Senior Center News - July 9, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center

July 12-16

Senior Center is open

Menu

Monday — Salisbury steak, hashbrowns and gravy, beets, fruit

Tuesday — Applesauce, roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, gingerbread

Wednesday — Philly steak sandwich, potato salad, brownies

Thursday — Tuna noodle casserole, garlic cheddar biscuits, salad, cookies

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

The Senior Centers doors did open to the public on Wednesday July 7, 2021, and we had a nice crowd for our first day open. We are all very excited to be open and seeing our senior friends again after quite some time. Marci wants everyone to remember to make an appointment if you need help from her. Also everyone must be wearing a mask to go back and meet with her. We are still providing limited services by phone with individuals bringing their paperwork down to the center only if they have an appointment. Help is also being given over the phone whenever possible. For those still a little worried about eating out, our grab and go bags are still available. Remember to call for the to go bags before 10am that morning.

Reopening: With the increase of COVID-19 cases in Hill County, we did delay our reopening of the center until now. The reopening plan was taken to the commissioners and they agree it is now time to open our doors. When we opened, many things had to change. The center will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. 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 seated only four guests to a table. When they came in they kept mask on until we began eating. Meals were served at your table. Our new hours for the Senior Center will now be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Transportation: The Senior Center will provide senior transportation Monday throughThursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, transportation is medical only and you must give 24 hour notice. Shopping trips — call ahead for Walmart shopping the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. There will be no more grocery delivery.

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.