We've been busy, busy, busy this summer! Our exceptional Volunteers have been standing ready to serve our Neighbors in so many ways. For example, about 2,000 meals have been packed and delivered monthly to Neighbors at home by dedicated Volunteers.
Our Van Program Calendars have been full of fun events that Neighbors have been loving, especially Lunch Bunch outings! The second most popular event has been grocery shopping trips, regularly drawing in nearly 20 Neighbors. The most popular shopping trips are on Senior discount days and trips to Foothills Foodbank's Senior Market Days. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation trips remain bustling, and the need for drivers is urgent due to the frequency of regular appointments such as dialysis and cancer-related treatments.
"I really enjoy the Van trips, especially the Volunteers who make me feel so welcome. It's great to get out and be with people! I would be so depressed if I was stuck inside all the time. Also, when my family can't take me to doctor appointments because of work commitments, it's wonderful to know that I can get transportation."
- Jan T., FCC Neighbor
"Getting Mobile Meals through FCC has been very helpful and timely for us, as we've faced some health challenges. The meals are substantial enough that both my wife and I can easily share them. The food is quite good, and all the Volunteers are a delight to see and extremely friendly."
- Thomas S. (Left) and Tom H. (Right)
"I want to express my special thanks to all the amazing people who make my day with a smile and friendly greeting when they deliver my meals and to those Volunteers who help me on the Van trips that I appreciate so much. If it wasn't for you Volunteers, I'd be really isolated. You are all in my prayers for your kindness and caring!"
- Candace B., FCC Neighbor
Save My Seat!
NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Join us at FCC's offices to learn about joining our Team to help FCC Neighbors!
Upcoming sessions
Thursday, October 13 @ 9 AM
Tuesday, October 18 @ 2 PM
7275 E. Easy Street, Suite B-101, Carefree, AZ 85377
Questions? Contact Volunteer Engagement Manager, Donna Guerin, at (480) 488-1105 ext. 104 or donnag@foothillscaringcorps.com.
Please join us at FCC offices at 9 AM to get the latest Program updates and enjoy a round-table discussion with other FCC Volunteers and Staff members! Click on the buttons below to RSVP.
Note: This event is for registered Volunteers only. If you're interested in becoming a Volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer Application!
Assisted Rides: How to enter hours and use mapping features
FCC's current COVID-19 policies
Brainstorming creative solutions to challenges faced
Sharing stories about your Volunteer experience
Note: We know that some Volunteers go above and beyond in providing more than one program/service to our Neighbors! Each session will be different, and though you are not required to attend all sessions, we encourage you to participate in the sessions for programs that you are actively engaged with.
Water isn't just a refreshing thirst-quencher. Our body needs water! It's essential to almost all bodily functions from regulating body temperature to lubricating our joints to pumping our blood. Staying hydrated is a key part of maintaining good health and optimal brain function.
Being hydrated simply means that your body has enough fluids to function properly. The amount of water each person needs can vary. Signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine, fatigue, or feeling weak, irritability, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps in arms or legs, dry mouth, and confusion.
5 Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated Daily
Choose foods with high water content. If you have trouble drinking fluids, try including more water-rich foods with every meal. These include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, and celery. Soups, broths, and stews are also a good way to increase your fluid intake, especially in the colder weather. If you're watching your sodium, be sure to opt for low-sodium versions.
Keep water with you, always! Having hydration at your fingertips can make it easier to get the right amount of fluids. Carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go, and don't forget to drink!
Avoid or reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it prompts your body to remove fluid from your system. Limiting alcoholic beverages can help your body hang on to more of the water it needs to thrive.
Change it up. Try jazzing up your water by adding slices of fresh lemon, cucumber, oranges, or berries.
Build hydration into your routine! Making it a point to drink water at certain times each day help transform it into a healthy habit. For example, drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning, after every meal, and before and after exercise or activity.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED SOCIAL ISOLATION
Taken from article published by Michele M. Kroll on University of New Hampshire Blog
Before the pandemic, one in four people older than age 65 experienced social isolation, putting them at a greater risk of loneliness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. These feelings of loneliness were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many times, social isolation and loneliness are used interchangeably. The two are connected, but different.
Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having a few people to interact with regularly. An individual can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, just as someone can feel lonely while being with other people.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact.
Social isolation and loneliness have been estimated to shorten a person's lifespan by as many as 15 years. People who are socially isolated or lonely (SI/L) are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and the emergency room. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, people who are SI/L may get too little exercise and often don't sleep well, which can increase the rise of stroke (by 32%), heart disease (by 29%), mental health disorders (by 26%) and premature mortality (by 26%), as well as other serious conditions.
Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health and have been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia (by 50%), including and especially Alzheimer's disease. Unlike mental health disorder such as depression, social isolation and loneliness aren't often diagnosed. However, they still can promote negative cognitive and physical health effects.
People who are lonely tend to experience more emotional pain. Losing a sense of connection and community can change the way an individual sees the world. Someone experiencing chronic loneliness can feel vulnerable and mistrustful of others. Emotional pain can activate the same stress responses in the body as physical pain. When this occurs over a long period of time, it an lead to chronic inflammation and reduced immunity. This raises the risk of chronic diseases.
If you are experiencing social isolation or loneliness, please know that Foothills Caring Corps is here to support you! By becoming an FCC Neighbor, you can spend quality time with a Volunteer through Friendly Visiting or Phoning, or participate in monthly social and recreational outings through the Van Program. Being involved in the community, through volunteerism or a faith-based religion brings seniors joy. According to the AARP study, other sources of joy for older adults include the activities listed below.
Help Foothills Caring Corps Neighbors Through a QCD to Satisfy your IRA Required Minimum Distribution
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
When planning your IRA withdrawal strategy, you may want to consider making charitable donations through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, known as a "QCD". A QCD is a distribution of funds from your IRA directly to a qualified charitable organization, such as Foothills Caring Corps. Because the gift goes directly to the charity without passing through your hands, the dollar amount of the gift may be
excluded from your taxable income up to a maximum of $100,000 annually, or $200,000 annually, if you are married, filing jointly. The QCD exclusion allows the gift to charity without the itemization of deductions.
Who can make a QCD?
While many IRA plans are eligible for QCDs. including Traditional, Rollover, Inherited, inactive SEP, and inactive SIMPLE - there are requirements:
You must be 70.5 years of age or older.
QCDs are limited to the amount that would otherwise be taxed as ordinary income. This excludes non-deductible contributions.
For a QCD to count toward your current year's Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), the funds must come out of your IRA by your RMD deadline, generally December 31.
Contributing to an IRA may result in a reduction of the QCD amount you can deduct.
What kind of charities qualify?
The charity must be a 501(c)(3) organization, eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, such as Foothills Caring Corps. Charities that are private foundations, supporting organizations, or donor-advised funds do not qualify.
How do I make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to Foothills Caring Corps?
Your QCD must be made directly from your IRA custodian to Foothills Caring Corps on your behalf. Each financial institution has its own process for initiating a qualified charitable distribution. Many retirement plan administrators require you to use their distribution forms and comply with other requirements, so follow your financial institution's forms and procedures to ensure you receive any potential tax benefits associated with this gift.
Timing is everything! The QCD should be made directly from the IRA to the charity, then take any additional distributions to meet your RMD for the year.
Many individuals who are required to take money from their IRA but do not need it for living expenses have chosen to make QCDs from the IRAs to support the work of Foothills Caring Corps. This may make sense for you, too! Please learn more about eligibility at IRS.gov and consult your tax advisor.
Volunteers and Donors are invited to join us for the 2022 Supporter Celebration: a fun Food Truck Fiesta! Enjoy tasty food, refreshing beverages, and live music at the brand-new Hampton Inn in Carefree.
We're celebrating YOU, our incredible Supporters! We hope that you'll come and meet other community members who share the same love and compassion for the Foothills Caring Corps mission and our Neighbors.
Thank you for your dedication to joyfully serving our community, our cherished Neighbors, and supporting Foothills Caring Corps!
Please RSVP below! Registration for attendance is required and will closed on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 5 PM. Thank you!
