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.
Record with StoryCorps
StoryCorps invites everyday people to record an interview with someone they care about: a grandparent, friend, or teacher, for example. You and your partner can record a 40-minute conversation online—using StoryCorps virtual recording tools including the StoryCorps App. This interview is a chance to ask great questions that don’t normally come up in everyday conversation:
• What is your earliest memory?
• Is there anything that you’ve never told me but wanted to tell me?
• How would you like to be remembered?
Upon request, everyone who participates in a StoryCorps interview receives access to a recording of it and with permission, their interview is preserved in the national StoryCorps archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Participation is free and interviews can be recorded in any language. To learn more, visit storycorp.org/participate.
Recording a StoryCorps interview is easy and accessible to anyone nationwide, using their free programs and recording tools including: The StoryCorps App. This free app allows users to record an interview with someone in the same room, using a smartphone. Interviews are then archived at the Library of Congress and can be shared only with friends and family or uploaded to the StoryCorps Online Archive. The app’s rich content, which includes StoryCorps’ full online archive and animations, can be customized for sharing on social media. For more information, visit storycorps.org/app
Other ways to use StoryCorps is through the StoryCorps Connect. To learn more, visit storycorps.org/connect. And DIY. Do-it-yourself Interviews are another way for anyone to record a StoryCorps-style interview. For more information, visit storycorp.org/DIY.
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
MEAL SITE WORKER
Jon Samolinski
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 SPECIALISTS
Carmelita Hogan
Heather Craker
RESOURCE SPECIALISTS II
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 Senior Nutrition 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.
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.
The warm September and October days will be turning into the chilly and snowy days of Winter in Wisconsin. Which means that September and October are the best times to start preparing for winter. Here are a few tips and chores to get you started.
Take a look at the outside of your home, paying close attention to sidewalks, driveways, and stairs:
• Clear grass and bushes from sidewalk, driveways and stairs. This can make clearing the snow easier this winter.
• Make sure that your handrails by stairs are stable and do not wiggle. Consider installing a grab bar next to the door frame for added stability when entering your home.
• Double check outside lights, and replace any burnt out light bulbs.
Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or a house, everyone has a certain amount of preparing to do for the snow. It could be fnding winter boots, or moving the shovels handy.
• Inspect shovels to make sure they are ready for another winter.
• If you have a snow blower, schedule a maintenance tune up to make sure it is in tip top condition.
• Consider hiring someone to handle the snow removal and get on their customer lists before the snow flies.
• Purchase sand or ice melt to use on your walkways for added traction. The City of Eau Claire has sand available for free for city residents at the city facilities on Forest Street, bring your own pail and shovel.
• If you own a car, make sure to have the battery and tires checked, and place an emergency kit in the car.
The ADRC is unaware of lawn/snow care businesses with a senior/ disability discount but that’s a great question to ask as you are calling around. We have a list of these sorts of companies to get you started but there are too many to list all that serve Eau Claire County. Go to www.eauclaireadrc.org, click on Resource Library, and look through the Home Care-Related Resources. Or call the ADRC at 715-839-4735 to request a copy be emailed or mailed to you.
:
What happens if I move to an Assisted Living Facility and my own money runs out?
A:
There is no guarantee that you will be able to stay at an assisted living facility after your personal funds are gone. Medicare does not pay for assisted living facility stays. Medicaid could, but let’s explain how this might work.
Medicare is a health insurance. It does not pay for us to live anywhere. Medicare can pay for rehabilitation stays at a skilled nursing facility in certain circumstances, but not for people to live there.
Medicaid is a state and federal government program. The program provides health care coverage to people with limited income and resources. Medicaid waiver programs (also called publicly funded long-term care programs) allow states to use Medicaid funds to provide long-term care services in people’s homes and communities. The publicly funded long-term care programs may pay for assisted living but only if the care needs are so great, they can’t be met at a home/apartment setting.
A primary goal of Wisconsin’s long-term care programs is to support people to live in their own home or with family. Services in facilities are only provided as a last resort so it’s important to know the limitations of the long term programs if you are considering a move to a facility.
Enrolling in a publicly funded long-term care program may take one to three months. Contact our ofice to get started. While we help people enroll in these programs, we do not determine services once enrolled. The publicly funded long-term care programs determine what services or care setting a person qualifes for. The ADRC is seeing situations in which people move to assisted living facilities, run out of money, and don’t have high enough care needs to support staying in the assisted living setting. We’re here to provide this education for folks to make informed decisions.
It’s very important to try adding services at home frst, unless you have a signifcant change in your ability to be safe at home and need nearly 24/7 care or supervision. This could mean making your home accessible, moving to a more manageable space, and paying for helpful services to come in to your home. This can be a fraction of the cost compared an assisted living facility. It can feel dificult to think about paying for someone to clean, cook, help with a shower, or have a handyman do a project for you because you have always done these things but this could save you thousands of dollars by extending your time at home.
Keep in mind, each situation is diferent and some people need 24/7 care or supervision. Having this conversation now may help you delay moving prematurely, but if you or your loved one is already there and running out of money (in the next 3-4 months) call the ADRC in the county in which you live. We will explain your options.
September 2024 Meals on Wheels & Senior Lunch Menu
Meals on Wheels Phone Line: 715-839-4886
Suggested contribution $5/meal
St. John’s Apts | 815 Chapin Street, Eau Claire| Mon– Fri Serve Time: 11 am | 715-839-4886
Augusta Senior Center | 616 W Washington St, Augusta | Mon– Fri Serve Time: 12 pm | 715-286-2953
Fairchild Comm Center | 121 Farmer St, Fairchild | Every Wednesday Serve Time: 12:15 pm | 715-839-4886
L.E. Phillips Sr Center | 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire| 1st & 3rd Friday Serve Time: 11:45 am | 715-839-4886
All meals are served with 1% milk and subject to change without notice due to diffculty with supply chain. Home Delivered & Lunch Sites-Reservations & Cancellations must be submitted by 1 p.m. the day before. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
*Wednesday Salads Available at Senior Dining Sites Only—St. Johns, Fairchild, Augusta 9/4 Roasted Beets Salad w/Walnuts
9/11–Chef Salad
9/18—Fall Harvest Salad w/Cranberry Vinaigrette
9/25—Tuna Salad
Local Health Assessments Identify the Chippewa Valley’s Top
It’s that time again: Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire counties have recently completed Community Health Assessments, a series of reports done every three years. Now we’re asking our community to explore the data and take action.
This new assessment tells us which health issues are of most concern for people in Eau Claire, Dunn, and Chippewa counties.
We didn’t only investigate traditional health issues like nutrition and tobacco use. We also looked at the things that impact people’s ability to be healthy – things like public transportation, which lets people access their doctor’s ofce or grocery store – and good local jobs, which let us aford healthy food and time to exercise.
The top fve health issues for Eau Claire County are:
Alcohol misuse
Substance misuse
Poor mental health
Lack of safe or afordable housing
Lack of access to childcare or unafordable childcare
We hope you’ll fip through your county’s report and check out some of the local, state, and national data. You can check out the reports here:
Chippewa County: bit.ly/2024chipassessment
Dunn County: bit.ly/2024dunnassessment
Eau Claire County: bit.ly/2024ecassessment
You can also get involved! You’re strongly encouraged to join your local health coalition – groups that are working directly to tackle these issues.
Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership: www.chippewacountywi.gov/government/publichealth/chippewa-health-improvement-partnership Health Dunn Right: www.healthdunnright.org
Eau Claire Health Alliance: www.echealthalliance.org
The community health assessments were conducted in partnership by the Chippewa County Department of Public Health, Dunn County Health Department, Eau Claire City-County Health Department, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfeld Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, United Way of Dunn County, and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley. Dr. Alex Craker is a public health planner at the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
October 15 – December 7th
Medicare 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!
Review your plan by:
Reading over your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change documents – your plan will let you know of changes; if you do nothing during open enrollment, you will remain in the same plan for 2025
Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool; fnd the best plan for 2025 based on your drug list starting in October. Go to www.Medicare.gov and select Find Plans Now (information about 2025 plans will not be available on this site until October 1).
Talk with a trusted insurance agent in the area or the ADRC (limited appointments available during this time of year).
More details on open enrollment resources in our October newsletter.
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.
You Are Invited
The FALLS SITUATION in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the highest rate of injury-related deaths due to falls among older adults in the county. Nationwide, over 1 in 4 older adults has a fall each year.
Falls represent an increasing percentage of 911 calls, taxing local public safety (fre and police departments and EMS) capacity, much of which is volunteer-based. Emergency Department (ED) Visits- 43,004 older adults in Wisconsin went to the ED for a fall in 2021.
Hospitalizations for older adult falls in Wisconsin cost $427 million in 2020-2021, up 11% from 20162017. Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care.
In Wisconsin, 20% of people entering a nursing home had a fall in the 30 days prior to admission. An estimated $1 billion is spent annually on falls-related health costs in Wisconsin, which includes both Medicaid and out-of-pocket expenses.
It is a fallacy that falls are a natural part of aging. Many factors contribute to a fall, but falls are preventable. Four things YOU can do:
1. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling and review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Ask about talking vitamin D supplements.
2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength Exercise classes can incorporate multiple categories: balance, strength, flexibility, movement (such as Tai Chi and StrongBodies), general physical activity, endurance (walking). Home-based exercises that include one type of exercise also decrease fall risk.
3. Have your eyes and feet checked. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and be sure to update eyeglasses if needed. If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Removing cataract(s) may reduce fall risk. Wear proper footwear
4. Make your home safer. Get rid of things you could trip over. Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet. Put railings on both sides of stairs. Have lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using s step stool. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Conduct a home safety assessment to identify possible problems. A home visit by an occupational therapist or ADRC options counselor might also be useful to identify risk factors and recommend appropriate actions.
The September Activity Passport is designed to help people living with memory loss and their caregivers prevent social isolation and loneliness by getting out, exploring programs, and meeting new people! Complete any 5 activities and submit to your local ADRC to be entered into a drawing to win some fun prizes!
Try out the Brain & Body Group Fitness Program beginning Monday, 9/9 at 10:00 am in Eau Claire
Set up a date to have cofee with a friend, visit your local library, or take a class at your local senior center
Atend a support group in Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire and/or atend a virtual support group
Check out the adaptve equipment loan library at the ADRCs and learn what might be helpful to you
Atend the Nature Club on Thurs., 9/19 at 1:00 pm in Eau Claire
Atend the Dementa Live Simulaton in Menomonie on Monday, 9/9 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm in Chippewa
Atend Reminiscing on the Ranch at Trinity Equestrian Center on Fridays in September at 1 pm in Eau Claire
Atend the Senior Resource Fair at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center on Tuesday, 9/17 8 am - 4 pm in Eau Claire
Create a self-care plan for the month of September
Atend the Gardening Club on Thursday, 9/26 at 1:00 pm in Chippewa
Atend a presentaton on falls preventon on Wed. 9/25 at 2:00 pm in Chippewa
Atend the Chippewa Valley Dementa Coaliton Meetng on Tues., 9/17 at 9 am at Dunn Cty. Gov. Center
Atend a Memory Café in Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire
Pick up a Volume One publicaton and check out the list of things to do, pick one thing, and DO IT!
Atend the Palliatve and Hospice Event in Dunn County on Monday, 9/23 or Eau Claire County on Tues., 10/22
To be eligible for the drawing, activity passport cards must be submitted to the Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire ADRC by 10/4/24.
Atend the Chippewa Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, 9/9 at UWEC in Eau Claire
Atend Confdent Dementa Caregiver Presentaton on Thursday, 9/26 at 1 pm in Eau Claire
Atend the presentaton: Self-Care for the Caregiver on Wed. , 9/18, 1 pm in Chippewa
Contact your local ADRC and learn about all the resources and services; make an appointment with the Dementa Care Specialist
Atend Caring for Dementa: Understanding Behavior as Communicaton Thurs., 9/12 at 1:00 pm
Atend a rehearsal of Stand in the Light Memory Choir on Thursdays in Sept. 9:45 am in Eau Claire
Complete or review your Advanced Directves & make sure your medical provider has a copy & your agents
Introduce yourself to someone new at one of the programs listed in Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire
Atend Artul Expressions on Monday, 9/9 at 10:00 am in Menomonie
Atend the Final Afairs event on Tuesday, 9/11 from 8:00 am4:30 pm at Dove Healthcare Community Room in Eau Claire
Peace Lutheran Church 501. E Fillmore Ave., Eau Claire
Thursday, September 26, 1-2:30 PM
Meaningful Connections Require Boundaries: Go From Guilt to Glow
Reserve your spot at www.adrcevents.org or call 715-839-4735 or 888-338-4636
Free public event: Each presentation includes handouts, refreshments, resources, door prized and caregiver goodie bags.
Garden Donations
Attention gardeners, Do you wish there were a place you could donate your extra garden produce? The Senior Nutrition Program kitchen would love to have it. Please drop off your clean fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Meals on Wheels Kitchen located at: 5061 U.S. Hwy 53 Eau Claire (right next to the State Patrol offce) or ADRC Offce: 721 Oxford Ave Rm 1130, Eau Claire
Monday-Friday 8:00-3:00 PM.
The beautiful produce will be used in menus for Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels and would be a great addition to our own fresh produce. Thank you and happy gardening!
Colony Park West
Colony Park East
Answers on page 2
Across
4. Practice _________ exercises at least 2 days a week to help prevent falls.
6. May be used if someone is unsteady on their feet or has poor balance (hint: a type of assistive device)
9. Items that can be installed or used to prevent falls and help with independence.
10. This sense can change with time and may affect our balance (hint: you may have a problem with this sense if you frequently as people to repeat what they say).
12. The action of stopping something from happening.
Down
1. Changes such as contrast sensitivity, diffculty with glare, depth perception, decreased peripheral vision, and needing more lighting are some of the things that affect this sense.
2. A collection of things lying around in a somewhat untidy mess that can contribute to a fall. Examples include a pile of newspapers, medical documents, artwork from grandkids, books and more.
3. This can be in the form of prescriptions, over the counter, and/or herbal supplements and can increase someone’s fall risk.
5. Offer good support and grip to our feet and are important to help prevent falls.
7. Allows for an individual to remain steady.
8. Use these in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to see better in dim spaces or at night.
11. Can be used when an individual has a weak and/or painful lower extremity (foot, hip, or leg) that makes it hard to walk or keep their balance (hint: a type of assistive device).
