DDC_Looking Forward_073118

Looking Forward Planning for Life After 50

With informative features on finance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!

DAILY CHRONICLE July 31, 2018 DAILYTuesday, CHRONICLE

Choosing a Retirement Community

Ask most people where they would prefer to spend their retirement years and they will say they would prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible. But ask those same people and they will tell you they aren’t sure how they would manage if they could no longer care for themselves or what options would be available to them.

For those people planning ahead for tomorrow and the unknowns associated with life, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) may offer the best of the best. With options ranging from independent living to 24-hour nursing care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the answer for an increasing number of people planning for the future. For those sold on the idea of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, the following steps might make the process easier: Prioritize Make a list of those things that matter most to you.

For many people location is a key factor. The average person lives within fifty miles of their birthplace. If you enjoy a rural lifestyle, or if proximity to family is important, or you enjoy the sights of the city or the atmosphere of life in a university town, then add it to your priority list. The list can be as specific as you want but will go a long way in narrowing your search.

Research You will be much more up to speed on terms, jargon and options if you do a little homework before setting out. Many consumers will limit their search to not-for-profit organizations or those with a particular sponsorship or affiliation. Spend some time visiting with friends and then log on to the Internet. There is a wealth of information available. Most retirement communities have websites and many share photos, list amenities, services and contact information.

Accredited? Some continuing care retirement communities are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF). Accreditation indicates to the public that the community has the financial resources necessary to meet the present and projected needs, has knowledgeable administrative staff, and provides sufficient financial information to residents and applicants.

It not only provides assurance of quality and integrity, but it offers the public a standard for comparisons in evaluating retirement communities.

Visit The retirement decision may be one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Take the time to visit the communities, talk with the staff, take a tour, and meet the residents.

Many of the communities offer educational/entertainment programs open to the public. This is a great way to experience the community first-hand.

Fees Get a clear understanding of pricing and fees. Most communities have an entrance fee based on the size of the apartment/duplex and offer a refundable portion over a set number of years. The monthly fees vary widely from community to community, level of care and services and amenities. Also, ask for the community’s history of fee increases and a copy of their most recent financial audit. A reputable community will have this information readily available and will be more than willing to share it.

What if I outlive my resources? Many not-for-profit retirement communities have a charitable fund to provide life care to those who outlive their resources. Other types of retirement housing may discharge an individual when they exhaust their resources or require additional care. Knowing up front what you can expect when the time comes will go a long way in providing you peace of mind and future security.

There is a myriad of retirement living options available to consumers today. Taking the time to research and select the one that best meets your interests today and your needs of tomorrow is time well spent.

OAK CREST DeKalb Area Retirement Center www.oakcrestdekalb.org

“It’s not a pure science”

Pat Vary Oak Crest Resident Since 2014

Making the decision to leave your home and move to a retirement community can be a pretty daunting experience. With so many choices, a variety of options, pricing and terminology to wade through, it’s no wonder some people find the whole process overwhelming. As a scientist, I approached the retirement decision like I do many things. I collected all the data, examined the information, reviewed the financial requirements and surveyed many friends. I love to travel, and had been going on tours with people from Oak Crest for years. In all that time, I had never heard even one negative comment. I then took the first step and made an appointment to meet with the staff at Oak Crest. What I found only confirmed my earlier research and impressions. Oak Crest met all my requirements with wonderful surroundings, a solid financial background, a guarantee of life care and security and affordability. And, as I anticipated, from the minute I walked in I found a home that is warm and welcoming, supportive and caring and embraces my individuality and independence. Besides, I had many of my travel friends, nearby. When you get right down to it there’s more to retirement than facts and figures. To truly appreciate all that life at Oak Crest has to offer, you have to experience it firsthand.

For more information call (815) 756-8461 • 2944 Greenwood Acres Dr. • DeKalb, IL 2 | LOOKING FORWARD | Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Make vacations and travel a key component of retirement When the time comes to bid farewell to conference calls, meetings and daily commutes, retirees have open schedules to fill with whichever activities they choose. Travel is one exciting way to pass the time.

Traveling can be a rewarding prospect for active seniors, particularly those who successfully preplanned for retirement and have the income to fund various excursions. Many seniors, both in the United States and Canada, find that travel tops their to-do lists once they retire. According to Senior Travel magazine, new travel options are emerging for newly minted retirees looking for something a little different from the status quo.

The list of destinations retirees have at their disposal is limitless.

The following ideas are some of the more popular ways retirees choose to travel.

• Road trips rule. Taking to the highways and byways is an

excellent way to see the country. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which places they want to visit. RV travel can be as comfortable or as rustic as travelers prefer. Many seniors spend months traveling in their campers, which offer many of the same amenities of home. Campsites and special RV hook-up sites offer the other necessities of traveling the open road.

• Genealogical tourism is popular. People hoping to trace their ancestry and visit their ancestral homelands are one of the fastest-growing travel segments. Visiting an old church in Europe where ancestors were married or buying food from a market in which a great aunt or uncle once worked leads retirees on many

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• Exotic tours can be exciting destinations. History buffs or adventure-seeking couples may be particularly attracted to exotic travel destinations that are slightly off of the beaten path. Travel tours may take vacationers to destinations such as excavation sites or backpacking through the rainforest. With passport in hand, seniors can go just about anywhere their desires take them.

• Enjoy a relaxing seaside trip. A seaside vacation can be the

perfect trip for seniors who want to put their feet up and sip some cocktails while watching the waves lap the shores. Many beach resorts offer all-inclusive packages for different age groups. Meals, excursions and hotel rooms can be bundled into one affordable, confusion-free price.

• Go cruising. Speaking of all-inclusive vacationing, cruising

seems tailor-made for those ages 50 and older because it offers the convenience of accommodations, food, entertainment, and transportation all in one. The various activities offered on the ship mean travelers can find ways to spend their time how they see fit. Cruising couples can opt to spend all of their time on the ship enjoying carefully prepared meals and entertainment or disembark and explore the various ports of call along the way.

Now that they have more free time, retirees can gear up for travel adventures to remember.

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5 questions you should ask your pharmacist (BPT) - A visit to the pharmacy can be about more than just picking up prescriptions or supplies for the medicine cabinet. It can actually be an important, and convenient, time to ask your pharmacist key questions that could impact your health.

Dr. Andria Fetterman, a faculty member in South University Savannah's School of Pharmacy, encourages people to use their pharmacist as a resource for information about everything from prescription medication to lifestyle changes. Fetterman says there are five key questions you should frequently ask your pharmacist.

What can I expect from this medication? Fetterman says whether

you're picking up an over-the-counter remedy or a prescription, you should feel free to ask your pharmacist what to expect from the medication.

"Many medications have potential side effects that you should be aware of before you take them," advises Fetterman. "It may be something as mild as a little stomach discomfort or drowsiness, but knowing what to expect will help you handle any potential side effects. Also, knowing what to expect could keep you from blaming any new, unrelated symptoms on your medication."

You should also ask how long it will take for your medication to make you feel better. Fetterman says most antibiotics should have you feeling better in three to five days, but an anti-depressant may need to be in your system for three weeks before you begin to feel its effects. If a prescription medicine doesn't seem to be working in the proper time frame, you should let your doctor know. Remember that sudden discontinuation of some medications, without proper professional advice, can be costly to your health.

How long should I take an over the counter medication before I call my doctor? Over-the-counter medicines can provide relief for a

number of ailments, but sometimes you need to see a doctor either for a prescription or a correct diagnosis of your symptoms. Fetterman says your pharmacist can help guide you when you're not sure if it is time to see a doctor.

"A pharmacist can give you advice on how quickly you should see

symptom relief with an over-the-counter medication," says Fetterman.

"Many times, people will treat themselves too long with over-the-counter medicine or will switch from one product to another looking for relief, and many times don't go to a physician when they need to."

How do I manage my condition? "When someone leaves the doctor's

office after a diagnosis, they may be scared or shell-shocked," Fetterman explains. "There may be questions about medication or daily management that they didn't think to ask. That's where a pharmacist can help."

Fetterman uses Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as examples.

"A pharmacist can counsel you about weight loss, healthy eating and ways to promote cardiovascular activity. With proper disease management, some patients can actually reduce or eliminate their need for prescription medication altogether."

Do these medicines mix? Fetterman says it is important to ask a pharmacist about whether any new medication will mix well with other things you are already taking.

"Dietary supplements, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can interact or interfere with prescription medications. When you are having a prescription filled, your pharmacist should ask you about all other medications that you're taking. If you're on prescription medication, check with the pharmacist before beginning any new over-the-counter supplements or medication to make sure it is safe."

What should I do about my persistent, minor symptoms? Fetterman

says you should never hesitate to ask a pharmacist about a persistent, minor symptom that might be bothering you.

"If you're having a non-specific or persistent symptom that you think is minor, you should still ask your pharmacist about it," says Fetterman. "A pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter medicine that may relieve symptoms, but can also advise you to see a doctor about your symptom rather than ignoring it.

"A pharmacist can be a great source of health information. All you have to do is ask."

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More options than ever for

Families Needing Elder Care More Americans than ever before are now older than 65, and in just four more decades, for the first time in history, there will be more seniors in the U.S. than people younger than 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Given those numbers, is it any surprise that many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones?

"Deciding how to take care of an aging loved one can be a challenging, emotionally wrenching experience," says Danielle Russell, vice president of operations and business development for Assisted Transition, a network of independent consultants that help families find elder care. "The good news is that as the population of elders has expanded, so have elder care options."

Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent. Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision. Russell offers some background on seven of the top types of senior care: Assisted living communities - Seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating or bathing may still wish to live as independently as possible. Assisted living communities strive to provide an appropriate level of care while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Seniors who are no longer able to live completely independently, but who do not need nursing home, Alzheimer's or dementia care, may find this type of arrangement works for them.

Respite/short-term care - This type of care provides short-term breaks for families that may need elder care for a short time - a few hours, a day or a weekend, for example. Options can include an in-home skilled health assistant, an adult day program outside the home, or residential respite care facility.

Independent living communities - In these residential communities, seniors can live by themselves with minimal assistance

for certain tasks and needs. Elders with mild mobility issues or forgetfulness might do well in this type of environment.

Rehabilitation centers - A senior recovering from a minor health issue may require extra care and therapy to regain the ability to live independently. Rehabilitation centers provide care as well as occupational, physical or speech therapy.

Dementia care - Dementia is a progressive disorder that weakens memory, impairs judgment and diminishes mental abilities. Elders experiencing dementia may need an increasing level of care.

Dementia care can occur inside the home or in a care facility.

Alzheimer's communities - A progressive, incurable cognitive disorder, Alzheimer's affects memory and mental abilities. Patients usually require a high level of care with everyday tasks, but may be in physically good health. Alzheimer's communities specialize in caring for patients who require this high level of care.

Skilled nursing homes - Licensed by the state in which they operate, skilled nursing homes provide the highest level of medical care outside a hospital. These round-the-clock residential facilities care for patients who require a high level of care, such as those who are bed-ridden or suffer from chronic health issues that require 24hour access to medical aid.

Even the most diligent families may have difficulty sorting through all the elder care options and decisions they face during the stress-filled process of choosing care. Many seek advice and expert assistance, such as from Assisted Transition, that can help ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care for his or her needs. The organization offers information, resources and free placement services to families looking for senior care and housing options. Assisted Transition provides referrals to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, senior housing and other industry resources. To find a consultant near you, visit www. assistedtransition.com.

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

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The risk factors for melanoma A form of cancer that develops in the pigment-making cells of the skin known as the melanocytes, melanoma is a relatively rare form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is more dangerous than basal and squamous cell skin cancers, which are the most common types of the disease, because it is likely to metastasize if not detected early.

No one is invulnerable to the potential threat posed by melanoma, though some people are at greater risk of the disease than others. The following are some of the risk factors for melanoma, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Skin type - People with fair skin are at greater

Sun exposure - Exposure to the sun can

Family history - The SCF notes that roughly

increase a person’s risk factor for various forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. The SCF notes that blistering sunburns suffered in early childhood especially increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma, though sunburns later in life also can increase that risk. In addition, people who live in places that get substantial sunlight, such as Florida and Hawaii, tend to develop more skin cancers than people who live in areas with less sunlight. Tanning booths and beds also increase exposure to ultraviolet rays, which increase one’s melanoma risk.

Moles - The more moles a person has on his or

her skin, the greater his or her risk for melanoma.

There are two types of moles: normal moles and atypical moles. Normal moles are small, brown blemishes or beauty marks that appear in the first few decades of life. Many people develop such moles. Atypical moles known as “dysplastic nevi” can be precursors to melanoma, and people with such moles are at greater risk of developing the disease. It can be difficult to distinguish between normal and atypical moles, though the SCF notes that atypical moles that itch, bleed, crust, ooze, swell, or are elevated from the skin might be in particular danger of becoming melanomas.

Atypical moles that are bluish-black in color or become persisting open sores are also at greater risk of becoming melanomas.

risk of various types of skin cancers, including melanomas. Such is also the case for people with light-colored hair and eyes.

Weakened immune system - People whose

immune systems have been compromised are at greater risk of developing melanoma than those whose immune systems are working at full strength. Chemotherapy, organ transplant surgery, excessive exposure to the sun, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system.

10 percent of people diagnosed with melanoma have a family member who also has been diagnosed. People whose mother, father, siblings or children have developed melanoma are considered to be in families that are prone to melanoma. In fact, each person with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease than someone with no such family connection.

Melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. People with a family history of the disease or those who spend substantial time in the sun should be especially vigilant about protecting their skin.

Exposure to the sun increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer.

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DR. AMANDA FRIEDRICHS

Safety renovations for seniors’ homes Feeling safe and secure at home is a priority for any homeowner. But safety is of particular concern for aging men and women who are at greater risk of being involved in accidents at home than younger men and women.

Harvard Health Publishing says that accidents at home are among the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. The chances for fatalities increases as one ages, and by age 75 and older, men and women are almost four times as likely to die in a home accident as people a decade younger.

As people age, their balance, eyesight and general physical abilities can begin to diminish. Furthermore, a fall or incident that may only bruise a younger individual can cause more serious breaks or damage for seniors, resulting in potentially lengthy recovery times.

The Home Care Assistance organization says that one million elderly people are admitted to the emergency room for injuries every year. People concerned about the safety of their homes or the homes of their aging loved ones can retrofit such properties to make them safer.

FALLS According to The Senior Social Club, which offers care and community services to seniors, falls are the most common accidents affecting seniors. One out of every three seniors aged 65 and older falls at least once a year.

In addition to working with doctors to improve mobility and modify medications that may cause unsteadiness, changes around the home can help.

Grab bars placed in bathrooms and high-traffic areas can help seniors get stay more stable when changing from sitting to standing positions.

Potential tripping hazards should be assessed. Area rugs without nonskid backings, clutter on floors, extension cords that extend into walking areas, and uneven flooring pose tripping hazards. Anti-slip coatings can be added to floors to reduce the risk of tripping.

Poorly lit staircases and entryways also can contribute to falls. Consider the installation of motion-activated lighting so that dim areas can be automatically brightened when necessary. A nightlight or LED lights placed near molding can help guide seniors to the bathroom during midnight visits.

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS Arthritis can impede seniors’ ability to turn on and off appliances, water faucets or handle certain kitchen tools. Kitchen and bathroom modifications can include the installation of ergonomic and user-friendly handles and spigots.

Task lighting can make it easier to prepare meals, and appliances that automatically turn off after a certain period of time can be a safety feature for forgetful individuals.

Reorganize kitchen cabinets to make commonly used items as accessible as possible.

SMART HOMES Friends or family members can have greater control over seniors’ homes by installing smart home systems. This way they can remotely adjust thermostats, control lights, view cameras, engage locks or alarm systems, and much more without having to be at the home. This can seniors allow seniors to maintain their independence while offering peace of mind to their loved ones.

Certain home modifications can reduce seniors’ injury risk.

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