Julie Hilbert's Visit...

SENIOR MOMENT UPDATE


Upcoming Presentations and Events:
• March 11th from 9-10 a.m., at the FDL Senior Center is the “Wellness Morning” Julie will be there answering questions and information geared towards seniors.
• March 15th at 11:00 a.m., at Lakeview Estates (517 Luco Rd.) Benefits Presentation for Seniors age 60 and over.
• April 7th at 1:00 p.m. at the FDL Public Library will be a “When I’m 65” presentation. This presentation will be focusing on many aspects of retiring, Medicare, insurance, prescription drug coverage and the like.
• April 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the FDL Senior Center is a “When I’m 65” seminar for people who will be turning 65 and are confused with the process of Medicare and insurance.

Social Security Office Relocation: The social security office will be relocating to a new office on Friday, March 18th and reopen for business on Monday, March 21st. The new address will be 180 Knights Way, Ste. 100 and the new phone number to schedule appointments or answer questions is 1-888-717-1526.

New Physician Compare Website: CMS has created a new site to help beneficiaries locate and compare health care professionals in communities across the country. The site will do a search based on specialty and find physicians in your zip code this also includes therapists or nurse practitioners. The website will include contact information and whether the physician accepts Medicare assignment. www.medicare.gov/find-a-doctor

SALT and Sr Transportation Options...

Here is the info that Ray and April and I covered today...

Question – Does Fond du Lac County offer elderly transport service and how do you sign up?

FDL County offers an Elderly Transport Program through the County’s Senior Services in the City of Fond du Lac. You must be 60 years or older and mostly independent in walking. Cost is $2.50 each way in the city of Fond du Lac. This type of transport is for the more mobile person as they provide curb to curb service. This transport service can be used for any reason. A 2 week notice is required to reserve this service. Phone number is 920-929-3936.



Question – What is available for those who may need a lift equipped vehicle?



FDL County Senior Services also offer s a Handi-Van lift equipped service operating within the City of FDL. There is no age requirement for this transport but is designed for those with a wheelchair, or scooter. The cost for this transport is $2.50 each way in the city of Fond du Lac and is a door to door service. This transport service can be used for any reason. A 2 week notice is required to reserve this service. The phone number is 920-929-3110.



Question – Does Fond du Lac County offer any specialized transportation services?



Senior Services does offer an Escort Service strictly for medical appointments. The person using the transport must be able to get themselves in and out of the vehicle on their own. The volunteers that drive for this service all use 4 door sedan type vehicles. This transport will also leave the city of Fond du Lac but the person must have a doctor’s certification for leaving the city. To get the certification, the person must have at least one diagnosis and one mobile need. That is they have one medical condition that would require them to need an escort, and a mobile need is someone that needs assistance with transportation, i.e., not having personal transportation such as their own vehicle. The phone number is 920-929-3936.





There are also Van rentals through the ARC. The driver must take and pass a certification course. The cost is $20/day for the minivan, $25/day for a larger van.



Question – What about Taxi Services? What is available?



Quality Cab 920-929-8888 - Regular cab service - $6/ea way, $1 per stop first 5 min wait time is free then charged. Will charge $9 for a round trip. Out of town is charged at $1.50/mile. Oshkosh would be $35 there, half price back if coming back within 20 minutes time, otherwise $35 back.

Lift equipped transportation $11/ ea way.



JobTrans They provide a service for those who are too far from a bus stop, charge $2 for disabled or +65 years old 1 way. Runs from 6:00am to 6:30pm. Within the city of Fond du Lac.



Bens Budget Cab 322-8864 $6/ea way anywhere in FDL or NFDL. $1.50/mile out of town. $35 to go to Oshkosh, and $35 back. Will do a stop, if stop in on the way $7, if out of way $9 for trip.



Question – Are their services available elsewhere in FDL County?



There are at least two options.

Fond du Lac County Dept of Senior Services offers transportation at the Ripon Senior Center through the. The van runs from 9-11am and 12:30-1:30pm M-F. You must call the Ripon Senior Center to make an appointment, by 3pm the day prior to the transport. They will take same day appointments but do not guarantee availability. The rider must be able to get on and off the transport on their own, and they will only transport within the city limits of Ripon to people age 60+. They charge $1/stop.



There is also Ripon Taxi and they have similar services that we spoke bout for the other Taxi companies. $2 for regular taxi ride/ea way for elderly/disabled. Provides curb to curb service, they will help with a walker, groceries, etc. call 1-72 hours in advance for a ride. Also has lift equipped van that is avail by appointment only, same fare as the taxi service. The lift van is only available within the city limits. The taxi service is available for out of town @ $1.75/mile. Also, any caregiver riding with a client can ride for free.