Page 2
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
Lottery and sweepstakes scams The chance of winning a lot of money is certainly alluring, and con artists are ready to exploit our eagerness to win big money. Sweepstakes and lottery scams have been around for a long time, and they’re still going strong. A retired North Dakota couple recently lost nearly $90,000 to a prize notification scam that started with a telephone call. The call supposedly came from the California Gaming Commission claiming they had won $1.7 million. The initial contact in a sweepstakes scam is often a call, an email, or a piece of direct mail offering congratulations for winning some big contest. But there’s a catch: You’ll be asked to pay taxes or some type of fee to claim your prize. The scammers may request bank account information, urge you to send money via a wire transfer, or ask you to purchase
Hang up on cold calls claiming to be from a lottery or sweepstakes such as Mega Millions lottery or Publishers Clearing House. They AARP North Dakota, will not call you out of the blue to Communications tell you you’ve won. Director Don’t provide personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you about winning a prize. If you receive an offer of gift cards and give them the card a free prize, like a trip, and are numbers. told you must provide credit card Don’t ever pay a fee to claim information, pay an advance fee or a prize, and don’t wire money to attend a presentation, it’s a scam. or share gift card numbers with Knowledge gives you power someone claiming to represent a and AARP North Dakota has two contest or lottery. Both payment upcoming educational programs methods are always a sure sign of to help people protect themselves a scam. from scams. Carefully examine the envelope At 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, join of a piece of mail congratulating a one-hour telephone town hall you on winning a sweepstakes. If with Parrell Grossman from the your congratulations letter was N.D. Attorney General’s Consumsent bulk rate, it means a lot of er Protection Division, and Kathy other people got the same mailing. Stokes, director of the AARP
Lyle Halvorson
Fraud Protection program. Register your phone number at vekeo. com/aarpnorthdakota/ to be sure you are called when the town hall begins. On Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., hear from the man who brought organized crime online as he talks about a lawless corner of the internet where personal information can be bought. Brett Johnson, formerly America’s most wanted cybercriminal, will show what you can do to protect yourself online. Register to attend this online event here: https:// aarp.cvent.com/Godfather10-12-21. If you think you have fallen victim to any type of scam, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for guidance and support, or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www. aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Ask Rusty: Does paying SS tax now increase my benefit? Dear Rusty: I started drawing my benefits at age 62 due to being laid off Russell Gloor from my job at age 60. I have continued working part time and been AMAC Certified Social paying Social Security and Medicare Security Advisor, taxes ever since. I am now 66. I have Association of Mature been told that even though I continue American Citizens to pay these taxes, it will not help increase my monthly social security benefit. Is that true? Signed: Working Beneficiary help pay for all those currently collecting benefits. And if you happen Dear Working Beneficiary: Paying to work even after you start collecting into Social Security and Medicare Social Security benefits, the FICA tax through “FICA” taxes withheld from you pay still goes to help pay benefits your paycheck doesn’t change your for you and for millions of others also Social Security (SS) benefit amount. collecting Social Security. Those taxes aren’t held in a separate Of the 7.65% FICA tax you pay, personal account for you; rather they 6.2% goes to Social Security and are used to pay benefits to all those 1.45% helps fund Medicare (your emwho currently collect SS benefits, ployer pays the same amounts). The and to help offset healthcare costs for 6.2% SS tax you pay to Social Securicurrent Medicare enrollees. ty isn’t deposited into a personal acFrom its inception decades ago, count which determines your benefit Social Security has been a “pay as you payment. Instead, your benefit is dego” system where all those working termined using your earnings record
for the 35 years over your lifetime in which you earned the most (with early years adjusted for inflation). Your average earnings in those 35 years are what determines your benefit amount, not how much you paid in FICA tax. Thus, continuing to pay FICA taxes because you are still working won’t affect your Social Security benefit amount. And because of the way the program is structured, you don’t need to worry about how much you contributed to Social Security in taxes; you will continue to receive Social Security for as long as there are people working and contributing to the program (for the rest of your life) - those now working pay for Social Security benefits now being paid. What could, however, affect your personal SS benefit amount now is your earnings level while working. Even after you start collecting Social Security benefits, if your current earnings from work are more than any of those in the 35 inflation-adjusted
years used to originally compute your benefit, that benefit will be recomputed and increased as appropriate. And just in case you’re wondering, studies have shown that, on average, SS beneficiaries usually recover everything they paid into the system within about 5 years. Said another way, over your lifetime you’ll almost certainly get back much more in benefits than you paid in FICA SS taxes. The payback time is more for those who are self-employed (because they must pay both employee and employer portions of FICA), but Social Security is, nevertheless, a pretty good deal which pays a guaranteed retirement benefit for as long as you live after benefits start. So, what you were told is correct. Paying FICA taxes now won’t help increase your monthly benefit amount. But high earnings now, which are more than any in those 35 inflation-adjusted years used to compute your SS benefit, will.
September 2021
SENIOR SCENE
Page 3
Books brought to your door
People have relied on books to provide entertainment and education for hundreds of years and public libraries have supported these needs for almost as long. However, not everyone in Minot is able to make it to the library to check out books. Fortunately, the Special Services program at the Minot Public Library assists these people by delivering materials to individuals who live in Minot and are unable to come to the library. The Minot Public Library delivers books and audiobooks monthly to people who are homebound, have a visual or physical disability or who are living in an assisted living or extended care facility. Lacey Possen, the Library Associate in charge of the Special Services program, says that the library “has a large variety of materials to choose from including books on CD, large print and regular print books (in both fiction and nonfiction) and even music CDs” for Minot residents to choose from. After an initial phone interview with people interested in signing up for this program (or their caregivers) Possen then selects materials every month based on the individual’s interests and library volunteers or staff then deliver the books. Materials are delivered directly to the patron’s residence once a month on the first three Thursdays of every month. Materials are picked up the following month when new items are delivered. Minot Public Library Director Janet Anderson says that this program would not be possible without the support of library volunteers. “We are extremely lucky to have such dedicated volunteers who deliver bags of items to our Special Service patrons each month in all kinds of weather and road conditions,” says Anderson. In addition to the Homebound Delivery service, patrons of the Minot Public Library can also take advantage of the “Talking Book” service through the North Dakota State Library. Like the Homebound Delivery services, this program is specifically for individuals with special needs. According to the North Dakota State
Library: “Talking Books offer an array of services for citizens of North Dakota who are unable to read standard print materials because of a visual, physical, or reading disability.” Possen explains that this program provides individuals who are physically or visually impaired with free access to talking books and magazines. She says that “the eligible individuals receive a digital player from the North Dakota School for the Blind and every few weeks the State Library mails out books or magazines on a digital cartridge.” This service and the equipment are available free of charge for qualified individuals. For more information on this program you can contact the North Dakota State Library at 1-800-843-9948. The Minot Public Library also wants to assist the seniors in the community by providing technology education. MPL Technology Coordinator Joshua Pikka is excited to again be offering ‘Tech. Ed. at the Parker’ the first Thursday of every month from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Parker Senior Center. “This free, drop-in support is for anyone who has questions about electronic devices and who needs any sort of help with basic technology needs,” Pikka explained. Pikka said that as more and more communication, information, and entertainment requires some level of technical skills he thinks it’s important to provide personal service and support. Library cards are not required for Tech. Ed. at the Parker, but MPL patrons can sign up for a one-on-one session with staff at the Library through the Tech. Tutor program if they want a little more assistance. As Minot heads into fall and eventually winter, the Minot Public Library wants citizens to know that services are available outside the building for those unable to come to the Library. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking part in any of the Special Services offered by the Minot Public Library or are interested in volunteering to deliver books once a month please call (701) 852-1045 and ask for Lacey or Zhaina.
Page 4
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
Life Lessons from Hello Senior friends the last year
My only sibling died this summer. She had cancer. Over the last year (since her diagnosis), I have learned a lot of “life lessons.” I hope you can benefit from my experience as well as the related research on these topics. Lesson One: Pay attention to your body and tell others when things seem amiss. My sister should still be here. She did not know a key piece of growing older as a woman. She did not know that spotting after menopause is a sign to seek immediate medical attention. I knew this, but she did not share her information until it was too late. Lesson Two: Share stories with one another. Write them down. Record them if possible. Invite friends and other family members to share their stories with your loved one. Laughter is great therapy for all involved. Lesson Three: Discuss and write down important financial information EARLY. I say this because medications, chemotherapies and radiation can lead to lapses in memory. The cancer patient simply cannot remember all the details they once knew. NDSU Extension has a publication to help with this task titled Inventory of Important Papers; it can be found at: www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/ fammgmt/fe446.pdf Lesson Four: Put in writing last wishes or medical/health care advanced directives. This legal document spells out what medical treatment a person does or does not want if s/he should become unable to make these decisions on their own. The document also includes who s/he designates as her/his health care power of attorney; this person speaks on behalf of the patient when s/he is incapacitated. North Dakota has a form available to help you get started with your personal health care directive. It can be found at https://www.honoringchoicesnd.org/directives/ On a personal note, my sister and I discussed this topic not too long after her diagnosis. I printed the document and gave it to her to complete. Unfortunately, she did not finish it. The life lesson I learned is to be sure this is completed and witnessed/notarized; it can be changed, but not completing the document makes it invalid. Lesson Five: My sister suffered from depression for many years. She was not treated for this disease until the last year of her life. I mourn the many years she
Ellen M. Bjelland NDSU Extension Agent, Family and Community Wellness
could have enjoyed life. The disease kept her from fully functioning and interacting with the world (and people) around her. If you know someone who is battling this disease, encourage them to seek help. Share the 2-1-1 phone number with them; these calls go directly to a person who can listen or do a referral. You might also take the person to a first appointment with a physician or mental health provider; taking that first step is sometimes difficult. Having support can make all the difference. Lesson Six: Perhaps one of the most difficult life lessons I have learned in the last year is people tend to avoid spending time with those suffering from a terminal illness. Often, friends and family are not sure what to say to the dying person. They think they may say something wrong or they themselves are uncomfortable with the idea of death. The downside of this situation is the loneliness of the dying. Many terminally ill patients are afraid and want to talk to people about their thoughts and feelings regarding their condition. They are looking for comfort and support. On the other hand, they may not reach out to others for many reasons, including depression, insecurities, or effects of medications. Thus, the onus is placed on family and friends to be there for the terminally ill person. I write this not to lay guilt, but to raise awareness. A family friend called this to my attention during my sister’s illness; I can honestly say I had not considered this tendency, but watched it happen several times in the last year. Lesson Seven: Finally, grant those who are grieving grace. Even though I have experienced deaths of other close family members, each grieving process is unique. Sometimes we move through grief relatively quickly and sometimes it takes months, even years. Thank you for “listening.” I hope my experiences may be of help to others.
Before long, weather will be cold again, so enjoy this nice weather. Our residents have been enjoying the summer, spending time outdoors. We have been going to the zoo, air museum, country drives, patio fun with music along with” I Love Ice Cream” truck and other food trucks & the NDSF Senior Day, garden walks, a flower show, a car show & a carnival with cotton candy and snow cones. We always encourage families to come with us on outing. Coming up in September 17th The Harvest Festival will be held at the Moose club from 2pm to 4pm, with coffee, pie, entertainment, dancing, bake sale, and door prizes. Trinity homes also been doing a Music & Memory program to assist with improving dementia care and assist in calming the resident. We download their favorite
Lois Zahn
Volunteer Coordinator/ Activities
music on an iPod with a set of head phones, we encourage families to join their loved ones on listening to their favorite music by giving us a list of their favorite songs. We would also assist with music downloading if family chose to purchase their own iPod for their loved ones. Please give Trinity Homes a call for more information. Smile, Smile, Smile God Bless
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
Estate planning considerations are for “young people,” too
The arrival of the covid Delta variant has many of us wondering when life will return to what we knew before. It has also brought estate planning issues top of mind for the “younger” crowd, specifically those between 30 and 50 years old. In my own family and circle of friends I have witnessed multiple ER visits and an ICU stay due to COVID for those in that demographic. This raises two important questions: (1) Have those in younger generations in your family completed their estate planning? and (2) If so, do you know your involvement in their planning, even if it is just in a secondary, or backup capacity? After I have completed an estate planning project for a client, I usually recommend they hold a family meeting to discuss their estate planning decisions with their children and other important people. Lately, I have seen the importance of a sort of “reverse” family meeting, in which parents check in with their children to make sure the younger generation has their affairs in order. Many people in the age 3050 range still have their parents listed as a backup fiduciary (such as a health care agent, financial agent, or personal representative) because their own children and peers are not old enough or mature enough to take on the task. So, you may be asked to step up and help if your child is in the ICU or passes away. Some estate planning issues are universal to all ages and stages of life, such as naming health care and financial agents under a power of attorney. This article will discuss the issues unique to ages 30-50. The first critical task for those ages 30-50 is to do a self-audit to check who exactly are the owners of their accounts and who are listed as beneficiaries.
Diane K. Lautt, JD
Many married individuals think they have their spouse listed as beneficiary on a life insurance policy, only to find out they still have their parents listed because they purchased the policy before they were married. Some adults still have a parent as joint owner on a bank account, perhaps the child’s first bank account set up before they moved away from home. Check in with your adult children to make sure they have removed you as a joint owner or beneficiary on their accounts. The second critical issue is to designate who will care for any minor children in the event both parents are incapacitated or deceased. If you are named as the primary guardian for your grandchildren, consider what your age will be when your grandchildren each turn 18. Will you still be willing and able to be their primary caretaker up until that point? Talk with your child about naming a backup guardian who could step in if necessary. The third critical issue is to design a trust to hold funds inherited by minors, or those who are not yet mature enough to independently handle funds. Minors cannot own property, so if your child leaves assets to their minor child directly, the court must appoint a conservator to care for the funds until the minor reaches the age of majority. This is a public and costly process that can be avoided by simply creating a trust for the minor in the estate planning documents. This trust names a trustee who
oversees managing and distributing funds to the beneficiary until they reach a certain age. I recommend setting an age of maturity of at least 25 years old. Even the most mature 18- or 21-year-old would struggle to wisely manage a large windfall. The trustee follows the rules written in the trust about when the beneficiary can receive distributions. For example, the trustee may distribute a sum of money to help pay for a six-yearold to buy back-to-school clothes, 12-year-old beneficiary to attend space camp, a 16-year-old to buy a car, or a 23-year-old for a house down payment. If there are any funds left once the beneficiary reaches the designated age of 25, the trustee releases the remaining money directly to the beneficiary. Choosing a trustee is an important issue. If your child named you as the trustee for your grandchildren, make sure a backup is also named. You may not be able to serve as trustee for the duration of the grandchild’s trust due to health issues or simply a decreased desire to be responsible for the headache of bookkeeping, investing decision, income tax filings, etc. in your later years. A family meeting to cover these issues can be brief. Simply ask your adult children if they have estate planning in place, and if so, whether you are specifically named for a trustee, personal representative or power of attorney role. If you are, either confirm you will serve in that role, or decline to serve and ask them to update their planning to remove you or name a backup. You will be glad you took a few minutes to sort through these important issues. This article does not constitute legal advice. Each individual should consult his or her own attorney.
Page 5
SMP sees cardiovascular genetic testing used in new fraud trend Every time there’s a medical advance, there’s a scammer waiting around the corner to exploit it. The latest growing genetic testing fraud trend focuses on cardiovascular genetic testing. Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries genetic testing cheek swabs to obtain their Medicare information for fraudulent billing purposes or possibly medical identity theft. We’re hearing reports of scammers calling Medicare beneficiaries, claiming their cardiologist wants them to have this test and offering to send a kit. In reality, their cardiologist did not make any such request. Their goal is not to help the beneficiary; it’s to get their Medicare information, which scammers can use to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic testing. Here are some ways cardiovascular genetic testing is advertised: – Cardiovascular genetic screening/test – Comprehensive cardiovascular panel – Cardiovascular disease genetic kit – Hereditary cardiovascular profile The repercussions of falling for a scam of this nature can be devastating. If Medicare denies a cardiovascular genetic test claim, a beneficiary might be responsible for the entire cost of the test: The average cost is $9,000 to $11,000. Cardiovascular genetic testing is covered by Medicare when the test is medically reasonable and necessary, when it is ordered by a treating phy-
Linda Madsen Project Director, ND Senior Medicare Patrol (ND SMP), NDCPD/MSU
sician, and when a treating physician orders the test as a diagnostic service and uses the results to manage the patient’s condition. To stop cardiovascular genetic testing fraud: – Do not give out your personal information to anyone who calls you and claims that your cardiologist has requested cardiovascular testing. – Do not give out your personal information or accept screening services from anyone at a community event, local fair, farmers’ market, parking lot, or any other public event. – If you received a cardiovascular genetic testing kit or test that was not medically necessary, report your concerns about billing errors or possible fraud to ND SMP. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. ND SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational presentations. Contact ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu or call 1-800-233-1737.
SENIOR SCENE
Page 6
Aging in place
September 2021
Transportation options critical for seniors By JILL SCHRAMM
Senior Staff Writer • jschramm@ minotdailynews.com
Jill Schramm/MDN
Kim Urban, prosthetist/orthotist with KeyCare Medical in Minot, holds a bathtub grab bar in the retailer’s bathroom mockup Aug. 25. The mockup shows some of the safety options that can help keep people in their homes as they age.
Adaptations keep seniors living independently By JILL SCHRAMM
Senior Staff Writer jschramm@minotdailynews.com The best time to start thinking about age adaptations in the home is before you really need them. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about accommodations until an injury occurs or they are struggling with daily tasks. “So many people just keep doing the same thing they have always been doing,” said Lisa Burke, occupational therapy manager at Trinity Health. Burke developed a guide for making homes safer and more functional that includes some simple changes that people might want to consider if they
plan to stay in their homes for the long-term. Foremost, adequate lighting and safe floor surfaces can have significant impacts on the ability to live independently, Burke said. Non-slip rugs, de-cluttering and addressing transitions between carpet and hard surfaces are critical to mobility and preventing falls. A 2018 AARP survey showed that although 76% of respondents aged 50 and older would prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible, just 46% believed it would be possible. Many expect their homes to need major modifications to accommodate aging needs. Not all modifications are expensive, though, and assistance is available in many cases. Burke’s room-by-room guide suggests accommodations such as sliding shelves in the kitchen, tub
Public transportation has a role in helping people remain in their homes as they age. “Our system was started just to do that 40 years ago,” said Darrell Francis, director for Souris Basin Transportation, Minot. Eighty percent of the service’s 90,000 rides given annually are clientele with disabilities or who are elderly, he said. SBT serves 10 counties with handicapped-accessible vehicles. Its buses operate every Thursday to provide transportation between Minot and rural communities in the region. Buses leave the starting community at 7 a.m. for pickups at homes, some farmsteads and other collector locations along the route to Minot, making the return trip after leaving Minot at 3 p.m. Minot residents have access to reverse service that enables them to travel to area communities. Select communities also have some reverse travel options. Bottineau and Rugby have in-town bus service through SBT for $1 a ride. Minot also has intown service for $3. A bus travels from Minot to Bismarck and back on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with stops at area communities, including Garrison. All services are door-to-door from pick-up to destination. People just need to call SBT a day in advance, although earlier is better because buses can fill up, Francis said. People also need to call if canceling a scheduled trip. Fares vary based on community. For instance a round trip between Rugby and Minot is $11, while it is $12 between Kenmare and Minot. Travel to Bismarck from Minot is $55 round trip or $33 one way. Personal attendants who escort any passenger ride for free. SBT follows federal COVID-19 guidelines for bus cleaning and rider mask requirements.
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021 benches in the bathroom, sliding closet doors in the bedroom, touch lamps in the living room and a chair or stool in the laundry room to sit for loading or unloading machines. Burke also recommends using a cart to transport items, including carrying food from a kitchen or laundry to a laundry room. Having one’s bed or couch at a height that makes it easy to get down or up and reach items also is helpful, as are bed rails. Adjusting a closet clothing rod to an easily accessible height is important. People also might consider structural changes, such as installing handrails on both sides of stairs and replacing door knobs and faucet controls with lever handles. Larger knobs or D-ring handles on kitchen cabinets and C-ring handles rather than knobs on bedroom drawers also are easier to use. AARP’s HomeFit Guide is another source of both simple solutions and more extensive adaptations that people can make to stay in their homes longer. Some of the “quick fix” solutions include placing fire extinguishers in accessible locations, installing or updating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adding adhesive, nonslip strips to uncarpeted stairs, installing motion sensor night lights, taping down or otherwise securing electrical cords, locating a bench near the home’s entrance for setting items or sitting to put on or take off shoes, placing a basket or tote with a handle for carrying items up and down stairs, adding a turntable inside a cabinet and placing a chair near clothes closets for use when dressing, Simple updates might include small appliances with automatic shut-offs, task lighting over counters, step stools with grip handles and non-slip footings and chairs with armrests to
help with sitting down and getting up. More information is available at aarp.org/livable-communities/. The HomeFit Guide can be found by clicking the Publications & Resources tab at the top of the page. Another source of help is North Dakota Assistive, a nonprofit organization that developed nearly 20 years ago out of a state-run program for assistive technology. The organization, which operates primarily with federal and state grants, offers a large variety of assistive devices. Generating the most interest are fall prevention and vision and hearing devices, said Executive Director Mike Chaussee. Grab bars, couch canes, weighted silverware with large handles, targeted amplifier boxes for televisions, safety alert systems and timed, secured medication dispensers are examples of some of the more popular products. Smart-home technology is catching on as well because its responsiveness to voice-activated commands isn’t just convenient but useful to people as they age, Chaussee said. “We can demonstrate a lot of those for people before they buy, and we have a loan program so we can
lend them for up to six weeks before they would buy,” he said. With most devices, the organization offers short-term loans, and those trials come at no cost to borrowers. A Senior Safety Program also provides seniors ages 60 or older with up to $300 in devices at no cost as long as the devices contribute to their living safely in their homes. Numerous devices fall under that program. Information is available at ndassistive.org or by calling 365-4728 or 800895-4728. Chaussee acknowledged many seniors wait longer than they should to begin preparing their homes for aging in place. Particularly with smarthome technology, there is a learning curve that is easier to master when people begin adopting it before they truly need it, he said. Smartphone apps are a good way to begin getting acquainted with the technology, he said. Assistive North Dakota has satisfied clients who have adapted technologies that they might not have previously known existed or imagined they might be able to use. “When it works, and most often it does, they are so appreciative,’ Chaussee said. “It changes their lives.
Minot Commission on Aging 21 1st Ave. SE, Minot • 852-0561 • www.minotcoa.com
Our Philosophy
“Helping seniors remain independent and in their homes. “There’s no place like home.”
OUR PROGRAMS
Congregate Meals Prairie Rose Home Care Services Home Delivered Meals The Parker Coffee Shop Health/Foot Care Prairie Rose Home Service offers Housekeeping, Laundry, Grocery Shopping, Meal Preparation & Respite on a scheduled basis. PRHS is a designated ND Quality Service Provider. To receive
services available from Prairie Rose Home Service call 701-839-2797.
It’s not nearly as scary as they think it’s going to be.” The Aging Services Division of the N.D. Department of Human Services also can provide assistance if more than home modifications are required, including services that can keep seniors at home who may qualify for nursing home care. Its PACE Senior Care Services are available to residents aged 55 or older in Minot, Bismarck, Dickinson or Fargo who are Medicaid eligible and meet a needs assessment. These services include a 24-hour emergency helpline, nursing, personal care, medical transportation and occupational, physical and speech therapies.
Page 7 A social worker meets with an applicant to the PACE program to discuss function and assess whether the person qualifies. Also, the Aging Services Division’s In-Home and Community Services provides a variety of in-home assistance with the help of caregivers. “A provider can be a family member, a neighbor or it could be an agency provider or an individual who just does this kind of direct care work,” said Division Director Nancy Nikolas-Maier. “The whole goal of our home- and community-based service program is really to allow people an alternative to a higher level of care and allow people to live in their
communities and enjoy the benefits of living in the community and being around your family.” The In-Home and Community Services program has income guidelines, but anyone with no more than $55,000 in assets may qualify. Certain services are available to anyone aged 60 or older. Among those services are caretaker respite. To learn more, individuals can contact the Aging & Disability Resource Link toll-free at 855-462-5465, 711 (TTY) or email carechoice@nd.gov, or individuals can apply online for in-home and community-based services at https:// carechoice.nd.assistguide. net/.
SENIOR SCENE
Page 8
September 2021
CLUB CALENDAR Alamo Senior Center
528-4881 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Birthdays, monthly, last Tuesday Cards: Tuesday p.m., following lunch Senior Meals: Tuesdays, noon Foot Clinic: Odd months, Divide County Health Nurse Anamoose Senior Citizens
465-3316
Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Served daily at noon, Monday through Friday Brunch every 1st and 3rd Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. Sit & Be Fit Exercise: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Cards & Pool played daily Potluck Brunch: 1st & 3rd Sundays Birthday Celebrations: Every 3 months Souris Basin Transit service runs daily Monday through Friday, in town. Bus goes to Minot Thursdays. Call 228-2061, for reservations
Business Meeting: 1st Monday with bingo & speaker Social Meeting: 3rd Friday of month Senior Meals: Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chair Exercise: Every Bowbells Senior Monday & Thurs, 9:30 a.m. Citizens Free Blood Pressure 337-2376 Check: 1st Monday, monthly Business Meeting: 1st Cards & Dominoes: Every Thursday, 2:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 p.m. Social Meetings: (Coffee) Berthold Senior Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Citizens Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m. 453-3680 Senior Meals: Every MonBusiness Meeting: 3rd day, Wednesday and Friday, Thursday, 3:45 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Cards/Games/Lunch: Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, Tuesdays & Fridays monthly Bone Builders Exercise: Cards: Monday evenings, Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 7 p.m. a.m. Bus Service to Kenmare Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednes- and Minot is available. day, even months (First DisBurlington Friendly trict Nurses)
Bottineau Senior Center 228-3339
Seniors 838-3561
Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Potluck Center is open, Monday Supper through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 Social Meetings: Coffee, p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Fri-
days, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cards: Thursdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Breakfast: Last Saturday, monthly- January to October, 8 a.m. to noon
Butte Senior Center 626-7243
Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., monthly, followed by cards & games Social Meetings: Every Tuesday, cards, bingo, games and programs are planned
Carpio Senior Citizens 468-5908
Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4 p.m. meeting followed by potluck lunch, 6 p.m. Social Meeting: following business meeting with playing cards Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday morning, even months, First District Health Unit Pool: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Whist: Thursdays, 1 p.m.
Crosby Senior Center 965-6964
Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly, 1:30 p.m., followed by cards & bingo Social Activities: Potluck meal & cards, 4th Friday, Noon Center is open every Friday for cards, games, and speakers Senior Meals: available through the local hospital program
Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662
Business Meeting: 2nd Thursday, monthly at City Community Center Social Meetings: Birthday Potluck, 3rd Monday, monthly (winter- noon and summer- 6 p.m.) Senior Meals: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Country Store & Cafe Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Bus Trips to many events
Douglas Nifty Fiftys 529-4431
Business Meeting: 4th Tuesday, monthly with potluck Foot Clinic: 4th Monday, even months, First District Health Nurse Social Events: Bingo and lots of visiting City meets regularly at the Center. Quilting Mission: Jan. through May, anyone is invited to help!
portation to Minot every Thursday. Call 1-800-9278318.
Esmond Golden Age Club 249-3230
Business & Social Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 2 p.m. Activities: Potluck Meals, Bingo, and Readings
Fessenden Senior Citizens 547-3403
Business Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly, with speakers, programs and games Social Activities: Holiday meals and potlucks Senior Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, catered by Wells & Sheridan Aging Council, (home delivered meals available) Birthdays: 1st Monday, monthly
Flaxton Senior Citizens 596-3850
Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, odd months, First DisBusiness meeting: 2nd trict Health Nurse Monday every month. Pincochle: Every WednesPotluck every 4th Monday day every month. Annual Flu Shot Clinic: Social activities: October Nov.-April, open to the Glenburn Senior public. Citizens Every Friday afternoon: 362-7773 cards, games, socializing, coffee and snacks. Every Monday, WednesFoot Clinic: every 2 day and Friday: coffee startmonths. Call 537-5732 for ing at 10 a.m. Meals at 11:30 appointment. a.m. Souris Basin public trans-
Drake Senior Citizens 465-3225
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
Page 9
CLUB CALENDAR 1st Sunday of every month, pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Meeting to follow breakfast. 3rd Sunday of every month, a birthday potluck at the center starting at 12:30 p.m. Games and cards to follow. Footcare every 3rd Monday. Gatherings every Tuesday morning at the Last Hurrah, 10 a.m. breakfast (brunch) on your own. 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at a different restaurant in Minot, location to be announced at previous month’s meeting. 3rd Thursday of each month, Last Hurrah, 5:30 p.m. Meal on your own.
Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888
Wednesday, monthly, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Annual Burger Fry and Membership Drive, October Cards: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, noon Foot Clinic: odd months, morning, Divide County Health Nurse
Harvey Senior Citizens
Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monthly business meeting 2nd Tuesday celebrating birthdays and lunch served. Bingo at Senior Center every Friday at 1:30 p.m., also card games and visiting. Bone builders exercise Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Wells, Sheridan Aging Council serves meals Monday through Friday at noon. Supper night is once a month. Home delivered meals are available. Wells, Sheridan Aging Counci daily bus service to Harvey. Also scheduled bus rides to Minot and Bismarck – call 3244032.
day, monthly, First District Health Nurse Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Birthday Potluck: November through April, Saturday, noon; May through October, Friday, 6 p.m., Games & Social follows Board members meet as needed.
Social Meetings: Potluck Parker Senior Center Supper, 6 p.m., prior to busi21 1st Avenue SE, ness meeting Minot Frozen Senior Meals: 852-0561 Order the 1st week of the website: www. month, 726-5757 minotcoa.com
Max Over 55 Club 679-2265
Business Meeting: noon, 4th Friday monthly, except 6 p.m. in June and July, potLansford Hi lucks also. Neighbors Other Friday potlucks coBusiness Meeting: 1st incide with the school year. Wednesday, monthly, 5 p.m. Check the city calendar for dinner, Lansford Mall changes. Social Meetings: AcMohall tivities, Tours, Events as 1st & 3rd Friday: Noon planned potluck, all Invited. Senior Meals: Monday 3rd Friday: Business through Friday, Backroads meeting Cafe in Lansford Mall Monday-Wednesday-FriFoot Clinic: 4th Thursday, day: Bone builders 9:30 am odd months, Lansford Mall, Newburg Senior First District Health Nurse Citizens Souris Basin Transit Bus 272-6204 Service: Thursdays, to Minot Business Meeting: As Educational activities, tours, and videos throughout needed Social Meetings: As the year. scheduled Lignite Senior Senior Meal: WednesCitizens Club days, 11:30 a.m., Coffee 933-2855 Cup Cafe, Newburg Mall Business Meeting: 1st FriFoot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, monthly day, odd months, CommuSocial Meetings: Card nity Center, First District playing, Tuesdays & ThursHealth Nurse days, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, New Town Lakeside Senior Citizens Wednesday & Fridays, Noon 627-2818 Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly, Christ Lutheran Business meeting: 1st FriChurch day at noon. Senior meals every Friday at noon folMakoti Senior lowed by cards, dominoes, Citizens shuffle board, puzzles etc. 726-5757
Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly at 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Activities: Daily, Monday through Friday (cards, puzzles and coffee) Senior Meals: Daily, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Diner Foot Clinic: Monthly, 3rd Monday, contact First DisKenmare Senior trict Health Nurse Citizens Center Birthdays: 2nd Thursday, 385-4551 odd months, potluck meal at Business Meeting: Quar4:30 p.m. terly, Jan., April, July & Oct Souris Basin Transit to MiSocial Meetings: Monday not, weekly on Thursdays through Saturday, 1:30 p.m.Grenora Senior Games & 3 p.m.- Lunch Center Senior Meals: Monday 694-2472 through Friday, 11:45 a.m. Business Meeting: 2nd Business Meeting: 2nd Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednes- Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m.
email: mcoapsc@srt. com
Senior Meal Program: Cafe 60 Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-10 a.m., Parker Center Coffee Shop Congregate Meal Program: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Parker Senior Center Meals on Wheels, call 852-0561 for more information Exercise: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Parker Senior Center Yoga: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m., Parker Senior Center (No yoga 3rd Wednesday of the month) Bingo: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 12:00 p.m., Parker Senior Center Call Minot Commission on Aging for questions at 8520561.
Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444
Hours: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Home-cooked meal every Wednesday at noon. Foot Clinic: by appointment 4th Wednesday, even months. Activities: Wednesday, puzzles and visiting.
SENIOR SCENE
Page 10
SePtember 2021
Hello Seniors! CLUB CALENDAR Lois Zahn
Senior coalition is missing our seniors, hopefully we will have our annual” President of Salute to Senior”, May Minot area 10th 2022. We are looking senior at September 17th 2021 coalition for our “Harvest Ball” held at the Moose club from 2pm to 4pm with
entertainment, dance, bake sale and delicious pie & coffee. My senior friends hope to see all of you, at our upcoming events, stay safe. Live life to the fulness, one day at a time God Bless
When an aging parent is thriving in a senior living community, they can regain the quality of their relationship with their adult children.
Why Senior Living?
“ I just feel that assurance that she’s in
good hands... She’s got people right there that are ready to help.”
Wes M., Son of an Elmcroft Resident
Center is available for rent. Call: Karen O, 862-3642; Judy J, 862-3852; Terri M. 862-3124 and Carol B., 862-3843.
other month, Mountrail County Health Nurse Yo g a / E x e r c i s e : Three times each week Computer: available for members
Business Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 3 p.m., followed by cards and potluck meal Senior Meals: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in Plaza Cafe; Monday and Wednesday, Breakfast, in Plaza Cafe Foot Clinic: Every
Center is open, Mon. through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Business Meeting: 3rd Saturday, monthly, 5:30 p.m., followed by potluck supper Social Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, Fri-
Plaza Senior Center 497-3320
Powers Lake Senior Citizens 464-5630
From help with daily activities to sharing your favorite music this is home care. At FirstLight® the care we provide goes beyond the basics. Our team, led by owners Kristina and
“ I can stay in touch with my dad even
more now than I did before he moved into Elmcroft.”
Beth G., Daughter of an Elmcroft Resident
Watch our new video to see what seniors and families are saying about Elmcroft!
Mike Larson, is made up of extraordinary caregivers who will spend time getting to know your loved one and understanding how to enrich their life.
Scan or go to elmcroft.com/whyseniorliving An Assisted Living Community 3515 10th St SW Minot, ND 58701 701.380.8463 ©2021 Eclipse Senior Living
License# 113
Schedule a complimentary consultation today.
701-881-0101
NDcentral.FirstLightHomeCare.com
day, noon; reservations required Catered by “The Food Barn” Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Activities: Cards, puzzles, snooker and coffee with treats, anytime! Local papers available, books and TV
Ray Senior Center 568-3946
Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: 2nd Tuesday, weekly, noon Special events and activities: as planned
Rolla Senior Citizens 477-6421
Business Meeting: 2nd Friday, monthly, 12:45 p.m., followed by bingo & entertainment Senior Meals: Daily, noon; home delivered and frozen meals available Foot Clinic: 3rd Thursday, monthly Exercise: Bone Builders program for seniors Transportation Van: available for rides to medical appointments, shopping and business appointments
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
Page 11
CLUB CALENDAR Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240
Tuesday at 1 p.m. Game night will run Jan. 30 through April 2. Open to public w/snacks provided. Bingo is played each Thursday at 1 p.m., prizes awarded. Board meetings held on the last Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. Potlucks held on last Friday of the month startStanley Golden Age ing at 6:30 p.m. Club
birthday cake is served. Activity night and meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every even numbered month. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008. The club email address is sawyerseniorcitizens@ srt.com.
Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m., Reservations required by 1:30 p.m. day prior. Bingo: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Souris Basin Tran628-2101 sit Bus Service: Daily, in Rugby and Thursdays, to Business meeting 2nd Minot Friday 10 a.m. Home-cooked meal evRyder Happy Hours ery Friday at noon. Club Birthday party on the 758-2404 Business Meeting: 1st 4th Friday of every month; birthday cake and special Monday, monthly Breakfast: Monday, music. Senior Basin Transit Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Bus service every TuesFoot Clinic: 1st Wednes- day and Thursday: call for a ride to Minot. Bus: day, odd months 1-800-927-8318.
Sawyer Senior Citizens 624-5256
Potluck meals are planned periodically. Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Sawyer Senior Center. Call 624-5256 for meal reservations. Pool and exercise are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Members’ birthdays are recognized the first Wednesday of every month at the dinner and
Surrey Senior Citizens Activity Center 839-8702 surreyseniors @srt.com
Senior Meals are served at noon on Monday through Thursday serving promptly at noon. Call by 8 a.m. for reservations. Home deliveries by request. Foot care is available at the Center. Call LaVonne at 240-2679 for appointment. Exercise class every
Tioga Senior Citizens 664-3425
Monthly Board /Business Meeting: 2nd Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meals served at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. Home Delivered meals available on Tuesdays and Fridays, please call ahead at Social Activities: Bingo, following monthly meetings. Cards: Tuesday and Fridays, 1 p.m., Board Games available.
Towner Senior Citizens VIP Club 537-5155
Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday every other month, 10 a.m. Coffee every Monday 10 a.m. Cards and games Tuesday 6:30 Bunco first and third Thursday of the month 1:30
Senior Meals: Summer, Monday through Friday; fall and winter, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday Foot Clinic: third Tuesday, every other month, First District Health Unit Monthly Potluck & Birthdays: Last Wednesday of the month at noon, with pinochle, whist, hand and foot, and Bunco to follow.
Upham 55+ Club 768-2581
Business Meeting: 1st Monday, alternate months Social Meetings: CardsWednesday & Saturday, 1 p.m.; both followed by coffee and snacks, 3 p.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Thursday, odd months; First District Health Nurse
Monday Center is open Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 pm Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 am at Westhope Public School Cafeteria. Home delivered meals are available. Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly at Senior Center.
Wildrose Senior Citizens 539-2169
Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Meetings: Birthdays, 3rd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Senior Meals: Every Tuesday, noon. Transportation: Wildrose Public Transportation, weekly trips to Velva Star City Crosby, Tioga, Williston Senior Citizens and Minot, Call for reser338-2628 Business Meeting: 2nd vations. Van is also availWednesday, noon, fol- able for special events. lowed by birthday party, 2 Willow City Senior p.m. Citizens Center Senior Meals: Monday, Business and social Wednesday and Friday, meeting: first Monday of 11:30 a.m., catered by the month at 2 p.m. folSouris Valley Care Cen- lowed by bingo and lunch. ter. Senior meals served at Volunteers serve meals the Backwoods Cafe evand package meals for ery Monday, Wednesday home delivery. and Friday at noon. Exercise room available Card parties Jan.-March for members only. every Monday at 1:30 p.m. Facility is available for followed by lunch rental. Foot clinic: every odd
Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401
month on the fourth Wednesday at the Senior Center. Call 228-3101 to Business Meeting: 3rd make an appointment.
Page 12
SENIOR SCENE
September 2021
The care you want, for the people you love. Aging with chronic health conditions is difficult, however, receiving care services to successfully manage these conditions through allinclusive care is more achievable than ever. Well-coordinated and personalized care by professionals that take a special interest in preserving your health and ability to remain living at home is what you want and is what you want for your loved ones. Northland PACE is available in the Minot area providing older adults an opportunity to experience team based all-inclusive healthcare.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Thousands of families across America have found a different and be�er kind of care for their aging loved ones – Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. We use an Interdisciplinary Team approach to develop a personalized care plan for each individual.
Northland PACE Minot • 2700 8th Street NW • 701-857-8045 Toll Free 888-883-8959 • TTY 800-366-6888 • NorthlandPACE.com
H7195_20201012-30270-1
The focus of every PACE organization is to provide allinclusive care services and help preserve the ability for adults aged 55+ remain living at home where they want to be for as long as safely possible. Call us to see if PACE is the right fit for you or your loved one!