AED/CPR class – Wednesday, October 22
Sue White
Have you always wanted to learn CPR but never took the time-well here’s your opportunity to learn a lifesaving technique. The class will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The AED/CPR defibrillator and resuscitation class is open to all employees and residents of PebbleCreek. The certified instructor does an excellent presentation with hands-on training in all equipment and technique.
The cost is $30 for residents and can be paid with cash or checks to AZ Pro CPR and First Aid LLC at the beginning of the class.
A sign up sheet will be in the Kare Bears folder at the Community Information mailbox across from the Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop after October 1.
For any questions please call the Kare Bears house at 536-1200
AARP safe driving class
Sue White
An AARP Safe Driving Class will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the Sienna Room at Tuscany Falls for all PebbleCreek residents. Cost for AARP members is $15 and for nonmembers the cost is $20. Checks for the class should be made payable to AARP.
Safety techniques and driving principles will be explained in the class.
Some auto insurers do give a discount upon completion of the class, so please check with your insurance carrier. It is well worth the time and cost. A certificate of completion will be distributed at the end of the class.
A signup sheet will be in the Kare Bears folder at the Community Information mailbox across from the Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop after October 15.
For any questions please call the Kare Bears house at 536-1200.
Donations received in August
Sue White
The Kare Bears Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge non campaign donations received from the following residents: Nelda and Charles Peterman, Kay Aiello and Richard and Anita Heldesch.
Memorial contributions were received from the following: Knimble Kneedles in memory of Edwina Anderson and from James and Arlene Martin in memory of Peg Gildersleeve.
A complete list of all resident donations can be found on our website, www.KareBears.org.
The generosity and thoughtfulness of these residents will enable Kare Bears to continue to serve the needs of our PebbleCreek neighbors.
Blood Drive on Saturday, November 15
As part of Kare Bears Health and Wellness effort, we are pleased to be offering a Blood Drive open to all residents on Saturday, November 15, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Parking Lot.
The signup sheet will be at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse across from the Pro Shop after October 25. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Two appointments can be scheduled at the same time.
The United Blood Services Mobile Unit will be at the Eagle’s Nest Parking Lot near the Activities Center.
We encourage you to read the Did You Know facts provided by United Blood Services. You can save three lives just by donating your blood and it will only take a half hour out of your day.
If you have any questions please contact the Kare Bears House at 536-1200.
Did You Know?
Less than 5% of the population actually gives blood.
About 95% of prescription medications are fine and will not prevent you from donating blood. Some examples of acceptable meds are insulin, blood pressure, cholesterol, birth control, anti-depressants, thyroid, allergy and aspirin regimen.
You can save up to three lives with just one blood donation. (Components are separated and go to different patients with different needs)
Donor eligibility rules are set by the FDA and as we learn more about medications, etc., donor eligibility rules change. Those that may have been told in the past they were ineligible may now be eligible. Please call 480-675-5497 with any donor eligibility questions.
Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days.
There is no substitute for blood and oftentimes it is the only thing that will save someone’s life.
United Blood Services is Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit community blood provider. We are the blood provider of choice for about 60 Arizona hospitals including all valley hospitals.
UBS – AZ is one of only three approved blood banks that can send blood to our military overseas.
Your body produces healthier red cells after a donation; red cells carry oxygen to our vital organs.
Although we’re eligible to give blood every eight weeks, the average donor in Arizona gives only once a year.
All blood types are needed but 52% of transfusions require Type O blood (universal red cell donor).
Kare Bears need baked goods on October 24
Sue White
Do you love to bake but don’t know what to do with all the treats once you create them? Kare Bears would love to have you bake some of your tasty cookies, cakes, pies, candies and breads for their bake sale at the annual Fall Creative Arts Festival. The date for the 2014 Festival is Saturday, October 25. The proceeds from the bake sale help support the programs and services which Kare Bears provides for all PebbleCreek residents throughout the year.
Please consider supporting Kare Bears in this very special way. Bob and Hope Ewest are chairing the Bake Sale for Kare Bears again this year. If you need further information, please give them a call at 623-547-7642. Your baked goods should be delivered to the Arts and Crafts Center in Tuscany Falls between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24 so that they can be priced and readied for the festival on October 25. Please do not bring baked goods on the day of the festival, October 25.
Don’t let us run out of baked items before the day is over! Your past support of this event has been wonderful. Help us make this year our biggest yet!
Benefits Assistance Program Director Glen Spencer
Benefits Assistance Program Director to speak
Sue White
Come join us on October 15, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom to hear Glen Spencer, Benefits Assistance Program Director for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One in Phoenix, Arizona. In his capacity Glenn currently oversees the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for Maricopa County and assists Medicare beneficiaries with enrollments, grievances, appeals and issues involving Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. He is a frequent trainer and conference presenter. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Banner Health Network, a Pioneer Accountable Care Organization in Arizona. He is a frequent trainer and conference presenter.
Following a 15 year career in alternative dispute resolution serving as a mediator, arbitrator and executive with the American Arbitration Association, Glen Spencer began his second career in healthcare.
Spencer served as a Medical Case Manager with HIV Care Directions, a program of the Area Agency on Aging, Region One from 2005 to 2011. He specialized in Social Security disability and Medicare benefits, representing clients filing for social security disability and assisting with Medicare enrollments. If you’re looking for a Social Security disability lawyer in KY, you could consider reaching out to the Paul Baker Law Office.
Glen will explain the basics of all Medicare Programs (Part A, B, C and D and Medigap Supplements), services provided under each part of Medicare, costs under each part of Medicare and what’s new in 2015. Low income programs will be discussed and explained. Changes to Medicare as a result of the Affordable Care Act will also be covered. Additional resources for client assistance will be provided.
Highlights of the presentation will include the following for attendees:
* Understand the medical benefits available under Medicare
* Understand Medicare enrollment periods and when they can commence benefits
* Understand the Extra Help program and the Medicare Savings Program for low income beneficiaries
* Discover some of the most popular disability insurance providers and explore the importance of taking out a disability insurance policy
* Learn about objectives of the Affordable Care Act and changes to the Medicare program
* Learn about local resources to provide support to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries
We look forward to seeing you on October 15, 2014, for the informative presentation!
If you have any questions on this event please call the Kare Bear House at 536-1200.
PebbleCreek residents tour the Pathways facility.
Tours and lunch at assisted living facilities
Janis Korba
Many facilities are being built near PebbleCreek for assisted living, memory care, respite care and rehab for us after injuries or surgeries. The residents of PebbleCreek are fortunate to have these facilities available to them close enough to make it easy for loved ones to visit.
LaLoma, located on the northwest corner of Litchfield and Camelback, has been our closest assisted senior living community for many years. They offer rehab, both for outpatients and inpatients, respite care for loved ones for one night or memory care and assisted living. A lunch and tour of all LaLoma’s amenities is scheduled December 16.
Pathways at 4211 Pebble Creek Parkway, (northeast corner of Indian School), is an Assisted Living and Memory Care Neighborhood. The Kare Bears had our first tour of the facilities in June. The memory care residents live in a separate building with close supervision. We will be touring Pathways October 23 with lunch included.
Estrella Estates, a retirement living community located at 14930 West Wigwam Boulevard, is scheduled to open November 1, 2014. This is an independent living facility with all inclusive assisted living (telephone is not included). Our residents can enjoy lunch and tour Estrella Estates on November 20.
The Groves, located at the corner of Virginia Avenue and PebbleCreek Parkway, is scheduled to open January, 2015. This facility offers assisted living, memory care, respite care and rehab for residents only. We will be having lunch with a tour as soon as The Groves opens.
All of these facilities are giving PebbleCreek residents a free lunch and tour to make it easy for you to before familiar with what’s available for you at your time of need. Hopefully you’ll never need these facilities, but it’s good to have more information than not enough. To reserve a seat for these lunches, please call the Kare Bear House at 623-536-1200.
We will have one of these Assisted Living tours each month when possible. The number of residents will be limited.
Annual Fall Luncheon
Sue White
If you have not already purchased your tickets for the most popular fall event in PebbleCreek, do not delay! The annual Kare Bears Fall Luncheon, “Autumn Blessings,” will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at the Tuscany Falls Ballroom. The doors will be open at 10:30 a.m. with lunch being served at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $21.
The highlight of the lunch is the presentation of the prestigious “Founders Community Service Award” along with an “Exceptional Service Award” and the “Friends of Kare Bears Award.” There will also be many wonderful raffle items for you to choose from along with the “Hugs and Kisses” contest.
Ticket sales started on September 22 and will continue until October 24. They will be sold on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Eagle’s Nest Kiosk.
If you have additional questions, please call the Kare Bear House at 536-1200.
Kare Bears need baked goods on October 24
Sue White
Do you love to bake but don’t know what to do with all the treats once you create them? Kare Bears would love to have you bake some of your tasty cookies, cakes, pies, candies and breads for their bake sale at the annual Fall Creative Arts Festival. The date for the 2014 Festival is Saturday, October 25. The proceeds from the bake sale help support the programs and services which Kare Bears provides for all PebbleCreek residents throughout the year.
Please consider supporting Kare Bears in this very special way. Bob and Hope Ewest are chairing the Bake Sale for Kare Bears again this year. If you need further information, please give them a call at 623-547-7642. Your baked goods should be delivered to the Arts and Crafts Center in Tuscany Falls between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24 so that they can be priced and readied for the festival on October 25. Please do not bring baked goods on the day of the festival, October 25.
Don’t let us run out of baked items before the day is over! Your past support of this event has been wonderful. Help us make this year our biggest yet!
Flu, Pneumonia and Shingles shots
Sue White
Walgreens will be giving the Standard Flu Shots along with the High Dose 65 plus Flu Shots, Pneumonia Shots and Shingles Shots at the Tuscany Falls Ballroom on the following dates and times:
Thursday, October 2, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 3, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Saturday, October 18, 8:00 to 11:45 a.m.
In general, most insurance covers the cost of the Standard Flu Shots at 100% (Medicare does cover flu shots). However, if the shots are not covered by your insurance, the cash prices for the Standard Flu Shots are $25.99 and $55 or less for the High Dose 65 plus shot. The cash price for the Pneumonia shot is $90. The Shingles shot’s cost varies by insurance companies. Please check with your insurance carrier prior to signing up.
A signup sheet is in the Kare Bears folder at the Community Information mailbox across from the Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop. Residents can choose the time they prefer to sign up.
For any questions please call the Kare Bears house at 536-1200
Help can come your way – just view the guide today
Sue White
The Kare Bears are pleased to announce that they have a newly revised Resource Guide that can be viewed or downloaded at www.karebears.org. All you have to do is click “Resource Guide” on the left side of the screen and it will connect you. There are two parts to the directory. You will have to view the index portion separately. For an easier search you may want to print out the index so you can use it while searching for a resource.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the many resources available out there and also that Kare Bears does not endorse these entries but merely offers the information for your review.
The best resource available is the Area Agency on Aging. They have a senior helpline and offer an informative book called the Elder Resource Guide. It can be seen online at www.karebears.org. (The phone number and website for viewing is on page two.) The Elder Resource Guide is an excellent directory for contacting the public and private organizations that provide services to people who need them, to their families and caregivers and to the many professionals who make up the human services network.
It is important to understand that you don’t have to be a caregiver or be sick to benefit from the Kare Bears resource list. For example, if you want to know the pickup date for bulk trash, it is there. It you want to rent baby furniture, get someone to watch your house or pet sit, it is there. If you need a handyman or a place that delivers food or groceries, it is there. If you need transportation to the airport, guess what-it is there too. There are government agencies, elder attorneys, estate and financial planners and the list goes on and on. Sound helpful?
Perhaps the most important reason to view the Kare Bears Guide is to get help when you or a loved one is ill. One of the main sections deals with products, programs and organizations for support of various diseases. Another portion lists where to get medical and nonmedical assistance. And, of course, there is a section that deals with senior housing, rehab or respite care.
If you don’t use the web you can view the resource list at the Kare Bears house. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Kare Bears library. It has all kinds of books, pamphlets and information that can be checked out.
We hope you will take a moment to view the guide today so that help can come your way when you need it.
Kare Bears Upcoming Events
Friday, October 24 – Deadline for Kare Bears baked goods to be delivered to Arts and Crafts Center between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m
Wednesday, November 12 – Annual Kare Bears Fall Luncheon at 11:30 a.m.