Open enrollment ends December 7 for Medicare Part D, Advantage

Open enrollment ends December 7 for Medicare Part D, Advantage plans

By Midland Daily News

Open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage is October 15 through December 7 with coverage beginning January 1.

The open enrollment period is an opportunity to shop around for a plan that will best meet one’s needs next year. By completing a Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Advantage comparison, you may decide to switch to another plan that has lower out-ofpocket costs.

Senior Services has Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program certified staff and volunteers to assist you. When you talk with a staff member or volunteer, you will receive assistance with the following:

• Explore Medicare Part D and/or

Medicare Advantage Plans. • Compare your current plan with two additional plans available for next year based on your current situation and medications. • Review the plans’ coverage, what the premium, deductible and copayments will be. • Review or assist with plan enrollment if you decide to switch plans. • For those who appear eligible, we can assist with applications to

Social Security Extra Help and/or Department of Health and Human Services Medicare Savings

Program. Open enrollment appointments are available for in-person or by phone this year. If in-person assistance is modified or changed, we will communicate directly with individuals scheduled to be served.

Senior Services trained staff and volunteers are here to help. If you have never received assistance from us before, call our Health Insurance Assistance Hotline at 989-6333748. You will be asked to leave a message including your name and address, and a compare worksheet will be mailed to you. This compare worksheet needs to be completed and returned with your current information before we can schedule an appointment. You may also request this compare worksheet through our secure website at www.SeniorServicesMidland.org/medicare-worksheet-request-form

If you have received help from us in the past year, you should have already received your worksheet. If you did not receive a compare worksheet in the mail, please call our Health Insurance Assistance Hotline at 989-633-3748 to request one. You may also request this compare worksheet online at our secure website listed above.

Birthday & Anniversary Party

On Thursday, November 10, the Trailside Center will be hosting a Birthday & Anniversary Party. There will be music from George Eagle at 11am. Also, a delicious treat will be served after lunch.

The Trailside Center is located at Senior Services Main Building, 4700 Dublin Avenue, Midland. Phone is (989) 633-3790. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, lunch at 11:30am. Please sign-up to receive your special gift!

Quality Assisted Living

Licensed & Insured AFC

989-631-4406 • 2041 E. Freeland Rd., Freeland www.KindyCareCenter.com

New Year’s resolutions for seniors

Resolutions can be made at any age. Seniors who may feel that they are past the point in life where trying something new or setting goals is relevant to them can reconsider, as it’s never too late in life to have aspirations big or small.

The golden years may be different from any other period in a person’s life, but seniors can still embrace making positive changes. In fact, according to studies by Rush University, people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The following are some potential resolutions for seniors.

• Focus on safety. Aging sparks certain changes to the body and mind. Recognizing that you can’t

do all of the things you did when you were younger doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve upon those things you can do, especially if you make some safety-minded tweaks. Resolve to improve home safety, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, checking smoke alarms, and installing a security system. • Find new and enjoyable workouts. The exercise routines you engaged in just a few years ago may no longer suit your physical abilities or interests. Investigate new fitness regimens or methods of movement. Tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs, and more can be incorporated into your daily habits. • Organize medical records. Seeing health pictured systematically and clearly can help you stay on top of appointments and wellness measures. There are many different organizing systems to embrace; find one that works for your needs. • Declutter your home. Resolve to get rid of extraneous items that are no longer serving a purpose beyond collecting dust. Having more room to move around can be safer, particularly if you need a cane or another assistive device, and there will be less to clean if you remove some clutter. If you plan to downsize soon, clearing clutter can make the move easier. • Learn something new. A language, skill, or hobby are all within reach when you map out the steps to achieving your goal. • Make new social connections.

Caring Places senior communities indicates socially active older adults have better cognition and lower risks for depression than those who do not consistently reach out to friends. Aspire to make some new companions or to get back in touch with those you haven’t spoken to in some time. Seniors can focus on key resolutions to make positive changes for the future.

CARE COORDINATION CORNER:

Elder Abuse Prevention Through Community Action

By Julie Randolph, Care Coordination Manager at Senior Services of Midland County

Imagine you live alone, do not drive, and days go by without receiving visitors or calls from those you know.

Imagine when the phone or doorbell does ring it is someone you do not know who is making statements showing interest in your wellbeing. As time goes by this person requests personal information or asks you to do favors for them, such as mailing a package or sending gift cards. Imagine you receive a frantic call demanding immediate payment of funds and secrecy to prevent harm to a loved one.

Imagine the regret of discovering a scam after handing over thousands of your hard-earned dollars.

Imagine dreading each day because of harassing and haunting phone calls. Imagine you are able to resist the requests but as a result receive multiple calls per day from the person continuing to pursue you and suggesting the loss of valuable possessions if you do not participate.

Imagine receiving assistance from a caregiver for food and bathing who frequently becomes angry and harsh with you.