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Welcome to our digital summer e-newsletter!
There are many exciting things happening at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) as we head into the fall!
I’m thrilled to announce our upcoming 4th Annual Charting the Future event, Friday September 17th from 12:00-1:15. This year we focus on the critical issue of Social Isolation: Staying Connected for Healthy Aging.
We’ll hear from experts in the field to learn about the health effects of social isolation and loneliness and
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explore societal solutions to help older adults stay engaged, involved, and connected in their communities. Please join us!
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities, keeping our clients, volunteers, and staff safe remains our top priority, and we continue to align our practices and policies with the best available data and information from the CDC. You’ll find more program specific COVID updates throughout our newsletter.
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SMAA services like Meals on Wheels, caregiver support services, virtual wellness classes, and connection to information and resources remain critically important to thousands of older adults and adults with disabilities in southern Maine. We invite you to spread the word about the agency by sharing our newsletter with your contacts.
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Keeping you in the loop with...
... the Nutrition team:
Safety Precautions for Nutrition Programs
- All meal sites require masks/PPE regardless of vaccination status.
- Social distancing is being practiced wherever possible.
- In person Community Cafes are still on track to happen. We are keeping up to date with COVID conditions and CDC guidance.
- Home delivered meal services have returned to a quick and simple “hand-off” policy.
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“The Meals on Wheels program provides more than nutritional meals delivered to your home. It also serves as a wellness check and friendly visit.”
Renee Longarini,
Director, Nutrition Program
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Did you know?
SMAA offers four different Nutrition programs:
The food we offer through our meal sites and delivery services has been approved by a Maine registered dietitian and can accommodate most dietary needs, including
comfort food, heart healthy, low sodium, diabetic friendly, renal friendly, pureed, gluten free, halal style, and vegetarian.
REFERRALS ARE WELCOMED! |
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PARTNER WITH US!
We are seeking to grow our partnerships with businesses and organizations that
- offer meals in rural areas
- offer culturally sensitive meals
- offer menu for diverse dietary needs for adults over 60
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... the Commununity Services team: |
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Are you caring for a family member with dementia?
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Sign up for the Savvy Caregiver program: |
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12 hours of training for family caregivers of people with dementia |
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September 15th - October 20th Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Training is in person at:
Sam L. Cohen Center
(30 Barra Rd., Biddeford)
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Call 396-6541 by September 10, 2021 to register.
There is no charge for these classes, but donations are accepted. It is important to plan to attend all six classes. |
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... the Adult Day Center team: |
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Sam L. Cohen Adult Day program is accepting new members
Located in Biddeford, the Sam L. Cohen Adult Day program serves members from communities throughout Southern Maine. It provides a home-away-from-home experience for individuals with memory impairments including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The program incorporates the latest in therapeutic approaches in person-centered care, providing a safe environment for members while encouraging socialization, cognitive and physical activities, and maximum independence.
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... the Volunteer Services team: |
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Be a SMAA Volunteer!
- Whether you are looking for an occasional assignment a few hours a month or want to be busy every week, SMAA has opportunities for you!
- We have ongoing openings for volunteers in York and Cumberland counties
- Meals on Wheels has critical need for volunteers to ensure older residents and people with disabilities in Southern Maine receive home delivered meals.
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We are proud to announce SMAA's inaugural |
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VOLUNTEER of the YEAR award:
Deb Baginski has been an incredible asset to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging since she joined our volunteer team in 2017. Her dedication of leadership, time, caring, and skill has served the organization in a myriad of important ways. Deb has been involved in two important leadership roles: As the Phone Pal Coordinator, she was instrumental in establishing a Service Enterprise PhonePal reassurance program for isolated older adults in the SMAA Meals on Wheels program.
Most recently, Deb volunteers as the A Matter of Balance coordinator (AMOB),
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helping to train and support other volunteers, leading classes, and working tirelessly to organize class logistics, promote the program, and advocate for participants.
Deb is a kind, knowledgeable and welcoming resource for her teammates, an inspiration to fellow volunteers and staff alike, and a caring, encouraging advocate for our clients.
Deb's volunteer work will be recognized during SMAA's Charting the Future event on September 17th. Learn more and register for the event! |
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On SMAA's calendar:
- Tai Chi for Health and Balance
- A Matter of Balance
- Family Caregiver Support Group
- Welcome to Medicare & Plan Finder seminars
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period - Starts October 15th
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Join colleagues and social isolation experts to learn
about the health effects of social isolation and loneliness
and explore societal solutions to help older adults stay
engaged, involved, and connected in their communities.
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