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Calendar & Classes

Missoula Aging Services offers educational classes and workshops throughout the year.

See below for upcoming events and how to register. To enroll in a class or register for an event call MAS at (406) 728-7682.

March 2024

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During this 90-minute session, you'll learn how to make the most of your Medicare options!

The workshop covers:
-Important enrollment dates
-Limited guaranteed issue rights
-How to save money on prescription drugs
-How to prevent late enrollment penalties
-Options to help pay for Medicare costs for people with a limited income
-Choosing between Medicare A & B and a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, a Medicare Supplement, or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

It's important to get local information because Medicare options vary by state, and even by county.
This session will be held virtually. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Relevant Medicare publications will be provided.
An opportunity to participate in a no-cost phone appointment with a MAS Resource Specialist to further discuss benefit options will also be offered after the workshop.

Missoula Aging Services is the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that you can count on for unbiased information. The workshop is presented by Resource Specialists at Missoula Aging Services and trained SHIP Counselors. For more information or assistance registering, please contact MAS at (406) 728-7682.

An email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting ID, password, and instructions will be sent to registered participants several days prior to the event.
The workshop will not cover SSDI nor will it answer questions about taxes. If you are on SSDI, please call MAS for a no-cost New to Medicare phone appointment.

Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity, and health of older adults and those who care for them. The New to Medicare Workshop provides unbiased information and assistance on a complex topic. The course also offers a one-on-one appointment with a trained SHIP Counselor after taking the course.

Choosing a fee ticket is greatly appreciated in assisting MAS to continue to offer the workshop and promote our mission. No-cost ticket options are available for Montana residents who need them.

Memory Loss Conversations is an informal, social group for those adjusting to memory loss or dementia. This group provides a safe space to share conversations with people who understand, to experience support and encouragement, and to explore positive ways of living with memory loss. The group is offered Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am. It is facilitated by Patti Holkup of Dementia Friendly Missoula. Participate by telephone or online using Zoom. There is no cost. Come as often as you like.

Monday, March 11, 2024
4:00 pm5:00 pm
Virtual Support Group

Social distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the loved ones they support. The Virtual Caregiver Support Group offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers welcome, including dementia caregivers.
The event takes place on the second Monday of each month from 4-5 PM, MDT. Participate online or by phone at no cost, using ZOOM. Space is limited; sign up for one or more sessions by Wednesday the week before. An email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting ID, password, and instructions will be sent to registered participants several days prior to the event.

For more information or assistance registering contact Missoula Aging Services.

A grpahic reading Offsite Resource Appointments with a pen and paper icon

Are you looking for in-person assistance understanding your Medicare options, managing caregiving responsibilities, or another issue? MAS Resource Center Specialists are here to meet with you and help you find solutions, now available through offsite appointments at a location near you. Call (406) 327-6659 to schedule your one-on-one appointment at Burlington Square.

The Missoula Aging Services Resource Center team is well-trained to provide in-depth, unbiased help with a wide range of issues, including Medicare, caregiving, and accessing help from local and national programs.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
1:00 pm2:00 pm
Virtual Support Group

Social distancing can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is true for family caregivers and the loved ones they support. The Virtual Caregiver Support Group offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice, and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers welcome, including dementia caregivers. The event takes place on the third Tuesday of each month from 1-2 PM, Montana time. Participate online or by phone at no cost, using ZOOM. Space is limited; sign up for one or more sessions by Wednesday the week before. An email confirmation with the ZOOM meeting id, password, and instructions will be sent to registered participants several days prior to the event. The group is facilitated by MAS staff Lauren Crabtree.
For more information or assistance registering contact Missoula Aging Services.

Memory Loss Conversations is an informal, social group for those adjusting to memory loss or dementia. This group provides a safe space to share conversations with people who understand, to experience support and encouragement, and to explore positive ways of living with memory loss. The group is offered Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am. It is facilitated by Patti Holkup of Dementia Friendly Missoula. Participate by telephone or online using Zoom. There is no cost. Come as often as you like.

A graphic reading Offsite Resource Appointments with a pen and paper icon

Are you looking for in-person assistance understanding your Medicare options, managing caregiving responsibilities, or another issue? MAS Resource Center Specialists are here to meet with you and help you find solutions, now available through offsite appointments at a location near you. Call (406) 541-4700 to schedule your one-on-one appointment.

The Missoula Aging Services Resource Center team is well-trained to provide in-depth, unbiased help with a wide range of issues, including Medicare, caregiving, and accessing help from local and national programs.

Older man rests his hands on a cane, looking thoughtful

The Caregiver Support Group at MAS offers a safe place for caregivers to share experiences, advice, and practical strategies for managing caregiver responsibilities. All caregivers are welcome, including people caring for those living with dementia.

The group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 -3 PM, beginning August 24, 2023. Please check-in at the front desk when you arrive.

 

 


Educational Classes

Missoula Aging Services offers regular class series on a variety of important topics. See below for more details.
 

  • This workshop is available monthly and is for those approaching 65 or newly eligible for Medicare due to a disability. We invite you to learn how you can make the most of your Medicare options! Be informed about important enrollment dates, limited guaranteed issue rights, how to save money on your prescription drugs and protect yourself from late enrollment penalties.

  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based curriculum designed to help family and community caregivers. This six session class series is available virtually and will help participants learn to take better care of themselves and manage their stress while caring for a relative or friend.

  • Aging Mastery is an evidenced-informed virtual 11 class series that encourages individuals to create their own playbook for aging well. Individuals set goals for positive actions in many aspects of their lives such as exercise, nutrition, finances, advance care planning, community engagement, and healthy relationships. Central to the Aging Mastery philosophy is the belief that modest lifestyle changes can produce big results so people can be empowered to cultivate health and longevity.

  • Many great classes and opportunities are available for health education and promotion in Missoula. Please call (406) 728-7682 for more information.

  • A Matter of Balance

    A Matter of Balance Falls Prevention Classes are offered throughout Missoula County on a rotating basis.

    Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.

    The program is designed to benefit older adults who:
    -Are concerned about falls.
    -Have sustained falls in the past.
    -Restrict activities because of concerns about falling.
    -Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength.
    -Are age 60 or older, community-dwelling and able to problem solve.

    A Matter of Balance enables participants to achieve significant goals.
    They gain confidence by learning to:
    -View falls as controllable.
    -Set goals for increasing activity.
    -Make changes to reduce fall risk at home.
    -Exercise to increase strength and balance.