Senior Center Provides Free Programs for Older Adults at the Ranshaw House
The Iowa City Senior Center is pleased to provide free weekly programs and services for older adults at the Ranshaw House in North Liberty. For more information, call 319-356-5220.
The Ranshaw House is located just north of the Community Center at 515 Community Drive in North Liberty. Free parking is available in the small lot beside the house or in the adjacent Community Center parking lot.
Death Café
Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
A Death Café is a safe place for people to talk about death in order to make the most of life. New people are encouraged to join anytime. This is not a bereavement support group or grief counseling session. For more information on the purpose of this group, visit deathcafe.com. This is open to people of all ages; no membership or registration required.
Practical Planning for End of Life
Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
This discussion group will answer general questions about end-of-life planning. We will also cover a specific topic each week in our discussion, such as starting an end-of-life conversation with important people in my life, burial options, designing a death plan, responding to a diagnosis of a terminal disease and creating my celebration of life (religious, spiritual or otherwise!).
Caregiving Support Group
Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Hybrid (attend in-person at the Ranshaw House or on Zoom)
Register online or call 319-356-5220 to receive Zoom link
This ongoing, drop-in group will provide a space for sharing experiences about caregiving and sharing resources and support related to caregiving, with a focus on self-care. Each meeting will begin with a meditation about self-care and open sharing will be integrated with learning various self-care practices and discussion. While the topic of grief may come up, this is not a grief support group. People may attend regularly, or as they are able. This is a hybrid group, so participation via Zoom is an option. Outside of the group, individual meetings with the facilitator will be available to assess and refer to outside resources available in the community for caregiving and self-care.
ICSC Services Available in North Liberty
Make an appointment at icgov.org/icsc-services or call 319-356-5220.
Advance Health Care Planning
We can’t predict when a sudden illness or injury could leave us unable to communicate or make decisions. Who would know what kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want? Honoring Your Wishes is a communitywide program that helps you reflect, share and document your health care preferences (before a crisis) to ensure your family, friends and health care team know what’s important to you and your wishes are honored. Certified facilitators will guide you through these conversations and help you create or update a written health care directive.
Caregiver Information and Referral
Help for those seeking individualized information, referral, and support beyond the Caregiving Support Group.
SHIIP Medicare Counseling
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, objective and confidential service offered through the state of Iowa to help people sort through confusing information about Medicare and health insurance. SHIIP’s trained, certified volunteer counselors assist thousands of Iowans annually, helping them save millions of dollars. ICSC’s volunteer SHIIP counselors answer your questions and give you one-on-one help. Appointments are offered in Iowa City, North Liberty, and via Zoom or phone.
About this Program
The Senior Center’s free Ranshaw House programs, as well as discounted Senior Center memberships for North Liberty residents, are made possible by a grant from the City of North Liberty. To learn more, call 319-356-5220.
