Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan October 2022 - 29-10

Senior Times - October 2022
Page 3
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARING MEALS
By: Helen Guzzo, Manager, Calhoun County Senior Services
Nothing brings people together better than sharing a meal. As the holidays approach we begin the ritual of planning what to eat, when, where, and with whom. Family traditions often include favorite recipes that are handed down from one generation to the next. The smells and tastes of our favorite foods bring nos- talgic memories of our loved ones or special family times. For our family that has meant sugar cookies made with Grandma, or apple crisp as our favorite family dessert, or pulled pork on the grill for family cookouts. Food often results in friendly family debates over secret ingredients or techniques as well as who makes a recipe best.
Food is so much more than nutrition and energy, it is personal, it is love, and it means family. Food is often best when shared.
nutrition, a restaurant dining program has
been funded through the meals contract with Milestone Senior Services. Restaurant owners work closely with Milestone Senior Services to develop a special menu that meets nutri- tional guidelines within a price point that also includes a tip. The program gives seniors the freedom and flexibility to choose from break- fast, lunch, or dinner any day of the week, multiple times a week. It also benefits the restaurant owners who rely on a steady stream of customers. The program uses local libraries or township halls to sign people up and dis- tribute the vouchers, so it truly is a community program.
the meals program funds home delivered meals, or Meals on Wheels, for older adults who are frail and unable to shop or prepare food. The funding partnership also provides eight group or congregate meal sites at afford- able housing complexes and senior centers.
So far, the program has been extremely successful at the one restaurant that is partici- pating in the program in Calhoun County, the Copper Kettle in Athens. The funding part- ners hope to expand the program to two other restaurants that are currently in the process
of setting up and then expand the restaurant dining program countywide utilizing family owned and operated local restaurants.
In Battle Creek, meal sites are operated at Bedford Manor, Cherry Hill Manor, Westbrook Place, Springview Towers, and Lakeview Meadow apartments. The Clarence Township Hall also hosts a meal program. In Marshall, meal sites are operated at Marshall House Apartments and newly renovated and relocated Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center. For more information regarding the restaurant dining program, home-delivered meals, or the congregate meal sites call Milestone Senior Services at 866-200-8877, or Calhoun County Senior Services at (269) 781-0846.
Many seniors look forward to meeting
up with friends for an early breakfast with bottomless cups of coffee, lingering for con- versation after the last bit of pancake or toast is gone. These social opportunities provide meaning and connection for older adults. This is why group, or congregate meal sites are so vital to seniors who may not otherwise venture out very often. Many seniors live alone and do not bother to cook for just themselves, which can result in poor nutrition because they are settling on snacking or convenience foods. Eating alone day after day also can have debil- itating effects on mental health.
At the Copper Kettle in Athens, this is how the program works: Seniors, 60 years old
or older, who are interested in the program need to fill out a form at the Athens Library. Calhoun County seniors are then given 12 cou- pons per month to redeem at the Copper Kettle in Athens. There is a special senior menu offering breakfast, lunch, or dinner items. The coupon pays for the meal with a tip; seniors are free to leave an additional tip for the server. Any drinks or items not on the dining program menu are a separate cost. Milestone Senior Services stops at the restaurant weekly to collect the redeemed coupons to reimburse the restaurant for meals eaten.
And don’t forget that Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7, all older adults on Medicare should compare their Part D Prescription insurance and Medicare Supplemental plans to make sure that they
are in the best plans for their individual situa- tions. Drug costs and participating pharmacies change each year; plans can be compared at medicare.gov or by setting up an appointment with a Medicare counselor. No cost to you, conflict-free benefits counseling is available in Battle Creek through CareWell Services at 800-803-7174, in Albion at the Forks Senior Center at (517) 629-3842 or in Marshall through our office at (269) 781-0846.
Calhoun County Senior Services and its partnership with CareWell Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Calhoun and Barry Counties, understands the importance of nutri- tion and the social aspect of eating together with others. To promote socializations and
In addition to the restaurant dining program,
Helen Guzzo, LMSW, is the Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services, which funds 20 supportive services for residents, age 60 and over, with Senior Millage tax dollars. To learn more, call (269) 781-0846.
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