SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Caregiver Support and Monitoring Devices

Bingo date correction for May and June: May 3, May 31, June 7, and June 21.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. provides access to affordable medical monitoring devices to support older adults who are homebound or otherwise need support if they fall or have an emergency that they can immediately contact emergency services. Clients participating in this program can be independent or may have access to a private or family caregiver. An initial nominal fee is required to access the medical monitoring program. ASI also provides limited caregiver support through our congregate dining or Grab n Go/Pickup meal program. These services are available for a suggested donation, but no one 60 and older will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.

If you are interested in any of these services or have any questions please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Emotional Freedom Technique
May 10 introduction and May 24 follow up session at 1:15 pm. The technique is an evidence-based method called “EFT” (Emotional Freedom Technique), which uses acupressure trigger points and elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research and over 100 published studies have shown EFT to be effective with lowering both psychological and physiological symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, stress, and more. Once you’ve learned EFT, you can use it at any time you need it. Those who utilize the technique often report a reduction in symptoms in the first 90 seconds. You are invited to join Judith Newman, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) for an introduction to EFT on May 10 at 1:15pm. In this hour, you’ll learn the process and have an opportunity to try it out for yourself. At the end of the workshop, you will receive a handout with all the information you need to continue using EFT on your own. After you’ve had a few weeks to practice, you’re invited to a follow-up session on May 24 at 1:15pm. In this session you’ll be able to ask questions, and we’ll practice a few rounds of EFT to make sure you’re comfortable with your new EFT skills!

Fresh Conversations
Are you interested in learning more about carbohydrates in your diet? Join Archuleta Seniors Inc on May 17 at 1:30pm at the Pagosa Senior Center 451 Hot Springs Blvd. for Fresh Conversations. You will get to sample some healthy, delicious food while you learn about the differences between refined and whole grains and how to select healthier alternatives to refined carbohydrates. You will also walk away with helpful information about the benefits of physical activity and how to fit it into your daily lives. We will provide you with a newsletter about the topic you can take home. Come join us for a great conversation!

Homeopathy for Health
Tuesday May 28 at 10 am. Please join Archuleta Seniors Inc for an introductory presentation on homeopathy, a holistic system of complementary healthcare. We’ll discuss what homeopathy is and how it can be helpful for seniors and folks of all ages. We’ll also share about the Pagosa Free Clinic and how to get signed up for free homeopathic health care.

Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series
This spring a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered as in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30-3:30pm. Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments. We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ directly by email at ajconnorslove@gmail.com.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on May 3, May 31, June 7, and June 21.. The price to participate is free and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages welcome but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come first serve. For more information contact us at 970.264.2167.

Tai Chi Thursdays
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday in the new year from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the dining hall to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour in the dining hall. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.

Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns. Hold space and show up for sacred conversation. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.

To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9 am weekdays.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, May 2 – Pork Kielbasa with German Potato Salad, Sweet & Sour Cabbage, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, May 3 – New England Clam Chowder with Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Monday, May 6 – French Beef Dip on Hoagie Roll w/ Au Jus, Horseradish Sauce, Steakfries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Key Lime Pie, Milk.

Tuesday, May 7 – Tempeh Chili, Cornbread & Honey, Garden Salad, Fruit, Hazelnut Torte Milk

Wednesday, May 8 – Curry Chicken w/ Pineapple & Peppers, Jasmine rice, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chai Pudding, Milk.

Thursday, May 9 – BBQ Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Garden Salad, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk.

Friday, May 10 – Lemon Orzo Pasta, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.

Grab-N-Go & Dine-In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00 am the morning of the day you want to dine in or pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6.00 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50 also. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to make a reservation.

Medicare Call by Appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with Parts A, B, and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at 970-264-0501; ext 4.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of playing until the final round is reached – some 2 to 3 hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years. No experience is necessary so come willing to learn.

ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. Terms are 3 years with an option to renew for an additional term. Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.

Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. You may mail your donation to PO BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147 or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button). Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors, Inc. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/

Rosa Chavez

Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.