April/May, 2015 Vol 41 No. 4 Published by
Senior Services of Snohomish County
Senior Services' ‘Home Solutions’ Program …
Home repairs for all ages, income levels By Teri Baker
Frank Cooper …
When it comes to gardening, he‘s a master Page 4
Master Gardeners
Problems in the garden? Help is available Page 8
Transportation: Looking at the bigger picture Page 3
Mymedicarematters.org
NCOA launches enhanced Medicare education site Page 14
Area Plan on Aging survey Community input is critical to find local solutions to local problems Page 6
Columns… BookNook....................................... 22 Elder Info......................................... 11 GetAways (Sr. Travel)..................... 12 Mr. Modem...................................... 24 Meal Times (Nutrition News)....... 18 Perspective on the Past................ 16 Pet Tails............................................ 21 Senior Spotlight............................... 4 Volunteer Connections................. 19
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non ProFiT orG The Senior Focus is a publication of uS PoSTAGe Senior ServiceS oF SnohomiSh counTy PAiD 11627 Airport rd., Suite B SounD PuBLiShinG The Senior Focus is published bi-monthly (February, April, everett WA 98204-8714 98204
Senior Services of Snohomish County
Are you exasperated because your house needs repairs that you can’t or don’t have time to do yourself? Do you wish someone could brighten your kitchen or living room with a fresh coat of paint? Would you like to have someone do something about that broken light switch, the door that won’t close properly, that annoying drip or those slippery steps? Senior Services Minor Home Repair department has added Home Solutions, a repair service for people of all ages and income levels. The service had a “soft” opening last October and is now expanding to serve more people. “We are fully up and running at this time because of customer response,” says Juli Rose, program coordinator for Minor Home Repair and Home Solutions. “At this time we specialize in minor repairs and handyman chores. That includes minor electrical, minor plumbing, minor carpentry, handrails, grab bars and home assessments for safety. We can also help with roof cleaning on smaller homes and with painting and
trash hauling.” Rose says that Home Solutions is not in the business to take on large projects that are not senior safety related. That means it won’t remodel kitchens or build a large entertainment deck. “However,” Rose adds, “upon request, we can bid larger projects in line with senior safety such as tub to shower conversions, Kirk Brooks, a repairman for Senior Services’ Home ramps, door widening Solutions program, works on a clogged drain. The and access.” program currently specializes in minor repairs and “While Home So- handyman chores. It is open to people of all ages lutions is new, the and income levels. Minor Home Repair team has been completing health “We are also a certified Agingand safety repairs for our grant- in-Place contractor,” Miller says. qualified clients since 1975,” says “Home Solutions is a way to help Dale Miller, director of Minor seniors more directly. Response Home Repair. “Home Solutions has been good. Seniors want an is just a spin off of that team for honest contractor who underclients that do not qualify for a stands what they need.” grant but need to hire a trusted Because of a serious stroke, Lou Nash, who is in his late 70s, finds handyman.” Home Solutions is a general making household repairs diffiCONTINUED ON PAGE 5 contractor, licensed and bonded.
Medicare testing for financial as well as healthcare reforms By Alan M. Schlein Medicare is making a major change in how it pays doctors and hospitals – moving toward quality of care and away from the fee-forservice model. This shift, from “volume to value,” as Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell described it recently, has been slowly evolving since 2010 and is being phased in over the course of a decade. The idea of rewarding doctors, nurses, and hospitals that achieve better outcomes for patients rather than those that just do more, is seen by experts as a crucial shift to improving the quality of care that patients receive, while also restraining costs. Medicare, which serves more than 50 million seniors and people with disabilities, is the nation’s largest purchaser of medical services. In 2014, the program paid care providers $362 billion. But while Medicare is viewed as among the most efficient federal government programs, it, nonetheless, has always had problems with waste, fraud, abuse and run-
away costs. Since 2010, the Obama administration has been experimenting with ways to change the system and make it more efficient. But it is hard to transform the way doctors and hospitals get paid. Since its inception in 1965, Medicare has paid providers on a fee-for-service basis in which doctors, hospitals and other medical providers are paid for each case or service without regard to how the patient fares. That sometimes results in medical folks providing more care and medical services,
whether or not they are needed. Now, Medicare wants to move to a performance-based system of payments with the hope of getting 50 percent of Medicare payments to fall under that new concept by 2018. The goal is also to get hospitals to 90 percent by 2018. “Not everyone is going to be able to move at the speed we would like, but we want everyone to be moving,” Burwell said. Traditional Medicare is covered under this policy change, but what isn’t in the equation right now is CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Resource Guide helpful when navigating resources The 2015-16 edition of the Senior Source Resource Guide, published by Senior Services, will be ready for distribution in midMay. This Resource Guide is filled with information that will be helpful for seniors and people with disabilities as well as their family members and caregivers to navigate the broad range of resources that are available. From adult day health to volunteer programs, the 300+ listings
cover a full spectrum of organizations, public resources and private businesses which help to improve the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities throughout our region. To receive a copy of the Resource Guide contact the Senior Focus office at 425-290-1277 or send an e-mail to srfocus@sssc.org by May 1. (Note: if you received this issue of the Senior Focus in the mail, you will automatically receive the Resource Guide.)
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April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Medicare: performance-based payment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
the money that goes to private insurers in the Medicare Advantage program, which enrolls about a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries. Some Medicare Advantage plans already use alternative payment methods designed to reward better-performing doctors and hospitals. But the vast majority of the elderly are still covered by traditional Medicare’s fee-for-service model, so this new way of doing things will definitely face some speed bumps as it’s being put into place. The idea is to reward doctors and medical personnel for coordinate their patient care and at the same time stress quality and frugality by linking quality of care to financial bonuses and penalties for doctors and hospitals. HHS’ Burwell hopes that getting
traditional Medicare to make the changes will prompt similar changes by private insurers. There is almost unanimous agreement among healthcare folks and politicians of both parties that paying providers by volume contributes to abuse and wasteful spending. This shift has actually been driven by the healthcare industry itself and has been underway for a few years. But the effort faces a tough long-term battle with potential resistance from healthcare providers and skepticism from beneficiaries and lawmakers.
BUNDLING PAYMENTS
Another idea, bundling payments, is being used in 105 hospitals and other care groups, where Medicare gives them a fixed dol-
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We’re with you every step of the way… Providing seniors and their families housing and care guidance
Determining the best housing and care options for seniors looking for more community or who are no longer safe at home can be overwhelming. Our complimentary service offers a hand-in-hand approach to help navigate this transition. Call or email for information… Frank Simons 206-228-1678 ~ fsimons@seniorcareconsult.com Juli Simons 425-876-2053 ~ jsimons@seniorcareconsult.com
www.seniorcareconsult.com givers, service providers and other interested persons) with news and information that reflects the diverse interests and needs of the senior community. Signed articles are the opinion of the Published by Senior Services of Snohomish County writer and not necessarily the opinion of Senior Services or the Senior Focus. 11627 Airport Rd., Suite B Everett WA 98204-8714 Distribution: 20,000 papers are mailed to households and senior-friendly businesses; Editor 3,500 papers are distributed at drop-off Sharon Ostant 425.290.1277 locations including senior centers, retireAdvertising Account Manager ment communities, libraries, etc. Dale Bohm 425.263.1868 Advertising: The existence of advertising Published bi-monthly with a readership of in this publication is not meant as an en38,000+, the Senior Focus educates and dorsement of the product, service or indientertains readers (seniors, family care- vidual by anyone except the advertiser.
lar amount for each patient. This is intended to cover not only the initial treatment for a specific ailment but also all the follow-up care. So doctors and hospitals get one overall Medicare price for all services involved in an episode of care, such as hip replacement or heart bypass for as long as 120 days. If providers deliver the care for less money, they get to keep the savings. But if complications occur, they absorb the extra costs. As of last July, more than 6,000 doctors, hospitals and nursing homes were candidates for Medicare bundles covering 48 conditions. Many of them, however, may opt out of the bundling idea because they don’t think the amount of money they are getting from Medicare is worth the financial gamble they are taking. The first analysis of whether the bundled payments model is succeeding provided few definitive findings, according to the Levin Group, which analyzed the results. They said it was too early to draw conclusions after the first year of the three-year experimental program. More than 2,000 providers have applied to take part in the bundling program as of August, 2014. Medicare has been funding many other pilot projects around the country to test ideas, including giving doctors bonuses to coordinate patients’ care, and to reward physician’s practices, hospitals and others who deliver the care under budget while also achieving good outcomes for patients. Some of those measures are already in effect. For example, hospitals with high rates of patients re-admitted within a month of being sent home, now face financial penalties.
MEDICAL HOMES
Another innovative approach being tried is called medical homes. These are medical practices where nurses monitor patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, to make sure they are within acceptable ranges. Teams of medical providers try and meet patients where they are,
from the most simple to the most complex conditions. Several experiments are taking place in the country, but like the bundling, results were inconclusive. After one year, several programs reduced expensive hospital visits in some cases but struggled to show net savings after accounting for their cost. One program, the comprehensive primary care initiative, a four-year program in Colorado, New Jersey and several other states, cut costs by $168 per participating Medicare beneficiary, in large part, due to declines in hospital admissions and emergency visits, compared with practices not part of the initiative. The goal was to identify highrisk patients, keep them on the appropriate medicines and diets and steer them to lower-cost treatment. But that wasn’t enough to cover the extra $240 per patient that Health and Human Services paid practices to hire extra nurses, set up 24-hour call lines, improve electronic medical records and other adjustments. Getting medical homes to their full potential will likely require a longer commitment to the principles of coordinated care, a report on the first year program concluded. Medical homes are among dozens of experiments being run by HHS’ innovation center, which has a 10-year, $10 billion budget. “We still have very little evidence about which payment methods are going to be successful in getting the results we want, which are better quality care and more affordable care,” Suzanne Delbanco, executive director of Catalyst For Payment Reform, a California-based nonprofit that has been tracking the spread of alternative payment models in the private sector, told Kaiser Health News recently. “We’re just wanting to avoid a situation where a few years from now, where we’ve completely gotten rid of fee-for-service, we don’t want to wake up and say, ‘Oh my gosh, we did it and we’re no better off,’” Delbanco said. Also contributing to this story were: Kaiser Health News, McClatchy News, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal and Modern Medicine – Senior Wire©
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Transportation system…
Looking at the bigger picture By Ann Gifford
Senior Services of Snohomish County
What comes to mind when you think about transportation in Snohomish County? Do you visualize streets, highways and bridges? Airports, railroads or ferries? These are all essential components, but our transportation system is much more than the parts we build with concrete and steel. It’s also the buses that follow a regular schedule and route. It’s the vanpools and Swift bus rapid transit. It’s the paratransit buses for people with disabilities. It’s the transit drivers, and the innovative technologies being used to improve customer service. There also are a myriad of social service transportation programs, private and non-profit providers, and volunteer transportation services. All are part of the foundation of our local transportation system. And yet, even with this broad infrastructure of resources, thousands of people in Snohomish County still struggle to get from their homes to work, medical appointments, school, grocery shopping and other essential activities. People who live in rural areas of the county, and those with special needs, face the most difficult challenges.
SNOTRAC
SNOTRAC (Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) was cre-
ated in 1999 to address the needs of people who are unable to transport themselves due to disability, age or income. Coalition members strive to coordinate and make efficient use of available transportation resources and to increase awareness of options. SNOTRAC is a diverse partnership. It brings together our community’s transit agencies, tribes, private transportation providers and many nonprofit agencies. SNOTRAC also receives support and leadership from Snohomish County staff and local elected officials. Where SNOTRAC is lacking is participation by people who use public transportation on a regular basis – the voice of those who can tell us how the system is working for them. Are you interested in joining the SNOTRAC partnership? If so, email agifford@sssc.org to learn about the requirements of SNOTRAC Steering Committee membership and how you can become involved. SNOTRAC members have recently started work on a new strategic plan. This plan will lay out goals and strategies for the next five years. We need to hear from you as we develop these goals! To share your views about public transportation in Snohomish County visit www.sssc.org and click on the SNOTRAC tab under the Transportation category.
And... other transportation-related news The Community Transit Board of Directors has named Emmett Heath as Chief Executive Officer of the Snohomish County public transportation agency. Heath served as Director of Administration at Community Transit for 10 years before taking over as CEO in an acting capacity last summer. “With his deep transit experience and ties to the local community, Emmett is well positioned to lead this agency into the future,” said Community Transit Board Chair Mike Todd. “This is an important time for the agency to move forward on our vision for improved transit services throughout the county.” “We’re back in growth mode. Today, we have every driver and every bus out on the road, yet we know there are still unmet needs in our community,” said Heath. The agency is hiring more drivers and ordering more buses, however, says Heath, “we are going to need a new long-term funding source to get us to the next level. Resource advocacy, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are among my highest priorities” Prior to joining Community Transit, Heath served in executive roles at the Snohomish Coun-
ty PUD and King County Metro Transit for more than 25 years. He and his wife live in Arlington.
Transportation services in Snohomish County DART – 425-347-5912 or 800562-1381; dialaride.org. Paratransit bus service for people who are unable to use Community Transit’s fixed route bus system due to health condition or disability. Clients must meet ADA eligibility requirements. TAP – 425-423-8517; sssc.org. Transportation for older adults and people with disabilities who live outside the DART and Everett Para Transit service area (primarily rural Snohomish County). Pay Your Pal – 425-265-2226; sssc.org. Volunteer driver program is designed to assist people with disabilities living in rural areas by reimbursing drivers for mileage expenses. Ride Around the Sound – 425265-2226; sssc.org. Travel instruction program that aims to help people remain independent by learning how to use public transit. Participants go on tours to fun locations using the bus system and other modes of public transit. Community Transit – 425353-7433 or 800-562-1375; for free Travel Training, 425-348-2379. communitytransit.org. Public transportation throughout Snohomish County including some
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shared areas of Everett and Everett Transit Station. Everett Transit – 425-2577777; everetttransit.org. Public transportation within city limits of Everett. Everett ParaTransit – 425257-8801; everetttransit.org. Curb to curb transportation within the Everett Transit service area for people who are ADA eligible or Everett reisdents, 65 and older, with no other means of transportation. Sound Transit – 888-889-6368; soundtransit.org. Plans, builds and operates express bus, light rail and commuter train services. Serves the urban areas of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Hopelink (Medicaid Transportation) – 855-766-7433. hope-link. org. Transportation for HCA Medicaid recipients to and from covered medical services. Catholic Community Services Volunteer Transportation – 425374-6336 or 888-240-8572; ccsww. org. Transportation for health care and essential errands on a pre-authorized basis.
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SERVICE / FARE UPDATE
In its most significant action affecting customers since the service cuts of 2010 and 2012, the Community Transit Board of Directors has approved a plan to bring back Sunday bus service in June. The board approved a service expansion package that will not only return bus service on Sundays and six major holidays, but it will increase trips on weekdays and Saturdays, mostly in off-peak times. The board also approved a 25cent fare increase that will go into effect on July 1. The fare increase affects all adult bus fares and DART paratransit rides. Youth and reduced fares will be unchanged. For details on the service and fare increases visit community transit.org/2015changes.
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April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
When it comes to gardening, he’s a master garden. Today the home in South Everett where the Coopers have lived for 53 of their 58 years of marriage features luscious grass, gorgeous flowers and a greenhouse to grow bushels of tomatoes for Frank’s special spaghetti sauce. Becoming certified as a Master Gardener (MG) requires a high level of commitment, especially since it is an all volunteer program. Twenty-five areas of classroom study must be completed with a test for each one. Studies range from botany to plant identification to soil science to specific kinds of gardening to pest management. Once the basic training is completed, students can apply to become Intern Master Gardeners. Interns must complete 50 hours of service in specified areas that include the community and/or office, each of the three Demonstration Gardens, the annual MG Foundation plant sale and other approved activities. Frank, whose class included 60 members, was honored as Intern of the Year. “The Master Gardener program has added a whole new aspect to our life,” he says. “There is so much fun and camaraderie and a lot of great leadership from all walks of life. My favorite part is
Senior Spotlight Someone We’d Like You to Meet…
By Teri Baker Retirement is giving Frank Cooper the opportunity to finally indulge a lifelong interest that has become a passion. At age 77 he has been a certified Washington State University Veteran Master Gardener for two years and gladly shares his time, effort and knowledge with others. “I was always interesting in gardening,” he says. “My dad loved to see something bud and grow. He’d just light up.” Frank is happy his father found such happiness in a world that was not always kind to him. “Dad came west on the orphan train.” Frank explains. “During the Depression he was a hobo.” Like his father before him, Frank finds joy in seeing things – and people – blossom and grow. When stationed in Seattle, Frank and his wife, Arnene, lived in Navy housing. It was Frank who created a garden there. Two years later when the young couple moved into the projects in North Everett, Frank brightened their surroundings by planting a
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the people, relating to them as friends that have a common interest as well as other interests. We’re never short of things to talk about.” Then he adds with a broad smile, “Of course I like the eating, too.” His reference isn’t just to the food he can grow, but to the potlucks his MG community holds. Frank takes his role as an MG seriously. “We represent Washington State University,” he says. “Our purpose is to educate and demonstrate the best ways to do horticulture that advances ecology, Master Gardener Frank Cooper take a break from prunnot harms it.” ing trees at the McCollum Park demonstration garden. He does that He likes to share his knowledge of gardening and enjoys knowledgeably beautifying the gardens with handmade signs, trellises and with ease. and arbors. For example, he gives a simple formula for how far composing room for 10 years. He back to prune roses: “hip high in says with characteristic humor, the fall, knee high in the spring.” “I still get together regularly with Seeing roses and plants of all my fellow Herald refugees – er, I kinds thrive is part of the joy of mean retirees.” gardening, even if it does involve Frank wanted a change, and alsome labor. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Frank has always been a hard worker. “Other than mowing NEED HOME lawns, my first full-time job was REPAIRS? when I was 12 years old selling No MoNthly PayMeNts newspapers on Hewitt and Colby (if qualified) Avenues at 7 a.m. before school,” Funding available to assist homeowners he says. “It involved walking from and landlords in Everett city limits and urban growth boundaries. North Riverside to town and then back to school at Our Lady of Per Health and safety items petual Help.” Structural, foundation, heating, plumbing, electrical, floor coverings, painting, A year after graduating from roofing, gutters, siding and painting high school Frank married Arn Accessibility issues ene, whom he had known since he Free inspection, design, construction was 14. After a stint in the Navy, assistance and more. he worked at Simpson Mill and later became an apprentice printCall 425-257-8735 er for The Everett Herald, where www.everettwa.org/CHIP he was assistant foreman in the
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Senior Focus April/May, 2015
FRANK COOPER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
though he had six children, decided to go to Seattle University from which he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business management. He was coordinator and director of religious education for St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Everett for seven years and then used his communication skills giving seminars and motivational programs for major national companies. He was the first Certified Speaking Professional in Washington State and one of only a handful of professional speakers nationally who were also awarded the Certified Management Consultant designation. He now chairs the National Speakers Association ethics committee. Frank’s speaking and consulting business went international, but experienced a lull after the 9-11 terrorist attacks when conventions were cancelled here and abroad. During his four decades of running his own speaking and consulting business, Frank wrote a book called How to Grow a Profitable Business. In 2010 he selfpublished his book The Customer Signs Your Paycheck. It was so popular that McGraw Hill Publishers picked it up and it became a best seller. He also wrote and illustrated with photographs an exercise handbook chiropractors can give their patients. It sold hundreds at a time. “I built my business to help people succeed at worthwhile endeavors and make the world a better place,” he says. “I didn’t do it alone. Arnene has always run the office. That included keeping the book orders straight and mailing out the orders, keeping track of my speaking schedule and so forth.” Frank’s years as a professional speaker and consultant have taken him and Arnene to Hawaii more than 50 times. They have traveled to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and New Zealand. The Coopers also went to the Vatican where Arnene stood within three feet of the pope. Over the decades the Coopers managed a close family life. As the family grew, Frank added onto the house and built a shop. As the business grew, he added another building. He now applies
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his carpentry and woodworking skills to beautify the MG Demonstration Gardens with exquisitely routed signs. He also makes trellises and arbors and usually has several projects going at once. Frank has always contributed to his community. He has served on the Catholic Community Services and Volunteers of America boards of directors; is a member of PROBUS, a group of a retired professional business people; and is on the Snohomish County Master Gardener board of directors. “We both believe in volunteering,” Frank says. Arnene volunteers more than 2,500 hours a year at New and Again, a thrift store that benefits Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Frank has volunteered several hundred hours as a Master Gardener. A busy man, Frank still finds time to enjoy his family and to fish. He also reads an hour or two every night and belongs to a book club. “There are seven guys,” he says. “We all read the same book and discuss it.” Interacting with people is still Frank’s favorite thing to do. “We love socializing,” he says. “We have lots of friend, many of them fellow gardeners. There’s also a network of young couples in their fifties. Many times they ask us to do things with them. It’s a lot of fun.” Helping others, having fun, getting together with friends, enjoying family, travel and of course gardening. Retirement suits this Master Gardener just fine.
Home Solutions – services vary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
cult. “I don’t want the house to fall apart,” he says, “so I called Home Solutions.” The repairman fixed the facing on a kitchen drawer, replaced a fluorescent light and also installed two grab bars and two smoke detectors. Says Nash, “The man who came was polite, a thorough gentleman and he came prepared. I can’t say enough good things about him.” Nash plans to call on Home Solutions again, explaining, “Sometimes the small things cause the most frustration.” Ben Morales, 88, had some furnace repair work done and is a big fan of Home Solutions. “I called because the cold was very hard on me,” he says. “They did a very good job at a very good rate. I’m okay now, thanks to them.” Safety, especially for seniors, is a high priority for Home Solutions. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and create enormous economic and personal costs. A great number of those falls occur at home. Home Solutions can help prevent them in many ways, including installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails in stairways and attaching safety treads to steps. Home Solutions can repair light switches and do other minor electrical repairs to make the home safer. The service can also deal
with dripping faucets that waste water and money and can address other minor plumbing issues before they become major problems. Leaky toilets create slippery conditions and can not only cause falls, but lead to damaged floors that require replacement. Bathroom fans that don’t draw the moisture out of the air can lead to mold, a serious health hazard. Miller suggests that boomers look around their homes, think about what they want to do in 10 years and prepare for that now. He says, “Ask yourself what you can do to modify your house so you can stay there as you get older. And what if you want to have mom or dad come live with you? “We’re also very good working with clients concerned about their parents. A son or daughter may be 5,000 miles away and asking what to do to keep mom safe. We can do an assessment and help them with that.” People who aren’t sure what needs to be done can have Home Solutions do an assessment. Some people like to save up little jobs that can be taken care of in a single visit. Home Solutions charges $75 per hour with a minimum charge of $150. Material costs and taxes are extra. For more information, call Minor Home Repair/Home Solutions at 425-265-2222. All profits benefit Senior Services of Snohomish County to support the vital programs the nonprofit agency offers.
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April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Local solutions for local problems Snohomish County Long Term Care & Aging is the “Area Agency on Aging” (AAA) for our county. AAA’s plan, coordinate and offer services that range from getting services for a frail adult so he/she can remain at home, to providing access to activities and socialization through
programs and providers like senior centers. By making a range of options available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangement that suit them best. AAAs also provide support and services to family or friends helping to care for older adults. Community input is the first step in the development of the plan. We are looking for local solutions to local problems.
Snohomish County Area Plan on Aging Survey Your responses to this survey will help decide what information and services are needed for Snohomish County citizens and will be included in the development of the 2016-2019 Area Plan on Aging for Snohomish County. Please return the completed survey to: Long Term Care and Aging, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 305, Everett, WA 98201. Additional comments and questions can be addressed to Danielle Maiden at 425-388-6433 or via e-mail to Danielle.Maiden@snoco.org. To answer the survey online, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SnoCoAging 1. In your opinion, what are the top three needs for older adults? Health/Wellness Neighborhood Svc Information/Assistance Housing Food Security Socialization Income/Financial Issues Health Care Transportation 2.
11. What type of wellness classes do you attend? (Check all that apply. Memory Improvement Exercise Managing Pain Social Dancing Other: Managing Chronic Conditions 12. If not, what keeps you from participating? 13. Do you currently volunteer? Yes If yes, how many hours?
No
14. Do you participate in activities at your local community or senior center? Senior Center Community Center Neither Both 15. If not, why?
In your opinion, what are the top three needs for adults with disabilities? Neighborhood Svs. Health/Wellness Housing Information/Assistance Socialization Food Security Health Care Income/Financial Issues Transportation
16. Would you consider participating in any of the following activities at a community or senior center? Art Programs Day Trips Exercise Programs Computer Classes Education Opportunities Volunteering Social Dancing Other:
3. Do you currently provide for an adult (18+) family member, friend or neighbor? Yes No
17. Is there anything that you would change or improve for healthier aging?
4. How do you get where you need to go? (Check all that apply) DART, Access para-transit Metro, Community or service Everett Transit Family or Friends Taxi Volunteer Transportation Drive Other:
18. Are you able to get around in your neighborhood without a car? Yes No
5. What is your biggest transportation challenge? 6.
What is your current housing arrangement? Live Alone Live with Non-Family Live with Spouse/Partner Live with Adult Children Live with Other Family Member
7. What problems, if any, do you have with your current housing situation?
8.
How do you get the food you eat? (Check all that apply) Food Bank Farmers Market Meals on Wheels Grocery Store Other (Friends, Family, Community/Group Meal Housing Facility) Other home-delivered meals (grocery store, etc.)
9.
During the past year, how often did you or other adults in your household cut the size of your meals or skip a meal because there was not enough money for food? Monthly Not Sure Only Once or Twice Never Some, but Not Every Month Other, Please Specify:
10. Do you participate in wellness programs, such as exercise and health promotion? Yes No
19. Are there any concerns that may prevent you from walking in your neighborhood? Poor or No Sidewalks Poor Lighting No Crosswalks Personal Safety No Amenities Near My Home Physical Ability Other: 20. What would make your community or neighborhood more comfortable or livable for older adults and people with disabilities?
21. How do you get your information about aging programs and/or services? Family Internet Library Radio Newspaper Television Friends or Neighbors Community/Church Bulletins Senior/Community Center Community Information (211) Aging and Disability Other: Assistance 22. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Other
23. How old are you? Under 50 Age 50-59 Age 60-74 Age 75-84 Age 85+ 24. What is your zip code? 25. If you would like more information about aging network programs and services, please provide your email address:
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Let’s Disrupt Aging By Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP CEO As I begin my tenure as CEO of AARP, I challenge all of us to reimagine what it means to get older. Let’s disrupt aging. Let’s upend our thinking around what it means to get older. It’s really not about aging. It’s about living. To “disrupt aging,” we need to own our age. We need to get to the point where we’re no longer defined by the old exJo Ann Jenkins pectations of what we should or should not do at a certain age. We don’t want to be defined by our age, any more than we want to be defined by race, or sex or income – and frankly, I’m a little tired of other people defining me that way. I want people to define me by who I am, not how old I am. Disruptive aging begins with each of us individually embracing our own aging – feeling good about where we are in life. We’ve all seen those ads on TV and in magazines – “50 is the new 30,” or “60 is the new 40.” That may sound like a nice sentiment, but as someone who was born in 1958 – the year Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP – I don’t agree. For one, we face different challenges and goals than people in their 30s and 40s. We’re motivated by different things. We see the world through a lens shaped by the ups and downs of life and the wisdom gained from those experiences. I don’t want to be 30 again. I may want to look and feel 30, but I’m very comfortable with my age. I am a more purposeful person because of the experiences and wisdom those years have brought me. I’ll bet that most of you would say the same thing. In fact, we’re looking forward to the years ahead, not looking back on days gone by. No, 50 is not the new 30. I like to think that 50 is the new 50; and I like what it looks like. We’re redefining what it means to be our age.
We are committed to family and energized by work. We are family caregivers, volunteers and philanthropists. We are leaders in our communities, supporters of our churches and synagogues, helping hands to our neighbors and friends. We are a generation of makers and doers who have a desire to continue exploring our possibilities, to celebrate discovery over decline. At AARP, we are an organization of “Real Possibilities” because we believe that no one’s possibilities should be limited by their age and that experience has value. The desire to live life on our own terms, to make a difference, to change the world is as real today as it ever was. But, as former President of AARP Foundation, I know that real people face real challenges. Many struggle to meet their most basic needs – health, financial, caring for themselves and their families. They need our help and support. Our goal at AARP is to help people 50-plus and their families confront those challenges and embrace their opportunities. As AARP’s CEO, I will be unapologetic in fighting for the wants and needs of people 50-plus, and I need you to be fearless with me – whether in Washington D.C., or in states and communities across the country. Please join with the AARP community to ensure Social Security and Medicare are robust for us and our children and grandchildren; to ensure that people have access to care, information and services to lead healthier lives; that they have the financial resources and opportunities to match their longer lifespans; and that people 50plus are seen as an integral and inspirational asset to society. At AARP, we truly believe that age and experience can expand life’s possibilities for every member of our society. When we disrupt aging, and embrace it as something to look forward to, we can begin to discover the real possibilities for becoming the person we’ve always wanted to be.
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7
Elderwise Watercolor-Plus Program
A painting class, but so much more ... Senior Services’ Center for Healthy Living is offering a watercolor painting class designed for people with memory loss. There is no charge to participate. During a typical class, a facilitator from Elderwise will guide the group and introduce a themerelated painting. Participants can choose to follow or use their own imagination. A wet-on-wet watercolor technique is used where colors are created directly on the page. Painting on wet paper can result in a feeling of freedom and make it possible to create something of beauty even with physical limitations. The method also encourages physical relaxation.
A goal is to help participants enjoy the creative process of painting. It is a sign of success when a room gets quiet and everyone is silently engaged in or lost within their painting. Studies show artistic work can benefit self-esteem, benefit the immune cells, decrease stress and increase the brain’s ability to change. The class will meet from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesdays April 8 and 22; May 6 and 20 at The Center for Health Living, 4100 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Suite 1, Lynnwood. For information and to register contact Ruth Egger, 425290-1268; email regger@sssc.org or Sandy, 206-774-6604; email sandy@elderwise.org.
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Attorneys
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Snohomish County Bar Association Snohomish County Estate Planning Council
Come for the view, stay for the friendships
Edmonds Senior Center
NATURAL MEDICINE CLINIC WITH BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Provides naturopathic medicine to seniors and all ages. Treatments may include dietary and lifestyle counseling and education, handson physical therapies, and herbal and nutritional supplements with products offered free of charge by Bastyr University. Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for an appt. ENHANCE WELLNESS PROGRAM
Under the guidance of a nurse and social worker, design an individual wellness plan and have your progress measured over six months. A wonderful way to take control of your health. Call for an appt. or drop in any weekday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Funded by the Verdant Health Commission. Fitness, yoga, tai chi Trips, classes, games Nutritious lunches Music groups Computer lab Coffee bar Facility rentals Great Thrift Store Stop by or call for more information about activities and services offered at the Edmonds Senior Center 220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds 425-774-5555 or visit http://edmondssc.org
8
April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Problems in the garden? Help is available ter Gardener Program, which started right here in Snohomish County and is now modeled throughout the world, you can get your gardening questions answered. If you like, you can even become someone who can provide answers for others. The Master Gardener (MG) volunteer program provides research-based information about gardening, horticulture and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities. MGs hold plant-problem clinics at farmers markets, area nurseries and various community events. They have a Growing Groceries program to mentor residents on how to grow their own produce
By Teri Baker There’s something soul satisfying about growing fruits or vegetables, creating your own palette of colorful flowers or planting a welcoming border that leads to your front porch. But wait! What are those spots on your roses and why are the leaves falling off your azaleas? How can you get rid of those weeds without poisoning your dog? How often should you water your clematis, why won’t your basil stay alive and just what is that purple plant anyway? Questions. You have questions. Thanks to Washington State University (WSU) Extension Mas-
OPEN UP to the arts in Snohomish County Arlington Arts Council presents an evening with pianist
George Cables
and 6-time Grammy winner on barisax
Gary Smulyan Chuck Deardorf, bass Matt Jorgensen, drums
Opening with AHS Jazz I directed by John Grabowski
Friday, May 22 7:30 p.m. Byrnes Performing Arts Center 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., Arlington, WA arlingtonartscouncil.net byrnesperformingarts.org
Tickets: $15
(Youth under 12, free)
at Flowers by George 355 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington and BrownPaperTickets.com
Paid for in part by Arlington & Snohomish County Lodging Taxes
and another mentoring community gardens. They donate produce to local food banks. MGs also work with youth in 4-H, school and other programs. Sharon Collman, community horticulture educator, who has been with the MG program since its inception, says, “One of the school projects involves teaching a little botany in the fall and having each child plant a bulb. In January they start planting seeds to sprout so they can take the plants home before the end of the school year.” Collman says MGs also want to work with area schools and the public in general to build rain gardens. A rain garden is a planted depression or a hole that will allow rain and storm water from roofs, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. to soak into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains and waterways where they cause erosion and water pollution. Another way MGs enjoy helping the community is through garden parties. A homeowner invites friends and neighbors in to hear advice from MGs about sustainable gardening practices, choosing appropriate plants, soil improvement, efficient watering systems, pest management and so forth. Speakers are also available for community groups. If you can’t hold a garden party, attend a clinic or visit one of the MG demonstration gardens, you can still get help with your gardening questions by calling the Master Gardener Hotline and Diagnostic Clinic weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 425-357-6010 through September. (Hours are shorter during fall and winter.) You can also visit the Master Gardener Walk-In Diagnostic Clinic at the WSU Extension Office, 600 128th St. S.E., Everett. Bring the freshest specimen you can of the insect, pest or plant problem, including the diseased area, the transition area, and a healthy area if applicable. Photos are also helpful.
Become a Master Gardener
It takes a real commitment to become a Master Gardener, but the 369 people in Snohomish County that bear the title say it’s more than worth it. Master Gardeners undergo
Annual plant sale The Snohomish County Master Gardener Foundation will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at McCollum Park. The sale includes an extensive selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, berries and grasses, as well as thousands of tomato, herb and vegetable starts. “People line up an hour before the sale begins,” says WSU extension educator Susan Collman. “Some bring wheelbarrows or wagons. It’s a popular sale.” The foundation uses proceeds from the sale to support the WSU extension’s various programs. McCollum Park is located just east of I-5 at 600 128th St. S.E., Everett. training by WSU Cooperative Extension and local industry specialists. The 25 areas of study include scientific names of plants, plant pathology, soil health, entomology, cultural growing requirements, sustainable gardening and integrated pest management. This training in horticultural practices involves 80 hours of classroom and workshop training as well as some online instruction. Says Collman, “Gardeners don’t mind intensive training. They aren’t intimidated by it. Most are lifelong learners.” People in the Master Gardener training program range in age from mid-teens to their 80s. They are required to volunteer 120 hours in the first two years with some time dedicated to working in the demonstration gardens, working at the Master Gardener Foundation annual plant sale and working in the community and/or office clinic. The tuition fee is $250. Training is held in the wintertime. Applications will be available at the Extension Office by September. For more information visit call the WSU Extension office at 425338-2400 or visit mastergardener. wsu.edu.
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Senior Focus April/May, 2015
9
Demonstration gardens offer more then beautiful plants Snohomish County Master Gardeners have built and maintain three gardens that provide a working area to demonstrate garden techniques and a suitable environment for growing a variety of plants. The gardens are:
Jenning’s Park Garden
....
6915 Armar Road Marysville This one-acre garden is comprised of an integrated mix ADVERTISER: GARDEN COURT RETIREMENT of perennial, annual SALES PERSON: 1704 NEXT RUN DATE: 09/08/14 and edible beds feaCREATED BY: SHOPPE PUBLICATION: HERALD RETAIL turing a variety of Park Meditation Garden. Visitors areRETAIL urged to HERALD SIZE: 2 col X 5 in gardening practices JenningsPUBLICATION: enjoy the peacefulness and to take a few moments to and ideas, most of site on the shaded bench and reflect on all of life’s gifts. which can easily be Photo by Kara M. Carter incorporated into your own landscaping. There are planted and continue to maintain Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs English and rose gardens, vege- the perennial border in the EverListeners’ Choice Music Director & Conductor green Arboretum at Legion Metable gardens, a walkable garden, and a spiral herb garden. There morial Park. The garden area inA Night at the Opera are also beds with dwarf conifers, cludes a traditional border garden Saturday, May 2 • 7-9 pm Everett Civic Auditorium sedums, heucheras, hostas, succu- as well as theme gardens such as Philharmonic Fanfare—Richard Strauss shade garden, scent garden and lents, grasses and much more. Overture to La Forza Del Destino—Giuseppe Verdi Volunteers are available to exotics. Volunteers are available Arias & Duets—Rossini, Mozart, Verdi answer questions, explain tech- to answer questions while workMegan Chenovick, soprano & Ryan Bede, baritone niques and help solve home garden ing in the garden. Edible produce Megan Chenovick Cappriccio Italian—Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky problems May through September grown there is donated to local Ryan Bede on Mondays and Thursdays (ex- food banks. cept holidays) from 9 a.m. to noon. McCollum Park Tickets & Information www.everettphil.org ● (206) 270-9729
our s s i M e!! Don’ston Final Sea
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146 Alverson Blvd., Everett Master Gardeners designed,
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Demonstration Garden
600 128th St. S.E., Everett McCollum Park was the first garden in the Snohomish County Park system. In the 1960s, volunteers along with the Parks Department created the garden on what was once a landfill site. In 1984 WSU Snohomish County Extension established its offices at the park. A series of demonstration and teaching gardens surround the buildings. Ever-changing gardens demonstrate a variety of planting styles, themes and techniques.
Just for the fun of it...
For more information, open your internet browser and type Demonstration Gardens Snohomish County in the search field.
If we don’t have it, you probably don’t need it New and used - durable medical and mobility equipment. Support and resources for those with Multiple Sclerosis. We are a non-profit organization that accepts monetary
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10 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Retired Public Employees Council
Help save your benefits! RPEC is focused on protecting pension benefits for members of the Washington State Retirement System. We need your support to save those benefits.
Join RPEC FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Jim Brandley @ 425-337-0884 or visit www.RPECWA.org
WSU seeks feedback on assistive tech for the home PULLMAN – For many older Americans, it’s the ability to perform routine daily tasks – like remembering to take medications or managing to reach down and pull on a pair of socks – that will ultimately determine how long they remain active and independent. Such seemingly simple and commonplace household tasks often present vexing challenges for the elderly and disabled. Yet many such tasks can be easily accomplished using a relatively simple tool drawn from a host of assistive devices and products now being manufactured to serve the growing senior population.
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Unfortunately, many of the 40 million U.S. citizens now aged 65 or older are unaware that such assistive products exist. And according to Joyce Tam, a doctoral psychology student at Washington State University, even those seniors who are aware of such products are sometimes reluctant to try them out. In an effort to address the problem, Tam teamed up with researchers and students from WSU’s Department of Psychology and College of Nursing to produce a series of videos highlighting common tools available to assist seniors with everything from hearing, vision, and memory to daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and using the bathroom. Working closely with her faculty advisor, WSU Psychology Professor Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe, Tam is producing videos to help spread the word to seniors about the array of assistive devices on the marketplace. The short video segments cover a spectrum that includes talking medication reminders, rocking kitchen knives, electric door openers, large-grip utensils, money identifiers, and automatic house-
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hold shutoff devices. “If more people knew these assistive devices were available, more people could enjoy more active, satisfying, and independent lives,” Schmitter-Edgecombe said. “And more people could rely less on family members and caregivers to live longer and more comfortably in their own homes.” The videos created by WSU cover topics in eight categories: medication management, daily living, fall prevention, memory, hearing, vision, communication, and mobility. The videos are currently available for viewing through the WSU research project website (tech4 aging.wsu.edu). But, for the time being, there’s a “catch” for those who wish to view them. The researchers ask that viewers consider participating in a survey to help them learn what technologies are familiar to most seniors and help them understand what types of perceptions influence their willingness to use assistive technologies. For that reason, viewers are asked to create an account and sign in before taking the survey. Healthcare professionals who viewed the videos praised both their breadth of information and brevity. They recommend that older adults learn about the variety of assistive devices on the market before they begin to experience physical or cognitive changes, Tam said. “These devices can be immensely valuable to a large portion of our population,” said SchmitterEdgecombe. The National Institutes of Health reported that some assistive technologies can actually reduce disability and promote positive health and behavioral changes. “One of the most gratifying aspects of this research project is knowing that we’re helping people overcome obstacles to enjoying fuller lives,” she said. Many assistive tools are fairly inexpensive, while more high-tech devices – such as motion-activated faucets, computer screen-reading software, and chair lifts – can cost upwards of $2,000. Federal programs for the elderly and disabled may help defray costs. To schedule (or attend) a group presentation or for more information, email Joyce Tam at WSUtech4aging@ gmail.com or call the WSU Memory and Aging lab at 509-335-4033. Presentations are offered throughout Washington and Idaho.
Learn about programs and services available to seniors. Scan the QR code or visit www.sssc.org. Like us on Senior Services of Snohomish County
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Living Well Workshops
Learn how to manage a chronic condition Elder Info Have a Question? We Have an Answer!
By Cynthia Nowowiejski
Senior Services of Snohomish County
Q
As I get older, I seem to have more and more health problems. I already have arthritis and I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. My doctor can only do so much in helping me. Is there anything I can do to improve my health?
You might find it helpful to focus on your health situation this spring by attending a Living Well Workshop. These workshops help people manage their chronic condition(s) and improve their quality of life. The workshops consist of six weekly sessions which last two and a half hours. Each workshop has a maximum of 16 participants. They are offered in several locations in Snohomish County. There is no charge to participate. Participants will learn skills to reduce stress, improve communication, manage symptoms, problem solve effectively and handle difficult emotions like frustration and anger. You’ll learn from trained volunteer leaders, many who also have chronic health conditions. You will set your own goals and make a step-by-step plan to improve your health and your life. Workshop participants support each other. Three workshop options are available in Snohomish County: Living Well with Chronic Conditions focuses on problems common to people with ongoing health conditions such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease and hy-
pertension (high blood pressure). Living Well with Diabetes is designed for people with type 2 or pre-diabetes. It includes these topics: managing blood sugars, planning healthy meals, and preventing complications. Living Well with Chronic Pain addresses medication management, the difference between acute and chronic pain, and offers an exercise plan for people with chronic pain. Participants in the Living Well Workshops have noticed health changes that include: Improvement in exercise and ability to participate in one’s own health care. Improved health status (less fatigue, shortness of breath, pain and depression) and more involvement in social activities.
Improved health behaviors (increases in exercise, symptom management and communication). Says one participant, “This workshop was very helpful to me in many ways – medically, socially, psychologically and physically. Our teachers were super.” For information about the Living Well workshops, contact Jamie Hunter-Mitchell at 425-2652283 or email j.huntermitchell@ sssc.org. You can also visit www. sssc.org; select the Healthy Living Workshops tab.
Improve your memory
learn secrets to help keep track of names, facts, phone numbers, shopping lists and more. These are tips and techniques that can be used every day by all of us. A fun program, great for seniors, wonderful for students, helpful for everyone. Please call 425-493-8202 to register for this FREE event. The library address is 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd.
Do you have trouble remembering names? Wish you could improve your memory? Make note of this on your calendar. The Mukilteo Library is offering a free program Improve Your Memory Now on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m.-12 noon. In one short session with mnemonist Charles Kraus, you will
Senior Information and Assistance is the gateway to access services for older adults in Snohomish County. To speak with an I&A Specialist who will listen to your concerns, answer questions and explore options, phone 425-513-1900 or 800-422-2024.
Morgan Cottage
Living Well Workshops Living Well with Chronic Conditions Fridays, May 1- June 5 9 -11:30 a.m. The Everett Clinic 3830 Hoyt Ave Everett 98201 Living Well with Diabetes Wednesdays, May 6 - June 10 1 - 3:30 pm The Everett Clinic 2901 174th St NE Marysville 98271 Living Well with Chronic Pain Wednesdays, June 3- July 8 1:30 - 4 p.m. The Center for Healthy Living 4100 Alderwood Mall Blvd. Lynnwood 98036 There is no charge to attend a workshop. For information or to register, contact Jamie Hunter-Mitchell at 425-2652283; email j.huntermitchell@ sssc.org.
Mailing list updates If you receive the Senior Focus through the mail, please help keep the mailing list up to date. To make a change to your address, name, etc., call the Senior Focus office at 425-290-1277 or send an email to srfocus@sssc.org. If you call and connect to voice mail, you can leave a message with the change but please be sure to also leave your phone number.
Adult Family Home
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At Heritage Court, we care for those with Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Our community provides a secure, warm and comfortable environment, allowing our residents and their families to have peace of mind. Our experienced and loving staff works hard to promote dignity, independence and choice. Licensed staff and certified aides are on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With wonderful food, great activities, excellent coordination between doctors, families and caregivers, Heritage Court is dedicated to providing the best care possible for the residents we serve. Please call.
425-259-7200 or 1-888-259-7200 A Washington State Licensed Home Care Agency
4230 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98203 E-mail: office@heritagecourt.org; visit us at www.heritagecourt.org
11
12 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Louisville’s more than just a pretty race Get Aways Adventures in Travel
By Sandy Katz LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The quarter of a million people in this town know how to throw a party. They’ve been hosting one of the biggest annual festivals on the planet for some 120 years – the two-week Kentucky Derby when bangtails compete and bourbon flows. But there’s more to this city perched across the Ohio River from the Indiana border than an annual horse race at Churchill Downs. My visit was to attend the American Theatre Critics conference hosted by Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville. The festival celebrates the genius and diversity of contemporary playwrights of International acclaim. It has featured 300 Humana Festival plays over the past three decades by more than 200 playwrights in a repertory of up to seven new works per festival. We stayed at the only riverfront hotel, the Galt House, from where we could watch the passing boats
from our balcony. It also was an easy stroll to six museums in the resurging bourbon scene along Whisky Row in the heart of downtown. A highlight of our visit was, of course, the Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs where we traced the history of the Run for the Roses. Churchill Downs has been the home of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May since 1894. The exhibits allow visitors to follow the journey of a foal from birth to the winner’s circle. A 360-degree high-definition film, “The Greatest Race,” brings the Derby story alive. Besides exhibits celebrating Derby traditions, the museum offers the only access to the back side of the track with a variety of special tours. In the museum’s barn you’ll see the resident horse Risen Warrior, a retired thoroughbred, and Winston, the miniature horse. Back in town, the Frazier History Museum on Museum Row takes visitors back 1,000 years in history. It’s the only place in the world outside of Great Britain to permanently house and display Royal Armouries artifacts. The hand-painted toy-soldier collection features more than 10,000
Free parking | Easy building access
SING-A-LONG GREASE Friday, April 24 | 7:30 pm $20, $15 & $15
SPECIAL DISCOUNT! Save $5 per ticket when you purchase 4 or more!
Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a T-bird or a Pink Lady but never quite felt cool enough to pull it off? Well, now is your chance to don those pink jackets and grease up those quiffs.
NATALIEMacMASTER:
VISIONS FROM CAPE BRETON Sunday, May 10 | 7:30 pm $44, $39 & $34, $15 youth/student
Award winning fiddler, Natalie MacMaster’s career now spans over three decades, completing 11 albums, performing thousands of shows and collaborating with a multitude of world renowned artists.
DAN HICKS & THE HOT LICKS
Wednesday, May 20 | 7:30 pm $34, $29 & $24, $15 youth/student
Dan Hicks is an American singer-songwriter who combines cowboy folk, jazz, country, swing, bluegrass, pop, and gypsy music in his sound.
ec4arts.org | 425.275.9595 410FOURTHAVENUENORTH EDMONDSWA98020
Seniors (62+) and Military (with ID) save 10% on ticket prices for ECA Presented events. We also offer group discounts!* Groups 10–19: 10%
Groups 20–29: 15%
Groups 30+: 20%
For more information about group reservations to ECA Presented events, contact Gillian Jones at gillian@ec4arts.org or 425.275.9483. * All group tickets must be purchased at one time, by one person, using a single payment method. There is a $12 service charge per order, regardless of the number of tickets purchased. Group seating is subject to seating availability; every effort will be made to seat all members of your group together.
The Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., traces the history of the Run for the Roses from its beginnings in 1894. The museum offers special tours to the back side of the track. – Gerry Katz photo, MLF
of these miniature works of art depicting real people and historic events. Baseball enthusiasts can tour The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where the famous baseball bats are crafted. Established in 1884, it’s the world’s largest manufacturer of baseball bats, producing more than a million each year. The museum houses interactive exhibits and baseball memorabilia. Personalized bats can be found in the gift shop and you can have your picture taken beside the world’s biggest bat. It’s 120 feet tall. The Muhammad Ali Center is a six-story museum and culture center built on Museum Row as a tribute to the former heavyweight boxing champion. The three-level multicultural center promotes his six core principles – Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality – as it explores his life and exploits. Fight fans can view footage of Ali’s most memorable moments in the ring by choosing from 15 fights, including pre-and post-fight material and original commentary. They can get in the ring through a hands-on “Train with Ali” exhibit, try shadow boxing with the
champ, practice the rhythm on the speed bag, and learn the techniques of the sport from Ali’s boxing-champion daughter, Laila Ali. The nearby Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is surrounded by the largest collection of Victorian homes in the United States. “Conrad’s Castle” features all the latest innovations of its day, including interior plumbing and electric lightening. Known for its parquet floors and beautiful woodwork, this massive Bedford limestone home features beautiful archways, gargoyles and elaborate stone designs with an interior that incorporated seven types of hardwood and magnificent stained-glass windows. You can’t leave town without a bourbon experience. Evan Williams Bourbon on Whisky Row was our choice for a creative bourbon-tasting tour. Louisville was named one of the “South’s Tastiest Towns” by “Southern Living.” It’s a feast for foodies due to its vibrant and eclectic restaurant scene that mixes hospitality with a passion for great food. To find your favorite and learn more about the city’s attractions, start at gotolouisville. com – Mature Life Features©2015
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
13
Older Americans Month: Get into the Act Vulnerable adult abuse conference Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. The theme also reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in July, 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, community-based assis-
tance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” Senior Services of Snohomish County’s mission is to promote independence, preserve dignity, and enhance the quality of life through the provision of services for older adults and people with disabilities. Older Americans Month offers an opportunity for Senior Services to highlight its five core service areas in nutrition, transportation, health, housing and social services and how its programs help older adults to live independently in their communities. Our services are listed below. Clip the list and keep in a handy spot for reference. And remember, we are here to help you.
Senior Services of Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force will hold an elder abuse conference on Wednesday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The conference will be held at Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave., Everett. While the information is geared towards law enforcement personnel, healthcare providers, social service professionals and victim advocates, any person who would like to learn more about the issue of elder abuse is welcome. Featured topics will include: Identity theft, scams and consumer fraud Guardianship and Power of Attorney issues Protection orders
Scams targeting specific groups Cyber crime Physical and sexual abuse Family and caregiver abuse Resources for Victims of Abuse.
Featured speakers will represent the Everett Police Department, Adult Protective Services, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, victim support agencies, LGBTQ advocates, local tribes, Providence Intervention Center, Northwest Justice Project and the Veteran’s Administration. The conference fee is $50. Coffee, tea, and morning refreshments will be available. Lunch is on your own. To register, visit sssc.org. For information contact Lori Stevens at 425-290-1271 or email lstevens@sssc.org.
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Senior Services Programs Nutrition Services Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining..............................425-347-1229 If long distance, call toll free..........................................800-824-2183
Social Services Aging and Disability Resources...................................... 425-513-1900 If long distance, call toll free..........................................800-422-2024 Family Caregiver Resource Program ............................ 425-290-1240 Multicultural Services ........................................................ 425-290-1275 SHIBA HelpLine .................................................................... 425-290-1276 (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)
Health Services Care Coordination ............................................................... 425-265-2221 Center for Healthy Living (Lynnwood)......................... 425-290-1268 Geriatric Depression Screening...................................... 425-290-1260 Living with Chronic Conditions Classes ...................... 425-265-2283 Older Adult Dental Services (Lynnwood) ................... 425-290-1268 Older Adult Mental Health Access ................................ 425-290-1260 Senior Peer Counseling ..................................................... 452-290-1252
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Housing Services 11627 Airport Rd., Suite B Everett WA 98204-8714 425-355-1112 www.sssc.org Center for Healthy Living 4100 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Suite 1 Lynnwood WA 98036-6734 425-290-1268 www.adrhelp.org
Senior Services Apartment Communities .................. 425-513-1900 Minor Home Repair ....................................................... 425-265-2222
Transportation Services DART (Dial-A-Ride Transportation) ................................425-347-5912 If long distance call toll free .......................................... 800-562-1381 TAP (Transportation Assistance Program) ..................425-423-8517 Pay your Pal Transportation............................................. 425-265-2226
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14 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
MyMedicareMatters.org
NCOA launches enhanced Medicare education website Understanding Medicare and getting help choosing the right coverage has just gotten easier. MyMedicareMatters.org, the National Council on Aging’s Medicare education website, now offers more personalized tools and enrollment advice to anyone in search of Medicare information. MyMedicareMatters.org has always offered a trusted and friendly guide to evaluate individual needs, compare options, enroll in a plan, and sustain the best coverage. The unbiased information and assistance remains the same, but now it’s the friendliest Medicare decision tool available. “The redesigned website is optimized to help consumers access the information most useful and
important for them,” said Jay Greenberg, ScD, Chief Executive Officer of NCOA Services, LLC. “Most Medicare websites provide large chunks of hard-to-understand information and leave the consumer on their own to figure out their options. MyMedicare Matters.org is a personal experience from homepage to enrollment.” The updated site includes these important consumer tools: Visual learning. Rather than long blocks of information that can be hard to digest, topics are presented in a more visual form and technical subjects are easyto-follow infographics. Pick-your-situation navigation. Rather than guessing where
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to start accessing information, the homepage offers easy routes to getting started. Consumers simply have to pick their stage in the Medicare journey and the site will point them in the direction of the most relevant information. People Like Me. This new tool is a story-based guide to Medicare. Characters from different life situations guide users along the decision journey by sharing stories and discussing the steps they took to choose Medicare coverage. What Matters Today blog. While the basics of Medicare remain the same, consumers need a place to turn to find out about the small changes. The What Matters Today blog will provide information, reminders about upcoming Medicare changes, and will address the misinformation about Medicare that often accompanies discussed changes. Enhanced MedicareQuickCheck® (MQC). Utilizing visual learning techniques, the enhanced MQC can guide users to a personalized report of their Medicare options, whether they are new to Medicare, eligible for a special enrollment period, or reviewing optimal coverage options during the annual enrollment period. Resource Library. A collection of resources including videos, easy-to-understand infographics, a glossary of Medicare terms, and FAQ partly based on questions from consumers. MyMedicareMatters.org has always offered an option for consumers to get help enrolling in Medicare. For those in Washington State, that may mean contacting the Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) program where trained volunteers will guide consumers through the Medicare maze. SHIBA is offered by the State Insurance Commissioner’s office at no cost to consumers. For information call 800562-6900. In Snohomish County call 425-290-1276. Others may choose to receive
one-on-one assistance from Benefits Advisors (licensed insurance agents) through the Aon Retiree Health Exchange, a competitive marketplace that helps guide retirees through the process of selecting and enrolling in healthcare coverage. There is no charge for this counseling service. The enhanced website makes reaching this help an even easier process. “We, and our partners at Aon Retiree Health Exchange, want everyone who comes to MyMedicareMatters.org to get the best information specifically designed to help them evaluate their options,” said Greenberg. Medicare education is a priority for NCOA. “We are pleased that the enhancements to the site create such a comprehensive, hands-on education experience. MyMedicareMatters.org isn’t just a one-stop source for information; it’s a long-term resource for dealing with Medicare matters,” said Greenberg.
Host families needed for cultural exchange program Each year, high school students representing more than 55 nationalities come to the U.S. to experience American culture as part of CIEE’s USA High School program. Students live as typical American teens with a volunteer host family (single or married parents, grandparents, kids or no kids), and participate in sports and extracurricular activities. During their stay, students give back to their host communities through volunteering and community service. CIEE provides life changing cultural exchanges that helps students, families and schools gain new perspectives and develop life long relationships. Are you interested in hosting an international exchange student? CIEE is seeking volunteer host families for the upcoming 2015/2016 school year. Students have their own insurance and spending money, and are excited to be part of an American family. To learn more visit ciee.org/ highschool or contact Jennie Duncan at 425-772-3780, email joy fuljenn980@hotmail.com.
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Handy aids for achy hands Dear …
Savvy Senior By Jim Miller
Q
What products can you recommend for seniors with hand arthritis? I really struggle with anything that requires gripping and turning, which makes most activities difficult. Gripless Joan Dear Joan, There are literally hundreds of arthritis aids and products on the market today that can help people with arthritic hands and carpal tunnel syndrome. To find out which devices can best benefit you, a good place to start is to ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist who can test the strength and functionality of your hands and recommend appropriate aids. With that said, here’s a rundown of some helpful products for different needs.
Kitchen aids
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Fastening buttons, pulling zippers and tying shoelaces can also present problems. To help with these chores there are buttonhooks and zipper pulls, and elastic shoelaces that transform laceups into slip-ons.
Serving seniors and the community through educational classes, social and health programs Keeping seniors active with Wii bowling tournaments trips movies bingo live entertainment on Friday mornings social groups nutritious lunches book club classes volunteering
Reading, writing and computing
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Health and wellness programs include foot clinic massage acupuncture dental and hearing aid services important issues workshops exercise classes walking group Caregiver Support Program for unpaid caregivers.
Kinship Support Program (Grandparents raising grandkids) provides tools needed to take care of yourself while supporting your loved one. +
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Household helpers
Turning doorknobs, key locks, twist-handles on kitchen or bathroom faucets, and twist-on lamp switches can also be difficult. To help, there are doorknob lever adapters, key turners, lamp switch enlargers, and lever handles for faucets that provide leverage for easier turning.
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Personal care
Squeezing a shampoo bottle or a tube of toothpaste, or gripping a bar of soap, a toothbrush handle or even a piece of dental floss can make grooming a challenge.
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Hobby helpers
There are dozens of arthritis aids for hobbies. For example, there are automatic card shufflers and cardholders for card players. If you like to paint, knit or crochet, there are ergonomic paintbrushes and oversized knitting needles and crochet hooks that are easier to hold. And for sewing, quilting or crafting, there are tools like Fiskars self-opening Easy Action Scissors that spring open for easier cutting. For a rundown of additional products and where you can purchase them, visit my online article at AchyHandAids.org.
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Activities like gripping cooking utensils, cutting and chopping, opening jars and cans, and moving around heavy pots and pans can make preparing a meal much more difficult when you have hand arthritis. Some products that can help are Oxo Good Grips, which makes dozens of soft, large-handle cooking, baking and cleaning utensils that are easier to grip. And for cutting and chopping the Dexter DuoGlide and Ergo Chef knives are excellent ergonomically designed options. For opening jars, the wallmounted or under-counter mounted Zim Jar Opener is a V-shaped grip that holds the lid as you twist the jar with both hands. Some other good options are the Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener, and a nifty tool called the JarPop that pops the seal on jars so lids can be removed easier. For opening cans, an electric can opener is the best option. West Bend and Hamilton Beach make some of the best. And if you’re interested in arthritis-friendly pots and pans, look for lightweight cookware that has two handles. These are much easier to lift and move.
Downsizing and wanting to sell your home?
Solutions include wall-mounted soap/shampoo dispensers which provide easy access to suds and a wall-mounted toothpaste dispenser. For brushing and flossing, there are wide-handled, electric toothbrushes and flossers that vibrate or spin to do the cleaning for you.
Holding and turning the pages of a book, hand writing and using a computer mouse can also stress arthritic hands. For readers, an eReader like a Kindle or Nook is recommended because they’re lightweight and easier to hold than regular books. For writing, there’s the soft rubber Pencil Grip that fits on pencils and pens, and ergonomic-shaped pens like the Pen Again that reduce hand fatigue. And for easier computing, the 3M Ergonomic Mouse and Contour Roller Mouse can eliminate hand and wrist stress.
15
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Arlington
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Lynnwood
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16 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus Monroe General Hospital c1950. The stucco building opened in 1925 on the grounds of the The Snohomish County Poor Farm. The building was demolished in 1990. Ellis photo #6604 courtesy of the Monroe Historical Society.
Valley General Hospital has evolved with the times Perspective on the Past By Louise Lindgren On March 1 Valley General Hospital in Monroe changed its name to EvergreenHealth Monroe. I wonder how many people remember the hospital in its 1940s Mission Revival style. It has come a long way since care for the sick was given by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy in the late 19th century. They also cared for the indigent, but in 1892 informed Snohomish County officials they could no longer provide services.
Thus, in June of 1893 a twostory wood-frame home/hospital with 20 beds was built on 40 acres of county-owned land, crossed diagonally by the Great Northern Railway tracks. That new County Farm and Hospital soon became known as the “poor farm.” The Evergreen State Fairgrounds now sits on that portion of the site that held a barn for dairy cows and plough horses. Those indigents who could work were expected to tend livestock and raise crops both for sale to support the operation and for use by the residents. By 1925 the need for hospital services had grown, requiring construction of a two-story creamcolored stucco structure with a red
clay tiled roof. That building cost $90,275 and provided 100 beds. In the depths of the Great Depression, a record 148 people were cared for there. However, by 1940, with recently enacted federal assistance providing small Social Security pensions for the poor, the farm operation was discontinued, and in 1941 the institution was renamed Valley View Hospital. One patient in 1948, Mr. Randall, appreciated his stay at Valley View so much that he wrote a 24page memoir of his three-month stay to be shared with any who cared to read it. He also praised the hospital publicly through the local newspaper. If three months at a hospital sounds serious, it’s helpful to
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know that hospital stays were much longer in the middle of the 20th century. People were not forced to leave before they fully recovered because of insurance company pressure. And, in the 1940s some patients simply stayed at a hospital rather than nursing facility if they were aged or infirm. Take the roommates of Mr. Randall, for instance. Of the five other men in Randall’s ward two had been there for four years, both paralyzed in some way. Another suffered a paralytic stroke that sent him to the hospital two years prior. A man with serious heart trouble had been there for nine months and was described as “a very cheerful man” who “has a radio which entertains the rest of the boys.” The fifth man, suffering from arthritis, “… has been here two and one-half months and can sure talk in his sleep.” The memoir is full of detailed descriptions of the furnishings, paint schemes, interior trim, flooring, equipment and grounds. “The lawns were green and shrubbery trimmed just as you would find it on one of our best Washington estates.” It is clear that Randall, whatever his unknown personal and professional background, was an educated man, wrote well and was highly observant. He must have gone around with a tape measure, for he gives specific foot and inch measurements of rooms and corridors. His descripCONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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VALLEY GENERAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
tions cover floor to ceiling: “… congoleum tile in 10-inch squares of mottled tan and alternated with brown,” and “walls to the light oak hand rail are painted a light Nile green which harmonizes with a light cream enamel finish on walls and ceiling. The entire building is light and cheery and all colors well blended.” He roamed from kitchen – “A beautiful electric range, frigidaire, large double sink in white enamel” – to laundry room which held “the very latest rotating washing machine which shines like a baldheaded man.” When it came to describing various rooms and offices, Randall is almost rhapsodic in his praise. His favorite is the recreation room: “A large fireplace on inside wall of pressed brick; long mantel which is finished in white enamel, tops same. Walls are finished in pastel shades and on west and front, large window with venetian blinds and beautiful maroon drapes…. Two large davenports and two rockers; also six easy chairs with cushions on the seats; four beautiful floor lamps…. Beautiful pictures adorn the walls. It is very doubtful in my own mind whether or not many who visit here have as good in their own homes.” The sanitary conditions of the hospital, “clean and immaculate” and the modern equipment also impressed him. He describes the oscillating bed: “Very few in use; electricity keeps it moving constantly in all directions to create circulation.” X-ray equipment: “This hospital has the most modern machine on the market. It will tell you the true story as the plates can be developed in a very few minutes.” And, most wonderful of all, the fracture table: “A heavy nickelplated affair with more cranks and gadgets than I can describe. When a patient is placed upon the same and the cranks and gadgets are adjusted, only the end of his spine is touching same. If it is new and modern the Valley View Hospital has it!” All the equipment and amenities pale, however, by comparison with the attentive nurses, described almost as if they are saints in white. Randall poses “… the Sixty-four Dollar question ‘How do they do it, constantly and continually with a smile that changes Aging and Disability Resources Answers Questions – Explores Options
425.513.1900
the atmosphere and lights up the most depressed room or ward?’ The nurses are never too tired to answer all calls whether or not they are necessary.” At night as they give soothing back rubs, he observes, “They are tired but the only way one would know it is by the dark rings under their eyes.” If those words of praise are not enough to make any hospital administrator ecstatic, the descriptions of food should do it. No less than 15 single-spaced, typewritten pages are devoted to a listing of daily menus. He notes having a good appetite, and it is clear food was on his mind when he stated that his weight was only 95 lbs. Breakfast was served promptly at 7:15 a.m. Randall writes, “… these pancakes are HOT,” and “Let me say, right here, the milk is WHOLE milk and the cream for your coffee REAL cream and coffee is GOOD coffee (not Arbuckles or Lyons Head).” Dinner, as it was called in the farming tradition, was served at 11:30 a.m., “just like clockwork.” A typical meal might be “fried halibut (no stingy pieces), boiled potatoes with butter, boiled cabbage and carrots, combination Jello, milk or tea” or “roast veal, baked potatoes, brown gravy, diced carrots, cake, milk.” Supper at 6 p.m. was usually some sort of soup, salad, fruit, bread and milk. Lights out came promptly at 8:00. One wonders if Randall was admitted because he was starving, but no hint of his malady is given. Instead we find comments such as “5:15 a.m. Here they come. No matter how tough you feel, it soon leaves you when contacting their cheerfulness and smiles. I really believe it’s contagious.” And it was not only the nurses and orderlies that helped him feel better. His comment regarding the head surgeon, Dr. Cedric E. M. Tuohy, is similar: “I believe his smile has almost as much to do with the patients’ recovery as the medicine he prescribes.” This memoir of one grateful patient might serve as a teaching guide for any hospital administration, even in these days of “get them in, get them out” pressure. The manuscript is in the care of members of Monroe Historical Society who are continually documenting the changes that have affected health care in the eastern part of Snohomish County. From the 1890s Sisters of Mercy, through county poor farm days, and on into years of constant improvement and modernization, Valley General Hospital, now EvergreenHealth Monroe, has evolved with the times.
Don’t wait until it’s too late… Many people think about writing their story… but they never do it. It’s your life….your legacy.
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Time to clean up your affairs as well as your attic During and after every spring, many a man’s fancy, usually with the urging of many a woman, turns to cleaning out the garage or the attic. It’s also a good time to look at what family affairs need tidying up. You may have a will and a living trust and power of attorney and other estate matters all attended to. But is each person in your family aware of his/her role in these matters. You may have placed the entire decision-making burden in the hands of an attorney or outside trustees. Do your children and relatives know that? You can simplify the lives of
those close to you if you put together a package of information and instructions with a cover letter for each of your children. You may want to include each of your siblings, too. Everyone then knows who is in charge of caring for you should you slip into dementia or become physically incapable of taking care of yourself. When you distribute these documents, you should discuss your wishes with the individual you’ve selected for each chore, such as paying your bills, communicating with your healthcare providers and health-insurance representatives, and handling your funeral – Mature Life Features and burial.
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18 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Tips to help you eat smart
Make smart choices at the grocery story Meal Times All the Nutrition News You can Use
By Lilly (Ling-Yun) Kuo, MS, RDN Senior Services of Snohomish County
Good nutrition starts with making smart choices when shopping for groceries. However, with the growing numbers of food products now available and products toting nutrition claims like “fat-free,’” “low-sodium,” “high fiber,” etc., it can turn a simple grocery trip into a headache. The following tips will help you discover some of the best options as you navigate the aisles of the grocery store. Learn how to make healthy and nutritious food choices, and start feeling confident in your shopping decisions.
Bread and grains –
While carbohydrates have been noted for having a bad reputation, eating whole grain products can actually provide many health benefits. Whole grains may help lower the risk for heart disease and certain cancers, and they provide many beneficial nutrients. Whole grains have antioxidants, B vitamins, healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and more protein and minerals than refined Lilly Kuo is a dietitian with Senior Services Nutrition Program. For information about Senior Nutrition, call 425-347-1229 or 800-824-2183.
grains. They also offer more flavor and slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. We tend to feel fuller longer and better at maintaining steady blood sugar. Follow these simple tips when choosing whole grains: Always read the ingredients list and look for products that list “whole wheat flour” as the first ingredient. Products that say “enriched wheat flour” are not made with whole wheat and do not provide the same nutritional benefits as products that are made with the whole grains. Products that list “whole wheat flour” as the first ingredient may also have a nutritional claim on the product label stating “100% whole wheat.” Choose whole wheat bread to make your sandwich rather than white bread, eat brown rice with chicken and vegetables instead of white rice, or whole wheat pasta with red sauce instead of white pasta.
Fruits and vegetables –
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, variety is key! Each of the different colors of fruits and vegetables provide different antioxidants and nutrients that are important for keeping our bodies healthy. Antioxidants help protect the cells in our bodies from being damaged and disrupted. As you shop for fruits and vegetables, remember to “eat the rainbow” and include a variety of color in your diet. Follow these helpful tips to get the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables all year
APRIL MENU Weds: Cucumber salad, baked fish, baked potato, spinach, apricots. Weds: Coleslaw, fish & chips w/tartar Thurs: Tossed salad, swedish meatsauce & ketchup, fresh fruit. balls on noodles, peas & carrots, fruit Thurs: Tossed salad, turkey w/mush- cocktail. room gravy on rice, peas & carrots, Fri: Tossed salad, chicken ala king on peaches. baked potato, broccoli, fresh fruit. Fri: Tossed salad, baked ham w/raisin sauce, sweet potato casserole, fresh April 20 – 24 roasted zucchini, Easter dessert. Mon: Beet salad, macaroni & cheese, green beans, fresh fruit. April 6 - 10 Tues: Pea salad, chicken alfredo on Mon: Mariners Opening Day. My- penne, vegetable, applesauce oh-My coleslaw, Ballpark hot dog on Weds: Chef’s Choice. bun, grand slam baked beans, home Thurs: Taco salad w/beef, cheese & run dessert. rancho beans on chips w/salsa & sour Tues: Fruit salad, chicken parmesan cream, mandarin oranges, flan. on spaghetti w/sauce, broccoli, garlic Fri: Roast pork w/sweet & sour red bread stick, sherbet. cabbage, stuffing, green peas, fruited Weds: Carrot salad, french dip, sweet gelatin. potato fries, fresh fruit. Thurs: Vegetable soup, hot seafood April 27 – 30 sandwich, fresh veggies w/dip, pears. Mon: Tossed salad, chili w/green onFri: Tossed salad, meatloaf, mashed ion & shredded cheese, tortilla chips, potato w/gravy, green beans, fresh pineapple, pudding. fruit. Tues: Potato salad, hamburger on
round: Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season. They are usually more affordable and packed with flavors. Your local farmer’s market is a great source for seasonal produce. During the winter season, fresh produce can be limited and expensive. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be an affordable way to get the same nutritional benefits. Fruits and vegetables chosen for freezing are picked during peak ripeness when they are packed with nutrients. To maintain the maximum amount of nutrients, prepare frozen vegetables by steaming or microwaving rather than boiling and add frozen fruits to breakfast cereal and yogurt or you can use as a dessert. Canned products can also be convenient and healthy. Look for fruits canned in 100 percent juice rather than heavy or light syrup, and vegetables canned with no salt added.
Dairy –
When making your way through the dairy section of the store, always look for low-fat or non-fat option. If you like to drink milk throughout the day, choose a lower-fat option to avoid excess calories and saturated fat. A serving of whole milk has 150 calories and 8 grams of fat; low fat (1%) milk has only 105 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. If whole milk is difficult to give up, try replacing one glass a day with 1% milk to gradually cut back. To add flavor to your food without adding a lot of calories or
wheat bun w/lettuce & tomato, baked beans, tropical fruit. Mon: Citrus salad, cheese quesadilla, Weds: Tossed salad, beef macaroni rancho beans, spanish rice, fresh fruit. tomato casserole, zucchini, pears. Tues: Tossed salad, lasagna, vegeta- Thurs: Dilled cucumber salad, baked ble, applesauce. sole almondine, rice pilaf, green beans, pineapple.
1 lb. ground turkey 3/4 cup cooked red quinoa 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 carrot, diced 1 green onion, chopped 2 egg 1 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease muffin pan or line with muffin cups. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Roll into balls (about 3 tablespoons of the mixture per ball) and place in muffin tin. Bake 35-40 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool for 5 minutes, use a knife to loosen the edges (the egg whites will sort of ooze out a bit and make them stick slightly) and cool on a rack. Serves 12. Nutrition information: 99 calories; 4 gram fat; 9 gram protein; 6 gram carbohydrate; 1 gram fiber; 221 mg sodium.
fat, try using smaller amounts of stronger flavored cheeses such as sharp cheddar, feta or parmesan. Cutting back the amount of cheese used will help cut the total calorie CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Meal site menu – what you need to know Meal includes 1% milk, roll or bread and margarine. Fresh produce is subject to availability. Substitutions may be made without notice. Suggested meal donation is $3 ($6 for non-eligible person). For information, call Senior Nutrition, 425-347-1229 or 800-824-2183.
MAY MENU
April 1 - 3
April 13 – 17
Muffin Tin Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf
May 1
Fri: Tossed salad, dijon chicken, orzo w/peas, broccoli, fresh fruit.
Fri: Broccoli salad, turkey pot roast, mashed potato w/gravy, carrots, fresh May 18 – 22 fruit. Mon: Tossed salad, macaroni & cheese, green peas, fresh fruit. May 4 – 8 Tues: Pickled beet salad, french dip, Mon: Spinach salad w/hard cooked potato wedges, tropical fruit. egg, cheese, water chestnuts, manWeds: Meatloaf w/gravy, baked podarin oranges & dressing, breadstick, tato, dilled carrots, fresh fruit. fresh fruit, ice cream. Thurs: Shrimp Louie w/romaine letTues: Cinco De Mayo. Fiesta salad, tuce, cucumbers, tomato, egg & dressenchilada casserole, spanish rice, ing, roll, fruit crisp. fresh fruit, churros. Fri: Confetti salad, cheeseburger on Weds: Dilled cucumber salad, tuna whole wheat bun w/lettuce & tomato, melt, potato salad, fresh fruit. baked beans, star spangled dessert. Thurs: Tossed salad, baked pasta w/ meat sauce, broccoli, fruit cocktail. May 25 – 29 Fri: Mother’s Day lunch. Check with Mon: Closed for Memorial Day. the meal site for menu. Tues: Pea salad, grilled turkey & May 11 – 15 cheese sandwich, applesauce, cookie. Mon: Sliced tomato salad, vegetable Weds: Tossed salad, baked fish w/dill quiche, roasted potatoes, citrus sec- sauce, roasted potatoes, vegetable, fresh fruit. tions. Thurs: Chef salad w/ham, turkey, Tues: Chef’s Choice Weds: Southwestern salad w/chicken, cheese, egg, croutons & dressing, romaine, cheese, beans, corn & toma- muffin, tropical fruit. to in tortilla bowl w/fiesta dressing, Fri: Tossed salad, hot roast beef sandwich w/mashed potato & gravy, peas fresh fruit, lemon pudding. Thurs: Coleslaw, fish & chips w/tar- & carrots, fresh fruit. tar sauce & ketchup, fresh fruit.
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Basic Food program stretches food $$$ Are you struggling to make your food budget last through the month? You may qualify for Basic Food (formerly called food stamps) if your monthly gross income is at or below $1,945 (one person); $2,622 (two people). Each additional person, add $677. Benefits range from $15 to $189 per month. Basic Food benefits
EAT SMART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
and fat content of your meal. When it comes to yogurt, fatfree Greek yogurt is a great option. It has fewer grams of carbohydrates and sugar, and more protein than other yogurt options. For those with diabetes, eating Greek yogurt can help keep blood sugar consistent because of the lower carbohydrate and higher protein content.
Protein –
Protein is an important building block for bones, cartilage, skin and blood. It is necessary for building muscle in our bodies as well as creating hormones and enzymes that keep our bodies functioning. There are many forms of protein and some are healthier than others. Knowing which protein foods to choose can be difficult, but following these tips can help make it easier: Choose cuts of beef with the words “loin” or “round” in the name. These are the leanest cuts and have the least amount of saturated fat. When purchasing ground beef, look for options that are labeled “lean” or “very lean.” When it comes to poultry, skinless breast meat is about 97% fat-free. By purchasing skinless poultry or by removing the skin before cooking, you can cut the fat content in half. The fat content of ground turkey or chicken depends on the ratio of dark to light meat and if the skin was included. Look for ground options that are labeled “lean” or “very lean” to be sure you are getting the least amount of fat possible.
Our Mission: To enrich, empower and embrace seniors, families and the community. Center Cafe offers:
Nutritious lunch: weekdays, 12 noon, $3 if over 60; all others $6. Dinner: Mon., Weds. & Fri., 5 p.m., $4. Programs and Services:
Educational workshops Massage, fitness & yoga Foot clinic Medical transportation Salon services Thrift Store: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
360-629-7403 Senior Stanwood 7430 276th St. N.W. Stanwood, WA 98292 www.stanwoodseniorcenter.org
can be used to buy food items at participating grocery stores and to pay for Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining meals served at local senior centers. For information or help completing an application call Senior Nutrition at 425-347-1229 or send an e-mail to basicfood@sssc.org and a Senior Nutrition representative will contact you. Basic Food is available to all regardless of race, color, sex, age, handicap, religion or political belief.
Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are important nutrients for heart and brain health. Our bodies do not naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids so we need to get them from the food we eat. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in all types of fish, but are more concentrated in fatty fish like salmon, trout, herring, sardines and canned light tuna. When choosing canned fish, always get products packed in water. Since oil and water do not mix, none of the omega-3s can leach out of the fish and into the packing fluid. Beans are often forgotten when it comes to sources of protein. Not only are beans budget friendly, they are highly nutritious. Beans are known for high fiber and mineral content and are also low fat and cholesterol free. Make sure to combine beans with whole grain or nuts to get complete protein source. Visit Senior Services at www.sssc.org
Spring into action and volunteer Volunteer Connections By John McAlpine
RSVP Volunteer Recruiter
RSVP exists to help adults 55+ find fulfillment in volunteer work and will match your lifetime of skills and experience to the organization of your choice. Sponsored by Catholic Community Services, RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for persons over 55 and the only agency where the collective contribution of the senior volunteer is recorded. Volunteer opportunities exist all over Snohomish County. No matter where you live we can probably match you with a job.
Volunteer Chore –
There’s a good chance someone living in your neighborhood, on your block or in your apartment house needs help with routine, simple household chores. You can offer assistance by being available a few hours a month to help with vacuuming, laundry, dusting and the like. There is also a chance to do some yard work if needed. Doing these chores allows your neighbor to stay home. You choose how often and how much time to spend helping. This is a good way to introduce children or grandchildren to volunteering. They can do
it with you!
Food Banks –
If you want to help a local food bank by doing board work, we have an opportunity for you. If you want to help a local food bank by picking up food and bringing it to the food bank, that is available too. If you want to work in the food bank on non client days and bag commodities into smaller sizes, we can help you do that too. Food banks exist all over the county. You are not too far away to help.
Red Barn Community Farm –
Gearing up for the upcoming planting season will soon start and the Red Barn Community Farm (RBCF) can use your help. The Farm is a collaborative effort among many local community, civic and non-profit organizations. Located in the Lowell section of Everett, the RBCF provides fresh, organic produce to local food banks. If you like being outdoors and in the fresh air, this is for you. If you have questions about RSVP, volunteering or any of the agencies you see listed above, contact John McAlpine at 425-374-6374 or send an e-mail to johnm@ccsww.org.
Family Caregiver Support Program Answer Questions – Explore Care Options
425.290.1240 or 800.422.2024 www.sssc.org • www.snocare.org
Affordable Senior Apartment Homes
55+ Community
Two Bedroom
600
$
One Bedroom
510
$
Rent includes water, sewer & garbage
Featuring... ›› Access restricted buildings ›› 1 and 2-bedroom energy efficient apartments ›› Social Service Coordinators ›› Large community rooms with kitchens and fireplaces (available for private functions) ›› All apartments are wheelchair accessible ›› On-site laundry facilities ›› Dishwasher, frost free refrigerator, electric range with self cleaning oven, quality cabinetry ›› Convenient access to bus line ›› Income restrictions apply ›› Section 8 welcome ›› Pet friendly
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Independent Senior Living The Meadows Community is located at 12th and Rainier in Everett
For information call 425.252.6930
Email: Themeadows@coastmgt.com web-site www.sssc.org. Rental Office: 1115 Rainier Ave., Everett WA 98201-5415
Professionally managed by Coast Real Estate Services
20 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
The cat that went missing CONNECT WITH OTHERS STAY ACTIVE ENJOY LIFE The YMCA of Snohomish County offers a variety of programs and activities specifically for older adults. From aerobics to yoga, water exercise or special trips, you are sure to find many enjoyable opportunities to stay healthy and connect with others. There’s a Y near you: Everett Marysville Mill Creek Monroe Mukilteo
425 258 9211 360 653 9622 425 337 0123 360 805 1879 425 493 9622
We accept SilverSneakers®
YMCA-SNOCO.ORG
Home Angels Health Care and Personalized Care Celebrating 12 years of providing personal and companion non-medical care to seniors and the developmentally disabled in the Seattle area. We are a small, family-owned agency and you talk to the owners. You are in charge. We provide caregivers who speak English, Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish.
We provide 24-hour and hospice care. Low hourly and daily rates. We provide care from Tukwila to Marysville and the Eastside.
425-931-5012 or 206-322-1801 4124 164th St. S.W., Lynnwood WA 98087
By Saralee Perel On a frigid night our cat, Dennis, was nowhere to be found. Six hours earlier my husband, Bob, and I brought in a couch we bought at a yard sale. We took our old couch outside and put it in the bed of our truck to take to the dump. For hours, we searched through our three-room cottage looking for Dennis. I was sure he’d just appear out of nowhere, but he didn’t. With flashlights, we searched outside, calling his name and singing the silly song he always came to. To the tune of We’re Off to See the Wizard, we sang: Dennis, the menace, the wonderful, wonderful cat. It’s time to eat, we’ve got good grub, So put on your fanciest hat. We sang our hearts out through the dark, empty neighborhood. “He’d never survive these temperatures,” Bob said. He cried as he looked at me with agony in his heart. “He must have – have,” he could hardly finish his sentence. “He must have died – cold, alone and scared.” I held Bob’s face to my chest. He sobbed, “He was my friend.” We left messages with our neighbors, at our vet, the animal control officer and shelters. I described Dennis – a little threeyear-old plain black cat. Every ten minutes, we went back outside in the freezing night, singing for our sweet cat to come home. “Bob, what if he’s hiding in the couch in the truck?” Bob climbed into the truck bed and searched. Suddenly I heard, “I’ve got him!” He was cradling poor little Dennis. Gently, he placed him in my arms. Shivering, he looked up at me with wide-eyed fear. “Dennis, the menace,” I whispered our song. He ate a tiny bit. Then he took his nighttime position and nestled in our bed, in the crook of Bob’s knees. I probably walk by my dog and
Join us…
cats 20 times a day without petting them as they look up at me with hope in their eyes that I’ll touch them. But I don’t even acknowledge them. I just continue whatever I’m doing that I’ve decided can’t wait one lousy minute. How could I do that? It’s not like they’re going to live forever. Anything can happen at any age. I cherish them. Now they’ll know it more often. What task that I’ve ridiculously deemed a priority could possibly be more important than love and connection? If anything good came from that night when Dennis was scared, alone and shivering in the dark couch soon to be taken to the dump, then it’s this: I’m not going to pass by my animals without communicating, with a soft touch or a gentle word, even if it’s for one precious moment, that I love them. For that is life. That is beauty. That is connection. That is why we adopt our pets. Oh – to love and be loved by others. Isn’t that why we are here? Award-winning columnist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@sara leeperel.com or visit saraleeperel.com.
Moving into life’s next phase? I can help…
As a Senior Transition Specialist, I am committed to understanding the individual needs of clients 65 and older through the transitions involved with moving into life’s next phase.
Judy Scorgie
425-320-8485 Windermere Real Estate/GH LLC 12003 Mukilteo Speedway, #101 Mukilteo WA 98275
e-mail: judyanddon@windermere.com www.judyanddonscorgie.com
Saturday
Dance Join us from 1-3 p.m. every
$
5 per person. Must be 50+
2nd & 4th Saturday of the month through June, 2015
Entertainment by Seattle favorite
Lauren Petrie
The Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett 3025 Lombard Ave., Everett WA 98201
425.257.8780 www.everettwa.gov Dance dates: April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23, June 13 & 27
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Adding a dog to your home? Here’s how to plan for success! Pet Tails … The ‘Paws-itive’ Approach
By Laura Boro Ahhh! The thought of adding a furry friend to your home can be heartwarming. Just imagine the nice walks with your new dog, the playtime together, the companionship and the unconditional love. Not to mention the health benefits! Did you know that time spent playing or relaxing with your dog can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels? A dog will keep you company, ward off loneliness, and help cheer you up if you are having a bad day. Walking your dog keeps you fit and helps with socializing too. (Very few people can walk past a dog and their person without saying, “What a cute dog… what kind of dog is that…where did you get it…are there any more like that?”) And, of course, dogs help keep our homes safe by alerting us to unexpected visitors, strange sounds or potential intruders.
older, more settled dog? Older dogs usually requires less activity and can hold their bladder longer. Older dogs tend to enjoy cozy nights sleeping by your feet or just cuddling in your lap and are grateful for the love and companionship, just like you.
A match made in heaven?
I was once called by a client to help with her new Boston Terrier puppy. Her husband had passed and she wanted a puppy that could be all hers. She thought a perky little terrier would be a match made in heaven. Well, when I arrived at her (large) home, I met a frail woman in her 80s with about 200 feet of oxygen line attached to a tank. She was huffing and puffing as she tried desperately to chase the puppy off the furniture, or pry slippers out of his mouth, etc. etc. The puppy was having a blast! He had figured out that she
couldn’t catch him, and he took particular delight in going after the oxygen line as that elicited the loudest cries from the poor woman. She was a wonderful lady, and he was a wonderful dog – but they were simply not a wonderful match. I think the “right” dog makes a great addition to any home. I think dogs are the best friends we can have and encourage anyone
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who can make the commitment to open their homes and hearts and be ready for the journey that it will bring. But please think carefully about which dog is the right dog for you. P.S. I always recommend getting a dog from a shelter or rescue. Giving a lonely, homeless dog a good home and a chance to be happy and loved is about as good as it gets.
See what a difference Exceptional Care can make! Over 20 years experience in the health care industry 24 hour awake, fully certified staff Full-time experienced activities director and restorative aide services. Fresh, healthy home-cooked meals 6610 77th Pl N.E. Marysville WA 98270 7406 29th Pl. N.E. Marysville, WA 98270
HOLISTIC Adult FAmily Homes
Call 425-239-8818 or visit www.aholisticafh.com
Build skills to improve quality of life Coping with an ongoing health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, arthritis or hypertension? You can take the steps toward a better life by signing up for a Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop offered by Senior Services. For information, please call Jamie Hunter-Mitchell at 425-265-2283.
Affordable Senior Apartment Homes
Subsidized 62+ Communities
The all-important question
How do you decide which dog is going to be the right dog for you and your household? Speaking from experience, I can tell you that you can’t decide by looks alone. At some time in our lives most of us have chosen a new friend primarily because the person was good looking. Have they all turned out to be a good match? Probably not. Oh sure they were cute, but they might have had some bad habits, too. Maybe they had temper issues, or didn’t share well, or were set in their ways, or didn’t like your friends, or needed to be on the move all the time, or had no desire to move at all. Well, believe it or not, the same can be true of our canine companions. Sometimes we pick a dog because we fall in love with a “look,” or because we had that breed before and he/she was the “BEST dog ever.” But those aren’t really the most reliable criteria.
Narrow your search
Before you choose a dog, make an inventory of your personal lifestyle. Do you live on the top floor of an apartment building and want to get a puppy? Are you prepared to go up and down those stairs every two hours to get your dog out to potty? In good weather and bad? Do you have a fenced yard? What about your neighbors? Do they have dogs? Do you have room in your budget for food, toys, treats, training and veterinary bills? Do you want an active puppy or would you be happier with an
Features & Amenities:
For information and application, call or email the community you are interested.
Lynnwood Lynn Crest
4626 194th St. S.W. 425.670.8273 email: lynncrest@coastmgt.com
Lynn Woods
4705 194th St. S.W. 425.670.8273 email: lynnwoods@coastmgt.com
Scriber Pointe
19912 Scriber Lake Rd. 425.670.8273 email: scriberpointe@coastmgt.com
Mtlk Terrace Tall Firs
23000 55th Ave. W. 425.670.8273 email: tallfirs@coastmgt.com
1 Bedroom Appx. 525 sq. ft.
Social Service Coordinator and Community Manager One bedroom and studio apartments Laundry facilities on site Community rooms with kitchen and outdoor patio for recreation and entertainment Access-controlled buildings and emergency alert systems All units are wheelchair accessible Close to shopping and services Income restrictions apply Pets welcome
Monroe
Everett, continued
Village East
Lake Woods I
Lake Stevens
Meadow Park
864 Village Way 425.377.2080 email: villageeast@coastmgt.com
Hawkins House
9433 N. Davies Rd. 425.377.2080 email: hawkinshouse@coastmgt.com
Everett Evergreen Court
10809 16th Ave. S.E. 425.379.7728 email: evergreencourt@coastmgt.com
Evergreen Village
12705 Avondale Way 425.353.3898 email: evergreenvillage@coastmgt.com
Professionally managed by Coast Real Estate Services
12310 19th Pl. W. 425.353.3898 email: lakewoods@coastmgt.com 1611 128th St. S.W. 425.353.3898 email: meadowpark@coastmgt.com
Silver View
11109 16th Ave S.E. 425.379.7728 email: silverview@coastmgt.com
Silver Woods
10915 16th Ave S.E. 425.379.7728 e-mail: silverwoods@coastmgt.com
22 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Keep track of your benefits with ‘My Social Security‘ account By Kirk Larson The My Social Security account is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits. If you have not started benefits, you can get a personalized Social Security Benefit Statement. The online statement provides eligible workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for their retirement. You can see year by year how much money you made. In addition, the portal includes links to information about other online Aging and Disability Resources Answers Questions – Explores Options
425.513.1900
services, such as applications for retirement, disability and Medicare. If you are already receiving benefits, you can access benefit verification letters, payment history, and earnings record instantly using the online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address or change direct deposit information. In the future additional services will be available. People age 18 and older can sign up for an account and after completing the secure verification process, create a My Social Security account with a unique user name and password to access their information. For more information, please go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Kirk Larson is a Public Affairs Specialist at the Social Security Western Washington office.
Adventures of folks on the run The BookNook Settle in and Enjoy
By Bonnie Gerken Running away can be an enticing idea and there are usually adventures along the way, at least in books. Sometimes characters run away to something, and sometimes they’re running away from something, and sometimes they are doing both. And then there are the stories where they are not given a choice. Many of the classics involve characters who are fugitives, outcasts, or are just plain running away. Try reading Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe), Kidnapped (Robert Louis Stevenson), Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain), and The Count of Monte-Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) to find some great adventures. Here are some more recently written stories about folks on the run.
Dreams of Lilacs by Lynn Kurland
Lady Isabelle sets out to have an adventure and to save her grandparents. She is shipwrecked off the coast of France and found suffering from amnesia by the Lord of Monsaert. Set in The Middle Ages with knights, castles and damsels not always in distress, you know how this romance will end, but it’s fun and entertaining along the way.
Famous Authors I Have Known Working for your security, independence and peace of mind. ELDER LAW • ESTATE PLANNING • PROBATE • FAMILY LAW Peggy L. Sanders, Attorney | peggy@sanderslawgroupnw.com Ph: 425.640.8686 | 152 Third Ave. S., Suite 101 | Edmonds, Washington 98020
www.SandersLawGroupNW.com
by James Magnuson
Frankie cons the wrong person (the son of a mob boss) and has to get out of New York fast. The first flight out is to Austin where he is mistaken for a famously reclusive
novelist who had been hired to teach a writing class. Thinking it would be a great place to hide out for a few months, Frankie goes along with the ruse even though he is in over his head.
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
1963 is a big year for nine-yearold Starla when she runs away from her grandmother in Mississippi to join her mother in Nashville. Along the way, she receives help and encounters danger; in the end, what she finds in Nashville changes her life forever.
Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
From 1954 in the New Hampshire logging camp of Twisted River to a private island in Lake Huron 50 years later, Danny and his father are on the run from a crazed cop. Living a life of violence and sudden death, they also find love and friendships along the way. Reader alert: language
The Visionist by Rachel Urquhart
After taking revenge on her abusive father, Polly Kimball is indentured, along with her brother, to the local Shaker community of City of Hope. Set in 1842 Massachusetts, this story is told in separate chapters by Polly, Sister Charity (who befriends her and teaches her the Shaker ways), and Simon Pryor (the fire investigator).
Aging and Disability Resources Answers Questions – Explores Options 425.513.1900 or 800.422.2024 www.sssc.org
SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME REPAIRS
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
GARDENING
Minor HoMe repair
Downsizing? Moving?
Spring Clean-upS
Assists seniors (62+) and disabled homeowners with home repairs. Labor – no charge Materials – no charge or at cost Program funded by HUD Call for eligibility information
425.265.2222
If you are looking to downsize, move closer to family or other accommodations and need help, look no further …
A Smoother Move…
offers moving and aging-in-place support services including:
A Smoother Move is a women-owned local business
Call Lorna 425.303.0466
Terry Palmer 425-923-8446
www.terrypalmerrealty.com I donate a portion of my proceeds to senior charities.
You deserve an easy move! Sorting Assistance Packing Unpacking Estate Distribution
packing and unpacking downsizing and cleanouts estate dispersals Call today for information or to schedule a free consultation 206-489-7743
GreenSong Gardeners
I am the agent for you!
DOWNSIZING / RELOCATION SERVICES DOWNSIZING / MOVING SERVICES Downsizing or Moving?
Pruning Rhodies and other flowering shrubs after they bloom. Roses now if unpruned.
Pruning Trimming Weeding muLCHing (sorry, no lawns) FerTiLiZing
Affordable Therapeutic Massage for
Stress & Pain Relief For Appointment Call: 425-422-5291 Email: Deborah@touchforhealthmassage.net
Free Estimates / Earth Friendly 20+ years
Deborah Pedrola, LMP #MA60250171 Located in Edmonds
HOUSEKEEPING
COMPUTER TRAINING
Dana’s Housekeeping Customized & Personalized Service No Hidden Charges or Fees 1/2 Price of Team Cleaners SENIOR SPECIAL $89.25 (3 hour service)
Call today… 425-702-8761 www.retirementdownsizing.com
MASSAGE THERAPY
Dana’s Housekeeping
Call Jill Today! 425.332.2627
Computer Training that Comes to You! Computer Basics Email & the Internet Pictures Microsoft Office Call Marilyn Langdon today… 425.344.3106 www.nad-nw.com
Senior Focus April/May, 2015
Thank you… Community Sponsors
Senior Services of Snohomish County serves more than 38,000 seniors, people with disabilities and those who care for them each year. Our community sponsors play an important role in helping us provide nutritious meals, safe and affordable housing, accessible transportation, and access to services through aging and disability resources.
Together in 2015, we will…
Reduce hunger, isolation, malnutrition and chronic disease through Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining. Provide a safe and affordable place to call home through Home Repair and Affordable Senior Housing. Increase mobility and independence through DART (Dial-A-Ride Transportation) and TAP (Transportation Assistance Program).
Help people find the support and resources they need that improve their health and well-being through our Social and Information Services Senior Service proudly acknowledges the following sponsors for their annual support and commitment to seniors and people with disabilities in Snohomish County.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSOR
EMERALD SPONSORS
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
RUBY SPONSORS
11627 Airport Rd., Suite B, Everett WA 98204 www.sssc.org 425-355-1112
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24 April/May, 2015 Senior Focus
Test can determine internet connection speed Ask Mr. Modem Helpful Advice for Computer Users
By Richard Sherman
Q
I have high-speed internet over a phone line. It works okay, but on occasion it’s so slow that most sites never finish downloading. Is this a provider problem?
I would start with your internet service provider and determine what connection speed range you should have. Your provider’s website will have that information or you can call the customer service department. With that information in hand, run several speed tests using a site such as speedtest.net, bandwidthplace.com or cnet.com/internet-speed-test. Connection speeds can vary greatly throughout the day and night, so conduct tests at varying times over several days. If your average upload and download speeds fall below what you should be receiving, contact your provider’s tech support. Share the test results that support your assertion the connection speeds are not what were represented. The provider can investigate from there.
Q
I received a message from Yahoo! Mail telling me I’m
running out of storage space and I need to provide my password to increase my capacity. You’ve warned us about giving out our passwords, so I’m suspicious. Is this for real or what?
Your suspicion is justified. I’m glad you remembered what I so frequently yammer about: never provide your password or voluntarily confirm any other personal or account information when requested to do so by email. No legitimate business or service will ever ask you for that information. Delete the message you received and don’t give it another thought.
Q
In my old version of Firefox I was able to bookmark a site to a folder. But now if I click the star, it doesn’t allow me to select a folder. I have to move it into a folder after the fact by opening all bookmarks. Is there an easier way?
In the current Firefox, you can instantly create a bookmark by selecting the star icon at the top right of the browser. When the star turns blue, your bookmark is created, so tap or click the star again. You will see options to edit the bookmark. You can also drop it into an existing folder using the drop-down menu, or create a new folder.
Q
I use Windows 8 and when I installed the latest ver-
W
hether you simply want to ensure that your wishes are carried out, or you want to protect your family from making difficult decisions at a time of loss, planning your final arrangements in advance is an important responsibility, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.
sion of Microsoft Office all my favorite keystroke combinations, such as ALT + F + V for Print Preview disappeared. Now I have to use the mouse or touchpad, click in the corners, scroll here and there – it drives me crazy. Any suggestions?
The good news is, most of the keyboard commands are still present but have been changed. Why?
Mr. M’s DME (Don’t Miss ’Em) Sites of the Month Language game
Ba Ba Dum is a language game that lets you practice your vocabulary in one of 11 different languages, including my native Svenska. When you arrive at the site, click Play to begin and select the language you want to practice by clicking the country’s flag graphic. For a real challenge, you can practice in a randomized assortment of languages. In the topright corner you will see your score. There are two numbers: your cumulative score and the score for the language you are currently playing. This site presents a fun way to practice vocabulary in different languages. http://babadum.com
Pica Pic
Created by Hipopotam, this site features a digitalized collection of handheld games. These games triggered a wave of nostalgia for me. I can still remember playing my Little Mermaid game on the
Because it would obviously make too much sense to leave them as they were. The beloved Print Preview is now ALT + CTRL + I. Accessing a list of all keyboard commands is as simple as clicking the question mark in the upper right of the page. Word Help will open. Type “keyboard shortcut” and you will find a complete listing. I tested a bunch of them under both Windows 7 and Windows 8 and didn’t run into any problems, so I think you will be very pleased with the results. school bus and almost being beaten to death. Good times, indeed. Use the menu at the bottom to select a game and use the arrows at the left and right of the screen to scroll back and forth. A down arrow shows which game is currently selected. If you mouse over the game, a Play button appears. If you want to play that game, click it to begin. This will enlarge the game and display its controls. The games feature the same sounds as if you were playing the original handheld version. pica-pic.com
Crossword Puzzles
If you’re a crossword-puzzle enthusiast, this is an online treasure trove of puzzles. With a repository containing more than 32,000 crosswords, you are guaranteed endless hours of entertainment or escapism. crosswordpuzzlegames.com Use Promo Code MODEM when entering your six-month subscription to Mr. Modem’s award-winning weekly computer-help newsletter and receive one month for free! Visit mrmodem. com. – Senior Wire©
It makes sense to pre-plan now. Loved ones won’t have to guess or be financially burdened during an emotional time Lock in prices at today’s costs and protect against inflation Real peace of mind knowing your plan will be executed as you want it
Lynn Crest Senior Apartments
Subsidized 62+ Community
Why Not Have The Facts? What is the cost of an interest-free Cremation or Funeral Plan? What funeral benefits are available for a Veteran? What are the advantages of using our complimentary Planning Guide? What is the cost of Cemetery Property? What is the cost for a Simple Cremation Plan? Ask about our Flexible Financing Programs
For more information please contact
Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills 425-672-1800 409 Filbert Rd., Lynnwood www.floralhillslynnwood.com
Features & Amenities:
Lynn Crest Senior Apartments 4629 194th St. S.W., Lynnwood 98036
For information and application, call 425.670.8273 email: lynncrest@coastmgt.com
Social Service Coordinator and Community Manager One bedroom apartments Laundry facilities on site Community room with kitchen and outdoor patio for recreation and entertainment Access-controlled building and emergency alert system All units are wheelchair accessible Close to shopping and services Income restrictions apply Pets welcome
Professionally managed by Coast Real Estate Services