Hope for a new year
By Lynn Kellogg “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coehlo I’m no Pollyanna, but I do believe in the power of positive thinking. Every year there’s […]
Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need
By Alexandra Newman Knocking on the door of a stranger isn’t always the most comfortable thing. Sometimes I find myself rehearsing what I’m going to say in my head the entire way there, “Hi, I’m Alexandra from Area Agency on Aging and I’m just dropping off this care package to spread some holiday cheer!” My anxiety is eased every single time when I’m greeted by a smiling […]
Be aware of scams, especially during the holidays
By Sara Duris Area Agency on Aging’s Info-Line for Aging & Disability has seen an increase in calls recently of people reporting suspicious phone calls, individuals seeking assistance due to being a scam victim, and family members concerned about loved ones giving money away. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), statistics reveal more people […]
From kitchen tables to a community promise
Honoring the goals of older adults and people with disabilities, one conversation at a time By Christine Vanlandingham Every person deserves dignity, independence, and choice—especially as we age or live with a disability. These aren’t luxuries; they’re the foundation of a life well lived. Yet for too many older adults, those principles can feel fragile—eroded […]
AAA seeking feedback as we develop multi-year plan
By Lynn Kellogg If you’re a caregiver, or wanting meaningful work, read on. AAA needs you. Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a local, private, not-for-profit corporation whose sole mission is Offering Choices for Independent Lives. Whether one is rich or poor, healthy or not, alone or surrounded by family, fostering lifelong independence […]
Caregivers don’t have to do it alone
By Alexandra Newman A caregiver’s journey is always different. Some are caregivers for a short time, and some can lend their caring spirit for decades. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting a local caregiver who has done the latter – for over 20 years. Janice C., of Benton Harbor, has been caring for […]
Celebrating the holidays with a loved one with dementia
By Sara Duris Q: My kids and grandkids live in another state and we haven’t celebrated a holiday with them since 2023. My husband’s dementia has gotten worse and although we’ve done ok with video chats, I’m nervous about all of them coming here to visit. Should I tell them to stay in a hotel? […]
The Silent Struggle: Suicide risk among older adults during the holidays
By Christine Vanlandingham The upcoming holiday season is often portrayed as joyful — a time of family, friends, laughter, and celebration. But for many older adults, this season can be a stark reminder of loss, loneliness, and declining health. Behind the twinkle lights and festive music, there’s a silent struggle that too often goes unnoticed: […]
Services available for veterans, Medicare recipients
By Lynn Kellogg Kindergarten rules are sometimes cited as being good for adulthood. They tend to focus on safety, kindness, respect, listening and picking up after yourself. Another set of rules might easily be coined “Depression era” rules. I had the good fortune to be born of WWII, Depression era parents. Born in 1915 and 1920, […]
It started with a phone call
By Alexandra Newman It all started with a phone call to find their local senior center. An anecdote I often use when talking about Area Agency on Aging’s Info-Line for Aging & Disability. I use it to say that no question is too big or too small for our Aging Specialists. It doesn’t have to […]