Looking Forward Planning for Life After 50
With informative features on finance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!
DAILY CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020
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The benefits of preplanning your funeral Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy. Dealing with a sudden, unexpected death of a beloved friend or family member can be even more difficult, especially for those people who have to make important financial decisions while grieving.
want to fund those services. Men and women trusted to make those decisions upon the death of a loved one will need to make those decisions more quickly and likely won’t be in the correct frame of mind to make decisions that will honor their loved one’s legacy.
To remove the burden and stress associated with funeral planning, many adults preplan their funerals. Adults can be as specific as they prefer to be when preplanning their funerals, and doing so gives relatives peace of mind knowing that their loved ones’ funeral services were conducted in accordance to their own wishes.
Preplanning ensures your wishes are honored.
Preplanning a funeral may sound morbid, as few people want to think about their deaths or discuss dying with their families. But there are numerous benefits to preplanning funerals.
Preplanning provides time to make the best decisions.
Men and women who preplan their funerals have ample time to decide just what they want their memorial services to be like and how they
Men and women who formalize their funeral plans will ensure their wishes are honored. That can give men and women peace of mind and will provide peace of mind to the loved ones they leave behind, who can attend funeral services knowing those services are being conducted in adherence to their loved one’s wishes. Even men and women who discuss their wishes for their funerals with loved ones may not have those wishes honored if they are not put in writing.
Preplanning can help control costs.
Preplanning often includes men and women setting aside money for their funerals before they pass away. Knowing that a funeral, which
can be expensive, is already paid for can provide additional peace of mind. Instead of worrying that their relatives will be forced to handle the burden of financing their funerals, men and women who preplan can rest easy knowing their insurance money and life’s savings will be going to their surviving loved ones and not toward paying for funeral expenses.
Preplanning protects families faced with sudden death.
Few people want to think about their deaths, and fewer still want to think about dying suddenly and/or dying young. Preplanning a funeral and setting money aside early can protect and help families faced with sudden deaths. That can be especially important for young parents, who won’t want to leave their spouses and children financially destitute should they suddenly pass away. Preplanning a funeral may not be something to look forward to, but doing so can protect families and provide men and women with some peace of mind.
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Healthy eating options for seniors rheumatoid arthritis. Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
Energy-boosters
Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.
Bone-friendly foods
Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.
Digestive system-friendly foods “Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/or prevent certain conditions. For seniors with medicine cabinets full of over-the-counter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic. According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods
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ones eat. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful.
Brain-friendly foods
Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and
The digestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract mor easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.
High-iron foods
Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron. Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.
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How to pay for senior living (BPT) - Shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. The burdens of living alone were taking a toll on Joyce, who at 89 was the oldest resident in her apartment building. Though she’d spent a lifetime saving money, Joyce wasn’t sure what she could afford. Her daughter Sandy knew it was time to talk about senior living. “It took some convincing to help her understand this was what she had saved for,” said Sandy. “With the sale of her house and retirement savings, she could live comfortably in independent senior living. Plus, she would be around people her age, have plenty of activities and three nice meals a day.” Joyce’s senior living journey isn’t unique. Most people are either not prepared for the potential costs of senior living, or think they’re not prepared. A survey of 2,000 Americans 18 to over 51 for Brookdale Senior Living revealed 65% aren’t saving money to pay for senior living, and 21% said they won’t be able to pay for it or don’t know how they’ll pay for it. Only
half said they have a plan in place. Mary Sue Patchett, Brookdale’s executive vice president of community and field operations, recommends avoiding sticker shock by assessing current expenses. You may find that freeing yourself of expenses tied to living in a house - mortgage, food, transportation, utilities, home maintenance and more - and incorporating these into one payment for a senior living community is more cost-effective than expected. Patchett recommends seeking a flexible pricing structure at a senior living community, as one size does not fit all. Making a choice that fits your situation means you won’t be paying for unnecessary services. Sandy found two locations that fit her mom’s needs and compared costs of living alone to the cost of senior living. They landed on a Brookdale community near Sandy’s home. “Adult children must understand their parent’s misgivings and help them decide what’s best,”
said Sandy. “Considering my mom’s age, senior living was a smart move. The cost is comparable to living alone and provides peace of mind for everyone. We know she is eating, socializing and safe.” How do people pay for senior living, and how can you keep costs affordable? Current assets and income are what most people use to pay for senior living, just as they would pay for expenses staying in their current home: savings, pension or retirement plan funds, social security and annuities. Like Joyce, one big source of funds comes from the sale of their current home. Long-term care insurance is a possible source for those with chronic disability or illness, if they have a policy. Rules regarding benefits and eligibility vary per state and policy. Veterans’ benefits, through the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension, can help veterans and spouses offset costs of long-term care and/or
OAK CREST
• See SENIOR LIVING on page 4
DeKalb Area Retirement Center
“Why Oak Crest and why now?” You often hear people say they haven’t really given a lot of thought to retirement. It’s one of those things that will happen whether we’re ready or not. In a perfect world, we’d all stay young and healthy. The reality is that we don’t live in a perfect world, and “ready or not” will eventually catch up to us. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to be outrunning Father Time for as long as I can and plan to do it at Oak Crest. With the new Oaks Apartments, I was able to select my new apartment and customize it to my taste. I love the great people who live and work here and the wonderful amenities and services. Everything I could want from a full kitchen and balcony to great meals and a state of the art wellness center and pool are right here and at my fingertips. The guarantee of future care when I need it is the icing on the cake. So, when people ask me Why Oak Crest now, I respond, why not? Joan Stanley, Resident since December 2016
Joan Stanley
For more information call (815) 756-8461 • 2944 Greenwood Acres Dr. • DeKalb, IL • www.oakcrestdekalb.org 4 | LOOKING FORWARD | Saturday, February 29, 2020
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Recommended vaccines for adults A common misconception suggests that vaccines are only for the young. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the protection provided by some childhood vaccines can wear off. In addition, some people may be at risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases due to lifestyle, existing health conditions and age. As a result, it’s important for adults to make sure their vaccines are up-to-date. Those who are unsure of their vaccine status should discuss their health history with their doctors. In the meantime, adults should know that the following vaccines are recommended for people of various ages.
Influenza
An annual flu shot is highly recommended. Doctors and health officials indicate that getting the flu vaccine is the single most effective way to prevent seasonal flu or reduce
the duration and severity of the illness should it be contracted.
who are 50 and older should get the vaccine, which is administered in two doses.
Tdap
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
This vaccine contains strains of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). All three are implicated in serious illnesses or death, according to WebMD. Just about every person, young and old, should receive the Tdap vaccine. The CDC says that every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent. Then a Td booster shot every 10 years is sufficient.
Shingles
People who have been exposed to varicella (chicken pox) in their youth are at risk for shingles as they grow older. The CDC says nearly one out of three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. A shingles vaccine can protect against shingles and complications from the disease. Adults
This vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal diseases, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is recommended for all adults age 65 and older.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 13)
This protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Adults 65 years or older who have never received a dose of PCV13 should discuss PCV13 with their physicians. Vaccines protect the very young from various diseases, but there are many vaccines that are still vital to health in adulthood.
• SENIOR LIVING continued from page 4 assisted living at some communities. Selling or cashing out a life insurance policy may be one route for those who no longer need life insurance. There are many options, so you should shop around. Consult your tax, financial and legal advisors to determine the implications of this option. Medicaid options may provide some assistance for assisted living, depending on where you live and if you qualify. Do not confuse Medicaid with Medicare, which does not cover assisted living costs. Family support is another source to consider for help with the cost of assisted living. In many
families, children or other family members contribute to the cost of senior living. It’s best to discuss possible support with family before the need arises. By selecting a senior living community that provides just the amount of care you need, you can keep costs low. Many communities offer options from apartments with kitchens and guest rooms to just a bedroom and bath. Opting for a roommate can save a lot. Senior living communities offering independent and assisted living or other care services on one campus helps couples stay together, even when they need different levels of care, and make it easier to move from one area to another if needs change.
Now is a good time to assess your situation and talk with your spouse or family about your needs and desires down the road. Planning ahead lets you tour communities and decide what services and amenities you want and need. Forty-eight hours after Joyce moved to Brookdale, she was thrilled with her decision. Sandy immediately noticed a change in her mom. She met a group of ladies she refers to as “the girls” and quickly found her purpose as the community librarian. She’s happier than she was in her apartment, and according to Sandy, that makes it worth every penny.
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Shopping for assisted living facilities As people age, oftentimes their living arrangements need to be adjusted. Needs evolve as children move out or other situations arise. One of the scenarios that may come to pass as a person ages is the need for more specialized help that just isn’t possible at home. When failing physical or mental health affects one’s ability to be independent and live safety at home, moving into an assisted living facility may be the next step. The National Center for Assisted Living indicates assisted living offers the little bit of help some people need when they can no longer manage living alone. Typically these facilities provide assistance with bathing or dressing, medication management and other care, while also catering to people who may not require the around-the-clock medical care most often associated with nursing homes. Vetting is an important component of
finding assisted living facilities. Family caregivers need to educate themselves about services, costs and other resources provided by assisted living facilities. AARP says assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of services that can include supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. Residents usually have their own apartments or private rooms. Because they are mostly regulated at state level in the United States, there is a lot of variety among these facilities. That means family caregivers need to assess their needs and desires in a facility to find the right one that fits. Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment, and the amenities available vary based on cost. Paying for assisted living differs from paying for nursing homes. Largely government-subsidized health programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay for nursing
home care. Those who would be best serviced by assisted living may find they may not qualify for government support, nor may the facilities accept anything other than private payment or long-term care insurance to cover room and board. Other considerations in assisted living facilities are size, specialties, atmosphere, location, and the ability to transition to higher forms of care. Assisted living may fill a void currently, but it’s often not a permanent situation for all, and eventually certain residents may have to move on to skilled care facilities. Potential residents and their families should visit various assisted living facilities to get a feel for what they are like. Speak with the staff and residents, request a meal and get a sense of the environment. Apart from cost, how the home feels is one of the most important factors in shopping around for this type of residence.
Start Living a Carefree Lifestyle
Heritage Woods of DeKalb combines residential apartment living with the availability of personal assistance, support services and socialization opportunities for residents 65+ regardless of financial resources. • Ongoing health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living including: bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and grooming • Medication setup, reminders and assistance • 24 hour Certified Nurse Assistant staffing
• Emergency Response System • Three home cooked restaurant style meals and snacks daily • Various socialization opportunities with daily events and programs • Weekly community outings • On-site salon services
815-787-6500
To schedule your visit, call 2626 N. Annie Glidden Rd. • DeKalb, IL 60115
Managed by Gardant Management • hw-dekalb-slf.com
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Assistive devices help people remain mobile Disabilities affect people from all walks of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 55 million Americans have a disability of some kind. Of these people, 33 million have a disability that makes it difficult for them to carry out some daily activities. Statistics Canada states that, as of 2017, 13.7 percent of the population age 15 years or older reported having a disability that could impact daily life. People with disabilities may need assistive devices to reclaim some measure of their independence. For example, millions of people rely on wheelchairs or walking aids to get around. These are called assistive technology and rehabilitative devices, which include tools, equipment or products that can help people with disabilities get around more easily. These devices may be as small as magnifying glasses for reading to as large as wheelchairs. The National Institutes of Health state that 2.2 million people in the U.S depend on wheelchairs for day-to-day tasks and mobility. More than six million use canes, walkers or crutches to assist with mobility. The following are some of the
common types of mobility devices available for purchase.
• Canes: Canes are handheld devices that
provide a little extra stability or support to weakened limbs. Canes are easily transported and can assist those who need only a little help.
• Standard walkers: Also known as medical walkers, standard walkers offer substantial support and must be lifted to move. That requires upper body strength, which can be difficult for some to maintain on long trips.
• Rolling walkers: Rolling walkers are similar to standard walkers. But rolling walkers have wheels, either on the front only or on both sets of legs. They are somewhat less stable than standard walkers. Rolling walkers with wheellocking devices may offer stability when needed. Some rolling walkers are called “rollators.”
• Wheelchairs: Standard wheelchairs must be powered by the person in the chair or by someone pushing it from behind. This can be difficult for people with minimal upper body
strength. Mechanical wheelchairs are powered with a lever or button. Some people may opt for motorized scooters over bulkier wheelchairs when possible. Assistive devices can be highly effective, but only when they are used properly and safely. Assistive devices should be measured for each user. Many walkers are height-adjustable. The width of a device also is important. A walker or another device that is too wide can affect mobility or require modifications to be made around the home. Weight is another consideration. The device should be lightweight so it can be maneuvered, but also weigh enough to provide enough stability to keep users upright. Users should proceed slowly and favor their stronger sides when relying on canes or walkers. Devices should not be used to climb atop other items like step stools. Children should not be allowed to play with or ride on assistive devices. If there are safety belts or locks on any assistive technology, they should be put in place before use to prevent further injury.
Visit Lehan’s at our DeKalb location: 1407 S. Fourth St., DeKalb 815-758-0911
• CPAP Equipment/Supplies • Wheelchairs/Walkers • Power Scooters Lehan’s Medical Equipment can bill most Insurance Plans SM-CL1752719
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