4th quarter newsletter 2023Antwerp Senior Services Administrator contact info: kchopp@antwerptownship.com or 668-2615 ext 208

Township Office Hours:

OFFICES ARE OPEN MONDAY – THURSDAY 7AM-5PM

Electronic Newsletter (just click on the link below)

4th quarter newsletter 2023

December Activities

THE FOLLOWING DATE OUR OFFICE AND ALL ACTIVIES ARE CANCELLED FOR 2023

CHRISTMAS – DECEMBER 25 & 26, 2023

NEW YEAR’S – JANUARY 1, 2024 and January 2 closing at noon (No classes on this day)

January 15 – closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day

February 26- activity center closed to set up for election and February 27- Primary election

You must call a week in advance to reserve a lunch for the following week by 3pm(meals subject to change)Antwerp Township Senior Services Menu

Questions? Contact Karol at (269) 668-2615 ext 208

Lunch menu is subject to change!

Chef Salad served starting at 11:15 on days when it states a salad in the menu.

LUNCH MENU

Wednesday, December 6 (Wagoner’s)

Fried Chicken, Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Roll

Wednesday, December 13 (Antwerp Café)

Taco’s, Chips & Salsa, Mexican Corn, Black Beans

Wednesday, December 20 (Scott’s) This meal is by reservation only and the cut off date for that is DEC. 6!

Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Roll, Dessert

Wednesday, December 27(Scott’s)

Pulled Pork, Baked Bean, Dessert

The need is great in our community for help getting places as we have many seniors without vehicles.

NEW! Sign up to be a volunteer driver for our seniors!!

We need people to sign up to volunteer as drivers for our seniors, to take them to the doctors, stores, and delivery of meals.

Please contact Karol @ 669-2615 ext. 208 if you would like more information on how this program works.

ACTIVITY CENTER SCHEDULE: Building is open from 9am-3pm M,T,W, Th tables are set up for you to play cards or socialize in the center of the building except the 3rd Thursday of the month when we have the deaf association using the room.

MONDAY’S- 9am-3pm embroidery group Movie & Popcorn at 11:00am

TUESDAY’S – 9-10:00 AM SEONG-HEE YOGA ; Cardio Drumming 10:00am ; Chair Yoga 11AM; CARDS group Pinochle noon-3PM YOGA through the month of December and CHAIR YOGA (until April) will be by using YouTube as instructor is gone but you can join others at the activity center and do it together!

WEDNESDAY’S– KNITTING AT 1-3PM: Luncheon at 11:45

THURSDAY’S-COFFEE & DONUTS 9AM-10AM; 9AM-3PM QUILTING ; 9:00 am Stretch & Tone, 10:00 am Yoga; CARDIO DRUMMING at 11:00am (new time!!)

YOU MUST BE 60 AND OLDER TO ATTEND THESE ACTIVITIES QUESTIONS CALL: KAROL 668-2615 EXT. 208

UPCOMING EVENTS:

YOU MUST BE 60 AND OLDER TO ATTEND THESE ACTIVITIES AND BE A RESIDENT OF ANTWERP TOWNSHIP/PAY TAXES TO OUR SENIOR MILLAGE QUESTION CALL: KAROL 668-2615 EXT. 208

December

6 Blood Pressure Check 11:00-11:30am/ Ugly sweater contest

13 Senior Advisory Board Meeting-1:00pm Cookie Decorating

20 Christmas Luncheon/Music

27 New Years Luncheon

January

3 Blood Pressure Check 11:00-11:30am

10 Senior Advisory Board Meeting -1:00pm

17 Craft Day 1:00pm

24 TBA

DO YOU NEED MEALS ON WHEELS?

You have two options: You can call Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan (their frozen meals are only delivered on Tuesdays) at 269-925-0137 or

Seniors who reside/is a taxpayer in Antwerp Township and contributes to the Antwerp Senior Millage and are 60 years of age or over, we will be taking order for meals by Tuesday at 3pm and delivering weekly on Thursday’s between 11:30am-12:30pm. The cost is $6 per meal. These will be frozen healthy meals that you can microwave. You can pick one weeks’ worth or just a few days’ worth, but we will only deliver on Thursdays, or you can pick up. Questions? contact Karol @ 668-2615 ext. 208 Menu-Frozen

Just email or call Karol with the order. Just give the item # and the Quantity. Questions? contact Karol @ 668-2615 ext.208 or email KChopp@antwerptownship.com or you can call Southwest Michigan Senior Services and

Program Highlights

Dr. G Foot Care Services-

When: 1:00pm You must call and schedule an appointment 668-2615x 208 with Karol.

Where: Antwerp Township Activity Center

Please bring your photo ID and proof of insurance OR Medicare.

More Questions? Call (269) 668-2615 x208

Dr. G will be here on Wednesdays at 1pm-to service your feet!

Call Karol@668-2615 x208

Please schedule no later than the day before!

SCHEDULE FOR FOOT DOCTOR FOR THE YEAR:

NOVEMBER 22

Travel opportunities: (Portage allows us to join!)

Eligibility

Portage Senior Center travel is planned for individuals over the age of 50. (Exceptions will be made for companions of persons needing assistance.) Staff should be made aware of any special travel needs. Membership is not required to travel; however, non-members pay a higher cost for day trips. Portage residency is not required to travel. Call the Travel Office at (269) 324-9239 for information about our adventures.

Reservations

For your convenience, the travel office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Reservations should be made in person at the PCSC during those hours whenever possible. Reservations may also be made via U.S mail but we suggest that you call (269) 324-9239 first to verify availability. Payment must accompany the reservation. The address is:

Portage Senior Center
203 East Centre Avenue
Portage, MI 49002

Payment

Checks should be made payable to the City of Portage unless otherwise instructed.

Cancellations

Call (269) 324-9239 or email the Travel Office for information, cancellation and refund policies

https://mailchi.mp/portagemi.gov/psctravelupdates-04-11-2022?e=db674be3ef#:~:text=08/07%20%E2%80%93%2008/15%20%E2%80%93%20American,1%2C569%20Single%20Occupancy%20%E2%80%93%20Wait%20list%20available.

RESOURCES AND LINKS FOR SENIORS:

Durable Medical Equipment Providers (Medical Supply Needs)

Hospice Organizations

Caregiving FAQs to Help Seniors During Downsizing

MMAP is partnering with the Social Security Administration to conduct a monthly webinar series open to the public. There will be a different topic each month. For more information or to join the event, click herehttps://mmapinc.org/mmap-webinar-social-security-101/

Join our memory café -first Friday of every month 10:30am-Noon at the Paw Paw district library. For individuals with early to moderate dementia, as well as those who worry about memory problems. Call to reserve a spot 269-657-3800 for more information, click the link memorycare

Van Buren Star Public Transit-

Need Housing Assistance?
Senior Guidance is an organization dedicated to providing helpful senior living resources for the elderly. We have a dedicated section within our website that provides extremely well detailed and thorough information on Michigan assisted living. The website discusses all services available for seniors living in Michigan, outlines helpful state programs for seniors and allows to find assisted living facilities in every city, town and village in Michigan: https://www.seniorguidance.org/assisted-living/michigan/

Project Safe Senior
Antwerp Township is working with local fire departments to help seniors install smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. While we understand that we have over 2,000 seniors in our Township, we cannot provide for all. The Township along with local fire departments feel it is important to reach out to those seniors who may not be able to afford or install these combination alarms on their own. Only 1 per household.

Senior Companion Program
Antwerp Township is working with the Area Agency on Aging Region IV to recruit volunteers to utilize the Senior Companion Program! You know how much you value your independence, and now you can help others stay independent too! Senior Companions provide the assistance many older adults and people with disabilities may need in order to live independently. A Senior Companion may go along to help with grocery shopping for for a walk. They may spend time helping to write a letter, prepare a meal, or pay a bill. Contact the Area Agency on Aging to become a companion (269) 983-7058.

Senior Care Program
We give ears first and hearts next. The first time you call, VBEMS will take an assessment to build on a foundation to make intelligent recommendations for a customized care program for you. The goal of this program is to recognize health care needs and work with your physician to maintain a quality of life in your home. VBEMS offers professionally trained staff and is an extension of the health care system. It’s not designed to take the place of a home health care agency, but to work along side of them. Once a visit has been made to your home, the following visits will be for health screenings, medication checks/organization, home safety, and patient education. This program also provides ride assistance to doctors appointments. Please call 269-668-2615 x5 to schedule an appointment.

Newsletter
Antwerp Township Senior Services sends out a newsletter twice a year. It is filled with fun events and activities as well as updates on the program. If you would like to stay updated with what is going on at Antwerp Township Senior Services please contact us and we will put you on our newsletter mailing list! (269) 668-2615 x 208

Extra Senior Resources:

https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-michigan/

https://www.memorycare.com/what-is-a-memory-care-facility/

https://www.memorycare.com/when-to-consider-memory-care/

https://www.memorycare.com/what-to-expect-in-memory-care/

Caregiving FAQs to Help Seniors During Downsizing

A larger home can be a blessing for some people. But for many seniors, a home that’s too big can be more of a burden. Taking care of that home is stressful when mobility and other aging-related issues are present. Some seniors also need help taking care of themselves.

Of course, managing this sort of move can also be stressful. This is why having answers to frequently asked downsizing questions along with the guidance of Antwerp Township can be so helpful for both seniors and their family caregivers.

Understand Their Financial Situation

Your loved one has several options after downsizing, but they all involve dealing with a home loan to some capacity. If your senior decides to sell, you can look at local median sale prices of homes in your area to get an idea of their appraisal value. Then, help them calculate the equity they have using that information. They can use this money to get into a senior living facility or as a down payment on a smaller property.

To qualify for a new mortgage, your loved one will need good credit, but a hefty down payment can help convince lenders, too. And, depending on how long they expect to stay in their new home, you and their real estate agent can help them decide between a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage. They both have their benefits, and should be explored for this specific situation.

Where Will Your Senior Live After Downsizing?

Having a plan for senior housing can make the entire downsizing process less stressful for seniors and their loved ones. If you’re worried about your senior loved one feeling lonely or being able to care for themselves, Senior Lifestyle points out that it’s helpful to understand what makes independent living different from assisted living communities.

In an independent living community, residents will have common spaces and housing arrangements that provide regular social interactions. They can also access special services but they do not receive help with everyday activities.

Sometimes downsizing means moving into an assisted living community. Assisted living is a better choice for those who do need help with things like dressing, bathing, and managing medications. While this can be a very healthy choice, it’s also one that’s very emotionally charged for seniors. Some facilities offer a range of options that allow your loved one to transition between independent and assisted living within the same community. Support your senior by helping to explore the facilities available and making a choice you’re both comfortable with.

How to Prepare for Aging in Place?

If a senior wishes to age in place in a smaller home outside of a senior community, SafeWise notes that you’ll want to make sure certain updates are completed to help keep them safe. Safety features like grab bars in the bathroom and even lighting around stairs can prevent serious injuries and even premature death.

Add another layer of safety protection by adding home security, including a camera doorbell. Options like the Ring Doorbell are reasonably priced and easy to troubleshoot yourself, so you don’t have to rely on expensive monthly security system contracts.

In addition to these home updates, you can also take other steps to ensure your loved one stays healthy in their new home. For instance, you can reduce everyday stress by helping them keep bad energy at bay. Simple measures like keeping the home clutter-free, clean, and full of fresh air can create more positive and healing energy for your loved one.

If either of you has room in your budget, you could also consider investing in some home exercise equipment to help your seniors stay in top shape. Stationary bikes are perfect for this and can provide older adults with the regular physical activity they need to stay healthy.

Support their Mental Health in the Transition

Now that you have some tips for ensuring comfort and safety in the new home, let’s go over some ways to ease the stress and strain of the move itself. The first thing you need to keep in mind is that downsizing can be both an emotionally and physically challenging transition. It’s important to be able to destress during the downsizing process, so take measures to ensure your loved one has opportunities for such things as soaking in the tub with some skin- and soul-soothing soaps.

Your loved one may be feeling sadness or even grief over having to leave their old home behind. They may also experience these emotions when sorting through possessions and getting rid of items that won’t fit in the next home. Try to be patient with seniors as they work through these emotions, and offer you support whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to have a checklist of things you need to do to prepare for open houses. This list can let your loved one know what needs to be done beforehand to ensure they aren’t confused or frustrated by the process. It’s a good idea to help them to remove valuables and pets for open houses, too.

If your loved one is also closing up or selling a business during this transition, help them with those details, too. This phase can be an incredibly difficult one as they see much of what they worked for being closed or packed up. Acknowledge these feelings and help them to see the financial benefits that this transition brings to them. And be there to help gather documents and track finances so they can complete the process smoothly.

Make the Physical Move as Easy as Possible

Helping can also decrease the amount of stress and anxiety your loved one has around the move. If you’re unable to be physically present to offer that help, consider hiring locals who can do so for you. For packing and moving, this could mean looking for a moving company.

If managing the move is too much for you or your loved one, look into hiring a senior move manager. These specially trained professionals will be by your loved one’s side for each step of this transition. A senior move manager can also coordinate the efforts of other moving help.

Provide Love and Support During these Changes

Downsizing can be tough. You can make things easier by finding compassionate and practical ways to help your senior loved one. This is a stressful and emotional time for your aging loved one, and it’s important to exhibit compassion and patience as you find the best solution for everyone.

Check out Antwerp Township online for important information about community events, permits, services, and more!

Photo Credit: Pexels

How can you help? Volunteer, suggest an activity you would like to see started, participate in existing programs, come to our luncheons on Wednesdays, come and hang out with us. We’d love to see you!

Antwerp Township Senior Services Advisory Board Mission: “To provide programs that promote independence and wellness to help seniors of the Township remain active and healthy. The Township will continually strive to offer programs and services that enhance the quality of life, while ultimately maintaining the dignity of the 60+ year population residing within Antwerp Township both now and in the future” is the focus and intent of the Advisory Board meetings.

Antwerp Township Advisory Board: Board meets on the second Wednesday at 1:00 pm in the meeting room

Juan Giscombe, Chair: jegis@msn.com

Blaine Douglas, Vice Chair: hbdoug1@bloomingdalecom.net

Sid Shank: sidshank1@gmail.com

Karen Dunn: askkdunn@netzero.com

Daniel Ruzick: druzick@antwerptownship.com

Chantel Reyna: creyna@antwerptownship.com

Marcia Shaneyfelt-Niles: mams805@frontier.com-alternate

Next meeting will be on August 9 at 1:00pm

Where & How are Millage Tax Dollars Being Spent?

Check out the latest Revenue/Expenditure Report

rev and exp Sept 23

0/22) So if the fiscal year ended…what happened to money that wasn’t spent? Those tax dollars are dedicated funds which means, just like fire funds, they remain in an account for the sole purpose of serving seniors each year. The total amount available is depicted as fund balance on the bottom of the report.

Since the millage passed in August of 2014, these individuals have been meeting on a regular basis to get our program up and running, while making recommendations to the Antwerp Township Board of Trustees. Survey results are in and detailed results are available (Survey Results SS 2014). Out of 2,117 surveys mailed, 569 were returned, a 27% return rate.

Highest response rate for programs/services were: Health Services such as balance/strength, low impact exercise; Educational Programming such as informational seminars; and Trips/Travel.