The Douglas County Senior Resource Center has begun allowing in-person groups to meet to help seniors engage and get involved with their community.
The building requires masks and has smaller group sizes to allow for social distancing, but seniors are OK with these requirements since it may be the only time they leave their homes, Executive Director Megan Poindexter said.
The center has a weekly painting group at 9 a.m. Tuesdays to allow seniors to bring in a craft they are working on to connect with others. This is one of the center’s longest running groups and was the first to come back when they reopened last summer.
They also host a guided meditation class at noon Wednesdays. The class requires no prior knowledge of meditation. It teaches the importance of mindfulness and meditation as well as how to use these practices in regular life.
Another weekly option is Warm Hugs Quilting. The group meets at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and focuses on making quilts with a purpose. The group donates its quilts to foster children, people moving from homelessness to permanent homes and other community organizations.
The Senior Resource Center also has groups that meet to discuss Medicare benefits, legal services, scam calls and more. There is also a game room that has board games, a television and a pool table that seniors can use anytime the building is open.
Many seniors may be fearful of going to these public events, but even just going on a walk to the mailbox and saying hi to another person on the way can be a way to start somewhere, Poindexter said.
“They know there are safe things, but it’s been so long they’re struggling to take the first step, ” Poindexter said. “For folks struggling with depression or anxiety, we talk with them about seeking some professional help.”
The staff wants to see if they can find something that fits the interests that the person may already have, Poindexter said. Whether the reason they are isolated is due to mobility concerns, health issues or lack of transportation, the staff wants to work with seniors to find a solution.
It may not be a long-term need, but there are professionals who can help address these mental health issues that may or may not be a result of covid, Poindexter said.
It could be helpful to talk through the issues with someone to help find an activity that fits your personality, Poindexter said.
For seniors struggling to feel connected due to a lack of technological knowledge, the Senior Resource Center has donated used devices to provide seniors with a device to learn and benefit from.
They recently started a program to help seniors learn how to use their devices. Volunteers can go into their homes and work to bridge the “digital divide,” Poindexter said. People who are interested in joining this team should reach out to the Senior Resource Center at (785) 842-0543.
The resource center also sends out a free monthly e-newsletter that showcases activities for the upcoming weeks.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
