Senior Confidential

SENIOR August/September 2015

www.seniorsstandingstrong.com

Confidential

SERVING SENIOR CITIZENS IN SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO AND WEST TEXAS

Call an Ambulance:

Heart Warming Stories:

WHERE THE AMBULANCE CAN’T TAKE YOU AND WHY

Patsy Cline

ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

She is responsible for helping over 10,000 area seniors afford their medications

WHO CAN HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

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August/September 2015

On the cover Patsy Cline

Contents

Where the ambulance can’t take you ... and why

Senior Confidential is a publication of Seniors Standing Strong, a non profit organization.

Emergency Airlift Flight Information

What does FDA say about some of the drugs you are being given?

Write us at: P.O. Box 770, Hobbs, NM 88241

You could be billed for thousands of dollars even though you think insurance will pay

What are they? How you can take control of your health by advising your doctor

If you have a special person you would like to honor, or have a story to tell that will help others, please email us.

How do your area care facilities rank with State Health and Human Services?

Informed Choices for you so you can plan ahead

Stories about you, your friends and neighbors!

Email: hannajudy@icloud.com

Publication dates are August, October, December, February, April, and June.

If you would like to advertise in Senior Confidential Magazine, please send request to the email listed below.

Editorial Comments

Senior Discounts Who offers them, and why you need to ask

City Transit System How to use the system and get out of the house

Alzheimer’s Information Is it really Alzheimer’s, or a misdiagnosis due to other factors?

Entertainment and Activities 4

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Your Ticket To Having Some Fun Every Day

When it comes to a full slate of activities for Senior Citizens, there is more action at Agnes Kastner Head Center on Park Street than at a theme park. Whether it is art, pool, exercise, computers, quilting, trips, meals, parties, dances, genealogy, movies, bingo, or games, The City of Hobbs has done a fine job of providing seniors with diverse activities, and a place to make friends and enjoy living.

Playing pool at Lea County Senior Centers is enjoyable for many seniors, and quilting has become one of the most artistic adventures. Shirley Baird, Faye Palmer, Joyce Kemper, Debi Beran, and Bonnie Hardaway show off their handy work.

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“I am deeply honored to represent and serve the Senior Citizens of Hobbs, and I applaud the wisdom and vision you bring to our community.” _____Sam Cobb, Mayor

Hobbs Mayor, Sam D. Cobb

Senior Citizen Population DOUBLES In Lea County, S.E.N.M. and West Texas The senior population in Lea County numbers more than 16,000 age 65 and older, according to current U.S. Census Projections.

BABY BOOMERS According to a U.S. News & World Report, this year, more than 3.5 million Americans will join the ranks of senior citizens, and the number of seniors will continue to increase at least for the next 20 years.

This increase is mainly due to baby boomers hitting their 60s, 70s, and 80s. By

2030, the over-65 crowd will expand to 72 million people, up from 40 million in recent years. Baby boomers are people born during the demographic post–World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, boomers are becoming senior citizens at a rate of 300,000 per month across the United States.

SENIORS CONTROL INCOME Seniors/boomers control 70% of the disposable

income in the United States according to Pew, Nielsen, and Forbes reports.

SENIOR NEEDS It’s no secret that the baby boomers are deeply involved right now with taking care of their aging parents, and knowing that they are not far behind as they, themselves are beginning to experience the unsettling consequences of growing older with their own aches and pains and visits to the doctor.

Faye Dutch Scott

Wilma Kimball, Carol Beth Box, Dutch Scott, and Vestal Lair

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ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS September 10 - Brooklyn Rider String Quartet Thursday, September 10, 2015 – Crosswinds Community Church, Hobbs NM - 7:00 pm Brooklyn Rider,– Back by popular demand! Hailed as “the future of chamber music� (Strings). The gamechanging string quartet Brooklyn Rider presents eclectic repertoire in gripping performances that continue to draw rave reviews from classical, world, and rock critics alike. NPR credits Brooklyn Rider with “recreating the 300-year-old form of string quartet as a vital and creative 21st-century ensemble.�

Equally at home in clubs and concert halls, the quartet has played venues as varied as Carnegie’s Zankel Hall, the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Le Poisson Rouge, Japan’s Todai-ji, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn’s Littlefield, the Library of Congress, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and South by Southwest. Through visionary programming and global collaborations, Brooklyn Rider’s “down-to-earth demeanor and demystifies contemporary classical music and invites everyone into the tent� (Time Out New York).

October 19 - 7:00 pm Southwest Symphony Orchestra Tydings Auditorium Hobbs NM You are cordially invited to the public perfomance concert after Southwest Symphony Orchestra’s Tour of Schools - Orchestra members and the Artistic Director, Dr. Mark Jelinek, will perform Benjamin Britten’s “A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra�.. for the annual Tour of Schools Youth Outreach Program which educates students in Lea County each year about the wonderful world of symphonic orchestra and the performing arts. The public event will include an abbreviated version of this performance and additional selections included for the evening concert.

GRANO TAX SERVICE Michael Grano ‡7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ ‡(OHFWURQLF )LOLQJ

Dwight Crenshaw and his Mother, Leona having a delightul time eating lunch at Tatum Senior Center

Mr. B’s Amusement and Vending Co. Best Machines, Best Service

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“Service is more than just a word with us�

We deliver fast, dependable, honest service

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502 E. Marland - Hobbs, N.M.

575-393-5038 8

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575-397-3745

ENTERTAINMENT ZIA PARK RACETRACK AND CASINO

RACING SEASON September 12th through December 15th

Racing Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays - Special race card on Wednesday November 25th 12:15 PM post time every day.

CASINO HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am to 1:00 am

Friday: 10:00 am to 3:00 am Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 am Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 am

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS

-DFN 0DGGR[ 'LVWLQJXLVKHG /HFWXUH 6HULHV To Feature Condoleezza Rice Tickets Available September 8th Event Scheduled for November 10 Tickets will go fast once they are available September 8, and Seniors Standing Strong wanted to let you know quickly so you can reserve your tickets early. University of the Southwest has announced that former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice will be the next speaker for the Fall Jack Maddox Distinguished Lecture Series. The lecture will take place on NOVEMBER 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Tydings Auditorium in Hobbs. TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO REQUEST BY MAIL OR PICK UP FROM A TICKET LOCATION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8th. After that time, you may contact Andrea Dodson at USW at 575-492-2107 or by email at tickets@usw.edu. Tickets will be limited to 4 per person.

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

“About Senior Confidential” There is no magazine just for senior citizens in the geographic area that focuses on needs or challenges that directly impact our senior citizens. Through listening to seniors and family members, Seniors Standing Strong, a nonprofit organization realized that there is much work to be done to educate seniors, relatives, friends, and caregivers so all seniors receive the respect, dignity, and equality they richly deserve.

We share some of the comments made by seniors and their families in the immediate area, not to cast a negative light on those who fail seniors, but to shine a light on how seniors can be treated better.

WHAT DO WE HEAR FROM AREA SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES TODAY? “Thieves are stealing from us in one home here, and hocking our irreplaceable belongings.”

“The place where my sister is receiving care lost most of her clothes in the laundry. After days of asking, no one seemed to care about finding them so she could have a bath, and a clean change.”

“We hired a nurse to take care of our mom at home, and in her care, months later, we learn that a sore on her leg was not treated, or addressed, so her leg had to be amputated.”

“A nurse was rude and condecending to my dad.

I see it often when our healthcare providers are “taking care” of seniors. While some seniors are difficult, there is no time when it is ok to treat a senior or anyone like that.”

“A facility let my Mom wander outside toward a busy street. When I asked how that could happen, and told them she could have been hit, the facility told me it wasn’t their responsibility.”

“My dad fell repeatedly in the care of a place here.

I’ve heard this is neglect. Why won’t they hire enough staff to watch over people. All I wanted was for him to be safe. I have moved him out of town.”

“My Mom is being kicked out of a facility because they say her paid days with Medicare have run out and it will now be private pay which we can’t afford.

They said pay up or move out.” “What do we do?”

“There are lot of bugs in the place where my Mom is staying, and I am afraid they are going to infest her room. How do we get the facility to take care of the problem?”

“We are frantic to get my mom transferred to another hospital, but are being refused the right to leave. Can they hold someone against their will or what the family wants? What do we do?”

“We buy adult diapers in quantity, and we have noticed if we leave them at the care facility, they disappear too quickly without reason.”

“I was cleaning my fingernails with a pocket knife I’ve had 40 years, and the short term place I stayed kicked me out because I wouldn’t give it to them.”

“Food from breakfast is still siting on a bedside table at 2:00 in the afternoon, and lunch still hasn’t been served yet to my dad. He is hungry.”

“Some of these places are charging for services not provided. Pay attention to your bills.”

“I was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but a well informed doctor here took the time to find that it wasn’t Alzheimer’s, but was a B-12 deficiency, and thanks to him, my life and mind are back to normal.”

“I can’t believe how badly I was treated for asking a doctor and a nurse to remove my sister from a medication that is well documented to be dangerous.

Isn’t it my right to protect her without retaliation?”

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TRANSPORTATION The majority of the 55 + population here, will at some time, need a non emergency or emergency transport.

Do you know where you want to go and how to be transported there? Do you know what your options are for transport, who pays what, and who goes where?

W

HERE THE AMBULANCE CAN’T TAKE YOU AND WHY

You are in Hobbs. and have called an

we can transport to another facility.” The

transport, but will stay on standby to

ambulance for yourself or someone else.

Deputy Chief said, Hobbs Ambulance

stabalize, then turn the patient over

If a Hobbs ambulance responds to your

Service boundaries are between Stiles

to Hobbs or Lovington Ambulance as

call, you will be taken to Lea Regional

Road North of Hobbs, and Nadine,

they arrive. Eunice Ambulance will

Medical Center. At initial transport, If

South of Hobbs.

pick up patients in and around Eunice,

you tell the ambulance personnel you

North of Eunice to near Nadine, and

want to go to Lubbock, or Lovington,

If you call from a location North of

South of Eunice within boundaries, and

or Midland, Hobbs Ambulance Service

Stiles Rd. past mile marker 62 on

take patients to Lea Regional. Cases

by law, can’t take you to another facility.

the

a

are assessed on an individual basis for

Hobbs Deputy Fire Chief, Barry Young

Lovington Ambulance will pick you up

emergency air services. EMS Division

said, “Hobbs Ambulance Service is

and deliver you to Nor Lea Hospital,

Chief, Jesse Davis said if air transport

required by law (State Public Regulation

the nearest hospital from where you are

is needed, patients are air lifted to a

Commission) to take you to the nearest

picked up. In the event of an emergency

variety of hospitals. Jal Ambulance picks

hospital which is Lea Regional.” Young

that occurs North of Alabama or

patients up in and around Jal, North

said, “after you are stabilized at the

within service agreement mutual aid

and South of Jal within boundaries, and

hospital, the only way the ambulance

boundaries, Knowles Fire Department

mainly delivers to Kermit or Andrews,

service can transport you elsewhere is

can respond to stabalize those in need

the nearest hospitals in proximety to

with doctor’s orders, and at that point,

of help. Knowles Ambulance does not

your location.

Hobbs/Lovington

Highway,

Judy Hanna is the founder of Seniors Standing Strong, a 501(c)3 organization. Senior Confidential is a publication of Seniors Standing Strong. Officers are: Sara Cisneros, President, Dr. Regina Bickford, Vice President, Patricia D. Jones, Secretary, Cindy D. Bentle, Treasurer. The organization welcomes donations and advertisers so we can help seniors.

We are not charging for the magazine in order to reach as many seniors as possible, so your contributions help us touch more lives by helping us fund this worthy publication.

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NON EMERGENCY TRANSPORT CARE-A-VAN provides non urgent medical transportation for people of all ages throughout New Mexico and West Texas. CARE-A-VAN can transport you to pharmacies and medical facilities for treatment of kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, physical rehabilitation, mental health care and many other medical services.

Care-A-Van does not accept Medicare.

Care-A-Van accepts Medicaid patients. Through the following options many consumers can receive services at no or very low costs: Free or reduced cost based on a sliding scale fee; New Mexico Medicaid Exempt; Molina Salud!; Lovelace Salud!; Workman’s Comp; Private Pay.

Lin-Mar does not provide non emergency transport, however does provide personal care services. LinMar accepts Medicaid and does not accept private

pay for the services. Services include assistance at home with bathing, personal grooming, hygiene, cooking, and around home help.

A RIDE TO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE OR APPOINTMENTS FOR $2.00 Are you taking off work to take a family member to appointments?

Help is just a phone call away!! +REEV ([SUHVV will take any person to doctor’s appointments or medical facilities within Hobbs. The Demand Response Service requires a reservation in advance. The rides are $2.00 each, so if you ride going to the doctor and ride back home, it would be $2.00 each way (a total of $4.00). Demand response monthly passes are available for $40.00 which allows unlimited trips during a calendar month. The demand response service operates from 7 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday but rides must be reserved during office hours Mon – Fri 8 am – 5 pm.

Rides can be reserved by calling 397-9290. In addition to doctor appointments, rides are available for shopping, lunch, visiting, going to the library, museum, casino, etc. It is available for all types of purposes.

Fixed Route Bus Service Hobbs Express also offers fixedroute bus service. We have 3 routes that stop at fixed points at the same

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time each hour throughout town from 7 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Riders can ride all day long for $1 or purchase a bus route pass for $20 for unlimited rides during the calendar month.

Hobbs America is growing and changing at an amazing rate. As more and more people move to Hobbs to take advantage of the great opportunities that Hobbs offers, it also brings in more traffic, traffic congestions at peak times, less parking spaces, increases in the probability of vehicular accidents and causes more stress to our daily lives.

Public transportation is not just for young adults and retirees, public transportation is for everyone! Passengers are able to read and relax or prepare for their workday. Where else can you get unlimited rides for $1.00 a day?

Using public transportation saves you money. A household can

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save more than $10,100 by taking public transportation. People are going to jobs, attending school, going to social functions, and shopping using Hobbs Express.

The transit vehicles are comfortable, clean and provide safe transportation to your destinations. Monthly passes are $20.00 with unlimited rides or $1.00 daily tickets with unlimited rides. The bus stops are conveniently located at all major shopping areas, doctors’ offices, hospital, New Mexico Junior College and University of the Southwest. So, sit back, relax, and let our professional and courteous drivers take care of you.

It is the mission of Hobbs Express to deliver safe, dependable and affordable transportation services in a courteous and professional manner.

Lea County State Bank Vice President Tells Her Story Of How Her Grandmother Was Targeted:

Don’t be Caught by Grandparent Scam Nevada Thompson was at work when she received a phone call from her grandmother, who was wondering if something had happened to Nevada’s husband, Jason. Her grandmother had received a call from someone asking her to wire money to Mexico to help Jason, whom, she was told, had gotten himself into some kind of trouble there.

Already, her grandmother was suspicious, because the caller referred to Jason as her grandson, rather than her granddaughter’s husband. Wisely, her grandmother hung up on the caller and contacted Nevada, who confirmed that Jason was nowhere near Mexico; in fact, he was at work in Lea County. “I was very proud of her, that she gave me a call, said Nevada, assistant vice president and teller manager at Lea County State Bank.

Nevada Thompson

Nevada’s grandmother was a target of what is known as the grandparent scam, a form of fraud that takes advantage of the love and concern grandparents have for their children. By impersonating or pleading for the safety of a grandchild, the scammer tugs at the heart strings of an unsuspecting grandparent.

The grandparent scam is not new, but it is very much alive. Nevada also has encountered it with a customer seeking a cashier’s check to help pay bills following a grandson’s car accident. With her help, the customer discovered there had been no accident and that his grandson was just fine.

Here are some tips to avoid being caught in the net of the grandparent scam: t Don’t fill in the blanks. If the caller does not know the name of your grandchild, don’t give it to him. Many fraudsters will hang up when they realize you aren’t going to offer information. t Don’t bite even with correct identification. Scammers often use social media, newspaper obituaries or ancestry websites to obtain the names of family members, as in the case of Nevada Thompson’s husband.

September is National Senior Center Month.

“I applaud the dedicated leaders of our Senior Centers, and the participation of our Senior Citizens”

t Have a question. Ask the caller the name of the grandchild’s pet or the last Christmas present you gave them. Again, expect a quick hang-up from scammers who cannot provide it. t Don’t trust wire transfer requests. Wire transfers are just like sending cash; it’s virtually impossible to recoup scam losses.

Prepaid debit cards are also requested in this and other scams because they, too, can be used almost anywhere and are harder to trace than traditional bank-issued cards. t The best advice, Nevada says, is to “Hang up on the caller and contact a family member to make sure the incident actually happened.” In most cases, thankfully, it has not.

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Meet Lovington Seniors Mary Alice & Fred Browning. You can join the fun too at the Lovington Senior Center!

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AIR LIFE TRANSPORT Many insurance plans, HMO’s, PPO’s and IPO’s cover air ambulance services. It is important to check your plan to see that there is an air ambulance benefit and what the criteria is. Most plans require that medical necessity is met. This means that a physician must certify that the transportation by air ambulance is indicated and that transportation by other means may endanger the patient. Some plans require that the transport is a life threatening emergency or that the destination is the closest appropriate facility. In addition, be sure to check if there is a maximum benefit and what the benefit level is (for example a 80% benefit level means the family must pay 20% of the charges). Many are only insured for 25% in this area.

Medicare will cover transportation in an air ambulance only in limited cases.

It must be medically necessary for you to receive immediate and rapid ambulance transportation that could not be provided by a ground ambulance and either: A ground ambulance cannot get to where you are; or There is a great distance to travel or another obstacle involved in getting you to the nearest appropriate facility. Additionally, the air ambulance and its crew must meet Medicare requirements.

What can you do to protect yourself?

The time to think about air ambulance coverage is before you or a family member experience a medical emergency. Protect yourself by finding out what air ambulance coverage you have by reading your health insurance policy or contacting your agent. If you need additional coverage, talk to your insurance company to see if you can purchase extra air ambulance coverage.

Sticker Shock!

AREA RESIDENTS REPORT BEING BILLED $10,000 - $38,000 FOR MEDICAL FLIGHTS AFTER INSURANCE MEDICAID AND MEDICARE PAY THEIR APPROVED AMOUNT Note: In rural areas, medical necessity is automatically met if: A physician or other medical professional determines that air transport is necessary due to time or geographical factors and the air transport meets Medicare-approved air ambulance protocols.

It stands to reason that if you are in an emergency room or in the middle of nowhere in an automobile accident, you will probably say “yes” when the offer is made to take you or your loved one by air ambulance to a hospital that can treat your emergency needs.

The important thing to do before you are in this emergency situation, is to look at your insurance policy. See what your coverage is for air ambulance.

Contact your insurance company to learn about increasing your coverage. There are numerous insurance companies that exclusively offer air ambulance coverage, but make sure you are not just buying insurance to cover one air ambulance company. Currently, there are approximately seven air ambulance services covering Lea County that are located between 10 and 30 miles of this area, so it is important to ask your insurance company if you are covered universally for any air ambulance service.

KUDOS: The City of Eunice carries an umbrella policy that helps cover any resident in the community who needs an air ambulance, and has a Eunice address.

The City is picking up the slack so residents aren’t hard hit with the private pay that is left after insurance, Medicare or Medicaid pays.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

PATSY CLINE: A LOCAL LEGEND Patsy Cline, 86 of Hobbs was in the clutches of death people afford their medications without giving up all just months ago, but today, she is on the go more than

they had worked so hard for. All in all, she has helped

ever. She is a serious card player, and the six men more than 10,000 people in the area afford their she plays poker with don’t stand a chance! Anyone medications. who knows Patsy will tell you that she is 86 going on 30. She came to Hobbs in 1964 from California and bought Elm Grove Tourist Court located at 201

The Famous Name

E. Marland. She is proud to say that her pool was Having the name, Patsy Cline has been a treat, open to everyone back then when ethnic groups were “especially,” Patsy said, “when the famous Patsy Cline shut out at other swimming pools. From the time she

was alive. Once Patsy and her friend Sheri Lewis

arrived in town, she was helping those in need, calling checked into a Vegas hotel and to their surprise, “were governors if necessary to get action for someone in

given the finest suite” because management was sure

a bad situation. 1998 Patsy founded Faith In Action

it must be the famous Patsy and Sheri.

after watching seniors who were losing their homes and life savings in order to pay for their medications.

One man, she said, “sold his home and everything he had in order to have open heart surgery... only to find that he couldn’t pay for the necessary medications he would need afterwards.” Patsy couldn’t bear to see such devestation for so many good people here. As founder of Faith in Action, Patsy found a way to help

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“God bless you. There is nothing you can’t do.” ____ Patsy Cline

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DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS AT RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS:

TALKING ABOUT FOOD: How About

Many restaurants offer discounts to seniors, but if you don’t ask, you may miss out. Businesses change their policies from time to time, so an age requirement or amount of discount may vary depending on the location. Using discounts, you could save $2.00/day, $56.00/month, or $672.00/year.

Here are some locations in your area that offer special discounts for you Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+) (Some Appplebee’s do Apple Card, Some do not) Arby’s: 10% off ( 55 +) Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+) Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+) Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+) Burger King: 10% off (60+) Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+) Chili’s: 10% off ( 55+) CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+) Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+) Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+) Furr’s Cafeteria: Senior Discount - Seniors (60+) Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) Golden Corral: 10% off (60+) IHOP: 10% off ( 55+) Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+) KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+) Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+) Long John Silver’s: various discounts at locations ( 55+) McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+) Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) Subway: 10% off (60+) Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+) Wendy’s: 10% off ( 55 +) Whataburger: 10% off (62+)

Grocery Store Food Discounts?

Did you know that your

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has a discount day on groceries for senior citizens?

Shop Albertson’s the first Wednesday of every month and those shoppers 55+ will receive a 10% discount.

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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH/ U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RESEARCH REPORT BELOW: VITAMIM B-12 WHAT IF YOU HAVE BEEN MISDIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S BUT IT REALLY IS A B-12 DEFICIENCY INSTEAD?

The report states: Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Researchers have long been interested in the potential connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia. A deficiency in vitamin B12 causes an accumulation of homocysteine in the blood and might decrease levels of substances needed to metabolize neurotransmitters.

Observational studies show positive associations between elevated homocysteine levels and the incidence of both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Low vitamin B12 status has also been positively associated with cognitive decline.

According to National Institute of Health, Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic

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anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Neurological changes, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur. Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

The neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur without anemia, so early diagnosis and intervention is important to avoid irreversible damage. During infancy, signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental delays, and megaloblastic anemia. Many of these symptoms are general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency.

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MEDICATIONS

What drugs are you being given that FDA states are dangerous for you, should not be given, or given with great caution to people 65 or older.

Side effects and interactions can be life threatening, cause memory loss, falls, liver and kidney damage, strokes and heart attacks

Benzodiazepines Including Xanex, Valium, Ativan Seniors Still Given Potentially Dangerous Sedatives: Study New York Times Online: WEDNESDAY Dec. 17, 2014, -- Doctors continue to prescribe sedatives such as Xanax or Valium for seniors despite the significant risks they pose, a new study contends.

“These prescribing patterns likely put a large number of older adults at unnecessary risk of falls, motor vehicle accidents and confusion,” study senior author Dr. Mark Olfson, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center and a research psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, stated. “As life expectancy increases and the population ages, an increasing number of older adult Americans will face these risks from long-term benzodiazepine use unless steps are taken to promote safer alternative treatments,” Olfson said.

The researchers hope the study is a wake-up call for health care professionals. They suggested that health care professionals could teach older adults who have trouble sleeping or experience anxiety about non-drug options for their problems. The study was published online Dec. 17 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, if you would like to read the entire article.

As you can understand, with so many different types of dangerous drugs that may cause ADRs with the elderly, it can be next to impossible to narrow down specific adverse drug reactions. However, a brief overview could help save a life and help you identify possible issues.

Your risk of being given dangeous drugs that sedate you, according to many patient families, is after a healthcare provider, nurse or doctor makes a subjective judgement that you “were agitated,” “confused,” “out of control,” or “needed something to help you relax.” Merck Manual states: About 75% of patients who are 75 and older and functionally independent at admission to a general care hospital are NOT functionally independent when they are discharged.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A PATIENT You have the right to say no to medications you know have been reported to be dangerous for you.

You have the right to ask your healthcare proxy to advocate on your behalf for medicine removal if you can’t.

You have the right to see your medical chart and request a copy of your records without issue.

You have the right to be involved in your care, and so does the person you appoint to speak for you.

You have the right to refuse treatments or medications offered, and to report any institution that violates rights.

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FDA:

The Federal Government says it is your right:

Antipsychotic Drug WARNINGS

“The right to be free from any physical or chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience and not required to treat the medical symptoms.�

The following drugs listed here

is a sampling of popular drugs prescribed to seniors that carry FDA’s strong BLACK BOX U.S. Senate Special Committee on warnings about dangers to those Aging Statement: “Unfortunately, consuming the drug, especially Hospitals, Assisted Living Facilities, these drugs are all too often seniors.

Aripiprazole(marketed as Abilify) Olanzapine PDUNHWHG DV =\SUH[D

Risperidone (marketed as Risperdal) Ziprasidone (marketed as Geodon) AsenapineMaleate (marketed as Saphris) Paliperidone (marketed as Invega) Haloperidol (maraketed as Haldol) FDA Black Box Warning of dangers to elderly with few variations carries a box that states: Not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in elderly patients with Dementia related psychosis, suicidality and antidepressant drugs. Elderly patients with dementia related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) stroke, or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature.

Those 65 and older are at risk of being exposed to these antipsychotic drugs that have been reported to strip your dignity, spirit, and mobility in a health setting.

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and long-term care facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid are documented as prescribing these dangerous drugs off label, (which is legal), and in some cases, using the drugs as chemical restraints (which is not legal) without justification for the patient’s medical symptoms, Medicare said.

Health and Human Services statement that has been adopted by most states, cites the patients right to be free of the use of chemical restraints.

Hospital delirium affects about one-third of patients over 70, and a greater percentage of intensivecare or postsurgical patients, the American Geriatrics Society estimates.

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE BEEN DRUGGED t Rapid inability to communicate t Sudden change in mental status t Head hanging down & Inability to stay alert and awake t Confusion t Hallucinations t Behavior that continues that is fully out of the ordinary for the patient

SENIOR CONFIDENTIAL MAGAZINE y August/September 2015

inappropriately prescribed, and are used to sedate and restrain a patient, rather than treat the condition for which they are medically intended. Clearly, there is a significant need to educate health professionals on the appropriate use of these medications-and the dangers of their misuse.

FDA WARNING: Cipro, Cipro XR, 3URTXLQ ;5 /HYDTXLQ )OR[LQ 1RUR[LQ $YHOR[ )DFWLYH Fluoroquinolones have carried similar warnings for years, but officials say they continue to receive reports of safety problems.

A “black box� warning is the FDA’s sternest warning. “We have seen continuing reports of tendon rupture so we are trying to increase awareness,� says Edward Cox, MD, director of the FDA’s Office of Antimicrobial Products.

The warning applies to drugs of the fluoroquinolone class, including Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR, Levaquin, Floxin, Noroxin, Avelox, Factive, and marketed generics.

THE HANNA LIST Those listed here have come highly recommended by Seniors and their families who have used these services and recommend these individuals and services.

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RE YOU TRYING TO LIFT SOMEONE WHO HAS FALLEN AROUND THE HOUSE?

Free Help From The Fire Department

It you, your spouse, parent, or friend falls out of bed, is down on the floor, in the yard, and can’t help themselves back up, there is help at your fingertips.

Perhaps you have back problems, are not strong enough to lift or help. Your fire department will come and help lift a person back into a chair or bed at no charge to you. Call: Non emergency number.

F

REE HELP WITH SMOKE DETECTORS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT: Do you need smoke detectors in your home, or need your detectors checked or batteries changed? Call the fire department non-emergency number and they will take care of those needs.

NEED YARD WORK AND PAINTING:

Daniel Isaiah is a reliable and affordable person to help seniors out with yard work or painting needed. He can be reached at 575-602-2353.

NEED WHEELCHAIR RAMPS BUILT? CALL: Opportunity House 575-397-4667.

NEED HELP WITH REPAIRS?

CALL: Crosswinds Community Church 575-397-7661

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ETERANS: FREE TRANSPORTATION

S.E.N.M. Veteran’s Transportation Network For Veterans needing to go to doctor’s appointments, procedures, and events. There is no charge to Veterans who use this service.

Provides transportation to and from Albuquerque, Roswell, El Paso, Carlsbad, Lea County, and Amarillo just to name a few. CALL: 575-622-0729 and schedule a pick up date and time.

NEED HELP TO MOVE SOMETHING AT HOME, or NEED TO MOVE IN TOWN?

MOVING?

Christian Center Church can help seniors with moving furniture around the house, or loading and unloading for a move to another place in this area. Make a donation to the Youth Group for their help. Youth and supervisors will help you for a donation to the church youth group. CALL: William Waldron at 575-318-6823.

NEED MUSCLE?

NMJC ATHLETES are always looking for ways to earn money, and a call to the NMJC Athletic Department at 392-4510 could also land you some additional assistance with heavy items or loading or unloading a moving truck.

PAINTING - PLANTING - LAWNS REPLACING BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS Don’t risk falling off of a chair or ladder in your home. If you need help with painting, planting, changing light bulbs, or lawn work, CALL: Opportunity House: 575-397-4667.

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NOR-LEA CANCER CENTER OFFERS CHEMOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGISTS CLOSE TO HOME

The new Nor-Lea Cancer Center opened for business January 12, 2015. It is a beautiful facility that now has 8 exam rooms, 16 treatment chairs, 2 private bedrooms, larger waiting room and a reflection garden. The reflection garden is adjacent to the treatment room, where patients and their family can step outside to get some fresh air and reflect during a long day of treatment. The nurses are all Chemo Certified and have over 50 years of combined nursing experience. The facility is managed by an Oncology Certified Nurse with 21 years of nursing experience.

The facility has three Patient Service Representatives (PSR) and a

Kenny Kim 575-396-BAJA thebajagrill@yahoo.com

phlebotomist to help meet the here to support needs of patients. Though the them in that fight. facility is much larger than the one Rheumatology services at Nor-Lea Cancer Center continue to grow.

Since Dr. Ramage closed his private practice in Roswell, he has added additional days in Lovington, to accommodate all who need in. This has, in-turn, increased the volume of rheumatology infusions. We before, it is still easily accessible are in the process of hiring a midwith reserved patient parking close level provider to assist Dr. Ramage to the door. When the oncologists with this increase in volume. The are working on the clinic side, they future goal is to recruit a new still have easy access to the patients rheumatologist once Dr. Ramage in the treatment room. Here at Nor- retires. This program also benefits Lea Cancer Center, we understand from the same beautiful facility and that many of our patients are in professional staff. the fight of their life, and we are

Cell: 505-504-1049 1718 Main Avenue Lovington, NM 88260

“We Celebrate Our Senior Citizens!� __________The Kim Family 24

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SERVICE DIRECTORY N.M.State Senator Carroll Leavell

OPTION, INC. Center for Victims of Domestic Violence

Eddy & Lea District 41 P.O. Drawer D Jal, NM 88252 Capitol Phone: 986-4278

200 N. Dalmont, Hobbs, NM 88240

Office Phone: (575) 393-2550; Home Phone(575) 395-3154 Email: leavell4@leaco.net

575-397-1576 Hobbs, NM 88240

DO YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE?

(575)397-2727 1923 W. Bender Blvd Hobbs, NM 88240

The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program of the New Mexico State Bar Association provides negotiated-fee or free legal assistance to New Mexicans ages 55 and older. (Services are not available for criminal defense.) You can access their web page by clicking here http://www.nmbar.org/ Public/LREP, or call toll free at (800) 876-6657.

Need to talk to the NM Department of Health that licenses your nursing homes and care facilities? Call 1-800-752-8649

IS SOMEONE IN A FACILITY MISTREATING YOU, DISRESPECTING YOU, NEGLECTING YOUR CARE, ABUSING YOU VERBALLY OR PHYSICALLY, CALL NM LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN (505) 570-7139 7KH 1HZ 0H[LFR /RQJ 7HUP &DUH Ombudsman advocates for the recognition, respect and enforcement of the civil and human rights of residents of long-term care facilities LQ 1HZ 0H[LFR

SENIOR CITIZEN MISSING? SILVER ALERT

“Proud to serve our Senior Citizens” --- Ruston Hayes

A Silver Alert is a notification that gets sent out statewide, similar to that of an Amber Alert. What are the criteria for a Silver Alert? This advisory is a notification relating to an endangered senior who is fifty (50) years or older, about whom there is clear indication that the individual has an irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties.

Contact police to put out a Silver Alert for a missing senior.

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Financial Services for Lea County Seniors

By Mark Roddenberry, CEO

Estacado Federal Credit Union has served Lea County since 1954. We are a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution established to serve the Lea County community. We have offices in Hobbs and Lovington, NM. Credit unions are member owned and dedicated to helping improve the financial wellbeing of our members. Over 95% of our savers and borrowers are in Lea County. Estacado has a local CEO with over 25 years credit union experience and our Board of Directors are volunteer members all living in Lea County.

Estacado offers an excellent choice for Lea County seniors. We offer no monthly service fees for members over 55 years old, free internet banking and audio response, free basic checks, as well as free electronic or paper statements.

We have personalized member service representatives to assist you with your accounts.

Estacado Rates: Estacado’s certificate rates are consistently among the highest in Lea County. Since we don’t have out of state stockholders, we can pass along the savings to our depositors in higher rates.

See our website www.estacadofcu.com for the latest rates. We offer the excellent loan rates and low-rate fixed Visa cards.

Direct deposit of your paycheck or retirement may be direct deposited and automatic payments are available to make your life easier. We also offer lowcost safety deposit boxes to members only. Estacado welcomes you to join our credit union family and receive the excellent service you deserve from your credit union.

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SLEEP TIGHT, DON’T LET THE BED BUGS BITE

They are here!!! bugs home in luggage. The bugs are hard to get rid of, but local exterminators know what specific treatment is needed. Finally, to rid a dwelling or facility of bed bugs for good, every possible hiding place must be cleaned or treated. Eggs and bugs can be dropped from vacuum cleaners and spread quickly from room to room, so in a home, that means all clothing, bedding, linens, and other washable fabrics must be laundered, usually repeatedly. Every crevice and seam of mattresses and upholstered furniture must be inspected and treated. Cracks in walls must be sealed, loose wallpaper reattached or removed, and carpets treated and vacuumed. Dresser drawers have to Exterminators and bed be emptied and cleaned, and all clutter must be bug experts say there may removed to limit hiding places for stray bed bugs. also be blood stains on sheets. They hide during the day on beds (mattress The good news is, authorities say, there are no seams, box springs, bed known cases of infectious disease transmitted by frames, headboards) and bed bug bites. However, some people are more in cracks and crevices sensitive to the bites and develop itchy, red welts. of walls, floors and Scratching the bites can lead to infection. Bed bugs furniture. They come may also affect a person’s mental health. Anxiety, out at night. They do not insomnia, and irritability have been reported fly or jump, but they can in some people according to The United States crawl rapidly. They can come from other infested Environmental Protection Agency. areas or from used furniture. They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. can travel between Locally, Taylor’s Weed and Pest Control in Hobbs rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment said they are receiving 10 - 15 calls a month about complexes, living facilities, and even the finest bed bugs, and indicated that the “problem is hotels. Travelers have a higher risk of bringing the getting worse.”

Reports of outbreak of bed bugs in a local senior living facility and in houses across Lea County.

How many times have we said, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite?” Most people say they just thought it was another simple night night greeting, and most say they have no idea what a bed bug looks like. Bed bugs are small, flat wingless insects that feed on animal and human blood and are reddish-brown in color and approximately onequarter inch long, before feeding (about the size and shape of a small apple seed). You can see the bed bugs themselves, their shed skins, or their droppings in mattress seams and other items in the bedroom.

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NURSING HOMES - REHAB FACILITIES - LONG TERM - SHORT TERM Each State Rates and Ranks Facilities on a 1 Star to 5 Star rank with full details outlining quality, safety, medications, and care

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW “BEFORE” YOU CHECK IN?

Go to Medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare or carepathways.com for inspections completed DQG D PRUH FRPSUHKHQVLYH OLVW RI IDFLOLWLHV LQ 1HZ 0H[LFR DQG 7H[DV

HOBBS - LOVINGTON Country Cottage Care And Rehab 2101 Bensing Road Hobbs, NM 88240 Phone: 575-397-1113 Good Samaritan Lovington 1600 West Ave I Lovington, NM 88260 Phone: 575-396-5212 Hobbs Operating Comp Dba Hobbs Healthcare Center 5715 North Lovington Highway Hobbs, NM 88240 Phone: 575-392-6845 Lea Regional Medical Center - Transitional Care Unit; 5419 N Lovington Highway; Hobbs, NM 88240; Phone: 575-492-5000

CARLSBAD Carlsbad Medical Center - Tcu 2430 West Pierce Street Carlsbad, NM 88220 Phone: 575-887-4458

Landsun Homes, Inc. 1900 Westridge Road Carlsbad, NM 88220 Phone: 575-885-8150 Northgate Unit Of Lakeview Christian Home Nursing 1905 West Pierce St Carlsbad, NM 88220 Phone: 575-885-3161

ARTESIA San Pedro Nursing And Rehabilitation Center 1402 West Gilchrist Artesia, NM 88210 Phone: 575-746-6006

CLOVIS Clovis Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center 1201 North Norris Street Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-762-3754 Retirement Ranches Inc. 2221 Dillon Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-762-4495 Phone: 575-623-6008 St Anthony Healthcare And Rehab Center, L 1400 West 21st Street

Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-762-4705

ROSWELL Casa Maria Healthcare Center And Pecos Valley Reha 1601 South Main Street Roswell, NM 88203 Mission Arch Center 3200 Mission Arch Drive Roswell, NM 88201 Phone: 575-624-2583 Sunset Villa Care Center 1515 South Sunset Roswell, NM 88203 Phone: 575-623-7097

SEMINOLE, TX Memorial Health Care Center 212 Nw 10th St Seminole, TX 79360 Phone: 432-758-4877

DENVER CITY, TX Shinnery Oaks Community 711 West Broadway Denver City, TX 79323 Phone: 806-592-2551

MIDLAND, TX Desert Gardens Nursing And Rehabilitation Center 3203 Sage St Midland, TX 79705 Phone: 432-683-5403

LUBBOCK, TX Carillon Inc 1717 A Norfolk Ave Lubbock, TX 79416 Phone: 806-281-6114 Crown Point Health Suites 6640 Iola Avenue Lubbock, TX 79424 Phone: 806-687-6640 Golden Age Nursing Home 2613 34th St Lubbock, TX 79410 Phone: 806-792-2196 Mildred & Shirley L Garrison Geriatric Education A 3710 4th St Lubbock, TX 79415 Phone: 806-763-4455

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“The City of Lovington Salutes and Applauds the Senior Citizens in Our Community!”

City Hall 214 S. Love, Lovington, NM 88260 Monday thru Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday open 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

575-396-2884

Senior Citizens In Lea County Have The Best Senior Centers In The Country Shannon Cummins, Eunice Senior Center Director, Norma Vejil. Senior Center Director in Lovington, and, Kathy Deaver, Senior Center Director in Tatum

INVITE ALL SENIOR CITIZENS TO SIGN UP AND COME BE INVOLVED IN THE MANY ACTIVITIES, TRIPS, LUNCHES, AND FELLOWSHIP!!

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DOCTORS, NURSES, OTHER LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, ARE IN PRISON FOR FALSE MEDICARE CHARGES ON BILLINGS IN HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES, AND OTHER CARE OUTLETS; MEDICARE CRACKDOWN WASHINGTON–Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell and Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today a nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 17 districts, resulting in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also suspended a number of providers using its suspension authority as provided in the Affordable Care Act. Authorities state that the areas in Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, New York, and Louisiana are locations of the initial strike to end criminal abuse of the medicare system by healthcare providers. Areas first targeted are areas where patients reported many charges to their bills for services not received, or for erroneously stated charges.

YOU CAN HELP STOP MEDICARE FRAUD WHERE IT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD BY REPORTING FALSE CHARGES PLACED ON YOUR BILL TO:

1-800-MEDICARE SOMEONE IS STEALING FROM YOU IN YOUR CARE FACILITY A theft should be reported immediately to administration, and should be reported to police.

This is criminal activity. Do not be afraid to report the loss. Do not allow anyone to make it look like you were forgetful just because of your age in order to shift blame. You might be surprised how many of your belongings reappear after a report has been made. Some residents utilize hidden granny cams to catch thieves. Others have placed hidden GPS trackers on valuables.

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1600 W. Ave I, Lovington, NM 88260 Phone:

575-396-5212 Faye Bell, Kim Webb, Garret Stewart, Tanima Hoque, Rilda Perdue, Mirna Gonzalez, Chriselda Alvarez, Lilly Lucero, Debra Fisher, Dolores Nunez, Elisabet Gallegos, Ezie Venzor, Adrian Onantia, Karen Downing, Lisa Waite, Sylvia Villalta, Jordyne Taylor, Presley Roberts, Idaly Marinelarenaqu, Kim Vandyke, Tisha Thompson, Claudia Johnson, Stacy Reed, and Josh Crosby

We are a Skilled Nursing Facility specializing in rehab, palliative and respite care.

We are proud to say, “We have one of the best staffs in the state.�

Come join our family as a volunteer. We offer outpatient therapy.

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ADDRESSING HUNGER AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS LOCALLY Vista Pointe Church food ministry group delivers senior meals every Wednesday during the school year.

The ministry is run through Vista Pointe Church kitchen. Contact Cissy Gomez 575-605-1826.

City Meals on Wheels Program is available for homebound elderly citizens of Hobbs and surrounding Lea County. This program is to address the elderly based on need.

The priority is to serve meals to those who are ill and unable to prepare meals for themselves due to health problems. These meals are delivered five days a week by volunteers and staff and are available on a donation basis.

UPDATES New nursing home and rehab on Turner in Hobbs to be operated

by Country Cottage

Hobbs Senior Center (Photo: Top) and Jal Senior Center (Photo: Below) invite you to come enjoy delicious lunches, fellowship, activities, trips, and gatherings!

Country Cottage, part of a multi-nursing home ownership group is a for profit business located Meet Hobbs Senior Center in Hobbs. According Director, Dalia Conken to facility LPN, John (Photo Above) and Kaaukuu, residents at Jal Senior Center Director the Country Cottage (Photo Left), Cindy facility West of town will Thompson relocate to the North Turner location. He “We love our seniors!” confirmed Country Cottage group is the ownership operating the nursing home and rehab on Turner Streeet where Heartland was located.

The facility name on Turner is Desert Springs, and Kaaukuu said mid Jal’s Tommy Thompson, August is the target for Norma Stults, and full oeration opening.

Kay Fowler

OPTION, INC., FOUNDED BY DINORA GUTHRIE IS A SAFE PLACE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE More than 70% of Senior Citizens significantly more likely as adults to abuse their (65 or older) live at home, either own families. Witnessing violence in the home is alone, with a spouse, or with the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent family as caregivers. There are behavior from one generation to the next. Option, Senior Citizens in the area who Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is Dinora Guthrie live with an abusive spouse or to prevent future domestic violence between adults abusive adult children who endure daily verbal, and to reduce the incidence of battery and assault. physical, or psychological abuse. The New Mexico Serving the needs of Lea County for 35 years, Coalition Against Domestic Abuse states that crime Option, Inc. is a shelter, a refuge, a safe harbor, for statistics repeatedly show a link between domestic those who suffer and subsequently overcome their violence and other criminal activity. Furthermore, domestic violence issues. Option, Inc. services FKLOGUHQ ZKR DUH H[SRVHG WR GRPHVWLF YLROHQFH DUH are available 24 hours a day. Call 575-397-1576.

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Dudley Ward of Hobbs has found the perfect spot to take in the magnificent sunsets in Lea County

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NEW MEXICO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

LARRY R. SCOTT R - LEA DISTRICT 62

“It is an honor to serve our Senior Citizens” Office Phone: (575) 392-5960 Email: larry.scott@nmlegis.gov

Larry R. Scott R-Lea District 62 Caught Don Trice of Jal filling up his tank for one of his trips across the area.

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Mailing Address: 406 E. Arriba Drive Hobbs, NM 88240

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ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!!

Judy Hanna’s internationally selling book, Should I Be Afraid? is available in paperback at Barnes and Noble Stores, Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, and Ingram also in Nook and Kindle, and will soon be available at Hasting’s.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE TO SENIORS STANDING STRONG? Our mission is to educate and inform seniors about choices in the area for assistance, to teach others the importance of respecting rights, equality, and dignity. Your donations will help sponsor magazines for seniors.

P.O. Box 770, Hobbs, NM 88240

Hobbs Couple (Left) attending luncheon at Hobbs Senior Center.

The Center provides lunch daily at a suggested donation of $2.00 per person.

Meet Bill and Helen Brasher of Hobbs

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Eunice ladies Working hard (Photo: Right) to prepare meals and clean up after lunches at Eunice Senior Center.

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Somebody has to clean up! Last to leave Eunice Senior Center usually are Barbara Daughtry and Socorro Hernandez of Eunice

HONORING ALL AREA SENIOR CITIZENS AND CELEBRATING THEIR WISDOM

Manna Outreach provides temporary shelter especially when hard times unexpectedly happen. They help with a place to stay so those who seek help can look for a job, find and save money for a place to live, need a hearty meal, or are down on their luck. Manna has provided countless numbers of food baskets for those who have little or no food, has provided clothing for many residents. There are individuals living in cars, and out on the street. There are those who have lost their homes, and need the kindness and assistance offered at Manna. Men, women, and families receive help from Manna Outreach.

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