News News
from
Comfort Keepers News for Seniors, Caregivers, and Their Families in Northwest Michigan
The power of going somewhere–anywhere
You don’t need a big adventure to feel better. Sometimes, just getting out the door does the trick. Research shows that staying socially connected can
A quick trip to the store or lunch out can turn a “meh” day into a great one.
boost heart health, mood, and even brain power as we age. But honestly? You probably already know this from experience. A quick trip to the store or lunch out can turn a “meh” day into a great one.
We see it all the time. Seniors and care-
givers feel lighter, more connected, and more themselves after a simple outing. Grocery shopping counts. Coffee with a friend counts. Sitting at a restaurant and not doing the dishes definitely counts.
Winter and mobility concerns can make outings feel daunting, but with the right
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Diana Colbath
support, they don’t have to be. An experienced caregiver can help make trips safer, easier, and more enjoyable— one coat sleeve, curb, and door handle at a time.
See insert for our suggestions on where to go and what to do. And remember: anywhere counts. Just go somewhere.
Client Care Specialist
We’re happy to recognize Diana Colbath on her promotion to Client Care Specialist, a role that blends organization, care, and heart.
Diana has been part of the Comfort Keepers family for 18 years and is widely admired by her coworkers for her outstanding training skills and thoughtful one-on-one coaching. She has a natural
ability to build confidence in other caregivers and support them with patience and kindness.
Our entire team benefits from Diana’s vast experience, warmth, and steady leadership.
Thank you, Diana, for all you do for seniors and our community!
– Driving Safety Tip –
Skip the left turns
A married couple in their 80s was once asked the secret to their long life and happy marriage. Their answer? “No left turns!” They meant it as a joke—but they weren’t wrong.
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers we perform behind the wheel. A left turn is 55 times more likely to result in a serious collision than proceeding through an intersection or turning right. According to national safety experts, they often lead to high-speed side-impact (“T-bone”) or head-on crashes, which are the most serious and deadly types of collisions. That’s why UPS famously trains its drivers to avoid left turns whenever possible, choosing three right turns instead. It’s safer, even if it takes a little longer.
Keep in mind that you are equally vulnerable to other drivers making a left turn, so watch out for drivers making a left turn within your immediate vicinity.
Sometimes the smartest move is the simplest one: go right.
“ Old age is always 15 years older than I am.
–
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Each of these caregivers brings a high level of skill and dedication to their work, along with the kindness, patience, and teamwork that make such a difference to clients and coworkers alike. They show up ready to help, ready to listen, and ready to care.
Thank you, Jo, Laura, and Kelly, for setting the standard for compassionate, respectful caregiving. We are lucky to have you on our team.
What to Watch
...
The Thursday Murder Club
Watch on Netflix. Congratulations Jo, Laura, and Kelly, our Comfort Keepers of the Year!
Based on Richard Osman's international bestselling novel of the same name, The Thursday Murder Club follows four irrepressible retirees–Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.
What did you say? – Hearing –
Hearing aids are not just for old people. They don't just restore hearing; they improve it, and who wouldn’t want that?
Improved hearing can bring back small joys that make a big difference, like catching every word of a conversation or a TV show, or enjoying music at a comfortable volume again. Hearing aids don’t just make sounds louder, but make them clearer and less tiring to listen to.
Free app-based hearing tests are not 100% medically accurate,
Senior Wellness
but they are an easy first step. It can also reduce frustration for both the listener and their loved ones, making everyday moments feel easier and more enjoyable. If you’re curious about your own hearing, we suggest the following phone apps:
hearWHO (World Health Organization) no email required
Mimi Hearing Test email required for testing, not for results
A senior state of mind
Here are three simple daily practices that support mental wellness:
1. Move your body, even a little. A short walk, gentle stretching, or light movement helps reduce stress hormones and boost mood.
2. Connect with someone. Don’t let a day go by without one point of human connection. A quick call, text, or shared
Healthy Seniors
laugh helps combat isolation and reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone.
3. Create one moment of calm. Taking a few slow breaths, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or sitting in stillness for five minutes can reset your nervous system.
Power up the protein
Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Cup
Greek yogurt and peanut butter team up to deliver 18–20 grams of protein. It’s soft, easy to eat, and just sweet enough to feel satisfying without a sugar crash. Perfect for an afternoon snack or “dessert” that is actually good for you.
INGREDIENTSDIRECTIONS
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ banana, sliced
• Sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of honey (optional)
Stir the peanut butter into the yogurt until smooth. Top with banana slices and a pinch of cinnamon or honey if you’re feeling fancy. Eat right away or chill for later.
Turning ordinary indoor days into joy
When going outside isn’t an option, finding activities that truly engage both a senior and their caregiver can feel limited. Try these:
Create a “life soundtrack.” On a smartphone’s music app, pick a decade or theme and listen together, sharing memories tied to certain songs. Even unfamiliar music can prompt surprising reactions and stories.
Try armchair travel. Use books, YouTube videos, or an on-line travel magazine to “visit” a destination. Add snacks inspired by the destination for an extra sensory boost.
Build a legacy box. Gather photos, memorabilia, letters, recipes, or small keepsakes and talk about the stories behind them. This can be deeply meaningful without feeling heavy.
Read aloud, but not a novel. Short stories, humor columns, or even old magazine articles are perfect for shared enjoyment without long attention spans.
Where to go. What to do.
Visit the new Traverse City Senior Center
Membership is free for Grand Traverse County seniors 60 and over. Out-of-County residents may join for $50 per year. Stop in for a look around and complete their member application.
In addition to some great art and fitness classes, the GTC Senior Center offers GTSCN members inviting and friendly social activities like these:
The Girlfriends’ Group is a friendly and welcoming ladies-only lunch group that meets at area restaurants for good food and great company. Fridays at 11:30AM.
The Men’s Group meets at the Senior Center for lunch and discussion on various topics, Fridays from noon to 2PM.
To register or inquire about membership, call 231 922-4911.
Road trip to a restaurant
When you spend most days at home, dining out can feel like an adventure. A restaurant brings conversation, people-watching, and the simple joy of someone else doing the cooking (and the dishes). Eating out feels wonderfully normal, familiar, and social.
Hit the grocery store
A trip to the grocery store may not sound thrilling, but for many seniors it’s a big deal—in the best way. It’s
Where to eat? Easy listening, better dining:
• Choose a dining destination with pleasing acoustics for seniors who may be experiencing hearing loss, and look for places with soft furnishings—booths, curtains, carpets, or padded chairs—that help absorb noise.
• Smaller dining rooms, lower ceilings, and early dining hours also make conversation easier, while loud music and cavernous, echofilled spaces are best left for another day.
Some dining adventures include a full meal, others include coffee and half a muffin. Both are wins. If there was laughter, conversation, and no dishes waiting at home, it was a very good outing indeed.
familiar territory, full of choices, routines, and the quiet pride of doing something “normal.” In our small towns, you are likely to run into an old friend or neighbor. Translation: this is an outing, not a chore.
Quick Caregiver Tips:
• Keep your list short enough to make groceries easy to carry into the home
• Shoot for a late morning trip, it is quiet time at the grocery store
• Avoid slippery parking lots and provide a drop-off at the door
• That winter coat can feel steamy inside the store, place it in the grocery cart
• Don’t leave eyeglasses or hearing aids behind
• Walk together behind the cart - no bumper carts
Some trips are smooth. Some are memorable. Either way, if you went out, it counts.
We are northwest Michigan’s premier in-home care provider.
Live Events
Check out these upcoming local indoor performances –warm, welcoming, and ideal outings for seniors.
February 14
KalHaven Strings
Crooked Tree Arts Center –Petoskey
An evening of string music blending classical and contemporary styles.
Cost: $10–$40 crookedtree.org
February 14
Live at The Bay:
Mardi Gras Paxton Spangler
Bay Community Theatre –Suttons Bay
Jazz and blues with a lively New Orleans feel.
Cost: $25–$35 thebaytheatre.com
February 20
Romeo and Juliet (Dance Performance)
Great Lakes Center for the Arts – Petoskey
A ballet interpretation of the classic love story.
March 7
Wakefire
Crooked Tree Arts Center –Petoskey
Celtic folk and rock in a relaxed concert setting.
Cost: $10–$40 crookedtree.org
March 13
Live at The Bay: Switchback
Bay Community Theatre –Suttons Bay
Celtic soul and American roots music.
Cost: $25–$35 thebaytheatre.com
March 19
Peppa Pig: My First Concert Great Lakes Center for the Arts – Petoskey
A light, family-friendly performance, great with grandchildren.
April 11
MAGIC ROCKS! with Leon Etienne City Opera House –Traverse City
An upbeat magic show with humor and audience interaction.
Cost: Varies cityoperahouse.org
April 17–May 2
Cost: Varies cityoperahouse.org FebruaryMarchApril
Cost: Varies greatlakescfa.org
February 20
The Sound of Music (Marionette Theatre)
Great Lakes Center for the Arts – Petoskey
A charming marionette version of the beloved musical.
Cost: Varies greatlakescfa.org
Cost: Varies greatlakescfa.org
March 31
Women of Americana City Opera House - Traverse City
A celebration of American music featuring women performers. This concert-style event brings live music and storytelling to the stage. cityoperahouse.org
The Drowsy Chaperone Old Town Playhouse
Main Stage -Traverse City
A nostalgic and joyful musical comedy (great for group outings). oldtownplayhouse.com
April 12
Page 2 Stage: Short Plays
City Opera House – Traverse City Original short plays by regional writers.
Be a part of what’s
Senior In-home Care
1755 Barlow Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
from Comfort NewsKeepers® News
– George Burns
OWNERS’ MESSAGE
Dear Comfort Keepers family,
Our tagline, Elevating the Human Spirit, may sound lofty, but we do it every day.
Elevating the human spirit doesn’t require grand gestures. It happens in small moments of connection: a smile that’s shared, a kind word offered to a stranger, a few minutes of genuine conversation. It’s holding a door, listening without rushing, or helping someone feel seen on an ordinary day.
This winter, let’s all get out of the house and connect. Recently, one of our caregivers took a client to a local coffee shop. It wasn’t a big outing. But when the barista remembered the client’s name and asked how she was doing, her face lit up. She talked about it all the way home. That brief connection changed the tone of her entire day. Moments like that matter more than you might think. We see this every day in our work. You’ll find several ideas and tips inside for getting out and about.
Rooted in science and medicine, seniors who feel better can live healthier and longer. Feeling connected, valued, and uplifted isn’t just emotional—it’s physical.
When we lift someone else up, we’re lifted too. That’s Elevating the Human Spirit.
Warmly,
Russ & Leslie Knopp Owners, Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan