Wishing everyone joyous holidays and a very
happy New Year!

The holiday season is a special time of year for many Americans, especially those who enjoy the warmth of being with family and friends. For many, it’s also a time when adults begin to recognize the need to address emerging health, emotional or psychological needs of their older loved ones.

The Eldercare Locator has produced its first-ever “Home for the Holidays Warning Signs Guide” to assist families and older Americans determine if help is needed. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide, AoA-funded directory assistance service that provides older adults and their loved ones with access to information about senior services. The 10 warning signs described in the “Home for the Holidays” guide is the type of educational tool that can prevent unnecessary stress for millions of older Americans and families in this country.

Many of you have contributed much time and effort to assist older relatives, friends, and neighbors throughout the year. As the older population continues to grow in America, more families and caregivers are facing the challenge of caring for their aging relatives. By raising awareness about the issues that older people may face, such as loneliness and isolation, we can prevent situations from occurring. I want to thank you. We deeply appreciate all that you do.

Wishing everyone joyous holidays and a very happy New Year!

- Josefina G. Carbonell

“Home for the Holidays” Guide

• Home for the Holidays Ten Warning Signs [PDF - 105KB]
• Home for the Holidays Ten Warning Signs [Word - 42KB]

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HHS Addresses its Greatest Management Challenges

HHS is enormous. It touches the life of every American every day with a broad array of services that range from regulating the safety of prescription medications, providing health insurance to the poor and elderly, finding new ways to fight diseases, to making sure that families have the assistance they need in tough times.

Managing all of these services under many different umbrellas is a challenge, but we are trying to engrain in everyone here that no matter what our job is in the Department, we are all part of "one HHS." The President's Management Agenda has helped push us in this direction, and we are succeeding already in many aspects of the Agenda. But we've had to overcome significant challenges in order to make progress. | More |

Job Vacancy - OS-02-296 - Regional Administrator - Closes: 01/31/03 (HHS Site) (12/23/2002)

Job Vacancy - OS-02-295 - Management Analyst - Closes: 01/21/03 (HHS Site) (12/19/2002)

Elders & Families Section Now Available (12/19/2002)

Newsletter about International Conference en francais

Patrick Bonduelle of Novartis (France) has prepared a special 8-page edition of his newsletter "Proximologie" describing in French the International Conference on Family Care that took place in Washington in October, hosted by the National Alliance for Caregiving. In addition to summarizing many of the conference sessions, the newsletter cites many resources and websites for carers.

While M Bonduelle disseminates his newsletter to 2,500 elected and appointed government officials, medical leaders, patient advocates and the media within France, a French summary of the conference and the resources may be useful to anyone who speaks French and is interested in family caregiving issues. The newsletter can be accessed at:

• http://www.proximologie.com/ (Off Site)

The Older Americans Month theme for May 2003 will be "What We Do Makes A Difference." Over the next several months, you will receive more information about our plans in recognition of Older Americans Month 2003. I am very proud to continue this tradition of honoring older Americans and their caregivers, and of celebrating our families and our communities as the foundation of our society.

- Josefina G. Carbonell

FNS Announces: FY 2003 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

On November 20, 2002, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced the opportunity for States, including territories and federally recognized Indian tribal governments, to submit grant applications for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for fiscal year 2003. A total of $15 million for the SFMNP is available.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Web Site (Off Site)

The Brookdale Foundation

The Brookdale Foundation announces a funding alert for its Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) State Seed Grant Initiative for the year 2003. Additional information can be found on the foundation's website: www.Brookdalefoundation.org

November is National Family Caregivers Month

America's family caregivers are among those for whom our nation gives thanks every year in November. Caregivers are the unsung heroes. More than 22 million people in this country care for chronically ill family members in their homes and communities.
| Full Story |

National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

When President Bush proclaimed November 2002 to be National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, he recognized that American Indian and Alaska Natives have made remarkable contributions to our national identity. It is fitting that we officially honor the native people of our land and join with them in celebrating their history, culture, and contributions to this county.
| Full Story |

Assistant Secretary Announces
Osteoporosis Grants

Assistant Secretary Carbonell traveled to Maine on October 18 to announce the release of $300,000 in grants to support the development of an osteoporosis awareness campaign aimed at post-menopausal women. While in Maine, the Assistant Secretary spoke with state and local aging officials and visited Freese's Assisted Living, a facility providing innovative home and community-based care. | Full Story |