My hobby is local history and genealogy, and my memory goes back several decades. One of the ways life used to be included the tradition of caring for all family members who were too elderly and/or ill to care for themselves. Back then, nursing homes, assisted living, transitional living and all the rest of the various types that are so familiar today did not exist.

Today, we have a variety of “places” where seniors can live without the care of a house and property, and there are a number of specialized facilities. Unfortunately, the cost of these special sites and the lack of enough of them means many cannot afford such care. And realistically, most older people would prefer to stay at home as long as possible.

Many of my friends of all ages are somehow involved in caring for an older relative or friend – they all tell of trying to find appropriate care facilities, or someone who can come into the home for a few hours a week, sometimes daily, to help with chores that don’t require full-time nursing care.

As time goes on, this need for caregiving will increase, as we all live longer thanks to better medicines and health care. From Ann Sullivan at Southern Maine Agency on Aging, we receive the following information:

Southern Maine Agency on Aging has been offering the very successful Savvy Caregiver program for five years, under two Administration on Aging grants to the state. Many family caregivers of people with cognitive loss have benefited from the series. During this time it became evident that a full six-week series is not what some caregivers need. They may be helping someone so early in their dementia course that the material isn’t relevant. They may not have time in their schedules for the full series. The time or location of courses may not fit their schedule.

In response to this need, SMAA has developed a new two-hour course, “Understanding Cognitive Loss: Basics for Family Caregivers,” which it is hoped will fill this gap.

The class is offered for the first time on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 4-6 p.m. Because this is a pilot, SMAA will ask for feedback at the end of the class.

If you are a family caregiver for a person who has been diagnosed with dementia or about whom you have concerns, consider signing up.

This session is not appropriate for people who have dementia. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Family Caregiver Support Program at Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 800-427-7411, ext. 558 to add your name to the list.

In the latest edition of Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s news, there’s an interesting article relating to phones. SMAA has teamed up with the 911 Cell Phone Bank to collect used cell phones for those who need easy access to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

S.O.S. Phones are cell phones equipped with 911 dialing capabilities, providing a Sense Of Security (hence S.O.S). If you are a senior or adult with a disability and interested in receiving a free S.O.S. phone, contact SMAA at 800-427-7411 or 396-6500. If you have a phone to donate, drop it at SMAA, 136 Route 1, Scarborough.

Plan ahead – that’s always a good idea, especially for us older folks. When your pocket calendar is handy, and all your doctor appointments, lab visits and reminders are in place, that little gap in your memory can be easier to handle.

AARP Driver Safety Classes are slated right through September. Register ahead of time as these classes fill up quickly. If you want to save a little on your car insurance and you are 55 or older, Maine law requires insurance companies to give discounts to those who complete the AARP course.

Upcoming Driver Safety Classes will be held in Portland on Aug. 9, call John Hammon, 655-4943; Sept. 12, call Dr. Ralph McClean, 829-4664; and in Windham at the library on Sept. 7, call 655-4943. There are other classes in other towns, as well. Check out www.DrivrSafetyME.weebly.com.

Have you discovered a program or resource that’s especially for seniors? If you’d like to share this information with others, just let me know. And if there’s a topic you’d like more information about, we can look into that.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.