Page 8 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Page 8
Senior Times - June 2023
Updates on Your
SENIOR PROGRAMS
Helen Guzzo, MSW, Special to Senior Times
CELEBRATING FAMILY WEARING COMFORTABLE SHOES
Award-Winning | 5-Star Rated
50 Sanderson Lane 517.279.9587 Coldwater, MI 49036 Maple-Lawn.org
In June the older of my two daugh- ters will get married at St. Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
In June, we also celebrate Father’s Day after celebrating Mother’s Day
in May. Weddings and funerals
are times we bring all our families together in a kind of family reunion, hopefully celebrations of family
and love. Weddings involve a lot of planning, and decisions about what to wear both on your body and your feet. Accommodating the effects of aging and disability involve being comfortable wearing tennis shoes, or other supportive shoes to enjoy the event and not worry about your stability.
problems with diabetes. In this col- umn, I have often talked about my mom who at age 86 is struggling with diabetes, kidney disease, and demen- tia. Helping my brother who is her primary caregiver has given me extra insight into aging and the struggles
SPRING!
STOP IN... we have many colorful arrangements to choose from.
Swonk’s can create traditional arrangements, trendy arrangements or something special.
84 West Goguac Street in Battle Creek 269-963-5571 • www.swonksflowersandgift.com
It’s been interesting seeing the grand mothers decide what to wear. My mother-in-law has peripheral neuropathy, weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, mainly in her feet. It impairs her balance. She only wears tennis shoes because of the stability and comfort they pro- vide. Always careful and stylish in how she looks, she is firm that she
is going to wear tennis shoes. She is going to wear a navy pantsuit with
a sparkling long jacket; no one is going to notice her shoes. The mother of the groom has multiple sclerosis, and she is also going to wear tennis shoes. She is going to wear a scarlet dress with sequins to compliment the bridesmaids in petal pink, and people are going to notice how happy she is, not the black tennis shoes on her feet. The bride is also going to rock in a pair of white bedazzled tennis shoes under her wedding dress, so her feet don’t hurt while she is celebrating this important event.
of providing care for an aging parent or spouse. Grandma is going wear a long dress to her ankles and a cute pair of comfortable metallic sandals with painted toenails to match her dress.
I am going to wear a sparkly dusty pink gown with a flowing scarf down one side and comfortable shoes so that I can focus on welcoming others and dancing to celebrate the marriage and the adding of a son-in-law to our family.
Gifts,
gift baskets, or boxes are always available.
We chose a reception venue with
a short walk from the parking area with an entrance without steps for
our family and guests with mobility issues. While we want people to dress for the special occasion, wearing shoes that provide comfort and stabil- ity is the right thing for participating fully in the celebration of family and love.
Calhoun County Senior Millage
Benefits Counseling
(517) 629-3842 - Albion (800) 803-7174 - Battle Creek (269) 781-0846 - Marshall
Community Care Options
(269) 441-0948
Dental Services
(269) 781-0952
Handy Helper Services & Bed Bug Remediation (866) 200-8877
Hearing & Vision Services
(269) 441-0964
Home Heating Assistance
(269) 965-7766
Legal Assistance
(800) 688-3951
Meal Delivered / Meal Sites
(866) 200-8877
Minor Home Repair
(877) 422-2726
Money Management
(269) 788-1678
Personal Emergency Response
(269) 441-0930
Prescription Assistance
(269) 781-0952
Ramps for Accessibility
(866) 200-8877
Senior Fitness & Fun
(269) 441-0948
Senior Transportation
(269) 565-4144
All services are funded by the citizens of Calhoun County through support of the Senior Millage. Services are available to any County resident, age 60 and over. Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
315 West Green St. Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-0846
www.calhouncountymi.gov
My mom is going to wear a deep purple long dress. We got it shortened so she doesn’t trip over the length. She told me more than once that she could just wear high heels instead of getting the dress shortened. She gave up wearing any kind of heel in her fifties when she first started having
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there! This June make a special effort to reach out. Call and visit your older family and friends. Life is precious, and we all need to strengthen our connections with each other. Let’s enjoy each other and wear comfort- able shoes while doing it.
Helen Guzzo, LMSW, manages Calhoun County Senior Services which administers Senior Millage tax dollars that fund 21 services for older adults, age 60 and over, in Calhoun County. Call (269) 781- 0846 for more information.
Updates on Your
SOCIAL SECURITY
Hillary Hatch, Special to Senior Times
MEDICARE Q&A
QUESTION: I’m 65, not ready
to retire, but I want to apply for my Medicare coverage. How can I do that?
ANSWER: The easiest and most convenient way is to apply online.
Use our online application to sign
up for Medicare. It takes less than
10 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. It’s convenient, quick, and easy. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Get started today at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ medicare.
QUESTION: Is it true that if you have low income you can get help pay- ing your Medicare premiums?
ANSWER: Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles, and coin- surance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services, or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be able to get help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit any Social Security office. Also, see our publication, Medicare, at www.ssa. gov/pubs/10043.html. For even more information, visit www.ssa.gov.
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