Page 9 - Demo

Senior Times - February 2026 Page 9We do things a little differently at Lakeview Assisted Living. The culture of our community promotes a thriving environment where residents can enjoy the next chapter of their lives. Schedule a tour to discover how Lakeview can make a difference in your life.Your New Home Awaits!(269) 870-5537 %u2022 lakeviewassisted.com14661 Helmer Road South, Battle Creek, MI 49015THESTAFF ATEVERGREENARE THEof HEALTHCAREHEROES111 EVERGREEN ROAD, SPRINGFIELD, MI 49037269-969-6110 | www.evergreenscc.comFACILITY FEATURES:Rehab to HomePhysical, Occupational and Speech Therapy ServicesLong-Term Skilled NursingRespite CareAdmissions 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a weekPrivate Rooms AvailableCable and Wi-FiA Trilogy Senior Living Community706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 theoakshc.com | We%u2019ll adapt to what every new day brings %u2013 all while stayingtrue to our mission of providingcompassionate care.We take a personalized approach to care. Our BFF Approach: our caregiverslearn the unique life story of eachperson that they serve.Our Daily Rhythms program:we provide our residents witha schedule that promotes comfort and fulfillment.Additional programs include:Living Arts, Campus in Color Gardening, Lifelong learning and more!Restaurant-style dining is providedby our four-star chefs and more!Contact us today andschedule a FREE assessment!269-964-4655Rod Auton, Special to Senior TimesSENIOR PROGRAMS Update On Yourwould like to partner with other townships in the county to create even more of them. We also provide funding to all three of the senior centers in the county: Forks Senior Center, Heritage Commons Enrichment Center, and the Kool Family Center. Between the three senior centers approximately 700-800 older adults in the county can engage in regular meaningful activities with other older adults. Senior Socials and Senior Centers offer great opportunities for social engagement and meaningful activities, which leads to better health outcomes.We also provide funding to Senior Health Partners%u2019 %u201cFit and Fun%u201d program, which served close to 6,000 older adults in Calhoun County in 2025. Senior Health Partner delivers a variety of health, support and fitness programming throughout Calhoun County including traditional Senior Fitness and Fun: a group exercise class offering health screenings by a licensed nurse, exercises anybody can do led by a certified instructor, health education, socialization, and community referrals.Keep Moving is a group exercise program that includes exercises that anybody can do, taught by a certified instructor, provides aging health and educational information and community referrals. These programs serve multiple purposes that include positive social engagement as well as physical exercise.Finally, I%u2019d like to highlight one other program in the county, Congregate Meals, which the Senior Millage funds (in partnership with CareWell Services) and Milestone Senior Services operates. Meals are provided to older adults in different places around the county, which support both older adult nutritional needs as well as social engagement. All these programs are intended to support positive health outcomes in older adults living in Calhoun County. Our partners do an excellent job supporting older adults in the county in their goals to live as healthy and independent as possible at home.IMPACT HEALTH WITH SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMSFor older adults, social isolation can be a significant and independent risk factor for chronic health conditions and lower life expectancy. Social isolation can contribute to negative outcomes related to brain health, heart disease, weak immune system, and mental health. Research has shown that it can also lead to increased frequency in hospital visits. More and more, we are seeing primary care providers asking questions about loneliness of their older adult patients and are starting to treat social isolation as a medical risk factor. In addition, discharge planners and care coordinators are making increased referrals to social and human services organizations in the community to support the older adult patient at home.According to the 2024 study by the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan called %u201cLoneliness and Isolation: Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels, But Still High, For Older Adults,%u201d 29% of older adults in the study said that they felt isolated some of the time in 2024. Also, 75% of older adults with the highest rates of loneliness in 2024 reported that their mental health was fair or poor, and 53% said their physical health was fair or poor.At Calhoun County Senior Services, we acknowledge the negative impact that social isolation and loneliness are having on Calhoun County older adult residents and are working closely with our community partners to fund programs that encourage older adults in more meaningful social engagement and participation. We currently fund Senior Socials in Lee Township, Marengo Township, Eckford Township, Homer Township, Athens Township, and at the Salvation Army in Battle Creek. Most of these programs served older adults on a weekly basis through food and friendship. We have seen this program have significant growth over the past couple of years. In fact, it has been so successful that we Happy Valentine%u2019s Day to Our Amazing Wellness Warriors! Thank you for showing up for yourself and for each other %u2013 your energy, laughter, and commitment light up every class. Wishing you a day filled with love, movement, and all the feelgood moments you deserve.Happy Valentine%u2019s Day to our Wonderful Community Care Options clients!We%u2019re so grateful for the opportunity to support you and lend a helping hand as you continue your journey through life. Thank you for trusting us %u2013 we%u2019re honored to be part of your journey. Wishing you a day filled with warmth, kindness, and a little extra love.Happy Valentine%u2019s Dayfrom Senior Health Partners