To advocate for individuals age 60+ and adults living with disabilites, and assist them in securing needed services or benefts, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
Getting to the Heart
February is American Heart Month and a great time to learn and put into practice a few things to make our own hearts healthy and strong.
‘’Here are a couple things to try which will help control and prevent high blood pressure:
-Being physically active can help to keep you at a healthy weight and will lower blood pressure. According to the CDC just a single session of physical activity can lower your blood pressure right away! Additionally, the effect can last up to 24 hours.
Going to the gym is how many people stay active, and many Medicare Advantage Plans can cover the cost of a gym membership. The LE Phillips Senior Center and the YMCA are just a couple of the local ftness facility that accept those programs.
Consider signing up for the ADRC’s StrongBodies. On March 6, there will be an informational meeting, see page 8 for details. If you are not quite ready for a formal program take short walks, and slowly add minutes. Keeping your body moving is the goal.
-Eat a healthy diet of food with wholesome ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try the recipe on page 16 for a no sugar dessert that would be great for a “date” to celebrate Valentines Day and good heart health.
The Eau Claire ADRC Team
ACCOUNTANT
Kelli Weiss
ADRC VAN DRIVER
Dave Okas
COOKS
Aaron Pritzl
Bill Angell
Karen Mittag
Linda Vogler
Penny Parkinson
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST
Lisa Wells
DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jim Coldwell
Melissa Wendtland
ELDER BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jessica Smith
Leda Welke
KITCHEN COORDINATOR
Gilda Halbleib
MANAGEMENT
Linda Struck, Director
Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager
Lisa Riley, ADRC Manager
MEAL DELIVERY DRIVERS
Doug Salter
Gordy Geurink
Kris Riphenburg
Norm Brunkow
Sue Klauck
SENIOR DINING SITE
Glenda Nelson
OPTIONS COUNSELORS
Barb McRae
Brianna Werner
Jenna Belter
Jennifer Solfest
Liz Nett
Maddie Kettner
Molly Yang
Sue O’Branovich
HEALTH PROMOTION COORDINATOR
Deb Bruning
RESOURCE GENERALISTS
Carmelita Hogan
Heather Craker
RESOURCE SPECIALISTS
Karen Hauck
Katie Telschow
Lindi Engedal
ADRCs: Help for Older Adults and Adults Living with Disabilities
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Eau Claire County provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to your concerns, help clarify your options and direct you to appropriate resources. The ADRC administers the Meals on Wheels/Senior Dining programs for Eau Claire County, and is also the access point for information about long-term care options and public benefts. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Eau Claire County residents regardless of income or assets.
Aging and Disability Resource Center Board
Tami Schraufnagel, County Board
(Chair)
Jean Doty, Citizen Member
Stella Pagonis, County Board
John Folstad, County Board
Deirdre Jenkins, County Board
Bill Libberton, Citizen Member
Sandra Romey, Citizen Member
Terri Stanley, Citizen Member
Thomas Vue, County Board
Jonathan Wessel, Citizen Member
The advertisements in this newsletter are obtained from the printing company LPI, not the ADRC. The ADRC provides unbiased information and assistance to those we serve.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The primary purpose of the ADRC is to provide the customer with unbiased information about services that will meet their needs. This includes sharing information with customers about agencies that provide needed services. The ADRC may operate programs that provide direct services to customers. The ADRC Specialist:
• Cannot attempt to influence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.
• Cannot attempt to influence customers in the interest of any service or program provider, including the ADRC itself. The ADRC is prohibited from using revenue generated from direct service programs to support the ADRC Specialist program.
ADRC Equity Statement:
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County is welcoming and safe for all. We are committed to serving with equity in mind. No judgement, assumptions or shame.
There are no income requirements to utilize the services of the ADRC.
ADRC's assist anyone age 60 and over, as well as adults age18-59 living with a disability.
ADRC services are also available to family members, friends, caregivers and professionals working with these populations.
BoostYour Brain and Memory
7-week Class
Tuesdays
April 1 - May 13, 2025
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Altoona Public Library
BoostYour Brain and Memory Class is a unique program that takes on a holistic approach to improving brain health in older adults. Participants will learn new habits to maintain cognitive health while also practicing new skills for better memory performance...and have fun! Participant guide, handouts, and more included in this no-cost class!
The 7-week class is free and attendance in all 7 classes is recommended.
The dates include: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
at the
& Disability Resource Center, www.adrcevents.org or call 715-839-4735
March for Meals
The Meals on Wheels Program in Eau Claire County serves a home made from scratch meals to approximately 450 homebound older adults every weekday. All the meals are made locally in our kitchen in Eau Claire. We believe that good nutrition will help people maintain healthy minds, bodies, and ultimately their independence. Some of our program funding comes from the individuals who receive meals. Some participants are on fxed incomes and are battling the rising cost of living.
One year of Meals on Wheels, per participant, is the same cost of one day in the hospital. 11% of Wisconsin seniors struggle with hunger, deciding between medication, housing or food. We would like to offer business leaders and community partners an exclusive opportunity to help by sponsoring a route for homebound seniors in Eau Claire County.
March for Meals is a campaign for the Meals on Wheels program and our participants. Here is how it works: For a one-time donation you can sponsor meals for our local Meals on Wheels participants at a level of support of your choosing.
Donations can be made one of three ways
1. Mailing back this form with a check payable to Meals on Wheels, Attn: March for Meals to: ADRC of Eau Claire County
Attn: Betsy Henck
721 Oxford Ave., Room 1130
Eau Claire, WI 54703
2. By calling the ADRC at 715-839-4886 to make a donation over the phone using a credit card.
3. You can visit our website at www.eauclaireadrc.org and click on the Make a Difference Donate button to make a contribution.
Yes, I want to help!
_____ $125 will sponsor 25 meals (business or individual acknowledgement in our newsletter and social media pages)
_____ $625 will sponsor 125 meals (business or individual acknowledgement in newsletter, social media and postcard with personal message or business information will be given to each participant.)
_____ $________ (another amount, specify)
Business or Individual Name making donation: ________________________________________________ Donation made in honor of: _________________________________________________________________
The ADRC van has room for one wheelchair and 3 additional individuals for no cost non-medical trips. The van is available for seniors 60+ and adults living with a disability in Eau Claire County. Contact Dave, Transportation Coordinator to schedule at 715-225-0975. Priority given to individuals who live rurally.
Location: Augusta Senior Center 616 W. Washington St., Augusta, WI 54722
For the most current schedule, go to Augusta, WI Pickleball on Facebook or call the Center at 715-286-2953 for more information.
Valentine’s Day Talent Show
Be prepared to be amazed, dazzled and entertained by our talent show participants.
Interested in preforming?
Please call the Senior Center at 715-286-2953 to sign up by Monday, February 3, 2025.
When: Friday, February 14th
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Augusta Senior Center 616 W. Washington St. Augusta, WI 54722
Q: What’s it like to be a Meals on Wheels Volunteer?
Becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer is easy and rewarding! To get started, simply complete a brief application and background check form. Once that’s done, you’ll schedule a time with our ADRC Manager for a New Volunteer Orientation, which takes about 30-45 minutes. During this orientation, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the program, including how to deliver and respond to our participants needs.
We'll also discuss the expectations for your role as a volunteer and work with you to determine your preferred schedule. Meals on Wheels ofers fexible scheduling, and we even have an online system for easy communication and planning if you’d like to use it!
Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday during lunchtime, and we ask for a commitment of about 1 to 1 ½ hours of your time. You can volunteer solo or team up with a friend, spouse, or co-worker.
We understand that our volunteers have busy lives, and our goal is to make this opportunity both fulflling for you and impactful for the individuals we serve.
If you’re ready to get started or would like more information, please contact Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager, at betsy.henck@eauclairecounty.gov or call 715-839-6259. We look forward to welcoming you to our Meals on Wheels family!
Looking for some help in fling for your 2024 Income Tax?
Here are a couple of opportunities to receive that help.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), free tax prep assistance is open to any individual that earned $67,000 or less in 2024. Appointments can be made by calling 715-836-4069 after February 1, 2025.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is a volunteer program through AARP. for people 60 years of age and older. Go to the AARP Foundation Tax Aide Locator to fnd a volunteer in the Eau Claire Area https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide
If your income was under $82,000 in 2024 you may qualify for online tax preparation through The United Way at MyFreeTaxes.com
To receive Federal Tax paper forms by mail call 1-800-829-3676.
To receive State Tax paper forms by mail call 1-608-266-2486.
If you are in need of fling a Homestead Credit Return Only (no federal return needed), the Wisconsin Department of Revenue will complete and fle the return for free. Walk-ins only-no scheduled appointments are being offered. WI. Dept. Rev., 718 W. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire.
Troubleshooting Your Drug Coverage After the Fall Medicare Open Enrollment
Are you experiencing issues with your new Medicare drug coverage after the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period? If so, read on to learn more about what to do.
First, read your current plan to make sure that your preferred pharmacy is in-network and that your current medications are included in the plan’s formulary. You may fnd that your medications are not on the plan’s formulary or that there may be coverage restrictions, like a prior authorization or step therapy requirement. In addition, make sure you understand the costs of your plan, including the premium, deductible, copay or coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Remember that medication pricing shown in the Medicare Planfnder is not a guarantee, and prices will likely change throughout the year.
Transition Fill: If a medication you have been taking is no longer covered when you fll your prescription in January, you may need a transition refll. This is a one-time 30-day supply of a medication you were taking before switching plans or before your plan changed its coverage at the beginning of the new calendar year. A transition refll lets you get temporary coverage for drugs that are not on your plan’s formulary or that have coverage restrictions. You can only request a transition refll for drugs you were already taking before switching plans or before your plan changed its coverage. Transition reflls are not for new prescriptions.
Prior Authorization: you must frst get approval from the plan for it to be covered. Your plan will likely have a form for your doctor to fll out with an explanation of why this medication is medically necessary. If your plan has a step therapy requirement, you will frst need to try a different or less expensive drug that treats your condition to see if it will be effective for you. You should work with your doctor to do this. If the less expensive medications are not effective for you, your doctor will need to explain this to the plan in order for your preferred medication to be covered.
Expensive Coinsurance or Copayment:
You may fnd that your coinsurance is more expensive than you expected. This may be because the retail price of your medication has increased. If the price goes up during the year, your coinsurance dollar amount will also increase. If you have a copayment, on the other hand, you will pay a set dollar amount each time you fll the prescription instead of a percentage, which means that what you pay at the pharmacy does not depend on the medication’s retail price. Your medication may also be more expensive than you expected if the medication is on a higher tier. Plans use tiers to categorize prescription drugs on their formulary. Higher tiers are more expensive. If you cannot afford your copay or coinsurance, talk to your pharmacist and doctor about whether your medication is in a higher tier than similar medications on the formulary. If so, you can work with your doctor to request a tiering exception with your plan. Your plan should have a form for your doctor to fll out. Your doctor will need to explain why the less expensive medications for treatment of your condition will not work for you.
Continued on Page 15
Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help): Some people are eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) because they are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, an SSI benefciary, or enrolled in the federal Extra Help program. People who are eligible for LIS pay low copays for their medications at the pharmacy. Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center for assistance from a beneft specialist in providing proof of your LIS status to your plan or to fnd out if you might be eligible for Extra Help.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January—March 2025): If you have tried the suggestions described above, and your plan still does not work for you, you may need to switch plans. If you are currently in a Medicare Advantage plan that does not meet your needs, consider switching plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period between January 1-March 31. People who are enrolled in Advantage plans can use this period to switch Advantage plans or drop an Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Those who drop an Advantage plan will have a special enrollment period (SEP) to enroll in a standalone Part D plan. If you would like to switch or drop your Advantage plan after March 31, you will need a special enrollment period (SEP).
Special Enrollment (SEP) to Change Drug Plans: If your standalone Part D plan does not meet your needs, you will need an SEP to switch plans. If you are eligible, you can also consider enrolling in other creditable drug coverage, which means that it is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare drug coverage. Wisconsin SeniorCare is one example of creditable drug coverage. For assistance with your drug coverage options, please contact call 715-839-4735 and ask to be referred to a beneft specialist with your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.
By the GWAAR Legal Services Team
Enjoy Fudgy Date Brownies
Ingredients
4 cups Medjool Dates, pitted
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup nut or seed butter of our choice
1/2 cup cacao or cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 to 2 Tablespoons water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper or spray pan well.
2. The dates need to be soft. If they are hard, microwave them with a little water for 3 minutes, then drain dates and reserve 2 tablespoons of water. If dates are soft, skip this step.
3. Add the dates & rest of ingredients to a food process with a 1 tablespoon of reserved water, blend until smooth. Add the other tablespoon of water if needed. Batter will be thick & sticky.
4. Smooth the batter in the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
February 4th is Medjool Date Day full of fber, iron and potassium This recipe is gluten-free. Adapted from www.healthylittlevittlies.com by
We Are All Aging
Ageism negatively affects many Americans daily. Ageism is the discrimination of a person solely because of their age. Negative stereotypes and harmful prejudice about age fuel this discrimination. That discrimination affects how people see themselves and their place in society. Those views dramatically impact mental, social, and physical well-being. Ageism comes in many forms and shows up in many places. People experience ageism throughout their everyday experiences. Ageism is found in media, medical care, policies, and societal norms. Many people are at risk of experiencing the negative impact that ageism has on their daily lives.
Employment is an area of daily life where age-ism frequently manifests. People are discriminated against when they are overlooked for jobs or promotions because of their age. This discrimination and prejudice can affect fnances, job security, and a person’s feeling of purpose and belonging. This type of discrimination is less obvious because employers don't usually say they won't hire or promote a person due to their age. The work environment isn't the only place where ageism is present.
Ageist stereotypes are also present in medical care and medical care policies. This type of discrimination can result in very dangerous outcomes. We have most recently seen the dangers of medical ageism during COVID-19. Policies prescribed that critical life-saving ventilators were to be prioritized by age. This left many older people without life-saving medical care because they were older. Ageism is an important topic that should be critically acknowledged and addressed to prevent dangerous policies from being enforced. While medical ageism is obviously dangerous, not all dangers of ageism are as easy to spot.
The dangers of ageism in media are less obvious. Negative age stereotypes are represented in movies, television, and commercials. When these negative ideas and characterizations bombard an individual, it affects how they see themselves, their abilities, and their place in society. These ageist stereotypes are hard to ignore and affect a person's mental and physical health. The negative stereotypes represented in media affect not only the age group being negatively represented but also how other people perceive that age group and their abilities. The media perpetuates ageism and the negative effects it has on certain age groups.
Ageism affects us all because everyone is aging. Eliminating ageist ideas is essential to everyone’s well -being. To help eliminate ageism, you should be vigilant in identifying harmful ageist stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination within yourself and society. Once you begin to take notice of ageism, you can reframe how you speak about people, their age, and their place in society. If we only look at a person's age to determine who they are and their capabilities, we ignore all the other aspects that make that person who they are and what they bring to the table. We have to reprogram our thinking and judgment to push out ageist stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
One way to reprogram our thinking is to reframe how we talk about a person's age. You can start reframing how you talk about age by removing ageist terms from your vocabulary. Some words you can eliminate are "elderly and senior" because of their negative associations. Then replace those words with terms like "older person" or be more inclusive by saying "we or us." The most important thing you can do to combat ageism and its dangerous and harmful effects is to be aware of it and educate yourself on ways to reframe the way you talk and think about age. By GWAAR Legal Services Team
The ADRC has surveyed the Eau Claire County Paratransit Participants about their impressions on Abby Van as the provider. Below are the results of the survey:
• 95% Satisfed or vey satisfed with the ease of applying for paratransit.
• 92.5% Satisfed or very satisfed with the courtesy of Abby Vans offce personnel.
• 97.6% Satisfed or very satisfed with the ease of scheduling transportation.
• 97.6% satisfed or very satisfed courtesy of Abby Vans drivers.
• 97.6% satisfed or very satisfed with cleanliness of Abby Vans vehicles.
• 97.5% satisfed or very satisfed with comfort of Abby Vans vehicles.
• 95.12% satisfed or very satisfed with the cost of Abby Vans.
