Saxman-Ketchikan Senior Center

09/29/2026

If you feel called to help alleviate hunger in our communities, consider donating or volunteering!

https://ccsak.org/donate
https://ccsak.org/volunteer

09/29/2026

The Fall Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is less than a month away, and the best way to avoid feeling rushed is to start preparing now.

Before OEP begins:
✔️ Review your current Medicare coverage
✔️ Make a list of your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies
✔️ Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September
✔️ Schedule a pre-OEP appointment with your local SHIP if you'd like personalized assistance

Many beneficiaries don't realize that plan costs, drug coverage, and benefits can change from year to year. Taking a few minutes to prepare now can make it much easier to compare plans when Medicare Plan Finder updates for the new plan year.

📣 Help a friend or family member avoid the last-minute rush. SHARE this post and save this enrollment period infographic for later!

09/29/2026

Communication Access with Alaska Relay

Alaska Relay's Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) provides free distance communication equipment and services to eligible Alaskans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have a speech disability. Equipment may include specialized phones, tablets, communication apps, mounting systems, signalers, and other solutions.

Eligibility and equipment are based on an individual's communication needs. Applicants must be Alaska residents over age 5 and meet program requirements. Once we receive an application and proof of residency, an Alaska Relay representative will contact the individual to learn more about their distance communication needs and determine an appropriate solution.

Communication doesn't have to look one particular way.

The right technology depends on the individual, their communication needs, and the environment where communication takes place. Sometimes the solution is a specialized device, an app or tablet, or a simple alerting system. Ultimately, the goal is access to communication.

Learn more about Alaska Relay and the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program at ATLA's website.

Assistive Technology of Alaska provides resources, services, and programs statewide to help Alaskans access and utilize assistive technology for independence. Free and low-cost options available.

09/29/2026

Assistive Technology of Alaska Tip of the Month:

A phone does not have to make a sound to let someone know a call or notification has arrived. For an individual who may not hear an incoming call or notification, a visual flash can provide the same information, just differently. Both iPhones and many Android phones can use a flashing light or screen to provide a visual alert.

iPhone
To turn on flashing alerts:

Open Settings.
Tap Accessibility.
Tap Audio & Visual.
Tap Flash for Alerts.
Turn on Flash for Alerts.
Choose LED Flash, Screen, or Both.
Users can also turn on additional options to allow the flash to work while the iPhone is unlocked or in Silent Mode.

Android
On many Android phones:

Open Settings.
Tap Notifications.
Tap Flash notifications.
Turn on Camera flash, Screen flash, or both.
Some Android devices also have this setting under Accessibility → Flash notifications. Available options and menu names can vary by phone manufacturer and Android version.

09/29/2026

https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-complete-guide-to-medicare-open-enrollment/

Learn when occurs each year, what changes you can make to your coverage, and what you should consider before taking action.

09/29/2026

✅ Medicare makes 2027 Part D plan information and pricing publicly available on the Medicare Plan Finder starting October 1, 2026.

The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

09/29/2026

If you have ever wondered if your forgetfulness is normal aging or something to be concerned about, please take advantage of these free memory screenings happening Oct. 13th and Oct. 14th. Registration is required for the Memory Screenings and/or the Dementia Live experience.

09/28/2026

🔥 SENIOR LIFE SAFETY: Because “I Didn’t Want to Bother 911” Is Not an Emergency Plan 🚒

Ketchikan Fire Department is heading to the Ketchikan Public Library for a little Senior Life Safety talk — and yes, there will be cookies. Apparently, “free cookies” tested better than “come listen to firefighters talk about emergency preparedness.” 🍪😂

We’ll cover some genuinely important stuff, including when you should call 9-1-1 (hint: chest pain is not a “let’s see how I feel tomorrow” situation), what information dispatchers need when you call, and how to make sure emergency responders can actually find your house when seconds count.

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 1:30 p.m.
📍 Ketchikan Public Library

We’ll also have fire-safety freebies and cookies — because nothing says public safety quite like learning how to survive an emergency while eating a cookie.

Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your questions. And if you have a parent, grandparent, neighbor, or friend who has ever said, “I didn’t call because I didn’t want to bother you guys,” please bring them. You are never bothering us when you need help.

🚒 Your Ketchikan Fire Department — helping keep Ketchikan safe, one senior, one smoke alarm, and apparently one cookie at a time. 🍪🔥

09/19/2026

If you need support caring for your aging loved one, give us a call at 907-463-6177 or email [email protected]!