Mature Arkansas

Mature Arkansas JUly, 2012

Sheffield’s Gas Tax Gamble PageS 14-17

ALSO in this issue

Casual Dressing Tips page 12

Caregiver Resources pages 18-29

Estate Planning Basics page 31

MATURE ARKANSAS

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GUEST editorI AL

Older Workers Are Nation's Economic Lifeline

Don’t stay

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By Joe Marriott

H

ere’s a statistic that might surprise you: For every three older workers, a vacancy for a young person opens up due to the economic wealth older people create.

That’s the word from Dr. Alexandre Kalache, an expert on the aging demographic. According to Kalache, “We cannot afford to stick our heads in the sand and continue to view older people as a sickly burden rather than a valuable resource.”

Kalache refers to “productive aging” as a means not only to emerge from our current economic setback, but as the only way to prepare for the epidemic of an aging population. The generation nearing retirement age tends to have high educational levels and a lot more experience than their younger counterparts, thus maturity has an important role to play in the future of our economic growth.

While not suggesting that seniors work 9-to-5 until age 95, Kalache suggests we modify the way we approach work and careers. Workers who live long lives should not burn out, but rather remain productive, innovative and valued.

The “youth culture” is glorified and celebrated. Even in the workplace, where experience should reign, youth has its advantages. A recent report by the Global Agenda Council on Ageing Society observed that, “in a society with fewer younger people relative to mature workers, an organization’s ability to succeed may hinge on whether it can attract and retain mature workers.”

The publication offers the following recommendations: Establish employment conditions and compensation that make it desirable to keep working; create age-friendly working environments; include flexible working practices, such as career breaks, part-time work and flexi-place working; encourage health and well-being, such as supervised fitness programs; offer continuous learning opportunities to update skills.

Whether you work well past traditional retirement age because you need the income or because you simply cannot imagine being idle and unchallenged after you retire, it appears that productive aging is an inevitable part of our future. We read every day about jobs currently available that employers cannot find qualified candidates to fill. It seems like some of the more valued qualities in older workers have been overlooked.

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Mr. Marriott is president of Marriott & Beale Wealth Advisors, in Little Rock and Hot Springs Village.

Mature Arkansas Publisher Alan Leveritt Editor Anne Wasson Art Director Mike Spain Photographer Brian Chilson Graphic Artist Bryan Moats Director of sales Katherine Daniels Account Executive Erin Holland

• Active lifestyle

Circulation Director Anitra Hickman ad Coordinators Roland Gladden Kelly Schlachter Production Manager Weldon Wilson Production Assistant Tracy Whitaker Office Manager Angie Fambrough Billing and Collections Linda Phillips

Mature Arkansas is published monthly by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 E. Markham St., P. O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, phone 501-375-2985. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, of the contents without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. The publisher assumes no responsibility for care or safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially. All contents copyrighted 2012 Mature Arkansas.

Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/maturearkansas MATURE ARKANSAS

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ince mid-October 2011, motorists racing along Interstate-30 near downtown Little Rock, have noticed a small parking lot filled with camping tents and surrounded by a fence draped with hand-lettered signs blasting corporate greed, economic injustice and political corruption.

Occupy Little Rock’s main message—echoing the national Occupy movement--is stop the injustice of 1% of the population controlling more wealth than the combined total of the other 99% of the population.

During the nine months Occupy Little Rock (OLR) encamped at the 4th and Ferry Site, it became one of the most successful occupations in the nation. OLR claimed to be the longest-running continuous occupation in the country and was often cited for building good relations with police and the Mayor’s office, and joining with citizens’ advocacy groups like Arkansas Community Organizations, the Citizens to Save Lake Maumelle, and others.

The site of OLR now sits empty after what members called an illegal eviction by the City of Little Rock.

But the eviction didn’t slow down Occupiers’ passion for political change. The group has transitioned its political message to campaign finance reform in Arkansas.

Paul Spencer, a government and politics teacher at Little Rock’s Catholic High, and wife Stephanie, were inspired by Occupy’s message, enthusiasm and youth.

“Our current system of campaign financing gives too much power to the few who control the bulk of the nation’s wealth,” Paul Spencer says. “Huge amounts of money are funneled to politicians through lobbyists, who have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our government.”

The Spencers and others have created Regnat Populus 2012, named after the Arkansas state motto, “The People Rule.” They are working with Occupy Little Rock members to help get the initiative on the November ballot.

The Campaign Finance and Lobbying Act 2012, would ban unions and corporations from making direct contributions to candidates for office in Arkansas elections; forbid any gift whatsoever from lobbyists; and prohibit ex-legislators from becoming registered lobbyists for two years (currently one year).

While OLR is contributing its social network and volunteers to collect over 60,000 signatures that will get Regnat Populus a spot on the November ballot, a bipartisan group of supporters have formed “Better Ethics Now” to help provide funding for campaign materials and

“Our current system of

campaign financing gives

too much power to the few who control the bulk of the nation’s wealth. Huge amounts of money are funneled to

politicians through lobbyists, who have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our government.”

PHOTO by leonard stern

Left to right: Regnat Populus advocates Mac Miller, Stephanie Spencer, Robert Nunn, David Couch and Brent Bumpers discuss strategy. canvassers for the reform initiative.

“The confluence of Occupy Little Rock with mainstream political movements like Regnat Populus demonstrates the value of providing a welcome environment for every voice in the community, not just those with money and inside connections,” says David Couch, a local attorney and Better Ethics Now supporter.

Among those involved with Better Ethics Now are Brent Bumpers and his father, former U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers; Bruce McMath,

attorney and son of former Arkansas Gov. Sid McMath; former U.S. Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt; former Republican State Senator Jim Keet; former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders; and Little Rock attorney Baker Kurrus, who manages business affairs for the estate of the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller.

Occupy Little Rock members are diversifying their efforts by supporting other civic issues.

They continue their fight against housing development around the Little Rock water reservoir

at Lake Maumelle. Other members have joined in the fray over eminent domain rights and the proposed Little Rock Technology Park.

This diverse group has also assumed management of the Dedicated Art Studio, in the old Paragon Printing building, to house performance and graphic arts, as well as FreeGeek, a nonprofit computer repair and recycling service.

Another OLR focus is a lawsuit against the City of Little Rock. The suit is a result of the group’s eviction from their city-supplied encampment at 4th and Ferry Streets. Attorney John Wesley Hall has taken the case and is preparing an aggressive strategy to demonstrate that the Central Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, City Manager Bruce Moore, The City Board of Directors and others colluded to shut down the protest movement, and violated their Constitutional right of free assembly and speech.

The four Occupy members that were arrested on the day of the forced eviction: Mac Miller and Greg Deckelman, both military veterans in their mid-50s, and two women, Jennifer Pierce, a recent UALR graduate and CeCe Sloan-Cirello, a small business owner, will be put on trial in Pulaski County on September 25th. Stay tuned.

Look at what we’ve got.

SUMMER FUN, NATURALLY.

We have tons of activities to keep you and your children occupied this summer.

Go to agfc.com to find out more about all we offer at our Nature Centers and Education Centers.

Education. It’s in our nature. agfc.com Nature Center hours: Tue.‑Sat. 8:30‑4:30 | Sun. 1:00‑5:00 | Closed Mondays

Wednesdays 2 p.m. ‑ Fish Feasting Fridays 2 p.m. ‑ Alligator Feeding Second Saturdays 2 p.m. ‑ Lil’ Wild Ones: Nature Stories & Activities www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com (501) 907‑0636

Tuesdays‑Fridays 11 a.m. ‑ Fish Feeding 3:15 p.m. ‑ Eagle Feeding and Presentation Saturdays and Sundays 3 p.m. ‑ Fish Feeding Saturdays 3:30 p.m. ‑ Alligator Feeding www.deltarivers.com (870) 534‑0011

Tuesdays‑Sundays On the half hour ‑ Crowley’s Ridge Movie 3:30 p.m. ‑ Feeding Frenzy Saturdays 10 a.m. ‑ Creature Feature First Saturdays 10:30 a.m. ‑ Tales & Trails Nature Stories & Crafts Second Saturdays 10 a.m.‑2 p.m. ‑ Fly‑Tying Round Table www.crowleysridge.org (870) 933‑6787

Tuesdays‑Sundays 2 p.m. ‑ Critter Crunch Animal Feeding Fridays 3:45 p.m. ‑ Nature Break (3‑7 year olds) Saturdays 10 a.m. ‑ Guided Hike Noon‑2 p.m. ‑ Canoe/Kayak Program 3 p.m. ‑ Laser Shot Sundays 2:30 p.m. ‑ Archery www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com (479) 452‑3993

MATURE ARKANSAS

JUly, 2012

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Man Medicare Understanding Medicare Premiums Q. My mother’s Medigap policy didn’t pay her hospital bill. The insurance company said she used an out-of-network hospital. I thought Medigap paid after Medicare. What can we do?

A. There are two types of Medicare Supplement Policies (Medigap) in Arkansas. Medigap Select has lower monthly premiums and requires the insured to use certain hospitals. Using out-of-network providers means your mother’s insurance may not pay or may pay less than the full bill.

Q. Why did I have to pay the Medicare Part A deductible twice this year?

A. A Medicare Part A deductible is due for each benefit period. A benefit period begins with a hospital admission and ends when you are out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 days in a row. For example, if you were hospitalized in March for a week and did not return until August for a two-day stay after surgery, then you owe two Part A deductibles.

Q. I joined a Medicare Advantage Plan for 2012. Why is Social Security still taking the Medicare Part B premium from my check?

A. Insurance companies that sell Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have a contract with Medicare. Though the private insurance company pays for your healthcare, you still have to pay your Part B premium. With some MA plans, you may also have to pay an additional premium to the MA plan.

Send your questions to Medicare Man at insurance.shiip@arkansas.gov or call toll free 800-224-6330.

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O

Medicare Can Help Caregivers

ne of the ways Medicare supports caregivers is through Ask Medicare (www.medicare.gov/caregivers), a website that provides tools and information to help caregivers and patients make informed decisions about health and healthcare services, including choosing a drug plan, comparing nursing homes, getting help with billing, finding local services and more.

Download a copy of Medicare Basics, a comprehensive guide to Medicare’s benefits and coverage, specifically written for caregivers.

Try these other links for caregivers: • National Alliance for Caregiving (www.caregiving.org) • Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (www.extension.org/family_caregiving), addresses family caregiving needs, aging issues, nutrition, financial security, health and housing.

The site also has caregiver tips and important insights on challenging issues, such as transitioning a loved one to an assisted living facility, selecting and paying for care, coping with chronic illness and more.

Medicare’s bi-monthly newsletter for caregivers includes current news about Medicare, resources in your community and tips to help caregivers take care of themselves at www.medicare.gov/caregivers.

Additional websites for caregivers: • www.choicesinliving.ar.gov/ (or call toll free 866-801-3435) • www.alzark.org (includes Alzheimer support groups) • www.alz.org/alzokar/ (more Alzheimer support groups) • www.daas.ar.gov/aaamap.html (includes Area Agencies on Aging and most sponsor caregiver support groups)

MATURE ARKANSAS

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☛ Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall never die. — President Abraham Lincoln ☛

CALEN D AR P I C KS

July Is Full of Summer Fun

By A.H. Wasson

CLASSES July—Hatha yoga classes taught by Chuck Burks; Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Rd., Little Rock. FREE; all levels welcome; every Sat. 10:00 AM, contact Sheridan@ wildwoodpark.org July 9-July 27--SeniorNet Classes: Fundamentals for Beginners, Intro to Computers, File Management and Microsoft Word; Reynolds Institute on Aging, Room 1155, UAMS campus, Little Rock. $45 per class ($75-couples attending together), manuals $15, free parking in front of building.

2-hour classes meet twice a week for 4 weeks. Call 834-4383.

J u ly 9 & J u ly 23— S av v y Caregiver workshops, sponsored by Conway Regional Health System, 2302 College Ave., Conway, 4:00-6:00 PM; FREE. Designed for caregivers of dementia patients. For more information call 501-932-0480

Reynolds Institute on Aging, UAMS campus, Little Rock. New hours are Mon.-Thurs. 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Fri. 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Call 526-5779 for information about classes.

TAKE THE GRANDKIDS

at dusk; park opens an hour before movie. Bring grandchildren, snacks and pets.

Other Movies in the Park: July 18---“Twilight Escape” July 25—“Caddyshack” August 1—“Annie”

July19-22—Johnson County Peach Festival, Clarksville Courthouse Square on July -Travelers Baseball,Dickey-Stephens Main St. FREE; Don’t miss these events: Thurs 4:00 Park, foot of Broadway Bridge, North Little Rock.

PM banana split contest; Fri. 8:30 AM greased $6-$12, children under 2 free. Home games: July pig chase followed by frog jumping; 10:00 AM 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 31 and in August terrapin derby; 1:00 PM peach-eating contest; 1-6; all games 7:10 PM; Sun. games 6:00 PM. Sat. 11:30 AM peach pit spitting contest; 1:00 PM bicycle obstacle course followed by water July 7—Lighted Boat Parade, Balboa balloon toss. Call 479-754-9152.

A work by Laura Raborn July--Little Rock is part of the newest Zoo, Jonesboro Dr., exhibit at Thompson War Memorial Park, Fine Arts.

Little Rock; $10; $8 60+ & children 12 and under 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Call 501-666-2406 for more information.

Giraffe Encounter at 1:30 PM, Saturdays & Sundays.

July--Zumba Gold classes, sponsored by CareLink, modify for active older people the regular Zumba moves and pacing, also for beginners N ow t h ro u g h of any age.

July 29-“Extreme In Little Rock at: D e e p: M i s s i o n • UAMS Institute on Aging, Aqua to the Abyss,” Zumba on Mon. & Fri. 1:00 PM and Museum of Discovery, Fri. 11:00 AM for Zumba Gold (call 500 Pres. Clinton Ave., 526-5779) Little Rock, Tues-Sat • Bess Chisum Stephens Community 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sun Center on Tues. & Thurs. 11:15 AM 1:00-5:00 PM. $10; $8 July 19-Sep. 15—Southern Women Artists, the newest exhibit (call 664-4268) for seniors and chilat Thompson Fine Arts. For more information visit gregthompsonfineart.

• Pulaski Heights United Methodist dren under 12. This com or call 664-2787.

Church on Tues. & Thurs. 2:00 PM interactive exhibit (call 664-3600) includes a model of In North Little Rock at: the Titanic. Call 396-7050 or visit amod.org Marina on Lake Balboa, Hot Springs Village, 8:30 • Indian Hills Church on Mon., Wed. & Fri. 3:15 PM. Call 501-922-5050 for more information; July 26-28—Ringling Brothers and PM (call 835-2838) FREE. Also free is a radio-controlled airplane Barnum and Bailey Circus,Verizon Arena, • Lakewood United Methodist Church, Mon. & fun fly at 10:00 AM on the Magellan Golf Course North Little Rock, 7:00 PM; Sat. matinees at 11:00 Fri. 2:30 PM (call 753-6186).

Driving Range.

AM & 3:00 PM; Sun. matinees at 1:00 & 5:00 PM; July-UAMS Therapy and Fitness pre-show party one-hour before show times on July 11—Movies in the Park will show Program has new fitness equipment and arena floor; $20.75-$50.75; $10.75 for ages 2-12; “Jaws,” FREE at Riverfest Amphitheatre, downlonger hours, Ottenheimer Fitness Center, tickets at ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. town Little Rock, by the Ark. River; movie starts

8 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

July 26—Native American Games, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott. All ages. Park interpreters teach games that southeastern Indians would have played at this ancient ceremonial center.

Call 501-961-9442 for more information. $3 per person covers cost of games’ materials.

Now through Sep. 4--“ Odyssey’s Shipwreck Pirates and Treasures,” Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs; Tues.-Sat. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sun. 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; $9; $7 for 65+ and ages 3-12. Call 501-767-3461.

GO WITH A FRIEND July 6—“Sandwiching in History,” Noon, tour the Dr. Albert McGill House at 2209 S. Battery St., Little Rock; FREE. Built about 1924, it is a good example of the Craftsman style. Call 501-324-9788.

Now through July 22—“Barefoot in the Park,” Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, 6323 Col. Glenn Rd., Little Rock. Dinner at 6:00 PM; curtain 7:45 on Tues. - Sat.; Sun. matinee. Call 562-3131 for reservations. July 24 through Sep. 1—“The Sound of Music.”

Now through July 21—“The White House Garden,” Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock; Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Fri.-Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sun. 1:00-5:00 PM, FREE. Exhibit features historic and contemporary photos of 18-acre White House gardens. Call 758-1720.

Also at Laman Library: July 27-Aug. 25, “Outside the Pale: The Architecture of Fay Jones,” FREE. July 10-- “Dr. David’s First Health Book of More, Not Less,” Dr. David Lipschitz will discuss his new book; Library Auditorium; 6:00 PM; FREE. July 17-- “Justice Knot,” Mara Leveritt will discuss progress on her latest book, a follow-up to “Devil’s Knot;” FREE. Saturdays—Group Bicycle Ride, hosted by Bicycle Friendly Community Committee, 7:00 AM, starts at River Trail Bicycle Rentals, 140 Riverfront Dr., North Little Rock. Call 374-5505 for more information.

Third Mon.—“Preservation Conversations,” Quapaw Quarter Association, will discuss how to find your home’s history; The Butler Center, Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock; 5:00 PM beer and wine; program 5:30-6:30, FREE. Discussion continues over dinner at Lulav Restaurant. Call 371-0075.

July 13-15--Friends of Central Arkansas Libraries (FOCAL) used book sale, Main Library basement, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, Fri & Sat. 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM; Sun. 1:00- 4:00 PM; paperbacks $.50; hardbacks $1.

FOCAL members receive half off used books at River Market Books & Gifts, 120 River Market Ave. (open same hours). Call 918-3000 for more information.

July 21—Viewing ofthe PBS documentary“Slavery by Another Name,” followed by discussion led by Rev. James Lamb; Pyramid Books, 1001 Wright Ave, Suite C, Little Rock; 1:30 PM. FREE; call 372-5824.

FARMERS' MARKETS Conway’s On-Line Farmers’ Market--Visit Conway.locallygrown. net Order Sun. - Tues. by 9:00 PM; pick up order on following Fri. 4:00-6:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 925 Mitchell St. Annual membership $25 per household.

Conway Farmers’ Market, 717 Parkway St., Tues, Thurs, Sat. 7:00 AM-1:00 PM; third Thurs. 4:00-8:00 PM. Call 501-329-8344.

Hot Springs—Tues. 5:00 -8:00 PM; Thurs. 7:00-11:00 AM; Sat. 7:00 AM-noon; Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market, 121 Orange St.; FREE parking. Tuesday MATURE ARKANSAS

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☛ Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. — Sir Edmund Burke ☛

CALEN DAR P I C KS

The Arkansas Jazz Experience combo plays cool music for a hot summer at the Quapaw.

J ac k s o n v i l l e Mu s e u m o f Military History, 100 Veterans Circle, Mon.- Sat. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Permanent and special exhibits range from the Civil War to present, focusing on the military contributions of local vets.

Includes a research library. Admission is $3; $2 seniors & military; $1 students. Call 501-241-1943.

evening market includes live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment. Visit hotspringsfarmersmarket.com Hot Springs—Spa-City Co-Op. Visit spacity.locallygrown.net/market for a huge assortment of food and other products. Place order from Sat.-Tues. by 9:00 PM, every other week. Pick up order on following Fri. Little Rock—Tues. and Sat. through October 27; 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; River Market Pavilions, 400 Pres. Clinton Ave. Call 375-2552 or visit rivermarket.info

L i t t l e R o c k’s H i l lc r e s t Neighborhood, Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh; Sat. 7:00 AM-noon, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Little Rock’s Bernice Garden, 1401 S. Main St., Sun. 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; call 617-2511.

North Little Rock—Sat. 7:00 AM to noon— The Argenta Farmers’Market, 6th & Main streets.

ART Now through July 13—“Small Works, Native Treasures,”at the Sequoyah National Research Center’s Wiggins Native American Art Gallery, UALR’s University Plaza, Suite 500, S. University and Col. Glenn, Little Rock; weekdays 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM ; FREE. Over 60 works from J.W. Wiggins Collection of Native American Art. Call 501-569-8336.

Now through Aug. 19—Arkansas Arts Center exhibits, 9th & Commerce St., Little Rock, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM weekdays (closed Mon.); 11:00 AM-5:00 PM weekends. FREE. Call 372-4000 or visit arkarts.com Exhibits include: N o w t h r o u g h Au g . 1 9 — Th e Rockefeller Influence, exhibit focuses on Gov. & Mrs. Rockefeller’s role in establishing the Arts Center.

N ow t h ro u g h Au g. 5— Th e N e w Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft. Explores growing use of digital technology as a means of expression in craft.

Now through Sep 9—11th National Drawing Invitational: NewYork, continues the Arts Center’s long commitment to drawings of American artists and features New York artists.

Now-Aug. 25—The AAC’s Museum School summer art classes; full list of classes at arkarts.com

10 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

MacArthur Museum of Ark. Military History, 503 E. 9th St, MacArthur Park, Little Rock; Tues.-Fri. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sat. 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sun. 1:00-4:00 PM. Numerous exhibits depict Arkansas’military history, including WW II photos, the 1911 Confederate Vets Reunion and others. FREE; call 376-4602.

July 27-- Arkansas Jazz Experience, Quapaw Bathhouse, 413 Central Ave., Hot Springs; $10. Enjoy a guest artist every 4th Fri. in an intimate concert. Call 501-767-0211.

July 20—Argenta ArtWalk, every third Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Main Street, North Little Rock. Meet the artists in a casual setting and stay for dinner at any of the chef-driven restaurants in the Argenta area. Paintings, pottery, jewelry and glass for sale. Call 993-1234.

July--Museum of Contemporary Art, 425 Central Ave. in the restored Ozark Bathhouse, Hot Springs, Wed.-Sat. 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Sun. Noon-3:00 PM; $5, 12 and under free. Call 501-609-9966.

Now through July 31--“The Wild Ones,” paintings of wild animals at L&L Beck Art Gallery, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock; FREE. Now through Aug. 18—“Still Crazy…,” an exhibit of watercolors, oils, prints, drawings and sculptures by Warren Criswell, Cantrell Gallery, 8206 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock; Mon.-Sat. 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM; FREE.

MUSEUMS Now through Sept. 16—“Play Ball!

The St. Louis Cardinals,” Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock; Mon.-Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sun. 1:00-5:00 PM; $7; $5 seniors and students; $3 ages 6-17; free for active military & children under 6. Call 374-4242. Other exhibits: Now through Nov. 25--“Dorothy Rodham & Virginia Kelley.”

July 26-—Opening reception for new exhibit: “A Voice Through the Viewfinder: Images of Arkansas Bl ack Community by R alph Armstrong;” Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. Ninth St., Little Rock, 4:30-6:00 PM; FREE. Exhibit hours, Tues-Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Call 683-3620.

Old State House Museum, 300W, Markham St., Little Rock. Permanent and special exhibits focusing on Arkansas life, politics and government include: 1836 House of Rep. Chamber; Ark. First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns; “Battle Colors of Ark.” features Civil War battle flags (thru Feb 1); First Families of Ark. features memorabilia, photos and apparel; and others Mon.-Sat. 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM; Sun. 1:00-5:00 PM. FREE; call 324-9685.

Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St., Little Rock,“Creating the Elements of Discovery,” through Aug. 5; “We Walk in Two Worlds: The Caddo, Osage and Quapaw in Arkansas,”weekdays & Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sun.1:00 -5:00 PM. $2.50; $1.50 for 65+; 17 and under $1. Call 324-9351.

MUSIC July 7—Village Big Band Concert, Hot Springs Village, 6:30 PM, Balboa Pavilion, FREE. Saturdays, “Pickin’ Porch,” Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway, Sat. 9:30 AM, FREE. Call 501-327-7482.

Sundays-Beatles Brunch, Revolution Room Restaurant, River Market District, 300 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock; 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. Enjoy Beatles music while you brunch on Beatles-themed favorites, $1 Mimosas, frittatas, crab cakes benedict, salads, etc. Call 823-0090.

First andthird Sundays—traditional Irish music sessions, Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9700 Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock; 2:30- 5:00 PM; FREE. S e co n d a n d f o u r t h M o n days , Arkansas Celtic Music Society, 7:00-9:00 PM, Khalil’s Pub, 110 S. Shackleford Rd.; musicians welcome, FREE. Call 501-224-0224.

July — AARP's Driver Safety Classes Date 9th 10th 11th 11th 12th 12th 12th 14th 14th 18th 18th 18th 19th 21st 24th 26th 31st

Arkansas City Little Rock Malvern Little Rock Hot Springs Little Rock Hot Springs Vil. Conway Little Rock Little Rock Bryant Hot Springs Vil. Little Rock Hot Springs No Little Rock Hot Springs Vil. Hot Springs Benton

Time 9:00 12:30 9:00 8:30 9:00 8:30 1:00 9:00 9:00 12:00 12:00 9:00 8:30 9:00 12:00 8:30 8:00

Location St. Vincent Malvern Sr. Center Baptist Health (Rm 20) NPMC Holy Souls Catholic Ch McAuley Center Conway Library Church at Rock Creek UAMS Bryant Sr. Center Balboa Baptist Church Baptist Health (Rm 3) St. Joseph’s MHC Baptist Medical Center Christ Lutheran Church Irwin Agency Benton Sr. Center

Contact Phone 501-552-3333 501-332-5374 501-227-8478 501-620-2705 501-666-1623 501-984-5594 501-329-6859 501-225-8684 501-686-8880 501-315-0310 501-922-0155 501-227-8478 501-622-1033 501-227-8478 501-922-1865 501-623-7066 501-776-0255

Opera in the Ozarks, Inspiration Point, US 62, Eureka Springs, curtain at 7:30 PM; $20-$25. Summer schedule: “La Boehme,” July 8, 12, 14, 20. “A Little Night Music,” July 7, 11, 13, 19. “The Magic Flute,” July 10, 15, 18. Call 479-253-8595.

DANCING Mondays—Scottish Country Dance Society, Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 3520 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock. Beginner’s class 7:00-8:00 PM; no experience or partner required; $5. Call 821-4746.

Country Dance Society, Park Hill Presbyterian, 3520 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, 7:30-9:30 PM every 1st, 3rd, 5th Fri. No experience needed, all ages welcome. $4 for society members, $5 nonmembers. Call 501-603-5305.

Born at the close of World War I and on the cusp of the Roaring Twenties, Dorothy Howell Rodham and Virginia Clinton Kelley came of age in a changing America. The Great Depression and World War II defined their Generation, and both women overcame obstacles to provide nurturing homes filled with love and support. Their lives were an inspiration to their family, friends, and those who knew them.

June 11, 2012 – November 25, 2012

Dances and dance lessons at Bess Stephens Community Center, 12th & Cleveland Streets, Little Rock:

Country Dancers, 7:00-9:00 PM, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Sundays (501-821-9353) Ballroom, Latin and Swing Social Dance Association, 7:009:00 PM, 1st, 2nd, 4th Fridays (501-664-4268)

1200 President Clinton Avenue • 501-374-4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org

Little Rock Bop Club, 7:00-9:00 PM, every Wed. (501-350-4712) Square Dance, 2:00-4:00 PM, every Thurs. (501-490-1197) Community Dance, Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs, 8:00 PM; 1st & 3rd Fri. Call 501-617-6042.

Merry Mixers Dance Club, Coronado Center, Hot Springs Village, 1st Sat., 7:00-10:00 PM, $7.50; 3rd Sat., 7:30-10:30 PM, $10. Call 501-922-1709.

July 21—Beboppers Dance, Coronado Community Center, Hot Springs Village, 5:30 PM. Spa City Bop and Swing Dance Club, VFW, 2231 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, 7:00 PM, 2nd, 4th 5th Fri., $2. Free lessons with $20 membership at 7:00 PM Thurs. Call 501-760-7375.

Wednesdays—Village A Team Square Dancers, Coronado Community Center, Hot Springs Village, 7:30 PM; $5 for guests.

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URE MKAATN SAS AR E, 2012 JUNE

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HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU n By Rita and the fashionistas

When The Invitation Is Casual E

very Summer, invitations find us--in the mail-slot, tacked on the bulletin board, screaming in Technicolor from e-mail. The word “Casual” in the invitation sends double-dread throughout our closet. Of course, at 60-ish and secure; we’re not really nervous about a little party, are we? Well, truth told, either of the invitations shown here could conjure wardrobe worry, especially when we know the host’s address is a mini-mansion.

First, we begin the internal dialog: “What in the yawning walls of my closet do I wear? What should my sweetheart wear? Does it still fit?

Should we just skip it? Who else do we know that’s going? Could we possibly partner with them and be less…conspicuous?”

Then, we begin dragging out the casual action gear: J-Lo harem pants?

(No!) rock concert mirror-top? (Yikes!) Annie Hall vest? (Return address: Prep School) fringy black Stevie Nicks blouse? (Cue the bonfire--Now!) Fret not! Rita and the Fashionistas creatively face these fashion fables daily, and live to coax all restless revelers to relax and embrace this wardrobe challenge.

For the engagement party, think festive, fun and not buttoned-up.

Take a leisurely walk through any fine restaurant with a patio and check out the threads. Bold-color shirts, whimsical skirts of all lengths, retro sundresses and batik-inspired maxi-gowns work magically to move lithely from event to night-life. Add light and loopy brushed metallic jewelry, hyper-hoop earrings and strappy Roman sandals.

Bright, crisp checks; stripes or bold, boxy polo shirt with Bermuda shorts smartly captures the best of gents’ casual attire. Add sandals or Birkenstocks but no shower shoes or flip flops. Feeling sassy, guys? Add a snappy fedora or Panama hat that gives a nod to the color of belt you’ve chosen, IF your shirt tucks in. (Be rakish and cavalier if you’re better left untucked.) Voila! You are party-fabulous and anything but fussy.

Onward to the “stock the bar” party. Wear sheer, breezy whites or khaki, olive or whisper-weight denim.

Try easy capris with island prints; Tommy Bahama shirts with sand-shaded shorts; sun-washed polos with short skirts; and floaty tops with skinny white capris. Don’t forget the cute snippets of short, easy dresses that double as delicious swim-covers. Chill your margarita, melt your popsicle and coast along on island time as your fashionsavvy evening drifts away.

One last touch on the details: Pretty toes, tan legs,

Arkansas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents P.O. Box 165641 • Little Rock, AR 72216 • (501) 450-9619 www.aanhr.org

MissioN stAteMeNt: “To protect and improve the quality of care and life for residents in Arkansas nursing homes.”

Next MeetiNg July 9 • 10am-12pm First Assembly of God Church • 4501 Burrow Road • North Little Rock FullPage_Layout 1 9/14/10 11:51 AM Page 3 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8 NIV

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loofah-lovely skin and easy hair for the ladies; squeaky-clean hands, feet and nails for our men. Add Top Gun aviator sunglasses and color-pop tote bags to ice your social-casual cake that wraps up the party.

Remember, your best accessories are your smile, warm handshake and grateful heart for the kind invitation to join in the Summer fun.

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Rita Mitchell Harvey, former owner of Elle, loves keeping an eye on all things fashionable.

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hese stores have exactly what you need to create a fashionable “social casual” look, They will gladly place a dress-code exploratory call to the party host to ease your jitters—just ask: Barbara Graves, Faux Pas, Pinky Punky, Beyond Cotton and Ember.

Men’s stores: Greenhaw’s, Breckenridge Village, Mr. Wick’s, and Bauman’s.

Shoes: J. Pruitt’s Birkenstock Shop,Warren’s and Solemates.

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“We have judges on our side. My County Judge from Monroe County has absolutely nothing to gain by fighting us and everything to win by supporting us.”

"I started this and I don't have a ‘get anybody’ motive."

Arkansas’ Natural Gas

I

ntense, quick-talking folk are shoving three gambling petitions at you with an increasing intensity as their July filing deadlines near. Two would add casino monopolies to the two we already have. The third

is about the casino that dwarfs them all, the Fayetteville Shale natural gas play. The winners in that near $4 billion-a-year-jackpot pay severance taxes in Arkansas reminiscent of a 19th Century African colony and they want to keep it that way. Winners usually do.

Sheffield Nelson thinks Arkansas is not an energy corporation outpost and wants to bring that tax up to what natural gas boom states like Texas and Oklahoma pay. A 7% rate would put Arkansas in the mid-range among natural gas-producing states. To do this the Little Rock attorney, and the face of Arkansas Republicanism for two decades, launched a petition drive for an initiative he assures will be on the November ballot.

The opposition put up $1.55 million to keep it off the ballot, about 10 times what the Nelson-led drive is spending to put it on the ballot. Rumors have $25+ million waiting in the wings once it’s on the ballot to beat it at the polls. These are indeed serious gamblers.

14 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Gam

Opponents argue the roads are getting fixed, money is flowing into gas belt economies and increasing the severance tax would drive gas companies to states with lower taxes.

Nelson lit this Arkansas severance tax torch 40 years ago when, at age 30, he was easily one of the country's most promising young executives as president of Arkansas Louisiana Gas (Arkla), a company the Stephens, Inc. empire of Little Rock grabbed in a forced divestiture. Under Nelson, Arkla flourished with profits hitting $70 million in an era when this was a big number. He was the darling of the gas industry even though he had this peculiar idea that those who took the gas and the profits should pay for the damages. But those were different times.

Times when responsibility was a virtue.

Times when corporations weren't openly demanding welfare.

Why Nelson fell from the industry's grace is a yet to be told tale of Shakespearean scope, involving childhood friends, the Stephenses and the Dallas Cowboys. Arkansas grudges often go intergenerational but Nelson doesn't think this one is personal. "I started this and I don't have a ‘get anybody’ motive," Nelson says. "This is an effort to make the companies responsible for damaging state roads pay for them. Six or 7 billion dollars from Fayetteville Shale gas has flown out of the state in the last two years. I think it's a matter of money. They're greedy and don't want to pay anything."

“I think Arkansans will realize they are getting a sales job put on them and I don’t think money buys elections in Arkansas.”

ble Nelson was behind the successful drive to raise the severance tax to 5% five years ago. He says, and state data support him, that lobbying pressure in the legislature added enough exemptions to take it down to about 1.5%.

Steering between a Mars rover-looking monster truck and the ditch, on a narrow gravel road, is called the “Gasland squeeze” by drivers.

Be afraid! Along with air and water environmental exemptions, the natural gas industry got around that pesky rule that forces truck drivers off the road after 14 straight hours. Gas workers can and often do pull 20-hour shifts.

Amphetamine abuse in gasland is reportedly rampant. Truck wrecks are by far the leading cause of death for gas field workers: Some 3,000 over the past decade.

By Cal Wasson Photography by Brian Chilson

The severance tax squeeze is under the beast's wheels where the roadbed is being fractured along with the gas bearing shale. Each well requires about 1,000 big truckloads of water, fracking fluids, waste and such. With some 35,000 gas wells drilled in Arkansas this means roughly three and a half million, 62,000-pound truckloads. The Arkansas Highway Department says the gas boom has already caused nearly a half billion dollars in damages to state roads alone.

In 2010 Arkansas collected about $55 million in natural gas severance taxes, way short of keeping up with state road damage. A 7% severance tax would have raised this to about $205 million; still way short. Even if the longshot half-cent sales tax for roads passes, we'll be little better than break even. The industry brags about how it takes responsibility for road damage and repair.

The Arkansas Chamber of Commerce-led "Stop the Gas Tax" effort is focusing on job and economic loss, a volatile, ubiquitous theme in these hard times. The $1.55 million campaign is funded by Southwestern Energy of Houston,

Stephens Production Company of Fort Smith, and Exxon-Mobil through its subsidiary XTO. Whatever you may hear, all agree these companies will not pull up stakes because of a 7% severance tax. If they did, their directors could go to jail. More than half of Southwestern's assets are in Arkansas. Exxon has 10,000 wells here and Stephens is local.

The other major player, Bilton BHP of Australia, bought Chesapeake Energy's Arkansas holdings for $4.75 billion last year, in the midst of depressed natural gas prices and knowing there was a move to raise the state’s severance tax. Announcing the deal, BHP Petroleum Manager Mike Yeager said the Fayetteville Shale has some of the cheapest and most profitable natural gas in the country.

It's easy to fracture and close to the surface.

Together the four companies control nearly all of the state's natural gas production.

Southwestern Energy, with nearly 1,000,000 Arkansas acres under lease, brags about how its average drill time here is just 7.3 days and they've had 123 wells done in less than five days. A few other states may have lower severance taxes but far fewer can compete with MATURE ARKANSAS

JUly, 2012

15

Arkansas in the far more important supply and production costs. Market analysis firm GlobalData predicts the Fayetteville Shale will become one of the country’s major natural gas hubs in this decade.

Jobs is the crucial political issue in this continuing recession and the one the gas industry has been successfully using to win major environmental and economic concessions nationally. Gas companies commission studies promising huge employment gains that never seem to turn up in labor department data.

In Pennsylvania, the industry study projected 200,000+ new jobs. Labor Department data

indicate that worked out to be about 4,000.

Tcampaign uses a study by a Waco company he Chamber of Commerce Stop the Vote

that predicts a flat 7% severance tax on natural gas will cost the state 8,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in economic activity.

Nelson’s group commissioned a study from University of Arkansas emeritus economist Charles Venus who has been doing official forecasting for the state since Winthrop Rockefeller days. Calling the present tax “a pittance the companies could well afford,” Venus points out these are transient jobs. ““Keep in mind

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that this is a very capital-intensive industry, and the jobs are largely temporary. Once the drilling is complete, most of the jobs will go away anyway,” Venus says.

Another study from the Center for Economic and Policy Research finds that 80% of gas field jobs, including most high paying ones, go to already employed, out-of-state gas workers.

This leaves mainly low-wage, no benefit, no future labor slots that will end in a year or two. We don’t need more motel maids, C-store clerks, or part-time truck drivers. We deserve much, much more from our natural gas bonanza.

Whatever happens with the severance tax, gas field employment in Arkansas and the rest of Gasland is going down for a while. Natural gas was one of the bright spots in a mostly moribund economy. This attracted too much money, which lead to too much exploration, and today’s too much gas has brought prices to 10-year lows. Gas that was selling for more than $8 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) is now about $2.50.

Companies that bet their futures on $7+ natural gas are

They’re greedy and don’t want to pay anything. losing. When prices dip below cost of production, they quit producing when they can. This is what forced Chesapeake to sell its Arkansas holdings, along with fraud, rigging land price investigations, and a management shakeup.

Arkansas should fare better than other Gasland states. Not only is its gas relatively cheap to produce, the producers are old line energy companies with long running customer contracts.

That keeps the state’s average natural gas price at a comfortable $5 per Mcf. Seeing the gas belt sucking up all the state’s road money helped the influential Arkansas Municipal League support the severance tax increase. The Arkansas County Judges Association, surprisingly does not. Association President Preston Scroggin, judge of Faulkner County--the state’s

Nelson questions the circumstances around the vote. Scroggin calls the allegation “crazy.”

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Ablind, freeorservice that provides full are telephone speech-disabled and people who hearing. accessibility Visit our website:between people who are www.arkansasrelay.com deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled and people who are hearing. second-largest gas producing county--says he’s happy with the way gas companies are taking care of county roads. “The companies have paid us to make the repairs they’ve caused and our roads have improved with the gas boom,” Scroggin says. He estimates gas companies have paid the county about $3 million for road repairs since the boom started. He said the county has faced extra expenses but “the restaurants are full, the motels are full, people are leasing houses and the extra income has more than offset them.”

Nelson suspects gas interests rigged the succession order of the association to put natural gas-belt judges in leadership positions for this vote. Scroggin will be followed by the White County Judge (the state’s largest gas producing county), and they were preceded by Jimmy Hart of Conway County, the number-three producer. Nelson questions the circumstances around the vote. Scroggin calls the allegation “crazy.”

As the bulk of the benefits go to a half dozen North Central Arkansas counties and state road damages will be paid by all, will this coalition hold? Nelson says, “We have judges on our side. My County Judge from Monroe County has absolutely nothing to gain by fighting us and everything to win by supporting us.”

The size of the drive to keep an initiative off the ballot has never been seen here before. Calling it un-democratic and un-American, Nelson says it won’t work. “I think Arkansans will realize they are getting a sales job put on them and I don’t think money buys elections in Arkansas.”

Regardless of the severance tax outcome, Arkansas’ natural gas industry will continue to grow rapidly. The drilling will continue. The

But those were different times. Times when responsibility was a virtue and corporations weren’t openly demanding welfare.

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challenge is to add value to the gas in Arkansas through processing, distribution and manufacturing. We need the gas to produce real, longterm, good-paying jobs and nothing less. We have the natural gas and we make the laws that regulate it.

The gamblers are making strong bets backed by blatant threats of lost jobs and losing out on the gas boom. It’s your bet now. Think they’re bluffing? Call them and vote for the increase. If you’re leaning towards no, take a hard look at who wins and who loses with the current severance tax rate. It’s your call.

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MATURE ARKANSAS JUly, 2012 17

Now Resources for Family Caregivers

PHOTOS.COM, Stockbyte

By Anne H. Wasson

Caring for the Caregiver I

f you are serving as the primary caregiver for a spouse, parent, or friend, chances are you’ve experienced feelings of depression, stress, anger and fatigue now and then. These feelings are common and natural. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or has experienced a debilitating stroke or other form of memory loss, neurological impairment or mental change, you may also be experiencing a form of grief that has been called an“ambiguous loss.” The patient is present physically, but the person you once knew may not be present. You may feel a very real sense of loss, and 18 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

may have trouble resolving your grief because the person is physically still here. If you find yourself in this situation, a social worker, friend or other counselor in the community may be able to help you to address your resulting grief and perhaps also anger, so you can move forward.

One of the worst things you can do when you are caring for another person is to stop caring for yourself. You need your strength, both emotional and physical, more than ever.

Researchers have found that caregivers who don’t take time out for themselves often suffer long-term health problems caused by stress and

By Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD depression. Caring for a person who is losing their mental faculties and growing increasingly frail can be exhausting and very stressful. Try to find a stress-reduction activity that works for you, such as prayer or meditation, warm baths, or classical music, and take time each day to do something you enjoy. Also, be sure to get ample rest and sleep. Eat right and exercise regularly.

Don’t abandon hobbies that might help you relax, such as reading or playing sports.

Maybe you are saying, “How am I supposed to do that? I can barely give my loved one the time they need.” That may be true, but you’re

You’re a Caregiver S

ometimes caregiving happens suddenly. Sometimes you

caregivers believe they have to provide all the caregiving have time to prepare for it. No matter the timing, if you are without anyone’s help. like most people, you haven’t adequately prepared yourself for They follow this thinking at their own peril. Depressed the role of caregiver. Caregiving can bring life-altering changes and burned-out caregivers in your daily routine. will not be able to provide care for long.

As a caregiver, perhaps your greatest It doesn’t have to be that way. These probresource is yourself. But only if you stay lems are largely the result of trying to provide healthy and informed. While caregiving can all the care, all the time. Caregivers who have be a joyous, loving experience that provides help from family, friends or even professional priceless care for a loved one; it also can be caregivers and regular breaks from caregiving, brutally difficult and exhausting. rarely have these health or emotional probMore than 60% of caregivers suffer from lems. depression; more than half have trouble he truly heroic caregivers are those who sleeping; about 40% develop back pain after do their best to provide care but also becoming a caregiver. Headaches, stomach recognize and value their own well-being, disorders and frequent colds are common. family, and relationships and find a way to Caregiver stress can be unrelenting and difficult balance these competing goals. No caregiver to relieve. Chronic stress often causes anger, should try to provide all the care without a denial, anxiety, social withdrawal, irritability, support system of family and friends to give lack of concentration and myriad health probyou regular respite from caregiving duties. lems. Caregivers are often isolated and alone; Cheryl Benton, RN and geriatric care many wear out before the patient does. Many

T

not helping them if you allow yourself to get “burned out” and become exhausted or even ill.

Push away the damaging feelings of guilt that plague nearly every caregiver. It’s perfectly all right and even advisable for you to take breaks and spend some time each day for yourself and away from your patient. Arrange with other family members or friends to help provide care and give you a regular respite. If no one else is available, find a respite care worker or an adult day care center that can help take some of the pressure off you, at least part of the time for several days each week. Consider hiring

someone part-time to help with housework, shopping, or to provide companionship. If you cannot afford these options, check out volunteer programs for seniors in your community.

You may also find strength in a support group where you can meet others who share your situation. These are forums in which the members discuss daily challenges and stresses and also exchange ideas for dealing with a wide variety of problems. At the Reynolds Institute on Aging, there is a support group for caregivers of patients with dementia that meets once each month.

Many hospitals and community agencies sponsor

manager in Hot Springs, says, “If you’re trying to do it alone, it will be the death of you. It’s also a strain on the person with dementia.”

Benton says the biggest mistakes she sees caregivers making with her clients are trying to take care of a dementia patient alone, “Your support team needs to be bigger.” Another mistake is “denying that the patient needs extra care,” Benton says.

Learn to ask for help and get comfortable delegating care responsibilities. Develop ways to reduce your stress, take regular breaks from caregiving, (respite) and take care of your own health, both physical and emotional.

Learn as much as possible about the disease and where to get additional help and resources in the community. Plan for the future but first, get an early diagnosis.

The articles in this special caregivers section will explain the key services to help caregivers, how to access them and what to look for in choosing facilities or services. Our goal is to help you be more effective and efficient in providing daily care and in taking good care of yourself.

such support groups. If you can’t locate one in your area that suits your needs, consider starting one yourself.

Most of all, please remember your loved one is depending on you to make healthy decisions, not only for their health, but also for your own. Take time to ensure your well being. You deserve it; they deserve it too. Thank you for all you do.

Dr. Wei is executive director, Reynolds Institute on Aging and chair, Reynolds Dept. of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

MATURE ARKANSAS

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Caregiving resources

When and Where To Get More Help ong-term care provided in nursing homes is expensive and most people prefer to receive their care at home. If you are providing care at home, you’re like most American families: They provide two-thirds of all the home

care in the U.S. However, there may come a time when you can no longer provide care or provide all the types of care your loved one needs.

When to seek professional care There are two times when you will know it’s time to get professional home care services.

First, if your loved one cannot perform all the activities of daily living--bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring from the bed to chair, leaving the house to do errands or go to medical appointments, taking care of financial matters--then he or she needs help. They may already be getting this help from you, the caregiver, along with other family members. If their needs exceed your ability to provide care, you will need professional, outside help.

Second, you'll know you need more help

Anytime your caregiving duties exceed

your ability, it’s time to seek help.

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L

when you, the caregiver, can no longer provide the necessary care. Maybe your health deteriorates and you can no longer physically or emotionally function as a caregiver. Or your loved one’s health deteriorates and he/she needs more care than you can provide, such as extensive physical and occupational therapy.

You can’t be expected to provide these types of highly skilled care.

Finally, anytime your caregiving duties exceed your ability, it’s time to seek help.

Arkansas has several programs that provide choices for long-term care and alternatives to institutional or nursing home care: • ElderChoices, for individuals 65+, lets the impaired person live at home and receive care there from a personal care aide. Eligibility limited to those who are low-income and have physical and/or mental impairments.

• Independent Choice and Alternatives are two programs that serve those with physical disabilities who can and want to arrange for their own care.

• Living Choices is apartment-style housing with 24-hour support services, supervision and personal care.

Never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

Caregiving is a difficult job with many frustrations and stressors. We all need help from time to time without feeling guilty about it.

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Assisted Living facilities are designed to respect the individual needs of those who require some assistance in daily activities, but do not require 24-hour skilled medical care.

We have 5 different apartment options to choose from. Our caring staff is prepared to make you feel at home throughout changing health conditions.

We Accept Medicaid.

Crown Point Retirement Center and Assisted Living 501 South Rose • Sheridan, AR 72150 870-942-4623 www.crownpointretirement.com 20 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

The VA Helps With Long-term Care V

eterans, their spouses and family caregivers can get help with their long-term care needs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These services are available both in the home and in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

“The VA recognizes the importance of the caregiver in the overall health of many veterans,” according to Michele Walls, LCSW, caregiver support coordinator for the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Walls says, “Our Caregiver Support Program provides a wide array of services to caregivers.”

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is one of the VA’s long-term care services that is a tremendous benefit to veterans who are unable to live alone and must have a caregiver or move to a nursing home or other care facility.

The A&A benefit is part of the VA’s Improved Pension Benefit that also includes the "Basic Pension" and "Housebound." Each of the three tiers of supportive services has its own level of benefits and qualifications.

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is the highest level of care awarded to a veteran or their surviving spouse. It provides funds to help veterans and their caregivers pay for longterm care services in the home or care provided in an assisted living facility or nursing facility.

A&A is designed to pay for regular help from another person to assist in eating, bathing,

dressing, or other activities of daily living.

VA Supports Caregivers Applicants for A&A must show that while they Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Centers may not need assistance for every aspect of provide a safe and stimulating environment daily living, they cannot function completely that helps patients participate in activities with on their own. others and receive rehabilitation, with the goal Veterans are eligible for up to $1,703 per of regaining personal independence. In central month; a surviving spouse is eligible for up to Arkansas, the VA has an ADHC at the North $1,306 per month; a couple is eligible for up to Little Rock Fort Roots campus. Call 501-257$2,019 per month. A&A is paid in addition to the 1000 and ask to be transferred to the ADHC basic pension but a veteran cannot receive both A&A and Housebound Pension payments.

There is no look-back period required when you apply for A&A like Medicaid requires. VA looks only at the value of your assets at the time you apply for A&A. If a veteran or their family fails to qualify for A&A, it is important to apply for the other two levels. A&A funds provided to veterans/spouses are tax-free and not based on service-connected McClellan Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, Little Rock. disability. They are considered a pension.

The Housebound Pension is a lower level Department to learn more about this program. of support than A&A. The person still must ADHC centers permit the caregiver to attend need help with some activities of daily living. to other matters or get a break from caregiving.

To qualify, veterans must have a permanent ADHC centers are especially helpful for caredisability evaluated at 100% disability and be givers working outside the home. confined to home. If not confined to home they Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) must have more than one disability. delivers routine healthcare in the home when

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Caregiving resources

Learn to Ask for Help M

ost caregivers find it especially hard to ask for help. But trying to do everything yourself will leave you exhausted. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to ask for help. Many times your family or friends want to help but are waiting for you to ask.

If you have difficulty asking for assistance, have someone close to you arrange caregiving support and be your advocate. And if your stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to get professional help.

Geriatric Care Managers There is a growing need for geriatric care managers (GCM). This is a new type of professional that helps caregivers find their way through a complex system of services, eligibility requirements and payment options.

Assistance with arranging for an appropriate package of services to fit the patient’s specific needs is vital and well worth the money if your family can afford it. Understand that a patient’s needs will likely change over time and the patient may require a new plan or set of services.

GCMs serve as sort of a “professional relative” to help you and your family identify needs and how to meet them. These professionals can also help by leading family discussions about sensitive subjects.

Geriatric Care Manager Cheryl Benton, RN, says GCMs in Arkansas charge about $80 an hour.

Benton says she first does an assessment of the patient and his/her needs. “Most people call me when there’s a crisis in the family,” Benton says. She says it is easier on everyone to be proactive and not wait for a crisis. She suggests making an appointment with a GCM when the patient or caregiver start their estate planning.

Some of the most common things she is asked to do for patients is assess their needs and help the caregivers find local resources; go to doctor appointments with the patient; streamline medical care and establish and maintain good communication between doctor and patient.

Benton emphasizes that, “My client is always the elderly person, regardless of who pays. I am their advocate; I work directly for them.”

Benton’s goals for each patient are to: “Maintain for them the highest quality of life and ability to live as independently as possible.” She says that quite often, she only needs to counsel them on resources and they are then able to carry out the plan of care she sets up for them and their caregivers.

If you are considering the services of a GCM, here’s what the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers suggests you ask about: • Are you a licensed geriatric care manager?

• Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?

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the veteran has difficulty traveling.

Medical professionals provide nursing, managing medications, cooking, physical rehabilitation, mental health care and social work.

Home Hospice Care is available directly through the Little Rock VA system or through coordination with community hospice agencies.

Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program sends home health aides to the veteran’s home to provide help with personal care needs.

Home Telehealth is for veterans who have a health problem like diabetes, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression or post-traumatic stress disorder but who have difficulty traveling to medical clinics for care. Telehealth can help prevent older veterans from having to move to a nursing home by checking their symptoms and vital signs more frequently via a regular telephone line.

Respite Care is available to veterans requiring a caregiver and is limited to 30 days per year. The veteran’s care can be provided at home, nursing facility, boarding home or adult daycare center.

Skilled Home Care is provided in the veteran’s home by a medical professional. It can include: nursing services; physical, occupational or speech therapies. A veteran must be homebound to be eligible.

Skilled nursing facility services (nursing home) are available if the veteran meets medical and financial eligibility.

Caregiver Support Line (toll free 855-260-3274) provides information, from licensed professionals, about types of assistance, how to access services. Contact a Caregiver and Support Coordinator, weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sat. from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The VA’s website is www.caregiver.VA.gov

Don’t be afraid or hesitant to

ask for help.

Caregivers: Get More Information •The Arkansas Division of Aging and Adult Services’ toll-free number (866-801-3435 – weekdays only). Get FREE information from the Choices in Living Resource Center’s trained counselors.

This will include information about home care as an alternative to nursing home care.

• Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has 22 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

information on services such as adult day care, caregiver support groups, respite care, personal care, transportation and home-delivered meals.

The Central Arkansas AAA, called CareLink, can be reached locally at 372-5300 or toll free at 800-482-6359. The West Central Arkansas AAA, in Hot Springs, toll free at 800-467-2170 or locally

at 321-2811.

• The National Family Caregivers Association provides families with support, information and practical resources. Call toll free 800-896-3650 or visit their website at www.thefamilycaregiver.org • Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services, toll free 800-689-6090 or visit their website www.

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• How long have you been providing care management services?

• Are you available for emergencies around the clock?

• How often will you visit my relative? How long will you stay?

• How will you communicate information to me?

• What are your fees? Information on fees should be provided in writing prior to starting services. Can you provide references?

Other tasks a GCM can help with include: • Screen, arrange and monitor in-home help or other services • Review financial, legal or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists to avoid future problems and conserve assets • Provide crisis intervention • Act as a liaison to families who don’t live near their loved one, making sure things are going well; alerting the family to problems • Help move an older person to or from a retirement complex, care home or nursing home • Offer counseling and support.

Support groups Research shows that caregivers who go to support groups have an improved quality of life, including better sleep and appetite. If your friends and family are not supportive, find others who are.

Support programs can be found in many formats and include individual or group counseling and support groups. Look for support groups lead by a health professionals (social worker, nurse, or other licensed professional) or trained facilitator.

Some caregivers find it difficult to join a support group when their loved one is first diagnosed. The stories that other caregivers may share can be overwhelming and upsetting. If you try a group and it doesn’t feel right, try again later or try another group.

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Phone and Internet help For those who cannot attend meetings or appointments, counseling over the telephone is offered by some organizations. Some people may find online support groups helpful because they like the privacy but still find it helpful to chat with other people in similar situations. Be sure a trained professionals or experts are monitoring them.

Your religious beliefs can be a source of strength and hope. Your minister, other leader of your faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you find spiritual support. Most hospitals also have chaplains available.

alzark.org Their web site includes an extensive list of support groups.

• The Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma-Arkansas Chapter, toll free 800-272-3900. National Alzheimer’s Association website is www.alz.org • The National Council on Aging website, www.benefitscheckup.org, is another good place to learn about benefits. By providing some general information about your loved one, you can see a list of possible benefits you might want to explore.

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Caregiving resources

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aregiving can be both mentally and physically In-home respite is the most common type and exhausting. In order to continue providing care, is usually offered through home health agencies. caregivers need regular time away from their loved Daycare respite is also popular and it has the advanone---called respite care---to attend to their own needs, tages of being regularly available and relatively affordto run errands, to take a vacation or even to deal with able. their own illness. If caregivers aren’t taking regular Informal respite is an important but often overbreaks, their health often deteriorates faster than the looked option. Friends and relatives often say, “Please patient for whom they are caring. This may require let me know how I can help.” Far too often, carethem both to be placed in a long-term care facility. givers never accept these offers. Yet, having friends Respite care is temporary supportive care of an or relatives come to your home or take your loved ill or disabled person by a substitute caregiver. Respite care can be provided in the home, at an adult daycare center, assisted living facility or nursing home.

It can range from one or two hours at a time, to several days each week, to a two-week vacation.

Using respite on a regular basis was ranked, by caregivers themselves, as their most important service, according to a University of Utah Gerontology Center study of 900 caregivers nationwide. Caregivers appreciate this service because it has the potential to improve, or at least preserve, the quality of their daily lives. Many other studies highlight the need for greater use of respite care.

“No matter how much we love our family member who has dementia, Regular breaks keep caregivers healthy. getting time away is crucial,” according to Priscilla Pittman, program director with Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services in one to their homes is an ideal way to share caregiving Little Rock. The physical toll of full-time caregiving on responsibilities. the caregiver has been well documented---illnesses, depression, even death. Getting away, even for short Successful respite services periods of time, allows the caregiver to rest and refuel. Using respite service does not automatically result in They come back to the situation with renewed energy wonderful benefits for all caregivers. It is important and, hopefully, increased patience,” Pittman advises. for caregivers to use it regularly and to start using it early in your caregiving. Respite is most helpful Types of respite when caregivers use it before they become exhausted, Organizations, such as those serving Alzheimer’s isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. disease patients, and churches offer a limited amount The most effective respite is used regularly and of respite care. Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and in sufficient amounts to provide a real break for the Services (501-913-1878 or 800-689-6090 outside caregiver. The most effective respite is at least two Pulaski County; alzark.org) has limited funds to days per week. Infrequent and irregular use reduces help families pay for respite, according to Executive its effectiveness. Caregivers need to be able to look Director Phyllis Watkins. These funds can pay for forward to regular or scheduled times when they patients with a dementia diagnosis or any chronic know they will have at least short breaks free of the illness that requires caregiving. constant responsibilities of providing care.

Private duty nursing is also an option but is the Caregivers should plan their time off and make the most expensive. necessary arrangements in advance to insure that they

24 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

do the things they need or want to do while they have respite. It is surprising how many caregivers do not end up using their free time consistent with their needs and intention.

Respite care should not be a caregiver’s only strategy; use it with other support services. Good respite services are planned with the patient in mind. The respite provider should do a home visit to interview the patient and the caregiver. This will help them learn about the patient’s home environment, routines, special requirements and likes and dislikes.

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Local options There are a variety of options for respite care in Arkansas. Adult day care centers can provide it for about $8 an hour, depending on the level of services needed.

This is a covered service for those on the ElderChoices program and this means Medicaid will pay for the service.

Some nursing homes can take a person for multiple-day respite if a bed is available for about $150+ per day. This is 24-hour care and the rate works out to be comparable to adult day care.

Medicare will only pay for respite care for those patients in a hospice program, according to Sally Johnson, benefit/relations directors with the Ark. Foundation for Medical Care. Johnson says trained hospice volunteers are available for short-term respite in the home of the hospice patient. This is part of the hospice benefit and there is no cost for the respite care.

To get a list of respite care facilities available in central Arkansas, call CareLink’s toll free number— 800-482-6359.

The ARCH National Respite Locator Service can help you find respite services in your community. Call 919-490-5577 or visit www.archrespite.org

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Caregiving resources

Hospice Is Part of Life

By Jack Whitsett

ince its introduction to this country as caregiver and works in tandem with the hospice merely a philosophy of treatment in the care team.

1960s, hospice care has become an important, “We do in-home care as well as in-facility,” cost-saving and established component of Wood says. “It’s where ever they are most healthcare. comfortable.”

Arkansas’ health establishment fully particiA crucial facet of hospice care is the team pates in hospice care. Physicians turn to hospice approach. A typical team, as recommended when they believe their patient has six months

by National Hospice and Palliative Care or less to live, according to Jim Petrus, CEO of Organization (NHPCO) consists of the patient’s Peachtree Hospice in Fort Smith. Care focuses doctor, the hospice doctor or medical director, on the quality of life remaining to the patient. “They recognize that the family is really in need of help at that point,” Petrus says.

Petrus compares Arkansas favorably to surrounding states in terms of hospice quality. Unlike most bordering states, Arkansas controls hospice growth by approving new hospice facilities only after they receive a permit of approval by the Health Services Agency.

Hospice focuses on the individual’s right to die pain-free and with dignity and focuses on specialized care to terminally ill patients. “Hospice is about living every moment of your life completely,” says Donald Wood, executive director of the Arkansas Hospice Foundation. “It’s better to be under hospice care for a few months or longer. It’s very helpful for the caregiver and family,” he adds.

Arkansas Hospice provides hospice care in 33 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.

“We provide services to people regardless of their ability to pay,” Wood says.

There are five hospices serving central Arkansas: • Arkansas Hospice has offices in Volunteers are a key part of the hospice team.

Conway, Hot Springs and North Little Rock • Baptist Health Hospice in Little Rock nurses, home health workers, clergy or other • Odyssey Hospice in Little Rock. counselors, trained volunteers, and therapists, Hospice care is covered under Medicare and if needed.

Medicaid, along with most private insurance Hospice care, delivered by the hospice plans and managed care organizations. While team, includes pain and symptom managemost often provided in the patient’s home, it is ment, delivery of medication, supplies, equipalso available in free-standing hospice facilities ment and special services such as speech and and hospitals. Hospice staff visits the home physical therapy. The team also cares for the regularly and are on call around the clock. A patient’s emotional, social and spiritual needs family member usually serves as the primary relating to the process of dying and coaches 26 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

the family on caregiving. In the case of home care, the team makes short-term inpatient care available when the patient or caregiver needs it.

Wood says the use of volunteers is mandated by the federal government. Every hospice accepting Medicare payment is required to have volunteers in 5% of staff positions. “We have hundreds of volunteers,” Wood says.

“Volunteers play a key role in hospice services, visiting patients, praying, helping with support and companionship and providing pet therapy. Dogs have a strong therapeutic ability,” Wood says.

“Bereavement counseling is also mandated by the federal government,” Wood says. Most hospices offer 13 months of bereavement services to the caregivers and family members of former patients. In addition, Arkansas Hospice has a community service bereavement program for anyone in need of the services available in all 33 counties served.

Hospice is a fairly new service in this country. Modern hospice began at St. Christopher’s Hospice in London in 1967. Dame Cicely Saunders, a British physician, began working with the terminally ill in 1948 and eventually founded St. Christopher’s. Saunders also introduced hospice care in the United States, beginning in 1963, by demonstrating the dramatic improvements for terminally ill patients and their families when they received hospice care.

Other American hospice advocates pled forcefully for home care instead of treatment in an institutional setting, and promoted greater patient participation in care decisions.

Federal funding for hospice care originated with a 1978 report that described hospice as “…a viable concept and a means of providing more humane care for Americans dying of terminal illness while possibly reducing costs.”

Since Medicare and other healthcare providers began paying for hospice, it has more or less steadily gained support, acceptance and funding.

PHOTOS.COM, Dean Mitchell

S

Staying In Your Home

By Casey Ingram

O

lder adults value their independence and growing older in a home that is comfortable and familiar is ideal. Today, the choice to “age in place,” (in your own home), is a realistic goal made possible by remodeling or making modifications to your current home. Modifications can create a safe and efficient space that meet a person’s changing needs.

There are key rooms in most homes, such as bathrooms, that will need modification. Installing a curb-less shower allows for easy entry/exit when leg lifting and reduced balance become an issue. Commode and shower/ bathtub grab bars are inexpensive modifications. Nonslip tile flooring is also a popular trend. Many design options will keep your bathroom elegant or decorative, instead of the institutional look of a nursing home.

Kitchens are another popular modification area. Installing pullout shelving in cabinets and pantries allows easy access to food, small appliances and cookware. Lowering a section of countertop and creating leg room under the space makes a seated food prep area. This reduces the cook’s back strain while preparing meals.

In planning ahead for possible wheelchair use, the hallway may need to be widened from the standard 36” to 44” to allow for turning space into a 36” wide doorway. Widening doorways is usually a simple modification if the need arises. Decorative handrails can be added to the hallway for extra balance. Solid surface flooring and low pile carpets (less than ½ inch thick) are preferred for fall prevention. Wood flooring and laminate provide a seamless transition throughout the home.

Even if you never need a wheelchair, exterior ramps--either wooden or aluminum--provide improved mobility and safety for home entry/exit. Well-designed ramps should meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and in some cases can be removed and relocated if necessary.

Room additions to the ground living level are becoming popular if the home is two stories. Adding a bedroom and bath to the ground level is a great option if stairs become a challenge.

These home modifications and others can make your home safer and more comfortable as you age. If you are considering a home remodel or any modifications, it is important to work with someone who knows all the available options, understands your current needs and can help foresee future needs. With the right guidance, you can make the dream of staying in your home a reality.

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Caregiving resources

Adult Day Care for Working Caregivers A

dult day care is an option for families who work outside the home and cannot leave a loved one home alone all day. Adult day care (ADC) provides supervision of the patient, activities appropriate for their abilities, and opportunities to socialize. A meal and snacks are included and most have recliners or other places for attendees to rest.

There are two types of adult day care. The social model provides a safe, supervised environment and includes socialization and activities.

The medical model includes a registered nurse on staff and this allows the center to provide therapeutic services and dispense medications.

Medicaid can pay all the costs in a licensed adult day center (ADC) if the senior qualifies financially. In Arkansas, the state’s ElderChoices program funds most of the ADC services, according to Kaye Taylor, director of senior services for the Northwest Economic Development District in Harrison and head of the Arkansas Adult Day Services Association.

Costs at Arkansas ADCs range from $8 to $10 an hour for social model ADCs if you are paying privately. Health model ADCs charge $10 to $12 an hour. Some ADCs use a sliding fee scale based on income. Most long-term care insurance policies will pay for an ADC. Before you choose a facility, Taylor strongly advises you to, “Visit the facility and ask questions; they’re all different. Make sure they are licensed by the Office of Long-term Care.” The license should be posted in the center. “This guarantees they are inspected and are providing quality services. Be sure there are activities and programs and that the seniors aren’t just sitting in a chair all day,” Taylor says.

Before you choose a facility, visit the

facility and ask

Find Help Nina Williams and her sister had been caring for their father who had Alzheimer’s. But his increasing needs made outside help necessary. The sisters didn’t know where to turn until they were referred to CareLink.

“Within a few days of making the call, we had an appointment with CareLink, and soon the caregivers were on the job,” said Nina.

“They knew how to deal with my father — I was impressed with their knowledge, kindness and consideration. They even helped us with adult day care.”

Call CareLink Information & Assistance or e-mail info@carelink.org if you need help for yourself or a family member.

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questions; they’re all different.

Help With Personal Care A

person with dementia or other debilitating disease will eventually have difficulty with personal care—bathing, dressing, cooking, toileting and other activities of daily living (ADLs).

Personal care options in central Arkansas include: • CareLink (the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging) and other Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide personal care to patients who qualify, based on income and difficulties performing ADLs. Some AAAs also accept private pay and/or have a sliding fee schedule for services, based on income.

• Arkansas Department of Health—contact your local County office.

• Private agencies provide personal care and many receive their reimbursement through the ElderChoices program, paid by Medicaid.

Reducing Caregiver Stress T

he physical and emotional stress of caregiving, if not recognized and managed, can greatly affect a caregiver’s health. Unrelieved stress is a serious health problem. Caregivers often don’t recognize their own needs, fail to do anything about them or simply don’t know where to turn for help.

The following are specific things a caregiver, along with the patient, should do early on in the caregiving experience: • Get a diagnosis as early as possible so you’ll both know what you’re dealing with. You will be able to better manage the present and plan for the future. An early diagnosis can rule out other diseases that may be causing the dementia-like symptoms. Early symptoms of dementia closely resemble those of other treatable disorders such as medication side-effects, depression or even a hospitalization. About 25% of individuals have a largely reversible condition. With prompt treatment the dementia symptoms can be stopped.

• Schedule legal and financial planning.

Consult an elderlaw attorney and discuss issues related to living wills and trusts, medical care and other key considerations.

Planning now will alleviate stress later. (See Wayne Ball’s article on page 31.)

• Educate yourself on caregiving. Many long-term conditions or diseases have stages of progression, requiring different caregiving skills and capabilities.

• Learn about your patient's disease or chronic condition. Learn what the latest treatments are and how the disease is expected to progress. Seek information from trusted web sites. Try to attend every doctor visit with your loved one. If your doctor fails to include you, the caregiver, as an important part of the patient’s treatment plan, then it’s time to consider finding a new doctor who does.

Contact the many health organizations dedicated to a specific disease or disability, such as Alzheimer’s or Multiple Sclerosis. These organizations can provide resources and assistance for caregivers that include educational classes, support groups, counseling, care management and transportation. Religious and community organizations often have support groups too.

• Learn about local resources. Community resources such as personal care, in-home services, adult day care, transportation and home-delivered meals are just a few of the community services you can turn to for help.

• Get help because no one can do everything themselves. If family or friends don’t offer their assistance, ask for their involvement. If the stress associated with caregiving feels overwhelming, don’t be afraid to pay for professional help.

• Don't lose your sense of humor—try to keep humor a part of you and your loved one’s day.

• Learn to delegate caregiving responsibilities. People are often reluctant to turn over caregiving, even when it may be in the best interest of everyone involved. There comes a time when everyone needs a break.

Let go of old expectations.

• Be proud of your caregiving. There may be times when you aren’t able to provide all the care you’d like to or you lose patience with your loved one. It happens to everyone; be proud of the care you do provide.

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Improving Quality of Life for Seniors & their Families

The aging process can take its toll on loved ones and caregivers. Depression, anxiety and grief can strain even the strongest family ties. Counseling can help both patients and family caregivers.

At Conway Regional Senior Evaluation & Counseling Center we offer counseling services for adults 65 and over as well as support for their families to help ease the strain and anxiety. We offer: • skills for coping with depression to help change negative beliefs and feelings into a positive, healthy mindset • techniques for dealing with anxiety and anxious thoughts • grief resolution therapy, with emphasis on moving through the stages of the personal grieving process • improved communication between family members, with emphasis on healing and listening

• support for spouses and children of memory-loss patients, emphasizing coping skills and new, positive ways to interact with loved ones.

Senior Evaluation & Counseling Center

(501) 932-0480 • ConwayRegional.org/SeniorHealthServices MATURE ARKANSAS

JUly, 2012

29

HI K I N G W I T H LEE HI L L E R

Plan Ahead for Summer Hikes

S

ummer hiking can be either an invigorating a summer hike can adventure or an exhausting ordeal. Take be the first symptom these simple precautions to ensure you do not of overheating. Sweat succumb to the heat, stinging insects or injuries. is the body’s natural Before hiking, prepare an itinerary of your cooling system so take route and pack a few important yet often overfrequent drink breaks. looked items. Even if you only plan to be out Add a slice of lime for the morning, poorly marked trails or detours to water to improve Items for your hiking backpack can add hours to your journey. Knowledge is hydration and keep it the most important element of any hike. Tell tasting fresh. Rest in someone where you are going if you are hiking the shade for 15 minutes of every hour of hiking. isolated thunderstorms. Lightning can be a alone.

If your dog is along it will need water too. hiker’s main summer danger. Always descend The New New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation The 620 Eighth Avenue, New New N.Y. 10018 for detailed hourly fore620 Avenue, York,the N.Y. Always take two quarts of water forEighth a day-long Check weather below the tree line when it occurs. In the mounInformation 1-800-972-3550 summer hike. The cardinal rule is toFor drink before Call: casts in your hiking area. The hourly report tains weather can change rapidly so consider For For Release Friday,July June 08, 2012 Thursday, 5, 2012 thirsty to avoid dehydration. Feeling thirsty on is important because extreme heat can mean including a small weather radio in your backpack.

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29 Tolkien Newarktree suburb 38 machines 39 Farm Grouch 11 It’s Smearing 12 a crimein ink? 31 (Irvingastray Bacheller ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 52 Goes creatures Remember to bring back what you 12 Bakers’ “The fix supply ___” 42 13 30 Security 42 Pollen Crack holder novel) 53 “You all right?”

OJ P E O B E AI NS G U NI O P B C BI ES S M H 15 32 “___ the end of account? investigator’s 13 “Evita” Shedder roleof 48 Very carry on your hike and dispose of trash 44 Canada’s largest 54 ___ Bell B T A EH MI C A A T N A D N S A R NI D A R E E my rope!” target? spores 51 “Still Crazy” star, 20 Cylindrical brewery 32 Robe material in the proper bins. Food and garbage S G A G O GI TE N E O TL O Y O D E BL E C A TR 14 Mother of the 56 Fool 33 Velvety pillow 1998 cardboard 43 Engine Buffalo part pro 45 S H T D P O A U LS E B S O M B L E A L R A N 33 Fixes at an 57 royal are harmful to both the environment Valkyries cover 52 Eastern Family nickname containers animal hospital 44 “Shalom” Quiet type R P A E B R A S TE V E R R E N C E 20 apropos 48 59 for this Three-time All53 Air-gulping Singsong fish 34 Start for boy or and wildlife.

AI S T M F C M I A E R TC SI A R N EI N E A D puzzle?

Star pitcher syllable 35 girl Complete 45 Trunk It’s often knitted 61 Hon 49 Being self-sufficient goes a long way C A O V N E O Z TI E K HI M R E A N AI G E R 23 Record Pappas For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit TE E A N L O G E 23 company X R E A C S M C D S B S U D “Mack thewith Knife” a to ensuring each hike is a wonderful card, 1-800-814-5554.

A M E R B S OI N S C AI C S A N S S AI M A M composer lightning bolt in Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday adventure. I have often shared water S R AI A K L N S O W O T 24 its N SY U E E R M L OL N logo “Hot 100” crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. Annual Q U E A S N T OI O S N H A OI A R TE and food with those who ventured AT&T Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit publisher 25 “My bad!” nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.

I M U S O E N S U W P A N ES P S A C E M R S 26 25 Really They’redigging out unprepared. Pack as if we will not Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past Y D AI N T A O S U T CI A R N M S C P E TL O L EI D historically something puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). be meeting on the trail but please say EL NI M T E D I C O R N S M E K E C LA AL R B K A 28 1960s significant Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. singer A S P A L E ET N S G A A E N S U S S S R E O A SK 27 Sands Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords. hello if we do.

Generated 30 JUly, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

EL D ER LAW n By W a y ne B all

Key Documents for Estate Planning H

ow well are you prepared for the certainties of death and taxes and the potential for incapacity? Preparation requires implementing a plan now, while you are active, to guide the disposition of your assets and protect yourself and your loved ones. The following is a brief summary of the key documents everyone should have as part of their estate planning.

A WILL provides instructions for distributing assets to your family and other beneficiaries upon your death. A will allows you to designate your choice of a personal representative who will be responsible for distributing your assets.

If you have minor children or grandchildren under your care, you should designate a guardian for them in your will.

To be effective, a will must be filed for probate. Probate is the judicial process for managing assets during incapacity and for overseeing payment of debts and the distribution of assets after death.

A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY is a legal document granting another person authority to act on your behalf. Called your agent or your attorney-in-fact, you can give your appointed agent broad powers extending over nearly all of your affairs; or limited management powers for a specific matter or subject. You should choose this person carefully because he or she will generally be able to sell, invest and spend your assets.

A traditional power of attorney terminates upon your disability or death. However, a durable power of attorney will continue during incapacity to provide a financial management safety net. All powers of attorney terminate upon your death.

A HEALTHCARE POWER OF ATTORNEY is a durable power of attorney for healthcare or healthcare proxy that authorizes someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. If you become incapacitated, this document and a living will can be invaluable for avoiding family conflicts and possible court intervention. In your healthcare power of attorney or in a separate document, you should authorize release of protected

health information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) so your agent has medical information necessary to make informed decisions.

A LIVING WILL expresses your intentions regarding the use of life-sustaining measures in the event of a terminal illness.

It expresses what you want but does not give anyone the authority to speak for you. Your living will backs up your Healthcare Power of Attorney and serves to inform doctors what medical measures you want or don’t want.

A REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST is one of the many different types of trusts, each accomplishing different goals. A revocable living trust is often used in an estate plan. By transferring assets into a revocable trust, you can provide for continued management of your financial affairs during your lifetime (if you are incapacitated, for example), at your death and even for future generations.

Your revocable living trust lets trust assets avoid probate and reduces the chance of personal information becoming public record.

Every revocable trust has three important components. You, as the grantor (or settlor), create the trust and transfer assets to it. The beneficiary(ies), often you and your family, receive the income and/or principal according to your trust’s terms. The third component, a trustee, who could be you, a family member or a corporate trustee, manages the trust a s s e t s. Yo u c a n change a revocable trust’s provisions at any time during your life. If you act

Creating your estate plan

may not be the overwhelming task you imagine.

However, you should work with a team of

experienced professionals.

as your own trustee, you continue to manage your investment and financial affairs. Because this legal entity exists beyond your death, properly titled assets in the trust do not need to pass through probate. If you have mineral interests, or assets such as a time share in another state, you should definitely consider a revocable trust.

Once you have executed the appropriate documents for your planning needs, you should review them periodically to ensure they stay current with any significant changes in your life--births, deaths, divorces, etc.

While having these documents is important, there is more to the estate planning process. For example, you will need to coordinate primary and contingent beneficiary designations for all your retirement plans (IRA, employer retirement plan, annuities and life insurance policies with your estate plan.) You also may have estate tax issues to consider.

Creating your estate plan may not be the overwhelming task you imagine. However, you should work with a team of experienced professionals, including your attorney, CPA, financial advisor and insurance agent. By working together, your team can help you create an estate plan that can bring you comfort and ensure that your desires and goals are clearly set forth.

Mr. Ball is an attorney focusing on asset protection through estate planning and elder law.

Mature Arkansas MATURE ARKANSAS

JUly, 2012

31

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