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Vol. 27, No. 4 | Fall 2019

PAGE 12

The Ties That BindCaregiver program helped attendees develop a friendship they didn't know they needed

At 11 years old, Eli Bonner is a veteran Meals on Wheels volunteer. The meal recipients on his route like to talk to him about school and his baseball team. He especially enjoys the clients who give him “hugs and candy.”

When asked what keeps him coming back, Eli points to the man sitting next to him, his grandfather, Ed Kramer. Ed started bringing Eli along on his weekly meal route four years ago. He enjoys the one-on-one time with his grandson. “Gives us more things to talk about and I like the way people respond to him," Ed said. "It makes their day a little better.”

See VOLUNTEERING page 18.

The Joy of Volunteering with Grandchildren

VOLUNTEERING You call it “being a good partner.”

2

MySourcePoint.org

SourcePoint800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, OH 43015

740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org

SourcePoint is the primary resource and starting point for professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55. SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Services and programs are supported in part by the local senior services levy, corporate and private donations, sponsorships, grants, and by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. SourcePoint is a United Way agency.

2019 Board of DirectorsPresident: Roger Lossing, CPA, JD, CFP, Lewis Center Vice President: Frank Pinciotti, Lewis CenterSecretary: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, PowellTreasurer: Richard Roell, ChFC, FFSI, RIA, MBA, GalenaDavid Black, WestervilleGerald Borin, PowellBecky Cornett, PhD, DelawareCarlos Crawford, MS, JD, DelawareKaren Crosman, Powell Anne Farley, LSW, MS, PowellJack Fette, Lewis CenterJohn McDavid, CenterburgJane Nance, RN, WestervilleTrudy Poole, Lewis CenterCarolyn Slone, DelawareJane Taylor, Dublin Roger Van Sickle, Delaware

The board typically meets the last Wednesday of each month at noon. Members of the public wishing to attend may call the executive director at 740-363-6677.

My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers.

Nearly 50,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available at SourcePoint and more than 60 locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pick-up site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.

To advertise or submit content for consideration, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org.

The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.

C O N T E N TFall 2019

01 The Joy of Volunteering with Grandchildren Volunteering

03 A Welcome from SourcePoint's New Executive Director SourcePoint

04 Tai Chi Benefits Cancer Survivors Health & Wellness

05 Cancer Care in Delaware County Health & Wellness

06 Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's in a Name? Health & Wellness

08 Debunking Myths About Osteoporosis Health & Wellness

10 Playing Bridge Keeps You Young and Sharp Living

12 The Ties That Bind Feature

15 10 Questions That May Change Your Life Caregiving

16 From the Source News, Program Updates & Special Events

20 Get to the Point! Fall Activities

22 Older Adults and Depression Mental Health

26 SourcePoint On the Go In Our Community

28 You Should Budget for Charitable Giving Even if You're Not Rich Financial Health

30 With These Hands Creative Writing

31 Safe Medication Practices for Better Health Health & Wellness

Fall 2019 3

MySourcePoint.org

A Welcome from SourcePoint’s New Executive DirectorSOURCEPOINT

I am both honored and excited to take on the role of executive director at SourcePoint and to lead such a passionate, dedicated team of professionals.

I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome, as well as the board of directors for their faith in my ability to lead this esteemed organization. I would also like to thank Bob Horrocks for his support and assistance in helping me transition into this position. His leadership over the past 27 years sets a high benchmark for the future—and I am prepared to take on the opportunities and challenges this position brings.

I joined SourcePoint 24 years ago to help develop and implement in-home care services in Delaware County. As the organization’s first licensed social worker, I had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our community’s seniors. This rewarding experience has helped guide my vision for our future—one of continued commitment to providing quality service to our community.

In the coming years, SourcePoint will continue to pursue its mission to help our community set a course to live well after 55. With that comprehensive mission comes a number of initiatives our organization is proud to lead, including:

• Ensure programs and services are accessible in all areas of the county through the use of technology and traveling programs.

• Continue to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for all Delaware County adults

ages 55 and older.

• Collaborate with local partners to innovate and improve the livability of our community through the Age-Friendly project, ensuring a safe,

healthy lifestyle for residents of all ages.

Delaware County’s older-adult population continues to grow; therefore, the need to

support healthy aging continues to grow. To keep pace, SourcePoint’s strategic plan includes

the goal to diversify our revenue streams by expanding partnerships and increasing charitable donations.

SourcePoint was founded 27 years ago to address the needs of Delaware County older adults, and today, I am privileged to ensure that we will continue to be there every step of the way.

I look forward to working with you, learning from you, and, together, setting an even higher standard for aging well in our community.

Fara Waugh is SourcePoint's executive director.

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MySourcePoint.org

4 Fall 2019

Tai Chi Benefits Cancer Survivors HEALTH & WELLNESS

When you think of exercise, you probably have an image of vigorous activities that result in being out of breath. But not all exercise needs to be like that. There are gentle ways to exercise that provide significant benefits, particularly for cancer patients and survivors, including tai chi.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." Originating in China as a martial art, tai chi today is practiced as a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of slow movements and focused breathing. There is growing evidence this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems.

A study from researchers at the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute links exercise with a lower risk of developing 13 specific types of cancer. Other studies show that regular physical activity, such as tai chi, helps prevent weight gain and obesity, which can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers and is associated with improved survival.

CANCER-RELATED BENEFITSClinicians and oncologists recommend exercise as a strategy for reducing the side effects associated with cancer treatment, speeding recovery, and improving overall quality of life. According to Susan Yaguda, RN, MSN, integrative oncology coordinator at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, N.C., tai chi can:

• Calm the mind and emotions. The slow, rhythmic movements combined with deep, relaxation breathing help bring a sense of peace and grounding.

• Improve balance and help prevent falls. Patients with cancer often have challenges with balance as a result of weakness from the cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment, such as neuropathy—tingling and numbness in the hands and feet—or other damage to the nervous system. Tai chi can help improve balance and decrease the risk of falls.

• Reduce muscle and joint pain. Cancer and cancer treatment can cause muscle and joint pain, which

can be very discouraging for patients who want to get

active. The slow, fluid movements of tai

chi can help reduce muscle and joint pain.

• Increase flexibility. Tai chi

helps stretch the muscles and improve

joint mobility in a safe, gentle way.

• Increase energy. Cancer treatment can cause patients to have low energy, despite getting a lot of sleep. Tai chi can help restore the body’s energy, making it easier to tolerate treatment and to feel better after treatment.

CAREGIVERS CAN BENEFIT, TOOWhen cancer hits, it impacts the whole family, as well as friends and caregivers. Oftentimes, the emotional

and physical toll of providing care for a loved one means that caregivers experience distress and anxiety at higher levels than cancer patients. With its relaxation and de-stressing qualities, tai chi can offer significant benefits to members of the cancer patient’s family and friends.

TAI CHI CLASSES IN DELAWAREAs a physical activity at Cancer Support Community, tai chi is carried out in a gentle, nonstrenuous form, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, particularly cancer survivors. Instructors work with participants to modify movements to accommodate any restrictions and ensure that each person receives personalized support and instruction during the sessions.

Tai chi classes, led by Cancer Support Community’s certified tai chi masters who have more than 15 years of experience, are available in Delaware. If you or your loved one have been impacted by cancer, please join us on Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Grace Clinic Delaware. As always, our programs are offered at no cost. No registration is needed.

For more information, visit CancerSupportOhio.org or call 614-884-4673 (HOPE).

Debbie Beyer is the director of development and marketing at Cancer Support Community Central Ohio.

MySourcePoint.org

Fall 2019 5

Cancer Care in Delaware CountyHEALTH & WELLNESS

It’s been a little more than two years since the opening of the new radiation oncology building at the OhioHealth Delaware Health Center. The goal of the services offered—and for the teams bringing the highest quality cancer care to patients—is simple: Bring that care to fight this disease, and do it close to where the patient lives.

“Our goal is to keep care local for our patients,” said David Hinckley, OhioHealth program director of radiation and medical physics. “Patients receiving radiation are typically treated Monday through Friday, sometimes for six to eight weeks. It’s more convenient for community members to receive state-of-the-art patient care close to home or work, as opposed to having to travel out of the community for it.”

Board-certified radiation oncology physicians Andrew Freeman and Vijay Kudithipudi provide patient care in the building. Dr. Freeman, who has been there from day one, says he has seen the difference services can make for patients and their families.

“I was thrilled to join the Delaware community a few years ago and work with patients to determine the best radiation therapy treatment plan for them,” said Dr. Freeman. “Cancer care is a team effort and working in the same community with our surgeons and medical oncologists has allowed for excellent collaboration to ensure continuum of care for our patients.”

Construction on the $7 million project started in spring 2016 and added 7,000 square feet to the OhioHealth Delaware Health Center. Prior to the construction, the health center was just over 60,000 square feet.

The radiation oncology building has a linear accelerator, also called a LINAC. It is the latest model available from the manufacturer. The LINAC uses high-energy x-rays and electrons customized to each patient’s cancer. It works to destroy the cancer cells, while sparing normal tissue. Dr. Freeman and Dr. Kudithipudi work with a dosimetrist and medical physicists to develop a highly customized treatment plan for each patient.

Multiple safety precautions are taken to ensure safety for the patients and staff, as well as those in and around the facility. Quality control measures, such as the patient being the only one in the room during treatment, concrete walls up to 6 ½ feet thick, and bi-direction intercom and camera systems to monitor patients during their treatment, help ensure safety.

“The radiation oncology addition has been exactly what we envisioned for the Delaware Health Center,” said Mindy

Sanford, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital senior advisor of operations. “Medical oncology, breast health, imaging, and laboratory services are already available to patients in the building. Cancer surgery is available nearby at OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital. Patients are benefiting from this. Once upon a time, patients had to leave the community for the full spectrum of cancer care. There is no need for that anymore. In the end, this expansion is all about our patients. We think it is making a difference, and saving lives.”

OhioHealth is a family of not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare facilities that has been serving central Ohio since 1891, and is the current health and wellness partner of SourcePoint.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MySourcePoint.org

6 Fall 2019

Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s in a Name?We’ve all seen the words “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative,” but what do they really mean?

The terms complementary, alternative, and integrative are continually evolving, along with the field, but the descriptions of these terms below are how the National Institutes of Health currently define them.

COMPLEMENTARY VERSUS ALTERNATIVEAccording to a 2012 national survey, many Americans—more than 30 percent of adults and about 12 percent of children—use health care approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care or that may have origins outside of usual Western practice. When describing these approaches, people often use alternative and complementary interchangeably, but the two terms refer to different concepts:

• If a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it’s considered complementary.

• If a non-mainstream practice is used in place of conventional medicine, it’s considered alternative.

Most people who use non-mainstream approaches also use conventional health care.

In additional to complementary and alternative, you may also hear the term “functional medicine.” This term sometimes refers to a concept similar to integrative health,

but may also refer to an approach that more closely resembles naturopathy, a medical system that has evolved from a combination of traditional practices and health care approaches popular in Europe during the 19th century.

Complementary health approaches include natural products and mind and body practices.

Natural ProductsThis group includes a variety of products, such as herbs or botanicals, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. They are widely marketed, readily available to consumers, and often sold as dietary supplements.

According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey on the use of complementary health approaches by Americans, 17.7 percent of adults had used a dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals in the past year. These products were the most popular complementary health approach in the survey. The most commonly used natural product was fish oil.

Researchers have done large, rigorous studies on a few natural products, but the results often showed that the products didn’t work for the conditions studied. Research on others is in progress. While there are indications that some may be helpful, more needs to be learned about the effects of these products

MySourcePoint.org

Fall 2019 7

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For more information: CancerSupportOhio.org | 614.884.4673 (HOPE)

In DelawareRestore your health, increaseyour energy and prolong yourlife with Tai Chi. The skills are

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Thursdays, 10 amGrace Clinic Delaware40 S Franklin Street, Delaware, OH 43015Cancer Support Community

Central Ohio offers a wide varietyof programs for cancer patients

and survivors, as well as theircaregivers, family and friends. Allprograms are offered at no cost.

in the human body, and about their safety and potential interactions with medicines and other natural products.

Mind and Body PracticesMind and body practices include a large and diverse group of procedures or techniques administered or taught by a trained practitioner or teacher. The 2012 NHIS showed that yoga, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, and meditation are among the most popular mind and body practices used by adults. According to the 2017 NHIS, the popularity of yoga has grown dramatically in recent years, from 9.5 percent of U.S. adults practicing yoga in 2012 to 14.3 percent in 2017. The 2017 NHIS also showed that the use of meditation increased more than threefold from 4.1 percent in 2012 to 14.2 percent in 2017.

Other mind and body practices include acupuncture, relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, tai chi, qi gong, hypnotherapy, Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, Rolfing Structural Integration, and Trager psychophysical integration.

The amount of research on mind and body approaches varies widely depending on the practice. For example, researchers have done many studies on acupuncture, yoga, spinal manipulation, and meditation, but there have been fewer studies on some other practices.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTHIntegrative health care often brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. It emphasizes a holistic, patient-focused approach to health care and wellness—often including mental, emotional, functional, spiritual, social, and community aspects—and treating the whole person rather than, for example, one organ system. It aims for well-coordinated care between different providers and institutions.

The use of integrative approaches to health and wellness has grown within care settings across the U.S. Researchers are currently exploring the potential benefits of integrative health in a variety of situations, including pain management for military personnel and veterans, relief of symptoms in cancer patients and survivors, and programs to promote healthy behaviors.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on complementary and integrative health approaches.

MySourcePoint.org

8 Fall 2019

Did you know throughout your life, you constantly lose old bone while you make new bone?

Children and teenagers form bone faster than they lose bone. Even after children and teens stop growing, they continue to make more bone than they lose. This means their bones continue getting denser until they reach what experts call peak bone mass, the point when you have the greatest amount of bone you will ever have. Peak bone mass usually happens between the ages of 18 and 25. The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or get osteoporosis later in life.

As you age, you can lose more bone than you form. After you reach peak bone mass, the balance between bone formation and bone loss might start to change. You may start to slowly lose more bone than you form. In midlife, bone loss usually speeds up in both men and women. For most women, bone loss increases after menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply. In fact, in the five to seven years after menopause, women can lose up to 20 percent or more of their bone density.

It’s never too late to take steps to protect your bones.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Viewed under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy bone. Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. If you’re 50 or older and have broken a bone, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about a bone density test.

Myth #1: Most people don’t need to worry about osteoporosis. Millions of Americans—54 million to be exact—have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age

of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The disease causes an estimated two million

broken bones every year.

Myth #2: Osteoporosis is only a problem for older Caucasian women. While osteoporosis is common among white women, men and women of all races can have the disease. Also, while

the disease is more common in older people, it can strike at any age.

Myth #3: You don’t need to worry about osteoporosis if you just trip and break a bone.

Any broken bones in people over the age of 50 from standing height that are not caused by a serious accident, such as a car crash or falling off a ladder, can be the first sign of low bone density or osteoporosis. Broken bones from tripping on the sidewalk or falling over something on the floor at home are often related to osteoporosis, yet frequently undiagnosed.

Myth #4: People with osteoporosis can feel their bones getting weaker. Osteoporosis is commonly called a “silent disease.” Often, breaking a bone is the first clue you have osteoporosis. Some people learn that they have osteoporosis after they lose height from one or more broken bones in the spine. These broken bones can even occur without any noticeable pain.

Myth #5: An osteoporosis test is painful and exposes you to a lot of radiation. Experts recommend a bone mineral density test using a central DXA—dual energy x-ray absorptiometry—machine. It is simple, painless, takes 5-10 minutes, and uses very little radiation. You are exposed to 10-15 times more radiation from flying in a plane roundtrip between New York and San Francisco.

Myth #6: Children and teens do not need to worry about their bone health. Children and teens can build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis by being physically active and getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

Myth #7: If you drink a lot of milk and exercise, you are not at risk for osteoporosis. Even if you drink plenty of milk and exercise, you still may be at risk for osteoporosis. There are many risk factors for osteoporosis—some you can control and some you can’t.

Debunking Myths About OsteoporosisHEALTH & WELLNESS

MySourcePoint.org

Fall 2019 9

Myth #8: Osteoporosis isn’t serious. Broken bones from osteoporosis can be very painful and serious. Broken bones can affect physical, mental, and emotional health, and in some cases, result in death. It is important to take steps throughout your life to protect your bones.

Myth #9: Taking extra calcium supplements can help prevent osteoporosis. Taking more calcium than you need does not provide any extra benefits. Estimate the amount of calcium you get from foods on a typical day to determine whether a supplement is right for you. Find out how much calcium you need.

Myth #10: Most people do not need to take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. If you don’t get enough vitamin D, or if your body doesn’t absorb it well, you are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun and is also available in a few foods. However, many people need a vitamin D supplement. Find out how much vitamin D you need and if a supplement is right for you.

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation. Read more articles like this at nof.org.

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10 Fall 2019

My partner, Nancy, stares at her cards through her Jackie Onassis glasses. I can sense her brain waves firing on all cylinders. Finally, she responds, “Two hearts.”

The next player says pass and it is back to me. I opened one spade, so what is Nancy trying to tell me? I think she has four hearts, but I can’t recall the rule for the range of points she must have to bid two hearts. Should I pass? Raise to three hearts? Go higher?

I begin to chew on a nail.

This is my world of bridge. On most Tuesday nights, I play about 20 hands over three hours against seven other teams. It is my time to relax and unwind, but I am also engaged in one of the most mentally rewarding activities.

Playing Bridge Keeps You Young and Sharp

I have James Bond to thank for my new passion. I am a fan of the Ian Fleming books and I reread one every year. I picked up "Moonraker" a while back, which thankfully has nothing to do with the dreadful 1979 movie starring Roger Moore as 007. There is an early scene in the book where Bond foils his nemesis at the bridge table after discovering he cheats.

The problem was that Ian Fleming wrote the tense-filled scenes as if the reader had a working knowledge of the game. Trump? Four-spade bids? Finesse? I had no clue what was going

on. I had to know.

So I ventured to the library and sat in the “Games and Puzzles” section and did a quick study of the rules and language. Rereading the chapters, I was able to follow along. Somewhat.

This did not sound like a parlor game for a retirement home. There was strategy involved and it required an almost encyclopedic

LIVING

knowledge to grasp the subtle specifics of

bidding and playing.

I soon joined the St. Petersburg Bridge Club, where I took a six-week beginners course,

scribbling in my notebook as I learned

the rules. I read all the how-to books I could find.

I quickly discovered that bridge is an ongoing pursuit. It is like playing the violin or learning Renaissance painting. Odds are you may never be a master, but it sure is fun.

A NEW OLD GAMEMention bridge and most people envision their grandmother playing the game in Ozzie and Harriet’s living room. Bridge enjoyed its golden years from the 1930s into the 1960s. At one point during this time it has been said that 44 percent of households had at least one active bridge player. Improve-your-game paperbacks made bookstore shelves sag. There was even a popular TV show called "Championship Bridge with Charles Goren" that aired on ABC for five seasons from 1959 to 1964—30 minutes of the top players playing bridge.

The next generation of boomers did not follow their parents’ lead, at least not in a big way. Texas Hold ‘Em poker remains the hot card game today with its online presence and high-stakes ESPN tournaments. Still, bridge is enjoying somewhat of a revival.

See BRIDGE page 21.

The fascinating card game can stimulate brain cells and help you make smarter business decisions—just ask Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and me.

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Fall 2019 11

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12 Fall 2019

at SourcePoint at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and uplifting laughter and conversation. We're still learning and growing with each other and happy to be a part of each other's lives."

Most—if not all—of the group members have one more thing in common: They didn't know the caregiver workshops were designed to help them care for themselves.

"I thought I'd be learning about caring for my spouse, and on day one, I sat there and thought, 'Wait a minute,'" said Menges, who is a caregiver for her husband. "I didn't know it was a class for us, but I had a real epiphany at that moment that it was a class to help me take care of me. It opened up a world of thinking, 'Someone could take care of him for a few hours while I take care of me, and that would be OK.'"

Hudson, who had been her mother's caregiver, said she thought the same thing about the workshops.

"I thought the sessions would help me care for my mother better," she said.

Clare Decker, community education and initiatives manager at SourcePoint, supervises the coordination of the caregiver workshops. She said it isn't uncommon to have participants who aren't aware of the self-care mission of the sessions.

"The people who are signing up only because it will help their

The group gathered around a table outside SourcePoint's Cafe 55 is laughing. A lot. Each member will tell you the laughter flows freely whenever the group is together.

And sometimes, so do the tears.

On this particular morning, six members of the group are together, with a few missing. And while it seems as though they could all be childhood friends, they were brought together later in life by a common trait.

The women—Nancy Barker, Beckie Guterba, Jan Hoover, Diana Hudson, Nelda McCoy, and Leslie Menges—have all served as caregivers for a loved one, whether a spouse or parent. And all took part in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops offered at SourcePoint.

The workshops, typically held by SourcePoint twice a year, are based on a national, evidence-based program designed to help family caregivers develop tools and strategies to face the challenges of caregiving.

"I feel blessed and grateful to be part of a group of ladies who genuinely love, care, and support each other in so many ways," McCoy said. "After our caregiver class ended about two years ago, we decided we didn't want to stop meeting, so every Monday morning that we can, we meet

The Ties That BindFEATURE

From left, Diana Hudson, Leslie Menges, and Jan Hoover.

MySourcePoint.org

Fall 2019 13care recipient are usually the ones who need the self-care the most," she said. "We usually ask people to stay for the first class and see what they think."

One of the more important early messages of the workshops is that caregivers aren't alone. Approximately 34 million Americans provide care to an older adult each year; 49 percent of those are caring for a parent or in-law, while 10 percent are caring for a spouse or partner. More than 60 percent of caregivers are employed, meaning they have to balance their caregiving with their work and family life. And many don't identify themselves as "caregivers," which means they miss out on available resources.

"They keep telling us how important it is to take care of yourself," said Hoover, a caregiver for her husband, Dale.

"That's why I keep doing our Monday group," said Guterba, who cared for her husband until his passing a year ago.

Friendships are frequently formed through the caregiving workshops, though Decker said she has not previously seen a larger group that continues to meet once the sessions have concluded.

"The workshop itself is scripted as far as the direction; it's an evidence-based program, which means it's designed to deliver a certain outcome," Decker said. "SourcePoint encourages continued relationships after the workshops, but that isn't so much built into the course."

The fact that the Monday group is composed of all women isn't a big surprise. Decker said the workshops tend to be attended mostly by women, and statistics show that women make up the majority of caregivers.

"Men more often seem to think, 'I don't need this support,' but when they get there, they see the real benefits and contribute equally," Decker said. "If men are in the class, then they have gotten beyond that first barrier of 'I don't need help.' Some think that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but that perception is turned off pretty quickly in the class, when they realize, wow, everyone here is a warrior!"

The Monday group, affectionately named Caregiver Tool Time in homage to the workshop, has other members like Guterba whose loved one has passed away.

"Diana lost her mom recently, Beckie lost her husband, and another member of the group lost her husband," Menges said. "Our group has been kind of like a netting that just keeps strengthening."

Guterba said the strength of the group—as individual members and as a whole—comes from another source, too.

"We are all believers in the Lord. It's important that God has brought us together and has a place in our lives and has a plan for us," she said.

"We encourage each other and we pray for each other," Barker said. "We've learned the importance of caring for ourselves and being able to get away and having friends to share with. SourcePoint has connected us and that's been a tremendous blessing."

Hoover also credits SourcePoint for providing resources that have helped her caregiving.

"We couldn't have survived if we hadn't been associated with SourcePoint. It saved my life," said Hoover, who has given back by serving as a volunteer. "They have been so good and so helpful."

Through the friendships they've made and the lessons they've learned, those in the Caregiver Tool Time group say they appreciate being able to be there for each other as they go through similar caregiving situations.

"You're not alone in this battle, and it is a battle, and you're only human," Hudson said. "As a caregiver, I was never the type of person to go anywhere and meet anyone, but with this group, I was able to get things off my mind. And it's given me a lot of joy knowing I can help someone else."

Although the Powerful Tools workshops emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself if you're a caregiver, Menges, who has been her husband's caregiver for four years, said having the others in the group has made it easier to remember self-care is an essential part of the journey.

"Guilt can overtake us at any time when it comes to taking care of ourselves. One thing we do for each other is reinforce the importance of caring for yourself. The timing of the support is so positive—it feeds us, saves us, and holds us up," Menges said. See TIES page 14.

"It opened up a world of thinking, 'Someone could take care of him for a few hours while I take care of me, and that would be OK.'"

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14 Fall 2019

TiesFrom page 13

Hoover, who has been her husband's caregiver for eight years, said she's spent two of those years in the mode where she feels as though she can't leave him.

"Everybody in this group gets that. They know what you're going through, which is so helpful," she said.

"Having this group to share with is a blessing; to be there when I hear some of what they are going through is something that God has called me to do," Guterba said.

Members of the Monday group have found other ways to get together, too, including meeting for lunch or dinner or a leisurely walk.

"We can laugh and have a good time and we can have sad days, too, when we get together," Hoover said.

Many of the group's caregivers have loved ones who dealt with or are dealing with dementia. SourcePoint recently provided an additional way to help those caregivers. Decker said a virtual dementia bus was brought to SourcePoint's South Office at Polaris in July from Dublin Retirement Village to provide caregivers with an immersive experience that may give them a glimpse into the everyday lives of their loved ones.

The tour is designed to create a greater understanding of the life of a dementia patient, resulting in greater compassion and improved care from their caregivers. Those taking the virtual dementia tour experience a re-creation of altered sensory response, meant to mimic what patients experience as dementia sets in. Decker said the bus will be brought back in the future.

Menges, whose husband has dementia, said the bus gave her a greater understanding of what he deals with daily.

"I thought I was empathetic before, but I didn't really know what he was hearing, seeing, smelling. The dementia bus helped me become more aware of what he could be dealing with," she said. "Now I have a keener sensitivity to his needs."

Before her experience with the Powerful Tools sessions,

Menges, a retired nurse, had the same mindset as many caregivers—that she could do this on her own and didn't need any help.

"Wrong, wrong, wrong," she said. "The workshop is very humbling, extremely. It's why I cried at the beginning of the class. I was exhausted; there are days when we as caregivers get exhausted."

Decker said many caregivers don't fully realize how much

pressure they are under until they have an opportunity to get relief from their daily duties. Menges agreed.

"We literally have 18-hour days because we have to be up and on it. We can't rest when they rest because we have to do all of the things we can't do when they are awake," Menges said.

Despite the long and often stressful days, this group of family caregivers don't think of what they do as extraordinary.

"My sisters say I'm a hero. I'm not; I'm my mother's daughter and I took care of my mom. That's my job," Hudson said.

They do, however, think they can help others by sharing their experience, whether through their regular get-togethers or through an article in My Communicator.

"I wanted to have as many of us here to talk for this article because the paper goes to a lot of places," Menges said. "I want people to be aware of what is offered at SourcePoint and the support that is provided."

As the members of the group conclude their interview, they hug and say farewell until their next meeting. But they take comfort in knowing they won't have to wait until they all meet in person if someone is in need.

"It's peaceful knowing that we are all a text or a phone call away," Hoover said. "We are so connected that not a day goes by that we don't think of each other."

To learn more about the programs and services offered for caregivers in Delaware County, call 740-363-6677 or visit MySourcePoint.org/caregiver.

Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.

Nancy Barker and Beckie Guterba.

™

www.DelawareAreaCC.org

The Delaware Area Career Centerproudly partners with area businesses to differentiate our students and

prepare them for the careers of tomorrow

DACC high school and adult students are graduating with:• Industry credentials• Work experience through classroom training and internships• Robust resumes• Employability skills• A list of references• The tools they need to continue learning on the job or through higher education

@DelawareAreaCC740-548-0708

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Fall 2019 15

CAREGIVING

1. Do you find yourself becoming more involved in the life of an aging or ill loved one?

2. Do you feel like you have swapped roles with a parent, spouse, or other family member?

3. Do you help a loved one with chores like cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, or transportation?

4. Do you help a loved one with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating?

5. Do you help a loved one manage finances, file insurance claims, or pay bills?

6. Does a loved one have a physical or mental condition that is newly diagnosed or

has worsened, and may affect his or her ability to care for him or herself?

7. Do you find yourself becoming an authority on the abilities and limitations of a loved one?

8. Do you skip meals or forgo exercise because a loved one needs you?

9. Have you ever postponed or canceled a medical appointment or

10 Questions That May Change Your Lifeprocedure for yourself so you could be with a loved one?

10. Are you a caregiver?

According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 90 percent of people who recognize themselves as "caregivers" become more proactive, engaged, and confident, and provide better care.

Many resources are available for caregivers in Delaware County, including support groups, workshops, respite care, in-home care services, information, and more. Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/caregiver or call 740-363-6677.

Source: Ohio Dept. on Aging.

“There are only four kinds of people in the world— those who have been caregivers,

those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers,

and those who will need caregivers.”

-Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

One of SourcePoint’s overarching goals is to create meaningful, inclusive programs for adults ages 55 and better.

Inclusiveness is about being open to others not like you—perhaps a different age, gender, race, or ethnicity. For an organization like ours, it’s about creating a caring community for all of our members and staff.

According to “Bullying Among Older Adults: How to Recognize and Address an Unseen Epidemic” by Robin Bonifas, Ph.D., 1 in 5 seniors encounter bullying in their living or community-center environment.

Bonifas suggests that bullying later in life is often tied to loss, such as the feeling of losing one’s independence, control, or even purpose. Some bullies, no matter what age, have difficulty tolerating individual differences. The impact of this behavior can be devastating, both to the victim, as well as the community.

That’s where an inclusive community can have an even greater impact. The culture we’re building at SourcePoint is one that welcomes, embraces, and respects each individual. We are grateful for our current members, who act as ambassadors, welcoming new members and helping them feel at home within these walls.

Adopting an open-minded attitude and welcoming others into our lives brings our community closer—and proves there’s no age limit to inclusion.

MySourcePoint.org

FROM THE SOURCENews, program updates, and upcoming special events at SourcePoint.

16 Fall 2019

Welcome to the Point

Honor Our VeteransSave the date and join SourcePoint Monday, Nov. 11 to honor Delaware County veterans. Breakfast will be provided, followed by a program that explores lessons learned from battles fought throughout the years.

Seating is limited and reservations are required beginning in October.

More details will soon be available at SourcePoint and online at MySourcePoint.org/veterans.

The 11th annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony is presented by OhioHealth and Capital City Hospice and sponsored by Hiram Lodge #18 F.&A.M., Oasis Senior Advisors, AlerStallings, Arbors at Delaware, Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan, and the Inn at Olentangy Trail.

Medicare Open EnrollmentMedicare open enrollment runs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is the perfect time to review your Part D and Advantage plans to ensure you’re getting the best benefits possible for 2020.

Kick off this busy time of year Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, with a free Open Enrollment Kickoff event that includes an update from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, as well as breakout sessions on Medicare Advantage plans, Supplements, and Social Security.

Register online at MySourcePoint.org/insurance or call 740-363-6677.

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Fall 2019 17

Winter Crisis ProgramDo you need assistance with your home energy costs?

The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, and provides assistance to low-income households that have been threatened with disconnection, disconnected, or have less than 25 percent of bulk fuel remaining in their tank.

This is a one-time benefit to pay energy bills with past-due balances. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.

For more information about the program, or to submit an application, contact Bridges Community Action Partnership at 740-369-3184. Additional information can also be found at energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880.

This service is made possible through grant funding by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

Caregiver ConversationsIf you help care for a spouse, parent, or other loved one, you’re a caregiver.

SourcePoint hosts monthly group sessions for family caregivers to share experiences, meet other caregivers, discover new resources, and ask questions. Available at six times in five locations throughout Delaware County:

• DELAWARE Morning & Evening: SourcePoint, 800 Cheshire Road, second Tuesday, 9 a.m. or 6 p.m.

• DELAWARE Morning: Willow Brook Christian Village, 100 Willow Brook Way S., fourth Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Offers free on-site respite care.

• POLARIS Evening: SourcePoint South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus, fourth Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

• POWELL Mid-day: Powell Assisted Living and Memory Care, 3872 Attucks Drive, fourth Thursday, 11 a.m.

• SUNBURY Evening: Community Library, 44 Burrer Drive, third Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

YOUR CANCER FIGHT DESERVESEVERY EXPERT ON YOUR SIDE

WE BELIEVE

At OhioHealth, our affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network® allows our physicians to review your diagnosis and treatment with their peers at the nation’s top cancer hospital. That means you’ll benefit from the latest research and expertise from leading physicians in the area. Because we believe exceptional cancer care should be close to home and the ones you love.

Make a personal connection at CancerCall at 1 (800) 752.9119 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit OhioHealth.com/CancerCare.

MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center

© OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-166697-CancerWeBelieve. 11/18.

Grady Memorial Hospital

MySourcePoint.org

18 Fall 2019

VolunteeringFrom page 1

15-year-old Ethan Johnston has accumulated more than 100 hours of Meals on Wheels volunteer time, gained during summer and holiday breaks between the third and tenth grades. He set the example for Karen and Eldon Johnston’s eight other grandchildren when he started assisting with their meal route. “We’ve had all the grandkids on the route at some point.” Karen said.

Ethan’s cousins, Lily and Maddy Thompson, are also enthusiastic about volunteering with their grandparents. “A benefit of doing Meals on Wheels is that you get the opportunity to help people in need.” Lily said. “It’s nice to know that you’re making someone’s day by bringing their food and bettering the world one meal at a time.”

Maddy agrees with her older sister. “Instead of being lazy, it gets you out of your house to do something for other people," she said. "Plus, there’s more bonding time with your grandparents and you get closer.”

The results of a 2014 national survey conducted by Harvard University were published in a report called, "The

Children We Mean to Raise." The survey questioned kids about their priorities and found that most respondents, across a wide spectrum of races, cultures, and classes reported that they value aspects of personal success—achievement and happiness—over caring for others.

The report emphasizes the need for adult role models who exhibit caring behavior. “You have to lead by example,” said Karen. “You can’t just tell them to be good people and do good things.”

Doing good is a learned behavior, according to the report. The more children practice good works, the more they gain exposure to different spectrums of society, which helps them to develop empathy. Seventh grader Maddy says delivering meals “makes you interact more with people who aren’t your age and gives you a different social experience.”

Parents’ desire for their children’s happiness can lead to shielding them

from adverse experiences that, the report says, “can rob kids of coping skills that are vital for their short and long term well-being.” Ethan ticked off some of the situations he has encountered while delivering meals, from experiencing the

loss of a favorite client who passed away to empathizing with a client who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. He remembers the first time he saw an oxygen tank and delivering his first pureed meal. “I’ve had a lot of exposure to age-related challenges. And I’ve seen the diversity in the community.”

Homebound seniors don't always have opportunities to interact with children and their presence is often a treat. A client on Eli’s meal route bestows him with a new joke each week. One of the clients on Johnston's route likes to walk around the apartment building with the family as they deliver meals in order to chat with the kids. It is a win-win situation," Maddy said. “It helps you learn to interact and talk to adults smoothly.”

Another benefit for Ethan is that when he became old enough to apply for National Honor Society he had no problem coming up with the required 50 hours of community service and letter of reference. Still, he says, “I wouldn’t be delivering meals if I didn’t enjoy it. I could find another way to get my hours.” Lily’s meal delivery time fulfills a community service requirement for her confirmation class. For Maddy, “I don’t need hours yet, I just think it’s fun to go.”

Ed Kramer and Eli Bonner.

Ethan Johnston, Maddy Thompson, and Lily Thompson.

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Fall 2019 19

The best part of delivering meals as a grandparent-grandchild team is the time spent together. Karen and Eldon extend their bonding time by treating the grandchildren who helped on that day’s meal route to lunch afterward. “They get to choose where we go,” said Karen. The kids learn that summer and holiday breaks are about both having fun and giving back. When grandparents are involved, the two experiences intertwine.

Jill Smith is the volunteer recruiter at SourcePoint.

SourcePoint Needs Meals on Wheels Drivers—and Their Helpers!

A typical commitment involves delivering the same meal route one day a week from about 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Substitutes with flexible schedules are also needed.

Optional mileage reimbursement is provided, along with a free lunch at Cafe 55 on delivery day. For more information, contact Jill Smith, volunteer recruiter, at 740-203-2368 or jill.smith@MySourcePoint.org.

4 New Market Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015 • (740) 369-6400www.delawarecourt.com

Schedule a tour and learn about ourReturn to Home services by calling

(740) 369-6400.

Delaware Court - Where Caring Comes First

Skilled Nursing &Therapy Services

Provided with the comforts of home!

VOLUNTEER!Are you looking for opportunities to support seniors or help out at a community center?

Come learn about the many opportunities available at SourcePoint, including:

Meals on Wheels and Kitchen Assistants

Medical Transportation

Caregiver Relief Companions

Activity Leaders

Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/volunteer.

New Volunteer OrientationMonday, Oct. 7Monday, Nov. 4Monday, Dec. 910:45 a.m. to noon

WALK-INS

WELCOME!

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20 Fall 2019

SourcePoint’s enrichment center is open to all Delaware County residents ages 55 and better, with no annual membership fee.

SourcePoint’s community pass provides access to the 44,000-square-foot center, as well as numerous free activities. Other programs are available for an additional fee, and financial assistance is available to qualifying members.

A few highlights from fall session are below and full program details can be found at MySourcePoint.org/EC.

Get to the Point!FALL ACTIVITIES

Express Yourself with ArtColoring Club—Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon. Coloring helps improve cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Plus—it’s fun!

Creative Escape: Block “O” Art—Tuesdays, Nov. 12 and 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Learn to cut and grind stained glass to create your own unique piece of art with artist Nona Daquila. Fee: $25 for two-class series.

Engage Fitness & WellnessIndoor Cycling: HIIT Ride—Mondays or Wednesdays, noon–12:20 p.m. HIIT is a 20-minute ride, which incorporates repeated high-intensity intervals, followed by short, active, recovery periods. Fee: $25 for a series.

Personal Training Series—This five-session package includes an initial consultation with the trainer. Through the consultation and five sessions, the trainer will customize a fitness regimen to help clients progressively expand their knowledge and comfortability with the fitness room, as well as weight training. Fee: $100 for consultation and five 50-minute sessions.

Pickleball—A paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Be part of a traveling league for challenging, fun exercise while you meet new people. Locations and times vary.

STEP: Beginner—Mondays or Fridays, 10‒10:45 a.m. Step aerobics provides a cardiovascular workout to improve heart and lung health and burns calories for weight loss. Fee: $40 for a series.

Tabata 45—Mondays or Wednesdays, 5–5:45 p.m. High-intensity interval training. Fee: $40 for a series or $4/drop-in.

Water Fitness Your Way—Tuesdays, 6:30–7:15 p.m.Do water fitness your way with Anajaye! Share your goals and the instructor will facilitate the class based on participants’ input. Fee: $40 for the series.

Enhance LearningComedy Workshop—Mondays, Oct. 14–28, 2–4 p.m. Comedian Leslie Peikin leads you through three weeks of a comedy workshop. Fee: $15 for three-class series.

Dealing with Change—Second Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Anita Gearhart, MSW, LSW facilitates interactive discussions each month to help navigate change, loss, and transitions, as well as strategies during difficult times.

Healthcare Expert Talk: Dermatology—Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Dr. Seth Bendo, dermatologist from OhioHealth, will do a question-and-answer session regarding dermatology issues.

Enrich Social ConnectionsLIVE on Cheshire—Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. A night of live music, dancing, and popcorn! Bring a friend and your choice of refreshments.

Party at the Point: Friendsgiving Buffet Dinner—Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5–7 p.m. Come break bread with friends and family. Enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by SourcePoint and music provided by The Charmers. Register by Nov. 11. Fee: $17.

Party at the Point: Mix and Mingle Dances—Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5:30‒7:30 p.m. and Nov. 26, 5:30‒7:30 p.m. Line dance, swing dance, two-step, you name it! Make new friends and boogie the night away. Fee: $5 each.

BridgeFrom page 10

According to the American Contract Bridge League—the game’s official governing body—25 million Americans over the age of 18 know how to play. Of these, about 3 million play at least once a week in a local club or online.

Who is playing might surprise you. Two of the game’s biggest names are Bill Gates and Warren Buffett—self-proclaimed enthusiasts who claim bridge sharpens their creative minds and business acumen. They are such fans that in 2005 the pair invested $1 million to launch a program to teach bridge in junior high schools. “Bridge helps you think about decisions and consequences before you make a move,” Gates said. “Bridge is a great way to learn from inferences,” Buffett said. “A lot of decisions you make in life you make by inferring what you know.”

MENTAL BIDSBridge is an elegant game with many layers. It involves math and strategy and tactic. If you want to stimulate your gray cells, sit at a bridge table.

In bridge, there is almost endless to-do. You have to keep a

MySourcePoint.org

Fall 2019 21

Come and experience it

in our showroom

today!

884 Stratford Rd. Delaware, Ohio 43015

lot of numbers in your head: how many points in your hand and how many your partner may have. And then there is the soul of bridge: the bidding. You have to know what your partner’s bids mean in terms of total points and number of suits—one club, one spade, one no-trump, two hearts, etc. And the most challenging aspect—your response. What does your partner’s bid mean and how do you respond?

Then there is the actual playing of the hand. You have to monitor what cards are played, especially your partner’s—a low card may mean something, a certain suit something else—the number of trumps still out, what high cards your opponents have, etc. It is a constant mental ping-pong match. After an hour or so you may feel like your brain needs a cold shower and a rubdown.

Research has long shown that ongoing mental engagement can lower your risk of dementia. But the kind of social interaction and group get-togethers that bridge provides may also be a key to a longer, healthier life. A new report published by the National Academy of Sciences says “social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality.” Another new study in the journal Nature Neuroscience discovered that isolation reduced the production of myelin, a protective nerve fiber, and could contribute to mental illness.

EQUAL PARTNERSBut above all, bridge is about partnerships. To be successful you have to work as a team. Communication is essential. It is this human factor that sets it apart from other games.

As an introvert, I naturally progress to activities I can enjoy by myself, like golf, running, and swimming. But I enjoy how bridge makes me interact with others, though not on the scale of awkward small talk.

There is little conversation during play. When my partner makes a bid I have to communicate through my bidding. It’s like speaking another language. When we begin to play the hand, again in silence, I watch what cards she discards. I know she is trying to tell me something —urging me to play a certain card. I do the same in return. And when she bites her index finger, I can hear a thousand thoughts running through her head. They are the same as mine.

Matthew Solan is a health and fitness writer based in St. Petersburg, Fla., and a contributing writer for NextAvenue.org.

Sign up for ACBL, duplicate, or open-play bridge at SourcePoint at MySourcePoint.org/EC.

MySourcePoint.org

22 Fall 2019

Do you feel very tired, helpless, and hopeless?

Have you lost interest in the activities and interests you previously enjoyed?

Are you having trouble working, sleeping, eating, and functioning?

Have you felt this way day after day?

If you answered yes, you may be experiencing depression.

As you get older, you may go through a lot of changes—death of loved ones, retirement, stressful life events, or medical problems. It’s normal to feel uneasy, stressed, or sad about these changes. But after adjusting, many older adults feel well again.

Depression is different. It is a medical condition that interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It is not a normal part of aging, a sign of weakness, or a character flaw. Many older adults with depression need treatment to feel better.

TYPES OF DEPRESSIONThere are several types of depression. The most common include:

• Major Depression—Severe symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, concentrate, eat, and enjoy life. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime, but more often, a person may experience multiple episodes.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia—Depression symptoms that are less severe than those of major depression, but last a long time, at least two years.

• Minor Depression—Depression symptoms that are less severe than

those of major depression and dysthymia, and symptoms do not last long.

DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS?Depression may sometimes be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in some older adults because sadness is not their main symptom. They may have other, less obvious symptoms of depression or they may not be willing to talk about their feelings. It is important to know the signs and seek help if you are concerned.

Depression has many symptoms, including physical ones. If you have been experiencing several of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

• Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down.”

• Difficulty concentrating,

remembering, or making decisions.• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning

awakening, or oversleeping.• Appetite and/or unintended weight

changes.• Thoughts of death or suicide, or

suicide attempts.• Restlessness or irritability.• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps,

or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.

RISK FACTORSAlthough most cases of depression are diagnosed in young adults, depression can occur at any age. Certain people are at a higher risk for developing depression. If you are an older adult, you may be at a higher risk if you:

• Are female.• Have a chronic medical illness,

such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

• Have a disability.• Sleep poorly.• Are lonely or socially isolated.

You may also be at higher risk if you:• Have a personal or family history of

depression.• Use certain medications.• Suffer from a brain disease.• Misuse alcohol or drugs.• Have experienced stressful life

events, such as loss of a spouse, divorce, or taking care of someone with a chronic illness.

HOW DO I GET HELP?If you think that you or a loved one may have depression, it is important to seek treatment. A person with depression cannot simply “snap out of it”—it is a medical condition that affects your quality of life. Depression can also lead

Older Adults and DepressionMENTAL HEALTH

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

In 2017, suicide claimed the lives of more than 47,000

people in the United States, according to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide

affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities.

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it can be

preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide

and how to get help can help save lives.

Here are 5 steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone in emotional pain:

1. ASK:“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy

question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they

are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE:Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or

places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is

not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and

removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE:Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and

feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about

suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT:Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your

phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual

like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental

health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED:Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from

care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of

suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the

at-risk person.

For more information on suicide prevention: www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention www.bethe1to.com

National Instituteof Mental Health

NIH Publication No. OM 18-4315Revised 2019

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Fall 2019 23

to suicide, particularly if left untreated, and you are more likely to develop a physical illness if you have depression.

The good news is that, in most cases, depression is treatable in older adults. The right treatment may help improve your overall health and quality of life. With the right treatment, you may begin to see improvements as early as two weeks from the start of your therapy. Some symptoms may start to improve within a week or two, but it may be several weeks before you feel the full effect.

Talking to Your DoctorIf you think you have depression, the first step is to talk to your doctor or health care provider. Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam to rule out other conditions that may be causing or contributing to your depression symptoms. He or she may also ask you a series of questions about how you’re feeling. It is important to be open and honest about your symptoms, even if you feel embarrassed or shy.

If other factors can be ruled out, the doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or psychiatrist. Some providers are specially trained to treat depression and other emotional problems in older adults.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?The primary treatment options for depression include medication and psychotherapy. It is important to remember that as doctors and therapists develop a personalized treatment plan for each individual, different treatments or treatment combinations sometimes might be tried until you find one that works for you.

See DEPRESSION page 24.

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24 Fall 2019

Depression is different. It is a medical condition that interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It is not a normal part of aging, a sign of weakness, or a character flaw.

DepressionFrom page 23

MedicationMedications called antidepressants can work well to treat depression. While some symptoms usually begin to improve within a week or two, they can take several weeks to work fully. As with most medications, many people experience some side effects, which in most cases can be managed or minimized. The most common side effects of antidepressants include:

• Nausea and vomiting.• Weight gain.• Diarrhea.• Sleepiness.• Sexual problems.

Antidepressants may cause other side effects that are not included in this list. Most side effects lessen over time. If you are taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about any side effects that you are experiencing, especially if they are new, worsen over time, or worry you. Often, temporarily lowering the dose or switching to a different medication will help when side effects are problematic. If you have thoughts of suicide or experience any unusual changes in mood and behavior, call your doctor right away.

People over 65 have to be careful when taking medications, especially when they’re taking medications for different conditions. Older adults have a higher risk for experiencing bad drug interactions, missing doses, or overdosing. Be sure to tell every doctor you see about all of the medications you are being prescribed. It is also a good idea to get all of your medications from the same pharmacy; pharmacists are excellent sources of information about medications and will alert you

and your doctors if there are concerns about a possible interaction between medications—which can happen inadvertently when a doctor is not familiar with a medication being prescribed for a different condition by a different health care provider.

Older adults also tend to be more sensitive to medications. Therefore, lower or less frequent doses may be needed. Before starting a medication, older adults and their family members should talk with a doctor about whether a medication can affect alertness, memory, or coordination, and how to help ensure that prescribed medications do not increase the risk of falls. If you have trouble remembering to take multiple doses of medicines throughout the day, your doctor may want to prescribe one of the antidepressants that require just one dose daily; either way, antidepressants must be taken every single day, not just “as needed.”

If you are taking antidepressants, it is important to not stop taking them without the help of a doctor.

Even after you are feeling back to yourself, antidepressants should be continued for a number of months to prevent depression symptoms from returning. When it is time to stop the medication, the doctor will help you slowly and safely decrease the dose. It’s important to give the body time to adjust to the change. People don’t get addicted to or “hooked on" these medications, but stopping them abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

PsychotherapyPsychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can also be an effective treatment for depression. It helps by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may contribute to the depression. Psychotherapy can help you understand and work through difficult relationships or situations that may be causing your depression or making it worse. Research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy, including a version called problem-solving therapy, may be an especially useful type of psychotherapy for treating older adults and improving their quality of life.

Research also suggests that for older adults, psychotherapy is just as likely to be an effective first treatment for depression as taking an antidepressant. Some older adults prefer to get counseling or psychotherapy for depression rather than add more medications to those they are already

taking for other conditions. However, if your depression is severe or if you are coping with other serious illnesses, medication or a combination of medications with psychotherapy may be a more effective approach.

Complementary TherapiesExamples of complementary therapies for depression include yoga, exercise, and certain dietary supplements. These therapies may offer some benefits for people with depression; however, they should not replace talking to your health care professional or continuing with the treatment plan determined with that doctor. Tell your health care professional about any complementary health approaches you use or plan to use. This will help ensure your safety.

Physical activity is a helpful part of any treatment plan for depression, and

have shown that doing these things, even when you don’t expect to enjoy them, can help lift your spirits. Go easy on yourself.

Other things that may help:• Break up large tasks into small

ones, and do what you can as you can. Don’t try to do too many things at once.

• Spend time with other people and talk to a friend or relative about your feelings.• Stick to your treatment plan. It will take time for treatment to work.• Discuss decisions with others who know you well. Do not make important life decisions until you feel better.

IF YOU ARE HAVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTSOlder adults with depression are at risk for suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.• Call your doctor.• Call 911 for emergency services.• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

The National Institute of Mental Health is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders.

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Fall 2019 25

Quality Care at Your FingertipsWhether you’re recovering from illness, injury or surgery, the Rehabilitation Center at Ohio Living Sarah Moore provides the perfect setting from a convenient location in downtown Delaware, Ohio.

Private and semi-private rooms offer personal space for recovery, and our experienced therapy team provides one-on-one care to help you establish and meet your goals.

You can feel confident knowing that you’ll receive the highest quality care and services in a beautiful environment, with the goal of helping you get home as quickly as possible.

Call 740.362.9641 to schedule your visit today!

Assisted Living | Short-Term RehabilitationLong-Term Nursing Care | Home Health & Hospice

26 North Union Street Delaware, Ohio 43015ohioliving.org

may become easier to add as a person starts to feel better as antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy begin to work. Talk to your health care professional about your options and visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to learn more about these types of therapies: nccih.nih.gov.

Electroconvulsive TherapyElectroconvulsive therapy is sometimes used for severe depression that is very difficult to treat and does not respond to medication or psychotherapy. ECT is a type of brain stimulation therapy, a class of treatments which involve activating the brain directly with electricity, magnets, or implants. Some of these treatments are still at the experimental stage. If your depression persists despite adequate trials of medication, or if your depression is so severe that you are unable to eat or you develop false, fixed beliefs about your illness, your doctor may recommend ECT as the best option. Although it has been in use for almost 80 years, ECT remains the strongest and fastest-acting treatment for severe depression.

BEYOND TREATMENT: WHAT YOU CAN DOAs you continue treatment, you may gradually start to feel better. Remember that if you are taking medication, it may take several weeks for it to start working. If the first medication does not work, be open to trying

another. You may need to try a few different medications before finding one that works for you. Sometimes, if an antidepressant medication is only partially effective, adding a second medication of a different type can be helpful.

Try to do things that you used to enjoy before you had depression. Studies

ASHLEYHEALTHY U: CHRONIC PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT—Wednesdays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 6, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at Wornstaff Memorial Public Library, 302 E. High St., Ashley.Healthy U is a free, small-group workshop that meets weekly for six weeks. This interactive workshop empowers older adults to find healthier, more practical ways to deal with it. Available for the first time in Ashley!

IN OUR COMMUNITY

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26 Fall 2019

POLARIS AREAPOWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS—Wednesdays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 6, 5:30–7 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus. Interactive workshop that helps family caregivers develop tools and strategies to be more effective, reduce personal stress, and communicate in challenging situations. Dinner is provided to attendees!

A MATTER OF BALANCE—Tuesdays, Oct. 8 through Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–noon, at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200.Have you ever limited your activity for fear of falling? This award-winning program teaches practical strategies to reduce your fears. Learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for yourself, and increase strength and balance.

CAREGIVER CONCEPTS—Wednesday, Nov. 20, 9–10 a.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200.This one-hour “crash course” on caregiving is packed with information for new, current, and future caregivers. Topics include safety, falls, getting organized, basic legal information, local resources, and self-care.

NEW TO MEDICARE?— Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6–8 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200.Whether you’re becoming eligible for the first time or assisting a loved one with insurance needs, this is the place to start. Take the mystery out of Medicare and be empowered to make sound decisions.

SourcePoint On the GoExpanding Free Programs Beyond the Cheshire Road Center

Read about the powerful effects of Powerful Tools in the story on page 12.

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Fall 2019 27

“ I’m living life again. I’m happier here than I’ve been in 10 years! ”Donna H., Willow Brook at Delaware Run

Happier, Healthier Assisted Living

Donna H. and her daughter Kathryn are excited about the assisted living program at Willow Brook at Delaware Run. A retired teacher, Donna moved in with her daughter after a fall, but her health declined. After visiting many assisted living centers, the two found everything Donna wanted at Willow Brook at Delaware Run. “I’m living life again,” says Donna. “It’s a warm, cozy feeling. I’m happier here than I’ve been in 10 years.”

Ranked #1 in Delaware County in Resident Satisfaction*

*Resident Satisfaction Surveys,Ohio Department of Aging

Call About Our Move-In Special at Delaware Run!

Call 740-201-3324 www.willow-brook.org

At our south office, SourcePoint provides:

Caregiver support, including a monthly after-work group.

Insurance counseling and Medicare classes.

Health education, such as chronic- condition and falls-prevention workshops.

Access to in-home care services and resources.

Whether you’re 55 or 95—or caring for someone who is—SourcePoint is here to help.

Helping our community live well after 55.

Learn more and register for free classes at

MySourcePoint.org

With two locations to serve you!South Office

1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus

Headquarters800 Cheshire Road, Delaware

Learn more at MySourcePoint.org or call 740-363-6677

Are You Ready?Caring for Mom & Dad

Thursday, Oct. 17Willow Brook at Delaware Run 100 Delaware Crossing W.

5:30-6:30 PM Hors d'oeuvres served7 PM Lecture begins

Free event!RSVP at 740-201-5789First 50 to RSVP receive book

LEARN ABOUT• 5 stages of caregiving• Caregiver challenges• Caregiver cures

with national eldercare expert Barbara McVicker

MySourcePoint.org

FINANCIAL HEALTH

It’s easy to think charitable giving is just for billionaires. After all, we study and work in buildings named after rich philanthropists, peek at the sponsor lists at our favorite museums, and read headlines about Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and others involved in the Giving Pledge.

Considering that the median household income is just shy of $60,000—a far cry from these notable donors—how are we supposed to even begin thinking about giving our money away?

However, most people don’t realize that by giving—even small amounts—you will feel wealthier, healthier, and happier. Not to mention the huge impact that a small amount can have on a charity and the world.

It’s important to recognize many of us have adopted a consumerist mentality that pushes us to always want more. We will rarely ever feel like we have everything we want or that we have enough money. If you keep putting off charitable giving until tomorrow, you might wake up in 10 years and realize you’re still waiting.

Why Should I Give To Charity? Let’s break down the reasons for charitable giving into external and internal considerations.

Externally, giving to a cause that you are passionate about will help propagate the mission of the organization you support. Some of the most important problems facing our planet and communities are being tackled and solved by nonprofit organizations. Without the funding and resources of volunteers and activists, the most

critical problems and the most disenfranchised groups will be ignored. This is the rationale that helping others is the "right thing to do," and most of us are familiar with this.

Not only that, but you don’t have to give billionaire-level donations to make a big difference. “As just one example, we’ve pointed folks questioning their individual impact to the Against Malaria Foundation,” said Matt Amalfitano, CEO and executive director of RaisedBy.Us. “The Foundation highlights that 400 million people fall ill and half a million people die from malaria a year, but the average cost of a mosquito net—that lasts 3-4 years and protects two people each—is just $2. It sounds cliché, but it’s not—every dollar donated really does count.”

RaisedBy.Us is a NYC-based nonprofit organization that enables employees at companies like Squarespace, Shutterstock, and Bonobos to give back to causes they love through giving, volunteerism, and community events.

However, the internal considerations are what make me most excited, because I think they help grow the ranks of givers, motivating people who never considered giving to join in and support causes they are passionate about.

Charitable giving has been shown to have a profound impact on the giver. In their book, "Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending," professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton found that how people spent money

28 Fall 2019

Charitable Giving When You Aren't Richmattered more than how much they spent. In one study, individuals who spent $5 on someone else reported being more happy than those who spent up to $20 on themselves. Giving is a gift to the giver. This is backed up by studies showing that giving activates the reward centers in the brain.

Interestingly, Dunn and Norton also found those who donated to charity, regardless of their income level, reported feeling more wealthy. The act of donating money instills the feeling that you have enough money to give it away. In fact, giving had the same impact on happiness as the doubling of income! Additionally, Dunn and Norton reported that individuals who donated money reported better health as well.

What If I Am Strapped For Cash? When your desire to give is greater than your capacity to give, it is crucial to be intentional with your choice of where to give. We are all optimizers that want to get the best bang for our buck. The best way to do this is by giving to an organization that resonates with you. This could be the hospital that saved the life of a loved one or an organization that provides in-home care to your parents.

Amalfitano highlights ways to perform some important due diligence on an organization before you give.

Tools like GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and CharityWatch provide an overview of an organization’s financial health and budget breakdown. To review

financials directly, many organizations list their Form 990s on their websites.

To ensure continued

SourcePoint is a gold-level GuideStar participant, committed to transparency. Learn more at guidestar.org/profile/7340495.

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Fall 2019 29

would love your help beefing up their marketing efforts. Consider yourself an analytics expert? See if a charitable organization near you could use your help to optimize some of their campaigns. For many people, their time is more valuable than the amount of money they’d be able to give, so don’t let a lack of money keep you from giving back!

Why Do You Give? My desire to help others stems from my mother. She founded Hands Across the World, a nonprofit organization to help immigrants and refugees in our community. As a result, I spent

charitable giving, some individuals like to give a fixed percentage of their income regardless of how much money they earn. That way, giving during your lower earning years also has the benefit of establishing the powerful habit of giving. This will put you in a position to continue to give more as your income increases. According to Amalfitano, “recurring donations—gifts made each week or month—are especially good for nonprofits as they provide valuable visibility into future cash flows.”

What About Giving My Time? Many organizations need a constant and steady supply of volunteers to fulfill their mission. We think it’s important to think about the skills you have and how you can maximize your contributions.

If you are a graphic designer or marketing guru, we are sure there are many local organizations who

countless hours volunteering during high school teaching English, math, and computer classes to her students when I wasn’t working at a car dealership or doing homework.

You may never feel like you have enough to give. Choose a cause you identify with and make it a habit. Remember, you don’t need to give a lot to make a meaningful difference in your own life and to the causes you support!

Camilo Maldonado is cofounder of The Finance Twins, a personal finance site, and senior contributor to Forbes.

They probably weren’t thinking about home health

care fifty years ago.

At Interim, we werealready providing it.

©2018 Interim HealthCare Inc. Each office is independently owned and operated. Photo: “A Happy Family” by Tony Alter, flickr.com/photos/78428166@N00/3809376154, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Since 1966, Interim HealthCare has helped families care for their loved ones with a wide range of in-home services, all provided with the highest levels of professionalism and compassion. And, as an industry leader for over 50 years, we offer a level of stability, security, and experience unavailable anywhere else.

954-000-0000www.interimhealthcare.com/glensFalls-saratogany

PROVIDING HOME CARE NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 50 YEARS

(740) 990-0403www.interimhealthcare.com

In one study, individuals who spent $5 on someone else reported being more happy than those who spent up to $20 on themselves. Giving is a gift to the giver.

30 Fall 2019

MySourcePoint.org

NEWS

Try as I might, I am unable to complete the homework for my creative writing class. I am supposed to write a celebration of my life, but I am too busy celebrating the life that I'm living right now. While many people my age are slowing down, I am ramping up! Retirement means that I, at last, have the freedom to do what I choose, when I choose to do it. This is my time to do the things I postponed when I was busy caring for others.

As I see my hand write these words, it suddenly occurs to me that my hands are a record of my life. Oh, they're old now—spotted with age, joints enlarged from overuse—but they are the same hands that made dolls from hollyhocks and toothpicks, braided my daughter's hair, performed CPR more times than I care to remember, and helped to save a few lives. My hands are a celebration of my life. Here are just a few of the things my hands have done:

1. Made mud pies and fruit pies, and occasionally, my favorite, lemon meringue.

2. Captured fireflies and minnows.

3. Picked wildflowers and berries for my mother.

4. Felt the satisfying slap of a line drive as it buried itself deep in the pocket of my baseball glove.

5. Felt the vibration of my wooden bat as it connected with that down-the-middle, waist-high, home-run-written-all-over-it, perfect pitch. It was indeed a home run.

6. Sewed that 4-H jumper with the green and white cloverleaf fabric.

7. Patched the knees of my son's pants and made dresses for my daughter.

8. Created quilts, curtains, and slipcovers for our home.

9. Painted ceilings, walls, woodwork, and, as my husband once said, anything that sat still for too long.

10. Cradled newborn babes and a human heart.

11. Held tiny hands that grasped mine with trust.

12. Held the hands of the dying and the grieving.

13. Wiped away tears, my own and others.

14. Turned pages of countless books as I learned most of what I know, was carried to faraway places and distant times.

15. Written miles of words in search of myself.

16. Stroked the faces of my beloved husband, our children, and grandchildren.

17. Gave my best for those I love and those in need.

Judy Titus is a SourcePoint member.

CREATIVE WRITING

With These Hands

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Fall 2019 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Safe Medication Practices for Better HealthCREATIVE WRITING

Only use prescription medications as directed by a health professional. Make any changes in your medication therapy only after talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

1

Do not share or take someone else’s medication, as individuals can respond to the same medication differently.

2

Keep your medications safe:3Store medications in secure locations, such as lockboxes, medication safes, or other lockable spaces.

Avoid storage places that children or others can easily access, such as drawers, nightstands, or kitchen counters/cabinets.

Recall that most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends. Dispose of medication properly. (See right.)

Model safe medication practices. Be a good example to those around you by modeling these safe medication-taking practices. What others see you do matters.

4

Safe Medication DisposalOption 1

Place in a drug dropbox. Local police departments and many retail pharmacies have permanent

dropboxes installed on the premises.

Option 2Take advantage of local drug take- back events.

Option 3Safely dispose in the trash:

Mix leftover pills with unwanted substances like cat litter or coffee grounds.

Throw away the sealed mixture into the trash.

Remove the prescription label and dispose of the empty bottle.

You also can purchase a drug deactivation system, such as Deterra, which is a pouch containing organic additives that break down drugs in an environmentally safe way.

Learn more at GenerationRx.org

Do you market to Delaware County adults ages 55 and better?

Advertise in My Communicator!Learn more at

MySourcePoint.org/publications

Contributions of educational or informational articles from local experts also are accepted for consideration, though publication is not guaranteed.

Our vision is of a community where every person 55 and older

is empowered to live life to the fullest.

You can help secure this vision for our future with a

legacy gift to SourcePoint.

Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/give.

At OhioHealth, our collaborative approach helps patients participate in the healing of their minds, bodies and spirits. Whether you are managing a long-term condition like multiple sclerosis or recovering from a stroke, we’re here for you. Our patients get access to advanced clinical expertise from neurosurgeons, neurologists, nutritionists and therapists, and we offer unique wellness programs like neuro yoga and OhioHealth Delay the Disease™, an exercise program especially for those with Parkinson’s disease.

Discover neuroscience care that puts you at the center of your treatment at OhioHealth.com/Neuroscience.

© OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-205317-NeuroWeBelieve. 11/18.

Grady Memorial Hospital

IN NEUROSCIENCE CARE THAT GOESBEYOND MEDICAL TREATMENT

WE BELIEVE

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS Heartland Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation and The Village at Westerville, Polaris Retirement Community

SILVER SPONSORS Arbors at Delaware, Ohio Living Sarah Moore, Parkside Village, Willow Brook Christian Communities

For more details, go toMySourcePoint.org/expo