Medicare Enrollment
Changes coming to Medicare in 2025 could be beneficial for Oregon residents who are eligible for the program. Oregonians who qualify for Medicare are now in the open enrollment period through December 7th, which allows them to search for health coverage plans that best suit their needs. Ryan Kibby is the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance or SHIBA project director with the Oregon Department of Human Services. He says there will be expanded care options for dementia patients with the Guiding and Improved Dementia Experience or GUIDE program.
“Some of the resources available through GUIDE would include a 24-hour support line, caregiver training and up to $2,500 a year for respite services. And that’s really just going to help benefit the people who are providing these family caregiver services.”
There will also be expanded mental health benefits for people with Medicare in 2025. In 2023, nearly 920-thousand Oregonians were enrolled in Medicare. People can get free help finding coverage through Oregon’s SHIBA program,
Holiday Events
As part of the Christmas and Holiday spirit Shorewood Senior living will be having a special beniefit breakfast. The staff and residents will be adopting a family this year and all proceeds will go towards that family. The meal will be on Wednesday December the 11th at Shorewood on 15th and Spruce from 8 am until 11am and the cost is just $5.00. for more information you can contact Andrea at 997-8202.
Several holiday events will be upcoming this weekend in Florence. The city of Florence, partnering with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the tree lighting ceremony at the interpretive center this Saturday at 5:30, prior to that the Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a Season of Giving tent at the gazebo from 11am until 7pm. Local organizations will be on hand with information and how the community can support them during the season and throughout the year.
This weekend will also be the presentation of the Holly Jolly Follies featuring local talent from Florence Residents as well as the community’s youth. The event will be on Friday and Saturday evening at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 2 pm at the Florence Events Center. Also at the Event Center is the annual Empty Bowls sale to benefit the Florence Food Share. You can visit eventcenter.org for times and more information.