In addition to the country fairs and the colorful foliage, autumn brings with it a sense of urgency. We need to get things done. For most seniors, a couple of items are right at the top of the list. One is to get a flu shot and the other is to get fuel for the winter. We’ll tackle the fuel question in a subsequent article and get started on flu shot availability this week.
There are many places offering flu shots, which are free to those of us who have Medicare Part B. I used to feel guilty about not paying for the shot but it dawned on me that each of us who has Medicare already pay a monthly premium for Part B – it is deducted from our Social Security check before we even get it! If you don’t have Medicare Part B, the cost is $25.
Area Shaw’s grocery stores are offering flu shots on the following dates and at their store in the town indicated:
Biddeford: Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saco: Thursday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sanford: Saturday, Oct.. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 6 from 4-8 p.m.
Scarboro: Saturday, Oct. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
So. Portland: Friday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Westbrook: Monday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Windham: Saturday, Oct. 14 from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flu shots will also be given at Windham Town Hall gym, 8 School Road on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. Be sure to bring your Medicare card.
Pneumonia shots are also available at these clinics. There are undoubtedly other opportunities for flu shots; please check with your local town or city hall and watch this column.
Now that the summer visitors are gone and kids are back in school, and the house is too quiet, it might be the ideal time for seniors to visit their local Senior Meal Site, hosted by Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Delicious, nutritious meals are served for a minimal fee and other activities are offered. For information on the site nearest you, or for information on home-delivered Meals on Wheels, call 1-800-427-7411 Located in Scarborough, SMAA is the best place to contact for many senior-related issues like insurance, Medicare, health, home fix up needs, etc.
In Standish, the Active Senior Citizens meet on the second and fourth Wednesday at Steep Falls Fire Barn on the Boundary Road. Meals are $3. Reservations by 9:30 a.m. the Monday prior to that week’s luncheon. Call Alvida Fogg, 642-4929 or June Frost 727-6215. Upcoming events include a bagpipe demonstration on Oct. 11 and Halloween party (with prizes for costumes) on Oct. 25.
At the Sebago Lake Congregational Church, Friday luncheons are sponsored on the third Friday each month by Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Meals are $4. For more information call 1-800-400-6325.
In Windham, the SMAA Meal Site is at Unity Gardens senior housing, 124 Tandberg Trail, North Windham. Meals on Wheels and the Senior Dining Club are open year round, five days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals at the site are $3 by donation. You must call Virginia Billings at 892-3891 in advance for all meals. Beano is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cribbage is offered, as well. Please call for the schedule. On Thursday, Oct. 19, a special program called “Learning to Live Each Moment Fully” will be presented from 1 to 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public and refreshments are served. The program for Thursday, Oct. 26 is “Sleep Patterns and Aging” at the same time, also at Unity Gardens.
If you are in the Lakes Region and would like more information or have questions about Medicare, Social Security or other senior issues, staff from SMAA Senior Solutions will help you. This is a free service and you can either call SMAA 1-800-427-7411 to speak with an Elder Advocate or they will come to Unity Gardens in Windham to speak with you. Call Virginia at 892-3891 to schedule an appointment at Unity Gardens.
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