Generations Winter 2018

Whatyou

Yoga for every body

For some, yoga might evoke the image of participants bending their limbs into impossible positions.

But at a free weekly yoga class meant for senior citizens taught from the Blue Cross Blue Shield retail center in the Maurice’s building in downtown Duluth, it’s a far more relaxed environment. Some participants wear blue jeans, while others employ a chair for extra balance.

For Margie Meyer of Duluth, 73, who’s had both knees replaced, yoga is all about staying active in retirement.

“You want to be able to do things when you retire. And in order to do that, you need to be healthy,” Meyer said.

The focus is on general well being and relaxation.

“Some yoga classes can become so serious,” Ann Robertson, their instructor, said. “This class we laugh a lot, we have fun.”

Eric Nurmi, 44, a yoga instructor at the YMCA yoga, said anyone can do yoga, regardless of age and ability.

“Not everybody can do all of yoga but there’s some yoga everybody can do,” Nurmi said.

Yoga is more than just bending and stretching and potential benefits include the body and mind.

Members of the Senior Yoga class, including Margie Meyer of Duluth (center), hold a Warrior 2 pose on a recent Tuesday morning.

Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com

“You can do a whole yoga class with just breath,” Robertson said. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood; improve balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength; and help control chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

But if someone can’t hold a yoga pose or position — referred to by the Sanskrit word “asana” — there is always an alternative for them. These alternative moves are called contraindicated yoga poses.

“I think the key thing in teaching seniors, kids, pregnant women, any particular group, is to be able to offer modifications for each and every asana,” Robertson said.

For some, this might mean sitting on a chair instead of the floor or using the chair as balance. Others might bring a pillow for extra cushioning.

Using a chair for balance was how Mary Mathews, 68, and her husband Wayne Nelson, 73, performed yoga when they started about three years ago. They regularly attend both Robertson’s and Nurmi’s senior yoga classes.

“We started doing chair yoga … gradually, as we’ve gotten more experience, we don’t need a chair anymore,” Mathews said.

She added that instructors take the classes slow and ensure everyone is learning at a comfortable pace.

Nurmi remembers when the couple had improved enough to ditch the chair.

continued on page 4

Ann Robertson, group fitness instructor for Blue Cross Blue Shield, instructs the class to hold a Namaste pose in Tuesday's Senior Yoga class in the Duluth Retail Center in the new Maurices building.

Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com

continued from page 3

“I thought, ‘They don’t really need the chair anymore’ and so one day I just said, ‘We’re not going to use the chairs’ … we’ve been doing that way ever since,” Nurmi said.

“You don’t walk into the class and feel like you don’t know what you’re doing,” Mathews said. ”You’re not lost. You’re guided through and the class is based on everybody’s skill level.”

Mathews and Nelson do yoga three days a week and attend Silver Sneakers twice a

Instructor Eric Nurmi (left) and Wayne Nelson use a wall to help perform a half moon pose during a recent seniors yoga session at the Duluth YMCA. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com

Nelson found it helps to improve flexibility and balance as he ages.

“I wish I had started this a whole lot sooner,” he said.

Wayne spent the summer working on a cabin — lifting things above his head and working on his knees. He said he doesn’t think he could have done that without yoga.

“I know you couldn’t have,” Mathews interjected. “You would have been in bed for days.”

Afterall, an object in motion tends to stay in motion.

“You don’t have to move fast,” Wayne said. “You just need to keep moving.”

moments of joy throughout the day.

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Mary Mathews of Duluth sways from one side to the other in a yoga exercise during the Senior Yoga class Tuesday at the Duluth Retail Center. Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com

Senior Connections

Providing meals, transportation, medical equipment and more

By Andrea Busche

With a better understanding of nutrition, along with more advanced health care, people are living much longer today than in previous generations. For a baby born today, the odds are good that they’ll live well into their 80s and beyond. So, chances are, even if you’re not a senior citizen yourself, you are acquainted with a few.

Between additional medical appointments, applying for Medicare, the need for medical supplies and requiring help with transportation, the aging process can be overwhelming. Senior Connections, an organization serving Douglas County’s aging population as the county’s designated Aging Unit, is here to help.

What they do

According to their website, the purpose of Senior Connections is to: “Provide advocacy and a broad array of services and information, to allow older persons to remain self-sufficient as long as possible.”

Some of the services they provide to help accomplish this goal include:

• Meal delivery

• Sites (and food) where people can eat together

• Transportation services

• Free medical equipment loan closet

• Interactive workshops

• Access to professionals

• Community events

Luann Teige, Senior Connections’ deputy director, says, “People are living longer than ever before in our community. We really want to get these benefits to folks who need them, so they can live independently as long as possible.”

Senior Connections’ funding is provided through grants, county funding and funding through the Older Americans Act. Some of the services are totally free to participants, and some require or recommend a small fee.

Meals

Senior Connections delivers nutritious, tasty meals to many people who need them: the elderly, infirm, disabled and homebound. This service is affectionately known as “Meals on Wheels.”

They also provide what they refer to as “congregate meal sites,” where folks can go to eat a meal with others. Congregate sites in Douglas County include Phoenix Villa, Superior Senior Center, University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Campus Café, Holy Assumption Parish, Amnicon Town Hall, Solon Springs Community Center, Gordon Town Hall and the Kro Bar.

A dose of daily socialization

Much more is happening here beyond a nutritious meal. With the home delivery service, the drivers really get to know their clients, forming a caring source of daily socialization for the recipient.

“Our drivers really get to know people’s routines,” Teige shares. “This meal delivery provides a daily check-in on the resident’s well-being, and the driver can tell if the shades are drawn when they normally aren’t, the dog isn’t barking when they normally do, or if anything else seems out of place.”

This service is provided to individuals 60 and older, and their spouse, regardless of age. A donation of $4/meal is suggested.

Transportation

Senior Connections provides transportation services to the elderly and disabled. Anyone 55 and over can utilize this service, including one guest or escort, regardless of age. There is no age limit on individuals who are disabled.

This is considered “curb-to-curb” transportation, meaning that while the vans are handicapped-accessible, the individual must be able to get him- or herself out to the curb for pickup. This service can be used for medical appointments, trips to the grocery store, visits with friends, or anywhere else they need to go. But, trips across the bridge to Duluth are reserved for medical appointments only.

While there is a small fee associated with this service, it’s very reasonably-priced. “We’re cheaper than a cab, but not as cheap as

lower-cost Stride service or North Country Independent Living, which often provides vouchers.

Loan Closet

Often, a doctor or other medical professional will recommend a device such as a cane, commode, shower chair, or walker. Senior Connections offers what they call their “Loan Closet,” where people can borrow these items as long as they need them. Most of these devices have been generously donated by community members.

Support Services

Senior Connections offers helpful seminars for senior citizens and their caregivers. Topics include:

• Matter of balance (fall prevention)

• Living well with chronic conditions

• Healthy living with diabetes

• Powerful tools for the caregiver

Workshop attendees and their families are encouraged to develop action plans as a result of what they’ve learned. “Hopefully, by learning some of these tools, people can help stall or curb further progression of these issues,” Teige says.

Access to an elder benefits specialist is another exceptional option available through Senior Connections. This person will sit down with you to review and discuss issues such as Medicare and prescription drugs. This Specialist is backed up by an attorney based in Madison, who will pitch in when needed.

Fun

Besides all of the necessary services, Senior Connections also provides a lot of fun activities for the elder population. A Christmas tea, senior picnic and spring fling are held every

year. They also provide a fall leaf tour and a Christmas light tour, which take place on a charter bus. Senior Connections also distributes vouchers for the annual farmer’s market, and occasionally serves lunch there, as well.

Knowledge is power

Teige would like to encourage people to learn what Senior Connections has to offer, even if they don’t need services yet. “Get to know us before you need us,” she says. “People are welcome to call, walk in, email us, or visit our website. And, even if we don’t have the answer you need, we can help point you in the right direction.”

For more information, call Senior Connections at (715) 3943611, visit their office at 1805 N. 16th St. in Superior, email them at contact@seniorconnectionswi.org or visit seniorconnectionswi.org.

57,483

Meals served in 2017, or approximately 150 meals per day.

8,766

Rides given in 2017, with 260 new transportation participants.

7 Employees who work in Senior Connections office, along with two full-time drivers.

30–40

People per month who take advantage of the Loan Closet.

Senior Calendar

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging

On-site Health Insurance and Long-term Care Options Counseling

Answers and education regarding health insurance for Medicare beneficiaries and preretirees will be provided by Senior LinkAge Line through the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging. Call (800) 333-2433 to schedule an appointment. Sessions are as follows:

● Feb. 1 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave., Duluth.

● Feb. 14 and 28 in Suite 103 of the Missabi Building, 227 W. First St., Duluth.

● 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 2, March 2, April 6 and May 4 at ElderCircle, 400 River Road, Grand Rapids.

Senior LinkAge Line staff and/or volunteers will be available for assistance regarding benefits, appeals, forms, Medicare Savings Programs and the Prescription Drug Program applications, as well as long term care options counseling. Assistance with searching for Medicare supplements or other insurance policies is also provided. This program is a no-fee based service; however, donations are

accepted and appreciated. Donations help fund the administration of this program provided by the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging.

Senior Surf Day

Learn computer basics, accessing websites of interest to seniors and Internet searching. Classes are from 1-3 p.m. March 13 and 27 and April 10 and 24 in Rainbow Community Center’s computer lab. The class is also offered from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 27 and May 1 at Ordean East Community School, 2900 E. Fourth St., Duluth. Call Senior Linkage Line at (800) 3332433 to register.

Medicare options counseling

The Arrowhead Agency on Aging offers confidential, no fee, non-biased assistance provided by certified health insurance specialists who educate and help compare Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans, and other cost saving programs. Specialists educate on all parts of Medicare and assist with forms, enrollment into Medicare products and much more. The service is available and completed by phone and in person in the community at a Minnesota help site. Sites are available in all seven counties in the Arrowhead

When pain won’t go away…

region. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at (800) 333-2433 to schedule an appointment. Dates available are Feb. 14 & 28, March 14 & 28 and April 11 & 25.

Medicare Savings Programs and Senior Linkage Line overview

Learn about programs that can help save money on Medicare premiums, co-insurances, deductibles and Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for low- to moderate=income people on Medicare. Classes are from 6-7 p.m. March 19 and May 14 in Ordean East Community School, 2900 E. Fourth St., Duluth. Call Senior Linkage Line at (800) 333-2433 for information.

Senior Medicare Patrol

Turning 65 or going on Medicare? This class covers the parts of Medicare -- hospital, medical and drug options; including original/ traditional Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare advantage plans, Part D prescription drug coverage and preventative benefits. Also included is information about Medicare savings programs, drug assistance, preventing fraud, waste and abuse, and other resources to help you make informed decisions. Classes are from 6-7 p.m. March 27 and May 8 in Ordean East Community School, 2900 E. Fourth St. Duluth. Call Senior Linkage Line at (800) 333-2433 for information.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center

Register for classes at https://www. bluecrossmn.com/centers/

ForeverWell Y Series

Staying strong throughout your life is vital to ensure your independence. In these motivating classes participants will explore and sample several exercises and strength training options. Led by a seasoned group exercise instructor, this class takes you through a sequence of exercises designed to strengthen all major muscle groups. All levels welcome. Come to class ready to move your body and wear good supportive tennis shoes. Equipment provided. Class includes a welcome and Introduction; ice breaker; general strength training class using resistance bands; and an overview of YMCA options.

Classes are from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and include Chair Yoga on Feb. 5; Tai Chi on Feb. 7; Cardio is Fun on Feb. 12; Fit for LIfe on Feb. 14; and Senior Circuit on Feb. 19.

Senior Yoga

Led by Ann Robertson, this yoga class is

designed specifically for seniors. It includes gentle movements, stretching exercises and beginner yoga poses. Class are often full; register early.

Classes are from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 30; Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27; and March 6, 13, 20 & 27.

Learn about Original Medicare, your plan choices and the differences among plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. At the meeting, you’ll learn about: Platinum BlueSM with Rx (Cost); Senior GoldSM (Medicare supplement); and MedicareBlueSM Rx (PDP).

Blue Cross offers Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call (855) 579-7658 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central time, daily. TTY users call 711.

● 10-11 a.m. Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

● 5-6 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 & 22

● 9-10 a.m. Feb. 17 and March 3

City of Duluth senior programs

AARP Defensive Driving

Classes are open to all licensed drivers age 55 and above. Cost is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call (218) 730-4319.

Evergreen Senior Center, 5830 Grand Ave.

Refresher class: 1-5 p.m. Feb. 13 and March 13

First time class: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10

Portman Senior Center, 4601 McCulloch St.

Refresher four-hour class: 1-5 p.m. Feb. 15 and March 15

First time eight-hour class: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24

Senior Activities

Anyone age 55 or older is eligible and welcome. Spouses are always welcome regardless of age. Recreation activities are available Monday through Friday. Not all activities are available at every center and some may charge a small fee. Call (218) 730-4310.

Popular activities and events include but are not limited to: card games such as Bridge, Cribbage, Hand & Foot, ‘500’, and card tournaments; bingo, plus special turkey and ham bingos; birthday, seasonal and themed parties; arts and crafts like quilting, knitting, crocheting, woodworking and more; painting at Lincoln Park and Rainbow; ceramics at Rainbow; billiards at Lincoln Park and Rainbow; and educational seminars.

Senior Services

AEOA Senior Dining

AEOA senior dining is available at the following sites. Call (218) 727-4321 for more dining information.

• Chris Jensen, 2501 Rice Lake Road, (218) 625-6400.

• Evergreen Senior Center, 5830 Grand Ave., (218) 723-3663.

• Harrison Community Recreation Center (Mondays only), 3002 W. Third St., (218) 624-1510 (leave message).

• Lincoln Park Center, 2014 W. Third St., (218) 722-4107.

• Morgan Park Community Recreation Center, 1242 88th Ave. W., (218) 6264522.

• Portman Community Recreation Center, 4601 McCulloch St., (218) 5250838.

• Rainbow Center, 211 N. Third Ave. E., (218) 727-8147.

Age Well Arrowhead

Connecting older adults and caregivers with services that support healthy aging and independence. Call (218) 623-7800 unless noted otherwise.

Care Consultant: A person centered service that connects older adults to resources that support healthy aging and independence.

Care Consultants help with identifying risks in your home that compromise your health and safety; connecting you to services that increase your health and independence; problem solving; managing difficult family decisions; filling out legal documents such as health care directives; planning for the future; advocating on your behalf to ensure you receive the services you

need; creating customized action plans; identifying community resources; family mediation; and offering education regarding chronic disease management and prevention. Call (218) 623-7807.

Caregiver Support: Caregiver counselors help with: identifying your needs and preferences; developing individualized plans for caregiving; problem solving; decision making by providing support and expertise; assisting with the coordination and planning for supportive services; assessing assistance and referrals; exploring personal lifestyle and the impact of caregiving on health status, relationships, and finances; developing an informal support network; and self-advocacy.

Dementia-friendly training: Age Well Arrowhead partners with employers in Duluth, Proctor and Hermantown to: conduct customized dementia-friendly training for employers and employees; provide individualized support and assistance to working caregivers; provide information about services available to support working caregivers and person with dementia; and develop and facilitate caregiver support

No plans should be small.

programs for working caregivers.

Groceries-to-Go: For adults age 60 and over who live independently and are unable to shop or transport groceries. Participants register for the service, call in their grocery order and mail payment to the store. A volunteer picks up your order and delivers it to your kitchen for $10.

Senior Wheels: Provides transportation to and from medical, dental and well being appointments. Participants call to schedule a ride to and from appointments two to three business days in advance. Clients are then billed for the cost of the service. Cost for round-trip transportation is $20.

Volunteer Services: Community members volunteer to help seniors with tasks and chores around the house. Volunteers help with things such as shoveling, lawn mowing, raking, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, changing bedding, assisting with bill paying, painting, moving furniture, changing light bulbs, meal planning and preparation and periodic check-ins. Call (218) 623-7805. continued on page 10

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Aging and Disability Resource Center

Provides information to the general public about services, resources and programs for adults with disabilities, children with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, and the elderly in need of assistance. They’re located in Room 327 of the Government Center at 1316 N. 14th St. in Superior. Call (715) 3951234; (866) 946-2372; or TTY/Voice (715) 395-1663. Email is adrc@douglascountywi. org.

RSVP

Engages persons 55 and better in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality experience to enrich their lives.

St. Louis County: 702 Third Ave. S., Virginia. Call (218) 748-7328 or (800) 6625711, ext. 7328.

Lake and Cook Counties: 2764 Highway 61, Two Harbors. Call (218) 226-8809. Duluth Area: 2014 W. Third St., Duluth. Call (218) 409-5991.

Senior Connections

Senior connections at 1805 N. 16th St., Superior, offers the following services in Douglas County: Elderly Nutrition — congregate and home delivered; Elder Benefit Specialist; Caregiver Support; information and assistance; and elderly and disabled transportation. Call (715) 394-3611.

Senior Linkage Line

Provided by the Minnesota Board on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging, this free telephone information and assistance service helps older adults and their families find community services. Call (800) 333-2433 or (800) 627-3529 (TTD/TTY).

We pride ourselves in working with residents and families to develop customized living options. From independent living to assisted living to memory care, we provide a sense of comfort, security and independence where seniors can age in place. Call today for a tour.

218-723-5931

Arrowhead

ASSISTED LIVING

Edgewood Vista

4195 Westberg Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811 218-723-8905

www.edgewoodseniorliving.com

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory

Care • Short Term Stays • Adult Day Services

HOME CARE

St. Luke’s Home Care

218.249.6111

slhduluth.com/HomeCare

Providing a full range of services in the comfort of your own home.

HOME HEALTH CARE

Kindred at Home

925 E Superior St Suite 104 Duluth, MN 55802 218-723-8999

https://www.kindredhealthcare.com/ locations/home-health/duluth-mn-2389

When it comes to choosing home health care for your loved one, you want only the best ... dedicated medical professionals with big hearts. Our in-home care allows patients to

Senior Living Directory

remain safe in familiar surroundings.

Families trust us.

For more information, please call us at 218.723.8999 • MN TDD/TTY# 800.627.3529

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Essentia Health Medical Equipment & Supplies

407 E 4th St., Duluth, MN 4418 Haines Rd., Duluth, MN 1001 N.9th Ave., Virginia, MN 1.800.777.8390

www.EssentiaMedicalSupply.org

J.S. Realty, LLC

5112 Midway Rd, Duluth MN 55811 218-729-9784 • info@js-realty.com

www.js-realty.com

Contact the J.S. Realty team - Jackie, Jamie, Julie, and Braxton - for help buying or selling your home!

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Douglas County

1316 N 14th Street, Suite 327 Superior, WI 54880 (715) 395-1234

adrc@douglascountywi.org

www.douglascountywi.org/ADRC

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides information to the general public about services, resources, and programs for adults with disabilities, children with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, and the elderly in need of assistance.

Real Estate Services of Duluth

1018 E 4th St., Duluth MN 55805 218-723-1111 • Karen@resduluth.com

www.resduluth.com

Full service real estate brokerage for all of your real estate selling and buying needs!

Senior Connections

1805 N. 16th Street, Superior, WI 54880 715-394-3611

contact@seniorconnectionswi.org

http://www.seniorconnectionswi.org/ As the County Aging Unit, Senior Connections provides services and programs to individuals aged 60 and over, as mandated by the Older Americans Act. Additionally, Senior Connections provides Specialized Transportation to individuals aged 55 and over and persons with disabilities.

Contact your advertising representative today to place your business in our new Senior Living Directory

Most people don’t plan for falls. We do.

There’s

nothing like being home.

We know that all you want to do after a fall or any traumatic event is get back to the place you love. Our compassionate trauma experts come together to help you recover, regain independence and get back to the comforts of your own home.

slhduluth.com/TraumaCare