Top 5 senior services you need for aging parents
According to USAFacts.org, the population of Missouri is aging. In fact, the total population of Missourians age 65 years and older actually increased by 28.8 percent between 2010 and 2021 – making that the fasting growing group.
As the Area Agency on Aging for West Central Missouri, Care Connection is here to help, with services in Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, St. Clair, and Vernon counties. We offer evidence-based classes and accredited programs to help your aging parents and loved ones stay in their home as long as possible.
We encourage seniors to take advantage of the support services, care management, and healthy lifestyle programs we offer. See what’s happening this month in-person and online with Zoom >
1. Nutritious senior meals in our dining rooms and delivered to those who qualify
Heart-healthy, great-tasting luncheon meals are offered in person in most of our senior centers for a suggested contribution toward the cost. Home-delivered meals are also available for homebound seniors who meet qualifications.
Our nutritionist creates meal plans that meet daily dietary requirements for people 60 and older. Be sure to “Like” your local senior center on Facebook to see menus for our nutrition programs and special events!
2. Fun activities for West Central Missouri seniors
Encourage your aging parents to plug into the local senior center or join us online! Seniors find the company they crave in our proven healthy-lifestyles exercise classes.
Bingocize®
Bingocize is a great way for older adults to get more physical activity. The class is a great choice for all fitness levels, combining Bingo with health information and exercise.
EnhanceFitness®
If aches and pains make it challenging to exercise on a regular basis, EnhanceFitness is the perfect fitness activity! Seniors can improve physical, emotional, and social health with strength, balance, and flexibility training.
Silver Sneakers Classic
Improve the ability to tackle daily life activities with Silver Sneakers! For aging parents, this is an excellent program that includes seated exercises focused on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement. (Available only in Lafayette County.)
Zumba® Gold
Burn calories at a friend-filled Zumba Gold dance fitness party. This fun, interval-style exercise program takes the “work” out of workout! It can be performed seated or standing.
3. Care management and support services
The professionals at Care Connection are trained to provide one-on-one, personalized guidance for older adults and caregivers. After all, each situation is unique and requires specific care and resources.
Find information, assistance, transportation, and care management by calling our Central Office at 1-800-748-7826.
We offer an array of temporary in-home support programs to help people recover at home, including homemaker, personal care, and telephone reassurance. Caregivers can get the help they need with support groups and respite services to get those much-needed short breaks.
4. Self-management of chronic diseases
We’re proud of our expanding catalog of evidence-based senior wellness programs to help manage long-term health issues. Care Connection is always looking to bring on new inspiring and supportive activities for older adults in West Central Missouri.
Here is more information about a few of our popular offerings:
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
This six-week class provides information on nutrition, exercise, and effective communication to help manage chronic pain. In addition, participants get help understanding how to plan for day-to-day challenges.
Diabetes Self-Management Program
Learn how to live with diabetes by setting weekly action plans. In addition, we’ll share proven tips and information about nutrition, exercise, effective communication, and medication management.
Dr. Paul Lam Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
This gentle Tai Chi class features a slow, side-to-side movement with proven benefits for both arthritis and falls prevention. Online and in-person classes are available.
Matter of Balance
Reduce the fear of falling by setting goals and adding balance exercise to increase strength and balance. Working within a dedicated and caring group, participants learn to make small changes that reduce fall risks.
Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder
This four-week class is led by a trained facilitator and designed to help women improve both urinary and fecal incontinence. Participants build skills and learn new behaviors that have been proven to improve symptoms without medicine or surgery.
Walk With Ease
This innovative, community-based program from the Arthritis Foundation® is scientifically proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve overall health. Start with health education and motivational strategies, then begin a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health.
5. Help aging parents with complicated government benefits and services
Care Connection also offers customized support to help older adults cut through the red tape of complicated government benefits and services. Our trained staff can help you with the following specialized care:
- Health Insurance Counseling (Medicare and Medicaid)
- Health Insurance Marketplace
- Legal Services
- Senior Medicare Patrol
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Contact us for more information. Care Connection is here to help older adults in West Central Missouri!