ADRC October 2023 Newsletter

Medicare Open Enrollment

October 15-December 7, 2023

Medicare

October 2023

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

721 Oxford Avenue Suite 1130

Eau Claire WI 54703

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

715-839-4735

1-888-338-4636

tty: use Relay (711)

Website and Email

www.eauclaireadrc.org

adrc@eauclairecounty.gov

Social Media

www.facebook.com/ ECC.ADRC

www.instagram.com/ adrceauclaire/

ADRC Mission Statement

To advocate for people age 60+ and adults living with disabilites, and assist them in securing needed services or benefts, living with dignity and security, and achieving maximum independence and quality of life.

Part D and

Medicare Advantage Plans

can change their premiums, co-pays and other plan details each year. Be sure to review your plan and make any changes by December 7th!

Ways to review your plans for 2024 coverage:

• Read over your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change documents – usually sent in September.

• Remember: if you do nothing during open enrollment, you will remain in the same plan for 2024

• Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool

-Go to: www.medicare.gov/plan-compare OR

-Go to: www.eauclaireadrc.org

1. Click on Elder & Disability Benefts Counseling

2. Under Open Enrollment Information:

-Click here to learn how to create a Medicare Account

-Medicare Plan Finder

• Call Medicare (1-800-633-4227)

Medicare offers unbiased information by trained staff on all plans available.

• Call WI Medigap Helpline (1-855-677-2783) Medigap Helpline serves ages 60+. Medigap helpline offers unbiased information by licensed insurance agents on all plans available. You will leave a message and receive a call back; limited staff available.

• Call Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) Helpline (1-800-926-4862) serves ages 18-59. DRW helpline offers unbiased information by trained staff on all plans available.

• Call Private Insurance Agencies* Private insurance agencies may also be able to help you review your plans. *The ADRC does not endorse certain insurance agents or agencies.

• Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Staff will start taking calls to schedule these appointments beginning Monday, September 25. A beneft specialist will use the Medicare plan fnder tool and personalize your results by using your Medicare account. If you do not have a Medicare account, our staff will help you create one. Appointments with the ADRC are limited. Beneft Specialists at the ADRC encourage phone appointments which make it quick and easy for Medicare benefciaries to review their plans.

ACCOUNTANT

Kelli Weiss

ADRC VAN DRIVER

Dave Okas

COOKS

Aaron Pritzl

Gilda Halbleib

Rodney McRae

Karen Mittag

Penny Parkinson

DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST

Lisa Wells

ELDER BENEFIT SPECIALISTS

Jessica Smith

Leda Welke

DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALISTS

Jim Coldwell

Melissa Wendtland

MANAGEMENT

Linda Struck, Director

Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager

Lisa Riley, ADRC Manager

Sheryl Sadzewicz, Kitchen Manager

MEAL DELIVERY DRIVERS

Doug Salter

Gordy Geurink

Kris Bertrand

Norm Brunkow

Sue Klauck

MEAL SITE WORKER

Jon Samolinski

OPTIONS COUNSELORS

Barb McRae

Brianna Werner

Jenna Belter

Jennifer Solfest

Liz Nett

Maddie Kettner

Molly Yang

Sue O’Branovich

PREVENTION

COORDINATOR

Deb Bruning

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

Carmelita Hogan

Heather Craker

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS II

Karen Hauck

Katie Telschow

Lindi Engedal

Call MOW’s at 715-839-4886 if you would like to have an extra meal delivered on October 4th and October 16th

Stella Pagonis, County Board (Chair)

Sue Miller, Citzen Member (Vice Chair)

Heather Deluka, County Board

Tami Schraufnagel, County Board

Amanda Babb, County Board

Allen Myren, County Board

Jean Doty, Citzen Member

Ron Hon, Citzen Member

Sandra Romey, Citzen Member

Terri Stanley, Citzen Member

Bill Libberton, Citzen Member

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 disabilities.

ADRC services are also available to family members, friends, caregivers and professionals working with these populations.

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.

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month

Each year, the month of October is designated as Long-Term Care Planning Month in the United States, providing the perfect opportunity to think about your possible future care needs. We aren’t talking about Long Term Care Insurance, although that can be a part of the overall plan if you’d like. Long Term Care Planning means thinking ahead and educating yourself on the various aspects of getting help if & when you need it. Many people have a goal to “age in place,” which means being able to stay in your home as you age. Planning ahead helps make this possible. Sometimes signifcant health issues, lack of fnancial resources, or physical barriers to making a home accessible prevent that, so keep an open mind and also consider a Plan B.

The ADRC’s Options Counselors are trained professionals well-versed in the these topics and local resources. Options counseling is an interactive decision-support process, where you make the fnal decisions, with unbiased support to evaluate and weigh the options. The goal is to meet with people early in their journey to help prevent higher cost services and enable you to stay fnancially independent for as long as possible.

 In home support: Supportive home care, Skilled home care, Adaptive equipment/assistive technology, Transportation, Home Delivered Meals.

 Living arrangements: Home/Apartment, ALF-Assisted Living Facility, SNF-Skilled Nursing Facility.

 Paying for Long Term Care (LTC): Private resources, Private long-term care insurance, Medicare, VA Benefts, Publicly funded long term care programs.

 Family caregiving: National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP Grant), Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP Grant).

 Advance care planning: Power of Attorney (POA) for Healthcare, POA for Finance, Living Will, Guardianship, Do Not Resuscitate order.

If you have a current need or future question, call us at 715-839-4735 or email adrc@eauclairecounty.gov

*The ADRC Options Counselors cannot provide Estate Planning advice seek an Elder Law Attorney.

Horticulture-Inspired Program for People Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners

A beautiful time to be outside, take a tour of the orchard, learn about and pick your favorite apples!

WHEN: Thursday, October 19th,

TIME: 1—2 p.m.

WHERE: Leffel Roots Apple Orchard, 2369 Maple Rd., Eau Claire

Registration required by Friday, October 13, 2023 NO COST.

Register Online at www.adrcevents.org or call 715-839-4735

Register online at www.adrcevents.org or call the ADRC at 715-839-4735

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program—WHEAP

WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, but it is not intended to cover the entire energy costs of a residence. The amount of energy assistance beneft depends on a variety of factors, including the household size, income and energy costs. In most cases, the energy assistance beneft is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier.

Homes heated with wood, propane, natural gas, electricity or fuel oil can receive energy assistance.

To apply for WHEAP in Eau Claire County: call Western Dairyland at 715-836-7511 to schedule an appointment or have an application mailed to you by calling Western Dairyland or email at energy@wdeoc.org.

Online applications are not processed by Western Dairyland. To apply for WHEAP online go to https://energybeneft.wi.gov.

-2023 Income Guidelines

October 2023 Meals on Wheels & Senior Dining Menu

All meals are served with 1% milk and subject to change without notice due to diffculty with supply chain. Home Delivered Participants: Make any cancellations or changes by 1pm, one business day before.

Congregate Dining Site Participants: Make your meal reservations by 1pm, one business day before. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2 Crunchy Fish Sticks*, Tartar Sauce, Yukon Mashed Potatoes*, Brussel Sprouts^, W/G Bun* Fruit^

9 Chicken Cordon Blue* w/Dijon Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potato*, Broccoli, W/G Bun*, Fruit Juice^

16

Herbed Pork Chop^, Yukon Mashed Potatoes*, Creamed Peas*, Butter & Egg Roll*, Mandarin Orange

23

Pancakes* (2), Syrup*, Sausage Links, Cheddar Hashbrowns*, Apple Crisp*, Fruit Juice^

30

Spinach Ravioli* w/Pesto Cream Sauce, Green Beans, Garlic Breadstick* Applesauce*

3 Chicken Breast Sandwich, W/G Bun*, Romaine, Tomato, Mayo, Pickles, Herbed Rice*, Green Beans, Frosted Blond Brownies*

10 Baked Ham w/Pineapple, Mashed Sweet Potato*, Roasted Cauliflower, W/G Roll*, Cookie*

17

4 BBQ Beef Brisket*, Roasted Potatoes w/Onion*, Baked Beans*, W/G Bread*, Fresh Fruit^

11 Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, Broccoli, Red Pepper, Carrot*, Chestnuts*, Brown Rice*, Applesauce^ F/C*

18

Baked Cod w/Lemon Sauce, Baked Red Potatoes* w/Sour Cream, Spinach, W/G Roll*, Snickerdoodle*

5

6 Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, W/G Bun*, Breakfast Potatoes*, Steamed Carrots*, Blueberries

12 Turkey Tetrazzini w/Linguini*, Steamed Carrots*, Breadsticks*, Fruit^, Pumpkin Bars*

19 Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce & Linguini*, Cucumber Salad, Garlic Bread*, Oreo Fluff*

13 Cheeseburger, W/G Bun*, Bean Medley*, Potato Chips*, Blueberry Crisp*

20 Baked Chicken, Wild Rice w/Mushroom & Brussel Sprouts*, Broccoli, W/G Roll*, Fresh Fruit^

24

Chicken Taco Salad, Romaine, Tomatoes, Cheddar Cheese, Refried Beans*, Salsa/Sour Cream, Steamed Corn*, Mexican Churro*

31

Grilled Salmon w/ Couscous*, Lemon Butter Sauce, California Blend, Halloween Cookie*, Fresh Fruit^

25 Meatloaf w/Gravy^, Mashed Potatoes*, Savory Beets*, Strawberry Shortcake* w/Whip Topping

26

Chicken Alfredo Bake w/Penne*, Broccoli, Breadstick*, Fresh Fruit^

27 Bean & Ham Soup, Navy Beans*, Carrots*, Celery & Onion, Crusty Bread*, Romaine Salad w/French^

Note: The signs indicate the number of carbs in a meal.

^ = ½ carb

* = 1 carb

*^ = 1 ½ carb

W/G = wholegrain

Wednesday Salads*

10/4 Tuna w/ Fresh Greens

10/11 Fresh Fruit & Cottage

Cheese 10/18

Chef Salad

10/25 Pear Salad w/Balsamic & Walnuts

SENIOR CONGREGATE DINING: October

Lunch Meal Site Locations

Augusta Senior Center

Monday-Friday 12:00 p.m. Call 715-2862953 to make reservation by noon the day before.

St. John’s Apartments

Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.

Call 715-839-4886 to make your reservation by 1:00 the day before Fairchild Community Center

Every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.

Call 715-839-4886 to make reservation by the Tuesday before at 1:00 p.m.

Suggested contribution for Home Delivered Meals & Congregate (group) Sites is $5 a meal for those who are 60+.

Under 60 meal is $8.80

The Wednesday salads listed on the menu are only available at the above Congregate Dining Sites.

Evening Meal Site Location

LE Phillips Senior Center

Meals are available on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 10th

Brat & Kraut w/Bun

Coleslaw, Onion Rings, Fresh Veggies w/Dip & Dessert

Tuesday, October 24th

Spaghetti w/Meatballs

French Bread, Garden Salad, Grapes & Dessert

Suggested Contribution for the Evening Meal is $6 for those who are 60+

Under 60 meal is $8.80

Please call ADRC Meals on Wheels line 715-839-4886 by the Friday before 3:00 p.m. to make your reservation.

Hobby Hands and Healing Hearts

A monthly support group for older adults who are experiencing any type of grief and loss.

WHEN: Monday, October 16th, 2023

TIME: 1—2:30 PM

WHERE:Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. EC

Inside Lewy Body Dementia

Greater Understanding of Dementia through the Arts

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Community Room at Dove Healthcare - West

1405 Truax Blvd., Eau Claire

A light lunch will be provided

Author Presentation

12:00 pm

Join author Jim Adams as he discusses his book

“Other Me’s.” This book details his personal account of how he and his family dealt with the effects of Lewy Body

Dementia with Parkinson’s disease during the last two years of his wife Diane’s life. Jim recalls the progression of Diane’s disease from the perspective of a caregiver and spouse of 52 years.

Robin’s Wish Movie

1:15 pm

An intimate portrait of Robin Williams and his invulnerable spirit, Robin’s Wish is the story of what really happened to one of the greatest entertainers of all time - and what his mind was fghting.

NO COST

Register online at www.adrcevents.org or call ADRC at 715-839-4735 by Friday, October 13th.

Caregiving is rewarding. But it can be challenging too.

Whether you provide care for a spouse, partner, parent, friend; at home or in a care facility, whether down the block or miles away, yours is an important role.

But taking care of yourself is important also. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational workshop designed to help caregivers take care of themselves while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver.

The classes give caregivers tools to help:

· Reduce stress

Improve self-confidence

Manage time, set goals, and solve problems

· Better communicate feelings

· Increase ability to make tough decisions

· Locate helpful resources

WHEN: Tuesdays, Oct. 10 - Nov. 14, 2023

WHERE: Lake Street United Methodist Church 337 Lake Street Room 202

Eau Claire WI 54703

TIME: 9:30 11:00 am

COST: FREE

Registration required:

Class size is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Register by contacting the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 715-839-4735 or online at www.adrcevents.org.

ADRC VAN SCHEDULE: October 2023

The ADRC van has room for one wheelchair and 3 additional individuals for no cost nonmedical 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.

Aging & Disability Resource Center

Elder Beneft Specialists present free seminars open to anyone new to Medicare OR currently on Medicare. Caregivers and family members welcome.

October 2023 Presentation

Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. Eau Claire Government Center

721 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703 Room 3312

Register at www.adrcevents.org or call The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County

715-839-4735 • 1-888-338-4636

tty: use Relay (711) adrc@eauclairecounty.gov

October 23-27, 2023

Location: Grace Lutheran Church, EC Services are free-appointments required call 715-836-3636 to schedule.

The UWEC Continuing Education will offer a FREE Foot and Nail Clinic open to the community.

If you have diabetes-related foot concerns, or simply have diffculty caring for your own feet and nails, please don’t miss this free clinic. This clinic is part of a certifcation program and the services will be supervised by a nurse practitioner certifed in foot and nail care. During the clinic registered nurses will assess your foot and nail health and determine areas that need attention.

Registration begins October 9, 8:30 AM Call 715-836-3636 to register.

ADRC Prevention and Health Promotion Workshops

Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (in person)

Three-session workshop designed to give women the tools they need to take control of symptoms. It provides information and group activities along with simple exercises and dietary changes to practice at home. Even if you do not have leakage symptoms now, it is never too early or too late to think about bladder and bowel health.

WHEN: Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm/ October 12, 26 & November 9, 2023

WHERE: Eau Claire County Courthouse, 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire

Strategies for Preventing Falls — Medication Management presentation

The impact of falls among older adults can lead to serious consequences. Falls are common and costly, both to the individual and our health care system. The encouraging news is that falls are not a normal aging challenges, and can often be prevented. In this presentation we will discuss normal aging, research-based strategies to prevent falls, and how medication management can maximize benefts of medicines while reducing fall risk.

WHEN: Thursday, 2:00 - 3:00 pm/ October 25, 2023

WHERE: St Francis Apartments, 851 University Drive, Eau Claire

StrongBodies Information Session for new participants (virtual

and phone conference)

Strength training is especially important as we age. Being physically active and socially connected are both essential for health and well-being. The StrongBodies program provides a safe environment for older adults to improve strength and balance with a fun group of peers. Learn more in this free orientation and sign up for classes starting in January 2024.

WHEN: Thursday, 10:00 - 11:15 am/ December 7, 2023

Congratulations! to the Walk With Ease workshop participants in July - August 2023.

There were a total of 19 participants in the in-person and self-directed program. Thank you to volunteer facilitators

Mike Bruning and Leda Welke for leading classes at beautiful Carson Park.

Seasonal Depression

October is a time of year where we observe a shift in weather, where we get less daylight and more darkness, where days seem longer, and moods seem to drop. Some people are affected by the shift in seasons more drastically than others, which is why this is a good time of year to discuss depression and those who may be affected by it.

Depression may present in many ways. People may lose the motivation to get out of bed, they may be calling into work, they may be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to the point of concern, or they may be talking about suicide. These are some of the more commonly observable symptoms or behaviors of those who are depressed. However, there are less common symptoms to watch out for as well. Sometimes those with depression may have a harder time recognizing these symptoms or realizing they are related to depression. These feelings may include losing joy in the things that were once favorite hobbies or interests, sleeping longer hours but never feeling fully rested, becoming more withdrawn from family and friends, worrying about “being a burden,” having a hard time remembering what joy feels like, or feeling emotionally “numb” but not understanding why.

Depression isn’t always full of sadness and self-destructive behavior, sometimes it presents itself by making people confused or reclusive. This is why it is important to check in on those you love and make sure they have the support they need to navigate anything they may be dealing with. If you think someone you care about could use some support and you want to fnd information and resources for them, or you are seeking these for yourself, don’t hesitate to contact 211. We are here to help.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—Free and Confdential

Serving Western Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeastern Iowa

Simply dial the three-digit telephone number 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to learn more

Language Interpretaton is available Chat with us at our website www.greatrivers211.org Or text your zip code to 898211

SPECIALNEEDSPLANNINGWORKSHOP

Takingthetimetobecomeaseducatedaspossibleempowersyou tomakeinformeddecisions,takeappropriateactionsandhelp providethehighestpossiblequalityoflifeforthosewhodependon you.Thisworkshopwillcovertheessentialaspectsofproviding financialsecurityforyouandyourfamily todayandintothefuture.

Topicswillinclude:

• Settinggoalsforyouandyourfamily

• Assessingifyourcurrentplanwillbe enough.

• Specialneedsrequirespecialiststoget youthere.

• Puttingitalltogether~implementingyour plan.

• Communicatingyourhopestoothers.

• Keepingyourplanuptodate

Theworkshopwillprovidethesteps necessarytoprovideforthelong-termfinancialneedsofyour lovedone.Ourdiscussionwillcoverafive-stepplanningprocess, willsandspecialneedstrusts,andtopicsrelevanttocurrentevents affectingfamilies.

GENELAROCK,ChSNC®,WMCP®,RICP®,CLU®,ChFC®hasbeenafinancialadvisor1986,and hashelpedthousandsoffamilieswiththeiroverallplanningneeds.Basedonpersonalexperience, Genehasspecializedinworkingwithfamiliesthathaveminororadultchildrenwithspecialneeds. HeismarriedtoCindy,andtheyhavefourchildren.TheirsonhasFragileXandisnowthirty-five yearsold.Geneisinvolvedwithhelpingfamiliesunderstandtheneedsofproperplanningwhenit comestofamiliesthathavespecialsituations.Gene’smissionistoservehisclientsbyhelpingthem aligntheiractionswiththeirvaluestoachievefinancialsecurityforthemselvesandtheirlovedone withspecialneeds.

When:October26,2023,5p.m.CST

Where:EauClaireCountyGovernmentCenter, CountyBoardRoom,Room1277

ToRegisterpleasecalltheADRCat715-839-4735or

Registeratwww.adrcevents.org

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Independent Living Support Pilot

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched the Independent Living Support Pilot program. This program is aimed to help Wisconsin residents of selected counties remain in their home longer. The program will give short-term funding for older people and people with disabilities, who meet certain requirements.

The ADRCs of Chippewa County, Dunn County and Eau Claire Counties are partnering to bring this program to these Chippewa Valley counties.

Eligibility

 Resident of Wisconsin and a U.S. Citizen or eligible immigrant.

 Live in Chippewa, Dunn or Eau Claire County.

 Be over age 18.

 Not be currently enrolled in Family Care, IRIS, PACE or Partnership programs.

 Not be living in a licensed or certifed residential facility.

 Income less than 300% of federal poverty level with no deductible or consideration of spousal income.

 Have at least one eligible functional need.

 If under 55, have a qualifying diagnosis (may be a long-term disability).

Examples of services to use the funding for:

 Medical equipment

 Emergency response systems

 Devices to make tasks easier/safer

 Modifcations to homes and cars

 Personal Care

 Supportive Care/Home Care

 Education about caregiving

 Snow removal

 Lawn Care

 Internet/Wi-Fi

 More

If you think you might qualify and are interested, call your ADRC (Eau Claire County: 715-839-4735) to talk more about your individual situation.

This Pilot is paid for by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and as such, funding is for a limited amount of time. For more information about this program and other uses of ARPA funds in our state, please visit the DHS website https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/arpa/hcbs-ilsp.htm.

Are You a Caregiver?

Many don’t consider themselves caregivers, they are just helping or running a few errands. The list below may help defne who a caregiver is. If you fnd yourself saying yes to more than a few of these tasks you may be a caregiver. Starting in October the ADRC of Eau Claire county is offering a special class just for caregivers, giving them the tools and supports to help keep balance in their lives and those they care for. Page 8 in this newsletter has information on Powerful Tools for Caregivers.

• Transportation to medical appointments

• Purchasing or organizing medicines

• Monitoring someone’s medical condition

• Communicating with health care professionals

• Advocating on their behalf with providers or agencies

• Help with getting in and out of beds or chairs

• Help with getting dressed

• Help with bathing or showering

• Help with grocery or other shopping

• Help with housework

• Help with preparing meals

• Help with managing fnances

CAREGIVER CAFÉ: October 3rd

The caregiver café is an informal gathering place where caregivers can drop in, relax and connect with others while enjoying a cup of coffee/tea and delicious pastries. An ADRC staff person is available to provide information and assistance regarding resources available in our community. Everything is provided, just show up!

What Can You Expect?

• Social connection with others

• Peer Support

• An informal and relaxed environment

• Reduced Stress

• Contact the ADRC if respite is needed

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Location: The French Press

2823 London Rd, Eau Claire

VEHICLE MODIFICATION GRANT AVAILABLE

Do you have a vehicle that needs modifications for accessibility?

The Vehicle Modification Grant has money available, up to $5,000, to make a vehicle accessible for caregivers, adults 60 and over, or adults living with a disability. This may also help with the purchase of a new/used modified vehicle.

Applications are reviewed and granted based on funding availability. Must be an Eau Claire County Resident to qualify.

Examples of possible modifications: lifts, ramps, left foot accelerator, right hand turn signal, modified-effort steering, swivel seat and so much more!

Contact the ADRC at 715-839-4735, we may be able to help pay for those modifications.

OCTOBER DEMENTIA SUPPORT

For more information and program flyers, check out the ADRC calendar events at www.adrcevents.org

Coffee Group for Men

Connections and coffee for men caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia.

Wednesdays, 10/4 and 10/18, 11:00 am - Noon Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore, Eau Claire. Contact Bob at 414-378-2114 or beevee6610@gmail.com

Lewy Body Dementia Virtual Support Group

This virtual support group is for people caring for a person living with Lewy Body Dementia.

Wednesday, 10/11, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

For more information and to receive the link for the meeting, contact Janell at romatowskij@comcast.net or Amy at amy@mudmodular.com

Savvy Caregiver Support Group

This virtual support group meeting is for family caregivers caring for a person living with dementia. The group provides information, support, and resources.

Tuesday, 10/3, 10 11 am

For more information contact Lisa Wells at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov

Virtual Support Group for Working Caregivers

Monday, 10/2, 7:00 8:00 pm Contact Scott at 715-261-6066 scott.seeger@adrc-cw.org

Memory Café

Autumn is in the air and so are apples! Let’s enjoy the great taste of a variety of apples while we hear about how the Glass Orchard got started. We will also do a hands-on project in the glass studio!

We will meet at Glass Orchard, 130 Deerfeld Rd, Eau Claire on Tuesday, 10/10, 10:00 am

For more information, contact Lisa at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecouty.gov

Memory Loss and Caregiver Support Group

This support group is for people with memory loss and caregivers.

Wednesday, 10/25, 1:30 - 3:00 pm Lake St. Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire. For more information, contact Lisa at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov

Helpful Websites and Videos

www.careblazers.com

www.youtube.com/user/teepasnow

www.alz.org

www.alzstore.com

24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900

Questions about brain health, dementia, and/or caring for a person with dementia? Contact Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist, Aging & Disability Resource Center 715-839-4750 Lisa.Wells@eauclairecounty.gov

Brain Check-Up

A Closer Look at Memory Changes

A brain health check-up (memory screen) is a wellness tool that helps identify possible changes in memory and cognition. We screen for other things, why not your memory? It creates a baseline of where a person is at so that future changes can be monitored.

It’s FREE, confdential, and takes only 15 minutes!

WHEN: Wednesday, October 18, 2023

TIME: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 20 Min. Appointments

WHERE: L.E. Phillips Senior Center

To schedule an appointment

Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center 715-839-4735 888-338-4936 or adrc@eauclairecounty.gov

Get immediate results. Early detection is important. Just as blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, or stroke screen contribute to prevention and better treatments, so do memory screens.

Treatment may be possible. Some types of dementia are reversible, like those from nutritional & vitamin defciencies, depression, thyroid issues, and more.

Knowledge means more control. Dementias that are not reversible may be treated with medications that could help with symptoms and preserve quality of life for a longer period of time.

Top Ten Tips for Successful Aging

“It’s all in your mind” isn’t just a saying, it’s a life skill. According to Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Levitin, who studies brains as they age, these are the ten life habits for successful aging:

1. Delay retirement, and when you do retire, take up volunteering or hobbies. Continue to be engaged in meaningful work.

2. Look forward, not back.

3. Exercise to get your heart rate going, preferably in nature.

4. Embrace a moderate lifestyle.

5. Keep your social circle exciting and new.

6. Spend time with people younger than you.

7. See your doctor regularly, but not obsessively.

8. Don’t thing of yourself as old.

9. Appreciate your cognitive strengths, including patter recognition, crystalized intelligence, wisdom, and accumulated knowledge.

10.Practice cognitive transfer (the act of learning, remembering, and problemsolving). This comes from experimental thinking, travel, spending time with grandchildren, and immersion in new activities.

By the GWAAR Legal Services Team

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Is ready to provide you with the information you need to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, abuse, and errors; DETECT potential fraud, abuse, and errors; and to REPORT your concerns. SMP helps educate and empower Medicare benefciaries in the fght against health care fraud. SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, and complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues.

The Wisconsin SMP can be reached at 888-818-2611 or by email smp-wi@gwaar.org.

Strategies for Preventing Falls– Medication Management

The impact of falls among older adults can lead to serious consequences. Falls are common and costly, both to the individual and our health care system. The encouraging news is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can often be prevented.

Presented by: Deb Bruning, CHES, Prevention Program Coordinator, ADRC of Eau Claire County AND Dr. Krista Olson, PharmD, Community-Based Pharmacy Resident, Mayo Clinic Health System

The ADRC is offering a presentation which will explore normal aging challenges, researchbased strategies to prevent falls, and how medication management can maximize benefts of medicines while reducing a fall risk.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 2-3 p.m. St. Francis Apartments, 851 University Dr., EC

To register: Call 715-839-4735, 888-338-4636 or register online at www.adrcevents.org

721 Oxford Avenue Room 1130

Eau Claire WI 54703

Address Service Requested