MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 82, Blue Earth, MN 56013

www.interfaithcaregivers.net info@interfaithcaregivers.net 507-526-4684

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia live at home and receive care from family or friends — about 75%, by some estimates. In recent months, Interfaith Caregiv-ers has been working to improve our capacity to support people living with Dementia. We’ve added several new services/programs to our repertoire: Dementia Friends classes, REACH education for caregivers, and we have begun working to make our communities more dementia friendly using the ACT on Alzheimer’s initiatives. To this list, we are excited to add a new program called “DayBreak.”

DayBreak has two outcomes. One is to engage persons with dementia in activities that stimulate memory, cognition and imagination. These activities will vary depending on the interests of the per-son, and by what is most effective. The second outcome is to provide a break (respite) for the caregiv-er. During the DayBreak session, the caregiver is free to take some time away to relax, visit friends, or do whatever helps them to recharge.

DayBreak is part of our Caregiver Support and Respite program which is funded largely through the Federal Older Americans Act. This year we received additional funding to launch DayBreak. Partici-pants are also encouraged, but not required, to make a financial contribution.

While respite care has been proven to help caregivers manage the stress and burden of caregiving, and is effective in lengthening the time they are able to provide care, many caregivers are reluctant to use the service because it feels “selfish” to do something for yourself—even though tak-ing care of yourself is the key to being able to take care of others.

We believe that DayBreak will have a greater appeal to caregivers be-cause the activities sessions will have a greater therapeutic value. Un-like other approaches to respite or adult day care which become little more than a glorified “babysitting” service, the goal of DayBreak will be more focused on improving cognitive function as much as possible.

In January, Donna Iliff joined our staff as our new DayBreak Coordina-tor. She is currently undergoing training for our program as it is devel-oped. If you are interested in meeting with Donna or participating in DayBreak, let us know.

Donns Iliff

DayBreak Coordinator

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Caregiver Support Class: Caring for Those With Dementia.

Meets 4th Tuesday of the month, 10am at IFC Office, 301 N Main St, Blue Earth

Caregiver Support Class Meets 1st Tuesday of the month, 10am at Our

Savior’s Lutheran Church, 605 W. State St, Kiester

Parkinson’s Support Group Meets 2nd Thursday of the month, 1:30pm at IFC

Office, 301 N Main St, Blue Earth

By Carol Soma, Caregiver Consultant If you made a New Year’s Resolution to eat better, you’re in good company. Dieting usually shows up high on the lists of Americans looking to improve their lives each January. If you want to be healthier and live better, looking at your diet can be a good thing to do. But in-stead of focusing on losing a few pounds, look at all the ways that seniors can improve their lives by eating better and more mindfully. As people move into their senior years, they may face challenges to getting the best nutrition into their bodies, according to a recent article on aging.com. For example, some experience a numbing of the senses: foods may not have as much taste as before, or a decreased sense of smell may re-duce appetite or make it difficult to distinguish fresh from stale food. Medications can also come with side effects, such as making food taste different or causing nau-sea, so eating isn’t as pleasurable as it used to be. Untreated dental problems, like a missing tooth or receding gums, can make chewing uncomfortable and reduce appetite. Other physical condi-tions like arthritis can make peeling fresh foods or standing for a time while cooking more diffi-cult, so people avoid food or meals that they can’t prepare. And any form of memory loss means that skipping a meal, or forgetting to prepare what you have is possible. There are other more practical barriers that we all face, too. Who wants to go to the store for fresh food often when it’s below zero and the winds are howling? If you’ve lost a spouse or friends are away for the winter, cooking for one or going to a favorite restaurant isn’t nearly as fun. With the holidays over, family visits may drop, too. If any of those issues come up in your life, it might be good to first see your doctor or dentist, and see what improvements can be made. If you need assistance with meals, look into Senior Dining or Meals on Wheels, which are available in most communities in Faribault County. Interfaith can help you locate information on these, and we also can provide someone to help in your home; call our office for more information. Whatever your age, keep in mind that eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to feel good and youthful every day. Make 2018 your best year yet!

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By Dan Woodring, Director This year we will be making a change in how we collect contributions for our transportation program. It may possibly cause a little confusion, so I would like to give as clear an explana-tion I can. For 20 years, we have provided transportation to seniors in Faribault County. We have never charged for rides, but we do invite riders to make a contribution in order to help defray our ex-penses such as reimbursing mileage, insurance, and staff. Currently, the suggested donation is $3.00 for rides 10 miles or under, and $0.30 per mile for rides over 10 miles. Nothing about any of this will change. We do not charge for rides, and all financial contribu-tions for rides are completely voluntary. We will never refuse to provide rides if someone is unable or unwilling to make a contribution. The thing that will be different is that each month we will send a letter detailing to each client the rides that have been provided the previous month, the mileage, and the suggested donation based on the above formula. Those who wish to contribute this amount, or another amount, can do so with an envelope that will be provided. But, as before, making the contribution is voluntary. Over the years, we have found that most of our clients are more than happy to make a contri-bution if they are able. Others have “paid” us simply with their gratitude, which we value very much. But sometimes clients ask how much they should contribute. Others have mentioned that a monthly reminder would be helpful to them. But if someone feels they are not able to make any contribution, they may simply disregard the letter. “Balances” will not carry forward from one month to another. The last thing we want to happen is for you to feel guilty for not being able to contribute. We understand that many are on fixed incomes. Our worst fear is that anyone refuses to ask for a ride because they wouldn’t be able to make a donation.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this change in procedure, let us know by contacting the office.

And thank you to all of you who have supported our program. We couldn’t do it without you!

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Walkers, Wheelchairs,

Rollators, and more.

Donations Accepted!

By Carol Soma, Caregiver Consultant

What does a healthy, balanced diet look like? A rain-bow, of course! Choosing whole foods that naturally come in a wide array of colors (No, we’re not talking gummy bears here!) means you’re getting the best nutrition you can get. For example red apples, peppers and tomatoes pro-vide vitamin C, folate and lycopene to keep your heart and brain working. Oranges, carrots, squash, pineapple, and sweet pota-toes are packed with beta-carotene, Vitamin A and C, and help your eyes and immune system. Green beans, cabbage, broccoli, kale and spinach provide vitamin K, chlorophyll, and some omega-3 fatty acids for strong bones, teeth and eyes. Blue or purple foods like berries, eggplant, or beets can improve brain health, too, and white foods like mushrooms and onions provide the flavonoids that maintain cholesterol levels. Some of these colorful vegetables and fruits should be part of every meal, and most experts recommend several servings a day. Of course, a balanced diet should also include pro-tein-rich foods, like salmon or beans, and healthy

carbohydrates like brown rice. Those omega -3 fatty acids, which can also be found in flaxseed, soybeans or walnuts, help prevent inflammation that leads to a number of health problems. Calcium in dairy products and green vegetables . is critical for bone health, and finding it in its natural forms rather than only a supplement is usually rec-ommended. Fiber from whole grains and those fruits and vegetables again promote healthy digestion. Drinking lots of water every day is a key part of be-ing healthy. It helps absorb that fiber and keeps you alert and energetic. Many older adults, though, don’t feel thirsty as often as they used to, but that doesn’t lessen their need to stay hydrated. Sipping through-out the day may be preferable to drinking big glasses of water all at once. Iron, vitamins, especially C, D and B12, should be part of every diet, plus minerals like potassium and magnesium. Again those colorful vegetables and fruits, plus fish, meat or dairy products, provide most nutrients in a varied diet. If you feel that you’re not getting enough of those, though, you may want to check with your health care provider to discuss sup-plements in your situation. At your next meal, take a good look at your plate. If

it looks like a rainbow, you’re in luck and in good

health! .

Dementia Friends

If you would like Interfaith to do a training

session for a group (church, social, work)

you belong to or are interested in attending

an upcoming class please let us know!

It’s a 1-hour session where you’ll learn what dementia is,

what it’s like to live with the disease, and the simple

things you can do to support someone living with the

disease.

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THRIVENT MEMBERS If you are a Thrivent Member, you can support Interfaith Caregivers

in two ways that won’t cost you a cent:

THRIVENT CHOICE Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Interfaith Caregivers by visiting

www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice and searching for Interfaith Care-givers in Faribault Co. Or call 800-847-4836

ACTION TEAMS Benefit members can typically sponsor two action teams to support

community organizations. Thrivent provides $250 in seed money for fundraisers, education events or service projects. If you have Action teams you wish to use for Interfaith Caregivers, give us a call, and

we’ll tell you how.

BLUE EARTH

12-1pm at Hope Methodist Church.

Thursday, February 8th, 2018

“Help Your Body to Heal Itself”

Donna Iliff,

Essential Oils Consultant

Thursday, March 8th, 2018

“Conserve Energy, Save Money”

Tim Stoner, GM at Blue Earth Light and Water

Thursday, April 12, 2018

“Keeping Bees & the Benefits of Honey ”

Cindy Lyon, Blue Earth Chamber

WELLS

12-1pm at Open Doors Methodist Church.

Thursday, March 15th, 2018

“Social Security Secrets”

Jason Bonnema, Financial Associate Thrivent Financial

.

EVERYONE WELCOME!

Call to RSVP: 526-4684

Suggested Donation: $4.

By Dan Woodring, Director

When I joined the staff in May 2010, I met Arlyce Holland, who was then Vice President of Interfaith. I also learned of her history with Interfaith Caregivers. Arlyce became involved with IFC in 2000 as a volunteer. In 2001, she was hired to coordinate the Telephone Reassurance pro-

gram. After retir-ing from that po-sition, she re-mained as a mem-ber of the Board of Directors, serving as VP through 2016, and a Board Member until last month. We are all grateful for her years of service which will continue as a vol-unteer. Still we are sad to see her retire as a Board member. Her leadership, wisdom, dedication, compassion, and

smile will not be forgotten. Arlyce has been a wellspring of en-couragement, helping all of us become our better selves. As I said, Arlyce will continue on as a volunteer. But her legacy will continue even longer. In years to come, they will say “Now giants were upon the earth in those days.” (Gen. 6:4)

2012 Outstanding Senior

Citizen Award

With Gail Ottesen at our

10th Anniversary. 2007.

IFC officers welcoming a new director in 2010.

(Ralph Prescher, bald guy with a tie, Arlyce, and Dick Miller)

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Danny Amundson Ramona Amundson Gordon Benson Lois Benson Jean Besendorf Evelyn Amundson Henry Blohm Susan Blohm Larry & Clarine Elvebak Terry & Sylvia Halverson Nancy Hummer Denise Kluender DP & WL Nickel Jeff & Judy Passer Cindy Scherb Garlin & Sonia Scherb Joanne Boettcher Jeanette Fenske Ray & Vi Brubak Karen Brubak Kris Cassem Marty Cassem Dick Dummer Lucille Christensen Allan & Sharon Krieger Lucille Findley Norma Overbaugh Al Frank Holly Frank Gerald Frederick Gen Besser Maynard Gjerde Madonna Gjerde Don & Margaret Guerber John & Sue Guerber Harry Holstad Barbara Ziegler Nyle Huston Lucille Christensen John & Marilyn Stewart Dennis & Mary Warner Elsie Imm Family of Elsie Imm Ferne Kemp Hazel & Beau McCrury Doyle Koestler Carrie Koestler Bob Livengood Betty Livengood Dick & Jane Manthei Jean & Ray Witter Gordon C. Martin Sr.

Wanda Martin Sharon Mastain Kay Sonnicksen Sheryl Matson Clarine Elvebak Mary Wacholz Peggy Meliza Harley Meliza Doris Mikkelson Mavis Stenzel Harvey Mittelsteadt Dennis & Mary Warner Gerald Murphy Mary Ann Murphy Sam Orvick Corrine Orvick Opal Osborn Clair Schmidt Ralph Prescher Douglas & Lynn Ascheman Don Radohl Elaine Radohl Alan Remington Sally Remington Lloyd Sandstrom Richard & Dianne Gunhus Donald Scheid Ellen Sanders Clair Schmidt Ronald Schmidt Doris Schroeder Arlyss Schroeder Jan Skaar Roger & Arlyce Holland Dorothy Johnson Elton & Sharon Rhoda Dennis Swearingen Lavonne Swearingen Darold Tesch Roger & Arlyce Holland Elizabeth Verdoorn Michael & Jeanette Verdoorn Frederick Wolff Norma Overbaugh Dolores Wolff Elmer Ziegler Barbara Ziegler Merle Zierke Carole Zierke Nora Zimmermann Richard & Dianne Gunhus

Donations Received Oct 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017

Gary & Joy Agren Janice Aukes Darlene Barfknect Shawna & James Barnett Mavis Beckius Marion Bell Gen Besser Steven Bidne G. Jean Bierly Donna Blom Patty Boettcher Gladys & Allen Borkowski Deloris Butterfield Terry Carlson Marie Terri Colby Margaret Cummings Marvin & Jacqui Dikken Matt & Lynette Dorfner Neil & Sue Eckles William & Peggy Erickson Joseph & Sarah Fering Phyllis and Robert Ficken Roger Fletcher Larry & Corky Fosness Alvin & Holly Frank Dave & Kathy Frank Chuck & Rita Frundt Barbara Fuchs Katie Grev John & Sue Guerber Kenneth & Cathy Haase Florence Hacklander Bruce Hanson Ruth Hartman Ruth Heggen Bonnie Herrmann Mike Holland Dianne Hughes Betty Hulsebus Joyce Ioerger William (Bill) Jensvold Debra Jergenson Violet Kalis Ruth King Karen Klatt Marilyn Krieger Judi Kuchenbecker

Patricia & John Lindsey Mary Majeske Judith Marben Lois Mauris Phoebe Molyneux David & Mary Helen O'Rourke Brian and Jody Omland Joanne Oswald Merlyn & Gail Ottesen Harold & Colleen Overton Dawn Owen Louise Patten Leslie & Barbara Payne Hazel Petersen Ed Pirsig Elloyce Queensland Elaine Radohl Ruth Rankin Ray& Sharon Rauenhorst Marion Redman Kayla Richey Gene & Patricia Schimek Patricia Schimek Clair Schmidt Katy & Mark Schmitz Elaine Schroeder Brian & Lola Schultz Richard Schultz Dona Sens Carna Sinkula Lonney Skaar Wanda Smith Carol Soma David & Jacci Sparks Todd & Michele Stewart Lavonne Swearingen James & Mary Tauer Nancy Vincent Skip Wangen Nadine Wickersham-Krull Karen Widman Doris Wilhelmi Alvin & JoAnn Wirtjes Sally Yeager Tammy & Jerry Zabel Carole Zierke

Eleven Seven

Arne & Jan Bjelland—In honor of Jan's Uncle, Clayton Kittel Dorothy Boettcher—In honor of Jeanette Fenske Patty Boettcher—In honor of Dorothy Boettcher & Jeanette Fenske Patty Boettcher—In appreciation for Pastor Joel & Jeanie Leitner. “They are terrific visitors.” And for Jeanie’s music. Lillian Eastvold—In appreciate for all Caregivers William & Mary Ellen Eckhardt—In honor of Dave & Cory Eckhardt William & Mary Ellen Eckhardt—In honor of Wilethea Eckhardt Jeanette Fenske—In honor of IFC Staff Hazel Gilreath—In honor of Jeanette Fenske Madeline Hicks—In honor of Karen Hernandez Jane Manthei—In honor of Jean Witter David & Jacci Sparks—In honor of Harold Overton Donna Winter—In appreciation for Jonah Lippert's help Jean & Ray Witter—In honor of James Tauer

Help is available to lower your prescription drug costs. Call the Senior LinkAge Line® - One Stop Shop for Minnesota Seniors at 1-800-333-2433 or go to www.MinnesotaHelp.info® to link to an expert. Senior LinkAge Line® is:

• The statewide information and assistance service of the Minnesota Board on Aging.

• Receives a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be the State Health Insur-ance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota to help Medicare beneficiaries get help with all Medi-care questions and issues.

• Helps Medicare beneficiaries of all ages understand and enroll in their Medicare Prescription Drug plans (Medicare Part D) to get the prescriptions needed to live healthier lives.

• Available to help you review all options and apply to get free or discounted medications if you have limited income or insurance.

• Can help you learn about Medication Therapy Management to keep you safe and healthy when taking medications.

• Your link to statewide pre-scription drug expense assistance for Minnesotans of all ages.

• Your connection to specialists who can provide you with per-sonalized help to reduce your pre-

Bricelyn Lutheran Church Women Hope United Methodist Church Hope United Methodist Women Immanuel Lutheran Lydians Kiester for a Cure United Methodist Women-Kiester North Blue Earth Lutheran Church The Church of St. Peter & Paul South Blue Earth WELCA Seely Combined Charity Drive United Lutheran WELCA- Frost

PO Box 82 Blue Earth, MN 56013 507-526-4684 info@interfaithcaregivers.net www.interfaithcaregivers.net

Interfaith Caregivers is part of Minnesota Faith in Action®, providing volunteer non-medical services supporting seniors and helping them remain in their homes as long as possible.

Interfaith Caregivers’ Homemaking/Chore and Caregiver Programs are possible in part by an Federal Grant from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging.

Our home and community based services are also possible through Live Well at Home funding throught the Minnesota Department of Human Services—Aging Services.

Our Services: Transportation Friendly Visits/Telephone Reassurance Homemaking and Chores Respite Care Caregiver Consulting Support Groups Living at Home Wellness checks ALERTLINK Emergency Response System

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BLUE EARTH, MN

56013

Permit #98

Interfaith Caregivers Board of Directors

Patsy Beckman Wendy Cole Gail Otteson, Dick Miller, Karen Hernandez, Colette Breiter Jennelle Cunning Sue Eckles, Norma Overbaugh Jody Prescher Skip Schimek Katy Schmitz Charles Strack Staff

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