Issuu

FALL 2026

The Link

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In This Issue 2 Message from the CEO

Get Involved

3 Georgia SHIP

6 Steps to Help Prevent Falls

4 Autumn Activities for Older Adults

SCSEP Success Story

5 Upcoming Events

Fall Holiday Recipe

6 In the Community

Message from the CEO Dear Friends, Welcome to the Fall Edition of The Link. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering where 2026 has gone. It’s hard to believe fall is already here! As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall brings us all a season of reflection and gratitude. This issue highlights many of the people, partnerships, and opportunities that make our meaningful work possible. Our impact continues to grow, and I am excited to share some good news. Legacy Link is honored to have received expanded AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP funding. This increased funding will allow us to expand our services, grow volunteer opportunities, and serve even more people across North Georgia. I also encourage everyone with Medicare prescription drug coverage to review their plan during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Our Georgia SHIP team provides free, unbiased, and easy-to-understand information to help you compare your options. Medicare plans can change from year to year, and so can your healthcare needs. Reviewing your coverage could help you find a plan that better fits your needs and budget. As we embrace this season of gratitude, I want to thank our clients, partners, donors, and volunteers for the trust and support you show Legacy Link throughout the year. Because of your commitment, we can make a difference in the lives of older adults and caregivers, one person at a time. For that, we are truly grateful. Wishing you a beautiful fall season.

Melissa Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer 2

Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Scan the QR code to get more information.

To join a Medicare health plan or drug plan, you generally must: • Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Enrollment is completed on the Social Security Website: ssa.gov • Live in the service area of the plan you want to join • Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S. • Have your Medicare Number and your Part A and/or Part B Coverage state dates, which can be found on your Medicare card

Things to Know: There are Medicare Savings and the Extra Help Programs are available to assist with premiums and drug costs. Certified Medicare SHIP counselors will screen you for financial assistance programs to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Medicare changes for 2027 will be released in mid-October and Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7. Contact the Georgia SHIP office at 770-538-2650 to speak to a certified Medicare SHIP counselor to learn if the changes will impact you!

Call Georgia SHIP today to review all the preventive care benefits you have the right to under Medicare. We are your trusted, local source of help when it comes to Medicare.

706-622-2399 or 866-5524464 Option 4.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $131,810 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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Autumn Adventures Await: 15 Fall Activities for Seniors As the breathtaking fall season gets underway, we’ve compiled a list of engaging and fun activities for seniors. From baking pumpkin pies to going on nature walks, our ideas provide a variety of October and November activities for seniors to enjoy this season—no matter where they live. These fun activities can help seniors feel festive whether they live in a house, apartment, or senior living community.

Go Apple Picking

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Enjoy the Fall Foliage

Plant Fall Vegetables

Make a Seasonal Treat

Find a Seasonal Event to Attend

Make Fall Wreaths or Garland

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Paint or Carve Pumpkins

Make a Costume for Grandkids

Do a Fall-Themed Puzzle

Play Board Games

Read Fall-Themed Stories or Books 4

Knit Something Warm

Create a Fall-Themed Memory Box

Engage the Senses Through Fall-Themed Activities

https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/resources/lifestyle/fall-activities-for-seniors

Upcoming Events Scan below to see our full calendar.

Connect with Us on Facebook & Youtube @LegacyLinkAging

C UP

OMING EVEN

Public Hearing NOVEMBER 16TH AT 10:00AM 4080 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566 We want your input! Complete our Public Hearing Survey.

Visit LegacyLink.org for More Information

In The Community

Legacy Link hosted 21 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program markets across our 13-county region, providing 947 individuals with $30 in fresh produce.

Legacy Link is grateful to the Cresswind LL Community Fund for funding an ADAaccessible operator button for the front entrance of our Oakwood office. With approximately 1,000 visitors each year, this improvement will make it easier for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges to access our services with greater ease and independence. Thank you, Cresswind LL Community Fund, for helping make Legacy Link more accessible to all!

Melissa Armstrong presented at the USAging Conference on Area Agencies on Aging and State Units on Aging Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for Older Adults.

Legacy Link had its Annual Staff Meeting on September 3rd

Legacy Link staff attended the Georgia Gerontology Society (GGS) conference this summer. These conferences provide our team with valuable professional development, networking opportunities, and insights on new ways to accomplish our mission of supporting and advocating for aging adults and individuals with disabilities.

We are so excited to celebrate the Towns County Senior Center for winning Best Overall Float at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in August during the parade! What a fantastic accomplishment and a wonderful way to represent our community! We are so proud of everyone who helped make this float a success. 7

Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View Legacy Link Receives New Expanded AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Grant Funding Legacy Link is pleased to announce that it has been awarded increased AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant funding for Georgia Mountains RSVP through a national competition designed to increase the impact of national service across the country. The grant, funded by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, will expand Legacy Link’s presence in North Georgia with the addition of three counties to its prior project service area. The award will support at least 215 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers serving in 13 counties across North Georgia. This continues Legacy Link’s long tenure as a sponsor agency for this national program since 1997. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in North Georgia provide certified Medicare Counseling, deliver Meals on Wheels lunches, provide caregiver respite, and assist at Senior Centers across the area. The project will also be reintroducing Disaster Preparedness education. Established in 1971, RSVP is designed to leverage the abilities and experience of adults over the age of 55 to address national challenges including assisting seniors to age independently. While serving, AmeriCorps Senior RSVP volunteers also learn new skills, stay connected with their local community, and improve their own lives by staying active and healthy. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations. Findings from an AmeriCorps study show that AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers report feeling significantly less depressed and isolated, along with higher health scores. We would like to thank all those existing Georgia Mountains RSVP volunteers for their continued support to their communities! Those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link, 770-535-2650. Those wishing to deliver Meals on Wheels can also contact your local Senior Center for specific information on available times and openings for volunteers. Learn more about RSVP and how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

Meals on Wheels Delivery & packing. Through your local county senior center - most need new volunteers

Medicare SHIP Counselors (requires certification), outreach and information distribution, clerical / database

Senior Centers Program assistance, presentations, administrative help, respite programs, kitchen help

Contact the RSVP office at Legacy Link for volunteer opportunities or a referral to your county 770-535-2650 RSVP is an AmeriCorps Seniors grant program that matches adults ages 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at government and nonprofit agencies. Funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, with local sponsorship and funding provided by Legacy Link, Area Agency on Aging. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. Georgia Mountains RSVP serves 10 counties in north Georgia with over 200 volunteers.

6 Steps to Help Prevent Falls in Older Adults Staying active as we get older helps us stay connected to our community. And one of the best ways we can stay healthy and connected as we age is to prevent falls. You have the power to reduce your risk. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Many falls are preventable. Stay safe with these tips!

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Find a good balance and exercise program - Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals. Find a program you like and take a friend. Talk to your health care provider - Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist - Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed. Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses - Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet. Keep your home safe - Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas. Talk to your family members Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.

https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-steps-to-help-prevent-falls-in-older-adults/

Senior Community Service Employment Program Do you need training to return to work? Get paid while learning new skills through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

SCSEP Success Story After being unemployed since 2019, one participant found it difficult to re-enter the workforce. Through Legacy Link’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), they gained the confidence, skills, and support needed to take the next step. By participating in the SCSEP Digital Empowerment Program, they strengthened their digital literacy through online training and prepared for employment opportunities. They were hired as a cashier at Dollar Tree, and through dedication and hard work, they were promoted to Assistant Manager. Today, they work 25–30 hours each week, earning a higher wage while managing store operations, assisting customers, and helping keep the store running smoothly. “SCSEP helped me get back into a work routine, improve my skills, and believe in myself again. Because of SCSEP, I have meaningful employment and a brighter future, and I am proud of how far I have come.” Stories like this remind us that it is never too late for a new beginning. We are proud to help older adults build new skills, gain confidence, and achieve meaningful employment. Thank you to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for partnering with us to create opportunities that change lives.

Are you or someone you know aged 55 or older, on a limited income, and looking for a job? Call us at 770-538-2657 to explore paid job training opportunities that could be a perfect fit!

Fall Holiday Recipe:

Pasta (Gluten-Free Option) with Pumpkin Sauce This creamy Budget Bytes recipe can easily be made with gluten-free pasta, if desired.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp butter 1 cup pumpkin purée 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp chili powder Pinch cayenne pepper Freshly cracked black pepper 2 Tbsp half & half or cream 8 oz. pasta

Instructions 1. Begin boiling a large pot of water for your pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and boil until al dente (7-10 minutes). Drain in a colander. 2. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the sauce. Mince two cloves of garlic and add them to a large skillet with one tablespoon of butter. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, or just until the garlic is soft and fragrant. 3. Add the pumpkin purée and chicken broth to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the nutmeg, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in the spices and let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat while the pasta cooks (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. 4. Once the pasta is finished cooking and is draining in a colander, add the half and half or cream to the skillet and stir it into the pumpkin sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed (this will depend on the type of broth you use). Finally, stir the drained pasta into the sauce and serve.

https://stellarliving.com/15-healthy-fall-recipes-for-seniors/

4080 Mundy Mill Road P.O. Box 1480 Oakwood, GA 30566

770-538-2650 or 855-266-4283 www.LegacyLink.org