Senior Scene
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Winter 2015
What changes are occurring to Medicare for 2016? Each year at this time people begin to wonder what changes are happening in the Medicare program. There are a few changes to take note of for 2016. First, since there was no increase in Social Security benefits there will be no increase for Medicare Part B premiums for 2016 for those already paying for their Part B. Their rate will remain $104.90 per month. There will however be a different Part B premium for those new to Medicare in 2016, and for those who are enrolled in Medicare but have not yet begun receiving Social Security benefits. The premium for these people will be $121.80. The Medicare Part B (outpatient services) deductible also saw an increase for 2016. It will now be $166, a $19 increase over the $147 it has been the past couple of years. Second, there have been a variety of changes you may have noticed. The average cost of the monthly prescription drug plan premium has risen only slightly to $33. The Part D deductible, which was $320 for 2015, went up $40 to $360 for 2016. For those who qualify for “Extra Help” to bring the cost of their medications down the maximum charge for brand name medications will be $7.40 and for generics $2.95. That represents an
DAVID ZIMMERMAN
N.D. Insurance Department increase for both compared to the 2015 rates of $6.60 and $2.65 respectively. Understanding Medicare’s Hospice Benefit Medicare’s hospice benefit covers comprehensive care you receive if you are terminally ill. Understanding the scope and limitations of Medicare’s hospice benefit can help you better advocate for yourself and loved ones during this difficult time. Step 1: Understand Medicare’s coverage of the hospice benefit. Medicare will provide coverage for your hospice care if you have Part A and meet all of the following: – A hospice doctor and your primary care physician (if you have one) certify that you are terminally ill. That means you are expected to live six months or less, if your illness runs its normal course. Medicare will still pay for hospice care beyond 6
months if your illness does not run a normal course. – You accept palliative care pain and symptom relief - instead of care to cure your terminal illness – You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions – You receive care from a Medicare-certified hospice agency When you elect the hospice benefit, Original Medicare pays for all care related to your terminal condition, even if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Step 2: Understand the services that are covered under your plan of care. Hospice care is usually provided where you live, unless your hospice medical team determine you need short-term inpatient stays for managing pain and symptoms. Once you begin hospice care, you will develop a plan of care with the hospice director and your physician. The plan of care defines the specific services you will receive in hospice. Discuss with your doctor and the hospice provider whether the following services are appropriate for you: – Skilled nursing services – Skilled therapy services – Aide and homemaker serv-
ices – Durable medical equipment (DME) – Medical social services – Pastoral care – Nutrition and dietary counseling – Prescription drugs – Pain management services – Respite care Unlike most other Medicarecovered services, you pay almost nothing for hospice care. The only costs you can incur related to your terminal illness are a $5 co-payment for outpatient prescriptions for pain and symptom management and, if you need inpatient respite care, 5 percent of Medicare’s approved amount for respite. Where can I go for assistance with Medicare issues? If you have other questions regarding Medicare, please call the State Health Insurance Counseling program within the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1-888-575-6611. We can also be found at www.nd.gov/ndins/shic. Medicare can be contacted directly at 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov. (David Zimmerman is director of the Consumer Assistance Division of the North Dakota Insurance Department, in Bismarck)
Another great year for Minot Senior Coalition KAYLA LAWSON
Minot Area Senior Coalition
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already here. The year 2015 has been another great year for the Minot Senior Coalition. The Minot Senior Coalition wants to thank everyone who helped make our events over the past a year a success. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our events in 2016.
Those events include the 20th Annual Salute to Seniors event in May at the Minot Municipal Auditorium on May 10 and the Harvest Ball at the Parker Senior Center in October. We hope to see lots of people attend and make memories with all of us members of the Minot Senior Coalition. These events are great
get-togethers for the senior community. Watch for more information on these events and plan to join us for a great time. We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (Kayla Lawson is president of the Minot Senior Coalition)
enior cene
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Vol. 15 No. 4
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 News 857-1950 or toll free 1-800-735-3229 All other departments 857-1900 or 1-800-735-3119 Fax 701-857-1907 Steven K. McLister, Publisher Michael Sasser, Editor
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
Winter 2015
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Learning a lesson from a porcupine What a nice fall we had! Do you think we could be so lucky as to have a mild winter too? It seems like most of us are hoping for it. As North Dakotans, we are accustomed to winter anyway it comes. We just take it stride, with a little complaining. Some people are hoping for many feet of snow, such as the snowmobilers, ski resorts, snow removal contractors, sales of winter related items, and of course kids wanting a day off of school. We all have different opinions, and we have to be ac-
ROBIN BURNS
Souris Valley Care Center, Velva cepting of our differences. As an employee, student, family member, etc. you have to be especially in tune to everyone’s difference of opinions and learn to work together, listening and contributing to a situation. We
have to be accepting of our differences. I read a short story recently from the Public Speaking Resource, that made a lot of sense to me and I think we could all learn a lesson from a porcupine, of all things. “It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After a while, they decided
Protect yourself from identity theft and scams North Dakotans continue to fall victim to lottery scams, the grandparent scam, romance scams and other scams no matter how many times they read about them in the newspaper or hear about them on the evening news. Every day, millions of Americans lose their hardearned money to identity theft, investment fraud and many other scams. Last year alone, 12.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft — that’s one person victimized every three seconds. With scammers busy thinking up new ways to steal your money, how can you protect yourself and your family? AARP North Dakota has “Fraud Fighters” around the state, people who have been trained and are willing to provide valuable presentations to help protect North Dakotans from frauds and scams. The Fraud Fighters are equipped with resources and up-to-date fraud alerts to
LYLE HALVORSON
AARP North Dakota help safeguard against identity theft and other scams. Presentations include information on watchdog alerts, how to spot and avoid scams, and how to protect yourself and your family. If you know of an organization or service club that would be interested in offering a Fraud Watch Network presentation to alert people to scams and frauds, please email AARPND@aarp.org or tollfree 866-554-5383.
Outsmart the scam artists and protect yourself
Whether it’s over the phone, through the mail, online or even at your door,
scam artists are looking for new ways to get you and your loved ones to open your wallets. Here’s one way to fight back and protect yourself. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is designed to give you access to information to help protect you and your family from identity theft, fraud and scams. It’s free and open to everyone – members, non-members and people of all ages – and it allows people who sign up access to watchdog alerts about active scams in their area and resources to help them spot and avoid con artists latest tricks. Sign up for the Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork or call toll-free 877908-3360. If you’ve spotted a scam or think you may have been scammed, call the helpline for advice and guidance. (Lyle Halvorson, of Bismarck, is associate director of AARP North Dakota)
to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the earth. Wisely, they decided to go back together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from others. This way they were able to survive.” Lesson learned: “The best relationship is not the one that brings together per-
fect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person’s good qualities.” We never know what challenges life will deal us. Whether we are the very young, students, parents, grandparents, employers, employees, or retired and are dealing with aging diseases, we all have to work together and learn to accept the differences we have as humans. Sometimes things can get a little uncomfortable, but we need to try to
see the good in each situation and enjoy each other. We keep quite busy here at Souris Valley Care Center. You will always find something to do each day, and we will accept winter and we’ll make the best out of each day providing quality of life to all our residents. Don’t get your quills ruffled up about the weather and accept the beauty of the season. Stop in for a little conversation and coffee. Stay warm! (Robin Burns is activity director at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva)
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Winter 2015
to a story
Listen
Carol Kramer reads stories to children at Bishop Ryan Catholic School
By JILL HAMBEK
Staff Writer jhambek @minotdailynews.com When you were 3 or 4 years old, chances are you enjoyed having your mom or grandma or someone else read a story to you. Sometimes it was a story you’d heard a thousand times or one you were hearing for the first time, but it didn’t matter; it was a story that you could listen to from a comforting voice. Carol Kramer, who lives in Minot but taught for years in Douglas and is now retired, reads a story to two preschool and two kindergarten classes and one first-grade class at Bishop Ryan Catholic School every Wednesday. This is her 14th year of reading to young students. When Kramer’s daughter was studying elementary education at Minot State University, she student taught with a teacher who had a “grandma reader” in the classroom. Kramer decided to volunteer as a grandma reader. She started at St. Leo’s Elementary School, Little Flower Catholic School and then at Bishop Ryan Catholic School. “Before the start of each class, I make a zipping motion to get the kids to be quiet,” Kramer said. She reads a book coordinating with the season, she added, but there’s always a book to read no matter what. After the story is finished, Kramer said they always have separate group hugs for the boys and the
Submitted Photo
Young children listen attentively to a story being read during story time at Bishop Ryan Elementary School. Every Wednesday, Minot resident Carol Kramer, or “Grandma Reader,” as she’s called, reads a story to preschool, kindergarten and firstgrade classes at the school. girls. “They all call me Grandma Reader or Grandma Kramer,” she added. The kids call her that in public, too, Kramer said. “They probably don’t know my real name,” she
said. With each story, Kramer said she reads with a lot of expression and tries to draw them into the story. They talk about the stories after to make sure they
were listening, she added. Kramer’s favorite age of kids is the preschoolkindergarten-first grade level. “I just love those little children,” she added. The kids are usually at-
tentive to the story, Kramer said. “It’s a time for them to sit on the floor and listen to a story,” she added. Kramer, who is a huge proponent of reading, said her motto is “Readers are lead-
ers.” Reading to children is an important thing to do. Kramer said it inspires them to read and it’s important for kids to be able to listen to a story.
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Winter 2015
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Working while Facility offers receiving Social short-term rehab, long-term care Security in 2016 How much can you earn in 2016 before your Social Security retirement or survivors benefits are reduced? The annual earnings test concerns how employment in a year affects your Social Security in that year. The earnings test includes only your personal gross wages and net self-employment for the full calendar year. Other income is not considered. Three earnings test levels exist, all based on your full retirement age. FRA is age 66 for birth years 1943 to 1954. Earnings test amounts for 2016 are unchanged from 2015. They are: – If under full retirement age for the entire calendar year, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $2 earned above $15,720. – If you reach FRA in 2016, $1 in benefits will be deducted from each $3 earned above $41,880, but only for earnings before the month you reach FRA. – No earnings limit exists starting the month you reach full retirement age. Are you starting Social Security in 2016? People retiring mid-year often have already earned over annual earnings test amounts. To allow their SSA benefits to start re-
HOWARD KOSSOVER
Social Security Administration gardless of expected calendar year earnings, there is a special one-time rule based on monthly earnings. It is often used in the year of retirement by people to receive Social Security for remaining months of the year after retirement. SSA retirement planning information, estimators, FRA charts, and additional tools are at www.socialsecurity.gov/p lanners/retire/ to help you. More about the earnings test, including the one-time, monthly test, is there. Consider the retirement earnings test before starting Social Security. If your plans include working part time, will those earnings reduce benefits for the year? Can you limit your earnings to stay below earnings test levels? Is retiring with parttime work your best option or should you continue working full time, without SSA benefits, for the immediate future? Keep in mind that Social Security retirement and
survivors benefits are permanently reduced if started when younger than FRA. Do you receive Social Security now? If expecting to earn over your applicable earnings test amount in 2016, provide your estimated earnings amount to SSA early in the year to avoid incorrect payment. You can change estimates as needed. The annual earnings test does not apply to people receiving SSA benefits due to their own disability. If receiving due to disability, contact Social Security before working. Visit the SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov for free online services, retirement planning tools and applications for retirement or Medicare. Phone the SSA national toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (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 866- 415-3193 (toll-free). (Based in Grand Forks, Howard I. Kossover is the Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Read his online articles at http://socialsecurityinfo.areavoices.com/. Contact him at howard.kossover@ssa.gov.)
Minot Health and Rehab became the area’s newest choice for longterm care and short-term post-hospital rehabilitation on Nov. 13. North Shore Health Care purchased the facility from HCR ManorCare. Minot Health and Rehab is the first facility purchased by this new company and has since been joined by a facility in Shawano, Wis. The small size of this new company allows the owners to be involved in day-to-day operations and in getting to know the community. In fact, one of the three owners, Paul Peshek, will be serving as Minot’s interim administrator for the first several months. Peshek has many years of experience, most recently with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Minot Health and Rehab will continue to specialize in short-term rehabilitation for those recovering from surgeries and/or illness. Recent rehab graduates who have returned to their homes offer some words of advice for those with similar needs: Jerome couldn’t walk when he first arrived and said, “The staff is real nice. I liked doing my exercises and riding the bike. I can’t wait to
CHERYL COYLE
Minot Health and Rehab get home, but I’ll be back to visit.” Mabel fell while going to get her mail and has a history of fibromyalgia. She had heard good reports about the therapy at Minot Health and Rehab. She said, “I’ve done therapy other places before, but it was hard on me because of my health history. Therapy here has been great – they let me rest when I needed to and had patience. I’m going to miss the food and the care here, and they have the best therapy.” Lois fell at home, fractured her pelvis and
was in so much pain she could hardly move. Lois said, “My stay was wonderful. The most fantastic people work here – they really care about others and you don’t find that often. They helped me go from not being able to put one foot in front of the other to being able to go home. People who require therapy need to come here.” Minot Health and Rehab will also continue to provide long-term care for those in the area who require nursing care around the clock. There will be an official ribbon cutting and open house in the new year, but feel free to stop in and check out the newest choice in town anytime. Contact Cheryl Coyle at 852-1255 for more information. (Cheryl Coyle is senior admissions director at Minot Health and Rehab)
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Winter 2015
Medicare fraud: We all pay when there’s fraud Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year. How to combat this growing problem is the main goal of the Senior Medicare Patrol program, a national program funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. The SMP program, together with the skills and expertise of volunteers it trains, works in communities across the country, educating and empowering Medicare beneficiaries to take an active role in the detection and prevention of health care fraud, waste, and abuse. Every citizen has a stake in Medicare. For Medicare to be a viable program in the coming years, the fight against fraud, waste, and abuse must be given the highest priority. Here are some steps a Medicare beneficiary can take to avoid falling victim to dishonest practices and scams: 1. Be Aware. – Never give your Medicare/Medicaid number to strangers. – Never give your Medicare/Medicaid number to anyone offering a “free” service. – Never accept medical supplies or equipment from a door-to-door salesperson. – Never provide information to someone on the telephone claiming to be from Medicare. Medicare does not call beneficiaries unless beneficiaries call Medicare first. – Never keep mail in your mailbox for more
LINDA MADSEN
North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities than one day. Your mail may contain personal information which could be stolen from your mailbox. – Always review your Medicare Summary Notice. Most health care fraud involves billing for services not provided and double billing. – Always shred your Medicare, health care, and other important documents before throwing them away. – Always keep a calendar of your doctor visits and medical tests. Compare your calendar to your Medicare Summary Notices, make sure they are the same. – Always report possible fraud. If you identify or suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, call the North Dakota SMP at 800-2331737. 2. Be Involved. Volunteers are critical to the success of the SMP program. Volunteers can help make a difference in their communities by actively participating in the SMP program. Volunteer activities include: – Educating the public by giving presentations to groups. – Developing and dis-
seminating consumer educational materials about Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse through presentations and health fairs. – Helping beneficiaries review their Medicare Summary Notices. – Training others to educate Medicare beneficiaries about fraud, waste, and abuse. Medicare beneficiaries can make a difference in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse. These dishonest practices raise health care costs for everyone. If all of us join in this fight, Medicare can become an even better program, covering more services at a reasonable cost. Successful community partnerships and local volunteer support are the keys to the success of the SMP program. If you are interested in volunteering, or you would like a speaker to educate older adults about the importance of preventing Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse and the steps older adults can take to avoid becoming victims, contact the ND SMP at linda.madsen@minotstateu.edu or 858-3580. Reprinted with permission from Charles Clarkson, Project Director, SMP of New Jersey and the SMP National Resource Center. (Linda Madsen is the N.D. Senior Medicare Patrol project director at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities on the campus of Minot State University)
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Winter 2015
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The history of hot cocoa Holiday visits: How to begin conversations with aging family members The cold and snowy days are fast approaching and there is nothing better in the winter than to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. Have you ever looked at your plate and wondered where the item originated from? The beginning days of cocoa started with the Aztecs and Mayans who considered the cocoa plant sacred. They used the cocoa beans for currency and as gifts during special ritual ceremonies and festivals. As a culinary delicacy the Aztecs and Mayans served the cocoa as a cold, savory drink often mixed with wine and certain spices such as chili peppers. An Aztec leader offered Christopher Columbus and his crew cocoa beans in exchange for goods aboard their ship. Columbus was not impressed with the bitter taste of the drink and offered his cocoa beans to the Spanish royalty. The drink was then discovered by the Spaniards and this is when the drink began to be served hot and less savory. The Spaniard, Hernan Cortez, placed great value in the cocoa bean when he explored Mexico where the Mayans and Aztecs grew thousands of cocoa plants. The wealthy consumed hot cocoa after meals from gold goblets and stored the beans in gold containers. From Spain cocoa then spread through Europe. This is where cocoa began its journey of being processed and served as a solid.
Health benefits
Flavanols are the main phytochemical in cocoa. Phytochemicals are natu-
KAYLA BENSON
Trinity Health rally occurring compounds in plant foods that give them their color, flavor and smell. The flavanols give cocoa its bitter, pungent taste. Research has shown that flavanols have many healthy qualities such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow and also has shown to improve memory. Below are some winter hot cocoa recipes to try at home with family and friends. When shopping for your ingredients look for cocoas that are in their most natural state. The more cocoa is processed the more flavanols are lost. Enjoy! Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix 3 c. nonfat dry milk powder 2 c. powdered sugar 1 1/2 c. cocoa powder 1 1/2 c. white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate 1/4 tsp. salt 1. Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two (or more) batches, depending on the size of the food processor, pulse the ingredients until the chocolate is finely ground. Store the dry mix in an air-tight container for up to three months. To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows, if desired.
Coconut Hot Chocolate 2 c. milk 1 14 oz. can unsweetened coconut milk, light or regular 2/3 c. sweetened condensed mil 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 tsp. vanilla
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, whisking well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally so the mixture doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pan. Once simmering, whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Serve the hot chocolate in mugs topped with sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings, marshmallows or whatever else you might choose. Mexican Hot Chocolate Powder Mix 2 c. hot chocolate powder 1/4 c. cocoa powder 2 tsp. ground cinnamon a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks (optional) Mix all ingredients except for the cinnamon sticks together in a jar. Add the cinnamon stick to the jar as decoration, if you like. Seal with the lid. To serve: Heat 1 cup of milk, add 2 tablespoons of the Mexican Hot Chocolate Powder Mix and stir. (Kayla Benson, RD, LRD, is clinical dietitian at Trinity Health, in Minot)
With the holiday season fast approaching, many families are traveling to spend time with parents and relatives. In addition to enjoying holiday gatherings, festive meals and favorite family traditions, the holidays may be one of the few opportunities for adult children to talk with their parents about important age-related topics (just don’t talk at the dinner table; wait for a quiet, relaxed time). These types of conversations can be uncomfortable, but do not avoid them. Here are a few tips to make the conversation go more smoothly: – Start by educating yourself on key age-related topics, such as senior housing options, healthcare and long-term care alternatives, end-of-life decisions and financial considerations. – Make a list of topics to discuss, such as the location of important documents (wills, health-care directives, birth certificates, financial documents, medical records, etc.), living preferences, financial obligations and ability to pay for future care needs, long-term care preferences and end-of-life wishes. – Be their partner, not
ELLEN BJELLAND
NDSU Extension Service their parent. Treating your parents as you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes is important. And, yes, one day this will be us! – Help your parents maintain as much control in their lives as possible. This is especially critical because many older adults feel losses each day: the loss of physical strength, health, peers, identity, authority, etc. Their reaction is to try to hang on tight to whatever control they can. As adult children, we need to recognize this need for control and facilitate it every way we can. – One way to get the conversation started is by asking meaningful openended questions, such as, “Last time we talked, Aunt Sally was determined to stay in the house where she’s lived for more than 40 years. What finally made her decide to move into an assisted-living community?” Another example would be, “Mom, you’ve told me all about
your sister Myrtle and how her death affected you. What else is on your mind?” Consider this approach regarding money: “Dad, Brad and I are saving for our retirement, and I’m wondering how you handled this. How much money is enough? Do you worry about the cost of long-term care? Do you feel you have saved enough?” – Give your parents time and space to process and think about their future. Remember, these are emotional, major life decisions, so don’t rush them. – Realize that a single conversation during the holidays isn’t likely to address all the big issues, but it does open the door to continued conversations in the future. The holidays can be a comforting time for families to start talking about their parents’ future health and well-being. But remember to have fun and enjoy the holidays! (Source: Jane Strommen, Ph.D., NDSU Extension Service Gerontology Specialist) (Ellen Bjelland is family and consumer science extension agent for the NDSU Extension Service in Ward County)
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Senior Scene
Winter 2015
Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult to face Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is never easy – it’s life changing for the individual affected as well as his or her family and friends. Below are some tips and information for communicating with a loved one that has received a recent diagnosis, along with some ways for family members and other loved ones to cope with impending changes. Those facing the disease may be grieving over the present losses they are experiencing, or the expectation of future changes as the disease progresses. It can be helpful to identify and understand some of the emotions they may experience: ¯ Anger. Life is taking a different course than the one they and your family had planned. No one can control the course of the disease. ¯ Relief. The changes your loved one was experiencing were cause for concern. A diagnosis validated these concerns by assigning a name to those symptoms. ¯ Denial. The diagnosis seems impossible to believe. He or she may feel overwhelmed by how life will change as a result of Alzheimer’s. ¯ Depression. Feeling sad or hopeless about the way life is changing. ¯ Resentment. Asking what he or she did to deserve this diagnosis or why this is happening to them and not someone else. ¯ Fear. Your loved one may be fearful of the future and how your family will be affected. ¯ Isolation. Feeling as if no one understands what they’re going through or lose interest in maintaining rela-
SHANNON KRANZ
Edgewood Senior Living, Minot tionships with others. ¯ Sense of loss. It may be difficult to accept changes in their abilities. Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s lose some ability early on to sequence or plan out an activity, to organize, initiate and monitor actions. Here’s a simple example, think about the steps involved in fixing a meal: deciding what to make, identifying ingredients, putting the items or recipe together in a particular order, concentrating and often multitasking. Preparing a meal or following a recipe that includes several steps is difficult and sometimes unachievable even in early dementia due to changes in the brain that are responsible for processing. Those with Alzheimer’s aren’t choosing to give up activities of daily living such as fixing meals, managing finances or driving. They wouldn’t choose to forgo their independence, and they aren’t lazy or unmotivated. The truth is, people with Alzheimer’s can’t “just try harder” and it’s not realistic to expect them to do all they used to do. Be prepared – some family members will still not get it. We all experience emotions differently and deal with stress, frustration and conflict in our own ways.
Facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating to not only your loved one, but your entire family and support system. Here are some tips to minimize family conflicts and unite to face this challenge together: ¯ Share responsibility. Consider each family member’s preferences, resources and abilities. Allow each person to offer up their strengths, such as providing hands-on care or managing household chores and errands. Not everyone will be comfortable in all roles, but remember that most family members want to help in their own way. ¯ Meet regularly. Plan regular face-to-face meetings and discuss each person’s responsibilities and challenges. Remember that you are here to provide a support system not only to your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s but also to all those providing care and assistance. ¯ Be honest. Talk about your feelings openly, in a constructive manner. Be careful to express your feelings without blaming or shaming other family members and keep an open mind as you listen to others share their thoughts and feelings. ¯ Don’t criticize. There are many “right” ways to provide care and remember that each caregiver has different styles, abilities and values. Avoid criticizing other family members; instead discuss positive experiences and moments of joy you’re able to share with your loved one. (Shannon Kranz is Move In & Marketing Director at Edgewood Senior Living, Minot)
Winter 2015
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Stay active; avoid emotional, physical maladies Winter has arrived, and although it’s a mild one so far – thank goodness – it is still important for senior citizens to have a game plan on how to stay active during the colder months of the year. Inactivity can contribute to a variety of emotional and physical maladies, such as depression, stress, reduced muscle mass and increased risk of falls, and when combined, these factors can easily result in an increasing intolerance for physical activity. To help combat potential problems with inactivity, it is important to attempt to participate in some form of exercise. According to the National Institute on Aging, endurance, strength, flexibility and balance are the four main types of exercises that people of all ages should include in their regular routines. Seniors can join a health club, participate in a walking program such as the one residents here
DAVE CALDWELL
Somerset Court at Somerset Court have established, play fitness-based video games such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit or do easy indoor exercises such as wall presses, light weightlifting or stretching. Balance exercises as simple as standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe can help reduce risk of falling. It is a good idea to have another person or a sturdy chair nearby in case you lose your balance, however. Exercise also helps to naturally regulate blood pressure and reduces risk of severe cardiovascular complications. Long-range weather forecasts still predict that the
next few months will bring above-average temperatures, so outdoor exercise isn’t out of the question, either. However, it’s important to remember to dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothes as necessary. You should do light activities to warm up and cool down before and after any endurance-type exercises. Also, be sure to drink plenty of liquids when doing any activity that makes you sweat, even if it’s not hot or sunny outside. Other ideas for keeping the body and mind active during the winter months, especially during the holiday season, include making crafts and attending holiday gatherings. All of us here at Somerset Court wish everyone a happy holiday season!
;&45{FULL} At Touchmark ‌ It’s the people! “I’ve been given the enthusiasm for interesting things, and Touchmark is a great experience.â€? — Caroline Deinema, Touchmark resident
(Dave Caldwell is a co-director at Somerset Court in Minot)
Give priceless gift of ‘self’ this year “Come they told me Pa rum pum pum pum... A newborn king to see Pa rum pum pum pum...â€? The Christmas carol, “Little Drummer Boy,â€? filled the air. I wondered how many people actually listen or think about the words. Here is a poor boy who feels he has nothing to give while everyone else brings their “finest gifts.â€? Those people who actually “hearâ€? and listen with their heart can understand what a “pricelessâ€? gift the little boy shared. You too may be unable to provide expensive gifts to all your loved ones and friends but you actually have more to share‌ your talents, your
WANDA MAIXNER
Trinity Homes time, your creativity‌ Everyone has their own talents of gifts to share with others that are “priceless.â€? – Spend time together – Play a game or do a puzzle together – Give a homemade card or goodies – Write a note – Share a laugh or smile – Visit – Sing or play a favorite song
– Do artwork, handiwork, or craft together – Read a story – Go through old photos together – Watch a movie/ TV show together – Reminisce together – Skype or Face Time Trinity Homes has many people who would enjoy sharing with you. Come and share the special gifts you have been granted this Christmas. Trinity Homes staff and residents wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! (Wanda Maixner is director of activities/occupational therapy at Trinity Homes in Minot)
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Senior Scene
Page 10
Winter 2015
New facility has options for Alzheimer patients RIVERTON, Ill. (AP) — The substandard care that Cari Claussen's grandmother received in a Springfield nursing home when Claussen was a teenager spawned her passion for service. "It just broke my heart," said Claussen, 33, who plans to open an assisted-living center in March that specializes in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. "I just wanted to be able to be a voice for the elderly," said Claussen, a Sherman resident who will be administrator and part-owner of Country Lane Memory Care Assisted Living, a 50-bed facility in Riverton. Bad care, she said, is "just not going to be an option for Country Lane. The care will be good." The $2.8 million center, under construction at 875 Riverton Road and expected to open in March, is one of a growing number of residential options for people with memory-related disorders in the Springfield area. Entrepreneurs and organizations in Springfield, like other parts of the state and nation, are seeing a business opportunity and trying to satisfy a need by an aging population, said Wayne Smallwood, executive director of the Springfield-based Affordable Assisted Living Coalition. The number of Illinoisans with Alzheimer's, which causes progressive deterioration of memory and mental function, is expected to grow from 210,000 in 2015 to 260,000 by 2025 — an increase of almost one-fourth. Likewise, Medicaid spending on health care services — including nursing home care — for Illinoisans with Alzheimer's and other dementias is expected to rise from $1.46 billion in 2015 to $2.1 billion in 2025, according to a new report from the Alzheimer's Association.
Smallwood said.
First-hand knowledge
AP Photo
In this Nov. 16, 2015 photo, Betty Green reacts to a painting she was working on at Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Springfield, Ill. A new $2.8 million center, under construction in Riverton and scheduled to open in March 2016, will be one of a growing number of residential options for people with memory-related disorders in the Springfield area.
Too few options
People with dementia don't have enough affordable housing options, especially when they need smaller, homelike settings after it has become too difficult for them to remain in their own homes, an Alzheimer's Association official said. It's best that families of loved ones dealing with memory problems consider all the options before there's a crisis, said Richard Apple, a Rockford-based senior manager of care navigation at the association's Greater Illinois Chapter. The end-of-year holidays can present opportunities for these conversations, he said. "The holiday period is often when changes are
noted because family and friends are in town who haven't seen them for a while and the stress of the holidays makes it harder for the person with dementia to not show symptoms," Apple said. The Alzheimer's Association's help line can be a good resource for families, he said. Assisted-living centers, which provide limited nursing care, offer "a much more homelike environment than a nursing home, and it's less expensive than a nursing home," Apple said. There are 381 assisted-living centers in Illinois, and 103 of them offer memory-care units. Another 84 are freestanding memory-care facilities, according to the Illinois
Department of Public Health. But assisted-living centers accept only private payments and often cost more than $50,000 per year, so residents must leave if they don't have long-term care insurance or their assets run out. Residents also may have to leave if their health declines to the point that they require care in an intermediate-care or skilled-care nursing home. Many people with dementia are in nursing homes — even though they don't need that higher level of care — because nursing homes generally accept Medicaid, Smallwood said. Medicaid, funded by the federal and state government, covers longterm care for indigent patients.
In Illinois, Supportive Living Facilities provide care that's similar to assisted living and accept Medicaid. The Medicaid payments supportive living facilities receive are lower than those received by nursing homes, but the state has allowed only 145 Supportive Living centers to open. Supportive Living facilities serve 12,000 people statewide, and only five — in South Elgin, North Aurora, Rantoul, Effingham and Decatur — receive additional Medicaid funding for specialized memory-care units, Smallwood said. The state, for the time being, isn't allowing more of these centers to open, though there's a need and an interest by the business community,
Assisted-living centers don't face the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to open a Supportive Living center or nursing home. Claussen said she has been planning the Country Lane facility for more than two years. Her business partner is her father, rural Sherman farmer Bruce Gillman, who owns the seven acres of former farm ground on which the center will sit. "It's a beautiful, country setting," she said. Claussen said she recalled visiting her maternal grandmother in the nursing home. The Country Lane website says Claussen would arrive at the facility "and find her grandmother alone, frightened and sitting for hours on a soiled chair pad because the staff neglected to properly care for her." Claussen's grandmother, who had cancer and had lost the ability to speak, died at age 78. Claussen went on to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Illinois Springfield. She said she worked as an elder abuse investigator for Senior Services of Central Illinois and as a case manager for Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois before becoming a program director at another memory-care facility in the area. She is married to a Riverton electrical lineman, and they have a 2-year-old son. The building was designed by Steckel Parker Architects Inc. to avoid confusion by residents. "Our whole building is centered around our dining room," she said.
Senior Scene
Winter 2015
Page 11
Chaplains offer support to terminally ill OTTAWA, Ill. (AP) — For those who have a terminal illness, hospice care can be a spiritual lifesaver. TerryAnn Dumyahn is a hospice chaplain with VITAS Healthcare in La Salle-Peru. She helps patients and their families cope with illness and the bereavement process. An ordained interfaith minister with a Master of Divinity, Dumyahn served as a mental health therapist for 20 years prior to becoming a chaplain three years ago. As a hospice chaplain, Dumyahn meets people wherever they are spiritually, and tailors her approach to the unique needs of the patient. "A patient's faith, personal views and where they're at in life are most important when assisting patients nearing the end of life," Dumyahn said. "Everyone's end-of-life journey is different. Some patients are more expressive than others. Some, with affil-
iations to churches, may prefer to talk about superficial problems with a pastor and then confide deep-rooted concerns with a chaplain." In her ministry, Dumyahn meets people along the whole spectrum of faith — those who don't believe in a God and an afterlife, those who do and those who consider themselves spiritual, but not religious. But there is one thing she finds in common regardless of the patient. "Generally speaking, most people want to know what's going to happen during the process of dying and after we die," she said. "Others are not comfortable discussing death, however, for those people that ask many questions about the dying process, they often become more comfortable because they know what to expect physically, spiritually and emotionally. It's these end-of-life dialogues that can help families later on during the grieving process."
Dumyahn engages her patients using active listening, paying attention to the patients' stories and listening for themes beneath those stories. She also utilizes movies, music and other methods to explore a patient's spiritual needs. "My favorite part of the job is to help people who struggle with death by assisting them on their end-of-life journey by using practical tools, such as communion services, living funerals, making scrapbooks and writing letters, to help communicate their messages or last wishes," she said. Depending on their religious background, patients might have a different point of reference from which they begin. "For instance, Catholics ask if there is a heaven, hell and purgatory," she said. "Buddhists may ask about scriptures from the Tibetan Book of the Dying. Spiritual people may say 'I believe in God but I'm not sure there is
a heaven.' A lot of time it boils down to their image of God. If their image of God is fearful and judgmental, then they might ask 'am I good enough for heaven?' If they have an image of a loving God, then they can't wait to get to heaven. Most people believe in a kind, loving God, and others aren't sure what to believe." When the time has come for the patient to die, Dumyahn says, everyone's experience is similar, but unique to their personalities. "In general, people die the way they live. If they have awareness during life, they
are generally prepared for death," Dumyahn said. "It's like giving birth. Every mom giving birth is going to have a different experience. It's the same theory with death. Some people die surrounded by friends. Some people linger for a while because they are waiting for family to get there or family to leave before they pass." For families facing the imminent death of a loved one, Dumyahn recommends seeking hospice services as soon as possible. Hospice services generally are available for those with an expected six months or less to
live. "It opens the door to a variety of conversations people wouldn't normally have," she said. "And hospice chaplains initiate and facilitate these conversations because an outsider can sometimes get a person to talk in cases where family members can't."?? For those who don't use hospice services, but want to help explore their loved ones' feelings toward death, Dumyahn recommends first asking simple, practical questions such as what kind of funeral they want or how they want to be dressed.
Senior Scene
Page 12 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 2mile 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 Ron at 465-3400. Berthold Senior Citizens 453-5680 Business meeting at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Cards and lunch every Tuesday afternoon. Foot clinics are the second Wednesday of the month.
Bottineau Senior Citizens 228-3339 Center is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Title III meals served in the center at noon Monday through Friday. Home delivered meals are available and frozen meals can be ordered for delivery. Foot care and blood pressure clinics are offered every even month. Call the county nurse for appointment. Business meeting is the first Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m., followed by lunch. Social meeting is third Tuesday at 3 p.m. and includes programs or entertainment. Activities include crazy whist, bingo, cards, pool and dominoes. Lunch is served. 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 midMarch. 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 Thurs-
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day. For reservations, call 228-6061.
Bowbells Senior Citizens Last Monday: Business meeting at 1 p.m. Third Thursday: Health day. 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. Burlington Friendly Seniors Meet the first and third Wednesday of each month. Meals served Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Exercise room is available at all times. Foot care is offered every other month. Butte Senior Citizens 626-7323 Effective from the first Tuesday in October until the end of May. The club opens at 2 p.m. and at 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.
Winter 2015
Be included Senior citizen clubs may have their schedules included in the Senior Scene. Information may be e-mailed to ljohnson@minotdailynews.com or mailed to Loretta Johnson, Minot Daily News, P.O. Box 1150, Minot, ND 58702.
Third Tuesday: Bingo, then cards. Fourth Tuesday: Program, then cards. Fifth Tuesday: (Open), then cards.
Carpio Senior Citizens Senior meals are served Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Carpio Cafe from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pool is played Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Whist is played Thursdays. Third Thursday: bingo at 2 p.m. Third Thursday: dinner at the Carpio Cafe at noon, with business meeting at the center at 1 p.m. Foot clinics are the second Wednesday of every other month. Columbus Golden Circle Club Whist is played every Tuesday afternoon. Business meeting the fourth Wednesday of each month with lunch and entertainment. Foot care the second Friday of every month. Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662 Senior meals are served Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in the Deering Cafe. A birthday potluck dinner is held the third Monday of each month. Senior meetings are the second Thursday of each month.
Divide County Senior Citizens 965-6964 Business meetings are the first Friday of the month; followed by bingo. Progressive pinochle is the second Friday of the month. Third Friday: Card playing. Fourth Friday: Potluck dinner and card playing. Douglas Nifty Fiftys Meet every fourth Tuesday with potluck. Health screening by the First District Health Unit and foot care is the last Monday of every other month. Drake Senior Citizens Second Monday: Business meeting, 2 p.m. Fourth Monday: Potluck dinner, noon. Each Friday: Bone Builders exercise is at 1 p.m. Coffee and rolls are served from 2 to 4 p.m. Open to the public. Foot clinic is held the third Wednesday of every other month in the Drake City Hall. For appointments, call 537-5732. The Souris River Transportation Bus goes to Minot every Thursday. For rides call 1-800-927-8318. Dunseith Peace Garden Senior Citizens 244-5483 Business meeting is first Monday of the month at 1 p.m., followed by card playing or bingo.
Home-cooked meals are served at the center Monday through Friday at noon. Meals can be delivered.
Esmond Senior Citizens 249-3230 The Esmond Senior Citizens Club meets the second Tuesday of every month. Potluck suppers are held and bingo is played. Entertainment is sometimes available and there are always readings done by someone. Fessenden Specialist Club (Senior Citizens) 547-3403 First Monday: Birthdays of the month are celebrated. Third Tuesday: Business meeting followed by special speakers, programs and games, such as bingo and cards. First Baptist XYZ For more information about First Baptist XYZ, call 852-4533 on weekdays. Flaxton Senior Citizens Foot clinic and health clinic is the first Wednesday of each month. Pinochle is played each Wednesday afternoon. 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.
Senior Scene
Winter 2015 Reservations are required by calling 362-7555 or 3627565. 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 oddnumbered 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 362-7555 for more information.
Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Hot noon meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meals can be delivered to shut-ins. Business meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. Afternoon activities include coffee, cards and puzzles. 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. 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. Lansford Hi Neighbor Club Meets first Wednesday of each month at the Lansford Mall following the noon meal which is served there Monday through 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. Potluck meals are held periodically. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008.
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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 Newburg. The foot care clinic is held first Wednesday of odd-numbered months. Parker Senior Center 21 1st Ave. SE, Minot 852-0561 Meals are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., except for holidays. Monday: Craft day, 9:30 a.m.; bingo at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday: Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; game day, second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday: Bible study, 9:45 a.m.; book exchange, 1 p.m.; birthday celebration, 12:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month. Thursday: Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; movie, 12:30 p.m., third Thursday of the month. Friday: bingo, 12:15 p.m. All senior activities are open to the public. Call 852-0561 for more information. Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Center is open Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for visiting,
putting puzzles together, and playing dominoes. There is a business meeting on Wednessday at 11:45 a.m. with a homecooked meal at noon. Tuesday at 3 p.m., the Center is open to play cards, visit, and put puzzles together. Foot Clinic is held the 4th Wednesday every even month. The Golden Jet Set is available for rent. For more information, call Karen at 862-3642; Pat at 862-3355 and/or Elaine at 862-4266. Powers Lake Senior Citizens Club Center is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Home-cooked meals are served Monday through Friday at noon. Home delivery is available on request. Frozen meals are also available. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries are celebrated the second Wednesday of each month with entertainment after the noon meal. Monthly business meetings are on third Saturday of the month. Executive meeting at 5:30 p.m., potluck supper at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. Cards and games follow. Foot clinics on third Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Souris Basin Bus, available to the public, goes to Minot every Thursday and makes trips to Williston, Stanley and Kenmare.
Rolla Senior Citizens The club business meeting is held the second Friday of the month at 1 p.m., followed by entertainment or bingo. Meals are served daily at noon. Home delivered meals are available as are frozen meals for weekends. Foot care is available the third Thursday of each month. A van is available for rides to doctor appointments, grocery or other shopping and business appointments. Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center opens 9 a.m. daily. Senior meals available five days a week serving both congregate (in) and home-delivered (out) meals. Monthly meeting on second Monday of each month. Foot care first Tuesday a.m. and third Tuesday p.m. Call 776-6783 in advance. Cards: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Bingo: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Ryder Happy Hours Club Club meetings are held the first Monday of the month. Walkers meet at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Foot care clinic is offered during the odd months.
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St. John Senior Center 477-3950 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: noon, lunch. Bingo after lunch on Thursday. Second Thursday of each month: 11 a.m., business meeting.
Sawyer Senior Citizens 624-5256 Pool, exercising, cards and quilting are available daily. 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 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 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 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. Tioga Senior Citizens Dinner Tuesday and Friday at noon. Business meeting: second Monday of the month, 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.
Senior Scene
Winter 2015 From May through September, business meetings are held at 2 p.m. Lunch and games afterward. Foot care clinics the third Wednesday of the evennumbered 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 other month on the fourth Wednesday. Call 537-5732 for an appointment. Bus service to Minot is available each Thursday. Call 852-8008 to make advance reservations. The senior center is open by request for 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 second Wednesday at 2 p.m. Bingo is offered on Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The exercise room is available to seniors with their membership dues. The public may use the room with a monthly donation.
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Health care is available on a monthly basis. Included are foot care, immunizations, etc.
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.
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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.