Up and Running and Listening!

Talking, Listening and Caring.  That’s what trained, compassionate volunteers will do when they call older adults who live alone in Benzie County.   The goal of the program is to check on the senior’s safety and welfare and to provide much-needed social contact.  The call will be placed at an arranged time each weekday.   TeleCare staff and volunteers view the well-being of these seniors as their number one priority.  When health or safety concerns are identified, they are referred to an appropriate family member, Benzie Home Health Care staff or other agencies.  If a participant does not answer the phone after several attempts have been made to reach them, a series of steps will follow to assure their safety and well-being.

TeleCare is a free community service of Benzie Home Health Care and will begin in early January.  Applicants will complete a brief form, listing information such as their emergency contacts. To enroll or learn more, call 231-882-5031.

A Little Christmas Spirit

L-R Suzi, Connie, Mellie, Joy, Diane, Jenya, Mary, Deb

The staff of Benzie Home Health Care recently gathered on a Wednesday morning to put together 45 fruit baskets to deliver to our clients.  The baskets included fresh apples, oranges, bananas, pears and assorted candy, along with the good wishes of the staff and Shop-N-Save, who generously donated some of the fruit.  We had a great time as we assembled the individual baskets and our clients enjoyed getting a special treat from the people who provide extra care all year long!

2009 Annual Meeting

Benzie Home Health Care held its 34th annual meeting on November 7, 2009 at First Congregational Church of Benzonia.  The board members, staff and volunteers were honored.  The slate of officers was presented and elected unanimously.  The Board of Directors for 2009/2010 includes Randy Gilbert (President), Dr. Ruth Catton (Vice President), Judy Welch (Secretary), Paul Patterson (Treasurer), Mary Bruning (Trustee), Amy Jones (Trustee), J.B. Daugherty (Trustee), Pastor Dan Furman (Trustee), Dr. Gerard Mahoney (Trustee) and Nancy Marshall (Trustee).  Pastor Jim Petteys gave the Walk-A-Thon report and presented a check for $15,000 from the Benzie County Ministerial Association to Mary Dykstra, Executive Director of Benzie Home Health Care.  Nancy Marshall and Bev Toomey gave a very informative presentation on the Coalition Health Access Program and Traverse Health Clinic.  Mary Dykstra presented the annual progress report.  To view the Donor Recognition Report for 2008-09, click here.