NDN-SS-7-13-2016

Senior Lifestyles

Inside...

Willowbrook

Local adult day center offers programs for those who want to remain active achieve that goal ......................... p. 3

Managing Medication

Ways to prevent mismanaging all important, necessary medications for seniors and their families ........... p. 7

Aging Matters

Summer 2016

Discussing Medicare and finding out if it is enough care for people in people in their golden years ....... p. 9

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 2

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Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 3

Willowbrook keeping adults active at adult day center

By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News Caring for an adult family member who desires to remain active but does not have all of the abilities to do so can be difficult. Willowbrook Adult Day Center at Park Centre, A Wesley Life Community, looks to help family members wanting to keep their loved ones engaged while still getting the care they need.

“The benefits of adult day are people really do stay in their home longer. If you think a nursing home will be down the road, this is a first step to that so people can stay in their home up to a year or two years longer coming here,” director Kelsey Terpstra said.

Willowbrook Adult Day Center works to ensure individuals who need assistance and involvement during the day enjoy a renewed sense of independence, while still receiving the support and encouragement they need. While at the center, team members work closely with each participant, creating a personalized program tailored to their needs.

“We are a day program, Monday through Friday, for people to come and get stimulation, participate in activities and have social interaction. We have a focus for the dementia population and we serve those who are post

Stephanie and Betty visit Trainland

Submitted Photo Rosalie, Frank, Carolyn and Savannah hold flowers outside of the Newton Fareway.

stroke, Parkinson, some brain injury, we kind of encompass it all,” Terpstra said.

Services are available to those adults 45 years and older. The center offers meals, activities such

as arts, crafts, music and trivia and various outings around the community for those who can participate.

The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and typically has

participants on a schedule of when they will be there.

“The program is set up so they are on a standard schedule whether it is two days a week or five days a week. It is not re-

ally a drop in day center,” Terpstra said.

Transportation to the center can be arranged to give participants a sense of independence and give caregivers the peace of mind that their loved ones are traveling safely.

Financial assistance is also available to those who may need it in formers of donations and grants made by individuals and corporations throughout the community. It is also available

Submitted Photo

through Medicaid, Aging Resources of Central Iowa, Heritage Agency on Aging, the Veteran’s Administration and long-term care insurance.

For more information about Willowbrook, contact the center at 641791-4500 to stop in at its location at 201 E. Second St. N. Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 4

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Guidance and hope for people living with the most-common age-related vision problem Brandpoint Silver screen icon Bette Davis once famously pronounced “getting old ain’t for sissies.”

Caring for yourself or a loved one with age-related health issues is no picnic, either. Of all the health issues you may face as you age, vision problems can be particularly devastating. Yet, a new study reveals that many people still don’t understand the leading cause of legal blindness for older Americans - a condition that could seriously affect their quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older, affecting an estimated 15 million people, according to Macular Degeneration Partnership. Prevent Blindness America estimates that 2 million Americans are living with an advanced form or end-stage macular degeneration, where central vision is completely blocked in both eyes and that number is expected to increase as the baby boomer cohort ages. Damage to the macula — the part of the retina that perceives color and fine detail — results in the inability to see images in straight-ahead vision, and, therefore, affects a person’s ability to read, drive, watch TV, focus on small objects and even see the faces of family and friends.

Despite the prevalence of macular degeneration — more than 40 percent of older Americans have it or know

someone who does — three out of four people don’t know it’s the leading cause of blindness in people older than 60, according to an awareness survey by Wakefield Research.

What’s more, 66 percent say they aren’t confident they could care for a loved one if he or she developed AMD. As macular degeneration worsens and vision diminishes, the need for caregiving increases. In fact, more than a third (35 percent) of people who know someone with macular degeneration say they frequently assist the patient, the survey found.

“As their visual acuity decreases, AMD patients may feel the need to ask for help with tasks of daily living, such as shopping, writing checks, or reading menus, hinders

their independence,” said Dr. Mark Milner, associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine, and the co-founder and co-medical director of the Eye Center of Southern Connecticut and Precision LASIK Group. “This puts them at higher risk of feeling depressed, and makes it critical for patients, their caregivers and their physicians to develop an individualized management plan that incorporates a range of treatment and caregiving strategies.”

As the need for care increases, the patient becomes more at risk of developing depression and anxiety, a study in Clinical Ophthalmology found.

Milner offers some tips for people with AMD and their caregivers:

• Make the most of every dialogue with your doctor.

Prepare a list of questions to discuss, asking about your specific diagnosis and available treatments • While there is no cure for AMD, lifestyle changes may help slow its progression. If you smoke, quit. Try to lose weight if you need to, and monitor your blood pressure.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about these health concerns, too. Simple changes like adjusting lighting and investing in an e-reader that allows you to enlarge print can also make everyday life easier.

• Have a serious conversation with your doctor and your family about whether it’s still safe for you to drive.

• Seek support. You can find low-vision resource cen-

ters and AMD awareness groups across the country.

Online resources like the new website, AMDAffectsMe.com, sponsored by CentraSight, can offer comprehensive information about how AMD is diagnosed and treated, as well as stories from caregivers assisting their loved ones living with end-stage AMD. • Research the latest treatments. Medical science is always making progress toward treating incurable conditions like AMD. For example, an FDA-approved and Medicare-eligible surgical device is available for patients today living with the most advanced form of the disease. The implant magnifies images approximately three times their size onto the healthy portion of the retina, enabling patients to discern the object of interest.

To learn more about the implant, visit www.CentraSight. com or call 1-877-99-SIGHT. “As you grow older, it’s important to monitor your vision health, since the early and intermediate stages of macular degeneration usually have no symptoms,” said Dr. Samuel Masket, a clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Only a comprehensive, dilated eye exam can detect AMD. The good news is that preventive and treatment options for patients with macular degeneration have advanced remarkably just in the past 10 years. Now these patients may be able to improve their vision and maintain as much of their independence as possible.”

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 6

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Four simple ways to stay safe this summer

Steps for senior safety and emergency-preparedness For many, friends and family don’t live close by, so it’s a good idea to form a relationship with your neighbors so you can rely on them for quick help in times of need. Be sure to exchange phone numbers, and if you’re comfortable, spare keys.

2

Brandpoint Summer is an appropriate time to assess your personal safety and plan ahead for emergencies. This is especially important for those living on their own and looking for ways to maintain their independence. A few simple tips

and safety measures will help give peace of mind that you’ve taken necessary precautions to prepare for unexpected incidents.

1

Safe-proof your home

Heightening your safety starts with making

sure living spaces are secure. Proper lighting in all rooms and walkways is essential. Remove any tripping hazards such as rugs, clutter and cords.

Staircases, steps and bathtubs should have non-slip surfaces, and every floor needs functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Live with a lifeline

Having a cell phone as your lifeline in case of an emergency is a good idea. Consider TracFone, which has a variety of phones and airtime service plan options that can fit your lifestyle and help you save. Check out new devices like the TracFone LG Rebel LTE and ZTE Citrine that offer easy-to-navigate screen displays so you can easily reach loved ones and emergency services at the tap of a finger.

TracFone now offers a new 30-day smart-

phone-only plan with talk, text and data for just $15 a month on the largest 4G LTE networks. And, with reliable nationwide coverage, you can be assured calls won’t drop in an emergency situation. Visit www.TracFoneSwitch. com to learn more about affordable, no-contract plans.

3

Feel good about first aid

Even a basic understanding of first aid can go a long way. Seniors living alone should consider taking a course to familiarize themselves with the essential knowhows in the event they get injured or hurt.

In addition, label and keep all prescription bottles in one location.

Using color-coded rings and weekly pill organizers reduces confusion about appropriate dosages for various med-

ications. In the case of any emergency, have the poison control number posted and saved on your speed dial.

4

Cruise confidently

It’s a simple tip, but an important one: always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers do, too. Pack an emergency roadside kit with a cell phone and car charger, first aid, flares, jumper cables, basic repair tools and a blanket.

Stay alert while driving and avoid risky behaviors like distracted driving or speeding.

These simple safety tips will help you prepare for unanticipated emergency situation.

Taking control of your safety and security will give you and your family peace of mind to enjoy all the fun life has to offer with less stress and worry.

Medication mismanagement can be prevented Metro Creative Medication management is an important issue for seniors and their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis families must place on ensuring seniors take their

medications in strict adherence to their physicians’ instructions.

Polypharmacy, or the taking of multiple medications for different conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescription drugs.

Harmful drug interactions are a result of the confusion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists estimates that more than 34 percent of senior citizens are prescribed medications by more than one

physician, and 72 percent use medications they were prescribed more than six months prior. Many people also have begun “pharmacy shopping” to save money. According to a study published in 2010 in American Nurse Today, 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women older than age 65

take five or more medications per week, with some taking as many as 10.

Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also metabolize medications differently than young people.

As a result, they may be more MEDICATION | 11

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 8

Is Medicare enough to pay for health care as you age?

By Carol Marak SeniorCare.com It’s scary to think that a big chunk of one’s retirement savings could go toward medical costs. That’s what Fidelity Investments found when tracking retirees health care costs for more than ten years. In 2013, the investment company estimated that a couple, 65 years old, will need $240,000 to cover future medical costs. The cost of long-term care is not part of that equation.

The breakdown of the costs includes copayments, deductibles, premiums for optional coverages like prescription medications, doctor visits, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare.

Next year, I will be eligible for

Medicare and welcome the insurance coverage. I hope it will be around for a while and not go broke.

Fortunately, I don’t face costly health Marak issues. My primary expense is health insurance, dental, vision and top-notch nutritional supplements. The traditional Medicare choices when reaching 65 are Parts A, B and D, rather than taking the Medicare Advantage program (Part C).

Part A covers hospital costs, nursing home/rehabilitation stays, home health care and hospice. There is no premium charge, but it carries a deductible of $1,260.

Part B covers doctor’s visits, preventative care and outpatient services. The premium runs about $105 a month with a deductible of $147.

Part D covers prescription drugs, and the costs vary by plan.

Health care costs rise faster than the cost of living, especially if you have a hospital stay.

According to data published

by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average stay costs about $10,000.

But if you’re lucky and stay out of the hospital, your health care costs will be about $3,100 for the basic Medicare coverage.

It’s better than what I pay today; my health insurance plan costs more than $5,000, and that’s with a high deductible. Even if you have excellent health and only pay for the necessary but

basic plans, the costs add up beyond $30,000 over ten years.

Since 80 percent of people more than 65 years-of-age live with at least one chronic condition, the drug costs to manage an illness will drive the expenses up even faster. Here’s a simple example. A friend of mine has diabetes and severe osteoporosis, for which she takes a brand name drug. She pays the Part D premiums and quickly reaches the deductible of $310.

After that, she pays 25percent of the $570 until the total spend reaches $2,800. That’s when she hits the donut hole and becomes accountable for the full cost of the prescription until reaching the total out-of-pocket yearly limit of $4,550. After which time, she pays 5 percent of the drug costs.

It’s confusing but don’t fret

because Accountable Care makes changes to the coverage gap in 2020. At that time, there will be no more “donut hole.” Beneficiaries will pay 25 percent of the drug costs until reaching the yearly out-ofpocket spending limit.

Getting back to the question, “Is Medicare enough to pay for health care costs?” The answer is personal and only you know the state of your health and it’s conditions. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, people 80 and older, their average health care spending is close to 18 percent of household spending.

For some, it might be a guessing game on what the future will bring your health. But retirees can always turn to Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans to offset the rising costs.

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 9

Facts about artery health: Study reveals new risks for diabetes patients Brandpoint Did you know that you could be slowly getting sicker with artery blockage, even if you are symptom free and not diagnosed with heart disease?

Your gender, age and whether you have diabetes all affect the prevalence of certain kinds of peripheral vascular disease, which is a condition that affects the blood vessels, according to a new study led by researchers at New York University Langone Medical Center. This study analyzed data from 3.6 million patients who were screened by Life Line Screening.

This insight could help doctors have a better understanding of who is at risk for which diseases.

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Younger women: Peripheral artery disease Peripheral artery disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels to the limbs, especially the lower limbs, caused by an increase of fatty deposits in the arterial walls. Most patients describe numbness or pain in the calf, hip, thigh or buttock, but up to 40 percent of people who are diagnosed do not feel any symptoms.

Though often associated with older age groups, the NYU study found a distinction in younger age groups: The disease is actually more prevalent in younger women than younger men to a dramatic degree. Screening for peripheral artery disease can be as simple as comparing blood pressure in your ankle as your arm, known as an ankle brachial index.

Older men: Carotid artery stenosis A narrowing of the arteries that carries blood to the brain is known as carotid artery stenosis, usually caused by an increase of fatty deposits. Most commonly, symptoms are not apparent until the patient has a stroke. The NYU study found a more pronounced and higher prevalence of this blockage in older men than in older women. If a patient does opt for screening, a non-invasive method is recommended, such as one offered

by Life Line Screening, which uses ultrasound to visualize the arteries.

Men and women: Abdominal aortic aneurysms The aorta is a major blood supply line to your body, running from

your heart to your abdomen. When an aneurysm occurs, an area in this vital artery become enlarged and could eventually grow and rupture.

These ruptures are serious, as they are life threatening and difficult to operate on. Causes are not known, but researchers have found a correlation with tobacco use, a hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

Most people are unaware of having this condition, but a major symptom is a feeling of pulsation from the navel. According to the NYU study, prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms was similar across all age groups. Annual screening can be done with a simple ultrasound.

Diabetes patients: Peripheral vascular disease Patients with diabetes are often screened for heart disease, just because of the great risk factors present in these patients. But the NYU study results indicate that doctors might want to consider the onset of periph-

eral vascular disease in their diabetes patients as well. Patients with diabetes were at a very high risk of developing peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities or the carotid artery - even if they were not diagnosed with heart disease, according to the study.

Future study is needed to see if screening could lead to better health for diabetes patients, says senior investigator Dr. Jeffrey S. Berger, an associate professor in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone.

“We know that if you have carotid artery stenosis, you’re at an increased risk for stroke, and we know that if you have lower extremity arterial disease, you’re at increased risk for significant impairment in your daily activities like walking, and even amputation,” he says. “What these studies show is the power of large data sets to provide insight into the prevalence of and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 10

For Alzheimer’s caregivers, knowledge is power Brandpoint Michael Snowden was just 12 and his sister 16 when their mother began to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Although they didn’t receive a definitive diagno-

sis until seven years later, the need to assume caregiving roles while still in their teens profoundly affected their lives.

“Not many people understood the disease or how to take care of her,” Michael says. “We did

YOUR

not really understand the disease ourselves after the diagnosis. Eventually, my sister and I had to take over the caregiving responsibilities. Our lives quickly changed.”

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is

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set to triple over the next 35 years.

“Unless something is done to change its course, the Alzheimer’s crisis will continue impacting not only the millions of Americans currently living with

the disease, but their caregivers, friends and family,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Caregiving can become anyone’s reality.

As the prevalence of the

disease increases, more people from all walks of life, economic strata and ages will find themselves helping to support someone with Alzheimer’s in the coming years.”

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Medication

Alzheimer’s

Continued from Page 7

Continued from Page 10

susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medications should consider the following tips.

• Keep a running list of medications. Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription and over-the-counter medications and any supplements and herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors you visit and any new pharmacies you patronize.

• Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications organized and eliminate some of the personal error in medication management. Organizers have daily slots and may also differentiate between nighttime and daytime medications.

• Understand why each medication is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain why each medication is prescribed. This information should be printed on the prescription label.

Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other issues as well.

• Ask for help. Some seniors may benefit from friendly reminders from a loved one regarding when to take certain medications, especially if they need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver.

• Recognize that not all medications are right for seniors. The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that older adults should avoid or take with extreme caution. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications.

• Keep a medication diary. Record any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel.

Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor.

Proper medication management can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse.

Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are adult women - typically wives or daughters of people with Alzheimer’s. A growing number of teenagers and men, however, are finding themselves in a full-time caregiving role.

“Facing early-onset Alzheimer’s when my wife, Chris, was in her mid-40s was devastating,” recalls Mark Donham, whose wife passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2011 at the age of 54. “Since we did not have extended family nearby, I decided that I would quit my job and care for Chris full time. We had to live on savings, knowing our financial future would be difficult.”

In addition to financial burdens, Alzheimer’s caregivers can become so focused on their role that they neglect their own physical, mental, financial and emotional well-being. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, 20 percent of care contributors sacrificed their own medical care by cutting back on doctor visits.

“My biggest challenge was trying to figure out ‘how to take care of yourself ’ as your loved one declines,” Donham says. For caregivers, he advises, “Be sure to take active steps to take care of yourself so that you can be the best possible caregiver for your loved one.”

With more people becoming primary caregivers, the resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are more critical than ever. Across the country, Alzheimer’s Association chapters provide face-to-face services such as support groups and educational sessions within communities.

A professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) provides information and advice to more than 300,000 callers each year. Recognizing the growing

diversity of Alzheimer’s caregivers, the Helpline also provides translation services in more than 200 languages. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center, part of alz.org, offers a wealth of caregiving tips and resources at every stage of the disease. Online message boards and forums allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges to share information, resources and find support at any time of day or night.

Support and information can be empowering, the Snowdens and Donham say.

“Understand the disease,” Shanelle Snowden says. “Once you are able to educate yourself on the disease, you will be able to cope better and you will be able to take care of your loved one better.”

Donham learned from others in the same situation. “Early on in Chris’ disease, I developed coping strategies,” Donham says. “I came to accept the disease, got connected to a support group, and educated myself as to the course of the disease and what help I would need to make sure Chris had the best care possible.”

For people facing the task of becoming an Alzheimer’s caregiver, Donham and Snowden offer some advice: Act early, before symptoms become severe.

“Face the diagnosis, and use

the earliest times to get legal and financial matters in order,” Donham says. “Connect with a support group so that you are not alone on the journey.”

The Alzheimer’s Navigator helps those facing the disease to determine their needs and develop an action plan. In addition to planning for the future, knowing the diagnosis early also enables the person with Alzheimer’s to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and participate in clinical studies that help advance research. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.

“Cherish each and every moment with your loved one,” Michael Snowden says. “Create moments of joy by doing the small things like sitting and watching TV together, listening to their favorite song or even just dancing.

It will be something you’ll always remember about that person, and not the negative things that come with the disease. Other people out there are going through the same thing. Remember, this was not a curse put upon you or your loved one; it is something that is making you a stronger person.”

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources for caregivers, visit www.alz.org.

Senior Lifestyles • Summer 2016 – Page 12

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