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Things To Do

Collaborative Projects

  • ·         Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is a success.

  • ·         Active Living Center: A collaborative space between the City of Grand Rapids, ElderCircle and Itasca County YMCA.

  • ·         Committee on Aging: Coordinate a monthly meeting comprised of members from senior centers throughout Itasca County.

  • These meetings rotate at different senior centers and speakers focus on aging issues and concerns. The members who attend bring the information back to each center to share.

  • ·         Aging Network: Facilitate bi-monthly meetings with professionals who serve people 55+.

Adult Day Stay

  • ·         Adult Day Services promotes healthy aging with a focus on improving and enhancing overall wellness.

  • ·         Adult Day Stay is a blend of compassionate care, supervision, and socialization for adults with physical or Adult Day Stay is a blend of compassionate care, supervision, and socialization for adults with physical or cognitive conditions that provides a safe environment for the day. Adult Day Stay guests experience meaningful connections, a sense of belonging, and an enhanced quality of life, in a community setting that provides support, recreation, and essential health services. Participants choose their level of activities, exercise, and social interaction, all of which help maintain physical and emotional health and can support the possibility of remaining living in their home and their community.

  • ·         Adult Day services continually evolve to meet the ongoing needs of all of the participants. Raised gardens, patio, pool tables, bingo, and paved walking trails around the campus are a glimpse of what has been implemented to complement an environment of enjoyable activities.

  • ·         Participants can choose services based on their individual needs. Other services include information and referral, registered nurse/review and monitor health concerns, recreational/education/social programming, exercise routines, showers, community outings, and peer and staff camaraderie. 

Health & Wellness

Fitness and education for active living are offered throughout Itasca County.

  •  Stay Active & Independent for Life SAIL (Bone Builders) is a no-impact, non-aerobic exercise program for older adults to build strength, improve balance and flexibility, and increase bone density. Led by trained volunteers age 55+, ongoing sessions are offered twice weekly at 14 sites in Itasca County and two sites in Koochiching County. Sessions are free and open to adults of all ages, and people can attend a few sessions with no obligation before registering.
  •  Living Well with Chronic Conditions helps participants and their caregivers with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, COPD, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, anxiety, heart disease, and others. This class runs for 6 weeks for 2 ½ hours, one time per week.
  • Living Well with Diabetes helps participants with type 2 diabetes develop strategies to improve well-being and practical daily techniques to manage symptoms. You will learn techniques to deal with symptoms. This class runs for 6 weeks for 2 ½ hours, one time per week.
  •  Living Well with Chronic Pain addresses the management of pain for those with a chronic illness. The topic includes techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep. Also how to effectively communicate with family, friends, and health professionals.
  • Matter of Balance classes are designed to manage falls and increase activity levels, strength, and balance. This is an 8-week class, 2 hours each session or 2 hours twice a week for 4 weeks. This program is suited for all fitness levels.
  • Tai Ji Quan is a fall prevention program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Ji to help older adults improve their balance and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. This is a 12 week,

60 minutes, 2 times per week program led by trained volunteers. This program is suited for all fitness levels.

Simulated Dementia Experience (Virtual Dementia Tour)

Did you know that 83% of dementia care happens in the home, but most families are unaware of the challenges?

Virtual Dementia Tour:

An evidence-based individual experience through simulated dementia to help better understand the physical and mental challenges of those living with dementia. After experiencing this sensory training, you will have a greater understanding of the realities of what living with dementia is like. This unique, interactive program has been shown to improve communication and care. Learning to create a positive environment for those with dementia can only come from attempting to walk in their shoes.

Who will benefit from the tour?

  • Staff who work with older adults
  • Families
  •  Church groups
  •  First Responders
  •  Business Leaders
  • Community Organizations
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