February 2013 Minutes
Thank you to all of you who participated in this month’s meeting. There were 35 people in attendance, and it is always encouraging to see such a mixed of young and old sharing and learning together! The round the room introductions included answers to the question: What do you look forward to seeing or doing this spring? Answers varied from more sun and warmer weather to plans for gardening and more outdoor activity. And of course….FLOWERS!!!
This month’s guest presenter was Lise Pace of BOSMA, a non-profit organization that helps those over age 55 with visual impairment adjust and remain engaged with their environment and community. They do this in several different ways:
1. Connections – Call in programs such as trivia, book reading, focus groups, support groups and speakers/teachers who will come into facilities or individuals’ homes to educate and assist.
2. Community-based Services – They provide training for basic living skills like cooking, cleaning, etc.; personal management; communication; lighting assessment; provide low visual aids; information & referral services; orientation & mobility.
3. Vision Van – a mobile clinic that comes into areas in Indiana upon request. They provide short assessments to introduce BOSMA staff, services, and provide some helpful aids to clients.
4. Center-based Services – a 3-5 month program in an Indianapolis residential hotel that addresses reentry into the workplace or school, comprehensive training to live independently, and encompasses all aspects from counseling to adjust to visiton loss to manual skills, orientation, mobility, etc. No cost to the client, program paid for thru the Vocational Rehabilitation grant.
5. Assistive Technology Grant – a flier describing this grant and its purpose is attached. Please read.
6. Training is also provided to caregivers and volunteers who assist those with vision impairment, teaching them how to be a proper sight guide. Tips such as how to lead someone up and down stairs, in and out of doorways, helping them sit in a chair or get in/out of a car, etc. Also help the sight guide know when to offer help and how to encourage more independence.
For more information you can contact Lise Pace at lisep@bosma.org or call 317-704-8196. You can also visit their website at www.bosma.org .
Group Updates:
The Creative Aging Festival ~ there has been a total of 33 events submitted for the brochure which is now in production. They should be available towards the end of April. Thank you for all those who did submit an event. Anyone else who would like to host an event during the festival can still have it put onto the online calendar. Send those requests to either Julie Hill or Sue Owens at owenss@bloomington.in.gov
Staying in Place Committee ~ nothing to report. Email Sophia Hauserman, sofyhaus@sbcglobal.net, for more details to time and place if you would like to join their discussions. Sophia also sits on the Commission on Aging committee. They are beginning a discussion on the creation of an senior or active aging center. If you would like to be a part of those discussions and sit on the planning committee, contact her at the email above.
AAC Steering Committee ~ We are redesigning our AAC brochures to update information and include the social interest groups. The goal is to have them available in time for the Senior Expo May 1st.
We also discussed the results of the social interest groups that were suggested and formed. Lauren Cowan was able to take all the information from the interested individuals and compiled a list of the groups, voluntary members, and their contact information. This list is attached to this email. Please call the group’s contact person if you would like participate in that group. Also, each group is responsible for organizing, hosting, and scheduling your activities. The AAC meetings is only a platform or hub for these groups to share updates or make a call for participation. The AAC steering committee is not responsible for maintaining these groups.
Reminder: If you have an upcoming event, please go to website at www.activeagingcoalition.org and click on Share Info. A drop down menu will appear and click on Add Event to Calendar. Or if you have an announcement about your business or personal activity, choose Post an Announcement.
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 18 from 11:30-1:00pm at Bell Trace, Commons Area
Guest Presenter: Jerry Hays
Topic: Reverse Mortgages – An Important Part of Your Financial Plan
Have a great month and see you soon!!