Liberty Hill Senior Living

Over the Hill Gang offers fun for area seniors

One of Skye Luxury Retirement Living’s unique amenities is an arts and crafts room where residents can work on a variety of skills, such as painting. (Courtesy Photo)

Local retirement living options vary

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer When it comes to retirement living, it can be difficult to decide where to go once you or your loved one is ready to step into that lifestyle. Fortunately, from independent style living to nursing home style living, the Liberty Hill area has a variety of options available.

One option for locals is Skye Luxury Retirement Living in Leander. Jennifer Slayton, director of sales and marketing at Skye, has been in the senior living industry in and around

the Austin area for nearly three decades, but chose to make the move to Skye when it opened a year and a half ago because of the unique options it provides to its residents.

“At Skye we have a foundation and culture of not being part of a large corporation,” she said. “We are locally owned and operated. Because we’re a local company, we spent over a year before we opened talking to [prospective residents] about what they wanted to see in senior living.”

From those meetings, Slayton said most of Skye’s unique concepts were developed.

The facility provides all-inclusive independent-style living for residents in one- to twobedroom units that range in size from 520 square feet to 1,070 square feet.

“We met with folks still living in their homes to find out if they made a move what they’d want to see in their new community,” Slayton said. “When you walk through our property, the

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Liberty Hill area seniors looking to socialize and make new friends are invited to Over the Hill Gang every Thursday for lunch and games.

The weekly lunch is a long-standing tradition among area residents age 50 and better, and is much anticipated all week long.

Seniors meet at 3407 RR 1869 as early as 10 a.m. on Thursdays. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and games follow until 5 p.m.

On Tuesdays, friends meet at 9 a.m. for Canasta and 12 Noon for Dominoes (84).

Lunch is $6 per person, which includes an entree, sides, dessert and drink, popcorn and ice cream.

Ice cream is provided by the Williamson County Precinct 2 Constables.

Cooks are volunteers from Grace Alive Church.

The Over the Hill Gang space if available for rent by the senior community for parties with a donation.

For information, call Dorothy Hill (512) 636-3402.

STACY COALE PHOTOS

Liberty Hill area senior citizens meet on Thursdays for good food, fun and games at Over the Hill Gang, 3407 RR 1869. Friends age 50 and better and always welcome.

Tips to tackle your financial goals with confidence (StatePoint) Many Americans have a certain vision for their financial future but not a clear path for how to achieve their goals.

Consider these tips to tackle your finances with greater confidence.

• Set a specific goal. Setting goals may actually boost your confidence about achieving them. In fact, those who set a financial goal for themselves in 2017 were more likely to feel that their finances had improved over the course of the year, compared to those with no financial goal, according to research from Lincoln Financial Group. Whether it’s saving more for retirement or paying off a debt, setting a goal is a great place to start.

• Make a plan. Having a financial plan in place can help you prepare for life’s surprises and face them with confidence. A financial plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover everything that’s important to you

at this specific stage of your life. A financial advisor can provide an objective voice to help you stay focused on your goals while balancing your risk preferences and time horizon. They can also provide education to help determine if and when to fine-tune your plan. If you already have a relationship with an advisor, schedule time to review your plan and make any necessary adjustments.

• Consider sources of protected lifetime income.

Eighty-two percent of pre-retirees are concerned about what will happen to their investments if the market drops. Build diversity into your retirement income plan by incorporating different sources of lifetime income in addition to Social Security.

Do you have a pension? Have you considered incorporating an annuity as a portion of your plan?

“Diversifying your portfolio to include a source of pro-

tected lifetime income, like an annuity with optional benefits, can help to safeguard savings and provide for predictable income in your retirement,” says John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution, Lincoln Financial Group.

• Strategize taxes. Recent changes in tax laws have some concerned about how taxes will impact their finances and retirement income this year. Discuss tax-smart strategies with your advisor to help increase your income and keep you on the right track.

More information, tips and resources can be found by visiting www.lincolnfinancial. com.

For financial success, stay focused on your goals and don’t work without a plan.

Also, consider consulting an expert who can provide financial and tax advice, and can help you strategize ways to be successful.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, February 7, 2019

SENIOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Healthy feet can reduce your risk of falling (StatePoint) Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only are seniors more at risk for falls, when they do so, it poses a greater risk for injuries, hospitalization and complications. For a ground-up approach to fall prevention, seniors should start by examining the health of their feet.

“Painful foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, corns, bunions, hammertoes and diabetes complications, can make it difficult for seniors to maintain balance and coordination when walking or standing,” says Michael Ambroziak, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ACFAS).

“Compounding the issue is that the very exercises intended to correct risk factors for falls, such as lower-body weakness, as well as gait and balance problems, are made difficult to perform when one is suffering from painful foot and ankle conditions.”

While the factors causing falls are numerous, experts say that seniors, and everybody for that matter, can take steps to reduce their risk by

minimizing or even eliminating foot pain. Doing so will improve balance, coordination and stability when walking or standing.

Foot and ankle surgeons recommend the following ways to help keep feet and ankles healthy: • Don’t ignore pain: Foot pain is not just a normal consequence of growing older, so don’t resign yourself to aching and suffering. You likely have a treatable condition.

For a proper diagnosis and intervention, be sure to pay attention to your feet and see a foot and ankle surgeon if and when you experience pain.

• Examine your feet: You are the gatekeeper of your own health, making regular athome foot examinations critical. At the sign of bumps, lumps or other changes in your feet, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon.

• Exercise: Simple stretching exercises can help you maintain strength and mobility in your feet and ankles, as well as provide pain relief. Talk to your physician about appropriate exercises for you.

• Protect: Use padding, insoles or whatever special footwear you are prescribed. Be sure to wear these, along with comfortable, sensible shoes, every

heart health by knowing and monitoring their blood pressure levels and making healthy lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the serious health consequences associated with high blood pressure,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the AMA. “We know that by empowering more patients to monitor and control their blood pressure, we will continue to help improve the

(StatePoint) While a lot of people think they have a handle on diabetes, this serious disease is actually rather complex.

Here are three common diabetes myths -- debunked, with the help of Nutrisystem Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) and Courtney McCormick, dietitian for Nutrisystem.

Myth: I’m a healthy weight -- I can’t get diabetes.

Fact: Although there’s a clear connection between being overweight or obese and developing type 2 diabetes, genetics and other lifestyle factors can also play a role.

Prediabetes can sometimes be an early-stage development of type 2 diabetes, and its risk factors (other than weight) include: • Polycystic ovary syndrome: Fairly common in women, stay attuned to symptoms such as increased hair growth, weight gain and an inconsistent menstrual cycle.

• Older age: Prediabetes risk increases after age 45, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Family medical history: A family history of blood sugar-related health complications increases prediabetes risk.

• Gestational diabetes: Women who experience gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy) are more likely to develop prediabetes.

Additionally, if your baby weighed more than nine pounds at birth, you’re at greater risk, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men, aren’t off the hook. This increased

See HEART, Page B4

See DIABETES, Page B4

Doctors offer 6 tips for a healthier heart

(StatePoint) February is American Heart Month, and an excellent reminder that there are many easy steps you can take to improve your heart health.

Unfortunately, nearly half of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

“During American Heart Month, we urge all Americans to take control of their

Common diabetes myths debunked

day.

• Be flexible: Know that at times, surgery is the most appropriate treatment for a given condition. Fortunately, many simple surgical techniques allow foot surgery to be performed on an outpatient basis.

For more ways for to keep

feet and ankles healthy, prevent falls or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for ACFAS. Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in providing both conservative care as well as surgical approaches to foot and ankle healthcare.

Remember, just one fall can permanently rob seniors of their independence and dramatically reduce their quality of life. Taking good care of feet and ankles however can reduce the risk of a life-altering slip, trip or fall.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Make your empty nest an empowering new chapter

(StatePoint) Suddenly, the kids are all grown up and ready to flee the nest. It’s the start of a new chapter -for them, and for mom and dad, too. While this sudden change in family dynamic is bound to bring a mix of bittersweet emotions, there are plenty of ways to embrace the shift. An empty nest certainly doesn’t mean an empty life.

Raising a family reaps many rewards and any parent knows that family time revolves around the children’s wants and needs well into their teenage years. While in the thick of it, the prospect of a quiet, relaxing weekend with no parental responsibilities and the very concept of self-care can seem farfetched.

But now with the kids leaving home, it’s time to make the most of your new foot-loose and fancy-free lifestyle.

Make more “Me Time” Now that you have more time to do things that bring

you joy, it’s time rediscover who you are -- whether that’s through traveling the world, learning a new skill or language, taking a yoga class, volunteering or simply doing more of what makes you feel good.

The newfound time in your day is an opportunity to discover new hobbies and build a social life that is entirely your own.

Stay connected Just because the kids have left home doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. In fact, you may find yourself on the other end of the phone giving dating advice or having more meaningful life chats than ever before. Family group text threads can replace dinner table conversations, so do make sure you stay up-todate with technology to keep the entire family connected.

Choose a phone plan that lets you talk, video chat or text with your kids as much as you want, when you want,

such as T-Mobile ONE Unlimited 55+, which gives you two lines for just $35 per line with no surprise fees or taxes. A super affordable option designed just for customers 55 and older, it includes unlimited talk, text and data, in-flight texting, one hour of Gogo WiFi on domestic flights, and texting and data when you travel abroad in 210 destinations.

And what’s more, all the money you save on your phone plan can go straight into the self-care fund or to finance your next “adults only” fancy vacation. Win-win.

Find a furry friend If you’re an animal lover, adopt a new pet, train a friend’s dog, pet-sit, or become a foster pet-parent. This time, you won’t be getting a pet just for the kids. Animals have a magical ability to lift the spirit and fill the void left from caring for your little ones for so many years.

Becoming an empty nester

is surprisingly empowering, and can be a period of positive growth for you. Instill

new routines and experiences in your life, stay connected to your kids, and the rest will

surely follow.

How one volunteer is helping end a family cycle of Alzheimer’s (StatePoint) Jacqueline Patterson, 66, knew from a young age what Alzheimer’s looked like, but didn’t call it by its name until she started caring for her mother, Ruby, in 2008.

“When I took on caregiving responsibilities for my mom, the only thing I knew was that this is just something that everyone in my family gets – we accepted it,” Patterson recalls.

“But once I saw my mom die from the disease, I made it my mission to learn as much as I can and educate as many people as I can, especially African Americans who are disproportionately impacted by the disease. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did.”

Patterson has a long family history of Alzheimer’s disease. Her grandfather had the disease, and of her mother’s nine sisters, six passed away

with Alzheimer’s or dementia and three are currently living with the disease. Patterson’s father, Matthew, also passed away from the disease.

“At that time, it didn’t occur to any of us that this was a disease,” Patterson says.

“Once I began to look more closely, I realized there was more to it. It really hit home once my mother developed the disease.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Disproportionately impacting African Americans, older African Americans are twice as likely as older white Americans to develop the disease.

By the time Patterson realized her mother was showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, she

was already in the late stages.

“Her doctor said that it was just normal aging, but I knew there was more going on -- something was obviously very wrong.”

Patterson, a high school biology teacher, retired early to be a full-time caregiver for her mother. Frustrated with the lack of information and support services available, she reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association where she was able to learn about the disease and access needed resources like respite care.

After Patterson’s mother passed away, she made it her mission to educate others about the disease and end the cycle within her family.

She started volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association’s, meeting with physicians serving rural and minority populations, sharing information

about the importance of early detection and diagnosis and making resources available to those living with the disease.

Since her mother’s diagnosis, she has earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and is working towards a Doctorate of Public Health.

Currently, Patterson is enrolled in a clinical trial. She aims to overcome the stigma related to such research within the African-American community. African Americans and other ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in these trials, limiting what researchers can learn.

“There is still a fear of participating in studies, which is understandable when you think about the history with terrible, unethical trials like Tuskegee,” Patterson says.

“But I wanted to be the one to say look – I’m doing this, and

it’s okay.”

Patterson says she’s come a long way from “accepting” the disease as her family’s destiny and is encouraging other African Americans to do the same.

“We need to raise awareness about African Americans’ in-

creased risk for Alzheimer’s and encourage participation in research that can help us understand the reasons behind it. I now look at Alzheimer’s as a disease that can be cured,” says Patterson.

The Skye’s the Limit SKYELIVING.COM | 855-SKYE-LUX

LUXURY 55+ LIVING

Skye is the epitome of luxury living.

Dr. Joshua Renken with his daughter, Reilly, examining him. Renken Dentistry has locations in Leander and Georgetown. (Courtesy Photo)

Renken Dentistry cares for patients ages 1 to 101

Special to The Independent For Dr. Joshua Renken, life is all about family. He and his wife, Leigh, have four children and recently moved south from Illinois to put down roots here and raise their family.

And now that the Renkens call the Austin area home, the patients Renken Dentistry serves in its practice will also be family.

“My dental practice was established in 2003 and we still have an office in Springfield, Illinois. We moved to allow our oldest daughter, Reilly, who was born with a rare genetic abnormality, the opportunity to attend college.

She now attends Marbridge in southwest Austin. That’s when we opened the two new Renken Dentistry practices in Leander and Georgetown.” Renken said. “I’m excited to open our third Texas

practice in south Austin in late 2019.”

The practice offers a wide variety of services for all ages.

While they may be tending to the baby teeth of one patient, they may also be looking for the best way to assist a senior with vastly different needs.

There are a few simple things seniors can do with the help of their dentist to cope with common issues many older patients face.

The first is to avoid dry mouth. Seniors need to be aware of the effect of their medications on their mouth.

The more prescription medicine a senior takes on a regular basis, the more risk they have for a condition known as dry mouth. New saliva stimulants are emerging all the time and many are available at your dentist’s office. These stimulants can be sprayed easily throughout the day

and night to moisturize the mouth.

It is also important to harden the roots and edges of old dental work and make sure you see the dentist before you have pain. Seniors should be sure to replace teeth before you lose the bone and develop a long-term plan with their dentist.

Renken Dentistry specializes in dentures, dental implants, sleep apnea treatment, full mouth reconstruction, crowns and veneers.

“Since each patient is unique, that means something different for each person,” Renken said. “Some of our patients haven’t been to the dentist in a long time and need assistance in rebuilding their oral health. Other patients are scared of the dentist and need a caring dental team to ease their fears. Others do not

See RENKEN, Page B4

Our exclusive retirement living community is ideal for adults 55+ who desire top-tier services while maintaining their privacy and independence, all in a luxurious resort-quality environment.

Enjoy spacious apartment accommodations and a variety of floor plans.

• Gourmet Chef Prepared Meals • Concierge & Limo Service • Housekeeping & Linen Service • Resort Style Amenities • Paid Utilities & Cable • Maintenance Free Lifestyle

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! (855) 512-7593 1 1 3 5 0 HE R O

W

A Y

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E ST, LE A N D E R , TX

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Tips for senior dog care

DIABETES Continued from Page B2 risk extends to the children of women who had gestational diabetes.

• Inadequate sleep: Certain conditions causing sleep disruptions can be a recipe for insulin resistance.

Myth: People develop diabetes because they eat too much sugar.

Fact: Although consuming excess calories can contribute to being overweight, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, sugar is not the singular cause of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is the result of genetics and additional unknown factors and type 2 diabetes is the result of a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors.

Myth: If I have diabetes, I can’t have carbs or dessert.

Fact: Generally speaking, individuals with diabetes can follow the same healthy diet recommended for the general public and can even enjoy sweet treats in small portions on special occasions.

Carbs are a necessary part of a healthy meal plan. Just pay attention to portions.

Optimal carbohydrate counts will vary by person, but the American Diabetes Association recommends starting with 45-60 grams per meal, and tweaking de-

pending on how your body responds.

Some good carbs to consider? Whole grain breads, pastas, rice and cereals, plus starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn. Fruits, beans, milk and yogurt also count toward daily carbohydrates. On the Nutrisystem D plan, which is designed for people living with type 2 diabetes, milk and yogurt are considered “PowerFuels,” even though they provide some carbohydrates. Many people are advised to enjoy these foods with fruit to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia.

It’s important to have a good understanding of the risks, causes and precautions associated with diabetes. Although preventative measures can’t be taken against type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, research suggests that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58 percent by: • Losing seven percent of your body weight • Exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week Eat well, be well and know your risk factors for diabetes.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

(StatePoint) As your dog ages, your care must evolve to meet your furry friend’s changing needs, particularly when it comes to mobility, injury-prevention and recovery.

The following tips can help keep your aging dog mobile, healthy and happy.

• Fish oil: Originally recommended for treating canine allergies, fish oil is now used to treat numerous conditions, including arthritis and high cholesterol. Consult your veterinarian about the proper dose for your pup.

• Paw or toe grips: As your aging dog’s hips get weaker, the risk of knee, hip or spinal injury increases. Hip dysplasia is particularly common among larger dogs. Using paw or toe grips, such as Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, can provide dogs with greater traction, helping them get up off the ground and to slide less on wood floors. You may also want to try placing down

RENKEN

reduce the risk of re-injury and have a better quality of life. More information can be found at www.helpemup. com.

• Rehab: Just as you would follow a course of rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy after a hip or knee surgery or injury, so should your dog. Seek out a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist to help improve

the function and mobility of your dog’s muscles and joints.

Muscle strengthening can help your dog stay injury free, as well as manage pain.

Providing dogs with a great quality of life involves new considerations as they age. Be sure to take special precautions with dogs facing mobility issues and pain, as well as preventive steps to reduce the risk of injury.

come back to.

Dr. Renken and his staff don’t just want to be a dentist for a quick filling, they want to be family and an ongoing partner in dental health.

The warm atmosphere helps put anxious patients at ease, and everyone loves to come

to the office. Make an appointment, stop in and be sure to ask about Health Assurance, a low-cost solution for those without dental insurance coverage.

week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

4. Eat a healthy diet. Making simple dietary changes can help you manage or prevent high blood pressure. These changes should include eating less sodium, reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume (especially those with added sodium and sugar), reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and eating foods that are rich in potassium.

5. Maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can put you at an increased risk for developing

high blood pressure. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Drink in moderation.

When consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

American Heart Month serves as an important reminder that living a hearthealthy lifestyle is possible.

By paying attention to risk factors like your blood pressure, weight and more, you can reduce your risk for heart disease.

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have dental insurance and are wary of the cost. No matter your unique circumstance, your family can rely on Renken Dentistry for convenient, accessible, top-quality dental care.”

Renken Dentistry’s pledge is to make each patient com-

HEART

rugs or yoga mats where your dog tends to spend time, to reduce the chance of sliding and injury.

• Pain management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis in dogs. Don’t attempt to treat your dog with your own over-the-counter pain medications. Get dog-specific medications, such as Dazequin Advance.

• Lifting assistance: Aging and injured dogs can have trouble lifting themselves off the floor, up stairs and into cars, and you may not always be able to safely assist them yourself. For some help, use a special harness, such as the Help ‘Em Up Harness. A ninepoint chest and hip harness made of comfortable waterproof material, it can help aging pets or pets recovering from surgery stay active, gain confidence in their mobility,

fortable and explain the necessary treatment.

The compassionate dentists in the practice know that sometimes dental care gets put on the back burner, and that’s why they strive to make a welcoming environment that patients will want to

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health of patients, while reducing health care costs.”

To help you get started, Dr. McAneny and the experts at the AMA are offering six tips for this American Heart Month and beyond.

1. Know your blood pressure numbers. Visit LowerYourHBP. org. The site contains tools, resources and information for both patients and physicians, and was launched by the AMA as part of an effort to reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year. Having a better understanding of your numbers and taking necessary steps to get your high blood pressure, also

known as hypertension, under control will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

2. Commit to manage high blood pressure. Work with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes that you can realistically stick to long-term to help you maintain a lower blood pressure and lower your risk for negative health consequences.

3. Be more physically active.

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age get at least 150 minutes a

Thursday, February 7, 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

West Family Dentistry has long history of care in Liberty Hill

Special to The Independent West Family Dentistry is proud to be serving the community of Liberty Hill for over 11 years.

Drs. West and Davidson are always furthering their expertise and quality of care they offer their patients through extensive continuing education including courses in TMJ pain and full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, laser dentistry and sleep apnea.

One of the latest technologies they offer is the Solea Laser. Since she has a phobia of needles herself, Dr. West knew she wanted to be able to offer the Solea as a treatment option for her patients. “As soon as I saw that it could remove cavities without numbing the patient in most

cases, I knew I wanted to be able to provide that level of care,� says Dr. West. “We are fortunate to be able to offer this groundbreaking technology to Liberty Hill when there are only a handful in the Austin area. It’s such a great feeling when a patient hops up from the chair and can’t believe they had their cavity restored so easily and aren’t even numb.�

Drs. Davidson and West are also pleased to offer the Icon treatment to help patients get rid of discoloration or white spots on their front teeth that may have shown up during the development of the tooth or after orthodontic treatment. It is way less invasive than putting a bonding or veneer on the tooth and gives the patient

confidence in their smile.

Drs. West and Davidson are so blessed to work with such a wonderful team of women, many of whom have been a part of West Family Dentistry for more than eight years. “It’s so wonderful when you know your team of assistants, hygienists and insurance specialists care about the patients like they do their own family. It is truly our goal to make dentistry as comfortable as possible and help our patients improve their oral health,� says Dr. West.

West Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans and is accepting new patients.

We would love to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve!

Do you have a family member in need of care?

There are many options to consider when someone you love needs help. Together we will create the solution that’s just right for you. ✔ Live-In Care ✔ Companionship ✔ Personal Hygiene/Care ✔ Dementia & Respite Care ✔ Veterans Care ✔ Mobility Assistance ✔ All employees background checked & drug screened ✔ Caregivers check-in & out via phone app ✔ Family members can monitor care via website portal

We are a Local, Veteran-Owned Business

Senior citizens make a difference in our community!

Thanks for making Liberty Hill a special place to live, work and do business.

3101 RR 1869, Liberty Hill www.bkihc.com email: info@bkihc.com

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Thursday, February 7, 2019

Texas Physical Therapy Specialists encourages seniors to keep moving Special to The Independent When I say mobility, I’m willing to bet that a lot of you think about the newest trends in mobile devices such as cell phones, kindles, and I-pads.

However, the mobility that takes place in my world is making just as many headlines…and that’s the mobility of movement.

Mobility lets us do what we need to do to perform our everyday activities. Simple things like walking to the bathroom and getting out of bed, to more rigorous tasks like exercising at the gym or running a race all deal with mobility.

But what happens if your movement becomes significantly decreased or even worse, you become immobile? A loss of mobility, which becomes more common with age, has a natural social, psychological and physical consequence.

“If you’re unable to get out then you can’t go shopping, you can’t go out with your friends to eat dinner or go to the movies, and you become dependent on other people to get you places. So you

LIVING

become a recluse, you stay home, you get depressed.

With immobilization comes incontinence, because you can’t get to the bathroom, you can develop urinary infections, skin infections. The list goes on,” says geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School.

“There are so many other things that doctors have to pay attention to — heart problems and lung problems — that screening for mobility gets pushed to the background. However, it’s one of the most important, because it makes the difference between living at home or living in a facility,” she explains.

She also points out that loss of mobility puts you at greater risk for falling, which often results in a hip fracture.

“That’s the worst, because within a year 20 percent of people with hip fractures die from complications. So we try to avoid that at all costs,” says Dr. Salamon.

Researchers from the University of Alabama suggest asking these two questions: • For health or physical reasons, do you have difficulty

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colors of our walls, what’s on our menu, the design of the apartments -- everything was built for what residents wanted.”

Some of Skye’s unique dining features include everything from chef-designed three-course dinners to weekday happy hours. The kitchen staff can create vegan or gluten-free meals upon request, and Skye prides itself on providing locally sourced wines, craft beers, cheese, herbs, eggs and more.

Other unique amenities at Skye include a personal fitness trainer who meets one-on-one with residents to learn their fitness goals and help them achieve those goals, an arts and crafts studio, excursions to local attractions, master cooking classes and computer and educational classes. The facility also offers a heated pool and spa, on-site beauty salon, movie theater, transportation, housekeeping and linen services, as well as 24-hour concierge services.

The all-inclusive price range for residents starts at $2,995 a month and goes up to $4,995 a month.

“These prices are if you want everything we offer, but some of our residents don’t want to buy into the concept of all-inclusive retire-

ment living, like having meals provided or housekeeping provided,” Slayton said. “The nice thing is you don’t have to have them, but you have them at your disposal if you want them. You will be credited back for the things you don’t want.”

Skye has 156 units with 16 different floor plans. At capacity, the facility will be home to approximately 200 residents.

It is currently accepting new residents. Slayton added that even though Skye is an independent living facility, it does still provide light support services, even though most residents are able to care for themselves, including driving their own vehicles.

Skye Luxury Retirement Living is located at 11350 Hero Way West in Leander. For more information or to book a tour, call (855) 512-7593 or visit www.skyeliving.com.

Another local option for those looking for more hands-on care in their elder years is Bertram Nursing and Rehab Center in Bertram, which is a four-star-rated, full-service nursing home.

The facility originally served as the hospital for Bertram in the mid-1900s but was converted to a nursing home in 1973.

Tonya Maldonado, administrator at Bertram Nursing and

climbing up 10 steps or walking one-quarter of a mile?

• Because of underlying health or physical reasons, have you modified the way you climb 10 steps or walk a quarter of a mile?

If you are having difficulty in navigating stairs and walking a quarter mile, the result is an indication of immobility. At this point, you should consult your doctor. However, your physician can help you address what’s causing the difficulty before it progresses to a loss of mobility.

Heidi Godman, the Executive Editor for Harvard Health Letter, writes that, “A variety of solutions are available.

They can include physical therapy to improve balance and strength training. Occupational therapy can help improve a person’s ability to perform daily living activities and the living environment with tools such as elevated bathroom fixtures and grab bars. Social support can help eliminate mobility barriers such as lack of transportation.

Referrals to subspecialists may be needed to treat medical conditions that can lead to immobility. Finally, the use of

devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters can open the door to greater mobility.”

If you have any doubts about your mobility or would like to

Rehab Center, said the facility is licensed for Medicare, Medicaid and most other insurances. Not only does it provide long-term stays for residents, but it also provides short-term rehab, respite and hospice care.

Maldonado said one of the best things about Bertram Nursing and Rehab Center is that management is very stable.

“We’ve got probably over 100 years of experience between my 12 members of management,” she said. “You don’t see that much anywhere. They are very dedicated and love what they do.

It’s a very community-driven facility. We pride ourselves on the environment we provide.

We take in people who come from the higher-end nursing facilities because they are so satisfied with the care we provide.”

The facility also offers certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes as a way to continually grow a knowledgeable staff, Maldonado said.

“We help people move forward in their nursing careers,” she said. “We don’t charge for the class. We have an instructor and we pay her. It’s 100 hours and then you become certified, with the hope that you’ll stay with us and work with us after you’re certified.”

Amenities at the center include three meals a day, snacks, laundry, housekeeping and transportation to and from appointments. In addition, a handler comes in with a baby kangaroo twice a week for residents to cuddle and hold, and the center has a live-in orange tabby cat named Hank who pals around with many of the residents.

“Local church groups come and do the ladies’ hair and nails, and we have several other churches that alternate coming throughout the month,” Maldonado added.

“We also get a lot of visits from students at Bertram Elementary, and students from Liberty Hill High School come often and do events for our residents, like helping them get dressed up and then hosting a prom.”

Maldonado said community groups also come in frequently to put on plays or variety shows for residents, and a group of 4- and 5-year-olds from Pre-K Corral in Liberty Hill come to play Bingo with residents regularly.

The rate at Bertram Nursing and Rehab Center is $130 a day. This rate includes all amenities as well as aroundthe-clock care from the staff of approximately 60. Staff helps residents with every-

learn more information about how to prevent immobility, call us over here at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists.

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have higher education and training by becoming board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists. We want to help you “keep on moving!”

Bertram Nursing and Rehab Center resident Sara Martino pets a miniature therapy horse from Hutto-based Northwind Miniature Horse Farm, while, from left, Mildred Smith, Madelon Bachmann and Mary Burt visit. (Courtesy Photo) thing from showering and eating to dressing and getting around.

“Basically, anything you can think of, they’ll help you do,” Maldonado said. “We also provide restorative programs for residents who don’t get up out of their wheelchairs a lot.

Our staff will have them do exercises to help them maintain so they don’t regress. We also have a local doctor and nurse practitioner that come in weekly to check on resi-

dents and make sure they’re healthy and address anything that’s happening.”

Bertram Nursing and Rehab Center has 74 beds. Currently, the center is home to 63 residents, and is accepting new residents.

The center is located at 540 E. Hwy. 29 in Bertram. For more information or to book a tour, visit www.daybreakventure. com/bertram-manor-nursing-home-rehabilitation-center.