Unwind Your Mind: Activities for Persons with Early Dementia
Summer Programs
Diabetic Screening
Diabetes affects approximately 37.3 million people or 11.3% of the U.S. population. While an estimated 28.7 million have been diagnosed, 8.5 million are unaware they have the disease (American Diabetes Association). Oakstreet Health will offer FREE diabetes screenings at the Community Center on the first Thursday of every month. No appointment is necessary.
Day Dates Time
Th 8/3 9-11 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Legal Counseling
Beers, Mallers Attorneys at Law are at the Community Center on the first Friday of every month to answer your legal questions. Please call 427-6460 to make an appointment. This is a FREE service offered to persons age 50 and over.
Day Dates Time
F 8/4 9:20-11 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
A trained SHIP counselor is available on the first and third Thursday of every month 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
Th 7/20 9 am-12 pm
8/3, 8/17
How’s Your Hearing?
Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) age 18 and over report some trouble hearing. Audiologist Dr. Zach Burkle conducts FREE hearing screenings at the Community Center on the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. The screening only takes 15 minutes and can change your life. Please call 427-6460 to make your appointment and arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Ages 50+.
Day Dates Time
T 8/1 9-11:15 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Hints for the First Time Homebuyer
Thursday, July 20, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Learn a few basic things you should know before you purchase your first home. We will cover everything from income calculations to down payment assistance and everything in between. We will provide checklists 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 from PNC Home Lending will be the presenter. This seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by June 15 or July 13 to sign up.
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.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Monday, July 10-July 31, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it can come as a shock, leaving you feeling frustrated and confused. This 4-week group program is designed to help you navigate your diabetes journey. Topics include: understanding diabetes and diabetes treatment, healthy eating, being physically active, taking medicine, checking your blood sugar, reducing your risk for other health problems and learning to cope with stress, depression and other concerns. Call 427-6460 by July 3 to sign up. The program is free.
Joint Screening & Fall Risk Assesssment
Thursday, August 10, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
More than 1/3 of adults 65 and older fall each year and 20-30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries. Integrity Physical Therapy of Indiana is offering 15-minute appointments on the 4th Thursday of the month to help you identify if you are at risk for falling. They will also provide you with education on risk factors and fall prevention strategies. The Joint Screening will focus on a brief evaluation of one joint (elbow, neck, shoulder, knee, hip, etc.) using Range of Motion and Manual Muscle Testing. Call 427-6460 to reserve your FREE appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in. If there are openings or no shows walk-ins will be welcome.
Funeral/Cemetery Preplanning
Tuesday, August 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
With over 30 years of professional experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry, presenter Sarah (Schwehn) McMillen shares what you need to know before making pre-arrangement decisions. She includes helpful information for veterans, as well. The seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required by August 1. Call 427-6460 to sign up.
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finance
Monday, August 21, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances - Caregivers: How much do you know about managing money? This program by the Alzheimer’s Association® will help you learn about the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, and teach you how to avoid financial abuse and fraud, start a conversation about finances, assess financial and legal needs, and find support. This seminar is free, although you will need to call 427-6460 to register by August 14.
Advance Care Planning
Wednesday August 23, 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 to bring the person you think you would like to make decisions for you if needed; however, this is not required to attend the session. This seminar is free; however pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by August 16 to sign up.
Fall Programs
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
October 7, 9:00 a.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Help us end Active Aging Week with a bang! Join our team, The Active Agers, and show off what active aging really looks like! We will start at the Community Center and walk to Parkview Field to watch the live opening ceremony at 9:00 am. After that, we will begin our walk through downtown. You can choose to do a 1-mile or a 3-mile walk. Participation is free but you must call 427-6460 by September 25 to sign up. See the “Did You Know” section in this book for free seminars provided by the Fort Wayne Alzheimer’s Association.
Diabetic Screening
Diabetes affects approximately 37.3 million people or 11.3% of the U.S. population. While an estimated 28.7 million have been diagnosed, 8.5 million are unaware they have the disease (American Diabetes Association). Oakstreet Health will offer FREE diabetes screenings at the Community Center on the first Thursday of every month. No appointment is necessary.
Day Dates Time
Th 10/5, 11/2 9-11 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
How’s Your Hearing?
Approximately 28 million Americans have some type of hearing loss and over half of them avoid seeking help. Don’t be one of those people! Audiologist Dr. Zach Burkle conducts FREE hearing screenings at the Community Center on the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. The screening only takes 15 minutes and can change your life. Please call 427-6460 to make your appointment and arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Ages 50+.
Day Date Time
T 9/5 9-11:15 am
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
A trained SHIP counselor is available on the first and third Thursday of every month (every Thursday during open enrollment) 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
Th 9/7, 9/21 9 am-12 pm
10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Legal Counseling
Beers and Mallers, L.L.C. attorneys are at the Community Center on the first Friday 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
Fri 9/1, 10/6, 11/3 9 am-12 pm
Location: Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Community Vaccine Clinic
Monday, October 2, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
The Aging & Disability Vaccination Collaborative will be at the Community Center on October 2 to offer FREE vaccines (Shingles, Pneumonia, COVID, Flu, etc.) for adults 18+. No appointment is necessary. You will, however, need to show ID and provide health insurance information.
Preparing for a Financial Emergency
Tuesday, September 26, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 17, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Understand what a financial emergency is, how to prepare for it, and the importance of having an emergency savings plan. Participants will also learn about tools and resources to develop and implement an emergency savings strategy. Lastly participants will develop skills to protect themselves during times of financial emergency or uncertainty. This FREE seminar is sponsored by Fire, Police, City County Federal Credit Union. Call 427-6460 by September 19 or October 10 to sign up.
Hit the Save Icon
Wednesday, September 27, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Start saving more for your financial goals! Planning to make a major purchase like a home or car in the near future? Dreaming of your next family vacation? Saving for a wedding, college, or retirement? Need to grow your emergency fund? Whether you’ve already started building your savings and simply want tips on boosting it or you’re stuck not knowing where to begin, 3Rivers can help! Join us as we discuss savings strategies that will help you stay on track and grow your money faster so you can save smarter for the things that matter most to you! Call 427-6460 by September 20 to sign up for this free seminar.
Dos and Don’ts of Downsizing
Wednesday, October 18, 1:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
You have spent a lifetime making a home for your family and now you are thinking about downsizing. Or perhaps 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 with Kurt Ness as he breaks down the dos and don’ts of downsizing. Let us help by addressing your concerns and answering your questions about the process. This event is free and will be offered virtually upon request. Call 427-6460 by October 11 to register.
Estate Administration & Planning
Wednesday, October 4, 1:00 pm
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
There have been several changes in the law lately. Even if you already have a will or trust, these changes might affect you. An Elder Law Attorney will answer your questions regarding wills and estate planning. Pre-registration is required. Please call 427-6460 by October 8 to reserve your seat. This informational seminar is FREE.
2023 Write a Will Day
Wednesday, October 25, 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. You need only to have a cause you care about and the “will” to make a difference. Volunteer attorneys will be at the Community Center on October 25 to discuss your will and charitable bequest. If you choose to make a charitable bequest, a sample will shall be prepared for you, completely free of charge. Call 427-6460 now to make an appointment. This program is an initiative of the Charitable Gift Planning of Northeast Indiana. Max. 12.
Vertical Gardening
Tuesday, October 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Vertical Gardening is a great way to grow more in less space. Learn the whys, wheres and how-tos of vertical gardening in this FREE seminar. Pam Snyder, Master Gardner for 20 years will be the presenter. She inherited her love for gardening from her grandfather. Call 427-6460 by October 3 to sign up.
Eating Smart & Moving More
Thursdays, September 7-October 26
12:00-1:00 pm.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Eating Smart and Moving More is a series of FREE lessons on food, nutrition and exercise. These classes will help you plan nutritious meals, be active, handle food safely, spend food dollars wisely and improve food purchasing and preparation skills. You can also earn a free cookbook and handy kitchen items just by attending! This program is free, however, pre-registration required. Please call 427-6460 to sign up by September 1.
Dementia Conversations
Monday, October 16, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. This program is designed to help you talk with your entire family, including the person with signs of dementia, about some challenging and often uncomfortable topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Topics covered include going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans. The program is free; however, pre-registration is required. Please call 427-6460 by October 9 to sign up.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Monday, November 13, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required. Please call 427-6460 to register by November 6.
Awareness, Resources and 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Monday, September 18, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
The purpose of this presentation is to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia, inform the community of Alzheimer’s Association resources and engage people in the Association’s mission. Learn about common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and what symptoms to look for in yourself and others, as well as tips to approach someone who is experiencing changes in their memory, the benefit of early detection and diagnosis, and more. Call 427-6460 by September 11 to register for this free seminar.
Medicare & Medigap Supplements
Wednesday, September 20, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Monday, October 2, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
On average, Medicare covers about 80% of the health care charges for those enrolled in Part A and B. The remaining charges must be covered with separate insurance, a supplemental plan or out-of-pocket. Learn what you need to know about Medicare, from Part A to Part D, as well as Medicare Supplemental Insurance. We will cover how each Medicare plan coverage works together with Medicare Advantage Plans or with Medicare Supplemental Insurance. You will also learn 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 by September 15 or September 27 to sign up.
Assisted Living Lunch & Learn
Thursday, September 21, 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? What is the 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, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 427-6460 by September 14 to reserve your place. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Advance Care Planning
Wednesday, October 25, 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 to bring the person you think you would like to make decisions for you if needed; however, this is not required to attend the session. This seminar is free; however, you will need to call 427-6460 by October 18 to register.
Funeral/Cemetery Preplanning
Tuesday, October 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
With over 30 years of professional experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry, presenter Sarah (Schwehn) McMillen shares what you need to know before making pre-arrangement decisions. She includes helpful information for veterans, as well. The seminar is free; however, pre-registration is required by October 3. Call 427-6460 to reserve your spot.
Introduction to the Internet
Wednesday, September 20, 6:30 pm
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
This class will cover how to access web browsers, how to navigate reliable sources of information as well as searching Google for information and websites, creating an email, accessing and corresponding through email, and there will also be time allotted for individual needs or desired information, which could include accessing social media. This class will be guided with the instructor and available to anyone with limited to no computer usage background. Call 427-6460 to by September 13 to sign up for this free seminar.
PowerPoint 101
Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Create your own basic PowerPoint presentation! We will spend time in this course creating a few slides over a topic of your choice. Think of a hobby you would like to share about, a topic you are passionate about, or just a PowerPoint all about yourself. You will create a title page, use different fonts and colors in the presentation, add information to slides that are short and easy for others to understand, add photos to support your topic, and at the end you will have a short and creative PowerPoint. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to present your PowerPoint to the group! This seminar is free, although you will need to call 427-6460 to register by September 27.
Getting the Most Out of Your iPhone/iPad
Monday, September 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Get the most out of your iPhone, iPad or smart phone. Sign up for an individual 20-minute assistance session and take charge of your device. You will need to know your Apple ID and password if you need individual help. One of the Community Center Volunteers will be providing the assistance which is free, however, you will need to call 427-6460 to register by September 11 or October 11.