Community Connection Newsletter | September 2020 | News & Announcements
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Good Times and Fun for Everyone
By Patricia Paine
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In the midst of a global pandemic, we entered August yearning for the good old days of summer and quickly realizing we are in the midst of the dog days of summer.
There were several themed days in which activities were offered relating to the theme such as; backyard camping, water balloon toss, Spirit of ‘45 day, tell a joke day, beach day, just because day, kinetic sand day, root beer float day, creamsicle day and our personal favorite; banana split day.
We also held our annual Summer Senior Olympics. This year, however we offered only individual activities with each participant. The games included; Basketball Hoops, Corn Hole Toss, Bocci Ball, Putt-Putt Golf and Nerf Target Shooting. Each participant received a certificate of participation and cupcakes served decorated with the colors of the Olympic flag.
The Activity Department continues to offer one to one activities such as but not limited to; senior stretches, freeze dance and 'move & groove', hallway Pokeno & BINGO, word games, adult coloring, board games, trivia, card games, Pictionary, fancy nail and puzzles. Other activities are available upon request.
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Keep in Touch With Family and Friends
As a reminder, we have available several iPads that residents can sign out to play games, listen to music and video chat with loved ones and friends. Please call the facility to schedule a time to video chat with your loved one. I would like to encourage all family members and friends to send letters, cards and family photos to your loved one.
Let me share with you what several residents have to say about using an ipad; Frank G. stated while video chatting with his wife, “I see my wife” as he had a big grin on his face. Phyllis P. stated “Isn’t it wonderful how you can see everyone and talk, just look at how clear it is” Valeria E. stated “It was so nice to talk to my husband and family on our wedding anniversary” Fay H. stated “I like listening to Christian music it makes me feel so happy”
May the peace of God be with you and keep you safe as we keep your loved one safe and active.
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Bowe Davey is the current Interim Administrator for Samaritas Senior Living - Saginaw.
He joined the team with a feeling that there is something special about this community.
In his words, "It is evident as soon as you walk in the doors. I am so happy to have received such a warm welcome and look forward to guiding us towards our goals and new heights!"
Bowe has a background is in Life Enrichment, Dementia Care/Training and Team Building. He's also worked in Health Care Administration for the past four years in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living.
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He added, "The opportunity to help people is what gets me going each day and I am blessed to work with a group of people and company who feel the same way."
Bowe is available to answer questions or address concerns. He can be reached by email at sdave@samaritas.org and by phone at (989) 280-1130.
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We asked a few of our seniors about their memories from being in grade school. Here's what the ladies of the Cadillac our community had to say. |
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Did you enjoy going to school as a kid? If so, were you a good student?
Valeria answered, “Yes. I was a good student.
Geraldine added, “That she enjoyed school and I tried to be a good student."
Donna: “Yes I liked going to school and Yes I was a good student."
Dolores: “I think I did. I was an average student. I wouldn’t say I was really great. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through ninth grade then to public school after that."
Faye: ”Yes I did and yes I was. I played a lot of games and had fun."
Betty: “Yes I did. Well, I think I was a good student.”
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Who was your favorite teacher? Why did you like him (or her)?
Valeria: “Mrs. Lugar, my second-grade teacher because she was always very caring.”
Geraldine: “My music teacher because he was so nice.”
Donna: "Mr. Soper, because he was so understanding.”
Dolores: "I went to Catholic school, and we had nuns. They were all good and nice and tried to please everyone."
Faye: Everyone was my favorite one, they were all nice and respectful.
Betty: "My favorite subject was math because I understand more than others."
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What’s the best advice you ever got from a teacher?
Valeria: “I can do anything I put my mind to”
Geraldine: "How to behave and to keep my eye on the object."
Donna: "Finish high school.”
Dolores: "Get along with everyone.
Faye: "Get all A’s in school".
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What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
Geraldine said, “I had 2 favorite subjects Math and English because they would be needed in life.”
Valeria said her favorite subject was psychology, “I liked psychology because it was helpful for helping people and it was my major in college.”
Donna, “My favorite subject was math because it came easy for me.”
Dolores: "I enjoyed all of the subjects, if there was a special one I don’t remember, it’s been a long time. "
Faye: "My favorite subject was science. I liked learning the names of things and mixing chemicals. I liked to do math too because I enjoy adding, subtracting and multiplying."
Betty: "Mrs. Herberg because she understood where I was coming from when it came to learning."
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Were you a class clown, nerd or a jock? If so, what activities did you participate in?
Valeria confesses, “I was more like a nerd, I was in marching band, volleyball and basketball.”
Dolores: I don’t know, none of them really. I liked to read.
Faye: I was a nerd. I was a Majorette, I did football, baseball, hockey, tennis and choir. I took a lot of tests too.
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What was your favorite school lunch?
“Probably the pizza,” said Valeria.
“I liked tuna sandwiches,” said Geraldine.
"A sandwich, a cookie and an apple," said Donna.
“I walked home for lunch and I liked ham sandwiches,” said Dolores.
“Anything” I ate all the meals, we got Oreos sometimes and I like those,” said Faye
“I liked it all,” said Betty.
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Samaritas Backpacks For Kids
It all began with Samaritas Senior Living residents
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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.
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Emmanuel Lutheran of Livonia delivered 44 backpacks stuffed full with school supplies and a $150 check for more supplies.
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These donations are being distributed to Samaritas foster care, affordable living and other community offices near Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint, Kalamazoo, Monroe and Detroit.
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See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
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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.
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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.
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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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