Senior Living 2019

SENIOR

LIVING

OCTOBER 2019

2 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019

Did you have any medical expenses in 2019?

Katelyn Andersen and Marsha Goetting Montana State Univeristy Extension

Have you had any medical expenses this year that won’t be covered by your health insurance policy, a flexible spending account (FSA), or your Federal Health Care Savings Account (HSA)?

If so, you can still open a Montana Medical Care Savings Account (MSA) by Dec. 31 and cover those expenses.

If you deposit up to $4,000, (the maximum in 2019) you can reduce your Montana adjusted gross income by that amount. For individuals who have a taxable income above $17,900, this will result in a net savings of about $276.

This is really a good deal for Montanans! Thank your legislators.

Yet, in past years only 1.4 percent of Montanans have taken advantage of this opportunity.

When asked why, many Montanans explain that they were told they were ineligible because they don’t have a high deductible health insurance policy. This is not correct information. You do not have to be in a high deductible health insurance plan to be eligible for an MSA. And, unlike an HSA, you are still eligible to contribute to an MSA when you are age 65 years or older.

Others say they have never heard of a Montana MSA. Believe it or not these accounts have been around since 1997.

The income tax advantage of depositing into a Montana MSA does not apply to your federal income taxes and should not be confused with the Federal Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Federal Flexible Spending Plans (FSAs).

If you do not use any of the money deposited in your MSA during the year it was deposited, it remains in the account and earns interest that is free from Montana income taxation. The money in the MSA then can be used for eligible medical care expenses in future years.

If you pay 2019 medical bills either by check, cash, or credit/debit card, you can still add up those eligible expenses throughout the year, make a deposit by December 31 and reimburse yourself from the MSA account on the same day for eligible expenses paid January through December.

The key word is paid. You can reimburse yourself for paid eligible medical expenses by the end of 2019. But if you haven’t yet paid those bills because your health insurance company hasn’t sorted out what it will pay and what you still owe, you still can reimburse yourself for those unpaid eligible expenses during 2020 when you pay them.

The amount you can use to reduce your Montana income is the total deposited, not the amount used for medical expenses during the tax year.

For example, if you deposited $4,000 in a MSA but only used $500 for eligible medical expenses during 2019, you still get to reduce your income by $4,000.

The remaining $3,500 is available for paying medical expenses in future years.

MSA funds can be used to pay medical expenses not only for yourself, but also your spouse, parents, dependents and anyone else. This means you can use your MSA fund to pay for eligible medical expenses of anyone you choose: your best friend, a colleague who needs the money, anyone except your dog. The person does not have to live or reside in Montana.

Again, thank your legislators for this provision passed in 2017.

MSA funds can also be used as a legacy. Some Montanans have put money in their MSAs every year, but have not used it because they are saving the funds for long term care expenses. Others plan to use their MSA as a legacy for their children and grandchildren. You can place a payable on death (POD) designation on your MSA, identifying who you want to receive the money after your death. Your spouse, parents and kids can then use the money for their own eligible medical expenses without Montana income tax consequences.

Parents and grandparents could gift money to their adult children and adult grandchildren for an MSA. Whatever amount is gifted and deposited in an MSA can be taken off the adult children and grandchildren’s income.

The adult grandkids get the tax break, but not the grandparents.

An MSU Extension MontGuide will help you decide if you would benefit from a Montana medical care savings account. The publication (MontGuide 199817 HR) can be downloaded free http://msuextension.org/ publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT199817HR.pdf Pick up a free printed copy by visiting your MSU Extension Office in Ravalli County at 215. S. 4th Street, Ste G, Hamilton.

Katelyn Andersen, M.S., is an Associate Professor for Montana State University Extension. She serves as the 4-H/Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Ravalli County.

Marsha Goetting, Ph.D., CFP, CFCS, is a Professor for Montana State University Extension. She serves as the MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist based in Bozeman.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 3

DPHHS offers program to help reduce falls ravalli repubic

Department of Public Health and Human Services officials say that every eleven seconds in the United States an older adult ends up in the emergency room as a result of a fall.

In fact, in a recent report about the burden of falls in Montana, falls are the third leading cause of accidental deaths for older adults in the state.

According to DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager Melissa Dale, falls can have lasting consequences on the elderly. “Falls can result in a variety of injuries in adults aged 65 years and older, including hip fractures and head trauma,” Dale said. “Once an older adult experiences a fall, whether they sustain an injury or not, the chances of falling again doubles.”

Dale explains that after experiencing a fall, the fear of falling carries a heavy burden on an older adult’s quality of life. This fear can lead to limited activities and social engagement. Seniors who decrease these functions experience a physical decline, depression and social isolation.

“However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging,” Dale said. “By making practical lifestyle adjustments and attending an evidence-based falls prevention class, falls among seniors can be reduced.”

Falls can often be prevented by making practical lifestyle changes: 1. Ask your health care provider to evaluate your risk of falling; 2. Have your pharmacist review your medication annually; 3. Schedule an appointment to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor and update your eyeglasses, if needed; 4. Do strength and balance exercises; 5. Make your home safer by removing things off the floor that you can trip over, ensure your home has adequate light throughout the house, install grab bars in the bathroom, and hand railings on both sides of the stairs.

In addition to making practical lifestyle changes, the Falls Prevention Program offers a falls prevention workshop called Stepping On. Stepping On is a seven-week, evidence-based falls prevention program that reviews how to build and maintain physical strength and balance, how to choose proper footwear and how to make lifestyle modifications to remain safe in and out of the home.

The program is open to older adults or anyone with a fear of falling, who live independently in their own homes and do not rely solely on a walker or wheelchair.

The Stepping On workshops is offered throughout Montana.

Laura Berner at Ravalli Council on Aging, 310 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton, is lining up a class in the Bitterroot Valley. Call her at 406-3635690, or email lberner@ravalliccoa.org, to get on her list as she is still designing the calendar and location for her upcoming class.

Call today to schedule a tour!

406-363-2273 601 N 10th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 discoverycare.com cbenson@discoverycare.com

4 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019

Better senior living through adult education Kristina Berger Corvallis Adult Ed Director

Heart of the Valley Adult Education through Corvallis School District #1 is located in Corvallis, Montana. The purpose of the adult education program is to offer the community a wide range of classes and workshops at an affordable price. We strive to provide opportunities for learning and self-growth in a fun and inviting environment.

Building connections with the community is a priority for Heart of the Valley Adult Education and our course offerings allow us to interact with citizens and provide needed services for residents.

Some of our most popular classes include our Women in the Wilderness Hiking courses, yoga, cookie

Beat the Wintertime Blues!

The general public is invited to join us for our no-cost activities! Call to participate!

• Share a snack • Card Games • Live Music (406)363-2800 501 North 10th Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 www.sapphirelutheran.org

• Exercising • Parties And More!

decorating, Instant Pot 101, firearm basics and woodcarving. We offer fitness courses, basic and advanced computer and technology classes, business workshops, and many hobby classes like cooking, baking, art, textiles, gardening, photography and journaling.

We are always looking for instructors to share their expertise and passions with others. If you or someone you know are interested in proposing a class please contact us. The valley is full of very talented folks and we would like to provide you with resources to share your talent with others. Not to mention it is a wonderful social opportunity to meet new people.

Classes run in five terms. Fall term runs from late September through early December, Holiday Mini Series Workshops run from late October through Early December, Winter term runs from January to March, Spring term runs from April through May, and Summer term runs late June through August.

Upcoming Classes for our holiday series have just been posted.

There are various baking classes and DIY opportunities that are great for hanging out with friends, meeting new people, handcrafting gifts and learning new skills. All classes are make and take classes which means they are hands-on and you get to take home your creations.

We offer discounts for seniors and Veterans. Registration for classes can be done at our website: www.heartofthevalleyadulted.org use promo code Senior when checking out for a 50% discount (on most classes, does not apply to lab/material fees). You can also email us adultedu@corvallis.k12.mt.us, call or text 406-361-0217 (office hours M-F 9:00-2:00). We accept Cash, Check, and Credit/Debit Cards. Classes are advertised in the Mailman mailer each term, on our website, and through our newsletter. Most classes are $30 and are open to anyone in the Valley, no need to live in Corvallis.

Whether you are interested in gaining knowledge on a new subject or learning a new skill, there are many opportunities through Heart of the Valley Adult Education for everyone. So why not challenge yourself and try something new today? Participating in classes is good for your mind, body and soul!

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 5

Volunteering makes a difference in senior lives Dominic Farrenkopf

“I like meeting new people and seeing the regulars,” Winkler said.

Are you a senior looking for pur“I talk to the nurses and housepose, inclusion and a healthy paskeepers on all my shifts. It does so time? Then volunteer! much for my mental attitude, my Studies show that seniors who mood and gives me a reason to volunteer some of their time live keep living.” physically and emotionally healthier Winkler also volunteers for her lives. According to AARP, almost church making prayer shawls. two-thirds of Senior Corps volun“I was known as a professional teers reported a decrease in feelvolunteer in my home state of ings of isolation and 67 percent Louisiana,” she said. “I love helping of those who first reported they people and spreading joy, espe“often” lack companionship stated cially to those who are down in the that they had improved social condown in the dumps. Volunteering nections. Seventy percent of volin the community gave me a jumpunteers who initially reported five start on meeting new people and or more symptoms of depression making friends. I like Hamilton and photo provided reported fewer symptoms at the love its people.”

Volunteer Carol Winkler sells a soda to customer Lonny Wiench, who also helped end of the first year. Sixty-three per- himself to a free cookie.

Farrenkopf said there are a wide cent of volunteers who initially indivariety of volunteer opportunities in cated three or four symptoms of depression reported fewer symptoms Hamilton and the surrounding areas. after one year.

“It’s easy to fall into a hum-drum routine, especially during the winter months, and that can lead to isolation and a depressed mood,” said Dominic Farrenkopf, Director of Community Life at Sapphire Lutheran Homes. “One effective way of avoiding the winter-time blues is to volunteer with other like-minded people doing something you believe in. As the Community Life Director at Sapphire Lutheran Homes in Hamilton, I see firsthand the benefits of volunteerism to seniors.”

Farrenkopf has several Sapphire residents who volunteer at a variety of places. Some volunteer for the schools, others for the hospital or for their church.

• Shingles • Pneumonia • Tetanus • Whooping Cough • Flu “The residents who consistently engage in their volunteer duties Monday - Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm always have something to look forward to and usually have a story or two about their day.” Farrenkopf said.

Carol Winkler is resident/volunteer of Sapphire Lutheran Homes in • Administered by certified clinical pharmacists Hamilton. Winkler, 93, volunteers each Monday at the Sundry shop • Walk-ins Welcome - No Appointment necessary where she sells everyday items like toilet tissue, toothpaste, snacks and • Covered 100% by most insurances greeting cards. Winkler also offers cookies and coffee to her customers.

“I thoroughly enjoy being in the activity room selling the occasional sundry item,” Winkler said. “I love meeting and sitting with people from the different buildings on our campus. Not everyone who stops in is a Monday-Friday 9am-6pm customer, but they still get a cookie.”

Wednesday afternoons, Winkler volunteers at the information desk at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital where she provides visitors directions 211 West Main, Hamilton and occasionally labels medical equipment devices that go to various bitterrootdrug.com departments of the hospital.

Director

of

Community Life, Sapphire Lutheran Homes

We Offer Vaccinations

363-3611

6 - Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Little Red House

Elderberry Extract to Boost your Immune System Now on Sale

Don’t forget to pre-order your Fresh Turkey’s for Thanksgiving.

910 North 1st, Hamilton • 363-1626 M-F: 9am-6pm Sat.: 9am-5:30pm

Service Lines At Sapphire Lutheran Homes: • Independent Living Apartments • Assisted Living Apartments • Subsidized Housing For Low-Income Seniors • Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care Call for tours and availability of apartments on the ian Sapphire Lutheran Homes’ campus.

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Take action to reduce influenza risk

By ALIDA MERRITT,

Quality Improvement/Infection Control

manager,

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital

Influenza (a.k.a. “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and is most commonly spread by droplets.

When an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs, they produce droplets containing the virus. These droplets can travel up to several feet, landing on the mucous membranes of nearby people. These droplets may also land on surfaces or objects and can be picked up on the hands of another person, who then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

Once the virus contacts your mucous membranes, it infects the nose, throat and lungs.

Within 1-4 days of exposure to the virus, you may experience any or all of the following signs and symptoms: fever or feeling feverish, chills, a sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, a headache and feeling extremely fatigued. Some people have equated to having influenza with “being hit by a truck.” These symptoms may last as long at 10-14 days and may be so severe that a person may be bed-bound (or couch-bound) for much of that time.

An estimated 50-80% of people may be infected with the virus, though, and not have symptoms; thus they are spreading the illness to others without realizing it.

Anyone can get influenza, even those who are very healthy. Serious

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 7

health problems and complications can happen in association with influenza.

For last year’s flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there were: 37.4-42.9 million influenza illnesses; 17.3-20.1 million influenza-related medical visits; 531,000647,000 influenza-related hospitalizations; 36,400-61,200 influenzarelated deaths.

Certain people and age groups have a higher risk of developing more serious influenza-related complications, including younger children, people 65 years, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD/emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, a weakened immune system due to disease or medications, as well as people with extreme obesity.

Complications may include sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart), encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), rhabdomyolysis (inflammation of the muscle tissues), as well as sepsis and multi-organ failure.

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish influenza from other viral or bacterial illnesses based on symptoms alone. If your medical provider wants to know for sure if you have influenza, he or she can perform a specific test called the rapid influenza diagnostic test. This requires a swab to be inserted deep into your nasal cavity and results are usually available within 30 minutes. In some instances, your rapid test result may be negative but your symptoms indicate otherwise, and so your healthcare provider may still decide to treat you with antiviral medications.

Sometimes, when there is an influenza outbreak in a community, healthcare providers will use their clinical judgment and treat infected people without performing an influenza test.

Influenza is usually more prevalent during the colder months of the year, and while influenza in the United States typically occurs between September and May, the peak month is February.

The single most important way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccination every year.

The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. Benefits of the influenza vaccine include that it can help prevent the flu; it can reduce the severity and length of illness if you do get sick; it can reduce the risk of influenza-related complications and hospitalization; it helps protect women during and after pregnancy with some protective antibodies passed on to the baby; and it protects those around you, especially those who are more vulnerable to influenza and its complications.

One question asked by many people is, “How well does the vaccine work?” Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year, and depends on

the age and health of the person being vaccinated as well as how well the vaccine “matches” the circulating influenza virus strains.

On average, vaccine effectiveness ranges from about 40-60%, which means the vaccine reduces the risk of influenza illness, complications and hospitalization by that much. Flu viruses constantly change from flu season to flu season and even during one flu season. While this change (also called “antigenic drift”) may contribute to a decreased match between circulating influenza virus and the vaccine, the vaccine still provides some protection and is still the first and best way to protect against influenza.

There are many different types of flu vaccines available: Trivalent injection (protects against three strains of influenza), Quadrivalent injection (protects against four strains of influenza), Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Nasal Spray, high-dose vaccines, which are intended for older people and prompt a stronger immune response, and cellbased and recombinant vaccines which do not use chicken eggs in the production process. Immunity from the flu vaccine lasts 6-7 months.

The CDC recommends that you receive your flu vaccine by the end of October to ensure adequate protection through flu season; however, you can receive your vaccine as long as influenza is circulating in the community, so getting a flu shot in March or April is okay!!

If you do get influenza, certain prescription medications known as “antiviral drugs” are a treatment option. There are four FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications for use during this flu season: Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza. These antivirals are not available over the counter; you must have a prescription from your healthcare provider to get them. These medications may help lessen the severity and length of influenza symptoms, and although they work best when started within 2 days of getting sick, they may still help if started later. These antivirals may help prevent some of the serious complications in people at higher risk.

In addition to flu vaccination, other tips to lower your risk of getting and sharing influenza include: calling in sick when you need to; do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth; practice good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or tissues; practicing regular hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers; and regularly wiping your desk and other highly contaminated items with a sanitizing/disinfecting cleaner (e.g., telephone, door handles, computer keyboards).

Influenza is serious, but you can take action to reduce your risks.

For questions and or comments contact Alida Merritt, MSN, RN, CPHQ, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s Quality Improvement/ Infection Control Department. Working together to build a healthier community!

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Do you know someone who

MAKES A DIFFERENCE? Tell us about it!

Email pbackus@ravallirepublic.com or give us a call at 363-3300 Hometown Heroes will be feature in our special publication coming out in November 2019!