A Special Kare Bears Volunteer
Bob Wainman etching an inventory number on a donated piece of equipment
Maureen Plate
Bob Wainman is a one-of-a-kind Kare Bears volunteer who is very much appreciated. Bob’s wife, Linda, is an office volunteer and was instrumental in getting him involved as the equipment maintenance manager. Once a week, Bob goes to the Kare Bears house to clean, sanitize, and make minor repairs to the equipment that was returned by residents. The equipment is stored in the Kare Bears’ house garage and consists of wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, canes, knee rollers, crutches, grabbers, and ramps. Equipment can be borrowed by residents for six weeks with a two-week extension.
Bob etches an inventory number on a donated piece of equipment, and then lists it on his inventory. He is able to make minor repairs on equipment with his stock of parts. Periodically, he removes items from inventory that are irreparable, and those items are donated for parts to organizations who transport them to countries where the need is great.
Kare Bears is grateful to our residents who donate medical equipment. We continue to provide the loan of equipment to our residents at no charge.
Call us at 623-536-1200 or visit us at the Kare Bears house 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd. Our hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. To learn more, visit www.karebears.org.
Kare Bears Corner: Kare Bears Equipment, Transportation, and Health & Wellness Statistics
Rayma Scalzo
Listed below are some statistics on what services Kare Bears provided in the month of July. Keep in mind that it is during the slow time of the year when many residents are away.
Amount of medical equipment loaned out: 59 pieces
Mileage driven to medically related appointments: 1,576 miles
CPR/AED class: 16 residents attended
We gladly accept monetary donations to maintain these services and other programs. You can donate through our website at www.karebears.org. Just go to the site and click on “How to” on the top right of the screen. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Kare-ing Neighbors, Inc. and send or deliver it to: 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395. Thank you.
Annual Fall Luncheon Is Back!
Barbara Harvey
After a 2-year hiatus, our popular Fall Luncheon is back and will be held on Nov. 9 in the Tuscany Ballroom. It will be an afternoon of “Denim and Diamonds” with lunch, live entertainment, a 50/50 drawing, a multitude of raffle prizes, and a silent auction. All residents are invited! Come meet your neighbors. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Remember to bring cash or check for the raffles.
There are three choices for lunch: a trio of salads, Southwestern chicken wrap, or a vegetarian ciabatta. Cash bar opens at 10 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by Desert Harmony Trio as you peruse the many raffle items and sign up for the silent auction. Start getting your holiday gifts early and support your Kare Bears organization.
Following lunch will be awards and prizes. The afternoon will be highlighted by the presentation of the Founder’s Community Service Award honoring an extraordinary PebbleCreek volunteer. Exceptional Service Awards will also be given to a few outstanding Kare Bear volunteers along with the Friends of Kare Bears award to an individual or business who has performed a particular service for the Kare Bears.
Tickets are $35 each, which includes lunch, beverage, dessert, taxes, and tip. They will be on sale at the Eagle’s Nest kiosk from 10 a.m. until noon every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in October, until they are sold out. You can reserve a table for up to 10 people with names, phone numbers, and your choice of lunch. Unfortunately, we cannot take credit cards. Please make checks payable to Kare Bears.
If you have questions, call the Kare Bears house at 623-536-1200. Hope to see you there!
Medicare—What’s New and Different This Year
Connie Simon, Kare Bears Program Director
The PebbleCreek Kare Bears are all about Medicare in October! Every year there are changes in the Medicare program, and most of us are not aware of them. We have the option of making changes to our Medicare insurance plans annually, but unless we know what our options are and how they affect us personally, we can’t make a good decision.
Are Medicare costs going up?
Are Medicare plans changing this year?
What are the changes to the Prescription Plan Donut Hole?
On Oct. 26, Kare Bears will present a two-part event to cover this complex topic. There will be a speaker who will give us general information regarding Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs, etc.), Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap), options under Medicare, and upcoming changes.
There will also be a panel of subject matter experts who can assist with your specific needs. All experts were recommended by PebbleCreek residents.
The goal for the Kare Bears is to supply you with the information you need to make a good financial decision for your medical care.
Mark your calendar for Oct. 26! The program starts at 11 a.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom. No RSVP is needed and admission is free.
Kare Bears Flu Shot Clinics in October
Dee-Dee Patrick, MS, RN, Kare Bears Health & Wellness
Why Should You Get a Flu Vaccine?
Compared to younger adults, people who are 65 years and older have a greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. It has been estimated that in recent years seniors have accounted for 50% to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 70% to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths.
It’s important to get the flu vaccine every year because both you and the flu virus change. The antibodies that you create to build immunity to the flu will decrease with time, so you need a new vaccine to renew your supply of antibodies. The flu viruses are also constantly changing, which is why there is a new formulation every year.
When Should You Get a Flu Vaccine?
The flu season varies from year to year, but it has been known to start as early as October, peak in the winter months between December and February, and then may continue as late as May. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine early in the fall, before the flu season begins, ideally no later than the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build up the antibodies against the flu. It’s better late than never, though. Even if you don’t get the flu vaccine until January or later, you can still benefit from it.
How Effective Is the Flu Vaccine?
How well the vaccine works varies from year to year. Overall, receiving the flu vaccine usually reduces the risk of getting the flu by between 40% and 60% among most people when the vaccine is well-matched with the isolated virus. Some people respond better than others to the flu vaccine and build stronger immunity. People who are older than 65 years typically build weaker immune responses to the influenza vaccine, which is why there are special flu vaccines made especially for seniors.
Flu Shot Clinics Will Be Oct. 4, 7, 12, and 17
Please note this is NOT COVID-19 vaccines/boosters.
Flu shots are by appointment ONLY, in the Palm Room. Register online at KareBears.org. Please bring your Medicare and/or insurance cards and the completed Walgreens’ Informed Consent for Vaccination form with you (available on Kare Bears web page). As with all medical appointments, face masks are encouraged
Questions? Call Dee-Dee Patrick at 708-494-0008 or email her at [email protected]. You must contact Dee-Dee to cancel or reschedule your appointment.