Senior Center News, Nov. 13, 2020

North Central Senior Citizens Center, Nov. 16-20

Menu by Earlene DeWinter, subject to change

Monday — Closed – no meal

Tuesday — Salad, Meatloaf, Au Gratin Potatoes, Sunshine Carrots, Rolls, Cake

Wednesday — Chicken Fried Steak, Mash Potatoes & Gravy, Peas, Dessert

Thursday — Pork Tips, Buttered Noodles, Beets, Tollhouse Crumb Cake

Friday — Soup, Chef’s Choice, Dessert

We are sorry for the interruptions in meal delivery and hope it did not cause and inconvenience for anyone.

Medicare open enrollment has begun. If you need help verifying your Part D (Prescription) coverage, it will be done by phone appointments or video conference. All documentation will be run off for you to review. With changes coming, it is wise to at least check your coverage to make sure all of your medications will be covered. There is a form you will need to fill out before your appointment is scheduled. You may pick this up at the Senior Center in Havre or call and have it mailed to you. If you are just coming into retirement age please schedule an appointment for any help needed with this also.

It is very important to enroll in prescription coverage even if you aren’t taking any medications so you will not receive penalty charges down the road when you do sign up. Remember, supplements do not cover prescriptions. Some retirement programs and veteran programs do have prescription coverage. Thank you.

The Senior Center is providing medical transportation only for now. Remember to call ahead for Friday’s appointments.

We do have a couple of individuals in the community whom are in need of assistance getting to Great Falls three times a week for dialysis. I am working on getting financial help for the transportation. If you know of anyone willing to help with this transportation, please call the Senior Center.

Congregate folks: We are still continuing to provide meals at the Hill County Senior Center as grab and go meals while we are still closed. If you would like to pick up a meal, please be sure to call the center before 10 a.m. to order your meal. Your meals may be picked at the center from 11:45 a.m. until noon Monday through Friday. If you would like to, you may order a meal for one day or put in your order for the entire week. If you would please let us know which meals you would be like ahead of time it would be beneficial in preparation so we are aware of how much food to fix each day.

With the individuals we’ve lost the last few weeks, I do have some openings for commodities for the Hill County area. Call 265-5464 for an application.

Important phone numbers:

Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 259-2558 (local) 1-888-816-4702 (toll free)

Friendship Line by Institute on Aging — The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: (800) 971-0016

For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.

The senior center’s doors are still closed to the public. We are providing limited services. Help is being given over the phone when possible.

Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly!!! Maintain your personal space.

We want to thank the individuals who are making masks, especially those whom have brought them to the center. If you are in need of a mask, let us know. We may be able to direct you to a source.

With people getting out and moving around more, remember to use all precautions. If you do not feel comfortable going out, protect yourself and stay home as much as possible. If you do any traveling, especially out of state, remember the 14-day self-quarantine for your own safety.

Scams are getting worse. Some are being very forceful in trying to get your information. Don’t give them any information. Protect your Medicare by read your quarterly Medicare Statement. Some agents are being sneaky in having things billed to you without you or your doctor realizing it. Also, there will be no new Medicare cards with chips … this is another scam. No matter what, do not give out personal information over the phone unless you are sure of the source. If you inadvertently give them any information, contact the Senior Center for the tip sheet to protect yourself. If you need help call the police department or the Senior Center.

We would also appreciate you tracking the phone numbers and what they were about, the time of day and the date, and bringing the list down to the center so we can make a compilation for the powers that be. Some feel none of these calls are occurring in Montana.

How to cope with caregiving resistance

Information taken from: https://abridgebetweenthegap.com/coping-with-caregiving-resistance .

About the author: I’m Brandi Blair, certified caregiving specialist, 10-year veteran family caregiver, and the author behind “A Bridge Between the Gap.” My mission is to serve family caregivers just like you who want the caring for your loved one to fit into your life instead of run it. Here you will find battle-tested solutions to your daily challenges so you can live with balance and purpose.

Caregiver challenges

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.

When you become a caregiver for your parent how do you expect them to respond to you?  

• Acceptance that they need help that you’re ready, willing and able to provide?

• Compliance toward your now reversed roles?

• Happiness that they have you in their time of need?  

• Gratitude for the sacrifices and adjustments to your own life?  

Unfortunately, this isn’t always what you receive. The changes our parent goes through when they move into our homes are confusing and difficult for them to accept. Though we as the caregiver know our intentions are pure and our actions for the well-being of our much-loved aging parent, we are often met with anger and caregiving resistance.

Why your elderly parent resists your care

Imagine for a moment, after so many years of independence you suddenly must rely on someone else for even the most basic need. Not only that, but that person on whom you are so reliant is your own child. The same person who not so many years ago was completely dependent on you is now making decisions, responsible for your care and well-being, and telling you what needs to be done and how to do it.

Do not despair, my dear fellow caregiver! There are ways to neutralize a resistant situation. If you put these ideas into practice and make them your habit, you will begin to see the anger diminish, acceptance of the situation by your loved one, and the contentment you hope for as you both begin coping with caregiving resistance.

Remember, this is not about you.

When I give my mother-in-law her pills or remind her of an appointment, I often get a sarcastic, “Well, thank you so much!” in reply. It took me a long time to realize she was being sharp toned not out of ingratitude but out of the frustration that she now needed someone to take care of these things for her.

Related Post: How to Handle Elderly Bad Behavior

When your good deeds are met with anger, it is important to determine:

• If a response is even needed.

• That the response is in kindness and not as a rebuttal.

Think about all the difficulty you (or your spouse) gave them as a teenager when you would lash out trying to hold on to what little independence you had and recognize they are more angry about the situation than they are with you.