FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS

Greetings! I am excited to introduce you to Age Well’s feature as this months’ nonprofit focus. Thank you Addison Chamber of Commerce for the spotlight! We are grateful for the privilege to serve older Vermonters and their caregivers in Addison County.

In 2022, we served over 2,200 Addison County residents providing 41,139 Meals on Wheels, 2,815 community meals, 10,360 grab and go meals, 3,000+ hours of care coordination, and 430+ hours of options counseling.

Our services are provided free of charge to the community. Volunteers and donations make our mission possible.

Keep reading for information about our services, volunteer opportunities, and more. With Gratitude, Jane Catton, CEO

You're Invited: Join us for a meal!

For those able to venture out, we serve meals in gathering places and restaurants throughout Northwestern Vermont, providing an opportunity to stay connected to your community, enjoying time with friends and neighbors. Learn more about these and all our upcoming Community Meals and Grab & Go sites, contact Michelle Eastman, Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator for Addison County via email or call 802-377-1419.

New! Pleasant Hills Congregate Meal: Every other Wednesday, we have a community meal at Pleasant Hills at 92 Mountain Road in Bristol. (Upcoming dates include July 26th, August 9th, and August 23rd).

Restarting! Vergennes Armory Lane: Every week on Thursday, we have a community meal in Vergennes at Vergennes Senior Housing at 50 Armory Lane.

Caregiver Support

Being a caregiver can be challenging, exhausting, and rewarding work. We are in the business of making it less hard. Whether you are new to caregiving or looking for fresh resources, Age Well offers programs to help you manage the daily needs, including the Helpline: 1-800-642-5119, classes for caregivers, and downloadable resources.

Tips for Caregivers:

• Plan ahead

• Take one day at a time

• Accept help

• Get enough rest and nutrition

• Be good to yourself

• Learn about available resources

• Develop contingency plans

• Make YOUR health a priority

• Make time for leisure, rest, and relaxation

• Share your feelings with others

Financial Support for Caregivers: Dementia Respite Grant

The Dementia Respite program provides small grants to unpaid caregivers of individuals with irreversible dementia. The purpose of the grant is to help delay or prevent nursing home placement by offering support and relief to caregivers who care for their loved ones, including in-home services, adult day programs, or personal respite for the care provider.

Caregiver Training

We offer training opportunities for caregivers which focuses on everything from reducing stress, improving self-confidence, balancing your life, and locating resources. Find more caregiver resources by calling the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119, online here , or on our YouTube channel at.

Your Stride at Otter Creek Park

Age Well has partnered with MVP Health Care to offer a free walking program. As an MVP Strider you will move through strength and balance exercises, walk at your own pace, and reap the many benefits of walking. Receive an MVP Striders Walking kit and connect with a great group of people.

Middlebury at Otter View Park, Tuesdays at 9:30 am from July 18 - August 22. It's free, fun fitness geared towards older adults (60+), but open to all, even if you're not a MVP member! You can even join after the program has started.

Space is limited and registration is required. For questions or assistance registering for classes, call MVP at 1-800-665-7924 (TTY 711). Click here to learn more

Try Tai Chi this Summer!

Did you know, Tai Chi is an evidence-based health program that reduces stiffness and pain, keeping joints mobile?

Age Well provides free classes for individuals who are 60+ years of age. Taught by certified volunteer trainers, there is no charge for these classes, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Find our full list of Tai Chi classes on our event calendar here.

Give Back When You Volunteer

There are several ways to you can give your time as an individual or as a business by volunteering including:

• Friendly visits with older adults

• Delivering Meals on Wheels

• Minor home repairs, building ramps, and yard work

• Providing transportation to medical appointments

• And more!

Contact our Volunteer Department to learn more: email or call 802-662-5273.

Our Middlebury Office & How to Contact Age Well

Our Addison County office is at 39 Court Street in Middlebury. We are open Monday's, Wednesday's, & Friday's from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 to learn more about our services or online at agewellvt.org.

Follow Age Well on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest services and events.

Age Well is a 501(c)3 non-profit, our services are offered free of charge.