Libraries host aging well series for seniors

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Dakota County Libraries want to help people of all ages. And while kids’ programming often gets the limelight, Dakota County offers classes and seminars for adults and seniors as well.

This fall, Dakota County Libraries will host a series called Aged to Perfection. The series of programs will focus on senior health and financial issues.

“Here at Dakota County we recognize that the 55-plus population have needs and we’re trying to provide resources for them,” said Russell Cogar, a library spokesman.

The free series will include seven programs held throughout the Dakota County Library System. Cogar said they grouped the programs with the hope that people will go to a number of them. Topics presented will include Medicare, including Medicare Part D; health care directives; long-term care insurance; financial planning; and avoiding scams.

This past summer Dakota County Libraries received a financial literacy grant. While these events don’t fall under that grant, Cogar said the library system has decided to focus on providing programs regarding financial literacy at all age levels.

Overall, Cogar said each of the topics provides information that is important to older adults and care givers. The sessions will be taught by experts on the various topics. All of the events are free and open to the public. For more information call 651-450-2943.

Events

The series will begin with a session titled Insurance for the Long Term, which will explore types of long-term care insurance policies. The session will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at Heritage Library in Lakeville. Linda Walker with Volunteers of America will present.

The second session will be Understanding Medicare from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings. The class will cover change to Medicare and reforms in the Affordable Care Act.

A program on Family Caregiving will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Robert Trail Library. The class will provide resources for family caregivers including respite services, support groups, health insurance counseling and more.

Senior Scams — How to Protect Yourself will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at Burnhaven Library in Burnsville. Elder law attorney Kris Maser will provide tips to avoid becoming a scam victim.

Medicare Part D will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at Burnhaven Library. The program will teach how to navigate through options available to seniors from their Medicare Part D provider.

Advanced Health Care Directives will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Robert Trail Library. The program will teach seniors how to make their end-of-life care choices known.

Lastly, Legal and Financial Planning for the Future will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at Burnhaven Library. Attorney Mary Frances Price will provide resources that can help pay for future medical and long-term care, as well as steps to ensure legal documents are in place.

For more information on series visit the county’s website at www. co.dakota.mn.us.

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