Education Spotlight

A season to learn, connect, and thrive

September is Healthy Aging Month — and with the back-to-school season all around us, it’s also a wonderful reminder that learning has no age limit. Whether you are navigating your own aging journey, caring for someone you love, or helping others along the way, the right information and connections can help you face what’s ahead with greater confidence.

The LEARN Video Library now includes almost 400 FREE educational videos available anytime, anywhere. With topics ranging from health, finances, caregiving, and technology to lifestyle, end-of-life planning, community resources, and more, there’s something to help you learn, prepare, and make informed decisions at every stage of the aging and caregiving journey.

Aging brings changes and challenges — but it also brings opportunities to learn, connect, prepare, and thrive. Wherever you are on the journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

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New Additions to our Video Library

Featured Presentations

This month, we introduced The GUIDE Model from CMS, we explore this groundbreaking initiative designed to transform dementia care. This session breaks down how the program provides support for individuals living with dementia and offers critical relief and resources for unpaid family caregivers.

In addition, this month also included our presentation on Navigating Financial Exploitation and the Rising Costs of Care. Learn how to protect your loved ones' assets and plan effectively for evolving care needs. In this video, eperts discuss key strategies for identifying and preventing elder financial abuse while addressing the practical realities of funding long-term care.

The GUIDE Model from CMS: Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience

Navigating Financial Exploitation and the Rising Costs of Care in Long-Term Settings

New Member Introductions

We’re excited to introduce two new members of the LEARN community! Jen Henry of Mountain View Insurance brings more than 15 years of insurance industry experience, with expertise in client relations, risk management, and policy development. Selina Shaffer of Shaffer & Associates brings a unique combination of nursing, care transitions, insurance, and long-term care planning experience to help individuals and families prepare for future care needs or navigate an immediate care crisis.

We invite you to get to know Selina and Jen and learn more about the valuable expertise they bring to our community by watching their member interviews below!

Member Spotlight: Jen Henry

Member Spotlight: Selina Shaffer

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End-of-Life Channel

Basics With Barbara: Navigating Fear at the End of life

In this month's addition to the End of Life Channel, Barbara Karnes, RN, shares her wisdom on one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of end-of-life care: supporting the family caregiver.

Barbara explores some of the greatest fears family caregivers face while caring for someone they love at the end of life. How do we help ease those fears? How do we prepare caregivers for what they may see and experience? And how can we help them feel supported, confident, and less alone during such an emotional and uncertain time?

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that end-of-life care is as much about caring for the caregiver as it is about caring for the person who is dying. When we educate, prepare, and support caregivers, we help create a more peaceful and compassionate experience for everyone involved.

Special thanks to our End of Life Channel Sponsors, Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Ancora Health Services, and Hillcrest Memorial Gardens for making it possible to create and share this important content with you.

And thanks to our End of Life Channel Facilitators, Karen Midlo and Christine Soze, for managing and maintaining the content on this channel.

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Technology Education

OpenAI Academy: AI Skills Jam for Older Adults

Learn practical & safe ways to use ChatGPT in everyday life

Join OpenAI Academy, Senior Planet from AARP, and LEARN Idaho for a beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop! Discover useful ways ChatGPT can support everyday tasks, learn how to use it safely, and get help from friendly mentors throughout the session.

Event Details DATE: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 TIME: 9:00am – 12:00pm (Optional Q&A: 12:00pm – 1:00pm) LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott (Boise West / Meridian) Attendee Perks: Free breakfast provided Exclusive OpenAI swag bag 12 months free of ChatGPT Plus

Sign Up Today! Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or click below to register online: Register Online Here → Questions or Need Help Registering? Senior Planet Hotline: 888-713-3495 Mon–Fri: 9am–8pm EDT | Sat: 9am–2pm EDT

What to Expect: Bring your smartphone or tablet to practice. Beginners are warmly welcome—live assistance and mentors will be available throughout the session!

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Health and Resource Fair Program

Connecting you to local experts & services

The LEARN Health and Resource Fair Program provides opportunities to meet local professionals, explore valuable services, and gather practical information to help you make confident decisions about aging, caregiving, and what comes next. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to immediate needs, you’ll find resources and relationships that can support you every step of the way.

Join us to discover more about the resources available to you in the community at our upcoming events around the Treasure Valley!

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Community Events

Connect with LEARN Across the Treasure Valley

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New Community Action Grant

Meta Kuna Data Center Community Grant

Expanding Technology Education for Older Adults & Veterans

LEARN Idaho is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $25,000 Meta Data Center Community Action Grant through the Meta Kuna Data Center. This grant directly supports our Technology Education program, helping us expand digital literacy resources, AI navigation workshops, and hands-on assistance across the Treasure Valley.

With Meta's investment in the Kuna community and surrounding areas, this funding enables us to provide targeted technology education for older adults, caregivers, and aging veterans—empowering community members to use modern digital tools safely and confidently in their daily lives.

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Thank you to our Channel & Organization Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

LEARN is supported entirely by the generosity of community businesses, aging and caregiving professionals, and community members. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our sponsors and partners who make our free community education possible.

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Help Us Spread The Word

Help Us Spread The Word!

Please share this newsletter with your friends, family, and contacts! Subscribe Now

LEARN: Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network is an Idaho non-profit organization providing FREE education for mature adults, family caregivers, and the professionals serving them. Our mission is to help people navigate the joys and challenges of aging and caregiving.

Our vision is to serve as a trusted source of information and resources – for the community by the community – in the topic areas of health, wealth, lifestyle, and caregiving. All of our volunteer educators are professionals who are members or partners of LEARN. We are supported entirely by the generosity of community businesses, aging and caregiving professionals, and community members.

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We thank you for your support.

LEARN provides access to a broad range of resources and information on aging and caregiving topics. LEARN does not take a position on any of our educational topics. LEARN content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, financial, or health advice. Please consult with your legal, financial, healthcare, or other service providers before taking action based on this information.

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