read your medicare annual notice of change!.…adrc at (608) 930-9835 today! published with...

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Volume 5 • November 2016 • Number 11 Aging and Disability Resource Center (608) 930-9835 or 1-877-794-2372 303 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533 • www.iowacounty.org or www.adrcswwi.org Look Inside The Issue... November November It’s hard to believe that another Medicare Annual Enrollment Pe- riod (AEP) is upon us! What’s the Annual Enrollment Period? Each year from October 15 to Decem- ber 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll in, switch, or disenroll from Medi- care standalone prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D) and Medi- care Advantage plans (Medicare Part C). During this time a Medi- care beneficiary who has never enrolled in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can enroll for the first time; a beneficiary who is al- ready in a Part D drug plan or Ad- vantage plan can disenroll from their current plan and switch into a new plan for 2017. You might think that if you already have a drug plan or Advantage plan that you don’t need to think about switching plans during the Annual Enrollment Period. Wrong! Even if you were completely happy with your drug plan or Advantage plan in 2016 you’re going to want to investigate your options during the Annual Enrollment Period. Your current plan will most likely be making changes and so will the other plans available to you. For example, some Medicare Part D plans may not renew for 2017. Not renewing means that the company the plan belongs to has decided not to offer that plan for next year. Among other things, Part D plans can have a different premium (which may be quite a bit higher than what you have now), a different formulary (which may or may not cover your drugs) and different costs for your drugs. If you want to know what plan you will be put into and what the details of that plan are, the place to look is your annual notice of change. What’s an annual notice of change? The annual notice of change is a notice sent to you by your current plan. This notice will tell you how your plan is changing in 2017. Your current plan is required to mail the annual notice of change to you by September 30th. Look for it and read it carefully. If you did not receive your annual notice of change, contact your plan and request it. A Medicare PlanFinder allows you to compare plans based on the medications you take and is the only way to determine the most affordable plan for you. Don’t pick a plan based on the company name or the premium amount. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people do exactly that and nationally less than 10% of all seniors picked the Medicare Part D plan that was best for them. The way to avoid being one of these people is to use the planfinder to select your 2017 coverage. Even if your current plan is renewing and will be around next year, you should still do a planfinder. A Medicare PlanFinder will help you investigate your options because your 2017 plan can change dramatically and so can all the other available plans. Your plan can become more expensive and other plans can become cheaper. Your plan can change its formulary so that it no longer covers all your medications. Plans that may not have covered all of your medications last year may cover them in the new year. Even if you’re pleased with your plan this year, you need to do a planfinder because your plan in 2017 won’t look like it did in 2016. No one looks forward to the Annual Enrollment Period, but with a little work (starting with reading your annual notice of change) you can make certain that you’re enrolling in the most appropriate and affordable drug plan for your individual needs. If you have questions regarding your current Medicare Part D coverage, the changes that will be happening in 2017, or if you would like a Medicare PlanFinder ran by your local Benefit Specialist, please feel free to contact the ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today! Published with permission from the Legal Services Team at the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources’ Elder Law & Advocacy Center. READ YOUR MEDICARE Annual Notice of Change! with Stacey Terrill, Your Elder Benefit Specialist What’s the Annual Enrollment Period? Each year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll in, switch, or disenroll from Medicare standalone prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C). During this time a Medicare beneficiary who has never enrolled in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can enroll for the first time; a beneficiary who is already in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can disenroll from their current plan or switch into a new plan for 2017. National Family Caregiver Month ........ 2 Upcoming Events................................... 3 November Menus ........................ 4 and 5 Senior Dining News ..................... 4 and 5 Eat A Cranberry Day.............................. 6 Ask Your I & A ...................................... 7 Care A Van Schedule ............................. 8

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Page 1: READ YOUR MEDICARE Annual Notice of Change!.…ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today! Published with permission from the ... One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own

Volume 5 • November 2016 • Number 11 Aging and Disability Resource Center (608) 930-9835 or 1-877-794-2372303 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533 • www.iowacounty.org or www.adrcswwi.org

Look Inside The Issue...NovemberNovember

It’s hard to believe that another Medicare Annual Enrollment Pe-riod (AEP) is upon us! What’s the Annual Enrollment Period? Each year from October 15 to Decem-ber 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll in, switch, or disenroll from Medi-care standalone prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D) and Medi-care Advantage plans (Medicare Part C). During this time a Medi-care beneficiary who has never enrolled in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can enroll for the first time; a beneficiary who is al-ready in a Part D drug plan or Ad-vantage plan can disenroll from their current plan and switch into a new plan for 2017.

You might think that if you already have a drug plan or Advantage plan that you don’t need to think about switching plans during the Annual Enrollment Period. Wrong! Even if you were completely happy with your drug plan or Advantage plan in 2016 you’re going to want to investigate your options during the Annual Enrollment Period. Your current plan will most likely be making changes and so will the other plans available to you.

For example, some Medicare Part D plans may not renew for 2017. Not renewing means that the company the plan belongs to has decided not to offer that plan for next year. Among other things, Part D plans can have a different premium (which may be quite a bit higher than what you have now), a different formulary (which may or may not cover your drugs) and different costs for your drugs.

If you want to know what plan you will be put into and what the details of that plan are, the place to look is your annual notice of

change. What’s an annual notice of change? The annual notice of change is a notice sent to you by your current plan. This notice will tell you how your plan is changing in 2017. Your current plan is required to mail the annual notice of change to you by September

30th. Look for it and read it carefully. If you did not receive your annual notice of change, contact your plan and request it.

A Medicare PlanFinder allows you to compare plans based on the medications you take and is the only way to determine the

most affordable plan for you. Don’t pick a plan based on the company name or the premium amount. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people do exactly that and nationally less than 10% of all seniors picked the Medicare Part D plan that was best for them. The way to avoid being one of these people is to use the planfinder to select your 2017 coverage.

Even if your current plan is renewing and will be around next year, you should still do a planfinder. A Medicare PlanFinder will help you investigate your options because your 2017 plan can change dramatically and so can all the other available plans. Your plan can become more expensive and other plans can become cheaper. Your plan can change its formulary so that it no longer covers all your medications. Plans that may not have covered all of your medications last year may cover them in the new year. Even if you’re pleased with your plan this year, you need to do a planfinder because your plan in 2017 won’t look like it did in 2016.

No one looks forward to the Annual Enrollment Period, but with a little work (starting with reading your annual notice of change) you can make certain that you’re enrolling in the most appropriate and affordable drug plan for your individual needs.

If you have questions regarding your current Medicare Part D coverage, the changes that will be happening in 2017, or if you would like a Medicare PlanFinder ran by your local Benefit Specialist, please feel free to contact the ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today!

Published with permission from the Legal Services Team at the Greater

Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources’ Elder Law & Advocacy Center.

READ YOUR MEDICARE

Annual Notice of Change!with Stacey Terrill, Your Elder Benefit Specialist

What’s the AnnualEnrollment Period?Each year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll in, switch, or disenroll from Medicare standalone prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C). During this time a Medicare beneficiary who has never enrolled in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can enroll for the first time; a beneficiary who is already in a Part D drug plan or Advantage plan can disenroll from their current plan or switch into a new plan for 2017.

National Family Caregiver Month ........ 2Upcoming Events ................................... 3November Menus ........................4 and 5Senior Dining News .....................4 and 5Eat A Cranberry Day .............................. 6Ask Your I & A ...................................... 7Care A Van Schedule ............................. 8

Page 2: READ YOUR MEDICARE Annual Notice of Change!.…ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today! Published with permission from the ... One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own

ADRC Contact Information

ADRC Main Line (608) 930-9835

Valerie Hiltbrand,

ADRC Manager

Whitney Thompson,

Dementia Care Specialist

Katie Batton,

Information and Assistance

Brittany Mainwaring,

Information and Assistance/

Wellness & Prevention Coordinator

Stacey Terrill, Elder Benefit Specialist,

serves people over age 60

Nikki Brennum,

Disability Benefit Specialist,

serves people age 18-59 years

Janet Butteris and Shelley Reukauf,

Social Workers

Marylee Oleson,

Department Assistant

Rose Erickson,

Care A Van Driver

For Results You Can Trust

a monthly publication of the

Aging & Disability Resource Center – Iowa County Office

303 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533(608) 930-9835 or 1-877-794-2372

Regional Website: www.adrcswwi.org

Did not receive a copy of Iowa County News & Views in the Shopping News?

Give us a call, copies are available while supplies last.

News & Views can be viewed online at www.yourshoppingnews.com or

adrcswwi.org/iowa/

NOTICE: The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Southwest Wisconsin does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services or activities.

This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADRC may be forwarded to: ADRC, 303 W. Chapel St., Suite 1300, Dodgeville, WI 53533.

The Iowa County News & Views is a monthly publication for the ADRC in Iowa County whose purpose is to provide awareness and information on benefits and services.

Watch for the next issue of Iowa County News & Views

within the Tuesday, November 22, 2016 Shopping News.

www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 2 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. The stress of dealing with caregiving responsibilities leads to a higher risk of health issues among the Nation’s 90 million family caregivers. So as a family caregiver, remember to pay attention to your own physical and mental wellness, and get proper rest and nutrition. Only by taking care of yourself can you be strong enough to take care of your loved one. You really do need to “take care to give care!”

❚ Caregiving can be a stressful job. Most family caregivers say they feel stressed providing care for a loved one. With all of their caregiving responsibilities – from managing medications to arranging doctor appointments to planning meals – caregivers too often put themselves last.

❚ The stress of caregiving impacts your own health. One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own physical health while caring for a loved one. Due to stress, family caregivers have a disproportionate number of health and emotional problems. They are twice as likely to suffer depression and are at increased risk for many other chronic conditions.

❚ Proper nutrition helps promote good health. Ensuring that you are getting proper nutrition is key to help maintain your strength, energy and stamina, as well as strengthening your immune system. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most powerful things you can do to take care of yourself and keep a positive attitude overall.

❚ Ensuring good nutrition for your loved one helps make care easier. As many as half of all older adults are at risk for malnutrition. Good nutrition can help maintain muscle health, support recovery, and reduce risk for re-hospitalization – which may help make your care of a loved one easier.

❚ Remember: “Rest. Recharge. Respite.” People think of respite as a luxury, but considering caregivers’ higher risk for health issues from chronic stress, those risks can be a lot costlier than some time away to recharge. The chance to take a breather, the opportunity to re-energize, is vital in order for you to be as good a caregiver tomorrow as you were today.

During National Family Caregivers Month, we remind family caregivers that to be strong enough to care for your loved one, you must Take Care to Give Care!

© Caregiver Action Network, www.CaregiverAction.org, 202.454.3970

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTHNOVEMBER 2016

Take Care to Give Care

Understanding and Coping with the Challenges of

Alzheimer’s Disease and DementiaWednesday, November 9, 2016

United Methodist Church, 2227 4th Street, Monroe9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance, along with the Aging & Disability Resource Center and the Monroe Clinic, are excited to partner on offering the latest information and resources that can help you. We’ve offered this to family members, direct care workers and professionals to help you face this growing health epidemic. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and person centered care through informative and interactive presentations.

The day will begin with an Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias presented by Dr. Joshua Morrison, Neurologist, Monroe Clinic Memory Diagnostic Center. Next the focus will shift to understanding the Montessori Method for Positive Dementia Care which will be presented by Tom & Karen Brenner, authors of You Say Goodbye and We Say Hello: The Montessori Method for Positive Dementia Care. After lunch and local updates, participants

will be revitalized during a presentation called Re-energizing the Energizers presented by Gina Green-Harris, MBA Director, Milwaukee Outreach Program and Services, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI), UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

On site respite will be available at no cost through the Hand in Hand Adult Day Center. Please contact Stephanie Hafez at (608) 328-9499 to make respite arrangements by October 26.

Fee is $30 for professionals and direct caregivers. Family caregivers may attend at no cost. Lunch is included. Registration deadline is Wednesday, November 2. For more information and to receive a detailed brochure, please contact Deanna Truedson, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance at (608) 843-3402 or [email protected] or Linda Boll, Aging and Disability Resource Center at (608) 328-9499 or [email protected].

Sponsored by:

The first rule of taking care of others: take care of yourself first.

Page 3: READ YOUR MEDICARE Annual Notice of Change!.…ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today! Published with permission from the ... One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own

www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 3 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

If you get a letter from Social Security stating that you have been overpaid and you need to repay them, we may be able to help. If you agree with the overpayment and can pay it back, you just need to contact Social Security on how to handle the repayment. You may be able to set up a payment plan that may take several years to pay back, or

you can pay the overpayment back in one payment.If you disagree with the overpayment there are two

different options available for handling it. A Benefit Specialist may be able to discuss these options with you to help you make a decision on how to proceed. The two options are Reconsideration and a Request for Waiver. In some cases you can do both.Reconsideration:

The reconsideration is the appeal of choice. You feel that Social Security is wrong in the letter they sent you, or you feel the amount they say you owe is wrong. You can ask for a Reconsideration if Social Security has not provided enough information about the overpayment, or you do not understand the overpayment notice. You need to file a SSA-561 Reconsideration form and then Social Security will take another look at their decision. If you file this appeal within 30 days of the notice and you

are still receiving benefit checks, your checks can continue until Social Security makes a decision. However, after you file a reconsideration, and Social Security decides their overpayment notice was correct, you may have to pay back the benefits you continued to receive.Waiver:

If you feel an overpayment was not your fault AND you are unable to pay it back you can complete a SSA-632 waiver form. You must meet both of these conditions to have an overpayment waived. If you are not able to meet your living expenses because you have to pay back an overpayment, Social Security will ask for detailed information about your living expenses. If you feel you cannot pay the entire amount back, it is appropriate to complete a waiver form. There is no deadline for filing a waiver.

It is important to remember that Social Security cannot start deducting repayment from your Social Security income while the reconsideration or waivers are pending a decision.

Getting an overpayment notice from Social Security does not mean this is the final decision that has been made about your benefit payment. You can contact Social Security about concerns or call the Aging and Disability Resource Center and ask to speak to a benefit specialist about your options.

Nikki Brennum

What Happens if I Get an Overpayment Letter from Social Security?

News from Nikki Brennum - Your Disability Benefit Specialist, Helping Iowa County residents 18-59 years of age with physical, developmental and mental illness disabilities

Tuesday, November 1

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING10:30 a.m.-Noon at Health and Human Services Center, Room 1001, Dodgeville. Topic: Honoring the Caregiver.

Tuesday, November 1

WHEN YOU TURN 18…4:00-7:00 p.m. at Health and Human Services Center, Community Room, Dodgeville.

Wednesday, November 2

DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY MEETING10:30 a.m.-Noon at Health and Human Services Center, Room 1001, Dodgeville.

Monday, November 7

CARE A VAN TRIPTo: NEW GLARUS for Shopping and Lunch.

Friday, November 11

VETERAN’S DAYVeterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Monday, November 14

CARE A VAN TRIPTo: VERONA for Lunch and Music.

Monday, November 28

CARE A VAN TRIPTo: MONROE for Shopping and Lunch.

Tuesday, November 22

ADRC MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 1:00 p.m. at the Health & Human Services Center. It is recommended that you call ahead to confirm the date, time and location of the committee meeting. THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25

THE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CENTER IS CLOSEDin observance of Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 28

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY4:30-5:30 p.m. Ss. Anthony & Philip Church, 726 Main Street, Highland, WI .

Join us for

Tuesday, November 1st4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Health & Human Services Center - Community Room303 W. Chapel Street, Dodgeville, WI

“When You Turn 18…” will provide youth and their parents the chance to connect with outside agencies and service providers serving Iowa and Lafayette Counties.

The event will focus on learning what to expect when turning 18.

Learn About:Employment Opportunities

Living IndependentlyLong Term Care

Guardianshipand More!

FREE refreshments will be provided.Every student who attends will receive a FREE gift!

This event is open to all school districts in Iowa County and Lafayette CountyArgyle * Barneveld * Belmont * Benton * Blackhawk * Darlington * Dodgeville

Highland * Iowa Grant * Mineral Point * Pecatonica * Riverdale * River Valley * Shullsburg

When You Turn 18...

Questions?Contact your local ADRC!

Iowa County - (608) 930-9835Lafayette County - (608) 776-4960

Page 4: READ YOUR MEDICARE Annual Notice of Change!.…ADRC at (608) 930-9835 today! Published with permission from the ... One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own

Cooler tempera-tures are definitely in the air, even as I write this in Sep-tember. It always is a nice relief from the heat of sum-mer, but it’s what follows that is a

challenge! This year we held our Volunteer

Appreciation Event at the Sport’s Page in Belmont. It was a great day, everyone had a good time and enjoyed the meal. This is the main goal; to honor them and give them a day to just relax and enjoy themselves, after all the time and effort they give to SUN throughout the year. We throw in a little education, just because they’re all in one place and it’s easier to reach everyone. With our two rural but large counties, that can be a challenge. Kari Bennett, RN, Iowa County Public Health nurse, spoke on brain fitness. She had everyone participate in some puzzles and games, to test our brains, and our preconceptions. Very interesting and fun! Music was provided by Frankie Brandt of Lead Mine. This year our special honorees were

from the same site — Highland. This site is run totally by volunteers. The breakfast program at Grandma’s Kitchen is managed by the staff there. The home delivery driver and volunteer at the lunch site, Wilson Winkers, just retired from SUN, after many years of delivering meals! Besides knowing everyone, Wilson has a gift of conversation and humor, and always a friendly smile and hello; his experiences with SUN and the Highland area could fill a book I’m sure. The home delivery participants trusted him, and sometimes asked for other favors and services, which Wilson was only too willing to do; bring in the mail, shovel the walk, help them to a chair, open the milk carton. One time recently, someone requested meals in the country; I always ask the driver first if they are willing to go. By the time I called Wilson, he had already been there with the meal — no questions asked. That is just his way. We will miss him! Our second honoree is Marcella

Stanek, another volunteer at the lunch site, and the Policy Advisory Representative for many years for Highland. Marcella just gets the work done! She works steadily and quietly, and comes almost every day, many times just to keep the counts up so the site continues. She is always trying to encourage others in the community to participate, commenting that “I just don’t know why more don’t come; the food is good, the company great and there isn’t a better deal anywhere”. A beautiful seamstress, Marcella brings handmade wall hangings and other fabric art to the site for each season and the holidays, to make it beautiful and inviting. These small touches are

so appreciated! She does the cleanup and Wilson handled the donations as well. Tony Castor is the new delivery person in Highland and is doing great. Without Wilson and Marcella, this site would not be what it has been. And without all of our volunteers, we could not function as a non-profit program. THANK YOU EVERYONE! Cranberries will be the featured food

for November. Wisconsin is now the #1 producer of cranberries in the country. They’ve come a long way from the once a year cranberry sauce or relish

at Thanksgiving. The dried cranberry, both sweetened and not, has given great versatility to this fruit, used in trail mixes, salads and baked goods. It is often associated with preventing, but not treating, urinary tract infections, the second most common infection in the body and accounting for 40% of the infections in long term care. Women are especially prone to UTI’s. Too much antibiotic use has led to resistance, so the alternative of cranberry extract is preferred. Cranberries are rich in polyphenols, which have been found to help prevent UTI’s. What more could you ask for?

November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 Nvember 11

November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 Nvember 18

November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 Nvember 25

November 28 November 29 November 30 December 1 December 2

Ham Croquettes w/Pineapple SauceScalloped PotatoesThree Bean Salad

Corn MuffinPears

Beef Stroganoff over NoodlesSquash

Mixed Green SaladPumpkin Cranberry Bread

ELECTION DAY

HOLIDAY MEALRoast Turkey

Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy Stuffing

Fresh Cranberry SaladCook’s Choice Dessert

Swiss SteakParsley Red Potatoes

Green Bean CasseroleRye Bread

Pistachio Pudding Dessert

Cheesy Broccoli SoupBreaded Fish Wedge on a Bun

w/Tartar SauceHashbrowns

ApricotsVETERAN’S DAY

Tuscany Vegetable SoupPizza Burger on a Bun (2 Patties, Mozzarella Cheese & Red Sauce)

Roasted Potato WedgesTropical Fruit

Chicken & DumplingsStewed Tomatoes

Broccoli Cauliflower SaladBlack Forest Cake

PastyColeslaw

Raspberry Cranberry Mousse

HAPPYTHANKSGIVING

NO MEALS SERVED

CLOSED

NO MEALS SERVED

Cavatini w/Ground Beef or Italian Sausage, Black Olives,

Cheese & Rotini PastaMixed Vegetables

Tossed Green SaladChocolate Brownie

Baked ChickenSweet Potatoes w/Brown Sugar

Winter Blend VegetablesBaked Rice Custard

MeatloafBaked Potato

Whole Kernel CornChoice of Bread

Peaches

Roast BeefMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Sliced BeetsDinner RollApple Crisp

Salmon LoafParsley Red Potatoes

Creamed PeasButtermilk Biscuit

Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcake

Hearty Meatball SoupChef Salad w/Ham, Turkey,

Cheese & EggCorn Muffin

Peanut Butter Cookie

LasagnaFresh Spinach Salad Mandarin Oranges

Garlic BreadSurprise Cupcake

Chicken Pot Pie w/Mixed Vegetables & Biscuit Topping

ApricotsGelatin w/Bananas

Pepper Steak w/Peppers & Onions

Baked PotatoCreamed Spinach

Dinner RollPumpkin Pie

Baked Fish (unbreaded) w/LemonRice Pilaf

Sliced CarrotsFruit Cocktail

Cook’s Choice Muffin

Sloppy Joe on a BunTater Tots

Taffy Apple SaladChocolate Chip Cookie

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Liver & Onions or Cook’s ChoiceCowboy Potatoes

Sliced CarrotsChoice of Bread

Lemon Meringue Pie

Pork RoastMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Cooked CabbageDinner RollApple Bar

Salisbury SteakBaked Potato

California Blend VegetablesRye Bread

Cook’s Choice Dessert

Potato & Leek SoupEgg Salad Sandwich

on Wheat BreadCottage Cheese

w/Mandarin OrangesOatmeal Cookie

Ocotber 31 November 1 November 2 November 3 Nvember 4

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 Nvember 11

November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 Nvember 18

November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 Nvember 25

November 28 November 29 November 30 December 1 December 2

Spaghetti w/Meat SauceMixed Green Salad

PearsFrench Bread

Chocolate Cupcake

Baked Pork Chop w/GravyMashed PotatoesSeasoned Broccoli

Dinner RollScotcheroo

ELECTION DAY

Pizza Burger on a BunOven Browned Potatoes

ColeslawRice Pudding w/Raisins

Baked CodO’Brien Potatoes

Normandy VegetablesBread Serving

Chocolate Cherry Bar

VETERAN’S DAY

NO MEALS SERVED

Beef Tips over Buttered Egg Noodles

Green BeansBanana

Rice Krispie Bar

Calico Bean CasseroleWhole Wheat RollAunt Carol’s Salad

Bread Pudding w/Caramel Sauce

Shepherd’s PieApricots

Bread ServingGelatin w/Fruit

& Whipped Topping

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NO MEALS SERVED

Hashbrown Egg BakeSausage

Tropical FruitBaker’s Choice Muffin

Autumn Harvest CasseroleSeven Layer Salad

Tropical FruitBlueberry Crisp

Kielbasa w/CabbageCarrots & PotatoesCorn Bread Muffin

Vanilla Pudding

Sliced TurkeyMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Cranberry SaladFruit Cocktail Cake w/Topping

Beef Stew over Baking Powder Biscuit

Oriental SaladButterfinger Dessert

Cranberry Glazed Pork ChopSquash

Mixed VegetablesBread ServingFrosted Cake

GoulashMixed Greens w/Dressing

Diced PeachesFrosted Angel Food Cake

Cream of Broccoli SoupHam Salad Sandwich

Pistachio Salad w/PineappleBlonde Brownie

PastyBroccoli Cauliflower Salad

Frosted Yellow Cake

Sloppy Joe on a BunAu Gratin Potatoes

Dilled CarrotsChocolate Pudding Pie Square

Baked Cod w/Tartar SaucePotato WedgesButtered BeetsBread Serving

Pulled Pork on a BunPotato Wedges

PeachesPineapple Upside Down Cake

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Glazed Chicken BreastTwice Baked Potato CasseroleNormandy Blend Vegetables

Bread ServingRanger Cookie

Seasoned Baked FishWhipped Potatoes

Green BeansBread Serving

Cheesecake w/Fruit Topping

PastyAunt Carol’s Salad

Dinner RollBaked Apple w/Cinnamon

Chunky Tomato SoupEgg Salad Sandwich

on Whole WheatWaldorf Salad

Pumpkin Pie Square

Ocotber 31 November 1 November 2 November 3 Nvember 4

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

THIS MONTH’S FOOD FEATURE:CRANBERRIES

For questions regarding the SUN Program, contact the main office at (608) 930-9845. Comments and suggestions are welcome!See News & Views flyer and additional

information and recipes at each site.Please, call by 1:00 p.m.

ONE DAY in advance for reservations.

www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 4 & 5 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

Suggested Donations: $4.25 Congregate and $4.75 Home Delivery S.U.N. Senior Dining and Meals on WheelsGreetings From

November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 Nvember 11

November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 Nvember 18

November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 Nvember 25

November 28 November 29 November 30

Beef Tips over NoodlesBaby Carrots

BiscuitCinnamon Applesauce

Pepper SteakBaked Potato

Monte Carlo VegetablesFruit Bread

PearsELECTION DAY

Broccoli SoupChicken Salad Sandwich

Lettuce SaladSliced Peaches

Baked ChickenMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Mixed VegetablesWheat Bread

Chocolate Mousse

Baked CodCowboy Potatoes

Coleslaw & Wheat RollRhubarb Crisp

w/Whipped ToppingVETERAN’S DAY

Roast Beef w/GravyMashed Potatoes Creamed CornWheat Bread

Chocolate Cake

Spaghetti w/Meat SauceGarden Salad

Mixed Fruit CupFrench Bread

Butterscotch Bar

Chicken Stew over a BiscuitAsparagus Cuts

Pickled BeetsDump Cake

THANKSGIVING

NO MEALS SERVED

CLOSED

NO MEALS SERVED

Salisbury SteakSage DressingBrussel Sprouts

FruitApple Berry Mold

Hot Turkey Open Face SandwichMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Buttered PeasOatmeal Cookie

Mushroom Swiss SteakMashed PotatoesCreamed Beans

Wheat BreadChocolate Chip Bar

Pork CutletOven Fried Potatoes

Acorn SquashBran Muffin

Dutch Apple Pie

Salmon Loaf w/ Tartar Sauce, Lemon

Baked PotatoYellow Beans

White Dinner RollStrawberry Shortcake

Sloppy Joe on a BunHash Browns

Creamy CucumbersApple Slices

Snickerdoodle Cookie

MeatballsMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Stewed TomatoesDinner RollSpice Cake

Cavatini w/Meat SauceCottage Cheese w/Peaches

ColeslawPineapple Fruit Salad

HAPPYHALLOWEEN!

Corned BeefRed Potatoes

Cooked CabbageWheat Roll

Cherry Cheesecake

Beef Patty on a Bun w/ Lettuce, Tomato & Onion

Potato SaladBaked Beans

Apple Bar

Roast PorkMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Baby BeetsWheat Bread

Pumpkin Cake w/Topping

Scalloped Potatoes w/HamWhole Kernel CornMandarin Oranges

Potato RollCustard

Ocotber 31 November 1 November 2 November 3 Nvember 4

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 Nvember 11

November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 Nvember 18

November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 Nvember 25

November 28 November 29 November 30 December 1 December 2

Hot Pork SandwichMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

SquashThree Bean Salad

Pumpkin Bar

Spaghetti w/Meat SauceSeven Layer Salad

Pickled BeetsApple Pie

ELECTION DAY

Parmesan Chicken BreastCalico Beans

Seasoned PeasFrench Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Ham & Scalloped PotatoesGreen BeansDinner Roll

Cook’s Choice Dessert

Cod on a BunBaked Potato w/Butter

ColeslawTriple Chocolate CakeVETERAN’S DAY

Pork CutletSweet Potatoes

Green Bean CasseroleBread Serving

Mixed Fruit Cup

Hot Beef SandwichMashed Potatoes w/Gravy

Glazed CarrotsLemon Meringue Pie

Polish SausageParsley Red Potatoes

Cooked CabbageRye Bread

Baked Apple

THANKSGIVING

NO MEALS SERVED

CLOSED

NO MEALS SERVED

BBQ Pork SandwichHashbrownsBaked Beans

Pears

Meatballs in Gravy over NoodlesButtered Peas

Fruit CupCustard Pie

Turkey & DressingCranberry Relish

Mashed Potatoes w/GravyPumpkin Pie

w/Whipped Topping

Lasagna w/Meat SauceSeven Layer Salad

Garlic ToastChocolate Cake

w/Peanut Butter Icing

Chicken Noodle SoupEgg Salad Sandwich

Waldorf SaladCottage Cheese w/Pineapple

Cook’s Choice Dessert

Vegetable Beef SoupTuna Melt

Tossed Salad w/DressingApple Crisp

MeatloafBaked Potato

w/Sour Cream & ButterStewed Tomatoes

Bread ServingBrownie

Country Fried SteakNoodles w/Alfredo Sauce

SquashApplesauce

Banana Pudding Cup

Tator Tot CasserolePickled BeetsBread Serving

Chocolate Cake

Tomato Basil SoupGrilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich

ColeslawCherry Torte

Polish SausageKraut/Cooked Cabbage

Mashed Potatoes w/ButterCorn Muffin

Banana Cream PieHAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Ham & Bean SoupHam Salad Sandwich

Pineapple on Cottage CheeseMuffin

PastyWhole Kernel Corn

ColeslawCustard Pie

Chicken Pot Pie over BiscuitTossed Salad w/Dressing

PeachesBrownie

ChiliGrilled Cheese SandwichBroccoli Cauliflower Salad

Peach Cobbler

Ocotber 31 November 1 November 2 November 3 Nvember 4

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAYCecile McManus, RD

Cecile

ARENA Serving at Noon

DODGEVILLE Serving at 11:30 a.m. MINERAL POINT Home Delivery Only LINDEN Serving at Noon AVOCA Home Delivery Only

HIGHLAND: Ss. Anthony & Philip Church, call Tess at (608) 929-7482.

DODGEVILLE: Hidden Valley Church, call Sonia at (608) 574-6630.

LINDEN: Municipal Building, call Eunice at (608) 623-2800 or (608) 943-8308.

AVOCA: DELIVERY ONLY, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, call (608) 930-9845.

ARENA: Arena Manor, call Mona at (608) 341-6859.

MINERAL POINT: DELIVERY ONLY call (608) 987-2696.

HIGHLAND Serving at 11:30 a.m.

Thank YouFOR THE DONATIONS:Peace Lutheran Church

Cobb, $50

ACTIVITIESARENA

Thursday, November 10Foot Care at 9:00 a.m.

Cards after Lunch

DODGEVILLE Tuesday, November 1

Cards at 12:30 p.m.Tuesday, November 8

Lunch and Learn - ADRCTuesday, November 15

Bingo at 12:30 p.m.Tuesday, November 22

Cards at 12:30 p.m.

HIGHLANDCards after Lunch

LINDEN Wednesday, November 16

Birthday PartyThursday, November 17

Foot Care at 1:00 p.m.

November

We are veryThankful For all of You!

GIVE THANKS NOVEMBER 24

NUTRITION CENTERS

NOVEMBER2016 MENUS

Inclement Weather Policy:

When the schools close, SUN will close as well.If there is a school delay,

check with the site.

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www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 6 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

Eat a Cranberry Day(November 23)

Donna Peterson

Donna Peterson, Nutrition Educator with Cooperative Extension in Iowa County, offers tips for increasing your health and wealth in 2016. Call (608) 930-9850 for more information.

A staple on any Thanksgiving Holiday spread, cranberries have a taste all their own and are packed with nutrients that offer a variety of potential health benefits. Add dried cranberries to your favorite trail mix or add some color to a family favorite, apple crisp. Learn how to select, store, and use cranberries from the UNL Extension's Nutrition Education Program.

Choose cranberries that are firm, plump, shiny, and range in color from bright light red to dark red. Avoid cranberries that are soft, shriveled, or have brown spots.

Store unwashed cranberries in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Be sure to check and remove any cranberries that have gone bad, as they will start to decay the others. To freeze, place rinsed cranberries on a paper towel lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 hour. Place in a resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 1 year. Refrigerator: Up to 2 months.

Rinse cranberries thoroughly before preparing. Cranberries are good for both cooking and eating raw. If raw cranberries

are too tart, cook them before eating. One method is to cook in a pot of water for 10 minutes on medium heat or until the cranberries pop. If cooked longer, they will taste bitter. Adapted from Kayla Colgrove, MS, RD, ACSM-CPT, UNL Extension's National Food Days webpage.

Five Tips to a Healthier

Thanksgivingfor Seniors

By Janet Butteris, Social Worker

Thanksgiving can be fun and festive for some and emotionally and physically challenging for others. Since seniors are especially vulnerable to certain holiday-related health pitfalls, here are five tips to a healthier Thanksgiving, and holiday season:1. Don't dine alone. Many senior centers provide

opportunities for people to enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal in the company of others. Sharing the holiday with others not only lifts your spirits, but provides a well-balanced healthy meal. If you're able, find out how to volunteer to help prepare and serve this year's Thanksgiving feast.

2. Mind your heart. Calories and fat still count during the holidays. Overeating can lead to everything from heartburn to a heart attack. Limit gravies, butter and other high-fat choices with plenty of vegetables and lean white meat. If you experience chest pain, don't delay seeing a doctor.

3. Drink in moderation. Besides a nasty hangover and obvious safety hazards, over-imbibing can have many negative effects - some social and some physical - including depression, an inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis and an irregular heartbeat. Limit your intake to no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. And never drink and drive.

4. Plan ahead. Be sure to have an up-to-date list of medications you are taking. If you do face a health emergency during the holidays, it's important for your doctor to know your current medical conditions and have a list of your medications.

5. Keep your health in focus. If you feel under the weather - physically or mentally - during the holidays, don't wait to visit your doctor. Colds, flu and depression are much more common during this season.

Recipe: CRANBERRY JUMBLEPreparation Time: 25 minutesServes 2 Cups of Fruit per Serving: ¾ cup

Ingredients:

Instructions: 1.) Slice the banana in half, lengthwise and cut into ½ inch pieces 2.) Combine first 4 ingredients in a large non-stick skillet and cook

on medium-high heat until cranberries begin to soften, stirring occasionally.

3.) Remove from heat; cool slightly. 4.) Spoon into 2 bowls and top with low-fat frozen yogurt, if desired.

1 large banana, peeled¾ cup fresh or frozen cranberries ¼ cup oats

½ teaspoon nutmeglow-fat frozen yogurt (optional)

Retiring Overseas?What You Need to Know about Getting Benefits Abroad

By Bob Trotter, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI

There are a number of people who choose to live their retirement years in places outside of the United States. Perhaps retirement in Thailand or Portugal is in your plans. Maybe you plan to split your year between Central Europe and Central Asia. In many cases, it’s still possible to receive your retirement benefits while living abroad. Our website can help you navigate your benefit eligibility while

living overseas.If you’ve worked in both the United States

and another country, it may be possible for your credits to combine for a larger benefit. Currently, there are 25 countries with such international agreements with the United States. To find out if you have qualifying work in a country with such an agreement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/international.

You can receive benefits in many countries. To find out whether you can receive your benefits in the country where you are retiring, you should use our Payments Abroad Screening Tool at www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS_page10.html

There are easy ways to get in touch with us and report changes to Social Security if you live overseas. You can contact your local U.S. embassy, write to us by mail, or call us at 1-800-772-1213. You can find other information in regards to living overseas at www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign.

CHANGES TO THEAARP TAX AIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Taxpayers will be required to have a Social Security Card to verify their Social Security number.(A Medicare card is not acceptable.)

Misplaced your card? You can request a new card online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ or you can visit the Social Security office in Madison at 6011 Odana Road.

New cards cannot be requested over the phone.

Your year-end Social Security statement will not be acceptable. Your complete Social Security number will not be on the year-end statement.

Questions? Call the ADRC at (608) 930-9835.

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www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 7 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

YOURInformation and Assistance Specialists!

Katie Batton & Brittany Mainwaring Information and Assistance Specialists

Do You HaveA Question?

Answer:Thank you for your question. Home energy costs

are an area that everyone can take a look at and probably save some extra money. After looking through numerous resources, this article seems to summarize some great tips that many have found success with.

The people have spoken: America’s favorite way to save energy during winter is… by Barry Fischer and Aaron Tinjum.“Winter is notorious for high energy usage. December, January, and February unleash America’s highest energy consumption of any consecutive 3-month period.” The article goes on to say: “But the coldest part of the year needn’t be an energy consumption extravaganza. There are plenty of things you can do to stay warm and cozy while ensuring that your utility bill doesn’t spiral out of control. Our mission today is to add our own list of winter tips to the mix.”

SET YOUR THERMOSTAT WISELYWhen you get home from an icy commute, your

instinct may be to crank up the heat and turn your house into a sauna. By making small changes to the way you use your thermostat, you can go a very long way in saving energy: each degree of adjustment has an estimated 1-2% impact on your annual heating costs. Going from an average of 73 degrees to 68 degrees could save you about $100 per year.

In our sample of American households, the thermostat is the place to go for winter energy savings. The number of households who report setting their thermostat wisely exceeds those who don’t by a ratio of 34-to-1.

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your wintertime thermostat to as low a temperature as you’re comfortable with: as a default, they

recommend 68°F when you’re home and awake, and easing it down 10 degrees or so when you’re away from home or sleeping.

And remember, when you first turn on your heater, there’s no point in turning it to an ultra-high temperature, idealistically believing it will go into turbo-heat mode. In reality, calling for a higher temperature than where you want your home to end up won’t speed up the heating process. Keep it simple and stick to 68°F.

A programmable/automated Wi-Fi thermostat can help make managing your home’s temperature a piece of cake. In our data sample, more than 50,000 customers are big fans of them. Speaking of fans: during winter, you can cleverly reverse the direction on your ceiling fan so that it will slowly blow any rising warm air back down, to keep you toasty at ground level – meaning your heater doesn’t have to work as hard.

LET THE SUN SHINE INHere comes the sun, little darling. Time to make

the most of it!Take it from the more than 125,000 households in

our sample who are opening their window blinds, shutters, and curtains to provide natural lighting and capture free heat. The popular and energy-efficient thing to do in winter is to let the sunshine in during the day (especially via those south-facing windows that are flooded with sunniness), and then to close window coverings at night (or on gloomy days) to prevent heat loss.

ALLOW YOUR HEATING VENTS TO BREATHE

Have you ever tried breathing with a handkerchief over your mouth? Neither have we. There’s no sense in making it harder for air to get to and from your lungs. Similarly, it doesn’t make sense to obstruct the air flowing into and out of your heating/cooling system. Nearly 100,000 households in our sample have taken this basic and easy-to-address concept to heart.

You too can get warmer more quickly and save dozens of dollars per year on your utility bill by taking a few minutes to: 1) clean or replace your heating systems’ air filters on a monthly basis, and 2) clear away objects that may be blocking indoor vents or baseboard heaters (offenders may include a chair, rug, or beanbag pillow).

KEEP IN THE HEAT, KEEP OUT THE COLD

Is warmth escaping from your home — or the cold seeping in — through doors, walls, or a poorly insulated attic?

Are there tiny holes or cracks in your home’s ducts or surfaces that are forcing your heater to work harder? It’s estimated that 25% of a home’s heat in winter is lost through these points of air leakage.

To preserve warmth indoors and halt the invasion of the cold, more than a hundred thousand households in our data sample are adopting at least one of the following strategies this winter: applying weather-stripping around doors and windows, plugging air leaks with caulk or polyurethane foam, sealing leaky ducts, and improving insulation throughout their homes.

GET S’MORE ENERGY SAVINGS BY USING THE FIREPLACE WISELY

The fireplace can be a great source of comfort and heat — but it can also be a significant source of heat loss.

When you leave your damper or flue open, potential energy savings go up in smoke, escaping through the chimney. Therefore, when you’re not using your fireplace, close the damper and make sure it closes tightly. And, if you never use your fireplace, close it up completely — plug and seal the chimney.

You can take additional steps to maximize your fireplace’s heat: add caulk around the fireplace’s hearth, turn down your thermostat when the fire’s burning, or invest in a tempered glass door on your fireplace to prevent the escape of warmed air from your home.”

Please continue to send in your questions. Information and Assistance Specialists (I&As) help provide information and assistance regarding local services and resources that match your needs. Services are free and confidential. If you have a question that you would like answered in the News and Views, feel free to send in a letter addressed to:

News and Views Q & A303 W Chapel St, Suite 1300

Dodgeville WI 53533

Question:With winter approaching,

what do you suggest in

order to save some money

on heating my home?

Thank you to all who attended and to those who participated as vendors. Congratulations to Nancy Lane who won the One-Year Membership to Upland Hills Health Fitness Center!

A special thank you to Donna Peterson, Nutrition Educator with UW-Extension, Iowa County, for demonstrating how to make Smoothies!

And to Tessa Fure and Kari Grady from Bloomfield Healthcare & Rehab for sponsoring BINGO.We would like to recognize Upland Hills Health for their sponsorship and collaboration of this event.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you to the SUN Program for the wonderful lunch and to Bloomfield Healthcare & Rehab for preparing the meal which was enjoyed by many.

Thank you to Hidden Valley Community Church for the use of their space and equipment.

Thanks again to all! from the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

The 2016 Health & Wellness EXPO was a HUGE Success!

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NOVEMBER 2016CARE A VAN SCHEDULECall (608) 930-9835

www.iowacounty.org • 1-877-794-2372 — 8 — November 2016 - Iowa County News & Views

ONTHE

ROADAGAIN

WELCOME NEW RIDERS... we will pick you up at your door, whenever possible.

$5.00 SENIOR TRIP DAYS Leave from the Health and Human Services Center

in Dodgeville at 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 1 ................ TO: DODGEVILLE - Dining Center and/or Shopping

(Ridgeway, Barneveld, Hollandale and Mineral Point)

Wednesday, November 2 ....................................................TO: RICHLAND CENTER

(Dodgeville, Edmund, Cobb, Highland, Avoca and Muscoda)

Thursday, November 3 ............................................................ TO: MINERAL POINT

(Dodgeville, Edmund, Cobb, Linden, Mineral Point and Rewey)

Friday, November 4 ....................................................................... NO BUS SERVICE

Monday, November 7 .................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: NEW GLARUS - Shopping and Lunch

Tuesday, November 8 ................ TO: DODGEVILLE - Dining Center and/or Shopping

(Ridgeway, Barneveld, Hollandale and Mineral Point)

Wednesday, November 9 .............................................................. TO: PLATTEVILLE

(Dodgeville, Edmund, Cobb, Linden, Mineral Point and Rewey)

Thursday, November 10 .................................TO: DODGEVILLE - Ride/No Shopping

Friday, November 11 ....................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: BENTON/SHULLSBURG - Thrift Shopping and Lunch

Monday, November 14 ................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: VERONA - Lunch and Live Music

Tuesday, November 15 .............. TO: DODGEVILLE - Dining Center and/or Shopping

(Ridgeway, Barneveld, Hollandale and Mineral Point)

Wednesday, November 16 ............................................................ TO: PLATTEVILLE

(Dodgeville, Highland, Avoca and Muscoda)

Thursday, November 17 .................................TO: DODGEVILLE - Ride/No Shopping

Friday, November 18 ....................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: DUBUQUE - Lunch and Casino or Kennedy Mall

Monday, November 21 ................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: REEDSBURG - Shopping and Lunch

Tuesday, November 22 .............. TO: DODGEVILLE - Dining Center and/or Shopping

(Ridgeway, Barneveld, Hollandale and Mineral Point)

Wednesday, November 23 ............................................................ TO: PLATTEVILLE

(Dodgeville, Edmund, Cobb, Linden, Mineral Point and Rewey)

Thursday, November 24 ......................NO BUS SERVICE - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Friday, November 25 ..................................................................... NO BUS SERVICE

Monday, November 28 ................................................................SENIOR TRIP DAY

TO: MONROE - Shopping and Lunch

Tuesday, November 29 .............. TO: DODGEVILLE - Dining Center and/or Shopping

(Ridgeway, Barneveld, Hollandale and Mineral Point)

Wednesday, November 30 ..................................................TO: RICHLAND CENTER

(Dodgeville, Edmund, Cobb, Highland, Avoca and Muscoda)

SundowningBy: Whitney Thompson, Dementia Care Specialist

Many individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias experience sundowning. Sundowning is when individuals start having escalated behaviors, usually in the later afternoon or early evening hours. Individuals can have heightened agitation, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, or irritability. This may result in wandering, yelling, repetitive actions, aggression, etc.

Sundowning can be an extremely challenging experience for caregivers and families. In some cases, sundowning can continue into the night, making for an exhausting situation.

We do not have a comprehensive understanding of what causes sundowning. The National Institute on Aging (ww.nia.nih.gov) outlines the following potential causes:

• Being overly tired physically and mentally• Having unmet needs such as hunger, thirst, pain, or boredom• Confusion between day and night because of changes in their “internal

body clock”• Reacting to the frustration of exhausted caregivers• Confusion from dark lighting and increased shadows (misinterpreting what

they see)• Depression

What should I do if my loved one experiences sundowning?

• Create a calm environment. Reduce noise, clutter, and the number of people around

• Distract the person with other activities. Try having a family member or friend call to help divert the person’s attention

• Play soothing music that the individual enjoys• Close the curtains at dusk and turn on adequate lighting to eliminate

shadows• Help the individual get exposure to the sun by going outdoors or sitting by

a window earlier in the day• Encourage the individual to be physically active during the day• Develop a routine and help the individual stay engaged, but do not plan too

many activities that they become exhausted• Avoid drinks with caffeine late in the dayIf you are impacted by dementia and looking for more education or support,

contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Iowa County to get connected to the Dementia Care Specialist at (608) 930-9835. Know you are not alone!

Whitney Thompson

Dementia Friendly Businesses & Organizations in Iowa County

• Anchor Bank-Dodgeville

• Berget Jewelers-Mineral Point

• Bunbury & Associates Realtors-Dodgeville

• Country View Veterinary Clinic-Mineral Point

• Culver’s of Dodgeville

• Davis Duehr Dean-Dodgeville

• Dodgeville Public Library

• Dodgeville Veterinary Services

• Iowa County Health and Human Services

• Iowa County Volunteer Drivers

• Piggly Wiggly

• Southwest Dental Associates-Dodgeville

• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church-Dodgeville

• St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Catholic Church-Mineral Point

• Walgreens-Dodgeville

• Worksite Solutions-Dodgeville

If you are interested in joining the dementia friendly community initiative

in Iowa County or want to learn more about becoming dementia friendly,

contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Iowa County to get

connected to the Dementia Care Specialist by calling (608) 930-9835.