55 & Better 2022

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. Chilson Senior Center, 700 E. 4th St., Loveland

Visit NorthernColorado55Better.co om

Some places have a policy of providing excellence in retirement living.

Others have a history of it.

At the Good Samaritan Society, the promise of providing exceptional senior care options isn’t just something found in a mission statement.

It’s at the core of who we are. For almost 50 years, Good Samaritan Society – Loveland Village has offered housing and supportive services to seniors of all faiths and beliefs.

To learn more, visit www.good-sam.com.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (the Society) and Owner comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or other protected statuses except as permitted by applicable law, in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, and in staff and employee assignments to individuals, whether carried out by the Society directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which the Society arranges to carry out its programs and activities. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2022 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.

496-411-783 Rev. 4/22

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

NorthernColorado55Better.com

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

Turn to me, your local licensed sales agent, for a free consultation* I’ll help you find a Humana Medicare plan that fits your needs and your budget A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may include additional benefits and services that matter to you.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent Humana MarketPoint Office 303-267-9000 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A more human way to healthcare™ Y0040_GHHHXDFEN22_AD_M June 8, 2022

*No obligation to enroll.

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Page 10

Senior Assistance Resources that Make a Difference

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Stress and unbalanced nutrition can wear seniors down. Can CBD help?

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Page 6-8

55 & Better Vendor Directory

Aging in place brings physical, mental benefits

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Planning for end-of-life care

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Page 28

Four Reasons to plan your own funeral

Protect your vision with 7 habits for healthy retinas

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Consumer Health: Finding a mental health care professional to fit your needs

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Page 29

On the Importance of Hearing Exams

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5 Popular investment trends right now!

The ABCDs of Applying for Medicare

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RV Safety: Roam if you want to with cau ution and care

Editorial Misty Kaiser, Marketing & Publications Editor303-473-1425, kaiserm@reporterherrald.com Editorial: Advertising: Christine Labozan, Advertising Director970-635-3614, clabozan@reporterheraald.com Advertising

Visit NorthernColorado55Better.com

2022-2023

SENIOR CITIZEN

PROPERTY TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM Eligibility requirements for the program include: • Applicants must be 62 years of age or older.

• Applicants must own and live in their home, which must be located in the Thompson School District boundary area.

• Only one person per household may apply.

• Applicants cannot be Thompson School District employees. (including part-time) Participants will be paid for a total of 30 hours at minimum wage, which will be applied towards their property taxes.

To apply, go to: www.thompsonschools.org/volunteer or pick up an application at the 55 & Better Senior Expo on June 14.

#WeAreThompson thompsonschools.org

Please join us for

Pathways’ Annual Summer Memorial and Butterfly release Saturday, June 25th at 10:00 am Pathways Campus 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 We are excited to gather in person for a special day to honor and remember loved ones. Memorial service includes music from Pathways’ music therapists, a message from our hospice Chaplain, and releasing butterflies in honor of lost loved ones.

Reception and opportunity for support and sharing will follow.

Butterflies can be purchased on our website for $15 each.* Proceeds benefit the Pathways’ Grief & Loss program.

Purchase your butterflies by June 17 at pathways-care.org/butterflymemorial *No butterfly purchase is necessary to attend the event.

The butterflies have returned!

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

NorthernColorado55Better.com

Care on your terms.

Banner Hospice provides the caring, dignified, individualized support you and your family may need for end-of-life care.

We serve northern Colorado, and surrounding communities.

To learn more call (970) 352-8487 or visit bannerhealth.com/nocohospice

June 8, 2022

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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VENDOR DIRECTORY A Safe Patient

A Safe Patient helps people learn new ways to interact with the healthcare system. Through tools and education, people learn their role on the care team, what questions to ask, how to advocate for the patient, and how to develop reasonable expectations.

Alliance Medical Supply

Alliance Medical Supply is a locally owned and operated business proudly serving Greeley and the surrounding area.

They provide knowledgeable and experienced staff to assist you with your Medical Supply needs as well as free delivery. Shop online, visit the showroom, or call to order.

region. Their brokerage specializes in personable, community-based lending practices designed to make your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Assisted Living Locators®

A referral service at no cost to you, their communityoriented service allows you the freedom to access the best information and resources available. You can depend on them to finding the ideal community setting as simple and as fast as possible. They offer solutions and assist you very step of the way.

Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado

Provides high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate end-of-life care throughout northern Colorado.

Cigna

The agents at Ameri Quote are independent brokerage professionals specializing in Senior Insurance solutions.

They represent all Medicare carriers.

As a global health service company, Cigna’s mission is to improve the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve by making health care simple, affordable, and predictable.

They offer individual and family insurance, dental, and Medicare plans.

Arnett & DeVoe Mortgage Group

Dignity Memorial/ Resthaven

Ameri Quote Insurance

A full service, family owned and operated lending firm serving Loveland and the greater Northern Colorado 6

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

Resthaven Funeral & Cremation opened on the grounds of Resthaven Memory Gardens in 2007

to provide a convenient place for families in the Fort Collins and Loveland communities to plan funerals, cremations and personalized memorials. Their funeral home associates are sensitive, respectful and compassionate. They put families first and do their very best to exceed expectations.

service that begins the first time you walk through their doors and continues long after your initial appointment. They strive to provide better hearing and a better quality of life for every patient.

The Hearing Place

Good Health Will

At The Hearing Place, they believe hearing shouldn’t be a barrier to living a fulfilling and engaging life. Their audiologists in Fort Collins have been helping people, like you, hear again so you can stop feeling isolated and begin leading a more fulfilled and engaged life.

Good Samaritan Society Loveland Village

Through hearing loss consultations and clinical hearing screenings, the team of audiologists helps people at all stages of hearing loss determine how best to restore their hearing.

If hearing aid devices are appropriate, they will walk you through the process of selecting the ideal device for you.

Good Health Will accepts donations of medical equipment and health care supplies. They sell these items at 75% discount to the general public at two store locations in Loveland and Greeley.

Providing a full range of housing and healthcare services for those 55 and older, in a setting with breathtaking views of mountains from our beautifully landscaped 50acre campus.

Hearing HealthCare Centers

Hearing HealthCare Centers is a full service audiology practice that specializes in diagnostic hearing treatment. They pride themselves on developing long-term relationships with patients. Relationships based on unsurpassed personal

Horizon Hills Senior Living

Find the retirement lifestyle you are looking for!

Searching for a resort home near boating and fishing, a property by the golf course, or an active park with a club house, RV Park storage and a swimming pool? Visit senior-retirement-living. com to find homes for sale in your perfect retirement community!

NorthernColorado55Better.com

Humana

Humana healthcare plans help you do more than simply pay your bills. Their focus is on supporting not only your physical health but your emotional and social health as well.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser works hard to keep you healthy. But if you do get sick, their care teams work even harder to help you get well. Collaborating across specialties enables quicker diagnoses, more efficient treatment, and faster recoveries with better outcomes.

Kirk Eye Center

Kirk Eye Center has been providing comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services to patients in Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor and throughout Northern Colorado since 1991.

Dr. Kirk maintains a progressive practice philosophy and makes sure that he is an early adopter of any new treatments that are developed. His focus is on providing the most upto-date treatments for all of his patients, especially those with serious medical eye conditions.

Larimer County Office on Aging

The Office on Aging provides services to Larimer County residents who are 60 and older in Larimer County.

The Office on Aging also provides funding to agencies that provide services for seniors in Larimer County, including congregate meals, transportation, legal assistance, caregiver support and many more. These agencies are referred to as funded community partners.

In addition, the Office on Aging staff provides direct services and programs to older adults.

Loveland Pulse

Pulse is Loveland’s community-owned, 100% fiber-optic internet, voice, and TV provider, delivering state of the art connectivity today, and a lasting communications utility for generations to come.

With the gigabit-speeds and reliability of Pulse, you will rest assured that the internet will never be the weakest link in your day.

Pulse futureproofs our community. As a Lovelander your decision to use Pulse gives you the best connectivity around and puts our community in a digitallysecure position to engage on the global stage. Our children and grandchildren will have the infrastructure they need to be successful.

MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

Sales - Rentals - Installation - Services

When it’s important, we plan for it ahead of time.

Planning your life celebration now will give you and your family valuable peace of mind. Our guaranteed, pre-paid funeral plans protect everyone from hard financial and emotional decisions at a time of loss. We’ll help you take care of every detail, including affordable payment plans.

Wheelchairs • Power Wheelchairs Walkers • Stairlifts Hospital Beds • Scooters Ramps • Vehicle Lifts

Certified ATPs on staff

We bill Medicare, Medicaid & most private insurances

Every Detail Remembered™ Providing everyday solutions.

Family owned and operated since 2004 Visit DignityMemorial.com for a FREE Planing Guide

ALLNUTT FUNERAL SERVICE

RESTHAVEN

HUNTER CHAPEL LOVELAND 970-667-1121

FUNERAL HOME & MEMORY GARDENS FORT COLLINS 970-667-0202

June 8, 2022

493 N. Denver Ave Denver Avenue Commercial Park Loveland

(970) 461-8400

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Más Allá Homes Máa Allá believes that the final season of life can be beautiful. They offer excellent 24-7 care, including personal care, meals and laundry, in their gorgeous home surrounded by the best of Colorado’s natural beauty.

They work with a resident’s hospice team to provide seamless care. They are also happy to host people using medical aid in dying.

Located in the foothills just west of Loveland, Más Allá is ready to help your end-of-life experience be all that it can be. Enjoy this final season with your loved one and leave the day-to-day care to Más Allá!

Mobility And More

Mobility And More is a family owned and operated durable medical equipment dealer, doing business since 2004. They offer a complete lineup of equipment to meet customers’ individual needs.

Products include power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, bath safety equipment, hospital beds, patient lifts, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, stairlifts, ramps, and many more. In the DME field there is no substitute for experience and certification.

Staff has over 118 years of combined industry experience and are ready to serve you. As a full service dealer, they offer sales, service and rentals, either at their showroom in Loveland or at your home. They can bill Medicare, Medicaid and

most private insurances.

They understand the impact your medical equipment has on your life and are committed to a one-on-one approach to help you with all your mobility needs.

Plenty Wellness

Plenty Wellness was founded in 2016, being one of the very first dedicated CBD retailers in the country. Their top priority is to deliver safe and high quality CBD products and education to the community. In addition to quality, they focus on education around CBD as well as nutrition. They carry a variety of CBD and supplement brands and types, as well as offer nutrition counseling and classes that focus on a holistic approach to healing.

State Farm— Mitch Rodgers

HORIZON HILLS IS

COMING!

Providing Auto, Home, Renters, Life, Health and other Financial Services to fit your individual needs.

SummitView Advisors

The mission at SummitView Advisors is to provide clients with education to empower them to make better financial decisions.

The Bridge at Greeley and Longmont

Horizon Hills is a new modular home adult community coming to the corner of Hwy. 287 and 60. We are now taking Pre Sales. Call, email or visit our website for more information.

970-573-9032

Email: horizonhillsmh@gmail.com Horizonhillscampionco.com

Visit our booth at the Senior Expo!

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

The Bridge at Greeley offers the finest in assisted living for seniors looking to thoroughly enjoy their retirement.

Thompson Schools (TSD) TSD serves students in Pre-K through 12th grade with 14 school-based preschool programs. Teachers and administrators collaborate with families and community

partners to ensure that students are college, career and community ready.

Thompson School District values the expertise and experience the Senior Citizen community has to offer. Every year TSD fills 50 positions in the Senior Citizen Property Tax WorkOff Program in which those 62 or older can volunteer for the district 30 hours throughout the year and earn money towards their property tax bills in Larimer County.

Vantage Medical Pain and Wellness Center

50 million adults suffer from unresolved pain and standard treatment leaves many falling through the cracks. Vantage Medical Pain and Wellness Center takes an integrated approach to both pain and wellness. They believe there is a time and place for all modalities, but whenever possible individuals should work with the body’s natural ability to heal. Their doctors work together as a team bringing unique perspectives in their specialties with the patient at the center of care.

The goal is to eliminate pain and increase wellness without introducing narcotics or causing unnecessary trauma, getting patients not only out of pain, but bullet proofing their bodies against future injury. They help all ages, and areas of pain including those caused from degeneration, such as arthritis, trauma, sports injury and more. For complete wellness, Vantage Medical also offers medical weight loss, I.V. vitamin therapy, DNA nutritional testing and wellness chiropractic care.

NorthernColorado55Better.com

Larimer County

OFFICE ON AGING We connect older adults, adults living with disabilities, and caregivers with resources to maximize personal choice and independence.

■Information: Referral, education, & decsion-making support.

■Vouchers: Help with chores, dental, homemaker services, & caregiver respite.

■Advocacy: Advocacy for residents in assisted living & skilled nursing facilities.

AND MORE! (970) 498-7750 | adrc@larimer.org June 8, 2022

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Senior Assistance

Resources that Make a Difference

By Linda Thorsen Bond

Where is help when you need it? That’s exactly the question that the 55 & Better Expo answers. The trade fair puts valuable resources throughout Northern Colorado all in one place so you can ask questions of people who have the answers, including the Larimer County Office on Aging, Thompson School District’s VITAL program, Assisted Living Locators, Mobility & More and Good Health Will.

LARIMER COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING

Erin Alt is the Program Manager for the Larimer County Office on Aging which provides information, referral, education and decision-making support to older adults, adults living with disabilities, caregivers, family members, community members and professionals in Fort Collins, Berthoud, Loveland, Estes Park and Fort Collins. The Office on Aging plays a significant role in the community through collaboration, 10

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

funding, and provision of resources and services to older adults and those living with disabilities.

Alt said they are finalizing their Answers on Aging resource guide now, verifying names and information to make sure each person or agency is up to date. Each year the Office on Aging, along with several community partners will disperse just over 30,000 comprehensive guides. The guides are filled with information that connect people with resources to maximize their personal choice and independence. The office staff also keep current Senior Housing Lists including senior affordable housing, independent living, assisted living and nursing facilities.

“We provide support for agencies that offer local senior nutrition programs including congregate and home

delivered meals, transportation, nutrition/caregiving counseling, and much more. The Office on Aging houses the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for Larimer County. Our dedicated staff serves clients by referring them to services and supports in the community, or through our internal voucher programs. These currently include the chore voucher program, family caregiver respite voucher, and inhome services voucher programs. Our staff works closely with the county’s Long Term Care Medicaid team and can help navigate some Medicaid specific programs if clients are needing more care in their homes or are transitioning into a skilled nursing facility.”

Recently the team has taken on a very special project to assist Larimer County residents combat feelings of NorthernColorado55Better.com

isolation and loneliness during the pandemic. The ADRC’s COVID Isolation Project has purchased weighted blankets and robotic pets for seniors 60 years and older in Larimer County.

“Anyone in need or who has questions can call our office and we are happy to serve them,” she said. “We encourage clients and caregivers to call and our highly trained staff can help answer questions and navigate choices in order to help older adults achieve their highest quality of life while aging in place in Northern Colorado.” Alt added, “The Larimer County Ombudsman team provides advocacy for residents in assisted living and skilled nursing communities.

(970) 498-7750 larimer.org/humanservices/ aging/ooa

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THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL & TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Drake. She said, “We see this program as bringing in people who have experience others may not have. Every person can be valuable as a volunteer. The breadth and level of experience in the senior population means that they have a lot to offer.”

There are volunteers in early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school. In fact, Wegener said, there are as many as 4,000 active volunteers helping the school district. Each school has a volunteer coordinator who is also a volunteer and assists Wegener.

There are two high points of working in the VITAL program for retiree Susan Squier. One is the check she receives that she immediately uses to pay her property tax. The second is the joy of working with children in the Centennial School library.

“The librarian has all levels of classes who come to the library,” Susan said.

“Sometimes I shelve books, sometimes I

One of the best examples of programs for seniors is the Thompson School District, which offers the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program through the Volunteers in Thompson Assisting Learners program (VITAL).

It encourages parents and community members to share their time and knowledge with Thompson students by becoming authorized volunteers who help in classrooms, chaperone field trips and school activities, coach for a sports team, serve as tutors, present at career fairs, assist in science and computer labs, serve on a district committee and even help fundraise.

Lisa Wegener is volunteer and events specialist for the Thompson School District, which includes 16,000 students in Berthoud, Loveland, Fort Collins and

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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walk amongst the tables and if anybody needs help with something like a glue stick or a marker pen, I help them. It’s fun to see how children process things.

One little girl made a drawing of a pot of gold and a rainbow with clouds. She walked up to me and said, ‘This is for you.’

It’s now on my refrigerator. I was so pleased I wrote her a thank you note.”

Susan said the program is “volunteers who are older, and we’re lower income now that we’re older. It’s a way to help with finances; they pay you the money for the hours you work, Mobility & More has what you need to keep moving and stay safe in your home and when you’re out and then you get a check made out about. (Courtesy Mobility & More) to property tax. I stick it in an envelope, send it off and it helps me out a lot. It’s a great program. help for family members in memory she said. “For example, one focuses on Anytime you get the community indementia related to Parkinson’s and care facilities. volved, it makes a difference.” others have different training for other Maureen started over four years There are about 25 new openings in kinds of memory care. We help families ago and is now heading into her fifth the Senior Citizen Property Tax Workfind the resources they need.” year. She offers a no-cost senior placeOff Program. Approximately 50 people Walker said her favorite thing is ment service, helping seniors naviwork at volunteer-type jobs and receive meeting clients and learning their story. gate through the system of in-home minimum wage pay that is applied “We focus on their needs,” she said. companion care, independent living, toward their property taxes.

“Some want a place with chandeliers, assisted living and memory care comsome want a place that absolutely munities.

The deadline to apply is doesn’t have those. When we find the “We help people find and understand August 26. Applicants right thing for each person it is heartthe information they need,” Walker warming. I just want people to know can apply online at said. “The system is hard to navigate, there’s help out there. We can come and people need to know about costs, thompsonschools.org/ over and help take the load off of makwhat coverage they have, what their volunteer. ing such important decisions.” long-term care insurance might cover.

ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS

Maureen Walker is the owner and senior advisor for Assisted Living Locators in Weld, Larimer, Boulder, and Broomfield counties, and north of Denver. In addition, she’s a certified Dementia Care Specialist and helps negotiate the tricky paths of finding

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

Some people are not ready to go into assisted living; they just need help at home so we work with an organization that can help them. We get paid by referrals to communities and facilities, like realtors.”

Help for people who have dementia is an increased need and has been impacted by the COVID pandemic. “We deal with many different memory care communities and focus on the different aspects they are equipped to handle,”

(970) 310-4307 assistedlivinglocators.com/ noco.

MOBILITY & MORE

For Chanel Brackett of Mobility & More, family is the most important thing. Her grandmother was the first NorthernColorado55Better.com

president of the company, and her family members are all involved in one way or another. Chanel said, “We stick to the model that if it’s not a product and service that we would we want our family members to receive, we don’t carry it. We deal with manufacturers with top mobility products that are high quality, durable, and have parts available. We believe that’s important in this day and age.”

Mobility & More sells, rents and services durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and scooters. They specialize in high end rehabilitation mobility equipment. Chanel explained that they carry power chairs for people who have limited mobility, even as complex as progressive diseases such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s.

They work with referrals from doctors and physical therapists as well as the insurance companies. “There’s a lot of paperwork on our end!” she said.

“High end rehabilitation equipment is very customizable. It’s not one size fits all. There’s seat width, depth, and accessory options depending on the client’s needs. First we take anatomical measurements, then we order the chair. When it comes in, we do the fine tunings, adjustment to the headrest, positioning, the armrest height. Everything is fine-tuned and adjusted for the body and the home. Getting mobility equipment can be challenging and frustrating because people don’t know the ins and outs. We keep them informed about what the process looks like. A lot of what we do is educate people about our industry, the guideline, and the time frame so clients are on same page as us.”

(970) 461-8400 mymobility.biz

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Back Pain Arthritis Inflammation Joint pain Chronic pain Injury

Headaches Herniated disc Neck Pain Knee Pain Hip Pain Shoulder Pain and more

We see pain Differently Dr. Shane Countryman M.S. D.C.

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Chiropractic, Physical Medicine, Biocellular Regenesis Pain injections, I.V. Vitamins, Weight loss June 8, 2022

Precise, Expert Eye Care for Loveland Seniors

See all that you can

Providing the most a dvanced ttherapies herapies advanced ffor or p ain rrelief elief pain

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Kirk Eye Center

Non-Narcotic

What’s better than doing a good thing? Obviously, doing TWO good things. And doing those good things in two locations is even better. Good Health Will has storefronts in Loveland and Greeley. Their two-fold mission?

They work hard to get low-cost medical equipment and supplies into the hands of people who need them and by doing that they keep those items out of the landfill.

Joanna Hunter, executive director of Good Health Will, explained that they are a nonprofit medical outfitting and recycling store that accepts donations of durable medical equipment and healthcare supplies and provides low-cost purchase options. There are no restrictions on who can buy things in the stores.

She said, “We receive donations of medical equipment and supplies and sell them in our retail spaces. The money

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970-669-1107 3650 East 15th Street • Loveland

KirkEyeCenter.com • Facebook.com/KECLoveland Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Good Health Will helps people save money when it comes to necessary medical equipment. From smaller items like crutches to larger items like wheelchairs and hospital beds, they can help you find what you need.

(Courtesy Mobility & More)

NO COST Referral Service.

Don’t Start Your Search Without Calling Us First!

In-Home Companion Care, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Communities

Maureen Walker Owner/Senior Advisor Cell: 970-310-4307

Personalized Touring, Personalized Assistance

Lindsay Adams Care Advisor Cell: 303-775-6312

assistedlivinglocators.com/noco facebook.com/ALLNoCoSeniors Office/Fax: 970-660-8898

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

from sales goes to pay for the buildings and workers. We help the public by offering low-cost solutions for buying medical equipment. For example, a standard new twowheel walker costs between $70-100; at our store it is $10.

Crutches are always $6. We take the retail price and sell it for 5 to 25 percent of retail. We have hospital beds, shower benches, oxygen supplies, incontinence supplies, wheelchairs and transport chairs. Those are the top items we sell, but we also have things like CPAP machines and oxygen tubing. Of course, we only accept donation of that kind of item if it is brand new and still in the packaging.”

Inventory varies according to what is donated. They can also ship smaller items through the Greeley store. The website goodhealthwill.org has a list of items the stores handle.

Joanna said people can bring items to donate to either store Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They pick up large items for free once a week but it’s necessary to schedule the time and date and reservations fill up quickly.

The stores also take monetary donations as well as medical equipment and supplies.

“We’re helping keep medical equipment out of the landfill,” Joanna said. “It helps the people who need the equipment, but it also helps save our planet.”

Loveland—(970) 624-6002 Greeley—(970) 515-6935 goodhealthwill.org NorthernColorado55Better.com

Stress and unbalanced nutrition can wear seniors down. Can CBD help?

By Katie Feindel

CBD (or cannabidiol) comes in many varieties and can be used for many purposes. In this society we are facing many environmental stressors that can put our health and happiness at risk. CBD can, with the advisement of a qualified medical practitioner, be a healing agent, for seniors especially.

“Seniors face more health problems due to more rapid growth of neurodegenerative conditions”, according to MNT, Christy Thiel of Plenty Wellness.

Theil also shared how cardiovascular conditions, metabolic syndromes, and diabetes can all be linked to the devitamization of the soil our food is grown in. “The goal is to be metabolically flexible and CBD can help us regain that stability and balance again.

Eighty percent of the general population has metabolic conditions. We consume too much sugar and sugar is in most processed foods, including canned foods. Sugar is a stressor and a depressor. Most people only burn glucose metabolically. This contributes to more systemic inflammation. To burn fat and reduce metabolic inflammation we need to turn on our fat burning power. This only happens when glucose has been cleared and our bodies are seeking an alternative energy source. My order or priority with clients is to teach and guide them in detoxification, regaining metabolic flexibility, and intermittent fasting.”

According to Theil who has extensively studied nutrition and has trained with and advised many medical practitioners, “Stress is the biggest anti-nutrient we have. It has been understood and accepted that getting a handle on that stress with proper lifestyle and nutrition is key. The environmental factors like stress really take a toll on our health. Seniors are most susceptible to stress of transition and illness and therefore should take advantage of all that is out there to regenerate and heal, like CBD.” It is important to note that, like many other nutritional supplements, CBD can potentially interact with some medications. You should always consult with your physician before adding CBD to your wellness plan.

June 8, 2022

Call Today! 970-223-8267 www.frontieraccess.com

DAILY LIVING

HOME ACCESS

MOBILITY

TRANSPORTATION

VAN RENTALS & SALES Access & Mobility for All Areas of Your Life

819 E.Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Aging in Place

brings physical, mental benefits

Good Samaritan Loveland Village lets seniors move through changing stages of need.

(Courtesy Good Samaritan Loveland Village)

When considering senior care, ask about levels of assistance

By Sarah Huber

Moving to a senior living community isn’t solely about finding what fits today. Rather, seniors and their family members ought also to consider what support might be needed in the future and where and how they want to receive care, explained Abby Varner, executive director at The Bridge at Greeley Assisted Living.

“Conversations about moving to assisted living are not always easy. Talk about it sooner than later and develop a plan, so that when the time comes, the transition is easier for everyone,” she said. At The Bridge, she urges families to meet with a senior care professional or medical doctor to determine 16

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

the level of care currently required and to list present and future priorities.

Holly Turner, senior living manager at Good Samaritan Society Loveland Village, said families can start by touring senior living communities and asking what services are provided. “Find out how my parent will transition from one level of care to another,” she said.

“What will that transition look like? Is there a lot of contact and communication with the family? Is this a move across campus, or will they need to go somewhere else?”

To minimize stress on residents and families, The Bridge and Loveland Village offer several tiers of care. “The benefit of aging in place is tremendous mentally and emotionally,” Turner said. “Families will know their family member is safe and is going to be taken care of, even as needs change. And for residents, they will know the place and can interact with their friends even if their level of assistance changes.” For

example, at Loveland Village, residents who move from independent housing to assisted living may continue to eat in the dining room, attend fitness classes, participate in the community-wide game and interest clubs and participate in outings to local cultural hubs and restaurants. “This is important because socialization is known to help to help with cognition,” Turner said.

Keeping friends and familiarity with the campus are not the only benefits of a “continuum of care” senior community. Varner noted that residents also form bonds with the staff, who get to know residents’ preferences, personalities and schedules. “Aging in place is definitely beneficial to the resident as it becomes more difficult to deal with change as we age,” she said. If residents need a little extra support in their current level of care, Loveland Village and The Bridge offer supplemental on-site services. Loveland Village’s Services at Home program assists with functioning activities such as laundry and meal preparation, and Colorado Home Care provides medical care. “(These services) allow residents to stay much longer in their current situation than they would be able to without them,” Turner said.

Good Samaritan Society Loveland Village offers independent twin homes and apartments, assisted living apartments, post-acute rehab and long-term skilled care. Similarly, The Bridge features up to four levels of care, from mostly independent living to assisted services “including medication management, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, dressing, bathing, reminders (and) three delicious meals every day,” NorthernColorado55Better.com

Varner said, as well as rehab and skilled nursing in the facility next door. She added, “Our goal is to help residents at The Bridge to age in place.”

Marcy McKenzie, a retired special education from Michigan, said she relocated to her twin home at Good Samaritan Society Loveland Village because “I like that that maintenance is always there to change the lightbulb and to fix whatever needs fixing.” That security, along with tailored support, is the main motivator behind many of the moves to Loveland Village, Turner said. McKenzie continued, “Everyone is easy to talk to here, and it’s very nice to be part of the team, part of the Village.” Along with working several shifts a week at the welcoming desk, McKenzie anticipates arts and crafts each Friday and enjoys going out to lunch with friends.

For married residents, a community that offers tiered care may keep families

Connections are part of the equation at The Bridge.

(Courtesy The Bridge)

together. Turner recalled, “We had a resident in skilled care, and his wife was living in an apartment. Every day she would get a wheelchair and bring him

back to the apartment, where she would make dinner and they could watch their TV shows.” When they parted in the evening, “she knew he’d be taken care of, relieving the burden of caring for him but giving the security and satisfaction of knowing they can be together.”

Finally, when deciding on a senior living community, Varner and Turner said the top factors to consider are location, reputation and cost. “You want to choose a location that makes the resident comfortable and is in close proximity to family or friends who will visit often,” Varner said. As for reputation, “Tour several communities, read reviews online and talk to current residents.”

Finally, she said, “Make sure you know if you are looking for a community that accepts Medicaid, a private pay community and whether or not your loved one has long-term care insurance.”

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

17

Planning for

End-of-Life Care

Más Allá gives residents a homey atmosphere for end-of-life care. (Courtesy MásAllá)

By Adam Goldstein

Becky Davis is a firm believer in the power of dialogue when it comes to tackling tough subjects.

Davis, the co-owner, CEO and administrator at the Loveland-based Más Allá Home, has had plenty of experience when it comes to broaching difficult topics. Más Allá, which opened in July of 2020, is an assisted living residence for people who are aging and who need additional care, whether it be meals, laundry, medication management or other services.

Davis and her staff of licensed and certified nursing assistants specialize in end-of-life services, care for those who are approaching life’s final transition.

It’s a journey that’s difficult for many to think about or talk about. But Davis says that dialogue is the key to making a difficult transition more approachable for residents, families and loved 18

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

ones alike.

“I think that many people believe that when we talk about hard things like death, it makes it more awkward and painful. But it does the opposite,” Davis said. “Discussion makes these topics more palatable; it makes it more manageable, especially talking about it with the person who is dying. It ends up empowering them, rather than the opposite.”

According to Davis, clear conversation can be a key to making the biggest transition we face as humans more approachable, understandable and seamless. Indeed, finding the right option for someone facing death is all about dialogue – talk among family members, loved ones and especially the person facing the end of life is the key to avoiding unnecessary pain, stress and trauma. Finding the right option among all of the resources and services available in northern Colorado starts

with clear planning and input from all parties involved.

“I think it’s important to talk about it before you find yourself in that situation, when the emotions aren’t as high and it’s not as urgent,” Davis said. “I would ask what the physical needs of the person who’s dying are, and how best to meet those needs. That may be when the conversation goes to putting them in a long-term care, or assisted living, or other options.”

Those options may include hiring in-home care for someone, so that they can stay in their home. It could mean opting for a long-term care facility, which offers more assistance with daily activities, medical treatment and tasks, or an assisted living center, which is usually a residential setting that also includes some medical care. It could involve and include hospice care, which provides invaluable resources for those near the end of life.

Whatever the approach, it’s important to consider the individual needs of the patient, and it’s critical to calculate factors ranging from medical history to financial demands. For example, Medicare does not cover elder care; those who would opt for long-term or assisted living facilities should be aware of financing options.

“When you have to go into a nursing home or an assisted living facility – you either need long-term care insurance or you need to be able to qualify for Medicaid,” Davis said.

On the other hand, hospice care is covered by most insurance, and can offer a critical bridge from life to death.

Providers like the Banner Hospice in Greeley can provide a vast spectrum of services and care, and they can come NorthernColorado55Better.com

to the patient. According to Banner, their care can be ondemand, as they can “provide care in patient’s homes, independent or assisted living facilities.” That’s a service that’s available 24/7.

Davis, who often serves as a mediator between hospice companies and patients, says that despite misconceptions, hospice can be an invaluable resource at all phases of a patient’s journey. At homes like Más Allá, at residences, at assisted living facilities – hospice is a viable option.

“It’s just a wonderful resource that I don’t think a lot of people are aware of. Regardless of where they go, if hospice is involved, it’s going to be much easier. It’s just a wonderful thing – That is covered 100 percent by insurance; it costs

nothing to the family. It will enhance everything,” she said.

“People don’t realize how soon they can get on hospice care.

You don’t have to be on your last three days of life.”

No matter the specific approach for an individual, Davis said that dialogue and communication can be the key to making the last phase of life more comfortable and less stressful.

Getting the input and feedback of the patient can build a critical bridge to the next step, she said.

“I think asking questions to the person facing death is really important. It gives them the ability to have some control and some say,” she said. “You might not be able to do it exactly the way they want it, but to give them say is empowering.”

PATHWAYS

Patients facing end-of-life decisions in northern Colorado will have a new option this summer.

According to Evan Hyatt, spokesman for Care Synergy Network, the hospice, palliative care and counseling center Pathways will open a new, 12-bed hospice inpatient care center in mid-July. “Located on the Pathways campus between Fort Collins and Loveland, the standalone, intentionally built Inpatient Care Center will provide high-quality, compassionate hospice care in a homelike setting to patients needing hospital-level treatment,” Hyatt said.”

It will also further Pathways’ ability to work with local colleges and universities to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists and counselors.”

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

19

Four Reasons

to plan your own funeral ing to the venue you select and more.

Often, you can even select flowers and mementos for family and friends. And, by documenting all of your wishes, your family will know to incorporate additional special touches, such as song selections, special readings or videos.

Your final wishes are recorded.

(BPT) - At some point, most of us will need to make final arrangements for someone we will miss. Coupled with overpowering grief, making even the simplest decisions about a funeral or cremation service can be confusing and overwhelming, especially since those decisions often need to be made in the days immediately following a death. Occasionally, decisions are made in haste and leave loved ones feeling like they didn’t do enough to truly honor and celebrate a unique life.

By working with a funeral professional to plan your service ahead of time, you give your loved ones peace of mind and comfort, as well as remove a potential financial burden. Here are four reasons to plan your own funeral or cremation.

Your loved ones can focus on healing.

When you pass, you will leave behind people who are deeply saddened by your absence. The days and weeks right after your passing will be emotionally difficult.

Having all your arrangements in place and your final wishes documented will

20

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

help relieve some of the stress involved in planning your memorial service and allow those who loved you most to concentrate on coming together and comforting one another.

It’s a good financial decision.

The cost of living has increased over the years, and so has the cost of the average funeral. By planning ahead, you can lock in today’s pricing. A burial space in a beautiful, serene section of your local cemetery could increase in value before the time of your passing. When you pre-arrange your final arrangements that burial spot will remain the same price as it was when you bought it, protecting your loved ones against rising inflation.

You can plan almost every detail in advance.

Prepaid funeral plans typically include almost every aspect of your final arrangements, from the services of the funeral director to the casket of your choos-

Perhaps you would prefer a small, intimate memorial service, but your loved ones envisioned a flashy, expensive send-off. Planning final wishes ahead of time takes the guesswork out of the equation and could alleviate feelings of guilt your loved ones might have down the road if they second-guess their decisions about your memorial service. Instead, they will take solace in knowing that your final arrangements were “exactly what mom wanted.”

To learn more about the benefits of planning a funeral, cremation or final resting place ahead of time, or to find a provider close to you for more information, visit DignityMemorial.com.

For More Informationt Visit with Resthaven Memory Gardens Funeral & Cremation at the 55 & Better Expo.

8426 US-287, Fort Collins (970) 667-0202 dignitymemorial.com NorthernColorado55Better.com

Consumer Health: Finding a mental health care professional to fit your needs Laurel Kelly, Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to learn about finding a mental health care professional.

Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave. A mental disorder may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person’s ability to function.

Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a

mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function.

Treatment depends on the type of mental illness and its severity. In many cases, a combination of treatments works best. If you have a mild mental illness with well-controlled symptoms, treatment from your primary care provider may be sufficient. However, a team approach is often appropriate to make sure all your psychiatric, medical and social needs are met.

If you’ve never seen a mental health care professional before, you may not know how to find one who suits your specific needs. Some specialize in certain areas, such as depression, substance misuse or family therapy. They may work in different settings, such as

private practice, hospitals, community agencies or other facilities.

Common types of mental health care professionals include: • Psychiatrists.

• Psychologists.

• Psychiatric-mental health nurses.

• Physician assistants.

• Licensed clinical social workers.

• Licensed professional counselors.

The best choice for your care will depend on your concern or condition; whether you need medications, counseling or both; and your health insurance coverage. Finding the right match is crucial to establishing a good relationship and getting the most out of your treatment.

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21

5 Popular Investment Trends RIGHT NOW!

Giovanny Moreano, Bankrate.com (TNS) Seasoned investors often approach the markets with a long-term view, using short- and medium-term volatility to buy into the themes they believe will pan out over many years. While identifying these trends is difficult, tuning out the noise can reveal what’s to come, possibly resulting in significant gains.

As we move through the second quarter of 2022, let’s highlight five of the most popular investment trends right now — that show significant potential for growth.

1. Inflation protection

Americans are paying more for everyday items as inflation hovers near its highest level since 1981, according to Labor Department data. With a rapid surge in the cost of living, investors have turned to inflationary hedges like gold to keep up with rising prices.

Gold has historically been a safe-haven 22

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

asset for investors because its value tends to rise along with inflation. In addition, in times of political unrest or heightened volatility, bullion acts as a portfolio diversifier because of its low correlation to the stock market.

For example, during the financial crisis in 2008, gold prices rose 2%while the S&P 500 index plunged 37%.

There are multiple ways to gain exposure to gold, from directly purchasing the metal to more indirect methods like owning shares of public mining companies.

However, the most efficient approach for most retail investors is likely to invest in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Popular gold funds like the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) are investments backed in physical gold, and its performance is highly correlated to gold spot prices.

Others like the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) track a basket of public mining companies. You can also choose to make a similar investment in silver.

Apart from gold and other precious metals, investors can stay protected against inflation by considering assets like Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) or other savings bonds like I Bonds, which currently have a yield north of 7%.

2. ESG investing

The disruption and uncertainty caused by the global pandemic ignited a renewed interest from investors, consumers and employees to favor those corporations that prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) causes. Beyond profits, these enterprises have agreed to focus on long-term value creation over short-term gains.

And those choices appear to be paying off. According to Morningstar, global demand for sustainable investments hit a record in 2021, reaching $2.7 trillion.

By creating societal value through sustainable practices, shares of these corporations also tend to be more resilient NorthernColorado55Better.com

than their peers.

For example, research from Bank of America shows that shares of corporations with solid ESG practices tend to be less volatile, have higher three-year returns, and are less likely to declare bankruptcy.

One way to invest in socially conscious companies is through ETFs like the iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA), which tracks an index of highly rated ESG companies. Some of the names on the list include American Express (AXP), Accenture (ACN), Disney (DIS), Home Depot (HD) and Hasbro (HAS). Other options include the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) or the SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF (EFIV).

Purpose-led organizations hope to set the pace for a better future. By focusing their efforts on reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, advancing social issues, and fostering equality, equity and inclusion, among other noble causes, these corporations are redefining the role of business in society.

3. Artificial intelligence

The technological revolution has brought artificial intelligence (AI) to the forefront, making a reality of what was previously only imagined. With AI disrupting many aspects of our lives, the new technology could become the most influential industry of the century.

AI attempts to replicate human intelligence in a computer or machine with faster speed and greater accuracy. So as

these systems become more intelligent, AI becomes more powerful, with its uses and applications impacting nearly every industry.

Analysts at International Data Corporation (IDC), a provider of market intelligence, predict that by 2024, worldwide revenues for the AI market could top $500 billion, logging a five-year annual compound growth rate of 17.5%.

AI is everywhere. Whether it’s Apple (AAPL) using facial recognition software to unlock iPhones, companies like Samsung (SSNLF) building smart appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, or robo-advisors leveraging automated algorithms to optimize investments, the technology is all around us.

For most retail investors, there’s a chance you already have exposure to AI, as many large U.S. public companies are either already using it or are looking to invest in the technology. But for those seeking more direct exposure, some notable names include Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), Upstart Holdings (UPST), Intel (INTC), Trimble (TRMB) and Brooks Automation (BRKS).

4. The metaverse

The future of the internet includes virtual worlds where humans can interact without the confines of physical space.

And according to analysts, these virtual environments could be the next big investment opportunity.

Thanks to greater computing power,

faster internet connectivity, and other technological advancements, tech companies are developing ecosystems where people can shop, play, exercise, learn, and experience most life activities digitally.

Facebook, for example, has rebranded its name as “Meta” (FB) and plans to invest billions in its ambition to build the metaverse.

As audiences for these virtual environments grow, so does the interest from corporations trying to capitalize on this trend. Art gallery Sotheby’s (BID), for example, announced last year that nonfungible tokens (NFT) sales reached $100 million and began operating Sotheby’s Metaverse, a new virtual gallery in Decentraland, a 3D virtual world. Similarly, Nike recently announced the expansion of its digital footprint through the acquisition of RTFKT, a virtual sneaker company.

Likewise, Microsoft (MSFT) has set in motion the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in the most significant gaming deal in history — and a big bet on the expansion of the metaverse.

Among other investment opportunities, some analysts point to NVIDIA (NVDA), a semiconductor company that powers computer graphics, as a potential winner from the growth of the metaverse. In addition, Autodesk (ADSK) and Unity Software (U), software makers that allow architects and designers to create 3D models, and cloud-technology provider Fastly (FSLY) are also top names in the space.

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23

For those looking for broader exposure, Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF (META) offers an efficient and easy way to invest in metaverse-specific stocks.

5. Investing in music

The music industry is entering a new golden age with technology disrupting how listeners consume music, from concerts in virtual reality to accessing any song at any time. Goldman Sachs estimates that music revenue could reach $131 billion by 2030, supported by a spike in music streaming.

A combination of broader access to bandwidth and rapid innovation has enabled brands such as Apple, Spotify (SPOT) and YouTube (GOOG) to redefine the music experience.

For musicians, streaming platforms hold a wealth of information on listeners’ habits, guiding emerging artists in deciding tour locations, pitching new songs to producers, gathering demographics about

their audience, and even raising money for new projects. Spotify alone hosts over 380 million listeners in 184 markets. These efforts create additional revenue streams in royalties for music owners such as Warner Music (WMG).

And then there are live-event companies like Live Nation Entertainment (LYV), which owns Ticketmaster. Others like Madison Square Garden Sports (MSGS) and Eventbrite (EB) could also benefit from an uptick in attendance for in-person events.

Beyond investing in public companies, some investors have turned to crowdfunding companies like SongVest and Royalty Exchange to buy and sell music royalties at auction. These fintech companies estimate the value of a music catalog, determine the number of units available, and create a listing through public offerings. Investors then receive quarterly or biannual payments for their investments, similar to stock dividends.

For those more in tune with the industry, memorabilia and even musical instruments, such as vintage guitars and pianos, become collectors’ items over time, sometimes fetching tens of thousands of dollars (or more).

In short, some investors believe the music industry could become the next big hit for their portfolios in the years ahead.

(Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.)

For more information For more information about investing and financial strategies, visit with SummitView Advisors: 231 S. Howes St., Fort Collins DeskChair Workspace 201 E 4th St. Loveland (970) 663-7511 summitviewadvisors.com

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Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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Protect your Vision

with 7 habits for healthy retinas (BPT) - Habits that support a healthy lifestyle come in many forms, like eating

your exam, encourage friends and family to schedule their dilated retina exam.

a balanced diet, exercising regularly and keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But did you know these and other healthy habits can also protect you from vision loss?

Some of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss in the U.S. are retinal diseases, including conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD. There are steps everyone can take to prevent vision loss and support retina health, especially those at a higher risk for retinal diseases.

“With state-of-the-art technologies that allow for early detection and advanced treatments, vision loss and blindness from retinal conditions can be treated effectively, but acting as early as possible is critical to maintaining healthy vision,” said American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) President Dr. Philip J. Ferrone, MD, FASRS. “To safeguard sight, it’s important that everyone know the signs and symptoms of retinal conditions, adopt some simple lifestyle habits that bolster retina health, and seek care immediately if sudden vision changes occur.”

America’s retina specialists urge the public to adopt the following healthy habits to preserve healthy retinas:z

1. Get regular dilated retina exams Many retinal diseases have few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. With regular dilated retina exams, your eye physician can help preserve your sight by detecting symptoms of a retinal condition early, before extensive damage occurs. After June 8, 2022

2. Eat nutritious foods including dark, leafy greens and fish Research shows that consuming a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a lower incidence of AMD.

3. Quit smoking Smoking can also lead to vision loss and blindness. In fact, research shows that people who smoke are significantly more likely than non-smokers to develop AMD. To access information and help for quitting smoking, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit SmokeFree.gov.

4. Control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol If you have diabetes, one of the best ways of lowering your risk of vision loss and preventing diabetic eye disease is to closely monitor and manage your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

5. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight Studies have shown that people who walk for exercise are less likely to develop

AMD. Exercise also helps control obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol which benefits eye health. Make staying active a family affair by adding a walk or bike ride to your next family get-together.

6. Know your family history Ask family members if they have had vision issues. Retinal conditions including AMD, diabetic retinopathy and even retinal detachments may have a genetic component that runs in families.

7. Protect your eyes from the sun Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage not only our skin but also our eyes. Wear a pair of sunglasses that provide 100% UV absorption or block both UVA and UVB rays and a widebrimmed hat when outdoors.

In addition to family history, common risk factors for retinal disease include older age, smoking and high blood pressure and cholesterol. Pay close attention to your vision and find a retina specialist if you experience common adult symptoms of retinal disease, including blurred central vision, loss of color vision, distortion or straight lines appearing wavy, and new or worsening floaters or flashes of light.

For more information about retina health visit SeeforaLifetime.org.

For more information To learn more about vision care, visit with Kirk Eye Center at the 55 & Better Expo.

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25

RV Safety:

Roam if you want to with caution and care jewelry, cameras, bicycles, fishing equipment, golf clubs, etc.), you may need extra protection. Ensure they are also covered beyond your motorhome policy with a Personal Articles Policy. It is also important to remember that while you choose motorhome (RV) insurance if what is to be insured is driven, you may need to consider travel/camping trailer insurance if what is to be insured is towed.

Plan Ahead

Before the trip, check the tire pressure, the breaks and battery. Top off fluids.

As the temperatures warm up, now is the perfect time to get out and explore all the country has to offer. RVs (recreational vehicles) provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Be it with friends, family, or even by yourself, camping is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and yourself. If you are planning to hit the open road in an RV, don’t forget to take time to check your insurance, plan ahead and remember safety for a smooth ride and adventure.

RV and Motorhome Insurance

RVs and travel trailers can cost between $10,000 and $300,000—depending on the style and features (JD Power).

The first step is to make sure your RV or motorhome is insured. Insuring your motorhome against damage and loss caused

26

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

by common risks, such as fire, storms, theft, and collision will help protect you against the unexpected on your travels.

Coverages include: • Bodily injury to someone else or property damage that you accidentally caused while driving your motorhome.

• Bodily injury to yourself because of an accident with an uninsured motor vehicle.

• Damage to your motorhome caused by an accident.

• Theft, fire, vandalism, and other losses even while your RV is in storage • Emergency Road Service in the event of a breakdown while traveling in your motorhome.

Personal property coverage can vary.

When it comes to covering what’s inside your motor home for items (such as

Flexibility is a perk of RV travel, but a little planning will help you avoid aimless driving, congested metropolitan areas, and wasted time and save you money.

• Make an itinerary. A rough itinerary with the best places on route to eat, explore and stay will help alleviate some of the guessing.

• Locate your camp sites. Find the lot size and water, power and sewer hookups you need at GoCampingAmerica.com and GoRVing.com.

• Decide what amenities you want.

From rustic or Wi-Fi enabled, pools to exercise facilities, camping options run the gamut.

• Plan your route.

• Time your trip. Plan for the days of the week, weather conditions and special events you might want to see.

• Make a budget. And stick to it.

• Check the vehicle: Before the trip, check the tire pressure, the breaks and battery. Top off fluids.

• Wash and inspect the exterior: Especially the roof of your RV, motorhome or camper.

NorthernColorado55Better.com

Driving and Road Safety

Whether you're ready to hit the open road or park for the season, buckle up, pay attention to speed and other drivers (and passengers) around you. Stay alert and undistracted.

• Distractions: Texting is one of the most dangerous driving distractions, but there are seven others. Visit statefarm.com/simple-insights/autoand-vehicles/driving-distracted-andhow-to-avoid to learn more about driving distractions.

• Share the Road: Be aware of other vehicles including large trucks and farm vehicles.

• Stay Alert: Drowsy driving can impair reflexes and lead to disaster.

Visit statefarm.com/simple-insights/ auto-and-vehicles/avoid-these-risksor-you-may-fall-asleep-at-the-wheel for tips to stay alert.

• Traffic Merging: The RV is a vehicle

with large blind spots. Travelers can drive defensively and take precautions to prevent merging collisions.

• Severe Weather: RVs can be easy to flip. It is important to make sure your RV is prepared if a storm blows in.

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For more information To learn more about vehicle and other insurance options, visit with Mitch Rogers State Farm at the 55 & Better Expo.

5110 Granite St., Ste C, Loveland, 970-776-9180, mitchrogerssf.com

In So Many Ways…

Here to help life go right TM

STAY SAFE. BE WELL.

Mitch Rogers

Insurance & Financial Services

Going to the hospital can be uncomfortable and frustrating when you don’t know what to expect or understand what the healthcare team is saying. We help people learn new ways to interact with the healthcare system. Through tools and education, we explain their role on the care team, develop the questions to ask, and help establish reasonable expectations in the situation.

Learn more about our services at SafePatient.com or visit our booth at the Senior Expo

Thanks For Voting State Farm “BEST INSURANCE COMPANY”!

5110 Granite Street – Suite C, Loveland, CO 80538

(970) 776-9180

Mitch.rogers.e9yb@statefarm.com • www.MitchRogersSF.com June 8, 2022

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

27

The ABCDs of

Applying for Medicare

Approaching signing up for Medicare can be intimidating. (Shutterstock)

By Shelley Widhalm

Applying for Medicare can be an intimidating process that boils down to four letters, A, B, C and D. Original Medicare is a federal insurance program consisting of Part A and Part B, while the purchase of supplemental insurance combines A and B to form Part C and Part D refers to prescription coverage.

Parts A, B, C and D are different options available to seniors 65 and older and who have reached traditional retirement age. Medicare also is available to adults younger than 65 who are disabled and receive other benefits or meet specific health and financial qualifications.

“Health care is very individual. It’s a good idea to do research on what your needs are and to talk to family and friends to get their insights,” said Gary 28

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

Culp, chief growth officer for Cigna Medicare.

Seniors can apply for Original Medicare three months before and three months after their 65th birthday or face a penalty and shop for additional coverage to add to their plans. They can alter those plans during the annual election period Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for coverage the next year. Medicare.gov has tools and resources to navigate and compare plans in a given area, or seniors can contact independent brokers or insurance providers directly to schedule online, phone and in-person visits.

“We are really trying to provide multiples ways to learn about your options,” Culp said.

Original Medicare includes a choice between Part A or both Parts A and B. Part A covers hospital, skilled nursing, home health care and hospice care.

Part B coverage consists of outpatient

services including provider office visits, laboratory work, emergency room and urgent care, surgical care, radiology and ambulance services.

Part A typically has no premium for those employed 10 years or more. Part B has a monthly premium, which for most people in 2022 is $170.10. Seniors who decide to continue to work past age 65 may opt to sign up for just Part A and continue to receive insurance through their employer—Part B enrollment can be delayed as long as they continue working.

Original Medicare has annual deductibles and co-insurance costs. Generally there is a split of 80-20 with 80% coverage and 20% out of pocket. The 2022 Inpatient Hospital deductible for Part A is $1,556 per hospital benefit period and can happen up to five times annually for five separate periods, which are 60 days.

For Part B, the 2022 deductible is $233 a year.

Seniors who choose both Parts A and B can opt to purchase supplemental Medicare insurance and prescription drug plans, which are separate policies with separate premiums. They can choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) and a separate prescription drug plan. The premiums for Medigap insurance can range from about $42 to $155 a month and for prescription drug plans, about $30 to $105 a month. These plan premiums are in addition to the Medicare Part B premium.

Medicare Supplement typically is less expensive than other forms of commercial insurance, primarily employer-based plans and insurance plans purchased through the health insurance marketNorthernColorado55Better.com

place, which for Colorado is offered by all major insurance Connect for Health Colorado. providers, explaining how to The deductibles, copays, coinenroll and the different options surance payments and out-ofthat are available. pocket maximums for Medi“We’re an independent care plans cost less than most agency, but we work with all commercial insurance plans.

Seniors also can opt for the the companies, (which) have difMedicare Advantage plan, ferent plans people can choose also referred to as Part C, from. When we meet with which gives them the benefits people, we narrow down to the of Medicare Parts A and B Understanding your needs can help when it comes to Medicare plan that meets their needs the rolled together with Part C’s coverage. (Shutterstock) best,” Krier said. additional benefits, including a zero deductible in most cases Kaiser Permanente offers an they choose a Medicare Advantage plan, and smaller copays. The premium for they have to opt for in-network providintegrated approach to Medicare for its Medicare Advantage plans can range ers to receive the maximum benefits— members, who have access to physicians, from $0 to about $45 a month on top of the list of providers varies according to specialists, laboratories, X-rays and the the premium for Part B. the plans chosen. pharmacy in one building in the inte“The Advantage plans are more popuThe primary care physician in a grated health care system. lar because (often) there’s no premium Medicare Advantage plan helps coordifor that. In most cases, people like those nate and navigate the care continuum “It’s a high level of communication better,” said Jack Krier, owner and for members, which is a way to control and collaboration and everything is president of Ameri Quote Insurance and costs, Culp said. under one roof. That saves a person Financial Services in Fort Collins.

“It’s a little bit of tradeoff because a lot of time,” said Carmen Cisneros, Medicare Advantage is offered you’re accepting a network product,” Medicare executive team lead for Kaiser through independent insurance comCulp said.

Permanente. panies like Cigna Medicare and offers Supplemental insurance helps cover benefits like vision, hearing, dental, the costs of copays, coinsurance and deOnce members turn 65, they have the prescription, transportation to appointductibles of Original Medicare, keeping option to become Kaiser Medicare memments and access to fitness, Culp said. the costs more predictable, Culp said. bers and agree to let Kaiser manage their “It also provides affordability as far as “Really, it’s kind of individual. Do I Medicare benefits. capping the total amounts that indiwant broader access to providers or a “Medicare is very different within our viduals might be paying where Original set network, as well as the additional plan. Medicare Part D is included with Medicare may not,” Culp said. features of the plan?” Culp said.

Part D, typically included with Part Seniors who travel may want supplethe additional benefits,” Cisneros said.

C for most Medicare Advantage plans, mental insurance to access a broader set Members who sign up for Parts A and covers prescription drugs that are of providers, while those who stay in B automatically get Part D as part of included in that plan’s formulary. Drug one locale may want to choose Medicare their plans through the Medicare Advancosts are separate from medical costs in Advantage for the additional services, tage Plan. these plans and are separated into tiers, Culp said.

“It’s more predictable as far as what with different copays for different tiers.

“If you have Medicare A and B by Veterans with certain types of prescripitself, you have a lot of out-of-pocket you pay out of pocket for hospital stays tion coverage from the Veterans Adminexpenses you’d be responsible for,” Krier and every facet of care,” Cisneros said, istration can opt for Medicare Advansaid. “If you buy supplemental insurance adding that Kaiser’s OOP is at a set rate tage plans that exclude Part D. or Medicare Advantage, it covers costs for medical services. “Most members beIf seniors opt for a Medicare SuppleMedicare doesn’t cover.” cause they love the way we deliver care ment (Medigap) plan, they can go to any Ameri Quote offers free consulting provider that accepts Medicare, or if automatically stay with us.” and guidance on the supplemental plans June 8, 2022

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

29

On the Importance of Hearing Exams

By Katie Feindel

According to the World Health Organization approximately 48 million people in the United States have hearing loss. Yet approximately 40 million go untreated. Maintaining our hearing keeps us communicating and connecting with the world around us. Hearing loss can contribute to social isolation which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Annual hearing evaluations should be a part of everyone’s routine as hearing loss often comes on so gradually it is hard to detect without professional evaluation. Just like any other health issue, the earlier loss is identified and

treated the better the long-term prognosis and outcome.

Dr. Kimberly Hart, Doctor of Audiology, Au.D, CCC-A at Hearing HealthCare Centers has over 20 years experience and has worked in hospital settings at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ, school districts, as well as with the Veterans Administration for over 13 years.

According to Dr. Hart, “Leaving hearing loss untreated can lead to a myriad of issues including but not limited to the brain shrinking up to 40% from its original size, a 200% or more increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, cognitive decline, increased isolation, and increased risk of falling

which is the leading cause of fatal/nonfatal injuries in older adults. Hearing tests are noninvasive and can actually be fun.” Most insurance companies will cover a hearing evaluation by an Audiologist so there really is no reason to delay.

Hearing HealthCare Centers has seven locations across the Front Range.

They specialize in hearing loss, tinnitus management, cochlear implants, and amplification. “We believe in individualized care and creating long lasting relationships with our patients. To us you are not just a number but someone we will partner with to take on your challenges with hearing,” Dr. Hart said

EASE INTO MEDICARE

Staging for Aging, Downsizing, Decluttering and Rightsizing!

CATHY GOZA

30

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

Learn more about Cigna Medicare Advantage plans.

If you or someone you know is new to Medicare, it’s important to start with the right answers to your questions. We’re here to help make it easier every step of the way.

Shelby Boyce TALK TO 970-301-0361 A LICENSED BENEFIT ADVISOR.

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. © 2022 Cigna. Some content may be provided under license.

INT_21_87516_C 966442 05/22 NorthernColorado55Better.com

Is your Medicare coverage right for you?

The Kaiser Permanente Difference Kaiser Permanente Colorado is proud that our Medicare health plan received a 5-Star Quality Rating for 2022 — Medicare’s highest possible rating!* • Exceptional network of great doctors and specialists • Convenient, integrated care, all under one roof • 24/7 virtual care options • Mail-order pharmacy services

Carmen Cisneros Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist Contact me to learn more: 970-518-5329 or online at mykpagent.org/carmenc *Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. For 2022, Kaiser Permanente Colorado received 5 out of 5 stars. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.

H0630_20160_M June 8, 2022

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

31

Better Hearing, Better Life Leading a fulfilling & engaged life doesn’t just mean being present for life’s special moments; it also means being able to hear them, too.

We want you to be able to hear everything, from your daughter’s wedding ceremony to your partner talk about their day.

Stop missing out on life’s moments & visit our specialists today!

$600 Off Premium Level Hearing Aids Offer valid at any location. Must mention ad at time of service to redeem.

Offer expires July 31, 2022.

Schedule an Appointment at a Location Near You thehearingplaceco.com | 970-680-0268 32

Northern Colorado 55 & Better

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