Senior News

By Diane Kittelson, Pope County Senior Services Consultant/Coordinator

Hello, seniors! Join us for the first Coffee with a Cop of the year at 9 a.m. in the Minnewaska Area High School cafeteria on March 29, before the Pope County Community Expo. If you can’t make it early, stop by the TRIAD booth where we’ll have File of Life documents available. These forms contain important medical information, especially for older adults or those with complex conditions. You can also pick up the 2025 Coffee with a Cop schedule, each month will feature topic and other professionals offering helpful information for the health and well-being of older adults.

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Many family caregivers don’t identify as caregivers, often seeing it as a natural role. This can prevent them from recognizing the emotional, physical and mental toll caregiving takes. Recognizing this role allows caregivers to access necessary resources and support, preventing burnout and improving care. A caregiver support group meets on the second Thursday and fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. at Western Prairie Human Services in Glenwood.

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Caregiving, especially for those with dementia or chronic illnesses, can increase in demand over time. To support caregivers, Western Prairie Human Services has partnered with Glenwood United Parish Church to offer Memory Makers—a monthly 2-hour respite program for older adults. This provides caregivers with a much-needed break while ensuring their loved ones are in a nurturing environment.

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Alzheimer’s and other dementias are becoming more prevalent as the population ages. With longer life expectancy, the number of people diagnosed with these conditions is rising. Navigating dementia can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Join us for our Dementia Essentials quarterly sessions, where we’ll discuss dementia’s effects, new expectations and caregiver tools. The first session is March 31, 1-4 p.m. at Ridgewood Villa in Glenwood.

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For more information on any of these topics, call 320-424-0018 or email Senior.Services@wphsmn.gov. Visit www.wphsmn.gov for additional resources. We hope to see you soon!