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12/06
Public is encouraged to write letters to nursing home residents

 

State of Idaho
Idaho Commission on Aging
Brad Little

Governor

6305 W. Overland, Suite 110, Boise 83709
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0007
Phone (208)334-3833
Website: http://www.aging.idaho.gov

 

Judy B. Taylor
Director
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Janet Miller

208-334-3833

janet.j.miller@aging.idaho.gov

Help those most lonely this holiday season.

Boise ID (November 27, 2023)

Loneliness is real!  And even though many of us think of loneliness as an emotional response, it is so much more.

According to a recent publication by the US Surgeon General loneliness has far reaching effects.  As expected, the report verified that loneliness is connected to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.  However, it is also linked to increased rates of dementia, heart disease, elevated blood pressure and diabetes.

Although many nursing homes and assisted living centers do a great job of connecting their residents, the reality is that many residents continue to feel lonely. The National Library of Medicine reports that 40 percent of nursing home residents feel some level of loneliness.  This is especially true for those that do not have regular visits from family and friends.

The good news is that you can make a difference this holiday season and throughout the year.

The Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) encourages you to write letters to Residents of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in your area.  Write a letter, send a card, have your children draw a picture, and send it to a facility in your area addressed to “Any Resident”.  This may not seem like much, but to a lonely person, it would mean the world.  These letters will be distributed to residents who have little to no contact with family and friends.

If you would like to share your efforts on social media, we encourage you to use the hashtag #IdahoConnects to encourage others to join in and make a difference.

 

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About the Idaho Commission on Aging

The Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) serves Idaho’s seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers by safeguarding their rights, fostering self-sufficiency, and advocating on their behalf. The ICOA provides opportunities for individuals to access a comprehensive array of private and public pay, long term care, and support services through “Single Access Points” operated by the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).

The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes the state to designate a State Unit on Aging (SUA) to administer federal programs in Idaho. ICOA has the authority to develop and manage budgets and programs to address the needs of older Idahoans, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

The ICOA administers state and federally funded programs under the OAA and the State Senior Services Act by contracting with six geographically located Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The AAAs provide OAA services as well as Idaho’s Ombudsman and Adult Protective programs.

03/18
Dementia Unplugged: Ask the Expert, Mondays at 5:00 (MST), March 18, & 25

This Dementia Unplugged program, Ask The Expert™, is appropriate for all care partners and all types and stages of Dementia, as well as specific individuals (those living with MCI or very early-stage Dementia).

You’ll be able to ask basic questions, get real-world answers, and take the next best step(s) in your journey.

Register here

03/19
Join us for a free Educational Malnutrition Webinar

Each March, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates the program’s anniversary and the many accomplishments of the national and local programs. They promote how nutrition services help people stay independent as they age, and they highlight critical senior nutrition issues. The Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) promotes its anniversary by celebrating the program’s rich history and tremendous value across the nation with Area Agencies on Aging and meal providers.

Please join us:

Join from the meeting link
https://idahogov.webex.com/idahogov/j.php?MTID=m5f104690ebb8f27ff8ce3d5583a8f750
 

Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 2634 864 5288
Meeting password: F8DriM7rD6N

Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-415-655-0001,,26348645288## US Toll

03/19
Family Caregiver Support Group, 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, NORCO Bld, 1303 S Silverstone Way, Meridian
03/19
Alzheimer’s Association March 2024 Support Groups and Educational Webinars
03/20
Connection in Every Bite Celebration

The Administration for Community Living invites everyone to join in to celebrate nationwide March Senior Nutrition Program. Please register by clicking on the link below.

Connection in Every Bite: Senior Nutrition Program March 2024 Celebration | advancingstates.org

 

 

03/21
Free Food Connection Webinar Please Join
Let`s celebrate the Anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program

Since 1972, the national Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults across the country. Funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA), local programs serve as hubs where people 60+ find healthy meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections and promote well-being.

Join from the meeting link
https://idahogov.webex.com/idahogov/j.php?MTID=m8e0ba48eab77eda9f74d6b2a1973d0b5
 

Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 2633 558 6697
Meeting password: 3PMjPhnRX57

Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-415-655-0001,,26335586697## US Toll

 

03/21
Memory Cafés at local libraries (see schedule for locations)

Memory Café, In-person, 4th Thursday of Every Month, 1:00 – 2:30, Orchard Park Library, 1268 W. Orchard Park Dr.  Meridian,  83642.

Ada Community Library, Victory Branch, Wednesday, March 20, 1:00-2:30

Bown Crossing Library, Thursday, March 21, 1:00 – 2:30

Nampa Public Library, Friday, March 22, 1:00 – 2:30

A place where family caregivers and their loved one with memory loss can get together for education and support in a safe and engaging environment.

Schedule here

RSVP to Karen Kouba-McIver 208-947-4283. 

03/21
2024 Boise VA Legal Clinics, 2 pm – 4 pm, Building 54 at the Boise VA Medical Center

Please contact Amanda Pentland, LCSW, Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, for additional information,  208-422-1064

Schedule here

03/22
Free LEARN Idaho Technology Education, March Schedule