Aging Resources 2017-2018 Magazine issuu

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2017–2018 EDITION

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W W W. AG I N G R E S O U R C E S W N C . C O M

AGING RESOURCES MAGAZINE

SERVING ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

Look Inside For:

• • • • • •

Senior Housing Guide Home Care & Home Health Medicare Help Elder Law & Estate Planning Fall Prevention Resource Directory and More

Here for you so you can be here for them.

Keeping you and your loved ones on the path to wellness.

Be Well. Get Well. Stay Well. mission-health.org

AGING RESOURCES 2017-2018 EDITION VOLUME 4

SERVING ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

FEATURES AND RESOURCES 4 EVALUATING WHEN TO GET HELP

34 LIFELONG LEARNING

6 HOME CARE AND HOME HEALTH CARE

36 HEARING WELL MEANS STAYING WELL

Signs That Assistance At Home Could Help

Services Available And How They Differ

8 HOME CARE AND HOSPICE PROVIDERS 10 PREVENTING FALLS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES

Reduce Your Risks

14 THE MEDICARE ALPHABET

Your Federal Healthcare Options

16 MEDICARE HELP 18 PLANNING AHEAD FOR WHEN LIFE CHANGES

Creating Legal Advance Directives

19 MAKING ELDER LAW PLANS 24 COUNCILS ON AGING

How These Professional Resources Can Help

Ongoing Enrichment

37 HEARING LOSS IN AMERICA 40 TYPES OF SENIOR HOUSING 46 CHOOSING A NEW PLACE TO LIVE 52 SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS 54 LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Identifying And Managing Dementia

58 PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE

Enhance Life Overall

61 AGING RESOURCES DIRECTORY Helpful Resources Advertiser Expert Information

26 AVOID BEING SCAMMED

Tips To Prevent Senior Scams

28 AGING IN PLACE AT HOME

Universal Design Benefits

30 HEALTHY AGING

The Prime Time Of Your Life

32 ENHANCING YOUR LIFE WITH TECHNOLOGY

Devices For Health And Independence

ON THE COVER

Mary Mallard and daughter, Joanne Wallis At age 60, Mary began working as a fashion model and even appeared in a few episodes of the TV series “Dallas.” Mary and Joanne both live in Asheville.

33 TRUST YOUR EYES TO THE EXPERTS www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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President & Publisher Brett Hulsey

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Executive Editor Joanie Fischer

AGING RESOURCES IS HERE TO HELP

Writer Kathleen O’Nan

Welcome to the fourth edition of Aging Resources, the first and only magazine of its kind in Western North Carolina. It has the essential information and resources older adults and caregivers need to face the unique challenges surrounding aging, independent living and caregiving.

Since we launched this annual publication in 2014, we have continued each year to improve our stories, resources directory and other content by listening to what older adults and caregivers like you need to maintain independence and a fulfilling quality of life.

Navigating changes and challenges that can come with aging can be daunting, whether you’re experiencing them yourself or caring for a loved one.

Aging Resources fills an important need in our community and we are grateful for the frequent calls from readers who thank us for sharing helpful information about staying independent, senior housing, home care and home health care, Medicare, advance directives and more.

People often find themselves suddenly in a position of needing care or needing to be a caregiver. Aging Resources is committed to making it easier for you to face life’s changes and find the answers you need. Without the support of the many local businesses and organizations that advertise in Aging Resources, that simply wouldn’t be possible. We appreciate our advertising partners and encourage you to keep them in mind when you seek services and assistance.

Please call or email me with your feedback and thoughts about how we can continue to improve the magazine, and let me know if you would like more copies for yourself or others.

We are proud that Aging Resources is the premier local publication addressing senior adult and caregiver needs in our area and are committed to continuing to make it even better.

Advertising Brett Hulsey Katie Cornwell Taylor Manning Design/Production Barbara Bricker Advertising Photography Fast Cat Photography Studio Aging Resources is published annually

by Hulsey Media, Inc. PO Box 6751 Hendersonville, NC 28793 view online at

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

@agingresourcesmagazine Copyright 2017 Hulsey Media, Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from publisher.

We would like to thank the fine businesses and organizations who have purchased advertising in our magazine, thereby helping us to bring you an attractive and informative publication.

If you have a business or provide a service that would benefit from exposure in Aging Resources, call to reserve a space in the next edition.

828.513.3888

info@hulseymedia.com www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

WWW.HULSEYMEDIA.COM

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Brett Hulsey President & Publisher Hulsey Media, Inc. 828.513.3888 brett@hulseymedia.com

Aging Resources 2017–2018

keeping you in the swing Whether your passion is swinging a golf club, swinging your partner on the dance floor, or swinging on the back porch with a good book, St. Luke’s Hospital’s senior-focused, state-of-the-art medical services will keep you healthy, active, and loving life as you age.

Top Emergency Services

Should a health crisis occur, our highly trained emergency team is ready 24/7 with advanced life-saving techniques and technologies. Emergency services are also affiliated with the area’s top trauma centers for priority patient transport if needed via helicopter or ambulance.

Renowned Orthopedics and Rehab

People from all over the world travel to St. Luke’s Hospital to take advantage of our advanced orthopedic procedures for hip and knee replacement. Equally as outstanding, the state-of-the-art therapeutic gym and rehabilitation services offer one-on-one treatment with a licensed professional for optimal recovery from surgery, injury, stroke, or other challenge.

Behavioral Health for Seniors

To manage emotional and psychological challenges related to aging, St. Luke’s intensive outpatient counseling service Senior Life Solutions offers a customized team approach focused on coping strategies, increasing general health, and restoring functionality. For those with more substantial needs, the Center for Behavioral Medicine provides compassionate, geriatric psychiatric services in a safe, homelike environment.

Comprehensive Senior Health Services

Services include ophthalmology surgery and laser procedures, speech therapy and swallow studies, respiratory therapy and diabetes education, lymphedema therapy and balance risk assessment, digital mammography and bone density.

Whatever your needs, St. Luke’s Hospital’s complete range of medical services--including general surgery, radiology, lab services, and much more---is dedicated to keeping you in the swing for life.

Find out more. Call (828) 864-0972, visit SaintLukesHospital.com or visit us in person at 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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EVALUATING

When to Get Help SIGNS THAT ASSISTANCE AT HOME COULD HELP YOU OR A LOVED ONE

Determining exactly when loved ones need help at home can be challenging but the answer for the most part is right in front of your eyes.

Here are some questions to ask with regards to how your loved ones look, the upkeep of their homes and their driving abilities:

Personal Appearance & Care

• Do they stand up straight or are they bent over? Are they leaning to one side?

• Are they maintaining their normal weight?

• When walking, is their gait strong? Or are they shuffling more than stepping?

• Are they clean and shaved? Are their nails clean? Is their hair combed?

• Are their clothes clean? Are they dressed appropriately for the weather?

• Are their buttons buttoned properly? Are zippers zipped?

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Inside the Home

• Is the home kept the way it always has been or do you see a change?

• Is the kitchen sink clean? Are beds made and floors swept or vacuumed? Are plants alive?

• Is the garbage taken care of correctly?

• Does the pet have food and water?

• Are things that used to be put away now left out?

• If they take medication, is it stored neatly in a sensible place? Using the date on the bottle, can you tell if it is being taken as prescribed?

• Is mail in an unorganized pile? Are unpaid bills left around? Are checks to pay bills written but never sent?

• Does the refrigerator have old, spoiled food or not enough food?

• Are the dishes, glasses, and flatware properly put away and clean?

Aging Resources 2017–2018

• Is their own bedroom, bath and closet well kept or dirty or unorganized?

Outside the Home

• Has regular maintenance been carried out on the outside of the house and on other structures?

• Are the gutters clean? Porches swept?

Windows washed?

• Has the grass been mowed, the shrubs trimmed, and the flowerbeds weeded?

The Car & Driving

• Are there signs the car has been in minor accidents? Any new dents from running into the garage or another bumper?

• Is the car well maintained? What does the change-oil sticker say versus the mileage?

Are the fluids full? Is the registration current?

• When you drive with them, can they get in and out of the car with ease?

• Do they drive too slowly? How is their reaction time? Do they tailgate?

• Are other drivers on the road annoyed?

• Do you feel afraid when riding with them?

• Do they know where they are going?

• Do they have trouble parking?

• Can they drive safely and confidently at highway speed?

The answers to these questions can serve as indicators of emerging concerns from waning eyesight to issues with movement and walking to the onset of dementia. If you see a pattern of decline, the cause should be determined by a physician to see if any treatments can improve or slow the condition.

As with many issues of aging, there are no hard and fast rules as to when to step in to help.

However, if what you have observed leaves you feeling uncomfortable, then trust you have the evidence you need to look into finding needed support services. Good resources include local Councils on Aging where the staff can direct you to people who can help you determine what kind of support is warranted and where to find those services in your area.

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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Home Care Home Health Care

AND

WHAT’S AVAILABLE AND HOW THESE SERVICES DIFFER The terms home care and home health are often confused. In fact, they are two different services. Understanding what each provides, how they are paid for, and when to use them can help you coordinate a care plan that works and is affordable.

Home Care

Home care services require no doctor’s orders, can be contracted for 24 hours a day and can continue as long as someone wishes. Home care services can include meal preparation, personal care, light housekeeping, shopping and other errands and companionship. Some home care agencies offer geriatric care management, a service that oversees and coordinates all the outside services in a client’s home—from hiring a lawn service to coordinating medical-related home health care visits.

Although often crucial to being able to stay at home, home care typically is not covered by health insurance. It may be covered by a long-term care policy if you or your loved one happens to have one.

When looking for a home care agency, follow 6

the guidelines for home health care agencies with the additions that the home care agency should: • Provide services within 24 hours • Be bonded and insured for up to $1 million • Check the backgrounds of all employees.

Agency licenses can be checked at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/reports.htm.

Because the cost of home care is out of pocket, some people consider hiring an individual themselves instead of using an agency. If you are considering that option, be sure to consider running background checks on the caregiver and make a plan for: • What happens when the individual caregiver is ill or unavailable • Withholding taxes, Social Security and Workers’ Compensation Insurance • Homeowner’s insurance that would cover if a caregiver is hurt on the job • Hiring an individual caregiver with flexibility to change with your needs; and • Knowing who takes responsibility should the caregiver hurt your family member.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Home Health Care

Home health care is in-home medical care ordered by a doctor. The cost is usually covered by private health insurance or Medicare.

Home health care procedures are performed by medical professionals and include services such as skilled nursing care, medication management, wound care, physical therapy and disease management training. Home health care professionals are in a patient’s home only long enough to carry out treatment.

Home health care is typically prescribed after a hospital stay. Your home health care prescription can be taken to any licensed agency covered by your insurance. To be proactive with your planning, research agencies before a hospitalization occurs.

When choosing a provider, be sure the agency: • Is licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (licensed providers by county can be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/reports.htm) • Accepts your insurance

• Can begin providing services within 48 hours • Has a missed appointment average no higher than three over the period of treatment • Is on call 24 hours a day • Has a policy for you to reject a particular care provider if you don’t like them or if they are not a good fit • Gives you references from a current patient, a patient’s family member and a business that refers to them.

A comparison of local home health care agencies, a checklist for interviewing and more tips for finding the right agency can be found at www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare.

As our loved ones age, chances are there will be times when they need home health and times when they need home care. By understanding what each service provides you can secure the right service for your situation.

This can ease the stress and time demands on family that are caring for their loved one.

Mom’s yard is an acre of grandkids playing, a patio with decades of celebrations, and a garden overflowing with memories.

We give people the help they need to live in the place they love. ™

If you need in-home, non-medical assistance, we can help. A compassionate caregiver can lend a hand with everyday chores like cooking, cleaning, and running errands so people can stay home and stay independent.

828.348.0988 | GriswoldHomeCare.com © 2016 Griswold International, LLC

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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9

Minimum hours per shift

Home Health Care (Medical)

38

Home Care (Non-Medical)

24/7 Care Availability

5

Cleaning/Housekeeping

Cooking/Meal Preparation

7

Transportation Available

Medication Reminders

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Therapy Services

Hospice Services

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Medicaid Accepted

Medicare Accepted

31

Private/Insurance Accepted

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Always Best Care Senior Services 2

• • • • • • • 3 3 3 3 CarePartners • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 3 3 Compassionate Home Care 1 • • • • • • • 3 3 3 3 Four Seasons • •

• • • • • 3 3 3 3 Griswold Home Care • • • • • • • 3 3 Home Carefree 3 • • • • • • • • 3 3 3 Home Helpers • • • • • • • 3 3 Kindred at Home (formerly Gentiva) • •

• • • • 3 3 3 3 Pardee Home Health •

• • • • • 3 3 3 3 Park Ridge Health • • • • • 3 3 3 3 Visiting Angels • • • • • • • 3 3 3

HENDERSON COUNTY

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POLK COUNTY

Page

ENJOY THE ADVANTAGES OF STAYING AT HOME

Home Care, Home Health & Hospice Providers TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY

Aging Resources 2017–2018

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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Preventing Falls AND THEIR Consequences

UNDERSTANDING HOW YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK

BY IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH AND HOME We all know how devastating falls can be for older people. A shattered wrist, a head injury, or a broken hip can severely decrease quality of life and in some cases reduce life expectancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling and more than $34 billion is spent each year on direct medical costs from falls.

Even when no physical injury occurs, experiencing a fall can cause older adults to become worried and then depressed, to suffer decreased confidence and self-esteem, and to begin to limit their activities and socialization out of fear—all of which can lead to more falls. In fact, once an older adult does fall, even without injury, he or she is twice as likely to fall again.

Thankfully, falls can be prevented with a little 10

awareness and a few simple changes around the home.

Prepping Yourself For Fall Prevention

As we age we cannot regain our balance from a stumble as quickly as we once did, but we can ensure we stay as alert, strong and flexible as possible to prevent that stumble in the first place by doing the following: • Wear sturdy, nonslip shoes every day and all the time and clothing that is well-fitted and doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.

• Stay active and walk every day. Also consider taking exercise classes, balance classes, yoga or Tai Chi to build physical strength and improve balance. Every county in Western North Carolina offers such classes speciAging Resources 2017–2018

fically designed for seniors. Go to www.wncfallpreventioncoalition.org to find a class near you.

• Schedule a doctor’s appointment specifically to discuss fall prevention.

• Have your physician review your medications to ensure interactions do not increase your risk of fall, i.e. tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants and over-the-counter medicines can affect your balance.

• Discuss with your doctor any numbness, aches, foot pain, or shortness of breath you experience as you go about your daily routine.

• Get tested for balance, strength, and gait.

• Be treated for low blood pressure and vitamin D and calcium deficiencies as all are risk factors for falls.

• Ensure any eyesight or hearing issues are noted and corrected if possible. Get an eye exam at least once a year and update your glasses as needed. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, consider getting a pair with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking because these types of lenses sometimes can impact how you judge distances.

• Impaired hearing can put you at risk for balance issues as well as isolation and reduced activity. Have your hearing checked and use a hearing aid if one is prescribed.

• Bring up any other issues you think may put you at risk for a fall—for instance, if you’ve already suffered a fall, let your doctor know.

• Ask for your overall risk level for falling and for recommendations on how to prevent a fall.

• Talk with your healthcare provider about whether mobility assistance devices such as canes or walkers might help if you have impairments.

If your physician does not offer such assessments, ask to be referred to a physical therapist to evaluate your balance, strength and gait; see your eye doctor to evaluate your sight; have your hearing checked; and ask your pharmacist to review your medications for any potential interactions.

Individualized Care Plans are co-created with each client, to learn what matters most in your care and to select a compatible caregiver. We are on-call 24 hours/day for support and give peace of mind.

Personal Care assistance with: • bathing • dressing • eating • toileting • continence • mobility Companionship, Sitters & Caregiver Coverage to engage socialization, provide medication reminders, and allow loved ones to be away with confidence.

Home Management • light housekeeping • laundry • meal preparation • safety issues in the home Transportation (our vehicle or yours): • appointments • errands (with us, or we shop for you) • grocery shopping • visiting friends • going to movies Engage & Advocate by providing communication between family and health care providers, serving as an advocate and incorporating care from other organizations as needed.

Contact our Care Team to schedule an hour of service or around the clock care.

(828)696-0946

We look forward to serving you!

Continued on next page

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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Prepping Your Home for Fall Prevention

Taking care of major risk factors for falling inside your home is easy and inexpensive.

• Eliminate clutter – Take a good look around the house. Remove anything from the floor that could cause you to trip – piles of reading material, electric cords, heaters or fans, and any other trip hazards.

• Secure rugs – It’s best to remove loose rugs.

If you must keep them, secure them to the floor with double-sided tape.

• Improve stairs – Stairways should be clear of clutter, and have sturdy handrails on both sides.

• Make your bathrooms safer – Be sure floors stay dry. Put nonslip mats in tubs and showers and in front of toilets. Install grab bars in showers and anywhere you think they’d be helpful. Place a seat in the showers or use a transfer bench in the tub.

• Improve lighting – Be sure every room in the house – especially high traffic areas and bedrooms – are well lit. Ensure light switches

are easily accessible from doorways (not behind furniture or across a room). Install good nightlights from the bedroom to the bathroom.

• Evaluate pet behavior – If pets are constantly underfoot or are strong enough to pull you over during a walk, you may want to create strategies (such as gates to keep pets off steps, or having someone walk your dog) to keep both you and your pet safe.

• Live on one level – Consider moving to a home with one floor but if you can’t, take extra care on stairs and try to arrange your life so that climbing steps is kept to a minimum.

More Resources for Fall Prevention

Our area has organizations ready to help you assess your fall risk and to assist you in eliminating as much of that risk as possible. To find out more about fall prevention in your county and to find a risk assessor and other support services, contact the WNC Fall Prevention Coalitions at www.wncfallpreventioncoalition.org or call 828-250-3991.

Providing 5-Star-Rated care to patients in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk & Transylvania Counties, in the comfort of their own homes.

MEDICARE HOME HEALTH COMPARE RANKING SURVEY MEASURES INCLUDE: Patient Communication, Discussion of Medication, Pain & Home Safety, Overall Care and Willingness to Recommend to Family & Friends.

ACCEPTING ALL INSURANCES

INCLUDING MEDICAID 12

H O M E H E A LT H

828.687.5261 myPRH.com Aging Resources 2017–2018

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

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THE Medicare ALPHABET NAVIGATING YOUR FEDERAL HEALTHCARE OPTIONS Medicare is complicated but not impossible to understand. It does have numerous parts and add-ons, and the details of that policy you so carefully selected can change from year to year, along with the premium.

However, Medicare itself offers a very informative website (www.medicare.gov); clear, concise publications that you can download or have mailed to you; toll-free numbers for your questions; and real, live Medicare counselors in a town near you who can walk you through the entire process. (See resources on page 16 for help.) But before you make contact, here’s a quick overview of Medicare—what it is, its parts, and how those parts work together or not—so you know what specific questions to ask.

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The Basics

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old or older. Some people with certain disabilities or diseases qualify for Medicare before they reach 65 years of age. Check the Medicare resources at www.medicare.gov for details.

Medicare Parts

Medicare is available in four parts—A, B, C, and D—each with its own level of services. And then there is Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap, which is not Medicare but a private policy that works with your Medicare policy to supplement your healthcare costs.

• Medicare Part A, in general, covers hospitalization, skilled nursing, hospice Aging Resources 2017–2018

•

•

care and some home-health services. This part is offered through the federal government, with no premiums for most American citizens.

Medicare Part B pays for physician’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and some preventative screenings and services. This part is offered through the federal government and is combined with Part A. Part B does have premiums.

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are offered through private insurance companies, premiums are charged. These companies contract with Medicare to provide Medicare A and B benefits, plus benefits and services not covered under A and B. For instance, many Part C plans offer prescription drug coverage (so if you have your Medicare through Part C, you won’t need Medicare Part D). With Medicare Part C, you typically are part of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), a

•

private fee-for-service plan, a special needs plan, or a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. It is an add-on to Parts A and B. As with Part C, Part D is offered through private companies approved by Medicare, and there is a premium. Note: There is a penalty if you do not have a drug plan.

Supplemental Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and are meant to supplement Original Medicare, also known as Parts A and B. There are 11 types of supplemental policies offered in North Carolina–A, B, C, D, F, F Prime, G, K, L, M and N. Companies that sell supplemental policies must offer type A, C and F. Go to www.medicare.gov to find out what is covered in each policy type.

Newer supplemental policies do not include prescription drug coverage. So if you want such Continued on next page

You have enough

challenges today.

Finding a doctor doesn’t have to be one of them.

Your search just got easier.

Find a Doctor at pardeehospital.org

Cardiology • Orthopedics • Oncology • Family Medicine • OB/GYN • Surgery • Urology

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

15

coverage, you need to sign up for Medicare Part D or a supplemental plan with drug coverage. Note that if you have Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), it is illegal for a company to sell you a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy. You will need to choose whether Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a supplemental policy best suits your needs.

You can find a full explanation of Medical Supplemental Insurance versus Medicare Part C at www.medicare.gov. There you can also find companies licensed to sell these policies

in North Carolina, as well as explanation of the coverage and costs of each plan.

Which Medicare parts you choose and your benefits and cost are highly specific to your personal situation. The most important point to impart about Medicare is that you do not need to figure this insurance out on your own.

Help is everywhere and easy to access. Take advantage of it, and enjoy the confidence that comes with having the right healthcare coverage for you.

Medicare Help Here are three Medicare resources that are easy to access www.medicare.gov This website offers clear explanations of the Medicare program, updates on changes, and answers to frequently asked questions. It also offers Medicare & You for download to your computer or e-book reader or as an audio podcast. You also can request that information be mailed to you in print form or on an audio CD. Within this invaluable reference is everything you need to know about Medicare and supplemental policies, along with easy to read charts that allow you to compare and contrast parts, policies and benefits.

800-Medicare At the end of this helpline is someone well trained to help you with any Medicare question or issues.

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) www.ncdoi.com/shiip 855-408-1212 (toll-free) Each county in North Carolina has its own SHIIP counselors specially trained to help you with your Medicare questions. You may speak with them by phone or set an appointment to meet in person.

Here is contact information for SHIIP programs in our area: In Buncombe County 828-277-8288 (ask for SHIIP help) Council on Aging of Buncombe County 46 Sheffield Cir, Asheville

In Polk County 828-749-9245 (ask for SHIIP help) Saluda Senior Center 64 Greenville St, Saluda

In Henderson County 828-277-8288 (ask for SHIIP help) Blue Ridge Health’s Hendersonville Family Health Center 709 N Justice St, Hendersonville

The Meeting Place 75 Carmel Ln, Columbus

Council on Aging for Henderson County 105 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville - SHIIP help is offered here one day a week

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In Transylvania County 828-884-3109 (ask for SHIIP help) Transylvania County Cooperative Extension 98 E Morgan St, Brevard

Aging Resources 2017–2018

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Planning Ahead

FOR WHEN LIFE CHANGES CREATING THE LEGAL ADVANCE DIRECTIVES YOU NEED Peace of mind comes with making a plan, especially when it comes to expressing your wishes for your medical care, your finances and your desires about the end of your life and after you die. Legal advance directives are documents that give others the authority and directions to carry out your wishes when you are unable to or when it’s more convenient for someone you trust to do so for you. Fortunately, advance directives are easy to create and legally file.

Four Essential Documents

Advance directives are legal tools that ensure a person’s wishes concerning their healthcare and finances are carried out should they become unable to express them. Everyone should have these documents on file no matter what their age. If you are helping your loved one create their advance directives, consider using this as an opportunity to write down your own desires and file your own advance directives. Documents you and your loved one should have include: • A Living Will, also known as a Declaration for a Desire for a Natural Death • A Healthcare Power of Attorney 18

• A Will • A Durable Power of Attorney.

Living Wills address end-of-life issues, such as requesting or withholding medical treatments.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney is broader and allows the person you appoint, who is also known as a proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. For instance, if you are in a stable coma, your healthcare proxy could make decisions about your everyday care.

Both the Living Will and the Healthcare Power of attorney are activated only when a physician declares the patient unable to give consent.

A Will deals with the division of property and assets after death.

The Durable Power of Attorney allows for the appointment of someone you choose to manage financial affairs should you become incapacitated. You decide on the scope of the Durable Power of Attorney and under what conditions it is activated. Durable Power of Attorney ends at death. The executor of a Will, who can be the same person who has Durable Power of Attorney, then takes charge of the estate and financial affairs.

Continued on page 20

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Elder Law Planning GAIN PEACE OF MIND TODAY

BY MAKING PLANS FOR TOMORROW

A

re you a member of the “Greatest Generation” or the Baby Boom? Do you think that you have time and planning can be put off until later, betting that a crisis won’t occur? What is the downside if you are wrong?

The later in life planning process allows you to create a playbook for those who will look after you and your financial matters. Planning can help you: • �Maintain your dignity and autonomy for as long as possible • �Increase the chance that your wishes for your care will be honored • �Reduce or avoid family conflict • �Understand options for financing long-term care • �Protect family assets for a nursing home resident’s at-home spouse or children • �Obtain benefits available through the Veterans Administration and state agencies, possibly even if you have been told they are not available to you.

Planning takes teamwork and solutions must be based on individuals’ particular circumstances. Attorneys Carole Spainhour and Matthew Allen at Elder Law Carolina spend the time to get it right, bringing to light and giving advice on issues that most clients have never considered.

What can happen without a plan? Here are some of the risks: • Family upheaval and financial burdens often accompany a medical crisis or death. Delay, expense and acrimony may result.

• If you need care for a lengthy period, life savings may be drained, your spouse left insecure and your family overwhelmed by the burden of caregiving.

• If you can’t manage your affairs, you may be subject to a court guardianship proceeding. The result is loss of autonomy, invasion of privacy and expense.

• Exploitation of competent but vulnerable elders by financial predators (who may be caretakers, family members or scammers) can happen in any family, regardless of means or education.

• At death, without proper planning, property often becomes tangled up in court administration adding unnecessary difficulty and expense.

Elder Law Carolina can be your guide through the Later in Life Years. Attorneys Carole Spainhour and Matthew Allen provide a wealth of expertise, experience and compassion in helping families deal with the complexities. Carole is principal of Elder Law Carolina and limits her practice to Elder Law and Estate Planning. Based on peer reviews and client feedback, Carole has been ranked since 2008 in the “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of Elder Law.

Call Elder Law Carolina at (828) 255-1966 to set up a consultation.

Visit www.ElderLawCarolina.com to learn more about how the firm can help you make plans for your life and your legacy. 19 www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

Consider Professional Help

You don’t have to use an attorney to create advance directives but you may feel more secure doing so.

North Carolina Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney instructions and forms are available at www.sosnc.gov/ahcdr/. This site also has a registry where you can file up to four advance directive documents for easy access. In addition, most area hospitals and hospice organizations have forms and are glad to assist you with completing them. Be aware that these directives must be properly executed and witnessed to be valid.

Will and Durable Power of Attorney forms can be downloaded online as well. However, unless your life is very simple, think twice about executing these documents without the assistance of a lawyer. An attorney can be especially helpful if you have had multiple marriages or have stepchildren, grandchildren, a large estate, a business or other more complex life situations.

With all advance directives, there is a lot to consider that is unique to you or your loved one.

A lot is riding on the paperwork being properly

done. While you can “do it yourself,” talking with a professional is prudent.

What Your Directives Should Say

The wishes expressed in advance directives are up to the person drafting the document. The downloadable forms contain good prompts to ensure you ask and answer important questions and cover many bases.

However, these documents cannot address every eventuality so just as important as getting your wishes down on paper is making sure that all involved understand the underlying spirit of those wishes.

A family meeting is a great way to accomplish this. Frank discussions face to face with all concerned parties allow people to ask questions, sort out possible misunderstandings and come to terms with what their loved one wants. Such a meeting—strengthened by legal documents that reflect the content of the meeting—provides the proxy and other family members with direction and peace of mind when tough decisions may need to be made.

Take the Lead.

Leave a Legacy that Inspires.

Contact CFHC today to create your charitable legacy for your lifetime and generations to come.

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20

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Who Should Have the Power?

The toughest decision for many when putting these documents together is deciding who should receive their Healthcare and Durable Powers of Attorney. Obviously, the proxy needs to be someone who knows the person and sees his or her life in context. The proxy should understand the responsibilities and agree to the job.

Although a spouse or partner may seem like a natural choice, he or she might not be the best proxy. Typically, spouses and partners are about the same age so issues of aging can present problems.

Appointing all children equally is another popular option. However, before making such a decree, consider, based on past experience, if this sibling group can reach consensus on sometimes complicated and tension-filled decisions. On the other hand, realize that appointing one child as the sole proxy can lead to its own set of problems.

If the family dynamic won’t fare well with a group or individual being appointed, consider asking a close family friend or choosing a professional to do the job.

Continued on page 22

s n o s a e S n r o u i t Fo nda l a t u Fo rizon g? o n i h m HP d co a w ne www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

21

Whomever you select, think about that person’s natural strengths and weaknesses. One child or close friend might be great for financial matters while another might be better with healthcare issues. for Henderson County

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22

Five-Year Checkup

Situations change over time so you should update all of your directives every five years or sooner as needed to be sure they still reflect the your circumstances and desires.

Once completed, keep an easy to access file at home with several copies of all advance directives and provide copies to your doctor. Scan these documents into your computer for quick reference so you can send them electronically to any appropriate entity that needs them. Keep an electronic set on your phone, too, and register your advance directives with North Carolina at www.sosnc.gov/ahcdr/.

Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment The Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment – or MOST – is another type of advance directive. Issued through your healthcare provider as you approach the end of your life, a MOST is more detailed than a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) or a Living Will. The MOST allows you or your proxy to decide what specific treatments or interventions you wish to have and which you don’t pertaining to your particular condition.

Although the MOST works with your DNR and Living Will, it also temporarily can suspend any conflicting orders. For example, your MOST can instruct your provider to perform a surgery or offer a treatment that your Living Will might prohibit.

You and your physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner fill out the MOST together and it must be signed by both of you. It is valid for one year and you can change or cancel it at any time.

For more information on the MOST, ask your physician or visit the North Carolina Medical Society at www.ncmedsoc.org/ advocacypublic-health/end-of-life-resources.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

23

Councils ON Aging UNDERSTANDING HOW THESE PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES CAN HELP Our local, nonprofit Councils on Aging are tremendous resources for both direct services and advice on where to find help in the community with elder issues.

Depending on where you live in Western North Carolina, the Council on Aging serving the county you live in may offer different services from those in other parts of the region but they all share the common mission of acting as advocates for elders and providing connections for the assistance you need.

Council on Aging for Henderson County

The Council on Aging for Henderson County (COAHC) serves adults age 60 and older, their families and their caregivers with the goal of removing barriers from maintaining independence.

COAHC serves as an information clearinghouse for older adults and their loved ones who may be seeking contacts for any number of elder care-related services in Henderson County.

Inquiries COAHC fields range from those related to housing, fall prevention, advance directives and more.

Through their Meals on Wheels (MOW) program, the COAHC offers a daily nutrition delivery service from Monday through Friday to residents of the county. Participants can sign up for long-term as well as short-term meal delivery, such as during recovery from a surgery. To receive meals at no cost, you must be at least 60 years old and be unable to drive and fix your own meals.

Otherwise, you can sign up for Meals on Wheels for a nominal fee. Every winter, MOW disburses 24

emergency, shelf-stable meals in preparation for inclement weather. Meals on Wheels clients also can receive dog and cat food and flea treatment for their pets.

Through their Partnership for Independent Living program, caseworkers help older adults live independently through such services as medication management, healthcare checks by a registered nurse, assistance with navigating finances and more.

At the Sammy Williams Center, COAHC offers “Lunch at the Sammy,” a congregate nutrition program for anyone 60 years old and older living in Henderson County. This daily, weekday program includes lunch for a suggested contribution and activities such as balance work and exercise programs, art classes and performances by a drama troupe

Council on Aging of Buncombe County

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County (COABC) is an advocate for older adults, providing personal support, assistance and resource coordination to people 60 years old and older to help them stay independent and healthy.

To help older adults receive the services they need, COABC answers questions by phone, makes home visits and helps people complete applications for community-wide services.

COABC offers informational assistance about Medicare and health insurance. Medicare counseling and education is held in both Buncombe and Henderson counties through community classes and one-on-one counseling. COABC also assists older adults with the Affordable Care Act. Aging Resources 2017–2018

Through its Seniors Safe at Home program, COABC helps with minor home repair, volunteer transportation, dining and socialization and some homebound food delivery. Minor home repair offered focuses on reducing fall risk in the home as well as access often through the installation of ramps, grab bars and hand railings and threshold fixes and yard work. For people who can’t drive or use public transportation, COABC has volunteers who take people to doctor’s appointments or food shopping and occasional social trips. At four locations in Buncombe County, COABC offers congregate senior dining for people who are age 60 and older or married to someone 60 or older. In addition to providing meals and socialization, COABC partners with other community organizations to provide activities at their congregate dining sites such as exercise and yoga classes. Monthly food boxes are delivered by volunteers with COABC to at-risk, homebound elders. A separate organization – Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County – delivers Meals on Wheels in Buncombe County.

Learn more by visiting www.mowabc.org.

Land of Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging

The Land of Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging covers Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties and is part of a national network of aging agencies established by the federal Older Americans Act. While local Councils on Aging provide direct services, Area Agencies on Aging support older adults living independently through planning, resource development and partnering with Councils on Aging and other organizations.

In addition to being a resource for older adults and their caregivers to contact when seeking information about age-related issues, offerings from the Land of Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging include family caregiver support services, a foster grandparent program, health promotion and disease prevention, a long-term care ombudsman, regional and county aging planning, a senior community services employment program, a senior companion program, information about North Carolina legislation and Project CARE – or Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty – which helps www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

people caring for people with dementia.

For contact information about local Councils on Aging and Land of Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging, turn to the General Information section of the Aging Resources Directory at page 61.

GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS

Possessing backgrounds typically in nursing, social work, gerontology or psychology, geriatric care managers are qualified healthcare professionals who can be hired to offer personalized, holistic assistance and planning for older adults and people with disabilities.

These professionals act as advocates and focus on helping you or your loved one stay independent, healthy and safe.

Geriatric care managers can be especially helpful for family members who don’t live near their loved ones. Working with families and caregivers, they use their expertise to assess, problem-solve, plan and monitor older adults’ living and healthcare situations. Examples of the help they can provide include: • Assessing a loved one’s social, emotional and medical status including problems with memory loss and related dementia • Interacting with and facilitating communication with a medical healthcare team • Evaluating, recommending and helping coordinate moves to appropriate long term care housing • Supporting and helping loved ones and families cope with care options and concerns and helping them reach a consensus about long-term care planning • Connecting with community resources available for older adults • Intervening when a crisis occurs such as an emergency room visit and overseeing a hospitalization or rehabilitation stay • Reviewing and overseeing bill paying, assisting with insurance companies and working with financial advisors and attorneys.

The Aging Life Care Association (formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) offers more information about geriatric care management as well an online searchable database for finding a professional in your area at www.aginglifecare.org.

25

AVOID BEING

SCAMMED

TIPS TO PREVENT BEING THE VICTIM OF A SENIOR SCAM Access to major funds or credit, the fact

that sometimes seniors are isolated and the perception that elders have reduced cognition are all reasons scam artists view older adults as easy prey.

But just because you may be a target doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. With awareness of the most common scams and having strategies in place, you can avoid getting ripped off and help law enforcement agencies shut down these sordid operations.

The Most Common Scams

Senior scams play on our biggest fears and concerns – our health, our finances, our home and the well-being of our families. Scammers enter people’s lives by mail, phone and email and in person with an unsolicited knock on the door.

They often look official and seem trustworthy.

Their offers may seem like good ideas – maybe even too good to be true.

• Sweepstake scams: You receive a call or a flyer saying you have won something. To retrieve your “prize,” they ask you to send a 26

check or give your credit card or bank account number.

• Medicare scams: Someone calls saying they are from Medicare and asks for confidential, personal information, such as your Social Security number.

• Update-your-account scam: An email that looks like it is from a company you actually do business with pops into your inbox and asks you to update your account information, including a credit card or bank account number.

• Home repair scams: Unsolicited, someone knocks on your door saying they can fix an issue with your home or on your grounds at a good price.

• Charity scams: Someone calls and asks you to donate to a fake charity with a very real sounding name or someone calls and says you previously made a pledge and they are now collecting on it — again, asking for cash, a check or your credit card number.

• Grandparent scam: Someone calls and says “Hi, Grandma, it’s me” – not giving a

Aging Resources 2017–2018

name. The senior says, “Oh, hi (name).” Then the caller assumes the grandchild’s identity and asks for money.

There also are funeral and cemetery scams, discount drug scams, investment scams, reverse mortgage scams and debt collection scams. The list is long and new scams are created every day.

What they all have in common is asking for money directly or asking for personal information they can use to steal your identity and get your money.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Be aware that everyone is susceptible and no one is immune. Have your guard up no matter how sharp you think you are and no matter how legitimate something seems. To stay safe, follow these recommendations: • Don’t give credit card numbers, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone or by email.

• Don’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the caller.

• Never answer the door for a person you don’t know.

• Should you find yourself on the phone with a stranger, have a strategy for getting off the phone. Some people feel just hanging up is rude. If that’s the case for you or a loved one, have a strategy that works for you and use it.

• Shred your mail and documents before throwing them away.

• Get an unlisted phone number. Your phone service provider will be glad to help you with this.

• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222.

• Make it your strict policy to talk over any financial, charity or spending decisions with a trusted family member or friend before giving out information or money.

• Never click a link in an email to access or set up an account with a business. Always enter your account through the business’ main website via your own browser.

• Check your credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.

• Consider putting a “security freeze” on your credit report. Find out more by visiting www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

www.ncdoj.gov and then clicking “Consumer,” then “Credit & Debt” and then “Freeze Your Credit.”

• Visit the North Carolina Department of Justice’s website at www.ncdoj.gov for more tips about avoiding being defrauded under the “Consumer” tab.

Report Scams to Law Enforcement Agencies

If you receive what you believe to be a scam phone call, email or mailing, or if you believe a scam artist has knocked on your door, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency. You also can contact the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office at (919) 716-6000. If you realize you have been a victim of a scam, do not be embarrassed. These scammers are professionals and are very good at what they do.

Turn your misfortune into a positive for your community and report the scam so you can help protect others. For area law enforcement contact information, turn to page 70.

27

Aging in Place AT HOME THE BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

As we grow older and our physical abilities change, our living spaces sometimes need modifications to help us function, prevent falls and stay independent so we can “age in place” in our homes.

Through a design approach called Universal Design, or UD, we can make our homes more accessible, operational and safer.

UD often involves simple, small changes that can make a huge difference. For example, retrofitting a home using UD can be as easy as changing lighting to reduce glare, installing wall-to-wall carpet, putting up two handrails on staircases or making thresholds smooth. Such changes actually benefit everyone, make living easier and more secure for people of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors.

Universal Design sometimes can call for more involved remodeling like making a barrier-free bathroom with a walk-in tub or roll-in shower.

Creating a more accessible kitchen may include appliances at lower heights and cabinets with roll-out shelves and handles rather than knobs.

These UD elements are more of an investment but are still less expensive and less disrupting than having to move from your home to assisted 28

living or a care facility. Retrofitting a home using UD also can be done gradually as your budget allows and on an “as needed” basis.

If you are building a home, you are in a great position to incorporate UD options into your new space such as widening hallways for wheelchairs or walkers, lowering light switches, raising electrical outlets and putting blocks behind walls to accommodate grab bars later. The cost of incorporating UD into the design of a new home is minimal, while having UD throughout the house can add great value for resale.

Interior designers and homebuilders who are Certified Aging in Place (CAP) specialists can help you decide which Universal Design elements to bring into your current home or to your new home’s blueprints. To find such a specialist near you, visit the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org and on the homepage click “Find” and then click on “Designees” to find the CAP directory.

Find out more about how you can stay in your home and stay independent by visiting the National Aging In Place Council at www.ageinplace.org.

Some UD options that can make life

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Universal Design options that can make life easier • Lights that turn on when you approach your home • No-glare lights for general lighting, task lighting • Rails on both sides of stairs • Raised electric outlets • Lowered rocker light switches • Programmable thermostats • Drawers instead of cabinets in kitchen • D-shaped cabinet and drawer pulls • Wall-to-wall carpet • Wires neatly managed, off floors • Grab bars by toilets and in showers • Elevated toilets • Roll-in showers, walk-in tubs • Hand-held shower heads on glides • Non-slip, low-maintenance floors in bathrooms

• Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and laundry on one floor • Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer • Raised or lowered dishwasher • Counter-height microwave • Flat cooktop with front controls • Stoves and sinks with open space underneath for seated person • Separate, comfort-height wall oven • Varied counter heights so cooks can sit or stand • Beveled corners on counters, furniture and walls • Raised, front-load, front-control washer and dryer • 36-inch-wide doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs

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29

Healthy Aging MAKING THIS THE PRIME TIME OF YOUR LIFE With people living longer – and healthier – than ever before, our latter years afford us the opportunity for more fulfillment and fun.

To focus on healthy aging, start by considering doing the following:

Engage your mind and spirit: Stay

sharp and mentally enriched by reading and writing, doing puzzles and playing games, taking classes at a community college or online, engaging in arts and crafts, playing and listening to music and traveling, even if just short day-trips. Seeing and experiencing new things can make you feel youthful. Immersing yourself in a hobby and engaging in lifelong learning not only can help you stay young at heart but mentally and physically healthy, too.

Focus on your nutrition: Make sure your

diet includes lots of fresh, nutritionally rich foods and go easy on junk food and fast food.

With the advice of your healthcare provider, take supplements to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

Keep moving: Staying physically active can

do wonders for your overall health. In addition to building strong bones and muscles to help prevent falls, exercise helps your cardiovascular health, and staves off depression. Find a type of physical activity that keeps you interested and motivates you to make it a daily habit.

30

Consider joining a health club or find a buddy to enjoy walks or other exercise with.

Pay attention to your health: Key to keeping illness and physical problems at bay is having regular screenings and check-ups from healthcare providers. If and when a physical or mental health change occurs, don’t assume it’s “just part of aging” – go get checked out.

Symptoms can be signs of treatable illnesses especially when addressed early. Changes with vision and hearing are a common part of growing older but can often be helped easily with the right prescription of glasses or the appropriate hearing aid. Because vision and hearing problems can be signs of other health issues and can also affect your balance, make these check-ups a priority. Dental care becomes more important as we age especially because it can impact our eating and can also affect our heart health so take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.

Stay socially connected: Make a concerted effort to keep up with friends and loved ones through regular phone calls, emails and visits outside your home. Join recreational clubs where you can make new acquaintances as well as get involved with new activities and interests. Volunteer your time – by doing so, you’ll not only experience the joy of giving back and having a purpose but you’ll also get to interact with others.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Enhancing Your Life with Technology

HOW DEVICES CAN HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT In our 21st-century world, technology is woven into every part of our lives. For older adults or those caregiving for loved ones, the realm of devices and technological tools that can help with maintaining independence and a good quality of life is growing every day. Here’s a sampling of just some of the many gadgets that can make life easier and more enriching for older adults living independently:

Tablets and e-readers: With screens that

are larger than smart phones and portability that desktop computers lack, tablets like pads – when connected to Wi-Fi – can help older adults easily access their bank accounts, investments, financial information, health records and other information that helps them manage their daily lives. They also provide a handy way to surf the Web and stay connected with friends and family through social networking sites like Facebook and through video chatting platforms like Skype or Google Hangout, helping ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation. E-readers like Kindles and Nooks are lightweight, have the ability to make words appear larger and can provide a virtual library of books, magazines and other reading materials at the touch of a fingertip.

Smart speakers: Like having a virtual assistant who does what you say, smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home devices also use a Wi-Fi connection. Users give voice commands to make the devices play music, set timers, make lists, get the weather, control connected devices 32

such as thermostats and lights, order products from select retailers, turn on and off televisions and much more.

Video gaming consoles: By playing video

games, older adults can flex their mental muscles and help their memory and stimulate their minds.

Devices like Nintendo Wiis, which virtually mimic playing sports and doing exercises, can help with maintaining physical activity.

Healthcare-related devices: Older adults

can benefit from having medication-dispensing systems that remind users to take their medicine with alerts sent if a dose is missed. Batterypowered devices called Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), or Medical Emergency Response Systems, typically can be carried in a pocket or worn around the neck or wrist and allow the user to call for emergency help with the press of a button. Vital health data such as someone’s heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure can be measured and collected through wearable health monitoring sensors. Wirelessenabled wearable activity trackers like Fitbits that are worn on wristbands can help older adults and caregivers measure daily physical fitness, such as steps walked or climbed, sleep quality and heart rate.

Embrace the attitude that technology is your friend. Explore how the ever-growing number of assistive devices available can help you or a loved one remain independent at home with less worry and more fulfillment.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Leading Eye Care Since 1961

As You Age, Trust Your Eyes To The Experts

M

any disorders of the eyelids and eye sockets that are common with age can be corrected easily through oculoplastic surgery.

Drooping or sagging eyelids that may affect vision or be of cosmetic concern can be corrected by the removal of extra skin or fat around the eye or by doing muscle adjustments to raise the upper lids. People with drooping eyelids may experience headaches and impaired vision that forces them to hold their heads up to try to see.

After being treated with oculoplastic surgery, patients often experience great improvement with their vision and quality of life. To help with appearance, bagginess and sagging around the eyes often can be corrected surgically at the same time.

Older adults may experience other disorders of the eyelids and eye socket including tumors, growths around eyelids, blocked tear ducts and other socket problems. If tumors in the eye socket behind the eye are found, these can be removed and biopsied to check to make sure they are benign.

People who have problems with their eyes watering may have tear drain problems which can be helped through oculoplastic surgery to repair tear drains. Those with thyroid issues also can have eye symptoms which can be evaluated and treated with oculolplastic surgery, medication or a combination of therapies. Older adults sometimes have eyes that need to be removed or replaced with implants, another condition that oculoplastic surgery can correct. And in addition to specialized issues, overlapping conditions such as styes, dry eye and blepharitis, a bacterial inflammation of the eyelids can be addressed.

As one of only 500 board-certified oculoplastic surgeons in the United States, Jeffrey B. Goldstein, MD of Asheville Eye Associates is able to treat disorders of the eyelids and eye sockets right here in Western North Carolina.

Procedures are typically same-day, take less than 45 minutes, require only light sedation and are done on-site at Asheville Eye Associates’ outpatient surgical center. Most patients are pain-free afterwards and only experience a little bruising or swelling that usually subsides within a week.

Take care of your eye issues today by calling Asheville Eye Associates toll-free at (800) 531-EYES (3937) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldstein or one of the group’s other leading eye care providers in Western North Carolina.

JEFFREY B. GOLDSTEIN, MD

Asheville Eye Associates 8 Medical Park Drive Asheville, NC 28803

828-258-1586 800-531-EYES(3937)

LIFELONG

LEARNING

RESOURCES FOR ONGOING ENRICHMENT

In this time of living longer, growing older now means we often can continue to thrive and enjoy life for many more decades than previous generations experienced.

In the United States, the average life expectancy is nearly 79 years – about 76 years for a man and about 81 years for a woman. More people are living to be 85 years old and older and the number of Americans living to be 100 or older continues to climb.

With more good years – and even decades – ahead, we have the opportunity to continue to learn new things, stay physically active and be socially engaged. And such life enrichment helps us remain healthy and productive in our elder years.

Lifelong learning and life enrichment feeds and nurtures our physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. Here in Western North Carolina, several institutions offer high quality, life-enhancing programs for older adults. By their very nature, all these programs offer opportunities for socialization, volunteering, community building, life planning and networking. They can broaden your world, open your mind to new possibilities for your life, and ensure your upcoming years are rich and meaningful.

34

BLUE RIDGE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING (BRCLL)

Located on Blue Ridge Community College’s Flat Rock campus, BRCLL offers a full slate of enrichment and educational programming.

Participants can select from courses on a wide variety of topics—from history and culture to recreational pursuits to various dance, movement and exercise classes. The program also hosts a series of brown bag lunches with various speakers and EdVentures (Educational Adventures) – educational trips to local and regional places of interest. For BRCLL’s schedule of classes and events, visit www.brcll.com or call 828-694-1740.

LIFE@WESTERN CAROLINA, BILTMORE PARK CAMPUS

A program of Western Carolina University (WCU), LIFE offers noncredit classes for adults 50 years old and older. Courses range in topics from history and culture to health and science to geopolitical issues and legal topics.

Current and retired WCU faculty teach classes.

Both WCU’s Cullowhee and Biltmore Park (Asheville) campuses offer LIFE courses. Visit www.life.wcu.edu or 828-227-7397 for more information and class schedules.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

4864-AgingResources2017-2.pdf

1

8/31/17

1:17 PM

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER AT UNC-ASHEVILLE (OLLI)

A nationally acclaimed learning community for older adults, OLLI offers opportunities for lifelong learning, leadership, community service and continued growth in a variety of settings.

Founded in 1988 as the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, OLLI’s programming today includes intellectual and cultural pursuits as well as social, physical and practical life courses such as life transition and retirement relocation planning, including its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend (CREW). OLLI’s College for Seniors (CFS) program gives participants full access to the resources of University of North CarolinaAsheville. To find out more and get involved, visit www.olliasheville.com or call 828-251-6140.

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35

Hearing Well MEANS Staying Well

Continued on page 38 36

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Hearing loss in America

1

1 in 3

1 in 6

people over the age of 60 have hearing loss

Baby boomers have hearing loss

1 in 14

1

2

Generation XERS already have hearing loss

3

1 in 5

90-95% of people

Teenagers have some type of hearing loss

with hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.3

Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition in older Americans, after hypertension and arthritis2.

Take the next step towards improving your hearing.

Call Biggert’s Hearing Instruments today to schedule a hearing evaluation with one of our hearing professionals.

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(828) 692-0353 Email: biggerthearing@att.net www.biggertshearing.com

© 2017 Starkey. All Rights Reserved.

8/17 171023367 Halo 2 and TruLink are compatible with iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s (Halo only), iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 3, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini, iPod touch (5th generation), and Apple Watch. Use of Apple Watch requires iPhone 5 or later. “Made for iPod,” “Made for iPhone,” and “Made for iPad” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch may affect wireless performance. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, FaceTime, Apple Watch and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

1 Better Hearing Institute. (2004). Prevalence of Hearing Loss. Retrieved from: http://www.betterhearing.org/hearingpedia/prevalence-hearing-loss | 2 National Academy on an Aging Society. (1999). Challenges for the 21st Century: Chronic and Disabling Conditions. Retrieved from: http://www.agingsociety.org/agingsociety/pdf/chronic.pdf | 3 Better Hearing Institute. (n.d.). Hearing Loss Treatment. Retrieved from: http://www.betterhearing.org/hearingpedia/hearing-loss-treatment

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

37

SINCE 1961, LEADING EYE CARE YOU CAN TRUST

Our FOCUS... is on YOU

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Our comprehensive specialty services include: • state-of-the-art cataract surgery • laser surgery for glaucoma and diabetes • surgery and treatment for diseases of the retina and macula • corneal transplants • reconstructive eyelid surgery • LASIK plus pediatric and neuro-ophthalmic eye care

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38

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Live Your Best Life!

A

ffinity Living Group provides care for more

than 5200 residents. We understand the

importance of making your loved one feel safe, happy and loved each and every day.

Affinity Living Group Communities strive daily to create the best life for all we serve—to enjoy assistance when required, and freedom when desired.

Cherry Springs Village is an assisted living community in Hendersonville, NC, a lovely mountain setting with all the comforts of home.

Residents enjoy privacy, comfort and a caring, loving staff.

358 Clear Creek Road Hendersonville, NC 828-577-8846 Kingsbridge House is a memory care community located in Brevard, NC. The caring staff at Kingsbridge House has specialized training to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and memory-related dementia.

10 Sugar Loaf Road Brevard, NC 828-577-8846 Cedar Mountain House is an assisted living community tucked away from the hustle and bustle of in town living. The staff takes pride in the serenity and peacefulness this provides their residents.

11 Sherwood Ridge Road Brevard, NC 828-577-8846

AFFINITY

Living Group

www.affinitylivinggroup.com

TYPES OF

Senior Housing

Independent Living. Assisted Living.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs also known as Life Plan Communities).

Family Homes. Nursing Homes. For-profit.

Non-profit. If you are in the process of searching for senior housing for yourself or a loved one, then you know it is unlike any other housing search you’ve ever done.

You aren’t just looking for a roof over a head—you are searching for a place that has the facilities, staff, and services to meet your needs now and in the future. Understanding the types of housing available, the industry lingo and pertinent state regulations—which vary from service level to service level and state to state—can help ensure you make the right move.

Independent Living

As the name states, Independent Living refers to a community of apartments and/or single-family homes where residents—typically restricted to 55 years old or older—live on their own without assistance. Some allow you 40

to buy your unit, some are rent only, some offer a choice.

Along with apartments and homes, many of these communities often provide amenities such as a full schedule of social activities, recreational facilities, transportation to appointments, housekeeping and laundry services, and fullservice dining. Some of these amenities may be included in the facility’s regular monthly fee, some may be extra.

Independent Living facilities are not licensed to provide medical care, home care and home health care, but they can invite a licensed provider to offer care on-site and contract individually with residents. As a resident, you can choose to use the on-site provider or a provider of your choice. Independent Living facilities also may be called Congregate Living or Retirement Communities.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living in North Carolina is a catchall phrase. It can refer to state-licensed Adult Care Homes, state-licensed Family Care Continued on page 42 Aging Resources 2017–2018

A Rental Retirement Community

Gracious Retirement Living

I

s there something you’ve always wanted to do? We’re notorious for our special excursions; day trips to cultural events, museums and other places of interest.

It’s easy to be as social as you wish. Our community features beautiful common areas and a variety of planned activities and events to enjoy friends and neighbors every day.

Bella Vista retirement community offers active seniors a country club setting with spectacular mountain views. Leave the cooking cleaning and yard work to us.

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Floor Plans Include: Private Studio, One and Two Bedroom apartments featuring kitchenetts and spacious bathrooms.

Our Residents Enjoy: • On-site beauty/barber shop, library and arts & crafts room • Transportation to your appointments, shopping and errands • Three chef-prepared meals a day • Pet friendly community • Caring management team lives on-site • Maintenance free, no buy-ins or leases • One monthly rental fee • Call for complimentary meal and tour!

55 Piney Mountain Drive • Asheville, NC 28805 • 828-255-8255 • www.seniorlivinginstyle.com www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

41

Homes, and non-licensed Multi-Unit Assisted Housing with Services (MAHS).

Adult Care Homes are defined as having more than seven beds and offer 24-hour supervision and assistance to residents.

Licensed by North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation, they provide meals, housekeeping, personal care services, medication supervision and management, and nursing services as needed.

Also state licensed, Family Care Homes have from two to seven beds. They offer 24-hour supervision, meals, and personal care to residents. They operate as any regular family home does and are not required to have nursing staff. Caregivers live on-site, adding to the family atmosphere and providing residents with a consistency of care not usually achievable in more traditional assisted living facilities.

MAHSs are registered with the state but are not licensed. These facilities are only required to provide housekeeping and one meal a day. All other services—personal care, extra meals, transportation, activities, medication management—can be charged à la carte. These facilities must maintain an agreement with one licensed home-care or hospice-care agency to provide personal care and nursing services to residents on-site. However, MAHS residents are always free to choose their own provider.

Most of these establishments offer a full schedule of activities on-site and opportunities for off-site events. A few also have special wings for dementia care. Be aware, however, that just because an Assisted Living facility says it has a memory care unit does not guarantee that the staff is well trained in managing dementia or that state-of-the-art activities are offered.

Be sure to ask for staff training and program

specifics, and spend some time observing the unit.

Assisted Living facilities may also be called Rest Homes or Homes for the Aged. Whatever name they go by, it is important for you to know if they are licensed or registered, and exactly which services come as part of their standard care and fee, and which are charged at an extra cost.

To view a list of licensed Assisted Living facilities by county, check on any violations and penalties, and see their star rating by North Carolina, go to www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/.

To see licensed Family Care Homes listed by county, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/reports.htm.

Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing

Also licensed by North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation, Nursing Homes— also known as Skilled Nursing Facilities—offer the highest level of residential care. They are the right choice for short-term inpatient rehab for those recuperating from an accident or illness, or those who are chronically ill and need long-term care. In addition to a bed and meals, these homes provide roundthe-clock monitoring, personal care, nursing care, rehabilitation, medication management, and social-work services. Most also offer a schedule of activities and opportunities for socialization for residents who are well enough to participate. A list of licensed Nursing Homes in North Carolina by county can be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/reports.htm.

A Medicare star rating and facility comparison of nursing homes/Skilled Nursing facilities including those that are part of CCRCs can be found at www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC also known as Life Plan Communities)

CCRCs offer all three levels of care— Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing—on one campus. Typically, these communities require a buy-in or entrance fee. Entrance fees for North Carolina CCRCs range from a few thousand dollars to more than $1 million with a typical entrance fee ranging from $68,000 to $370,000. A Continued on page 44

42

Aging Resources 2017–2018

TAKE

Comfort in knowing your contribution matters.

TAKE

Comfort

Your purchases and donations to the Your purchases and donations to the Hospice Hospice HomeusStore allowsthe ushighest to provide Home Store allow to provide the ofhighest ofand carefamilies to patients and quality care toquality patients families throughout Western North Carolina. throughout Western North Carolina.

in knowing your contribution matters.

An UpScale ReSale

Four Seasons is committed to providing Experience nationalShopping award winning levels of care to families living with illness.

Your 'urniture, Art,serious Books, Antiques, purchases and donations to the Hospice Household, Collectibles, Linens, Home Store allow us to provide the highest ! andand More quality ofClothing, care to patients families throughout Western North Carolina.

215 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Call

f o r L i f e 828.696.0625

C o m p a s s i o n

for more information or to schedule a pickup.

F o u r S e a s o n s C F L . o r g F o u r S e a s o n s C F L . o r g

44

CCRC charges a monthly fee that can range from $900 to $5,000. For this investment, residents are guaranteed the level of care they need at a regulated rate for life. Most CCRCs require that residents be able to live independently at buy-in.

Buying into a CCRC can simplify financial planning and allows residents to establish peace of mind for everyone in the family.

Because CCRCs require a long-term financial investment from residents, they are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Their skilled-nursing units are licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulations. Each community must issue and provide potential residents with a disclosure statement on their financial health.

If you are considering a CCRC, it is imperative that you not only understand the terms of your contract but that you also understand the community’s disclosure statement. These contracts usually fall into one of the following categories: • Extensive Contracts are full-service contracts that provide for residents to transfer from on-site independent living to on-site assisted living or skilled nursing when needed for an unlimited time and at little to no additional cost. The CCRC bears the majority of the burden of the residents’ long-term care.

• Modified Contracts obligate the CCRC to provide health-related services for a specified number of days at no additional cost or at a subsidized fee. Thereafter the financial responsibility for long-term care shifts to the resident.

• Fee-for-Service Contracts give residents guaranteed admission to on-site assisted living or skilled nursing when needed, but residents must pay extra for these additional services when used. With this type of contract the resident bears the full financial burden of additional long-term care needs.

• Equity Contracts involve a true real estate purchase. Be aware that the health-related services with these contracts differ.

• Rental Contracts provide for housing, services and guaranteed access to healthrelated services in exchange for monthly rent and service fee. Typically, as part of these Aging Resources 2017–2018

fees, residents are guaranteed healthcare services at a discounted fee for a certain number of days. After that, full rates are charged.

Regardless of how well you understand these documents—it may be prudent to take them to an elder law attorney or a CPA who can explain them to you.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance publishes a CCRC reference guide that can be accessed at www.ncdoi.com/SE/ Documents/CCRC/CCRC_Guide_2017.pdf. In it, you’ll find general information about CCRCs, as well as listings for all licensed CCRCs in North Carolina, complete with their amenities, fees, types of contracts offered, and contact information.

Careful Evaluation Is Key

Making a move to senior housing is a move you only want to make once. Do not be shy about asking questions, requesting to dine with a current resident, or asking to spend a weekend or up to a week at any community you are considering. The more information

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

you gather on the properties you see, their services, their policies, and your rights as a resident, the better choice you will make for all concerned. A Medicare star rating and facility comparison of nursing homes/skillednursing centers (including those that are part of CCRSc) can be found at www.medicare.gov/ nursinghomecompare.

To make your search a little easier, the following pages contain a list of things for you to consider and questions to ask as you tour various facilities. This list can be downloaded at www.AgingResourcesWNC.com.

45

CHOOSING A

New Place to Live WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CONTEMPLATING A MOVE TO SENIOR HOUSING

Thinking about moving to senior housing?

Evaluate your options with the following questions:

The Property

• Are the grounds attractive? Is the building well kept?

• Is it handicap accessible? Are hallways and doors wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs?

• Are handrails in the hallways? Are there elevators as well as stairs?

• Is it well lit?

• Does it have a pleasant smell?

• Do you like its layout?

• Is it easy to find your way around?

• Is security on the grounds 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

• How far is it from where loved ones live?

The Staff

• Is everyone at every post – front desk, maintenance, housekeeping, healthcare, dining room – appropriately dressed, pleasant and attentive?

• Is the front-desk staff friendly on the phone and in person?

• Are your phone calls and emails responded to promptly?

• Is it easy to reach someone by phone and to leave a message?

• Do staff members know residents and address them appropriately?

46

The Residents

• Are the common areas active?

• Do residents look well and happy and are they socializing? Ask residents about life in their community and their satisfaction with services.

• Does the property have a newsletter or monthly calendar of events? If so, pick up several months’ worth of copies.

The Food

• What dining options are available? Is there more than one dining room? Can you have meals to go or delivered, and if so, is there an extra charge?

• What meals does the dining room serve and how many are included in the monthly fee?

Is the dining room full at dinner?

• What foods are available every day? Get sample monthly menus.

• Does the food taste good? Is it presented with pride? Are portions to your liking? Dine in the dining room at least once.

• Is there a private dining room if you wish to host a special event?

Services & Amenities

• What services are available? Laundry?

Housekeeping? Transportation to shopping and special events?

• Is there transportation to private appointments? If so, how often, how far will they take you and is there an extra charge?

• Are there on-site recreational facilities?

Continued on page 48

Aging Resources 2017–2018

I was sure I’d hate it.

Then I met the people at Arbor Terrace of Asheville.

At Arbor Terrace of Asheville, we believe that people make a place what it is. Our exceptional staff facilitates a maintenance-free lifestyle, while our friendly residents offer a fun and welcoming environment.

Set up a tour of this remarkable community today.

(828) 656-0076 | www.at-asheville.com 3199 Sweeten Creek Road | Asheville, NC 28803

• What activities are available daily? What special events are offered? Check out an events calendar.

• Is there an on-site hair salon or barber?

• Is there newspaper delivery and telephone, TV, cable and Internet availability?

• Are there accommodations for overnight guests?

• Is there assistance with Skype or FaceTime so out-of-town relatives and friends can visit virtually?

• Are any religious services offered?

Costs & Contracts

• What exactly is included in the monthly fee?

• Which utilities and services are extra?

• When can fees be raised and by how much?

• What happens if your funds run out?

• Do you need renter’s insurance?

• What can result in termination of your lease or contract? Read your lease or contract and make sure you understand everything in it. If you don’t, consult an attorney. If buying into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, be sure to receive a contract and financial disclosure.

• What are your rights as a resident?

• What is the grievance procedure?

Your Living Space

In Independent Living • What floor plans are available?

• Are pull cords throughout the residence in case of accident or emergency? Is 24-hour emergency response available?

• Can you control your own heat and air conditioning?

• Is the bathroom walker and wheelchair accessible?

• Can you open your windows?

• Can you have a washer and dryer in the apartment or is there a common laundry?

• Who has access to your apartment or home and under what conditions?

• If the campus has assisted living and skilled 48

Aging Resources 2017–2018

AGING

Please review your ad for accuracy. Phone or email me to approve or to make corrections. nursing, how does the transition to a different Thank you,

Resources living arrangement work?

• Can you stay in an apartment overnight or longer to see how you like it?

Brett: 828-290-7812 • brett@hulseymedia.com Joanie: 828-393-9118 • joanie@hulseymedia.com • Are pets allowed? If so, are there restrictions?

Is there a place to walk dogs? Is a dog walker Katie: 828-808-3659 • katie@hulseymedia.com Taylor: 828-423-2907 • taylor@hulseymedia.com available?

Ad Proof 2017

In Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing • Can you lock your windows and doors?

• Who else has access to your room and under what conditions?

Senior Living

Check the appropriate box.

Feels Right. n No changes,That O.K.Just to print n O.K. to print after changes • Gorgeous natural setting Intimate, close-knit atmosphere • n Must see another proof

• Can couples live together in assisted living and • Independent & Assisted Living skilled nursing rooms?

• Extraordinary dining Corrections:________________________________ Note: Significant rewriting or redesign • Are rooms private or doubles? If doubles, can after you preliminary be and if so, what is __________________________________________ requestapproval a privatewill room, subject to additional production charges. the charge?

• Are pets allowed? If so, what are the restrictions?

Healthcare Services

Signature:__________________________________ 2400 Appalachian Blvd. • Arden, NC 28704 ArdenwoodsRetire.com

For Independent Living • Is medical staff on site? If so, what are their hours?

Continued on page 50

(828) 684-7330

Assisted Living & Memory Care Two locations to serve you providing an array of supportive services and amenities including meals, activities, transportation and 24-hour on call staffing.

1820 Pisgah Drive • Hendersonville 828-692-6440 www.crhendersonville.com Licensed in NC for Assisted Living & Memory Care

Licensed in NC for Assisted Living

Enjoy the comforts of home in Companion Suites, Private Suites or Private Rooms. Secure Memory Care Unit

Charming Studio, One or Two Bedroom Apartments Available.

INDIVIDUALITY

1825 Pisgah Drive • Hendersonville 828-697-7800 www.crlaurelpark.com

Call today to schedule your personal tour.

CELEBRATION CHOICE VITALITY SPONTANEITY CONTINUATION OF LIFE EXPERIENCES

RESPECT

HUMOR

49

The Laurels A Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Providing Comprehensive Care For More Than 25 Years In The Following Areas: • Admissions 7 days a week/24 hours a day • Our own in-house Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy 7 days a week • Orthopedic Rehabilitation Program • Neuro Rehabilitation & Stroke Recovery • Cardiac Recovery Program

• Can you hire home care or home health care if needed and remain in your independent living apartment?

• At what point of care does a resident need to move from independent living to assisted living and who makes that decision? What are your rights should you disagree?

For Assisted Living • Is it a licensed assisted-living facility or multi-unit assisted housing (MAHS) with services? Visit the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/index.html for adult care facility inspections, ratings, penalties and more.

• Infection Resolution Program

• What healthcare and daily-living support services are available?

• Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

• Are services all-inclusive or offered as levels of care?

• Respite Care

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio and staff turnover rate?

• At what point of care does a resident need to move from assisted living to skilled nursing and who makes that decision?

mail

• Is there a dementia care unit? If so, how is staff trained and what special services are offered?

THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

om m om

The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge 70 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-7646 www.laurelsofgreentreeridge.com The Laurels of Hendersonville 290 Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6000 www.laurelsofhendersonville.com The Laurels of Summit Ridge 100 Riceville Road, Asheville 828-299-1110 www.laurelsofsummitridge.com

_____

_____

• What healthcare services – such as medication management, care during illness and physical therapy – are offered onsite? What is the cost?

Call and arrange your personal tour.

• What are the daily scheduled activities?

For Skilled Care • Are they licensed by the state? Does the facility have any violations? Visit the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation at www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/index.html for adult care facility inspections, ratings, penalties and more.

• Can you choose your own doctor?

• What healthcare and daily-living support services are included in the fee? What is extra?

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio and staff turnover rate?

_____ 50

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Be Enriched, Embrace Culture.

Be part of an elite group that thrives in a university setting and appreciates the healing atmosphere of a mountain community.

Private Bath & Kitchenette Phone/Cable Included Physician Scheduling with Transportation No Entrance Fees LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

170 South Main Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754

Assisted Living at Its Best Ask about Our Levels of Care

www.marshillretire.com Call today to schedule a visit!

(828) 689-7970 www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

45

Enjoy the Peace of Mind Offered by these Housing Providers

Independent Living Assisted Living Alzheimer’s Care Nursing Care Life Plan (CCRC) On-Site Home Care Respite Care Rehabilitation Care Medicare Accepted Medicaid Accepted

Senior Housing Options

Page Buncombe County 47 Arbor Terrace Asheville

49 Ardenwoods Asheville

41 Bella Vista Asheville

23 Flesher’s Fairview Health Care Center Fairview 48 Givens Estates Asheville

57 Givens Gerber Park Asheville

50 The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge Asheville

50 The Laurels of Summit Ridge Asheville

73 Stone Creek Asheville

43 Trinity View Arden

Page Davie County 13 Bermuda Village Retirement Com. Bermuda Run

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Page Henderson County 49 Carolina Reserve 49 Carolina Reserve 74 Carolina Village 39 Cherry Springs Village 45 Fletcher Park Inn 73 Hendersonville Health & Rehab 53 The Landings of Mills River 50 The Laurels of Hendersonville 21 Life Care of Hendersonville 73 Lodge at Mills River

Hendersonville Laurel Park Hendersonville Hendersonville Hendersonville Flat Rock

Mills River

Hendersonville Hendersonville Mills River

Page Madison County 51 Mars Hill Retirement

Mars Hill

Page Polk County 17 Tryon Estates

Columbus

Page Transylvania County 39 Cedar Mountain House 39 Kingsbridge House

• • • • • • • •

Brevard Brevard

• • • • • • • • ••• •• •

52

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••• •• • •••• • • • • • • • • • •

•

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Living WITH Dementia IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER DEMENTIA Dementia is difficult for everyone. The person suffering with it. The family members who become caregivers. And even for healthcare providers who do not always have solutions to the many disconcerting situations this disease creates for patients and their families.

When you are confronted with dementia— as a patient or caregiver—the best defense is a good offense. Begin by educating yourself about the disease, about the treatments and lifestyle practices that can work to slow the disease, about the behaviors and challenges you can expect as the disease progresses and about ways to manage life after a dementia diagnosis with as much joy and dignity as possible.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a multitude of disorders that impair memory to the point that daily functions become difficult or impossible. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson’s disease are some of the more common forms of dementia.

Although dementia is not a normal part of aging, the biggest risk factor for the disease is age.

54

More than half of us who reach 85 years old or older will suffer memory loss. Dementia is progressive, and there currently is no cure.

Dementia vs. Typical Forgetfulness

It is easy to confuse the very early signs of dementia with typical memory issues we all experience as we age but they are different. For instance, it is normal to misplace your keys or your glasses. It is not normal—and may be an indicator of dementia—to put your keys or glasses in an unusual place, such as the freezer or in the back of a drawer, and then have no recollection of where you put them.

It is normal to walk into a room in your home and forget your purpose for going there. It is not normal—and may be an indicator of dementia—to walk into a room in your home and for a moment not know where you are.

Difficulty performing once routine mathematical tasks – such as balancing your checkbook or adding a column of numbers – or feeling overly challenged when learning new things –such as how to work a new appliance – may also indicate a serious memory disorder.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Simple checklists of early warning signs can be found on many websites. For a list of 10 signs of early dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_ know_the_10_signs.asp.

Get Diagnosed – The Sooner, The Better If you suspect dementia, get a diagnosis from a neurologist who specializes in memory loss and do so as soon as possible. Turn to the resource section in the back of Aging Resources for practices and organizations that offer this service. Insist that both the patient and close family members or loved ones are part of the evaluation and are given the opportunity to discuss with the physician what has caused them to suspect dementia. While most patients are well aware that their ability to process information has changed, a loved one is usually in a better position to recall and give details of specific incidents and behavior changes, giving physicians a more complete picture.

While there currently is no cure for dementia, there are medications and lifestyle practices that can slow the progression of the disease especially

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

when a diagnosis is made early. Also, other conditions, such as depression, stress, poor sleep, hearing loss, vision problems or an underlying infection or other illness can worsen symptoms.

Simply treating these disorders often can return some functioning.

With a diagnosis in hand, a physician is better able to guide the patient and the family as to how to manage symptoms now to maintain the greatest independence and to give all concerned an idea of what to expect for the future.

Make a Plan

Although only one member of the family may have dementia, everyone in the family is affected.

It makes sense to come together as a family in these early stages and put together a plan of action to care for the patient and manage life as the disease progresses. As a family, you should decide on roles and responsibilities for everyone who wishes to be part of the care management. Be realistic in your commitments. Dementia is for the long Continued on next page

55

Interacting With Your Loved One Being there for someone with dementia can pose challenges but there are approaches that can help, many of which involve being supportive, compassionate and understanding of changes caused by the disease.

• Simplify: Talk about one thing at a time, use fewer words and speak slowly. Sharing too much information – and multitasking – can be confusing and overwhelming. Realize that logic does not apply to an illogical disease.

• Let your loved one carry out tasks: Offer to help but also be willing to not help so your loved one has the chance to feel good about accomplishing something on his or her own.

• Use memory aids: Lists, signs, dry-erase boards, alarm clocks and calendars can help as can having designated spots for commonly misplaced items.

• Be attuned to eyesight and hearing issues: Vision and hearing problems can worsen – and in some cases mimic – dementia symptoms.

Peripheral vision can be lost and perception can change, too, as the disease progresses. Make sure your loved one has his or her eyesight and hearing checked regularly especially if he or she is having trouble with avoiding obstacles, seeing well even when wearing glasses, struggling to follow a conversation or having problems with balance.

• Show and tell: Visually communicating with your loved one is as important as talking with him or her so be sure to show and say what you mean. To assist with his or her comprehension, make your loved one’s living space as free as possible of distractions such as visual clutter and noises. Use hand gestures, visual cues and prompts to help convey what you mean.

• Go down memory lane: Reminisce about the past by looking at old photographs and mementos and telling stories from days gone by.

• Practice patience and kindness: Reassure your loved one and focus on his or her feelings rather than the facts. Apologize and say “I’m sorry” regularly when he or she is frustrated, sad or angry. Respond with affection through smiles and hugs.

56

haul. Commit to what you can do and then find resources in the community to help where you and others cannot.

Securing the help of a professional at this point — such as a geriatric care manager, a social worker or someone from your local Council on Aging — may be a good idea. To find a certified geriatric care manager in your area, visit the Aging Life Care Association website at www.caremanager.org.

These professionals are trained to help you know what to plan for. They can inform you of support services and various resources in your area, help you weigh your housing options and help you navigate the system overall.

With dementia, what is unthinkable now— moving to assisted living, using adult day care, needing round-the-clock care - can become reality.

With a plan, these transitions become easier financially and emotionally for everyone.

Housing Considerations

Someone with memory impairment functions better in familiar surroundings. To that end, it is to everyone’s advantage to move the patient into the care situation chosen before rather than after the full force of that care is needed. By making a move before dementia progresses, the person can make friends, get used to routines and form relationships with staff while they still have the ability to do so.

As you look at living situations, have the goal of only moving your loved one once. Consider places that offer both assisted and skilled care in the same building or at least on the same campus.

If symptoms worsen and skilled nursing becomes necessary, it is healthier for your loved one to be in familiar surroundings with people he or she trusts. Staying put also increases opportunities for independence, reduces your loved one’s fear and makes it easier for the on-site friends to visit.

Get Support for the Caregiver

Part of every plan for dementia care must be to care for the caregiver. This means ensuring caregivers don’t overcommit themselves and that their needs and desires also are considered. They should take time to join a support group online or in person for emotional support as well as to gain insight and strategies for managing the disease.

Respite care should be built into the schedule to ensure caregivers have time for rest and for living their own lives.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Remember that the care plan is not written in stone. The person with dementia and the caregiver should feel free to change it as circumstances and abilities change. For instance, a caregiver may commit at first to keeping a loved one at home.

As the disease progresses or life circumstances change, this may prove to be too stressful for the caregiver. At that time, the caregiver should feel free to change the plan and find a solution that works better for him or her and the patient. Turn to pages 61 and 62 for Alzheimer’s/Dementia and Caregiver Support resources in your area.

Your Family Is Not Alone

More than 350,000 people in North Carolina today are suffering with dementia and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. There is nothing easy about the often long course of dementia. But with early diagnosis, an acceptance of the realities of the disease and a proactive approach to management, both people with dementia and their caregivers can maintain the highest quality of life possible for as long as possible.

Move from Overwhelmed to Excited Get Help for Your Journey through Downsizing and Moving

Bring an experienced Realtor® alongside as you begin to make plans for your new home. Navigating the waters of the real estate market and its rules and regulations requires expert help.

The Steve Cooper Real Estate Team will help guide your way.

Steve has earned the designation of being a Senior Real Estate Specialist® and the reputation of being a knowledgeable and patient professional.

They bring the people and services that you need as you consider your move. They help find a place, if you need a new home or need to relocate to a Senior residence. They help prepare your home for the market and will find the right buyer at the right price.

Let’s get started. We can help plan, or we can pick up where you have left off. Call on us today by phone, email, or text.

Creative Downsizing answers the overwhelming questions about what to do first. The memories collected over the years will stay with you, but all the items you’re attached to may not have room where you’re going.

Freda has become an expert guide into how to handle the excess.

Once you have given your family and friends the keepsakes you want them to have, she and her team come alongside to find a new home for the rest.

Careful attention to every detail of your journey through downsizing and moving gives you the help you need to move from overwhelmed to excited.

STEVE COOPER, SRES Your New Favorite Realtor®

(828) 254-7253

steve-cooper@kw.com Creative Downsizing

FREDA COOPER (828) 712-9722 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

creativedownsizingbyfreda@gmail.com

57

Palliative AND

Hospice Care

HOW BOTH CAN ENHANCE LIFE OVERALL WHEN DEALING WITH ILLNESS When facing a serious illness or life-limiting condition, palliative care and hospice care can provide you or a loved one with relief, a sense of more control and enhancement of life in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Both palliative care and hospice care focus on the needs of the whole patient, not the just the illness someone is dealing with. Both have the goal of decreasing symptoms and increasing 58

quality of life. And both work to help patients and their families live as fully as possible and with dignity in spite of their illness.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is for patients managing a serious illness. With palliative care, curative treatments continue but with a more holistic approach that takes you and your whole life into account.

Aging Resources 2017–2018

With palliative care, you get a team of specially trained professionals to help you navigate your life, as well as your illness. A palliative care team typically consists of some combination of healthcare providers – such as a physician, nurse practitioner and nurses – a medical social worker and perhaps a pharmacist, nutritionist, spiritual counselor and volunteers. Working closely with you and your family, the team helps you: •

Have a conversation with your family and document your wishes for future health care.

•

Develop treatment goals and a lifemanagement plan that reflect your values, your life goals, your lifestyle and your desires.

•

Ensure proper pain management and symptom relief is in place.

•

See that financial issues are addressed and help is found if needed.

•

Ensure your family receives information, support, respite and other needed resources.

•

With palliative care, you – the patient – are always in control. You can ask your doctor to refer you to palliative care at any time during your illness and you can stop palliative care services at any time you wish or when you recover.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is for patients with any lifelimiting condition and typically a prognosis of six months or less to live. As with palliative care, hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare and human services professionals. Your hospice team works closely with you and your family to achieve many of the same goals as with palliative care. The difference is that hospice patients are no longer seeking curative treatments; they are seeking comfort and quality of life. Hospice care does nothing to hasten death. In fact, often people receiving hospice care live longer than people who are being actively treated for the same disease.

Continued on next page www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

For quality and compassionate care,

Wherever

YOU CALL HOME, call us today.

Home Care Palliative Care Hospice Care

Your

Local, Independent, Community based, Nationally recognized, Nonprofit organization.

828•692•6178 C o m p a s s i o n

f o r

L i f e

FourSeasonsCFL.org 59

With hospice care:

Your decisions affect your pets!

Contact

•

You can receive hospice services at your home, nursing home, at the hospital or at a hospice house. If you are in a hospital or nursing facility, hospice care can often make it possible for you to move home if you wish.

•

You can continue to see your regular physician and use prescribed medications.

•

You can go out, have visitors in and do whatever you feel up to doing.

•

You can stop hospice care and resume curative treatment at any time.

A physician must refer you for palliative or hospice care. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance offer benefits for both types of care and your care team can help you look into the specifics of your policy.

To find palliative care or hospice care providers in your community, turn to the Aging Resources Directory on page 66.

Charlotte Sheppard, SRES® Senior Real Estate Specialist

828-808-0216 charlottesheppard@kw.com

Because they are worth it!

Each Keller Williams Office is independently owned and operated

We’re here to help.

A resource for patients and caregivers • • • • • •

24/7 Helpline Expert consultation and referrals Content-rich website Diagnostic and treatment options Updates of research advancements Online community - alzconnected.org

• • • •

Customized action plan alz.org/alzheimersnavigator Support Groups Clinical study matching - alz.org/TrialMatch Education programs

24/7 Helpline Assistance in 140 languages 1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/northcarolina 60

Western Carolina Chapter

Aging Resources 2017–2018

Aging Resources Directory

There is plenty of help for seniors and their caregivers in our area. Below is a list of commonly needed services. For a direct link to all websites for listings in this directory, view the magazine online at www.AgingResourcesWNC.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION.

ADULT DAY SERVICES.

Aging Resources Magazine A print and online resource for managing the financial, legal, social, residential, health and medical issues of aging and caregiving.

828-513-3888 www.agingresourceswnc.com

CarePartners—Adult Day Services A safe, enjoyable place for aging and impaired adults to stay engaged during the day. www.carepartners.org

Councils on Aging Local nonprofit advocacy agencies that also provide a wide range of services and resources for older adults.

Buncombe County 828-277-8288 www.coabc.org Henderson County 828-692-4203 www.coahc.org Isothermal Planning & Development Commission Area Agency on Aging Facilitating a comprehensive long-term care system for older adults in the region.

Serves Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, and Cleveland Counties 828-287-2281 www.regionc.org/AAA Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging Partnering with organizations throughout the region to provide a system of services and opportunities for older adults and their families.

Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Transylvania 828-251-6622 www.landofsky.org/aaa.html

Buncombe County 68-A Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-277-3399 Henderson County 114 College Drive, Flat Rock 828-697-7070 Transylvania County 23 Medical Park Circle, Brevard 828-884-2980

SEE PAGE 31

AGING IN PLACE.

Aging Projects, Inc. This online resource directory is specially designed to help seniors and caregivers find screened resources to age in place. Serving Henderson, Buncombe, Transylvania and Polk Counties.

828-776-1390 www.AgingProjectsInc.org ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA. Alzheimer’s Association Comprehensive information, care consultations, and online resources—24/7 Helpline.

For information call.

800-272-3900 www.alz.org Western Carolina Chapter 828-398-5780 www.alz.org/northcarolina

SEE PAGE 60

Continued on next page www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

61

AGING RESOURCES Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group Third Tuesday each month, 2:00–3:30 pm.

A care receiver program is provided for loved ones.

United Methodist Church 204 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville Contact Lisa at 828-696-9799 Dementia Friendly WNC A grass roots organization dedicated to the well being of people living with dementia and their families though a welcoming and knowledgeable community.

828-712-4811 www.dementiafriendlywnc.org Memory Care Providing specialized medical care and support for patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. A referral is necessary.

100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville 828-771-2219 www.memorycare.org Memory Lane Fellowship Meets the second Monday of each month Gather for food and fellowship, 1:00-3:00 pm Mud Creek Baptist Church 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville Contact Patty at 828-692-1262 ext. 135 or patty@mudcreekchurch.org Memory Support Groups for Caregivers and Care Receivers Meets every Thursday each month.

1:30 to 3:30 pm; pre-registration is required.

Mud Creek Baptist Church 403 Rutledge Road, Hendersonville Contact Patty at 828-692-6383 ext. 135 patty@mudcreekchurch.org

Support Groups for Persons in the Early Stages of Memory Loss: Asheville First Baptist Church Third Thursday each month, 1:00–3:00 pm

5 Oak Street, Asheville 828-252-4781 Biltmore Methodist Church, 2nd floor 376 Hendersonville Rd. just off I-40, Exit 50, Asheville Second Thursday 1:00-2:30 pm For information, call Mel Kelly at 828-301-0529. (A caregiver support group meets simultaneously across the hall.)

Hendersonville Second Monday each month, 1:00–3:00 pm Crosswalk Building

577 Buncombe Street, Hendersonville 828-388-1421 Highland Farms Retirement Community 200 Tabernacle Rd., Black Mountain Second Tuesday 9:30-11:30 am Mel Kelly 828-301-0529 Avant_garden@msn.com (A support group for caregivers meets simul taneously in Lounge Room 3, lower level, in the J-K entrance to the Brookside Building.)

New Hope Presbyterian Church 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville Third Tuesday 1:00–2:30 pm For information, call Nancy Hogan, at 828-251-7432 or Mel Kelly, co-facilitator at 828-301-0529. (A caregiver support group meets simultaneously at the same location in the lower level.)

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) Offers care consultation, information, assistance and referrals to other resources to family caregivers/care partners who care for a loved one with dementia.

Services are free to consumers.

339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville 828-251-7432 www.landofsky.org/projectcare 62

Fresh Start Behavioral Health Individualized medication management and group therapy treatment for those 55+ with mental health needs. Positive solution focused.

Transylvania Regional Hospital 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard 828-862-6393 www.trhospital.org/support-services

Aging Resources 2017–2018

RESOURCE DIRECTORY St. Luke’s Hospital Senior Life Solutions (outpatient) and the Center for Behavioral Health (inpatient) offer a multidisciplinary approach to mental health for seniors.

101 Hospital Drive, Columbus 828-894-3311 www.saintlukeshospital.com SEE PAGE 3 CAREGIVER SUPPORT. CarePartners–Caregivers Support Groups Third Wednesday each month, 3:30–5:30 pm 68-A Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-277-3399

Last Tuesday each month, 3:00–4:30 pm 114 College Drive, Flat Rock 828-697-7070, www.carepartners.org

Caring For Aging Parents Education & Support (C.A.P.E.S.) Third Monday each month 5:00–6:30 pm Council on Aging–Buncombe County and Mission Hospital 1 Hospital Drive, Room #4402, Asheville 828-277-8288 www.coabc.org Family Caregiver Support Program Land of Sky Regional Council 828-251-6622 www.landofsky.org CHARITABLE GIVING. Community Foundation of Henderson County A non-profit providing donors a variety of simple, powerful and personal ways to make a philanthropic impact on their community, now and forever.

401 North Main Street, Suite 300, Hendersonville 828-697-6224 www.CFHCforever.org SEE PAGE 20 Four Seasons Compassion for Life Use philanthropy as an estate planning tool to make award winning levels of hospice and palliative care possible into the future.

571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock 866-466-9734 www.FourSeasonsCFL.org SEE PAGE 21

Hospice Home Store When you donate to or purchase an item from the Hospice Home Store, you are supporting the efforts of Four Seasons Compassion for Life and providing invaluable support to families facing serious illness.

215 North Main Street, Hendersonville 828-696-0625 www.FourSeasonsCFL.org SEE PAGE 44 COMPANIONS. Senior Companion Program Senior volunteers provide assistance with daily tasks to other seniors.

Land of Sky Regional Council 828-251-6622, ext. 126 Buncombe, Transylvania, Henderson and Madison www.landofsky.org CONGREGATE MEALS/MEALS ON WHEELS. Buncombe County Senior Opportunity Center Congregate lunch, Monday–Friday 36 Grove Street, Asheville 828-350-2062 Henderson County Mills River Life Enrichment Center (MRLEC) Senior fellowship with a program and lunch every Thursday. Programs begin at 10:00 am and are held in the Mills River United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Lunch Reservations are required. Please call by 12:00 pm the Tuesday before each program.

Mills River United Methodist Church 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River 828-808-5581 www.millsriverumc.org Sammy Williams Center Lunch at the Sammy, Mon–Fri ; 9:00 am–1:00 pm Lunch, activities and fellowship 301 North Justice Street, Hendersonville 828-692-3320 www.coahc.org/sammy-williams-center Polk County The Meeting Place Congregate lunch, Monday–Friday 25 Shield Drive, Green Creek 828-863-2795 www.polkcountymeetingplace.com Continued on next page

www.AgingResourcesWNC.com

63

AGING RESOURCES The Meeting Place Congregate lunch, Monday–Friday 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001 www.polkcountymeetingplace.com Transylvania County Quebec Congregate Meal Site Congregate lunch, Monday–Friday Quebec Community Center Hwy 64, Lake Toxaway 828-862-4466, www.wcca.net Silvermont “Lunch Plus” Program (WCCA)— Congregate lunch, Mon–Fri 9:30 – 12:00 pm A socialization/nutrition program for Transylvania County residents 60 years old and better that includes daily activities and lunch.

Transportation is provided depending on where you live. Pre-enrollment is required.

Silvermont Opportunity Center 364 East Main Street, Brevard 828-884-3166, www.wcca.net Meals on Wheels Hot meals delivered Monday–Friday to homebound adults who are unable to prepare meals.

Buncombe County—828-253-5286 Henderson County—828-692-6693 mow@coahc.org Polk County Columbus—828-894-0001 Green Creek—828-693-2795 Transylvania County Brevard—828-883-3743 Quebec Communities—828-884-2255 EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTERS.

Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning Classes, “EdVentures,” brown bag lunches and other learning opportunities for those 50 years of age and better.

Blue Ridge Community College 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock 828-694-1740 www.brcll.com Life@Western Carolina Noncredit Lifelong Learning courses for adults 50+.

Topics include history, culture, health, science, geopolitical and legal issues.

Biltmore Park, Asheville 828-227-7397 www.life.wcu.edu 64

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute A learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service and research.

University of North Carolina-Asheville One University Heights, Asheville 828-251-6140 www.olliasheville.com EYE CARE.

Asheville Eye Associates Providing leading edge medical and surgical treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and all subspecialties of ophthalmology. Offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, Sylva and Franklin.

828-258-1586 or 800-531-3937 (EYES) www.ashevilleeye.com SEE PAGES 33, 38

HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Asheville Family and Sports Medicine Dr. McGraw is board certified in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine and Geriatrics. He delivers preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic disorders. New patients accepted.

600 Julian Lane, Suite 640, Arden 828-651-0003 www.ashevillefamilymed.com Mission Health Recognized as one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems, Mission is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of WNC. 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville 828-213-1111 www.mission-health.org INSIDE FRONT COVER St. Luke’s Hospital Senior-focused services for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, state-of-the-art orthopedics and rehabilitation and 24/7 ER. 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus 828-894-3311 www.saintlukeshospital.com SEE PAGE 3 PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) PACE promotes the independence of seniors 55+ who want to live at home. A team of professionals coordinates an array of services for each participant.

286 Overlook Road, Asheville 828-213-8442 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31

Aging Resources 2017–2018

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Pardee Hospital Named a top 15 hospital in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report, Pardee remains focused on providing advanced, compassionate care close to home, to the people who matter most.

800 North Justice Street, Hendersonville 828-696-1000 www.pardeehospital.org SEE PAGE 15 Park Ridge Health Park Ridge Health offers one of the broadest physician networks in the region with more than 250 Primary and Specialty Care providers. Call or visit the website to learn more.

855-774-5433 www.myPRH.com SEE PAGE 12 WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Ayden Jones, Fall Prevention Programs Manager 828-250-3991 fallpreventioncoalitionwnc@gmail.com wncfallpreventioncoalition.org YMCA of Western North Carolina The Y’s Healthy Aging programs help older adults stay active, improve health, and maintain community connections. Build your spirit, mind, and body at the Y. Multiple locations in Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, and Marion 828-251-5909 ymcawnc.org SEE PAGE 35 HEARING SERVICES. Biggert’s Hearing Instruments Certified, licensed audiologists provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and customized hearing device options including digital hearing aids.

303 South Church Street, Hendersonville 828-692-0353 www.biggertshearing.com SEE PAGE 37 In-Home Hearing Services The Hearing Guy is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist providing evaluations and fittings inhome, in-office or in assisted living and nursing homes.

1863 Hendersonville Road, Ste 121, Asheville 828-713-0767 www.thehearingguy.net

Tryon Hearing Center Hearing testing, hearing aids, programming of digital hearings aids. Jim Wiprut, NC licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. Call for free evaluation.

2753-D Lynn Road, Tryon www.tryonhearingcenter.com

HOME CARE/HOME HEALTH. Always Best Care Providing in-home personal care, meals, housekeeping, medication reminders, recovery care and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Transportation for errands and outings. Hourly or live-in care.

828-989-7263 www.AlwaysBestCareWNC.com SEE PAGE 55 CarePartners Home Health & Private Duty Nursing Providing nursing, therapy, social work and personal care in patient’s homes, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.

Home Health: 800-627-1533 Private Duty: 828-277-4777 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31 Compassionate Home Care In-home assistance with personal care, meals, housekeeping, shopping, transportation and more.

Available 24/7.

735 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville 828-696-0946 www.CompassionateHC.com SEE PAGE 11 Griswold Home Care Dedicated to referring compassionate caregivers who help people stay at home and stay independent. Providing in-home assistance with personal care, medication reminders, shopping, transportation, and more. Hourly or live-in rates. www.griswoldhomecare.com/Asheville 828-348-0988 SEE PAGE 7 Home Carefree Home Carefree comes to your “home” no matter where home is: private residence, independent living, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility.

828-277-1580 www.homecarefree.org SEE PAGE 5 Continued on next page

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65

AGING RESOURCES Home Helpers/Direct Link Making life easier with one-on-one in-home personal care for a few hours a week or 24/7.

Direct Link medical alert systems also offered.

Call for a free in-home consultation.

311 White Street, Hendersonville 828-694-0000 www.homehelpershomecare.com/Hendersonville

SEE PAGE 38 Kindred at Home (formerly Gentiva) At Kindred at Home, care is defined by clinical expertise and the compassion delivered every day— one patient at a time.

9 Olde Eastwood Village Blvd., Asheville 828-298-1370 www.kindredathome.com SEE PAGE 9 Licensed Home Health/Home Health Providers List of licensed home-health and home-care providers. www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/data/hhlist.pdf Medicare Compare for Home Health Information on and patient survey results for home health agencies by location and ability to compare services offered. www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare National Association for Home Care & Hospice Licensing and accreditation information on and a locator for home care and hospice agencies. www.nahcagencylocator.com North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services 919-855-4800 Pardee Home Health Providing the quality medical care you need in the comfort of your own home. Offering a full range of in-home services.

2029 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville 828-692-1846 www.pardeehospital.org SEE PAGE 29 Park Ridge Health Park Ridge Home Health is a top-rated provider of home health nursing and rehabilitation in the area, providing exemplary, whole-person care.

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-PRH-LIFE (855-774-5433) www.parkridgehealth.org SEE PAGE 12

66

Visiting Angels of Western North Carolina Experienced, professional, in-home care for seniors, Personal care, meals, housekeeping, med reminders, Alzheimer’s, dementia care, veteran owned business.

671 Brevard Road, Asheville 828-665-3944 www.visitingangels.com/asheville SEE PAGE 27 HOME/MOVE MANAGEMENT. Key Associates Serving trustees, families and individuals to reduce stress through home management for stay at home support or move management for organized, costeffective transitions and downsizing. Bonded and insured. Call for free consultation.

828-696-2441 www.keyassociates.biz

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE. Hospice and Palliative Care services are provided in area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or in the home by the organizations listed below. Each also has their own Hospice Care facility when care can’t be provided at home. And each can also assist you with end-of-life planning and advanced directives.

For more information about hospice and palliative care, please see the article on page 58 or contact the hospice provider convenient to you.

CarePartners Hospice Hospice care in home, skilled nursing facility or inpatient Solace Center.

21 Belvedere Road, Asheville 828-255-0231 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31 Four Seasons Compassion for Life Independent, non-profit providing national award-winning levels of care to families living with serious illness.

571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock 828-692-6178 or 866-466-9734 www.fourseasonscfl.org SEE PAGE 59

Aging Resources 2017–2018

RESOURCE DIRECTORY HOUSING.

Arbor Terrace Gracious apartments in a lovely setting with many amenities and services for assisted living and memory care.

3199 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-681-5533 www.at-asheville.com SEE PAGE 47 Ardenwoods Independent and assisted living in an intimate, close-knit atmosphere. Offering HealthyLife Services program and extraordinary dining.

2400 Appalachian Boulevard, Arden 828-684-7330 www.ardenwoodsretire.com SEE PAGE 49 Bella Vista A gracious community for active seniors. All amenities included in one reasonable rent. Call to arrange a complimentary meal and tour today.

55 Piney Mountain Drive, Asheville 828-255-8255 www.hawthornret.com SEE PAGE 41 Bermuda Village Retirement Community Gated community that allows you to age in place with all levels of care. Onsite Wake Forest Baptist Health Clinic and two 18-hole golf courses. Named one of the Top 25 Places to Retire by Forbes Magazine.

142 Bermuda Villgae Drive, Asheville 800-843-5433 www.bermudavillage.net SEE PAGE 13

Carolina Reserve Laurel Park Assisted living with an array of supportive services and amenities. Choose from studio, one or two bedroom apartments. Call for personal tour.

1825 Pisgah Drive, Laurel Park 828-697-7800 www.crlaurelpark.com SEE PAGE 49 Carolina Village Henderson County’s only Life Plan Community with a focus on an active, healthy, purpose-driven life and higher levels of care if needed.

600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-233-0602 www.CarolinaVillage.com SEE BACK PAGE Cedar Mountain House Nestled in the mountains enjoy a peaceful and relaxed family atmosphere, fantastic dining, on-site rehabilitation, many other amenities and respite.

11 Sherwood Ridge Road, Brevard 828-577-8846 www.AffinityLivingGroup.com SEE PAGE 39 Cherry Springs Village Private & companion living units, 24/7/365 staff, personal care, medication management, transports, full service dining, in-house rehabilitation.

358 Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-577-8846 www.AffinityLivingGroup.com SEE PAGE 39 Continuing Care Retirement Community Guide Information to assist in the search of a CCRC in North Carolina. http://www.ncdoi.com/SE/Documents/ CCRC/CCRC_Guide_2016.pdf

CarePatrol Free guidance by local Certified Senior Care Advisor to help you compare and tour residential care options based on your personal needs.

828-388-7699 arlener@carepatrol.com SEE PAGE 23

Fletcher Park Inn Independent retirement living on an alcohol/ tobacco-free campus across from Park Ridge Health. Choose apartment or villa home with garage.

150 Tulip Trail, Hendersonville 828-209-6930 or 800-249-2882 www.fletcherparkinn.com SEE PAGE 45

Carolina Reserve Hendersonville Secure memory unit and assisted living with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Choose companion suites, private suites or private rooms.

1820 Pisgah Drive, Hendersonville 828-692-6440 www.crhendersonville.com SEE PAGE 49

Givens Estates Givens Health Center offers short term rehab and long term care services. Care is provided in a residential and choice driven environment.

2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-771-2910, Kay Cook www.givensestates.org SEE PAGE 48 Continued on next page

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AGING RESOURCES Givens Gerber Park Independent living apartments for seniors with modest incomes to enjoy community living in vibrant South Asheville. All inclusive monthly fee.

40 Gerber Road, Suite 100, Asheville 828-771-2207 www.givensgerberpark.org SEE PAGE 57 Kingsbridge House Transylvania County’s only stand alone Alzheimer’s and memory care offering life enrichment programs on-site rehabilitation and daily personal care.

10 Sugar Loaf Road, Brevard 828-577-8846 www.AffinityLivingGroup.com SEE PAGE 39 The Landings of Mills River Caring, comfortable, and secure 65-bed community with companion and private rooms.

4143 Haywood Road, Mills River 828-891-2166 www.AffinityLiving Group.com/LandingsMR

SEE PAGE 53

Mars Hill Retirement With 56 apartments, they offer cost-effective quality care that is personalized to each individual's needs and promote independence.

170 South Main Street, Mars Hill 828-689-7970 www.marshillretire.com SEE PAGE 51

LEGAL/ELDER LAW/ESTATE PLANNING. Edward L. Harrelson Providing experienced financial and healthcare planning, wills, trusts, estate administration and real property transactions.

Coiner, Harrelson, & Shelton PA 136 South King Street, Hendersonville 828-698-2345 www.EdwardHarrelson.com Elder Law Carolina Helping families navigate later in life issues using revocable and irrevocable trusts. “Smart” financial powers of attorney, advance health care planning, strategies for asset preservation for long term care needs and eligibility for Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

32 Orange Street, Asheville 828-255-1966 www.elderlawcarolina.com SEE PAGE 19 North Carolina Living Will and Healthcare Advance care directives and health-care power of attorney forms and registry. www.secretary.state.nc.us/ahcdr Pisgah Legal Services—Project Seniors End-of-life planning, advanced directives and other legal services for low-income seniors and their families. Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Madison & Rutherford Counties.

828-253-0406 or 800-489-6144 www.pisgahlegal.org

Medicare Compare for Nursing Homes Ratings and services comparison for Nursing Homes. www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Inspection results, licensing, ratings, violations, and penalties for adult-care facilities in North Carolina.

Strauss & Associates, PA 919-855-3765 Dedicated and informed representation in estate www2.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/acls/star/search.asp and business planning, elder law, Medicaid and Trinity View Veterans’ benefits planning, asset protection, estate Amenities and services including housekeeping, fine and probate administration. dining, recreational activities, transportation, and Asheville–828-258-0994 on site physician & clinic without the commitment Hendersonville & Brevard–828-696-1811 of an entrance fee. www.strausslaw.com 2533 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-0068 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSETS. www.trinityview.net SEE PAGE 43 Tryon Estates Durable medical equipment available for loan A 215-acre senior community providing the most at no cost. desirable aspects of retirement living in North Asheville Buncombe Community Carolina. CCRC offering Acts' Type A Life Contract Christian Ministries (ABCCM) to residents ages 62 and up in Polk County.

117 Coxe Avenue, Asheville (At thrift store) 617 Laurel Lake Drive, Columbus 828-259-5300 828-351-7544 www.abccm.org www.actsretirement.org SEE PAGE 17 68

Aging Resources 2017–2018

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Medical Loan Closet 1225 Seventh Avenue East, Hendersonville 828-692-9005 www.medicalloancloset.org MEDICARE HELP. Medicare For assistance understanding and navigating the Medicare system visit: www.medicare.gov Also see pages 14 –16 NURSING HOMES. Flesher’s Fairview Health & Retirement Center Offering long-term care for adults and others with challenges that prevent them from living independently. Providing quality medical, rehabilitative and assisted living services in a homelike setting. Spacious suites, private and semi-private units.

3016 Cane Creek Road, Fairview 828-628-2800 www.Fleshers.net SEE PAGE 23 ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS. CarePartners Orthotics and Prosthetics The region’s leader in providing the finest comprehensive care and assistive devices for people living with amputation or disability, from infants to the elderly.

1 Doctor’s Drive, Asheville 828-254-3392 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31

PHARMACIES. Economy Drugs & Whitley Drugs Hometown, friendly pharmacies providing compounding & discounted prescriptions.

Economy Drugs, 828-692-4266 605 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville www.economydrugsnc.com Whitley Drugs, 828-692-4236 814 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville www.whitleydrugsnc.com

PRIVATE CARE MANAGEMENT. Aging Life Care Association Information on selecting and a locator for finding aging life-care experts. www.caremanager.org

REHAB/SKILLED NURSING.

CarePartners Outpatient Clinics Their outpatient clinics see patients with conditions ranging from dizziness to tennis elbow to recovery from a stroke, traumatic injuries to the brain or spine, or amputation.

Seven Locations. See website for details.

828-274-6100 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31 CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital Rehabilitation is different for every patient: learning to walk again, adjusting to challenges of a wheelchair or artificial limb or tasks of daily living.

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-6151 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31 Carolina Village Rehabilitation Five-star rated by Medicare/Medicaid services, the Medical Center is available to the community for short term rehab when space is available.

600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6275 ext. 214 www.CarolinaVillage.com SEE BACK PAGE Givens Estates Givens Health Center offers short term rehab and long term care services. Care is provided in a residential and choice driven environment.

2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-771-2910, Kay Cook www.givensestates.org SEE PAGE 48 Hendersonville Health & Rehabilitation Offering therapies seven days a week, an orthopedic program, private and semi-private rooms, WiFi, ice cream parlor and movie theatre.

104 College Drive, Hendersonville 828-693-8600 www.SanStoneHealth.com INSIDE BACK COVER The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge Specializing in short term rehab from injury, surgery, stroke and illness. Providing highest levels of clinical care for a multitude of diagnoses.

70 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-274-7646 www.laurelsofgreentreeridge.com SEE PAGE 50 The Laurels of Hendersonville Offering therapy 7 days a week by the dedicated in-house therapy staff, their goal is to get you home sooner, safer and stronger.

290 Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6000 www.laurelsofhendersonville.com SEE PAGE 50 Continued on next page

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AGING RESOURCES The Laurels of Summit Ridge Providing a complete range of services for patients unable to return home after a hospitalization and care for individuals with a wide range of illnesses.

100 Riceville Road, Asheville 828-299-1110 www.laurelsofsummitridge.com SEE PAGE 50 Life Care Center of Hendersonville Inpatient and outpatient short-term rehabilitation.

All Insurances Accepted. Located on campus of Lake Pointe Landing.

400 Thompson Street, Hendersonville 828-697-4348 www.lcca.com/hendersonville SEE PAGE 21 The Lodge at Mills River Full range of rehabilitation services and therapies.

38 private rooms, rehab gym and spacious common areas for rehab or residential care.

5593 Old Haywood Road, Mills River 828-684-4857 www.SanStoneHealth.com INSIDE BACK COVER Madison Health & Rehabilitation Mars Hill’s premier skilled nursing facility for short-term rehab or long-term care. Physical, occupational, speech and dementia/cognitive therapies offered for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation.

35 Manor Road, Mars Hill 828-689-5200 www.SanStoneHealth.com/madison

Stone Creek Skilled nursing facility for short-term rehab or long-term care. Conveniently located just one mile from Mission Health Systems.

455 Victoria Road, Asheville 828-252-0099 www.SanStoneHealth.com INSIDE BACK COVER RESPITE CARE. Local Councils on Aging (COA) receive limited funding to provide family caregivers with grants for respite care.

Funding can be used for home care, day programs, and overnight respite programs. Contact the COA nearest you for more information and to apply for a grant.

Council on Aging of Buncombe County 46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville 828-277-8288, www.coabc.org

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Council on Aging for Henderson County 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville 828-692-4203, www.coahc.org REVERSE MORTGAGE SERVICES. BNC Bank/Division of Pinnacle Bank A reverse mortgage can help you purchase a new home or use the equity in your existing home. Call the Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Tim Batts.

1944 Hendersonville Road, Suite D-1, Asheville 828-674-0003 www.bncbanking.com SEE PAGE 35 SAFETY. General Safety NC Silver Alert Program NC Department Public Safety disseminates information and issues alerts about missing seniors.

4231 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 800-522-5437 www.ncdps.org Smart 9-1-1 Henderson County Sheriff Online sign up to provide first responders with medical and other important information in advance of an emergency.

828-697-4596 www.hendersoncountync.org /sheriff/e911_division.html http://www.smart911.com Home Management, Errands & Repairs Housing Assistance Corporation The Fall Prevention Program, educates low-income elderly about falling risks, and completes minor modifications and safety upgrades to prevent falling.

828-692-4744 Ext. 103 www.housing-assistance.com Seniors Safe at Home Program Council on Aging of Buncombe County Programs include Minor Home Repair, Heat Relief, Call A Ride, and food delivery and food assistance.

46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville 828-277-8288 www.coabc.org

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY Telephone Check-In Buncombe County Sheriff Senior Reassurance Program Sheriff’s Office calls enrolled seniors each day to check welfare. Application online.

828-250-4507 www.buncombecounty.org/common /sheriff/SeniorReassuranceProgram.pdf Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Nixle Emergency Alerts Text your zip code to 888777 to begin receiving free emergency text alerts that range from missing person and wanted suspect descriptions to school lockdown and weather alerts sent out by the Henderson County Sheriff‘s Office. www.nixle.com Henderson County Sheriff Reassurance Program Senior Check-In Program Enrolled seniors call Sheriff’s Office each day to verify their well-being. If call is not received, Sheriff’s Office checks on senior.

Call 828-697-4912 to sign up www.hendersoncountync.org/sheriff Polk County Sheriff Are-You-OK-Program Automated phone system checks well-being of seniors daily. Call sheriff’s office to sign up.

828-894-3001 www.polknc.org/departments/sheriff Transylvania County Sheriff Reassurance Program Sheriff’s office calls enrolled seniors daily to check welfare. Call for application.

828-884-3168 www.transylvaniasheriff.org /Community/Senior_Programs.aspx SENIOR CENTERS. Buncombe County Harvest House Community Center – Asheville Parks and Recreation Physical and social activities for adults and seniors.

Woodshop, weaving studio, clay studio, mosaic glass, dance and exercise classes, social games, billiard tables, daytrips and luncheons.

205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 828-350-2051

Senior Opportunity Center A full schedule of activities and senior dining program.

36 Grove Street, Asheville 828-350-2062 www.asheville.com/news/seniors0209.html ashevillenc.gov/parks Henderson County Mills River Life Enrichment Center (MRLEC) Senior fellowship with a program and lunch every Thursday.

Mills River United Methodist Church 137 Old Turnpike Road Mills River, NC 828-808-5581 www.mrumc.com Sammy Williams Center A full schedule of activities and classes for seniors, weekdays 9:00 am–1:00 pm. Lunch available for seniors who qualify.

301 North Justice Street Hendersonville, NC 828-692-3320 www.coahc.org/sammy-williams-center Polk County The Meeting Place A safe, comfortable place to meet friends and enjoy activities.

75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001 25 Shield Drive, Green Creek 828-863-2795 www.polkcountymeetingplace.com Saluda Senior Center Open weekdays with classes and activities for seniors.

64 Greenville Street, Saluda, NC 828-749-9245 Transylvania County Silvermont Opportunity Center Providing services and activities to invigorate and enhance the quality of life for adults greater than the age of 60 in Transylvania County. Silvermont Opportunity Center provides a range of services, activities, programs, and opportunities to encourage active aging and improve the health and well-being of our older adults.

Monday-Thursday 8:30-5:00 pm; Friday 8:30-12:00 pm; extended hours Tuesday 5:00-7:30 pm and Thursday 5:00-9:00 pm.

364 East Main Street, Brevard 828-884-3166 http://www.wcca.net/wcca-services/older- adult-services/silvermont.html

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AGING RESOURCES SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS.

TRANSPORTATION APPOINTMENTS AND ERRANDS.

Katherine Lawing, SRES® Exit Realty Vistas Prepared to approach clients 50+ with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions. Services include selling, buying, relocating.

828-772-0220 katherine@myexitrealtyvistas.com

Call-A-Ride Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. Volunteer transportation for eligible Buncombe County seniors who lack access to other forms of transportation.

828-277-8288 www.coabc.org

The Steve Cooper Team Real Estate for Life’s Transitions Having an ally when buying or selling real estate is reassuring at any stage of life. Call The Steve Cooper Team with all of your real estate questions.

828-712-0076 steve.cooper@kw.com SEE PAGE 57

Henderson County—Apple Country Transit Elderly & Disabled Transportation Assistance Regularly scheduled shopping/grocery trips.

828-698-8571 www.wcca.net/transports.html

SUPPORT GROUPS. CarePartners Support Groups Offering numerous ways for patients, families, caregivers and the general community to learn about health issues. All groups are free and open to the public.

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-277-4800 www.carepartners.org SEE PAGE 31

Polk County—Anyone Can Ride Rides by appointment, as well as regularly scheduled shopping trips.

828-894-8203 www.polknc.org/departments/transportation Transylvania County Senior Adult Transportation & Med-Drive Rides to nutrition sites, shopping, recreational centers, and medical appointments.

828-884-3203 www.transylvaniacounty.org/transportation

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Visit www.AgingResourcesWNC.com to view a digital version of Aging Resources Magazine with direct links to all provider websites for easy access to more information. You'll also find a searchable resource directory and helpful articles.

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Find links to helpful tips and articles and keep up with events for seniors throughout Western North Carolina.

AGING RESOURCES SERVING ASHEVILLE, HENDERSONVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

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Aging Resources 2017–2018