Senior Center News, June 18, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center

June 21-25

Senior center closed for now.

Medical transportation only for now. Call ahead for Fridays.

Menu

Monday — Sloppy Joe on a bun, tater tots, salad

Tuesday — Salad, baked ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, sunshine carrots, cake

Wednesday — Braised beef, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit

Thursday — Polish sausage, sauerkraut, au gratin potatoes

Friday — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert,

We want to thank everyone who helped the Senior Center with the rummage sale and cinnamon rolls last month. The total taken in was $1,596.65. Note there is a correction on the amount taken in from $159.65 to $1,596.65.

The Senior Center’s doors are still Closed to the public. We are providing limited services by phone with individuals bringing their paperwork down to the center. Help is also being given over the phone when possible.

Reopening: With the increase of COVID-19 cases in Hill County, we are delaying the opening of the center until this once again stabilizes. The reopening plan has been taken to the commissioners for their perusal. When we are able to open a lot of things will have to change. Upon entering the building, you will have to wear a mask and your temperature will be taken at the door. The number of occupants in the building will have to be limited. We will be continuing the grab-and-go meals for those unable to eat at the center.

Transportation: The Senior center is providing medical transportation only. Remember to call ahead for Friday’s appointments. Monday and Thursday rides have to be worked around grocery delivery.

Congregate meals: We are still continuing to provide meals at the Hill County Senior Center as grab-and-go meals while we are still closed. Of course, this is in addition to the Meals on Wheels program. If you would like to pick up a meal, please be sure to call the center before 10 a.m. to order your meal through the kitchen. Your meals may be picked up at the center from 11:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may order a meal for one day or put in your order for the entire week, whatever is more convenient.

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.

Medicare open enrollment has come to an end. However, if you are having problems with prescriptions you can call Marci and see if she can help you. For those on Medicaid and Big Sky she can still make changes. For an appointment call Marci at 265-5464.

Improving care through telehealth: Technology can be especially valuable for people in remote areas or places with few medical professionals. Using portable devices, health care providers can test and treat patients without them coming into the office. This practice is called telehealth. A doctor in a rural area can consult on a patient’s scan with a specialist in another state if need be. Someone with diabetes can monitor their blood sugar in real-time and have the data sent to their health care provider. Wearable sensors can alert a caregiver if a person with dementia leaves the house. These are all examples of how telehealth is changing medical care. Researchers are developing new ways to analyze blood samples for patients at home. Through advances like this, telehealth is helping medical professionals deliver effective, long-distance care.