Elderbridge Agency on Aging

11/19/2025

Elderbridge Receives $15,000 Grant from the Foster & Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust.

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is honored to receive a generous $15,000 grant from the Foster & Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust in support of our Iowa Return to Community (IRTC) program.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Barkema Charitable Trust members for their continued partnership and commitment to improving the lives of older Iowans.

The IRTC program provides short-term support to older adults transitioning home from a hospital or nursing facility. This funding will help address critical health and safety needs, such as home-delivered meals, medical equipment, fall-prevention home repairs, safety bars, and essential supplies, to reduce hospital readmissions, support independence, and help individuals remain safely in their homes. Thank you again for supporting the Elderbridge mission.

Elderbridge deeply appreciates the Barkema Charitable Trust for investing in the well-being, dignity, and independence of older adults in our communities.

11/18/2025

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is grateful to receive a generous $5,000 grant from the St. Olaf Foundation to support our Client Assistance Program (CAP) in Webster County.

This funding will directly assist low to moderate-income older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who face gaps in services or support. With St. Olaf’s help, neighbors in need can access essentials like food, housing, utilities, medication co-pays, medical equipment not covered by insurance, and more.

On behalf of our Board, staff, and the clients we serve, thank you for supporting our mission and giving Iowans facing hardship stability, dignity, and hope.

11/18/2025

Many older Iowans suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
Inflation has made it difficult for those on fixed incomes to afford the groceries they need to prepare nutritious meals, and many live alone, struggling with health concerns that affect their ability to cook meals.

The Elderbridge Agency on Aging provides hot, nutritious meals in congregate settings and by home delivery. Government funding sources are unable to meet the growing demand.
Our annual signature fundraiser, Slam Dunk Against Hunger Online Madness, takes place from March 22 to 29, 2026, raising funds to combat senior hunger. Elderbridge supports over 50 congregate meal sites and delivers meals to homebound individuals. Every $10.00 you donate can provide someone in need a meal.

Elderbridge supports meal programs in 29 Iowa counties, including Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell, Worth, Winnebago, Hancock, Franklin, Wright, Kossuth, Humboldt, Webster, Hamilton, Greene, Guthrie, Emmet, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Calhoun, Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Sac, Carroll, Audubon, Crawford, Osceola, O’Brien, Lyon and Sioux.

Ways to donate and support our fundraiser:
• Donate through our PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3KZ6GMS55LT9E * Make sure you make a note that your donation goes towards our Slam Dunk Fundraiser

• Send a check to Elderbridge Agency on Aging, Attn: Slam Dunk fundraiser at 1190 Briarstone Drive, Ste. 3, Mason City, IA 50401. Please make the check payable to Elderbridge Agency on Aging and include “Slam Dunk” Against Hunger in the memo line.

• Participate in our online auction at https://www.32auctions.com/elderbridgenutrition2026
www.elderbridge.org

800.243.0678

11/18/2025

Medicare Fraud Article

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11/18/2025

Thank You to the David and Phyllis Murphy Foundation

Elderbridge Agency on Aging extends our sincere gratitude to the David and Phyllis Murphy Foundation for awarding a $12,500 grant to support critical technology upgrades. This generous contribution will have an immediate impact on our ability to serve older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities across our region.

With this funding, we will replace outdated laptops and equip staff with updated monitors, docking stations, and other essential tools. These upgrades will greatly improve our efficiency, enhance data security, and support seamless communication, whether our team is working in the office, in the field, or remotely.

For a nonprofit like Elderbridge, keeping technology current can be difficult without outside support. This investment strengthens the backbone of our operations, ensuring our staff can stay connected, meet service standards, and respond quickly to the needs of the people who rely on us.

We are deeply grateful to the David and Phyllis Murphy Foundation for investing in our mission and helping us continue providing high-quality services throughout our communities.

11/18/2025

Elderbridge Receives Grant from Theisen’s More For Your Community Program

On November 5, 2025, Elderbridge Agency on Aging was awarded $2,500 from Theisen’s More For Your Community Grant to support Client Assistance. Staff member Tammie McCready attended an award presentation at Theisen’s store on November 5th. Elderbridge sincerely thanks Theisen’s for this generous support, which helps us continue serving older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities.

Client Assistance helps fill critical gaps in services for older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities when other resources, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, do not cover the need. The program provides emergency support, including food, rent and housing, utility assistance, medication and medical supplies, durable medical equipment, home modifications, in-home services, transportation, and technology that connects clients with family and healthcare.

Theisen’s More For Your Community program is a long-standing initiative of the family-owned retailer based in Dubuque, Iowa. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the program supports nonprofits that meet basic needs in communities served by Theisen’s stores. Since 2009, the program has provided millions of dollars in grants across Iowa and Wisconsin. In 2025 alone, Theisen’s awarded $400,000 to 219 nonprofits, continuing its commitment to helping local organizations support residents in times of need. Thank you again for supporting the Elderbridge mission.

11/14/2025

Smart Snacking Strategies for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls in, the opportunities to snack multiply—from office parties to family gatherings and festive displays at every store. Holiday snacking, while festive and enjoyable, can be detrimental to your health goals if approached mindlessly.

Here are some strategies to navigate holiday snacking like a pro.
Anchor Snacks with Protein and Fiber

High-protein and fiber-rich snacks slow digestion, keep you full longer, and stabilize blood sugar levels, making you less likely to overindulge in sugary treats.
• A handful of almonds with a clementine.
• Hard-boiled eggs paired with raw veggies.
• Sliced turkey rolled around avocado slices.
• Chia pudding with unsweetened almond milk and cinnamon.

Balance Sweet with Savory
Instead of reaching for cookies or candies alone, pair them with savory, nutrient-dense foods to balance blood sugar and reduce the temptation to overeat.
• A piece of dark chocolate or a small Paleo cookie, alongside a handful of walnuts or a small piece of cheese.

Focus on Real, Whole Foods
Skip the processed snacks and build your holiday treats around nutrient-dense, real foods. Ideas include:
• Fresh fruit dipped in nut butter.
• Vegetable sticks with guacamole or tahini dip.
• Homemade energy bites using dates, nuts, and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Keep Hydration a Priority
Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Staying hydrated can help curb unnecessary snacking and reduce cravings.
• Infused water with holiday flavors like orange slices and cloves.
• Herbal teas.

Use the “Two-Treat Rule”
When at parties or gatherings, allow yourself two indulgent treats but skip the rest. This keeps you from feeling deprived while setting clear boundaries.
• Choose your top two favorite treats at a holiday event.
• Savor them slowly and skip other offerings.

Snack Before Parties
Arriving at a party hungry is a recipe for overindulgence. Have a small, protein-rich snack beforehand to prevent overeating.
• A small handful of mixed nuts and seeds.
• A mini chicken or turkey meatball.

Practice Mindful Eating
It’s easy to snack mindlessly while chatting, cooking, or watching holiday movies. Snacking is most beneficial when timed strategically. Avoid grazing throughout the day and aim to snack only when truly hungry or when meals are spaced far apart. Bring awareness to your snacking by sitting down, savoring each bite.
• Use smaller plates or bowls to avoid overloading.
• Put snacks away after portioning to resist “just one more.”
• Check in with yourself: Are you hungry, or just eating out of habit?

Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Food
The holidays are about connection and celebration. Shift your focus from food to other aspects of the season.
• Engage in holiday crafts or games to keep your hands busy.
• Spend time decorating or preparing holiday activities instead of lingering near the snack table• Offer to help clean or organize during gatherings to avoid idle munching.

The holidays are a time to enjoy and celebrate. It’s okay to indulge occasionally without guilt, especially if you’ve planned for it. A single day of indulgence won’t undo a season of mindful eating, and stress over food can be more harmful than the food itself.

Balance is key. Enjoy the treats you truly love, skip the ones you don’t, and stay mindful of your overall health goals.

Snacking during the holidays doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. By following a few of the ideas above, you can enjoy the festive season without feeling deprived or derailing your progress.

Adapted from Pete’s Real Food Blog.
Jody L Applegate, RDN, LD
Healthy Aging Director
Elderbridge Agency on Aging

11/10/2025

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Hello Friends and Supporters,

We’ve entered the NIA 2025 Nonprofit Photo Contest, and your vote can help Elderbridge Agency on Aging win cash prizes and publicity!

Voting is easy – our photo is located here: https://cont.st/eCLivU_fWGRXQa?g=1

Cast your vote between November 10 and 21, 2025. Each person may vote once during the contest period. This photo contest is organized by Nonprofits Insurance Alliance.

Thanks for your support!

Elderbridge Agency on Aging

11/08/2025

11/07/2025

So very proud of these young ladies and gentleman! The NIACC Trojans Track and Field/ Cross Country Team worked extremely doing fall clean up for seniors in Mason City, Iowa. We appreciate you!! Thank you Coach Coltin Hahle for partnering with us and making our CommUNITY Kindness event possible!