[♪♪] WELCOME TO AGING IN PLACE: A NEXT CHAPTER FORUM.

I’M RENEE SHAW.

WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY BY AARP, MOST OLDER ADULTS WANT TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES, BUT ALMOST HALF BELIEVE A MOVE IS INEVITABLE.

ON THIS PROGRAM, WE’LL DISCUSS THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP SENIORS LIVE INDEPENDENTLY WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND ACCESSING THE MEDICAL CARE THEY NEED.

WE’LL EXPLORE LIVING OPTIONS FOR SENIOR HOUSING, HOW TO MAKE A HOME SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE AS OUR CARE NEEDS MAY EVOLVE, AND DISCUSS SERVICES PROVIDED BY AREA AGING AGENCIES TO HELP US OPTIMIZE OUR GOLDEN YEARS.

THIS CONVERSATION IS PART OF KET’S ONGOING AGING INITIATIVE THAT EXAMINES THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF GROWING OLDER.

WITH US TO TALK THROUGH ALL THIS ARE VICTORIA ELRIDGE, THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND INDEPENDENT LIVING IN THE KENTUCKY CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES; MARGARET MCCOSKEY, A VOLUNTEER WITH AARP KENTUCKY; KELLY PARSONS, A SOCIAL WORKER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY'S SANDERS-BROWN CENTER ON AGING; AND MARY CROWLEY SCHMIDT, A VOLUNTEER WITH AARP KENTUCKY.

WE BEGIN WITH A PRIMER ON WHAT IT MEANS TO AGE IN PLACE.

A FEW DAYS AGO, I TALKED WITH SAM COTTON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE TRAGER INSTITUTE THAT SPECIALIZES IN OPTIMAL AGING.

Dr. SAM COTTON IT IS A PLEASURE TO HAVE A FEW MINUTES.

YOUR TIME THANK YOU SO MUCHISM THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

IN TERMS OF TALKING ABOUT AGING IN PLACE THIS IS ONE OF MY PASSIONS.

>> Renee: AND WE'VE TALKED ABOUT CARE GIVING YOU ARE OUR GO TO PERSON OFTENTIMES.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT AGING IN PLACE WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

HELP OUR AUDIENCE UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> AGING IN PLACE IS THAT CONCEPT OF INDIVIDUALS WANTING TO STAY IN THEIR OWN HOMES FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AS THEY GET OLDER.

IT DOESN'T MEAN MOVING TO A NURSING FACILITY IT'S BEING ABLE TO STAY IN THEIR COMMUNITY IN THEIR OWN HOME.

FOR A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS IT'S ABOUT THAT WANTING TO AGE WITH DIGNITY AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO AGE IN SPACES THAT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE IN, SPACES THEY KNOW.

KEEPING THAT ROUTINE THAT IS IMPORTANT IN TACK FOR THEM.

>> Renee: YOU MENTIONED BEFORE AND WE TALKED AND IT WAS AN INTERESTING CONCEPT AT THAT TIME I WANT YOU TO EXPLAIN.

THE DIGNITY OF RISK VERSUS THE DUTY OF CARE.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?

>> YEAH, THIS IS SOMETHING THROUGHOUT BOTH MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND MY PERSONAL LIFE THAT I'M VERY WELL VERSED IN BECAUSE I THINK IT IS A CONCEPT WE DON'T TALK A LOT ABOUT IT'S IN A LOT OF THE CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE AS IT RELATES TO CARE GIVING.

AS YOU KNOW ONE OF MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE, PASSIONS IS CAREGIVERS AND WORKING WITH CAREGIVERS.

AND WHAT I OFTEN SEE IN CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM IS THIS SORT OF IDEA OF DUTY OF CARE.

WE ALSO SEE SOMETIMES IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD AS WELL WHERE PROVIDERS WHO ARE PROVIDING CARE TO AN INDIVIDUAL AND CAREGIVERS FAMILY CAREGIVERS TAKING CARE OF A LOVED ONE REALLY PRIORITIZE THAT DUTY TO CARE.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT DUTY TO CARE IT'S A SAFETY THING.

IT'S MAKING SURE THAT THAT PERSON IS SAFE IN THEIR HOME.

BECAUSE WE TEND TO PRIORITIZE THAT, WE SORT OF LOSE SIGHT SOMETIMES FOR AT THAT TIME OLDER ADULT THIS IDEA OF THEIR DIGNITY AND WHAT I WOULD CALL DIGNITY OF RISK.

WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS THEIR ABILITY TO MAKE CHOICES HOW THEY WANT TO GET OLDER AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM.

WE OFTEN SEE THIS IN THE WORK I DO AND CONVERSATIONS I HAVE WITH CAREGIVERS, RELATED TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIAS.

THERE'S THIS IDEA ONE SOMEBODY GETS DIAGNOSED WITH UP WITH OF THOSE CHALLENGES THEY CANNOT LIVE IN THEIR HOME ANY LONGER BECAUSE THEY CAN'T TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES SAFELY.

WE KNOW FOR A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO MIGHT HAVE THOSE CONDITIONS THEY WANT TO LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOME.

THEY WANT THAT REALLY WANT THAT STRUCTURE IN PLACE THAT THEY HAVE SORT OF BUILT IN THEIR LIFE.

AND ALSO THOSE SPACES THEIR ENVIRONMENT THAT IS COMFORTABLE AND SOMETHING THEY KNOW AND HAVE A ROUTINE IN THEIR OWN HOME.

SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THAT A LOT OF TIMES WHAT WE SEE FROM A CAREGIVER PERSPECTIVE IN PARTICULAR THIS BUTTING OF HEADS.

IF YOU ARE AN ADULT CHILD TAKING CARE OF YOUR PARENTS, YOU MIGHT BE CONCERNED ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THE HOME WHERE YOU FEEL LIKE OH, THIS IS NOT SAFE.

CAN MOM OR DAD COOK FOR THEMSELVES STILL?

OR CAN THEY GET FROM HOME TO COME OF THE THINGS THEY DO IN THE COMMUNITY WHETHER THAT BE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE, LIBRARY, WHATEVER THOSE THINGS THAT PART OF THEIR RUE ROUTINE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR LOVED ONES ARE SAFE.

WHEREAS THAT OLDER ADULT MIGHT WANT TO PRIORITIZE HAVING THE CHOICE TO BE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS MORE INDEPENDENTLY.

SO WHEN I'M HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH CAREGIVERS WHAT I LIKE TO EMPHASIZE IS MOM OR DAD THEY WANT TO STAY IN THEIR HOME FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE WHAT THINGS DO THEY NEED IN THEIR HOME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THAT SAFETY TO BE ABLE TO DO THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM AND HAVE NOT JUST THAT ABILITY TO STAY IN THE HOME PUT HAVE THAT QUALITY MEANINGFUL LIFE IN THEIR HOME IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: SO THAT SPEAKS TO Dr. COTTON HAVING A PLAN AND FIRST AND FOREMOST HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT INDEPENDENT LIVING LOOKS LIKE PARTICULARLY IF YOU KNOW PERHAPS YOU WILL BE DEALING WITH CERTAIN CHRONIC OR COGNITIVE CONDITIONS DOWN THE ROAD TO HAVE A PLAN IS CRUCIAL FIRST.

BUT TO YOUR POINT ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE WE THINK IN TERMS OF THE HOME BEING ADAPTABLE OR MODIFIED EVEN TO HAVE A HIGHER MAYBE TOILET SEAT RIGHT?

OR ALL OF THOSE THINGS THAT WE JUST DON'T REALLY HAVE IN EVERYDAY CONVERSATION BUT THEY ARE IMPORTANT AS WE AGE?

>> YEP.

VERY IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS THAT NEED TO BE HAD.

AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES I SEE THIS IN OUR CONVERSATIONS WHEN WE TALK ABOUT OLDER ADULTS WE THINK ONCE YOU TURN 65 OR OLDER YOU GET THROWN INTO THAT CATEGORY.

FOR US TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND INVEST IN THIS IDEA RELATED TO AGING IN PLACE ACROSS KENTUCKY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US AS FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY TO START HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS EARLIER ON.

YOU MADE A GOOD POINT ABOUT AGING IN PLACE WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS.

IN KENTUCKY WE KNOW THAT AROUND 20% OF OUR POPULATION AT LARGE HAS SOME AT LEAST ONE OR TWO CHRONIC CONDITIONS.

THAT NUMBER JUMPS TO 50% WHEN YOU LOOK AT 75 AND OLDER POPULATION.

IT'S THINKING ABOUT WHAT DOES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE LOOK LIKE AGING IN PLACE IN A COMMUNITY.

YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THINGS LIKE TRANSPORTATION.

THINGS LIKE ABILITY TO RECEIVE CARE IN YOUR HOME.

YOU MENTIONED YOU KNOW, THINGS LIKE A RAISED TOILET SEAT OR MY BRAIN GOES TO GRAB BARS IN BATHROOMS AND IN PLACES WHERE THAT OLDER ADULT IS GOING TO BE SPENDING TIME WHERE THEY MIGHT HAVE SOME MOBILITY RELATED CHALLENGES.

WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THAT.

NOW, IN KENTUCKY, ESPECIALLY IN OUR RURAL AREAS, THINK ABOUT OUR INFRASTRUCTURE TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THESE THINGS.

I THINK THAT WE'RE LARGELY LACKING, YES WE HAVE URBAN HUBS LIKE LOUISVILLE, LEXINGTON, PADUCAH WHERE THERE ARE MORE SERVICES THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN TAP INTO.

IN SOME OF OUR RURAL AREAS THAT IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.

SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING TO DRIVE MUCH FURTHER TO GO TO THEIR ROUTINE MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS IF THEY ARE SEEING A SPECIALIST FOR WHATEVER CHRONIC CONDITION, THEY MIGHT BE DRIVING TO WHAT I CALL URBAN HUBS IN KENTUCKY.

THAT REQUIRES PLANNING.

IT REQUIRES REALLY HAVING A COMMUNITY SORT OF SUPPORT SYSTEM.

BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN KENTUCKY TO BE ABLE TO HAVE INDIVIDUALS GET TO WHERE THEY NEED TO BE EASILY SOMETIMES.

AND SO I THINK WE CAN SPEND A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT WHAT WE DON'T HAVE IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURE BUT A REFRAME WOULD BE TO THINK ABOUT A LOT OF OUR RULE COMMUNITY RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE RICH WITH CHURCHES, LIBRARIES, SCHOOL SYSTEMS IT WOULD BE AMAZING TO BRING THAT TOGETHER AND THINK ABOUT HOW DO WE SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS IN THIS WAY.

HOW DO WE TAKE THOSE THINGS THAT ARE STRENGTHS PART OF OUR CULTURE, PART OF OUR COMMUNITIES ACROSS KENTUCKY AND REALLY TAP INTO THOSE SORT OF CHANGE THE CONVERSATION AWAY FROM WE DON'T HAVE AN INFRASTRUCTURE FORMAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THIS.

BUT HOW DO WE THINK ABOUT IT WHERE WE CAN TAP INTO WHAT IS A REALLY GREAT STRENGTH.

AND I THINK THAT IS PARTLY PEOPLE WANTING TO BE INVESTED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

WANTING TO HELP OTHERS.

THAT IS A NATURAL PART OF OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES THAT PHILOSOPHY THAT THEY HAVE.

SO HOW DO WE SORT OF TAP INTO THAT TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

>> Renee: Dr. COTTON THANK YOU YOU ARE A WEALTH OF ADVICE AND EXPERTISE.

HOPEFULLY NEXT TIME WE'LL SEE YOU IN-PERSON.

>> YES, THANK YOU.

I WANT TO START WITH YOU COMMISSIONER, WHEN YOU HEAR WHAT Dr. COT TOP HAD TO SAY.

I WANT TO PICK UP ON THAT LAST POINT ABOUT RURAL AREAS BECAUSE WE OFTEN THINK THERE'S SO MUCH LACKING THERE BUT SHE TALKED ABOUT THE NATIONALLY OCCURRING SYSTEMS.

THERE ARE AREA AGENCIES ALL ACROSS THE STATE.

AND ONE THING WE DIDN'T HEAR IS HOW MUCH BECAUSE OF TIME SHE PRAISED THE WORK OF THESE AREA AGENCY AND INDEPENDENT LIVING AGENCIES THAT ARE DOING TREMENDOUS WORK ACROSS THE STATE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THEY SERVE AS THE RESOURCE HUB TO THE LOCAL AREAS THAT OVERSEE SENIOR CENTERS.

AND THERE ARE 194 SENIOR CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.

THAT IS THE ONLY HUB FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEY ARE THE LIFELINE IN SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS AS THEY AGE IN PLACE.

OUR SENIOR CENTERS ARE A PLACE WHERE OLDER ADULTS CAN GET MEALS, ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES AND ACCESS TO EXERCISE.

THAT SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND INTERACTION WHICH WE KNOW IS ESSENTIAL IN ENSURING LONGEVITY.

>> MARGARET MCCLOSKEY, YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE LEXINGTON SENIOR CENTER, RIGHT?

AND I'VE BEEN THERE AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GO THERE TO BE THERE.

BECAUSE THERE'S ZUMBA AND ARTS AND PIANO LESSONS IT WAS ALL ABOUT KEEPING YOUR MIND SHARP AND YOUR BODY MOVING.

A LOT GREAT ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS.

>> YES, YOU'RE RIGHT RENEE.

THERE ARE.

AND I AM A RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER, SO AS WELL AS AN ARP VOLUNTEER.

AND WE HAVE A LOT OF INTERACTION.

I GIVE TALKS AT THE SENIOR CENTER ON CARE GIVING BECAUSE I WAS ALSO RECENTLY A CAREGIVER FOR MY HUSBAND.

GOING ON WITH WHAT Dr. COTTON WAS SAYING, YOU REALLY CAN'T SEPARATE CARE GIVING WITH THE HOME PERSON IN THE HOME OR WANTING TO STAY IN THE HOME.

AND PART OF THAT IS GETTING THEM ACTIVE.

AND IF YOU ARE RELATIVE IS CLOSE WHERE THEY CAN TAKE THEM TO THE SENIOR CENTER THAT IS WONDERFUL.

BUT THEY ALSO CAN PROVIDE SOME TRANSPORTATION THERE FOR RESIDENTS.

>> Renee: AND THAT IS THE OTHER THING.

TRANSPORTATION IS OVER THE BIGGEST BARRIER.

WE HAVE DONE PROGRAMS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION BEING A BARRIER TO GETTING TO DOCTOR'S APOTMENTS.

KELLY PARSONS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU PERCEIVED WHAT Dr. COTTON WAS SAYING AND TALKING ABOUT AGING IN PLACE WHAT DOES IT ENCOMPASS.

>> SHE TALKED ABOUT HAVING CONVERSATIONS EARLY WHICH I THINK IS IMPORTANT.

I LOVE THE DIGNITY OF RISK.

YOU CAN LOOK AT THAT AS SELF DETERMINATION.

THESE PEOPLE LIVED THEIR LIVES MAKING DECISIONS ON A DAILY BASIS.

FOR A LOVED ONE EVEN THOUGH THEY MEAN GOOD TO COME IN AND SAY THIS IS WHAT WE'RE DOING IF THERE'S RESISTANCE AND GUILT AND THEY WILL LOSE THINGS THEY MIGHT WANT TO HOLD ON TO.

SO, I THINK, IN REGARDS TO AGING IN PLACE, HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS EARLY, GOING TO THOSE SENIOR CENTERS GOING TO THE AREA ON AGING, GETTING CONNECTED WITHIN THE NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT, TALKING TO YOUR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANYTHING AVAILABLE BEFORE YOU NEED IT OR A CRISIS OCCURS IS IMPORTANT.

>> Renee: SHE TALKED ABOUT WE DIDN'T SHARE IT ABOUT THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS LIKE CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS AND SCHOOLS WHERE MAYBE THERE IS A KID LOOKING TO MAKE EXTRA DOMOING THE YARD.

THERE'S THINGS OUTSIDE OF THE HOME THAT REQUIRE CARE AND MAINTENANCE.

MARY CROWLEY SCHMIDT YOU'VE WORKED FOR AREA INDEPENDENT LIVING AND LIVING AGENCIES HERE IN THE BLUEGRASS AND KNOW WELL ABOUT THE SERVICES AVAILABLE.

IT SEEMS TO BE IT IS A WELL KEPT SECRET THAT PEOPLE DON'T ALWAYS KNOW THEY ARE AVAILABLE OR WORRY ABOUT THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.

SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.

>> THAT IS A TERM I HATE TO HEAR.

I DID WORK FOR THE BLUEGRASS AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR 38 YEARS.

AND ONE OF THE RESOURCES WE HAVE THAT WE CALL IT THE AGING BIBLE.

THE PATHWAYS GUIDE AND WE CAME OUT WITH A NEW EDITION OF IT.

IT LISTS SERVICES EVERYTHING FROM HOW TO GET A SENIOR FISHING LICENSE TO HOME DELIVERED MEAL TO WHERE TO GO TO HAVE FUN.

IT IS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION.

BUT YOU MIGHT GET THIS THINKING I NEED HOME DELIVERED MEALS AND TWO WEEKS LATER YOU NEED SOMETHING ELSE.

CARE GIVE SOMETHING A PROCESS.

YOU ARE NEVER THERE.

IT CHANGES DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION WHAT THE CAREGIVER.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT SAM SAID WAS ABOUT THE DIGNITY.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE EXERCISE EXCESS SAFETY.

WHICH IS A TERM MEANING WE WANT TO JUST WRAP THEM IN BUBBLE WRAP.

HERE IS OUR GRANDMOTHER OUR PARENT AND WE DON'T WANT THEM TO GET HURT BUT WE FORGET THEY ARE A PERSON AND HAVE THE RIGHTS TO MAKE DECISIONS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

AND THAT IS A FINE LINE.

ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS SHE MENTIONED IS PEOPLE WANT TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES AND AARP FOUND THAT TO BE TRUE.

BUT THAT IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST PLACE FOR THEM.

HOME MODIFICATIONS ARE EXPENSIVE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT AGING IN PLACE, IS IT'S NOT NECESSARILY THEIR STRUCTURE AS IT IS THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOU KNOW THEY KNOW THEIR BANKER, GROCER, NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR AND MAILMAN IF YOU CAN ARRANGE IT TO STAY IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD THAT MIGHT BE BENEFICIAL.

BUT THERE ARE SO MANY RESOURCES HAVING TO DO WITH HOME MODIFICATIONS AND WE ARE AN AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: WHICH MEANS WHAT?

>> IT MEANS WE ARE A COMMUNITY THAT IS GOOD FOR ALL AGES.

>> Renee: AND THIS IS LEXINGTON.

AND BOWLING GREEN HAD THAT DESIGNATION.

>> WE BECAME AGE FRIENDLY IN 2014.

WE ARE NEVER THERE IT IS A PROCESS.

BUT THERE'S EIGHT DOMAINS OF LIVEABILITY AND WE WORK IN SOME OF THOSE MORE THAN OTHERS.

ONE IS HOUSING.

WE HAVE A COMMITTEE CALLED HOME REIMAGINE.

AND MARGARET SERVES WITH THAT WITH ME.

AND THAT IS THE WHOLE AGE FRIENDLY LEXINGTON IS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF AARP.

THERE'S SOMETHING LIKE 700 AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

AND THEN UNDER THAT UMBRELLA WE HAVE DEMENTIA FRIENDLY LEXINGTON THAT IS A WHOLE ANOTHER ASPECT OF IT.

BUT OUR MOTTO IS WHAT IS GOOD FOR WHEELCHAIR IS ALSO GOOD FOR A STROLLER.

ANYTHING YOU DO TO IMPROVE A COMMUNITY FOR THE WHEELCHAIR ALSO IMPROVES IT FOR THE STROLLER.

SO ALL THESE ACTIVITIES THAT WE DO BENEFIT EVERYBODY.

>> Renee: THAT IS A WISE WAY TO FRAME IT.

I'M SURE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY, COMMISSIONER, THAT IS A GOOD WAY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND AT THE HEART OF SUPPORTING OUR AGING PARENTS IS ENSURING THAT ADULT CHILDREN HAVE EMPLOYERS THAT OFFER PLEX FLEXIBLE POLL POLICIES TO SUPPORT PEOPLE.

WE LOOK AT THE WHOLE PERSPECTIVE AND THEIR SUPPORTS AND WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THAT ADULT CHILD THAT IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE THERE TO TAKE THEIR PARENT TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT OR TO ENSURE THEY ARE ABLE TO GET TO THE ACTIVITIES THEY NEED TO.

AND THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WORKING WITH TEAM KENTUCKY THEY BELIEVE IN FAMILY FIRST WHETHER YOU ARE SUPPORTING YOUR OLDER PARENT OR RAISING CHILDREN.

>> Renee: KELLY, SOMETIMES PEOPLE THINK THAT THE SERVICES ARE ASSET BASED YOU HAVE TO BE LOW INCOME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SENIOR CENTERS AND I ALSO WANT YOU TO TALK ABOUT HOW ALL OF THIS CAN RELATE TO THE DEMENTIA COMMUNITY.

>> SURE.

ANYTHING GOOD FOR AN OLDER ADULT IS GOOD FOR AN OLDER ADULT WITH DEMENTIA BECAUSE IT'S INFORMATION AND INFORMATION IS POWER.

THERE IS A FEW THINGS THE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM IS A PROGRAM THAT I SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS FOR OUR PEOPLE I'M FIRST MEETING WITH.

IT IS A PROGRAM THAT IS THROUGH THE AREA ON AGING.

EVERY COUNTY HAS AN AREA ON AGING COMMISSIONER TALKED ABOUT THAT.

IT IS AN ASSET BASED FREE PROGRAM THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ASK HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE IN THE BANK THEY ARE GOING TO ASK IF YOU CARE FOR SOMEBODY AGED 65 OR OLDER OR DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA.

THEY GIVE YOU A STEIN ESPECIALLY BETWEEN 400 DOLLARS, 400 FOR ANY SUPPLIES IN YOU NEED TO BUILD A RAMP OR GET A HOME MONITORING SYSTEM.

AND THEY OFFER YOU ABOUT $1600 IN RESPITE CARE.

IT'S NOT A LOT.

BUT IT IS ENOUGH FOR YOU TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE HEALTHY.

OR GO TO YOUR HAIR APPOINTMENT AND HAVE A DAY TO BREATHE.

CARE GIVING IS INCREDIBLY STRESSFUL.

>> Renee: IS THAT BASED ON A YEAR'S TIME?

>> IT STARTS IN JULY.

IF YOU WANT TO CALL THE AREA ON AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER IN YOUR COMMUNITY, AND ASK AND IT IS A MESSAGE BASED PHONE SYSTEM AND SAY I NEED INFORMATION MAILED ABOUT NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM.

YOU MAIL IT BACK IN.

REGINA IS OURS LOCALLY AND SHE IS PHENOMENAL.

I ONLY IMAGINE EVERYONE ELSE IS FANTASTIC.

>> Renee: AND YOU WILL HEAR AS WE TALK ABOUT AGING IN PLACE, IT DOES RELY ON CAREGIVERS AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS AROUND TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THIS HAPPENS THE WAY IT CAN.

SO, AREA AGENCIES ON AGING WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1965 BY THE FEDERAL OLDER AMERICANS ACT.

BRAD LOCATED IS ONE OF 15 AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS IN KENTUCKY THAT OFFERS PROGRAMS TO HELP KENTUCKY SENIORS REMAIN HAPPY AND HEALTHY AT HOME.

AND THERE ARE RESOURCES FOR NECESSITIES, MEALS, HYGIENE AND HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND MANY RELY ON FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR CARE GIVING AND COMPANY.

LAURA ROGERS SPENT TIME WITH THREE OLDER KENTUCKIANS WHO ARE OUTSTANDING TO SEE WHAT AGING IN PLACE LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM.

>> WHETHER IT'S PLAYING POOL AT THE LOCAL SENIOR CENTER, ENTERTAINING HIMSELF WITH HOBBIES AT HOME OR ENJOYING NATURE ON HER PEACEFUL FRONT PORCH THESE KENTUCKY SENIORS ARE LIVING AT HOME.

>> EVERY CASE WOULD BE DIFFERENT.

IT ALL DEPENDS WHAT THEY CAN DO.

IF THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR SELFS AT HOME THAT IS THE THING TO DO.

>> EDGAR MARTIN WAS BORN IN 1927.

>> FEBRUARY THE 6TH.

>> HE LIVES AT HOME ON HIS OWN AND DRIVES WITH AGE COMES WISDOM.

>> YOU KIND OF TREAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU LIKE TO BE TREATED.

BE HONEST.

TRY TO HELP PEOPLE IF YOU CAN.

>> THE GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHER OUTLIVED HIS WIFE, DAUGHTER TO THE SENIOR CENTER MOST DAYS OF THE WEEK.

>> THEY ARE LIKE A FAMILY.

AND YOU LOOK FORWARD TO COMING MONDAY MORNING IN WHEN WE GO HOME FOR THE WEEKEND, MONDAY MORNING WE COME BACK AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK.

>> HIS FRIENDSHIPS AND CONVERSATIONS AT THE SENIOR CENTER ARE GOOD FOR HIS MENTAL HEALTH.

>> IT KEEPS YOUR MIND SHARP, YOU KNOW.

IF YOU THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING.

>> IT PROVIDES A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIALIZATION A LOT OF TIMES THAT CAN BE AN ISSUE.

>> ALICIA IS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF AGING SERVICES AT BRAD.

THEY OPERATE A SENIOR CENTER IN EACH OF THEIR 10 COUNTIES.

>> WE PROVIDE IN-HOME SERVICES, MEALS WITH THE MISSION OF TRYING TO KEEP THESE INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES AND COMMUNITIES FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

>> WILLARD OF METCALF COUNTY TURNED 98 ON APRIL FIRST.

>> APRIL FOOLS DAY.

>> HE LIVES AT HOME SURROUNDED BY MEMORIES AND TROPHY FISH.

>> THIS IS ONE IN A THOUSAND.

>> THE MILITARY VETERANS LOST HIS WIFE A COUPLE YEARS AGO.

>> MY WIFE AND I WERE MARRIED 71 YEARS.

>> HE HAS CARE GIVES.

>> BEING IN YOUR OWN HOUSE IS PART OF OUR FREEDOM.

GOING TO BED AND GET UP WHEN YOU WANT TO THAT IS BEING HOME.

>> HIS HOBBIES INCLUDE CREATIVE PURSUITS LIKE MUSIC AND DRAWING AND AVID GARDENER WHO VED CREDITS HUMOR WITH KEEPING HIM HEALTHY.

>> A DOCTOR SAID FOUR OR FIVE GOOD LAUGHS IN THE MORNING, SHAKE YOUR BODY A LITTLE BIT, THAT IS WORTH MORE THAN MY HEART PILL I WILL GIVE YOU.

>> HERE IN COVINGTON, WOULD AGREE.

>> DESPITE HARDSHIPS.

>> I'VE HAD A STROKE ON MY RIGHT SIDE.

>> IN HER MID-SIX OWES SHE REFUSES IT TO KEEP HER FROM LIVING LIFE.

>> GOING TO CHURCH AND I HAVE A CANE.

>> COVINGTON SPENT HER LIFE IN ATLANTA AND RETURNED TO RUSSELLVILLE TO BE NEAR FAMILY AFTER HER STROKES.

>> I WAS READY TO COME HOME.

>> HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILT HER HOME A DECADE AGO.

>> I CAME EVERYDAY TO LOOK WHAT THEY WERE DOING.

>> THE CONSTRUCTION INCLUDED TWO WHEELCHAIR RAMPS.

>> IT'S FANTASTIC.

I COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT THEM.

I COULDN'T DO WITHOUT IT.

I GOT ONE ON THE BACK AND ON THE FRONT.

>> SHE HAS A CASE MANAGER THAT CONNECTED HER TO IN-HOME CARE SERVICES.

>> HELP WITH THINGS LIKE KEEPING YOUR HOUSE CLEAN, HIGH YEN ROUTINES.

AND, OF COURSE THE NUTRITIONAL MEAL SERVICE.

THESE ARE YOUR BASIC ACTIVITIES THAT MOST ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS NEED JUST TO BE ABLE TO STAY SAFE IN THEIR HOME.

>> BRAD IS AN AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER.

>> ONE STOP SHOP WE DON'T WANT TO SEND EVERYONE IN DIRECTIONS WE WANT TO BE THAT SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THEM.

>> FOR THE ELDERLY HE IS THANKFUL TO HAVE A SOCIAL GATHERING TO SHOW OFF HIS POOL SKILLS.

AND SHARE HIS FAME 34US FRIED PIES.

>> MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER TO THINK ABOUT THEM.

>> A SWEET REWARD FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED.

FOR KET, I'M LAURA ROGERS.

>> Renee: WELL, IF THAT PIECE DOESN'T MAKE YOU SMILE I DON'T KNOW WHAT DOES.

98 AND STILL DRIVING?

THAT IS AMAZING.

AND PROBABLY THAN MOST OF US WHO ARE YOUNGER.

KELLY, TALK ABOUT SOCIAL ISOLATION IS A BIG THING IT CAN START IN OUR MID-LIFE AS THINGS HAPPEN OS OUR FAMILY EVOLVES AND SITUATIONS EVOLVE BUT IF YOU ARE 90 PLUS YEARS OLD AND YOU'VE HEARD HOW THEY HAVE OUTLIVED THEIR SPOUSE AND CHILDREN AND MAYBE A GRANDCHILD THE IMPACT OF SOCIALIZIZATION CAN HAVE AND HOW THERE ARE SERVICES TO PREVENT THAT.

>> SOCIAL ISOLATION HAS BEEN PROVEN TO DISRUPT OUR BRAIN HEALTH.

IT'S PROVEN TO CAUSE COGNITIVE DEFICITS BECAUSE YOUR BRAIN IS NOT WORKING AS MUCH AS YOU USED TO PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE AROUND PEOPLE.

AND MORE AND MORE RESEARCH COMES OUT IT'S ONE OF THE BEST THINGS WE CAN DO FOR OUR BRAIN AS WE AGE.

AS WE AGE WE HAVE NORMAL MEMORY DEFICITS, BUT SOMETIMES PEOPLE DON'T KNOW EVERYBODY'S NAME AT CHURCH.

MAYBE THEY STOP GOING.

THAT IS GOING TO CAUSE SOCIAL ISOLATION.

>> Renee: IT IS A TOUGH WORD.

>> THAT'S GOING TO CAUSE SOCIAL ISOLATION THEY DON'T KNOW IS HAPPENING.

AS WE BECOME CAREGIVERS, YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR LOVED ONE.

THAT IS WHAT SOCIAL ISOLATION, IT RAMPS UP TO ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CHURCH ANYMORE.

YOU ARE NOT MEETING YOUR GROUP FOR COFFEE IN THE MORNING.

YOU ARE HAVING SOMEBODY ELSE GROCERY SHOP FOR YOU WHICH IS GREAT IF IT IS A NEED BUT IT'S CONSIDERED SOCIALIZATION.

AND THE SENIOR CENTERS THE LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE A GREAT RESOURCE IN LEXINGTON AND MOREHEAD THEY HAVE THE HOLLY PROGRAM AN OLDER ADULT PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE EDUCATION CLASSES.

THERE'S LOTS OF RESOURCES WITHIN KENTUCKY THAT ALLOW SENIORS TO BE SOCIAL.

>> Renee: THAT I CALL IT THE HOLLY SCHOLARS IT'S SO MUCH FUN AND THEY ARE ENGAGED AND TO THE POINT ABOUT CARE GIVING SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO REFRAME IT AS CARE LOVING CAREGIVERS LOOK AT DUTY I MUST DO THIS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE SAFE.

THAT YOU DON'T THINK ABOUT THE SOCIALIZATION PART.

YOU JUST WANT TO KEEP THEM ALIVE.

YOU DON'T THINK SO MUCH ABOUT OH, WELL, THEY NEED TO BE IN THEIR COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT SO THEY CAN STILL HAVE THAT THRIVING ACTIVITY WITH THEIR BRAIN.

>> IN TEAM KENTUCKY WE OFTEN ASK WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVER?

WE SEE SO MUCH CAREGIVER BURDEN AND IT'S ENSURING THE CAREGIVER IS TAKEN CARE OF TO TAKE CARE OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY.

WE'RE HAPPY TO LOOK AT THAT MUCH BIGGER PICTURE WITH OUR OFFICE OF DEMENTIA SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND INDEPENDENT LIVING AND WITH THE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS SUPPORT THE PARTICIPANT IS NOT THE OLDER ADULT IT'S THE ADULT CHILD OR FAMILY MEMBER THAT IS A PARTICIPANT ENSURING THEY HAVE WHAT THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL FOR CARING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: LET'S TALK ABOUT ADULT DAYCARE PROGRAMS?

DO WE UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE?

>> THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT KINDS OF ADULT DAYCARE CENTERS WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS CENTER HERE IN THE BLUEGRASS AREA.

VIRGINIA BELL DECADES AGO STARTED THIS DEMENTIA SPECIFIC ADULT DAY, AND EACH PERSON HAS A BEST FRIEND AT THE CENTER THAT VOLUNTEERS, KNOWS THAT PERSON, KNOWS WHAT THEY LIKE.

AND WORKING WITH THEM.

MOST OF THE FUNDING FOR THAT IS PRIVATE PAY.

THERE ARE LOTS OF ADULT DAYS THAT OFFER SERVICES TO DISABLED ADULTS 18 AND ABOVE.

AND MOST OF THAT IS PAID FOR BY MEDICAID.

THEY ARE JUST SUCH A RESOURCE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE DOING THAT FULL-TIME CARE GIVING.

UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE IT YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW STRESSFUL IT IS BUT THAT PERSON CAN CONTINUE TO WORK AND SOCIALIZE THE CAREGIVER CAN GET DONE WHAT THEY NEED TO AND BE A BETTER CAREGIVER IN THE EVENING.

BUT MEDICAID IS THE PRIMARY FUNDER FOR ADULT DAYCARE IN KENTUCKY.

>> Renee: HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TOP THAT?

>> WELL, YES.

AS A CAREGIVER FOR MY HUSBAND, WE'VE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE CAREGIVER AND IN GENERAL.

BUT I WANT TO FOCUS ON A SPOUSE.

SO IF SOME OF OUR LISTENERS ARE A SPOUSE CARING FOR THEIR PARTNER AT HOME, IT IS DIFFICULT.

VERY DIFFICULT.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS BUT SOMETIMES YOU DON'T.

AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO BE IN THE MOMENT TO FOCUS ON OURSELVES AND TO ASK FOR HELP.

I FOUND THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT.

BUT TO TIE IT ALL BACK INTO AGING IN PLACE, I STRONGLY WANTED TO KEEP MY HUSBAND AT HOME AS LONG AS I COULD.

AND I JUST ABOUT DID.

BUT IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I COULDN'T.

AND FORTUNATELY, WE HAD DONE SOME REMODELING AFTER HE WAS INITIALLY ILL. AND THE BATHROOM WAS ONE OF THE MAIN AREAS.

SO WE NEED TO LOOK AT HOW DO WE ASSESS OUR HOME IF WE WANT TO STAY IN IT AND 95% OF PEOPLE SURVEYED BY THE U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT SAID THEY WANT TO REMAINTH THEIR HOME.

AND THAT HOME CAN BE AN APARTMENT, IT COULD BE A CONDO, MAYBE THEY ARE LEASING SOMETHING BUT THEY KNOW THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY THERE LONG-TERM.

SO WE NEED TO START PLANNING.

BUT HOW DO WE ASSESS THE HOME?

BOTH THE CAREGIVER NEEDS TO ASSESS AND THE INDIVIDUAL WHEN THEY ARE STILL ABLE AND THAT IS A BIG QUESTION.

SO YOU NEED TO SOLICIT OUTSIDE HELP PERHAPS.

A SOCIAL WORKER.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IS A BIG ONE.

SO THE SENIOR CENTER AGENCY ON AGING ARE GREAT PLACES TO START TO ASK.

AND SO IS AARP.

AND FORTUNATELY, THEY HAVE A LOT OF REALLY GOOD MATERIALS.

THEY ALSO HAVE A CARE GIVING BROCHURE THAT CAN HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS.

AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT MAYBE IS TROUBLING YOU AT THE TIME.

>> Renee: AND THAT IS VERY GOOD.

I WANT TO COME BACK TO THAT.

BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF CONVERSATION I WANT US TO HAVE ABOUT HOME MODIFICATION AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS POPPING UP TO HAVE CO-LIVING OF SENIORS WHO STILL WANT INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY BUT THERE IS AN ASPECT OF BEING WITH OTHER PEOPLE.

A LOT OF SENIORS FIND THEMSELVES OVERWHELMED TRYING TO NAVIGATE THE PATCHWORK OF SERVICES TO ACCESS THE MEDICAL CARE AND MAYBE STAY AT HOME AND AGE IN PLACE.

LUCKILY, THE PACE PROGRAM AIMS TO BE AN ALL INCLUSIVE ONE STOP SHOP FOR SENIORS IN KENTUCKY.

PACE SERVES MORE THAN 50 COUNTIES AND PLANS TO EXPAND THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

LAURA ROGERS IS BUSY AND SHARES MORE ABOUT THE PACE PROGRAM THROUGH BLUEGRASS CARE NAVIGATORS IN LEXINGTON.

>> EASTERN KENTUCKY NATIVES MOVED TO LEXINGTON TO BE CLOSER TO THEIR DAUGHTERS.

>> DAD AND MOM YOU ARE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNG OTHER.

>> THERE WAS AN ADDED BENEFIT.

THEY LIVE JUST MILES AWAY FROM A PACE PROVIDER.

>> WE LOVED IT THE FIRST DAY.

>> PACE IS PROGRAMS OF ALL INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.

>> WE HAVE PHYSICAL THERAPY WHICH IS GOOD.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO ANYWHERE TO GET IT.

>> THE COUPLE TAKES FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE CENTER THREE DAYS A WEEK.

>> IT GIVES A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE.

WE ARE NOT JUST IN THE APARTMENT ME AND HIM.

THERE'S OTHER PEOPLE TO SOCIAL LICE WITH.

>> SOCIAL ASPECT OF PACE IS ONE OF OUR BEST MEDICINES.

>> CHAD IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BLUEGRASS CARE NAVIGATORS WAS THE FIRST IN KENTUCKY COMING TO THE STATE TWO YEARS AGO.

>> WHEN YOU DESCRIBE IT TO SOMEONE IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.

YOU DO THIS AND HAVE TRANSPORTATION AND THE PACE CENTER?

IT'S ROBUST PROGRAM.

>> PACE IS A MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR THOSE 55 AND OLDER.

>> 067.

>> WHO NEED NURSING FACILITY LEVEL OF CARE BUT PREFER LIVING AT HOME.

>> WE KNOW THEY ARE DOING IT SAFELY AND GETTING HEALTHCARE AND PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AFTER THEM.

>> PACE OFFERS PRIMARY CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO THERAPIES AND NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING.

THE THERAPIES HELP THE TENSION FROM THE MEDICAL STAFF HELPS.

>> IF WE SHOULD FEEL ILL OR ANYTHING ALL WE DO IS TELL OUR PACE WORKER AND SHE PASSES IT ON TO THE MEDICAL TEAM.

>> IT'S OFTEN THE COMMUNITY THEY ARE BUILDING, FRIENDSHIP THAT IS THE MOST IMPACTFUL.

>> I DON'T FEEL AS ISOLATED.

>> IT'S ENJOYABLE HERE.

>> CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS WE DO TO MAKE SURE OUR PARTICIPANTS WOULD MEET THAT THRESHOLD.

>> HE HAS NOTICED BIG TRANSFORMATIONS.

>> YOU CAN WATCH A PERSON TRANSITION FROM WHO WE MEET AND THEN A MONTH, TWO MONTHS, SIX MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD IT IS A BRAND NEW PERSON THEY ARE ACTIVE, THEY ARE MOVING AROUND, MAKING FRIENDS THEY ARE SHILLING OUT OF THAT ISOLATION.

>> GREAT RECREATION DIRECTOR DUSTIN.

HE HAS SOMETHING PLANNED IN THE MORNING AFTER BREAKFAST.

>> SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE GAMES LIKE BINGO.

>> STAFF ARE REAL CAPABLE THEY WORK VERY HARD TO SEE THAT WE'RE ALL COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY.

AND WE'RE ALL SMILES.

WE ENJOY THE PLACE REAL GOOD.

>> ALL SMILES AND HEALTHY THANKS TO A TEAM OF PROVIDERS DEDICATED TO THEIR WELL-BEING.

>> GREAT CARE PROVIDING AND NECESSARY WHAT IF WE COULD STAY AT HOME WITH THE PEOPLE WE KNOW AND LOVE WITH OUR STUFF.

THAT IS IMPORTANT.

IF WE CAN DO THAT WITH OUR RESOURCES AND OUR TEAM POURING INTO OUR PARTICIPANTS IT'S WORTH IT.

>> Renee: AND IT LOOKS LIKE FUN AT THE SAME TIME.

I MEAN, COMMISSIONER, TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE PROGRAMS, THE PACE PROGRAM TRYING TO EXPAND TO MORE COUNTIES AND HELPING PEOPLE HAVE INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY.

>> I'M GRATEFUL YOU HIGHLIGHTED PACE.

THIS IS TEAM KENTUCKY'S PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.

IT'S BEEN UP AND GOING IN KENTUCKY FOR THREE YEARS.

AND IT'S TRULY REACHED EVERY AREA OF KENTUCKY OR WILL OVER THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS.

WE ARE IN 50 COUNTIES.

WE ARE IN BOWLING GREEN, SOMERSET, MON CELLO, CORBIN PIKEVILLE AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND LOUISVILLE AND LEXINGTON.

PACE IS THIS PHENOMENAL PROGRAM THAT TRULY SUPPORTS THE INDIVIDUAL BUT ASKS WHAT DO YOU NEED?

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN ENSURING ALL OF THEIR NEEDS ARE MET.

WITHIN THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY SUPPORTING 50 COUNTIES.

THERE ARE OTHER AREAS THAT WILL BE OPENING SOON WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WHEN IT IS TIME.

WE CAN SHARE THAT OF THE 120 COUNTIES 100 COUNTIES ARE SPOKEN FOR WE WILL HAVE A MAJORITY OF STATE-WIDE COVERAGE WE ARE EXCITED WHAT THIS MEANS IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY WE KNOW THAT WHEN INDIVIDUALS AGE IN PLACE THEY ARE EMPOWERED BY CHOICE AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO THEM.

AND ENSURING THEY HAVE THE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS NECESSARY TO DO THAT.

>> Renee: AND HAVING A CASE WORKER THAT CAN HELP THEM ASSESS THEIR NEEDS AND HELP THEM GO FROM THERE.

>> IT IS A HARD SYSTEM TO NAVIGATE.

HAVING THAT ONE POINT PERSON THAT CAN BE THE PERSON IF THEY TONIGHT'S KNOW IT THEY CAN FIND OUT THE ANSWER AND BRING IT BACK TO YOU IS SO, SO IMPORTANT.

ALONG WITH PACE THE NEW GUIDE PROGRAM THAT BLUEGRASS CARE NAVIGATORS IS DOING.

SO IT IS CALLED GUIDING AND IMPROVED DEMENTIA EXPERIENCE MODEL IT IS A TEST RUN THAT MEDICARE IS DOING YOU HAVE TO HAVE MEDICARE YOU CANNOT HAVE AN ADVANTAGE PLAN.

AND IT REALLY IS KIND OF A SISTER OR BROTHER TO THE PACE PROGRAM.

WHERE YOU GET A -- I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE THE ADULT DAY HEALTH PROGRAMS WHERE YOU CAN GO TO.

IT IS A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT WITH A NURSE PRACTITIONER SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT TRANSPORTATION.

AND BASED ON WHAT TIER YOUR LOVED ONE IS WITHIN THE DEMENTIA PROCESS, IS BASED ON THE RESOURCES YOU GET UP TO RESPITE PROGRAMS.

RESPITE PROGRAM ISN'T PROVIDED TO EVERYONE ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE IN THE EARLY STAGE OF DEMENTIA, IT'S CARE AND SUPPORT AND PERSON CENTERED THEY WILL ASK WHAT THE PERSON WANTS AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE FOR THEM.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND REFERRALS.

HAVING THAT ONE POINT PERSON THAT CAN-AND-A-HALF NAVIGATE -- NAVIGATE THE CARDIOLOGIST, IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT GETS SO CONFUSING FOR PEOPLE.

>> Renee: I DO WANT TO GO BACK I THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT ABOUT THE GUIDE PROGRAM.

I WANT TO GO BACK TO PACE AND ASK ABOUT THE ASSETS THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED.

THIS IS ONLY FOR MEDICAID ELIGIBLE FOLKS?

>> CORRECT.

>> AND OTHERWISE IT'S SO MUCH A DAY TO PAY FOR THE SERVICES.

>> THERE IS THOSE THAT ARE MEDICARE ELIGIBLE WOULD PAY A PREMIUM TO PARTICIPATE IN PACE.

AND WHAT WE KNOW RIGHT NOW AROUND 95, 98% OF THE 600 KENTUCKIANS PARTICIPATING THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ARE MEDICAID ENROLLED.

HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME THAT ARE ABLE TO PAY THAT PREMIUM AND PARTICIPATE.

>> Renee: RIGHT.

LADIES CARE TO COMMENT HOW PACE CAN BE A GAME-CHANGER?

>> WE HAVE BEEN WANTING TO HAVE PACE IN KENTUCKY FOR 25 YEARS.

IT STARTED ON THE WEST COAST.

SO THIS IS REALLY GROUNDBREAKING.

AGAIN, HAVING SOMEONE HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH THAT JUST THE APPLICATION PROCESS THAT AREA AGENCY ON AGING ADRC, AGENTING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT.

THE SCREENING PROCESS IS RIGOROUS.

AND THERE ARE CRITERIA THAT ARE SPECIFIC.

SO BY CALLING THE ADRC YOU CAN GET HELP FINDING IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THAT.

>> Renee: YOU CAN GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND THAT WILL HELP YOU GET TO THOSE.

THERE IS A LOT OF PLACES WE COULD SEND YOU AND WE WANT TO SIMPLIFY THAT.

AND WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE WHILE YOU ARE LIVING IN YOUR HOME.

AND MARGARET YOU SPOKE TO THAT AND I WANT TO RETURN TO THAT IN THE TIME WE HAVE REMAINING.

WE THINK OF GRAB BARS IN SHOWERS, SAM COTTON MENTIONED THAT.

WHEN I WAS DEALING WITH MY GRANDMOTHER WE GOT THE HIGHER TOILET SEATS WHICH WE CAN ALL ENJOY REGARDLESS.

THERE'S LOTS OF MODIFICATIONS BUT THEY CAN BE EXPENSIVE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT RAMPS ON THE HOUSE THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY?

>> THAT'S TRUE.

BUT I ALWAYS SAY START EARLY.

SO IF YOU'RE IN YOUR 50s OR 60s OR 70, START INVESTIGATING WHAT DO WE NEED?

THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT ARE EASY.

IN AN OLDER HOME PERHAPS THERE'S NOT A WALK IN SHOWER.

SO YOU NEED TO START INVESTIGATING WHAT WOULD THIS COST.

AND THEN KIND OF ASSESS AMONGST YOURSELVES OR WITH ADULT CHILDREN OR WITH A PROFESSIONAL LET THEM COME IN AND SAY WHERE DO WE START.

THAT IS THE KEY WHERE DO WE START.

START IN THE BATHROOM, THE KITCHEN, LIGHTING.

LIGHTING IN THE BATHROOM, CAN BE A RELATIVELY SIMPLE FIX.

YOU MAY NOT NEED TO DO A LOT OF ELECTRICAL NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING.

AND THINK OF OUTSIDE AS WELL.

ENTRANCE INTO YOUR HOME.

STEPS IF THERE'S STEPS TO GET IN OR OUT OF THE HOME YOU NEED TO HAVE THOSE WELL LIT AS WELL.

AND I THINK WE'VE BECOME OBLIVIOUS AS WE GO DAY-TO-DAY AND YOUNGER, BUT AS WE AGE, THE DEPTH PERCEPTION IS NOT THERE AS IT WAS.

AND ALL OF THESE FACTORS.

SO, YES, AND AGAIN, I SAY, IT'S A LOT TO NAVIGATE.

BUT THERE ARE RESOURCES OUT THERE.

ARP IS ONE WE'RE VERY PROUD OF HAVING SO MUCH INFORMATION AVAILABLE.

AND IN THIS HOME FIT GUIDE THIS CAN BE DOWNLOADED ON-LINE GO TO AARP.ORG/HOMECARE OR HOME HOME FIT.

AND THEY CAN DOWNLOAD IT RIGHT THERE ON THE SPOT.

BECAUSE IT GOES ROOM TO ROOM.

AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO WHEN WE LOOK AT WHAT DO WE NEED.

NO THROW RUGS.

THAT IS A NO, NO.

SO MAKE SURE THERE IS ADHESIVE ON THE RUGS IF YOU MUST HAVE THEM.

I HAD A HARD TIME GETTING MY MOTHER TO GET RID OF THEM.

BE PERSISTENT.

THERE'S SO MUCH THAT MAY NOT ENTAIL A LOT OF COST.

>> I'M FINDING AS I AGE, THE DOORKNOBS, THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

>> Renee: THAT IS A GOOD POINT.

THAT IS A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE FIX OTHER THAN GETTING ALL THE AREA RUGS.

ABOUT THE TRIP HAZARDS OF THRESHOLDS THAT ARE HIGHER WHEN YOU HAVE DIFFERENT FLOORING AND YOU HAVE A THRESHOLD THAT CAN BE A TRIP HAZARD ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE FALLS BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PREVENT FALLS.

>> YOU DO.

ANOTHER THING ESPECIALLY IN AN OLDER HOME, OFTENTIMES THE LAUNDRY IS IN THE LOWER LEVEL OR A BASEMENT THAT CANNOT BE.

THAT IS A BIG DANGER THAT IS A RED FLAG.

>> Renee: TO HAVE THAT ON THE LIVING FLOOR AND THE MAIN LIVING AND EN SUITE IS ON ONE FLOOR TO AVOID STEPS.

>> IDEALLY, RIGHT.

START THINKING ABOUT IT EARLY.

UNTIL THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED.

>> Renee: ANY OTHER ADVICE?

ANYONE CARE TO GIVE ON THAT?

>> MOTION CENSORED NIGHT LIGHTS.

SO WHEN YOU WAKE UP AND YOU CAN'T SEE AND IT'S REALLY DARK THAT LIGHT IS AUTOMATICALLY THERE.

LIGHTING IS SO IMPORTANT.

>> Renee: THAT IS A GOOD POINT.

>> AND WITH A.I.

THERE'S TECHNOLOGY COMING ONBOARD USING A COMBINATION OF A.I., WI-FI, MOTION SENSORS, SO YOU CAN TELL WITHOUT BEING INVASIVE IF YOUR LOVED ONE IS MOVING FROM ROOM TO ROOM AND HOW MANY TIMES THEY CHANGE THE CHANNEL ON THE TELEVISION.

YOU ARE AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THAT PERSON IN REALTIME.

>> Renee: AND SOME PEOPLE FIND THE PROSPECT OF THAT UNEASY RIGHT?

A LOT OF SURVEILLANCE IN THE NAME OF SAFETY.

>> IT IS.

AND IT'S REALLY HOW DO YOU MAKE TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU AND SUPPORT YOU BUT ENSURE THAT OLDER ADULTS ARE FAMILIAR AND OKAY WITH THAT.

WE SAW AN EXPLOSION OF THAT THROUGH COVID TO WHERE ADULT CHILDREN DIDN'T WANT TO COME INTO THEIR APPARENTS' HOME THEY USED ALEXA TO CHECK IN.

AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING HOW FAR TECHNOLOGY HAS COME BUT MAKING SURE THAT IT IS THE OLDER ADULT'S CHOICE TO HAVE THAT IN THEIR HOME.

>> Renee: AND HAVING SOME TYPE OF ALERT SYSTEM A BRACELET OR SOMETHING IF YOU DO FALL SOMETHING CAN GET YOU THE EMERGENCY CARE YOU MAY NEED.

PERHAPS LIVING ALONE ISN'T DESIRABLE OR PERHAPS AT A CERTAIN POINT IN TIME YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO THAT AND LIVE INDEPENDENTLY.

AND WITH OTHERS, A CLOSE BY THAT YOU STILL WANT TO HAVE THAT COMPANIONSHIP THERE ARE NEW HOUSING OPTIONS LETTING OLDER RESIDENTS STAY IN COMMUNITY BUT THEY HAVE TO MOVE TO DO IT TO A PLACE BETTER SUITED TO THEIR NEEDS.

IT'S CALLED CO-LIVING.

THAT IS A CONCEPT THAT IS GAINING TRACTION WITH SENIORS.

A CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUILDER WAS INSPIRED TO HELP SENIORS DOWNSIZE OR RIGHT SIZE HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIS EXPERIENCE WITH HIS MOTHER.

HERE IS MORE ABOUT THE CO-LIVING CONCEPT THAT IS PROVIDING INDEPENDENCE AND COMPANIONSHIP.

>> IT'S NO SECRET WE HAVE AN AGING POPULATION WE HAVE A BABY-BOOMER POPULATION MORE AND MORE ARE RETIRING.

WE SEE A LARGE NUMBER OF SENIORS WHO ARE IN NEED OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE.

IT IS NOT AFFORDABLE.

THE INDEPENDENT LIVING IS I THINK ABOUT 3500 A MONTH NOW.

AND MEMORY CARE IS AROUND 8,000 A MONTH.

SO YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT 35 TO 100,000 A YEAR.

THAT IS SUBSTANTIAL.

MANY PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD THAT.

>> INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES ARE JUST SKY HIGH.

THEY COST TOO MUCH AND THEY DON'T OFFER THAT MUCH.

MEMORY CARE OR ASSISTED LIVING AND LIKE INDEPENDENT LIVING WHERE I WAS, JUST EVERY YEAR IT GOES UP AND UP.

>> WHEN MY MOTHER MOVED OUT OF HER HOME INTO INDEPENDENT LIVING, IT WAS VERY EXPENSIVE SHE HAD THE FINANCES TO AFFORD IT.

THAT EXPERIENCE SAID TO ME THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY.

WHENEVER YOU SEE NOT MANY CHOICES MORE DEMAND THAN A SUPPLY THAT IS A MARKET GAP.

WE CAME UP WITH OUR GOLDEN OAKS CONCEPT A POD WHERE FOUR PEOPLE LIVE TOGETHER THERE ARE FOUR SUITES AND A COMMON AREA.

WALK IN SHOWER WITH ZERO ENTRY.

MARBLE COUNTY TOPS.

NICE CABINETS.

NICE REFRIGERATOR, NICE APPLIANCES, WASHER AND DRYER.

WE HAVE MAID SERVICE COME IN AND IT'S ALL INCLUSIVE.

YOU MAKE ONE PAYMENT YOU DON'T PAY UTILITIES OR THE CLEANING LADY.

IT'S VERY AFFORDABLE.

IT IS $1200 A MONTH, VERSUS $3500.

>> THIS IS WHERE I LIVE.

THIS IS MY LIVING ROOM.

AND I LOVE LIVING HERE.

IF YOU WANT TO BE WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN BE WITH PEOPLE.

BE IN THE COMMON AREA.

AND WHEN I GET TIRED OF PEOPLE I GO IN MY ROOM AND CLOSE THE DOOR.

>> WE BUILD COMMUNITY.

AND THE BASIS OF COMMUNITY IS HUMAN CONNECTION.

AND SOCIAL INTERACTION WHERE YOU CAN CONTROL THE CONTACT.

>> NOT EVERYONE HAS A FAMILY THAT CAN TAKE CARE OF THEM IF YOU CAN LIVE IN A ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR PRIVATE SPACE AND SHARE THE COMMON AREA WITH PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR AGE AND INTERESTS AND NEEDS IT'S EVERYONE CARING FOR ANOTHER.

HEALTHY FOR THE MIND AND BODY AND ALSO REMAINING AFFORDABLE BECAUSE YOU ARE SHARING THAT COST.

>> I'VE LIVED HERE TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS.

YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR SIX MONTHS OR A YEAR OR LONGER IF YOU WANT UNTIL YOU DIE, I GUESS.

WHICH I'M GOING TO DO.

THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO BUILD MORE AND I HOPE THEY DO.

BECAUSE IT IS GREAT FOR US SINGLE PERSON OLD LADY.

SINGLE PERSON TO LIVE HERE.

>> SO WE'RE EXCITED TO BE LEXINGTON TRY THIS MODEL AND IT MIGHT LEAD TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFFORDABILITY IN THE FUTURE.

>> YOU CAN'T BUILD A HOME IN TODAY'S MARKET FOR ADULT AGED FAMILIES.

YOU CAN'T BUILD A HOME THAT IS ATTAINABLE FOR THEM.

SO THE NEW HOMES ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

IT OPENS UP FOUR OF THOSE HOMES.

WE'VE GONE FROM FOUR HOUSEHOLDS TO ONE AND ROOM FOR FOUR MORE YOUNG FAMILIES TO MOVE INTO ANOTHER HOUSE.

IT'S SOCIALLY REDEEMING.

IT'S PROVIDING FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT, COMMISSIONER?

>> I THINK IT IS A PHENOMENAL CONCEPT.

IT IS TRULY GIVING PEOPLE THAT CHOICE.

WHEN PEOPLE ARE EMPOWERED WITH THE CHOICES THEY HAVE WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY THEY ARE HAPPY AND THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL.

I THINK IT'S A PHENOMENAL CONCEPT FOR THOSE WHO ARE LIVING ALONE AND MAYBE FACING ISOLATION.

BUT AS WELL AS ENSURING THERE'S LONGEVITY IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

KUDOS TO THE AREA THAT IS IMPLEMENTING THIS AND VERY GRATEFUL FOR INNOVATION AND ENSURING THAT PEOPLE CAN STAY IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: AND THE PRICE SEEMS TO BE BETTER AS HE MENTIONED THAN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY OR ASSISTED LIVING THAT CAN BE MUCH, MUCH MORE.

>> I THINK A PRICE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE ARE VERY SCARED OF.

A LOT OF TIMES WE I CON SELL PEOPLE THEY SAVE THIS MONEY AND THEY DON'T REALIZE IT'S RAINING AND TIME TO CRACK THAT EGG.

TO BE ABLE TO GIVE AN OPTION WHERE THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY ARE SPENDING ALL OF THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY AND CAN'T GIVE IT TO THEIR CHILDREN IS PHENOMENAL.

>> Renee: YEAH.

COMMENTS HERE?

>> WE LOVE CO-HOUSING.

MARGARET AND I BOTH SERVE ON THE REIMAGINE HOME COMMITTEE UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF AGE FRIENDLY LEXINGTON AND THIS IS NOT THE ONLY DEVELOPMENT THIS IS IN LEXINGTON ANDERSON COMMUNITIES.

>> WE DID REIMAGINING HOME DID A WHITE PAPER WHICH I CHAIRED ON CO-HOUSING.

AND ACTUALLY GOT IT PRINTED.

AND I LEARNED SO MUCH.

I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT IT.

AND IT CAN BE IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE JUST OLDER PERSONS IT COULD BE INTERGENERATIONAL.

WHICH AGAIN IS SOCIALIZATION.

YOU CAN BE A GRANDPARENT MAYBE TO A LOT OF LITTLE CHILDREN RUNNING AROUND.

SO THERE'S VARIOUS FORMATS FOR IT.

BUT IT DOES SEEM TO BE A WONDERFUL CONCEPT.

>> I THINK EDUCATION IS KEY.

PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND IT.

>> SO TRUE.

>> WE'RE SO GOOD AT BEING INDEPENDENT, BUT NOT SO GOOD AT MAKING COMMUNITY.

AND THIS IS A CONCEPT THAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF NEW OPTIONS ESPECIALLY IN HOUSING.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS THIS REIMAGINING HOME GROUP TRIES TO DO WE LOOK AT HOUSING AND HAVE STREETSCAPE SO YOU START WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR OWN HOME WHICH WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT STAYING THERE IN YOUR HOME BUT IF YOU CANNOT DO THAT WE GO DOWN THE STREET.

RETIREMENT, ASSISTED LIVING, CO-HOUSING, RIGHT DOWN TO WHEN YOU MAY NEED SKILLED CARE.

ADU'S WHICH WE WORKED ON HERE IN LEXINGTON.

AND THEY ARE NOW LEGAL.

SO I JUST AM A FAN OF CO-HOUSING THE DIFFERENCE IS I STATED EARLIER WAS THERE'S NO ONE DIRECTING THEM WHAT TO DO AS YOUR GENTLEMAN WAS SAYING.

THEY HAVE THEIR OWN APARTMENT AND WHEN THEY GET TIRED OF SOCIAL LICING THEY GO BACK TO THEIR HOME.

BUT THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR THEM THAT KEEP THEM MORE ENERGIZED.

>> Renee: WELL, THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD CONVERSATION WE HAVE SCRATCHED THE SURFACE WE HOPE YOU HAVE LEARNED A LOT.

AND I WANT TO ASK YOU TO GIVE A TAKEAWAY.

IF YOU WANT TO AGE IN PLACE... >> HAVE THE HARD CONVERSATIONS.

>> Renee: NOW.

>> HAVE THE HARD CONVERSATIONS NOW.

AND YOU MIGHT GET RESISTANCE.

MAYBE YOUR PARENT MIGHT RESIST OR YOUR SPOUSE MIGHT RESIST OR YOUR CHILDREN MIGHT RESIST HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS BUT PUSH THROUGH.

BECAUSE IT WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER IF EVERYBODY IS ON THE SAME PAGE AND EVERYBODY HAS THE AUTONOMY TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES.

>> THERE ARE 194 SENIOR CENTERS ACROSS OUR BEAUTIFUL STATE.

THERE IS AT LEAST ONE IN EVERY COUNTY.

NO MATTER YOUR AGE, STOP IN THE SENIOR CENTER THEY WILL WELCOME YOU AND TAKE YOU ON A TOUR WHETHER YOU ARE HERE IN FAYETTE COUNTY OR MARSHALL OR PIKE COUNTY WE GOT A NEW SENIOR CENTER.

THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL AND PART OF COMMUNITY GO THERE.

AND ALSO, AGAIN, PLAN TO HAVE THOSE IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS NOW.

AND AGAIN, THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS WHETHER OUR SENIOR CENTERS OR PACE SITES OUR ADULT DAY PARTNERS AS WELL.

IT IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY.

>> Renee: MARY?

>> AND PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.

IT'S OVERWHELMING.

BECAUSE WE ARE AN AGEIST SOCIETY AND DON'T LOOK FONDLY ON AGING WE AVOID IT UNTIL IT'S TIME.

AGAIN, START EARLY, CALL YOUR AREA AGENCY ON AGING CALL THE ALZHEIMER'S HOTLINE AND EDUCATE YOURSELF WHAT IS AVAILABLE OUT THERE BEFORE YOU NEED IT, BECAUSE A LOT OF WITH THE BABY-BOOMERS COMING ON A LOT OF PEOPLE NEED IT NOW AND THE RESOURCES CAN BE LIMITED.

>> Renee: THAT IS RIGHT.

>> I WOULD SAY DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW, BUT YOU SEE NEEDS IN YOUR HOME OR WITH YOUR ELDER PARENT, TRY TO EDUCATE YOURSELF.

AS I SAID, YOU CAN GO ON A LOT OF WEBSITES BUT ARP IS FULL OF INFORMATION ON ALL ASPECTS.

AND JUST BROWSE AT YOUR LEISURE AND PERHAPS YOU CAN START THE CONVERSATION.

BUT YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FIRST.

>> Renee: INFORMATION IS POWER.

WE OFTEN SAY THAT AND THAT IS SO TRUE.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE IT'S BEEN A GOOD CONVERSATION AND WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS IMPORTANT DISCUSSION ABOUT AGING IN PLACE.

OUR WEBSITE HAS GREAT RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS AND OTHER AGING RELATED ISSUES.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK US OUT AT KET.ORG/THE NEXT CHAPTER.

NEXT MONTH WE'LL DISCUSS MORE ABOUT CARE GIVING AND LOOK FOR UP COMING PROGRAMS ON PROTECTING SENIORS AGAINST SCAMS AND FRAUD.

VERY IMPORTANT TOPICS.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE.

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