2016 Transitions Guide

Transitions Aging in Place

Legal Services

Memory Care Assisted Living

Bereavement & Funeral Planning

Independent Living Long-Term Care Home Plus Financial Services

Hospice

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the active age

April 2016

The soundtrack of my life...

By Fran Kentling Transitions: a passage in time, change.

We move from childhood to becoming an adult. We enter middle age, progress into older middle age and finally we reach senior hood in our 80s... or maybe our 70s or even our 90s.

As I age, I continue to measure my life’s passages in song lyrics. I remember receiving a 45-rpm record player as a birthday gift in junior high school.

That time of my life was filled with doo wap, blues and rock ‘n roll on my little record player. My mother was partial to classical music on the grownup hi-fi in the living room.

In my 30s I discovered jazz and classical music, but maintained my

earlier favorites. I grew to love music from the 1940s. Who wouldn’t swoon over Frank Sinatra with his distinctive phrasing?

As I age, my musical tastes have expanded and have perhaps grown more eclectic. I think my life mirrors this passage of time.

In the past decade my lyrics have included a lullaby for a grandbaby, The Alphabet Song for twin preschoolers, an acceptance of rap and reggae from my teen grandchildren, a fondness for some county music with its words of heartbreak and life, and still the doo wap and blues from my teens.

One of my favorites for decades is September Song, sung by Sinatra. It certainly resonates more today than it

Life After 50

did 40 years ago: Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December But the days grow short when you reach September When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame One hasn’t got time for the waiting game Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few September, November And these few precious days I’ll spend with you These precious days I’ll spend with you.

Does your life have a soundtrack?

Contact Fran Kentling at fran@theactiveage.com

Life after 50 Role differs Feelings differ Perspective differs Attention to detail differs From high to low Low to high My tide of anger My reason of happiness differs This is what life all about Today I differ Mature enough to alter my life My role differs Towards him, my children and grandchildren My role differs Sometime I am tired I march day and night But I do not forget My role differs -- Dr. Baljit Singh

Senior Resource Services Senior Companion Program Make Independence a Reality

Provide companionship Provide respite care for family/caregivers Foster contact with family and friends Engage in enjoyable activities Exercise and take walks Provide peer support Receive stipend and benefits Receive training and staff support To learn more

Call today 316-651-1241

Mid-Kansas Senior Outreach

Join us for our annual

Helping Seniors Maintain their Independence A community gatekeeper program designed to identify and make contact with seniors, 60 and older, living in Sedgwick County, who are experiencing difficulties that threaten their ability to live independently and safely.

In-home Counseling Depression Screening Care Coordination Medical Referrals Substance Abuse Screening Abuse Education and Intervention Gatekeeper Identification and Training if you know a senior in need

Call 211 or 316-651-1211

www.mhasck.org

Dementia is an illness that affects the brain and eventually causes a person to lose ability to perform daily self care. All areas of daily living are affected over the course of the disease. People with dementia ultimately lose the ability to recognize the world around them.

Over 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and 51,000 of those people are in Kansas. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia. Nearly 150,000 caregivers in Kansas go unpaid each year providing care for their loved ones.

Caregiving for someone with dementia can be difficult. By

using creativity and caregiving skills, caregivers can adapt routines and activities as needs change.

The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer’s research, care and support, is dedicated to its mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease, to provide care and support to all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The Central and Western Kansas Chapter provides support groups, resources, education, music and art therapy programs, and a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. For more info visit the website at alz.org/cwkansas or call the local office at 316-267-7333.

Education Conference on Dementia

November 1, 2016 8a-4p

Kansas Star Event Center A conference for Caregivers and Professionals Scholarships available for caregivers. Contact our office at 316.267.7333 or email brjones@alz.org.

April 2016

Transitions

Aging in Place & Senior Resource Services

When A Nursing Home Isn't the Answer HomeCare You Can Trust And Afford

• For an parent who wants FiveW ordsaging Can Mean To Seniors to Everything remain home Comfort, • Home, Relief forAssistance, a wife or husband Caring, caring for Independence, an ailing spouse • Alzheimer’s Care • Trained, bonded, insured caregivers (medical and non-medical) the place that is familiar and comfortable.

peace of mind and freedom from worry.

hand that allows you to meet your daily needs.

the helping

the warm smile

of someone who has genuine concern for you.

being able to maintain the lifestyle you choose.

From a few hours a week to around the clock care, Right at Home’s trained caregivers can assist you with the everyday activities of living including light housework, meal preparation, laundry, medication reminders, shopping and errands, local transportation and light exercise.

To find out how we can help you maintain your lifestyle in your home, please contact Right at Home.

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(555) 555-5555

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Page 3

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the active age

April 2016

Discounts are great, but you can't beat no cost at all

By MoneyTips.com Once you’re in your 60s you start finding yourself eligible for discounts based on your age — from deals for AARP members to ones from retailers and service providers. In some cases, there are outright freebies.

Free admission: State parks, museums, sporting events, state fairs…there are plenty of places that offer free entry to older Americans at specified times.

Check for special nights.

Free prescription drugs: If you qualify, you may be able to receive free prescription drugs through Patient Assistance Programs. Check to see if your prescription drugs are available through the Rxassist.org site.

Free education: Many states and colleges have tuition-waiver programs allowing people 60 and older to attend

some classes for free. They may not be for credit, but you can still explore areas that interest you or catch up on the latest technologies.

Free eye care: The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers free eye exams and potentially up to a year of free care through EyeCare America to people 65 and older who have not seen an eye doctor in at least three years.

Check the EyeCare website to see if

you qualify.

Other programs: Some programs offer free assistance. Examples include assistance with simple home repairs to correct unsafe situations or building a wheelchair ramp. Call the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging at 1-855-200-2372 for guidance. ©Twin Cities Public Television - 2016. All rights reserved.

Homes Plus

ed blish a t s E 99 in 19

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• Scheduled daily & weekend activities, outings • Adult day care, flexible hours • 30 years of nursing care experience • Warm, professional and homelike environment • Excellent staff-to-resident ratio • Pet therapy

April 2016

Transitions

Page 5

Ways to lesson fighting over your will

By Patrick O’Brien CEO and co-founder of Executor.org It is your worst nightmare. You’ve passed away, and now your adult children no longer speak to each other.

Circumstances around your death have destroyed the family you spent your life building.

Unfortunately, squabbling among grown kids surrounding the death of a parent happens frequently because the parents fail to take the basic steps necessary to minimize the upheaval.

I became an expert on this topic at a young age. I watched as both my parents’ families became permanently splintered surrounding their parents’ deaths. Some siblings never spoke to each other again.

In my family, as in many, one of the children was required to step up and

become a primary caregiver late in a parent’s life, a difficult “volunteer” job requiring time and sacrifice for that individual and his or her family.

When you add spouses of these caregivers to the mix, and factor in the sacrifices they often make as their husband or wife takes on this additional responsibility, the equation can become quickly combustible.

The hard work the caregiver puts in often skews his or her family’s perspectives on how they should be treated when the estate’s assets are divided.

Plus, if the aging parent begins giving the caregiver things that would otherwise be part of the estate at death, this can be viewed as a sign to the other beneficiaries that the parent will favor the caregiver when it’s time to settle the estate.

5 Rules to Prevent an Inheritance War 1. Talk to your adult children about your estate wishes and about any changes to them as you age. There are benefits to starting this process as early as their 20s — even earlier if you have serious health issues.

Of course, you also should document your wishes in your will.

2. Ask if any items you own hold special meaning to them. Something as simple as an old baseball mitt may be of much more interest to one of your children than you anticipated. It is better to have the issues surface now while you’re still available to explain the rationale for your decisions.

When you decide how to distribute items of interest, document this in your will.

3. Try to get an appraisal for any-

thing that might have significant economic value. Being fair can also mean making sure each of your children receives a collection of items from your estate of similar monetary value, not just sentimental value.

4. Be detailed about your plans.

While your children may not be satisfied with the choices you’ve made, they will be less likely to blame their siblings because they’ll know the allocations were what you wanted.

5. Write a letter to your children to be read when the will is shared. Tell them that you loved them and tried your best to be fair. Remind them that family goes a lot deeper than possessions and that you hope they will remember that fact. ©Twin Cities Public Television - 2016. All rights reserved.

Legal Services WILLS • TRUSTS • PROBATE LAW OFFICES OF CATHLEEN GULLEDGE, LLC

Estate Planning • Tax Planning • Business Consultation • Mediation Contract Law • Family Limited Partnerships • Powers of Attorney Adoption • Conservatorships/Guardianships • Medicaid Division of Assets

MBA, CPA, JD, LLM TAXATION

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Real estate • Estate planning • Wills • Powers of Attorney Trusts • Probate & Trust Administration • Medicaid Eligibility & Division of Assets • Guardianships & Conservatorships • Other Senior issues Member National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

(316) 265-2227

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Elevators Garages/Carports

Scheduled activites.

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Aging Projects, friendship meals

Page 6

the active age

April 2016

Retirement continued

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We have unbeatable amenities including maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, a safe community and a fitness center all at NO ADDITIONAL COST or buy-in requirements! For ages 55 and older.

For more information call Ericia at 316-283-4770 ext 1103 or visit www.asbury-park.org

Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

April 2016

Transitions

Page 7

Continuing care retirement community questions

By Harriet Edleson If you have looked at options on where to live as you age, you may have considered continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

They typically offer different tiers of living situations, from independent to assisted to nursing care and, sometimes, a separate Alzheimer’s or dementia wing — all within the same campus.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates that 52 percent of Americans turning 65 today will develop a disability serious enough

to require long-term services and support in the future.

Applying for admission: Before admission, residents are often evaluated to make sure they are healthy and independent. Some require a health screening or health records and a physical exam.

Why choose a CCRC? Individuals who opt for a CCRC may no longer want the responsibility for maintenance and repairs on their own home.

Others may want the advantages of a community and the activities that come with it.

Adult children sometimes initiate an older parent’s move, or if a spouse is declining — for example, can’t walk the stairs anymore — and that triggers the move.

How to check one out: Visiting during an open house, lunch or other activity is a good way to begin learning more.

The downside: A steep price: Costs tend to be commensurate with the median area housing prices. Typically, residents pay an entry fee upfront plus a monthly fee.

Entry fees can range from $50,000 to $200,000. Typically, residents sell their home to finance the entry fee.

What to ask about: • What services are available; which ones cost extra • What amenities are offered • What are the fees for each type of contract • Is any part of the entry fee refundable when you move or pass away

© Twin Cities Public Television - 2016. All rights reserved.

Retirement & Independent Living LIFESTYLES Moundridge, KS www.pinevillageks.org 86 22nd Avenue, Moundridge, KS 67107

P 620.345.2901

F 620.345.2937

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Page 8

the active age

April 2016

Steps to simplifying relocation, downsizing

By Kirsten Awe Certified Senior Relocation & Transition Specialist Downsizing and transitioning into a smaller home can be a daunting process, but when you’ve been in your home several years, how do you even begin?

As a company that works with seniors, we are there to help you get through this difficult time. These are a few steps we’ve found helpful to make the transition process as smooth as possible.

Ask for help It’s wonderful when family wants to rally together to help their loved ones downsize, but sometimes this can make for a stressful situation. We have found that an “outsider” can often help. Someone who is not connected physically or emotionally can look at the situation more objectively. We can ask the right questions, make appropriate suggestions and keep the end goal in mind.

Break the large project into smaller steps Smaller, more manageable steps is key: 1. Contact the professionals. This

may be a Senior Move Manager, Realtor, Financial Planners, etc. These people are great resources and are more than likely willing to help and guide you through this process as much as they can.

2. Have an idea of where you want to move. Is it a retirement community, apartment, condo...? This decision will help guide your decision of what you can move with you 3. Get the floor plan of your new place and then figure out what furniture you want to take. Make a scaled drawing of the plan, and measure the furniture you would like to move with you. Now figure out where these items can be placed. Once the furniture is defined, you will know what you have room to display. You also can hire a company to do this for you.

4. Sort and pack one room at a time. Think of this move as a time to surround yourself with the things you really enjoy. Ask yourself: a. Do I love it? b. Do I really need it? c. Is it worth the space it’s taking up?

Remember, when you say “yes” to one item, you’re saying “no” to another.

Make sure you’re saying yes to things that really matter to you.

5. Offer unwanted items to family, friends or a charity, or have an estate sale. Estate sales are a great way to get rid of unwanted items in one fell swoop 6. Check with your moving company before you start to pack. Most companies do not insure items that they have not packed. Find out all the details about the moving process from

your mover.

7. Most importantly, take care of yourself ! Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and have healthy snacks on hand. Fatigue and dehydration can interfere with making good decisions.

Contact Kirsten Awe at www.threepeaseniormove.com.

Moving is tough, We can help.

Full Service Moving Custom Floor Planning Packing & Unpacking Services Organizing & Home Setup Call 316-655-3281 or visit ThreePeaSeniorMove.com for a free consultation & checklist to help coordinate your move.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

April 2016

Transitions

Page 9

Assisted & Independent Living

A Anursing nursinghome homedoesn’t doesn’thave havetotobebe the the answer answer when when assistance assistance isis needed. needed.

When a loved one needs a little help, a nursing home doesn’t have to be the answer. The Bridge at Florissant offers a full range of Assisted Living Whenincluding a loved one needs a with littlepersonal help, a nursing home doesn’t have to be services assistance needs, medication management, the answer.

Andover Court offers a full range of Assisted Living services a 24-hour emergency response system and fresh, home-cooked meals. including assistance with personal needs, medication management, a 24-hour Call to learn how The Bridge enriches the lives of seniors today! emergency response system and fresh, home-cooked meals.

Call to learn how Andover Court enriches the lives of seniors

(316) 733-2662

721 West 21st Street • Andover, KS 67002 • www.andovercourtretirement.com

Wichita’s Most Visionary Senior Living Community, 120 Years in the Making.

When you and your family are going through a transition that means a move to Senior Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, or Rehabilitation, choose Wichita’s newest, most complete, and most experienced community – Choose KMH. For over 120 years, KMH has been serving Wichita-area seniors and their families with a legacy of care founded on a history of guiding principles.

For more information, or for your personal tour, please call 316.269.7721.

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Long-Term Care | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation 402 S. Martinson St., Wichita, Kansas 67213 • 316.269.7500 • kmh.org Formerly known as Kansas Masonic Home

Page 10

the active age

April 2016

Catholic Care Center Assisted & Independent Living

Celebrating over 25 years of excellence in retirement living

Call (316)771-6550 to schedule your personalized tour today!

• • • • • • •

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Support Residences Adult Day Program Long-term Care Short-term Rehabilitation Home Health

Catholic Care Center is a joint venture between the Catholic Diocese of Wichita and Via Christi.

April 2016

Transitions

Page 11

See the Difference, Choose HealthSouth When you think about it, no two things are really the same. That goes for rehabilitation programs too. And no one knows that better than Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital.

We are licensed to give the most intensive level of rehabilitation services recognized by Medicare. Our physicians* and therapists plan a personalized comprehensive rehabilitation program to get you back on the road to recovery. Rehabilitation can make a real difference following an illness or injury.

Schedule a tour and see the difference a higher level of care can make. * The hospital provides access

Rehabilitation In & Out Patient Rehab to Home Skilled Care

to independent physicians.

8338 West 13th Street North • Wichita, KS 67212 316 729-9999 • wesleyrehabhospital.com ©2016:HealthSouth Corporation:1068073

• In-House Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies • In- and Outpatient Rehabilitation • Wound Care-Certified Nursing & Therapy Staff • Rehab-to-Home Program

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Joint Commission accredited 68709

The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Hip Fracture Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation

Page 12

the active age

April 2016

Take guesswork out of funeral arrangements

By Ashley Huntsberry-Lett AgingCare.com editor-in-chief Discussing the end of life can be an uncomfortable topic. However, it is something that we all will face.

Conversations about death can help families to be better prepared emotionally and financially for a loved one's passing.

Having ‘The Talk’ about end of life arrangements Clearly express your preferences.

Some people request a celebration of life in lieu of a funeral or want their remains to be cremated and scattered in a special place.

This discussion will ensure that your requests will be respected and give your family some solace in knowing exactly what steps to take when the time comes.

Furthermore, making your preferences known ahead of time allows for adequate financial planning in order to fund the arrangements.

Most experts recommend preparing

or reviewing your end-of life documents at least every five years or if you experience a major life event such as a marriage, divorce or a health scare.

Here are a few questions to address:

Final gathering Would you like no gathering, a small private gathering or one open to family and friends? Do you prefer a solemn occasion or a celebration? Do you wish to have a viewing, visitation and/or religious service? Where should it be located?

Who would you like to deliver your eulogy? Would you like a certain song played, poem read or religious passage recited?

For some, pre-paying for a funeral is a viable option for saving money.

Because of inflation, pre-paying locks in current prices for a service that may not be used for many years.

This option comes with a few risks, however. It is possible that the funeral home may go bankrupt or go out of business before you pass, losing you this investment.

Family members must know about your pre-paid arrangements to prevent them from unnecessarily paying at a different funeral home.

Burial alternatives The average cost of cremation ranges from $700 to $1,200 compared to $7,000 to $10,000 for a funeral and burial in a cemetery.

Making your final arrangements is a precious gift to your family members, giving them as much peace of mind as possible and limited financial responsibility at an already emotionally trying time.

AgingCare.com, connecting people caring for elderly parents.

Personal preferences:Would you rather be buried or cremated? What should be done with your cremains? Would you like to be interred or cremated with any personal items or wearing a particular outfit or clothing item?

Funeral planning

Short-term Rehab & Long-term Care

www.homesteadhealthcenter.org

April 2016

Transitions

Page 13

A letter to my children...

By Sandy Diel First, I don’t want you to take this event of my dying too seriously. I promise you – it’s going to happen. So, why not make it a happy occasion?

I’ve had a good life and each of you is grown and a good, responsible person. You gave me joy and pride, and you rarely bored me.

The purpose of this epistle is to state how I would and would not like to die. Writing out my hopes and opinions at this time is supposed to help you and make me feel that even though I’ve had very little control over my life, I have a chance of being in command at/of my death.

I could sum it up rather briefly. The

quicker the better.

Or I could carry on a bit, which, of course, is what I choose to do.

Your first consideration is yourselves. Do not think that you should sustain any form of long-term care. It would weary you beyond endurance.

It is a practice of sacrifice, not love.

I don’t want to financially impoverish you in any way. Money does not alter the inevitable.

It would not be life to me to not be able to feel your touch or know your smile. I don’t want to exist confined to a room or small area, not watching the change of seasons, not breathing the good air and smelling the scent of the good earth. It would not be life if I

could not see children and crops grow.

While I’ve always felt that I needn’t participate in the sunrise, I need to know the special intensity of our sun’s heat. Part of the definition of “life” is the word “use.” I want to be of some use to life, in life. I want to use life.

This is my way of saying, “Do not resuscitate, do not put in a feeding tube, do not put me on a ventilator, do not torture me with any kind of therapy or other things. Just let me go. Just let me go, even if you have to push a little.

If you feel the need to consult with a Rabbi or some other support authority, do so. But don’t do it for me.

If you want to bury me, I would

like it to be in the hay ground in Reno County. I have no objection to being cremated. If I am, I’d like my ashes scattered over the sand hills in Stanton County. Do not let any of them blow over on to that damned hog farm.

I have every confidence that all your decisions will be the right ones. I love you.

By Dan Stockemer In the summer of 2000, my wife Mary, our two youngest daughters and I were in a near fatal car accident. I failed to see a pickup truck as I glanced to the right while making a rolling stop at an intersection I had gone through thousands of times. It was only a mile from home.

The accident made me realize the fragility of life. I realized I could have become unable to work, becoming a severe burden to my family.

In 2001 I purchased a long-term care policy with a lifetime benefit and a home health care provision. I listed my wife as an additional insured thinking when we were older we might need the policy.

In 2011, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has endured a long litany of efforts to eradicate and control the cancer. A little over a year ago her right arm lost all movement.

As her condition deteriorated, I realized I needed assistance. I submitted her claim to our insurance company and she was approved for coverage. After I paid the first 30 days for a home health care provider, the policy came into force.

For more than a year the home health care provider has helped my wife, which has enabled me to go to work.

Over the last several years a number of long-term care companies have developed alternatives for traditional

stand-alone policies. Today contracts are available that provide funds for an heir by paying a tax-free death benefit if long-term or chronic-illness care is not needed.

In addition, companies have developed innovative fixed annuity policies that also provide increased monthly payments when long-term care is required. This additional income can help pay for home health care or additional costs when entering a long-term care facility.

Medicare may pay a long-term care facility for the first 30 days after hospitalization, but then you pick up the cost.

If, over time, your assets are depleted to $2,000, then the Kansas Medic-

aid program assumes the payment of your long-term care costs above what you are able to provide. At this time the state also can determine the kind of facility you will be required to live in.

Taking the time to visit with a professional on this subject could be one of the best decisions you will ever make. It certainly was for me.

Three of my closest family members have required assisted living. This, plus my personal experience, caused me to realize the importance of exploring long-term care options.

We thank Sandy Deil, director of Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation, for sharing a portion of her letter to her children about her wishes when she makes her final transition.

Contact her at sdiel@mkjf.org.

Reasons to consider long-term care options

-16

2015 ge’s

a tive c a the

Dan Stockemer is president of LifeAdvisors LLC. He can be contacted at lifeadvisor7@gmail.com.

It’s that time again...

We are taking reservations for advertising spots in the 2016

55+ rce u o s e R e d i u G :

sors

Spon

55+ Resource Guide

Advertisers contact: Teresa Schmied, Advertising Manager 316-942-5385 office 316-613-3547 direct line email: teresa@theactiveage.com

Deadline August 25th

or visit our website theactiveage.com

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the active age

April 2016

Tips to help find a home care provider

By AgingCare.com Most of us want to take care of our own families, so hiring a stranger to come into the home can be difficult.

Still, once people find a good agency and regular caregivers, they often wish they'd taken action earlier.

It is a logical first step for someone who needs help for a few hours a day or when the family caregiver is at work or unavailable. It is also a good choice for elderly spouses, when bathing and heavy work is involved.

Even the government is getting wise to the benefits that in-home assistance offers. Funding is getting more attention as our aging population needs care, and staying at home longer is cheaper than a nursing home.

Questions to ask the agency • Is the agency licensed and bonded? Does it provide worker's compensation for their employees?

• What services are available? You may only want bathing and grooming services, or you may want someone for several hours of companionship and help with errands.

• Will more than one person come to my loved one's home? Be realistic in your expectations, but the care agency should be able to provide the same

people on a rotating basis.

• What happens when the caregiver doesn't show up? Is there backup staff available? This is where rotating with a couple of different people is beneficial.

• Are they specially trained to work with Alzheimer's or dementia patients?

Agencies are increasingly aware that they need to train their employees to work with these patients. You should ask what they offer if you specifically want care for someone with Alzheimer's.

What are the costs?

• Charges will vary depending on the level of care required. Some agencies charge different rates for different services. Get this information up front.

• What is the screening process for candidates? You want to know the agency does a thorough background check, and that the person can be bonded and licensed. Also ask for references and check them.

• What are the payment options; is any financial help available? The agency should be versed in what payment help is available. Many long-term care insurance policies help pay for these services. Ask the agency for payment options and help in exploring available subsidies.

• What if my elderly parent doesn't like a certain aide? This happens, and the agency should be willing to offer different people for you to try. Again, be realistic. Your elder may just be mad about getting outside care and refuse to "like" anyone who comes to help. Tell them that help is necessary, but that you are flexible about who is chosen to provide it. If there is one specific person who rubs your elder the wrong way, let the agency know.

• Does the home care agency provide medical services or physical thera-

py? Most offer "custodial care" such as bathing, running errands and providing companionship. Some provide medication services, shots and other nursing duties. For this, they need a skilled nurse. Physical therapy is difficult to find, but not impossible.

• What if I want to hire an independent caregiver? Be aware that you will assume all employer responsibilities or work on a contractor basis. You should do your own background check.

AgingCare.com, connecting people caring for elderly parents.

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providing our community with Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs), companionship, homemaker services and personal care solutions including Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Medical Alert/Medication Dispenser Systems.

We are much more affordable than medical care, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Why pay a medical staff or be on a medical staff ’s schedule when we can provide affordable care at your own schedule?

• FMS or AGENCY DIRECT • We provide a customized care plan.

• The well-being, dignity, and safety of our clients is our priority.

• We are available when you need us, 24 / 7 /365.

April 2016

Transitions

Page 15

Hospice – something few people want to talk about.

By Melody Dodge When I haven’t seen someone for a while, a common question is, “So, what are you doing?” When I tell them I work in hospice, the reply I often hear is, “Oh, I could never do that.”

For me, working at a hospice is a blessing. I get to see a team of experts and volunteers provide comfort, demonstrate compassion and are a

soothing presence to individuals facing a terminal illness.

Hospice is a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness. It addresses the patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, while supporting the family and caregivers.

It’s determined to be appropriate if the physician certifies that it is a

Retirement

Live the Easy Life. Safe and Secure.

terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease or illness runs its normal course.

Hospice care is individualized to meet the distinct needs and goals of the patient, family and caregiver(s).

Often times the physician is the first to mention hospice care. Not always, however.

Some physicians want to preserve hope for a cure. They often continue to pursue treatment because they think that's what the patient and family want. It also may be difficult to predict the rate decline.

When a doctor mentions hospice care, he or she is simply presenting an option for comfort. It can sometimes lengthen life by increasing the quality of the time remaining.

Signs that hospice care should be considered include:

• An increase in pain, nausea, breathing distress or other symptoms • Repeated hospitalizations or trips to the emergency room • Failure to "bounce back" after medical set-backs occur • A decrease in function requiring assistance for walking, eating, bathing, dressing and/or going to the toilet • Decreasing alertness; the patient is emotionally withdrawn, sleeping more or having increased difficulty with comprehension • Significantly decreased appetite and weight loss To put it simply, hospice is care that can help someone live each day as fully as possible, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Contact Melody Dodge at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice: melody.dodge@ hynesmemorial.org

Hospice You Get All This!

• All utilities included • High-speed wireless internet • DirecTV®: almost 300 channels including premium channels, Sunday NFL Ticket®, and DVR • Genesis Health Club membership • Grocery shopping & housekeeping services available

• 24/7 onsite concierge • Washer/dryer in each apartment • High-end GE appliances • Gated and secure downtown community • Local phone • Pet friendly

Our patients, families, and communities matter.

Providing expert, quality and compassionate end-of-life care.

Free grocery shopping and housekeeping services for one year to the first three Active Age readers who sign a 12-month lease with us!

stay a while… a few days… a few years.

411 W. Maple Street Wichita, KS 67213 316.854.3237 WaterWalk.com

Your community non-profit hospice since 1983. hynesmemorial.org

800-767-4965

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May 2015 Page 16

theactive activeage age the

Page 11 April 2016

Caring Transitions takes the stress out of moving, downsizing Nate and Apryl Partridge have been residing in the Norwich area for a little more than 12 years. They have two children who attend school in Norwich.

Recently they purchased into a franchise called Caring Transitions and are excited to be bringing a valuable service to our community.

The following is a summary of how they came to know about Caring Transitions and what their business does for the seniors and families in our community.

Last June, the Partridge family lost a dear loved one who lived in Denver. Sadly, none of the family lived close by and so they were trying to take care of an estate from far away.

Statistically, they are not alone.

About 50% of all elderly residents of the United States live in a different city or a different state than their children or other close relatives. This leaves families scrambling to find a solution during an already stressful time.

When the Partridges found themselves in this position, they hired one

of the Caring Transitions franchises in Denver to help relieve some of that stress.

“Caring Transitions was a huge blessing to our family. The amount of stress they alleviated during a time when all we wanted to do was mourn, not deal with the physical needs of the estate, was a huge burden off of our shoulders. Apryl and I just found ourselves talking about what they were able to accomplish for our family constantly,” says Nate.

And so the journey to a Caring Transitions franchise in Wichita began. The couple did much praying and soul-searching before a decision was made. Once the franchise was purchased, they never looked back.

“It has been a large adjustment for our family. All of us have had to make sacrifices, including our kids,” says Apryl.

“We have learned to appreciate each others strengths and weaknesses to be able to grow our business wisely and continue to stay a family. All this is in an effort to help families like we were helped. To bring that high level of care and compassion to others.”

“Each of the employees hired on with Caring Transitions must go through a thorough background check and rigorous amounts of training so we can continue to uphold a high level of service for our clients.”

Moving: At Caring Transitions of Wichita, we pack, move and resettle (or unpack) for our clients. We have a sophisticated piece of 3D software that allows us to virtually place furniture in the client’s new space so they do not take too much with themthat way their space is clean and safe.

All of this helps provide a onestop-shop for our clients so they do not have to juggle several different service providers. This lessons the stress of an already difficult transition.

Downsizing: Aging In Place has become a buzzword in the Senior Care industry. Caring Transitions can help a senior stay at home longer, if this is their wish; by helping them clear out the clutter. Most times, when someone decides to age in their home, changes to the layout and organization of the home need to be updated.

This can be accomplished by helping

the client decide what items are most important to keep and what things can be given to family, donated to charity or sold for a little extra income.

On-line Auctions & Sales: Our on-line auctions and estate sales benefit our clients who have to downsize for various reasons. Traditional estate sales can be a great way to clear the clutter or relieve a family of estate items. On-line auctions are a unique aspect to Caring Transitions and provide our clients with a unique and secure way to liquidate items.

We find the on-line auction option appeals to most of our clients-even those who are not very computer savvy. In an effort to get the best value in a short amount of time, we advertise in a variety of places, but also send out e-mail reminders to our auction site and estate sale followers so they are aware when new auctions and sales are posted.

If you are interested in being added to our e-mail list, please send a shout out to apartridge@caringtransitions.net and you will be added to future mailings!

www.estatemovewichita.com www.ctonlineauctions.com/wichitaks www.theactiveage.com