Greetings Friends!
With such an unseasonably warm December and early January, it's hard to believe that we're already mid-way through this winter season. February is here and by now, we'll know exactly what Jimmy is thinking about the weather for the coming weeks. He's a reliable friend we count on to appear each year and give us his weather prognostications.
Whether it's a spouse, partner, sibling, or special friend, it's always good to have someone in your life to rely on. The Colonial Club has been fortunate to have all sorts of community partners to rely on over our 40+ year history. One of our long time partners, the United Way of Dane County launched a partnership with Area Agency on Aging of Dane County last year to help our older adults better understand the risk of adverse drug events and falls and connect them with professional assessments and available resources in our community. We know that adults aged 65 and over, who are taking more than 5 medications have a greater than 50% risk of having a negative drug reaction. When the number of medications increases to 8, that likelihood rises to 100%. Negative drug reactions can lead to a host of symptoms, including: nausea, dizziness, delirium, falls, incontinence and increased risk of bleeding. These symptoms often lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, additional medications, increased levels of required care, and decreased quality of life.
With our mission to "enhance the well being and independence of older adults", the Colonial Club will join the United Way's efforts by offering Medication Check-ups for low income seniors. The dates for these check-ups have not been finalized, but if you or someone in your life fits the parameters of this project (low income and taking multiple medications) you may want to consider participating in these free check-ups. Stay tuned to the Courier in the coming months for the announcement of dates.
For over 40 years, the Colonial Club has been an important agency that many families have come to rely on. Thank you for all your support throughout the years.
Bob
