Samaritan Senior Connection Procedures and Services

Samaritan Senior Connection at Good Samaritan Hospital (GSH) offers several helpful programs for older adults and their loved ones and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Services

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. Each year, Samaritan Senior Connection, through the Alzheimer’s Association, holds classes for families with a loved one recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Topics include:

• Orientation to Alzheimer’s disease
• Legal and financial planning
• Day-to-day caregiving
• Helpful tips on handling challenging behaviors

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, affecting their daily memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are many treatment options for both cognitive and behavioral symptoms that can improve a loved one’s quality of life. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org

There is a $20 charge for the classes, but the Alzheimer’s Association will work with participants if the fee presents a hardship. For more information, please contact Jill Fowler at (937) 291-3332 or visit www.alz.org/dayton

AARP Driver Program

The ability to drive can mean independence for older adults. Yet, public safety is important, so Samaritan Senior Connection driver safety program for older drivers helps them improve their skills and avoid traffic accidents. Presented by the AARP, program topics include:

• Judging yourself
• Physical changes
• Potential trouble spots
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Safety considerations

Anyone over the age of 50 is eligible to take the two-day course, which is held twice a year. The enrollment fee is $10, and participants who complete the course can often enjoy lower insurance rates (attendees need to check with their insurance carrier). For more information, contact Carefinders toll-free at 1-877-GSH-Well.

Lunch ’n Learns

Samaritan Senior Connection offers one-hour “Lunch ’n Learn” sessions every other month for adults over 50 years old that promote health, safety, and wellness. A few past Lunch ’n Learn topics include:

• “New Developments in Arthritis,” presented by Dr. Ranginwala, a Rheumatologist
• “Creative Aging and Memory Loss,” by Eric VanVlymen of the Alzheimer’s Association
• “A Move Made Easy: Relocating to Assisted Living and Other Locations”

In addition, blood pressure screenings are typically offered before each session beginning at 11:00 a.m. Participants may bring their own lunch or purchase a $4 lunch at the session. Each Lunch ’n Learn is presented from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Carefinders toll-free at 1-877-GSH-Well.

Brown Bag With a Pharmacist

Taking medications correctly is vitally important for seniors and is often one of the most difficult endeavors. In the Samaritan Senior Connection’s “Brown Bag With a Pharmacist” sessions, seniors have the opportunity to review prescribed and over-the-counter medications with a registered pharmacist to ensure that medications are:

• Not being duplicated
• Appropriate for the patient’s condition(s)
• Cost-effective

Participants can also discuss ways to reduce side effects of medications they are taking. There is no charge for these sessions, which are held twice a year. Participants can set up individual 15-minute appointments. For more information, contact Carefinders toll-free at 1-877-GSH-Well.

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