Page 10 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2021 - 28-06
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Page 10 Senior Times - June 2021
 SENIOR TRANSPORTATION & EXERCISE CLASSES AVAILABLE TO CALHOUN COUNTY SENIORS
By: Helen Guzzo, LMSW, Manager Calhoun County Senior Services
  COVID-19 continues to limit our activities but as vaccination rates increase, we are safe
to do more things using wise precautions.
In 2020 and to date this year, the numbers
of older adults using Senior Millage-funded services has decreased as seniors have stayed home to stay safe. As we reopen services, our goal is for all programs to be highly utilized. I want to highlight the availability of the Senior Transportation Program run by Community Action, which provides rides throughout Calhoun County. The restarting of exercise classes organized by Senior Health Partners is a positive sign as well.
of senior citizens in Calhoun County. With Senior Millage support, they provide free nurse-supported exercise and fitness programs, and support groups. They are slowly adding in-person Senior Fitness and Fun exercise class- es with social distancing and mask wearing. Please call (269) 441-0948 for an updated exercise schedule. Senior Health Partners is also organizing outdoor walking clubs. Join them at the park across from the Kool Family Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Avenue, in Battle Creek on Mondays at 10am or at Victory Life Church, 6892 D Drive North
 For Community Action Senior Transportation, ridership is down to 30% of what it was in 2019. Whenever community partners conduct needs assessments, transporta- tion comes up as a high need in the community, so we know the need for transportation services still exists.
Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm. Service must be scheduled 24 hours in advance and is subject to availability. Eligibility for transportation is not based on income; seniors and disabled persons of all financial levels are invited to schedule transportation services. Disabled persons under 60 years of age must have a form filled out by a physician document- ing their disability, call for staff to mail you or fax to your physician the registration form. A cost share of $2 per ride is requested but not required.
in the Harper Creek area of Battle Creek on Thursdays at 9am. Just show up, check in at the registration table and walk the track. Senior Health Partners also has exercise classes avail- able on Facebook Live and through YouTube for you to exercise at home. Their website is shpcalhoun.org.
Community Action’s Senior Transportation provides vans with, and without, wheelchair lifts to transport seniors over age 60, and dis- abled persons 18 years of age and over, to medical appointments, employment, grocery shopping, and other necessary trips. To keep riders safe, masks for riders and drivers are
still required. Community Action has added Plexiglas to separate drivers from riders, reg- ularly wipes down the seats and door handles, and at the end of the day performs sanitizing with new equipment to keep riders safe. Drivers are specially trained to safely transport people with special needs. This service is not a taxi service, it must be prearranged, and it is best to schedule rides in advance.
Senior Transportation and Senior Fitness and Fun are two important programs that are funded by Senior Millage that have capacity to serve more older adults than they are currently. Please give the services a try!
To arrange transportation service in Calhoun County, call 2(69) 565-4144, or toll free 1-800-994-9876. Service is provided
Community Action’s Senior Transportation can be scheduled to pick you up weekly to attend an exercise class. Regular movement and exercise are key to healthy aging. The paradox with arthritis and many common back and joint problems is that it hurts to move; yet regular exercise is the number one way to overcome and manage such pain. Senior Millage funds exercise programs for all seniors age 60 and over as part of its wellness strategy.
The Calhoun County Senior Millage funds
a wide variety of health programing designed to help Calhoun County residents, age 60 and over, be more active and healthy. The mission of Senior Services is to enhance and promote the availability of needed quality services for Calhoun County seniors through effective and efficient allocation of County Senior Millage resources. The vision is to fund choices for seniors, while promoting safety, dignity, and independence. Helen Guzzo, LMSW, is the Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services, which funds services for Calhoun County older adults, age 60 and over with Senior Millage tax dollars. To learn more, call (269) 781-0846.
Senior Health Partners is a community orga- nization dedicated to the health and well-being
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