Be part of something great.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

A free 6 week workshop starting on Monday, September 20^th- 1:00-3:30pm

(Brought to you by the Hollywood Senior Center, Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services and Oregon Department of Human Services with funding from AoA)

“I was tired. I hurt all the time. It felt like my health problems were telling me what I could and couldn’t do. Living Well workshops put me back in charge” -workshop participant

Developed by Stanford University, this 6-week workshop provides tools for living a healthy life with chronic health conditions including diabetes, arthritis, asthma and heart disease. Classes are fun, interactive and empowering. Participants share their successes and build a common source of support. The workshop builds confidence around managing health, staying active, and enjoying life. Topics covered include:

*Managing symptoms * Medication “how-to” *Working with your health care team *Setting weekly goals

* Effective problem solving *Better communication *Relaxation *Handling difficult emotions

*Tips for eating well *Safe and easy exercise

Call 503-288-8303 to participate in this life changing workshop and “put life back into your life.”

Senior Centers Work

September is National Senior Center Month. This year’s theme is “Senior Centers Work.” As a new generation of older adults look to redefine retirement, there is a growing focus on wellness, work and volunteerism. The Hollywood Senior Center is the place to find tools for staying healthy and involved. Whether you are a senior yourself, a caregiver, a family member or a friend, the Hollywood Senior Center welcomes you. Senior Centers work on many levels (prevention, cost-effectiveness, innovation, overall well-being, just to name a few) but they only work if there is support (infrastructure, financial, volunteers, etc) behind them. Membership and ongoing support is critical to our ability to offer programs, services and classes and no or little cost. If you haven’t renewed your $15 Registration or you are not a “member” yet, please do so today. We greatly appreciate donations of any size. Your support makes the Hollywood Senior Center work!

Oregon Project Independence & In-Home Services Update

Last month, I wrote about the proposed elimination of Oregon Project Independence (OPI) and other State funded in-home services. The State Emergency Board voted to restore many of the proposed cuts, including partially funding OPI through Feb. 2011. It will be a turbulent road ahead to find stable funding for OPI and other in-home services. At HSC, we are looking to Foundations, Individuals and Businesses to support our efforts to provide vital services to frail and low-income homebound seniors. I welcome any thoughts or ideas about funding sources you may have.

Oregon Project Independence Extended Through Feb. 2011 by Emergency Board!

In late June, we received devastating news that as part of the Governor’s 9% cuts to all state agencies to balance the state budget, Oregon Project Independence would be eliminated at the end of July, leaving 2,000 low-income frail seniors statewide (Hollywood Senior Center has 47 OPI Clients) without in-home services, greatly increasing their risk of expensive institutionalization. Additionally, in-home care workers and agency staff could lose their jobs. Advocates, clients and organizations serving seniors began a strong campaign to save OPI and other senior services. Legislators listened and on July 20^th, we received word that the Legislative Emergency Board is expected to restore $17.1 million in services to seniors and people with disabilities

Included in the proposed restored cuts list are Oregon Project Independence and Medicaid In-Home Care programs for seniors, people with disabilities and mental health issues.

The Hollywood Senior Center wishes to thank members of the Emergency Board for their leadership and commitment to seniors and those with disabilities and mental health issues.

The current recommendation would extend OPI services through February 2011.  Between now and then, we must a find a way to preserve this cost saving and vital program. Please contact your legislators and let them know it is critical that the State finds away to sustain OPI. Contact us for names and numbers of local Legislators. Your voice is a powerful tool of change!

Hollywood Senior Center Cooling Center

When the temperatures climb past 90 degrees for more than three days, experts recommend remaining indoors. Even short exposure to extreme heat may have harmful effects—causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or worse. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise, but older adults are particularly vulnerable if they don’t have access to air conditioning and become dehydrated. August is traditionally the hottest month of the year here in Portland (although this has been a pretty untraditional summer in terms of the weather).

When temperatures reach the high 90’s and above, the Hollywood Senior Center (in partnership with the Hollywood Boosters, Hollywood Neighborhood Association, Hollywood Neighborhood Emergency Team, Hollywood Lions Club and Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services) will once again be open as a Senior Cooling Center. We will be open extended hours until 8pm to provide relief from the extreme heat. We’ll have plenty of water, snacks and will be showing nightly movies on those days. Limited transportation assistance will be available. Call the Center or visit our website at  www.hollywoodseniorcenter.org for more details about Cooling Center hours and days of operation. Even on days when we are not open as a “Cooling Center”, we still have great air conditioning so stop in between 8:30am- 4:30pm for fun and friendship. Check out our Monthly Activities Calendar for a daily schedule.

Founded in 1973, the Hollywood Senior Center touches the lives of more than 2,500 seniors annually through health, recreation, information and education, nutrition and social services that support independence and produce healthier lifestyles.

The Hollywood Senior Center is committed to being a leading resource for adults 55 and older who seek to live longer, more fulfilling lives. We offer a multitude of programs and services for older adults and their families through a strong leadership team of staff, volunteers and community partners.

Take a look at our monthly calendar for a list of regular classes, activities, services and special workshops. Drop in for lunch on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Become a consigner in our Senior Craft Shop and make a little extra money. Shop for treasures at low prices in our Thrift Store.  Volunteer. There’s something for everyone at our Center.  Click here Hollywood_Senior_Center_Newsletter_2010_01Jan to read our monthly newsletter and get information about our current programs and events.

The Hollywood Senior Center is also a designated District Center under contract with Multnomah County’s Aging and Disability Services. We provide assessment and care coordination for seniors wanting to remain living independently in their homes.

Do you have a question about Medicare? Need Legal Assistance? Coordination of Transportation Services? Looking for a Support Group? Our Staff provides information and assistance in accessing helpful resources for seniors, their families and caregivers.

Whether you are searching for new activities in your retirement – educational, wellness, or volunteer – or whether you or a loved one needs additional information and support, the staff and volunteers of the Hollywood Senior Center are here for you.  Enjoy the many benefits of the Hollywood Senior Center today by visiting us or calling us at 503-288-8303.