Senior Center News, Feb. 11, 2022

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Feb. 14-18

Menu

Monday, Feb. 14 — Chicken fried steak, mash potato/gravy, broccoli, cherry cake

Tuesday, Feb. 15 — Cranberries, turkey/dressing, mash potato/gravy, corn, pumpkin bars

Wednesday, Feb. 16 — Ham/cabbage, corn bread, beans, fruit

Thursday, Feb. 17 — Beef & onion, rice, vegetables, peach kuchen

Friday, Feb. 18 — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping up with the pandemic: As of Feb. 8, there were 45 new COVID-19 cases and there were 35 cases recovered, one case in the hospital, 165 active cases and a total of 4,369 recovered. Total cases for all of Hill County was 4,605. Deaths were still at 71. Right now, community transmission is high and everyone should be wearing a mask. As of now we are 60% vaccinated in Hill County. And, of course, now we are waiting for information on the latest variant, omicron, to be understood. Sounds, so far, very easy to transmit but not quite as lethal as other variants, but it still is dangerous because the numbers are so high and hospitals are very over-crowded.

AARP tax preparation: The tax season has started with our AARP volunteers. Seniors do have the priority for this tax preparation. In order to get an appointment, you must call us at 406-265-5464 and get on the list. The AARP staff will then call you back to schedule your appointment. They will check your documents to make sure you have everything you need when you come in for your appointment. Make sure you watch carefully for the callback to schedule your appointment. Many of the calls will come from the Senior Center but some may come from “Blocked” or “Unavailable.” If it is spam, you can just hang up.

Winter Weather: Make sure you are keeping an eye on the furnace in your home and are changing filters as needed. Also prepare your vehicle as winter continues. Get everything checked so you are safe and warm for the continuing cold weather. If traveling, keep a box of things that might be needed if you get stranded, blankets, hats, extra gloves, boots and things to snack on and water. Stay warm.

Preventing Falls: Each year millions of older adults go to the emergency department after an injury from a fall, especially during the winter with snow and ice. Falls can cause serious injuries, back fractures and hip fractures as well as head trauma. The biggest risk factor for being injured from a fall is being age 65 or older. Those with weak bones are more likely to break a bone during a fall. As we get older our bones become less dense. Thinner bones can lead to osteoporosis. Having enough calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones stay strong. Discuss any problems you may have with your doctor. Other risk factors include walking feeling tired and keeping your balance. A drop in blood pressure can make it more difficult to stay upright. Also as you age, seeing, hearing and reflexes may not be as sharp as they once were. These changes can make it more likely you’ll stumble and fall. Keep your home as fall-proof as you can to prevent falls. Keep home tidy and well lit to avoid stumbling over objects. Area rugs can also be dangerous. Use handrails when you use stairs or use cane when walking. These are some important things to pay attention to. When visiting your doctor discuss making changes in your life to prevent another fall.

Wanted: If you have any gently used knick-knacks (chachkis) you don’t need or want any more we would be glad to take them off your hands. Call us at 265-5464 or stop down to see us. Thanks

Keep well: Don’t forget your flu shot. And be kind, don’t forget your mask. Masks are required at the senior center.

Transportation: Remember the senior center has reached an agreement with North Central Montana Transit to take over the transportation of our seniors. This change seems to be going very well. If you need a ride call 406-265-4762. They would appreciate a 24-hour notice for local rides and a 48-hour notice for Great Falls trips.

Scams: Scam calls are still widespread. Text messages and emails are also becoming popular. Do not respond to any of them. Do not even open them, just delete them. Medicare isn’t issuing gold cards. Talk to someone in the community before you consider a reverse mortgage.

Bingo: For a good time, come to bingo at the Havre senior center at 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

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

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 406-265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care — Testing of contacts call 406-262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 406-265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 406-262-1570 for an appointment.

Bullhook Community Health Center: Testing of contacts: register at this link: https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97 .

Montana State University-Northern: Staff and students of MSU-Northern only: Call Student Health Services at 406-265-3599.

Havre Public Schools — Staff and students of Havre Public Schools only: Call Jeri Zorn at 406-390-2210.

Rocky Boy Health Center: Anyone who is eligible to receive services at Rocky Boy Health Center, or community members that live or work on the reservation: call 406-395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

**Testing subject to change based on availability and demand. **

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 Physical Fitness for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and also 2 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. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships.

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.