Help
January 6, 2021
By: Doug Sheaffer
Email: doug.sheaffer@dshs.wa.gov
There’s a lot of free-floating anxiety out there it seems. People talk about how tired they are, how restless, or how sleep cycles are off. Admittedly, there’s noise, confusion, mixed messages about everything from politics to the pandemic—and it impacts all of us to some degree.
Add to all that, we still maintain our responsibilities, daily tasks and obligations. It can lead to a general world-weariness. Previously, some break in the routine could be obtained by taking in a movie, meeting a group of friends for a night out or some other group activity.
Much of this isn’t currently workable in our communities.
Feeling uplifted yet?
Speaking of responsibilities, there are people in our area that continue to need some help—or have found themselves needing it for the first time. Life has a way of happening to us no matter what else is occurring elsewhere. With “everything” going on, what if I need help? Doesn’t everybody?
You aren’t everybody, you are you. And if you feel like you can’t ask for help because of all this, I want to encourage you to take a step. Tell someone
I need some help..
Despite the whirling world of information and activity surrounding us all, people still need to participate in a variety of arenas. Are you new to Medicare? Need to find out when to enroll, how to enroll and what options are available?
Open enrollment for Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) ends December 7th. Do you need to change plans? Are you aware of what plans are available?
Do you know what supplemental plans (also called medigap plans) are out there? (These are additional plans to cover the 20% of medical costs Medicare doesn’t cover.) And did you know that you don’t have to worry about missing an enrollment period for the supplemental plans? You can explore those anytime.
Is it getting more difficult to get through the day due to medical issues or declining health? Need some help in the home? There are programs and homecare agencies that can provide some assistance. Either through Medicaid programs, family caregiver services or by paying privately, the services may be available.
Maybe everything’s relatively stable for you right now and you want to help. There are volunteer opportunities throughout our communities and we can help you explore some options.
As noted, life happens regardless of however the current social whirlwinds are blowing. At some time, we all need some help. We really are all in this together. It’s called community.
Information & Assistance
Long Beach: 3602 642 3634/888 571 6558 Raymond: 360 942 2177/888 571 6557