Community Connection Newsletter | August 2020 | News & Announcements
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Located on seven acres of beautifully landscaped and tranquil woodland, you can enjoy peaceful strolls along our walking path that is over ¼ mile long. With benches along the way you can stop for a rest or pick up a bird-watching guide to investigate a feathered friend. Walking is a great way to stay healthy, and Samaritas has the perfect path to do it!
Long ago walking was just about the only way to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’, but things have changed quite a bit since then.
Now we have the luxury of cars, busses, bikes and Segways to take you where you want to go. However, walking has many great benefits-especially for seniors.
Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. (betterhealth.vic.gov)
Not only can walking keep you more physically fit it can boost your mental health. Whether it’s walking with a friend to promote social engagement, or boosting your mood by releasing endorphins walking will help reduce anxiety and boost your mood.
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Incorporate walking into your daily routine to start reaping the benefits. Make sure to check with your doctor before performing new physical activity, and ensure you have supportive shoes on. Start off slowly with a short walk and gradually increase the time and pace in which you walk. You are sure to feel the benefits in no time! |
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Patio Music Party
Join us on August 20
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A new program launched by Samaritas Senior Living has brought smiles to many faces over the past few weeks. ‘Music and Memories’ gives residents an opportunity to enjoy music of yesteryear while safely social distancing. With seating wrapped around our patio and overlooking our pond the vibes will not disappoint.
Join us Thursday, August 20 from 2-3 p.m. for entertainment provided by Tom Birchler. Tom has created a special seniors show to liven up retirement with sing-a-longs that are fun, familiar and heartfelt. Whether it's old chestnuts like "Sentimental Journey" or getting the audience all shook up with some Elvis, Tom's sincerity and sense of fun shines through. Tom has an extensive client list serving senior communities all over Southeast Michigan.
More than anything Tom realizes the importance of seeing those smiles on the faces of the people at the end of the show and he does what it takes to put them there.
Get some fresh air, sing along, tap your toes, or just relax and enjoy the music. If you are interested in attending this event please contact Chelsea Ebel at cebel@samaritas.org or at (248) 835-9442. To ensure the safety of all attending RSVP is required for this event.
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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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Joan Shaughnessy
Our beloved resident Joan Shaughnessy shares her thoughts and memories about summer.
Click on the video and push play to hear what she has to say.
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Betsy Rockett
The best part of summer as a child was that we were at the beach and I didn’t have to wear shoes. And I could wear my bathing suit all day if I wanted to. And my mother was always in a good mood. And we ate chowder made from the quahogs we dug up.’
My favorite way to keep cool before a/c was to wear my bathing suit and stay indoors with the blinds pulled.
My favorite summer activity has always been swimming and playing in the water. My favorite summer dish is just plain lobster with melted butter to dip and home grown tomatoes.
At our beach house there was a neighbor boy my brother’s age. He was good looking. He didn’t know I existed.
My favorite summer drive was to Howard Johnson’s to get an ice cream cone. Our fridge had a tiny freezer just for ice cube that’s so we couldn’t keep ice cream.
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Eugenie Beall
My "favorite" thing about summer is the length of daylight, particularly in the morning. Nothing "favorite" about heat.
My favorite way to keep cool is to sit in the shade on a low humidity summer day. One of the main reasons I chose Samaritas was the shaded walking area. During the pandemic, walking and reading outside have been a BLESSING.
Growing up during WWII and pre-Salk Vaccine, we stayed close to home. My favorite activities were 1) to run in the sprinkler on our front lawn and 2) to wait to hear the bell of the Good Humor truck . Little did I dream that I'd experience the latter at Samaritas.
My favorite summertime food is salad, in any form.
I never had a summer love. (On the other hand, I began my courtship in October and married the following April. One of the main reasons why they are my favorite seasons.
In childhood, summer (car) drives were infrequent because of gasoline rationing. In adulthood, any countryside drive through the British Isles was my delight. I should say any RIDE since I could not use a conventional shift nor did I want to navigate on the left-hand side of the road. My husband, on the other hand, loved the challenge.
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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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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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See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
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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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