Senior center hosting SNAP informational meeting
Nationally, only 30 percent of eligible seniors receive benefits through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.

Toledo Area Ministries has received one of six national grants designed to help increase that number. Seniors who need help to meet their nutritional needs are invited to attend a meeting Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. at the James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center in Oregon.

Glenna Berres will present “SNAP Your Way to Nutritious Food,” an explanation of SNAP, the screening process to determine eligibility for benefits, the application procedure, and other program details.

Those planning to apply should bring the following items (if applicable):

• Identification including a driver’s license, state ID card or birth certificate;

• Proof of residence including a utility bill, rental agreement or mortgage statement;

• Immigration status, if applicable;

• Medical expense deduction, including billing statement or itemized medical receipts or Medicare card indicating Part B coverage or repayment agreement with physician;

• Proof of earned income, including pay stubs, income tax forms or self-employment bookkeeping records;

• Proof of unearned income, including a bank statement showing direct deposit or agency letter showing money received, including Social Security, SSI, VA or retirement pension;

Those who need to apply immediately may call 419-654-4744.

Caring for the Caregiver
Hospice of Northwest Ohio will offer “Caring for the Caregiver,” a four-session workshop designed to help participants make life more comfortable for a friend or family member while helping them find more personal meaning from the caregiving experience.

The workshop, being held at St. John Lutheran Church, Williston, will assist people who are caring for those suffering from a long-term, chronic illness or those who are frail or debilitated due to old age. It is being offered for four consecutive Wednesdays Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church.

“Caregiving can be exhausting, complex work,” said Pat Hanusz, RN BSN, caregiver trainer for Hospice of Northwest Ohio, “Without the proper balance and perspective, it can drain our strength and emotional energy, resulting in burnout and resentment.”

Participants in the workshop will learn how to:

• Cope with changes, losses and life transitions;

• Say what is important to friends and family;

• Explore the spiritual aspects of caregiving;

• Create positive caregiving experiences;

• Talk about end-of-life care and make important decisions;

• Know what to expect as caregiving becomes more complex;

• Plan for the future.

“While the classes provide practical information about the physical needs of care-receivers, their primary focus is on the emotional needs of the caregivers. We help them find ways to take better care of themselves so they, in turn, can take better care of their friend or relative,” Hanusz said. “Throughout the course, they learn ways to turn day-to-day chores into meaningful, memorable experiences.”

The workshop is free, however, space is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a space, call the church office at 419-836-5514. For information on future sessions, call Hospice of Northwest Ohio at 419-661-4001 or visit hospice’s Facebook page.

Free vascular screenings
Bay Park Community Hospital in Oregon offers free vascular screenings on the second Monday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m.

To qualify, people must be over the age of 65, or over age 50 with a history of one or more of the following risk factors – diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking or family history of vascular disease.

Screenings include a carotid scan, which is a painless ultrasound test to help identify the risk of stroke; an aortic scan, a painless ultrasound test to detect an abdominal aneurysm—a potentially fatal condition; a Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) test to measure the circulation in the legs.

An abdominal aneurysm often has no symptoms and is left undetected unless discovered during a routine physical exam or chest x-ray. PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans and people with PAD are three to four times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke. 

Medicare-qualified seniors are eligible for a one time aortic aneurysm screening exam within the first 12 months of enrollment. To qualify, participants must inform the screener at the time of their exam.

For more information or to register, call 419-690-7845. The hospital cannot provide vascular screenings to those who are currently being treated for vascular disease.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed