AgeLinc, Your Link to Aging Well |
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Greetings!
Since accepting the position of CEO at AgeLinc in May of 2018, I have seen many changes. We have been through a pandemic, moved to a new building, and taken on new programs. Throughout everything, I have seen a common thread of people either not knowing about us, or not feeling comfortable asking us for help. Two groups in particular have been on my mind, and I want to discuss the ever-changing landscape of caring for seniors.
First, we do not have a strong history of serving our minority community, and I was appalled to find out that only 1% of our services were to minorities. In 2021, we applied for and received a Healing Illinois grant, to help us discuss the issues of racial inequality and how we can be better advocates for equal services for all people in our communities. Since that time, we have seen an increase in services to people of color and have instituted new programming to try to make better connections and reach those who need our services. We became aware of Greater All Nations Tabernacle on the east side of Springfield, and the meal program they provide to seniors. I am so proud to say that we have now partnered with this wonderful organization to fund their Meals on Wheels program, which began in March of 2022. The program was so needed, and they already have a waiting list because they have so many interested individuals. Thanks to the work of Sandra Douglas, we were able to help make a difference to many previously unserved seniors in Springfield.
The second group that has been on my mind are the LGBTQ+ older adults in our service area. There have traditionally been no programs specifically for this group. In March, AgeLinc started a weekly meal program for LGBTQ+ older adults, hosted at our office each Thursday. The meals are provided by Senior Services of Central Illinois, and our participant numbers have continued to increase. We have developed a great relationship with the Coalition of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL), and with the Phoenix Center, to help make the community aware of what we are offering, and to partner to do additional programming in the future. One of our staff members will be leading the transgender support group with the Phoenix Center, and we hope to add some fun activities and perhaps exercise classes in the near future. In addition, our staff are working to earn Sage Platinum Certification (https://sageusa.care/) for the second time since 2019.
My biggest hope is that as we head into the future, AgeLinc will always be looking for new and better ways to connect with our community; to make sure that everyone has equal access to services; and to try to address social isolation across our entire service area, for all people.
Carolyn Austin, CEO
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Emergency Respite Care Program |
The Emergency Respite Care (ERC) Program with lead agency IDHS-DDD, coordinated through the Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC), is intended to help caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability. The IRC is able to offer funding to support caregivers in a planned or unplanned emergency. In a crisis or emergency situation, the ERC Program stipend helps to cover the cost of supervision for the caregiver's loved one.
Eligible individuals are caregivers who live in Illinois who are caring for a loved one of any age with a disability and not receiving any other state or waiver funding. Eligible caregivers are considered to be in an emergency situation where no other services are available to assist them in a time of crisis.
The ERC Program's goal is to assist caregivers in crisis. The IRC wants to minimize the number of caregivers who go without services during an emergency situation. The secondary goal is to set up caregivers with services during/after emergency respite funding has been utilized. Temporary emergency respite funding is short-term support to assist caregivers in their time of need. For more information regarding this program and more sustainable options please contact Illinois Respite Coalition at 866-ILL-RESP, kmccroskey.irc@gmail.com, or illinoisrespitecoalition.org.
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Community Education Program |
Every second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm, we host a Community Education Program for the general public.
April 12th:
The Time of Your Life - Knowing When to Start Comfort Care/Hospice
Presented by Jennifer Lakin, Hospice Care Consultant, Kindred Hospice
Jennifer will discuss the benefits of an earlier admission to hospice for the patient and family. You will learn how a patient admitted with a likely prognosis of months can achieve greater benefits with supportive relationships and improved care compared to someone admitted with a prognosis of only weeks or days, when there is insufficient time to do more than just manage immediate care needs. She will also discuss quality of life verses the quantity of days left. Lastly, she will talk about key indicators of Hospice Eligibility and what to expect upon admission.
This month's presentation will be held in-person and online. Technical assistance is available if needed in order to participate. Please contact AgeLinc for more information.
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Every Third Wednesday of the month at noon, we host a Lunch & Learn open to all past, present and future caregivers.
April 20th:
Investing in the Future: Planning for the End of Life
Presented by: Michael Loscher, Project and Sales Coordinator, Oak Ridge Cemetery
The presentation will be an overview about the preparation for services to respect, honor, and memorialize yourself or your loved ones. Oak Ridge Cemetery will help you make the difficult conservations about your end-of-life services just a bit easier. Michael will walk through the various options, including the types burials, to consider when planning your services.
This month's presentation will be held in-person and online. Technical assistance is available if needed in order to participate. Please contact AgeLinc for more information.
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April Meal Program Schedule |
For LGBT seniors, caregivers and their allies. Every Thursday at 11:30 am. Must have reservations by Tuesday of the same week.
April 7: Silent Pioneers
April 14: ICare Ombudsman Program
April 21: Gen Silent Documentary
April 28: Connie Locher-Bussard, Dietician
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Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala |
Reserve your tickets to AgeLinc's first fundraiser! Due to the recent spike in Covid cases, the Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 14th from 6:00 - 10:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Tickets are $50 per person.
There will be a silent auction, wine pull, masque contest and a contest for the most festive dressed. Enjoy a seated Cajun dinner and live entertainment by Sojourn Rocs.
Attire: Masquerade and Cocktail/Black tie optional. Best dressed will be crowned King & Queen!
Call 217.787.9234 for Sponsorship and Event Program Ad information. There are still masques available for the Masque Contest. Deadline for submission is May 1.
Proceeds from the event will be used to help older adults with one-time emergency needs such as housing, utilities, prescriptions and groceries.
Seating is limited. Thank you to our Sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors:
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Bronze Sponsor:
Russ Ramsey - State Farm Insurance
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Media Sponsors:
Capitol Radio Group
Illinois' Online LGBTQ Newspaper
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Stress Management Awareness Month
Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. And since stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we recognize when stress rears its ugly head. Continue reading...
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Performing at Sangamon Auditorium
“If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It’s irresistible!” – The New York Times
This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences.
Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker) Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 pm. More information
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Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, Inc. (AgeLinc)
217-787-9234 or 1-800-252-2918 (Toll Free)
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