Announcements

Serving the Klamath Community through Meals on Wheels

A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the meals on wheels movement going. Call the Senior Center at 541-883-7171 to become a volunteer today!

If you or someone you know is in need of Meals on Wheels, please register with the Klamath Lake Counties Council on Aging by calling 541-205-5400.

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Klamath Basin Senior Center

3 days ago

Find Your Purpose Friday!Volunteer SpotlightRussell ShafferPosition / Duties at the Center: I’m a volunteer for Wheels on Meals. My duties are to make sure I deliver meals for clients on a daily basis and to help them not feel isolated.How long have you been a volunteer at the Senior Center? I have been a volunteer here at the Senior Center since the Summer of 2019. Why do you volunteer? Volunteering helps me feel useful. I get out of the house in the morning hours. I also meet a lot of new people. It makes me feel useful and it’s a non-strenuous job. What’s your favorite thing about volunteering? The people at the center and the clients I deliver to and have become friends with.Where are you originally from? I’m from Paso Robles CA. In 1971 my brother and I jumped on our motor cycle and headed out to Yellow Stone Park. It was very cold there so we headed north. We came to Klamath Falls to visit family and after a short stay a family member asked if we would stay and helped them plant potatoes. I stayed to help out. Got a job and met my future wife her in Klamath Falls and have been here ever since. What do you enjoy doing outside of volunteering? I enjoy camping, but we haven’t been able to go camping this year as much! ... See MoreSee Less

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Klamath Basin Senior Center

4 days ago

Photos from Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services's post ... See MoreSee Less

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Klamath Basin Senior Center

4 days ago

SHIP TALK (Senior Health Insurance Program)Aging and SuicideIn November 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in the suicide rates since 2021. The report details that in 2021 and 2022 , people aged 75 and older had the highest rate among all age groups. That news, combined with the fact that September is national Suicide Prevention Week, prompts me to examine and write about it this month. The population in the U.S. is rapidly aging. In 2020, adults age 65 and older comprised about 17% of the population and this group is growing at nearly five times the rate of the overall population. Older adults face a unique set of stressors associated with aging: decline in physical health, reduced mental activity, shrinking social networks, and losses of friends and loved ones. These stressors will likely compound the impact of mental illness. Somes times this leads to a mental health diagnosis and other times not. Frequently, mental distress leads to impairment in self-care, household maintenance, work and social engagement. Suicidal ideation may follow. Nearly all older adults interact with the health care system. This includes those who experience mental and physical impairment and therefore more likely to have suicidal ideation. Yet they are seldom assessed at any point for suicidal risk. A good assessment will combine consideration of psychological, social factors, and pain management as part of a comprehensive review of the patient to capture their care needs and assess their risk of harm to themselves or other people. This is all covered by Medicare. Recent policy changes aimed at promoting access to behavioral health in the Medicare program are a positive step in supporting older adults’ mental health care, particularly the expansion of the provider base to include more non-MD therapists and the provision of additional payments for primary health care providers delivering care associated with mental health. Fortunately, there are interventions that have been shown to decrease suicides among older adults. People are living longer and longer, but so often the medical treatment will just prolong life, with no cure for the problem. There are medications that address depression, palliative care that addresses pain, social interactions that can alleviate loneliness and despair. Often these can be overlooked and/or not addressed. Summarizing: These observations suggest that mental health and the need for behavioral health among older people would benefit from a more comprehensive view. And Medicare can play a major role in this intervention. If you have questions regarding the role of Medicare, please give the SHIBA program a call and talk to a certified Medicare counselor. We’re located at the Klamath Basin Senior Service Center and can be reached at 541-883-7171.Anne Hartnett, SHIBA counselor ... See MoreSee Less

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Klamath Basin Senior Center

5 days ago

Connect with an Inter-Generational Program and Age Well Leslie Maxfield, Volunteer Coordinator, Foster Grandparent ProgramLoneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. This can be true for everyone, but especially for low-income older adults and at-risk children. The Foster Grandparent Program of Southern Oregon, part of Americorps Seniors, was founded in 1975 to support both seniors and youth. In this inter-generational program volunteers use their lifelong experience and knowledge to mentor, tutor and support children in our community. It’s a win-win experience for both adults and children.Volunteers have shared that they experience less anxiety, depression and loneliness after becoming a Foster Grandparent. They are making a positive difference in the lives of children by providing encouragement, supporting learning and being a listening ear. Volunteers receive a paid stipend, ongoing learning, recognition and socialization with other Foster Grandparents.Let’s hear from two of our Klamath volunteers:“This program has giving me so many new avenues that I couldn't have imagined. The children give me so much inspiration to be a better adult to help them with their trials of life. The program itself offers so many benefits that you don't realize until you are a part of it. The speakers that are brought in and the monthly trainings give you so many new ways to handle whatever life throws at you.”- Maggie Stroman“This program has enabled me, and encouraged me to stay physically and socially active, which in turn leads to me being more mentally healthy. Each September, I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of my incoming 2nd graders. To know that I have been an important part of their social and academic achievements during their 2nd grade school year makes my heart happy. If you are struggling to find purpose in your life, if you are having a difficult time making ends meet financially, if you have become a bit isolated in your senior years, then I encourage you to consider joining our volunteer Grandparent program. You will not be sorry! “- Bev CoffmanIf you have ten hours per week and are looking to be part of something fun and rewarding, consider learning more about the Foster Grandparent Program. As Grandma Bev said – ‘You will not be sorry!’Call 541-539-1208 or email FGP@retirement.org ... See MoreSee Less

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Klamath Basin Senior Center

6 days ago

Klamath Hospice and Palliative Care Support GroupsWalking through GriefSecond Saturday of the Month, May - September 2024, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Parking lot of: Harbor Isles Tennis and Fitness Club2805 Front Street Klamath Falls, OregonPre-registration appreciated. Adults only walking support group. No dogs.Grief Support GroupsGrieving the death of a loved one? Or do you know someone who is?The daily emotions following loss are often overwhelming and hard. Gain support at one of our free adult or youth support groups. Dates, times and location vary. Please call our office for details.Current Group Options: Adult Grief Support, K-12 Grief Support, Pet Loss, Pregnancy & Infant Loss (Monthly), Surviving the Holidays, Survivors of Suicide (Fall 2024), Walking Grief Group (Spring 2024)*Other loss specific groups will be added based on community interest. Please reach out for loss specific resources.Emily, GC-C, Bereavement Specialist, 541-882-2902efeldberg@klamathhospice.org, www.klamathhospice.org ... See MoreSee Less

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