Senior Scene
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Annual Medicare prescription drug plan comparisons important Should I compare my Prescription Drug Plan, also known as Medicare Part D, during the open enrollment period which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year? It is your choice. There is no requirement to compare or change plans every year. So, let’s discuss the pros and cons of using the enrollment process. The prescription drug plans offered by insurance companies are approved by Medicare for North Dakota every calendar year (January through December), so plans change from year to year. For example, in 2010, there were 46 plans available in North Dakota. In 2011, that number dropped to 33 and remained the same for 2012 and 2013. Last year there were 30. We do not know at this time how many companies will have plans approved for 2016, nor do we know how many plans each company will submit for approval. As a result, one potential downside of not participating in the annual enrollment period is the company you have a plan with this year may not offer plans in North Dakota next year. Unless you act, you could end up without coverage for 2016. If the company you enrolled in for your 2015 prescription drug plan offers plans in 2016 that are different than your current plan, you may simply be rolled over into one of its other plans if you do nothing. Each year prescription drug plans can change: Monthly premium amounts, though this is the least significant factor in your out-of-pocket costs for the year. Medicare has informed us the average premium is remaining relatively flat again this year. —You could end up with a higher deductible. We know the maximum allowed deductible for 2016 is going up $40 to $360. Generally about half of the plans require a deductible. -The greatest factor in determining what you will pay out-ofpocket is in the changes to the
Annual enrollment events
DAVID ZIMMERMAN
N.D. Insurance Department
plan’s 2016 formulary (list of covered medications). Medications you purchase that were covered in 2015, but not in 2016, will result in you paying full price. The company cannot only change which medications they cover; they can also change the tier levels for each of your medications. Medications that were Tier 1 in 2015 (the lowest price generics) can become Tier 2 or 3 which increases the cost to you. These changes can be costly consequences of not participating in the open enrollment process. If, on the other hand, you choose to participate in the annual enrollment period for Part D, you will have the opportunity to select a plan that is best for you and your unique situation. These plans are very different for each individual based on current medications and pharmacies used. If you participate in the annual enrollment period, you also have the opportunity to be actively involved with decisions that are important to your future health care and well-being. This is just as important as discussing issues with your doctor, including asking questions regarding the medication you are on or procedures that are recommended. You can select the best plan available for you, with a goal of finding one that is the least expensive. If you complete a plan comparison it will tell you the monthly cost and how much you will spend directly out-ofpocket each year. By doing a plan comparison, you may also determine that based on your income and assets you qualify for extra help from Social Security. If that is the
Bismarck 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 Bismarck Senior Center 315 North 20th Street Grand Forks 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 Canad Inns 1000 South 42nd Street Fargo 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 Baymont Inn & Suites Woodland North & East 3333 13th Ave S Valley City 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 Senior Center 139 2nd Ave SE Jamestown 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 James River Senior Center 419 5th Street NE. Minot 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 Grand Hotel Viking/Norse Rooms 1505 North Broadway Dickinson 9 a.m.-4 p.m. MT Thursday, Oct. 29 DSU Biesiot Activity Center Lowman-Walton Concourse 398 State Ave. case, you can apply to Social Security for a determination that could result in a plan with no premium and lower prescription costs. When you consider the pros and cons, it should be obvious that it is in your best interest to participate in open enrollment by completing a plan comparison. The only cost is a small amount of your time. You can get a comparison in several ways. Thousands of people each year attend one of the North Dakota Insurance Department’s free annual enrollment events listed below. Others call 2-1-1 and submit their information over the phone. You may also call the Department’s State Health Insurance Counseling program toll-free number, 888575-6611 or go online and enter your information at www.medicare.gov. The 2-1-1 phone number is run by our partner, First Link. If you choose this option, simply dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in North Dakota, any time of the day or night, seven days a week, from Sept. 14 through Nov. 20. Drug plan comparisons will be completed and mailed to you after Oct. 15, when information becomes available from
Medicare. Whether you choose to call with your information or attend one of our events, please have the following items with you: ® An up-to-date list of your current medications that includes the name of the medication, the dosage and the number of times it is taken each day. ® Your Medicare card. ® A small yellow card you have from a previous open enrollment process. Information on the card will include: your name, retrieval code or ID, date or password date and your Zip code. Again, the annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. All plan coverage begins Jan. 1, 2016. Again in 2016, people who enter the coverage gap, also called the donut hole, will receive a 55 percent discount on brand name drugs and a 42 percent discount on generic drugs. For more information on assistance with Medicare Part D plans, Medicare supplements or prescription drug costs, contact SHIC at 888-575-6611. (David Zimmerman is director of the Consumer Assistance Division at North Dakota Insurance Department.)
Fall 2015
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Vol. 15 No. 3
THE MINOT DAILY NEWS Office located at 301-4th St. SE, Minot. For inquiries, call: Advertising 857-1963 or toll free 1-800-735-3119 Circulation 857-1998 or toll free 1-800-735-3117
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Do you have story ideas? If you have story ideas, suggestions or comments about Senior Scene, please contact Loretta Johnson by phone at 8571952 or 1-800-735-3229 or via e-mail at ljohnson @minotdailynews.com.
Senior Scene is published quarterly by The Minot Daily News. It is coordinated by Loretta Johnson.
Senior Scene
Fall 2015
There are a lot of challenges in life Fall is fast approaching, and in my opinion, it’s the best season of the year. I love the colors, the temperatures and the smells. But with the autumn season comes challenges. There is a lot to do! People are preparing to go back to school, they’re getting the crops in, hauling hay, doing fall cleaning, canning and the list goes on and on. Those are challenges of life’s events in general. We deal with a lot of challenges in our life. None could be more difficult than the challenges of aging. It seems like overnight we all begin to feel older, achier and stiff, just like flipping on a switch. As you look around each day we are all affected by the aging process. Vision, for example. It seems like at the age of 40 most of us need to use
ROBIN BURNS
Souris Valley Care Center, Velva reading glasses because our arms aren’t long enough. And how come it is so hard to get up and down from the floor? Stiff muscles and achy joints can be downright miserable sometimes. But then I look around at our residents, some residents over the century mark, and I think about their challenges. It is a challenge each day for our residents. Life is hard. But, as humans we are very resilient. We continue to strive to make our days, quality days. Quality of life is what it is all about. We can all try
to have quality of life, but others who can’t do things for themselves depend on others to provide that quality. Nursing home facilities strive to provide that. The definition of challenge is “testing ones abilities.” Every day we are tested in our abilities to provide the best care and quality of life to those precious residents. We were definitely tested this summer. The Souris Valley Care Center rose up to a very challenging situation. A broken sprinkler caused a lot of havoc and water damage to our facility. What a mess! We even evacuated all the residents to our adjoining Assisted Living for a brief time to make sure everything was safe for their return and some residents were taken to other Good Samaritan facilities while work was done to renovate their rooms. Talk about a chal-
lenge! What a wonderful job of teamwork from all the staff, families and professionals who met the challenges head on. Amazing! What an honor to work with such a hardworking dedicated bunch of people. I am very proud to work with such good caring people. Our work here at Souris Valley Care Center is challenging, but so rewarding. We have a lot to do this fall including the SVCC Volunteer Bazaar, making pickles, apple crisp, some outings, the upcoming holidays and, of course, many more fun things. Our next big challenge is winter but first take the time to enjoy the beauty of this season. Stop in for a visit anytime and be the reason someone smiles today. (Robin Burns is activity director at Souris Valley Care Center in Velva.)
Fall calendar Alamo Senior Citizens 528-4881 Meals are served Tuesdays. Business meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. Birthdays of the month are celebrated on the last Tuesday of the month. Cards, with lunch served, every Tuesday. Foot care is offered every other month. Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 First Sunday: Brunch, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Open to the public. Meal every Monday from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Open to the public. First Monday: business meeting, bingo and speakers. Every Monday: Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Social gatherings are the third Friday of the month, starting at 1:30 p.m. for pool, cards, dominoes, etc. Chair exercises are Monday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 1 or 2-mile walking tape. Free blood pressure checks are offered monthly on Mondays and per request. The Anamoose Senior Center is available for rent.
For more information, call through Friday. Home Ron at 465-3400. delivered meals are available and frozen meals can Berthold Senior Citizens be ordered for delivery. Foot care and blood pres453-5680 Business meeting at 1 sure clinics are offered p.m. on the third Tuesday every even month. Call the county nurse for appointof each month. Cards and lunch every ment. Business meeting is the Tuesday afternoon. Foot clinics are the sec- first Tuesday of the month ond Wednesday of the at 2 p.m., followed by lunch. month. Social meeting is third Tuesday at 3 p.m. and Bottineau Senior Citizens includes programs or enter228-3339 Center is open Monday tainment. Activities include through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 crazy whist, bingo, cards, pool and dominoes. Lunch p.m. Title III meals served in is served. See FALL — Page 5 the center at noon Monday
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Senior Coalition looking forward to fall events The summer has really flown by. It is hard to believe that fall is already here. The Minot Area Senior Coalition has been busy this summer planning and looking ahead to some great fall events we have coming up and hope that you can attend. We started the summer off with our annual Salute to Seniors event. This was our 19th annual event. It was a “Salute to Classic TV.” There were more than 400 people in attendance. The Salute to Seniors was another great event and we are already looking forward to our 20th annual event May 10, 2016. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend “Salute to the Red, White and Blue USO Show,” The Minot Area Senior Coalition took part in Senior Day at the North Dakota State Fair in July. This was a great opportunity to meet many people in the senior community and let them know what we are all about and the great events we put on throughout the year. We will definitely be part of this event on an annual basis. Our fall event schedule kicks off with our annual Harvest Ball. This event will be from 2 to 4 p.m.
KAYLA LAWSON
Minot Area Senior Coalition
Friday, Sept. 18, at the Parker Senior Center. Cost is just $5. We will have music with Country Sunshine, door prizes, pie and coffee. Bring your dancing shoes and join us. You can RSVP by calling 852-3398 between Sept. 1 and Sept. 14. Our final event of the year is a Coping and Caring Event taking place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Parker Senior Center. The event is for caregivers and professionals. It will feature speakers featuring speakers with a meal provided. Contact Cheryl at ManorCare for more information. If you are on Facebook, You can find us at MinotAreaSeniorCoalition on Facebook. Like our page and keep up to date with all the happenings with the Minot Area Senior Coalition. Kayla Lawson, of Minot, is president of the Minot Area Senior Coalition.
Õs Elder Care Ser vi e t t e g ces B ri Homemaker Services House Cleaning/Laundry Meal Prep / Companionship Transportation to Shopping / Appts Personal Care Services / Bathing Assistance End of Life Care / Family Suport
701-500-2630
email: call.brigette@yahoo.com
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Senior Scene
Fall 2015
Some seniors dance while others watch at the first all-city senior dance held recently at Somerset Court. The assisted living facility has many activities and events for residents and nonresidents alike. Submitted photo
Sunrise to sunset at Somerset Somerset Court offers many activities for residents By JILL HAMBEK
of the line and are too old to have fun anymore, they Staff Writer would be sadly mistaken. jhambek Residents, friends and fami@minotdailynews.com lies of residents at Somerset For people who may Court in Minot have a wide think residents at assisted variety of activities in which living facilities are at the end to participate.
According to Melissa VanDeventer, marketing director/assistant director at Somerset Court, there are lots of activities taking place at the facility from morning to night. Activities include everything from movies, card games, Bible study, dances, special dinners and themed dress-up days, she added. Some of the resi-
dents will go to the farmer’s market, too, VanDeventer said. There are also themed movie showings where the first and second parts of movies will be shown, she continued. “The residents like all movies,” VanDeventer said. Everything from old movies, new releases, romantic comedies and anything else
with quality content are popular with the residents, she added. The residents also love music, VanDeventer said. “Music is big here,” she added. Typically, the activities held at Somerset Court are well attended. There’s such a variety in activities that residents are sure to find something that interests
them, VanDeventer said. Two to three events are usually offered each month. Somerset Court’s anniversary party was well attended, as was the fish fry that was held recently and the dances, VanDeventer said. “Any holiday-themed event is well attended,” she added. See FUN — Page 12
Senior Scene
Fall 2015
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Emerald Court residents have plenty of ways to stay busy Life stations are integral Summer days are drawing to a close and the Emerald Court crew and residents are grateful for the summer of warm weather and sunshine. We enjoyed lots of ice cream and visiting in our beautiful backyard during the summer. Watching the birds while chatting and reminiscing on the patio made the summer just whisk by. We attended the Senior Safari at Minot’s Roosevelt Park and Zoo in June. On the Fourth of July the EC Crew hosted a family picnic complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, salads galore, watermelon and lemonade. We have been taking advantage of the nice weather by doing a bit of sprucing up in the Activity Center. New flooring and a fresh coat of paint have made a difference. We gather in the Activity Center each day for devotions, to catch up on current events, exercise, listen to music and
Fall
MARGARET GAARDER
Emerald Court, Minot
also listen to a story or two. We meet for refreshments and visiting. Bingo is always a good time with lots of noise and fun. Prizes include various donated items like necklaces, lady’s pins and ceramic figurines. Thanks ladies! Contributions are always welcome to pep up our prize assemblage. With our new flooring we are hoping to have a bigger dance floor to spread out in. We are grateful for the folks who come to entertain and share their talents. We are fortunate to have Bill, Ed and Rod come play for us, accompanied by talented area dancers. Judy’s
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Birthdays are celebrated every third month with a program, dessert and coffee. A potluck brunch is held the first and third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Progressive whist parties will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sundays starting in mid-January and continuing through mid-March. Cost is $3. Prizes will be awarded and lunch will be served. The center can be rented for special occasions. The senior bus runs in Bottineau Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. It goes to Minot every Thursday. For reservations, call 2286061.
Funtyme Band was also here to play the afternoon away. The music tradition continues with visits from Eleanor Pietsch who plays the piano, fingers flying over the keys, all without the use of sheet music! Special requests are welcome and singing is encouraged. Allison and Tobi Knutson gave time out of their summer schedule to share their musical talents. Traveling musician Darcy Gibbins made a stop at Emerald Court to spread the gospel with his guitar. Pastor Alex Hoops from Bread of Life Lutheran Church and Father Bruce Krebs, along with the volunteers from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, bring the message of the Lord to our residents. The Merritt family, with their beautiful voices, also sang for us. We always welcome anyone who would like to share their time and talents with us. Our volunteers are part of what makes
Monday: 7 p.m., pinochle. Thursday: 2 to 4 p.m., social coffee party. Everyone is welcome. Meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday with home delivery available. Cards are played Monday at 7 p.m. There is no pool table on site but jigsaw puzzles are ongoing.
Emerald Court shine. A Grandparent’s Day social is planned for 2 p.m. on Sept. 13. Cake and refreshments will be served. It will be a wonderful opportunity to adopt a grandparent and have some cake, too. Fall car rides to see the changes in the autumn scenery are also planned. The rides may include a few more rounds around Oak Park to visit the geese before they leave town. It’s hard to believe that another summer is winding down as we travel through the seasons of life. If you have concerns about a loved one who may need a memory care facility, Emerald Court offers a unique and homelike atmosphere for all residents. Call us at 858-9767 for a tour or visit our website at emerald-court.com. (Margaret Gaarder is activities director at Emerald Court, in Minot.)
times there are card parties on Thursday. Call to confirm card party times. First Tuesday: Business meeting followed by cards. Second Tuesday: Potluck, then cards. Third Tuesday: Bingo, then cards. Fourth Tuesday: Program, then cards. Fifth Tuesday: (Open), then cards.
Burlington Friendly Seniors Carpio Senior Citizens Meet the first and third Wednesday Senior meals are served Mondays, of each month. Meals served Monday, Wednesday Wednesdays and Fridays at Carpio Cafe from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday at noon. Pool is played Mondays and Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Exercise room is available at all Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Whist is played Thursdays. times. Third Thursday: bingo at 2 p.m. Foot care is offered every other Third Thursday: dinner at the month. Carpio Cafe at noon, with business Butte Senior Citizens meeting at the center at 1 p.m. Bowbells Senior Citizens 626-7323 Foot clinics are the second Last Monday: Business meeting at Effective from the first Tuesday in Wednesday of every other month. 1 p.m. October until the end of May. See FALL — Page 7 Third Thursday: Health day. The club opens at 2 p.m. and at
part of Edgewood Memory Care Edgewood is excited to announce the opening of our Memory Care following a devastating fire in December 2014. Along with our anticipated Oct. 1 opening date, we will welcome Jodi Keller, LSW and certified dementia care specialist, to our Edgewood team. She has more than 27 years of experience in medical, healthcare and dementia care settings. Most recently, she worked as a regional care consultant and as the Southern Regional Program Manager for the MN-ND Alzheimer’s Association. She previously managed Edgewood Minot’s Memory Care from 2000 to 2008. One of the primary focuses in our new building will be “life stations.” Life stations are a unique tool utilized in our Memory Care communities, meant to spark memories and create simple moments of joy for our residents. They are designed to be interactive and residents are encouraged to touch, feel, use and share the items that make up each life station. The overall theme of our life stations is universal — looking at what our
SHANNON KRANZ Edgewood Senior Living, Minot
residents’ typical day may have been — from coffee in the morning, checking the mail, going to church every Sunday, caring for young children, etc. Life stations are selected based on a community’s current population and determined by knowing each resident through stories and history shared by their family. Life stations are dynamic and will reflect the wants, needs and historical past of our residents and will adjust as our population changes. We believe that the residents define the life stations. To view examples of life stations visit our website at edgewoodseniorliving.com/life-stations. For more information, call 852-1399 and ask for Jodi Keller or Shannon Kranz. Shannon Kranz is move in & marketing director at Edgewood Senior Living, in Minot.
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Senior Scene
Fall 2015
Got protein? Muscle mass is lost as a person ages How many things you once did for yourself in your 20s can you still do for yourself today? Can you carry more than one full bag of groceries from the car into the house? Can you lift a 10 pound bag of pet food and pour it into your pet’s dish without struggling? Or how about walking several blocks to go see family or a friend without needing to stop several times? As we age, the ability to perform common daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning can become harder and harder. This can be due to increased weakness which can be the result of poor food intake or more specifically, poor protein intake. Why is protein so important? As a person ages, muscle mass is lost, which is a natural process known as sarcopenia, and the rate of muscle loss increases the older one becomes. Up until about age 30, muscles grow and become stronger. After 30, the loss of muscle mass and its function starts to occur and at the age of 75, the rate increases. Eating adequate protein on a daily basis will keep this loss at a minimum. Being active and strength training can also help slow muscle loss. Being physically inactive by sitting all day with very minimal walking or other activity can cause at least 5 percent loss of muscle mass per decade. This might not sound like very much, but over time this is the difference between being able to cook and clean for yourself or needing someone to do these daily tasks for you. Another reason to eat enough protein is because low protein intake has been shown to lead to poor calci-
what is currently recommended. The current recommendation for protein intake is between 10-35 AMY percent of total calories. HUTCHINSON The older a person becomes, a more appropriate intake should be a minTrinity Health imum of 25 percent of total calories or 1.2-1.6 grams um absorption even when per kilogram of body calcium intake is at or weight. This would mean a above the daily recom165 pound, or 75 kilogram, mended amount. When an person would require 90inadequate amount of cal120 grams of protein per cium is absorbed by the day or 130 pound person body, calcium is released would need 70-95 grams of from the bones. This can protein per day. lead to osteoporosis, or Studies have also thinning bones, if it goes shown that an intake of 20on for a long enough period 30 grams of protein per of time which makes breakmeal and snack is a good ing a bone more likely. target range for best Recent studies show absorption by the body. that as we age, a person Amounts over 30 grams needs more protein than per meal or snack do not
increase absorption. This is because the body can only make use of this amount of protein at one time so larger amounts eaten at one meal or snack will not have any added benefit. That is why it becomes important to include protein with each meal and snack. An example of a 20 gram protein meal would be: 2 large eggs, 8 ounces of milk, medium banana and a slice of toast with butter. Or, if you are craving something sweet, blend together ¢ cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen), 1 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt and ¢ cup of milk. This will provide over 20 grams of protein. Here is a small list of some common food items
with the grams of protein per serving size taken from the article “The Ultimate List of 40 High Protein Foods!” by Matthew Kadey, MS, RD from the website bodybuilding.com. ® Chicken or turkey breast: 24 grams per 3 ounce serving ® Canned tuna: 22 grams per 3 ounce serving ® Ground beef: 22 grams per 3 ounce serving ® Tilapia: 21 grams per 3 ounce serving ® Greek yogurt: 15 grams per 6 ounce serving ® Cottage cheese: 14 grams per ¢ cup serving ® Dried Lentils: 13 grams per ™ cup serving ® Peanut butter: 8 grams per 2 tablespoons ® Milk: 8 grams per 8 ounce serving
® Large egg: 6 grams per egg ® Nuts: 6 grams per 2 ounce serving ® Wheat germ: 6 grams per 1 ounce serving If you can include at least 1-2 protein foods per meal and snack, getting to your daily goal for protein will be easy. If you are not sure if you are eating enough protein, or would like more ideas on how to increase your protein intake, please talk to a dietitian. To talk to a Trinity Health dietitian please call 701-857-5268 to set up an appointment. Amy Hutchinson, a registered dietitian and licensed registered dietitian, is employed by Trinity Health, Minot.
Fall 2015
Senior Scene
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What is the correct retirement age? Including today, questions from readers often provide the topic for this article. I hope this is of interest to you. Question: I was told that if you retire at 62, you have to be 62 plus one month of age before you are eligible to collect Social Security retirement. Is this true? Answer: This is along the correct path but wanders a bit from full accuracy. A more accurate way of stating this is that a person must be at least age 62 through the entire month to receive benefits for that month. A person reaching age 62 during a month is not usually at least age 62 for the
Fall
person reaches age 62. A person born on the first of the month is considered age 62 for that entire month and could start benefits effective HOWARD KOSSOVER with the month they reach age 62. For example, a person born on Aug. 20 is not Social Security age 62 for the full month until September. A person Administration born on Aug. 1 is considentire month so benefits can ered age 62 for the entire first be received starting for month and can receive a the next month. This benefit for August. applies only in the actual Why is this? Legal precemonth a person reaches age dent holds that people 62. For all following months attain their age on the day they are at least age 62 the before their birthday. entire month. Therefore, a person born on Based on the actual date the first of a month is conof birth in a month, Social sidered age 62 for the entire Security retirement might month. be payable for the month a On a related topic, Social
Security benefits for a month are paid in the following month. For example, payment for September is received in October. The Social Security Retirement Planner, www.socialsecurity.gov/reti re, has lots of information and calculators to help you plan your benefits. Did You Know: Aug. 14 was the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act of 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that original legislation, the program has expanded from just individual retirement to a family program for all ages including survivors and disability benefits. With sup-
delivered. Douglas Nifty Fiftys Meet every fourth Tuesday with potluck. Esmond Senior Citizens Continued from Page 5 Health screening by the First 249-3230 District Health Unit and foot care The Esmond Senior Citizens Columbus Golden is the last Monday of every other Club meets the second Tuesday of Circle Club every month. Whist is played every Tuesday month. Potluck suppers are held and afternoon. bingo is played. Entertainment is Drake Senior Citizens Business meeting the fourth Second Monday: Business sometimes available and there are Wednesday of each month with always readings done by somemeeting, 2 p.m. lunch and entertainment. one. Fourth Monday: Potluck dinFoot care the second Friday of ner, noon. every month. Fessenden Specialist Club Each Friday: Bone Builders (Senior Citizens) exercise is at 1 p.m. Coffee and Deering Senior Citizens rolls are served from 2 to 4 p.m. 547-3403 728-6662 First Monday: Birthdays of the Senior meals are served Open to the public. Foot clinic is held the third month are celebrated. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Wednesday of every other month Third Tuesday: Business meetin the Deering Cafe. A birthday potluck dinner is in the Drake City Hall. For ing followed by special speakers, programs and games, such as held the third Monday of each appointments, call 537-5732. The Souris River bingo and cards. month. Senior meetings are the second Transportation Bus goes to Minot every Thursday. For rides call 1First Baptist XYZ Thursday of each month. 800-927-8318. For more information about First Baptist XYZ, call 852-4533 Divide County Senior Citizens Dunseith Peace Garden on weekdays. 965-6964 Business meetings are the first Senior Citizens Friday of the month; followed by Flaxton 244-5483 bingo. Senior Citizens Business meeting is first Progressive pinochle is the sec- Monday of the month at 1 p.m., Foot clinic and health clinic is ond Friday of the month. followed by card playing or bingo. the first Wednesday of each Third Friday: Card playing. Home-cooked meals are served month. Fourth Friday: Potluck dinner at the center Monday through Pinochle is played each and card playing. Friday at noon. Meals can be Wednesday afternoon.
port across political viewpoints, many program changes have taken place over the decades, with more needed for the future. As of December 2014, approximately 18.5 percent of the entire United States population, from young to old, receives monthly Social Security benefits. About 16.8 percent of everyone then living in North Dakota received Social Security each month, including 9,225 people in Ward County. Contact the Social Security Administration in several ways. Visit the SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov for free online services, retirement planning
Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7555 Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meals are served those days at the Glenburn Cafe. Reservations are required by calling 362-7555 or 362-7565. Business meetings are held every second Friday. Fourth Tuesday: Pancakes are served at the center. Foot clinic is held on the second Monday of the odd-numbered months. Birthday dinners are the first Sunday of the month at the center. Canasta, whist and marbles are played. The Renville Stage goes to Minot every Thursday. Call 3627555 for more information. Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Hot noon meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meals can be delivered to shutins. Business meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. Afternoon activities include coffee, cards and puzzles.
tools and online applications for retirement, Medicare and disability. Phone the SSA national toll-free number, 800-7721213 (TTY 800-325-0778), between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. about existing benefits or to make an appointment. Reach the Minot office directly at 866415-3193. (Based in Grand Forks, Howard I. Kossover is the Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Send general interest questions to him at howardkossover@ssa.gov. Read his online articles at http://socialsecurityinfo.area voices.com.)
Social meetings are on the fourth Monday with bingo. Birthdays are celebrated on the third Tuesday of every odd month with a potluck evening meal at 4:30 p.m. Pedicures are available on the last Monday of every other month. The Rugby bus goes through Granville to Minot each Thursday. Kenmare Senior Citizens Club Potluck birthday supper first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. Quarterly meeting every third month followed by games and cards. Regular board meeting first week of each month. Meals on wheels are served Monday through Friday at 11:45 a.m. Meals can be delivered. Foot care and health maintenance is first and third Wednesday of each month. Appointments are requested. Afternoon activities include pool, cards, games, puzzles, lunch. Craft day is Tuesdays at 1 p.m. See FALL — Page 9
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Senior Scene
Fall 2015
ManorCare helps patients get one step closer Home — it’s where we all want to be. It’s the place we feel safe, secure and most at ease. Many hospitalized patients may not fully appreciate what it will take to get there. ® The average adult takes between 5,200 and 7,100 steps each day. ® On average you have about 7 seconds to cross a street. ® Most homes have at least two steps at the entrance. ® 75 percent of Americans need to drive a car every day. ® A single person does up to four loads of laundry each week. ® A plastic bag full of groceries can weigh more than 10 pounds. ® An average meal takes 30 minutes to prepare. An estimated 20 percent of all patients completing a hospital stay will require post-hospital rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility. Many of these individuals may not realize what it will take to return to independent living, or why they even need post-acute care in the first place. They just know that they cannot go directly home. And, when it comes to choosing a post-acute care facility, they are often illequipped to make such an important decision. The good news is that ManorCare has the experience and proven outcomes to get patients “One Step Closer” to home.
Treatment team The foundation of our rehabilitation services is an experienced interdisciplinary team focusing on individual needs and goals. Our rehabilitation staff works with the patient, family, physicians, clinicians, dietary, activities and social
CHERYL COYLE
ManorCare Health Services services to offer comprehensive therapy services. We have the experience and knowledge to help achieve successful patient outcomes and get patients back to living. Our in-house therapy team is knowledgeable in treating specific diseases and illnesses using state of the art technology and equipment. Physical therapy improves upper and lower body strength, endurance and range of motion and provides functional activities with resistance that helps patients perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Occupational therapy helps patients regain strength, improve coordination and learn adaptive methods to engage in important tasks. Speech and Language Pathology Speech addresses the specific needs of the patient in the areas of speech production, language comprehension, language expression, cognition and swallowing.
State-of-the-art rehabilitation
helps with neuromuscular re-education, pain and strengthening. ® Therapeutic ultrasound uses a gentle, deep heat to increase blood flow and tissue extensibility, while reducing pain and inflammation. Sound waves create a thermal and sub thermal effect which assists in tissue healing, tendonitis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness, arthritis, contractures and slow healing wounds. ® Shortwave diathermy uses electromagnetic waves to increase circulation in the body’s tissues. Diathermy is generally used for larger treatment areas such as knees, hips and back. It helps with soft tissue injuries, slow healing wounds, arthritis, scar tissue and contractures. ® Virtual reality therapy OmniVR uses movements in three-dimension space to create an interactive experience, similar to popular video games. Patients are actively engaged which helps stimulate therapeutic movements and improve activities such as balance, reaction time, reaching, walking and swallowing. Patients using OmniVR might be working on muscle weakness, poor balance, difficulty walking or sitting upright, loss of flexibility or movement, impaired gait, coordination, dysphagia, endurance or cognitive deficits. The combination of an experienced treatment team along with state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment gives patients the combination they need to successfully get One Step Closer to home following a hospital stay.
Therapists use state-ofthe-art equipment to help patients exercise when they have limited strength, endurance or muscle control. Some of the equipment includes: ® Electrical stimulation provides gentle electrical (Cheryl Coyle is senior stimulation through elec- admissions director at trode pads placed at or near ManorCare Health Services the treatment site, which in Minot.)
Fall
Fall 2015
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Friday. Foot care is available the last Thursday every other month.
Lignite Senior Center 933-2855 Noon meals available each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. First Monday: Business meeting following noon meal. Second Monday: foot care at Christ Lutheran Church, Lignite. Third Friday: social at 6 p.m. Each Tuesday and Thursday: pinochle is played at 1 p.m. Coffee time is Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every “even” month. Lansford Hi Potluck meals are held periodically. Neighbor Club For information on bus service to Minot, Meets first Wednesday of each month at the Lansford Mall following the noon meal which is served there Monday through See FALL — Page 13
Lakeside Senior Citizens New Town 627-2818 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Second Friday: Noon meal, followed by business meeting. Fourth Friday: Noon meal and birthday party. Foot care: Every other month. (Call for details.) Activities: Cards, puzzles, games, coffee and lunch.
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Fall 2015
Submitted graphic
Family caregivers need support As a family caregiver, could you use a little help? If you are caring for an aging parent or loved one, you’re probably feeling the weight of time, money and stress involved in this labor of love. Join other family caregivers to discuss the challenges you face and learn about the resources available to you at an AARP lunchtime listening session from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Sleep Inn in Minot. At the lunch, caregivers will have the opportunity to share their struggles, needs and concerns. AARP will share your feedback with North Dakota lawmakers to urge them to support legislation in 2017 that could
LYLE HALVORSON
AARP North Dakota
help family caregivers. North Dakota Legislature’s Interim Human Services Committee in August began a study on how to better support unpaid family caregivers. There is no cost to attend the luncheon, but registration is required. Call 1-877-926-8300 or register online at www.aarp.org/nd. Caregivers not able to attend can still provide their comments
bathing or dressing, preparing meals, administering medications, driving to doctor visits and paying bills). Family caregivers Date: Thursday, Oct. 29 in North Dakota provided 58 milTime: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. lion hours of care – worth an estiPlace: Sleep Inn, Minot mated $860 million – to their There is no cost to attend parents, spouses, partners and the luncheon, but registration other adult loved ones, according is required. Call 1-877-926- to a new AARP Public Policy 8300 or register online at Institute report, “Valuing the www.aarp.org/nd. Invaluable: 2015 Update.” The report explains the key by taking a short survey available challenges that family caregivers at www.aarp.org/nd. Caregivers face, highlights key policy develare also invited to share their sto- opments for family caregivers ries at www.aarp.org/iheartcaresince the last Valuing the givers. Invaluable report was released in In 2013, about 62,100 family 2011, and provides policy and caregivers in North Dakota research recommendations to helped another adult loved one better support caregiving famicarry out daily activities (such as lies.
AARP caregivers luncheon
Impact on jobs, money, health Family caregivers report that the stress of caregiving affects their physical and emotional health, finances and their jobs. ® More than half (55 percent) of family caregivers report being overwhelmed by the amount of care their family member needs. ®Nearly 4 in 10 (38 percent) family caregivers report a moderate (20 percent) to high degree (18 percent) of financial strain as a result of providing care. ®In 2014, the majority (60 percent) of family caregivers had full- or part-time jobs. Find helpful caregiving resources and tools on AARP’s website at aarp.org/caregiving.
Fall 2015
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When is the best time to move to assisted living? The best time to move to assisted living is when you are still active and want to continue to participate in your hobbies and interests and socialize with others. You haven’t stopped wanting to go to the movies, kick up your heels at a dance, or shop till you drop, but these activities wear you out and it is difficult to do them on your own; whether it’s getting ready for them, or getting to them. In assisted living help is available with many of the daily tasks that become difficult to perform on your own, such as taking a bath or shower, getting dressed – those “Ted Hose” can be tough, bending over to tie your shoes, or reaching around to fasten your bra, buttoning up your shirt, or putting on your socks. All of these tasks become difficult due to arthritis, osteoporosis, or just age.
KATHY KLEIN
Somerset Court
day everyday and the perfect ending to a great meal or snack in the afternoon or evening. Maybe you become a little forgetful, and managing your medications is just too much; we assist with that as well, by contacting your physician for refills and making sure you are taking your medication at the right time. In short, assisted living is a great lifestyle – you have help with the things you need and have time for the things you want to do. Come check out Somerset Court and see how you too can “Live life to the fullest!” We have availability now due to our recent expansion and would love to meet you and have you become a part of our “family” and join in on all the great activities we schedule every day.
When you have help with difficult tasks, you have more time to spend on things you enjoy. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone help you with these things? We do help with all of this, and your time is spent enjoying the things you love – family, hobbies and friends. We also provide housekeeping, laundry services, and transportation; not to mention cooking! At Somerset Court the dining room is a restaurant and you have 15-20 options to order from at each meal, as well as a full soup and salad bar. Don’t forget about the Kathy Klein is director at ice cream that is available all Somerset Court, in Minot.
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Fall 2015
Submitted photo
Some of the residents of Somerset Court took part in Outrageous Day, where they dressed up in outrageous outfits. The themed days at the facility have been popular with the residents, as have the senior dances that are typically held monthly.
Fun
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A lot of people who are not residents and are friends or family members of residents will also attend the events, VanDeventer continued. The most popular activities for residents at Somerset
Court are any of the special events, VanDeventer said. “Music, cards and movies are popular, too,” she added. A lot of residents like games, but those activities aren’t as well attended as others, VanDeventer said. “The residents are good about participating in theme days, too,” she continued.
During the week in September where assisted living facilities are celebrated, Somerset Court has specific themes for each day of that week. For example, residents are encouraged to dress up in various themes including favorite sports team, favorite hat, western wear, pajamas or bad hair.
“It’s funny because they’ll go out of their way and make a big deal out of their outfits,” VanDeventer said. Recently, Somerset Court has been holding monthly dances for seniors, residents and nonresidents, and those have also been very well attended, VanDeventer said. The first dance they held
was so well attended that the staff had to keep pulling chairs from other places, she added. People dance, sit back and watch others dance, visit and eat and drink punch. “They enjoy the dances,” VanDeventer said. “Residents love to come and the bands love to come.”
Such a variety of events are held and on frequent basis to bring people together. VanDeventer said it’s a way for them to make new friends and see that they can have a night out without having to leave the facility. “It’s something different from their normal routine,” she added.
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Fall 2015 Continued from Page 9
call 852-8008. Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5522 Second Wednesday of each month: Potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by monthly business meeting at 7 p.m. Frozen meals can be ordered the first week of the month by calling 726-5757. RSVP+ exercises are held two times a week, except during the winter. Max Senior Citizens 679-2265 Potlucks are held the fourth Friday of each month, followed by a business meeting. January through March potlucks start at noon; from April through September, potlucks begin at 6 p.m.; and from October through December potlucks are again at noon. Meals program: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Home deliveries are available on request. Mohall Friendly Neighbors 756-6670 First Friday: Potluck dinner at noon. Third Friday: Potluck dinner at noon followed by the monthly business meeting. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: “Bone Builders” exercise at 9:30 a.m. First Thursday: Foot care. Call 756-6383 for appointment. Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in the community center. There is a business meeting, games, cards and a potluck meal. Lunch meeting each Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe in
Senior Scene Newburg. ing is held the second The foot care clinic is Friday of the month at 1 held first Wednesday of p.m., followed by entertainodd-numbered months. ment or bingo. Meals are served daily at Parker Senior Center noon. Home delivered 21 1st Ave. SE, Minot meals are available as are 852-0561 frozen meals for weekends. Meals are served Foot care is available the Monday through Friday third Thursday of each from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 month. p.m., except for holidays. A van is available for Monday: Craft day, 9:30 rides to doctor appointa.m.; bingo at 12:15 p.m. ments, grocery or other Tuesday: Exercise, 9:30 shopping and business a.m.; game day, second and appointments. fourth Tuesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. Rugby Senior Citizens Wednesday: Bible study, 776-2240 9:45 a.m.; book exchange, 1 Center opens 9 a.m. p.m.; birthday celebration, daily. 12:30 p.m., third Senior meals available Wednesday of the month. five days a week serving Thursday: Exercise, 9:30 both congregate (in) and a.m.; movie, 12:30 p.m., home-delivered (out) meals. third Thursday of the Monthly meeting on secmonth. ond Monday of each month. Friday: bingo, 12:15 p.m. Foot care first Tuesday All senior activities are a.m. and third Tuesday p.m. open to the public. Call 852- Call 776-6783 in advance. 0561 for more information. Cards: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Powers Lake Bingo: Wednesdays at Senior Citizens Club 1:30 p.m. Center is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ryder Happy Hours Club Home-cooked meals are Club meetings are held served Monday through the first Monday of the Friday at noon. month. Home delivery is availWalkers meet at 8 a.m. able on request. Frozen Monday through Saturday. meals are also available. Foot care clinic is offered Birthdays and wedding during the odd months. anniversaries are celebrated the second Wednesday of St. John Senior Center each month with entertain477-3950 ment after the noon meal. Monday, Tuesday and Monthly business meetings are on third Saturday of Thursday: noon, lunch. the month. Executive meet- Bingo after lunch on ing at 5:30 p.m., potluck Thursday. Second Thursday of supper at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. Cards and each month: 11 a.m., business meeting. games follow. Foot clinics on third Sawyer Senior Citizens Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. 624-5256 to 3 p.m. Pool, exercising, cards Souris Basin Bus, available to the public, goes to and quilting are available Minot every Thursday and daily. Potluck meals are makes trips to Williston, planned periodically. Stanley and Kenmare. Senior meals are served Rolla Senior Citizens at noon on Mondays, The club business meet- 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 monthly birthdays are recognized the first Wednesday of every month at the dinner and 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” month. Potluck meals are held periodically. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008. The club email address is sawyerseniorcitizens @srt.com. Sherwood Friendship Club Sherwood Open every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. for bone building exercise followed by activities and a snack at 3 p.m. First Wednesday: Food pantry from 2 to 3 p.m. Second Friday: Business meeting at 1:30 pm. Monthly potluck dinner: 6 p.m. last Wednesday of the month, except around holidays. Call 459-2462 to verify. Stanley Golden Age Club 628-2101 Open Monday and Wednesday afternoons: 1 p.m. for cards or games; lunch at 3 p.m. Open every Friday with home-cooked meals at noon. Anyone is welcome. Call 628-2239 or 628-2101 before Friday each week to sign up for the following week. Musical Jammin’ before and after dinner. Lunch at 3 p.m. Cards and games are played every Friday and bingo is played two Fridays a month at 1:30 p.m. Members birthday party
Page 13 on fourth Friday of each month. Soup and sandwich dinner at noon with cake and ice cream at 3 p.m. Arthritis therapy/wellness classes: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m., Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center in Stanley. Also low, medium, high aerobic classes Monday through Friday. For more information visit (www.stanleyaquaticcenter.org). Surrey Senior Citizens 839-8702 Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call center for meal reservations. Home deliveries are available on request. Foot Clinic is available at the center. Call Lavonne at 240-2679 for an appointment. Game night is held every Thursday starting at 7 p.m. Snacks are provided. Bingo is played every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Birthday cake and ice cream are served at 12:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are held on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Potluck meals are held on the last Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment follows.
starting at 2 p.m. Potluck on third Monday at 6 p.m. in May through September and 12:30 p.m. during October through April, followed by music, cards or other games. Tolley Senior Citizens Monthly meetings are held every second Tuesday. From October through April, there is a potluck meal at noon, followed by the business meeting and games. From May through September, business meetings are held at 2 p.m. Lunch and games afterward. Foot care clinics the third Wednesday of the even-numbered months.
Towner Senior Citizens 537-5155 Business meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month at 11:15 a.m., followed by birthday potluck. Coffee and goodies are served Monday mornings for the ladies. Rolls and coffee are served at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month. The center is open the first and third Thursdays for bunco, cards, games, puzzles and art. Coffee and cookies are served. Exercise equipment is available for anyone who wants to use it. Health screenings and foot care are offered every Tioga Senior Citizens Dinner Tuesday and other month on the fourth Wednesday. Call 537-5732 Friday at noon. Business meeting: secSee FALL — Page 14 ond Monday of the month,
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Fall 2015
The telephone is NOT your friend Think back to those long-ago days when the telephone was your family’s lifeline to the world. I remember my parents had a rotary phone on the kitchen wall. Like most farm families, our kitchen was the hub of all activity in our home. There wasn’t any privacy when you received a phone call in our home and then there was the party line. I never did figure out how my mother could tell the rings apart, but I do remember how frustrated she’d be with the neighbor that was always eavesdropping. The only people calling in those days were friends and family. Sadly, that has changed tremendously in
Fall
LINDA MADSEN
North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities our fast-paced world with ever-changing technology. On my landline at home, I would venture to say that 95 percent of the calls I get are from someone wanting to sell me something, asking for a “charitable” contribution, or scammers wanting to steal my money and my
identity. The phone has changed from being our lifeline to friends and family to a sales tool. More importantly, it gives crooks and thieves a safe way to steal from you while you sit comfortably in your own home. The scammers want to steal either your real money or your Medicare dollars. That is why seniors are such a target. What can you do? First, use your answering machine to screen your calls. In other words, never answer the phone unless you hear a message from someone you know. Secondly, prepare a script. Think through how you might handle these calls and
second Wednesday at 2 p.m. Bingo is offered on Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesday and Continued from Page 14 Saturday afternoons. The exercise room is available to seniors for an appointment. with their membership dues. The public Bus service to Minot is available each may use the room with a monthly donation. Thursday. Call 852-8008 to make advance Health care is available on a monthly reservations. basis. Included are foot care, immunizations, The senior center is open by request for etc. other gatherings. Upham Senior Citizens Business meetings: first Monday of the month with a potluck meal at 5 p.m., followed by cards, pool and coffee. Social meeting the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. with cards and lunch. Cards and pool are played or puzzles are put together every Wednesday. Lunch is served. Health screening and foot care is offered every other month. Call the McHenry County Nurses Office for an appointment. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday exercising starts at 9:30 a.m. Star City Senior Citizens Velva 338-2628 Senior meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon at the center on Main Street. Volunteers handle the serving of the meals which are catered from the Souris Valley Care Center at Velva. A monthly birthday party is held on the
Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Open Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Cards are played every day. Peoples’ choice progressive cards every second and fourth Friday. Business meetings are held the third Monday monthly. Senior meals are served at M&D Pizza at 11:30 a.m. five days a week. Home-delivered meals are also available. Wildrose Senior Citizens Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. First Tuesday: Business meeting, 1 p.m. Third Tuesday: Birthday parties at 1 p.m. Senior meals are served Tuesdays at the center. You must be 60 years old to qualify for meals at reduced rate. The senior van goes to Crosby, Tioga or Williston every week for shopping, doctor appointments or meetings. The van is also available for other events.
prepare something in writing. Here are some ideas: ® If the call is from a charity, tell them to send you information in writing. Be sure to add that you do not give money to strangers over the telephone. ® If they are selling something, ask for information in writing. If this is a one-time opportunity, tell them you do not make decisions over the phone. Repeat that they should send the information to you by mail. ® Ask the caller for his
or her name, company name and callback number. Say you will call back after you verify the offer. Most importantly, LISTEN for these red flags: ® Are they asking for credit card information? ® Are they asking for banking information? ® Are they asking for personal information like your Medicare or Social Security numbers? ® Do they say the offer is only good today? A real company will give you time to think and verify.
® Do they know something about you but ask to verify that the information is correct? If any of these are happening, HANG UP! (Reprinted with permission from Barbara McGinity, SMP Program Director, BBB Education Foundation, Texas.) Linda Madsen is ND Senior Medicare Patrol project director at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities on Minot State University’s campus.)
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Fall 2015
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Enjoy life, especially in the ‘golden years’ “What do you like most in the whole wide world? What is your favorite thing?” Those were the first sentences of an illustrated book that I was reading to my grandchildren. The book, “My Favorite Thing,” authored by Gyo Fujikawa, has been a favorite for years and has been duct taped to hold the book binder securely together. The book goes on to list and illustrate different activities that might be a favorite not just for children but for adults too (e.g. climbing high mountains, seeing faraway
years,” is what it’s all about. Anticipation of a special event or a trip can create excitement or motiWANDA vation for change. Take MAIXNER advantage of all the activity and leisure resources offered in your community. Trinity Homes Trying something new can be a great experience; and places, camping, fishing…). you might just decide it is one of your favorite activiWhen is the last time ties. you thought about the “What do you like most times when you are happiest? A good place to start is in the whole wide world? by making a list of all your What’s your favorite thing?” favorite activities. Enjoying That is what Trinity Homes Activities staff explores life and all it has to offer, with residents. This sumespecially in our “golden
‘What do you like most in the whole wide world? What’s your favorite thing?’ mer residents were provided several special events to choose from that may have been a favorite for some: root beer floats, picnics, a trip to the air museum, Roosevelt Park Zoo, N.D. State Fair, gardening with garden walks, socializing outdoors, seeing old cars and motorcycles, pet show, carnival, flower show, and ice cream, watermelon and
lemonade socials. With summer coming to a close, it’s time to shift gears from going outdoors most days to doing more indoor activities. Special events at Trinity Homes will be planned based on resident interests along with regular group activities which include: news update, exercise, reading, Wii bowling, table games,
trivia/word games, bingo, creative activities, baking cookies, sing-a-longs, music, dancers, bands, fiddlers, church, Bible study and kids visits. So … “What do you like most in the whole wide world? What’s your favorite thing?” I challenge you to seek out your own answer to these questions; and enjoy this fall season with all the activities it has to offer. Wanda Maixner is director of activities at Trinity Homes, in Minot.