IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER A BUILD-A-BASKET: Baskets are coming in at all of our drop-off locations and deliveries have begun! Baskets will be delivered throughout the holiday season, so if you have not yet registered a basket, it is not too late to spread holiday joy to a homebound individual in need. You may register a basket online through our website at www.generationsnetwork.org. For more information or to register a basket by phone, you may contact Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527, or you may reach her by email at [email protected]. Thank you to all of you who make this program a success year after year. We absolutely could not do this without the tremendous amount of community support that we receive from you!
INDIANA’S BE WELL CRISIS HELPLINE WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE THROUGH MARCH 2023: FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction initially launched the Be Well Crisis Helpline in July 2020 in response to the increased stress, anxiety and isolation Hoosiers were experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the helpline’s inception, counselors have invested more than 5,823 hours helping Hoosiers manage their mental health. Individuals who call the crisis helpline seek support for several distress reactions including anxiety or fearfulness, issues with sleep, isolation, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, fatigue and sadness. Indiana residents can speak with a trained mental health counselor by dialing 2-1-1 or the toll-free number, 866-211-9966, entering their ZIP code and selecting the option for the Be Well Crisis Helpline. In addition, Be Well Indiana’s website contains supplemental resources including blog posts and videos offering tips for maintaining mental health as well as self-screening tools. For more information, please visit BeWellIndiana.org
HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING SAFETY TIPS: As we celebrate this holiday season, it is important that we remain mindful of safety when it comes to our holiday decorating. As we age, we unfortunately become more prone to falls and accidents, but don’t let this dampen your holiday spirit! A few simple safety tips can ensure a happy and safe holiday! First of all, DO NOT CLIMB to hang or place decorations – leave this to someone younger and less likely to injure themselves from a fall. Secondly, make sure that your holiday decorations, such as your Christmas tree, lights, or menorah are secured so that they do not fall or catch on fire. Also, NEVER leave candles unattended; if you leave the room in which a lit candle is burning, it is best practice to extinguish the candle before leaving the room. And finally, make sure that your decorations do not create unnecessary clutter. Keep your walkways clear to avoid trips and falls. Following these simple decorating safety tips could mean the difference between a Holly Jolly Christmas and a Blue Christmas!
GENERATIONS MAGAZINE: Our magazine is geared toward adults in pre-retirement and retirement years and promotes active aging and preventive health. It is published three times a year and is free to subscribers. All we need is your name and address. If you would like to receive future copies of the magazine, contact Brenda Hancock at 812-888-5146 or [email protected].
Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability, is a program of Vincennes University’s Community Services Division. Our agency connects individuals and caregivers to community resources and options for long-term care and in-home services. For more information, call 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or visit our website at www.generationsnetwork.org
