Seniors: A Guide to Planning

St. Matthew's Direct Care Service

Personal Care Services from Infant to Senior

Matt Sneed - Owner/Administrator 2620 Centenary Blvd. Bldg. 1 Suite 104 • Shreveport, LA 71104 318-213-2273 • 318-393-8331 • sneed.matt@gmail.com

Provider for Long Term Personal Care Service (L.T.P.C.S.) and Medical Waivers, N.O.W., R.O.W., C.C.W.

Memory Concerns? You’re Not Alone.

Call us at: 318-656-4800

851 Olive Street, Shreveport, LA 71104

We are a non-profit organization. All funds raised stays in our community. Memory Concerns? You’re Not Alone.

• Dressing • Preparation and

Consumption of Food • Transfer Assistance • Bathing • Ambulation • Routine Body Function • Daily Living Functions

Call us at: 318-656-4800

851 Olive Street, Shreveport, LA 71104 www.alzbridge.org

Creating a community where no one affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia makes the journey alone.

Lauren Roppolo & Braylon Ash

MAY 28, 2016 F rom the Event Designer/ Coordinator: When I asked Lauren, as I do all of my brides, to describe her wedding vibe in three words, she quickly replied, “ Elegant, modern and southern.” While designing her reception, I knew I wanted to include elements that were timelessly southern, mixed with modern industrial touches and a clean, neutral color palate. Magnolia leaves, a recognized southern staple, and boxwood were the base for the lush greenery that covered much of the reception. Hand-crafted industrial light boards with exposed Edison bulbs, greenery and ribbon chandeliers over the dance floor and rusty lanterns shipped up from New Orleans were large focal points that created the modern southern atmosphere. We also added smaller touches that made a big impact, such as wrought iron candelabras, floral arrangements in antique brass goblets and beautiful hand-written signage from All Things Taylor-Made. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Hillary Moss Photographer: Lauren Rinaudo Photography • Floral Design: Adcock & Associates by Jemi Adcock • Invitations: Mint Julep Paperie • Band: The Mix • Fireworks: Durrs Pyromania • Wedding Gown: Low’s Bridal and Formal (Brinkley, Ar.) and A&Be Bridal Shop (Dallas, Tx.) • Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids • Jeweler: Everett Jewelers • Hair: Cheveaux by Robbie Meshell • Makeup: Unfleeting Beauty by Lindsey Blount • Caterer: Chef Holly Schreiber at Sainte Terre • Cake: Sweetie Cakes

sbmag.net

Mary O’Brien and Zackary JordanJUNE 18, 2016

Emily Evans and Bryan Overdyke

MAY 28, 2016

Mary Morgan O’Brien and Zackary Joseph Jordan were united in marriage on June 18, 2016 at St. Mark’s Cathedral. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend M. L. Agnew. Mary Morgan is the daughter of Leigh Ann Lindsey O’Brien and Morgan Patrick O’Brien. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Arthur Lawrence Lindsey, Jr. and the late Dr. A. L. Lindsey, Jr., Edna Marie Whitmeyer O’Brien Allen and William Joseph O’Brien, Jr..Zack is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Damon Jordan and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don Wayne Jordan, Mrs. Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr. and the late Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr..The Vendors:• Photographer: Brian Lewis Floral Design: Debbie Morgan of The Red GeraniumBand: Windstorm Wedding Gown: Allure Bridal Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires Jeweler: McCary’s Bride’s Hair/Makeup: Adrienne Connelly of Chemistry Hair Salon Bridesmaids’ Hair/Makeup: Chemistry Hair Salon Caterer: East Ridge Country Club Bride’s cake: Kathy Cubley Groom’s cake: Silver Palate Cakery On Thursday, May 26, wedding guests arrived in Napa to kick off the weekend with a Welcome Reception at the Silverado Resort. The following evening, wedding attendants and family were wowed by the rehearsal dinner setting at Merryvale Winery hosted by the groom’s parents. Eighty guests dined at the long table in the cask room complete with candelabras and beautiful florals. (Robin Williams also had his rehearsal dinner there!) The afternoon wedding ceremony took place at St. Helena Catholic Church officiated by Father Peter Mangum. Following the ceremony, guests were bused to Inglenook Winery for wine and cheese tastings. The festivities continued at the Silverado Resort and Spa with a cocktail hour that led into the reception. The outdoor reception was picturesque with florals cascading down the trees and fabric draping creating quite the ambiance. Guests feasted on farm-to-table dining and Napa Valley wines to celebrate the occasion. The Vendors:

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Quintana Events •

Photographer: Adeline & Grace Photography •

Videographer: Justin Clough Productions •

Floral Design: Poppystone •

Band: The All-Stars (San Francisco, Ca.) •

Cocktail Hour Venue: Inglenook Winery •

Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza for Stanley Korshak •

Bridesmaids Attire: Lilac Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaids •

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Custom Linen suits from John Pickens •

Jeweler: McCary’s Morgan Davis and Daniel Simpson

OCTOBER 29, 2016

Although Morgan and Daniel were students at LSU at the same time, they had to go all the way to China on an MBA study abroad trip to meet! It wasn’t until after graduation when Morgan moved to New Orleans and Daniel moved to Shreveport that the romance started. After two and a half years of long distance dating, Daniel popped the question and Morgan said “yes”! When starting the wedding planning, they immediately called event planner, florist and family friend Kendall Bailey. With his help, Morgan’s dream wedding became a reality. Morgan wore a silk white French Chantilly Lace gown over silk satin organza, and a silk illusion veil edged with Chantilly Lace, both designed exclusively for her by Patti Flowers of Dallas. The sheer illusion bateau neckline was adorned with delicate organic lace petals. The ceremony was held at the beautiful flower adorned First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. A lovely candle lit reception followed in a lavish clear tent on the grounds of David Tom’s Academy 265. Dancing the night away as the star shone in the crystal clear sky, the newly married husband and wife ended their perfect day surrounded by family, friends and love.

The Vendors:

• Venue: David Tom’s Academy 265 Florist: Kendall Bailey of Kendall and Company • Pelican Tents and Events • Brian Lewis Photography • Hitched Film • Southern Fork Catering of the Jason Brady Restaurant Group • Band: Musical Fantasy • Bride’s Cake: GeorigeGirl Cakery •

• Groom’s Cake: Alyson Foreman Wedding Dress, Mother of Bride, & Mother of Groom’s Dresses: Custom designed by Patti Flowers of Dallas • Bella Bridesmaids • Drake Valet Sherricka Fields and Vernon JonesAUGUST 22, 2015

Carol Nunley, a Shreveport, Louisiana Accredited wedding / event planner and designer, is known for creating your event with passion, and personalization. As an independent planner, Carol work one-on-one with her clients and provide a unique experience with all the pampering and respect they deserve. Preparing for your special day should be fun and exciting. Her wedding and event planning service will be a welcomed relief to the sometimes hectic details. Carol is a Certified Sandals / Beaches Resorts / Grand Pineapple Specialist. Sandals is the luxury resort with more included than any other resort. Sherricka and Vernon Jones of Shreveport, La., were married on August 22, 2015 at four o’clock in the evening at Brown Chapel of Centenary College. After finishing active military duty and seeking degrees in paramedics and kinesiology, Vernon met Sherricka while she was pursuing her career in finance.Sherricka’s ballet students performed a number at her wedding that Sherricka choreographed herself. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/ Coordinator: Carol Nunley at Circle of Love• Photographer: Ephraim Fields & Jeremy Brown• Videographer: Nicoby Watkins• Wedding Gown: Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Al’s Formalwear• Hair: Yoloanda Gales of Benote’ Salon• Makeup: Pavunae Jones of Pretty Please Cosmetics• String Quartet: Four Seasons Quartet• Wedding Decor: Patricia Jenkins, Bernadette Stroud Love in Bloom Donna Brian D onna Brian, MWP™ is known as the only Master Wedding Planner in Louisiana. Donna, and her team of event professionals, is an award winning, full service wedding and event certified planners. Having been in the industry for more than 18 years, she is sought after for her expertise and trend setting ideas. She has won numerous awards including the Miss Dorothy Heart Award. This award demonstrates a “passion for the wedding industry” and is nominated by her peers in the Association of Bridal Consultants. Other awards include Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year, Voted Knot Best of Weddings, Knot Hall of Fame, Locals Love Us and Brides Choice Award. She is a certified Sandals Wedding and Honeymoon specialist and will recommend what Caribbean property will meet a couple needs. She loves planning destination weddings for domestic and international locations.Donna is dedicated to making her client’s events unique, personal, and unforgettable with providing exceptional customer service. She is passionate about weddings, and strives to make dreams come true For more information or to book your wedding, honeymoon or event call us to schedule an appointment 318-469-2044 .

• Sara Morgan and Cole Davis MARCH 5, 2015S ara and Cole wanted to create a “wow factor” for their wedding guests throughout the course of the evening. Their desire was to host their ceremony and reception at an upscale outdoor venue while incorporating traditional flair. The ceremony took place on the rooftop where the floral design was elegant and the ballroom was illuminated with candles throughout. Guests were then treated to a magical fireworks display during the reception. It was definitely an evening to remember.Wedding by MOONLIGHT & LACE and photography by OLIVIA LOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Featuring Vendors:• Videographer: Braniff Productions• Floral Design: Kyle Loyd at Colony House of Flowers• Fireworks Display: Pyromania Fireworks, LLC• Band: Earshot Graffiti• Wedding Gown: Martina Liana at Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Joanna August at Bella Bridesmaid• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires• Hair: Shannon Lare at The Ritz Makeup: Bel Viso Makeup Artistry

Coverage includes a description of the wedding and reception, your wedding dress, your list of vendors, and full color or black and white photos. Printed in the issue of your choice and posted online.

Share your Big Day! CALL 318.221.7264 OR EMAIL KEYLE@SBMAG.NET FOR PRICES

LIVING Senior

Did you know that approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older? And by 2030, it is predicted that 73 million Americans will be age 65 or older.

BY ELIZABETH DEAL, ADAM BAILEY, ISABELLE ROGERS BY ELIZABETH DEAL, ADAM BAILEY, ISABELLE ROGERS

By 2034, the U.S. population will be comprised of more older adults than children.

APPROACHING RETIREMENT

For some, retirement is a time of relaxation and freedom. Others fall victim to boredom or feeling without purpose. You may want to play golf all day or you may want to get another job. But as you prepare for this stage, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Take advantage of the benefits of retirement planning, financial planning, and estate planning. • Review the financial implications of a planned retirement date. • Review the financial implications to determine your best age to begin collecting Social Security. • Learn the deadlines and associated penalties for signing up for Medicare. • Be aware of the differences between Original Medicare Be aware of the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. This can affect what services are covered, what co-pays are due, and coverage restrictions, etc. • Contribute the maximum possible to retirement plans. • Consider Life Insurance and Long-term Care Insurance policies. Note that some Life Insurance policies make accelerated death benefit payments to help pay for longterm care. • Develop a plan for how you intend to spend your time. • Create a budget for living and recreational expenses.

In a recent survey, 59% of older Americans said they plan to delay retirement.

KEEP THE MIND AND BODY MOVING

It’s important for seniors to stay active after retirement.

For the mind. Stay connected socially as much as possible. Take continuing education classes. Volunteer. Play card or puzzle games. Read. Garden. Learn new things. Take a dance class. Try a new hobby. Get another job. Join clubs or online groups of people with similar interests. Just keep doing what you love!

For the body. Make maintaining health a priority. Eat nutritiously. Get regular sleep. Have regular doctor visits, annual bloodwork done, and eyes and hearing checked. For minor health issues, take advantage of telehealth services where you can speak to a doctor or nurse online. Exercise. Seniors that exercise regularly are more likely to be able to maintain their independence. Regular exercise helps older adults have the ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. Research has shown that it’s important for seniors to do exercises for endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Some recommended exercises include:

Make maintaining health a priority. Eat nutri-

• Walking • Water aerobics • Strength training with dumbbells • Resistance band • Workouts using body weight • Pilates • Chair exercises or chair yoga

And being able to maintain balance is critical. Every year, 1 out of 3 older adults fall, yet less than half tell their doctor. Every 20 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from a fall. Besides those deaths, falls can cause knee or other injuries, or severe injuries like hip fractures or brain injuries that leave a person bedridden. And that can spiral into problems like depression or pneumonia.

To test your balance, stand on each leg for at least 10 seconds.

ADDRESS MOBILITY CHANGES

At some point, the mobility situation of a person may change, but there are mobility aids that can help, like:

• Cane • Walker • Wheelchair • Shower benches • Swivel seat cushions • Risers for chairs, sofas, or toilet seats

Some of these aids may be purchased over the counter or used, Some of these aids may be purchased over the counter or used, but out-of-pocket costs may be incurred and equipment fit mat-but out-of-pocket costs may be incurred and equipment fit matters! The wrong sized equipment can lessen a senior’s stability ters! The wrong sized equipment can lessen a senior’s stability and even cause pain. The best route is to start with a doctor vis-and even cause pain. The best route is to start with a doctor visit, who can refer the senior to a physical or occupational thera-it, who can refer the senior to a physical or occupational therapist or medical equipment supplier. The suppliers have experts to size the equipment properly and provide training on proper use. Plus, equipment costs may be covered by insurance when use. Plus, equipment costs may be covered by insurance when prescribed. For seniors to live at home comfortably and safely, some of the For seniors to live at home comfortably and safely, some of the following home modifications may be considered: pill boxes, jar openers, flashlights, magnifying glasses, and med-

• Installing ramps or railings where needed and bars in the shower • Installing walk-in showers or tubs • Making clear pathways by moving/removing clutter or furniture or securing area rugs • Placing often used items in easy to reach locations

Also, seniors may benefit from having certain items handy, like pill boxes, jar openers, flashlights, magnifying glasses, and medical alert devices, etc. Save all receipts from equipment or home modifications for possible reimbursement or tax purposes.

ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION

Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. Older adults generally practice safe driving behaviors like wearing seat belts, driving when conditions are safest, and not drinking and driving. But the risk of being injured or killed in a traffic crash increases as people age, due to declines in vision, cognitive functioning, or physical changes. According to USAging, about 600,000 older adults stop driving each year. This can negatively affect their health and well-being because they become unable to independently go shopping, to doctors appointments, to social events, and more. Family members and caregivers often provide transportation, but professional services, non-profit organizations, and non-emergency medical transportation are some other options available. A good place to start for free services is a local council on aging. Gogograndparent.com is an example of a business to look into. There are costs and fees, but they can transport seniors without needing to use a cell phone or app, and they notify family members of their location.

WHEN EXTRA CARE IS NEEDED

There may come a time when yourself or loved one needs some extra help. Nearly 70% of adults 50+ believe that they will need assistance with their daily activities as they get older, yet fewer than 30% have given serious thought to how they will continue to live independently if they need such assistance.. Other sources of help include technological devices that can provide assistance or even various community services geared at helping seniors. The first step is to see where an individual needs support and then assess all the possible solutions. It is vital to check what costs are and are not covered by the individual’s selected Medicare plan or other insurance policies. Activities of daily living (ADL) are the essentials necessary to the physical and emotional well-being of seniors and will help ensure their daily living requirements are met effectively:

ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION

seat belts, driving when conditions are safest, and not drinking about 600,000 older adults stop driving each year. This can negatively affect their health and well-being because they become are some other options available. A good place to start for free they can transport seniors without needing to use a cell phone assistance with their daily activities as they get older, yet fewer than 30% have given serious thought to how they will continue es of help include technological devices that can provide assisthe physical and emotional well-being of seniors and will help Other types of daily living activities related to independent functioning are called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and typically refer to the following types of activities with long-term care:

• Self-feeding • Personal Hygiene • Bathing or Showering • Toilet Hygiene • Dressing • Functional Mobility

Other types of daily living activities related to independent functioning are called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and typically refer to the following types of activities with long-term care:

• Taking Prescribed Medications • Managing Money and Paying Bills • Cooking and Preparing Meals • Cleaning and Maintaining the Home • Shopping and Buying Necessities • Running Errands • Speaking or Communicating on the Phone or Through Speaking or Communicating on the Phone or Through

Other Devices

Caregiving may be provided by a spouse, adult children, friends, Caregiving may be provided by a spouse, adult children, friends, neighbors, or professional caregivers.

Ark-La-Tex Home Health is a locally owned and operated Home Health agency that has served our home-bound population in the Shreveport-Bossier City area and surrounding parishes since 1989. and surrounding parishes since 1989. Our multi-disciplined clinical team works closely with your physician to create a plan of care to meet your healthcare needs following a hospitalization, surgical pro-following a hospitalization, surgical procedure, or post-physician clinic visit. Our nursing and therapy staff consists of highly trained individuals that take pride in providing the best care possible within our community. We are in-network with multiple Medicare and commercial plans to better serve your needs. If you feel you or a loved one could benefit from our services, please contact us.

Ark-La-Tex Home Health is dedicated to improving the lives of all people entrusted to our care and to inspire hope and healing by helping those individuals achieve their highest level of their highest level of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

SAND BEACH OFFICE PLAZA 7591 FERN AVE, SUITE 1503 SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 LIVING OPTIONS LIVING OPTIONS

Below are the most common types of living arrangements available to Below are the most common types of living arrangements available to seniors: seniors: Living at Home. Most seniors want to live independently in their own home. This requires being able to manage home maintenance, housecleaning, yardwork, housework, meal preparation, taking medications, or paying bills, among other things. Caregiver support from friends, family, or professionals may also be needed. Some people choose to downsize to a smaller home or apartment to lessen the load. A home can also be modified to help a senior live their comfortably and safely. Living with A Relative/Family. Seniors who need assistance with daily activities and some health care support (non-skilled) while having the companionship and care provided by living with a family member(s). Independent Living Communities. Active, independent seniors may like to rent or buy a home/apartment in a community with other seniors. Many of these communities offer gyms, clubhouse, yard maintenance, housekeeping, security, transportation, laundry service, group meals, or social activities. surveillance and caregiving but don’t need a hospital or have checked out Medicare covers care in a nursing home or care in their own home from a to supporting people dealing with terminal illness. Palliative and hospice as an additional layer of support as a person goes through curative treatments, often addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of illness for the patient and their family. This type of care provides comfort and reduces pain. People receiving it can still try to cure their condition, such as Balancing caregiving with work and other family obligations can be stressnegatively affect your health, well-being and ability to provide care. Tend to

Living at Home. Most seniors want to live independently in their own home. This requires being able to manage home maintenance, housecleaning, yardwork, housework, meal preparation, taking medications, or paying bills, among other things. Caregiver support from friends, family, or professionals may also be needed. Some people choose to downsize to a smaller home or apartment to lessen the load. A home can also be modified to help a senior live their comfortably and safely. Living with A Relative/Family. Seniors who need assistance with daily activities and some health care support (non-skilled) while having the companionship and care provided by living with a family member(s). Independent Living Communities. Active, independent seniors may like to rent or buy a home/apartment in a community with other seniors. Many of these communities offer gyms, clubhouse, yard maintenance, housekeeping, security, transportation, laundry service, group meals, or social activities. Assisted Living Communities. Seniors who are still relatively independent but may need some assistance and caregiving with their daily activities such as meals, dressing, bathing, help with medication and transportation may like an assisted living community. These communities may offer rooms or apartment rental, group meals, social activities, exercise, laundry services, or housekeeping. Nursing Homes. Seniors who require a living environment with medical surveillance and caregiving but don’t need a hospital or have checked out of a hospital may need this type of environment, typically for chronic conditions or short-term rehabilitative care. Nursing staff is on-duty 24 hours a day. Roughly half of the adults 50-plus in a recent AARP survey believe that Medicare covers care in a nursing home or care in their own home from a home health aide but it generally does not. Palliative and Hospice Care Services. Certain organizations are dedicated to supporting people dealing with terminal illness. Palliative and hospice care offer distinctly different services, but both encompass a philosophy that aims to make patients as comfortable as possible. Palliative care, or supportive care, addresses symptoms and side effects of serious illnesses, but most often cancer. Typically, palliative care is provided as an additional layer of support as a person goes through curative treatments, often addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of illness for the patient and their family. This type of care provides comfort and reduces pain. People receiving it can still try to cure their condition, such as through chemotherapy or surgery. Hospice care only takes place after a person stops seeking curative treatments. Hospice care does not necessarily mean imminent death as some people assume, but it’s a way to embrace life and get much-needed support for patients and families. The goal is to provide comfort for the individual when doctors no longer deem recovery likely and are seeking quality of life over quantity of life. Both types of care can take place at the individual’s home, a retirement community, a nursing home, or in a hospital. Some hospice and palliative care organizations offer inpatient units for when patients need additional support.

FOR CAREGIVERS

Caregiving for a parent or spouse can be difficult both physically and emotionally. There are many decisions to be made about transportation, recreational activities, personal safety, meals, medical care, finances, and more. Caregivers are often required to help with ADLs. And it can be hard for an individual to handle the overall decline in physical and mental vitality, standard of life, and emotional well-being of a close loved one. The goal is to keep their best emotional, mental, and physical well-being at heart. Balancing caregiving with work and other family obligations can be stressful, and the most difficult part is often the demand on their time. Stress can negatively affect your health, well-being and ability to provide care. Tend to your own needs for exercise, sleep and healthy eating and take advantage of respite care services or offers from friends. Find ways to reduce your stress

and make sure to take time to have fun! If you take the time to care for yourself, you often return to your responsibilities renewed and better able to provide care for your loved one. Caregiver support is available. In addition to siblings and other family members, there are experts, professionals, resources, and other information to help you in caring for If a caregiver needs to take a leave of absence from their job to care for a loved one, they may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, depending on their employer employment status.

ADDRESS LEGAL ISSUES

It’s a good idea to have legal documents prepared before they are needed. This allows the person to receive the medical care they want, avoid unnecessary suffering by loved ones, and relieve caregivers of the burden, confusion or any disagreements when making decision during moments of crisis or grief. Seniors should talk to family members and other important people in their life about their wishes. Recommended documents: • Will - a legal document that spells out how you want your affairs handled and assets distributed after you die. • Trust - a fiduciary arrangement whereby a grantor/trustor gives a trustee the right to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a specific purpose or person. • Power of Attorney for health care – legal document determining who will make health care decisions if an individual is unable to do so. • Power of Attorney for finances - legal document determining who will make financial decisions if an individual is unable to do so. • Living Will - a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. • Advance directives - guides the choices that will be made by family, caregivers, or doctors if a person is terminally ill, seriously injured, in a coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life. • Do not resuscitate (DNR) and do not intubate (DNI) orders – these are not required to be written legal documents but should be conveyed to the doctor and family. There are attorneys who specialize in issues that affect seniors like estate planning, wills and trusts, long-term living situations, preserving and protecting assets, appeals to Social Security and Medicare, and addressing abuse and fraud, and more. Important Documents. Locate and keep valuable documents in a safe place where they can be easily accessed by a Power of Attorney or trusted individual: • Power(s) of attorney for financial and health • Will and/or trust • Medicare card • Insurance cards • Social Security card • Insurance policies/cards • Pension benefits • Death Certificate of a spouse or parent • Birth Certificate • List of bank accounts and safety deposit boxes • List of retirement accounts • Military discharge papers • Marriage certificate • Divorce decree • Citizenship papers • Deeds to property • Deeds to cemetery plots

and make sure to take time to have fun! If you take the time to care for yourself, you often return to your responsibilities renewed and better able to provide care for your loved one. Caregiver support is available. In addition to siblings and other family members, there are experts, professionals, resources, and other information to help you in caring for If a caregiver needs to take a leave of absence from their job to care for a loved one, they may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the federal Family It’s a good idea to have legal documents prepared before they are needed. This allows the person to receive the medical care they want, avoid unnec - a fiduciary arrangement whereby a grantor/trustor gives

Power of Attorney for finances - legal document determining who will coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life.

Do not resuscitate (DNR) and do not intubate (DNI) orders – these There are attorneys who specialize in issues that affect seniors like estate Locate and keep valuable documents in a safe place Innovation has been the story of The Glen since it was founded in 1898. As a Life Plan Community, The Glen offers the choice of independent living, assisted the choice of independent living, assisted living or health care on 53 acres. In my 20 years here, I’ve seen innovation in action as our services have continued to expand. In 2006 we opened The Cottages for as-In 2006 we opened The Cottages for assisted living memory care, modeling the way residents live there on a concept that way residents live there on a concept that focuses on individuality and dignity. We also transitioned to the household mod-We also transitioned to the household mod el within Village Health Care, which in-el within Village Health Care, which in volved a culture change and physical redesign emphasizing a homelike environment. In the Stiles Apartments, a sense of com-In the Stiles Apartments, a sense of com munity is promoted with the designation of munity is promoted with the designation of different “neighborhoods,” where residents find camaraderie through group meetings find camaraderie through group meetings and activities. In 2021 we opened Redbrook, with state-ofIn 2021 we opened Redbrook, with state-ofthe-art wellness amenities including a pool and strength training room, which resi-and strength training room, which resi dents use to refresh their minds and bodies.

Continued advancement with the innovations available in our field over the last century has kept The Glen true to its mis-century has kept The Glen true to its mission — to enrich the lives of older adults. sion — to enrich the lives of older adults.

DEBRA WILLIAMS PRESIDENT AND CEO THE GLEN

403 E FLOURNOY LUCAS RD 403 E FLOURNOY LUCAS RD SHREVEPORT, LA 71115 SHREVEPORT, LA 71115 (318) 798-3500 THEGLEN.ORG

There are many resources for seniors, and this list is provided as a starting point. Talk to friends and family and legal and medical practitioners recommendations. There are groups and organizations, both independent and government funded, that assist, support, and help seniors.

Government Benefits

Find information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs covering health, disability, income, and more. benefits.gov

Area Agency on Aging

Area Agency on Aging is a federally mandated agency in a parish or city. These are go-to resources because they know all about senior programs and services, including available funding sources, in their cluding available funding sources, in their respective areas. They can help determine eligibility for their programs like personal care, housekeeping, meal delivery, and respite care for the caregiver are often among the available services. Counselors are available to assist and provide necessary documents and forms to apply for programs. Caddo Council on Aging: caddocoa.org Bossier Council on Aging: bossiercoa.org

National Council on Aging

This is the nation’s most comprehensive webbased service where you can search benefits, programs, and resources for seniors: • Prescription drugs • In-home services • Transportation • Housing • Healthcare • Financial assistance • Legal aid • Energy/utility assistance • Nutrition/Meals

benefitscheckup.org AARP

The AARP is a great guide for information and resources and this page is specific to caregivers in Louisiana.

states.aarp.org/louisiana/caregiverresources Medicare

Find detailed information about the Medicare health and prescription drug plan and doctors, health care providers, and suppliers in your area, including what they cost and what services they provide. they cost and what services they provide.

Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE Veterans Benefits

Find health care and other veterans benefits. At va.gov

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/524 56 JULY 2022 | SBMAG.NET

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMMERS!

57% of U.S. adults age 45 and older are concerned about becoming a target or victim of a scam. Most are vigilant about protecting themselves.

• Don’t ever give out your account numbers, banking information, Social

Security number, address, or personal information if asked via phone, text, or email, unless you have initiated the conversation and you know to whom you are speaking. Scammers can have a caller ID that matches the official number of an organization, and they can imitate voices well. If you ask for their number to call them back, they will usually give up and hang up. • Be aware of phone scams regarding Medicare or offering free Be aware of phone scams regarding Medicare or offering free medical equipment. If a caller ever asks you to verify your Medicare

ID number, do not give it to them. Medicare never makes unsolicited calls or visits to your home, so never entertain someone pressuring you to accept anything that’s “free.” • Don’t open suspicious texts or emails or click on links from people you know, companies you do business with, or strangers. Sometimes accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter, can be hacked, and the person or company contacting you is not who they say they are. If ever in doubt about a message you receive, always reach out to the person or company to verify they have contacted you. • Beware of emails or texts alerting you that one of your accounts (Netflix, PayPal, utilities, bank, etc.) has been suspended or canceled or you need to change your password. Scammers can fake an email address and logo. Contact the business in question through the official means listed on your account. • Don’t fall for the phone scam that tells you one of your loved ones or grandchildren is in trouble or in jail and needs money, or worse, pretends to be that person. Ensure your loved ones are safe by contacting them directly, and never give personal information or money to unknown numbers or people. • If you “meet” someone online or on dating apps, always meet them in a public place for your first in-person meeting. Never give out your financial or personal information other than your name. • Beware of scammers who will feign romantic interest in you and slowly gain your trust if you are single, divorced, or widowed. They will typically get to know you and then begin to fabricate requests for money as time goes on. For example, they may ask you to help cover medical expenses or say they need money for food, clothing, etc. • Apps like Venmo or CashApp allow you to easily transfer money to others and request money too. Do not fall for the trap that someone has

“accidentally” transferred money to you. The scammer uses a stolen credit “accidentally” transferred money to you. The scammer uses a stolen credit card to “transfer” the money, and you will be sending your own money back. Contact the app’s support team and block the person’s account.