ADRC update: Need for volunteers grows as services expand

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Barron and Rusk Counties has seen a steady growth in its programs and services as it continues to meet the needs of its ever-expanding clientele. That, in turn, requires more volunteers.

"We want people to know that we are here to assist them as they age, and if they are living with a disability," said ADRC Director Jennifer Jako. "We have a lot of services, but we are really a central source of reliable and objective information about a broad range of all — not just ours — programs and services in our community. We can help people understand various options and help them evaluate what is available."

New programs/servicesTo give the public a preview of what will be happening in 2023, in terms of workshops and activities, ADRC shared a listing of all regularly occurring opportunities. If registration is required, visit adrcconnections.org.

Beneficial Bites: This nutrition education program each month features a different food that provides health benefits. Each month's 30- to 45-minute presentation and taste testing is presented at seven different locations. The concept is simple — its easier to make small changes and add healthier foods into daily menus versus cutting foods or changing a diet all at once. No reservation required.

Unless otherwise noted, attend a Beneficial Bites presentation on the third Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Haugen Village Hall and 12:30 p.m. at the Cameron Community Center; the third Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Cumberland Senior Center and 12:15 p.m. at Turtle Lake Apartments; the fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Barron Senior Center or 1 p.m. at Chetek Calhoun Memorial Library and the Rice Lake Senior Center.

Dining at 5: Attend a more formal evening meal at three dining locations. This event is an appealing option for those wanting to share a delicious, meal with family or friends. It includes the main entree, two side dishes, a side salad or full salad bar, dessert and beverage. The suggested donation for this evening meal is $8 for anyone 60 years or over.

It is offered the second Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Chetek and Cameron community centers and the third Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Rice Lake Senior Center.

Commodities Supplemental Food Program deliveries: In partnership with West CAP, this program distributes a nutritionally-designed, monthly food package to Barron County senior citizens 60 years of age or older who meet the income eligibility requirements. The food package is designed to supplement their diet and help them stretch their food dollars.

It takes place the third Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Barron County Government Center in Barron and the third Friday from 9-11 a.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in Rice Lake.

Dementia Connections and Caregiver support group: This monthly drop-in group offers a Q & A time with ADRC staff. A light lunch is provided by Mayo Health Care System. It is offered the third Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake with Dementia Connections from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the support group from 1-2:30 p.m.

Get your questions answered on normal aging forgetfulness vs. dementia, getting a diagnosis and what to expect, how to handle difficult symptoms of dementia, community resources, problem solving, planning for future care needs, communication strategies and moving into a care facility.

Growing Connections: This gathering is for people living with early stage dementia and their care partners. Registration is required. It meets on the first Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Rice Lake Senior Center. No gardening experience or green thumbs required. Volunteers will lead the workshops; each has a different subject and includes a presentation, snack and an activity. Upcoming topics are maple syrup and the making of maple butter in March; a visit to either Blue View Greenhouse in Rice Lake or Colonial Nursery of Ladysmith in April; bird watching, bird calls and making a bird feeder in May; and a sampling of edible flowers in June.

Low Vision support group: Providing information on resources and adaptive aides that may help with vision challenges, it meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Barron County Government Center in Barron. More information available by calling Chris at 715-537-6225. For transportation by AddLIFE Transit, call 715-537-6333.

Lunch Bunch: The goal of Lunch Bunch is to provide people living with memory loss and their care partners a safe space to connect, live life to the fullest and celebrate relationships. Held at Turtleback Restaurant on the second Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., registration is required by calling Trisha Witham at 1-888-538-3031.

Soup & Salad Bar Days: Looking for a fresh bite to eat at lunchtime? Check out Soup & Salad Days offered monthly at four dining sites — the first and third Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at Cumberland Senior Center, the first and third Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rice Lake Senior Center, the second and fourth Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chetek Senior Center and the fourth Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Barron Senior Center.

Walk-in Memory Screening (available through May) A confidential, memory screen takes 10 minutes and provides immediate results as a baseline measurement for memory function. It measures three functions — abstract, visual/spacial skills and verbal fluency. Also provided is information on treatable causes of memory loss and confusion, tips on brain health, help with any concerns, and an option for medical referral. Walk-ins welcome; no appointment needed. In 2022, 176 memory screens were given, although annual screens prepandemic averaged 250-300.

These free screenings are offered the second Thursday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at North Lake Community Clinic of Turtle Lake; and the third Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Barron County Government Center in Barron.

We Care Barron County: This is a community collaboration to address caregiver needs and increase direct care services in Barron County. It is a group of individuals, organizations and businesses problem-solving local, caregiving challenges. Participants share ideas and get involved in solutions to support the county's communities, families, employers and schools by recruiting and retaining personal care and respite care workers. It is offered on the third Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. at the Barron County Government Center.

Wit Works: Developing social connections is a lifestyle activity that can improve brain health. Wit Works combines a social time with all kinds of interactive puzzles and games for a brain "workout." It is offered the third Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Rice Lake Senior Center. Sessions are free, but registration is required.

For more information or to register for any of the programs, go online to adrcconnections.org/registrations or call the ADRC at 715-537-6225.

Ongoing services — Meals on Wheels, Caregiver Support and more

ADRC's main services include Meals on Wheels, medical equipment/disability aids and caregiver support. As shared on its website, further explanations follow.

Meals on Wheels: Qualified individuals can get the Senior Dining meal delivered right to their door with a smile and a wellness check on a short-term or long-term basis to help to stay independent. For information on qualifications, call 715-537-6225 in Barron County or 715-532-2176 in Rusk County.

Recommended donation varies. Check with your local ADRC office. No eligible participant will be denied a meal based on ability to contribute to the cost of the meal. The program is a member of Meals on Wheels America.

In addition to Meals on Wheels, Barron County offers Dining Sites and Dining at Five. Rusk County offers Grab N' Go, and Dining at Five.

Medical equipment/disability aids: The ADRC offers local services and resources to match your needs, including: Abuse, neglect and financial exploitation; adaptive equipment; assisted living and nursing homes; benefit checkup; respite breaks for caregivers; employment, vocational services and volunteer work; financial assistance; transportation; health insurance options; health and wellness; home modifications, safety and maintenance; housing, including subsidized and low income housing; housekeeping and chore services; in-home care; legal issues; long term care options; and mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, crisis intervention.

In addition, Veteran's Services Officers work closely with ADRC staff to coordinate benefits, care and support for those covered by Veteran's Assistance programs. To directly contact Veteran's Services, call 715-537-6290.

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or use American Sign Language may view information regarding services it provides in other accessible formats. Any who need help with benefits should contact the ADRC or the Deaf Disability Benefit Specialist at the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Office at 262-347-3045 Videophone/Telephone.

Caregiver support: The job taking care of a loved one may be just beginning, or maybe you're at the point where you need to stop and take a break just to rest and take care of yourself. If you are caring for a parent or loved one over 60, or an adult with a disability, contact your local ADRC or call 1-888-538-3031 for help and support. There is no charge for the consultation.

Caregivers provide all kinds of support. Maybe you don't think of yourself as a caregiver, because "it's not that bad yet." But when the support you provide helps your parent or other loved one stay independent, you are already a caregiver. That sort of help includes: calling regularly, providing rides, checking on medical concerns, helping pay bills, cleaning the home or handling yard work.

Caregivers and family members often benefit from the opportunity to share and learn from others experiencing similar concerns. Find current information about local support groups by contacting the ADRC.

The ADRC's online resource guide provides information by county about a variety of resources. Get free, comprehensive, unbiased information and assistance from its staff and resource directories on a full range of subjects including: Health Insurance/Assistance, Senior Centers/Senior Dining, Medicaid/Medicare, Food and Nutrition, In-home Help/Home Care, Home Repairs, Memory Issues/Alzheimer's/Dementia, Vision, Lifeline/Personal Emergency Response System, Housing, Transportation, Social Security/SSI/Legal/Benefits, Energy/Utility Assistance or Working With Family.

Sometimes one of the biggest hurdles to change comes from within a family. ADRC specialists have years of experience working with all sorts of families, living all across the country. A consultation with the ADRC staff provides an "outside voice" and often paves the way for your loved one to make decisions that improve safety and quality of life. Consultations can be set up with the individual and/or caregivers by phone or video conference.

If your loved one doesn't live in Barron or Rusk counties, learn on your own how to help them wherever they reside. The ADRC have a variety of books, brochures and DVDs available on loan. Topics range from caregiver wellness to specific health conditions. You can also find many good resources on the Wisconsin ADRC Information and Assistance page.

Trualta is an online training platform designed to help families build skills to manage care at home for their aging loved ones. Improve confidence, reduce stress land prevent burnout by learning care skills. Once registered, a user has unlimited access to articles and tips about caring for a loved one.

Additional caregiver information links include: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Reading Room, Caring.com, Well Spouse Association, This Caring Home, National Institute on Aging and You Can Meet the Challenge.

Respite Care providers are needed! The state provides a brief introduction to respite care and related training support through Respite Care Providers of Wisconsin for individuals interested in becoming independent respite care providers.

In Barron County, the ADRC office is located in the lower level of the Barron County Government Center, 335 E. Monroe Ave., Barron. It can be reached by calling 715-537-6225.

In Rusk County, the ADRC Office is located 311 Miner Ave. E, C260, Ladysmith. Its toll-free number is 1-888-538-3031.