Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging

05/05/2026

Medicare can be confusing, and the choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is no exception! We know people have strong opinions about which is best, but remember: this Venn diagram is just a simple snapshot. The right plan for YOU depends on your unique needs, budget, where you live, and what’s available in your area. That’s why SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is here to help you sort through the details and make the best decision for you. Reach out to your local SHIP for free, unbiased support!

Visit the link in the comments to learn more and how to get help from your SHIP.

05/05/2026

🌷 The Spring Edition is Here! 📰✨

Refresh your season with the latest news, updates, and helpful resources in our quarterly newsletter. 🌼🌿

👉 Check it out now:
🔗 https://online.flippingbook.com/view/872962066/

05/04/2026

May is Older Americans Month - a time to celebrate the contributions of older adults and renew our commitment to supporting healthy aging. This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us that taking care of ourselves is essential at every stage of life.

For caregivers, that message is especially important. While you spend so much time caring for others, your own health and well-being matter too. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and staying connected can make a meaningful difference in your overall wellness.

One simple way to champion your health is by joining a caregiver support group. These groups offer a space to connect with others who understand your journey, share experiences, find encouragement, and connect to valuable resources.

We invite you to attend one of our caregiver support groups, whether virtually or in person, and take a step toward caring for yourself while you care for others.

📞 For more information, call 1-800-779-8707

05/01/2026

Every May, Older Americans Month celebrates the contributions of older adults and reaffirms our commitment to serving them. The 2026 theme, “Champion Your Health,” highlights prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging.

We’re proud to support healthy aging in our community by offering a variety of health and wellness classes, including Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, and Walk With Ease. These programs are designed to help improve strength, balance, and overall well-being.

We also provide opportunities for social connection through our congregate and home-delivered meal programs, as well as nutrition education sessions that support healthy lifestyles. In addition, we connect older adults to a wide range of resources and services to help them remain independent and thrive in their communities.

Join us this month in celebrating and championing your health! Learn more at
nei3a.org.

04/30/2026

Keep this list of places you might need for help when it comes to scams. Share it with others who you think might need it, too.

*Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for fraud, errors, or abuse related to Medicare - 877.808.2468
*Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for consumer scams and identity theft - 877.382.4357
*Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for unwanted calls - 888.225.5322
*National Center for Disaster Fraud for fraud related to natural or man-made disasters - 866.720.5721
*Medicare for lost or stolen Medicare cards - 800.633.4227

04/29/2026

🌟 You're Not Alone on the Caregiving Journey 🌟
Join us for our Caregiver Support Group Meeting on Monday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the NEI3A Regional Office

📍 915 Short Street, Ste. 169, Decorah

Whether you're new to caregiving or have years of experience, this group is a welcoming space to share stories, find support, and connect with others who understand what you're going through.

💬 Open conversation
🤝 Compassionate community
🧭 Helpful resources

We hope to see you there!

04/25/2026

collection sites are NOW OPEN nationwide! Help keep your community safe by cleaning out your medicine cabinet and taking back unneeded meds for safe disposal! Find a collection site near you. www.DEATakeBack.com

04/24/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Grundy County Community Foundation for their generous $5,000 grant to support our meal program. 💙

This investment helps ensure older adults in our community have access to nutritious meals and meaningful connections - supporting their health, independence, and overall well-being.

Grundy County is stronger because of local generosity 💙

The Grundy County Community Foundation awarded $150,047.34 to 22 projects during its 2026 Awards Celebration on April 22, supporting initiatives that enhance health and safety, expand opportunity and access, strengthen vibrant communities, and empower youth across the county.

From fire department equipment and senior meals to childcare, workforce development, and community spaces, these grants will make a meaningful impact for residents throughout Grundy County, today and into the future.

Thank you to the donors and volunteers who make this work possible!

See the full list of grant recipients and projects below, and congratulations to our 2026 grantees!

https://www.cfneia.org/news/grundy-county-community-foundation-distributes-150047-to-local-organizations/

04/24/2026

🌟 National Volunteer Month Spotlight 🌟

Helping seniors stay connected, supported, and engaged is at the heart of what our volunteers do - and we’re proud to recognize those who make it happen every day!

Today, we’re excited to highlight Sharla Sherrets, a valued volunteer at the Buchanan County Senior Center in Independence for over 12 years. 💙

Before becoming a volunteer, Sharla worked as a cook at the center, and her commitment never slowed down. Today, she plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly. From managing the front desk, greeting seniors, answering phones, and tracking meal participation, to running the kitchen by prepping, serving, and cleaning up, Sharla truly does it all.

She also brings fun and connection to the center by calling bingo, and she stays actively involved as a member of the Council on Aging, where she attends meetings and supports activities and fundraisers.

Sharla’s dedication, energy, and care make a lasting difference for so many. We are incredibly grateful for all that she does! 🙌💙

04/22/2026

It's Spring, time to CLEANUP your medicine cabinet of unneeded Rx meds and drop them off on April 25, 10am-2pm, local time, for proper disposal. Find out where now: www.DEATakeBack.com

04/21/2026