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December 2021:
Holiday & Winter Edition
Megan Walton, SMAA CEO
Michele Grivois
Community Services Program Manager

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

 

The holidays can be a difficult time for older adults as they may be spending this time alone. Family and friends may have passed away or live far away. The holidays often bring up a lot of memories - pleasant and not.

 

The holidays can also be tough for care partners who already have so much on their plate. Shopping for presents and hosting while caring for someone who may be struggling with memories of the holidays, a change in schedule, and different people around can add to the stress of care partners.

 

What about the rest of the winter?

As winter approaches, it's time to be proactive! Our checklist of winter preparations will help you stay ahead of the weather and the potential negative impact. We invite you to print and share this resource with others! 

 

We also have some great health and wellness resources for the coming season: check out the Healthy Eating Tips During the Holidays and After and the schedule of our upcoming Agewell classes. Proper nutrition and moderate exercises will help you not only to beat the winter blues but also to improve your immunity and decrease the chances of serious injury!

 

Warmest holiday wishes,

Michele Grivois

Community Services Program Manager

Ultimate Winter Survival Checklist
by Michele Grivois
 
We might have had our first snow storm but this checklist is handy at any point before and during winter months! 
  1. Enough heating fuel
  2. Snow shovels ready
  3. Emergency batteries ready
  4. Neighbor or family to connect in case of emergency
            +10 more things to check off for
          the peace of mind!
 
Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays and After
by Holly Brasnahan, RD, LDN, Registered Dietician with SMAA Nutrition Programs
  1. Use a small plate
  2. Always remember moderation
  3. Watch out for salt
  4. Leave room for dessert
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA: 
 
A stocking stuffer or a gift on its own, our As You Like It vouchers are an excellent present for your loved ones!
 
Give them the gift of a memorable experience
in any of the participating restaurants. Or in all of them!
 
 
Winter Falls Prevention Tips 
 
Focus on your footing  
  • Walk like a penguin with toes pointed slightly out 
  • Be aware of changes in walking surfaces  
Avoid multi-tasking! 
  • Don’t use your cell phone when walking 
  • Keep your hands free 
  • Step DOWN, not out when stepping off curbs or out of the car  
Plan Ahead  
  • Wear appropriate footwear 
  • Put a jar of sand or ice melt in your car  
Use authorized paths and handrails 
 
Report Unsafe Conditions!  
  • Speaking up can help others stay safe as well 
MAKE WELLNESS YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: 
 
Move your body. Improve your stamina. Stay connected.
 
can help you achive these goals and more! 
 
Registration is now open for January programs! Visit our Agewell calendar  for full details and to sign up.
Handling Holidays and Visits
Ideas for People with Family Members Who Have Dementia

Holidays are an opportunity to share time with family and friends, but they can also be bittersweet for many caregivers.

The happy memories of the past contrast with the difficulties of the present and extra demands on time and energy can seem
overwhelming.

Try to make these celebrations easy on yourself and the person with dementia so that you may concentrate on enjoying your time together. 
 
Beginning January 11th, 2022, 
our Family Caregiver Support Specialists are leading
a new Savvy Caregiver workshop! The program runs for six weeks with one 2 hour/week meeting. 
 
Call 207- 396-6541 or
email at referral@smaaa.org to learn more
 
CABIN FEVER RELIEVER SPECIAL
 
FOR NEW AND CURRENT MEMBERS!
January 1st - March 31st, 2022
1. For new members
Our winter special rates are a great way to introduce your loved one to the Sam L. Cohen Center's Adult Day Program.
 
2. For current members
Add an extra day to your loved one's schedule at the Sam L. Cohen Center's Adult Day program with our winter extra time rate!
 
Visit our Winter Special page or contact Marilyn online or call 207-396-6508 for more information
Volunteer Opportunities:
 
* UNIQUE LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEER POSITION:
Volunteer A Matter of Balance Coordinator  
The Agewell program at SMAA is seeking a positive, organized, and outgoing volunteer to join our team in the A Matter of Balance (AMOB) Coordinator role. The Coordinator is part of the Volunteer Leadership team that helps lead wellness programming at the Agency. The AMOB Coordinator role is an 8-10 hour weekly commitment and works closely with a small group of A Matter of Balance certified coaches and community host sites to plan workshops. If you like working as part of a team, feel passionate about wellness programming for older adults, and have strong people, communication, and computer skills this could be a great opportunity! For more information please email Jim Clark, Volunteer Agewell Coordinator.  
 
Other open volunteer positions: 
  • Meals on Wheels Volunteers   
  • Money Minders Program Bill Payer 
  • SMAA Congregate Lunches 
  • SMAA Phone Pal Volunteer 
  • SMAA Resource Data Specialist 
  •  Agewell - A Matter of Balance Coach 
  •  Agewell - Tech Support A Matter of Balance  
To see the complete list of volunteer opportunities based on your interests, time and availability, visit our Volunteer Services page.
Sponsor Spotlight: 
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