December 2023 OutreachNC

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DECEMBER 2023 - 1

Navigating the Nuances: A Guide for Financial Caregiving

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

The American population is aging. As of 2019, just over 16% of the population was 65+. By the year 2040, over 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years of age or older. The number of Americans 80 years of age and older is expected to double by 2024. As our population ages, we must consider how to care for our loved ones. As the numbers of older Americans increases, so do the responsibilities of providing care for our loved ones. When we think of caregiving, we see an image of providing physical care. We imagine offering water with medication or helping with bathing or dressing. We think of taking a mother to a doctor’s appointment or driving dad to his weekly physical therapy. But caregiving includes much more than physical tasks; we also provide emotional support for loved ones. We listen, find mental health care and spend time with loved ones to help assuage loneliness and provide connection. However, the responsibility of caregiving often extends beyond physical and emotional support to include other areas of support like financial care. Many adult children find themselves in a challenging position of providing financial support as parents age and can no longer navigate their finances themselves.

continued on page 6 ASK THE EXPERT: HELPFUL RESOURCES FEATURE: NAVIGATING THE NUANCES: A GUIDE FOR FINANCIAL CAREGIVING RECIPES: HOLIDAY BRUNCH IDEAS DENTAL HEALTH: IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY MOUTH


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Well, it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte just ture dipped low enough merit Kate a fleece. In this month’s Ask theto Expert, Pomplun answers

Amy Phariss, Editor-in-Chief, OutreachNC | editor@outreachnc.com

The year is wrapping up, literally and figuratively. As we put the bows on the last a reader’s the best books and resources for Don’t worry.request It was for decaf. OCTOBER -2 of the gifts, we2022 say goodbye to 2023 and look helping parents navigate the aging process. Pomplun Well,2024. it’s official: fall is here. I had my first pumpkin-spiced latte justThere two days ago, the evening forward into offers specific titlesmonth. of books, podcasts andaswebsites to temperaOctober is a gentle are constant reminders of change ture dipped low enough to merit a fleece. help adult children begin the conversations necessary to we are lucky, toward each other. We have lingering conversations o The year has felt like a whirlwind for many of help theirflicker. parentsSmoke and loved ones age with success. the flames dances around us in a circle. We zip our ja us as the world adjusted lifedecaf. post-COVID Don’t worry. It to was (as post-COVID as possible) and we all tried we are grateful Laura Wellener of Wellenerconversation InFinally, this month’s feature, for we’re starting an important October is a gentle month. There are constant reminders of change. We turn inward, toward warmth and i to adjust to a new normal. We have embraced care Dental on the importance of having a healthy mouth as community for ourselves or a loved one? Fox Hollow Senio we are lucky, toward each other. lingering over tea. We and burn fires and sit silence social events once more, and the lesson I We have we age. It’sconversations far more than pretty teeth proper flossing. Robin Hutchings offers inside perspective for making thisindecision. the flames flicker. dances us in a circle. We zip our jackets and consider hats. hear so many of us speak ofSmoke is the need foraround Wellener explains how our mouth health affects so many connection. If isolation taught us anything parts of ourAmy overall health. From our cardiovascular Inother Ask the Expert, Natt answers a reader’s question regarding this –month’s an important conversation: how do we choose proper senio (and let’s In be fair it taughtfeature, us a lot),we’re it is startingaway health to strokes and diabetes, oral health impacts the without any estate planning. Without a will orthe access to impo care community for ourselves or a loved one? Fox Hollow Senior Living’s Sales and Marketing Directo perhaps that we need each other more than rest of our bodies. Robin inside perspective for making thisDr. decision. therapist Sara Morrison of Total Body Therapy and We we’d realized andHutchings in ways weoffers had forgotten. We Physical As we put a bow on 2023, let us goodbye withto help diagnose potential diagnostic tools used in say physical therapy need to sitInwith each other, in person, face to Ask the Expert, Amy Natt answers a these reader’s question regarding do when a loved passes Einstein’s words:from differ what what otherto doctor’s offices mayone offer. face. We need hear each voices andWithout atools awayto without anyother’s estate planning. will or access to important accounts, what does a family do? share meals and listen to the same rain hitting I’m “Learn yesterday, for today, going tofrom agree with Nathaniel live Hawthorne this month, who wro therapist Dr.summer’s Sara Morrison the same Physical rooftop on the same night. of Total Body Therapy and Wellness helps readers understand hope for – treat Albert Einstein potential diagnostic tools used in physical therapy totomorrow.” helptodiagnose and You’llaswant to learn how I cannot endure waste anything sopain. precious autumnal sunsh In this month’s ONC, we get back to the We have may learned much from 2023. So let us enjoy the these tools differ from what other doctor’s offices offer. business of living. As they say, the devil’s in the spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air. final parties, family dinners and winter lights before we details, which is exactly where weNathaniel begin withHawthorne I’m going to agree with this month, who wrote: Here’s to enjoying the October sunshine, falling leaves and daylight embrace 2024 with the hope for tomorrow. our December feature on financial caregiving. I cannot waste anything What does it meanendure to be a to financial caregiver?so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours When should it happen, and what should we in the open air. facebook.com/ag look for when searching for someone to help Here’s to enjoying the October sunshine, falling leaves and daylight hours. instagram.com/ag with some of our most personal and important details? We explore all these questions and more in “Navigating the Nuances: A Guide for facebook.com/agingoutreach/ Financial Caregiving.”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Amy Phariss, Editor-in-Chief, OutreachNC | editor@outreachnc.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2 - DECEMBER 2023

Amy Phariss, Editor-in-Chief, OutreachNC | editor@outreachnc.com

OCTOBER 2022 - 2

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ASK THE EXPERT: HELPFUL RESOURCES

Kate Pomplun, LSMW, CMC | kate@agingcaresolutionsnc.com

4 - DECEMBER 2023

Q

: I’ll be visiting my family for the holidays. All my siblings are getting together near my parents’ home. We want to begin the discussion of helping our parents with the aging process. Are there any books or resources we can read together so we can work as a team to learn how best to help them navigate?

A

: This is a great question and starting point for a thoughtful conversation with your siblings and parents. It might be helpful to share your preliminary ideas ahead of the visit so each person can explore their thoughts and perspectives. I’ve worked with many families over the years who are separated by geographical distance. This can really add a layer of frustration and challenge to providing care for loved ones. Taking this time with your

siblings and parents together, in person, will help a lot in identifying how you want to move forward together. Some of the books I recommend include: Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years by Star Bradbury. Bonus content: Local podcasters Midlife Mommas recently did an interview with Ms. Bradbury. You can find it in their November 8 episode. Even if there is no current diagnosis of dementia, with age, often comes some cognitive decline. I would be remiss not to mention The Best Friend’s Approach to Dementia Care by Troxel & Bell. One sure to strike up questions and conversations would be A Beginner’s Guide to the End by Miller and Berger. For those wishing for a spiritual approach: J.I. Packer’s Finishing Our Course with Joy.


Dr. Sara S. Morrison, T, DPT, CDT, FCE, CFT, Cert DN, Cert FMT | Owner -Total Body Therapy & Wellness

PT: WHERE DO SYMPTOMS COME FROM?

OCTOBER 2022 - 10

DECEMBER 2023 - 5

No one likes to be in pain. In fact, I have spent the past 20+ years helping people get out of pain. The most common question I hear is “How can II recommend get this pain include: to go away?” Some of the websites The answer to this is simple. We first need 1. The National Institute on Aging’s Tips to know Why you are hurting. Then we can for Long Distance Caregiving: https:// figure out how to stop the pain. So, why are www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/ you hurting? There are many different reasons six-tips-long-distance-caregiving for pain to occur in our bodies. Pain can 2. be Our care professional due to management’s a problem in the Muscles, Joints, organization, Aging Life CareIt can also be Tendons, Organs or Nerves. Association has white papers on areasons, or due to Medication, Psychological number of crucial topics: https:// Nutrition www.aginglifecare.org/ALCAWEB/ Many health care professionals diagnose pain ALCAWEB/What_is_Aging_Life_ by Special Tests. During these tests, your Care/White_Papers_and_eBooks. practitioner will use their hands to push, aspx?hkey=80608dd1-2f5e-4bd9-b970pull and twist 48a852e43ab6the areas that are causing you pain. These tests are very useful to find what 3. Again, even if there is not a diagnosis structure is causing you pain. If you place of Alzheimer’s or dementia, a picture stress on a structure and it increases your can speak a thousand words. See what pain, it is likely that structure is contributing impacted brains look like and learn how to your symptoms. Although helpful, many of to support loved ones with memory these special tests are only 60-80% accurate. loss: https://www.alz.org/alzheimersWhile this may look good at first, changing dementia/what-is-alzheimers/brain_ the way the question is framed will show that tour this also means they are 20-40% inaccurate. All of these resources willcan helpbeyou not only At best Misdiagnosis of pain very costly. finditanswers but,inmore keeps you painimportantly, longer, whilestart in other cases andithave meaningful conversations. You’ll can allow symptoms to intensify. When you ask important explore are dealingquestions. with pain,You’ll missing your favorite different perspectives. You’ll find out activities and sleepless nights… you want to be information youasdidn’t know before, and as accurate possible! with that information, you can make the addition ofentire Diagnostic bestThe plans for your family.Imaging in Physical Therapy has revolutionized the way pain is addressed. By utilizing Diagnostic Imaging, PT’s are now able to look inside you

and diagnose your pain with over 98% accuracy. That means that we can find the real problem, or problems, and address them from the beginning. No more error. Noand more “try A fewtrial tipsand as you read learn arethis for a few months and if it doesn’t get any better we will important: try to get an MRI”. With the addition of Diagnostic 1. Have a pen and paper handy during imaging, your Physical Therapist can now say “From your conversations or while reading. my evaluation it looks like you have a problem in You’ll have more questions or ideas than ____. We are going to do a Diagnostic Ultrasound you think, and you’ll want to keep track and confirm this and fully check your joint.” of them. In a matter of a few days, we can have your test 2. Try results to embrace journey performed, giventhis to you and awith new,a more “beginner’s which means comprehensive plan mind,” to improve your pain.to let go of preconceived ideas or notions Diagnostic physical therapy includes: andimaging explore in with openness. Maybe your neighbor chooses to live alone at home, 1. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS) and that works for him. This might not be okay for your family, so try to let go of those ideas and read and explore like a beginner. 3. Use active listening skills when you meet with your family. This means listening more than speaking, and really listening to each person rather than formulating a response in your head. Just listen. Don’t interrupt, even if you have a great idea. Instead, let each sibling speak fully and completely, and intently. It makes and a huge difference MSKUSlisten is a safe, non-invasive, painless in how communicate. diagnostic tool. we It is used to diagnose structures

hope you’remuscles, able to have meaningful suchI as tendons, bursas, ligaments, nerve conversations overand thejoint holidays aboutchanges. your entrapment/pinching structure for the future real-time and your images parents’of Likefamily’s a video,plan MSKUS captures to thrive they age.aGood luck!while it bodyability structures andas can assess joint/area moves. This feature is especially useful as many times pain does not occur at rest, only with movement.

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6 - DECEMBER 2023

NAVIGATING THE NUANCES: A Guide for Financial Caregiving by Amy Phariss

There are many reasons older adults may struggle with finances as they age. They may be too sick to deal with financial issues, spending time addressing a health crisis or recovering from a surgery. When health issues become complex, there is a tendency to let other areas of life fall behind, including finances. Your parents might be so focused on medication management, physical therapy or doctor’s appointments that they don’t have the capacity for following up with bills. Some older adults begin to struggle with memory issues. This can lead to forgetting about bills or becoming confused about whether payments have been made, are due or even exist. Your parents might also be living between two homes or traveling for

extended periods overseas. They may ask for help managing their finances due to logistics. Finally, the financial landscape changes often, and for some older adults, they find this landscape confusing. They may ask adult children to help navigate the world of investments, taxes and payments after a spouse has died, for example. One spouse may have taken care of the financial aspect of life for most of the marriage, leaving the other spouse confused and vulnerable in a period of bereavement. In these cases, adult children often step in to provide help and support, to provide care.


DECEMBER 2023 - 7

What are the roles of a financial caregiver? Financial caregiving can be formal and informal, or both. Informal financial caregiving includes being a conversation partner, a trusted contact person or point of contact on a convenience account. A conversation partner is someone with whom you can speak openly about your finances and may include in meetings with financial advisors or representatives like bankers. As an adult child, you may go with your parents to meet with advisors or lawyers, but in an informal role. You don’t have any power to act on their behalf or access accounts on your own, but you provide support and another “ear” to the financial conversations. A trusted contact person may be contacted by banks or brokerage firms if they believe your parents may be scammed or if something is awry with their finances. Finally, a convenience account (or agency account) can be set up with an adult child named as someone who can deposit money into the account, for example.

However, the adult child does not have any ownership in this account (like in a joint account). In each of these roles, the adult child provides informal support but does not have any formal role in the management of finances. In these roles, you’re offering your advice, insight and another set of eyes and ears to keep tabs on accounts. There may be a time when informal financial support isn’t enough. When this happens, it may be time to consider formal financial support. Formal financial caregiving includes: •

Power of attorney (a legal document gives legal authority to another person to make decisions about your money or property)

Guardian (a court-appointed conservator or manager of money if you cannot manage your own money and do not have a power of attorney in place)


8 - DECEMBER 2023

How to Choose a Financial Caregiver If you or a spouse is considering asking for help, here are a few things to look for when choosing the best person to serve as a financial caregiver: 1. Someone you can trust – this person should be someone you would trust with private, personal and sensitive information like your social security number or bank account information. 2. Someone who is detail oriented – financial work often comes down to the details, so be sure the person you ask has an eye for the nittygritty. 3. Someone who is reliable – be sure this person has the time and energy to focus on the responsibility of helping with finances. It’s not a small task, and you want to be sure the person has the capacity for this additional help. 4. Someone with strong communication skills – financial conversations require patience, attention and clear communication. Ask someone who can speak confidently with professionals as well as family members. 5. Someone who respects your independence – you will still want to maintain control over your finances for as long as possible, so you want to work with someone who is respectful of your wishes, goals and independence.

Trustee (decision making about money or property in a trust)

VA fiduciary or SSA representative payee (the VA or Social Security Administration may assign authority to someone to manage benefits if someone cannot manage them on their own)

Whether you’re considering formal or informal caregiving, deciding when to offer help can be tricky. It can be a challenging, and often emotional, decision. You must first identify if and when financial caregiving is needed. If you don’t live near a loved one or do not have access to their financial information, it can be difficult to determine whether or not they need help.

Asking a loved one if they need help can also be hard because they may feel embarrassed or they might not realize they need help if they’ve become forgetful. According to research funded through the National Endowment for Financial Education, “Where once individuals and families were resigned to anxiously await the catastrophic fallout that could result from financial decline, we now can identify more subtle indicators of diminished financial capacity because


DECEMBER 2023 - 9 researchers were able to analyze up to seven years of financial skill performance of older adults.” With the information gleaned from this research, we can now begin looking for decline in financial competency before the stakes are too high and the problems cause major financial consequences. Researchers have identified the following 5 key indicators of issues with financial competency: 1. Taking longer for your loved one to complete financial tasks or any other cognitive tasks. 2. Signs of reduced attention to detail to financial issues, such as noticing a bill is overdue or completing sections of a check register. 3. A loved one having trouble with everyday math such as making change or deciding on a tip in a restaurant. 4. Decreased understanding of financial concepts such as interest rates, medical deductibles or minimum balance. 5. Your loved one is taking more risk with money, such as risky financial investments, which might be scams or lead to financial loss.

If you begin to see these warning signs with your spouse, your parents or even in yourself, it might be time to consider getting help. Speaking with an elder law attorney is often the first step in finding and establishing more formal financial care. These attorneys are familiar with and can help navigate the sometimes confusing world of formal financial caregiving. You might ask other friends or family which elder law attorney they use or recommend, or a financial advisor can also provide names of respected attorneys who can help. You can also find an attorney through the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or your local bar association. Finally, remember that you don’t have to be a sole caregiver or do this alone. There are professionals ready and willing to provide support and services to make the responsibility of financial caregiving less stressful. Financial planners, accountants, bankers, attorneys and aging life care managers can all provide guidance and expertise in financial care. Having help often eases the burden of caregiving for everyone.


10 - DECEMBER 2023

Easy Holiday Brunch Ideas Holiday gatherings can be stressful. Hosting brunch for a crowd can also be stressful! But with these recipes, perfect for feeding a crowd, you'll be able to provide delicious options to all of your guests, without the headaches! SHEET-PAN EGGS WITH SPINACH & HAM

BRUNCH PUNCH

Making a big batch of eggs has never been easier with this one-pan oven-baked eggs recipe. Whether you are making brunch for a crowd or just want to meal-prep healthy breakfasts for the week, you'll have 12 servings ready in just 45 minutes.

This easy Brunch Punch is a fruity, flavorful, and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that both kids and adults will love. Made with orange juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and sliced fruit, it’s perfect for serving at your next holiday brunch.

Ingredients

Servings: 10

• • • • • • •

18 large eggs ¼ cup reduced-fat milk 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground pepper 1 tsp onion powder 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese • ½ cup diced ham (Feel free to explore using different ingredients such as bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. to suit your tastes.) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 300° F. Generously coat a large rimmed baking sheet (11 x 17 inch or larger) with cooking spray. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and onion powder together in a large bowl. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with spinach, Cheddar and ham. Bake until just set, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Cut into 12 squares and serve, either by itself or in a toast sandwich. Tips To make ahead: Wrap squares individually in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper; refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove plastic, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds.

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

1 12-oz can Orange Juice Concentrate, thawed 4 cups Pineapple Juice 1 cup Water 6 cups Ice 2 large Lemons sliced thin 2 large Tangerines sliced thin ½ cup Strawberries sliced 4 cups Ginger Ale

Directions 1. In a large punch bowl, add thawed orange juice and pineapple juice. Mix together, then add about 3 cups of water. Taste test, adding up to 1 additional cup of water. 2. Add the ice, sliced lemons, tangerines, and strawberries then mix in the ginger ale. 3. Serve immediately, garnishing with special straws and more sliced fruit as desired. Enjoy!


DECEMBER 2023 - 11 SHEET-PANCAKES Pancakes are a brunch necessity (mimosas, too), but making them for a crowd is time-consuming. Instead, bake four kinds of pancakes—peanut butter, chocolate chip, raspberry and blueberry—at once with this easy sheet-pan pancake recipe. Making several different pancakes in one batch means you can easily please your whole brunch party, including yourself! In just 35 minutes, you'll have 12 servings ready to go! Ingredients • 1 ⅓ cups white whole-wheat flour • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour • 2 ¼ tsp baking powder • 1 ¼ tsp baking soda • 1 tsp kosher salt • 3 cups low-fat buttermilk • 3 large eggs • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, plus 1/2 cup for serving • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted • 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter • 2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened • 1 Tbsp sugar • ½ cup banana slices • 3 Tbsp semisweet chocolate chips • ½ cup fresh raspberries • ⅓ cup fresh blueberries (Feel free to try different topping options!)

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 500° F. Coat an 18x13 inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. 2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, eggs and 1 tablespoon maple syrup in a medium bowl. Whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently whisk in melted butter. The batter will be lumpy. Let stand for 5 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, place peanut butter in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave on High until melted, about 25 seconds; set aside. Whisk cream cheese and sugar in a small bowl until creamy; set aside. 4. Spread the batter in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the warm peanut butter over the upper left quadrant; swirl with a toothpick and top with banana slices. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the upper right quadrant, raspberries over the lower left quadrant, and blueberries over the lower right quadrant. Dollop small mounds of the cream cheese mixture over the blueberries. 5. Transfer to the oven and immediately reduce temperature to 425° F. Bake the pancake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 14 to 16 minutes. Cut into 12 pieces and serve with the remaining 1/2 cup maple syrup.

PARTY MIMOSAS A wonderful change from the everyday orange juice and champagne mimosa! Servings: 15 Ingredients

Directions

• • • •

1. Stir together apricot nectar, pineapple juice, water, and orange juice concentrate in a large pitcher until combined. 2. Pour in bottle of sparkling wine just before serving.

1 (12 oz) can apricot-mango nectar 1 (12 oz) can pineapple juice ¾ cup cold water 1 (6 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted 1 (750 ml) bottle cold champagne


DENTAL HEATH: IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY MOUTH

Laura Wellener, DDS | 910.295.1010 | www.wellenerdental.com

12 - DECEMBER 2023 Oral health is important at every stage of life, and as we get older it becomes even more important. What makes good oral health so important? Well, it’s about more than just a nice smile and white teeth. And although those things are great, there are even bigger reasons why it’s important to keep your mouth healthy throughout. Keeping teeth and gums free of disease helps to maintain our teeth throughout life.

Good oral health is obviously vital to our mouth to prevent pain and infections. Maintaining our teeth, or replacing teeth if we’ve lost them, allows us to eat healthier foods that require more chewing (fruits, vegetables, meats) and leads to good nutrition. A pleasant smile and fresh breath are other benefits. But the importance of oral health extends beyond the mouth. Although sometimes it’s viewed that dental health and the health of the rest of the body are separate, that’s just not the case. The mouth is obviously very much connected to the body. We may not realize that what goes on in the mouth often can indicate what is happening in the rest of the body. Research has linked poor oral health to a multitude of medical problems in the body

outside of the mouth. For example, gum disease can range from mild bleeding of the gums to moderate to severe Periodontal disease.

Gum disease has been linked to many medical issues, including heart disease, strokes, diabetes, certain cancers, autoimmune diseases and even Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline. The list doesn’t stop there. We don’t often realize that having an unhealthy mouth can indicate we’re more susceptible to a heart attack, among other ailments. Additionally, the bacteria that cause gum disease can get into our bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body causing infections. Inflammation in the gums can often indicate inflammation in other parts of the body, and we know that inflammation is a root cause of so many conditions. It sounds daunting, but knowledge is power, and there is no reason that poor oral health is inevitable as we get older. In fact, knowing how the mouth is linked to the rest of the body hopefully motivates us to get, or keep, our mouths healthy. Develop or maintain a good routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This is time well spent. Visit your dentist, or find a dentist if you don’t have one. Your dental team can address any needs you have and recommend a home care regimen specifically for you to help prevent future problems. It is definitely possible to have a healthy mouth throughout time. Having good oral health is one more way we can thrive as we age!


1) Pool shooter's powder 42)Worrisome letters to send 43)Doo-wop selections, now 5) Disguise 44)Farmer's prayer, sometimes 9) Shakespearean "soon" DECEMBER 46)Unsavory type of political2023 - 13 13) Little pat on the buns? campaign 14) Heart chambers 48)Steam radiator sound 16) "Star Trek" producer Roddenberry 49)_ Island, Florida 25) Christmas plants 50)Rub the wrong way Hollywood 26) Is17) apprehensive about 19)Riverside plant 52)Extremely busy 28) Trelliswork 29) Poem of homage 20)_ no. (business card info) 54)As of now 32) "When said and done" 21) Needed to confess 57)Body appendage 33)_ than (at least) 36) Unit ofLike oil production (Abbr.)point 23) a pencil 58)Rhineland negative 37) "No_, ands or buts!" 60)Some Christmas tree 27)Danny of "Do the Right 40) Kind of premiere Thing" hangers 41) Descriptive linguistics 42) 1040 65)Bonny hillside 30)IDThey're way off base 45) Silent OK signal 66)Egypt's Mubarak 31)Was published 4 7) Does penance 67)Pro_ (proportionately) 34)Pattern 49) Cleopatra's love perfected by 51) A pop Firestone 68)Musical "Mama" 53) Entrance 35) Simon or Armstrong 69)Penn on film 55) New Mexico tourist city 56) Massachusetts mottoor opener 70)Decide not to take a hit 36)College city in 58) Major network Wisconsin 59) Victorian, e.g. 38) Sault Marie 61) "The Double Helix" subject 62) Crooner "King" Cole 39)Cold war?

GRAY MATTER GAMES

ACROSS 1) Pool shooter's powder 5) Disguise 9) Shakespearean "soon" 13) Little pat on the buns? 14) Heart chambers campaign 16) "Star Trek" producer 17) Hollywood 19) Riverside plant 20) _ no. (business card info) 21) Needed to confess 23) Like a pencil point 27) Danny of "Do the Right 30) They're way off base 31) Was published 34) Pattern perfected by 35) Simon or Armstrong 36) College or city in 38) Sault Marie 39) Cold war? 42) Worrisome letters to send 43) Doo-wop selections, now 63) Zeta's follower 44) Farmer's prayer, sometimes 64) " what?" 46) Unsavory type of political MERRY CHRISTMAS 48) Steam radiator sound Roddenberry 2 5 3 4 49)_ Island, Florida 50) Rub the wrong way 14 13 52) Extremely busy 54) As of now 17 57) Body appendage 58) Rhineland negative 60) Some Christmas tree Thing" hangers 65) Bonny hillside 24 25 23 66) Egypt's Mubarak 67) Pro_ (proportionately) Firestone 30 68) Musical "Mama" 69) Penn on film 70) Decide not to take a hit 35 Wisconsin DOWN 1) "Dora the Explorer" fan 2) Foreman battler 3) Sportscaster Berman 4) He didn't know Who's on first 5) "My Dinner With Andre" director 6) Part of D.A. 7) Packed houses (Abbr.) 8) Male hatching eggs 9) Yes man, e.g. 10) Incisive or extremely pointed 11) In dire need of gas 12) Kelly or Rorem 15) "The King and I" schoolteacher 18) Auction endings? 22) Capone's henchman Frank 23) Souvenir from the beach? 24) Absolutely fabulous

65 68

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7

8

10

11

12

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63

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14 - DECEMBER 2023

50)Rub the wrong way 17)Hollywood 52)Extremely busy 19)Riverside plant 20)_ no. (business card info) 54)As of now 57)Body appendage 21)Needed to confess 58)Rhineland negative 23)Like a pencil point 60)Some Christmas tree 27)Danny of "Do the Right Thing" hangers 65)Bonny hillside 30)They're way off base 31)Was published 66)Egypt's Mubarak 34)Pattern perfected by 67)Pro_ (proportionately) 68)Musical "Mama" Firestone 35)Simon or Armstrong 69)Penn on film 70)Decide not to take a hit 36)College or city in Wisconsin 38)Sault Marie 39)Cold war?

Gray Matter Games Solutions

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8) Male hatching egg 9) Yes man, e.g. 10) Incisive or extreme 11) In dire need of gas 12)Kelly or Rorem 15)"The King and I" s 18)Auction endings? 22) Capone's henchma 23)Souvenir from the 24)Absolutely fabulou 25)Christmas plants 26) Is apprehensive ab 28)Trelliswork 29)Poem of homage 32)"When said an 33)_ than (at least) 36)Unit of oil product 37)"No_, ands or b 40)Kind of premiere 41) Descriptive linguis 42)1040 ID 45)Silent OK signal 47)Does penance 49)Cleopatra's love 51)A pop 53) Entrance 55) New Mexico touris 56)Massachusetts mot 58)Major network 59)Victorian, e.g. 61)"The Double Helix 62)Crooner "King" Co 63)Zeta's follower 64)" what?"

5 N I EA N

Accessible Communication with Captions!

Support groups build a network of trusted friends who understand the challenges you face.

Caregiver

Alzheimer’s

Open to anyone in a caregiver role including family & professional caregivers.

Open to caregivers of those diagnosed with dementia.

1st Tuesday

2nd Wednesday 11:30a.m. - TerraBella

11:00a.m. - Fox Hollow

Relay Conference Captioning Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) service is available for individuals who have a hearing loss or a speech disability to actively participate in teleconference calls or webinars by reading live captions on their laptop, mobile device or tablet. To inquire, contact kim.m.calabretta@t-mobile.com or visit relaync.com/rcc

190 Fox Hollow Rd | Pinehurst

101 Brucewood Rd | Southern Pines

3rd Tuesday

3rd Thursday

5:30p.m. - Fox Hollow

5:00p.m. - TerraBella

190 Fox Hollow Rd | Pinehurst

101 Brucewood Rd | Southern Pines

Ashley Seace & Stephanie Blue, facilitators AOS Care Management

910.692.0683 AOSNC.com

All information shared within a support group is confidential.


Exceptional

DECEMBER 2023 - 15

ASSISTED LIVING and MEMORY CARE

At TerraBella Southern Pines, thoughtfully designed interiors and amenity spaces, tasty homestyle dining, and exceptional lifestyle programs come together to create Southern Pines’ best option for Assisted Living & Memory Care. Plus, with 24-hour support from our experienced team of professional caretakers, you or your loved one can enjoy peace of mind knowing we’re here for you every step of the way!

Come See What Makes Us Different

Homestyle Dining with Tableside Service

Tenured Team Members

Recently Renovated

910.216.4537 TerraBellaSouthernPines.com 101 Brucewood Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387 Assisted Living I Memory Care ©2023 TerraBella Senior Living. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by TerraBella Senior Living. TBSP-0024 7/23

DECEMBER 2021 - 12

The right dentist can make all the

• Pay Bills • Track income & expenses • Maintain accurate financial records • Organize tax information the administrative tasksNo Some• Manage Eye Diseases Have surrounding your checkbook

Warning Signs or Symptoms. Eye diseases Age-Related Macular "As like daily money managers, Degeneration and Glaucoma can cause irreversible we create and maintain a blindness. However, treatment options are available if the disease is caught early on. road map of your finances."

O

We value your trust and loyalty. Our commitment We value your trust and loyalty. Our commitment to your safety remains our number ONE priority. to your safety remains our number ONE priority. We're excited to welcome you back to a safe We're excited to welcome you back to a safe We are happily accepting new patients! We are happily accepting new patients!

Don’t Wait! Schedule An Eye Exam Today!

Anne Seline 910.683.0606

910.295.2100 | carolinaeye.com APSeline@EDCNB.com 2170 EveryDayChecksandBalances.com Midland Rd. | Southern Pines, NC 28387

305 Page Page Road Road || Pinehurst, Pinehurst, NC NC 305

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16 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022 -2023 16

Make Every Day Five Star

At Fox Hollow Senior Living, our residents have the opportunity to do everything they’ve always loved. With Five Star Dining, days filled with friends and adventures, you can be yourself again – while we take care of the rest. FOX HOLLOW SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 190 Fox Hollow Road • Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-695-0011 • www.FoxHollowSeniorLiving.com ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE RESPITE/SHORT-TERM STAYS ©2021 Five Star Senior Living

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