As summer departs and fall enters our lives it is important for your physical and mental well-being to take time to activate all of your senses: sight, smell, sound, touch and take in the beauty of the autumn season that we as Minnesotans are so very fortunate to enjoy. Feeling the cooler temperatures, observing the multitude change in colors, smelling a recently carved pumpkin or baked pie, biting a recently picked crisp apple, or receiving a vaccination for the upcoming flu season. Wishing everyone a peaceful start to fall!
The Importance of Receiving your Flu Shot - The news these days is all about the much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine, but there's another existing shot that experts say should be on your radar: Fluzone High-Dose. This injectable flu vaccine, which has been approved by the FDA for folks over the age of 65 for over a decade, has four times the antigens (the flu proteins our immune system recognizes and attacks) than the regular flu vaccine. As of this year, the shot will also be a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it offers even more protection because it protects against four strains of the virus, not just three. Getting this high-dose vaccine “is very important for older adults, who are more susceptible to flu complications, both because of the decreased immunity that comes with age and also because they are more likely to have other coexisting health conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes, that leave them more vulnerable to the flu's ill effects,” explains William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Even during non-pandemic times, the flu can be deadly for older adults: About 90 percent of all seasonal flu-related deaths and 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur among people over the age of 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But this year, it's more important than ever that you get vaccinated. “We anticipate a wave of COVID-19 hitting in late fall, right around the same time the flu hits,” Schaffner adds. (Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/high-dose-flu-vaccines.html) Please note that the above link for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a way to find out where to receive a vaccination
Elections & Voting 2020 The 2020 general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. The Minnesota Office of Secretary of State is an excellent resource to learn how to register, vote, how to or where to vote, the candidates and offices up for election in November. The website also has a link to county election offices for specific details. (Source: https://www.sos.state.mn.us)
Medicare 101 On-line Training (Scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., OR Friday, September 25th @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and certain people with a disability. Medicare can be complicated and confusing. Not knowing the Medicare basics and when to enroll can lead to increased costs and missed opportunities. This presentation, presented by staff from the Senior LinkAge Line, will introduce you to Medicare and your coverage options. During this presentation, you will learn the basics of Medicare Part A, B, C and Part D. This class will also give you information about when and how to enroll. A staff attorney from Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services’ (SMRLS') Legal Advocacy for Older People will host the presentation and ask questions submitted by the audience. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KZ0iKC6_w0SQ8YUKi0bLqmcX02OA JMdLvGH4jA8z5cRUMlFON1pXQVBOSlY3VzYxNTFFUENSUkc3RS4u
Pen Pal Recipients Senior Community Services has been contacted by several community members interested in corresponding with older adults who might enjoy the written contact. If you are aware of someone who might like to receive a periodic card and/or letter and would like to write back, please call SCS’s CareNextion Line at 612-770-7005. 8-Tips for Self-Care for Caregivers Caregivers often report that tending to their own well-being and health concerns is really difficult while managing the needs of their loved one. While self-care often simply relates to sleep, diet, and grooming, it is also largely about identifying the unique activities and needs that nurture you and make you feel energized.
1. Start small.
Once you identify one or two areas that you are willing to work on, try to make it a point to start small. A small change in your daily routine or with a habit may help give you a renewed perspective on all the tasks on your plate.
2. Keep a self-care routine.
Create a routine that you become protective about. Whether it’s a morning walk, exercise routine, or a cup of tea at a certain time, guard it and enjoy it. This is vital and will have you quickly realizing that it is truly okay to prioritize what you need to do to be more available to do your caregiving.
3. Pay attention to your senses.
From the most basic aspects of self-care, listening to what our senses are telling us is a vital place to start to figure out what might be most useful to your self-care. Take the time to see, feel, hear, taste, and touch. Go outside and find something beautiful to you, listen to music, sit down for five minutes and breathe, get or give a hug to a person, an animal, or even a tree, or eat something comforting and soothing. All of these are ways to take care of yourself.
4. Speak with a therapist or support group.
There are many therapists and support groups available to caregivers. Whether in person or online, these are vital connections that can support you in the journey of caregiving.
A skilled therapist can help you process your feelings, give advice on how to set boundaries, and improve communication with your loved one and other family members. A support group can help with these issues as well, but the attention may be more generalized. Having someone specifically working with you on the specific challenges you are facing can bring a lot of peace very quickly.
Also be aware that other forms of counseling are provided by professional care organizations as well. For example, hospice providers often offer specialized grief counseling.
5. Schedule days off and respite care.
Planning time off is essential when you are a caregiver. It is the thing that allows you to be fully present when you are with your loved one. For those who are caring for someone who needs daily around the clock care, there are services and facilities that provide respite care. Respite care can be done in the home, at specialized day- care centers, and in facilities that offer overnight stays. Respite is a service that can be set up for a few hours, a day, a few days, or a few weeks.
6. Be practical, know your limits.
If you need help, ask for it. There are ways to ask others for help as a caregiver, or if you are having difficulties navigating the healthcare system your loved one uses, ask to speak to a Social Worker or Hospitalist. They can and often do provide amazing information and service. Take the time to set up online bill paying so you save time in the long run.
7. Be kind to yourself.
No one is perfect, and you are human. Mistakes will be made. Slow down when things get tough by:
• Paying attention to what you are doing and breathe with awareness. • Speaking and thinking kind thoughts about yourself • Developing a gratitude practice • Reflecting in a journal. • Calling a friend.
8. Reward yourself.
When you take that much deserved time off be sure to include doing something special for yourself. Always remember that you deserve to take the time to do the things that bring you joy and a sense of peace. This could include:
• Buying yourself some flowers • Getting some body work done like a massage or facial • Practicing yoga • Go on a special walk somewhere you love • Curl up with a great book
When it comes to self-care, the possibilities are endless. What makes you feel at peace, clear, calm, or even renewed? You can generate a high level of well-being for yourself by starting with something small and being consistent in practicing it. Try caring for yourself to the level that you want to provide to your loved one and see what happens! (Source: https://homecareassistance.com/blog/ultimate-caregiver-guide-self-care)
Up Your Falls Prevention IQ: Join Us for Info Sessions
Falls are a serious concern for middle age and older adults but they are not inevitable. Most falls can be avoided.
To mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21 through 25, Juniper is partnering with National Council on Aging (NCOA) and holding information sessions to raise awareness about falls. They’ll be full of good information and tips, and we’ll let you know about Juniper classes that can help you reduce your risk, including building strength and increase balance.
Check out NCOA’s new online falls risk assessment tool, Falls Free CheckUp. Complete a short, 12-question survey that screens for the most common falls risk factors.
Register for one or all of these free sessions.
Monday, September 21 – 1:00 to 2:00 PM – Register Falls Prevention Awareness Week Kick-off: You Can Prevent Falls! Learn about NCOA’s online Falls Free CheckUp and tips for reducing falls. Presenters: Dave Fink, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance Master Trainer and Steve Hoover, Stay Active and Independent for Life Leader.
Wednesday, September 23 – 2:30 to 3:30 PM- Register Recognizing Fall-ty Habits: Home Safety Checklist Spot environmental hazards in your home before they cause a fall. Presenters: Sarah Shepherd and Rachel Von Ruden, LSW, A Matter of Balance Master Trainers.
Friday, September 25 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM- Register Avoiding Falls: Honest Talk and New Skills Learn how medications and issues with vision increase your chance of falls and how to manage the risks. Presenters: Paula Woischke, Stay Active and Independent for Life Master Trainer and Stepping On Leader; Amanda Bisel, Pharmacist with Allina Health; Peggy Sue Garber, RN, Mayo Clinic and a Stepping On Instructor.
Source: Minnesotagrown.com (MN Department of Agriculture)
-VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – - IN-PERSON CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – General Focus Memory Loss Focus
You are invited to attend one or more of the Please Contact the Facilitator in Advance, as following groups – just contact the facilitator Circumstances May Change for an invitation via Zoom. Minnetonka Caregiver Conversations 2nd Thursday of each month, 10:00-11:30 AM 1st Tuesday of each month, 1:30—3:00 PM Contact: Adele Mehta 952-767-7888 or
Contact: Lee Ann Eiden 952-934-3370 [email protected] [email protected] Plymouth Caregiver Support Group 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10:00–11:30 AM Contact: Becky Allard 952-746-4028 or 3rd Tuesday of each month, 10:00—11:30 AM [email protected] Contact: Lee Ann Eiden 952-934-3370
[email protected] Crow River Caregiver Support Group 3rd Thursday of each month, 1:30 – 3:00 PM Contact: Becky Allard 952-746-4028 or
1st Thursday of each month, 1:30—3:30 PM [email protected] Contact: Lee Ann Eiden 952-934-3370 [email protected] Monticello Caregiver Support Group 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month,
1:30– 3:00 PM Contact: Becky Allard 952-746-4028 or - VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS – [email protected] General Focus
Contact the facilitator for the Zoom meeting link!
1st Thursday of each month, 1:00—2:30 PM - NEW VIRTUAL MEMORY CAFÉ! -
Contact: Sara Roberts 612-868-6720 or ❖ Wednesday, September 30th at 1:00 PM [email protected] ❖ Wednesday, October 21st at 1:00 PM
3rd Thursday of each month, 4:30—6:00 PM Contact: Becky Allard 952-746-4028 or Contact: Lee Ann Eiden 952-934-3370 or [email protected] [email protected]