Medicare Open Enrollment during the COVID-19 Pandemic
~ Michelle Terrell, RSST Medicare/Medicaid Programs Coordinator
Wow! 2020 has been a year full of changes. One thing that has not changed is Medicare Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment will still take place from October 15th – December 7th and Senior Neighbors’ Medicare counseling department is still here to provide you with unbiased insurance counseling, and guide you through the many insurance options for 2021. Each 90-minute individual counseling appointment will be a conversation between you and a trained MMAP counselor about your needs and which options might best meet them. Choosing insurance is a highly individualized process and we understand that. You can rest assured knowing that we do not sell insurance and are not associated with any insurance company. This allows us to provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for YOU!
Although we are still here to help guide you through your options, the pandemic will affect the way we are able to offer services this open enrollment period. Individual counseling appointments will be available via phone, email, or Zoom. All of our informational presentations will be offered via Zoom. These presentations are a good chance to learn about changes happening to Medicare for 2021 as well as to ask general questions. These presentations will require pre-registration, available October 1st, through the Senior Neighbors website (https://seniorneighbors.org) and will be held at the dates and times listed below:
Monday, October 19th @ 3pm Tuesday, October 27th @ 10am
Wednesday, November 4th @ 12pm Friday, November 13th @ 11am
Monday, November 16th @ 10am Tuesday, November 24th @ 2pm
If you are interested in a counseling appointment be sure to contact us early as appointment availability is limited. We can be reached at (616) 233-0282 or at [email protected].
WE HAVE SENIOR CENTERS IN GRAND RAPIDS, GRANDVILLE, LOWELL, SPARTA AND WALKER
Virtual Fitness Classes •Offered virtually by certified instructors using ZOOM
•Zoom is available for your use at no cost on a tablet, smart phone, or computer, in the safety and comfort of your home!
•Classes focus on strengthening, balance, conditioning, flexibility, and having fun!
•These activities are safe and effective for older adults!
•Suggested donations of $3.00/ class by mail or online at: https://seniorneighbors.org/classdonations
•For more information or to register, contact Julie Lake at: [email protected] or call 616-233-0283
Classes Being Offered ~ Tai Chi for Arthritis
~ Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
~ Zoom Fit: (Stretching, Strengthening, Balance and
Endurance) ~ Gentle Yoga
~ Zoomba ~ Cardio & Weight Circuit
~ Sit and Fit
2
Ways to Wellness
Julie Lake, MPA, CTRS Wellness Coordinator
New Fall Classes
I am so excited to let you know that we have several
new virtual fitness classes available this fall. All these
classes will be offered virtually using ZOOM. You can
access Zoom on a smart phone, tablet or computer at
no cost!
I know you are all very ready to get back to our senior
centers and our fitness classes. Your instructors and I
are also ready for that! However, we aren’t able to do
that yet, so I encourage you to check out these great
classes virtually. We have some classes available we
have never before been able to offer. If you look at
our schedule you will find Yoga, Zoomba, Sit and Fit,
circuit classes and additional options for Tai Chi and
EnhanceFitness.
I am excited to offer these new programs. At this
time, Zoomba, Gentle Yoga, Circuit training, and Sit
and Fit will only be offered through the end of
December. Check them out now before it’s too late!
In order to join these classes you will need to contact
me so we have an email address to send the Zoom
invitation to. If you do not know how to use Zoom,
our instructors and I are happy to work with you to
figure it out! I hope you will join us virtually!
Be Well!
-Julie
Gentle Yoga:
Fridays at 10
ZOOMBA:
Wednesdays at 1:30
Cardio and Weight Circuit
Mondays at 8:30
Sit and Fit:
Wednesdays at 11:15
Tai Chi for Arthritis:
Intro to Tai Chi:
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30am
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30pm
Tai Chi for Beginners:
Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30
Tai Chi for Intermediate Students:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15
Advanced Tai Chi:
Mondays and Wednesdays at 12pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program:
Mondays at 10
Wednesdays at 11
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10
Zoom Fit: (Stretching, Strengthening,
Balance and Cardo)
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 with Dani
Mondays Thursdays and Fridays at 11 with Gretchen
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am with Amber
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm with Amber *
*(Tuesdays seated)
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays at 10:15
with Rosemary
Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 with Julie on Facebook Live
Call 616-233-0283 or email
[email protected] to register.
4-D-5-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com 15-0664/a
Side by Side Adult Day ServicesOffers daytime activities for older adults
with cognitive impairments while providing needed respite and support for caregivers.
Call now or stop by for a tour!616.235.2910
www.hopenetwork.org/sidebyside1256 Walker Ave NW • Grand Rapids
Only 10 Money Saving Minutes from Grand Rapids
8955 Sparta Ave. NW616-887-1791
www.spartachevy.com
5018 Alpine AvenueComstock Park, MI 49321
Phone: [email protected]
Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home
Thomas K. Cheslek, OwnerFamily Owned and Operated
Pre-Arrangement Funeral PlanningCOMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICES
MONUMENTS & MARKERS88 East Division Street
887-1761
Senior Care in YOUR Home Personal care Respite Care
and moreCall Rachel at 616-481-1234
Valentine Senior CareCustom Rates to
fit your needs
Contact Jen Zalinski to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6633
Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center 4
Transportation
GO!Bus—616.456.6141
Schedule 24 hours in advance
*For seniors 65 or older/
mentally or physically disabled
*Low cost.
*You must wear a face. mask
when riding the bus.
Silverline—The Rapid
No fare is required to ride if
you enter and exit within the
No Fare Zone.
Monday: Friday 5 am -1 am
Saturday: 5:30 am -10 pm
Sunday: 6 am -7 pm
Limited number of people on
the bus at a time and
passengers must wear a mask.
Ride Link—616.774.1288
*Call day before, by noon, for
appointments or grocery runs.
*Requested donation $2.00
a grand rapids neighborhood
Resources—Meals—Shelter
Degage Ministries ~ 616.454.1661 144 Division Ave. S. GR, MI 49503 Breakfast: 8:30—10:00 everyday Dinner: 6:00—7:00 everyday They can help with: many other services, just ask. Cost: Low cost payable with vouchers
God’s Kitchen ~ 616.224.0217 303 Division Ave. S. GR, MI 49503 Free—Lunch: 12:30—2:00 everyday except Closed Sundays
Mel Trotter Ministries ~ 616.454.8249 225 Commerce Ave. SW; GR, MI 49503 Women’s & Men’s Shelter: • For single women & their children • Check in at 4:30 Women 4:00 Men • Check out 7:00 am • Dinner and breakfast served • $2.00 per meal (EBT, Cash or Debit) • Men’s Meal 5:00 daily • Women’s Meal 5:25 daily
Grand Rapids Homeless Outreach Task Force Firefighters and officers from the GR Fire and Police Departments to help educate and take steps to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19
Hand washing stations
Portable bathrooms have been placed downtown in
the Heartside area to keep you clean.
Heartside Gleaning Initiative
Free produce giveaways take place on Wednesday
4:30-4:45 pm in LaGrave Church Parking Lot through
June 3rd.
Grand Rapids Senior
Center
The Grand Rapids Senior Center is serving boxed lunches from MOWWM
Monday—Friday between 9:30 am — 12:00 pm We are asking for a $2.00 donation for these
lunches. If you have questions please call 616.459.3040
GR Senior Center Wish List
The GR Senior Neighbors Center operates, in part, through the donations and financial support of the community & local
businesses. Every donated item from the wish list frees money we can put toward our senior services.
*Decaf/Regular Coffee/Tea *Coffee Creamers *Peanut Butter/Jelly *Snacks/Goodies *Toilet Bowl Cleaner *New Batteries *Pancake Mix & Syrup *Postage Stamps *Cereal & Breakfast items *Bingo Prizes
Flu Shots available Monday, October 5th at our Center between the hours of 11:00 am—1:00 pm
Call us to sign up (616) 459-3040
Dear Seniors, I bring you greetings and salutations from the Grand Rapids Center. It seems like it’s been forever since I have been able to see you all. The weather has been great and as it continues to change we will continue to reach out and check on you all in hopes that sometime soon things will start moving towards some since of normality. Continue to be safe and mask up. We miss you all. ~ Jonathan
10…Usha Khan 10…David Walker 13…Roosevelt Betts 14…Donald Dubios 16…Darwin Parish 24…Joyce Garrett 25…Felton Wells 28…Karen W. 29…Phyllis J.
2…Tommie Carter 2…Byron Evans 4…Lincoln H. 5…Tate Brown 6…David Hern 6…Frank Cordova 7…Earl Campbell
October Birthdays
Grandville Senior Neighbors Center 8
Meals Five (5) Freezer Meals &
Milk available at the Center Once a Week
When: Mondays Time: 9 am until 12 pm
$2.75 suggested donation (Please call the center by Thursday with your order) Please remember to donate for your meals. The suggested donation for five meals is $13.75 but ANYTHING helps keep this program going.
Phone Activities Happening in October with the
Walker Center
Monday, Wednesday & Friday Bingo at 11:00am w/Sherri from Walker
***************************** Bingo can be enjoyed,
By calling 231-309-8101 Conference ID: 864252#
Grandville Senior Neighbors Center Located in Grandville at 3380 Division.
Phone: 616-531-5250 Fax: 616-531-7743 www.seniorneigbors.org
Open on Monday’s for Meal Pick Up ONLY. Must Call to Place Order for Meals.
Hello & Happy Fall, It’s hard to believe how fast summer still goes even while the Center has been closed. I want to invite you to sign up to be a phone buddy. It’s a great way to keep in touch with your friends at the Grandville Senior Center. You can also to join our bingo on the phone with the Walker Firehouse Cafe. If you need a bingo card just drop by the Center on Mondays from 9 am to noon or let me know & I can mail you one. These activities are a great way to catch up with each other and also pass the time. Lastly, we have so much to be thankful for each day when our feet hit the floor and I hope that you’ll take a moment each day to think about something positive in your life! Please take care and I will talk to you soon. Lisa Sarber,CTRS
Sign Out Fun! We have decks of cards, games, books and puzzles in our library. Please stop into the Grandville Center on Monday’s or Wednesday’s from 9 am to 12:30 pm to check out these items.
PHONE BUDDIES Please let me set you up with another Grandville member so you will have a phone buddy. Please call Lisa at (616)531-5250 if you are interested.
22 Donna Doornbos 22 Richard Verburg 22 Steve Wagner 23 Duane Drier 23 Don VanDyke 25 Patrick Stray 28 Carol Paksi 28 Judy Smelser 29 Tim Hartwell 30 Leeann Supanich 31 Patricia Crosby
1 Joan Neuman 1 Evelyn VanDommelen 4 Imogene Zandbergen 4 Tony Miller 5 Ricky Brown 9 Dwain Mitchell 10 Maria Carillo 10 Usha Khan 13 Susan Crissman 14 Bob DeLeeuw 16 Dot Hager 17 Frans Semplonius
Foot Care at Grandville Senior Center
Flu Shots October 14 ~ 12:00—1:30 Mask MUST be worn, one person in the center at a time and temps will be taken. Hope to see you there!
October 14 & 28 Must sign up by calling
616.531.5250
Lowell Senior Neighbors Center 12
Welcome to the Lowell Senior Center
314 South Hudson Lowell, MI 49331
Phone: (616) 897-5949
Dear Friends,
Happy Fall to you all! It’s hard to believe how fast time still goes even though we’ve been home since April. The summer just cruised by.
I want to invite you to join our phone tree. It’s a way to keep in touch with your friends at the Lowell Senior Center. Also, join our other activities on the phone. I do a coffee chat on Wednesday mornings before bingo
and it is a nice time to catch up with one another and talk about something positive that has happened in our lives lately. Each day when our feet hit the floor, we should think about how much we have to be thankful for. I hope you’ll
take a moment each day to think about something positive in your life!
Please take care and I will talk with you soon.
Love, Terra Bieneman
LOWELL SENIOR NEIGHBOR’S PHONE TREE Please call Terra at 897.5949 if you would like
to be included in our phone tree!
The Phone Tree will include a list of names and
phone numbers of those friends who are interested. This will be just one small way to
keep in touch with one another. We will “activate” the Phone Tree each week!
“Let’s Stay Connected”
2 Linda Linton 24 June Rollins 4 Marj Harding 28 Clara Rice 11 Angie Coles
SCHEDULE OF OCTOBER ACTIVITIES ARE FROM 11:00 AM—12:00 PM
MONDAY’S WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY Oct. 5,12,19,26 7, 14, 21, 28 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BINGO COFFEE W/ TERRA (10:15) MUSIC BINGO BINGO
October
Get Your Flu Shots At Schneider Manor Date: October 10
10-12pm Community
Room Bring your
Insurance Card and I.D.
TRICK OR TREAT IN
YOUR COSTUME DRIVE THROUGH
AT THE LOWELL CENTER
THURSDAY OCTOBER 29 11:00-12:00PM
Pick up November newsletter as well!
Sparta Senior Neighbors Center 16
Be A Part Of All That Continues
Sparta Senior Neighbors Center 17
Sign up on Thurs
at the center
or call Jane for
an appt.
Oct 8th & Nov 5th 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Social Distancing Wear a Mask
Location To Be Announced
Thursday Oct 15th Call Jane
To Sign Up
A very special friend. We will
miss her.
Sparta Senior Neighbors Center 18
Below is a story & I need your help to complete it. Make it funny or however you wish. Please fill in the blanks, including the empty space in the title. I will take the best additions to this tale & use a combination of everyone's ideas to complete the story for the next newsletter. You will get to see how the best suggestions were used in the finished narrative. Please tear out this page & turn it into Jane either by mailing it to Jane Ringler 377 W. Cherry St. Cedar Springs 49319 or drop it off to the Sparta Senior Center on any Thursday this month between 10 & 12.
Friends Get A Day Of ____________________________
_______________ and ______________ are friends & live an __________________ life enjoying ________________________. On Monday of last week, they decided to venture to ______________________& boy, did this trip turn _________________ as they witnessed a ___________________. The two friends took it upon themselves to ___________________ & __________________. This did not go well & they found themselves in a ______________________. They had to ________________________ & were luckily able to walk away ______________________________. After all the _________________, they felt ___________________. The friends had an idea that they should __________________________. Once they shared a _________________________, they got right to it. To their disgust, they found a __________________________ in the _______________________. After reporting this incident to the __________________________, they were asked to ______________________. It took _______________________ & finally they were able to __________________________. All this trouble in one day, lead the friends to realize that if they venture out again, it will be a _______________________in ________________________ before they ever plan something like this again.
Walker Firehouse Café 20
October Birthday’s
Carolyn Bachan
Gloria Gilbert
Lynn Hojnacki
Florence Reilly
All activities advertised here can be enjoyed,
By calling
231-309-8101 ID: 864252#
Phone Activities in October
Bingo Monday, Wednesday & Friday
w/Sherri at 11:00am
Book Club Wednesday w/Lora 9:30am
Rhythm Band Friday w/Lora
9:30am
Phone Pals
Call Sherri at 616.735.3240 to be connected to a follow Walker Senior
Center senior.
Photo Walk
Enjoy some time walking in nature. Take a picture and send me your photo. I will put it in
the November mailing I send out.
Please text
or email me your pictures.
Welcome to the Walker Firehouse Café
4101 Lake Michigan Drive Walker, MI 49534 Phone: (616) 735.3240
www.seniorneigbors.org Questions or concerns Call or Email Sherri Meines at
Grandville Senior Neighbors Center 9
Autumn Safety for Seniors Changes – Both Good and Bad There’s much to enjoy about the transition from summer to autumn. The intense heat begins to subside, the leaves change color, and we ready ourselves for the holiday season. But like all other seasonal transitions, there’s a tradeoff, and with the positive changes come certain challenges to our health and safety. Seniors, in particular, are at risk around this time of year. Colder temperatures, the presence of influenza, and even fallen leaves can severely threaten seniors’ wellbeing and independence. Fortunately, by following a
few tips and best practices, seniors can stay safe and enjoy everything that the autumn season has to offer.
Autumn Safety Tips * Get the influenza vaccine: While the flu may not be as detrimental to the health of younger people, seniors are at risk from flu complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. These complications can result in serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. Adding to this, the flu can also worsen pre-existing conditions. Vaccines to consider include Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad and Flublok Quadrivalent – but it’s important to talk to a physician or other healthcare professional about the most appropriate option. * Reduce the risk of influenza: In addition to
vaccination, it’s best to take additional steps toward reducing the risk of the flu: * Avoid contact with those who are sick * Wash hands with warm water and soap frequently throughout the day, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. * Regularly disinfect surfaces that are likely to be contaminated * Improve the immune system through regular exercise (with physician approval) * Reduce fire risk: As the temperature falls, it’s common to start using space heaters or fireplaces to warm up the home. Seniors should ensure that flammable objects are kept far
away from these types of appliances. It’s also important to inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working condition, and that batteries are replaced in smoke detectors. * Keep warm: While on the subject of dropping temperatures, it’s imperative that seniors protect themselves from the cold. Although autumn doesn’t present the same bitter weather as winter, there’s still a palpable risk. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that hypothermia can develop rather quickly after being exposed to relatively mild cold temperatures. Seniors should venture outside only when absolutely necessary. When they do, it’s important to dress in layers of
loose-fitting clothing. * Clear away the leaves: Though certainly pleasing to the eye, fallen leaves can easily cause seniors to slip and fall. They should be raked away from the driveway and sidewalks. This is especially important once they become slippery and soggy from the rain.
Senior Neighbors Can Help There’s a lot to enjoy when it comes to autumn. The senior center coordinators and case managers of Senior Neighbors want to help, especially during this trying time in history, to ensure that our seniors No Longer feel Alone. We currently have three senior centers that are giving out meals (Grand Rapids—daily boxes lunches, Sparta on Thursdays and Grandville on Mondays—five freezer meals a week). We have been working hard to call our seniors to check in with them and we have phone bingo, book clubs, music, and games. We also can help with rides, have home maintenance assistance, and other case management services to connect seniors to resources in the community. Contact our intake case worker at 616.233.0281 to learn more about the many services we provide.
References: Medical Alert System Reviews. “Five Autumn Safety Tips for Seniors” by Susie Slack. Web. 2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC Says ‘Take 3’ Actions to Fight the Flu.” Web. 2018. WebMD. “Flu Can Have Dangerous Domino Effect on Seniors” by Robert Preidt. Web. 2018.
24
24
Health Education from Meals on Wheels of West Michigan
25 Health Education from Meals on Wheels of West Michigan
31 Ida Red . Sparta . 887.8152 | 2050 W. Main . Lowell . 987.0019 | northernpts.com
No more pain.Free Consultations, Arthritis Management, Balance & Dizziness Therapy, Pain Relief
4-D-5-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com 15-0664/a
AffordableLivingforSeniors Recently Renovated Rent Subsidized 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Barrier Free Units Available Intercom Entrance 24-Hour Maintenance Free Heat Located on City Bus Line
(616) 453-8273 • TTY 711• 1925 Bridge St. NW, Grand RapidsProfessionallyManagedbyPKManagement,LLC
Bring in this coupon for FREE Senior Vitamins
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
• Med Sync Program• Home Medical Equipment• Immunization Administration• Dr Comfort Diabetic shoes by appointment
***Call the pharmacy for more details***Momber Hometown Pharmacy11 S State St., Sparta, MI 49345
(P) 616-887-7323 • (F) 616-887-9559
If you have an upcoming surgery scheduled choose HealthBridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation
to help you get home as soon as possible.
Memorialize thru ArtMemorialize thru ArtCustom hand-made Glass ArtCustom hand-made Glass Art
Infused with your loved ones cremains.Infused with your loved ones cremains.
Call with your ideasCall with your ideas303-884-3104303-884-3104Degree GlassDegree Glass
Protecting What Is Most Important To You.
Estate Planning and Asset Protection.
Offices in Grandville, Cascade, and Muskegon.
Call today to schedule your free consultation! 616-777-5291 | www.eyestonelawoffices.com
Estate PlanningThat Works
www.susanring.bhhsmichiganrealestate.com
Susan RingRealtor®
Michigan Real Estate3000 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525C: 616-818-9780D: 616-447-7031
A member of the Franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
Bernard’s AceHardware &Rental Place1601 W. Main St. • Lowell616-897-9490
“Friendly Accommodating Service”
Prescriptions delivered to
your home or work in the
metropolitan Grand Rapids
area absolutely free of charge!
Filled by The Chemist Shoppe on
the Spectrum Blodgett Campus.
Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-1
REHAB CLOSE TO HOME
Our team of professionals is dedicated to promoting the highest level of independence and quality of
life for our guests by creating a comfortable living environment and providing
comprehensive health care services. Let The Laurels of Hudsonville be your first choice
for Short Term Rehabilitation Services. Contact us any time at 616.669.1520
with any questions or to schedule a tour.
4-D-5-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com 15-0664/a
At SarahCare® Adult Day Care Centers, seniors are safe, healthy,
and happy during the day.Metro Health • Knapps Corner
616-528-4003www.sarahcare.com
SCHEDULE A FREE HEARING TEST 616-287-6005w Industry leading 4 year warranty available ww 90 Day 100% money back guarantee w w Hearing aids starting at $599 w
Rob Barry,H.A.D.
Contact Jen Zalinski to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6633
616-219-0932 cleansweepsolutions.net • [email protected]
20% OFF FIRST TIME CLEANING
AFFORDABLE HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Senior Neighbors is funded in part by: Individual donations, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Meals on Wheels of West Michigan, Meals on Wheels America, The Home Depot Foundation, Kent County Senior Millage, Kent County Community Development Block Grant, City of Grandville, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Adult and Aging Services Agency, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Corp. for National and Community Service, Administration on Aging.
Please Note: SNI does
not necessarily endorse advertisements
in this newsletter.
We are dedicated to promoting independent living for people who are 60 years and older by providing essential services that help seniors remain independent into their later years. We focus heavily on health and wellness programming as we work to aggressively pursue our mission of Enhancing the Lives of Seniors.