Community Connection Newsletter | August 2020 | News & Announcements
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July, a month of outdoor music
By: Jacqueline Dillinger
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July was a month filled with music for the residents here at Samaritas. We cautiously emerged from our COVID cocoons to the front of the building to enjoy some beautiful summer weather, and a variety of music. We had four different concerts in all.
Our first concert was Brother Day and a friend.They sang oldies, while the residents sang along.
Of course, since it was our first time, it rained! When the rain came, the band was able to move under the carport. The members stayed dry under the large awning in front of the building, and under their roofs on their patios. No one’s spirits were dampened by the weather.
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The next musician was Peter Bergin, and he played ragtime on his electronic piano. He was lucky to have a beautiful day, and we drank lemonade while listening to the music. We positioned him in a better position for the audio reception.
Then came Marty Miller and his wife. He sang old classics and some gospel tunes, songs the residents could sing along with. The weather was beautiful, we had worked out all the kinks, and it ended up being a nice concert.
At the end of the month, rather spontaneously, a group of recorder players came from First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. Six musicians played and sang hymns. The music was uplifting.
We are looking forward to more outside concerts for the month of August. We feels so blessed to live in an area where the summer brings such beautiful weather, and we can enjoy outdoor activity.
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We asked a few of our seniors their thoughts about Michigan summers and what they liked and disliked about the season. Read what they had to say. |
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May Andre
May does not like summer. She just does not like the heat. The heat makes her feel like she does not want to do anything.
Her favorite way to keep cool is air conditioning or a fan. She would rather use the fan, but sometimes it’s just too hot and she has to rely on the air conditioner.
May’s favorite summer activity as a kid was playing softball on a team. She was a pitcher and first baseman(woman). They played at a school across the street from her home. She was in a league that traveled around and played teams from other schools. May never used a mitt, so that is why she has such bad arthritis in her hand.
May’s favorite summer food is hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans.
When asked about a summer boyfriend, she told me that she had two friends that hung around together, and each of them had a boyfriend. So the six of them would do stuff together, like go to the movies.
She didn’t have summer drives, her dad didn’t own a car because they lived in the city. They walked or used public transportation to get around.
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Nancy Duede
Nancy only likes the summer when she can get outside to enjoy it. She does not like the hot and muggy weather. During the summer, they used to go camping and travel around Michigan, and other states. They visited lighthouses, sometimes staying in them. Air conditioning is her favorite way to stay cool.
As a child, Nancy lived on a farm, so all summer she worked around the farm. Once a week every summer her family would take a week off, and go up north for vacation.
When asked what her favorite summer food was, Nancy said Picnic foods. She loved to eat outside in the summer.
The only summer drive she remembers was when they would drive up North to a cabin they rented in the woods.
Nancy dad had a 36 Chevrolet, and they would have to tie on three spare tires to make it up North for their vacation.
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Carolyn Gauthier
Carolyn’s favorite thing to do in the summer is to being on the lake with the cool summer breeze blowing over the water. Her and her husband’s dream came true when they were able to build a cabin on Elk Lake.
Her favorite way to keep cool is to open the doors and circulate the air in the apartment. Also, to sit under a tree in the shade with a good book.
Carolyn grew up in Chicago, she was a city girl. Her favorite summer activity was to play tennis in the park.
Favorite summer food is watermelon.
No summer boyfriend worth mentioning.
Her favorite summer drive is the Pierce Stocking Drive up the Sleeping Bear Dunes, they would always take their guests there.
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Vera
Says, her favorite way of keeping cool is by, "Staying in the house with the air conditioner."
When she was younger, she loved being outdoors. She added, "I liked to explore. By explore I mean find violets and sassafras for example." She remembers there was two neighborhood boys and she would play cops and robbers with them.
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Here favorite summertime treat is ice cream. She does not really have a favorite flavor she continued, "I don't have a favorite flavor. Back then (when she was younger) it was pretty much just one flavor and it was vanilla."
Vera didn't ever have a special boyfriend as a teen during the summer. She said, "Not really, a thing at that time. At that time the was the most interesting she'd rather hang around with her girlfriends, slumber parties, gossip, etc."
She was a depression kid. Things were simple. There are a few things that come to mind that were great childhood memories about summer including "dancing in the rain".
"One was when the firefighter would come out on a real hot day and let the fire hydrant go and all the kids would run and play in it in their underwear. Things were so much easier then as far as not having to worry about crazy people."
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Joan
In her younger days, Joan loved everything about summer. She also loved to play outside, eat strawberry ice cream and wear less clothing when it's hot.
She also said, "I did not really have a summer love/boyfriend. I am my own person. I guess nobody was worth it!"
I liked summer drives. She added, "I had trucks. I would drive to the nearest place to swim. I had three trucks before a sedan."
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Learn More About Our New Move-in Special |
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If you, or someone you know is thinking about letting go of home maintenance in favor of being with like-minded mature adults -- you're in luck.
This month, those who choose to move into the Senior Living of Traverse City community will get one month's free rent.
We have more spacious assisted and independent living apartments than ever before. And, more apartment style living spaces than most of our competitors. Check out a virtual tour to see for yourself.
Call (833) 505-CARE to schedule a safe, private tour today.
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Senior Living Communities Get iPads from Grand Rapids-area Donors
By Jessica Scalabrino
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When Samaritas put out the word for help during this unprecedented time of need, a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids and representatives of the John Laing Group responded. Through their support all Samaritas Senior Living communities received iPads to help residents overcome isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 60 iPads are helping residents better connect with the people they love. Residents are now video-calling their loved ones and staying in touch with children and grandchildren more often. Graduations, memorial services and church services don’t have to missed, even when they are across the county or country!
They are also a source of fun – the games and brain teaser apps onboard the iPads keep minds engaged and sharp. Staff are available to assist residents in using the devices. And being good stewards of our resources, when not “checked out” by residents, iPads can help Samaritas staff access continuing education course work and trainings.
If you’ve wondered how you can help make a difference like our friend from Faith Lutheran and the John Laing Group, please reach out to Jessica Scalabrino at (313) 308-8892 to learn how you can further support seniors and their families.
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See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
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Colon Cancer: Reduce Your Risk
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Tests can detect colon polyps before they become cancerous, and cancers in their early stages.
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Who should be tested? The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests for:
- All adults 50 years of age and older
- People with a personal history of colon polyps, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer
What are the tests? The ACS suggests the following tests:
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT – preferred) or fecal occult blood test (FOBT)* - Yearly
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy** - Every five years
- Colonoscopy – Every 10 years
Being tested is the best action you can take to prevent colon cancer. Call your health care provider and make an appointment today.
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How can you reduce your risk?
- Get tested.
- Stay active. The ACS suggest at least 30 minutes of exercise five or more days a week.
- Keep a healthy body weight. Ask your provider what your weight should be.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Limit your intake of high-fat foods and alcohol.
- Ask your provider if aspirin therapy might help.
If you have questions about reducing your risk for colon cancer, please contact your provider.
* For FOBT, use the take-home multiple sample method.
** Using either FIT or FOBT yearly, plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years is better (but not required) over either of these options alone.
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How can Molina Healthcare support your healthcare needs?
Molina Healthcare offers more benefits for people with Medicaid and Medicare.
Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP offers comprehensive healthcare services to people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. People with both Medicaid and Medicare are eligible to join a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). D-SNP offers a wide range of coverage including hospital (hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice care, and some home health care), medical (doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services), and prescription drug coverage.
Questions? Go to MolinaHealthcare.com/Medicare or call (866) 403-8293 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP is a Health Plan with a Medicare Contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Molina Medicare Complete Care depends on contract renewal.
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Samaritas offers retirement living for seniors with five communities throughout Michigan. Whether you want independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support or rehabilitation therapy, you’ll find a home that feels right.
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