Transitions in Aging-2018

TRANSITIONS

in aging

Your local guide to aging well–brought to you by BEACON Senior News Advertising Team

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

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TRANSITIONS IN AGING

Aging isn’t fair

By Kevin Van Gundy ost people can guess a child’s age within a year or two, but it’s not so easy to tell with us seniors. I’ve met some that act 40, look 60 and are actually 70. I’ve met others who look 80 and are actually 60. (My wife says I act like a 16-year-old and I’m 56. That’s a good thing, right?)

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The point is that aging is not always fair. Many of us should take advantage of every resource we can find to stay feeling our best and living life to the fullest. The BEACON is here to help.

A CONTINUUM OF CARE

Transitions in Aging focuses on the continuum of care that you and I will go through as we age. You may be facing some major decisions, like planning your retirement or estate, modifying your home or searching for a new one, seeking the right inhome care professional for a loved one or tracking down the perfect assisted living community. This publication is meant to be a helpful guide as you transition from one phase of life to the next.

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Another great place to start is by calling 211. This statewide program provides an easy way to find out what resources are available in your area by simply dialing the number and connecting with an operator. Your next best bet may be to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies do a wonderful job of supporting services and

advocating for our community’s seniors. If you live in Mesa County, contact the Region 11 Area Agency on Aging at 248-2717. Delta and Montrose County citizens, as well as those who live in Gunnison, Ouray, Hinsdale or San Miguel counties, can call Region 10 at 249-2436 (more information on page 2).

BOOMERS TO BLOWUP SENIOR HOUSING

Baby boomers are just now starting to transition into senior housing.

Consequently, the government forecasts predict dire shortages, which is why more and more people are choosing to age in place.

Housing Resources of Western Colorado (ad on page 5) administers a great program where they can help you adapt your home to your changing needs.

Whether you’re aging at home or enjoying your new senior apartment, chances are you’ll need help from medical equipment providers, dentists and hearing specialists, which you can read more about on page 8.

MAKING THE MOVE

Should you decide that moving from your present home is needed, Western Colorado Estate Services can help you with the process from beginning to end. They also specialize in downsizing services.

Looking for Long-Term Care?

Interested in Senior Resources?

Concerned about an older loved one?

Your “one-stop shop” for finding information regarding services available in Mesa County for seniors, adults 18 and older with a disability, their families and their caregivers.

If you have questions, words of wisdom, or topics you’d like us to address with your fellow readers, shoot us an email at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Enjoy your transitions and see them for what they are—an opportunity to start anew. ■

Kevin VanGundy Publisher, BEACON Senior News

Call (970) 248-2746, Option 1 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

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RETIREMENT PLANNING

Is your retirement plan doable?

By Teresa Ambord

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re you approaching retirement? If so, it’s time to review your plan and figure out if it will work for you or not.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently offered some tips for those hoping to retire in the next five years. While there’s time, ask yourself the following questions.

Do you have prepaid or discounted legal services through your job?

According to the WSJ, one of the biggest regrets clients have in retirement is that they did not take advantage of this type of plan when they had the chance. If it’s available, use it to have a will and trust drawn up.

How much income will you need to retire the way you want to?

Calculate what you spend now.

That might mean keeping a record of every dime you spend for a few months so you’ll have a baseline.

Then make a rough retirement budget and adjust your current spending to what you expect to have at retirement.

Do you plan to travel and still be able to pay your bills? Are you going to work part-time or pursue a second career?

By making a retirement budget and comparing it to what you spend now, you can know what adjustments and lifestyle changes you’ll have to make after you stop working full time.

Where do you want to live?

Do you plan to stay put, downsize or relocate?

If you plan to move to a condo, what fees should you expect to pay? Compare that to what you are paying now for upkeep on your Physical, occupational and tional and Physical, occupa home, andtherapies possibly for homeowner speech speech therapies e car rm Short-term or long-term g-te association dues. care Short-term or lon

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states, property taxes are oppressive. On the other hand, some states have such affordable property tax that you’ll find you can afford a bigger house than you expected.

Find out before you make your decision.

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What are the costs to move, and the closing costs of buying a new residence?

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Will you have a mortgage?

WSJ suggests it might be a good

4 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING | 2018 |

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idea to refinance your mortgage while you are still working. Interest rates are low, but may head higher.

If you can’t pay off your home before you retire, consider refinancing now to reduce your payments to a level that will be easier to manage on retirement income. Remember, you’ll have your mortgage interest tax deduction to offset your taxable interest income.

What car or cars will you need?

You’ll want your overhead to be as low as possible once you retire, so it’s best to avoid car loans. If you must finance a car, arrange for payments you can handle on your retirement income. If you hope to upgrade your vehicle in retirement, it might be best to do it now while your income is higher. Also consider whether you’ll need two cars or if one will do. If one is enough, you can sell the other and tuck away the money or upgrade the vehicle you keep.

What will your taxes be in retirement?

Of course, nobody knows what the tax rates will be, but here are some points you can anticipate. If you’re contributing to a 401(k) plan, you are likely getting a healthy tax break for that. But once you stop contributing and start collecting, the tax situation flips. You no longer have a deduction, and the distributions you get will be taxable. Whoops!

Many retirees fail to realize that.

You might be able to avoid that harsh reality by moving some funds now into a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA. You will pay the income due on those funds now, but your future earnings will be tax free. Plus, if you believe taxes will rise in the future, you can save by getting the tax bite over with now. Conversions can be complex, so don’t attempt them without the help of your tax adviser.

Also, if you currently have a mortgage but plan to sell your home or pay off the mortgage before retirement, keep in mind you will lose a significant tax deduction.

What is your health insurance situation?

Will you keep the benefits you have through your employer? Of course, you won’t be able to qualify for Medicare until you are 65, and even then you will need to cover significant out-of-pocket costs.

Sit down with your financial adviser to look at what you have and what employer policies, if any, you can keep. Be sure to use your current health benefits while you have them for elective visits like dental and optometry.

How is your money currently invested?

If you’re five years from retirement, you may want to shift some of your money away from growth stocks, which carry more risk, and towards something more conservative, such as income investments.

But don’t move all of your money.

If the market grows, you’ll want to have some skin in the game. Even this close to retirement, you still need some diversity in your investment portfolio.

What’s your game plan?

It’s easy to put off thinking about retirement until after you retire.

Too many people don’t think it through, and then end up spending their days on the couch, watching “The Price is Right.” Take some time to consider potential hobbies, cultivate new friends, or reconnect with old ones. Lay the foundation for what you’d like to pursue in retirement, so when the time comes, you can step right into Chapter Two. That might mean keeping your eyes open for a good deal on equipment you will need for retirement hobbies or other pursuits. ■

Increasing home accessibility makes good financial sense

By Lynn Pribus hen homebuyers are looking ahead and thinking about aging in place, they really want a first-floor master suite.

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floor should include the kitchen, an entertainment area, a bedroom and at least one full bathroom with sufficient maneuvering space for a wheelchair or walker.

While other features involving accessibility are also desirable, a first-floor master is often at the top of the list as more and more people are planning to stay in their homes as long as possible.

REMODELING

Accessibility options include features such as zero-step entries, roll-in showers and wider doorways, and elevators or chair lifts in multi-story residences. More subtle features include shallow-depth cabinets that make it easier to retrieve articles, and lever handles instead of knobs on doors, sinks and faucets.

These features are desirable for people seeking to stay in their homes and essential for persons of any age with disabilities.

Knowing the importance of accessibility, the federal government established a home accessibility tax credit (HATC), which, in certain cases, provides federal tax relief of 15 percent of up to $10,000 of eligible expenditures per calendar year for upgrading or remodeling to provide accessibility.

For more information, visit www. ada.gov/archive/taxpack.pdf

START WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION

Incorporating accessibility features is a no-brainer in new home construction and it’s actually easier when incorporated from the start.

Typical features include step-free access into and within the dwelling as well as interior passage doors at least 32 inches wide. The main

Accessibility is also something to keep in mind while remodeling and doesn’t make a great difference in cost. Bathrooms are a main focus because so many home accidents occur there. Make sure to have enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker.

The primary concern, of course, is stability and safety, so features like roll-in showers, non-slip floors in showers and tubs, good lighting, and sturdy grab bars are high on the list of any bathroom renovation.

Grab bars come in designs that add architectural interest as well as safety. Materials include teak wood, which is waterproof; various metallic finishes; and even glow-inthe-dark acrylic.

A sturdy built-in seat of tile or teak is another nice feature, and a hand-held shower head option is a worthwhile investment.

Kitchens should have slip-resistant flooring, adequate open space and good lighting. Safety and accessibility features might include front controls on the cooktop so the user doesn’t have to reach over hot burners, side-by-side doors on the refrigerator, and pullout shelves to provide lower counter space.

Storage might include shallow shelves or lazy Susan-style cabinets and fully extendable drawers.

Whether considering new construction or remodeling, it always makes good financial sense to incorporate accessibility features in your plans. ■

AGING IN PLACE

As you age your needs change.

As you age your needs change.

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REPLACE YOUR Now we can help your house OLD ROOF change with you REPLACE YOUR OLD ROOF INSTALL NEW WINDOWS

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Our Housing Rehabilitation program provides low and moderate

Our Housing Rehabilitation program

low and moderate income income homeowners the means to repair andprovides upgrade their homes through a low to no-interest loan program. Housing Resources makes the loans, secured homeowners the means to repair and upgrade their homes through a low to by a promissory note and deed of trust. Our specialists will: ADD no-interest loanforprogram.

Housing Resources makes the loans, secured by a • Secure bids your project.

HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY • Help you choose a qualified contractor. promissory note and deed ofand trust.

Our assistance specialistswith will:the paperwork.

• Help with all inspections, provide Our Housing Rehabilitation program provides low and moderate • Secure forthe yourmeans project.

Eligible home bids improvement activities include, but are not limited to:through a income homeowners to repair and upgrade their homes Remove old shingles install new roofing materials. low••to no-interest loan program.

Housing Resources makes the loans, secured Help you choose a and qualified contractor.

• Replace old leaky windows with high efficiency dual pane windows. by a promissory note and deed of trust. Our specialists will: • Help with all inspections, and provide assistance with the paperwork.

Handicap accessible modifications.

• Secure bids for your project.

• Help you choose a qualified contractor.

Eligible homeallimprovement activities include, but are to: • Help with inspections, and provide assistance withnot thelimited paperwork.

Contact Housing Eligible home improvement activities but arematerials. not limited to: • Remove old shingles and installinclude, new roofing Resources today to see • Remove old shingles and install newhow roofing materials. we candual help • Replace old leaky windows with high efficiency paneyou! windows.

• Replace old leaky windows with high efficiency dual pane windows.

••Handicap modifications.

Handicapaccessible accessible modifications.

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www.hrwco.org WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

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MEDICAL SERVICES & EQUIPMENT

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WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER BRANDON 5. BERC:UIN, D.D.S. WILLIAM J. BERC:UIN, D.D.S.

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Good hearing = healthy brain

By Kathleen McCarthy nnoyance, inconvenience or worse? Hearing loss happens so slowly and subtly that we may think that all we need to do is adjust and learn to live with it. So we’ll turn up the volume on the TV and radio, and really focus in conversations so we hear what people have to say.

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HOW TO MANAGE IT

Hearing loss doesn’t slow down as we get older. A third of us who are 65 years old have some hearing loss. By the time we’re 75, more than half of us will have difficulty hearing.

Visit a hearing specialist—they can test your hearing and suggest how to best manage the changes in hearing. Hearing aids are now considered tiny microcomputers. This latest technology has several computer programs within the hearing aid that respond to and handle various sounds. They can be fine tuned to give you the sounds that mostly closely fit what you are used to hearing. They will also improve the sounds you want to hear as well as block background noise that you can happily go without.

THE EVERYDAY EFFECTS

Hearing loss that develops with age is called presbycusis. It’s when the piercing sounds of sirens, smoke alarms and doorbells aren’t heard.

We also notice that sounds get distorted and messages get twisted.

One might hear “Use the eggs in the bag” when what your wife really said was “use the ice from the bag.”

Trustworthy!

Compassionate!

Dedicated to Your Care!

Pamela Kreps, Owner

Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

(970) 628-4927 www.pinnaclehearingaidcenter.com

PINNACLE HEARING AID CENTER 759 Horizon Dr, Ste E, Grand Junction, CO (NW corner of Horizon Dr. and Crossroads Blvd.)

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Hearing loss that goes on for some time makes people depressed, anxious and paranoid. This can worsen to the point of less socialization, and it can lead to other problems like dementia, falls, hospitalizations, accidents and deconditioning both mentally and physically.

HOW IT HAPPENS

There are a few reasons why hearing loss develops. It tends to run in families without any specific explanation. It also can result from noisy environments, childhood infections, medications, heart disease or stroke.

Injury to our hearing occurs in mostly two ways: when the auditory nerve is traumatized and doesn’t allow electrical impulses to get to the brain, and structural damage to tiny hair cells, the ear canal or the eardrum so that vibration of the sound waves can’t travel to the inner ear to transmit the signals to the brain.

Many public places such as museums, theaters and auditoriums have ear buds or earphones available for patrons. At home, personal listening systems can be connected to the telephone, laptop computer or television. These devices improve the clarity of sound and deliver the sound that you want to hear.

USE IT; DON’T LOSE IT

There’s a sense of urgency by health professionals to treat hearing loss. A new finding from MRI studies has shown that substantial brain shrinking occurs for those who don’t have normal hearing.

Although some brain shrinkage is expected with aging, there is considerably more with hearing loss.

Scientists now know that hearing is not one isolated function. It has several pathways that are interconnected with many areas of the brain. These areas rely on hearing to stay stimulated.

Our entire brain benefits when we hear well. Additional researchers have found that those who use hearing aids have higher cognitive functioning than those without them, and those who use hearing devices on a regular basis lower their chance of dementia. ■

MEDICAL SERVICES & EQUIPMENT

Insider tips about living with oxygen therapy

By Amy Abbott

An old cliché says “as easy as breathing.” For millions of seniors, breathing doesn’t come easily without the assistance of oxygen therapy. According to the American Thoracic Society, our body needs about 22 percent oxygen for our cells to work correctly.

Individuals with compromised lungs may not get enough oxygen into their blood and need help.

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hronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will be the world’s third leading cause of death by 2030. COPD and diseases like asthma and congestive heart failure may worsen enough to require the patient to need oxygen therapy.

Even though I’ve suffered from chronic bronchitis and asthma for more than 25 years, I had no idea that supplemental oxygen was in my future. When I shared a range of diverse, new symptoms with my pulmonologist, he ordered a battery of tests. Hours later, a home medical technician was at our home with a confusing array of equipment.

My husband and I were utterly unprepared for the change in our lives. But nearly a year later, I’ve adjusted—I wear my oxygen all night, and sometimes during the day, depending on weather conditions.

If you need oxygen therapy, here’s an outline of the equipment you’ll need and how oxygen therapy helps you breathe easier. Please note, your home medical provider may offer you a slightly different setup or equipment. My choices are meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive.

The at-home concentrator, about the same size as R2D2 from “Star Wars,” is the source for your home oxygen. It requires little maintenance; I wash the two filters monthly with dish soap. My machine is loud and hot, and I keep it in my home office close to a wall outlet.

Tubing (from 50 feet down to six feet) connects to your concentra-

tor on one end and a cannula on the other, which fits in your nose.

Emergency tanks supply your oxygen in case the power goes out.

Mine is a 12-hour tank (based on the oxygen I use), but I have yet to use it. The home medical supplier told me it will be replaced once a year, even if it’s still full.

Portable oxygen usually comes in smaller 25-pound tanks with four hours’ worth of oxygen.

Initially, the home medical provider brought me several portable tanks, which I would lug into my car every morning before I went to work.

Lifting 75 pounds into the car every morning when my oxygen was usually at its lowest was a deal-breaker.

As a hospital marketing executive, I attended meetings and facility visits in the community, which meant dragging a tank in and out of the car multiple times a day. This wasn’t going to work for me.

• Place an “oxygen in use” sign near your front door. Smoking and oxygen therapy go together like kindling and a match.

• Watch your electric bill and turn the lights off because you’ll see an increase in usage from your at-home concentrator.

• Replace your tubing and cannulas every few weeks. I pick up a month’s worth from the home medical office. You can also buy them online or in durable medical equipment stores. You may want to try different cannulas, as some are softer than others.

• Always consult your physician. I don’t let oxygen therapy cramp my style. Going on oxygen doesn’t mean you’re imprisoned in your home. Climbing the steep, curvy stairs of a New York theatre recently, I bested my husband to the top with my portable tank on. That would have never happened before! ■

Let’s clear up the myths about hearing devices and hearing loss MYTH: Hearing tests are expensive!

“Our team is trained to help you decide what’s best for your hearing health.”

A complete audiogram is typically covered by Medicare and most insurances once a year, and most offices will offer some type of free screening. It’s never too early to check the health of your ears.

MYTH: I’m not asking people to repeat themselves, so my hearing is normal.

Hearing loss comes on slowly over time—so slowly, in fact, that your brain usually doesn’t recognize it right away. Testing around age 50 is recommended yearly, just like an eye exam.

MYTH: My doctor would tell me if I needed a hearing test or aid.

Most physician offices are not equipped with the specialized equipment it takes to test your hearing ability. An audiologist, a trained professional in hearing health, can test your hearing ability and recommend the best solution for you.

I asked for another option, and now rent a portable oxygen concentrator that makes oxygen from room air. My unit weighs about five pounds and is far superior to the bulky green tanks.

MYTH: Audiologists will always tell me I need hearing aids.

We may recommend a hearing solution if that’s what’s right for you. Our team is trained to help you decide what’s best for your hearing health.

Check with your insurance provider before you rent a device or purchase one.

MYTH: Hearing devices will make me stand out We hear this concern a lot from patients. But think about what would stand out more: a friend who sits quietly at the table and doesn’t join in the conversation, or the friend who’s in the middle of the conversation and keeps up? We find that once people rejoin the rest of the world, looks have little to do with devices.

MORE ADVICE

• Purchase a pulse oximeter so you can monitor your own oxygen use. Some phones have oxygen apps.

• Notify your electric company that you are on oxygen. In case of a power outage, you’ll be on the priority list.

• Oxygen may dry out your nasal cavities and lead to nosebleeds in some people. Make sure your home is well-humidified or use nasal saline or gel.

Colorado West Audiologists 2643 Patterson Road Audiology@cwoto.com

970-255-3548

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2018RESOURCE

TRANSITIONS IN AGING

AGING IN PLACE

The experts agree that the best place for you to live as you grow older is in your own home. But in order to do so, you may need to change your house to fit your changing needs. It could be as simple as adding a grab bar in the shower or as involved as adding an elevator if you’re having trouble getting up and down the stairs.

Housing Resources of Western Colorado.................. 241-2871 The Homeowner Rehabilitation program serves low- to moderateincome homeowners and provides a means to do necessary repairs or modifications to their home. This is a loan program with interest rates from 0 to 3 percent.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES As you age, you may need tools and services to help you walk, such as a cane, walker or a wheelchair. Modern technology has made great advancements in helping people hear and see more clearly, and some medical services will keep you mobile while other procedures can keep you looking younger. Whatever you need, we have local experts that can help.

Colorado West Audiologists...................................... 255-3548 Colorado West Audiologists provide a full array of audiological services, including advanced hearing testing with state-of-the-art equipment, hearing aid sales and repairs, batteries, custom earmolds and hearing protection.

Pinnacle Hearing....................................................... 628-4927 Full service hearing health care. Affordable prices without sacrificing exceptional service. Hearing aids and hearing protection. Sales, service, repairs and supplies. I would be honored to be your hearing health care provider.

Western Slope Dental Center.................................... 241-3483 Quality family dental care in state-of-the-art facility. General and cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns, bridges and veneers, bleaching, implants, root canals and extractions.

RETIREMENT LIVING You’re ready to move, but not into assisted living. Would you like to live in a place where other people your age live? A senior living community might be just the ticket. Is it time to downsize? These experts can help.

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The Commons of Hilltop........................................... 243-3333 Assisted living, independent living, memory care and respite care. We offer gracious living, personalized care and unsurpassed amenities in a tranquil neighborhood all your own.

Grand Junction Housing Authority........................... 245-0388 Grand Junction Housing Authority serves the senior community age 62 and older, making safe housing affordable with secure one- and two-bedroom units, some fully accessible, with modern amenities and on-site service coordination.

ASSISTED LIVING When you need a little assistance.

Downtown Assisted Living Suites............................. 712-9299 Newly renovated upscale living spaces located in the heart of Grand Junction, offering an unprecedented lifestyle that supports independence, encourages personal growth and enhances quality of life.

Spring Creek Chalet.................................................. 249-2438 You’ll feel at home the minute you walk through the door.

Committed to excellent care, this community is dedicated to residents and to Montrose, making it many families’ preferred facility.

NURSING HOME When you need more assistance and some medical care.

Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley...................................... 243-3381 Whether you need short-term, rehabilitative care or will stay long term, Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley is dedicated to enhancing residents’ lives through quality care and exceptional service.

Larchwood Inns........................................................ 245-0022 At Larchwood Inns, our goal is to encourage and motivate each person to achieve and maintain their highest level of independence.

We offer skilled rehabilitation with the latest cutting-edge equipment in a warm and caring environment.

La Villa Grande Care Center...................................... 245-1211 This warm and welcoming senior living community offers an awardwinning program for people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services and respite stays all in one beautiful location.

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. . . e h t o t e b Subscri Volume: 31

When medicine can no longer offer you a cure, hospice care can provide you comfort and support when you’re terminally ill. Hospice also offers that support to your family and friends as well.

HopeWest................................................................. 241-2212 HopeWest is dedicated to profoundly changing the way our community experiences aging, serious illness and grief—one family at a time. Serving Delta, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco counties.

OTHER RESOURCES AARP.................................................................. 866-554-5376 AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50+ to choose how they live as they age. AARP works to become part of the fabric of the community for its nearly 700,000 members.

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC).................................................................... 248-2746 ADRC is a trusted source of information where adults 18+ with a disability, adults 60+, and their caregivers can go to obtain assistance in planning for their future long-term service and support needs.

Area Agency on Aging/Region 10.............................. 249-2436 The Region 10 Area on Aging is dedicated to helping those age 60 and over maintain their health and independence. Programs provide transportation assistance, caregiver support and more.

Western Colorado Estate Sales................................. 270-7089 Comprehensive estate sale and real estate services, including consultation, preparation and property sales. One call takes care of it all. We serve private owners and investors. New home, second home, flips, remodels and more.

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Mesa County

Palisade Living Center.............................................. 464-7500 At Palisade Living Center, we work hard to care for our residents the way we would want our family members cared for. We believe quality treatment requires a combination of caring and curing.

HOSPICE

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Mantey Heights Rehabilitation & Care Center.......... 242-7356 At Mantey Heights, our highest priority is our family of residents.

We strive to provide each resident with individualized skilled care and rehabilitation while incorporating meaningful daily activities to enhance their quality of life.

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$15.00 $25.00

Mail form with check to: The BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

9

HOME CARE

What to expect when the nurse comes to your house

By Frances Hansen he scene is becoming increasingly familiar: a knock on the door, which the patient opens to see a strange person with a couple of bags hanging off his or her shoulders.

T

“Hello. I’m your home care nurse.”

GOVERNMENT IS BROKEN. Politicians are more focused on delivering insults rather than results.

And Medicare, Social Security, support for family caregivers, and prescription drug costs are all on the line.

BUT THE ELECTION IS COMING. We can make our voices heard.

AMERICANS 50-PLUS ARE THE NATION’S MOST POWERFUL VOTING BLOC. And there’s only one way politicians will work on the issues that really matter to us: We have to make them do it.

Join us for the AARP Colorado Be The Difference Tour.

Please join AARP Colorado and the Colorado Fiscal Institute for a conversation about the Colorado budget, AARP’s national Voter Engagement Campaign and AARP Colorado’s legislative priorities.

Friday, September 7, 2018 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Montrose Senior Center 1800 Pavilion Drive | Montrose, CO 81401 All forums are free and open to the public. Seats are limited.

Please register by calling 1-877-926-8300.

Light refreshments will be served.

facebook.com/AARPCO @AARPCO www.aarp.org/CO Paid For by AARP

10 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING | 2018 |

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The population is aging. Baby boomers are retiring. From total knee replacements to infected wounds, and from pneumonia to post-operative status, the need for home care is on the rise. Insurances have created lines of limitations in the amount of days people can stay in the hospital. Wound vacs and IVs must be tended to properly in order to prevent complications. In essence, home care has become like a mini-hospital on wheels.

Your first visit from a home health care nurse usually comes on the day of discharge or the next day.

Home visits can take up to two hours—you may be exhausted, but it’s important to visit with the nurse and let them get to know you and your needs.

Nurses will usually conduct a headto-toe assessment and note any medications you’re on. They should make sure you understand proper medication, dosage, side effects and changes to report to your physician, and document follow-up visits to the doctor.

The nurse works with you to complete your care plan, which typically includes how many visits are anticipated in the 60-day certification period and may include such things as making sure blood glucose and vital signs are within physician-given parameters. It’s their job to educate patients on medications and wound care, changes to report to the medical staff, signs of infection, and

other diagnosis-specific functions.

If you need care beyond the certification period, the nurse must obtain orders from your physician in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid guidelines. Most private insurances must provide authorization for additional visits. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or social work may follow to help guide you to independence.

Openness and honesty are important. Hopefully you and your nurse establish trust with one another, and you are confident in asking questions—no questions are off limits. If you don’t know the purpose of a medication, ask. If there’s still a question, the nurse should investigate and follow up with your doctor.

Know that health providers are there to serve you. If you find that the nurse is rude, in a rush and seemingly has no “bedside manner,” speak up about it. Family members are reluctant to speak up for fear of retaliation toward their loved one.

Time is another factor. The nurse is a professional, and should demonstrate responsibility when it comes to arranging the visit time. Keep in mind that the nurse has other patients to see, usually in a wide geographical area, but it’s rude and unprofessional for a nurse to show up late without letting you know, or to not show up to a scheduled appointment at all.

Open communication and mutual trust with your nurse results in less anxiety and helps the healing process. Hopefully, you can look back on your recovery with accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that you participated in the plan of care to help yourself get better. ■

RETIREMENT LIVING

New spaces for the next phase of life

By Sue Ronnenkamp lthough I read and hear about the value of aging in place, I just don’t buy it. We change throughout our lives, and our lifestyle and housing needs change, too.

A

Think about the house you grew up in, your first apartment and your first home with children. Just as those living situations fit your lifestyle in the past, your current housing situation should be a good fit for where you are now.

Moving forward for this next phase of life should take you to a setting that’s smaller and more manageable, with less responsibility for maintenance and upkeep. Seek out housing options that offer support and assistance if necessary, along with opportunities for engagement and interaction with others.

By making the right choice about your next home, you free up time and energy to devote to your favorite people and activities so you can make the most of the coming years.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Why do so many people cling to their houses when they would be better served by moving forward?

One key reason is that a house is often closely associated with independence. As a society, we tend to overvalue independence, and as a result, too many seniors spend way too much time, energy and money trying to age in place and hang on to a false sense of self-reliance.

It’s time to shift our mindset to one that embraces interdependence.

We’re always better and stronger when we connect with others than when we try to go it alone. There are so many benefits to being part of a connected community and having readily available companionship and support.

focus on people

our residents

their lives

DROP THE ROCK!

Letting go of a familiar home can be difficult and stressful, but hanging on can lead to loneliness and isolation, which are detrimental to your health and successful aging.

Here’s a story I often use to illustrate the danger of hanging on when it’s time to let go:

their families Sub-acute care ■ 24-hour skilled nursing ■ Rehabilitation Long-term care ■ Dementia care Hospice and Respite care ■ Secured Alzheimer’s unit

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A woman was swimming across a East Third Street �\l/� 151 151 East Third StreetPeach Grove Grove Peach lake with a rock in her hand. As she Palisade, CO 81526 Palisade, CO 81526 Palisade Palisade Living Center Living Center REHABILITATION REHABILITATION neared the center of the lake, she 970-464-7500 970-464-7500 started to sink from the weight of the stone.

111m 111m

“Drop the rock!” shouted people watching from the shore.

But the woman kept swimming, slowly disappearing underwater.

As she reached the middle of the lake and disappeared from sight for the last time, the people on shore heard her say, “I can’t. It’s mine.”

Housing that no longer fits a stockpile of belongings and outdated roles and responsibilities will start bringing us down if we don’t release them. Is it time to drop the rocks in your life?

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

Choosing to let go and move forward can be a wonderful gift to your family. When my parents decided to right-size, they gave me a tremendous gift by thinking through how they wanted to live out their later years and relieving me of the burden of making tough decisions for them.

I’ve helped with a number of moves, and people always look more energized once the weight of the decision and the responsibilities that come with a large house have been removed from their shoulders. They thrive in their new environments because they are spending their new free time on enjoyable activities and new experiences and engaging in life more fully. ■

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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

11

ASSISTED LIVING

Determine what level of care is right for you: Are you independent?

Need a little assistance—or a nurse?

By Teresa Ambord lder housing isn’t what it once was, and thank goodness for that.

E

I worked part-time in a real convalescent hospital when I was in college. I remember walking in the front door of that nursing home, and the first thing that hit you was the smell of urine. Too many patients and too few staff to adequately care for them meant the residents were miserable much of the time. It was dreadful for all concerned, but mostly for the patients who were so dependent on us.

These days, elder care has become a booming industry and most senior facilities have stepped up to meet the demand by providing excellent care. The older I get, the

more friends and family members I have that need these various levels of care, from temporary stays in rehabilitation hospitals to independent living to full nursing care.

If you foresee that you or a loved one will soon need some degree of long-term care, it might be a good idea to start looking at the options.

Here’s a breakdown of the major types of facilities.

Independent living. These are best for people who want convenience, don’t have specific medical care needs and can live on their own. Independent living communities offer such niceties as meal preparation, housekeeping and security, and may have on-site beauty parlors and barbers, church

FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES

services, buses to take residents shopping and transportation to appointments. Residents can make use of all or none of these things.

Assisted living. These are for people who need some medical care. They include everything offered by an independent living facility, but can also provide help with managing medications when needed, and with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Some assisted living homes are apartment-like settings, and others are more institutional.

Nursing facilities. Nursing homes are for people who need roundthe-clock nursing care and other support services. If this is the level of home you are considering, it’s important to inquire about how emergency care is provided. How available are physicians? Are staff members certified in CPR? What are the qualifications of nurses that provide direct patient care? How does the nursing home deal with family visits? How are patients with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s cared for? Your local Area Agency on Aging may have some of this information available.

News of substandard care travels fast in the medical community, so ask the patient’s doctor, nurses and therapists what facilities they would recommend. Also ask social workers, relatives and friends.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

If possible, let the patients participate in the decision of where they will live—even if their needs for care are far into the future.

If you go facility shopping, here are a few points to pay special attention to: • Cleanliness. To the extent possible, observe hygiene. It shouldn’t

12 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING | 2018 |

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be hard to notice if residents are being neglected.

• Staff. Does the number of staff seem adequate to manage the number of patients? That’s not to say that employees aren’t hopping busy, but the staff-to-patient ratio should be such that all patients get bathed and receive other personal attention they need. The same is true not just for nursing care, but also general maintenance and kitchen staff.

• Services. What are the patient’s special needs? Be sure the facility provides for those needs. For example, a patient may require the use of a lift machine to get in and out of bed. Many will need physical therapy and/or a gym where they can go to strengthen their limbs. How are supplies paid for? If supply costs are added to the patient’s bill, are the costs reasonable? Are there regular increases in costs? Hidden charges?

Obviously, meals are a key service. Visit facilities during meal times and observe if meals are served in a relaxed manner and if there’s plenty of food available.

GET THE UNSEEN STORY Don’t accept any facility without first checking its financial stability, record of legal compliance and quality of management. Facilities aren’t likely to be perfect, but significant problems in any of these areas may lead to trouble finding a sufficient staff of qualified health professionals.

Find out if the facility has current valid state and local licenses, and liability and malpractice insurance.

Ask to review state inspection reports and investigate whether they have lawsuits pending. ■

ASSISTED LIVING

4 ways to plan for rising health care costs in retirement W hat keeps you up at night?

For millions of Americans, it’s the question of how they will fund their health care expenses in retirement.

A survey from Franklin Templeton Investments about retirement costs found that Americans are most concerned about how they’ll cover medical and pharmaceutical bills.

Those fears are well-founded, given the high costs of nursing homes, assisted living, hospitalization and prescription drugs.

Even a healthy retirement could have a hefty price tag; an analysis from Fidelity Investments estimated that a healthy 65-year-old couple retiring this year will need $280,000 to cover their health costs in retirement.

“Knowing your options and planning financially for them well ahead of retirement is crucial,” said Eric Kearney, an investment advisor from Florida.

“With proper planning, health care costs in retirement are within the means of average and wealthy Americans, provided they are able to afford a Medicare supplement policy. But you have to understand how the Medicare system works and what you can expect to pay in out-of-pocket costs throughout your retirement. You must budget for them. For retirees who have enjoyed strong employer health benefits and are unprepared for retirement, the out-of-pocket cost difference can cause an uptick in blood pressure.”

Kearney explains the costs and coverages of different parts of Medicare: • Medicare Part A. Part A was the original Medicare, covering hospitalization. There are no monthly premiums, although a

$1,340 deductible applies as of this year.

“After 60 days of hospitalization, the patient becomes responsible for a $335 per day coinsurance,” Kearney said. “After 90 days, the coinsurance goes to $670 per day. After 60 more days, the patient’s coverage runs out.”

• Medicare Part B. The optional Part B covers doctor and treatment costs.

“Premiums average $134 per month and patients are responsible for 20 percent coinsurance,” Kearney said. “And with a 20-percent Part B coinsurance, many seniors can expect to pay several thousand dollars or more out of pocket each year. If you have long-term conditions requiring extensive care, it is easy to see how Part A and Part B out-ofpocket costs can eat away even a large nest egg.”

Also known as Medigap policies, these are offered by private insurance companies to supplement expenses that Medicare Parts A and B do not typically cover.

“If a stress-free, comfortable retirement is your goal,” Kearney said, “you need to prepare for health care expenses, and it’s never too early to start.” ■

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“It provides more coverage options such as vision, dental, pharmaceutical and wellness programs,” Kearney said. “Part D covers prescription drugs, and the older we get, the more likely we are to need them.”

• Medicare Supplement Policy.

“Without this, the assets you worked all your life to accumulate could disappear,” Kearney said.

“Since a long-term hospital stay or chronic illness could send your medical bills into five or even six figures, you stand to lose some or all of your assets if you do not protect them with a Medicare supplemental policy.”

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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

13

NURSING HOME

A wellness transition to home: Learn about your rehabilitation options

Our nursing home strives to deliver quality care with love, compassion and concern for meeting the needs of each individual.

A

s we age, the likelihood that we will end up in the hospital increases, whether it’s because of a planned admission for procedures, such as hip or knee replacement, or an unexpected, emergency stay following a fall or acute illness.

Our assisted living facility offers private rooms and care plans based on the individual’s needs.

Hospital stays are much shorter than they were 30 years ago. But oftentimes, additional time is needed for recuperation and rehabilitation. Therapy is needed to improve strength and mobility, and nursing care is required for medication, pain and wound management.

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We provide a secured assisted living setting for individuals that don’t require the full services of long-term care, but do need a protected community due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, confusion and related disorders.

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Upon leaving the hospital, you have two primary options: 1) Home care with home health services 2) A short stay at a skilled nursing facility The discharge planner at the hospital can discuss these options with you, and give you information on companies from which you may choose.

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Skilled Nursing and and Post Post Acute Acute Rehab Rehab Center At Larchwood Inns ourour goal is to encourage and At Larchwood Inns goal is to encourage andmotivate motivateeach personeach to achieve and maintain their highest level of independence. person to achieve and maintain their highest level of We offer skilledWe rehabilitation with the latestwith cutting-edge independence. offer skilled rehabilitation the latest equipment in a warm and caring environment.

Our dedicated staff cutting-edge equipment in a warm and caring environment. are here to ensure thearehighest of support andlevel encouragement Our dedicated staff here tolevel ensure the highest of support to our guests. and encouragement to our guests.

The PARC Facility offers of the Alter-G Treadmill.

The PARC Facility offers the the useuse of the Alter-G Treadmill.

Unlike any other training equipment available, the AlterG AntiUnlike anypiece otherofpiece of training equipment available, the AlterG Gravity Treadmill Treadmill can take you than you ever Anti-Gravity can further, take youfaster further, faster thought surgery, injury or surgery, other mobility impairment. thanpossible you everafter thought possible after injury or other mobility impairment.

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14 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING | 2018 |

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Most of us would likely prefer to be able to go directly home. Home health is a service provided to patients who do not need 24-hour care, or who can be cared for by family or private caregivers. Typically, home health services include visits by nurses and therapists two to three times per week for a couple of weeks. There are several wonderful companies to choose from in the Grand Valley, but keep in mind that some of them do not accept certain Medicare Advantage Plans.

TRANSITION IN COMFORT

When 24-hour care is recommended, due to secondary to limited ability to perform activities of daily living, safety concerns, and/or limit-

ed support at home, a short stay in a good skilled nursing facility is the best place to be.

Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 nursing care. A licensed nurse administers medications, cares for wounds as directed by your physician, and assesses pain and overall health while communicating with your physician.

Therapists work with the patient an average of five days per week on strengthening, safety, transfers and other daily living activities, and will often assess your home for needed adjustments to accommodate your return. Speech therapists assist patients who have difficulty with swallowing or speech.

Skilled nursing facilities employ a full-time dietician to assist patients with diabetic or other special diets, weight loss or gain, malnutrition and other concerns. The facility has an entire team of professionals whose goal is to provide a comfortable, friendly environment that promotes rehabilitation for a safe transition to home as soon as possible. Sometimes this team includes professionals in social services, activities, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and medical records.

Some facilities even have a beauty shop.

SCHEDULE A VISIT

You are welcome to visit most rehabilitation facilities prior to making a choice for yourself or a loved one. Make an appointment with the admissions coordinator, take a tour and ask any questions you may have. Being knowledgeable can alleviate undue stress. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the homelike atmosphere you will find in most homes. ■

Hospice is a type of program that provides care and support for terminally ill patients and their family at home. Two physicians must certify that, in their opinion, the patient has an illness that will result in death in six months or less if the disease takes its normal course.

Since Medicare mandates hospice care, the government decides the rules for payment.

HOSPICE CARE PROVIDES

• Physicians on call 24/7 and a case manager, usually a registered nurse, who will visit one to three times a week.

• A home health aide who assists with care, including bathing and linen changes.

• A team of continuous care nurses who will work at the bedside in cases where extreme symptom management is required. They usually work in 24-hour increments, and the patient is reevaluated every 24 hours until the symptoms are under control. This is never a permanent situation.

• A chaplain assigned to each patient. He or she does not take the place of your personal spiritual adviser.

• A social worker to assist with advanced directives and any needs of the patient or family.

• Volunteers to visit with the patient to talk, listen or read.

• Bereavement services for the family for 12-13 months after the death of their loved one.

WHO WILL PAY?

Hospice cares for all people diagnosed with a terminal illness regard-

RATING EB YEARS

3 - 2018

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less of diagnosis, race, nationality, sex, religious affiliation, availability of a caregiver, monetary worth or ability to pay. No one who fits the criteria of a terminal illness and less than six months to live is ever turned away.

99

By Ellen Jane Windham hen a doctor says there is nothing more to be done for a patient, it’s time to call hospice.

Dedicated to profoundly changing the way our community experiences aging, serious illness and grief - one family at a time.

CEL

Hospice care: the last responder

HOSPICE

1

The majority of hospice services are paid for at 100 percent by the patient and family through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

Be sure to confirm that your hospice choice is Medicare certified if that’s how you’ll be covering care.

All medication relating to the terminal diagnosis is paid for under the hospice benefit, as is necessary medical equipment and supplies.

QUESTIONS TO ASK When the time comes for a patient to enter hospice, the doctor or hospital will recommend a company. Before choosing one, interview two or three.

PALLIATIVE CARE | HOSPICE |GRIEF SUPPORT

Delta • Grand Junction • Montrose • Meeker • Plateau Valley (970) 241-2212 | HopeWestCO.org

Here are some important questions:

• How long have you been in business?

• Are you Medicare certified?

• What is your nurse-to-patient ratio?

• How many patients do you have on your service?

• Will I be able to get someone to answer my call 24 hours a day?

• Do you have access to staff if we need continuous care nurses?

Every person grieves differently.

It’s a good idea to remember when you have hospice care for yourself or a loved one, you are never alone.

You have a team of caregivers, who are usually the most compassionate and caring listeners you will ever meet. ■

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(970) 270-7089 westerncoloradoauctions.com • mike@westerncoloradoauctions.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | 2018 | TRANSITIONS IN AGING |

15

Beacon Senior Newspaper & Hilltop Senior Life Options Present an Old Fashioned

Garden Party Saturday, September 8, 2018 6:00 to 9:00 pm The Commons of Hilltop (625 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction)

Join us for a special outdoor concert and dance beneath the stars to big band hits performed by Clark Gault’s Swing City Express Admission is FREE. Special BBQ dinner by the kitchen’s of Hilltop served from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for $12. Cash bar.

For more information call (970) 244-0422