National Family Caregivers Month is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing and honoring the selfless individuals who provide essential care and support to their loved ones who are ill, disabled or elderly.
This month-long campaign seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by family caregivers, celebrate their dedication, and provide resources and support to help them in their caregiving roles.
National Family Caregivers Month also encourages communities and organizations to get involved and assist caregivers in various ways.
National Family Caregivers Month is a month-long campaign that shines a spotlight on the crucial role of family caregivers in our society. It acknowledges the physical, emotional and financial sacrifices made by caregivers who provide care to family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities or age-related conditions.
National Family Caregivers Month is observed throughout the month of November each year. In 2024, it will span from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, providing a month of opportunities to recognize and support family caregivers.
There are several ways to get involved and show your support for family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month:
• Express your gratitude: Take the time to thank family caregivers you know for their dedication and selflessness.
• Offer assistance: If you have a friend or family member who is a caregiver, offer to help with tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking or providing respite care.
• Join support groups: Connect with local or online caregiver support groups to share experiences and gain valuable insights.
• Advocate for caregiver rights: Support policies and initiatives that benefit family caregivers, such as paid family leave and caregiver tax credits.
• Donate to caregiver organizations such as Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI): Consider making a donation to organizations that provide resources and support to family caregivers.
History of National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month was established to recognize the significant contributions of family caregivers and to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
It was officially proclaimed in 1997 by President Bill Clinton as a time to honor and support caregivers across the country.
Since then, National Family Caregivers Month has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes caregiver well-being, offers valuable resources and advocates for caregiver-friendly policies.
Holiday market this weekend
ASI and the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) have joined forces for a second year to bring an early season holiday market to Pagosa Springs on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PLPOA Clubhouse at 230 Port Ave.
Join us to kick off the holiday season and boost your holiday spirit and shopping experience. Funds raised will benefit ASI.
For more information, contact Rose Chavez at (970) 264-2167.
Emotional Freedom Technique sessions
Join Judith Newman at the Pagosa Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd.) the second Wednesday of each month, with the next session being on Nov. 13, to participate in the popular, ongoing “Tapping” class (also known as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. that is free and open to all ages and walks of life.
The first half of class is learning or reviewing the technique, and the second half of the hour is practicing the technique and answering questions.
This is a supportive, fun, informative class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
EFT is an evidence-based, self-regulating technique using acupressure trigger points as well as elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research shows EFT to be effective in lowering both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, stress and more.
This technique is easy to learn and then use any time you want to lower your anxiety, gain clarity about emotional challenges and increase your ability to work with difficult transitions in your life.
Join the class and improve your well-being; meet new people in the community;support yourself and others while learning a powerful, helpful tool; find new ways to deal with insomnia, stress and change.
For more information or questions, please contact Newman at (505) 577-0194 or ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Healthy aging and yoga therapy classes series
The Healthy Aging Yoga Series continues to be offered in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
It is structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center. Some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with our new instructor, Kimberly Anderson, directly by email at zinkgraf@gmail.com.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend new free weekly classes every Tuesday this fall and winter from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center (located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center).
The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55 and up) are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Bingo
The Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Bingo will be on Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 6 and Dec. 20.
Participation is free, and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required; just show up. All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
T’ai Chi Chih
The Senior Center offers T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Meet at the gazebo in Yamaguchi Park, 684 S. 5th St.
T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice.
All classes will be free for older adults (age 60 and better) and will last approximately one hour in the dining hall.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn.
He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns.
The meeting will be held in the Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week, including Fridays.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage. Some popular menu items include Frito chili pie, pork tenderloin with harvest chutney, Singaporean pork ribs, vegetarian lasagna, Hawaiian shrimp with coconut rice and always a beautiful green salad. Many of our items are locally sourced and organic.
Our chef works with a team of local food professionals to hand-prepare your meal for dine-in service in our cozy dining room (with an amazing view of the San Juans) or for takeout (via our convenient drive-through). Our menu changes daily.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, Oct. 31 — Pumpkin ravioli with sage butter sauce, wilted spinach and onions, garden salad, fruit, pumpkin muffin, and milk.
Friday, Nov. 1 — Crispy codfish with tartar sauce, glazed carrots, green beans, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Monday, Nov. 4 — Beef Marsala, mashed potatoes, cheesy cauliflower, garden salad, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, Nov. 5 — Vegetable minestrone soup, ciabatta bread, beet salad with feta and walnuts, fruit, carrot cake and milk.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 — Chicken curry with rice, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, baked bananas and milk.
Thursday, Nov. 7 — Tuna salad on croissant, broccoli salad, garden salad, fruit, vanilla pudding, sunrise muffin and milk.
Friday, Nov. 8 — Ginger lime shrimp with grits, Caribbean beans, garden salad, fruit, lemon cookies and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Medicare call by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
