It was 1967 and I had been visiting in Pontiac, Michigan. When it was time to return to work in Chicago, I boarded a 12-seater, two prop airplane in Grand Rapids. As we flew over the glistening blue of Lake Michigan, we could see dots of cargo ships and boats. As we approached Meigs Field, the pilot informed us to keep our seat belts fastened; we were flying into a heavy, dense, dark fog. The pilot would have to perform an instrument landing instead of a visual landing.
SeniorHousingNet.com is a senior care organization dedicated to providing tools and essential resources to help enhance the lives of older adults. They have published a dedicated page that provides detailed information for families and senior citizens in Tennessee who are looking for senior living and care options that can help maintain independence and quality of life.
The TN Hope Line, 844-600-8262, is a free phone call that is answered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central by trained volunteers who offer encouragement and hope for lonely senior adults. Callers are invited to call and talk about whatever is on their mind. Callers who express needs such as food and basic supplies are connected with people …
by Pat Brandenstein Do you remember Saturday mornings: waking up early, pouring yourself a big bowl of Cheerios, turning on the TV (which was snowy because it was one of the first TV’s on the market), and seeing your favorite Western? The good guys—in white hats—were always ambushed by the bad guys—in black hats—waiting behind a huge rock. The ambush …
Social connections are important no matter our age. For many older Tennesseans, social isolation is a complex issue affecting their health status and quality of life. The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability has new support programs to help the state’s older adults who are facing social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Care Through Conversation program helps ensure …
by Pat Brandenstein
You have a purpose if you are still breathing!
On September 30, 1993, I was working as a school nurse in the clinic at DeSoto (Texas) East Junior High School. The phone rang and a man said he was calling from the DeSoto Police Department. My heart immediately stopped. I was thinking of my 16-year-old daughter who had just received her driver’s license.
As more grandparents are charged with increased childcare responsibilities during the pandemic, they need updated information for raising and caring for grandchildren. The landscape of child caring and child rearing looks very different from when most older adults raised their own children. The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee has created tips for grandparents who may be faced with the …
In 2018, Open Table Nashville (OTN) received a Golden Cross Foundation grant for $60,000. Money from the grant is being used to build two of the 24 micro homes at The Village of Glencliff located on the grounds of Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville. When complete, these two micro homes will house older adults experiencing homelessness. While the pandemic …
Since its launch in 2017, the Counseling Center at Nashville’s Belle Meade United Methodist Church has served more than 30 individuals and couples aged 65 and over, about 15 percent of all clients served, in 240 counseling sessions. The center was created to provide a place on the west side of Nashville—Belle Meade, West Meade, Bellevue—for professional pastoral counseling. “Our …
Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, received a $7,500 grant from the Golden Cross Foundation. Money from this grant was used to start an iPad pilot project for older adults. “Older adults have become isolated because many church communications – newsletters, schedules, and other church information – are now distributed electronically,” said Aleeta Christian, chair of the church’s …