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In recognition of National Rural Health Day this November, Sidney Health Center proudly highlights the MonDak Family Clinic in Fairview, and the MonDak Visiting Nurse Services. These programs are crucial for providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the rural communities in the MonDak region. MonDak Family Clinic: Comprehensive Rural Healthcare The MonDak Family Clinic is a cornerstone of rural healthcare in Fairview. as a Rural Health Clinic, it provides comprehensive care to...
Seniors Beware Of 2025 Medicare Plan D Changes Local Open Enrollment COA SHIP Counselors Available Prescription drug costs are a huge concern for a large number of seniors. Every year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries are able to see what their plan will look like for them for the following year and change it if necessary. With the changes to Medicare Part D slated to take effect on Jan. 1, this open enrollment period could be more important than ever. Plan participants should expect to see changes to their plan premiums and...
How often have you heard of a friend, neighbor or loved one suffering serious injuries from a simple fall? It is scary to think about but it happens to one out of four seniors every year. What would be a simple bruise at age 30 can become catastrophic at age 80. After a fall, some seniors can have a hard time bouncing back; they may continue to have trouble moving around, their muscles become tired, bones become stiff, and they, along with their loved ones, are scared they will fall again. This is a very real fear among the elderly; in fact,...
Everyone knows that knowledge comes from experience. So, what happens when you bring hundreds of people, each with decades of experience, together? That knowledge becomes power; power to solve problems, enact change, and lift and support seniors across the entire state. That is the premise and promise of what the Montana Governor’s Conference was built on more than a half century ago and it is getting ready to happen again. This October, the City of Billings will play host to the 54th Annual Montana Governor’s Conference on Aging at the Bil...
In a heartwarming initiative, The Good Cents Store has partnered with The Lodge assisted living facility to bring a "rags to riches" project to life, proving that you are never too old to give back to the community. This initiative highlights the benefits of volunteering and repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste in the landfill. Recently, The Good Cents Store began cutting up cotton t-shirts that were not in good enough condition for resale. These repurposed t-shirts are...
There are a lot of things we can let slide as we get older but one thing that becomes more important than ever is our oral health. Every time we eat or drink, bacteria and small food particles are left behind on the surface of our teeth and gumline; eventually forming plaque. When plaque builds up for too long without being addressed it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and a host of other problems. Seniors can be especially susceptible to this because of decreased dexterity while brushing and flossing. This makes it more important than...
So far it has felt like a long spring with mild temperatures here in eastern Montana but if you've lived here for any length of time, you know the heat is just around the corner. While there is plenty to enjoy about summer it also comes with certain dangers, especially for senior citizens. As we get older, our ability to respond to summer heat can become problematic; however, age isn't the only factor. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are a number of other factors that can i...
As we age, being prepared for all the things that can happen becomes more important than ever. For some, getting all of your affairs in order can be a daunting task. You know it should be done but often don’t know where to start or are concerned about the costs associated with it. Luckily, the Montana Legal Services Developer Program can help make it easier. The program provides elder law training and resources for older Montanans, their family members and social outreach workers. It also develops pro bono and local legal services referrals, t...
Our daily life is full of things that are powered by connections; our cell phone, internet, tablet, the list goes on and on; but what about the things that really matter? What powers your mind and body? Your social connections and meaningful relationships have a profound impact on your health and well-being. Sometimes we need to disconnect from our devices to connect with the ones that are really important. That is the theme for this year's Older American's Month and the Richland County...
You often hear people complain about having to go grocery shopping but for some, particularly seniors on a fixed income, the idea of being able to fill a shopping cart can seem like a luxury. Across America, many seniors face food insecurity and live with the reality or fear of hunger and malnutrition. The Older American’s Act (OAA) helps fund several nutrition programs to help address this growing problem. Within Richland County, OAA funds help provide three major nutrition programs: Home Delivered Meals Congregate Meals Commodity S...
Pristine quilt blocks crafted 100 years ago were discovered recently in an old trunk, which belonged to life-long Girard resident Mary Helen (Daniels) Arneson. She was born in 1921 and hadn't made a block so they must have been in the company of her mother Junia Cole Daniels. Junia was married to George who homesteaded the current Arneson place in 1908. Girard Homemakers plan to create an authentic period quilt out of those blocks and place it in the Baue exhibit at the MonDak Heritage Center....
During the winter months, ice, snow, and cold temperatures can make life challenging for anyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Dress for the Weather - Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm. Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it's snowy. Change your clothes right away if they get damp or wet. In very cold temperatures make sure to cover all exposed skin and...
Tis the Season of Giving! During this time, we get a lot of questions about gifting money so we'd like to share some great tips from Edward Jones. The full Edward Jones article can be found at: https://www.edwardjones.com. "Whether it's helping a child or grandchild buy their first home, taking your family on a vacation or supporting a loved one in a meaningful endeavor, gifting money to friends and family can be profoundly fulfilling. When done correctly, gifting can also provide estate,...
As the days get shorter and the evenings/nights get longer some of us may suffer from the "winter blues", also known as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that usually affects people during the winter months. It's more likely to affect people whose time spent outdoors is limited by severe weather, reduced mobility, or illness. With decreased exposure to sunlight a person's natural "body clock" rhythm can change and less sun exposure during shorter winter days can caus...
Last week wrapped up the 54th Annual Governor's Conference on Aging and laid the groundwork for some big plans to assist Montana's elderly population. This year's conference was held in Great Falls and was a refreshing return to face-to-face networking and resource sharing after several years of virtual meetings due to the pandemic. The conference kicked off with a focus on Elder Justice with an eye opening, first hand account from Susan Bivins; an educated woman who did all the right things to...
The weather is starting to cool off and fall is on the way. Soon it will be time for fall colors, sweaters, pumpkins and.... Medicare. Medicare Part D Open Enrollment starts on Oct. 15 and it's important to take advantage of it to ensure you are prepared for 2024. Every year, the Richland County Commission on Aging sees clients who are upset because their plan isn't paying very much of or any of their prescription costs. More often than not, this is because they are not on a plan that is right...
In answer to the inquiry, "where is the Sidney Senior Citizen Center?", we are at 811 3rd St. NE, right next door to M&S Builders, two blocks north of NAPA. We meet for congregate meals two days a week: Tuesdays and Fridays. The general age group who attends range in age from 60+ to 90+. We have extended invitations to those we have not seen at the center and receive many excuses: "I'm not old enough (age 85); I'm too busy; I might have an appointment, etc., etc.". On the other hand, many positi...
Throughout the winter and summer months, the Boy Scout Troop 187 has graciously agreed to partner with St. John’s United Senior Connect to help with keeping seniors living at home for as long as they possibly can by helping with their lawn maintenance needs. This includes shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, etc. Scout Master Mark Delaney has helped in organizing and making sure the boys are getting to where they need to be and sticking to their agreement in helping the elderly in Richland County. Huge shout out to the dedication these boys have s...
Being a Caregiver can creep up on you. It usually starts with simple things; running errands, taking someone to doctor’s appointments and monitoring their medications. As time goes on you find yourself doing more and more and eventually spending more time on someone else’s needs than your own. That’s when most people start to realize they are indeed a Caregiver. It is important to realize that fact early on and give yourself that title; otherwise, you won’t know how or where to look for resources to help you. Whether you are a full-ti...
The mission statement of the MonDak Seniors is “Enriching Lives of Seniors through Connection and Creativity”.“The MonDak Seniors have created activities and events to give people 55 years and older a reason to get out and socialize. Combating the isolation of elder Americans is a significant problem in outstate Montana. Having a place to come and meet with others, learn new skills, and new things that are happening in the area is very important. MonDak Seniors include both Montana and North Dakota residents. For those over 60, lunches are p...
Staying connected to your community can become more challenging as you age but there are still plenty of opportunities; one is joining the Senior Companion Program. "It's one of the best things I've done since I've moved back to the area." That's what Senior Companion, Rita Palmer, says about her involvement in this fun and compassionate program. The name of the program says it all. It engages seniors to become companions for others who might need just a little extra help. "Sometimes I run...
Let's talk about what no one is talking about... Remember that friend you used to have coffee with every Tuesday until a few months ago? At first you thought she was busy because her adult son or daughter moved in with her, then you saw her at the doctor's office and she seemed to have aged 5 years over the last two months. Of course, you started to worry about her health but could it be something else? One of the saddest "invisible" problems facing our elderly is the very real threat of elder...
In 1964, 25-year-old Wyoming native Larry Garman rolled into Sidney with his wife, Rita, and their young family. Larry was born in the country and grew up outside Casper, WY. He met Rita when he was a kid and they grew up together. They had married and moved to Denver, CO to start their family but the company Larry worked for, F.W. Woolworth, needed him to relocate to manage their store in Sidney. Being in the mountains, Denver can be cold and the Wyoming winds can make Casper's winters brutal,...
MonTECH is a statewide assistive technology program that provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with any physical or cognitive challenges, including those associated with aging. They will be holding two events Wednesday, April 19, at the Fairview Senior Center, 217 5th St. W. Liz Kuehn, MonTECH Eastern Clinic coordinator, will be there at 12:30 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. According to their website, www.mt-at.org, MonTECH provides free, confidential information about assistive technology (AT)...
Sidney, MT - Sidney Health Center Extended Care recently named Peggy Zadow the 2022 Resident of the Year. Peggy was honored at a celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the dining room at Extended Care. Family, friends, residents and staff gathered to celebrate the occasion with a brief program including a cake in her honor and refreshments. Peggy joined the Extended Care family in January 2021 and has always had such a great sense of humor and bright smile. The staff and residents love having her ar...
