Community Connection Newsletter | August 2020 | News & Announcements
What's Up Samaritas?
Fun and good times all around
Phew! The last month here at Samaritas was a busy one. Residents enjoyed everything from a Farmer’s Market on Wheels to a concert in the parking lot. 
 
The Sunday school kids from Zion Lutheran Church decorated their bikes for a parade through our parking lot. Their cheerful faces brought so much joy to our residents who were very happy to see them and thanked them with a goody bag at the end. What a blessing kids are! 
 
Thirsty Thursday’s are back and the residents couldn’t be happier. The Luau cart went through the building serving up ice cold strawberry daiquiris and Hawaiian music. Cheers! 

Our residents have put a lot of love into growing a beautiful garden this year, and they finally got to enjoy the fruits of their labors. The Farmer’s Market on Wheels came through serving up freshly picked fruits and veggies from their garden, yummy! 
Music filled our parking lot and our souls as we celebrated the return of one of our favorite musical guests, Jim Quales Ministries. It was a beautiful day for residents to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while singing and dancing along. Music is definitely medicine for the soul!

Looking for a quick and easy way to bring some cheer to your loved one? Try out Senior Messages! Your free personalized messages will be hand delivered and sure to brighten their day. Check it out at http://samaritascadillac.seniormessages.com. 
 
Employee of the Month
Congratulations Brenda Fuzi
Our August Employee of the Month is Brenda Fuzi! Brenda has been with Samaritas in the housekeeping department for
15 months. 

She is the mother of 7 kids, 4 grandkids, and 1 great grandchild! She was recently married and lives on a farm south of Cadillac with her husband and 2 dogs. Brenda is a former Sous Chef at Burkes, CAPS, and Helsels.  

She enjoys working at Samaritas because she says she finally feels comfortable and welcomed in her job atmosphere. Brenda likes her job and enjoys the residents and staff. 
In the future Brenda would like to write a cookbook, and be the best mom and grandmother she can be. 

Congratulations Brenda, we appreciate all that you do! 
 
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.


SAVE THE DATE! September 24th we will host via Zoom a Free Continuing Education Course. 1.0 Credit per course for Nursing and Social Workers. Attend at 7:30am or 1:30pm. For more information please contact Rachel at 231-577-7004 or [email protected]. This Course will be presented by NorthStar Institute and Hospice of Michigan. All are welcome to attend.  
Hospice of Michigan Training
Hosting a FREE Continuing Education Training. All are welcome to attend and will receive a certificate of completion. 1 credit hour CE for nurses and social workers. Visit the Hospice of Michigan Training website for details.
See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
Senior Living Communities Get iPads from Grand Rapids-area Donors
By Jessica Scalabrino 
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.  
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. 
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.
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.
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.

Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a tour, learn about promotions and more.

460 Pearl Street | Cadillac, MI 49601 | Samaritas.org/Senior-Living | (833) 505-CARE (2273)