE
New Programs and Classes NEW Wellness Classes We are expanding our wellness classes and will be offering new classes. • • • •
Medication Management Matter of Balance Diabetes Self-Management Tai Chi {NEW}
Utility Assistance Program • EBRCOA Helps
Prescription Drug Program • Medication Assistance
Starting January 2018
MEALS ON WHEELS | COMING TO YOU
Look to get 7 meals in your box. Our Meals on Wheels program will expand from 5 days to 7days a week! More Meals +More Snacks Starting January 2018
Intergenerational Programs The EBRCOA and Baton Rouge Student Learning Center are working together to provide a resource for the community. Intergenerational programs are programs that offer younger and older generations the opportunities to interact and become engaged in issues concerning our society. These programs purposefully bring together people of different generations in ongoing, mutually beneficial, planned activities, designed to achieve specific program goals. (http://www.gu.org). The EBRCOA is poised to provide exceptional service to the seniors of East Baton Rouge Parish. We are committed to transparency and accountability for the funds that we have been entrusted. Thank you to the Community that supported our efforts. We look forward to the implementation of our plan and the growth of this agency in the years to come. The agency and our seniors Thank You!!!
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FEATURE ARTICLE
AVOIDING SCAMS Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud—what a caller may tell you: •
“You must act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.”
•
“You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges.
•
“You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.” You may hear
this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
“You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including
your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
•
“You don’t need any written information about the company or their references.”
•
“You can’t afford to miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”
•
• If you hear these or similar “lines” from a telephone salesperson, just say “no thank you” and hang up the telephone.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING TELEMARKETING FRAUD • Don’t buy from an unfamiliar company. Legitimate businesses
• Be wary of companies that want to send a messenger to your
understand that you want more information about their company
home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you.
and are happy to comply.
In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of
• Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them. But beware—not everything written down is true. • Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. However, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations. • Obtain a salesperson’s name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number
who they are or where they can be reached. • Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to make a snap decision. • Don’t pay for a “free prize.” If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law. • Before you receive your next sales pitch, decide what your limits are—the kinds of financial information you will and won’t give out on the telephone. • Be sure to talk over big investments offered by telephone salespeople with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor. It is never rude to wait and think about an offer.
before you transact business. Some con artists give out false
• Never respond to an offer you don’t understand thoroughly.
names, telephone numbers, addresses, and business license
• Never send money or give out personal information such as credit
numbers—verify the accuracy of these items. • Before you give money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment. • Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question: “What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?” • Don’t pay in advance for services; pay only after they are delivered.
card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons. • Be aware that your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties. • If you have been victimized once, be wary of persons who call offering to help you recover your losses for a fee paid in advance. • If you have information about a fraud, report it to state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies.
Article source: fbi.gov
7 SENIOR CENTERS | MEMBERSHIP
General Membership Drive The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging (EBRCOA) is now accepting applications for new members. EBRCOA holds a general membership meeting once a year in June at which EBRCOA members elect new board members. Interested individuals MUST be an EBRCOA member and resident of East Baton Rouge Parish. If you would like to join the EBRCOA, please complete and mail the application below. Membership is free of charge. Must be 18 years of age or older. Interested individuals may contact the EBRCOA with any questions at (225) 923-8000 Name: ____________________________________ Last 4# of Social Security: _______________ DO.B. ____/______/______ Address: __________________________________ Address 2: ____________________________ City: __________________ Telephone: (
) _________ - ________________ Signature: ____________________________ Date: _________________
Metro Council District: ________
*MAIL TO EBRCOA/AAA 5790 Florida, Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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BAKER SENIOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT
BAKER
SENIOR CENTER The Baker Senior Center serves seniors in the Baker and surrounding areas. The center has been in existence for many years. The Center’s coordinator, Ms. Davelyn Martin, affectionately called “Ms. Dee” by the seniors, has worked at the center for three and a half years. Ms. Dee is a very creative and spontaneous person and loves keeping the seniors amused by surprising them on a regular basis with treats, games and various activities. This type of spontaneity is something that they look forward to daily. The Baker seniors would like to invite other seniors to visit us at our center to experience first hand the ultimate Baker vibe.
A.
B.
BAKER SENIOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT
C.
D.
A. Baker Senior Center Coordinator, Ms. Davelen Martin poses for a quick photo with seniors at Baker Senior Center. (see page 8)
B. You can always make new friends at the Baker Senior Center, Mrs. Albertha Payne and Mrs. Wilma Kramer did. 
(see page 8) C. Mr. Bobby shows off his Mardi Gras coloring page which won first place along with a basket of fun Mardi Gras Goodies. D. Baker Senior Center seniors smile for the camera shortly before eating lunch.
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INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Information and Assistance Department has completed the following trainings in order to be able to assist more seniors this upcoming year: •
“Building Dementia Capable Communities: An Orange County, NC, Case Study”
•
Improving Long Term Supportive Services Care Delivery: A Focus on Enhancing Core Operational Processes
•
“Managing COPD at Home”
•
“MACRA and CBOs: New Opportunities for Engagement Abound”
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FEATURE | MANAGING HEAT STRESS
MANAGING HEAT
STRESS
Older adults (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons: • • •
Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat. They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
Heat Exhaustion:
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness
•
An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
that can develop after several days of exposure to high
•
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement
•
Rapid, strong pulse
of fluids.
•
Throbbing headache
• Dizziness •
Nausea
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Warning signs vary but may include the following: •
Heavy sweating
• Paleness •
Muscle Cramps
• Tiredness • Weakness • Dizziness • Headache •
Nausea or vomiting
•
Fainting
•
Skin: may be cool and moist
•
Pulse rate: fast and weak
•
Breathing: fast and shallow
What You Can Do for Someone With Heat Stress If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person.
FEATURE | MANAGING HEAT STRESS
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What You Can Do to Protect Yourself You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress: •
Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills,
ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause
cramps.) • Rest. •
Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
•
If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned
shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
•
Wear lightweight clothing.
•
If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
•
Do not engage in strenuous activities.
What You Can Do to Help Protect Older Adult Relatives and Neighbors: If you have older adult relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress: • Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. •
Encourage them to increase
their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level. • Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot. • Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
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AGENCY| STAFF INFORMATION
POLISHED MAGAZINE
PUBLISHED BY: EBRCOA Resource Development Team
EBRCOA EXECUTIVE STAFF Tasha Clark-Amar Chief Executive Officer Trudy Bihm Executive Assistant
ANNUAL MEETING: Greater Mt. Gideon seniors enjoy the annual meeting.
Shontell LeBeouf Chief Operations Officer Eva B. Pratt Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Turner Director of Senior Centers Shanrika Barrow-Fobb Director of Information and Assistance Management
AGENCY AT WORK: Agency staff prepare plates for seniors gathered at the annual meeting.
Jasmine Carter In-Home Community based Services Coordinator Brian Parent Director of Nutritional Services Corey Williams Director of Resource Development Verna Bradley-Jackson Event Center Manager
SENIORS DURING ANNUAL MEETING: Central seniors socializing during the 2017 annual meeting.
Broderick Edwards Director of Facilities ADVERTISEMENTS: Want to advertise in our next issue? Contact Corey Williams Email: cwilliams@ebrcoa.org GENERAL INQUIRIES: 5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: (225) 923-8000 Fax: (225) 923-8030 Email: info@ebrcoa.org Website: www.ebrcoa.org ISSUU: www.issuu.com/ebrcoa SOCIAL MEDIA Agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EBRCOA
ALL ABOUT SERVICE: Senior, Center Coordinator, Ms. Pauline Gaines serving plates.
Support Senior www.ebrcoa.org/support Programs
NEW HEADQUARTERS| COMING SOON New Headquarters | 1701 Main Street | Baton Rouge, LA
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SENIOR CENTERS: Baker Senior Center Site Coordinator/Davelyn Martin 3334 Jefferson Street Baker LA, 70714 Phone: 225-366-6432
Dumas House Senior Center Site Coordinator/Geraldine Williams 1313 North Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815 Phone: 225-389-4990
Leo S. Butler Senior Center Site Coordinator/Alice Toombs 950 E. Washington Street Baton Rouge, La. 70802 Phone 225-389-4860
Florida Blvd. Senior Center Site Coordinator /Patrice Bryant 5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Phone 225-923-8000
Central Senior Center Site Coordinator Sherry Walker 6923 Oak Cluster Drive Central, LA 70739 Phone: 225-615-8339
Foster Road Senior Center Site Coordinator/Pauline Gaines 11333 Foster Road Baton Rouge, LA 70811 Phone: 225-227-2562
Chaneyville Senior Center Site Coordinator/Dorothy Payne 13211 Jackson Road Zachary, LA 70791 Phone: 225-286-4101
Greater King David Senior Center Site Coordinator Annie Clark 131 Elmer Ave. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Phone: 225-775-4996
NUTRITIONAL SITES: MAIN OFFICE Office: 5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: (225) 923-8000 Fax: (225) 923-8030 E-mail: info@ebrcoa.org
Homewood Aquatic Center Site Coordinator/ Dineshia Morris 3654 Granada Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: 225-636-5611 Pearl George Senior Center/MLK Community Center Site Coordinator/Unchella Wicker 4000 Gus Young Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone: 225-389-5611 Zachary Center Site Coordinator/ Cynthia Renee Johnson 3541 Highway 19 Zachary, LA 70791 Phone: 225-335-4948
www.ebrcoa.org
Chaneyville Seniors during a quilting activity.
Catholic Presbyterian Apartments Site Coordinator/Maude Davis 655 North St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone: 225-383-5551
Sharlo Terrace Site Coordinator/ Jessie Jones 4915 Alvin Dark Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70820 Phone: 225-346-0215
Charles Kelly Senior Center Site Coordinator 3535 Riley St. Baton Rouge, LA 70815 Phone: 225-389-5464
Turner Plaza Apartments Site Coordinator/Lola Turner 4546 North St. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone: 225-923-8114