Local Medicare office blends hospitality with healthcare
Most people have probably experienced this process at a doctor’s office: first, check in at reception. Sit down. Go back to reception to pick up forms. Sit down. Return the forms to reception. Sit down. Finally the doctor is ready, and you’re exhausted before the appointment has started.
We are not always able to choose our relatives. We are born into a family and our parents already have family and that becomes our family. There are exceptions.
And, thus, our family of origin becomes the core of what we learn about how to be in the world. As we age, these values are either comfortable or uncomfortable for us. But the people remain constant.
Calyx Health is not a typical doctor’s office. Along with a refreshing clinic atmosphere, modern finishes and nostalgic decor of historic Alameda, patients can now enjoy art by other seniors in the community.
On Dec. 12, the seniors-only clinic Calyx Health hosted its Jingle & Mingle event — a holiday celebration and art reception, where the work of seven students in the Mastick Senior Center’s drawing and painting classes was unveiled.
Many stories in the news are about people being treated in an unkind way. The focus is on those who take advantage of people or fail to recognize or care about how people are treated.
It was very meaningful to know many experts from different countries offered help when the Thai soccer team and coach were stranded in a cave. The amount of dedication and time expended by these helpers was inspirational. It was a very dangerous mission (one Thai Seal diver died), but they remained committed to rescuing them and they were successful.
Since Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period commenced five weeks ago, Calyx Advantage has been diligently meeting with seniors to evaluate their Medicare insurance and recommend better alternatives — plans with lower premiums and broader benefits. In just the past five weeks, the clinic has already saved Alameda seniors more than $50,000 annually on their premiums alone — with a company goal to reach $100,000 in savings by tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 7.
