Vital Living programs at ESNS

East Side Neighborhood Services offers a variety of programs for seniors and their families. East Side Caregiver Support Groups help you get connected to the community resources you need, meet and support other people with similar experiences, learn self-care strategies and coping techniques,vent, share your personal experiences, and leave feeling better for it. Attendance is open to any adult 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions Self-Study Class: Tuesdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 23, 10-11 am via telephone. Participants receive a toolkit that includes a reference book, exercise CD, and relaxation CD. Every week participants have a one-hour group telephone call with a class leader to connect with others, set action plans, and review topics such as nutrition, making treatment decisions and communicating with health care providers and family. Toolkits and group call information will be sent to participants after registration. Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you will receive support for any technical challenges. 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org. Donations accepted based on a cost share.

NE Day Spot (via Zoom): Weekly on Fridays, 10:30 am-12 pm. NE Day Spot is a virtual gathering place for those living with memory loss and other chronic conditions, as well as the folks who assist in their care. Enjoy 60-90 minutes of curated, virtual programming designed to keep you and the person you’re partnering with engaged, challenged, and happy! Our sessions focus on art, music, education, and movement that offers each participant space to get creative and curious while making meaningful connections. Worried you won’t have what you need at home? Let our NE Day spot volunteers hand deliver all materials needed for any given activity. Register with Lisa Harrigan at 612-787-4023 or by email at LHarrigan@esns.org. There is no participation fee, but space is limited.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers via Zoom: Wednesdays, Oct. 14-Nov. 18, 2:30-4 pm. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. East Side is partnering with Southeast Seniors to bring you this virtual six-week class. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, they will help you. Registered participants will be asked to attend an orientation prior to the class where you will practice using Zoom and receive support for any technical challenges. Suggested $40 donation includes The Caregiver Helpbook (print copy). Registration: 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (Advanced Class):  Improve your balance, strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of falling.The advanced class meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays for 24 sessions. Attendees must have completed the previous sessions (weeks 1-12) in order to sign up. Instructor’s approval needed if you haven’t completed the previous sessions. This virtual class will be held via Zoom. All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date. Monday, Oct. 4-Monday, Dec. 27, 10:30-11:30 am. Registration: 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org

Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance (Beginner Class): Mondays and Thursdays, 1-2 pm, Nov.1-Jan. 27, Hybrid Format (via Zoom) Reduce the risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. These one-hour beginner sessions meet twice a week for 24 sessions. This hybrid class will be offered via Zoom with the goal of an additional in-person option added at a location TBD in Minneapolis, depending on the status of COVID-19. A session 0rientation will be held prior to the beginning of class where participants can meet one another, practice using Zoom, and receive support for technical challenges. All participants must have a computer or tablet (with a camera and microphone) or a smartphone. Registered participants will receive class information prior to the class start date. Donations accepted based on a cost share. 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org

Vital Fitness Home Edition: Every Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 am via Facebook Live or YouTube. Join East Side’s Vital Fitness group. Tune in weekly to the live video happening on East Side’s Facebook page every week for a variety of exercises that improve balance, strength, and coordination. If you’re interested in seeing previous recordings of our exercise class, visit our Facebook or YouTube pages.612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org