Unwind Your Mind: Activities for Persons with Early Dementia
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is life changing. Because individuals with dementia often feel isolated and disconnected, it is important that opportunities to participate in community activities that are meaningful, creative, and social are made available to them. Such activity can provide a sense of competence, a reduction in depression, and improved relationships with family members. Studies have shown that arts, crafts, computers and social activities help slow mild cognitive loss by up to 50%. The Community Center, in cooperation with Lutheran Life Village Village of Birchwood and Lori Stock of the Fort Wayne Alzheimer Association, is now offering classes and activities for those with signs of early dementia. A schedule of upcoming classes and programs are NOW available on the
Unwind Your Mind link.
Winter Programs
Technology Talk For Seniors
Tuesday, January 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Dave Collins has been sharing his knowledge about technology with seniors since 2015. Get a better understanding of technology and how it can safely benefit you. Dave will cover online safety, communication and technology, how to identify scams and how to use various popular apps. If necessary, he’ll even explain what an “app” is. Call 427-6460 by January 16 or February 15 to sign up. The seminar is free.
Introduction to the Internet
Wednesday, February 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Learn how to access web browsers, how to navigate reliable sources of information, conduct a Google search and correspond through e-mail. There will also be time allotted for individual needs or desired information, which could include accessing social media. This class will be guided with an instructor and available to anyone with limited to no computer usage background. Call 427-6460 by February 21 to sign up.
Finding Money
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
January 10-February 28
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Do you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to find financial wellness? Holly Christianson will lead you through this 8-week financial challenge course to learn how to be financially stable. Bring a willingness to learn as well as a sense of humor for this journey. This seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required. Please call 427-6460 by January 3 to sign up.
Preparing for Retirement
Tuesday, February 20, 6:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Be prepared for retirement by creating a savings plan and learning about investment vehicles that allow them to grow their wealth. Participants will set financial goals and learn how to manage them. This free seminar is sponsored by Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union. Call 427-6460 by February 13 to register.
Do’s and Don’ts of Downsizing
Wednesday February 7, 1:00 pm
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
You have spent a lifetime making a home for your family. Life has changed now and you are thinking about downsizing. Or you are working with your siblings to relocate your parents and have questions about the process. Whatever the situation, your family is unique and so are the challenges. Join this discussion of how to break down the do’s and don’ts of downsizing. Let us help by addressing your concerns and answering your questions about the process. Call 427-6460 by January 31 to register.
Tips for the First Time Homebuyer
Thursday, February 22, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Purchasing your first home can be very stressful, but less so if you go into it prepared and armed with the information you need. In this seminar, we will cover everything from income calculations to down payment assistance and everything in between. You will receive a checklist of items needed prior to meeting with a mortgage professional and tips to help you choose the right “team” to help you navigate the purchasing process. Dawn Cook Mortgage Loan Officer. The seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by February 15 to sign up.
Eating Smart and Moving More
Thursdays, January 18-March 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Eating Smart and Moving More offers free lessons on food, nutrition and exercise to help you plan more nutritious meals, be more active, handle food safely, spend food dollars wisely and improve food purchasing and preparation skills. You can earn a free cookbook and handy kitchen items just by attending! The program is free; however, pre-registration is required. Please call 427-6460 to sign up by January 11.
Mind Over Matter for Your Bladder
Tuesdays, February 6-20, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 have bladder or bowel leakage, also called incontinence? MOM is a workshop that helps older women build skills and confidence to adopt exercises and adjust fiber and fluid intake to improve symptoms. This class consists of three 2-hour sessions and is led by a trained female facilitator. Space is limited to 12 women. This program is free of charge; however, pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by January 30 to sign up.
Avoiding Fraudsters
Wednesday February 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
3 Rivers Federal Credit Union staff will introduce you to the current fraud trends and share guidelines to ensure that your information is safe. Call 427-6460 by January 31 to sign up for this free seminar. Min. 10.
Alzheimer’s Educational Presentations
The following educational seminars are sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and are free to attend. Call 427-6460 by the deadlines to reserve your space.
Dementia Conversations
Monday, February 19, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss. We will also talk about going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. Reservation deadline: February 12.
Medicare & Medigap Supplements
Wednesday, January 17 & Monday, February 19
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
This seminar will cover the basics of Medicare from Part A to Part D as well as Medicare Supplemental Insurance. We will go over how Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D Medicare coverage work together with Medicare Advantage Plans or with Medicare Supplemental Insurance. The basics of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans will be covered. We will also go over where you can obtain the information you need to help you in your Medicare decision process. This free seminar is being presented by Ray Hunert. Please call 427-6460 to register by January 10 or February 12.
Assisted Living Lunch & Learn
Thursday, February 22, 1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
People often confuse assisted living facilities for nursing homes, but the two senior care options are very different. We will discuss the topic of preparing yourself or a loved one for an assisted living community. What is an assisted living community? How much does it cost? Can spouses live together? Can I leave when I want? Is there financial assistance for assisted living communities? What services are offered in this type of setting? These are all questions that will be answered while you enjoy lunch! The seminar is free; however, you will need to call 427-6460 by February 15 to register.
Advance Care Planning
Wednesday, February 21, 11:30 a.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Have you thought about who would make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself? The Advance Care Planning team from Parkview Health will be here to discuss Advance Care Planning, the process of thinking and talking about what type of medical care you would want should you not be able to speak for yourself. We invite you to attend this session to start the conversation surrounding your wishes. We encourage you, if possible, to bring the person you think you would like to make decisions for you if needed. There is no charge to attend the seminar; however, you will need to call 427-6460 by February 14 to register.
Funeral/Cemetery Pre-planning
Tuesday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Knowing what questions to ask before making decisions at funeral homes and cemeteries can save you both money and mistakes. Presenter Sarah (Schwehn) McMillan shares knowledge she has gained over her 30 years of professional experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry. Helpful information for veterans is also included. The seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by February 6 to reserve your spot.
Sensory Clubhouse
in the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Hours: M-Th 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Unwind your mind in the new Sensory Clubhouse! Sensory rooms are designed to help promote calmness, stimulate positivity and emotional well-being, improve socialization and increase focus particularly for those individuals with dementia or autism spectrum disorder (ADS). Time spent in a sensory room may reduce distress and agitation. It can also improve visual, auditory and tactile processing and cognitive awareness.
Time may be reserved in ½ hour increments and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling 427-6460.
Drop in fee: $2
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
A trained SHIP counselor is available on the first and third Thursday of every month (during open enrollment it is every Thursday) to answer your questions about Medicare, Medigap (supplement to Medicare), Prescription Drug Plans and Advantage Plans. Get a detailed explanation of Medicare coverage and learn the differences between Medigap and Advantage Plans and when an additional prescription drug plan is necessary. Please bring a list of your prescription drugs, as well as the strength and how often it is taken. This service is free and not affiliated with any insurance agency. Call 427-6460 to schedule an appointment.
Day Dates Time
Thur 12/7, 12/21 9 am-12 pm
1/4, 1/18, 2/1, 2/15
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Spring Programs (March-May)
Legal Counseling
Beers, Mallers Attorneys at Law are at the Community Center on the first Wednesday morning of every month to answer your legal questions. Please call 427-6460 to make an appointment. This FREE service is offered to people age 50 and over.
Day Dates Time
Wed 3/6, 4/3 9:20-11:30 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
