Vital Living News
October 2021
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Vital Living supports an intergenerational community that values and respects everyone, increases understanding and engagement, and focuses on health and well-being for all generations.
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Together for Mental Health
Each year, during the first week of October, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week.
to learn more about mental illness and how it affects you, families, and communities. Together, we can reduce the sigma of mental illness and increase attention to the importance of mental health care.
Take care,
The Vital Living Team
612-787-4086 | VitalLiving@esns.org
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Vital Living is supported in part by a Live Well at Home grant from the MN Department of Human Services. |
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In This Newsletter
Caregiving: Gain Emotional and Practical Support
Classes: Maintain your Well-being
Events: Lifelong Learning
Engagement: Connect through Volunteering
Resources: Tools for Staying Independent
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NE Day Spot
Weekly on Fridays | October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Via Zoom
NE Day Spot is a virtual gathering place for those living with memory loss and other chronic conditions, as well as the folks who assist in their care. Enjoy 60-90 minutes of curated, virtual programming designed to keep you and the person you’re partnering with engaged, challenged, and happy!
Our sessions focus on art, music, education, and movement that offers each participant space to get creative and curious while making meaningful connections.
Worried you won’t have what you need at home? Let our NE Day Spot volunteers hand deliver all materials needed for any given activity.
To register, please contact Lisa Harrigan at 612-787-4023 or by email at LHarrigan@esns.org.
There is no fee to participate in these Zoom gatherings but space is limited.
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Thursdays | October 14-November 18
2:30-4:00 PM | Via Zoom
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.
East Side is partnering with Southeast Seniors to bring you this virtual six-week class via Zoom video conferencing. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you will practice using Zoom and receive support for any technical challenges.
Donation of $40 for the series suggested and includes The Caregiver Helpbook (print copy).
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Caring for the Caregiver
Interactive Workshop
Friday | October 22 | 11:00 AM-12:00PM
Via ZOOM- UPDATED
Join the artists of Stuart Pimsler Dance Theater for an interactive in-person workshop, designed for caregivers of all kinds. Participants will explore ways to express feelings associated with the daily work of caregiving through the integration of movement, stories and memories.
There is no fee to participate in this workshop and no prior movement experience is required. Be prepared to write, draw, and move during this interactive workshop. Pre-registration is required.
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This activity is brought to you by Vital Living, in coordination with the Stuart Pimsler Dance Theater (SPDT). It has been made possible by a SPDT grant through the Minnesota State Arts Board. |
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Ongoing Support Groups
Looking for a safe and welcoming place where you can discuss the challenges, the frustrations and the joys of caregiving? The East Side Caregiver Support Groups are here to help in any way we can! In these supportive environments you can:
- Get connected to the community resources you need
- Meet and support other people with similar experiences
- Learn self-care strategies and coping techniques
- Vent, share your personal experiences, and leave feeling better for it!
Attendance is open to any adult 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult. First time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the calls.
Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday | October 6 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday | October 19 | 2:00-3:00PM
Via Zoom
LGBTQ Caregiver Group (NEW)
Monday | October 18 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Via Zoom
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Caregiving Services are funded under contract with Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency of Aging, Inc.) as part of the Older Americans Act.
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Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Advanced Class
Mondays & Thursdays
October 4-December 27 | 10:30-11:30 AM
Via Zoom
Improve your balance, strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of falling. The advanced class meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays for 24 sessions. Attendees must have completed the previous sessions (weeks 1-12) in order to sign up. Instructor’s approval needed if you haven’t completed the previous sessions.
This "virtual" class will be held via Zoom. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date.
Donations accepted based on a cost share.
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Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Self-Study Class
Tuesdays | October 19-November 23
10:00-11:00 AM | Via Telephone
Participants receive a toolkit that includes a reference book, exercise CD, and relaxation CD. Every week participants have a one-hour group telephone call with a class leader to connect with others, set action plans, and review topics like nutrition, making treatment decisions, and communicating with health care providers and family. Toolkits and group call information will be sent to participants after registration.
This self-study class includes a weekly group telephone call. Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you will receive support for any technical challenges.
Donations accepted based on a cost share.
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Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Beginner Class
Mondays & Thursdays | November 1-January 27
1:00-2:00 PM
Hybrid Format (Via Zoom and in-person TBD)
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. These one-hour beginner sessions meet twice a week for 24 sessions.
This hybrid class model will be offered via Zoom with the goal of an additional in-person option added at a location TBD in Minneapolis, depending on the status of COVID-19. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! We will hold a "session 0" prior to the beginning of class where participants can meet one another, practice using Zoom, and receive support for technical challenges. All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date
Donations accepted based on a cost share.
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Evidence-based health and wellness workshops/classes are sponsored by Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency of Aging) in the seven county metro area. East Side is a community partner in Trellis's Juniper initiative. yourjuniper.org
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NEW! Connect to Tech
Get your tech questions answered!
Tuesdays | November 9, 16, & 23 | times vary
Via Zoom
Tuesday, November 9 1:00-2:00 PM
What to Know about Touch Screens
Tuesday, November 16 1:00-2:00 PM
Using iPhones and iPads
Tuesday, November 16 2:00-3:00PM
Using Cell Phones and Tablets (Android/non-Apple products)
Tuesday, November 23 1:00-2:00PM
Getting Better with Zoom, Texting, and Emailing
Use your smart phone, iPad, and/or tablet with more confidence and understanding. Practice in real time with instructors who have the same device.
Classes are offered for no cost but space is limited.
One-on-one tech support is available after the session to all participants over the phone for as many times as you need it.
This class will be held on Zoom. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! All participants must have a computer, iPad, and/or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date.
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Vital Fitness Home Edition
Every Tuesday | 10:30-11:30 AM
Via Facebook Live or YouTube
Join East Side's Vital Fitness group! Tune in weekly to the live video happening on East Side's Facebook page every week for a variety of exercises that improve balance, strength, and coordination. If you're interested in seeing previous recordings of our exercise class, visit our Facebook or YouTube pages.
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Reimagining Aging Book Club
2nd Saturday of the Month | 9:00-10:00 AM
Via Zoom
Enjoy reading and looking for a friendly group to be a part of?
Bring your coffee and join our discussion each month of engaging and enlightening books about aging and what it means to live a vital life today. We will reframe the idea of aging as opportunity -- the opportunity to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world -- and how we grow up and grow old together. Our next selection is:
October 9: A Funny Kind of Paradise by Jo Owens
November 13: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
December 11: The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
Haven't read the book? Still come and check us out. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.
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Nordeast Big River Brew & Fizz Fest
Saturday | October 2 | 1:00-4:00 PM
Come sample beer, snack on great food, listen to live music, drink from a free tasting mug, and be part of the craft brew community at this East Side event.
**New** We're excited to bring hard seltzers to our event this year! Come and sample some favorites from BauHaus, Tin Whiskers, and more!
All proceeds benefit the programs of East Side Neighborhood Services. Learn more about how East Side builds pathways toward equity at esns.org
**Due to this being a food & beverage event, we politely request that all attendees be vaccinated.
Please go to Eventbrite to learn more and purchase tickets!
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Let's Do Lunch Café
Did you know there is a group of local older LGBTQ adults that get together twice a month via Zoom? Yes, the folks at Let’s Do Lunch Café have brought back the program, with a light twist. Their in-person lunch get-togethers are now being offered over Zoom— an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Participants have the option to order a lunchbox “on the house.”
Let’s Do Lunchbox Café is open for reservations every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday of the month from 11:30 AM to 12:30 or 1:00 PM depending on the program.
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Pen Pal Partners
To write is human, to receive a letter: Divine!
-Susan Lendroth
Rekindle that feeling of getting a personal note in the mail. It is a great hobby with gaining a new friend as a benefit.
Vital Living's Pen Pal Partners are a diverse group of people ages 20-90+ living throughout the state. Pen Pals are asked to share two notes or letters a month for at least 3 months. Many Pen Pals continue for a year or more because they enjoy the activity so much.
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Looking for ways to meet new people and find more enjoyment in your day? Try volunteering!
Making a difference in the community using your talents, skills, interests, expertise, time, and life experience is not just good for the rest of us-it is great for you, too.
Benefits of volunteering include better health, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive outlook on life. Volunteering is happening online or in-person.
Not sure where to start?
Contact Jennifer at jgrilliot@esns.org or 612-787-4104. She will meet with you over the phone, zoom, or in-person to find out where your purpose lives and ideas on where to share your time and talents.
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Resources for Vital Living |
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Accepting Your Circumstances:
How Acceptance Prepares You for Future Challenges
I have met many older spousal caregivers over the years in hospitals, primary care offices and retirement communities who refused to buckle to the reality of a loved one's condition, be it dementia, Parkinson's or cancer. It was as if they thought they could keep illness from touching them by rejecting all reminders of it, including educational pamphlets, medical treatments and social supports. It was only when catastrophe struck — a bad fall, sudden confusion, or medical complication and hospitalization — that they'd grudgingly admit, “Yes, my loved one has a bad condition for which we need some help."
Caregivers who can accept the course of a loved one's illness, learn to contend with its many challenges and then savor the time they still have left with one another are better able to cope with whatever unfolds. How can all caregivers achieve that level of flexibility and adaptation? Click here to learn more.
Excerpted from A Caregiver's Acceptance of a Loved One's Condition Isn't Giving UP, AARP webpage, written by Barry L. Jacobs, August 6. 2019 .
Photo Credit: MONICANINKER/E+/GETTY IMAGES
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Flu Shot Information
This Season a Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever!
Getting a flu vaccine for the 2021-2022 season is more important than ever in order to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients.
The more people vaccinated; the more people protected. Do your part. Get a flu vaccine this fall. -from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Flu shots are available at many pharmacies and health clinics. The Minnesota Department of Health has a webpage that can help connect you to a clinic, pharmacy, or retail location administering flu vaccines. You can access that webpage here .
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Accessible Transportation
East Side Neighborhood Services provides assisted transportation for older people living in North, Northeast, Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony.
We are open for vaccine, medical, social need, and shopping trips. We are also available for small group outings.
Cost: We use a sliding fee
Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm
Call: Reservation line 612-787-4012
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Senior Food Shelf Offering Home Deliveries
East Side's Senior Food Shelf is offering no-contact home deliveries for Hennepin County adults over 55 who are unable to visit the Senior Food Shelf. We'll provide a package that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, frozen meat and other non-perishable food items.
The Senior Food Shelf is open Mon - Fri from 9:30 AM-1 PM at our 1801 Central Avenue NE location, with practices in place to provide food assistance that are safe and meet seniors' unique nutritional needs. Hennepin County residents over the age of 55 with incomes at or below the 300% federal poverty guidelines are eligible to receive food assistance (for a family of one the upper limit is $3190 per month; family of two is $4310 a month). Eligible seniors and members of their household are each eligible to receive one package of 25-35 pounds of food each month.
Contact the Senior Food Shelf to see if you are eligible. Please call (612)788-9521 to learn more and to schedule an appointment at the food shelf or to receive a delivery. Leave a message if we're unavailable, and we'll call you back. For more info: https://www.esns.org/metrofoodprograms
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Vital Living Guided Meditation
Take a moment to relax with a guided audio meditation from our Vital Living staff member Liz!
During high stress times, it's too easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. If caregiving for a relative, partner, neighbor, friend, or child is causing you stress, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.
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Nutritious Meals Delivered
Eastside Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound persons living in NE and SE Minneapolis, and St. Anthony Village. Contact Eastside Meals on Wheels at 612-277-2529 or via email at info@eastsidemeals.org to register.
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East Side Resources
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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