Reducing Falls during Covid-19 

During these uncertain times, the Falls Free Vermont Coalition would like to address the importance of staying healthy and safe. More time spent at home can lead to less physical activity, weakening our muscles and bones. Fall prevention is more important now than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every four adults age 65 and older will fall. Falls can result in serious injuries including bone fractures and head injuries. What can you do to prevent falls and seek appropriate care?  The first is an informational handout on ways our community members can prevent falls and what to do in case they do fall at home, this resource was created for FFV by Amy Rogers and Jennifer Kelly. The other attachment is a handout created by Nancy Gell’s UVM Physical Therapy students. It is a great resource for exercises that people can do in their home, there is a trifold version or a double-sided flyer attached. Both have the same information, just formatted differently. There is also a website for more information https://www.homestrong.net/.  

Share Your Stories: Creative ways to do it during the pandemic!

Stories build community and connect us even when we can’t be physically together. Recalling adventures with childhood friends, that family weekend at the beach, a teacher who helped guide your life, or how you learned you would become a grandparent—all of those stories connect you with your past and the people who have mattered along the way. They help people you love get to know you better and feel closer to you. 

Looking back at how we got through other tough times can help us manage this challenging time. Sharing what we love about our friends and family members helps them feel stronger and more connected. Stories can be told over the phone, on the computer, over the backyard fence. They can be told in letters, in pictures, in headlines, and photographs collected from newspapers. We don’t have to be together to share our stories and build each other up.  We can make a mark on people’s lives with the stories we share. 

The AOA, in recognition of Older Americans Month (May), posted a lot of creative ideas for jumpstarting and sharing memories with friends, neighbors, and loved ones, whether they are next door or far away.  Click here to learn more and get inspired:   https://acl.gov/oam/2020/oam-2020-activity-ideas 

The Montpelier Way Pledge

Please join us in taking The Montpelier Way Pledge as we commit to supporting local businesses, safely. Businesses that have signed onto the pledge are committed to creating a safe shopping and dining experience. Look for the signage indicating businesses that have signed on. Click here to see The Pledge options for Community Members and Businesses.

Older Announcements

North Branch Nature Center’s Fabulous Online courses starting soon! 

Butterfly Identification & Ecology, Birding Basics and Nature Photography are just three of the fabulous offerings led by expert naturalists this Spring and Summer.  Learn more by clicking here.

Montpelier Mutual Aid - Here to help via phone or website request!

Remember, if you or someone you know needs help with grocery or prescription delivery, connecting with financial assistance, or other help during the pandemic, Montpelier Mutual Aid volunteers are trained to help or refer you to the right organization who can help. Their updated website is here: https://www.montpeliermutualaid.org/, and you can also be connected with them by phone by calling the Capstone number dedicated to Covid-19 response: Call line: 802-477-5160; Text line: 802-477-5130.

Adult Protective Services: Filing reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation  

VT Adult Protective Services (APS) continues to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If you are concerned— even if you have not directly witnessed or have first-hand evidence of maltreatment— please file a report with APS. How can I file a report? If you yourself are experiencing maltreatment or are concerned about someone you know, please report to APS via: • Online at: https://dlp.vermont.gov/aps/make-aps-report • Toll-free phone: (800) 564-1612 • Email: mailto:APS@vermont.gov 

Navigating COVID-19 - Latest developments
We recommend following the current guidelines provided by the Vermont Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. Their websites are as follows:

Vermont Dept of Health - https://www.healthvermont.gov/

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/

The Senior Help Line is coordinated by the Vermont Areas Agencies on Aging and can provide information and referral for caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, senior nutrition programs including meals on wheels, adult day programs, home health services, housing alternatives, and exercise and wellness programs. The Senior Help Line number is 1-800-642-5119.