Calendar & Classes

The Montana Kinship Navigator Program is a monthly support group for grandparents or other relatives raising grandchildren. The group meets online from September through May. The virtual support group helps relative and kinship caregivers lead healthier, happier lives by offering ways to cope with specific social and emotional challenges.
Join for peer support, education, and connection to community resources.

The support group takes place on the 3rd Wednesdays, 12:30 - 1:30pm until May 2023. Participate online at no cost using ZOOM. Space is limited. Registration is required. Upon registration, an email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting information will be sent to participants.

The group is facilitated by MSU Extension Missoula County Staff Kelly Moore. For more information or assistance registering contact Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682

This program is designed to benefit older adults 60 or older who live independently. People using walkers, canes and wheelchairs are welcome! Over the course of 8 two-hour sessions, participants will gain the tools and confidence to reduce incidents of falls. Participants should have the cognitive ability to build on concepts from week to week.

What to expect:

Exercises to increase strength and balance and set goals for increased activity level.
Reduce your risk of falls at home and in the community.
Engage with others who share the same concerns.
Learn how mindset can be your best fall prevention tool.

A Matter of Balance begins on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 and continues through November 28. Class meets in person at the Springs at Missoula at 3710 American Way from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Participants who complete at least 5 of the 8 sessions will receive a graduation certificate. Class size is capped at 12.

Pre-registration is required. An email confirmation will be sent to registered & confirmed participants prior to the session start date.

Mandy Petersen, Falls Prevention Facilitator at MAS, presents the program. For more information or help to register, contact Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682. Questions may also be emailed directly to Mandy at mpetersen@missoulagingservices.org.

Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those that care for them. We believe A Matter of Balance significantly impacts the quality of life of those who attend. The course has a value of $80 per student which includes instruction. Choosing a contribution ticket of any amount (suggested $40) is greatly appreciated in assisting MAS to continue to offer the course and promote our mission. No-cost ticket options are available for Montana residents in need.

This program is designed to benefit older adults 60 or older who live independently. People using walkers, canes and wheelchairs are welcome! Over the course of 8 two-hour sessions, participants will gain the tools and confidence to reduce incidents of falls. Participants should have the cognitive ability to build on concepts from week to week.

What to expect:

Exercises to increase strength and balance and set goals for increased activity level
Reduce your risk of falls at home and in the community
Engage with others who share the same concerns
Learn how mindset can be your best fall prevention tool
A Matter of Balance begins on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 and continues through Wed, Nov 8 with no class on Sept 27 or Oct 25. Class meets in person at the Clinton Community Bible Church main building from 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Participants who complete at least 5 of the 8 sessions will receive a graduation certificate. Class size is capped at 12.

Pre-registration is required and is first come, first served. An email confirmation will be sent to registered & confirmed participants prior to the session start date.

Mandy Petersen, Falls Prevention Facilitator at MAS, presents the program. For more information or help registering, contact Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682. Questions may also be emailed directly to Mandy at mpetersen@missoulagingservices.org. Visit the MAS website.

Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those that care for them. We believe A Matter of Balance significantly impacts the quality of life of those who attend. The course has a value of $80 per student which includes instruction. Choosing a contribution ticket of any amount (suggested $40) is greatly appreciated in assisting MAS to continue to offer the course and promote our mission. No-cost ticket options are available for Montana residents in need.

Memory Loss Conversations is an informal, social group for those adjusting to memory loss or dementia. This group provides a safe space to share conversations with people who understand, to experience support and encouragement, and to explore positive ways of living with memory loss. The group is offered Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am. It is facilitated by Patti Holkup of Dementia Friendly Missoula. Participate by telephone or online using Zoom. There is no cost. Come as often as you like.

Art in the Moment is a monthly program to promote connection and companionship for individuals living with early-stage memory loss and their care partners through art. The Missoula Art Museum is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association and Dementia Friendly Missoula to present the program. This month we focus on the exhibition Tyler Joseph Krasowski: Everything Becomes Something. This program allows participants to engage with others while viewing and creating original works of art with the Missoula Art Museum's education team and professional teaching artist, Bev Beck Glueckert.

No cost to participate.

Please register in advance by calling (406)318-8242 or emailing montana@alz.org.

Social distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the loved ones they support. The Virtual Caregiver Support Group offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers welcome, including dementia caregivers.
The event takes place on the second Monday of each month from 4-5 PM, MDT. Participate online or by phone at no cost, using ZOOM. Space is limited; sign up for one or more sessions by Wednesday the week before. An email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting ID, password, and instructions will be sent to registered participants several days prior to the event.

For more information or assistance registering contact Missoula Aging Services.

The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) is a comprehensive and fun approach to aging well that encourages adults age 55+ to take action to enhance their health, financial well-being, social connectedness, and overall quality of life. Central to the AMP philosophy is the belief that modest lifestyle changes can produce big results and that people can be empowered and supported to cultivate health and longevity. The core curriculum covers ten topics:

Navigating Longer Lives: The Basics of Aging Mastery
Exercise and You
Sleep
Healthy Eating and Hydration
Financial Fitness
Advance Planning
Healthy Relationships
Medication Management
Community Engagement
Falls Prevention

Classes meet on eleven Wednesdays, September 13 to November 22, 2023 from 10 AM - 12 PM, Mountain Time (Montana). Classes will be held in person at Missoula Aging Services.

The National Council on Aging requires participants to attend 7 out of the 10 classes listed above to graduate from the program. If you are unable to attend at least 7 classes, please reconsider registering for this program as seats are limited.

Your $65 ticket covers all eleven classes. No-cost tickets are available for Montana residents in need. Pre-registration is required. An email confirmation will be sent to registered & confirmed participants before the first class.

While AMP utilizes several expert guest speakers on various topics, the facilitator is the backbone of the program. Corey Bressler, Education Program Supervisor at MAS, presents the program. For more information or help to register, contact Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682.

The New to Medicare Workshop through MAS is offered this August as a 90-minute in-person class at the Garden City Harvest Community Barn! This session provides the basics of Medicare for people turning 65, and unbiased information for those who want to learn how to make the most of Medicare options.
To register online visit https://medicaremas_.eventbrite.com or contact Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682. Space is limited. The cost is $20 or 2 for $35. No-cost and reduced-cost tickets are available for Montana residents in need. The workshop agenda includes:
• Important enrollment dates
• Limited guaranteed issue rights
• How to save money on prescription drugs
• How to prevent late enrollment penalties
• Options to help pay for Medicare costs for people with a limited income
• Choosing between Medicare A & B and a Part D Prescription
Drug Plan, a Medicare Supplement, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

The workshop is presented by MAS Resource Specialists who are also trained SHIP Counselors.

The workshop will not cover SSDI nor will it answer questions about taxes. If you are on SSDI and starting Medicare, call MAS for a no-cost New to Medicare phone appointment.

Are you looking for in-person assistance understanding your Medicare options, managing caregiving responsibilities, or another issue? MAS Resource Center Specialists are here to meet with you and help you find solutions, now available through offsite appointments at a location near you. Call (406) 327-6659 to schedule your one-on-one appointment at Burlington Square.

The Missoula Aging Services Resource Center team is well-trained to provide in-depth, unbiased help with a wide range of issues, including Medicare, caregiving, and accessing help from local and national programs.

Social distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the loved ones they support. The Virtual Caregiver Support Group offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice, and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers welcome, including dementia caregivers. The event takes place on the third Tuesday of each month from 1-2 PM, Montana time. Participate online or by phone at no cost, using ZOOM. Space is limited; sign up for one or more sessions by Wednesday the week before. An email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting id, password, and instructions will be sent to registered participants several days prior to the event. The group is facilitated by MAS staff Lauren Crabtree.
For more information or assistance registering contact Missoula Aging Services.

Memory Loss Conversations is an informal, social group for those adjusting to memory loss or dementia. This group provides a safe space to share conversations with people who understand, to experience support and encouragement, and to explore positive ways of living with memory loss. The group is offered Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am. It is facilitated by Patti Holkup of Dementia Friendly Missoula. Participate by telephone or online using Zoom. There is no cost. Come as often as you like.

Are you looking for in-person assistance understanding your Medicare options, managing caregiving responsibilities, or another issue? MAS Resource Center Specialists are here to meet with you and help you find solutions, now available through offsite appointments at a location near you. Call (406) 541-4700 to schedule your one-on-one appointment.

The Missoula Aging Services Resource Center team is well-trained to provide in-depth, unbiased help with a wide range of issues, including Medicare, caregiving, and accessing help from local and national programs.

The Caregiver Support Group at MAS offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice, and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers are welcome, including people caring for those living with dementia.

The group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 -3 PM, beginning August 24, 2023. Please check-in at the front desk when you arrive.