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VIAL OF LIFE

Durham County Emergency Medical Services, 201 E Main St, Suite 660, 919-560-8285

Durham County EMS offers free Vials of LIFE (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) to anyone who wants to make sure that vital information can easily be found during emergencies. It’s a great way to help ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in times of medical emergencies.

Each Vial of Life kit is made up of one labeled bottle (approximately 3 inches tall with a screw-on cap—it looks like an oversized prescription bottle), an instruction sheet, a special business-card-sized magnet and a form to fill out with the following information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, hospital preference, medical history (there’s a list of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, plus a blank space), other medical history/assistive devices, allergies (to medications or otherwise), doctor’s name and phone, advanced directives (like DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc), space for listing medications and dosages, health insurance policy info, emergency contacts (names and phone numbers), and a space for additional information.

After filling out the form, you should fold or roll it up, put it in the bottle, and screw the cap on. Then place the bottle somewhere on the top or condiment shelf of your refrigerator so it can be found easily and stick the magnet on the refrigerator door. If EMS is called to your home, they’ll know to check your refrigerator for a Vial of Life magnet, which will then lead them to the Vial of Life bottle inside. Emotions can run high, people can get confused, and it’s so important to have one place where vital information can be accessed quickly.

You can get a set for yourself and even get an extra set so you can place a bottle in your vehicle‘s glove compartment. And if you have a family or live with someone, consider getting a Vial of Life set for each person (especially for elderly members of your family).

You can pick up your free Vials of Life at the Durham County EMS office; call first to make sure they have them in stock. If you can’t stop by, you can order kits by calling Durham One Call (919-560-1200) or via the Durham One Call app, and your order will be mailed to you.

SENIOR PHARMASSIST

406 Rigsbee Ave, 2nd floor, 919-688-4772, seniorpharmassist.org:

Senior PharmAssist helps Durham County residents age 60+ manage and get access to the medications they need. They’re able to find resources that make medicines available at low cost, and they help teach how to use medications safely and effectively. A staff pharmacist can take a good look at all of the medications being taken by a resident and can recommend which ones are inadvertently working against each other. (This sometimes happens when someone has multiple doctors who aren’t aware of what the others are prescribing.) Call to set an appointment.

DURHAM CENTER FOR SENIOR LIFE

406 Rigsbee Ave, 919-688-8247, website

Monday–Thursday 8:30am–7:30pm and Fridays 8:30am–5pm:

Here are a few programs and activities offered by the Center; click here to read “Our Times,” DCSL’s monthly schedule, which includes activities such as Belly Dancing, Line Dancing, African Drumming/Dance, Yoga, and more.

The Center is hosting an Essentials Supply Drive all month to help seniors in need gain access to things that can make their everyday lives a little easier. If you can afford to, please make your donation(s) of any type of cleaning , hygiene, and self-care supplies and/or nonperishable food donations at the front desk. Please keep in mind that many struggling seniors are caring for their grandkids and/or elderly partners.
The DCSL EATS (Ease Access To food for Seniors) program is designed to help those age 55 and up stay healthy with affordable and nutritious foods:
Food Pantry—If you’re in need, you can get one bag of food per month
Commodity Supplemental Food Program—When you’re approved (based of age and income), you can pick up food at a certain time and place
Shop & Grab—You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home (this month on Tuesday, December 12, 9am–noon). Call and register at ext 104 with NaQuana Johnson.
Produce Grab & Go—Stop by and pick up some free produce on Friday, December 1 and December 12, 11am.
Kitchenless Seniors EATS—Homeless seniors can get free bags of food.
The Center will be screening free movies (and serving free popcorn) for Friday Matinees at 12:30pm in the Theater (documentaries are shown every morning at 9am):
- December 1—A Beautiful Mind
- December 8—K-9
- December 15—Cinderella Man
- December 22—Christmas on the Square
- December 29—Slumberland.
DCSL Connect offers free classes; no registration is necessary:
- Smartphone Tips and Tricks on Mondays, 6–7pm
- Ted Talk Tuesdays (tech issues with Ted Rodgers Jr) on Tuesdays, 9:30–10:30am
- New World New Skills (how to use your smart phone or computer) on Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm
- Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Tuesdays, 6–7pm
- New World New Skills (how to use your smart phone or computer) on Wednesdays, 1–2:15pm
- SuperAgers (advanced tech tips) on Wednesdays, 2:15–3pm; and
- Tech Talk (tips for smart phone users) on Thursdays, 9:30–10:30am
- Smartphone Tips and Tricks on Thursdays, 4:30–5:30pm.
The Aging with Pride Support Group for members of the LGBTQ+ community now meets on the second and last Fridays (December 8 and 22) from 2:15 to 3:15pm in the Classroom. Share information and identify resources; allies are welcome. If you can’t attend in person, call and ask for ext 114 to get the Zoom link.
Get professional help learning how to use exercise bands, hand weights, and ankle weights during Virtual Strong & Steady sessions on Mondays 8:45–9:45am and Thursdays 10–11am, on Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 464 379 5852, and the passcode is 9196141923.
Join the Juggling Club on Wednesdays from 12:30–1pm in the Activities Room and learn this fun and entertaining skill. No need to register.
Bring your guitar and join the Acoustic Guitar Club on Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:40pm. Call Danny Lightheart at ext 124 for more info.
Drop in on Thursdays, 3–4:30pm, for Playing with Music, where musicians get to learn, share, play, and improvise together. Bring your instrument. There’s no need to register.

Here are some special events for November; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter (y aquí para leer en español):

Durham County Crisis Services will be available on Monday, December 4, 9am–1pm. Find out how to get connected with rental and financial assistance, utilities payments, bus passes, burial costs, and heating and cooling assistance. Call and set up an appointment at ext 103.
Stop in between 9am and noon on Tuesday, December 5 for More in My Basket, where you can get free SNAP Benefits Assistance. Learn how to save on your grocery bills by signing up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Call and register at ext 103.
You don’t have to register for DCSL’s Health Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 8:30–11am. They’ll offer blood-glucose testing, balance screenings, adaptive-equipment demonstrations, toenail trimming, stroke and dementia education, and more.

Durham County Crisis Services will be available on Monday, December 11, 9am–1pm. Find out how to get connected with rental and financial assistance, utilities payments, bus passes, burial costs, and heating and cooling assistance. Call and set up an appointment at ext 103.
The Community Health Coalition’s monthly free Wellness Check will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 10am–noon, offering blood pressure and weight checks, plus glucose readings. No need to register.
The December Birthday Celebration will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 12:30–1:30pm. Call and register at ext 110.
The next Caregiver Support Group meeting will be held in the Boardroom on Thursday, December 14, 12:30pm. Share caregiving tips with other people who are looking after loved-ones over the age of 55.
The Interfaith Food Shuffle will host an Eating Well Workshop in the upstairs Classroom on Friday, December 15, 9:30am–noon. No need to register.
Learn how to save lives by taking a free CPR Class on Friday, December 15, 10–11am, in the Classroom. Call and register at ext 110.

Durham County Crisis Services will be available on Monday, December 18, 9am–1pm. Find out how to get connected with rental and financial assistance, utilities payments, bus passes, burial costs, and heating and cooling assistance. Call and set up an appointment at ext 103.
Certified senior advisor and lawyer Rick Messemer will give a presentation on Planning for Medicaid: You Don’t Have to Give Away Your Home on Monday, December 18, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Theater. Call and register at ext 110.
Stop in between 9am and noon on Tuesday, December 19 for More in My Basket, where you can get free SNAP Benefits Assistance. Learn how to save on your grocery bills by signing up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Call and register at ext 103.
Share your ideas and give feedback on the Center’s activities during the Monthly Member Check-in on Tuesday, December 19, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons. No need to register; feel free to bring your own lunch.
Captain Towner from the Durham Fire Department will give a Steps to Safety Presentation on Wednesday, December 20, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Theater. Learn how to prevent falls and fires so you can continue to live independently. Call and register at ext 110.
Join the fun at DCSL’s Holiday Party on Thursday, December 21, 5–7pm, in the Lower Commons. Enjoy a meal, plus music and dancing. Call and register at ext 110.

There will be a talk on Brain Health and Aging on Thursday, December 28, 10:30–11:30am, in the Theater. Learn about the basics of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, early signs and symptoms, and theories on prevention. Call and register at ext 110.
Let’s Celebrate Kwanzaa on Thursday, December 28, 12:30–2pm, in the Lower Commons. Learn how to incorporate the seven principles—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—into your everyday life. Call and register at ext 110.
Join the New Year’s Celebration on Friday, December 29, 1–2:30pm, in the Lower Commons. Enjoy refreshments and usher in 2024 with music and dancing. Call and register at ext 110.

The Durham Center for Senior Life also sponsors programming at the Little River Senior Center (part of the Little River Community Complex at 8305 N Roxboro Rd, in Bahama). Call 919-477-6066 for more info; you can also check out the current Our Times online schedule to see all of their classes and activities:

Coffee Talk—Monday–Friday 8:30–9am
Walking Club—Monday–Friday 8:30–10am
Free Play Gym—Monday–Friday 8:30am–1pm
Games and Quilting—Monday–Friday 9:30am–1:30pm
Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays 10–11am
Lunch (congregate meal)—11:30am
Crocheting—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:30–1:30pm.
Produce Grab & Go—Little River participants can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home on Friday, December 8, 11am.

Here’s a nice Spanish/English message from the Durham Center for Senior Life.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Raleigh office, 919-277-4201, website:

The BBB wants to point out three of the most-used scams out there that are targeting seniors. Make sure that your families and friends are aware that tricksters like to prey on older adults when they’re not up with the latest scams:

Lottery and sweepstakes scams—Criminals will send you a check with a cover letter congratulating you for winning a huge amount of money. They’ll tell you to deposit the check and then wire funds to cover the cost of fees, insurance, taxes, or whatever. Even if the check looks real and has the name of an actual bank on it, it’s a fake. If you went ahead and sent funds from your account, you have lost that money. Remember, you’re not likely to win a contest you didn’t enter, and you should never pay anyone to accept a prize.
Medical alert scams—You’ll get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or another government office. They’ll ask for all kinds of personal information, like bank account/credit card numbers, claiming that they’re trying to verify or update something or to fix an error. Medicare never calls and asks for information—if you’re on Medicare (or Medicaid), the government already has all the information they need.
Grandparent scams—A stranger will call you on the phone claiming to be your grandchild (sometimes saying that they have a bad connection if you don’t recognize their voice). They’ll claim that they’re in trouble or ran out of money and will beg you to wire they some money to help them out. Stay calm and ask questions you know only your grandchild would know the answer to. You can also call their number or their parents’ number after hanging up. Sometimes criminals go so far as to call, claiming to have people’s grandkids in custody and demanding a ransom. Frantic family members can lose thousands with these sick scams.

If you’d like to have someone from the local Better Business Bureau to speak to your group about senior issues, call the Raleigh office at the number listed above.

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION: MATURE ADULTS

Holton Career and Resource Center, 401 N Driver St, 919-354-2710, website. The DPR Mature Adults office serves people age 55+:

Explore your creativity during an Arts & Crafts session at the Holton Center (401 N Driver St) on Tuesdays, 11am–12:30pm. Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15887 for February 1–22, 15888 for March 1–29)
Let’s Get Together! on Tuesdays, 11am–noon, at the Lyon Park Recreation Center (1309 Halley St). Play checkers, join discussion groups, and watch movies. Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15895 for February 1–22, 15896 for March 1–29)
Let’s Get Together! on Tuesdays, noon–1pm, at the Walltown Park Recreation Center (1308 W Club Blvd). Play checkers, join discussion groups, and watch movies. Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15903 for February 1–22, 15904 for March 1–15)
Let’s Get Together! on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am–noon, at the WD Hill Recreation Center (1308 Fayetteville St). Play checkers, join discussion groups, and watch movies. Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15976 for January 10–May 23)
Play BINGO at the Holton Center (401 N Driver St) on Wednesdays, 10–11:30am (DPR activity code: 15016 for December); also at the IR Holmes Recreation Center (2000 S Alston Ave) on Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am. Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15870 for February 2–23, 15871 for March 2–30)
Play Bridge and make friends on Thursdays, 1–3pm, at the Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 W Club Blvd). Free admission; click here for more info and to register with Durham Parks and Recreation. (DPR activity code: 15854 for January 6–May 26).

Click on the DPR logo to view the

September–December 2023 issue of

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