Re: Programming ideas and needs

RE: Programming ideas and needs

2009-10-26T14:21:04Z

Older Americans contribute tremendously to Peace Corps programs all over the globe. No single group has more to offer in terms of experience, maturity, and demonstrated ability.

Maybe the Peace Corps is an option for a program in your library or for your region?

This link should get you to current events (just select your state from the drop down) or see the available information for your region.

Many older Volunteers find their age to be an asset while serving overseas. You will have the opportunity to share a lifetime of work and wisdom with people of developing nations who respect and appreciate age. And because there's no upper age limit to serve, it's never too late—Volunteers who are well into their eighties have served and continue to serve.

Book suggestions for older adults wth dementia

2009-07-28T17:01:00Z

The Seniorserv listserv recently listed a Q&A that I think may be helpful for those of us who don’t subscribe to that listserv.

The question was asked by Carol Bean of the Lantana Road Branch, Palm Beach County Library System in Lake Worth, FL.

A volunteer recently asked about books we typically stock for literacy students that are fairly short and easy to read (graduated by degrees of difficulty), as a resource for her mother who is suffering from dementia and gets frustrated trying to read regular novels. My own mother is suffering from short term memory loss and probably wouldn't be able to remember earlier chapters as she reads through a longer novel.

Are there books, or a book resource, geared towards people with dementia or memory loss, for pleasure reading? I'm thinking relatively short (fiction or biographical) books that could be read in one (short?) sitting would beideal.

Do any other libraries have "special" collections (or designated books) they maintain of these types of materials, similar to a literacy student collection?

The reply came from Allan M. Kleiman, Library Consultant(s)-on-Call, libraryolderadults.blogspot.com, who is renowned for his expertise on library services to older adults.

Eldersong Publications has a few choices in their catalog. They are online. Also, may I suggest magazines like Good Old Days and Reminisce. But I would foremost suggest that you look at the Dewey numbers 817/818 in the library's collection. The 817 American Humor is ideal and can bring some laughter along with the short chapters. The 818 would have American Short Stories and collected works of familiar authors.

Some of my best received material that I read from is from the 817 area. Comedians like George Burns or social commentator Erma Bombeck always are popular and bring a smile and a laugh.

You might also consider the picture/shorter chapter biographies from the Children's Department. Just enough words for content but pictures to "stir" the memories.

Another options would be to do some searching using keywords in Novelist, like humor, etc. And you can also key in reading level for some children's titles, too.

Alan winds up by saying something that I agree with and hope readers of this discussion board take to heart: “Good-luck and let us all know how the programming goes. We can all benefit by our mutual experiences.”

RE: Programming ideas and needs

2009-07-14T14:29:12Z

Check out the Senior Center Evaluation toolkit.

A brief look at this pdf shows it to be a tool that can – and should – be modified slightly by libraries to gauge the effectiveness of their older adult / senior services. It’s pre-made. Essentially, it gives you the plan, which is not rocket science, and will help you to ‘prove the worthiness’ of your programs / slate of senior services. If you haven’t done this already, I feel that this is an excellent place to begin.

You can - and should- share this with senior centers in your area and consider doing either a shared or complementary evaluation.

2 articles on programming for seniors/older adults

2009-07-14T14:01:14Z

2 columns by Fatima Perkins and Joyce Voss, members of the OLOS Subcommittee on Services to Older Adults.

'Partnerships and Collaborations for Senior Programs' by Fatima Perkins.

'Memories Into Memoirs' by Joyce Voss.

FRIDAY, 9/19/08 LITE 2008: Lighthouse International Technology Expo

2008-09-10T18:17:48Z

This sounds like a *very* good technology expo in NYC on 9/19. www.lighthouse.org for full info.

LITE 2008: Lighthouse International Technology Expo

Showcasing Assistive and Everyday Accessible Technologies That Make Life Easier for People with Vision Loss.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 * 9:30 am - 6 pm
LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL * 111 East 59th Street * NY, NY

Sponsored by Bank of America

FREE ADMISSION

EXHIBITS:
See demonstrations, ask questions, and get the latest information from more than 25 companies that will showcase their products and services for people with vision loss.

DOOR PRIZES:
Thanks to the generosity of our exhibitors we now have almost $7,000 in donated items which will be given away. A list of items and the donors is available below and on our web site www.lighthouse.org

SEMINARS:
Hear what the experts have to say! - Attend seminars held throughout the day:

Financing Assistive Technology: 10 -11 am

Monitoring Your Health with New Technologies: 11:30 am - 12:30pm

Accessible Cell Phones and Services: 1 - 2 pm

Introduction to Windows Vista Accessibility: 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Seminar space is limited!

For attendees who need assistance, sighted guides will be available

For more information, including full seminar descriptions and speakers, seminar reservations, or sighted guide assistance visit www.lighthouse.org/lite or call 212-821-9371 or e-mail lite@lighthouse.org

DOOR PRIZES

Freedom Scientific
Open Book OCR Program
MAGic Program
Ai Squared
Print Enhancing Program
Enhanced Vision
Nemo CCTV
Amigo CCTV
Humanware
Borders Gift Card
Independent Living Aids
Two Gift Certificates
C Tech
Quick Look Portable CCTV
MAGic Print Enhancing Program
Parrot memo device
LH Store
Timex Talking Clock
Low Vision Keyboard
Blood Pressure Monitor
Keyboard Overlays (3 white on black 3 black on white)
Maxi Aids
Reizen Talking atomic watch
Talking Atomic Clock
Voxcom voice
Franklin Electronics
Children's Talking Dictionary and Headphones

LITE 2008 Co-sponsors:

Ai Squared
CTech
Dancing Dots
Enhanced Vision
On the Go Books

Participating Exhibitors:
Ai Squared
American Foundation for the Blind
America Online
AT&T
Bank of America
Baruch College
Best Buy
Bookshare
C Tech
Dancing Dots
Enhanced Vision
Franklin Electronic Dictionaries
Freedom Scientific
Geek Squad
GW Micro
Handy Tech
HumanWare
Independent Living Aids
Internet Speech
Jitterbug
Lighthouse Store
Maxi-Aids
Microsoft
MTA
Optelec
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
Talking Signs
United Cerebral Palsy of NYC
Verizon

RE: Super coupons, hyper mileage

2008-08-25T17:28:45Z

Well, IIRC from the radio discussion, that was with a Honda Insight at 20 mph on an oval track. He does have a lot of tips for the everyday driver.

Super coupons, hyper mileage

2008-08-25T16:16:39Z

Well, CT is a bit far from Chicago, but maybe I can super coupon and hyper mile my way there to see these 2 in person near Chicago. I don't quite believe the 230 mpg claim, though. That's not with an ordinary car engine, he's tweaked it. And maybe is using some kind of fuel weirdness. I'd love to be proven wrong. Maybe he found a 230 mile long descent somewhere?

RE: Programming ideas and needs

2008-08-20T18:44:40Z

We've got two interesting--to-seniors (and many others) programs scheduled for October.

This first is on "hypermilage." This is the art/science of getting the most mpg you can get out of your car. This is important here since we're 40 miles from downtown Chicago and most people have quite a long commute. As it happens, the fellow who holds the current record (over 230 mpg!) lives nearby and could bike here.

The second is on couponing. Check out Super Couponing ... she does library programs.

I'm almost always in favor of adding non-book related programming at the library. You can be sure that we'll find an excuse to advertise some of our resources.

101 Ideas, a.k.a. Ideas 101

2008-08-05T14:30:31Z

ASCLA has put up an excerpt from 101 Ideas for Serving the Impaired Elderly101 Ideas for Serving the Impaired Elderly.

It’s good (though not Earth-shaking) stuff designed to help libraries “provide programming for the impaired elderly in a wide variety of ways in order to meet the broad range of needs of the individuals.”

It’s meat-and-potatoes, perhaps more for newbie providers or a library ramping up services; those who have much experience might use it as a double-check to ensure what they’re already doing covers all the bases.

Doug/Fishrocker

Same Bat time, same Bat channel!

2008-07-08T17:16:07Z

I cant claim this concept as my own. The great Kate Cosgrove from my home state of Connecticuts [url http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/library/index.asp ]New Haven Free Public Library[/url] can.

New Haven has been experimenting with the intersection of services to older adults, volunteerism, and services to Boomers in a service they have termed the [url http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/library/transition.asp ]50+ Transitions Center[/url].

Their latest scheme, and I thought it was worth mentioning, is to hold the same services and programs every month at the same time of day.

Some of the information from their recent press release is below.

No lines > easy access > come to the library!

Very often people are reluctant to go to the agency itself because
* there are long lines;
* they are not sure they are eligible for services;
* they are intimidated by the institution.

Having these services at the library is a first step in finding out what an individual is eligible for so they or their caregiver can feel secure about pursuing what services they are entitled to further.

First Wednesday of every month: Ask a Lawyer.. from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Have legal questions you are not sure about? Come and have a private conversation with a lawyer.

Second Wednesday of every month: Free Benefits QuickLINK Screening for those over 60 years of age from 10:30 to 1:30 pm. The screening, compliments of the Area Agency on Aging, is geared to help older adults determine if they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled, including prescription drugs, energy assistance, financial assistance, etc.

Fourth Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm: Connecticut Health Policy Project (CTHPP) will be focusing on health issues or current CT legislation on health policy. The first presentation, Learning how to "Reduce Your Medical Costs". Connie Razza, Director of Programs at the Connecticut Health Policy Project (CTHPP), will discuss strategies for saving money on doctors, hospitals and prescriptions. With the rising cost of oil, the impact has been felt on every day products as well. Tip sheets will be available to those attending.

Fourth Wednesday of every month: Get your Passport from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. This is on an individual basis and for all ages. n

Fourth Thursday of every month: "All about Social Security" from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Gilda Agosto, Social Security Claim Representative, will answer questions and work with individuals at the desk or on the computer to download necessary forms.

Re: NIH's Senior Health Toolkit teaching modules

2008-05-13T17:46:42Z

Thanks for this! I'm making sure our adult services department has the link.

NIH's Senior Health Toolkit teaching modules

2008-05-13T14:45:20Z

[url http://nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit/toolkit.html ]This[/url] toolkit is a very cool, comprehensive set of lesson plans centered on being the best possible teacher/facilitator in helping older adults (who may not be the savviest computer users) find reliable health information online.

Theres a nine-minute video on what its all about. There are 9 individual modules, training tools, pretty much everything youll need to just click and teach. It even has printable handouts for attendees.

To me this looks like a ready-made, out-of-the-box nine-part program for you (the teacher) and your patrons (older adults).

The [url http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/nov2007/nlm-27.htm ]press release[/url] explains its existence:

To broaden the numbers of older adults able to search for and find reliable health information online, the [url http://www.nia.nih.gov/]National Institute on Aging[/url] (NIA) has developed a free training curriculum for those who teach and work with older adults. This Toolkit for Trainers is now available [url http://www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov ]here[/url], a senior-friendly Web site developed by the NIA and the [url http://www.nlm.nih.gov/]National Library of Medicine[/url] (NLM), components of the [url http://www.nih.gov/]National Institutes of Health[/url] (NIH).

See the toolkit here: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit/toolkit.html

Best,

Doug

Thank you re: Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly

2008-05-12T13:21:43Z

Hey, if my math is right (and it should be because I only have to use one hand) I may have actually helped 3 (THREE) loyal wj readers with that post about the NIA publication. Yay!

I just want to thank librarybob, janieh and emnica for their posts.

Thank you!!!

Re: Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly

2008-05-12T00:37:27Z

Great publication -- thanks for passing this information along!

Re: Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly

2008-05-09T19:54:32Z

Yes, thank you. I just e-mailed that link to our marketing person ... I'm sure she'll find it useful.

Re: Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly

2008-05-09T19:33:17Z

I just finished reading this and I think it offers good advice on creating good, readable documents in general.

Thanks for sharing!

Emily

Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly

2008-05-09T14:49:39Z

Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly is a new publication from the [url http://www.nia.nih.gov/ ] National Institute on Aging[/url], part of the [url http://www.nih.gov/ ]National Institutes of Health[/url].

The tip sheet offers suggestions for how to write and design health information to accommodate cognitive and physical changes that often accompany old age. It provides specific examples and includes resources for more information.

Print copies of Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior Friendly are free and available in bulk while supplies last. It is also available online. To preview, download or print it go to [url http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/srfriendly.htm] this link[/url]

Re: Programming ideas and needs

2008-04-10T13:28:54Z

Satia Orange from ALA is seeking input and ideas from the library community for the American Society on Aging/National Council on Agings Las Vegas Conference, March 15-19, 2009.

Ive reproduced her email to the seniorserv listserv [url http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/outreachresource/instructions.cfm ]subscribe[/url]:

The [url http://asaging.org/index.cfm ]American Society on Aging[/url]/[url http://www.ncoa.org/ ]National Council on Aging[/url] planning committee is accepting program proposals until May, for their Las Vegas Conference, March 15-19, 2009.

Once again I am asking if the list members of aging@ala.org and seniorserv@ala.org would like to have a library component to the ASA/NCOA conference. Such a proposal will require librarians serving older adults in attendance at the conference, and presenting several programs of interest to library and senior services staff. You all have much to share and there are many interested in what you are doing in libraries.

At the 2007 ASA/NCOA conference in Chicago, we had a successful two-space exhibit with lots of interest from conferees. There were few librarians in attendance, although the interest in collaboration was high. For those who have never attended, there are always great speakers, celebrities, and a wide range of programs dealing with senior issues. Lots of learning opportunities! Much like the ALA conferences.

It's a great way of learning about collaboration possibilities with other senior services professionals, to share the effective practices of programs and services in libraries, and to learn about issues of importance to older adults and their caregivers. Go to http://asaging.org/index.cfm to learn about the 2008 conference which was held a few weeks ago.

Feel free to contact Satia:

Satia M. Orange
Director, Office for Literacy & Outreach Services (OLOS)
ALA Staff Liaison to OLOS Subcommitteee on Aging
American Library Association
40 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-280-4295/800-545-2433 #4295
Email: sorange@ala.org
Website: www.ala.org/olos

Funding from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

2008-03-25T12:24:40Z

Hi loyal readers,

Im parroting bits and pieces of a recent grant announcement of perhaps most interest to those of you in Maryland, Hawaii, Northeast Pennsylvania, New York, and Israel (yes, I said Israel).

The [url www.hjweinbergfoundation.org ]Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation[/url] is making available up to $9 million over the next three years for its Family and Informal Caregiver Support Program. It encourages non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, including aging and human service agencies, faith-based and other community-based organizations, tribal organizations, and units of local government to participate in.

The Foundation plans to support from 12 to 20 community-based Projects with grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 per year (for a total of $300,000 to $900,000 for each grant recipient from March 2009 through February 2012).

DEADLINE for letters of inquiry and full proposal must be received by mail no later than 5 PM EST on Thursday, June 12.

www.hjweinbergfoundation.org

Thanks to the fabulous Satia Orange from ALA for posting this to the Seniorserv listserv.

Re: Programming ideas and needs

2008-03-24T13:43:10Z

A colleague alerted me to Californias [url http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/tlaf.html ]TLA50[/url] statewide initiative, a three-day institute designed to promote an understanding of how the size and history of the baby boomer cohort, along with their extended life spans, will impact aging in America. Emphasis was given to the importance of viewing these older adults as resources for their communities.

TLA50 was designed in partnership with [url http://www.lff.org ]Libraries for the Future [/url] and the [url http://www.http://www.cla-net.org/ ]California Library Association[/url]; 88 participants representing 44 California library jurisdictions and used LSTA money for at least some of the financing.

Presentations focused on three areas: 1.) Redefining Aging: Who Are The Boomers?, 2.) Visioning the Future: Boomer Issues and Opportunities, and 3.) Beyond Senior Services: Launching Local Efforts.

Did any of yall go? Was it great?

In my other life, as CTs de facto LSTAC, I applaud Californias innovative thinking and shout, Its about time while at the same time bemoan the across-the-board cuts that all state LSTA budgets received during the latest cycle. Id do something like this in a heartbeat if I had the money. Since I dont, but I do have an active and fabulous LFF presence in CT (heck, in my building), Ill be forced to be innovative. I guess its easier to be innovative with money, eh?