CAREGIVER Magazine-Providing Options And Support-Issue 17-October/November 2021

CAREGIVER PROVIDING OPTIONS AND SUPPORT

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October / November 2021

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Your resource for skilled nursing and long-term care discharge coordination.

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SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT TOTAL ACCESS TOTAL SOLUTION CALL 833.691.0076

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EL RENO OKLAHOMA CITY - c River Oaks Wildewood SHAWNEE The Regency Skilled Nursing & Therapy Skilled Nursing & The Skilled Nursing & Therapy Avenue | 405-275-9004 Capitol 1901HillParkview Drive 1610 N Bryan 1913 NE 50th Street www.theregencyok.com Skilled Nursing & Therapy 2400 SW 55th Street | 405-681-5381 405-262-2833 405-427-5414 OKLAHOMA CITY Brookwood Skilled Nursing & Therapy 940 SW 84th Street | 405-636-0626 www.brookwoodokc.com

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SHAWNEE 405-789-7242 Holiday Heights The Regency Fairmont Skilled Nursing & Therapy Memory Care 3233 NW 10th Street | 405-943-8366 www.fairmontok.com

CONTENT

Better With Age 08 20 Lawton Resident Finds Oklahoma’s Betsy Ross

ASK Lisa Showing Our Gratitude

Caregivers Corner

Hope For The Holidays

12 24 Is the News Making You Sick?

14 28 Community Heartbeat Struggling to Pay For Meds?

Age Successfully By Reducing Inflamation

Patriotic Salute

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30 Remember When

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Family Traditions!

Our Dad, Our Hero

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30 Meet the Hopkins Family: Joe, Stephanie, Rayleigh and Josslynn.

We are featuring this Oklahoma Military family in remembrance of Veterans Day. This issue’s feature writers are Rayleigh and Josslynn Hopkins, who interviewed their father about his deployment to Afghanistan.

Meet the Hopkins on page 16.

CAREGIVER Magazine 44 CAREGIVER Magazine CAREGIVER Magazine

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Dear Readers,

I hope you are well. So many of you have called this past year when things have become difficult or you have contacted one of the advertisers or agencies we have highlighted and share with me how the help and services they provide are making a difference in your life. It is very gratifying knowing my mission is being met helping others navigate this challenging caregiving journey. I have become friends with so many of you. We have laughed and cried together as you share your joys and struggles to care for your loved ones. You inspire me daily. In an ever-changing world that seems to highlight the worst of individuals and ideas what I see in you, the readers is the best of humanity filled with kindness, compassion and love. I humbly and respectfully thank each of you.

Autumn is here in all its glorious splendor and each day feeling the change of season in the air makes me happy to live in Oklahoma. Where I feel recalibrated by nature and the change in seasons balances my soul. Seasons serve such a purpose to us, a three-month block of time that so much can be achieved with reflection on the past season and anticipation of the next.

Whenever I feel out of sync or overwhelmed a little time alone in nature always gives me perspective on how wondrous life is and how healthy it is to get outside and enjoy the change of scenery God provides.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I hope everyone savors the meaning and spirit of that special day. It is about family, honoring traditions, and slowing down even if it is only for that one day. It is about recognizing where we come from and where we are going. It isn’t just about the food, no, that isn’t the most important part of the day. It is about being present in the moment around people you love. Some of you may be thinking to yourself, yes, but around my table, there is one less plate this year and I am grieving and lonely. Grief is a journey that is not linear some days are harder than others. If I could give one piece of advice on grief. Every tear deserves a smile. Let me explain, no death is not humorous, when sadness comes over you lean into it and have a good cry or scream if that helps but don’t imprison yourself there. Think of a funny or spunky time that your loved one made you laugh. I can promise you it helps in the grieving process.

My heart and prayers go out to the 13 American families who lost loved ones serving in Afghanistan, who will have an empty seat at their Thanksgiving table this year. This issue is dedicated to all American Veterans and military families who have sacrificed so much to safeguard our American freedoms and way of life. I would like to add a personal acknowledgment in honor of my father, Ollie Gail Brown, who served in the US Army. He was a Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader, 1st Infantry, Big Red One Division in the Vietnam War. He was laid to rest under a flagged draped coffin on Veterans Day in 2016. This is a difficult time in our history. I believe in the American people and I put my faith firmly in God. May God bless and comfort us in the coming days.

I want to discuss the news for a moment. Having worked professionally in newspaper and radio. I have seen journalism and the media industry devolve and decay over the years, if I had not started my own publication, I would no longer be a part of it. I will be discussing in-depth the current state of media from an insider’s perspective on page 24 in this issue.

May God bless each of you and your families. May we all reflect on what is really important to us, what we are truly thankful for. Show kindness to those less fortunate and be a little more understanding with each other.

Sincerely,

P.O. Box 721673 Oklahoma City, OK 73172

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief LASHANYA NASH Art Director ANGELA BLAKE Writers DENISE HEATH ROBBIE LAMBERSON LASHANYA NASH JOHN SPIVEY LISA SYDNOR KATHY COCKS, RN ANGELA BLAKE RAYLEIGH HOPKINS JOSSLYNN HOPKINS Cover Photographer JESSIE NEWELL Assistant ETHAN NASH Photographer Jessie Newell Community Outreach LISA SYDNOR 405-314-7840 l.sydnor@betterwithageok.com

Social Media Coordinator WYNELLE RECORD Layout WISE MARKETING ADVERTISING Publisher LASHANYA NASH 405.532.6057 l.nash@betterwithageok.com

Account Executive ANGELA BLAKE 985.662.6581

Accounting ANDREA O’HAIR

LaShanya L. Nash

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BETTER WITH AGE

Oklahoma’s Betsy Ross

By Lisa Sydnor

We know the story of Betsy Ross and how she sewed our first flag. Let me introduce you to Oklahoma’s modern-day “Betsy Ross”, Onetia Staton. Onetia is a life-long native of Blanchard, Oklahoma where she and her husband, Jim, lived and raised their three children.

Jim was a Navy veteran, he served in WWll from 1941 to 1945. He worked at the Oklahoma City Post Office for more than 25 years. He and Onetia met at a dance where Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys performed. Jim asked to take her home and that was the beginning of their love story. Onetia said, “We both knew immediately that we were meant for each other.” They married in 1947 and for 71 years they continued to be “meant for each other.”

Jim wrote beautiful poetry, especially love poems to Onetia.

Onetia embroiders. She has embroidered and framed many of his handwritten poems. In 1950, although she did not sew, Jim bought Onetia a sewing machine. She quickly mastered the art of sewing, making suits for both of them, and winning many Blue Ribbons. In 1959, she was named McClain County Home Extension & Community Education Member of the Year. She maintains her membership in the McClain County Home Extension Club.

In 2016, a long-time family friend, David Skyes, a veteran who worked with Jim at the Oklahoma City Post Office 8

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for many years and volunteers at the Veterans Center on Newcastle Road presented Onetia with a project.

David was aware of Onetia’s expertise on the sewing machine and asked if she could “fix’ a ragged flag. Never one to pass up a challenge, Onetia gladly undertook the task of “fixing” that tattered flag. A patriotic partnership between David and Onetia began. When David sees a tattered and worn flag, he asks the owner if he can have it repaired. David is very protective of our flag and few, if any, have turned him down.

Periodically, David would stop by the Staton’s home and drop off one or two or six flags and Onetia would trim and hem and “fix” each one with loving care. David then returns each flag to its owner so it can once again proudly fly in the Oklahoma sky. When asked why she gives so much time to “old flags,” she answered very proudly, “The flag is the symbol of our country. You don’t step on our flag. You don’t disrespect our flag.

You salute our flag. You honor our flag. I am honored to keep our flags flying.” She went on to say, “As long as David brings them to me, and I have the ability, I will continue to repair our flags.”

That partnership hasn’t changed since Onetia moved to Wickshire Senior Living in South Oklahoma City.

Although it was quite difficult leaving the home she and Jim built and lived in for so many years, she is determined to make her Assisted Living apartment her home. She has been there less than two months, at times she misses pulling weeds and walking in her Blanchard yard. She has met many neighbors, made new friends, and impressed everyone with how active she is and her many projects.

Upon learning of how many flags she has repaired, over 300, someone dubbed her “Betsy Ross of Wickshire”!

She laughs at the new title as she never thought of

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herself as “Betsy Ross” nor considered repairing flags as an extraordinary accomplishment. She is quick to praise the Wickshire staff, enjoys her new church home, and looks forward to exploring the neighborhood beyond Wickshire.

I called David Sykes after interviewing Onetia and he shared another interesting aspect of her life. In the mid-60s, she and Jim were among the founders of the Newcastle and Blanchard, Oklahoma Libraries. They were instrumental in establishing the libraries, volunteering time, and making substantial financial contributions to both libraries. Onetia found the property for the Blanchard building and for years, Jim served on the Newcastle Board of Trustees.

I have met some impressive folks in this journey with CAREGIVER Magazine, but none more multi-talented than Onetia. She is definitely getting BETTER WITH AGE at 93 years young, let’s look at what she is currently involved in; repairing flags, making face masks, crossstitching Christmas ornaments (more than 50 so far this year), making Positive Bags for Hope Pregnancy Center, making Easter bunnies, bears, small dolls, dogs and other

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small stuffed animals for residents of the Blanchard nursing home, continuing to serve our veterans by making house shoes, bibs, Afghan blankets, lap rugs and has quilted three quilts. These are just some of the current projects she thought of the afternoon we talked. She said “Life has to have purpose. Goals and projects keep me going.”

Add to all of that, her love of reading and you have a well-rounded, active, interested and interesting woman. At 93, Onetia isn’t just surviving, she is thriving and inspiring others. When asked what she liked to read, she paused, and then said, “Decent fiction. You know “good” books.” That means no sex, violence, or obscene language, it really narrows down the selection.

She showed me a list of more than 15 books she had read since moving into Wickshire. The Wickshire library, bookshelves lining the halls of the building, provides the fun of discovery as she scours each set of shelves for books she has not yet read.

Onetia lost the love of her life, her best friend, her loving husband Jim in October 2018. Her daughter, Jeanne, passed away earlier this year. Her remaining children are Carol and J.R. Onetia has two grandsons, two great-granddaughters and a great-great-grandson.

I will never see a tattered flag without thinking of the great respect and humble dedication, David and Onetia give willingly and lovingly to our Flag. Their love of our country is invested in keeping our flag sacred, mended, and flying the Stars and Stripes Forever.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the republic for which it stands, One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0086-01-01, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

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ASK Lisa

By Lisa Sydnor

The staff of CAREGIVER Magazine is committed to connecting those in need with services and programs.

If you have a question, call 405-314-7840 or email l.sydnor@caregiveroklahoma.com Include your name and phone number in the message.

SHOWING OUR GRATITUDE ASKLisa has a little different format in this issue. It is in segments – or chapters – or format. I have so much to tell you (don’t I always!) and I couldn’t get it all in just a few paragraphs. November is a special month. We honor our Veterans; it is Caregiver Month; and we celebrate Thanksgiving. All in the spirit of gratitude and thankfulness.

the goal of a unified caregiving strategy to support family/ friend caregivers across the nation.

The need to support the nation’s nearly 53 million family caregivers and sustain them as the backbone of our chronic and long-term care system is a central issue in national and state efforts to reform healthcare.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This is a time to recognize and honor family/ friend caregivers and an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.

Through national surveys, our research identifies important new trends and sheds light on the varying needs of this huge and diverse group. In advancing our mission, NAC conducts research, does policy analysis, develops national best-practice programs, and works to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues.

National Family Caregivers Month www.caregiver.va.gov/ The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) developed From Momentum to Movement: Developing a Unified Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Across the Nation.

This report supports building partnerships in advocacy that improve the lives of family caregivers. In 2019, the NAC Annual Conference of Caregiver Advocates explored the need for a unified strategy to address family caregiving as a public health issue. The feedback from that conference supports continued partnerships to advance

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From Momentum to Movement represents the first iteration of a living document and compilation of resources to help guide advocates in developing caregiving strategies that address community-level needs. As well as individual needs. There is a strategic process to foster the development of actionable goals in many new state plans.

It also includes core policy recommendations in personcentered domains intended to coordinate alignment across key global, national, and state-level priorities and to strengthen movement toward a robust, unified caregiving strategy for caregivers across the lifespan.

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY VA! Sometimes it pays to re-access what you think you know about an organization. The VA, and in particular VA Hospital in Oklahoma City, has instituted new programs and enhanced existing ones. There are two programs specifically for caregivers. One is the Caregiver Support Program; this is general support for all veterans. Christy Pargeter and Craig Harrison brought me up-to-date on enhanced elements and a new initiative of the Caregiver Program, Inclusive Care. This is a system-wide approach to Veteran care that embraces, engages, and empowers caregivers, Veterans, and clinicians through the care journey. By giving providers the tools and training they need to include caregivers as part of the care team,

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the Campaign for Inclusive Care is making inclusive care the standard of care across the Veterans Health Administration and, ultimately, at healthcare facilities nationwide. The goal is to improve outcomes for veterans, their caregivers, and their healthcare providers. The mother of a Veteran shared with a counselor, “The Collaboration for Inclusive Care is essential. It makes a huge difference in the last 4-5 years since being on the Caregiver Program that has significantly changed our life and my son’s ability to not only maintain what health he has but have hope for moving forward, that is the goal.”

During National Family Caregivers Month and throughout the year, the VA honors the service of 5.5 million family members and friends who have dedicated their lives to providing much-needed care for chronically ill, injured, or disabled Veterans. www.https://VA Caregiver Support Program Home www.caregiving.org/ A primary goal of the VA Caregiver Program (CP) is to reach caregivers and emphasizes self-care. The team from CP strives to meet the caregivers where they are and mentor them through the quagmire of learning what to do, what not to do and how to best care for

their Veteran. A caregiver cannot guide the care receiver to recovery if they are suffering from a lack of self-care. It is critically important for caregivers to practice self-care; it is not selfish, without a strong support system (caregiver) it is very difficult for a care receiver to work toward, and achieve recovery.

The focus of CP is the support of the caregiver, who in turn supports the care receiver. Elements of the CP include: motivational texts; counseling with a social worker; monthly education calls; support groups (live or virtual); referrals to other VA or community resources; and navigating barriers to accessing care.

A second caregiver program is the Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers which offers enhanced clinical support for caregivers. This program provides training, legal and financial services for eligible caregivers, and may provide a stipend for family caregivers. This program is private pay; it is not covered by veteran benefits or supplemental insurance.

For detailed information on Inclusive Care: https://campaignforinclusivecare.org.

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CAREGIVERS O R N E R By Kathy Cocks, RN AGE SUCCESSFULLY

BY REDUCING INFLAMMATION Mrs. Black answered my nursing questions about her husband who had Parkinson’s Disease and accompanying Lewy Body Dementia. The next thing I knew her eyes welled up with tears and unable to hold them back any longer she buried her head in her hands bawling. “Some days I just don’t know what to do, I am trying to keep Joe home, but I am tired.” The next thing I know Mrs. Black begins to tell me about her torn rotator cuffs and her heart palpitations. She finally calms herself and says, “Two years ago when Joe was first diagnosed, I took care of him and thought I could manage.”

Unfortunately, this is a scenario I witness too often as a geriatric nurse. People, especially spousal caregivers do not recognize the physical and emotional toll caregiving takes. As people age, they begin to have an increase in inflammation markers in their system and this leads to an increase in depression, a weaker immune system, and more health problems. Spousal caregivers have higher inflammation markers than spouses who are not caregivers. The goal for successful aging then is to lower inflammation.

Many studies show that exercise reduces inflammation.

Exercise is also known to release those feel-good 14

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hormones and assists in dealing with stress and depression. The most common complaint I get about exercise is that many of my clients and/or their spouses have achy joints and unsteady gaits. Simple exercises can be done even while sitting in a chair, check with your health care provider before starting an exercise regimen.

Exercise can be made enjoyable and safe. Sit in a chair and put on some marching music. The chair should have a sturdy back but no armrests. To warm up do 10 toe lifts, lifting your toes up and down, followed by 10 heel lifts. Ankle weights can be added to leg lifts. Take the weights off and march while seated to the music. If able swing your arms in circles to add more aerobic activity.

A Thera band is a 3-foot rubber band used to strengthen muscles. Many physical therapists use them, they cost about $10. They provide great resistance training for legs and arms. Grab a can of veggies in each hand and do some bicep, triceps curls and arm lifts.

All the exercises above are aerobic exercise which gets the heart pumping and strengthening exercises which build up our muscles. Many times, putting on some music will make exercise fun and it is something you can do with the person you are taking care of so both of you are getting exercise.

Besides exercise, another way to reduce inflammation is the foods we eat and foods we limit or avoid.

Foods to avoid • processed foods • foods with added sugar or salt • unhealthful oils • processed carbs, which are present in white bread, white pasta, and many baked goods • processed snack foods, such as chips and crackers • premade desserts, such as cookies, candy, and ice cream • excess alcohol • In addition, people may find it beneficial to limit their intake of the following: Gluten: Some people experience an inflammatory reaction when they consume gluten. If a person suspects that gluten is triggering symptoms, they may wish to consider eliminating it for a while to see if their symptoms improve.

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Nightshades: Plants belonging to the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes, seem to trigger flares in some people with inflammatory diseases. There is limited evidence to confirm this effect, but a person can try cutting nightshades from the diet for 2–3 weeks to see if their symptoms improve.

Carbohydrates: There is evidence that a high-carb diet, even when the carbs are healthful, may promote inflammation in some people.

Lastly, an important way to reduce inflammation is to reduce stress. Many caregivers do not get a break from caregiving and feel guilty asking for help or seeking community resources. I know the past year has been tough for my family, my husband has had more health problems than usual, two surgeries, and a debilitating case of shingles. Amid dealing with this pandemic as a nurse I had to carry many household duties. I remember calling my pastor because I was the one putting my head in my hands bawling. He asked me what was one thing someone could do for me. I said, “I just need someone to bring me some

meals.” That took one thing off my to-do list. We also hired someone to do our yard work. Trust me, I am a thrifty person and I do not like to hire someone to do something I think we can do ourselves. Paying someone to help has allowed me more time to exercise and eat healthy.

Our modern way of life with stress and highly processed foods can lead to chronic inflammation especially as we age. Many programs are available to exercise even sitting in a chair. Eat foods that make us healthy and learn to manage stress. Studies have shown these three areas of life if managed properly can lead to successful aging.

Kathy Cocks, RN www.kathysconsulting.com

405-202-0708 info@kathysconsulting.com

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15 1 5

Our Dad,

Our Hero

By Rayleigh Hopkins and Josslynn Hopkins Cover Photo by Jessie Newell

From the Editor: We are highlighting an Oklahoma Military family in this issue in honor of Veterans Day. The daughters of Joseph Hopkins interviewed their father about his deployment to Afghanistan. This is written in their own words

My dad has always been a patriotic person ever since he was young. One day when he was about 18 or 19 years old he was watching TV and saw an ad for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Right then and there he decided that he was going to join the National Guard.

He went to basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia. There he learned how to be an infantryman. He learned the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These values are key to being an American soldier. He also took the Oath of Enlistment and the Soldiers Creed, promising to uphold and fight for both the U.S. Constitution and American Freedom.

In 2006 he was deployed to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a key place in the 9/11 attack on the U.S.. Afghanistan was where many of the terrorist groups were both planning and in the case of Al-Queda launching missions and other ideas.

My dad was in Afghanistan for 365 days or 1 year “Afghanistan is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen.” It has snow-covered mountains while simultaneously having no greenery and being a horribly hot desert. However, the cities are not what you’d think they would look like according 16

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to the view (from nature). A majority of the houses were built out of some rocks the builders found and clay they dug up. There is no plumbing anywhere. The grocery stores look like a shanty town from the days of the great depression. In the grocery stores, the meat was an animal they’d skinned and hung up outside. The animal would hang there for weeks until somebody bought the pieces or until it rotted. Even still, they would cut off the pieces that were rotting and continue to sell the animal. The hottest it was outside was probably 1400 in the summer.

Most people didn’t have shoes either. The shoes, they did have, we as America gave to them. It is so dry there that when it rains all of the plants bloom and the sand would be covered in grass. A day or two later all of the plant life would be dead.

While in Afghanistan my dad was a gunner. He was trained to shoot anything from a 9-millimeter pistol to rocket launchers. He was the gunner who sat on top of the Humvee. His job was to scope out the enemy. One day his Humvee was driving around, there was a car on the side of the road. That car happened to be rigged with a bomb. The man inside the car detonated the bomb.

The bomb exploded and it hit my dad’s Humvee. This is how my dad earned his purple heart. The volume of the explosion made him become deaf in one ear. The explosion also made him have memory loss.

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One of his group’s accomplishments in Afghanistan was that he and his troop transported the most weapons to the Afghan allies up to that point in history. My dad continued to fight for us until 2007. He later got married to my mom in June of 2007, and I was born in 2008. Two years later, the last piece of the puzzle, my sister, was born. That same year my dad got out of the National Guard.

Current events in Afghanistan: this year in 2021 President Joe Biden abruptly pulled United States troops from Afghanistan. Leaving behind allies and even our own American soldiers to be captured and killed by the Taliban, a group of people who hate our American ways. These are the people who we’ve been fighting against. We were trying to help the Afghan people establish their own Continued on page 18 *

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17

country and keep the Taliban from attacking them and continue their take over.

We couldn’t stay there forever but we definitely didn’t have to leave that way. Biden and our government have forgotten their Oath and basic values. That’s why it’s so important to know these values and live them out. They will help you pick the right people both to be as your friends and the people you elect into our government. My dad’s advice for our generation. What would you like every American to know? “I would like every American to know that you are a free human being anywhere on the planet because you are an American. Also, remember those values.”

“They’re not just Army values, they should be basic American values.”

How important is it to value your country? “It’s very important because if you don’t value your country your kids, friends, and people around you won’t either. You will be the poison that spoils the bunch.”

What can my generation do to make America better? “If you can take those values and understand their basis, and just live that life when people see you living that way they’ll want it too.

That’s true beautiful freedom.”

Continued on page 22 *

18

CAREGIVER Magazine

Issue 17

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Thank You for your service!

Now let us be in service to you...

7 State Veterans Homes

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Cemetery / Burial

State Benefits

Education & Training

VA Claims & Benefits

Employment Support & Referrals

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Entrepreneurship

Women Veterans Program

Call us today!

405-523-4000 | OKLAHOMA.GOV/VETERANS Claim your FREE digital subscription at CaregiverOklahoma.com

19

Lawton, Oklahoma resident, Mary Ann Pawless, like millions of Americans, is preparing for the upcoming holiday season made even more joyous by the skills she has learned thanks to the Older Blind Independent Living Program.

This year Mary Ann looks forward to helping prepare and be a part of her families traditional Thanksgiving meal and seasonal festivities, but participating in those traditions was at risk because of her struggles with macular degeneration, a common eye disorder among people over age 50 that causes blurred or reduced central vision.

Pawless sought help with her vision issues from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services’ Older Blind Independent Living Program. The staff teach independent living skills, adaptive aids and alternate techniques. Areas of support include help with reading tasks, time telling, name signing, orientation, and mobility for clients in their home and community. Clients are also taught money identification and management, recreation and leisure activities, and multiple independent living skills.

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Pawless demonstrated how she uses a handheld magnifier with a light to read an adjustable magnifying glasses that even enables her to watch her favorite TV shows. She has regained her ability to not only take care of herself but help her family and enjoy life to its fullest.

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“For a while there it was, poor me,” Pawless said. “I didn’t have the desire to try to do too much. I just kind of scooted around, but now it’s kind of like a whole new world they’ve opened up for me. I used to get kind of depressed, but that’s rare now because I stay busy at home and doing the yard.”

DRS also helped in other areas of her life. Pawless has black tabs on her stove and microwave that help her identify numbers and has a pair of elbow-length oven mitts to prevent accidentally burning her arm while using the oven.

She also listens to audiobooks from the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a program associated with Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired that provides audio books and audio equipment.

The Oklahoma Older Blind Independent Living Program provides one-on-one teaching for Oklahomans ages 55 and older who are struggling with vision loss and blindness. A large percentage of the staff are blind or have low vision and are located in offices throughout the state to help individuals regain their independence in a safe and efficient way at no cost to the client.

Pawless’ rehabilitation teacher Pam Holloway is also blind.

Holloway helped Pawless to be creative around her home, such as using a rubber band to identify her shampoo and conditioner. Pawless’ orientation and mobility specialist Liz Scheffe taught her how to navigate outside and use her white cane. With her newfound independence, Pawless is now able to enjoy life to the fullest again and has recovered from the depression that came with losing most of her vision.

Pawless, her husband and dog, Biscuit, live in a cabin with a beautiful garden across from Mount Scott. Her hobbies include listening to audiobooks, cooking, and working in her garden. She enjoys spending time with her grandson and neighbors.

“The Older Blind program means that our staff can give something to older blind individuals that they might not get anywhere else, and that is their independence to perform tasks for themselves,” Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Field Services Coordinator Teresa McDermott said.

“There is nothing more joyous than to hear a client say they never thought they would be able to read a piece of mail or a medicine label again, or cook a meal on the stove, but they can now, as a result of services from our staff.”

For more information about DRS services, call 800-8458476 during business hours to be transferred to the nearest office or visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/independence/ blind/older-blind.

The Older Blind Independent Living Program is part of the Service for the Blind and Visually impaired division of DRS, a state agency that assists Oklahomans with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, independent living programs, and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. Last year, DRS served more than 76,000 Oklahomans.

Holiday Assistance Sunbeam Family Services, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and TRIAD are once again spreading holiday cheer through the 21st annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday Program.

The program is open to grandparents who live in Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland or Logan County.

Online applications are available at

sfsok.org/grg DUE MONDAY, NOV. 1 BY 5 P.M. THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, DEC. 4, 2021.

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21

Constitution. To combat Veterans who served in Afghanistan many feel justifiably betrayed and angered. To the families that have buried loved ones under flagged draped coffins, the image of the 13 servicemen lost in our final days in Afghanistan, brought memories back of their family’s Hero. As Americans, we are the beneficiaries of their ultimate sacrifice. Our Flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

Author unknown I asked the Hopkins Family if they would like to add any additional comments to this Patriotic Salute.

Joseph Hopkins said “I am a regular guy living in the world trying to raise a family. I swore I would protect the United States of America from foreign and DOMESTIC enemies. Capitalize DOMESTIC.”

A note to Dad: Thank you daddy for all you’ve done for our country and me. You’re the best dad anyone can ask for.

I love you so so so much! Love Rayleigh.

Joseph Hopkins: Operation Enduring Freedom,

by Josslynn Hopkins.

Josslynn Hopkins- “We should honor our Military and pray for them.”

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Joseph and/or my dad was a literal hero. My dad was a gunner/infantryman. He fought in the Army National Guard. His branch was run by the State Government.

He joined when he was 18 or 19. He joined because he wanted to do his part because of the current events that were happening. He had just graduated high school and decided that he wanted to join the military, so he did. He went on one deployment for 365 days, which is 1 year.

He served for 8 years, 2 years inactive 10 years total.

Stephanie Hopkins- “I want to encourage people to keep pressing into God during all of this chaos.”Hebrews 13:14 — For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come .

Rayleigh Hopkins- “Freedom isn’t free count the cost of your choices!”

Injuries? Yes, my dad has injuries. He got hit by a car FEATURED SPEAKERS: bomb with over 300 pounds of explosives. Now he has to deal with a deaf ear. When he got hit he got shrapnels in his face. He also has memory loss. Tinnitus which is ringing in the ears, and a TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Dr. Angela Pharris

In Afghanistan, there is no indoor plumbing. The menAssistant Professor and Research Fellow Hope don’t respect women. They beat them if they stare at Research Center someone wrong, etc.. The kids can’t go to school as women. The women have to wear burkas. A burka is a head wrap that covers every part of the face.

A note to Dad: Thank you for your service daddy I love you Ashleigh Robinson Miss Oklahoma 2021 so much. Love Josslynn.

I want to personally thank Mr. Joseph Hopkins for his service and sacrifice to the United States of America. I know the past year has been very challenging for all of us.

Jordon But I hope we all recognize how especially difficult this Dr. Linda Author of The Voice of Hope time is for Veterans who have sworn an oath to uphold the 22

CAREGIVER Magazine

2021 Oklahoma

FAMILY CAREGIVERS Conference

Embracing Hope!

JOIN US VIRTUALLY

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Register Here: https://okcares.org SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION ___Gold Level: $500 Sponsorship • 1-2 Minute Program Description/Advertisement • Program Slide with logo & program description shown during Pre-Show and Session Breaks • Logo & Ad in the Virtual Program ___Silver Level: $100 Sponsorship • Program Slide with logo & program description shown during Pre-Show and Session Breaks • Logo & Ad in the Virtual Program ___Bronze Level: $50 Sponsorship • Logo & Ad in the Virtual Program

• Gold/Silver Time Slots are LIMITED • Program Slide with logo & program description shown during Pre-Show & Session Break (12pm-1pm) for Gold & Silver levels To become a Sponsor, Contact: Ronelle Baker (405) 985-9560 or Ronelle.Baker@okdhs.org * To ensure a variety of vendors, there may be limitations to vendors that provide the same or similar services.

Community Living, Aging & Protective Services S21005-C DHS Issued 08/2021 This publication is authorized by Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Justin Brown in accordance with state and federal regulations. Copies have not been printed but are available online at www.okdhs.org/library. An electronic copy has been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

Issue 17

CaregiverOklahoma.com

Longterm Care Options in Oklahoma

ASSISTED LIVING

— Brought to you by the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association —

ASSISTED LIVING A home or establishment that may provide assistance with personal care, medications, ambulation, nursing supervision and intermittent or unscheduled nursing care. They cannot provide 24-hour skilled nursing care. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health Mainly Private Pay, LTC Insurance may cover , VA Aid & Attendance, & Tribal Benefits Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver)

NURSING HOME A nursing facility that provides 24-hour skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require medical or nursing care.

Nursing Home Care Act - October 1, 1980. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care.

Options for Medicare/Medicaid

ADULT DAY CARE Provides health, recreational, social and supportive services to impaired adults for more than four hours per day. Participants do not stay in the center overnight. Adult Day Care Act - November 1, 1989 Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health VA allows respite benefits Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver)

VETERANS CARE Created in 2013, this program is for residents who are veterans living in the state veteran’s centers. They are licensed as a nursing facility and can provide 24-hour skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require medical or nursing care . Falls under Nursing Home Care Act - May 29, 2013. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health

CONTINUUM OF CARE Combines the services of a nursing facility with an assisted living center or an adult day care center. It is licensed under the Continuum of Care and Assisted Living Act and must also meet requirements applicable to nursing facilities, assisted living centers and adult day care centers. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health Currently inOklahoma, all Continuum of Care’s only have assisted livings.

Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver) for Assisted Living and Adult Day Care.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES Provide residential accommodations, food service, and supportive assistance. May also provide assistance with meals, dressing, bathing, other personal needs, and medication administration. Cannot provide medical care such as skilled nursing. Residential Care Act - November 1, 1984 Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health A typical residential care resident is younger than other long term care options and only requires assistant with medication administration.

NO Options for Medicare/Medicaid

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING/HOME CARE Apartments, cottages, and single-family homes for seniors 55 & over who do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 skilled nursing but may benefit from convenient services, senior-friendly surround-ings, and increased social opportunities. NOT Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health. No oversight since they are not licensed. May have “High Acuity” that is receiving Home Health and or Hospice services.

For a list of OKALA Members Visit www.OKALA.org Become a member or for more information call 405-235-5000

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23

The Subversion of

America

By LaShanya Nash

H

opefully, this information will shed light on how you feel after you step into the news arena. Helping you to evaluate what you are seeing and believing being presented by the vast majority of mainstream media sources. To caregivers providing care and support to your loved ones, I urge you to observe if there are any negative changes in their behavior. Then ask yourself could the news be doing more harm than good.

health. I am disheartened that we are at this point in our history that I feel compelled to discuss the health effects of news. It just should not need to be addressed but gone are the days of level-headed; trustworthy news; presenting just the facts; with journalistic integrity. The collusion of government, business, mainstream media, and social media platforms creates a very alarming trend to the detriment of public welfare.

If your loved one has mild dementia to Alzheimer’s the toll on their mental health could be traumatic. Creating a level of panic and anxiety that they can’t process or fully understand. All health conditions are exacerbated by stress. The human body, regardless of age, is not meant to be in a constant state of fear and worry.

Having worked professionally in newspaper and radio starting in my early 20’s. I received a real eye-opening education on how the news is made, how programming is selected and produced. For a time my desk was right outside the “wire room” where the Associated Press (AP) wire service would sound off with the news that was pushed out to news sources big and small.

Our bodies are wonderfully designed to respond to fear. When we feel scared or frightened, our brain activates our fight or flight response.

The nervous system jumps into action and floods our bodies with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Our nervous system can’t differentiate between us slamming on our brakes to avoid an accident, watching troubling news, or being chased by a bear.

If our fight or flight response is activated a few times during a normal week from something that doesn’t physically harm us, our body is fine.

The problem occurs when our bodies remain in a heightened state of fear. It will affect our physical and mental health some of the most common symptoms are fatigue, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Fear can also elevate blood pressure, increase heart rate and our blood will even flow from our heart to our limbs to prepare us to fight.

Yes, news can potentially be harmful to our 2244

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The Associated Press wire service has great power in our country, to further prove that point, many people may not be aware that “the AP is the only organization that collects and verifies election results in every city and county across the United States, including races for the U.S. president, the Senate and House of Representatives, governor as well as other statewide offices.”

News can be addictive because it’s thrilling. If you have a thrill-seeking personality you are more prone to become addicted to news. It is why we can stay trapped in a 24-hour news cycle because It is a psychological trap. Years of psychological and behavioral research have gone into studying human behavior specific to the news narrative and how it has the ability to persuade the public perception of events.

I am very disappointed in most of the news media sources available to us. Now that

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social media has entered the arena and unleashed the fact-checkers and banned voices that may have provided proof of an opposing view. What has resulted from that is a system of control that makes it more difficult to analyze both sides of a story.

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To write one story I may spend 20 or more hours on research.

The average person does not have time to do that level of investigation for themselves. Bold statements and fantastical data must be backed up by facts and proof. News should be free from emotion and presented in an unbiased way. It should allow us to form our own opinion.

We should not feel scolded or demeaned. If we feel confused or personally ridiculed in any way for how we view the topic, turn away from it or turn it off. Credible news should provide all sides of the story, we will feel calm and informed. We shouldn’t feel intense fear or anxiety after watching the news.

“The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.”

Thomas Jefferson

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I am very vigilant to keep the editorial side of CAREGIVER Magazine and the advertising separate. I will not take paid editorial content that is not disclosed publicly as being paid for.

I also do not fill the pages with press releases from businesses, they are just infomercials. I am asked this all the time if I would write a story about a business or let them submit a story and they will just pay me for it. Typically this is by big advertising media buyers and they are shocked when I tell them NO, which leads me to believe they are not told NO often.

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It is a corruption of a free and fair press. The first amendment provides protection to publishers and journalists. But we have a moral and ethical responsibility to our readers, viewers, and listeners to be honest and factual. Advertising is paid content and the public knows it is meant to encourage them to act. The news is meant to educate and inform and should never have financial enrichment behind it. The opinion or op-ed side can share their opinions and we may even be swayed to share in their views. Talk shows are meant to entertain us. Can you tell the difference anymore? I can’t and there lies the problem. It is a bastardization of the media.

Wash/Shampoo

When you have writers and anchors that push an emotionfueled narrative. Then social media platforms only allow that narrative and any opposition to that narrative is censored.

It leads me to question if there is financial motivation or a

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25 25

deeper hidden agenda in their messaging and behavior. I write this as a warning for us to be mindful about what we are allowing in our brain because we have the freedom and control to make decisions for ourselves on any topic.

When opposing voices are censored and not allowed to speak that is where we should all take pause and be concerned. Censorship and silencing opposing views are violations of the Constitution. In the current news cycle, we find ourselves in we see what is going on around us. We are being told don’t believe our lying eyes by the media, believe what we the media is saying as opposed to what We The People are witnessing. Don’t fall for this psychological manipulation.

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. -James Madison If journalists don’t want to seek the truth and don’t desire to tell the truth, why? Is that is not their role? The term whistleblower should never be used in reference to a journalist that is their intended function, to dig and find out if there is a missing piece to the puzzle to present all the information.

I would encourage you to take the news headlines and put them through a filter and use them as a jumping-off point of research. Realize there is another side to every news story but you will only hear or see it if you seek it for yourself and even then it may not be easily uncovered.

Although, I am encouraging you to research for yourself. That has become increasingly difficult. When researching for this story which was going to discuss the use of propaganda in the news to control the population and discuss the SmithMundt Act of 1948 and the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act 26

CAREGIVER Magazine

of 2012. The original legislation kept our federal government from using propaganda it created for foreign use only, on the American people domestically.

What I discovered is that our search engines are so heavily censored that it prevented me from fully researching the topic of propaganda to even present the information.

Those of us that want to research a topic and read for ourselves may not be able to. I value and seek the truth. I am a logical reasoned thinker and when I know the truth is out there but it is being kept from me. I have to ask why? Is it because the truth will set us free?

I encourage us all to make educated decisions based on rational common sense. Use the 5 W’s- Who, What, When, Where and Why when analyzing and researching. Read original sources of information if you can get your hands on it and investigate who funded its research. Always follow the money and motivation, then and only then will you see a more complete picture of what is really going on in the world around us.

Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.

-Benjamin Franklin Sources: simplypsychology.org/sympathetic-nervous-system.html verywellmind.com/is-watching-the-news-bad-for-mental-health-4802320 psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-neurochemical-self/201410/stop-traumatizing-yourselfwatching-the-news ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3477910/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press foreignpolicy.com/2013/07/14/u-s-repeals-propaganda-ban-spreads-government-madenews-to-americans/ www.businessinsider.com/ndaa-legalizes-propaganda-2012-5 www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/5-things-you-never-knew-about-fear pediaa.com/how-can-propaganda-be-both-positive-and-negative/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_ Year_2013#Smith%E2%80%93Mundt_Modernization_Act_of_2012 www.smithmundt.com/about/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith%E2%80%93Mundt_Act congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/5736/text businessinsider.com/ndaa-legalizes-propaganda-2012-5 scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1203&context=nulr

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27

C MMUNITY HEARTBEAT

By Lisa Sydnor

Are you struggling to pay for your prescriptions?

“Thank you for taking time to listen to me and help me apply for Extra Help. Now I can afford my medicine. I feel so much better.”

This is from a woman who called for help. Without Extra Help, she would not have been able to purchase needed medications.

Jean Kidd and her coworkers with the OKDHS Medicare and Melds program hear those words much too often. Jean shared, “Too many individuals who take multiple prescription medications find it is cost-prohibitive. We hear some individuals are making the difficult choice of buying their prescription medications or groceries. Skipping food or prescription medications can have many adverse effects. The Extra Help program can assist individuals to stretch their resources and maintain their health. Kidd continued, “One woman recently told me that because of Extra Help she can afford all of her medicines and no longer skips dosages. Knowing that Extra Help is making a

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CAREGIVER Magazine

Intrigued? Do you need EXTRA HELP? Well, you may be eligible. We all know how challenging it can be to navigate through Social Security, Medicare and all its programs. When ASKLisa receives questions regarding Medicare, I call upon the OKDHS Medicare and Meds Coordinators to guide me through the process participants go through when applying for Extra Help. The Coordinators are patient, helpful and understanding, they answer all my many questions and are there to answer yours.

Another program that can assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries is Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).

MSP helps cover Medicare Part B premiums (could increase your Social Security check) and may help pay for your hospital benefits & doctor visits by reducing or eliminating your co-pay and/or deductibles.

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difference for many individuals gives our staff purpose and the momentum to continue spreading the word about these programs.”

If you answer ‘yes’ to all three of the following questions, you may be eligible for programs to reduce your and prescription drug costs and Medicare premiums: 1. Do you have Medicare?

2. If single, is your total monthly income less than $1,630, or if married less than $2,198?

3. If single, are your total resources $14,790, or if married, $29,520 or less?

Do not count home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts, back payments from Social Security or SSI.

Issue 17

CaregiverOklahoma.com

Be proactive with your health. Take advantage of the many Preventive Services that Medicare offers at little or no cost to you.

These services are covered by Medicare Part B. No matter what your income or resources, the Medicare and Meds staff want to assist you in learning more about Preventive Services.

For individuals needing assistance with their Medicare plan, OPEN ENROLLMENT is October 15 thru December 7, 2021. This is the period when individuals can enroll in or change Medicare health and drug plans. Insurance companies change their coverage each year. It is important to review your coverage yearly during Open Enrollment to assure you are enrolled in a plan that works best for you.

Contact the SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs) team at the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-763-2828.

The Medicare and Meds staff and other resources are supported by the federally funded MIPPA (Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act) grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services. https:// oklahoma.gov/okdhs/medicareandmeds/mippa.

COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION BY AREA: JEAN KIDD Elizabeth.Kidd@okdhs.org (405) 630-9715 (NW Oklahoma & NW OK County) MARY ANN BRISCOE MaryAnn.Briscoe@okdhs.org (405) 640-1002 (NE Oklahoma & NE OK County) SUE GRANT Sgrant@incog.org (918) 579-9477 (Osage, Tulsa, and Creek Counties) TERESA RYAN Anita.CTR.Ryan@okdhs.org (405) 642-1538 (SW Oklahoma & SW OK County) MARILYN CONLEY Marilyn.CTR.Conley@okdhs.org (405) 982-1914 (SE Oklahoma & SE OK County)

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29

Remember When?

By Lisa Sydnor

Susan Remembers When Family traditions? Yes, we certainly had traditions. We had hayrides; they were a time to snuggle with your favorite guy(gal)! At the destination, we built a huge bonfire, ‘cause it was COLD, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire and sang. As a child, my favorite tradition was going to the pumpkin patch to select my pumpkin to carve. On Halloween, we went house-to-house and covered the whole town. Of course, the population of my hometown was only around 2100 people and I was related to most of them! We had a very big extended family and everyone had their specialties they made for holidays. One of my aunts made taffy every year. I swear I must have pulled 10 miles of taffy every Thanksgiving weekend. We would add the taffy to the boxes of goodies being given as Christmas gifts to friends and family.

Liz Remembers When Traditions? We didn’t have traditions. I was raised in California and during the fall my family would go to the beach, build a bonfire, go night fishing, and cook what we caught. Being a musical family, we sang and played various instruments, such as guitar, tambourine, harmonica, & mariachis. My “Ma” was our vocalist. She led our singa-longs and the rest of us joined in even when off-key!

Maybe we did have a tradition, I just never thought of it in that way.

Pat Remembers When I never actually thought we had family traditions. As a child, we were what you might call “dirt poor”. There was no Halloween celebration but we always went to my grandparent’s home for Thanksgiving. We had turkey and dressing and everyone sat at the table to eat. Later on my husband, Bob, who was a very good cook, began our family tradition. He loved to cook, especially holiday or special event meals. We had turkey, dressing, ham and his great pumpkin pies and amazing chocolate cake. After his death, my son insisted we cook “Dad’s meal” to continue the tradition. I have to admit neither of us could match Bob’s expertise in the kitchen. Another tradition I loved, my best friend made heavenly divinity, and every holiday, I got a box of divinity. I looked forward to her special box of homemade divinity and other homemade candies.

Ron Remembers When My favorite tradition was Trick or Treating, my favorite holiday! Back then we had “neighborhoods” and we could go to every house in our neighborhood. We used 330 0

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Family Traditions! brown paper sacks or a pillowcase for our “treasure.”

We couldn’t eat the candy until mom and dad had inspected each piece. I loved the costumes! My mother made many of our costumes. There was no such thing as buying a costume. Do you remember Foreman Scotty? My mom made me a Foreman Scotty costume! She also made clowns, pirates and cowboy costumes for me and my brothers. Such fun!

Krista Remembers When A tradition I remember was shucking corn! But my favorite tradition was the pecan pies my granddaddy made from the pecans we picked up, cracked and shelled. I didn’t really like digging up the potatoes, but I remember it well. Thanksgiving at my great grandparents with 300 people there - OK maybe not 300, but when you are young and you come from a very large extended family, it can be overwhelming; 80-90 people in one house - at one meal - with every room in the house full of people, tables, chairs and food, 300 is a reasonable number to remember.

Janine Remembers When I love fall traditions! We went to our hometown and I helped my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother make apple and plum butter. The smell of cinnamon and apples always makes me a little nostalgic. My great grandmother taught me so much about canning; how to use a pressure cooker; how to clean and prep vegetables for canning or freezing. I loved being on the back porch with my grandmother and greatgrandmother shucking corn. I got to put my name and the date on the jars or boxes so whoever got that jar knew I “canned” it. I was so proud when my granddaddy would say, “Now that was some fine corn (or green beans), wonder who canned it?” Then he would find the jar lid and congratulate me on a job well done. My finest hour!

Clarissa Remembers When I love traditions! I remember so many; canning in the fall, spreading potatoes under the house to store for the winter; loading my grandparents’ cellar with all the vegetables and fruits we canned. We celebrated Thanksgiving in my hometown with our huge extended family around. When my children were young, I started the tradition at Thanksgiving of sharing my blessings. I then asked anyone who felt blessed to share their gratitude.

Now that I have a large family, it can take a while; even our youngest recognize and share their blessings. o ma .ac. oc m om C Cl al iami my oy uo ru rF RF RE E Ed idgi igtiat la ls us bu sb cs rcirpi tpitoi no na ta tC Ca raer ge igvi ev reOr Ok lkal ha oh m

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