Commission on Aging is seniors’ #1 resource center
For senior citizens in Taylor County, getting connected to services is simple.
“The Commission on Aging and the ADRC is really your one-stop shop,” said Jenn Viergutz, aging director. “We know all of the resources that can help seniors, and we can point you in the right direction.”
The Commission on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) are located in the same building on the corner of STH 64 and STH 13 in Medford next-door to the Taylor County Historical Society. Senior citizens are encouraged to stop in at their office or call them at 715-748-1491 to hear about the services they connect seniors with, such as Neighbor to Neighbor, a program that assists income-eligible homeowners by making minor modifications or repairs that allow them to safely remain in their homes.
Every month, the Commission on Aging sends out a newsletter to seniors across the area. The newsletter includes information about services and social events.
“Staying social and active really helps people age better and live longer,” Viergutz said.
Many activities for seniors couple physical activity with social interaction. For example, there is a free senior exercise class at the fairgrounds in Medford on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. There are other exercise programs throughout the county.
“Social isolation has become a big topic, especially since COVID,” Viergutz said.
Recently, the Supporting Healthy Aging Coalition was awarded two major grants to address social isolation and support connectedness in the community. The focus of the grant-funded programs will be on education and promotion to combat social isolation. As part of this effort, a Fair Before the Fair event was held last month for seniors. 50 seniors attended and enjoyed a petting zoo, balloon animals, cotton candy, ice cream, and education from community partners. Most importantly, it was an opportunity for seniors to get together, talk, and have fun. More events will be held to support social connection in the coming months.
Another way for seniors to be social is to go to nutrition sites for affordable lunches. There are sites in Medford, Gilman, Goodrich, Jump River, Rib Lake, Stetsonville, and Westboro. Anyone 60 years and older is welcome, but they must call to reserve their meal beforehand. The suggested contribution for a meal is $5.00. For seniors who are unable to travel to a nutrition site, home delivered meals are available.
There are also transportation services for seniors who are unable to drive. A mini-bus service regularly drives seniors for medical, shopping, recreational, and nutritional purposes. There is a fare charged for use of the mini-bus. For a round trip to a nutritional site, the fare is $1. To get on the list of stops, people should contact the Commission on Aging. Seniors can also contact the Commission on Aging to schedule transportation with a volunteer driver. There is a per mile fee to use this service.
Viergutz suggests people learn about these services before they need them. “One of the biggest things with Commission on Aging or ADRC is people say I’m not old enough yet or I don’t need those services yet. And I get that because you’re considered a senior when you’re 60, but I really feel like people should at least get the resources and know about them before they need the services. At least if its in the back of your head, you know where to go when you need the services.”
Viergutz added many people who don’t need the services are caring for those who do, so they could still benefit from knowing about them.
