Eau Claire ADRC Newsletter-Feb 2023

FEBRUARY 2023

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

[ADRC]

721 Oxford Avenue, Room 1130 Eau Claire WI 54703

MONDAY - FRIDAY

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (715) 839-4735 1-888-338-4636 ty: use Relay (711) WEBSITE AND EMAIL www.eauclaireadrc.org adrc@eauclairecounty.gov

SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/ECC.ADRC www.instagram.com/ adrceauclaire/

Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.

Are you at Risk? Many of the conditions and behaviors that put people at risk for heart disease are appearing at younger ages:

High blood pressure. Millions of Americans of all ages have high blood pressure, including millions of people in their 40s and 50s. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and other harmful conditions, such as stroke.

High cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease. Having diabetes and obesity, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough physical activity can all contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Smoking. More than 37 million U.S. adults are current smokers. Smoking damages the blood vessels and can cause heart disease.

Obesity. Carrying extra weight puts stress on the heart.

Diabetes. Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. This can damage blood vessels and nerves that help control the heart muscle.

Physical inactivity. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Only 1 in 5 adults meets the physical activity guidelines of getting 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity.

Unhealthy eating patterns. Most Americans, including children, eat too much sodium (salt), which increases blood pressure. Replacing foods high in sodium with fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. But only 1 in 10 adults is getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. Diet high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and added sugar increases the risk factor for heart disease.

4 Ways to Take Control of Your Heart Health. You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your heart. Learn how to be heart healthy at any age. Don’t smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, ask your doctor for advice on how to quit.

ADRC Mission Statement

To help people age 60+ and adults living with disabilities secure needed services or benefts, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

Manage conditions. Work with your health care team to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This includes taking any medicines you have been prescribed.

Make heart-healthy eating changes. Eat food low in trans-fat, saturated fat, added sugar and sodium. Try to fll at least half your plate with vegetables and fruits, and aim for low sodium options. Replace salt with favorful substitute such as Mrs. Dash.

Be active Get moving for at least 150 minutes per week. You can even break up the 30 minutes into 10-minute blocks.

ACCOUNTANT

Kelli Weiss

ADRC VAN DRIVER

Dave Okas

COOKS

Aaron Pritzl

Gilda Halbleib

Karen Mitag

Sara Sedahl

DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST

Lisa Wells

ELDER BENEFIT SPECIALISTS

Jessica Smith

Leda Welke

DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALISTS

Jim Coldwell

Melissa Wendtland

The Eau Claire ADRC Team

MANAGEMENT

Linda Struck, Director

Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager

Lisa Riley, ADRC Manager

Sheryl Sadzewicz, Kitchen Manager

MEAL DELIVERY DRIVER

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 Net

Maddie Ketner

Molly Yang

Sue O’Branovich

PREVENTION COORDINATOR

Deb Bruning

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

Carmelita Hogan

Heather Craker

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS II

Kate Telschow

Lindi Engedal

ADRCs: Help for Older Adults and Adults Living with Disabilites

If you have questons about services as you age or live with a disability, your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) can help. The ADRC provides informaton on a variety of programs & services, and can connect you with resources in your area, including:

Adaptve equipment

Housing optons

Housekeeping and chore services Long-term care programs

Caregiver support

Wellness programs

Safety updates to the home

Transportaton optons

In-home care Dementa care services

Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security

Health, nutriton, and home-delivery meal programs

Aging and Disability Resource Center Board

Stella Pagonis, County Board (Chair)

Sue Miller, Citzen Member (Vice Chair)

Heather Deluka, County Board

Tami Schraufnagel, County Board

Amanda Babb, County Board

Jean Doty, Citzen Member

Audrey Nelson, Citzen Member

Allen Myren, County Board

Sandra Romey, Citzen Member

Bruce Schafer, 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.

Rural Readers, did you know we have an Options Counselor available at the Augusta Senior & Community Center once a month? Sue is there the frst Wednesday of every month 9a-12p. But no need to wait! ADRC staf can schedule an appointment at the Center or do a home visit throughout the month. Just call the ADRC main number and tell us your question.

We’ll get you connected to the right person.

Meals on Wheels is in search of volunteers!

Are you looking for a way to give back to others with a flexible schedule and no minimum requirement?

Winter is always a difficult time for the Meals on Wheels program but is still crucial to our homebound individuals on the program.

We are recruiting for volunteers who are willing to deliver weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as a substitute. Delivery for meals takes up to 1½ hours, and we can be flexible with YOUR availability. Convenient pick-up places all around Eau Claire with pick-up times at 10:50, 11:10 or 11:30. A fun and easy activity to do alone, or with co-workers/friends!

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager at betsy.henck@eauclairecounty.gov or at 715-839-6259.

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.

Confict 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 infuence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.

• Cannot attempt to infuence 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.

MUSICAL MEMORIES

ChangingtheLivesofPeoplewithDementia ThroughPersonalizedMusic

Musical Memories is designed to help people with any kind of dementia fnd renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music at no cost. Participants will be given an iPod loaded with your favorite music, a charger & headphones. Participation is for individuals with dementia who are living in their home or caregiver’s home (not a care facility). The iPod is simple to turn on and adjust the volume we will show you how!

If you are interested in the Musical Memories Program and wish to learn more, contact Liz Nett at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, 715-839-4735.

February is known for Black History Month, the Superbowl, Valentine’s Day, and Groundhog's Day. It is a time for social gatherings, traditions, time to refect on culture and create space for appreciation and history. February is less known for Youth Mental Health Awareness month, 211 Day, and National Acts of Kindness week. Mental health has been at the forefront of our society with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

2-1-1 is here during this time of transition. We can provide supportive listening, help during a crisis, or provide mental health or substance use resources such as information on support groups or community counseling agencies. We are free, confdential, and here to serve those of all ages and backgrounds.

211 Day (February 11th) celebrates our organization and those who support it in our communities. Did you know most states have a 2-1-1 and that we operate a database with a variety of human service-related resources. Not all centers operate 24/7 as ours does. In addition, GR211 has a crisis line which is a unique resource not every 2-1-1 has. 2-1-1 keeps evolving more and more to serve more people and meet the most prominent needs of our communities. You can go to our website for more details about our history or order resource materials to advertise our services to the community.

National Acts of Kindness Week is Feb 17th -23rd. This is a time to participate in spreading kindness and celebrating what kindness can do for each of us. Think of something you can do each day of the week during this time or throughout the week to spread and celebrate kindness with those around you. It will make a bigger impact than you know, and it feels good to be kind!

Simply Dial 2-1-1 * Get Connected, Get Answers column is provided by Great Rivers 2-1-1, an information & referral and crisis line service. Professionally trained staf can answer your questions about local, statewide, and national resources and can assist you with all kinds of life situations and challenges. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free and Confdential.

Simply dial the three-digit telephone number 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to learn more Language Interpretation is available Chat with us at our website www.greatrivers211.org Or text your zip code to 898211

February 2023 Meals on Wheels & Senior Dining Menu

Meals on Wheels Phone Line: 715-839-4886

Suggested donation $4/meal St. John’s Apts | 815 Chapin Street, Eau Claire| Mon– Fri Serve Time: 11:15 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

Allmealsareservedwith1%milkandsubjecttochangewithoutnoticeduetodifcultywithsupplychain. 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

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

^ = ½ carb * = 1 carb *^ = 1 ½ carb W/G = wholegrain

6

Tender Roast Beef, Homestyle Gravy*, Mashed Yukon Potatoes* Buttered Spinach, W/G Dinner Roll* Fresh Fruit^

13

Cod Loin w/ Lemon Butter Sauce, Baked Potato* w/Sour Cream, Asparagus, Cheddar Bread Fruit^

20

Chicken Pot Pie, with Potato*, Corn*, Peas*, Onion & Carrots, Southern Biscuit* Applesauce^

27

Chicken Nuggets*, Sweet Potato Pufs*, Green and Wax Beans, W/G Dinner Roll*, Fresh Fruit*

7 Brat and Kraut W/G Bun* Roasted Red Potatoes* Steamed Carrots* Fruited Yogurt

1 Herb Chicken Breast^ Penne Pasta*w/ Marinara Sauce California Blend Cottage Cheese W/G Dinner Roll*

8 Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup w/Carrot, Mushroom, Onion, Celery & Peas* Saltine Crackers* Steamed Broccoli Peach Mufn*

2 Tuna Salad Sandwich on W/G Bun* & Pickle, Romaine, Tomato Potato Chips* Steamed Corn* Cookie*

9 Beef Taco Salad with Romaine/ Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Black Beans, Corn, Spanish Rice*, Salsa, Sour Cream, Vanilla Pudding w/Vanilla Wafers*

3 Hamburger Stroganof w/Cavatappi Pasta*, Mushroom & Onion, Baked Beans* W/G Dinner Roll* Frosted Brownie*

10 Tri-Colored Tortellini* w/Cheese and Marinara, Baked Caulifower, Garlic Breadstick* Fruit^

14

Chicken, Bacon Cheddar Melt Sandwich on Kaiser Roll* Parsley Potatoes* California Blend* Cookie*

21

Herbed Pork Chop^, Homestyle Gravy*, Yukon Mashed Potatoes*, Baked Beans*, Blueberry Mufn*

28

Spaghetti and Meatballs, w/ Linguini* and Marinara, Broccoli*, Garlic Breadstick*, Cookie*

15 Beef Tips Over Rice*, Baked Beans*, W/G Dinner Roll* Fruited Gelatin*

22

Cheeseburger on W/G Bun*, Pickles, Baby Potatoes* w/ Bacon Green Beans Chocolate Cake*

Wednesday Salads*

2/1 Tuna with Fresh Greens

2/8 Fresh Fruit & Cottage Cheese

2/15 BLT Salad

2/22 Chicken & Mandarin Orange

16

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with Shell Pasta*, Steamed Carrots*, Garlic Cheddar Biscuit* Strawberries w/ Whipped Topping

23

Turkey Tetrazzini w/ Mushrooms and Cream Sauce*, Steamed Broccoli, Breadstick* Fruit^

*Wednesday Salads available only at the congregate meal sites listed above

17

Baked Honey Ham, Mashed Potatoes*, Creamed Spinach^, W/G Dinner Roll*, Fruit^

24

Meatloaf w/Gravy*, Mashed Potatoes*, Mixed Veggies* W/G Bun* Fresh Fruit

SENIOR CONGREGATE DINING: February

Lunch Meal Site Locations

Augusta Senior Center

Monday-Friday at 12:00pm. Call 715 -286-2953 to make your reservation by noon the day before.

St. John’s Apartments

Monday-Friday at 11:15am. Call 715839-4886 to make your reservation by 1:00 the day before.

Fairchild Community Center

Every Wednesday at 12:15pm. Call 715-839-4886 to make your reservation by the Tuesday before at 1:00 PM.

The suggested donation for Home Delivered Meals and meals at the Congregate (group) Sites is $4/meal.

Note:TheWednesdaysaladslistedon themenuareonlyavailableatthe aboveCongregateDiningSites.

Weather Cancellation Policy

Evening Meal Site Location

LE Phillips Senior Center

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

Tuesday February 14th Steak & Shrimp, Baked Potato, Asparagus, Spinach Salad, Dinner Roll, Dessert

Tuesday February 28th Chicken, Broccoli, Caulifower, Rice and Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Breadstick, Dessert

Suggested Donation for the Evening Meal is $5

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

We would like to remind everyone of our policy regarding closures of the Meal on Wheels and Senior Dining Program. Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Sites may be closed if we have heavy snowfall, extreme temperatures, icy roads, storms/tornado/ heavy winds, etc. As a general guide, if Eau Claire schools are closed due to weather, Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Sites will also be closed. If Eau Claire schools have a late start, it’s at the discretion of the Nutrition ofce if Meals on Wheels will still deliver.

To check for our closings, you will be able to fnd them scrolling on the bottom of the TV along with the school closings on your local channels WEAU-TV 13 and WQOW-TV 18. You can also fnd our closings directly on their websites: www.weau.com and www.wqow.com. We also announce our closings on WAXX radio.

For delivery, we ask that you please have snow and ice removed from entrance and sidewalks so that our volunteers can safely deliver your meal to you. If your sidewalks are not cleared, you run the risk of no delivery.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our nutrition ofce at (715) 839-4886. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.

MARCH FOR MEALS

The Meals on Wheels program in Eau Claire County serves a hot, made from scratch, meal to approximately 450 homebound seniors every weekday. All the meals are made locally in our kitchen located in Fall Creek. We believe that good nutriton will help seniors maintain healthy minds, bodies, and ultmately their independence. Some of our program funding comes from the seniors we serve in the form of a monthly donaton. These partcipants are ofen on fxed incomes and are batling the rising cost of living.

One year of Meals on Wheels, per partcipant, is the same cost of one day in the hospital. 11% of Wisconsin seniors struggle with hunger, deciding between medicaton, housing or food. We would like to ofer 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 partcipants. Here is how it works: For a one-tme donaton you will sponsor meals for our local Meals on Wheels Partcipants at various levels of support.

Donatons can be made one of 3 ways:

1) Mailing back this form with a check payable to Meals on Wheels Atn: March for Meals to: ADRC of Eau Claire County

Atn: Betsy Henck 721 Oxford Ave. Room 1130 Eau Claire WI, 54703

2) By calling the ADRC at 715-839-4886 to make a donaton over the phone using a credit card. Or, 3) you can visit our website www.eauclaireadrc.org and click on the “Make a Diference Donate” buton to make a donaton.

ADRC VAN SCHEDULE:

February 2023

The ADRC van has room for one wheelchair and 3 additonal 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, Transportaton Coordinator to schedule at 715-225-0975. Priority given to individuals who live rurally.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

Open date; call to request trip.

2

Open date; call to request trip.

3 Walmart trip to/ from St. Johns. Pick up 9am.

6

Open date; call to request trip.

7 Open date; call to request trip.

8

Open date; call to request trip.

9 Open date; call to request trip.

10 Open date; call to request trip. 13

Open date; call to request trip.

14 Open date; call to request trip.

21 Open date; call to request trip.

15

Open date; call to request trip.

22 Open date; call to request trip.

16 Open date; call to request trip.

17 Woodmans trip to/ from St. Johns. Pick up at 9am. 20 Open date; call to request trip.

23 Open date; call to request trip.

24 Open date; call to request trip.

27

Unavailable today. 28 Unavailable today.

Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Seniors

As we move toward tax filing season, working seniors should be sure to check whether they qualify for a bigger refund through expanded eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Starting with the 2021 tax year, under provisions of the American Rescue Plan, the tax credits became available to any income-eligible worker over the age of 19. The 2021 tax year marked the first time that EITC credits have been available to workers age 65 and older.

For the 2022 tax year, married taxpayers without dependent children can qualify for EITC if their earnings from work or self-employment in 2022 amounted to $22,610 or less – up from $16,000 in previous years. The income limit for single taxpayers is $16,480. The credit can make a meaningful difference for low income seniors. Seniors who think they may qualify for EITC should consider consulting with a tax professional or a free assistance resource, such as the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or the AARP Tax Aide program.

ADRC Prevention and Health Promotion Workshops

REGISTER at least one week prior: Call the ADRC at 715-839-4735 or go to www.adrcevents.org.

Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (virtual)

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, 2:00 - 4:00 pm February 28, March 14 & 28, 2023

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 both strength and balance with a fun group of peers. Learn more in this free orientation and sign up for classes starting in April.

WHEN: Thursday, 10:00 - 11:15 am March 2, 2023

StrongBodies Dec 2022

Stand Up & Move More Dec 2021

I Will Not Grieve

This is a little diferent. Bob Vogler asked me one day what to tell folks who give condolences, but he feels no sadness, no grief, or mourning. I felt the same and we decided we had grieved and mourned for years while we lost our wives day by day. When they died, we had had enough of sadness and sorrow. We were happy they were released. This poem gives permission to celebrate a loved one’s release from the awful disease of dementia and openly express joy instead of sorrow.

I will not grieve, nor will I mourn, because my love has slipped away, You may notice I seem quite bright, And wonder why that’s so today.

So I’ll explain this attitude, This smile and this ease; Why instead of sorrow, I have gratitude, and oddly seem so pleased.

For your condolences I thank you, And expressions of sadness for my loss; I know your gesture is kind and true And you mean to comfort just because.

But since that day the doctor said, It’s dementia, there is no cure; From that time I grieved and pled, For daily strength to endure.

Now my mourning is all used up, My grief has run its course; Cup by cup I’ve poured my tears, And for gladness there’s no remorse.

For her release I have no sorrow, Now once again she speaks and sings; She waits for me on some tomorrow, When for me the gold bell rings.

Vietnam War Veterans Health Issues

Submitted

With a highlight on heart health this month, it is important to understand the health care needs of Vietnam War Veterans because of the long-term efects of military service during this era. If you served during the Vietnam War, including Veterans who served on Blue Water Navy vessels or Coast Guard ships, you may be at risk of certain health conditions, some of which are heart related and very common among our community’s Vietnam era Veterans. They have a higher rate of diagnosis and are more likely to sufer from conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease because of their exposure to the dioxin, Agent Orange. It is good to see your doctor on a regular basis, and to be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of Agent Orange exposure. They may suggest regular screenings for heart related issues as well as cancer screening tests to report any symptoms as soon as they appear. The sooner these illnesses are diagnosed and treated, the better to prevent long term issues.

Health risks related to the Vietnam War

Diseases related to Agent Orange: A toxic chemical used to clear trees and plants that can cause long-term health efects. These include:

• Bladder cancer

• Chronic B-cell leukemia

• Hodgkin’s disease

• Multiple myeloma

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Prostate cancer

• Respiratory cancers (including lung cancer)

• Some soft tissue sarcomas

• L amyloidosis

• Chloracne (or other types of acneiform disease like it)

Hepatitis C: A disease that can harm your liver.

• Diabetes mellitus type 2

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Hypothyroidism

• Ischemic heart disease

• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined signifcance (MGUS)

• Parkinsonism

• Parkinson’s disease

• Peripheral neuropathy, early onset

• Porphyria cutanea tarda

Hearing problems caused by noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or add to hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

Illnesses or injuries caused by job-related hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come across.

by Eau Claire County Veterans Ofce

What you can do now

Ask your local VA environmental health coordinator about getting a free Agent Orange Registry health exam. These can be provided at any VA medical center or hospital. You can also call the VA Helpline at 1-800-827-1000 to ask questions.

Veterans are at risk for many types of heart illnesses and cancer just like everyone else, even if they haven't been exposed to Agent Orange. You can lower your risk by quitting smoking, staying at a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet.

Find out if you can get benefts from any illness or injury caused, or made worse, by your active-duty service, such as illness-related to agent orange or contact with hazardous materials. Call your County Veteran Services Ofce and make an appointment to see if you are eligible for compensation or be advised of the many county, state, and federal benefts available to you as a US Veteran.

Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people frst brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson cofounded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn't included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week.

Eau Claire County Veteran Services Ofce

721 Oxford Ave, Suite 1130, Eau Claire, WI

Ofce: 715-839-4744

Email: veterans@eauclairecounty.gov

This week was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist (someone who wanted to end the practice of enslaving people), and former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War, which was primarily fought over the enslavement of Black people in the country.

Today Black History Month continues the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and flm screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round.

AdaptedfromNationalGeographic

Med Wise Rx

Med Wise Rx is a skills-based educational program to improve older adults’ communication with pharmacists and other providers for safer medication management.

• Meets for two 1.5-hour classes, separated by one week for home practice.

• It’s free, convenient, and empowering!

• Join the program evaluation study by the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.

WHEN: Wednesdays, February 8 & 22, 2023 OR April 12 & 26, 2023

(depending on which group you are randomly assigned to)

TIME: 1:00 - 2:30 pm

LOCATION: Virtually, from the comfort of your home or ofce

SIGN UP: Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 715-839-4735 or go online www.adrcevents.org

Medication management can be challenging

Medication errors can result in unwanted efects from medicines, and worse, falls, hospitalizations and even death.

Poor communication and medication coordination problems with multiple people prescribing a person’s medications can increase these errors even more.

Build knowledge and skills with Med Wise Rx

The pharmacist is important to help people manage their medications and address their medication-related questions and concerns. Yet, patients and caregivers often are unsure what questions to ask their pharmacist or how to ask them.

• Gain confdence in talking with your pharmacist

• Learn what to ask about your medicines

• Learn how to ask for a medication check-up

Who is eligible?

• Older adults (at least 65 years old)

• Taking 4 or more multiple medicines regularly (this includes nonprescription drugs),

• Able to navigate and join two Webex meetings (at home, ADRC, library, etc.),

• Able to participate in phone interviews and provide feedback

Participants will receive up to $125 in thank you gift cards for participating in this study.

This project is a partnership between the UW School of Pharmacy, the ADRC of Eau Claire County, and Community-Academic Aging Research Network (CAARN).

CAREGIVER CAFÉ: February 7th

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

• Refreshments

• Contact the ADRC if respite is needed.

1st Tuesday of each month

9 – 10:30 am

Location: The French Press 2823 London Rd, Eau Claire

MEMORY CAFE: February 14th

It’s Valentine’s Day! Let’s wear something red and talk about…what else…CHOCOLATE! Chocolate has an amazing history and ofers many complex favors. Enjoy tasting and rating some diferent favors of chocolate from milk chocolate to rich dark chocolate and learn how it is made.

For more information, contact Lisa Wells, at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County, 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov

2nd Tuesday of every month

10:00 – 11:00 am

Location: Chippewa Valley Museum in Carson Park 1204 E Half Moon Dr, Eau Claire

FEBRUARY DEMENTIA SUPPORT

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

Cofee Group for Men

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

Wednesdays, 2/1 and 2/15, 11:00 am - Noon Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore, Eau Claire. Contact Bob at 414-378-2114 or beevee6610@gmail.com

Savvy Caregiver Virtual 6-Week Class

The Savvy Caregiver Class is a proven curriculum developed for family caregivers and grounded in research that teaches strategies, practical realworld skills, and helps to reduce stress, both in the caregiver and the person for whom care is being provided.

Thursdays, February 2 - March 9, 2023 5:30 - 7:30 pm Register online at www.adrcconnections.org/registrations

Lewy Body Dementia Support Group

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

Wednesday, 2/8, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Porter Place, 914 Porter Avenue, Eau Claire For more information contact Janell at romatowskij@comcast.net or Amy at amy@mudmodular.com

Questions about brain health, dementia, and/or caring for a person with dementia?

Contact Lisa Wells, Dementia Care Specialist, at the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 715-839-4750 or lisa.wells@eauclairecounty.gov

Stand in the Light Memory Choir

People in the early to mid-stages of memory loss, their care partners, and singing volunteers come together to share their love of music!

Thursdays, January 5 - April 20, 2023

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire. For more information, call 715-210-4165 or standinthelightmemorychoir@gmail.com

Virtual Support Group for Working Caregivers

Monday, 2/6, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Contact Scott at 715-261-6066 scott.seeger@adrc-cw.org

Memory Café

It’s Valentine’s Day! Let’s wear something red and talk about what else CHOCOLATE! Chocolate has an amazing history and ofers many complex favors. Enjoy tasting and rating some diferent favors of chocolate from milk chocolate to rich dark chocolate and learn how it is made.

Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 Half Moon, Carson Park

Tuesday, 2/14 at 10:00 am

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

Brain Health Check-Ups

A brain health check-up is a wellness tool that helps identify possible changes in memory and cognition. It creates a baseline so future changes can be monitored. Appointments are 15-20 minutes.

February 15, 2023

1:00 - 4:00 pm

L.E. Phillips Senior Center

1616 Bellinger Street, Eau Claire

To register, visit www.adrcevents.org or call the ADRC at 715-839-4735 to set up appointment

Memory Loss and Caregiver Support Group

This support group is for people with memory loss and caregivers. Wednesday, 2/22, 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

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 over the age of 60 or adults (18-59) that are 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.

VEHICLE REPAIR GRANT AVAILABLE

Do you have a vehicle that needs to be repaired and you can’t afford to fix it?

The Vehicle Repair Grant has money available, up to $5,000 for caregivers, adults over the age of 60 or adults (18-59) living with a disability. Applications are reviewed and granted based on funding availability. Must be an Eau Claire County Resident to qualify.

Examples of possible repairs: brakes, tires, non-cosmetic fixes etc.

This grant does not qualify for general maintenance such as oil changes.

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

Want to learn how to get connected to Webex video conferencing to participate in interactive workshops, presentations, or meetings? In this one-hour session, you’ll learn how to: • Join meeting on your browser

• Mute/unmute your microphone

• Turn on/of your video • Change view option • Use the Chat feature

• Practice brainstorming

WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

1:00 - 1:30 pm OR Tuesday, February 21, 2023

2:00 - 2:30 pm

REGISTER: Call the ADRC at 715-839-4735 or go to www.adrcevents.org at least one week prior. This will be held virtually via Webex; participants will receive further information before the event.

Feb 2nd: Groundhog Day

Feb 7th: Send a Card to a Friend Day

Feb 12th: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

Feb 14th: Valentine’s Day

Feb 17th: President’s Day

Feb 22nd: George Washington’s Birthday

721 Oxford Avenue Room 1130

Eau Claire WI 54703 Address Service Requested