Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

As we continue to deal with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and all it brings, one of my favorite quotes comes to mind, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This is so true right about now! I love reading about the many stories of generosity and examples of grace that are being shown in a time where life is a bit upside down.

SEMAAA was the recipient of CARES ACT funds to be used in the areas of supportive services and caregiver supports. In this addition we feature some of the wonderful projects that are being funded to help to connect seniors and their caregivers to technology to help combat social isolation and mental health support services to ensure the safety and well-being for older adults in our region. A big thanks to the collaborators for these projects that have stepped up to increase capacity and service provision in this time of need.

As we round out 2020, I would like to leave you with a few things that we are truly grateful for:

• Resilient and giving staff!
• Engaged Board Members who have stepped up to support our services.
• Providers that truly care about the well-being of older adults.
• MN Board on Aging for advocating for additional funds during the pandemic.
• Older adults and caregivers in our region that have learned new skills and connected with the services they need to stay safe at home.

Finding Ways to Engage at Every Age,
Laurie
Executive Director

Cares Act Funds originated with the Administration for Community Living, are sub-granted to the MN Board on Aging and are then allocated to the Area Agencies on Aging across the state, where we award them to local providers. These funds are to be used to address the needs of older adults and caregivers resulting form the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEMAAA CARES ACT GRANT

Title III B – Supportive Services

• Winona Friendship Center – Continuing Connections Program to provide tablets and data plans to 25 older adults in Winona County. $22,850
• Senior Resources of Freeborn County – Technology Program to provide tablets and data plans to 12 older adults in Freeborn County. $12,306
• Family Services Rochester – Aging Well Program to address the isolation and counselling needs of older adults through 1:1 and group sessions in Olmsted, Rice, Steele and Mower Counties. Services will be offered both in-person and via telehealth. $25,000

Title III E – Caregiver Services

• Elder Network (IIIE) – Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to develop a library of iPad’s that clients can rent in the Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha offices.

State Enhanced Home Care Grant

• Enhanced Home Care funds may be used solely for the direct services of Chore and Homemaker services which includes delivery of goods such as groceries and prescription medication to eligible persons.
• Family Service Rochester – Homemaker & Chore – Extending services to older adults in Steele and Olmsted Counties to individuals who have not been able to secure services. $49,715

COVID-19 STATE NUTRITON

SEMCAC, Three Rivers Community Action and 125 Live all received state nutrition funds to support nutrition programming for seniors.

The University of MN is looking for families and individuals dealing with memory loss to take part in a new study. This program is aimed at providing support to families and their loved ones to help them navigate the transition to driving retirement. Dr. Joe Gaughler and a research team have a goal of working with 20 families to start this pilot and refine it. Eventually they hope to open it up to more families across the state.

Driving Retirement and Memory Loss Program

• What: We are evaluating “CarFreeMe,” an 8 session educational program that takes place on a weekly basis. CarFreeMe has been developed to assist individuals with memory loss and their families consider driving retirement. This program includes web video conferencing and/or phone based conversations with a trained facilitator. Sessions include you and your family member and each session lasts about an hour.
• For Whom: Individuals with memory concerns, who are considering retiring from driving or have retired from driving, and a supportive family care member.
• When: There will be a series of weekly sessions with a trained study facilitator. There are a total of 8 sessions. The study lasts 3 months total.
• What: We will ask participants to complete baseline, 1-month, and 3-month surveys. We will also ask participants to conduct a brief interview after 3 months to determine how useful the CarFreeMe program was to them.
• Where: This is a phone or web-based video conferencing based program.
• Why: Individuals with memory concerns, who would like to learn more about adjusting to driving retirement, and their supportive family members likely would benefit from education on dementia, local transportation resources, and strategies for transitioning to driving retirement.
• Incentives: Each participant will be paid $25 after completion of each survey and postintervention interview for a total of $100.

INTERESTED OR HAVE QUESTIONS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE:
www.sph.umn.edu/research/projects/carfreeme or contact 612-626-9515 or via email at AT CARFREEME@UMN.EDU!

Social isolation is taking a toll on many of us and can feel especially difficult around the holidays.

It’s important to recognize the signs of loneliness and depression and be intentional about getting connected and finding the support you need. We are fortunate to have caring, proactive organizations stepping up to combat social isolation who find unique ways to assist seniors and connect them to community supports. There are virtual book clubs, exercise classes, friendly visiting opportunities and other ways to get involved. To read more about social isolation and how to take care of yourself this winter visit the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Follow these links to get connected to some of the providers we work with in SE MN and ask about their programs and supports.

Aging Mastery Book Clubs Help Reduce Social Isolation

Local Organizations are currently offering Aging Mastery Book clubs via Zoom. This program was developed by the National Council on Aging and focuses on helping older adults take charge of their health, renew healthy habits and make better choices. Go to WellConnect or Juniper to see upcoming classes and register. You will receive a Starter Kit and instructions for how to join virtually. Participant’s who have taken part in this program have enjoyed the connection, sharing and learning as they move through the book content together!