In November, National Diabetes Month focuses attention on the growing cost of diabetes on American’s health. From the physical, emotional and social effects to financial and damaging health, diabetes impacts more than 30 million people in the United States. Also known as American Diabetes Month, the month focus on making healthy changes and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

When we make small changes, we are more likely to stick when them. So, add one or two small changes at a time, instead of huge sweeping changes.

Don’t forget to wear blue on Saturday, November 14 for World Diabetes Awareness Day!

We will be highlighting an accessible walk, located in one of the counties we serve, each week on our Facebook page. 

September 30 - Completing our tour of the counties we serve, this week's walk is in Cumberland County, at Maquoit Bay Conservation Land in Brunswick. The 0.7 mile trail follows an old woods road, perfect for walking, which leads to Rocky Point, a unique rocky promontory offering spectacular coastal vistas of Maquoit Bay. Enjoy!
FMI: https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/maquiot-bay

September 24 - The Georges River Land Trust offers many great options to explore in Knox County, but for accessibility we suggest the Langlais Sculpture Preserve which offers a universally accessible 0.3 mile path (and a wheelchair can be reserved ahead of time).
FMI: https://www.georgesriver.org/langlais-sculpture-preserve/

September 16 - Lace up your shoes and head out to Waldoboro - The Osborn Finch Wildlife Sanctuary is a 0.2 mile easy walking trail through a tall spruce forest that opens out to a stunning view with access to the tidal Medomak River. FMI: https://www.coastalrivers.org/trail/osborn-finch-wildlife-sanctuary/ 

September 9 - This week, we're heading to Sagadahoc County for a beautiful walk at the Phippsburg Land Trust's Spirit Pond and MacDonald Sanctuary Preserve. These trails run along the edge of Spirit Pond and past an old mill dam, stone walls, and beautiful views of the Morse River salt marshes. FMI: visit https://phippsburglandtrust.org/ to see a number of other options in the area!

September 2 - One of our favorite walks in Waterville is the North Street Recreation Area Trail. As our tour of walks in our service area continues in Kennebec County, check out this accessible trail and enjoy the scenery!

August 26 -  Check out The Falls in Sandy Bay (in Somerset County), also referred to as Jim Mac Falls, just north of Jackman on 201. The paved area offers a fine road stop for a picnic or a break! FMI here. 

August 19 - we suggest checking out the Belfast Rail Trail, in Waldo County. FMI including directions, parking information, reviews, photos, and more, click here and enjoy.

*Always check the weather before you embark on outdoor adventures, and check with your doctor before starting any new activity or exercise programs*

We have updated our Mission and Vision statements; both remain aligned with our organizational history and goals, representing our strategic path forward. The changes are truly in semantics and the essence of the work we are doing at Spectrum Generations remains supporting older and disabled adults in the communities we serve. 

NEW MISSION STATEMENT

To promote and advance the well-being and independence of older and disabled adults, with the support of their care partners, to live in their community of choice.

NEW VISION STATEMENT

To be an important and influential community partner, serving older and disabled adults and their care partners, by providing full access to both information and a network of services and supports that addresses social needs, facilitates informed decision making, and enables their most meaningful participation in all aspects of life.

In light of the recent Blackbaud data breach, which many nonprofits use to process online donations and manage donor information, we want to ensure the supporters of Spectrum Generations that we have not been affected by this; we do not use Blackbaud or their products. Further, we do not store credit care or other financial information when you make a donation to us.

You can make secure donations to Spectrum Generations online at http://spectrumgenerations.org/donate

We greatly appreciate the support of our community in helping us fulfill our mission to serve the needs of older and disabled adults throughout central and midcoast Maine.

As COVID-19 began to emerge across the United States, and eventually into Maine, many across our state worried how they, and their loved ones would fare. All of Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging closed to the public, but services – most notably Meals on Wheels – remained open.

To accommodate the diverse needs of Maine’s older and disabled adults who were among the highest risk, services were expanded and modified; new volunteers were welcomed into each Area Agency on Aging to support ongoing needs; community partners stepped in to provide additional financial assistance and offer a variety of supports.

Today, as Maine is cautiously returning to pre-pandemic levels, we are pleased to share statistics showing how we collectively focused our efforts on meeting the needs of vulnerable and older Mainers.

You can view a copy of the PDF infographic here.

You can now check out the latest edition of Spectrum Generations' Wicked Aging Newsletter online here!

If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter please email your contact information to [email protected] 

Spectrum Generations wants to ensure those who are new to Medicare, or want to review their plans, have information needed to make an educated decision on what is best for hem. Since many throughout the state of Maine are socially distancing themselves, we have created an online Medicare 101 training video that you can watch from the comfort of your own home.

Visit spectrumgenerations.org/medicare; you will need to enter basic information including your name and email address, and then a new window will open. Use the play button to begin the video.

Call our Helpline if you have questions about Medicare, at 1.800.639.1553.

March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, and we would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our Case Management Team who serve these members of our communities. Spectrum Generations has 9 case managers serving 7 counties; we’re here to help you and your family navigate the many complexities of available resources.

The term “intellectual and developmental disability” may refer to a broad range of characteristics or conditions. An intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in functioning and difficulties exhibited in social and practical skills. A developmental disability is attributed to a cognitive or physical impairment that results in limitations such as self-care, language, and mobility. These conditions are often misunderstood, but what should never be in doubt is that all people have the fundamental and inherent right to be respected, valued, and accepted for the contributions they make to their families, their relationships, and their communities.

With effective and responsive coordination, Spectrum Generations’ case managers link  consumers to resources, enhancing their quality of life and inclusiveness in their communities.

We are here to help: 

• Follow the wishes and needs of each individual through a person-centered planning process
• Enable people to explore a full range of options
• Develop formal and informal supports
• Advocate for the interests, preferences, and dreams of the individual
• Assist individuals and families in independently coordinating their own supports and services if they so desire
• Be free from conflict of interest
• Support the development and expression of self-determination and self-advocacy
• Provide a wide range of available resources