Vital Living News
November 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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Celebrate Caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month.
Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.
Vital Living offers people caring for an older adult access to support groups, one-to-one consulting, education, and resources. Our NE Day Spot is a virtual "respite" program designed for anyone who is learning to care for themselves and/or is caring for someone else. Please look for details under the Vital Living Caregiving banner and contact us to learn more.
And check out these resources from the Caregiver Action Network: Family Caregiver Toolbox and 10 Tips for Family Caregivers
Take care,
The Vital Living Team
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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 | November 5, 12, & 19
10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Via Zoom
NE Day Spot is a virtual gathering place for those seeking to reduce stress in their daily lives through art, music, movement, and community. Whether you're learning to care for yourself, or care for others, join us for 60-90 minutes of curated, online programming--designed to offer each participant a chance to get creative and curious while making meaningful community connections.
Every Friday, this event aims to be a safe(er) space for:
- Anyone who partners in another person's care, or who is receiving care from others
- Those living with memory loss or other chronic conditions
- Folks looking for a little bit of respite
You are welcome to join at no cost, although space is limited!
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.
If you are interested in registering, please contact Lisa Harrigan at 612-787-4023 or by email at [email protected].
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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 | November 3 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday | November 16 | 2:00-3:00PM
Via Zoom
LGBTQ Caregiver Group
Monday | November 15 | 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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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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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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Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Beginner Class
Mondays & Thursdays | November 1-January 27
1:00-2:00 PM
Via Zoom
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 class will be offered primarily via Zoom. If you're not familiar with Zoom, don't worry we will help you! During the sessions we will help by providing support for any 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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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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Managing the Holidays with Ease
With Raphael Szykowski, Licensed Social Worker
Family Dynamics (& How to Navigate Yours)
November 12, 12-1PM Via Zoom
Increased obligations and expectations of the holiday season can be stressful, and the dynamics of our unique family systems often add an extra layer of complexity. Join this discussion to learn how family systems manifest in behaviors, conflicts, and accord that produce either (reasonably) healthy or less than healthy dynamics. There will be time for Q & A at the end.
A Look at Co-Dependency (& How to Let Things Go)
December 10 | 12-1 PM on Zoom
A continuation of his November presentation, Raphael discusses additional elements of family dynamics, including some patterns and behaviors common within co-dependency. Join us to gain an understanding of how co-dependency fits within family systems and discover strategies for creating healthier dynamics.
These presentations are open to the public. There is no fee to participate but registration is required.
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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:
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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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.
Haven't written a letter in a while? Add these songs to your playlist to inspire your letter writing. Click to watch and listen:
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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 [email protected] 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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Caregiving and the Holidays
For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and good will.
Caregivers may feel resentful towards other family members who they feel have not offered enough assistance. Managing care for someone who has a cognitive impairment may leave caregivers feeling that they will not be able to participate as fully as they would like in family gatherings. Already feeling overwhelmed with caregiving tasks, stressed-out caregivers may view traditional holiday preparations as more of a drain of precious energy than a joy. (...) Keep in mind that the holidays can, in fact, provide unique opportunities to seek better communication, connection and support from family and friends.
Excerpted from Caregiving and the holidays: from stress to success, Family Caregiver Alliance webpage, written by Family Caregiver Alliance staff writers.
Photo Credit: ERIC RAPTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY/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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to register.
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East Side Resources
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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