This year is year of adapting. We have lived through more than 10 months of uncertainty, confusion, fear, isolation, and social malaise. We anticipated the beginning of a new year with bated breath. Then in a whirlwind, it was upon us, the New Year. Nothing has changed, COVID-19 is still
What a year! If you had told a bunch of seniors that next year they would be sitting in their cars, in the cold, listening to holiday music on a loudspeaker, receive a boxed lunch to go, and that they would be happy about it, they would have laughed and
There is something new west of us, in our State and hopefully it will spread across the landscape. The “Thanking of You” Bouquet Project is bringing joy into the lives of isolated senior citizens at home. This interesting project started in western Illinois, to thank senior citizens for just being
Seniors want to stay engaged, but in 2020 we have seen challenges such as never previously. Senior centers, exercise classes, and fun activities like holiday meals, bridge, bingo, and educational programs have been canceled indefinitely. Senior citizens who have proudly stayed active previously found themselves stuck at home this Spring.
The last thing I did one recent evening was read a friend’s post about her mother’s failing health due to Alzheimer’s. I went off to bed and commented to my husband about how sad it was to watch her go. I thought about my mother. Early the next morning, I
Oswego Senior Center (OCS) recently moved to its new location at 84 Templeton Drive, the Oswego Township building after renting from Oswego School District 308 for the better part of 10 years. Over time, OCS, with increased programs and increased use of the former Traughber Junior High School, which many
Senior Services Associates Aurora activities coordinators, Paul Heinkel and Sean Kelly, have a new partner in Jennifer Huber who joins them as the new activities coordinator at the Yorkville Beecher Center. Huber works at the Beecher Center, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, and will collaborate with Heinkel and Kelly in
Although the rest of America struggles to get outside to reenter office spaces, reopen retail stores, or dine outside at restaurants and bars, seniors are asked to continue to isolate themselves. Seniors are in the same state of uncertainty that parents of young children find themselves. Although parents wonder if
Observing a second month of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, higher unemployment, and uncertainty in our small businesses, how will our social services agencies plan for a post-COVID-19 economy? We all realize that the ramifications of the COVID-19 health crisis and the resulting economic recession will be felt for years to come.
How are seniors handling this new reality of the COVID-19 health crisis statewide shelter-in-place order, business closures, and ever-changing regulations? By counting their blessings and making the most of life. Most seniors continue doing what they do best: Serve others! Many seniors have lived in isolation previously, and for many,
Current global health concerns will affect our senior population in many ways, not just illness, but in lost opportunities and in isolation, too. Senior Services Associates offers a variety of services for older adults in their facilities. They may be best known for offering congregate dining, but all luncheons have
April 1, 2020 is the 2020 Census day, but the planning, outreach, and follow through has consumed more than a year’s worth of effort, and for seniors there are very important reasons to participate. Census workers are concerned that many of the 60-year-old and older set will not want to
Senior citizens in need may not be aware that there are good friends and advocates in the senior-provider network of professionals looking out for them throughout the year. The Kendall County Senior Providers (KCSP) have been networking together for more than 10 years to improve the lives of seniors. Established
The written word is powerful, according to Colleen Gocken. In fact she has said that what was written in one little book has made all the difference in her life. She is a person who lives to give. A Plano native, Colleen lived in Indianapolis for several years before returning
Editors note: Here is a letter to Barb Nadeau about one of her columns: Hello Ms Nadeau, I thought you might find it interesting to hear from someone who read your recent column, and lives in New York state. I recently visited my relatives in Chicagoland and picked up The
Be alert, support, and be an advocate for community non-profit agencies. The new minimum-wage law will create substantial challenges for those offering aid to families, the disabled, and the elderly. Many do not realize the impact of the new minimum wage law will have on various non-profit agencies that help
We move throughout our entire lives, but accidents can and do happen, and if we ever stop moving, it is very difficult to start moving again. That is the place for physical therapists. They seem so kind and caring, but in my experience, the more they smile at you, the
