A Matter of Balance is an award-winning falls-prevention program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.
The classes help participants to: view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals for increasing activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and promote exercise to increase strength and balance.
You can benefit from the classes if: You are concerned about falls; have sustained a fall in the past; you restrict activities because of concerns about falling; you are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength; you are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve.
The Pagosa Springs Senior Center is pleased to announce our fourth Matter of Balance program. The Matter of Balance program lasts eight weeks. Classes are on Wednesdays beginning on Sept. 5. Each class is from 9 to 11 a.m. Snacks will be provided. Class size is limited.
Please call 264-2167 for more information or to register. Classes are free.
Second AARP Smart Driver course scheduled
The AARP Smart Driver course, offered by AARP Driver Safety, is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older.
For more than 35 years, the course has taught 16 million drivers proven safety strategies so they can continue driving safely for as long as possible.
More than nine in 10 course participants report changing at least one key driving behavior for the better as a result of what they learned in the course, and more than eight in 10 participants felt that information they learned in the course has prevented them from being in a crash. Plus, you may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your insurance agent for details.
AARP membership is not required to take the course.
The classroom course costs only $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers.
To register, visit aarp.org/findacourse. The Senior Center staff will be glad to help you register.
Due to popular demand, the Senior Center is hosting a second class on Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Health and wellness
The Senior Center has a pilot program expanding health and wellness services to Archuleta County seniors. The program includes wellness and blood pressure monitoring, or allows individual area seniors to discuss two subjects of their choice.
There is no charge for Medicare enrollees. Participant IDs will include Medicare card, photo ID and, if necessary, any supplemental insurances. No Medicaid is accepted at this time. Participants are encouraged to bring a list of their current medications.
Clinical assessment will be provided by Tabitha Zappone, FNP-C.
The goal of the outreach clinic is to provide care to those who are not able to travel.
The next health and wellness event is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Medical alert system
Medical alert monitoring systems are available for seniors. We can help you get set up with a system and assist with the monthly service charges or, if you already have a system in place, we can help supplement the monthly service fees.
San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging: Bullying is ageless V
By Kay Kaylor
I advocate for residents at Pine Ridge and BeeHive Homes as the part-time long-term care ombudsman for Archuleta County. Federal and state laws protect residents to promote quality of care and quality of life.
Assisted living residents offered their own bullying intervention ideas for the study by Dr. Robin Bonifas of Arizona State. These included offering anger management classes and setting limits with possible evictions for bullies who don’t improve. Residents and staff could hold meetings, develop rules and create partnerships to promote communication. To create a democratic solution and a comfortable atmosphere, a residence started a Peace Learning Circle to discuss problem behaviors and strategies for intervening as bystanders.
Unfortunately, the circle event of 30 minutes was too long for residents to maintain attention and energy, and the people who needed it did not attend. Instead, residents and staff decided to present the ideas during popular religious services and in “thought of the week” messages.
The long-term care ombudsman becomes involved when a resident or legal representative makes a complaint about bullying. The ombudsman, with permission from the resident, would support the resident, determine if bullying is a pattern of behavior at the residence and offer details about available services, such as counseling. Each state ombudsman program has its policies and procedures, but they likely include advocacy and sharing information about bullying with assisted living or nursing home staff.
For further information, you may call me at 403-2164 or send an email to ombudsman2@sjbaaa.org.
Memberships
Senior Discount Club memberships are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Menu
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. If you are a senior (60 years and older), for only a $4 suggested donation, you are eligible for a hot meal, drink and a salad prepared by our kitchen staff.
The guest fee for those 59 and under is $10 and children 10 years and under can eat for $8.50 each. Access to the salad bar is only $6 for those under 60.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 30 — Hot chicken salad, shredded Brussels sprouts, steamed asparagus with lemon, milk, salad bar and ice cream sandwich.
Friday, Aug. 31 — Pork ziti with whole-wheat penne pasta, roasted carrots and parsnips, baked Parmesan zucchini, milk, salad bar and chocolate pie.
Monday, Sept. 3 — Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday, Sept. 4 — Beef stroganoff, maple glazed carrots, sautéed spinach with butter, milk, salad bar and snickerdoodle cookie.
Wednesday, Sept. 5 — Chicken and dumplings, green beans with almonds, buttered corn, milk, salad bar and chocolate raspberry cake.
Thursday, Sept. 6 — Barbecued pulled pork, loaded baked potato bar, cream of zucchini soup, milk, salad bar and peach cobbler.
Reservations and cancellations are required. You can make a reservation at 264-2167 by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine in the Community Cafe at the Senior Center.
For your convenience, you can make your reservations in advance or have a standing reservation on days you know you will always attend. Please cancel if you cannot attend on your standing reservation days.
