A PUBLICATION COURTESY OF MACOMB COUNTY GOVERNMENT

SENIOR FOCUS

Dining Senior Style in Eastpointe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Volunteers needed . . . . . . . . 2

Executive Update . . . . . . . . . 3

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . 4

Fall 2014

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS OFFER VARIETY OF SERVICES

Medicare Part D Enrollment raises questions for many older Americans each year. The Macomb County Office of Senior Services offers assistance during the Open Enrollment period to help answer those questions. Medicare Part D Counselors are trained to help seniors review the available plans and register confidently for the plan of their choice.

Things to consider:• Medicare Part D premiums, co-pays & deductibles change each year.• Current plans may be eliminated and new plans added.• Current plans may no longer be the most cost-effective choice. Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2014 and runs through December 7th. Appointments are

available Monday through Friday during this enrollment period from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the VerKuilen building located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. Seniors are encouraged to bring all current prescription medications to the appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the Office of Senior Services at (586) 469-5228.

The Office of Senior Services is proud to introduce our Resource Specialist Team. These knowledgeable professionals are available for in-home assessments to determine which services are most beneficial to Macomb County seniors. They are then able to assist with the application process for services such as:• Meals on Wheels• Home Injury Control• Chore Services • Medicare & Medicaid• SNAP (Food Assistance) Allow me the opportunity to introduce each member of the Resource Specialist team:

MEDICARE PART D COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

The resource specialist team. From left, Shelly Thompson, Patrice Avery, Kathy Hayford, Karen Tomalis-Lloyd, Eleana Loy, Marlana Wall-Ketelhut, Roxanne Boettcher and Cassandra Turner. Continued on Page 3

Inside this Issue:

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DINING SENIOR STYLE RETURNS TO EASTPOINTE

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Office of Senior Services would like to congratulate Elaine Czapor on winning the 32” flat screen TV at the Senior Fun Festival on June 20, 2014. Elaine was one of the 1,300 attendees at the annual event held at Gibraltar Trade Center. Next year’s event is scheduled for June 12, 2015.

Macomb County Community Services Agency’s Office of Senior Services opened a new Dining Senior Style location in August. “Historically, there has been a Dining Senior Style site in Eastpointe. Thanks to collaboration with Breath of Life Christian Church and the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe, who own and operate the building, we are able to bring a

much-needed service back to this community,” said Katherine R. Benford, Director of the Office of Senior Services. Dining Senior Style is available to Macomb County residents over the age of 60 and their spouses.The location serves lunch Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and the suggested cost share is $3. The Eastpointe site is located is at 16435 E. Eight Mile Road between Gratiot and Kelly. This new location is also the pick-up site for several Meals on Wheels routes. This expansion in service will reduce wait times for recipients as well as make the commute shorter for volunteer drivers. It will also increase program capacity in Roseville, Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores. The Office of Senior Services

currently operates more than 20 Dining Senior Style locations throughout the county as well as delivers about 1,500 meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels. If you or someone you know is in need of Meals on Wheels, or you would like to volunteer, call the Office of Senior Services at (586) 469-5228.

Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. The Office of Senior Services is adding new routes in Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores. “One of our goals is to make waiting lists in these cities a thing of the past,” said Cynthia Eichhorst, OSS volunteer coordinator. “Adding new routes is the best way to accomplish this.” The general boundaries for the proposed new routes are between Eight and Ten Mile roads from Gratiot to Jefferson avenues. The pick up location is the Eastpointe Community Center, 16436 E. Eight Mile Road. Routes are available Monday through Friday.

In order to volunteer, you:• Must be at least 18, or

accompanied by a parent or authorized adult.• Complete background check.• Possess valid driver’s license and insurance.• Must use your personal vehicle for delivery. In addition:• Drivers are scheduled twice a month. • An average route takes about 90 minutes to complete.• Mileage reimbursement is available.

Meals on Wheels allows seniors to remain in their homes and live with dignity while receiving warm, nutritious meals. In Macomb County, more than 1,500 seniors receive daily meals through the program. If you would like to volunteer, contact the OSS at (586) 469-5228.

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Patrice Avery is a master’s prepared social worker with many years of diverse professional and personal experience. She lives in Macomb County with her family and is delighted to join the OSS resource specialist team. Roxanne Boettcher has been involved in social work since graduating from college, primarily serving children and families. Working with the OSS allows her to expand her service to the aging population as well. Kathy Hayford received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Western Michigan University. Following 15 years in long term care she has spent the past eight years working for the OSS. Linda Johnson has been working with older adults since her youth. Following her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University, Linda obtained a master’s degree in Community Medicine with a

graduate certificate in Gerontology from Wayne State University. Linda is excited to continue her advocacy for older adults with the OSS. Eleana Loy joins the team in partnership with the Association of Chinese Americans. Eleana and her family have lived in Macomb County since 1997. Eleana’s first spoken language was Cantonese and she feels blessed to be able to help the local Chinese older adults who live in Macomb County. “I am looking forward to seeing more Chinese people benefit from this service,” says Eleana. Shelly Thompson is a lifelong resident of Macomb County and a bachelor’s prepared social worker. Shelly began her social work career as a discharge planner for a local health care system; she has spent the past eight years working for the OSS. Cassandra Turner holds a master’s degree in Social Work

from Wayne State University. She also completed a two-year fellowship program, Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE). Prior to joining the OSS Cassandra had field work experience in a variety of settings including hospice, mental health, community, and adult day services. Marlana Wall-Ketelhut is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker. She joins the OSS as a Resource Specialist after a 24-year career with Macomb County Community Mental Health, where she worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Karen Tomalis-Lloyd joins the team in partnership with South Eastern Michigan Indians, Inc. Karen specializes in services for American Indian older adults and works primarily on location in Centerline.

MARK HACKELMacomb County Executive

Growing up in Warren, I was lucky to live on a “multi-generational” street. There were plenty of senior citizens, middle-aged and young adults, teenagers and children. We all looked out for each other. Each person contributed something valuable to our community. The more variety of generations participating in the stability of a neighborhood, the greater depth of life experiences and ideas there are available to help that community grow. As Macomb County’s population of those aged 65 and over increases, developing livable multi-generational communities is key to our success. It is time for each community to begin ensuring that they are prepared to accommodate this generational tidal wave. While every community and older adult faces unique challenges, there are several areas to

highlight collectively. Communities need a system of services that integrates daily living needs such as transportation, housing and health care services. Recreational assets are also important to accommodate this change. Providing ample social, educational and cultural opportunities will allow older adults to remain active and engaged in society – something which benefits us all. Macomb County has many services designed to help our older adults and the population that will be supporting them. Meals on Wheels, Dining Senior Style, Adult Day Services, Home Injury Control, and Chore Services are just a few of Macomb County’s available programs. Take a look at what we have available at www.macombgov.org/mccsa. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, contact our office at (586) 469-7001.

EXECUTIVE UPDATE

RESOURCE SPECIALISTS from Page 1

Seniors in the St. Clair Shores areas are invited to participate in Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults. Participants will brainstorm strategies and set goals to encourage healthy food choices. The program uses the MyPlate guidelines with the goal to improve the nutrition and physical activity needs of participants. The classes meet weekly for six weeks, with a restaurant outing following the last class. There is a suggested cost share of $10. Classes begin October 16 and meet every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 33000 Harper Avenue in St. Clair Shores. To register, call (586) 293-3731. Healthy Eating classes are offered in different communities in Macomb County during the year. Check with the OSS to see when a class is planned near you!

Macomb County Community Services AgencyOffice of Senior Services21885 Dunham Road, Suite 6Clinton Township, MI 48036(586) 469-5228

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Upcoming events

OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES

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Please return this completed form to the Office of Senior Services, 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 6, Clinton Township, MI 48036

The Office of Senior Services (including Meals on Wheels and Dining Senior Style programs) will be closed the following dates during the upcoming holiday season.

October 13 Columbus DayNovember 4 Election DayNovember 11 Veterans DayNovember 27 & 28 ThanksgivingDecember 24 Christmas EveDecember 25 Christmas DayDecember 31 New Year’s EveJanuary 1 New Year’s Day

HOLIDAY CLOSURESHEALTHY EATING CLASS PLANNED