Community Connection Newsletter | September 2020 | News & Announcements
Welcoming Fall
By: Ashley Coley and Chelsea Ebel
My friends, the fall season is in our grasp. We can now enjoy the changing colors high in the trees one day and a blanket of color on the ground the next, tucking in the green grass in until we meet again in the spring. We know there is death in this season, but it’s not hard to see the beginning of something new, even in the early stages of decay. How can all this beauty be a sign of death and decay?

Because God is amazing and awesome and has infinite amounts of grace for us. I can’t help but believe He makes this season so beautiful as another sign of His love for us. He will let the earth rest, and then after some time, He will bring it to life again.
Get Ready for These Fun Activities
During this time, we will celebrate with the first day of school virtual or in-person or some combination of the two, caramel apples and bonfires, hayrides in the crisp cool air even if we are wearing masks, apples pies, warm drinks, and much more. Despite the challenges the pandemic has brought to us, there is much to celebrate, if you look for it.

We have a couple wonderful opportunities right here in our community. We'll continue our ‘Music and Memories’ program on September 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with entertainment by Michale Krieger. This trip down memory lane will be filled with hits from yesteryear.

Oktoberfest Pub Crawl
Coming Soon
On Wednesday, September 30 join us for an Oktoberfest Pub Crawl. Stop by our Oktoberfest stands to enjoy German food and beer while learning about Oktoberfest and the history of it. To ensure safety please RSVP to Chelsea at ( if you would like to join us for a safe, socially distanced outdoor concert or our Oktoberfest Pub Crawl.

Community-Based Palliative Care
By Chelsea Ebel
Join us on Wednesday, September 23 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. for an insightful presentation on palliative care. Samaritas, Hospice of Michigan, and NorthStar Palliative Care welcome Kai Denski, D.O. for a free CEU opportunity for nurses and social workers. In this presentation you will learn what palliative care is, the differences between palliative care and hospice care, as well as indicators and triggers for patient eligibility for palliative care.

Along with the presentation each person who signs up will get a free gourmet boxed lunch provided by Samaritas. Simply stop by between 9-12 p.m. on September 23 to pick up your delicious Waldorf chicken salad and harvest bread pudding topped with fresh caramel. Don’t forget to schedule a safe, private tour of our beautiful Bloomfield Hills Samaritas community any time throughout October to be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

To register please call Chelsea at (248) 385-0464. Space is limited, please register by September 21 to secure your spot! 

We asked a few of our seniors about their memories from being in grade school. Click on the play buttons below to hear what they had to say.
Mary Jo Johnston
Lillian Mitchell


Samaritas Backpacks For Kids
It all began with Samaritas Senior Living residents
The Samaritas Annual Backpack Drive for Kids has come to an end and now we’re distributing hundreds of backpacks to needy students in our care. The school supplies are a godsend to some of the families we support who are struggling to make ends meet during the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
This successful drive began years ago by a group of Samaritas Senior Living residents like you, who wanted to make sure foster kids and refugee students start the school year with confidence. As the largest private foster care organization in Michigan, Samaritas understands that children can feel embarrassed when they don’t have the necessary supplies to start the year off right. The Backpack Drive helps alleviate any stress that a foster family or other needy parent may have.
Emmanuel Lutheran in Livonia dropped off 44 backpacks for kids and teens stuffed full of school supplies and a $150 check of additional donations for supplies.
Emmanuel Lutheran of Livonia delivered 44 backpacks stuffed full with school supplies and a $150 check for more supplies. 
In 2020, supplies were donated from corporate donors like Famous Footwear and Chemical Bank. Other donations came from individuals and churches like First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Emmanuel Lutheran of Southfield and Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Livonia.
 
These donations are being distributed to Samaritas foster care, affordable living and other community offices near Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint, Kalamazoo, Monroe and Detroit. 
Friendship is in the Mail
Use this time during quarantine to meet new friends and exchange encouraging messages with others who can use a little "pick-me-up".

Contact Destiny Jackson at [email protected] to find out how you can be part of the Samaritas Letter Writing program. Watch the video below to learn more.
See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
Check out the list.
Type-2 Diabetes
What is insulin?

Your body turns the food you eat into blood glucose (blood sugar). Insulin tells your cells to absorb this blood glucose to use for energy. 

What is Type-2 Diabetes? 
Type-2 Diabetes occurs when your body either resists the effects of insulin or does not make enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level. 
How do you know if you have Type-2 diabetes? 
Not everyone has symptoms. Your provider can give you a simple blood test to see if you have Type-2 Diabetes. Visit your provider if you have any of these symptoms: 

  • Increased sugar cravings 
  • Increased belly weight 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Increased thirst or need to pee 
  • Feeling tired or ill 
  • Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal 
  • Loss of feeling or tingling feet 

What are the effects of Type-2 Diabetes?  
  • Damage to nerves and blood vessels can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.  
  • Sores on the skin can become easily infected.  
  • Poor circulation in arms and legs can lead to loss of limbs.  
  • Problems during pregnancy and birth defects can occur.  

Type-2 Diabetes is a very serious health condition. Your provider can help you manage your Type-2 Diabetes. 
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.
 
This information is available in other formats, such as Braille, large print, and audio. Product offered by Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc.
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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