Falls Prevention

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Every September, we recognize and promote Falls Prevention Awareness. This year we discussed Falls Prevention and Awareness differently due to the on-going pandemic. Here is some of the highlights of what we were able to do. I was able to visit VINE Faith in Action on Tuesday September 22 where they were doing free balance checks for anyone interested. Mankato Clinic also participated in this program. The balance checks were able to be completed outside.

Another item we talked about during Falls Prevention Week was Myth vs. Reality.

  • Myth: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.
  • Reality: While we do lose muscle mass as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Becoming active now will benefit you in many ways – including protection from falls.
  • Myth: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.
  • Reality: Vision is a key risk factor for falls. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. For those with low vision, there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
  • Myth: I don’t need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings and it’s none of my business.
  • Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, finding a falls prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.
  • Myth: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
  • Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family and anyone else who is able to help.

Even though September is over, we still need to be aware that falls occur in over 25% of the population over the age of 65.

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Minnesota Voter Information

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November 5, 2019 is Election Day! I voted sticker

Not every community has an election this year but many Minnesota voters do have school district, county commissioner, municipal and special elections on their ballots. Check to see if your community is having an election and what will be on your ballot using the Polling Place Finder tool at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.

Early voting in communities with elections continues until November 4. Minnesota has “no excuse” absentee voting, which means that you can vote absentee for any reason! Request your ballot by mail or in person at an early voting location in your county. If you live in a nursing home, assisted living facility or are unable to go to your polling place due to an incapacitating health reason or disability you may designate someone to pick up and deliver your absentee ballot for you, which is called “agent delivery.”

Do you have an election in your community but are unsure if you’re already registered to vote? Check your voter registration status at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us.VoterStatus.aspx. If you need to register to vote you can do so on Election Day at your polling place. Just remember to check the proof of residence requirements beforehand. To vote in Minnesota you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, lived in Minnesota for 20 days, and completed all parts of a felony sentence.

If you need assistance with voting, there are many ways to get help. You can bring someone to help, ask an election judge, use a machine to help you mark your ballot or even vote from your car.

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Census 2020

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Over two hundred years ago, the first United States Census took place. At that time, there were roughly four million people; today the population has increased to roughly 329 million people.

The census takes place every decennial, which means the next census will occur in 2020. We’re hearing a lot of talk about the importance of the census and why an accurate count is important.

The census, at its highest level, informs us how many people currently live in the nation. Equally important, the census is tied to funding for non-profits and government agencies. This funding supports Medicaid, highways, low-income households, rural communities, older adults and caregivers, to name a few. It also ensures that we have the appropriate representation in our government. That’s why it’s so important to get an accurate count.

Census Day is observed nationwide on April 1. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You should respond to the invitation in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail (most contact is by mail). Here are several tips to help you through the census process as presented by AARP:

DO DON’T
  • Do verify that a census taker who comes to your home is legitimate. They should have a Census Bureau photo ID badge (with a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date) and a copy of the letter the bureau sent you. You can also search for an agent’s name in the Census Bureau’s online staff directory.
  • Do confirm the questionnaire you’ve received is on the Census Bureau’s official list of household surveys.
  • Do check that a census mailing has the National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, IN return address. If it’s from somewhere else, it’s not from the Census Bureau.
  • Don’t give your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or bank/credit card numbers to someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau. Genuine census representatives will not ask for this information.
  • Don’t reply, click links or open attachments in a suspicious census email. Forward the message to ois.fraud.reporting@census.gov.
  • Don’t trust caller ID — scammers can use “spoofing” tools to make it appear they’re calling from the Census Bureau. Call the National Processing Center at 800-523-3205 or 800-877-8339 (TDD/TTY) to verify the phone survey is legitimate.

For more information about the 2020 United States Census or if you have questions, visit 2020census.gov. The Census Bureau website also includes a page on fraud and how to spot census scams by mail, phone, email and home visit.

Shape your future and get counted!

Jason W. Swanson

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It’s Time for the Talk: Family Meetings

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Well, it’s time we have that talk. It may feel uncomfortable, you might be embarrassed and there could be some giggling about it as well, but it’s imperative we have this talk. No, I am not talking about the birds and bees. I’m referring to talking with our loved ones, whether a spouse, parent, in-law, grandparent or a friend, about establishing a plan for them as they age.

We plan which college to attend, we plan our vacations, weddings, get-togethers, retirements; but we do not take time to plan the things we will need help with as we age and what different types of services we may require.

It’s difficult to make decisions about what to do with your loved ones when standing in a hospital room after a traumatic experience. Nursing Home? Hospice? Assisted Living? Do you split up caregiving responsibilities amongst family members to help out? By this time, you are too late. This family meeting needs to happen with the care receiver when they can be an active participant in the conversation; after all, they are the one it affects the most.

A family meeting, in this sense, is meant to be an open discussion about caring for a family member or friend. By having this meeting early, you can identify possible barriers and find solutions. Here are some tips to having a successful family meeting:

  • Address the most critical issues first; they should receive full attention
  • Be honest
  • Be respectful
  • Listen to the care receiver – remember ultimately it is their decision
  • Turn off cell phones or other potentially distracting items
  • Use “I” statements to express your needs, feelings, concerns

When is the best time to hold a family meeting? You never know when an emergency is going to happen, that’s why it’s so important to have the conversation sooner, rather than later.

A few things to be aware of that may require a meeting immediately:

  • Concern about a loved one’s health
  • A change in the amount of assistance needed
  • Family or friends from out-of-town are visiting or are asking questions

The worst thing that can happen is not having a conversation. Because guess what? We all age, we all want to age successfully, and we want our loved ones to know what our expectations are. Also, stating that once someone hits a certain age, they “get put in a home” is not having a successful plan. It’s demeaning to our loved ones and our caregiving role.

Your challenge is to have the conversation. It can be formal, informal, or even a quick call to say, “Hey, I think we need to talk.”

Sincerely,

Jason W. Swanson, HSE
Executive Director
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

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