Lifestyles

Senior news

SANTA FOR A SENIOR: Home Instead's Be A Santa to a Senior program will continue this year with new options for community participation.

This year, along with traditional trees with gift-request ornaments, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers and recipients.

Trees at various businesses will be decorated with ornaments listing seniors' first names and gift suggestions. Donors also can visit BeASantatoaSenior.com and enter their ZIP codes to view wish lists for local seniors, through Dec. 9. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following Mahoning County locations:

• Home Instead Senior Care, 5329 Mahoning Ave., Austintown;

• Optical Solutions, 6006 Mahoning Ave., Austintown;

• Walmart, 6001 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

For more information about the program, call 330-729-1233.

MEDICARE CHECK-UP FOR SENIORS: The deadline to change Medicare Advantage managed-care plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans is Dec. 7. Changes are effective Jan. 1.

Direction Home of Eastern Ohio offers free telephone or video Medicare Check-Ups. For a free consultation or information on Medicare savings programs like Extra Help, contact Direction Home of Eastern Ohio at 330-505-2300 or 1-800-686-7367.

TRIP PLANNED FOR SENIORS: Jesus The Key Ministries is making arrangements for a trip to Lancaster, Pa., for seniors. Seating is limited to 30 persons and face masks and social distancing will be observed.

The bus will leave on Dec. 8 and return on Dec. 9. There will be stops to Elva's Chalk Art Studio, "Elf the Musical" at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and "Queen Esther" at the Sight & Sound Theatre.

For more information, call Bing Newton at 330-427-6578.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERS: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Mahoning Valley is looking for volunteers who wish to be part of this organization. For information, contact Leah at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.

RSVP is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These volunteers also will assist with community events.

The Senior Support Action Group is a coalition of community partners working together to assist the seniors in the valley with access to food, transportation, to medical appointments and companionship through the Phone Pals program.

FOOD DELIVERY: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is partnering with various agencies for Families First Coronavirus Response Act funding for no-contact food deliveries to seniors 60 and older.

Agencies for Mahoning and Columbiana counties include Easterseals, 330-884-2513, and Jewish Family Services, 330-746-7929.

PROGRAM FOR SENIORS: Action and MYCAP, along with Christ Centered Church, is presenting Seniors Offering Services for men and women 65 and older.

Three days a week, seniors participate in a structured virtual program of exercise, classes, game time, community awareness, movies and television, healthy cooking, chit chat and humor, among other things. Once a week, lunch will be delivered while they participate in either game time, television, movies or guest speakers.

Pre-registration is required. Call Elisa Hosey at 234-232-9043 or Micki Coylar at 330-788-7530.

ALZHEIMER HELP ONLINE: The Alzheimer's Association's online Community Resource Finder, at alz.org/crf, provides ZIP code area-specific information on topics such as care at home, community services and housing options.

In Ohio, the Alzheimer's Association offers numerous caregiver support groups, which have shifted to a virtual platform. In addition, a number of dial-in telephone support groups have been added for additional support. Telephone support groups provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings.

To learn about support groups and community education programs, go to alz.org/crf, or contact the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

RSVP IN THE VALLEY: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Mahoning Valley is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

For more information, contact program coordinator Leah Sakacs at lsakacs@fcsohio.org or at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.

Lifestyles

Senior news

BE A SANTA: Home Instead's Be A Santa to a Senior program will continue this year with new options for community participation.

With Mahoning and Trumbull counties seniors more isolated than ever because of concerns due to the virus, for the first time in the program's 17-year history, along with traditional trees with gift-request ornaments, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers and recipients.

Trees at various businesses will be decorated with ornaments listing seniors' first names and gift suggestions. Donors can also visit BeA SantatoaSenior.com and enter their ZIP code to view wish lists for local seniors for Amazon businesses through Dec. 9. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following Mahoning County locations:

• Home Instead Senior Care, 5329 Mahoning Ave., Austintown;

• Optical Solutions, 6006 Mahoning Ave., Austintown;

• Walmart, 6001 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

For more information about the program, call 330-729-1233.

MEDICARE CHECK-UP FOR SENIORS: The deadline to change Medicare Advantage managed-care plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans is Dec. 7, and changes are effective Jan. 1.

Direction Home of Eastern Ohio offers free telephone or video Medicare Check-Ups to discuss plans and what's different for the coming year. Certified staff will review medications, doctors and pharmacies, and offering a comparison on plans that provide coverage.

Direction Home staff do not sell insurance. They only provide information.

For a free Medicare Check-Up or information on Medicare savings programs like Extra Help, contact Direction Home of Eastern Ohio at 330-505-2300 or 1-800-686-7367.

TRIP PLANNED FOR SENIORS: Jesus The Key Ministries is making arrangements for a trip to Lancaster, Pa., for seniors. Seating is limited to 30 persons and face masks and social distancing will be observed.

The bus will leave on Dec. 8 and return on Dec. 9. There will be stops to Elva's Chalk Art Studio, "Elf the Musical" at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and "Queen Esther" at the Sight & Sound Theatre.

For more information, call Bing Newton at 330-427-6578.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERS: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Mahoning Valley is looking for volunteers who wish to be part of this organization. For information, contact Leah at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.

RSVP is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These volunteers will also assist with community events.

The Senior Support Action Group is a coalition of community partners working together to assist the seniors in the valley with access to food, transportation, to medical appointments and companionship through the Phone Pals program.

FOOD DELIVERY: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is partnering with various agencies for Families First Coronavirus Response Act funding for no-contact food deliveries to seniors 60 and older.

Agencies for Mahoning and Columbiana counties include Easter Seals, 330-884-2513, and Jewish Family Services, 330-746-7929.

SENIOR WATCH PROGRAM: Liberty residents 60 and older may sign up for the Liberty Township Senior Watch Program.

Contact Marcy Orlando, police secretary, at 330-759-1315, or Joy, fire secretary, at 330-759-0363, Ext. 102.

FALL PREVENTION GUIDE: The Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS joined with the Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership and released an updated "Elderly Fall Prevention Resource Guide" for EMS providers and the general public.

Download a copy of the guide at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/EMS5934.pdf.

PROGRAM FOR SENIORS: Action and MYCAP, along with Christ Centered Church, is presenting Seniors Offering Services for men and women 65 and older.

Three days a week, seniors participate in a structured virtual program of exercise, classes, game time, community awareness, movies and television, healthy cooking, chit chat and humor, among other things. Once a week, lunch will be delivered while they participate in either game time, television, movies or guest speakers.

Pre-registration is required. Call Elisa Hosey at 234-232-9043 or Micki Coylar at 330-788-7530.

ALZHEIMER HELP ONLINE: The Alzheimer's Association's online Community Resource Finder, at alz.org/crf, provides ZIP code area-specific information on topics such as care at home, community services and housing options.

In Ohio, the Alzheimer's Association offers numerous caregiver support groups, which have shifted to a virtual platform. In addition, a number of dial-in telephone support groups have been added for additional support. Telephone support groups provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings.

To learn about support groups and community education programs, go to alz.org/crf, or contact the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

RSVP IN THE VALLEY: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Mahoning Valley is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

For more information, contact program coordinator Leah Sakacs at lsakacs@fcsohio.org or at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.

Lifestyles

Senior news

FOOD DELIVERY: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is partnering with various agencies for Families First Coronavirus Response Act funding for no-contact food deliveries to seniors 60 and older. Agencies include: Mahoning and Columbiana -- Easter Seals, 330-884-2513, or Jewish Family Services, 330-746-7929.

SENIOR WATCH PROGRAM: Liberty residents 60 and older may sign up for the Liberty Township Senior Watch Program. Contact Marcy Orlando, police secretary, at 330-759-1315, or Joy, fire secretary, at 330-759-0363, Ext. 102.

FALL PREVENTION GUIDE: The Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS joined with the Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership and released an updated "Elderly Fall Prevention Resource Guide" for EMS providers and the general public.

Download a copy of the guide at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/EMS5934.pdf.

PROGRAM FOR SENIORS: Action and MYCAP, along with Christ Centered Church, will present Seniors Offering Services for men and women 65 and older.

Three days per week, seniors will participate in a structured virtual program of exercise, classes, game time, community awareness, movies and television, healthy cooking, chit chat and humor, among other things. Once per week, lunch will be delivered while they participate in either game time, television, movies or guest speakers.

Pre-registration is required. Call Elisa Hosey at 234-232-9043 or Micki Coylar at 330-788-7530.

ALZHEIMER HELP ONLINE: The Alzheimer's Association's online Community Resource Finder, at alz.org/crf, provides ZIP code area-specific information on topics such as care at home, community services and housing options.

In Ohio, the Alzheimer's Association offers numerous caregiver support groups, which have shifted to a virtual platform. In addition, a number of dial-in telephone support groups have been added for additional support. Telephone support groups provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings.

To learn about support groups and community education programs, go to alz.org/crf, or contact the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERS: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Mahoning Valley is looking for volunteers who wish to be part of this organization. For information, contact Leah Sakacs at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.

RSVP is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These volunteers will also assist with community events.

The Senior Support Action Group is a coalition of community partners working together to assist the seniors in the valley with access to food, transportation, to medical appointments and companionship through the Phone Pals program.

FIRST AID KITS FOR GIFTS: SCOPE is selling various Right Response First Aid Kits for home, auto, pet, sports, outdoors and workplace needs. Through a partnership with Jim Ezzo of Money & Motivation in Girard, SCOPE Senior Services will receive 50 percent of all sales.

Brochures with order forms which include a list of supplies included in each different type of kit are available at any SCOPE center, or call SCOPE at 330-399-8846 to have a brochure mailed.

For information, call Jim Ezzo at 330-545-4747 or Yvonne at SCOPE.