Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class in Littlefork

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-session course designed to teach skills to enhance caregivers’ own well being as they care for an older family member or friend. The class will be open to all family caregivers and will meet on Monday afternoons from June 2 to July 7 at Littlefork Lutheran Church in Littlefork. A $25.00 donation is recommended to cover the cost of a help book. Call Koochiching Aging Options with questions or to register at (218) 283-7030. Registration is due by May 27, 2014.

Elders Living At Home Longer Presentation May 21

Staying independent in old age, with a little help, is the topic of a free public presentation the afternoon of May 21 at the Backus Community Center sponsored by Koochiching Aging Options.

Two presentations will be offered. Cindy Conkins of the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging will talk about ways to increase your chances of being able to remain at home as you age. A second presentation by Shantel Jaszcak and Becky Voller of Consumer Directions, a fiscal support entity, will introduce the concept of enlisting a service agency to help with hiring of trusted individuals to support extended life at home.

“Elders Living at Home Longer: With a Little Help” will be held at Backus Community Center at 900 Fifth Street in the Falls. Registration begins at 1 p.m. for the 1:30 program. Light refreshments will be served. Call Koochiching Aging Options with questions at 283-7030 or email KoochichingAgingOptions@gmail.com.

Your Assets, Your Choices Presentation May 14

What do you own, what do you want to do with it, and what will happen to it when you die? These are some of the questions to be addressed at “Your Assets, Your Choices,” a free public presentation on the evening of May 14 sponsored by Koochiching Aging Options.

Two featured guest speakers will share their expertise, Kim Literovich, attorney with Shermoen & Jaksa, PLLP, and Rob Raplinger from the Legal Aid Services of Northeastern Minnesota.

The presentation will be held at Backus Community Center at 900 Fifth Street in the Falls. Registration begins at 6 p.m. for the 6:30 program. Light refreshments will be served. Call Koochiching Aging Options with questions at 283-7030 or email KoochichingAgingOptions@gmail.com.

ACT on Alzheimer's Introduced to Community

The public is invited to learn about the Greater International Falls ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative and join the action team at a community meeting on May 15 at 7 p.m. at Backus Community Center, 900 Fifth Street, the Falls.

In addition to raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s, the action team will be trained to survey key sectors of the community, including employers, health care providers, legal and financial planners and others, helping to identify changes that can make Greater International Falls safe, informed and respectful of all those affected by dementia, explained project coordinator Myrna Meadows.

More than 60 organizations in Minnesota are partners in ACT on Alzheimer’s, dedicated to preparing Minnesota for the future and to creating supportive communities for persons and families touched by Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Call Douglas Skrief at Koochiching Aging Options at 283-7084 with questions.