By JOANN ERENHOUSE
By Joann Erenhouse
June is one hectic month! With weddings, graduations, outdoor tasks and fun we get so wound up that I hope we keep our eyes on staying in touch with our friends and relations who are not able to get to all the festivities. This is where all the volunteer visitors make such a difference in the lives of older homebound Vermonters. From a Vet-2-Vet Visitor who takes their buddy to lunch at the American Legion, or a Friendly Visitor who reads the local paper to someone with fading vision, to our Senior Companions who spend time with their clients to develop wonderful relationships keeping them connected to their communities. We all need a friend and these volunteers are the best! If you are interested in becoming part of this wonderful team or would like to receive a visitor, please call our Helpline at 802-885-2669 to get in touch with our Visitor Volunteer Coordinator.
We are still looking for a VISTA Volunteer. There are so many opportunities to make a difference, we would like very much to provide important training and experience to a VISTA Volunteer. Check our website at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org for information on our programs and services. Call us now.
3SquaresVT information is available at 802-885-2669. Receive extra money for food and get Cash Crop benefits at your local farmer’s market, We can see if you are eligible and help you fill out the application.
By the way, we are continuing the free water aerobics class at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction. We have qualified instructors to help you with non-impact exercises that help maintain health and wellness. Call 802-885-2669 and ask to enroll.
Our nurse/case manager needs more people over 60 and in Windsor or Windham County to fill out her Home Meds calendar. She can assess your prescriptions/over the counter/herbal remedies to check for possible bad interactions or side effects. The program is double checked by our participating pharmacist. This is a free service to make sure you are not endangering your health. Call 802-885-2669 now and make an appointment for her to come to you and have this important screening done. Doctors and pharmacists do not always have the time to know who you have seen or what various doctors may be prescribing for you. They certainly don’t know what over the counter products you have around the house. You will be alerted to any red flags and your primary physician will also be alerted. Do this for yourself or a loved one.
Right now, I want to say a big “thank you” to the senior centers and others who host congregate meals and have many volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels. RSVP volunteers are also all over our area providing help so many organizations and people. The Thompson Senior Center is a tremendous resource for the aging population in the Woodstock area. The Bugbee Center in White River Junction is an active and accessible gathering place. The Black River Senior Center in Ludlow is an important place for locals to meet. The Bellows Falls Senior Center has many programs of interest. The Brattleboro Center offers great meals and keeps everyone engaged with the community, The Springfield Senior Center welcomes everyone for hobbies and other activities. Whether you take Tai Chi, play cards, have a meal, enjoy lively and interesting programs or just drop in for a chat, these are Windsor and Windham counties’ welcoming places for older adults to make friends and have some fun. They support many health and wellness programs to keep us all moving and enjoying life. Go check them out!
Joann Erenhouse is the community relations director for Senior Solutions, Southeastern Vermont Council on Aging.
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