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September 2024
In this issue: Fall Prevention Awareness Week | Home Safety Program |2024 Weld Senior Symposium | Caregiver Appreciation Day | Nutrition Consulting | Free Dental Clinic
Falling among older adults is a common and prevalent issue.There are an estimated 37 million falls each year, resulting in millions of hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Annually, there is a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about falls and prevention.
In 2024, we recognize September 23-27 as Fall Prevention Awareness Week. The National Council on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, State Coalitions, and many other community partners use this week to educate older adults about fall risks and provide tools to help prevent them.
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging celebrates this week locally by raising awareness of the issue. In the past, the organization has organized exercise programs including Tai Chi in the park, Chair Yoga, caregiver educational courses, and Walk with a Doc events. To prevent falls, it is important to understand what factors put you at risk.
Leg weakness, poor flexibility, and low blood pressure are three physical risk factors that can affect your balance. Knowing how to improve these aspects of your life is vital for enhancing your balance, reducing your risk of falling, and improving your quality of life.
Evidence-based wellness programs focus on developing these components and are available in your community!
The Weld County Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) and its Weld Aging-Well program offer numerous resources and programs to help improve your quality of life. The WCAAA provides wellness classes to enhance strength, balance, and self-management.
Local senior centers, wellness clinics, and hospitals also recognize Fall Prevention Awareness Week and celebrate in various ways. Reach out to different local centers to see how you can get involved.
For more information about this year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Week offered by the Area Agency on Aging or to get involved, contact Jacob Luna at (970) 400-6117.
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The Weld County Area Agency on Aging Home Safety Program is designed for Weld County residents aged 60 and older. We have established the voucher program to help low-income, minority, and frail residents have grab bars installed in their homes. Our goal is to assist older adults who need it most so they can remain in their homes for as long as possible.
This is a reimbursement program that covers up to $400 for grab bars and their installation. Applicants must submit an application and hire a licensed contractor to complete the installation.
Once an applicant is approved by the coordinator, they will need to hire a licensed contractor, pay for the services rendered, and then submit a claim for reimbursement up to $400. Any costs exceeding the reimbursement amount will not be covered by the voucher program.
For renters, a property owner consent form is required, as not all rental situations are eligible. The Home Safety Program Coordinator must approve the services before any work can begin.
For referrals or more information about this program, please contact
Gabi Snyder at (970) 400-6133 or gsnyder@weld.gov.
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A One-Stop Shop Event
Have you ever wished you “would have known” something important? The Weld Senior Symposium is the event that gathers all essential information in one place! Returning for its 10th year, this event will once again offer valuable resources.
A dedicated planning committee works year-round to create an event for older adults and their caregivers to learn about resources and hear from professionals on topics relevant to their needs. We are excited to announce that the Weld Senior Symposium: Navigating Legal Issues & Area Resources will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Island Grove Conference Center, 425 N 15th Avenue, Greeley.
This is your chance to hear from attorneys and professionals in the field. This year’s topics include Medicare changes, adaptive devices for low vision, living and aging with intention, housing rights, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and last wills and testaments, trusts, and powers of attorney. We are also thrilled to offer a dementia care panel that will discuss tips, resources, and various models of care for yourself or your loved one with a memory loss diagnosis.
For more information and to register, visit www.weldseniorsymposium.org. Prefer to register by phone? Call us at (970) 400-6950, and we can handle the registration process for you. A suggested donation of $10 will help cover the cost of lunch and event expenses, and can be donated at the door.
We extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsors; the Weld Senior Symposium would not be possible without your support. We also deeply appreciate the planning committee for their dedication and the many hours they commit to bringing vital information to our community.
See you on October 2, 2024!
Have you ever brought a meal to a loved one who can no longer prepare it themselves? Arranged transportation for a loved one needing to get to the doctor? Assisted a family member with taking a shower or other basic needs? If any of these questions sound familiar, you are likely a caregiver. Caregivers selflessly devote many hours each day to providing care and attention while managing their own responsibilities, often asking nothing in return.
In observance of National Family Caregivers Month, we invite you to a special celebration just for family caregivers: Caregiver Appreciation Day. Join the Weld County Area Agency on Aging, Greeley Active Adults Center, Pathways Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association, Home Instead, and Windsong Northridge on October 15, 2024, at the LINC Library, 501 8th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The day will start with a light breakfast and keynote speaker. You’ll hear from a panel of seasoned caregivers and enjoy a catered lunch. The day will conclude with pampering stations, including back massages, nail care, art and music therapy, and opportunities to connect with other caregivers. Local agencies and vendors will be on-site to provide resources throughout the day.
There is no cost to attend, but we kindly ask you to reserve your spot today by calling (970) 350-9440.
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The foods we eat affect our health at any age, but especially as we grow older. By consuming nutrient-dense foods, you can reduce your risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to various health issues, from anemia to poor recovery from illness or injury. A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can increase energy, improve blood sugar control, and lower the risk of disease.
The Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition Program offers nutritious and delicious lunches for older adults at 22 sites throughout Weld County. In addition to meals, social and educational opportunities are available before and after lunch, making the experience more than just a meal.
Friendly Fork meals provide older adults with one-third of the nutrition they need each day. Each lunch includes the required daily amount of calories, protein, key vitamins and minerals, fiber, and calcium, while also monitoring sodium intake. A variety of nutrient-dense foods are included on the menu to meet these nutritional needs. Choosing a Friendly Fork meal can help you meet your nutrient requirements!
To be eligible for a meal, an individual must be 60 years of age or older, be the spouse of someone 60 or over, or, if under 60, reside in a subsidized housing complex that offers a Senior Nutrition program meal on location.
Guests are welcome to attend the program but must pay a guest fee of $14 to cover the cost of their meal. Reservations and cancellations are required and must be made in advance by 11:00 a.m. the previous business day. Reservations can be made by calling the voicemail at (970) 400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weldgov.com.
Participants have the option to contribute toward their meal with a suggested donation of $5.00. While donations are not required, the Friendly Fork program relies heavily on them to help support the program. The actual cost of the meal is $14, which includes the cost of the meal, supplies, and delivery. Services are not denied to eligible individuals who are unable to make a donation.
For more information on the Senior Nutrition Program, contact Donnica Fagan at (970) 400-6132 or by email at dfagan@weld.gov.
We would like to thank Chevron Oil and the Town of Windsor for their support and generous donations to the Friendly Fork Program this year.
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Did you know that the Area Agency on Aging offers free nutrition counseling sessions for anyone aged 60 and older?
A registered dietitian can answer questions about your diet and individual nutrition needs. You can also request recipes and resources to make cooking and shopping easier.
Contact Jessi Like, RD, at (970) 400-6118 or jlike@weld.gov for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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Presented by the Colorado Mission of Mercy
Mission
The Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) is a portable, large-scale dental clinic held annually in a Colorado community. The mission of COMOM is to provide quality dental services at no cost to individuals of all ages who cannot afford or access dental care. COMOM aims to eliminate dental pain, promote oral health, create smiles, and provide oral health education.
History
Inception in 2007, COMOM was a program of the Colorado Dental Association’s Charitable and Educational Fund. In 2010, the IRS recognized COMOM as a separate, nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Since 2007, COMOM has served 19,000 patients and provided $17,000,000 in donated dental care.
Program Description – 2024 Thornton COMOM
The 17th annual COMOM dental clinic will be held on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Riverdale Ridge High School, 13380 Yosemite St., Thornton, CO 80602. Doors will open at 6:00 a.m. and will remain open until the clinic reaches full capacity.
COMOM will adhere to state and county public health guidelines, including those related to COVID-19, and will implement best healthcare delivery practices. The Event Center at Island Grove will be designated as a healthcare facility and will become a 125-chair dental clinic.
Patients will receive health and dental evaluations and will be provided with cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. COMOM dentists and dental lab technicians will also prepare ceramic crowns, dentures, and flippers.
Nearly 200 volunteer dentists from across the state—along with hundreds of dental hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, and a variety of lay volunteers and other health professionals—will work in tandem with community groups and agencies to improve the oral health of individuals in need.
Patient outreach will extend throughout Adams County, the surrounding areas, and across the state. COMOM is a “no-questions-asked” clinic, and all individuals are welcome to receive care. On average, COMOM dentists see 1,200 patients.
Dental treatment will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dental Treatment Not Provided
COMOM is unable to provide extractions of wisdom teeth, tooth implants, or root canal treatment of molars. Patients on blood thinners or osteoporosis medications will not receive extractions. At the dental clinic, blood pressure testing will be performed on all patients, and glucose testing will be performed on patients with a history of diabetes. Patients with blood pressure or glucose levels that are too high cannot be treated at COMOM.
For more information, visit www.COMOM.org or call (720) 648-0919.
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