Senior News

By Diane Kittelson, Pope County Senior Services Consultant/Coordinator

As fall approaches, now is the right time to compare drug plans and enroll in a new one for next year. October 15 to December 7 is the Open Enrollment Period during which you can compare your current plan to others available in your area and sign up for the one that best meets your needs in the new year.  Some suggestions:

• Find out if your current plan will  be changing next year.

• Compare your current plan to others in your area, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder to do this by going to www.medicare.gov.

• Once you are ready to enroll, it is a good idea to call the plan directly to confirm any information you read on Plan Finder as errors are always possible.

You can also call the Senior Linkage Line for assistance with Medicare Open Enrollment at 800-333-2433 or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227), or by calling the plan directly.

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Another exciting thing about fall is the Annual Senior Citizens Party! This year it will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Minnewaska House Brewing Co + Grill. Serving starts at 11:30 a.m., so get there to find your table early! We will have the traditional meatball dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cole slaw and a pumpkin bar. This cost is $7 per person. We ask that you please call ahead to reserve your ticket by calling 1-218-685-8207. This event is put on by the Pope County on Aging who furnishes the Grab Bags, Door Prizes, and it contributes towards the cost of the meal keep it affordable. We hope to see you there in your best Halloween costume!

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Thank you to everyone who supported and attended the Senior Expo Education and Awareness Event. We plan to bring this event back every other year and are already starting to plan for the next event. If you are looking for a Coffee with a Cop event, the meetings will resume in the Spring.

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For information and resources for older adults, supports for caregivers, and dementia training and education call Diane at 320-424-0018.

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A free Dementia Skills training for family and friends of those living with Dementia will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Starbuck Community Center from 1-2:30 p.m. This is a hands-on skills workshop to experience the power of “doing with” people instead of “doing to” people. We will practice essential skills like communication, personal cares, and managing reactions like “I want to go home.” Krisie Barron and Diane Kittelson, Certified PAC Dementia Trainers are facilitating. This event is supported in part by a grant through the Minnesota Board on Aging.

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See You on the 24th!