In years past, Buckham West has been a host location for Rice County Public Health’s flu shot clinics. Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some locations that usually host these clinics, like Buckham West, may not offer vaccinations this fall, because of the challenges with maintaining social distancing.

Rice County Public Health officials have determined that the main focus of their shot clinics for older adults will be in congregate housing sites, as well as the Public Health office. They are encouraging individuals who typically have their shot administered at Buckham West to look for alternative locations, for example their pharmacy or their clinic.

Public Health staff also wants to inform the community that this year is especially important for getting this immunization and urge you to receive it before the end of October. If you want information about Rice County’s flu vaccination clinic times, please call them at 507-332-6111.

 

Open Enrollment Period

Beginning October 15 through December 7, 2020 the Open Enrollment period begins for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D). As has been done for many years, Buckham West (BW) will be hosting a trained health insurance counselor to assist individuals who have questions, want to enroll or want to make changes on their Medicare Part D coverage during the Open Enrollment period.

But as in many things this year, there will be some changes made to this process. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the appointments this year will not be face-to-face, but virtual instead. Staff from the SE Minnesota Area Agency on Aging will be joining us via the computer to help you shop for a new drug plan or answer other questions that you may have. Here are the parameters that will be set up:

  • Call 332-7357 to make your one-on-one appointment.
  • Appointment dates will be Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3.
  • You will be asked to wear a mask and sign in once you arrive to your appointment. Bring along all insurance and prescription information that you currently have.
  • The appointment will be set up in a private office. The computer and webcam will be set up and BW staff will assist with this process.
  • There is no cost or membership necessary to access this service.
  • Another option available for you to do your Open Enrollment changes is to call the Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433. The staff answering these calls will have the same training as the virtual option.

 

Home Help Offered

Buckham West is happy to announce once again that there will be home services available through a partnership between Rice County and Family Service Rochester (FSR). These services will assist older adults and persons with disabilities to remain living in the homes they love.

The two important services that will be needed in the days and months ahead are fall clean up and also snow removal. If you are living independently and are looking for help with these chores, you are encouraged to call FSR for more information at 507-287-2010. These services will be at a reduced cost and in some cases may even be free.

.

Estate and Will Advice

Buckham West will be sponsoring an Estate and Will Advice Clinic on Tuesday, October 27th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  For this clinic, Ms. Jessica Hafemeyer, Attorney at Law, will be available to provide senior citizens with information and direction in the area of wills and other estate planning issues.  No wills will be prepared at this clinic. Appointments are required by calling 332-7357. You do not need to be a Buckham West member to access this free service.

 

Medicare Basics

If you are turning 65 or going on Medicare soon, here is an opportunity for you to get the information you need. “Medicare Basics” will be held again this year at Buckham West on Tuesday, October 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The workshop will cover the parts of Medicare- hospital, medical and drug options; including original/ traditional Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare advantage plans, Part D prescription drug coverage and preventive benefits.

Instructor Chad Wojchik, a certified State Health Insurance Program Counselor and specialist with the Senior LinkAge Line®, will be joining us virtually in our Anderson Conference Room, with social distancing in place and masks required. Due to the spacing requirements there will be a limited number of spots available. In order to register, please call 332-7357 Monday-Fridays between 9:00-1:00pm or email mkaiser@buckhamwest.org. This is a free event which is open to the public.

 

Fashions on Central

It’s that time of year again when our gently-used clothing store, Fashions on Central, brings out the fashions for fall and winter.  We are fully stocked with anything you need for those days when the temperature begins to drop.

Fashions on Central, our gently used clothing store located in downtown Faribault, is now open for Tuesday-Saturdays from 11:00-5:00pm.

 

Reminders:

  • Caregiver Support Group meetings are held at Buckham West on the 4th Tuesday of the month 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Please register in advance by calling Brenda Johnson at 332-7357.
  • Carla Pearson, LSW, a Senior and Caregiver Advocate for Three Rivers Community Action is another great resource for older adults in Rice County. She can now be reached only by phone at 1-800-277-8418 x328.
  • Curbside Pickup Meal- Since there is no noon meal served inside Buckham West until further notice, why not consider picking up a meal instead. For more information please call the kitchen at 332-7680 or Buckham West at 332-7357. You can view the latest menu on the Buckham West website at buckhamwest.org and click the Senior Dining tab at the top.
  • There are also many exercise classes that are being offered through Faribault’s Park and Recreation Department. These include several classes in our fitness studio and also in the pool. There are class size limits though, so call them at 334-2064 to reserve a spot.