Center Activities

Adult Day Services

For several decades, adult day centers have been providing a form of respite for caregivers, along with therapeutic programs for participants. The National Adult Day Services Association reports that the need for such centers has “jumped sharply to keep pace with the mushrooming demand for home and community based services.” Today there are more than 4,000 centers nationwide assisting families in managing chronic illness or disabilities.

If you are interested in volunteering, our center provides a rewarding experience for both students and adults. Reciprocally, if your organization has a light assembly type project, give us a call and we may be able to volunteer our time to you. Get into the learning mode by attending our educational sessions offered this fall. Or, connect to other professionals in eldercare by joining the Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging group. Our support groups meet throughout the month and provide families with referral information as well as helpful tips in managing chronic illness. A support group might be just the connection you need to remain a healthy partner in caregiving and care receiving.

Out and About

The fish were biting and the scenery was gorgeous for a spring outing to Staring Lake fishing dock. Swimming resumed at Summit Place. The fully accessible warm, therapeutic pool allows many participants an opportunity to take advantage of aquatic exercise. Our patio garden area is in full bloom. Participants enjoyed nurturing their favorite flower or vegetable to maturation. In addition, our new miniature garden has provided many hours of creative outlets.

Volunteers

New student and adult volunteers joined our summer ranks and provide an uplifting boost to our day activities. Crafters prepared decorative 4th of July bags for our local “Meals On Wheels” recipients. Volunteers also shared entertaining hours of musical talent every week. Contact us for more information about summer opportunities.

Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging

The Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging networking group is an excellent resource for leaders in eldercare services. Contact the EP Senior Center at 952–949–8476 or online for more information.

Caregivers’ Corner

Thoughts from Joanne —

Summer is often a time for family holidays and rituals to celebrate life’s transitions. However, as a caregiver and care recipient, these important personal connections may present new circumstances. An interesting fact sheet about family stress management condensed from Ambiguous Loss by Pauline Boss can be found on the National Caregiver’s Alliance website. The fact sheet presents tips for coping with the ambiguity of unpredictable circumstances that frequently arises with chronic disease and disabilities. Consider Pauline Boss’ ideas in your summer plans:

• Recognize the importance of human connections during times of sadness
• Simplify your family gatherings rather than cancel them
• Be open to revisions in family roles to accommodate changes in task management
• Imagine something new to hope for. Connect to young people for inspiring new ideas.
• Practice “both/and” thinking to get you through the murky times. For example: “I am both sad about our loss — and happy about our new grandchild.”
• Get to know your community support systems. A reliable resource can provide the physical and/or emotional support you may need and become “like family” to your care situation.

We hope you enjoy your summer and can experience the rewarding spirit of human connections.