FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 1D
As a dynamic, positive force in the Farragut community, ViceMayor Mary Dorothy “Dot” LaMarche, at 79, continues her lifelong commitment of giving back. The Nashville native says her strength, courage and inspiration to help others came from the formative years when she and her siblings were brought up by strict, loving parents. Although her family was not wealthy and there were hard times, her parents taught their children the importance of always doing the right thing, being obedient, kind, good and respectful of each other; getting their education and working. Dot even delivered papers at age 11 and she and her siblings each went to work at 15. “My parents were strict. They worked with each of us. They were both excellent with instruction, helping us and teaching us to take care of ourselves,” said Dot. Following their parents’ advice each became successful and compassionate individuals. Dot pursued a career in the medical field and after 35 years as a registered nurse she retired in 1994 when she and her husband, Lou, relocated to Farragut. Lou worked in the paper industry as a southeast regional sales manager-chemical engineer and was transferred from Raleigh, NC. She was the Patient Care Coordinator in the emergency room of Rex Hospital in Raleigh and planned to continue her nursing career in Knoxville. However, at the time hospitals in the area were “letting nurses 55 years of age and over go”. Eventually she was offered a position at only $6.50 an hour. Although she believed in continuity Dot felt her time would be more valuable spent contributing another way. So, Dot became involved in the community and, in particular, the Sugarwood Homeowners Association in the subdivision where she and her husband had moved. One of her projects that gave her experience working with the Town of Farragut involved cell towers. While she was well aware of the importance of the towers, she and her neighbors didn’t want one in their neighborhood. She went to town hall meetings every two weeks to explain the Sugarwood Homeowners’ position. Ultimately she and her neighbors won their battle. The cell tower was built somewhere else. See DOT on Page 2D
File Photos
2D • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
BOOMERS & BEYOND
File Photo
From left, Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill, Louis LaMarche and Vice Mayor Dot LaMarche
Dot From page 1D
Not only did Dot serve as president of the Sugarwood Homeowner’s Association, she graduated from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department’s Citizen Academy and the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service in the Local Government Leadership Program. Her persistent interaction with the Mayor of Farragut and the town government over
the tower led to Dot LaMarche becoming even more involved with the community. At the mayor’s encouragement she served on the Board of Zoning Appeals from 2001 until her election as Alderman of Ward II in April 2003. Dot was reelected, unopposed as Alderman both in 2007 and 2011 and was elected to serve as board representative on the Municipal Planning Commission from 2007 to 2011. Today Dot serves as Vice Mayor. Many recall how much they enjoyed following
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her “Follow the Dot” campaign. With all her involvement today locally, in the state and on the national level one can hardly keep up to follow her. “The Mayor told me he wanted me more involved in state and national levels that would impact on the local community township. I’m active in the district and state levels of the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) and serve as vice chairman for District 2 and I’m on the state board of directors,” she said. However, these responsibilities don’t slow her down. Dot is on the Board of Directors for the National League of Cities (NLC) which is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. Ultimately over 19,000 villages, towns and cities across the country partner with the league which is a resource and advocate for them. Dot is also the 2015 First–Vice President of the Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) constituency group within the NLC. She has been named a member of a bipartisan group of 17 city officials and state municipal league executive directors to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) 2016 Presidential Election Task Force. Through the years Dot has attained many awards and was presented the Diamond Award at the NLC Conference of Cities the first week of November this year. The Diamond Award is presented to local leaders who have completed training in proficiency areas necessary to lead in the 21st century. These include Leadership, management, engagement and issue expertise. Still, Dot LaMarche doesn’t stop there. Dot has been a counselor at Hope Resource Center. It was founded in 1997 to help women and girls with unplanned pregnancies be fully informed, know the facts about their situation and the choices they have. “At Freaky Friday, a pretty young woman came up and hugged me. She told me I had helped her save her baby. Things like that make you feel good,” Dot said. “I’m on the board of the Tennessee Right to Life. The unborn and the elderly need a voice and I’m trying to be that voice. “ Dot is also on the Board for Senior Citizen Home Assistant Services, (SCHAS) in Knoxville. “I believe in keep-
ing people in their homes,” she said, explaining that SCHAS, which serves nine counties, helps people maintain their dignity and independence while continuing to live in their own homes. In addition to SCHAS she visits Summit View Nursing Home in Farragut regularly. Dot is a volunteer receptionist in the hospital outpatient surgical waiting area at Tennova West. “When you’re a nurse, you’re always a nurse,” she said. “I don’t want people sitting in the waiting room, waiting and waiting for news of loved ones in surgery. I volunteer so I can help keep families informed.” She said she had been in a situation with her daughter in surgery in another state. The wait was much longer than expected and her daughter was critical, but no one was available to communicate what was happening. “I don’t want anyone to ever have to go through what I’ve gone through.” Even with all the activities outside the LaMarche household Dot and Lou are involved with family. They have three beautiful daughters, six wonderful grandchildren and a great-grandchild to keep them busy. Dot has no plans of slowing down. “One of my doctors told me ‘You must keep your mind challenged and body moving. So I am.” “I’m not going to stop helping the town. As long as I have good health I’ll keep on trying to be an asset to the community. I love Farragut. For the last 13 years I’ve tried to make wise and good decisions. I’ve responded to every email and every phone call I’ve gotten,” Dot said. “I feel obligated as an elected official. These people are my constituents. If they want to see me I meet them at the Town of Farragut.” Next year, after she turns 80 in May and concludes some projects she’s working on, Dot says she plans to retire and become a Docent. Lou LaMarche is a Docent at the Farragut Folklife Museum. He portrays Admiral Farragut and also serves on the Advisory committee. “Everyone at the Farragut museum is family. And at the town hall, what a great staff! There are 42 employees, all like family. They are wonderful. I’ll always try to volunteer.” ~ Linda Tirban, Correspondent
FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 3D
BOOMERS & BEYOND
Putting retirement P Parkwest Medical plans to the test rofile
Financial planner touts the sound architecture of a well-designed retirement Although often anxious about the economic sturdiness of their retirement plans, many people remain in the dark about just how sound – or unsound – their financial futures might be. “Too many people try to go it alone, without professional assistance,” says Travis Chance, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (www.chancefinancialgroup.com). “Most people have worries about their retirement and whether they will have enough money, but a Society of Actuaries study showed that just 52 percent of preretirees and 44 percent of retirees consult a planner.” Chance is a big proponent of testing a retirement plan to make sure it’s sound. To do it right, though, means being thorough, he says. Often, testing is based on just projected income, but that doesn’t go far enough because it doesn’t take into account real-world fluctuations that affect investment returns or the amount of money needed to live. “You will never have static returns and static withdrawals,” Chance says. He said one thing he likes to do is look for pressure points, gauging how well a retirement plan will stand up to the scenarios it might face over time. “It’s almost like the way an engineer or an architect will look for pressure points for an office building or a bridge,” Chance says. “You want to make sure that the plan you choose should have the ability to withstand the forces it might encounter.” Plenty of factors can knock a dent in retirement plans, such as health care costs, inflation and long-term care. And one of the reasons retirement planning leaves so many people fretting is that predicting the future is an iffy proposition. Here are three basic dynamics that impact everyone’s retirement planning: • Available money. This is the base to
start with. A monthly pension is one source of income, though fewer people have those these days. Social Security remains a significant portion of retirement funding for many people, although Social Security alone won’t meet too many people’s needs, Chance says. Savings is the other factor, and could be the crucial one. “The more you have been able to stash away over the years in an IRA, a 401k or another retirement account, the better your financial picture will look,” Chance says. • The income you require. Theoretically, retirement opens up lots of possibilities for how to spend that extra free time. But not all retirements are equal. Do you want to maintain your current lifestyle? Do you hope to travel? Likely, you won’t be content sitting home, relegated to watching sit-com reruns because you barely have enough money to pay bills and buy groceries. The question retirees must face is whether the combination of a pension, Social Security and savings withdrawals will give them what they need. That’s where the help of a financial advisor comes in handy, Chance says. For example, he says, a common mistake is to make decisions about Social Security planning and nest-egg withdrawals independently of each other. “That can cause issues,” Chance says. “But if you take them into account together and make decisions accordingly, you can maximize how much you have to spend on a monthly basis.” • How long will you live? This is the retirement-planning wild card. It’s an unknowable factor, but one that plays a major role. “One thing we do know is that life expectancies have been growing, and many people underestimate how long they will live,” Chance says. “People need to expect they could live 20 years, 30 years or even longer in retirement, and plan accordingly.”
Florida woman travels to Parkwest for life-saving TAVR procedure When it comes to matters of the heart, Parkwest Cardiologist and Chief of Staff Dr. Mitchell Weiss is an expert. After 24 years performing life-saving cardiac procedures, Weiss had a firsthand look at the dramatic success stories these surgeries can provide when his own mother, Gayl, was the one being saved by the TAVR procedure. TAVR is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure to repair a heart valve without removing the damaged one. During TAVR, a stent is used to insert a replacement valve through a catheter, instead of opening the chest through traditional surgery. When expanded, the replacement valve can take over
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the job of regulating blood flow. To qualify for TAVR, patients must be considered ineligible for traditional open heart procedures. Weiss’s parents traveled to Knoxville and Gayl prepared for the procedure by having a transesophageal echocardiogram, a comprehensive office visit and a review of her case by Parkwest cardiothoracic surgeons. “Everyone was great,” said Dr. Weiss. “All the staff took such wonderful care of my mom.” To learn more about TAVR and other cardiac services offered at Parkwest visit ww.TreatedWell.com or call (865) 374-PARK.
4D • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
BOOMERS & BEYOND
How to avoid growing bored in retirement From the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they officially retire, the notion of planning for retirement is never far from their minds. But when the day to hang up the briefcase and donate all those business suits arrives, some retirees wonder what to do next. Some retirees know exactly how they will spend their days when they no longer have to work, while others who decide to play it by ear may find themselves battling boredom. For those among the latter group, it’s important to understand that many retirees find themselves bored once they no longer have to focus on a career. Jobs keep men and women busy and provide a sense of purpose in their lives, so it’s understandable that retirees feel bored once those jobs are no longer a part of their lives. But just because you no longer have an office to go to every day does not mean life cannot be as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than it was when you were still working. You just need to find something to avoid succumbing to retirement boredom. • Work part-time. Though it might seem odd to start working right after you retire, a part-time job can provide the type of structure you have grown accustomed to without all of the responsibility that comes with a full-time career. Part-time jobs can range from consultancy work that makes use of your professional experience to something entirely different like landscape maintenance at a nearby golf course that gets you out of the house and enjoying the warmer seasons. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s something you find fun and interesting. • Embrace a new hobby. Working professionals often say they
wish they had time to pursue a hobby. Now that you are retired, you have all the time in the world to do just that. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always wanted to do, retirement is a great time to do it. • Get in shape. If retirement boredom has started to negatively affect your mood, one great way to conquer your boredom and improve your mood at the same time is to start exercising. Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. When the body exercises, it releases chemicals knowns as endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost selfesteem and improve sleep. Working out at a gym also is a great way to meet fellow retirees in your community, and the energy you have after exercising may give you the boost you need to pursue other hobbies. • Volunteer. If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community. Volunteers are always in demand, and volunteering with a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet like-minded fellow retirees, all while helping to quell your boredom. Retirees who love to travel can combine their passion for volunteering with their love of travel by signing up to work with an international relief organization that travels abroad to help the less fortunate. Upon retiring, many retirees initially find themselves coping with boredom. But there are many ways to avoid the restlessness of retirement.
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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 5D
Managing the costs of assisted living As individuals age, various circumstances have to be reassessed. A current living situation may not be meeting the needs of a senior who may be having difficulty caring properly for himself or herself. Families often consider senior residences to provide welcoming and safe environments for their loved ones during the golden years of their lives. These facilities may range from independent living homes with minimal care offered to nursing homes that provide more intensive care when needed. Somewhere in the middle lies assisted living homes, which blend the independence of personal residences with other amenities, such as the housekeeping, medication reminders or meal services. Assisted living can be a viable option when a person can no longer live alone, but such facilities come with a price. According to a Market Survey of LongTerm Care Costs conducted by MetLife, the national average for assisted living base rates was $3,550 per month in 2012. In the 2015 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth Financial, the assisted living, national-median monthly rate was now $3,600 — and it’s only expected to grow. Affording these homes and apartments can be challenging for those with fixed incomes, but there are some strategies that can help. The payment method that serves you best will depend on your unique circumstances, but there are options available. • Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance is specialized insurance that is paid into and may cover the cost of assisted living facilities and other medical care, depending on the policy. The American Association for LongTerm Care Insurance says that only roughly three percent of Americans have this type of insurance, but it is something to consider during working years.
assisted living with their own savings and retirement nest eggs. However, it’s easy for savings to become depleted when facing a $40,000+ per year bill. • Life insurance: A financial advisor may advocate to pay for assisted living with a life insurance policy. Some companies enable you to cash out for “accelerated” or “living” benefits, which usually is a buy-back of the policy for 50 to 75 percent of the face value. Other third parties may purchase the policy for a settlement of a lump sum, again roughly 50 to 75 percent of the policy’s face value, according to Caring.com, an online source for support and information about the needs of aging people. • Location: Costs of assisted living facilities vary depending on location. It’s possible to get a lower monthly rate simply by choosing a facility in a different state. • Negotiation: Not all prices are set in stone. Speak with a manager at the facility and see if there is any price flexibility or move-in incentives. You also may be able to get a lower rate by negotiating certain a-lacarte costs against all-inclusive pricing. Perhaps you do not need laundry or shopping services, and family members can fill in the gaps, reducing your bill. • Veteran’s benefits: Many veterans are eligible for care benefits that can offset the cost of assisted living care. • Rooms: Opting for a smaller room or sharing a space can keep costs down as well. See if shared rooms are a possibility. Assisted living is a necessity for thousands of people. Explore the ways to finance this purchase.
• Personal savings: Some people have the means to pay for
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6D • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
BOOMERS & BEYOND
Understanding life insurance Life insurance is a product few people want to think about. That’s perfectly understandable, as life insurance forces men and women to consider their own mortality. But life insurance is not something adults should avoid, especially if they have dependents. Many people should consider life insurance when estate planning so they can provide security for their loved ones. But life insurance is a purchase unlike any other, and people may be confused or intimidated when attempting to purchase life insurance policies. • Deciding if you need coverage While life insurance seems like the kind of thing every person should have, that’s not necessarily the case. For example, single men and women with no dependents and no tax or debt concerns generally do not need life insurance. If you are single but have tax issues or a considerable amount of debt, then a life insurance policy can be used to pay those debts upon your death. Adults with dependents, such as a spouse and/or children, should consider purchasing life insurance, which can help your surviving dependents maintain their quality of life and pay their bills in the wake of your death. • Buying life insurance Much like various other types of insurance, life insurance can be purchased from an insurance agent or via an insurance company’s website. When choosing a company from which to buy a life insurance policy, look for a company with a strong rating, as no one wants to end up being burned by a life insurance provider who goes out of business. Some people prefer to work with independent brokers who can share information about products from various providers rather than just the ones offered by the firm companyaffiliated agents work for. • Choosing coverage When choosing coverage, you will no doubt be asked if you prefer term insur-
ance or permanent insurance. Term insurance is the least expensive life insurance, and such policies only last for a predetermined number of years. Men and women may purchase life insurance policies if they only want life insurance until they retire or until their children reach adulthood. Permanent insurance is more expensive and will last from the moment you purchase the policy until your death. Many people choose permanent life insurance policies so the money their beneficiaries receive upon their death can be
used to pay estate taxes. In addition, there is an investment component to permanent insurance policies, as a portion of the premiums on such policies is invested (policies will spell out how the money is invested) and allowed to grow tax-free so long as the policy is open. Term insurance only provides protection with no investments. When choosing how much coverage to purchase, it’s easy to go overboard and aim for as much as possible. However,
many financial advisors suggest purchasing enough coverage to pay for funeral costs and a level of income replacement you can comfortably afford. If your spouse does not work, you should consider purchasing enough coverage so he or she can afford to pay the family’s day-to-day cost of living expenses. Life insurance merits serious consideration, and adults should do their homework and fully understand a policy before signing any contracts.
BOOMERS & BEYOND
FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 7D
Alzheimer’s researchers hopeful
Cut the costs of your prescriptions The costs of filling prescriptions is simply too big to bear for many people, even now that the Affordable Care Act has greatly reduced the amount of people who are uninsured. A survey from the Commonwealth Fund found that 35 million people in America failed to fill a prescription in 2014 because of the cost of the medication. That figure represents an improvement from 2010, when 48 million people did not fill their prescriptions due to the costs of those medications, but it still serves to highlight a need many people have to cut the costs of their medicine. Though people who cannot afford to fill their prescriptions often feel helpless, there are a handful of ways they can cut the costs of their medications and start feeling better. • Discuss changes with your physician. Perhaps the simplest way to cut prescription costs is to discuss medication options with your physician. Brand-name drugs are typically more expensive than generic alternatives, so speak with your physician about generic drugs or less costly brand-name drugs that may treat your condition as well as expensive brand-name drugs do. • Consider Patient Assistance Programs. Sometimes referred to as “Pharmaceutical
Assistance Programs,” Patient Assistance Programs, or PAPs, can greatly reduce the burden of prescription drug costs. Sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, PAPs distribute billions of dollars to patients who otherwise could not afford their medications. Eligibility criteria varies depending on the program, but men and women struggling to pay for their prescriptions can speak with their physicians about PAPs. • Consult your member organizations. If you are a member of the AAA automotive group or the American Association of Retired Persons, you might be eligible for medication discount cards free of charge. These cards provide discounts on your medications, but some come with expensive fees upfront. Look for no-fee cards, such as those offered to AAA and AARP members or others offered by nonprofit organizations, before considering options offered by pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit businesses. • Contact charitable organizations. Some charitable organizations, such as the National Organization for Rare Disorders and maybe even some local nonprofits, offer prescription assistance to people in need. Visit NORD online at www.rarediseases.org.
Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, and its progression cannot be radically slowed. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s, and around 5 million people in the country currently have the disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are continuing to work on both drug and nondrug treatments to combat both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. According to information from the 2015 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, there is reason for optimism regarding Alzheimer’s treatments. Researchers now have a better understanding of how the brain changes with Alzheimer’s and can fine tune medications to react with certain areas of the brain
responsible for certain symptoms. For example, drug companies Eli Lilly and Biogen have been testing drugs that block beta amyloid, a protein that can cause toxic brain plaques in people, which are often associated with progressive brain disease. Another abnormality associated with Alzheimer’s is caused when a protein called tau twists into microscopic tangles, says the Mayo Clinic. Tangles collapse vital brain cell transport systems. Researchers are looking into medicines that may prevent tau from forming tangles. In addition, researchers continue to look at anti-inflammatory drugs to help delay the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as how other conditions and diseases, including high blood pressure or diabetes, may impact the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
8D • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
BOOMERS & BEYOND
Managing Menopause diet What to eat and what to avoid Healthcare professionals note that the foods women eat can affect how they feel during menopause. Some foods may reduce or eliminate troublesome symptoms, while others actually may make conditions worse. Weight gain, hot flashes, lack of energy, and mood swings are some of the more widely known symptoms of menopause, which is the time when a woman’s menstrual cycle permanently ceases due to the natural depletion of ovarian follicles and oocytes. Elevated follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, and low estrogen levels are consistent with menopause and can cause any number of symptoms. While hormone replacement therapy is one option, women may find that changing their diets is enough to make them feel better and may even help them reduce their risk for certain diseases and better manage some of the negative side effects of menopause. • Osteoporosis: Menopausal women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weaker and more brittle. Increasing one’s intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help. Calciumrich foods include low-fat yogurt, sardines, broccoli, and firm tofu. • Weight gain: It’s possible to gain some weight during menopause. Data from the International Menopause Society and the Mayo Clinic point to decreases in metabolism as the source of menopausal weight gain. Women should cut back on fatty foods and trim any visible fats from the foods they cook. Eating foods high in complex sources of fiber can help a person to feel full on less food.
• Mood swings: Hormone fluctuations may lead to mood swings and feelings of anxiety or depression. Improve mental well-being by increasing intake of foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming whole grains, lentils, flaxseed, and oily fish can help. • Risk for other diseases: Women who are menopausal are at an elevated risk for breast cancer and even
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cardiovascular disease. The North American Menopause Society says such women should cut down on alcohol consumption, which can contribute to increased risk for both of these conditions. Women who have between two and five drinks per day are one and a half times as likely to get breast cancer than women who don’t drink at all. • Fatigue: Foods can control how the body sustains energy levels. Sugary foods
may provide a fast jolt of energy, but that boost often dwindles shortly thereafter. Look for carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, as such carbs provide longerlasting energy. Boosting iron intake also may provide more pep and may even boost metabolism. Smart food choices can help women reduce the severity of some uncomfortable symptoms and side effects of menopause.
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FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • 9D
Grandparents helping to raise children As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. • Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. • Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers and proof of income and assets. • Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents
concerned about their grandkids’ futures. • Investigate financial assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based financial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas. • Contact schools and daycare centers. School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or lowcost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with muchneeded free time during the day. • Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans. Caring for grandchildren is a lifechanging event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.
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Summit View provides trained and dedicated staff and a full range of therapy services in our state-of-the-art facilities. We provide superior, personalized care and improve the quality of life for each of our residents.
• Dementia Care • Case Management Summit View is the connecting factor to all these, plus other companies, to promote the “continuum of care” throughout our whole system.
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A family endeavor locally owned & operated since 1981
editor@farragutpress.com
For more information, contact us at
865.675.6444
10D • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015
BOOMERS & BEYOND