Senior Center News, Aug. 13, 2021

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Aug. 16-20

Senior Center is now open

Menu

Monday — Shepherd’s pie, salad, rolls and dessert

Tuesday — Cranberries, turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes andd gravy, corn, pumpkin bars

Wednesday — Blueberry French toast bake, hashbrown bake, omelets, yogurt

Thursday — Pork tips, buttered noodles, peas, brownies

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

The Senior Centers doors are open to the public, and crowds have been growing. We are very excited to be open and seeing our senior friends again. 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 10 a.m. 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 agreed it was time to open our doors. When we opened, many things had to change. The center will be open to the public Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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 be limited. We will seat only four guests to a table. When they came in they kept mask on until they began eating. Meals were served at their table. Our new hours for the Senior Center will now be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Bingo: We will be playing bingo at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Everyone welcome. Come try it and see what you think.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the Senior Center? We are very thankful for the many volunteers who help us daily and also during our special events. If you have a little extra time, we could sure use your help. We are finding ourselves a little short on volunteers now that we have opened our doors after closing due to the pandemic. If you would like to share your time and talents, please give us a call at 265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Silver Sneakers Membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging — also known as the Senior Center — is excited to say we are working with Down Under Fitness Center for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for August. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10:00 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and in addition also 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time, the Wednesday classes will be limited to 10 participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill county Senior Center.

We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to work on your agility, balance, and physical health. This is an activity that will continue if the community uses the opportunity to attend the Silver Sneakers program and shows support. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships. Let us know if you’re enjoying these memberships and want them to continue.

Senior Center Gift Shop: If there is someone special you are shopping for remember the Senior Center’s Gift Shop. Find some up-to-the-minute gifts along with some fun antiques. Also some beautiful glassware, handmade gifts, pictures, yarn and much more. We have cards for all occasions at great prices. We also have Depends in assorted sizes. We know you will be pleased with both our selection and our prices. Hope to see you there.

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we have some open slots now. If your income falls within our guidelines and you would like to sign up, come to Senior Center and fill out application. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

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.