APR. ISSUE 2020

740 7th Ave. West • Durand, WI 54736

Durand Meal Site Activities:

and

Pepin Meal Site Activities:

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak,

congregate meal sites are temporarily closed,

so there will be no activities until further

notice. Activities will resume when the meal

sites re-open.

It’s Not Just the Birds By Arnie Humphrey

Confusion for our feathered friends,

It happens every year.

Warm days, late in the winter,

And they think Spring is here.

They come back too early,

To a blanket of snow.

Cold and windy weather,

Then wonder where to go.

Late winters, chilly temperatures,

Makes their survival tough.

But they do the same thing every year,

As though they haven’t had enough.

How often have we made mistakes,

Which we then duplicate!

Realizing shortly after,

We’d be better off to wait.

Page 2 PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES

JOIN US! IN ALMA: THE GATHERING CAFÉ 2nd Thursday of each odd month Next meeting in May 10:00 am—11:30 am Alma Lion’s Club, 110 N Main, Alma IN PEPIN: FOOD FOR THOUGHT CAFÉ 2nd Tuesday of each even month Tuesday, April 14, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am Immanuel Lutheran Church 205 Pine St., Pepin Guest: April Café is cancelled. Enjoy speakers on topics of health and wellness, interesting activities, and light, positive conversation. Sponsored By:

IN DURAND: COFFEE & CONVERSATION CAFÉ 3rd Thursday of each odd month Next meeting in May 10:00 am—11:30 am Hurlburt’s Haven 1227 E Prospect St., Durand IN MONDOVI: THE MORNING CREW CAFÉ 3rd Monday of each even month Monday, April 20, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am Central Lutheran Church 221 W Main St., Mondovi Guest: April Café is cancelled.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: CHELSEY AT 608-685-4412

Dorothy Bauer 4/2

Nancy Schroeder 4/2

Orlin Berg 4/4

Bernard Brantner 4/4

Linda Drier 4/7

Renee Elberg 4/8

Reathel Schroeder 4/9

Lee Brantner 4/9

Carol K. Bauer 4/11

Rosemary Metcalf 4/11

Dennis Milliren 4/11

Darlene LaBrec 4/12

Loretta Hillestad 4/13

Bonnie Buros 4/14

Sam Schroeder 4/15

Kenneth Weisenbeck 4/16

Marilyn Conklin 4/16

Neva Hutter 4/17

Dorothy Metcalf 4/17

Carl Robelia 4/20

Denoma Hartung 4/22

Virgie Severson 4/22

Bruce Swee 4/23

Thomas Ableidinger 4/23

Dawn Lauer 4/24

Louise Schmahl 4/24

Connie Seyffer 4/24

Quinten Burt 4/24

Clarence Mattson 4/26

Bonnie Bassett 4/27

Mary Wallin 4/27

Darlene Huppert 4/28

Kenneth Bleum 4/28

Daniel Richardson 4/29

Jeff Robinson 4/29

Betty M. Baker 4/30

Come join Riverview Quilters of Durand. They meet every Monday from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Riverview Community Center, 606 W Madison St., Durand. Bring crocheting, knitting or any crafts you’re working on. Generally, every-one works on their own projects. Occasionally, there is a group project for anyone who wants to work together on. There is no in-structor, but everyone is willing to share their knowledge if there are any questions. We meet to share hobbies and comradery. Please feel free to drop in with any questions you may have.

April 1: April Fools Day Nat’l Walking Day April 10: Good Friday April 12: Easter Sunday April 15: Tax Day (Taxes Due) April 16: Tornado Awareness

Tuesday,

May 12, 2020

The Village Hall

Pepin WI

12:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Call to Register:

The Aging and Disability Resource

Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties

1-866-578-2372

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Pepin and Buffalo Counties Senior Nutrition Programs are looking for

volunteers to deliver home-delivered meals. Meal Sites are located in Du-

rand, Pepin, Nelson, Buffalo City, Gilmanton, and Nelson. The need for

drivers varies based on the location.

• Flexible scheduling is available. You can deliver meals as little or as

much as you’d like.

• Mileage reimbursement is offered if you drive your own vehicle. If you drive a county vehi-

cle, there is no mileage reimbursement.

If you are interested in learning more about delivering home-delivered meals, please call

Cammi/Aging Program Manager at 715-672-8941, Ext 115.

YOGA

Yoga for Seniors: Basic yoga postures adapted to meet individual capabili-

ties and sequenced to improve strength, stability and balance are empha-

sized in this class. Gradual development of breath awareness and capacity

is also a priority. Additional goals of this class are to support a sense of

community and to improve activities of daily living outside of the class

structure. Close attention is paid to safety and the use of chairs where

needed is encouraged. Tuition for this class is $80 for an 8-class package (10 week expiration) or

$112 for a 14-class package (16 week expiration)

Foundations of Yoga: Within this accessible class format, a stable foundation will be laid upon which

to explore yoga in a safe and effective way for each individual. Basic postures will be introduced with

adaptations offered to suit individual needs/limitations. In addition, breath awareness and the con-

cept of integrating the movement with the breath will be a central focus. (Participants need to be able

to get down onto and back up from the mat). Tuition for this class is $96 for an 8-class package or

$140 for a 14 class package.

Interested? Contact Kristina Ahern via email, cell, or Facebook messenger. Her studio is located in

Maiden Rock.

kristina@santoshaspringsyoga.com or Mobile; 952 261-5178 or FB: www.facebook.com/

SantoshaSprings/

DONATION DESIGNATION FORM

I want to help the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Pepin County continue its effective community service to individu-als with disabilities and older adults and their families. Please designate this donation:

In Memory of: ____________________________ or In Honor of:________________________________

I want my donation to go to the following program(s):

___Information & Assistance ___Elderly & Adults at Risk of Abuse ___Disability Benefit Specialist ___Support Groups ___Elder Benefit Specialist ___Medical Transportation ___Home Delivered Meals/Senior Dining Services ___Golden Age Newsletter

It is ok to acknowledge my donation in the Golden Age Newsletter: Yes No

Please send receipt to - Name & Address:_________________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to: ADRC of Pepin County 740 7th Ave. W, PO Box 39, Durand, WI 54736

Your gift is deductible to the extent provided by law.

PAUL HOCH ANNOUNCES HIS RETIRMENT AS ADRC MANAGER

Paul Hoch, Manager of the ADRC of Buffalo and Pepin Counties has announced his plan to retire on April 1, 2020 after working in the Social Services/Human Services Depart-ment of Pepin County for over 40 years. Originally hired in July 1979 as the Juvenile Court Social Worker, he transferred to the Long-Term Care Unit in August 1998 to work with indi-viduals who were elderly or disabled. In June 2010, Paul became an Information and As-sistance Specialist in the newly created ADRC of Buffalo, Clark and Pepin Counties. He assumed the position as ADRC Manager in June 2016. Over the course of his career he has worked with hundreds of Pepin County residents.

However, working with the elderly and disabled was the most rewarding and enjoyable time in his career. Paul says he will miss the daily interaction with the people he served, and the staff. In the 40 years, Paul has seen many changes come and go. He remembers the time before computers, when re-ports and letters were done on a typewriter with onion skin paper copies. If anything needed to be changed, the whole thing had to be retyped. He remembers when the clerical staff got the first computer; one was shared by three or four secretaries. Paul remembers getting the first computer in his office; he didn’t even know how to turn it on. Now, you can’t do anything without one. Gone are the paper files that took up numerous file cabinets as everything is stored on the computer. One thing that has not changed is that people want to be treated with respect, and expect to get good services and help. He says he and his staff work hard to provide these things. Paul says his work has been rewarding both professionally and personally. The greatest reward was meeting Sue, a secretary in the office. They have been married almost 35 years. Together, they have one daughter, Alethea who is a Physical Therapist in Rice Lake and two sons, Ryan and Tyler, who are teachers in Minnesota. He also became a grandfather for the first time to Gianna Natalie, a little girl born in February 2020. In retirement Paul has no specific plans other than to relax by spending time with his family and friends at his

camper in Osseo. He hopes to have time to get some things done around his house. Down the road he plans to

work part time and do some volunteering.

All of us at Pepin County wish to extend our gratitude for everything Paul has done for the resi-dents of Pepin County, in the roles he has served in over 40 years. It has been a pleasure to work with Paul. His knowledge and devotion to helping people has been a wonderful asset to the many residents he has served, as well as all of us. Best wishes in retirement, Paul!

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

221 W MAIN STREET, MONDOVI, WI 54755

*CLASS IS CURRENTLY POSTPONED*

Please contact

Cammi at

715/672-8941,

Ext. #115

for information.

Dear Dorri: What is normal aging? As I grow older, I am noticing changes and I am wondering what is healthy aging and what is not? And what can I do about it? Sincerely, Concerned Connie

Dear Concerned Connie: Great question! We all know that aging will cause wrinkles and gray hair, but do we know how ag-ing will affect our teeth, heart and memory? Each month, I will share different signs of aging and ways to promote good health. This month, we will focus on Skin. SKIN: Skin loses elasticity too, resulting in wrinkles in some people. It also thins and becomes more delicate, making it easier to get bruises and cuts. To promote healthy skin: Be gentle. Bathe or shower in warm — not hot — water. Use mild soap and moisturizer. Pat your skin to dry off. Take precautions. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Check your skin regularly

and report changes to your doctor. Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking contributes to

skin damage, such as wrinkling. You can't stop the aging process, but you can make choices that improve your ability to maintain an active life, to do the things you enjoy, and to spend time with loved ones.

Volunteer Appreciation Week—April 19-25, 2020

Pepin County would like to recognize the 2019-2020 volunteers that assist Pepin County in the following: Nutrition Advisory Committee, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Aging Advisory Committee, Drivers, as well as helping with Newsletters, Senior Meal Sites, and the Stepping On Program. Great things are achieved with your help!

Brenda Cole Marge Briggs Annette Tiffany Rhonda Sweeney Janet Bauer Linda Knapp Sharon Johnson Charlotte Byington Delores Hermundson Bonnie Bock Keith Mahlum Barb Gibson Ron Prissel Darlene Prissel Sandy Harmon Arnie Humphrey Gail Barringer Michelle Murray Joy Dock Joy Johnson Ray Breidung Vicky Breidung Don Hetrick Sue Dahl Pam Baier Richard Kraus Patrick Rice Janina Kennebeck Cheryl Alme-Bysong David Stuart Rose Bee Rita Carroll Connie Seyffer Renee Elberg Sharon Meier Marvin Meier Rita McDonnell June Boesley Irene Wolf Reba Weber Kathy Brunner-Ingli Birdie Gilbertson Jane Whiteside Dean Anderson Delrita Bignell Richard Bignell

We apologize for anyone we my have missed!

GOLDEN AGE NEWS April 2020 Page 6

PEPIN DINING MENU PEPIN LIONS CLUB, SERVING AT 11:30AM, MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS

April

2020 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Pepin Senior Dining Site

715-442-2289

A 2-day notice is requested

1

Pork Chop Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy Carrots Side Salad Bun Apple

2

Baked Chicken Mashed Potatoes Gravy Great Northern Beans Cauliflower Bun Grapes

3

Fish Sticks w/ Tartar Sauce Mashed Sweet Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Wheat Bun Pears Jello

All Meals Served

With Milk ~ (1%, Chocolate)

Salad Options: - Taco

- Chef (Ham, Turkey or

Chicken)

6

Swedish Meatballs over Noodles Mixed Vegetables V8 Juice Bun Plum Cookie

7

Roast Turkey Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy Carrots Peas Cole Slaw Bun Jello w/Fruit

8

Chili Cinnamon Roll Spinach Salad w/ Almonds & Berries Orange Ice Cream

9

Ham Sweet Potato Casserole Black Eye Peas w/Snaps Bun Pineapple Pudding

10 Closed

13

Hungarian Goulash Buttered Noodles Carrots Cole Slaw Bun Apricots Bar

14

Beef & Broccoli Fried Rice Side Salad Bun V8 Juice Mandarin Oranges Apple Crisp

15

Polish Sausage Lima Beans Okra & Tomatoes Scalloped Potatoes Bun Mixed Berries

16

Baked Fish Baby Red Potatoes Cauliflower Side Salad Bun Banana Ice Cream

17

Chicken Noodle Soup Egg Salad Sandwich Baby Baker Carrots w/Ranch Dressing Grapes

20

Pizza Hotdish Garlic Toast Side Salad Corn Grapes Ice Cream

21

Smothered Chicken Breast Baby Red Potatoes Green Beans Cole Slaw Bun Pears

22

Pulled Pork Sandwich Cheesy Potatoes Carrots Side Salad Bun Pineapple Cookie

23

Cheeseburger on Bun Pickle Sweet Potato Puffs Baked Beans Orange Jello

24

French Onion Soup Ham Sandwich w/ Lettuce & Tomato Potato Rounds V8 Juice Fruit Cup

27

Tuna Casserole Carrots Romaine Salad w/ Tomato & Cucumber Bun Peaches Cookie

28

Hamburger Steak Supreme Garlic Mashed Potatoes Corn Bun Pears

29

Baked Chicken Mashed Sweet Potatoes Cole Slaw Navy Beans Bun Applesauce

30 Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce Parmesan Cheese Broccoli Garlic Bread Orange Pudding

GOLDEN AGE NEWS Page 7

DURAND DINING MENU CORRAL BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILL, SERVING 11:30AM-1:00PM

April

2020 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Call previous day by 1:00pm– to order lunch.

Durand Senior Dining Site 715-672-8936

1

Roast Turkey Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Glazed Carrots Wheat Bread Peaches

2

Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Broccoli Lettuce Salad w/ Ranch Dressing Garlic Bread Applesauce

3

Broasted Cod w/ Tartar Sauce Scalloped Potatoes Peas Wheat Bread Mandarin Oranges

7

Chicken Parmesan Over Pasta Cauliflower Lettuce Salad w/ French Dressing Wheat Bread Banana

8

Pulled Pork Sandwich Red Potatoes Baked Beans Fruit Cocktail

9

Baked Ham Scalloped Potatoes Whole Kernel Corn Wheat Bread Pears Pie

10 Closed

Good Friday

There will be no Congregate or Home Delivered Meals served on Mondays.

14

Pork Chop w/ Mushroom Gravy Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream Carrots Wheat Bread Fruit Cocktail

15

Tater Tot Hot Dish Creamy Coleslaw Whole Grain Muffin Mandarin Oranges

16

Cheeseburger on Bun Baked Beans Applesauce Tomato Juice

17

Egg Salad on Croissant Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli Soup Lettuce Salad w/ French Dressing Pineapple

Note: Please call ahead to order your senior lunch at the Durand Senior Dining Site by 1:00pm the previous day.

21

Baked Ham Sweet Potatoes California Blend Vegetables Wheat Bread Banana

22

Creamed Chicken & Biscuit Peas & Carrots Lettuce Salad w/ Ranch Dressing Peaches Dessert

23

Beef Roast Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Creamy Coleslaw Wheat Bread Tropical Fruit

24

Cod Sandwich on Kaiser Roll Tartar Sauce Split Pea Soup Tomato Juice Pineapple

Salad Options:

Taco, Chef, Seafood, Chicken Fiesta

28

Baked Chicken Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream Harvard Beets Wheat Bread Apple

29

Ham and Cheese on Wheat Bun Baked Beans Baby Carrots w/ Ranch Dressing Pineapple

30

Lasagna Mixed Vegetables Lettuce Salad w/ French Dressing Garlic Bread Strawberries

PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES Page 8

From the Veteran’s Office

Hello Veterans, Happy April! Just a couple up-dates/reminders for you.

The Final Affairs Forum is put on by

the ADRC department. Topics include

funeral planning, legal affairs, finan-

cial matters, power-of-attorney and

Medicare. See page 4 for date, time,

location, and registration information.

If you or another veteran is strug-

gling; please call the Veterans Crisis

Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

You can also contact them at: veteran-

scrisisline.net, or text 838255. Remem-

ber, it’s Spring!

Sheri Peterson,

Veteran’s Service Officer

Signs of Spring are in the air. Buds are forming on some of the bushes, snow is melting more each day, and the hardy folks are starting to walk around. However, the end of March can be brutal, so keep your gardening ideas on paper for a little while yet. On Feb. 25th the Pepin County Board of Senior Citizens held their meeting at Eastside Apartments in Pepin, cheerfully decorated for St Patrick’s Day. We were joined by Betty Mae Baker, Dean An-derson and Joy Johnson for lunch. Our next meeting was in Durand on March 24th with the April meeting being back in Pepin. The King’s Countrymen will be playing at Riverview Center on March 29th starting at 1:30pm and a good will offering for their attendance will be taken. Snacks and beverages will be available. Our Quilt Raffle and luncheon will be held on May 2nd from 10:00am-2:00pm. Drawing for the quilt and other raffle prizes will be held at 2:00pm. Our brunch will consist of a breakfast sandwich, fruit, soup, cookie and beverages, all for just $6. Raffle and brunch tickets are available at Riverside Center, Security Fi-nancial Bank and from members. Hope you saw the quilt displayed at the bank. The Riverview Quilters made and donated it, and did a wonderful job. Membership in the Senior Council, due in January of each year, was discussed and the response has been very disheartening. We have barely reached a fourth of our goal for the number who en-rolled in 2019. Please make an effort to continue, or join as a member of the only Senior Council of Senior Citizens in Pepin Coun-ty. We depend on your support to keep functioning as a group who want to provide for the Seniors in the area. Reminders will be sent next month. In 2021, membership must be paid by Feb. 15th to qualify for the 25% discount on rental of Riverview Center. Rita McDonnell is currently working with ADRC Elder Specialists to have informational meetings set up at Riverview for the benefit of seniors in the community. Char Byington and Barb Winberg are coordinating a new winter event in Durand and Pepin called Love Lights. This would run through the holiday season with participants making special ornaments for loved ones to hang on displayed trees. More information will follow as this plan progresses. Looking forward to another Sip and Swipe session at Riverview starting soon. Dates will be published. Irene Brion has accepted the invitation to be the Queen of the Pepin Council of Senior Citizens for 2020. Irene has been very ac-tive in events planned at Riverview Center for years. She will rep-resent us at Durand, Pepin and Arkansaw in the upcoming parades. Discussion was held regarding Bingo again this year at the Cen-ter. Maybe you are not aware, but there are only nine members on the Board and we are stretched pretty thin in staffing the office, maintenance, paperwork and fundraisers. If there is any interest in resuming Bingo, we would appreciate your time, interest and help in coordinating this activity. Take care and God Bless. Marge Briggs

Note: At time of printing, the Riverview Senior & Community Center is closed, due to COVID-19. Activities at the center are due to change.

2020 Census Jobs The U.S. Census Bureau is

recruiting to fill thou-

sands of temporary posi-

tions across the country

to assist with the 2020 Census count.

Competitive Wages Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive

wages that are paid weekly. Authorized ex-

penses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for

employees doing field work.

Support Your Community Census results are used to determine your

representation in Congress, and they help

inform how billions of dollars are distributed

for hospitals, schools, roads, and more.

Fit Your Schedule Temporary positions for the 2020 Census

feature flexible hours; a perfect fit if you are

looking to earn extra money, even if you

already have other commitments.

Be a Part of History Every 10 years since 1790, the United States

has undertaken the momentous task of

counting its population. This is your chance

to play a role.

Protect Yourself from Tax Season Scams

Reprinted with permission by GWAAR Legal Services Team Submitted by Julie Fick, Elder Benefit Specialist, Pepin County

As the deadline for tax filing approaches, unfortunately, so do tax-related scams. These scams range from high-tech identity theft to old-fashioned fraud. The IRS has put out several consumer alerts about how to spot common scams and strategies for avoiding them. Here are some of the most popular scams out there, along with advice for how to protect yourself.

• The IRS Impersonation Phone Call Every year, scammers claiming to be IRS employees call taxpayers and demand an immediate tax pay-ment. On caller ID, the call will appear to come from the IRS. Scammers may also attempt to contact individuals by email or social media. They threaten and intimidate individuals into sending money im-mediately, often by wire transfer or gift card. However, the IRS will never contact anyone by phone, email, or social media to demand an immedi-ate payment, and the agency will never demand payment by wire transfer or gift card. Although debt collectors are known to be aggressive, IRS employees may not intimidate individuals or threaten to in-volve law enforcement or immigration agencies. If the IRS needs to contact you, you will receive a letter in the mail. That means that if someone claiming to work for the IRS calls you, you should write down the number you received the call from and the name of the caller and then hang up. You can then call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. You can also view your account online at irs.gov/balance due. If you receive a scam call or email, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) by calling 1-800-366-4484 or at tigta.gov. You can also call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit ftc.gov/complaint.

• The Refund Scam This scam occurs after criminals have stolen sensitive personal information, like a Social Security Num-ber (SSN) and bank account number. With this information, they can file a fraudulent tax return on someone’s behalf. Once the refund hits that person’s bank account, a scammer impersonating an IRS employee or a collection agent will contact the person to demand that the money be returned. To protect yourself, be on the lookout for an unexpected tax bill, refund, or messages from the IRS or your tax preparer about your SSN being used to file multiple tax returns. If you get a refund based on a tax return you did not file, don’t spend the money – the IRS will want the money back. If you are a vic-tim, you can file a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or ftc.gov/complaint. You can also con-tact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.

• Social Security Number Scams In this scam, people receive calls or phone messages that say their SSNs have been suspended because of “suspicious activity” or past-due taxes. The call may seem legitimate because the caller has some of their personal information, like the last four digits of their SSNs. However, this is a scam. If someone calls and threatens to suspend your SSN, hang up immediately. If they call back, do not answer. Write down the number and then report the call and phone number to TIGTA by calling 1-800-366-4484 or at tigta.gov. You can also report the call via email to phish-ing@irs.gov (use the subject line “IRS Phone Scam”). If you do owe taxes, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your payment options. The IRS will never suspend your SSN or demand that taxes be paid without giving you the chance to appeal the amount owed.

The IRS has a dedicated tax scams website where the agency publishes alerts and warnings about com-mon scams. To learn more, please see: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.

PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES Page 10

GOLDEN AGE NEWS April 2020 Page 11

Pepin County Aging Wishes to Thank Our Recent Donors! Riverview Community and Senior Center says Thank You

Donations:

Dennis Westberg LaVerle Hince Lorraine Komro Darlene Bauer Jannett Hinrichs Irene Schuh Mary Lou Weiss Sharon Heikkinen

Memorials: Barb Gibson, for Karen McMahon

Lynette Wagenbach for Norbert Weinzirl

Monetary Donations: Myrna Buckholtz, Denise Weiss Red Hat Group (Judy King) Janice K. Middle

Other Donations: Annette Bauer—Office Supplies

Barb Sperger—Activity Supplies

When Caregiving Ends Taking care of a loved one takes a lot of time and energy. Your own needs move lower on the priority list as you spend more time caring for your loved one. You start saying no to the weekly coffee clutch, decrease the number of days you participate in volunteer or paid work, leave your favorite hobbies on the shelf and slow down your travel plans. As your loved one needs more and more assistance it is tempting to just drop out of everything so you can be there for the person as much as possible. While your intentions might be good, giving up things you enjoy also has negative consequences. The stress of intense caregiving can put your physical and mental health at risk now and leave you vulnerable when your role as caregiver is over. When deciding what activities to give up to be a caregiver, don’t just think about your life situa-tion now but also ask yourself the question, “What will I do when I am no longer needed as a caregiver?” I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what a caregiver’s life is like when caregiving ends. The death of my father left my mom with an entirely new life ahead of her. She went from having her days filled with caring for my dad to a world in which she lives alone. For several years she put her activities on hold and put Dad’s needs first. During that time, I encouraged Mom to keep doing some of those things she really loved, even if it was infrequently. At the time, my hope was to keep her healthier and happier by designating time out of the week for herself. But now I see that keeping active in those activities was important in another way, too. Finding a new routine for her life now is a little easier because she remained involved with those activities. Had she given up everything, her whole identity would be lost now. No matter what, life after caregiving will be a transition and will be a difficult adjustment. Here are some points to consider to help you when your job as caregiver has ended. Begin thinking about your future when you are still a caregiver. Having some long-term dreams and goals will

make this transitional time easier. Time helps – while you will never forget your loved one, as time passes it will become easier to find your way

in life without that person. Accept and express your feelings of loss, loneliness and whatever else you may be feeling – keep attending

your caregiver support group, join a grief support group or find a trusted friend to share with. Seek help from a counselor if your grief leaves you overwhelmed by feelings of depression or hopelessness.

Reconnect with things and people you used to be involved with. Look for new challenges – a new job, volunteer work or planning a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to

go will help you focus on positive things. Keep busy, but allow for quiet times to grieve. Reflect on what you’ve been through, be proud of the good

work you did for your loved one and let go of any guilt you may feel. Change is the name of the game – reshaping your life and creating a “new normal” is what you need to do,

but it is not done overnight. Give yourself time to find your way. Even if you don’t want to think about the death of your loved one, start creating a plan for what your life will be like after caregiving has ended. It isn’t selfish to look at the future in which your caregiving role is over; it is simply practical and healthy. If you are able, involve your loved one in this discussion as they most likely want you to be happy, too. Life after caregiving happens, and it may even include a new, fulfilling adventure. If you have questions about caring for a loved one or would like help in your caregiving journey please call The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties at 866-578-2372.

Jane Mahoney, Older Americans Act Consultant Greater, Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources

GOLDEN AGE NEWS Pepin Co. Human Services 740 7th Ave. West Durand, WI 54736 Address Service Requested

PRST STD US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 9 DURAND, WI

COMMUNITY CONTACTS Pepin County Human Services: 715/672-8941 (if you do not know the extension, simply dial “0” to get the receptionist.) Pepin County Transportation (Julie Nelson): 715/672-8941, Ext #152 ADRC of Buffalo & Pepin Counties: 715-672-8945 Pepin County Council of Seniors (Riverview Community Center): 715/672-4101

Please add or remove my name to/from the mailing list for the Golden Age News. (Circle One)

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ State: __________ Zip_________

Add to Birthday List? Yes____ No____ Date of Birth: __________________

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Please return to: Pepin County Human Services 740 7th Ave. West PO Box 39 Durand, WI 54736