On Oct. 31, the Pagosa Senior Center will initiate a new pilot program expanding health and wellness services to Archuleta County seniors. The program will include wellness, blood pressure monitoring or allow individual area seniors to discuss two subjects of their choice.
The proposed new clinic will be held at the Senior Center on various dates each month, with sign-in sheets available for prescheduling.
The initial pilot program begins Monday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. Interested parties should schedule a time by contacting the Senior Center at 264-2167. There is no charge for Medicare enrollees.
Participant IDs will include Medicare card, photo ID and, if necessary, any supplemental insurances. No Medicaid accepted at this time. Participants are encouraged to bring a list of their current medications.
Clinical assessment will be provided by Tabitha Zappone, FNP-C, of Alpine Medical and Specialty Practices. Zappone has been a nurse practitioner for six years and a longtime resident of Pagosa Springs. She understands the difficulties obtaining health care in a rural area and how these obstacles can be greater for seniors. The goal of the outreach clinic is to provide care to those who are not able to travel.
Flu shot clinic
Provided by the San Juan Basin Health Department, a flu shot clinic will be held Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. For more information, call 264-2167.
Please bring your Medicare card or insurance card.
Computer center
The Senior Center is now providing computer access to seniors who are members of the Discount Club.
Computers stations are available by the hour. If no one has signed up for the next hour, seniors may continue to use the computer for an additional hour(s). Computer and Internet access is available during business hours when staff is in attendance and classes are not in session.
Medical alert system
Medical alert monitoring systems are available for seniors. We can help you get set up with a system and assist with the monthly service charges or, if you already have a system in place, we can help supplement the monthly service fees.
Please call Louise at 264-2167 for more information or to sign up.
Medicare Mondays
Are you turning 65? Are you confused about Medicare? We have openings every Monday at the Senior Center to help you with your Medicare enrollment questions.
Here are some quick tips: If you are collecting Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare parts A and B. We can help you pick a Part D prescription drug plan. If you don’t enroll in a Part D plan, you could face penalties.
If you are new to Medicare, you have a seven-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for parts A, B and D around your 65th birthday. Medicare starts after your employment ends or the group health insurance plan based on your current employment ends, whichever happens first. You do not pay late penalties if you enroll within the seven-month Special Enrollment Period. COBRA and retiree health plans are not considered coverage based on current employment.
Important dates: General enrollment runs from Jan. 1 through March 31 each year and coverage starts July 1. Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is open (or annual) enrollment for switching plans for Part D and a Medicare Cost Plan; coverage starts Jan. 1.
If you would like to talk to a Medicare counselor, please contact the Area Agency on Aging to make an appointment. Please call 264-0501, ext. 2. We will put you in touch with one of our talented and experienced Medicare counselors.
Menu
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. If you are a senior (60 years and older), for only a $4 suggested donation, you are eligible for a hot meal, drink and a salad prepared by our kitchen staff.
The guest fee for those 59 and under is $10 and children 10 years and under can eat for $5 each. Access to the salad bar is only $6 for those under 60.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 27 — Grilled chicken, broccoli, whole wheat roll, squash casserole, salad bar and fruit salad with banana.
Friday, Oct. 28 — Beef meatloaf, gravy, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, bran muffin, salad bar and peach crisp.
Monday, Oct. 31 — Pork chops, fruit with yogurt, mashed potatoes, classic vegetables, bran muffin, salad bar and applesauce with raisins.
Tuesday, Nov. 1 — Chicken enchiladas, charro beans, Mexicali corn and salad bar.
Wednesday, Nov. 2 — Grilled cod, roasted sweet potatoes, squash casserole and salad bar.
Thursday, Nov. 3 — Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, cream gravy, Brussels sprouts with lime and salad bar.
Reservations and cancellations are required. You can make a reservation at 264-2167 by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine in the Community Cafe at the Senior Center.
For your convenience, you can make your reservations in advance or have a standing reservation on days you know you will always attend.
