Additional Programs and Services

Fan/Heat Relief

Operation Fan / Heat Relief is a special emergency assistance project to help elderly North Carolinians cope with summer heat.  The project began in 1986. Funding assistance is available May through September of each year. This project is made possible by contributions from Duke Energy Foundation and Progress Energy Services Company, LLC (CP&L) in our region.

Because many elderly citizens do not have electric fans or air conditioners, they are highly susceptible to life-threatening situations, which could be avoided if they were able to remain cool. The fans that are collected and purchased through “Operation Fan-Heat Relief” are given to those elderly citizens who have the greatest need for relief from the heat. The fans are distributed by one local provider in each county and are given as a gift – they are not to be loaned or retrieved at the end of the summer.

“During the hot weather, it is important for the elderly to take preventive steps against heat-related illnesses,” according to Karen Gottovi, Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services in the Department of Health and Human Services. “The elderly are at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Many people die of heat stroke each year and most are over 50 years of age. Electric fans can provide comfort and relief to those who cannot cope with the heat for health reasons”.

The organizations receiving contracts to provide the fans in Region B are:
Buncombe County
Council on Aging, Inc.
828-277-8288

Henderson County
Council on Aging
828-692-4203

Western Carolina Community Action
828-693-1711

Transylvania County
Western Carolina Community Action
828-884-3219

Madison County
Not serve by these utility companies.
 

Senior Friendly Communities

A senior-friendly community offers a wide range of social and economic opportunities and supports for all citizens, including seniors; values seniors’ contributions to the community; promotes positive intergenerational relations; considers the needs and interests of seniors in physical and community planning; respects and supports seniors’ desire and efforts to live independently; and, acknowledging the primary role that families, friends, and neighbors play in the lives of older adults, enhances their capacity for caring.

Last May 26, 2005, the Area Agency on Aging held its “kick off” event at Warren Wilson College to acquaint the region with the concept. There are six dimensions of community evaluation. They are: adequacy, accessibility, efficiency, duplication, equity, and effectiveness/quality. Go to the Division of Aging and Adult Services for more information at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging. The Henderson County Council on Aging has been a real leader in this area. Contact Karen smith, Executive Director for more information at 828-693-4203.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

The AAA assists in the coordination, development and administration of health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.  The purpose of this service is to support older adults in maintaining optimal physical, mental and emotional health.

Physical activity is one of the least expensive and most effective approaches to preventing and treating common chronic health conditions.  The Land of Sky Regional Council, Area Agency on Aging promotes the following physical activity resources:

·        ACTIVE OPTIONS FOR AGING AMERICANS - Discover the right physical activity option in your community at www.activeoptions.org.  Type in your zip code and the details of physical activity options that are located within your area will appear. Physical activity providers may submit information about physical activity options open to older adults at www.activeoptions.org.

·        SENIOR CENTERS -  Senior centers provide numerous health education programs and recreation activities.  Contact your local senior center for program details.

·        SENIOR GAMES - Senior Games promote healthy living for older adults through wellness programs, games, clinics, fun fitness activities and opportunities for state and national competition.  Senior Games are offered through the County Parks and Recreation Departments.  For more information visit www.ncseniorgames.org

·        ACTIVE AGING WEEK – Active Aging Week takes place during the last week of September and is designed to promote local options for physical activity.  There are a variety of free activities during this week.  For information on the international initiative visit www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm . Contact the AAA for county-specific calendars.

Evidence Based Health Promotion Programs –Evidence based health promotion (EBHP) programs are rooted in tested models and designed to meet health needs through community and environmental partnerships.  In alliance with the NC Department of Aging and Adult Services, the AAA in this region will facilitate the coordination and development of the Chronic Disease Self Management beginning in November, 2007.  For more information on the model visit Stanford Patient Education website at http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html . 

Please click here for information on 2008 Chronic Disease Self Management Programs in this region.

Health Promotion Funding

The AAA administers health promotion funding to local providers.  The purpose of this funding is to provide programs and activities which will assist older adults in maintaining a health lifestyle and/or in identifying health problems or potentials problems and to offer effective interventions to address these problems.  The Health Adventure, Asheville’s Family Health and Science Attraction is the main recipient of this funding.  In 2007/08, the Health Adventure will deliver a series of 5 educational and motivational programs focused on nutrition to 10 senior groups in the region.  The series is rooted in research and the outcomes will be evaluated.  Learn more about the health adventure at: http://www.thehealthadventure.org/

For details on the health promotion information listed here or other health promotion programs in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties contact Rebecca Chaplin at rebecca@landofsky.org or 251-6622 ext 154.

Advisory Council

Being a designated Area Agency on Aging, by the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, we are guided by the Older Americans Act. It requires that we have an advisory board with a certain make-up of community representatives.

Our Advisory Council has 22 members representing all four counties. At least 51% of the members must be 60+ in age. Low income and minority members must be represented at least in proportion to their numbers aged sixty and over in the population. A representative of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will also serve when a VA is located in your service area.

An elected official from the policy board also serves on the Advisory Council. The Chair of the Advisory Council on Aging serves on the Council’s policy board.

The Advisory Council usually meets the first Friday of the “odd” months from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Council’s large (Shepherd) Conference Room.

This group takes a regional approach to solving issues. These are their purposes:

♦ To study and define, on a continuing basis, the characteristics, interests and needs of older adults in the four-county area;

♦ To establish priorities, through public hearings and other channels, in determining the needs of older adults;

♦ To serve as an advocate for older adults in Region B;

♦ To assist in the development of strategies, programs and services to meet the needs of older adults in this area, especially through the development of an Area Plan to be approved by the North Carolina Division of Aging;

♦ To assist in monitoring, reviewing, commenting on, and evaluating all community policies, programs and actions which affect older persons;

♦ To maintain the communication with the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and other elected officials;

♦ To serve as a liaison or communications link with other groups or individuals interested in the older adults of this area;

♦ To identify and seek new resources for older adult programs.