VPAS Is There For Highland County Seniors

Monterey, VA – This is the time of year for family gatherings and holiday cheer. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, Highland County’s senior citizens need to be aware that the Valley Program for Aging Services is there to help them. Kate Wilkie has been the Regional Director of VPAS for Highland and Bath Counties since 2002. She talks about the important Medicare enrollment period currently going on.

“VPAS Bath and Highland senior services are available to all those with Medicare or new to Medicare” says Wilkie. “Medicare Part D open enrollment starts from November 15th and goes through December 30th. Please don’t wait until the last minute to sign up – the computers get overloaded and problems can arise. If you have received a letter from Medicare, you may need to choose a new plan for next year. If you need help, please call to make an appointment for a counseling session.”

Kate Wilkie is available in the Monterey office. To make an appointment, call 468-2178. In addition to providing counseling services on Medicare, Kate administers local senior centers in Highland and Bath counties. VPAS also provides a Meals on Wheels program for both counties. Sharon Hevener is the Highland coordinator. Without the volunteer help this program would not be possible.

“While we’re talking about senior services please remember that the Highland County senior center and the Bath County senior center are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 1[pm]; there’s all kinds of programming going on at both centers, both centers are good sources of information about what’s going on in senior programs” says Wilkie. “If you have questions about Medicare Part D, both senior center directors can help you. This year there will be the usual Thanksgiving-Christmas parties and outings going on.”

Kelly Botkin is available at the Highland Senior Center in Monterey on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 1 each week, except for holidays, and can be reached at 468-1975.