Fall always brings about an exciting and refreshing buzz in the air. It’s a time to embrace change, learn something new and seek out opportunities.

While for many of us our school years are wrapped up (phew!), MAS believes in lifelong

learning. We want to invite you to start your autumn with us! Explore engaging avenues through various classes and volunteer opportunities. With Medicare Open Enrollment running from October 15 through December 7, New to Medicare classes can give you a head start. For those looking to volunteer, Senior Corps and Meals on Wheels offer ample ways to help out your community. If you’re hoping to learn something new, we’d love to see you at one of our many courses this autumn covering topics like financial and legal planning, dementia, estate planning, social security Q&As and fall prevention. You can also learn about Dementia Friendly Missoula, a new initiative, on our website!

Here at MAS we’re also learning and embracing change! As two members reach the end of their terms on our board, we’re excited to welcome Jolynn McDermott and Geoff Gilbert. I’m looking forward to working with Jolynn and Geoff as they bring fresh ideas to the mix.

While MAS strives to educate and empower others, we learn so much from our wonderful donors and volunteers as well. Thank you for your generous support and dedication. We’re excited to enter another season with you!

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Susan KohlerChief Executive Officer

Embrace New Opportunities this Autumn!

Our Programs

2018

In-Home Services

Community Engagement

Resource Center

Farmers’ Market Coupon ProgramLiquid Nutritional SupplementsMeals on WheelsRural Nutrition Sites Condon, Seeley Lake, Bonner & LoloSenior Congregate DiningRSVP, Foster Grandparents & Senior CompanionsMontana SMP

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CONNECTIONSA QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF MISSOULA AGING SERVICES

Care Transitions ProgramFamily Caregiver SupportRespite & Homemaking ServicesVeteran Directed Care

Elder Justice ProgramReferrals, Assistance & Onsite LibraryLong-term Care Ombudsman ProgramMedicare & Medicaid CounselingOptions for Better AgingEducational Opportunities & ClassesTransportation Options

DEM

ENTIA EFRI NDLY

MISSOULA

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promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them.

In Perspective

MISSION:

Renee Labrie-Shanks

Montana SMP Program Manager

With new Medicare cards rolling out, I’m hoping that everyone is already aware of what to expect. However, according to a 2018 AARP survey, an alarming number of older adults either reported uncertainty or misinformation about the updated cards.

This can leave people on Medicare vulnerable to scammers who work hard to exploit both them and Medicare. Make sure you protect yourself with the facts.

• New Medicare cards will be mailed automatically to people on Medicare. As long as your address is current with Social Security, you’ll receive your card. They can arrive anytime between now and April 2019, and you might not receive the card at the same time as your family or friends.

• The new card will have a number that will be unique to you, but it will not be attached to your identity in order to protect you from identity theft. This will not protect Medicare, though, so it’ll still be important for you to keep your Medicare number safe. Report to 1-800-Medicare if your card ever gets lost or stolen.

• There is no charge for the new cards and Medicare will never ask you to give out personal or private information in order to get the card, so be wary of any calls asking for anything pertaining to the new cards. Once you get your new card, destroy your old one.

• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call your local Montana Senior Medicare Patrol office at 728-7682.

Share this information with a family member, friend or neighbor to help prevent fraud.

Governing Board

Programs of Missoula Aging Services are funded in part through the Montana Dept. of Public Health and Human Services, Corp. for National and Community Service, Administration for Community Living, City of Missoula and Missoula County.

Connections is published quarterly by Missoula Aging Services (MAS).

337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801-3816.

T (406) 728-7682 F (406) 728-7687

To submit information, please contact MAS Communications Coordinator at: info@missoulaagingservices.org

Missoula Aging Services does not sell or release the names on our mailing list.

Connect with us on:

LARRY WHITEChair

LARRY RILEYVice Chair

KRISTIN PAGE-NEI Secretary

KEITH ANDERSONTreasurer

ROBERTA SMITHPast Chair

AMANDA CAHILLCHRIS FLOHRGEOFF GILBERTLESLIE HALLIGANGAYLE HUDGINSJOLYNN MCDERMOTTJAMES MCKAY

NICOLE “COLA” ROWLEYMissoula County Board of Commissioners

GWEN JONESMissoula City Council Liaison

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Grandparents provide valuable assistance in Missoula County Schools.

Last school year, MAS’ Foster Grandparents served in over 20 schools, helping more than 180 at-risk students achieve grade level.

Al Goddard (second from left) was recognized

by Governor Bullock for his volunteer work.

Missoula Aging Services (MAS) is proud to recognize Foster Grandparent volunteers Al Goddard, Nancy Jordan and Mary Barnett as recipients of the 2018 ServeMontana Award, the Hospice Care Foundation’s Honoring our Heroes Award and the Daily Point of Light Award respectively.

Recognized by Governor Steve Bullock, Al has volunteered more than 18,000 hours at Meadow Hill Middle School, The Flagship Program and the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County.

Nancy has been a Senior Corps volunteer for over 10 years, starting out as a Senior Companion and now serving as a Foster Grandparent.

Mary is one of MAS’ longest-serving volunteers with 21,163 hours through Senior Corps. She’s served Missoula County Schools since 2012. Previously she volunteered at Lewis & Clark Elementary School, starting in 2004.

As part of our Senior Corps program, Foster

MAS Volunteers Honored with Local, State and National Awards

Peace of Mind Through Early Planning ClassesConnecting with friends, family and loved ones about Estate Planning and Advance Care Planning may not be easy. Multiple workshops being offered this fall by MAS can help you prepare to be proactive about important matters earlier rather than later.

This September Marsha Goetting is returning to offer Estate Planning workshops. These informative and entertaining workshops focus on Dr. Goetting’s desire to make estate planning easier and less expensive. Then in November, Kitchen Table Conversations will be facilitated by Brian and Kathy Derry. This program offers the opportunity to consider how to best engage with others to ensure last wishes are respected if a person is unable to communicate due to illness or after they have passed away.

Call 728-7682 or go to www.missoulaagingservices.eventbrite.com to register. Pre-registration is required.

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GIFTS IN MEMORY OF INDIVIDUALSMay 2018 - July 2018

Know Your Rights and How to Use Them

Janet Butorovich Ruby Backer

Bob & Karma Cook Candy Cook-Drader

Mike Curran Dagmer Daley

Joyce Marie Davis Margaret Gall

Duane Frojen Charlene Frojen

Erik Jorgensen Christine Jorgensen

Carol Lubke Families First Children’s Museum

Bill McCampbell Rodney & Barbara Antilla Rick Baranko Kathi & Wayne Barton Laurie Dixon Kristen & Bud Dodge Richard & Mary Denise Giuliani Kevin & Kim Gordon Virginia Iverson Frank Johnson Corrine & Ralph Kirscher Glenn & Noreen Kozeluh Jim & Shelley May Iris Mary McCampbell Bill & Judy Packard Debbie Savage Richard & Cathie Socolofsky Pam & Greg Superneau Connie Thisselle

Carol Meisinger Bill & Judy Edwards

Harve Murray Bob & Kimberly Murray

Ray Murray Lino & Sherry Marsillo Fred & Susan Reed

Bill Paul Big Sky A’s Eugene & Anna Mae Paul Sue & Burton Stenslie

Anne Reinsel Earl Reinsel

Jim Scarborough LeRoy & Joanne Anderson Tom & Ann Boone Bonnie & Robert BouleyDan Combo Richard & Cathleen Correll George & Sherry Deaton Maureen DoughertyJon & Karen DriessenJohn & Marlee EretFirst Security BankKate & Kirk GammillMatt & Adele Gibbs Richard & Mary Denise Giuliani Vicky Hammond & Richard ScharfeJayne HanichWarren & Anne Hill Jim & Donna Koch

Clemance & Jamie Lockman Elizabeth Lohn Dolores MallettaLino & Sherry MarsilloJames & Carrie SaylerLynn & Bill SchwankeBob & Kay SheridanDonna SherronRose SorensenJohn & Sue TalbotBarbara TherouxRuth TomlinsonJudy Whiddon Betsy & Warren Wilcox

Exie Stetler Claude Huguet

Jeanne Wilson Cheri FossHedwig Wright

While we all have different preferences about how we want our homes to look, most of us can probably agree on what they should feel like: comfortable, safe and like we belong. These desires don’t change as we age and in some cases they become even more important to consider.

When vulnerable people live in long-term care communities, it’s important that these individuals know their rights and feel safe speaking up if something is wrong. Many reasons can prevent residents from addressing issues though, such as a fear of retaliation or an overwhelming illness. This is why ombudsmen play a vital role. They diligently work on behalf of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to find solutions.

MAS Ombudsman Mary Dalton’s goal is to help residents maintain autonomy over their lives. She says it’s common to see others speaking for a resident without listening to their wishes.

Residents’ Rights Month this October is a time to focus on this topic, encouraging allies and residents to “speak up.” If you or someone you know could utilize ombudsmen services please reach out and call 728-7682.

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YOUR SUPPORT

The Bill & Rosemary Gallagher Foundation for their generous grant to help sustain MAS Respite and Homemaking Programs!

MAJOR DONORSMay 2018 - July 2018Individuals and Businesses who made gifts of $200 or more:

THANK YOU TO . . .

Learn How You Can Prevent Opioid Abuse

AnonymousDouglas & Jean BardwellBig Sky A’sBill & Rosemary Gallagher FoundationDiane & Fred BodholtClearwater Montana PropertiesCharles Couture & Randy WoodJimmie Deeds Laura & Bud DegeleBrian & Kathy DerryRobert Edwards & Dani SmithLarry EickGarden City MontessoriGood Food StoreGarth & Mildred GoodRoger & Deborah HancockRay & Anne HoltHospice Care FoundationAnita & James JakobSusan KohlerLiquid PlanetPat MalloyIris Mary McCampbellMeals On Wheels AmericaElsie MearsMissoula Federal Credit UnionBob & Kimberly MurrayRick & Sue NeffNorthWestern Energy Missoula DivisionBarbara ReederEarl ReinselRocky Mountain Eye CenterSaint Anthony ParishState of MontanaJennifer TaylorTemp Right Service IncJudy WhiddonBob & LaWana WhaleyBrian & Leanne Vreeland

Receive Connections electronically by emailing your name and email address to: info@missoulaagingservices.org

Opioid medications can be an important tool for managing a healthy lifestyle. However, there are risks that come with taking an opioid medication that are especially concerning for adults over the age of 55.

As people age they can become more at risk for drug dependence or overdose, according to the Center for Disease Control. The CDC indicates that adults between 55 and 64 saw a seven-fold increase for prescription opioid overdose deaths between 1999 and 2013. Opioid use can also pose health risks such as breathing complications, confusion, drug interaction problems, and increased risk of falls, which can be more dangerous in the older adult population.

Missoula Aging Services Senior Corps and the Missoula Prescription Drug Task Force have teamed up to inform older adults in Missoula County about the risks of opioid medication and the proper use, storage, and disposal of medication.

Proper Use: Older adults are encouraged to talk with their prescriber about ways to reduce the risk of misuse and complications as well as using a medication log to ensure proper use.

Proper Storage: When medications are locked up and stored away, incidents of theft or risk of ingestion by a child are reduced.

Proper Disposal: Proper disposal of unused or expired medication can reduce theft or risk of ingestion and can help protect local water sources from contamination. Stop by Missoula Aging Services to pick up a free disposal bag or find a nearby medication drop box.

To learn more about medication safety, go to ChoicesMatterMissoula.com.

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Gifts in Honor of Individuals

In MemoriamIn honor and remembrance of these dedicated individuals whose volunteering enhanced the lives of those they served.

Important Updates for Medicare Open Enrollment

RSVP

William Joseph Paul (MOW)

Shirley Hollenback

Elaine Garnett

Elaine Nixon

Margaret Wilson

Foster Grandparents

Therese Morris

Cheryl Lynn Kaufman (RSVP)

Rocky Allen Margaret Montsaroff

Peggy Fonner Barbara Reeder

Shirley McLaughlin Gerry Blackman

Patti Thomas Delores KingAlan & Yvonne Rentmeister

Pepper Wilson Judie McCloskey & Robert McNeany

The only time many Medicare beneficiaries can change plans is the Open Enrollment period between October 15 and December 7.

Missoula Aging Services is working to meet the increasing demand in Missoula County for support during Open Enrollment. Through limited appointments, call center assistance and Medicare classes, we’re focusing on serving as many people as possible.

We’d like to help you save time by encouraging you to contact our Call Center at 728-7682 first. Expert specialists can help get you started! The process this year is to have you submit a current list of your medications. MAS will check to see if any changes have been made to your drug and Medicare Plans, and then an appointment will be scheduled if beneficial to you.

If you have Medicare Part D drug coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan, or even if you’re happy with your coverage, you will need to shop every year to ensure that you are getting the best possible coverage, price, and customer service. Last year, MAS helped people save over $522,760 by switching Medicare plans!

If you would like to meet with an MAS specialist to assist you please call 728-7682. A worksheet will be mailed to you, which should be completed prior to scheduling an appointment.

• Allegiance Benefit Plan Management• ALPS Corporation• Blackfoot• First Security Bank• Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP

• Horizon Credit Union• JCCS• Payne West• Republic Services of Montana• TempRight Comfort Systems• Good Food Store• Town Pump• Western Montana Clinic

Thank You toour Sponsors:

Be a friend of MAS forever!An endowment gift is the gift that keeps on giving year in and year out, because the principal is never spent – the interest that is earned helps others in perpetuity! Plus gifts to the MAS endowment qualify for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit. Give Kathryn Hungerford a call at 728-7682 to see how you can make sure you are always around to help others.

May 2018 - July 2018

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years of experience in caregiving for older adults and people with disabilities. She has worked in private homes, independent and assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

As the newest Resource Specialist, MEGAN ALBRECHT brings her experience working with adults and children who are living with mental illness. Megan started her work with older adults during her time at Montana State. In 2017 she earned a B.S. in Community Health and a Gerontology certificate.

Join the Team! Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

WHAT’S NEW

Staff News at MASMissoula Aging Services is excited to welcome new faces to our ever-growing team this season!

STEPHANIE FILKINS joins Missoula Aging Services as a member of the customer service team. She is dedicated to providing thorough support to all, both internally and externally. In May 2018, Stephanie received her B.A. in communication studies and event management from Iowa State University.

The Respite & Homemaking Services program welcomes RHIANNON QUANDT, who brings 17

Every weekday, a group of Missoula’s finest volunteers converge at the Providence Center to deliver Meals on Wheels (MOW). Each volunteer carefully prepares for their route knowing that the meals they deliver are awaited by those who may be forgotten if not for their visit.

There is coffee available, and a few of them sit down with a cup to chat with their fellow volunteers.

“Someone new,” one driver exclaims, “I’d better check the map!” The others check their route lists too – there may be new clients, construction on a route or dietary restrictions to double check. Some clients have gotten stronger and no longer need MOW, while others spend their last days on the program.

“You know you’ve made a difference to them,” one volunteer says, “and their families too. You don’t know how important you are, and then they tell you how much their mom or dad looks forward to your visit. It’s not always about the food.”

The other volunteers nod in agreement. They know the importance of their job, and that without them, Missoula Aging Services couldn’t continue to serve those in need.

Right now, MOW needs more people to help with this good work. You could be part of the camaraderie the volunteers share. You could be the person that someone looks forward to seeing each week.

Find out more about volunteering with MOW! Call Becka Simons, MAS Volunteer Coordinator, at 728-7682 and become the difference in someone’s life. You can deliver more than a meal.

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MAS Events

Nonprofit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit #395

Missoula, MT59801337 Stephens Ave | Missoula, MT 59801

MISSOULAAGINGSERVICES.ORG

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For a full event listing visit: www.missoulaagingservices.org

ROAMING CONGREGATE MEALSSeptember 25, 1 - 2:30 p.m.River Ridge Apartments 2840 Santa Fe CourtOctober 11, 1 - 3 p.m.Natural Grocers Demo Kitchen *seating limited 2530 South 3rd Street WestReserve by first of month for either date in a month.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR EVERYBODY WITH MARSHA GOETTINGSeptember 19, 2 - 4 p.m.First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue W. Register at https://estateplanningforeverybody.eventbrite.com

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL PLANNING FOR ALZHEIMER’S, DEMENTIA AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT WITH MARSHA GOETTING September 19, 6 - 8 p.m.First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue W. Register at https://estateplanningforalzheimers.eventbrite.com

NEW TO MEDICARE WORKSHOPSSeptember 24 & 26, 6 - 8 p.m.October 22 & 24, 6 - 8 p.m.November 5 & 7, 6 - 8 p.m.Continuing Education Conference Center (James E. Todd Building), 32 Campus Drive$35, register at https://newtomedicare.eventbrite.com

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENTOctober 15 - December 7MAS, 337 Stephens AvenueRegister at: https://openenrollmentworkshop.eventbrite.com

SOCIAL SECURITY Q&AOctober 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.MAS, 337 Stephens AvenueRegister at https://16october2018socialsecurity.eventbrite.com

KITCHEN TABLE CONVERSATIONSNovember 5 & 7, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, 1720 Wyoming StreetRegister at https://kitchentableconversationsmt.eventbrite.com

FALL STEPPING ON CLASSESWednesdays, October 17 - December 5, 1 - 3 p.m.Currents Aquatics Center, 600 Cregg LaneStepping On is an evidence based falls prevention program for adults age 60 years and over.$25, register at https://fallmassteppingon.eventbrite.com

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUPThird Wednesday of every month, 1 - 2.30 p.m.Southgate Mall Community Room, 2901 Brooks Street Learn more: https://grandparentsraisinggrandchildrenmt.eventbrite.com