Spring/Summer 2023
Overcoming Travel Challenges
Find Unclaimed Money
Navigating barrier-free and accessible travel.
Every dollar counts during retirement.
Seniors & the Sun Protecting yourself from the summer sun.
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WHAT’S INSIDE Internet Benefits for Seniors...... 4 Instruments of Good Health...... 6 Write Your Story ............................... 8 Time With Grandkids .................. 10 Cope With Sundowning............. 12 Finding an Estate Attorney....... 16 Medical Directory........................... 18 The ‘Aging In Place’ Trend........ 22 Battling Stress..................................24
COVER STORIES
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Overcome Travel Limitations
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Find Unclaimed Money
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Seniors and the Sun
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THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
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S E N I O R T R AV E L
Overcome Travel Limitations Many people eagerly await retirement because they’ll finally have the time to travel and take desired trips. However, when retirement arrives, they sometimes find they have new challenges that make travel difficult. Age can sometimes be accompanied by new disabilities—mobility impairments, loss of hearing or reduced vision. These challenges don’t have to keep you from taking the trips of your dreams, however. More companies and travel destinations are recognizing the importance of barrier-free and accessible travel.
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FIND ACCESSIBLE DESTINATIONS Take out that list of places you want to visit and research which ones provide the accessibility options. In the United States, National Parks are committed to providing barrier-free access to older people and people with disabilities wherever possible. Even some of your favorite physical activities have an increasing number of adaptive options such as accessible ski equipment, therapeutic horseback riding, sitting volleyball, modified bicycles (tandem bicycles are recommended for those with hearing or visual impairments), tandem kayaks or wheelchair basketball.
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beds, and safety features. They might have rooms for people with hearing issues that have visual alarms or light signals if the phone rings or someone knocks on the door. They make sure that plugs are at waist height for those who can’t reach the ones on the floor. Increasingly, hotels and resorts are making use of technology to design smart rooms that are more accessible. They might install voice technology that lets guests control light switches and other electronic room features by voice. Others have mobile room keys or tablets that let a person control all elements of the room from the blinds to lights to music to the television. Are you traveling with an unrelated caregiver? If so, does the hotel have accessible suites or adjoining rooms? If you have medications that need refrigerating, does the room have a refrigerator? Consult with a travel agent about your desired destinations and whether there are barrier-free accommodations. Wheelchairtravel.org has a guide to accessible destinations around the world.
IDENTIFY ACCESSIBILITY AIDS Once you have selected a destination, find out what accessibility tools are available in those locations. Some cities will have accessible taxis. Some opera houses and theaters will provide special hearing aids or closed captioning. Other items to research include footpaths and sidewalks ramps and public transportation. When you reserve a hotel room, ask what accessibility options they have. Most will have at least some rooms designed for wheelchairs with larger doors, roll-in showers, adjustable
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If you are going to fly, request wheelchair assistance if you need it and then notify the gate agent when you arrive.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR The Centers for Disease Control recommends that senior travelers talk to their doctor before traveling. It’s important to find out whether your destination requires you to have certain vaccines or whether there are specific health risks in those areas. Let your doctor know where you are going, how long you are staying and what activities you plan to engage in. They also recommend packing and taking enough of all the medication you will need during a trip so you don’t fall prey to counterfeit medicine.
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TECHNOLOGY
Internet Benefits for Seniors
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We tend to hear only negative stories, but it’s not all bad. The web has brought with it an increased danger of scams for older users. Worries about losing their life savings through new technologies like online banking, tax preparation and payment methods can leave seniors feeling fraught about the whole process. Important social bonds can be strengthened elsewhere on the internet, however, as email, texting, social media, and locally based message boards offer an opportunity to forge deeper bonds with family, old friends and our community.
REMAINING CONNECTED Friends and family tend to become more disconnected from seniors over time. Children graduate and move away, and neighbors may choose to retire elsewhere. The result is a feeling of disconnect with the relationships you value the most. But the internet can act as a critical catalyst for keeping these people close, even while they continue their faraway lives. Web-based communication is particularly useful for those with decreased mobility. In this case, friends might live just down the street or only across town but remain distant because the user is homebound. Among the things that can strengthen connections are sending pictures (both old and new) and sharing stories and recipes.
section. Some widows and widowers have even found love on the internet later in life. There are also helpful calendar features to create opportunities to meet in real life.
INCREASED INVOLVEMENT Engaging in learning how these technologies work is itself a form of exercise, as we challenge our minds to grasp new concepts. And of course, you’ll find common ground with friends, relatives and new web-based friends who have their own struggles on the information superhighway. The internet also helps fill in local informational gaps that have been created as traditional news media sources diminish. Learn more and raise your own awareness about current events in your town and state, then use the web to get involved with likeminded individuals to make a difference. The next crusade might find you in a lead role.
Proudly serving older adults in Skamania County since 1998
MAKING NEW FRIENDS The internet also fills a huge need in helping seniors make new friends, something that has become increasingly difficult over the years. Seek out group-oriented pages where people share your passion for a particular hobby, traveling or cooking. Follow publications that discuss topics of interest and engage in conversation with others in the comments THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
986 NW Rock Creek Dr. Stevenson, WA 98648 www.rockcove.org
Life is better at Rock Cove. Rock Cove Assisted Living 986 SW RockDirector Creek Dr. Elaine Jeffries, elaine.jeffries@rockcove.org Stevenson, WA 98648 Ph (509) 427-7272
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M E N T A L H E A LT H
Instruments of Good Health Henry Nelson is quite certain he knows the secret to a long life. A retired music teacher who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, Nelson is an active performer, playing tuba in a brass quintet. Playing music, he says, keeps a person healthy and unlike such things as football or basketball, you never age out of being able to play. He did have to mostly give up piccolo when his arthritis got bad but lifting and holding the tuba (and lugging it to and from rehearsals) keeps him physically fit, reading music keeps him mentally sharp and performing in a group provides important social interaction. 6
John Hopkins Medicine says the research supports Nelson’s belief—that playing music or even listening to it gives your brain a total workout. Their researchers have had musicians do improv performances while lying in an MRI machine so they could observe what the brain does. They discovered that the brain has to do a lot of work to figure out how one note relates to the next and to understand music’s structure. They’re not the only ones who have put musicians into MRI machines. In a 2018 study published in “Brain Structure and Function,” researchers compared MRI scans of musicians and non-musicians to compare how their brains were aging. The musicians, THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
both professional and amateur, had youngerlooking brains. In fact, amateur musicians had even younger brains than professional ones did. Other research, John Hopkins Medicine said, found that listening to music reduces anxiety, blood pressure and pain. It improves memory, mood, mental alertness, and sleep quality. BrainFacts.org reported on other studies that said people who make music enjoy other benefits as they age over those who don’t. They can hear better in noisy environments, their memories are sharper and they have more cognitive control. Clinical geropsychologist Jessica Strong listed for Brain Facts several of the reasons why playing a musical instrument has such brain benefits. You are coordinating your hands, fingers and sometimes feet while suppressing other movements. You’re interpreting and following sheet music. You’re focusing your attention on music and shutting out other stimuli. She ran numerous tests and conducted research in 2018 that found that musicians and those with musical training were able to score higher on tests related to language comprehension, planning and attention. While many people start playing instruments as a child or teenager, it’s never too late to start. In many communities, musical programs are inviting senior citizens to learn instruments and to play in ensembles and bands. The emphasis is on social interaction and having fun with the instrument and not on becoming a professional. The National Association of Music Merchants encourages older adults to take up musical
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instruments. They cite one study from the “Hearing Journal” in 2013 in which researchers found that adults aged 60 to 85 who had no previous musical experience benefited from weekly piano lessons—one 30-minute session and three hours a week of practice. After just three months, they showed sings of improved memory and better brain processing speed. As Nelson pointed out, participating in arts programs boosts the mental health and social functioning of seniors. Skill is irrelevant. What matters is participating because it fosters good communication skills, creates a support network and community and builds an individual’s sense of identity. So don’t be shy—find an instrument that appeals to you and start playing.
Hood River 926 12th St. (541)386-2012
The Dalles 414 Washington St. (541)296-3310
Licensed Denturists Melanie & Chris Chapman http://www.yourdenturist.com/ 7
END OF LIFE
Write Your Story Writing an obituary is no easy task, but it is one that lovingly memorializes a life and is often saved for generations. Obituaries have traditionally been published in newspapers as a way of informing the community that a person has died and announcing when and where funeral services will be. Today they are also often published on funeral home websites and special memorial pages. Whether you are writing an obituary for a 8
family member, a beloved friend or even prewriting your own, there are certain tasks you can do to make the job easier and formats to follow. Start by talking to people who are close to the person. Ask what most stands out about the deceased. Do they have favorite memories? What do they most remember about the person? You’ll find that for many people, sharing such memories helps them grieve. Listen for themes or words that
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get used a lot so you can understand the person’s personality and get a feel for the tone that the obituary should take. Many are formal, but some can even be light-hearted or poetic. Gather important details such as date and city/state of birth and death, full name (including family name if a married person changed their name), occupation and list of survivors and those who proceeded the person in death. Discuss with the family how many survivors will be listed. Some prefer to just name immediate family members and then say “beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.” Read other obits in the publication where the obituary will appear to see if there is a required format. Find out the obituary’s cost as your budget may dictate how long the obituary can be. You may end up writing a longer obit that can be published in a funeral bulletin or at the funeral home website and then edit it to a more concise version to publish in publications that charge.
achievements. Include information about the person’s personality—what was it that made others love the deceased? What was the person passionate about? Close the obituary by providing time, date, and location information about a funeral or memorial service. This might also include visitation hours. Then state where flowers can be sent or list a charity to which donations can be made. Ask a few other people to read it and provide feedback. Set it aside for at least a few hours and then edit it a few times. It’s the sort of writing you want to put careful effort into so that you and other loved ones can have something to keep and remember the deceased by.
Most obits will start by listing the person’s name and say that they died at a specific age in a specific place. For example, “Genevieve Jones Garland, 84, died in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Feb. 1, 2023, after a short illness.” Follow the opening sentence with a description of the person. Refer to your interviews and try to capture the most striking or memorable elements of a person in a positive manner. If you have the space, follow it up with a few examples that illustrate those elements. Depending on what matters to the person and the family, list important relationships and major accomplishments. Those could include hobbies, community work or career-focused
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Practice Areas Estate Planning Medicaid Planning Probate and Trust Admistration
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F A M I LY
Spend Time with Grandchildren One of the greatest joys of old age can be having grandchildren— whether the actual children of your children or members of the younger generation that you’ve unofficially adopted. Intergenerational relationships are good for all involved. Research shows that there may be good effects for both grandparents and grandchildren. Utah State University Extension reported the results of several studies over the past decade that have found:
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• Children who are emotionally close to their grandparents are less likely to be depressed as adults. •
A close relationship with grandchildren can boost brain function in the grandparents, protect against depression and increase their lifespan.
What sort of things can you do to connect with your grandchildren and form good relationships? There are more opportunities than ever before.
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VISIT
SEND MAIL
The simplest and most obvious is to have frequent visits. This requires maintaining a good relationship with the parents of the children and coordinating with them to have visits at both the homes of the children and your own.
While technology is great, there is something special about getting mail the old-fashioned way. Send your grandchildren cards, letters or photos through the mail.
Activities you can do together will vary depending on your interests and the interests of the child. Some grandparents like to take their grandchildren to concerts, plays or art museums. Others like to play with Legos or do puzzles. Others like to go swimming, ride bikes or play basketball. Sometimes a visit can be as quiet as curling up to watch a movie together or read a book while other times in can involve trips to the zoo or a sporting event. If you live close to your grandchildren, try to plan weekly dates. If you are further away, your visits may be more of an event filled with special occasions.
USE TECHNOLOGY Technology is simply an everyday part of life for the younger generation and it can be a great tool to help the two of you connect. Use social media to share pictures or create and post videos together. Use communication devices to bolster your relationship by texting, Facetiming, emailing or connecting over Zoom. Technology is especially a bonus if you live far apart. You can sing your grandchild a lullaby or read a bedtime story over Zoom or through the phone. You can play online games together or watch streaming movies at the same time while apart.
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If you are artistic, make pictures for your grandchildren and send it to them and ask them to send you their artwork—which you can display proudly in your own home for them to see when they visit.
TEACH SKILLS AND SHARE HOBBIES You have unique skills, passions and interests that are likely different from others in your grandchild’s life and that they will associate with you. Take them fishing. Teach them how to cook your favorite recipes. Show them how to sew and make special accessories for them to wear. Sing your favorite songs with them. Set aside part of your garden and devote it to anything your grandchild wants to plant and care for. Take them bird watching. Let them in on the secrets of amateur radio and show them how to message the International Space Station. Take them to visit art museums or go to a pottery painting store to create treasures together. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with your grandchild and don’t be afraid to laugh, be silly and give plenty of hugs. Create a relationship that will give both of you joy and long-lasting memories.
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E E S S
Cope With Sundowning
The clock ticks over to late afternoon and all of a sudden, your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia starts becoming more confused, restless, irritable, maybe even aggressive. For some people this is an almost daily occurrence. There’s a name for this and there are things that can be done to alleviate it. The name is sundown syndrome—or sundowning—and it is a group of symptoms that happen in late afternoon and early evening to people who also have a wide range of dementia-related diseases. It is not in itself
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a disease and Mayo Clinic doctor Jonathan Graff-Radford said there isn’t a known cause for it, though they have identified factors that make it worse.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS The National Institute for Health reports that sundowning may be related to confused sleeping and waking cycles and that the changes a brain affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia undergoes affects the body’s biological clock. People experience more severe sundowning symptoms when they are hungry, thirsty, overly THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
sugar intake, especially later in the day. Keep the person’s routine as predictable as possible when it comes to such things as waking up, bedtime, meals, and other activities. Encourage them to get enough physical activity each day. They also suggest taking the person outside for part of the day or at least sitting by a window to get some natural light. This can help a person’s biological clock reset. As the day wanes down, reduce the amount of activity and turn down or off any background noise. Play gentle music that they are familiar with or relaxing sounds of nature. If they watch television, avoid anything that could be upsetting such as the news. Make sure the person gets enough rest at night. If they need rest during the day, try to keep naps short and earlier in the day. Provide a nightlight when things get dark or the person is in unfamiliar surroundings. The Mayo Clinic website says this can help reduce agitation. The Mayo Clinic cites research that says a low dose of melatonin combined with exposure to bright light during the day can help ease sundowning symptoms. tired, in pain, depressed or bored. It can also happen when a person has spent a day in low lighting or in an unfamiliar place.
COPING WITH SUNDOWNING
Start looking for symptoms in the late afternoon and early evening and be prepared to For some people, sundowning can be brought respond to them. A person might start pacing, on by an illness such as a urinary tract infection wandering, or yelling. Listen compassionately or a change in medication. to their concerns. Reassure them.
PREVENTING SUNDOWNING The NIH recommends several things that caregivers can do to help their patient avoid sundowning. The first is to avoid those things which can make it worse. These include not serving any drinks with caffeine or alcohol and limiting THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
If you can, distract them with a beloved object, a simple task, or a favorite snack. If it continues or gets worse, you may need to talk to the person’s medical care team. They can eliminate such alternatives as sleep disorders, medication side effects, other illnesses, or pain. 13
FINANCIAL
Find Unclaimed Money While money always matters, during retirement, every dollar counts. If you’ve had many careers throughout your life or worked for places that closed or were bought out or sold, you may have lost track of some of your retirement accounts. You wouldn’t be alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics say that people who were born between 1957 and 1964 worked an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54. That’s a lot of places where you might have a pension or retirement account. Other people lose track of accounts because they have a spouse who died, and they were unaware of some of the accounts they had with former employers. 14
Capitalize, a firm that works with retirement assets, did a study that found as of May 2021, there was $1.35 trillion unclaimed dollars in 24 million different 401(k) accounts. The average balance in these accounts is $55,400. Those are just 401(k) accounts. There are other forms of retirement accounts from IRAs to pensions.
FINDING MISSING MONEY Sometimes an employer turns money over to a state’s unclaimed property fund and you can search for it at your state’s treasury site. It’s a good idea to do this every few years anyway in case you have unclaimed money from other sources. Another place you can go is missingmoney.com. They’ll help you find missing money in any state. This can include lost pay, uncashed checks from insurance THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
companies or refunds from utility companies. In a February 2022 article, the AARP recommended several steps for tracking down missing accounts, starting with making a list of everywhere that you or your spouse worked where you contributed to a 401(k). Call them and ask whether they still have an account in your name. Update your contact information with them. They recommend rolling your 401(k) money into a new 401(k) or an IRA to consolidate multiple accounts and keep better track of them. Sometimes plans are hard to find because the company that held them went out of business or the plan was abandoned during bankruptcy filings. This is where the Department of Labor can be of help. The Employee Benefits Security Administration lets you search for abandoned benefits at https://www.askebsa.dol.gov/ AbandonedPlanSearch/. You can also file a Form 5500 with them to search for missing assets.
Another site to visit is pbgc.gov. This is the website for the governmental agency that protects retirement income for people in the private sector with defined pension benefit plans. They report that more than 80,000 people have not claimed their pension benefits. If you think you might be one of those 80,00o people, you can call their office at 1-800- 4007242 and ask them to conduct a search for you. (TTY/ ASCII users can call 711.) When you call, be prepared to provide your name, social security number, mailing address, daytime and evening phone numbers, the company that you worked for and the dates that you were with them. AARP also issues a warning—claiming your money is free. Run fast from anyone who tries to charge you to recover your assets. However, if you have hired a financial advisor for other reasons, this is one task that they might be able to do for you.
SPENCER, LIBBY & POWELL
Funeral Home
Mark & Julie - Owners
Spencer, Libby and Powell has been helping families in their time of need since 1920. We service all of Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties. We offer the only on-site crematory in The Dalles so your loved one will never leave our care. Our services range from a simple cremation, celebrations of life, to full traditional burials. The use of our gathering hall is available to accommodate any type of gathering. Please call us with any questions so you can be well-in-formed before or at the time of need. We are here to help at any time. 1100 Kelly Ave • The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3234 • Fax 541-298-1356
THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 spencerlibbyandpowell.com • slpfuneral@gmail.com
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E S TAT E P L A N N I N G
Finding An Estate Attorney You’ve probably seen the ads for web based pre-planning but hiring a pro is a safer bet. There are intricate rules and regulations involved on both the state and federal levels, as well as personal financial and medical considerations. Just be sure to properly research local attorneys so you can find the right expert to guide you through the complex
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estate-related legal process. Mistakes made today could have huge consequences later, both financially and emotionally.
WHAT TO ASK An estate attorney will make sure your assets and possessions are dealt with according to your wishes after death. They can also direct you around common pitfalls in the process.
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But many firms handle estate and preplanning while practicing many other kinds of law. That’s why the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys recommends that you ask if their practice emphasizes estate planning. You’ll want to get the clearest possible idea about their experience and qualifications before signing on. Find out what percentage of firm staff is devoted to this specialty. Ask how long they’ve personally been practicing, and other experience-related questions, since that will tell you if they have the expertise to accomplish all that you’d hoped through pre-planning. They should be a bar-certified attorney with an in-depth knowledge of state and federal law in order to create and legally execute these documents. Once you’ve found the right match, it’s time to create a strategy for the future.
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COMPLEX PROCESS The federal government has its own guidelines, and every state has set up specific requirements and regulations that govern this complex process. A qualified estate planner will ensure your assets are fully protected only by understanding differing laws regarding things like the rights of dependents to inherit, property rights for spouses, and estate and inheritance tax laws. Using online tools might save a few bucks upfront, but these arrangements are meant to ensure your final assets and obligations are properly handled. If the documentation isn’t mistake free and legally appointed, you might be putting undue strain on loved ones at the worst possible moment. An estate attorney will draft documentation that you can be secure in knowing is lawful and ready to be executed as needed. They are also standing by to update the paperwork as requirements or personal
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THE MILESTONE SENIOR DIRECTORY ADULT FOSTER CARE HOMES A Home Sweet Home Hood River, OR • 541-387-5335 Anita Allen Foster Care The Dalles, OR • 541-352-3504 Carolyn’s Adult Care The Dalles, OR • 541-298-2554 Cascade Senior Care The Dalles, OR • 541-993-2910
Providence Brookside Manor Memory Care Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370
ASSISTED LIVING, NURSING & RETIREMENT HOMES Ashley Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-4514 Bobbi’s Way In-Home Health Care Hood River, OR • 541-436-4515
Cherry Street Manor II Canyon Rim Manor White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1084 Maupin, OR • 541-395-2515 Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living The Dalles, OR • 541-370-2810 Margie’s Lyle Adult Family Home Lyle, WA • 509-365-5500 New Hope Farms Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3939
Cascade Senior Care The Dalles, OR • 541-993-2910 Cherry Heights Retirement The Dalles, OR • 541-296-6880 Columbia Basin Care The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2156 Flagstone Senior Living The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656
ALZHEIMER’S & MEMORY CARE Ashley Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-4514 Flagstone Senior Living The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656 18
Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Hood River, OR • 541-387-4087 Hearts of Gold Caregivers Hood River, OR • 541-387-0207
Helping Hands Home Care The Dalles, OR • 541-436-4430 Hood River Care Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-2688 New Hope Farms Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3939 Oregon Veterans’ Home The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7190 Parkhurst Place Assisted Living Hood River, OR • 541-387-4600 Providence Brookside Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370 Providence Dethman Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-8278 Providence Down Manor Hood River, OR • 541-387-8290 Summit Springs Village Condon, OR • 541-384-2101 Rock Cove Assisted Living Stevenson, WA • 509-427-7272 The Dalles Health & Rehab The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5158 The Springs at Mill Creek The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1303
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DENTURISTS The Denture Specialist Hood River, OR • 541-386-2012 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3310
ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION ASSISTANCE & ADVOCACY Adult Protective Services 800-452-2333
Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3234
HEARING AIDS TESTS & COUNSELORS Cascade Hearing Aid Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-1666 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3300
One Community Health Hood River, OR • 541-386-6380 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4610 White Salmon Family Practice White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1470 MCMC Internal Medicine The Dalles, OR • 541-506-6920
HOME HEALTH SERVICES
Columbia Gorge Hearing Care Hood River, OR • 541-298-8676 Bobbi’s Way In-Home Health Care Helping Hands Against Violence Hood River, OR • 541-436-4515 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-8676 Hood River, OR • 541-386-6603 Haven from Domestic & Sexual Violence The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4789 Skamania County APS 877-734-6277 (TTY) 1-800-977-5456 Klickitat County APS 800-459-0421 (TTY) 509-568-3086
FUNERAL HOMES Anderson’s Tribute Center: Celilo Chapel Hood River, OR • 541-386-1000 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2600
Hear’s The Answer Hearing Center The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5558 Hearing Aid Counselors Hood River, OR • 541-387-3277 My Hearing Centers Hood River, OR • 541-716-4086
HEALTH CLINICS Columbia Gorge Family Medicine Hood River, OR • 541-386-5070 KVH Family Medicine Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4017
Mid-Columbia Family Health Columbia Hills Memorial Center Chapel Stevenson, WA • 509-427-4212 Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4646 NorthShore Medical Group Gardner Funeral Home Inc White Salmon, WA • 509-493-2133 White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1323 THE MILESTONE | SPRING/SUMMER 2023
Hearts of Gold Caregivers Hood River, OR • 541-387-0207 Helping Hands Home Care The Dalles, OR • 541-436-4430 MCMC Visiting Health Services The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7280 Providence Home Health Hood River, OR • 541-387-6339
HOSPICE CARE Heart of Hospice Hood River, OR • 541-386-1942 Klickitat Valley Health Hospice Goldendale, WA • 509-773-0380 Providence Hospice of The Gorge Hood River, OR • 541-387-6449 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-3228
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HOSPITALS Klickitat Valley Health Goldendale, WA • 509-773-4022 Mid-Columbia Medical Center The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1111 Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Hood River, OR • 541-386-3911
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT GROUPS
Mid-Columbia Center for Living The Eyeglass Store Hood River, OR • 541-386-2620 Hood River, OR • 541-386-3937 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-5452 White Salmon Eye Care Brookside Manor Alzheimer’s White Salmon, WA • 509-493-2020 Dementia Support Group SENIOR SERVICES & ASSISTANCE Hood River, OR • 541-387-6370
Flagstone Alzheimer’s & Skyline Hospital Dementia Support Group White Salmon, WA • 509-493-1101 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5656
MEALS & FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FISH Food Bank Hood River, OR • 541-386-3474 Goldendale Food Bank Goldendale, WA • 509-773-5220 Meals on Wheels Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-8333 Stevenson Food Bank Stevenson, WA • 509-427-4334 St. Vincent DePaul Meals The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9566 WGAP Food Bank Bingen, WA • 509-493-2662 800-755-1192
Grief Share Hood River, OR • 541-386-1049 Parkinson’s Support Group Hood River, OR • 541-340-0142 Cancer Support Groups The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7585 Cancer CARE Support Group Hood River, OR • 541-387-6445
OPTOMETRISTS Cascade Eye Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-2402 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-1101 Hood River Vision Clinic Hood River, OR • 541-386-2747 Indian Creek Family Eye Care Hood River, OR • 541-386-1700 Mid-Columbia Vision The Dalles, OR • 541-296-2911
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Preferred Optical The Dalles, OR • 541-296-5878
Addus Healthcare Vancouver, WA (serving Klickitat County) 360-699-1222 ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Connection 855-673-2372 Chesterfield Services, Inc. Stevenson, WA • 509-427-0068 877-509-6847 Department of Human Services Hood River, OR • 541-386-3199 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4114 Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116 Gorge Action Program Main Office Bingen, WA • 509-493-2662 (800) 755-1192 Gorge Action Program Goldendale, WA • 509-773-6834 800- 755-1192 Ext 300
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Gorge Action Program Skamania County Stevenson, WA • 509-427-8229 800-755-1192 Ext 311
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance 541-645-5351 541-298-4101
Hood River Valley Adult Community Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services 877-501-2233
Klickitat County Senior Services Washington State Home & White Salmon, WA • 509-493-3068 Community Services Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3757 Referral Line 1-866-323-9409 Mid-Columbia Council of Governments Area Agency SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL & RECREon Aging ATIONAL The Dalles, OR • 541-298-4101 Mid-Columbia Community Action Hood River, OR • 541-386-4027 The Dalles, OR • 541-298-5131 Mid-Columbia Senior Center The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4788 Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Program Columbia River Gorge 833-736-4676 Programs for Peaceful Living Goldendale, WA • 509-773-6100 800-755-1192 Ext 320 Bingen, WA • 509-493-1533 800-755-1192 Ext 334 Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid 1-800-772-1213
Hood River Valley Adult Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-2060
Link Bus The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7595 Mt. Adams Transportation Service White Salmon, WA • 509-493-4662 Goldendale, WA • 509-773-3060
VETERANS’ SERVICES Veterans’ Services Hood River County • 541-386-1080 Wasco County • 541-506-2502 Oregon Veterans’ Home The Dalles, OR • 541-296-7190 American Legion Hood River, OR • 541-308-0000 The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9633
Mid-Columbia Senior Center The Dalles, OR • 541-296-4788
For additional resources visit your counties senior services online at
Community Education Hood River, OR • 541-386-2055
Hood River County www.hoodrivercounty.org
Hood River Aquatic Center Hood River, OR • 541-386-1303
Klickitat County www.klickitatcounty.org
Wasco County Aquatic Center The Dalles, OR • 541-296-9533
Sherman County www.co.sherman.or.us
TRANSPORTATION & SERVICES
Skamania County www.skamaniacounty.org
CAT Bus Hood River, OR • 541-386-4202
Wasco County www.wascocounty.org
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HOUSING & PLANNING
The ‘Aging In Place’ Trend There’s another option besides life in a senior community. The National Institute on Aging reports a growing trend where seniors are choosing to “age in place,” rather than living in a care facility. This might be the right path for you, as long as you’re prepared to plan ahead — and are willing to ask for help.
DEFINING THE TERM The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines the term as living at
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home safely, comfortably, and independently regardless of age, ability, or income. As we grow older, friends or family typically begin to have concerns about our capacity to safely perform daily activities. But with honest conversations, adequate planning, and assistance from key home- and health-care providers, it’s become easier than ever to stay home in our golden years.
PLAN AHEAD Needs sometimes change as we age, but there are general benchmarks that fit the
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Caring for those who care for others When a family member or loved one experiences memory loss, it can be challenging for them and their caregiver. The Sunshine Club provides a safe, engaging space for people with dementia and other memory loss issues. Family members or caregivers can drop off their loved one for the day for some much-needed respite. While at the Sunshine Club, participants prepare and eat meals, do crafts, exercise, go on outings, and enjoy themselves. Families love Sunshine Club because they know their loved ones feel a sense of community and fulfillment at each daily session.
Call 541-645-5195 for more information.
Sunshine Club
Providence Senior Village Sunshine Club Ad.indd 1
lifestyle and health requirements of most seniors. Build out from there by asking yourself specific questions about conditions you are currently dealing with or are at specific risk of developing. For instance, you may be a borderline diabetic or have early onset symptoms of chronic illnesses. Discuss these issues with your healthcare provider to get a better idea about the timeline for disease progression. Discuss these details with friends and family members so they have a good idea of what’s ahead.
ASK FOR HELP Independent living has been bolstered immeasurably by the growing number of inhome services provided nowadays. Personal care from family and friends, including help with getting dressed, washing hair or bathing,
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can be taken over by helpful aides. Other needed help might include house cleaning, shopping, yard work and laundry. Services can also deliver groceries. When inquiring about these services, ask about special discounts since some companies offer deals for seniors.
OTHER SERVICES Meal delivery options make it easier to stay home, but a downside of aging in place is the potential lack of social interaction. Invite friends over for a potluck or seasonal-themed dinners. Gather with family whenever possible. Seniors are also encouraged to seek out meal offerings at churches or other places of worship, clubs, and senior centers, rather than eating alone. There are also adult day care and respite care options for those seniors who live with loved ones who have to work.
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WELLNESS
Battling Stress Listen to the important signals we get from our bodies. Stress is essentially a natural alarm system meant to alert you when your body senses danger. Your adrenaline rises, muscles tense up and our heart rates increase. But these shocks to the system, in particular if they become chronic, can have a long-term impact.
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It ’s a particularly dangerous situation for seniors, putting you at greater risk of disease and infections.
STRESS EFFECTS Older adults are naturally more susceptible to illness because of aging immune systems. The situation becomes far worse, far more quickly when you combine this natural weakening process with chronic
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ways to cope include regular exercise, which bolsters your health while helping to relieve symptoms of stress. Is there a hobby you’ve been thinking of trying out, like painting or knitting? Now ’s the time. Join a club or take part in some worthy local cause. Volunteering is a great stress buster, since you’re staying active while strengthening your community. Consider getting a dog, since they offer companionship while also providing a readymade excuse to exercise more often on regular walks. Focus on the parts of your life that you control, and what you can manageably do in order to live a happier, healthier life.
MANAGING YOUR MIND
stress. One of the most common negative health outcomes is heart problems and high blood pressure. Some may worsen matters by seeking temporary stress relief through overeating, smoking or drinking. Changes in your overall health may happen on a much shorter timeline.
Sometimes, it really is all in your head. Focus on quieting your busy mind by becoming more aware of the beauty and purpose in the world around you. Be present. Get less involved with the past and let go of worry about the future. For some, yoga or meditation does the trick. Others find relief through discussions with a professional counselor. You may choose a unique blending of the two, creating a mixture that ’s more tailored to your particular situation. The end results should be both an acknowledgment of the way stress impacts us every day and an increased ability to remain in “the now.”
HOW TO COPE Dealing with stress is so important for those who want to get the most of their senior years. Otherwise, we risk losing our health, our independence and precious time spent with loved ones. Healthy
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S E N I O R H E A LT H
Seniors and the Sun Older adults can sometimes be more likely to develop skin cancer. As seniors live longer than ever, their exposure to the sun has only lengthened. So has the incidents of melanoma or skin cancer. But protecting yourself from this everyday danger often comes down to a little preparation before heading out to that backyard barbecue or beach day.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS The Centers for Disease Control found that only 15% of seniors regularly used
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recommended forms of skin protection. Men were more apt to wear long pants, while women stayed in the shade. Sunburn rates have soared among the senior population, coming in at nearly double the national average. Sunburn, in fact, was reported across all ethnic and racial groups in the CDC’s study.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS Sunscreen is always recommended, but these products are not all alike. Look for lotions with a sun-protection factor (or SPF) or 30 or more. They should also protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen roughly half
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an hour before you expect to be out in the sun, and then reapply throughout the day as pool water, sweat or ocean currents wash it away.
DRESSING FOR IT Dermatologists don’t simply recommend sunscreen. They also stress covering up as much as is possible — in particular for those who are exposed to sun light all day. Seniors should choose lightweight, light-colored fabrics that are both comfortable and cool. Purchase a wide-brimmed hat as well, since it will provide shade for your face and scalp. As many as 20% of cataracts are caused by extended exposure to UV rays, according to the National Institutes of Health. So, don’t forget some properly rated sunglasses.
OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS Try to schedule your time in the sun for mornings and afternoons. The sun is at its most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when it’s extraordinarily easy to overheat or get a sunburn. Seek out shade, either under a tree or tent, in order to lower the risks. Take breaks while doing yard work or golfing and find a covered area to rest. Immediately find a cool place if you begin to experience heat stress symptoms like dizziness, extreme fatigue, nausea, headaches and cramps. Seek immediate attention from a health-care professional if someone around you begins to show signs of mental confusion, high heart rate and flushed skin.
Quality, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Care for Veterans and Spouses Semi-Private Rooms with Views Wide Range of Support Services Scenic Setting
The place where honor lives.
Oregon
Veterans’ Home
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On-site Amenities Recreational Opportunities
800-846-8460 700 Veterans Drive The Dalles, Oregon 9705827
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ASSISTED LIVING IN YOUR HOME • Companion Care • Home Care Services • Personal Care • Transitional Care • Medication Services Office (541)436-4515 Cell (541)806-4997
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS LICENSED IN OREGON & WASHINGTON
www.bobbiswayinhomehealthcare.com
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
PROVIDING YOU WITH QUALITY AND DEPENDABILITY If you or your family member are in need of transportation services such as services for wheelchair-bound clients or mobility impaired individuals, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss details on how to meet your specific requirements as you travel safely with Bobbi’s Way Transportation. Quality Services • Compasionate Staff
Office (541)806-3616 www.bobbiswaytransport.com
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Helping Our Local Community Breathe, Hear, and Live Better For over 40 years, Columbia Gorge ENT has been serving the Gorge. Dr. Proctor and his team are pleased to introduce Dr. Holt to the practice. Columbia Gorge ENT treats a wide range of problems involving your ear, nose, and throat, ranging from sinus disease, snoring, recurring and chronic tonsillitis, and ear infections for all ages. Let our ENT physicians improve Justin Holt, MD
your quality of life and help you breathe, hear, and live better.
Now accepting new patients for ear, nose, and throat. Please call 541.298.5563.
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