Stay Cool, Stay Connected: Summer News from Council on Aging

Dear Friends,

There’s no such thing as a Summer Slowdown at the Council on Aging Martin County! All of our programs and services are running at full speed to help the seniors of Martin County and the friends and families who love them.

If our GUIDE program for dementia clients and our Men Only Caregiver Meeting are new to you, you’ll find great information about them in this issue of our monthly newsletter.

And be sure to review the great tips from our Day Primary staff about staying safe in the summer heat.

Gratefully,

Karen Ripper, President and CEO

The GUIDE program is approaching its one-year anniversary of service to people with dementia and their caregivers. GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It provides extra support to caregivers, coordination of resources, a 24/7 help line, and a respite benefit to improve the patient’s quality of life.

After only twelve months, the program has enrolled 70 patients from Martin, St. Lucie, and northern Palm Beach County.

If a person has a diagnosis of dementia and traditional Medicare as their primary insurance, this program is at no extra cost. Kelley Pekarsky, DNP, APRN, Care Navigator, has witnessed the wonderful impact the GUIDE program has had in our first year. “Many caregivers report less stress while on the program and feel better educated about the dementia disease process,” Kelley says. “The GUIDE program empowers caregivers to not feel alone during the difficult journey dementia can present.”

For more information, you can reach Kelley Pekarsky, DNP, APRN, Care Navigator GUIDE at kpekarsky@coamartin.org, Cell: 561.320.7451.

Caregivers all have a big heart! Other than that, they come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, and backgrounds. Council on Aging Martin County offers many opportunities for caregivers to get together, share their stories, and know they are not alone.

One unique opportunity is the monthly Caregiver Meeting for Men Only. Donna True, LCSW, Program Development and Outreach Coordinator, who spearheaded its creation, describes the meeting as a great place for men to discuss issues that they feel are sensitive or to work toward solutions in a different way than the caregiver meetings where they were outnumbered by women.

“This is a great, confidential setting,” Donna says, “where I bring the coffee and a snack, get out of their way, and let them talk freely with a male caregiver as the facilitator. They all come out smiling.”

Men Only takes place the first Thursday of each month. There is no cost and no RSVP required. For more information, contact Donna at 772-223-7879 or dtrue@coamartin.org.

Happy 105th Birthday Wish to our senior Ms. AB!

Ms. AB has received Meals on Wheels and in-home services since October 2019, prior to her 100th birthday. The Council on Aging Martin County along with her case managers have celebrated five birthdays with her, from age 100-105.

Reaching 105 years old is a testament to longevity, a feat that requires a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and good meals. We are excited that our Meals on Wheels program contributes to her healthy lifestyle.

It’s vital for seniors to take special care during the intense heat of the summer months. The staff at our Day Primary Care Center offers you some practical things you can do to protect yourself and those you care for:

🌞 Stay Cool

• Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Use fans or air conditioning. If you don’t have AC, go to a mall, library, or community center.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

🥤 Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks—they can dehydrate you.

👕 Dress Smart

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
• Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outside.

🍽️ Eat Light

• Eat smaller, lighter meals more often. Heavy meals can raise your body temperature.

🧓 Check In

• Have someone check on you daily, especially if you live alone.
• Keep your phone nearby in case of emergency.

🚨 Know the Signs of Heat Illness

• Watch for dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, or rapid heartbeat.
• If you feel unwell, seek medical help immediately.

The Treasure Coast hosted the 22nd Annual Appreciation Luncheon for Social Workers and Care Managers on May 21. Our very own care managers Frank Jackson, Terrico Poteate and Marci Taylor attended the event. We join the entire community in extending our appreciation and recognizing their efforts in providing effective case management services to our senior population. 

There’s always something happening at the Kane Center!

Check our website www.coamartin.org for details and join us.

The generous contributions you make to the Council on Aging Martin County directly support our Mission. When you make a gift to benefit our programs, you help seniors reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression. By supporting our work you help build a sense of purpose and social connection for our community's seniors.

You can make a gift today or plan for the future. Please contact Michele Leigh Jacobs, Chief Philanthropic Officer, to discuss opportunities that best suit you, your philanthropic priorities and your passion for our senior community.

Email: mjacobs@coamartin.org
Direct: 772.223.7803
Secured Online Giving: www.coamartin.org

About the Council on Aging Martin County

For seniors, their families, and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is their trusted and comprehensive hub for the resources they need for a safer, healthier, and happier life. 

From services like the Adult Day Club and Day Primary Care Center to exercise classes, games to improve memory, concerts and social events, the Kane Center on Salerno Road is a beehive of activities. Services also take to the road – like Meals on Wheels, providing a hot meal and a warm smile to more than 500 homebound and needy Martin County senior residents in their home each day, or Senior Dining Centers at locations throughout the county in East Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound, offering a healthy lunch and socialization through exceptional programming. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus, the newest member of our family of care management services, brings knowledgeable and compassionate staff directly to seniors in local neighborhoods. 

For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. 

We invite you to visit us in person, explore our website at www.coamartin.org, or connect with us on social media to learn more about the wide range of services offered by the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help.