Vital Living News
September 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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Practicing Resilience!
Once again, we have the opportunity to build on our resilience skills. To adapt and use techniques that help us move forward...
Back in July, we were excited to announce our building was reopening in September. Since then, the COVID-19 Delta variant has become more contagious and we've decided to keep the building closed until it's safe to resume in-person programming.
As part of our commitment to resilience, we are developing new programs that will start virtually and evolve to become hybrid models when it's safe.
NE Day Spot: Virtual Respite Gathering
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 the person you’re partnering with engaged, challenged and happy! (October)
Live Training with Cyber Seniors
Cyber Seniors will be providing group training via Zoom for Vital Living participants on operating touch screens, using iPads and iPhones, Android phones and tablets, and improving social engagement with Zoom, email, and texting. (November)
Treasuring Memories
Treasuring Memories will be a virtual place where we can come together to talk about memories and share the wisdom we’ve gained. Our hope is that the program will bring you an hour of peace, joy, and happiness. (December)
Look for more details on these programs in our October and November newsletters. Meanwhile, check out this link on "Building your resilience" and let's keep practicing!
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
Events: Lifelong Learning
Engagement: Connect through Volunteering
Classes: Maintain your Well-being
Resources: Tools for Staying Independent
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Wednesdays | September 15-October 20
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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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
Tuesday | September 21 | 2:00-3:00 PM
Wednesday | October 6 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Via Zoom
LGBTQ Caregiver Group (NEW)
Monday | September 20 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Via Zoom
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Caring for the Caregiver
Interactive Workshop
Friday | October 22 | 11:00 AM-12:00PM
Gym at East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 2nd St NE, Minneapolis 55413
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 the Vital Living Department, 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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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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Reimagining Aging Book Club
2nd Saturday of the Month | 9:00-10:00 AM
Via Zoom
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:
September 11:The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
October 9: A Funny Kind of Paradise by Jo Owens
November 13: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
First time participants are warmly invited. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.
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Nordeast Big River Brew & Fizz Fest
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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 Eventbright 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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Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance
Mondays & Thursdays
September 27-December 20
Hybrid Class | 1:00-2:00 PM
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. The class meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays 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! 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.
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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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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Tai Ji Practice
Mondays & Thursdays | August 9-September 20
Via Zoom | 10:30-11:30 AM
Improve your balance, strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of falling. These one-hour practice sessions meet twice a week. Practice consists of warm-up exercises, a mix of core Tai Ji forms and brief cool-down exercises.
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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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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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Preventing Caregiver Burnout:
Engaging Activities for Dementia Patients
Finding small moments of respite during quarantine means keeping a running list of activities that may allow you to do simple things like take a bath, phone a friend, complete an activity uninterrupted or have a few minutes of precious silence to close your eyes.
The first step, according to Fontaine*, is to put some thought into what your loved one enjoyed before dementia. “Make sure that when you give a task to a loved one, it's couched in language that makes the person feel as if they are contributing and the activity is useful,” she instructs. “We all want to feel included and valued. Self-esteem is such an integral part of any human being, and Alzheimer's doesn't change that fact. Keep in mind that when it comes to keeping your loved one busy and engaged, it's the process, not the end product.”
I asked people on the AARP Caregiving Facebook page to share ideas on how they engage their loved ones. I received some wonderful answers, and all of the suggestions incorporated the essential component of dignity.
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Click on the photo above to listen to renowned specialist Teepa Snow talk about the best activities for seniors with Dementia.
Excerpted from Banish Caregiver Burnout by Keeping a Loved One with Dementia Engaged, AARP webpage, written by Lee Woodruff, April 13, 2021.
*Joanne Fontaine is an RN, a geriatric care manager at Newbury Court in Concord, Massachusetts and the founder of Pro-Active Eldercare.
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Surviving as a Caregiver During a Global Pandemic
Caregivers can struggle with anxiety resulting from loneliness and isolation. The challenges those caring for family members face may lead to depression and other health issues. The caregiver who experiences stress and anxiety can benefit from a strong support system. Four years into caregiving for my husband, Scott, our last child left for college. We spent the next six years as empty nesters, filling our days with doctor’s appointments and in-home health care. While friends and family checked in with phone calls, and occasionally some dropped by to visit, I still experienced moments of feeling stuck and alone.
Today, there is the added stress of trying to manage caregiving during a global pandemic. The risk of having healthcare workers come into the home is a valid concern. Some caregivers have shut family and friends out in order to protect those with weakened immune systems. The pandemic has also taken away many outlets for caregiver socialization. Lunch with friends, going to church and traveling for respite care, has come to a halt. The anxiety caregivers feel is compounded by concerns of transmitting the Coronavirus to a loved one. Staying in the house becomes the new normal because stepping outside is scary.(...) It is vital that the caregivers find ways to have community, even during a global pandemic.
Excerpted from Surviving as a Caregiver During a Global Pandemic, Today's Caregiver webpage, written by Evelyn Taylor Johnson, December 12, 2020. Photo Credits: Yuriy Nedopekin).
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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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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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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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