HoosierTimes Senior Guide Fall/Winter 2019

SENIORS YOUR RESOURCE GUIDE • FALL/WINTER 2019

PROTECT YOUR LEGACY

Succession Planning for Small Business

MEDICAID DOLLARS FOR INDEPENDENCE

The Medicaid Waiver & Assisted Living

FOOD OR MEDICINE?

Some Seniors Facing Nutrition Challenges

A PUBLICATION OF

SPECIAL SERVICES CONNECT2HELP 2-1-1

The national abbreviated dialing code for FREE access to health and human services information and referral is 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 number, easy to remember and universally recognizable, connects individuals and families in need with community-based organizations and government agencies.

Free and confidential help is available for many needs, including housing, employment, legal aid and counseling.

HOME REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

The USDA Rural Development Office has a Very Low-Income Housing Repair program that provides loans and grants to homeowners age 62 and over to repair, improve or modernize their dwellings or to remove health and safety hazards (including accessibility).

For more details visit rd.usda.gov /programs-services.

SERVICE ANIMALS

PARK PASS FOR SENIORS

Individuals who are age 65 and older or individuals younger than age 65 who receive Social Security Disability benefits may purchase the Golden Hoosier Passport at a 50-percent discount. Show the passport for admission to any state park. For more information visit in.gov/dnr or call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources State Park and Reservoir Division at 317-232-4200.

Service and therapy animals are skilled to work with people with physical or developmental disabilities. Their mission is to improve quality of life all while developing caring relationships.

If a service animal is not needed but the family member is able to care for a pet, they can provide needed companionship and comfort. Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) trains skilled service dogs for people in Indiana with needs.

They can be reached at 317-250-6450, or icandog.org.

And check out our Senior Services Resource Guide at the end of the issue!

Table of Contents

4 5 6 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 17

Taking Care Of The Caregiver

Some Seniors Face Nutrition Challenges

Health & Fitness Basic Excercise Principles

The Power Of Intimate Wellness And Aging Care

18 20

The Medicaid Waiver & Assisted Living

Succession Planning For Small Business

Joining The Y Can Change Your Life!

What Is Dispil?

Ask The Expert: Planning Ahead

Downsizing Doesn't Have To Be Difficult!

Get What You Want From The Credit Card Company

Estate Planning And Charitable Giving

A Dog's Life: Study Shows Dog Owners Are Healthier Than Nonowners

22 23 24

Get Up, Get Moving, And Get Fit.

Excercising For Memory

Are You Or Your Family Facing Any Of These 9 Avoidable Elder Law Crises?

26 28 30

Breast Cancer & Elderly Women

31 32 34 35 36 38

In The News: Deep Sleep Benefits

Improve Your Social Health

What Is Phased Retirement?

Pros And Cons To Early Retirement

Senior Services Resource Guide

Giving Back When Time Is Not On Your Side

YOUR RESOURCE GUIDE • FALL/WINTER 2019

GENERAL MANAGER

Beyond The Flu Shot: What Immunizations Do Seniors Need?

SENIORS

Monroe Hospital Develops Services To Focus On Aging Population

Larry Hensley

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Chad Giddens DESIGN LAYOUT

Jessica Strope SALES AND ADVERTISING

Chad Giddens 812-331-4292 cgiddens@heraldt.com Special thanks to the following agencies for information used in the Resource Guide— Area 8-CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Area 10-Agency on Aging, Area 15-Hoosier Uplands. ©2019 Gatehouse Media Published by Hoosier Times Bloomington, Indiana Gatehouse Media does not make any representations as to opinions and facts contained herein. This magazine or parts thereof may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express written consent of the publisher.

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 3

Taking care of the caregiver.

B

Courtesy of Home Instead Senior Care

eing a caregiver can be a very rewarding experience. It’s amazing just how much joy and satisfaction you’ll find in building stronger bonds with the person you care for. But at times it can be stressful. It’s important that as the caregiver, you realize you can use some help, too..

According to a recent study conducted by Home Instead Senior Care network, 31% of family caregivers admit they'd like more help. The stress gets worse if the caregiver has other important and pressing responsibilities such as a job, children to care for, a busy social life, or some distance to travel to care for their elderly relative.

"Every day we encounter family caregivers who love and want the best for their aging family members, but don't

4 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

know how to fit it all in," said Melissa Pabst, from Home Instead Senior Care in Bloomington. Most importantly a caregiver needs to remember to take care of themselves as well. It all starts with taking some tips to heart: EXERCISE Do something you like to do such as walking, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times per week. Consider learning a stress-management exercise such as yoga or tai-chi.

TAKE A BREAK Arrange for any necessary fill-in family, friends, volunteers or professional caregivers. Take single days or even a week vacation. Just make sure you line up your support system so you are confident that your loved one is safe and happy.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH Just as you make sure your loved one gets to the doctor regularly, make sure you get your annual check-up.

ASK FOR HELP To avoid burnout and stress, enlist the help of other family members and friends, or consider hiring a professional caregiver for assistance. Don’t feel bad or guilty for reaching out.

Today, many caregivers find support by building a network of resources such as family, friends and professional caregiving services like Home Instead Senior Care – whose CAREGiversSM are equipped to step in and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it’s just a few hours a week, or up to 24 hours a day, each Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver is screened, bonded and insured, and trained to work with seniors in a variety of settings.

As a caregiver you need to know that it is alright to say “no” to additional responsibilities, and never feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Your health and well-being is of the utmost importance. After all, with just a little help, you’ll have the means to renew your caring spirit and be the dedicated family caregiver that makes all the difference in your loved one’s life.

At Home Instead Senior Care we’re passionate about improving the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. To learn more about our community programs and services call 812.961.2222 or visit HomeInsteadBloomington.com.

Some Seniors Face

Nutrition Challenges

Multiple assistance programs are available.

Courtesy of Hoosier Hills Food Bank

E

very day, Hoosiers throughout the state have to make difficult choices between life essentials such as utilities, housing, food and medicine. This can be an even more challenging problem for seniors, due to factors including fixed incomes, higher medicine cost, lack of mobility, and dietary restrictions, among others.

Proper nutrition is essential for health but according to Feeding America, “as of 2017, 5.5 million seniors age 60 and older in the U.S. experience food insecurity.

Economic constraints lead some seniors to eat less or skip meals. Food insecurity negatively impacts health and complicates seniors’ ability to maintain good health while aging.” (The State of Senior Hunger in America, www. feedingamerica.org) Nationally, senior food insecurity rates range from 2.8% to 12.3% and Indiana falls in the middle at 7.9%.

Several programs exist to help low-income seniors access the nutritious food they need. These include SNAP benefits, which provide an average monthly benefit of $125 to nearly 5 million households with a senior. But again, Feeding America estimates that only 45% of eligible seniors are enrolled and receiving SNAP. Local food pantries, meal delivery services and congregate meal sites also help fill the gap by providing meals and groceries to seniors.

Hoosier Hills Food Bank also operates a feeding program that directly serves individual seniors, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. CSFP is a government commodity program through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Currently HHFB operates this program

in 7 counties: Monroe, Lawrence, Owen, Martin, Brown, Orange and Crawford.

This program is exclusively for low-income seniors aged 60 and older and provides a 40-pound box of non-perishable food each month. The box of food contains many staples for a balanced meal plan including canned vegetables, canned fruit, shelf stable milk, dry milk, peanut butter, pasta, canned meat, juices and cereal. Included with the box each month is a 2-pound block of cheese. When possible, the food bank supplements the box with fresh produce.

CSFP is income-based and is for seniors that have a household income at or below 130% of the national poverty level. Currently the maximum household income for a 1-person household is $1,354 monthly, for a 2-person household the maximum combined household income is $1,832, a 3-person household is $2,311 and a 4-person household’s maximum household income is $2,311.

Seniors who may be eligible for this program are encouraged to call Hoosier Hills Food Bank at (812) 334-8374.

While the program provides a fair amount of food for each senior, it is designed by the USDA as a supplemental program meaning that it is supposed to supplement the food that a senior can receive from local pantries or purchase from the local grocery store. Locally, Hoosier Hills Food Bank has over 100 partner agencies in our service area in various locations and with different distribution methods. Information is available under the Find Food tab at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank website: www.hhfoodbank.org or by calling 812-334-8374.

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 5

Health & Fitness

BASIC EXERCISE PRINCIPLES

Courtesy of Area 10 Agency on Aging

W

hen it comes to your overall health and fitness, which is linked to decreasing falls and maintaining independence and quality of life, there are four components to be attend to as we age. These are

cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility, and neuromotor functioning. None is more important than the other.

They are all necessary to maintain good health!

Following is a condensed version of what is recommended by the

CARDIORESPIRATORY EXERCISE (AEROBIC) ACSM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Frequency: ≥ 3-5 days/week (moderate-vigorous intensity) Intensity: RPE 4-6 (mod.) or 7-8 (vig.)

Time: 30-60 min/day (mod.) or 20-30 min/day (vig.) can be completed in bouts of ≥ 10min. throughout day (GOAL IS ≥ 150min/week) Type: Any modality that doesn’t impose orthopedic stress (i.e. walking, aquatic exercise, stationary bike, elliptical, etc.)

6 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to improve and/or maintain overall fitness.

Also, on the right is Borg RPE Chart, which allows exercisers to rate their level of perceived exertion (intensity) during activity.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISE ACSM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Frequency: ≥ 2 days/week Intensity: Beginners start light (RPE 2-3) and progress to Moderate/Vigorous (4-6/7-8) Time: 6-10 exercises involving major muscle groups; 1-3 sets of 6-15 repetitions each, and can be completed in multiple sessions throughout day Type: Strengthening exercises/activities that use the major muscle groups (i.e. weight machines, freeweights, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises such as yoga, etc.)

FLEXIBILITY EXERCISE ACSM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Frequency: ≥ 2 days/week (every day for optimal results) Intensity: stretch to point of tightness or slight discomfort and hold Time: hold stretch for 20-60 sec. each can be completed throughout day (ex. commercial breaks, waiting for food to cook, etc.)

Type: Any physical activities that maintain or increase flexibility using slow movements

NEUROMOTOR (BALANCE, AGILITY, AND PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING) RECOMMENDATIONS: Frequency: ≥ 2-3 days/week

Types: • Progressively difficult postures that gradually reduce the base of support (i.e. two-legged stance » heel-toe stance » one-legged stance) • Dynamic movements that disturb the center of gravity (i.e. tandem walk, circle turns, also activities and games where you move) • Stressing postural muscle groups (i.e. toe stands, seated glute lift) • Reducing sensory input (i.e. standing with eyes closed)

ORDER OF INDIVIDUAL WORKOUT STRUCTURE 1. Cardio/Warm-Up 2. Neuromotor 3. Strength 4. Flexibility/Cool-Down

The Endwright Center offers activities, instruction, and ongoing support for those working to improve their fitness and health after the age of 50. Classes include various balance, strength and flexibility (SBF), yoga, Tai Chi, dance movement, and walking. Individual instruction is available with Health & Wellness Specialist Kris Campbell, MA Exercise Physiology and 30+ years of experience in the field.

Endwright Center 631 W. Edgewood Dr. Ellettsville, IN 812-876-3383, Ext. 515 www.area10agency.org

Sources: ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th Edition, 2017 Borg GA (1982). "Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion". Med Sci Sports Exerc. 14 (5): 377–81. doi:10.1249/00005768-198205000-00012. PMID 7154893.

Borg G (1970). "Perceived exertion as an indicator of somatic stress". Scand J Rehabil Med. 2 (2): 92–8. PMID 5523831.

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Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 7

The Power of Intimate Wellness and Aging Care Courtesy of Dr. Brittain

I

ntimate wellness is a health concern for adults, regardless of age. There is a wealth of evidence to support the fact that intimacy improves your health. But, as we age, it can sometimes become harder to enjoy those benefits. Taking appropriate care of your body making intimate wellness a priority can have remarkable benefits for your mental and physical wellbeing.

The benefits of intimacy Intimacy with your partner is not only beneficial for your relationship. Focusing on your intimate wellness can also have other health benefits, as well.

Regular intimacy improves:

• Blood pressure levels • Incontinence issues • Mental wellness • Happiness • Intellectual ability

The benefits of hormone therapy and aging care Taking proper care of yourself is important at any age. Hormone therapy and aging care can help in a number of ways.

Hormone therapy and aging care help improve: • Problems with weight gain • Issues with memory

• Immune system

• Sexual desire

• Sleep quality

• Aging appearance

• Stress levels

• Muscle loss

• Heart health

• Physical endurance

8 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Luckily, there are many non-invasive treatments available to address these symptoms.

Non-invasive treatments for intimate wellness, aging, and menopausal care The Vibrant Life practice specializes in the care of menopausal women. Dr. Brittain has been a practicing physician in women’s health for more than 40 years.

We offer the SottoPelle subdermal hormone pellet therapy. This therapy is the best hormone replacement available in this country and has been in use in the United States since 1939. We also offer unique therapies that address problems women experience with intimacy, including dryness, lack of sensation, and cases of urinary incontinence.

Our practice offers the O-Shot for women to improve genital sensation, enhance sexual pleasure, and improve bladder control. A companion procedure called the P-Shot for men improves erectile function and increases genital length and girth. Both of these procedures involve the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).

The procedure is simple and virtually painless: 1. We draw a blood sample from the patient, spin it down, and activate the plasma.

2. The genital area is completely anesthetized (made numb) by a strong painless topical cream.

3. The activated PRP is placed in the appropriate space, depending on gender and problem.

Some of our newer therapies involve the latest in laser therapy which can be used for • the removal of unwanted hair and age spots.

• ablative laser for treating lichen sclerosis of the genital area, as well as treating vaginal dryness (this includes women who are not able to take estrogen therapy).

• urinary incontinence.

In addition to our lasers, we also offer GAINSwave technology which helps reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease.

We have a remarkable and helpful staff of nurses, medical assistants, receptionists and a phlebotomist who really take the time to connect with patients. Our staff works diligently to satisfy all of our patients at each and every encounter.

Please contact us today!

On the web: www.drbrittain.com Call our office: 812-331-9160 Visit us: 642 S. Walker St • Bloomington, IN

HOOSIER UPLANDS AREA XV AGENCY ON AGING SERVICES OFFERED Home health aide, homemaker, attendant care, respite, adult day care, home delivered meals, transportation, skilled nursing care, durable medical equipment, assistive technology, home modifications and personal emergency response systems, and Family Caregiver which provides respite to clients over the age of 60 with a caregiver and Medicaid Waiver.

• Case Management • Legal Services • Dementia Friendly Lawrence County • Golden Age Newsletter • Angel Foundation

• Options Counseling • Health and Wellness • Medicare • Resource Guides

www.hoosieruplands.org

HT-749857-1

521 West Main Street, Mitchell, IN 47446 812-849-4457 toll free 1-800-333-2451

Live YourMost -Hormone Replacement Therapy -Intimate Health (O-Shot, P-Shot, CO2RE Intima) -Cosmetic Laser Services & Hair Removal -Epionce & Babyfoot Skin Care Products -GainsWAVE

drbrittain.com HT-756502-1

812-331-9160

642 Walker St. Bloomington, IN

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 9

Joining the Y can Change Your Life!

Longtime member with mobility limitations never stops moving.

Courtesy of Monroe County YMCA

I

n 1993 at just 34 years old, Susan Seizer was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that disrupts the flow of information within the central nervous system, affecting the health and functionality of the brain and the spinal cord. When it came time to figure out her new normal, Susan turned to the YMCA. Living in Los Angeles at the time, Susan became a Y member. She especially enjoyed water fitness classes, as moving and exercising in water can be therapeutic for those with mobility limitations. In 2003, Susan began using a wheelchair. Although this was a major change in her life, she refused to let it be the reason she stopped moving.

10 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Susan shared, “The thing that keeps me moving is moving.

Use it or lose it. I have to move, and I want to move. The Y is the place I can get out of my chair, both on land and in water. The gravity is gone; I can actually lift my legs, I can jog, I can do all of that stuff I’d like to do on land.”

In 2006, Susan moved from LA to Bloomington and joined the Monroe County Y right away. She continued with water classes, particularly enjoying the Deep Water classes for the freedom of movement. Susan also began working with a Personal Trainer twice a week, in which she and her trainer focused on building and retaining her muscle mass.

For Susan, the Y has made an irreplaceable impact on her life. “I don’t think I would be in as good of shape as I am, which I can’t say I’m in great shape, but I’m working on it,” she mused. “I wouldn’t feel like I’m working on my body, working on my posture, working on my movement, if I wasn’t coming here.”

Coming to the Y can change your life physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Coming to the Y for 16 years has changed Susan’s life, and it’ll continue changing her life each day she shows up. “Come to the Y and take a class. See how supportive this place is. Just come; you’ll meet people and you’ll get fit. You’ll be happier to be moving. You’ll feel better, and you’ll want to do it every day.”

"The Y is the place I can get out of my chair, both on land and in water.

The gravity is gone; I can actually lift my legs, I can jog, I can do all of that stuff I’d like to do on land." ­–Susan Seizer Susan mused about the Y community, sharing she feels supported by fellow members. “I’ve really made a community here. It’s funny because Bloomington is such a small town and you know people in so many different ways. I do see people from the Y in other places, but I feel like this is the home. The Y is where we met!”

Whether you’re a senior searching for a sense of belonging within a community or wish to maintain or regain footing on fitness and wellness, the Y is the place for you. Visit the Y for a free tour of the facilities and a free seven-day trial membership. Like Susan said, just come and see what the Y can offer you. Just come.

YOU ARE WHY THIS IS THE Y The Y has programs to support you on your journey to health. Join us for group exercise classes, arthritis aquatics, classes on healthy lifestyles and weight loss, and much more. Find out how we make fitness easier and more accessible than ever!

MonroeCountyYMCA.org Southeast YMCA

Northwest YMCA

2125 S. Highland Avenue Bloomington, IN 47401

1375 N. Wellness Way Bloomington, IN 47404

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 11

What is Dispill?

Courtesy of Crowder's Pharmacy

Dispill is a multi-dose medication packaging system. The top of each pack is colorcoded by morning, noon, evening and bedtime doses so you will always know when to take your medications.

Our promise: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee • Fast access to essential information, the top of each individual blister lists: your name, the medication within and the time of day it should be taken.

• Travel Friendly! Detachable individual packs make it easy to take on the go.

• Color-coded for time of day so you know exactly when to take your medication.

• Eliminates the need to create your own pill box.

• We take care of your refill requests and are available to answer any medication questions you may have.

See what our customers are saying about Crowder’s Dispill!

WE ARE YOUR COMPLETE CARE PHARMACY

INTRODUCING DISPILL Taking Your Medication Just Got Easier

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"No more wasting time filling up my weekly meds!!! Thank you!"

"My mother can be forgetful and I always worry if she is taking her medications correctly. Taking the wrong medication at the wrong time can be dangerous. This packaging fixed my worries!"

From, Sherry L. 12 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Questions about Crowder’s Dispill or how to enroll please contact Caitlin, Medication Adherence Technician caitlin@crowderspharmacy.com Direct Line: 812.329.6464

FREE DELIVERY

HT-747019-1

812.275.5949

631 16th Street, Bedford, IN crowderspharmacy.com

Planning Ahead ?

Ask the Expert Scott J. Agnew

General Manager Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home

Courtesy of Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home

Q:

What’s the best advice you would give someone about funerals?

A:

Very simply: be prepared. I don’t mean merely to expect to have a funeral or mention your final wishes to your spouse, but to plan everything in advance—and in detail—with the help of a professional. If I could give a single piece of advice, this is what I would recommend to anyone. The most difficult thing we see is families who are not prepared for the loss of a loved one. The surviving family members are forced to create a plan while they mourn, which can make an emotional situation worse. There are over a hundred questions that need to be answered before a funeral can take place. That’s a lot to think about when you should be focused on coming together as a family. A plan can help your loved ones to better cope with the loss, allowing them to focus on what’s most important. And, you can feel comfortable in knowing that your personal wishes are known.

If you have more questions, visit Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.

We are a good and trusted source of information for funeral and cremation options.

Q:

What are the benefits of making my final wishes known in advance?

A:

The benefits of planning ahead can be immense. With the help of a professional, there are very simple steps you can take to plan everything in advance and in detail. A funeral or memorial service not only gives your loved ones a sense of closure, it’s a celebration of your life.

Moreover, by making your arrangements before the time of need, your final send-off can include personal touches that truly reflect your personality and passions. From music and flowers to food and special mementos, you can design a beautiful and memorable event that allows family and friends to say goodbye in a unique way and know that they have carried out their loved one’s wishes.

Committed to helping you with compassionate, professional and personal service.

Day & Deremiaheremiah-F F rye F uneral Home

4150 East Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401 • 812.336.6331 • www.DayDeremiahFrye.com Serving families since 1913

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 13

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doesn’t have to be difficult!

Courtesy of Brian Sample, Estate & Downsizing Specialists, LLC

S

ince I began my career in the Estate & Downsizing business, my staff and I have cleaned out over 1000 homes.

This has allowed us to have a unique understanding of the challenges of the process. We consider the individual needs of each project and make progress quickly. Experience allows us to cost effectively complete even the most difficult projects.

Personal Property Will Typically Sort Into 4 Categories: Salable Goods to Be Auctioned

Were you or your family collectors? Special collections and true rarities should always be sold in an auction format to attain maximum value. Some of your items that may not seem valuable are often worth the most.

Items to Be Donated

What seems obvious in today’s secondary markets often isn’t. Common household items and the contents in Grandma’s china cabinet have been trending down in value for over a decade. Traditional and antique furniture, and anything in off condition is difficult to sell in today’s market.

Thrift shops are overflowing, yard sales are on every block, and the Boomers are selling off lifetimes of accumulated relics. As markets are flooded by the overabundance of these common items, value is going to decrease.

Trash & Disposal Items

Any move includes items that just won’t fit in any category.

Perhaps they are damaged or maybe they are not wanted by a charity. We donate and recycle where we can but every transition has a certain tier of disposal items.

14 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Personal Property & Financial Items to Be Retained by The Family

This can expand into a major aspect of a project if we are transporting or packing items for family members. Either way, we always save every personal or financial item we discover for family or our Personal Representative.

The actual sorting of personal property into these categories is always completed by one of our senior staffers who has the experience to effectively save what is valuable.

This process is faster for our staff because our experience allows us to make prompt decisions about items without biased attachment. We will err on the side of caution when we need to research an item, but our experience enables us to work efficiently.

When we do the sort, we diligently seek value in every corner of the home.

What Is That Old Stuff Really Worth?!

The three pillars of value are Design, Rarity, & Condition. Generally, these can apply to everything and can help you determine the worth of your personal property.

1. DESIGN Who made it? Was the craftsman, company, or artist recognized?

2. RARITY How many of the item were made? Is it a unique original or a mass-produced item? Are there existing buyers interested in the item?

3. CONDITION Is it pristine? Has it suffered from poor storage or other conditions?

These three fundamentals, combined with the expected generational changes in buying trends and simple supplyand-demand Baby Boomer economics taking place, create a bundle of factors that determine your items’ worth.

Get what you want from the credit card company If you want something, you have to ask for it. That solid advice works in many aspects of life, including when it comes to paying your credit card bills.

When dealing with a credit card company, the quickest way to satisfaction is often picking up the phone and politely asking for what you want, whether than means asking for a fee to be waived or for a higher line of credit.

Calling customer service is a pain, but it’s usually worth it, according to a new nationally representative survey conducted by WalletHub that examined Americans’ experiences with and attitudes toward credit card customer service departments.

Simply failing to call customer service is one of the biggest mistakes credit card users make when faced with a question or account issue, said Odysseas Papadimitriou, chief executive officer of WalletHub. Mostly that’s due to mismanaged expectations.

“People often assume customer service calls will take forever or be confrontational, so they put them off,” he said.

Nearly 1 in 2 Americans would rather call their in-laws than their credit card company, but 3 in 4 consumers agree that calling customer service is worth it.

The survey also found gender and age gaps. Men are twice as likely as women to get an annual fee waived, and millennials

are three times as likely as baby boomers to be denied a credit limit increase.

Among credit card users who have called customer service, 7 in 10 have gotten a fee waived before, while 3 in 10 have received a lower APR and 9 in 10 have been granted a higher credit limit.

Ready to embrace your power and save some money? Skip calling about simple questions such as account balance, which can be determined online. Instead, call about more complex issues such as addressing a suspicious charge or negotiating fees, Papadimitriou said.

When calling be polite but firm, and keep your anger in check.

Courtesy of Melissa Erickson, More Content Now

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Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 15

ESTATE PLANNING le giving & charitab

Courtesy of Lawrence County Community Foundation Story by Metro Creative Connection

C

haritable giving comes in many forms. Some people donate annually to their favorite charities, while others may volunteer their time or professional services.

One way many people choose to give to charity is to donate at the time of their death. Including charitable giving into an estate plan is wonderful way to support a favorite cause. When researching this approach, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by references to tax codes, attorney fees and other items that can make including charitable gifts in one's estate plan seem more complex than it needs to be. Schwab Charitable, an independent

Hope Flores

Leave a Legacy

CEO

Invest in the future of Lawrence County through your Community Foundation.

Your tax-deductible gift (cash, securities, Charitable Remainder/Lead Trust, life estate, life insurance, IRA, etc…) can benefit Lawrence County causes, charities, churches and/or scholarships forever.

(812) 279-2215 www.cfpartner.org/lccf.html 1324 ‘K’ Street, Suite 150 P.O. Box 1235 Bedford, IN 47421 HT-751562-1

16 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

nonprofit organization, notes that there are various ways to incorporate charitable giving into an estate plan, and that doing so is something almost anyone can do.

• Dictate giving in your will. When reading about charitable giving and estate planning, many people might begin to feel intimidated by estate taxes, feeling their heirs won't get as much of their money as they hoped. But Schwab Charitable notes that including a charitable contribution in your estate plan will reduce your estate tax liabilities, which will help to maximize the final value of your estate for your heirs. Speak with your estate attorney and ensure your donation is spelled out in your will.

• Donate your retirement account. Another way to utilize an estate plan to donate to charity is to designate the charity of your choice as the beneficiary on your retirement account. Schwab Charitable notes that charities are exempt from both income and estate taxes, so choosing this option guarantees the charity will receive 100 percent of the account's value once it has been liquidated.

• Explore a charitable trust. Charitable trusts provide another way to give back through estate planning. For example, a split-interest trust allows men and women to donate their assets to a charity but retain some of the benefits of holding those assets. A split-interest trust funds a trust in the charity's name, and people who open one receive a tax deduction any time money is transferred into the trust. But the donors still control the assets in the trust, which is passed onto the charity at the time of their deaths. You have various options at your disposal in regard to charitable trusts, so speak to a financial advisor to help you pick the best one for you.

Charitable giving is a part of many people's estate plan. Explore your options and choose the one that's most beneficial to you, your heirs and the charities you want to support.

A

DOG’S life

Study shows dog owners are healthier than nonowners

Courtesy of Melissa Erickson, More Content Now

W

ant to live longer?

Adopt a dog.

Owning a dog is strongly associated with reducing the risk of dying by 24%, according to recent research published in the journal Circulation. Dog ownership is also associated with a 31% lower risk of death by heart attack or stroke compared to non-dog owners.

For people with cardiovascular problems the health benefits are even greater. Dog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors living alone and 27% reduced risk of death for stroke survivors living alone, compared to people who did not own a dog.

These significant results are based on two studies that reviewed 10 previous studies, which examined data on 3.8 million people.

While these studies cannot prove that adopting or owning a dog directly reduces the risk of dying, researchers called the findings “robust” and certainly suggestive of this.

“It was a significant association,” said Dr. Caroline Kramer, coauthor of the study, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and an endocrinologist and clinician scientist at Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes at Mount Sinai Hospital.

“Because it was based on observational studies we cannot assume a causal association, though.”

Dog walkers — like Kramer who walks Romeo, “an adorable miniature Schnauzer, 2.5 years old,” three times a day for about 30 minutes each depending on her schedule — probably will not be surprised that dogs can have a protective effect on their health.

“Several studies have shown that acquiring a dog perforce increases physical exercise (as anyone who has

unsuccessfully tried to sleep past the time of a dog’s routine morning walk can attest),” wrote Dr. Dhruv S. Kazi in an editorial accompanying the findings.

For example, dog owners are 34% more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week than people who don’t have a dog, according to research from Michigan State University.

A more subtle link between dog ownership and health is that walking a dog requires being outside, which has also been linked to mental and physical health benefits such as reducing stress and risk of depression, and boosting creativity and happiness.

Because previous studies had shown that dog ownership helps alleviate loneliness and social isolation, improves physical activity and even lowers blood pressure, researchers sought to examine whether dog owners could potentially have better cardiovascular outcomes compared to non-owners.

While the study drew from a large sample, potential misclassifications of dog ownership in couples living together, the death of a dog and change of ownership could have affected the outcomes of the study.

“Our analyses did not account for confounders such as better fitness or an overall healthier lifestyle that could be associated with dog ownership. The results, however, were very positive,” Kramer said.

More research is needed, with the next step being an interventional study to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes after adopting a dog and the social and psychological benefits of dog ownership.

“As a dog owner myself, I can say that adopting Romeo has increased my steps and physical activity each day, and he has filled my daily routine with joy and unconditional love,” Kramer said.

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 17

THE MEDICAID WAIVER

& Assisted Living

Courtesy of Lisa Payton, Evergreen Village

Evergreen Village at Bloomington Affordable Assisted Living

Evergreen Village at Bloomington – the only assisted Living community in Monroe and surrounding counties that accepts the Medicaid Waiver.

The Emphasis at Evergreen is on maintaining your health, wellness, dignity and independence.

Our caring & dedicated staff is always ready to assist with personalized services including: • Private Apartments • Weekly housekeeping & laundry services • Health Monitoring & Nursing Assessments • Varied programs & events • Assistance with bathing, dressing, • Assistance with walking, grooming transportation and hygiene • 24-hour staffing • Medication reminders • On-site beauty/ and assistance barber services

Call for a tour! 812.336.2718 18 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

History of Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver In the early 1980s there was a growing national trend moving away from institutional care for older adults and people with disabilities in favor of providing home and community-based services. In response, a new Medicaid program “waived” the federal requirement that services be provided in an institution, such as a nursing home.

This allowed Medicaid recipients to receive in-home and community-based services, so long as the cost was comparable. Indiana began offering Medicaid Waivers in 1986. Indiana’s Aged and Disabled Waiver (A&D) is for adults with medical needs that match Nursing Home Admission criteria. Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging provide Options Counselors who complete in-home assessments to determine eligibility for the A&D Waiver.

Area 10 Agency completes assessments for people living in Monroe and Owen counties.

What is the Medicaid Waiver?

Using Medicaid dollars to pay for home/community based care instead of nursing home care.

Who is Eligible for the A&D Medicaid Waiver?

An individual who meets Medicaid eligibility requirements and is at risk of Nursing Home Placement.

When can my services start?

Once you have both an approved Medicaid Waiver service plan AND approved full Medicaid (aged and disabled category only).

How can I qualify for the A&D Medicaid Waiver?

1. Person calls Area 10 to complete a phone assessment. They will be asked about their medical conditions, their functioning and their finances.

2. Person has in-home assessment with an Area 10 Counselor (typically within 2 weeks of phone assessment). The Counselor is assessing which activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, toileting) the person requires help with, and whether or not that meets Nursing Home level of care.

3. IF the person meets nursing home level of care, the Area 10 Counselor creates a care plan with the services that will provide the necessary supports for the person. This could include home delivered meals, homemaking, personal care, etc.

Or this could be a Medicaid Approved assisted living facility. This care plan is sent to the Indiana Division of Aging for their review.

4. IF the Medicaid Waiver service plan is approved AND the person is on full Medicaid (aged and disabled only), then their in-home services can start.

5. IF the Medicaid Waiver service plan is approved and the person is not on full Medicaid (aged and disabled only), they must apply for and be approved for full Medicaid before services can start.

The Medicaid waiver is not an entitlement - there are limited enrollment slots and a wait list may exist.

To apply for the Medicaid Waiver, contact the Area 10 Agency at 812.876.3383.

To schedule at tour of Evergreen Village, call 812.336.2718.

Day Trips

Join us as we visit museums, historic venues, and other local points of interest. We cover transportation and entry fees so you can focus on enjoying the day. Recently, we visited the Harrison Art Center, the West Baden Springs Hotel, Crown Hill Cemetery, Huber Orchard, Spring Mill State Park, and the Derby Dinner Playhouse.

Burton Kimble Farms

Visit the Burton Kimble Farms Education Center in Orleans, Indiana! Classes in watercolor, JDUGHQLQJ FRRNLQJ DQG GHFRUDWLQJ DUH RÎ?HUHG LQ the relaxed setting of the Old Farmhouse, so you can enjoy the gardens and patchwork barn while you discover new hobbies and meet new friends!

Art Classes

Indulge your inner artist at the Ivy Tech Waldron. &ODVVHV DUH RÎ?HUHG LQ DOO H[SHULHQFH OHYHOV LQ watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, mixed media, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and more.

Youth Programs

:H RÎ?HU D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI VXPPHU FDPS DFWLYLWLHV and after school programs for kids ages 4-18. For the special occasion, make memories by giving the gift of lifelong learning.

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! u o Y r o Ready F

Affordable Senior Living at Its Best!

Relax, with the security of a worry-free home. We are confident that you will experience the care, comfort and enjoyment that “home� brings.

• Private apartment options for seniors with private bathroom • Three restaurant-style meals served daily plus snacks • Assistance with activities of daily living • Medication setup & reminders

• Ongoing health monitoring • Transportation assistance • Variety of stimulating activities • Beauty/barber services • Range of interesting and varied programs and events

3607 South Heirloom Drive ¡ Bloomington, Indiana 47401 812-336-2718 • evergreenvillage-bloomington.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 19

Succession Planning for

SMALL BUSINESS

Courtesy of Freitag & Martoglio LLC

I

ndividuals often avoid estate planning because they do not know where to start, do not believe that their situation justifies a plan, or simply distrust the entire process.

Unfortunately, small business owners avoid succession planning for their businesses for many of the same reasons.

However, the consequences when a business owner avoids this task are magnified, resulting at times in family discord, loss of key employees, diminishment or loss of business assets, and in the worst-case scenario, legal battles. Â Starting business succession planning can seem overwhelming to a business owner, but it is not as daunting as it appears, and doing so can help avoid negative outcomes. Â These five steps can help business owners begin the planning process: 1. Get organized. Take time now to locate key information about your business (e.g. articles of incorporation, bylaws, minutes of meetings, list of current shareholders or members, etc.). Check INBiz.gov to be sure your business has filed all required entity reports. Organize financial and tax records. Notify a trusted person of how to access this information.

2. Think idealistically about your goals. What do you hope will happen to your business after you pass?

Would you want it to continue and grow, or would you prefer that the assets be sold and the proceeds distributed to your beneficiaries after your death?

3. Consider realistic possibilities. What you would like to have happen after your death and what is realistically possible may not be the same. If you would like to see the business continue, have you 20 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

identified a family member, key employee, or a coowner who is both willing and capable of carrying on the business? If not, have you considered selling the business during your lifetime to a person who could continue it? Have you planned for how business assets should be divided among beneficiaries? For example, a family business may have a mix of different types of assets and there may be a reason to leave certain types of assets to certain beneficiaries.

4. Gather information from professionals. Business succession planning can include issues that involve input from multiple professionals, such as attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, and financial planners. You should begin talking with professionals who can advise you on the best steps to implement your goals. Often, your attorney can be the key point of contact for this group of professionals.

5. Finalize the documentation for your plan. Your attorney can help you draft and implement the appropriate documentation to activate your plans after your passing. Some common documents for small business owners are buy-sell agreements, transfer on death interests, or amendments to operating agreements, in addition to other estate planning tools, such as wills or revocable trusts. Â Business succession planning takes time and requires some tough decisions, but so does building your business in the first place. Following the above steps will help you create a plan that protects what you have worked hard to create and brings you peace of mind.

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812-349-3720 bloomington.in.gov/TLRC Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 21

h c u o c a e been

’v u o y f i Even now is t

he perfe

ct time

, s e d a c e d r o f o t a pot

to

GET UP, GET MOVING, AND GET FIT. Here’s why—and how.

L

Courtesy of Healthy Balance Health Club

ooking for a fountain of youth? Just look for your sneakers. Then lace them up and get moving.

Exercise can turn back the clock, jumpstart your energy,

and restore your health.

E j S Enjoy Senior i Fit Fitness at Healthy Balance!

The Senior Fitness Program is an innovative health, exercise and wellness program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles.

Get fit, have fun, make friends!

Unlock the door to greater independence and a healthier life with Senior Fitness.

Whatever the reason, this group is clearly on to something. Physical activity is key to a happier, healthier life for older adults, according to the latest research. It helps protect against some of the biggest health problems older adults face: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and falls.

It also wards off depression and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

As for that fountain of youth? Getting approximately 150 minutes of physical activity a week has been linked

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to a 33 percent lower risk of early death from any cause, according to the latest fitness guidelines. But even small

812-279-6330 • 1201 5th Street Bedford healthybalancewellness.com

22 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

amounts of activity—five to 10 minutes, if that’s what you can manage—can help your health.

In other words, exercise won’t make you live forever, but it could help you live longer and better.

Healthy Balance Health Club focuses on providing membership and guest a welcoming, fun and uplifting exercise experience. For our senior members we offer a variety of Senior focused group fitness 5 days per week. We also encourage our members to improve their health with independent exercise in our cardio and weight room. Our staff of instructors and Personal Trainers are dedicated to your success! Stop in and find out how fun it is to get into shape!

HEALTHY BALANCE CLASS SCHEDULE: Monday 9am Silver Sneakers Classic / 10am PIYO level 1 Tuesday 9:15 am Ujam / 10:30 Chair Yoga Wednesday 9am Silver Sneakers Classic / 10am HB Curcuit Thursday – 10:30 Tai Chi Friday – 9am Silver Sneakers Classic Saturday – 9:30 TRX

Excercising for

Memory

Aerobic exercise may enhance memory in older adults, according to the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

Though the optimal intensity and underlying mechanism are unclear, the community-based study examined the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on memory and general cognitive abilities. Sixty-four sedentary older adults participated in one of three groups: highintensity interval training, moderate continuous training or stretching control. Prior to and following exercise, high-interference memory and executive functions were assessed.

High-intensity interval training led to the greatest memory performance and greater improvements in memory correlated with greater increases in fitness. Intensity seemed to matter less for executive functioning, as positive trends were observed for both high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous training.

Courtesy of More Content Now Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 23

Are You or Your Family Facing Any of These 9 Avoidable Elder Law Crises?

Why You Should Consult an Elder Law Attorney Today!

By Jerry L. Siefers, Jr., partner, Jones, McGlasson & Arter, P.C.

A

s you get older, you will likely need some level of long-term care at home or in a skilled care facility.

Having a good comprehensive long-term care asset protection plan or an immediate need Medicaid plan can often avoid the following crises.

Crisis #1 - Running out of money if you (or your spouse) become ill and require significant care

The cost to provide care at home or in a Skilled Care facility is very expensive. When you need the care, you don’t have an option to not get it. You need to have a longterm care asset protection plan in place before the costs of care causes you or your spouse to run out of money.

Crisis #2 – Having too much money to qualify for Medicaid

There are many opportunities to save some or all of the money and still get your loved one qualified for Medicaid.

Nursing homes will not help you protect your money. As an elder law attorney, I can give you all of your options. I will meet with you for no cost to discuss your options.

24 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Some of our clients are told by nursing homes and others that they earn too much money to be able to qualify for Medicaid. I can discuss using a simple trust to deal with excess income preventing Medicaid eligibility. Never assume you or your loved one can’t protect assets or qualify for Medicaid.

Crisis #3 - Having Medicaid take my home if I go to a nursing home

Your home may be a countable asset and may be a problem in qualifying for Medicaid. There are several potential planning opportunities to deal with the home and protect it or protect a significant part of your home’s equity. The State of Indiana can come after a home to the extent it had paid for nursing home care when the individual dies. This is known as estate recovery. We can discuss how to protect your assets and avoid or limit estate recovery.

Crisis #4 - Having no control over who provides care for you if you need it

When you or your spouse need care it is very important that you have control over who comes into your home or

what skilled care facility you want to use. Without a longterm care asset protection plan you may have little choice on who provides the care you need.

Crisis #5 - Choosing the type of care you want and where you want to receive it

No one wants to go to a nursing home. The good news is there are many local options for care and support in the home. Skilled care and home healthcare can be very expensive. Does your long-term care asset protection plan address how to pay for these options without spending everything you have?

Crisis #6 - Leaving an inheritance to your loved ones, only to have it taken by their creditors or wasted on substance abuse

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You love your children. Sometimes they don’t make good financial decisions. You need a long-term care asset protection plan to make sure property or money are handled the right way.

Crises #8 - Providing support to a loved one with a disability both during your lifetime and after your passing

I have faced this issue in my own family. The care of disabled loved ones is complex yet critically important.

The issue can be even more important after you have passed away. Planning to preserve the benefits our disabled loved one needs while providing additional support when you can’t be there to make decisions should be a part of your long-term care asset protection plan.

Crises #9 - Making sure your wishes about your health care and finances are carried out

Without the proper planning, a court rather than you may decide who makes decisions about your care and finances.

Your long-term care asset protection plan addresses this need before a court is needed. You get to decide who and when others can make care and financial decisions for you.

If you are facing any of the crises above, I can help.

A long-term care asset protection plan or an immediate need Medicaid eligibility plan are not a one-size-fits-all set of documents. Each plan is designed based on your concerns, your desires, and your goals. Contact me for a free consultation if you have questions or need more information.

Your Local office is at: 1815 S. Walnut St. • Bloomington, IN 47401 812-339-6858 www.adaptiveindiana.com

“Are You Considering Financial Assistance, Including Medicaid, to Cover the Growing Costs of Caring for an Aging or Disabled Loved One? If So, Please Speak with Us for Free Before You Do!” There’s hope when facing the high costs of providing needed long-term care for your loved ones while protecting one’s life savings and home. Let us help provide peace of mind to you.

Your trusted source for Medicaid asset protection, Medicaid crisis planning, estate planning, trusts (including special needs trusts), probate, guardianships, and other elder law matters.

Jerry Siefers & Chester Arter, Partners Jones, McGlasson & Arter, P.C. 205 South Walnut Street Suite 3 Bloomington, Indiana 47404

TEL: (812) 332-4431 • FAX: (812) 332-0554

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Crisis #7 - Your children misusing the property or money you leave to them

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Sometimes your loved ones don’t make good choices in life. Creditors or substance abuse issues can mean the assets that you have saved up over the years go to creditors or pose a serious risk to loved ones with substance abuse issues. A long-term care asset protection plan makes sure your inheritance helps your loved ones.

Discover more information at ElderLawOnline.com and Btownlegal.com Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 25

Beyond the Flu Shot: What Immunizations Do Seniors Need?

Courtesy of Meadowood

A

ging generally causes the immune system to weaken.

That puts older adults at an increased risk for health issues, like pneumonia, shingles, and the influenza virus. Fortunately, there are steps to take that can boost a senior’s immunity. From flu shots to the shingles vaccine, pumping up the immune system starts when seniors talk with their primary care physician.

Seniors Need Immunizations Too While children typically have a standard immunization protocol to follow, older adults don’t often know there are vaccines they need too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 70,000 adults a year lose their lives from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

If your senior’s primary care physician doesn’t bring up the topic of immunizations, encourage them to inquire about what the CDC recommends. There are a number of immunizations that seniors should know about: • Influenza vaccine: The flu is more than just an annoyance for older adults. It can be deadly. Seniors make up more than half of all hospital flu admissions, and nearly 90% of flu-related deaths every year.

26 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Having an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent contracting the illness. If an older adult does come down with the flu, the vaccine may help minimize the severity of the symptoms. Early October is considered to be an ideal time to receive a flu shot.

• Shingles vaccine: The chicken pox virus can cause a painful skin rash known as shingles. It creates skin blisters that usually take weeks or even months to heal. In 2017, the CDC changed its recommendation for what type of shingles vaccine older adults should receive. Instead of the Zostavax® immunization, they now suggest Shingrix. It is recommended for people over the age of 50. Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles, as opposed to the 51% for Zostavax®. Shingrix also helps prevent a painful shingles complication known as post herpetic neuralgia.

• Pneumonia vaccine: Most seniors know pneumonia can be a serious health risk. Some aren’t familiar with the vaccine that can assist in preventing it. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends older adults get two vaccines—one year

apart—to better protect them from sepsis (a bacterial

FALL IN LOVE WITH

infection in the blood), meningitis, and pneumonia.

Typically, the Prevnar 13® vaccine is given first, then the Pneumovax®23 vaccine 12 months later. Because

2455 N. Tamarack Trail Bloomington, IN 47408

almost 50,000 seniors lose their lives each year to pneumonia, it’s important to share this information

812-336-7060

with the older adults in your life.

• Tdap booster: Tdap stands for tetanus-diphtheriapertussis. This one-time shot helps protect against all three illnesses. This is an important one for older adults who spend time around infants because pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can be deadly for babies.

• Hepatitis A and B: Finally, remind your older family members to talk with their physician about the hepatitis vaccine. It’s often recommended to seniors with chronic health conditions and those who are exposed to large groups of people on a routine basis.

We invite older adults and their families to stop by for convenient time for a tour and lunch. Our door is always open to new friends!

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a visit! Call Meadowood at 812-336-7060 to schedule a

www.MeadowoodRetirement.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • OUTPATIENT REHAB SKILLED NURSING • SHORT STAYS REHAB TO HOME 2019

©2019 Five Star Senior Living

Pet Friendly

Photo courtesy of Five Star Senior Living: Dr. Priti Jindal, M.D. and Meadowood resident Ann Whittridge Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 27

Breast Cancer & Elderly Women B

reast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women – half of all women diagnosed with Breast Cancer are over age 65. Yes, as we enter into our golden years, the threat of cancer doesn’t diminish. We must remain vigilant and conduct our thorough self-examinations and continue our annual check ups with our medical providers.

Early detection is critical to beating this disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 cases of invasive breast cancer are found in women younger than age 45, while 2 in 3 cases of invasive breast cancer occur in women age 55 and older. Even men are susceptible. Each year an estimated 1,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 450 perish from this disease.

28 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Courtesy of Natasha V. Hopper, Mitchell Manor

Risk factors for breast cancer include: Age – Half of all women diagnosed are over age 65.

Weight – Being obese or overweight.

Diet & Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, and alcoholic intake of more than two drinks per day.

Menstrual & Reproductive History – Early menstruation or late menopause, having your first child at an older age or not having given birth, or taking birth control pills for more than ten years if you are under 35.

Family & Personal History – A family history of breast cancer-particularly a mother, sister. or a personal history of breast cancer of benign (noncancer) breast disease.

Medical & Other Factors – Dense breast tissue (often identified by a mammogram), past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area. A history of hormone treatments-such as estrogen and progesterone, or gene changes- including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.

One of the most important steps in beating breast cancer is early detection. Following are several signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Lump on the Breast – The most common symptom is a lump forming on the breasts. While 20% of lumps are cancerous, the risk increases with age.

Discharge from the Nipple – Any sort of nipple discharge, whether it’s clear or discolored, runny or thick, can be an indication of breast cancer.

However, the cause can also be a side effect of other medical issues or from breastfeeding, especially if it’s a milky color.

Swelling and Soreness – Breast cancer can cause a general swelling or soreness of your breasts. The swelling would be significant enough to change the size of the breast that is affected, even if one is already a different size than the other. The swelling can affect the whole breast or a part of it, and it can change the overall size and shape of the breast.

Nipple Inversion – The composition of your nipple can change based on the presence of breast cancer. The cancer cells can affect the area right behind your nipple, causing it to turn inward or start inverting.

Redness of the Skin – One of the primary effects breast cancer has on the skin is a general redness, especially in the area where the cancer cells

Because of our commitment to exceptional care and short-term therapy, we received a five-star overall rating from Medicare and Medicaid Services. It’s proof that we love to serve our community!

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Mitchell manor 812.583.1834 • MitchellManorIN.com 24 Teke Burton Drive • Mitchell, IN 47446

are affecting the lymph nodes. This can be one confined area or across the whole breast(s).

Skin Dimpling – This occurs when parts of the skin on the breast invert and create a small dimple.

Like the inversion of the nipple, this can show where the cancer is present. These dimples can also indicate that the cancer is aggressive.

Other Changes to the Skin – In addition to redness, swelling, and dimpling, breast cancer can reveal itself through peeling, flakiness, and crustiness in the area surrounding the areola and other areas of the breast.

Swelling in the Underarm – The first-place cancerous cells usually travel after affecting the breast is to the lymph nodes in the under arm. Swelling or tenderness in the region can suggest breast cancer is present and has spread.

This information can be found on the American Cancer Society website. If you have any questions regarding breast cancer, contact your primary care physician or get in touch with an oncologist in your area.

?

Did you know?

Though women may notice various signs and symptoms that could be indicative of breast cancer, breast pain is generally not one of them. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® notes that there are various harmless causes of breast pain, such as puberty, menstruation and child birth, but that breast pain is not commonly a symptom of cancer. However, in rare instances breast pain may correlate with cancer. For example, breast tumors may cause pain, but cancerous tumors are not generally reported as painful.

Though it may not be linked to breast cancer, breast pain should still be reported to a physician immediately, advises the NBCF.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 29

develops services to focus on aging population

Courtesy of Monroe Hospital

M

onroe Hospital believes seniors deserve special attention in healthcare. Monroe Hospital’s Senior Care Services is designed to help seniors navigate their care.

More than 10,000 “baby boomers” turn 65 every day.

According to the World health organization (WHO) and AARP. America is not fostering age-friendly policies and practices that reflect this trend in our communities.

For that reason, Monroe Hospital developed Senior Care Services to focus on delivering top notch care for the

Senior Care Services Welcome to Senior Care Services at Monroe Hospital What are Senior Care Services?

Free, close-by parking; Easy-to-read documents; and A step-by-step treatment plan.

All things that make it easier to take care of your health.

Quality care you can trust...close to home.

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Monroe Hospital

812-825-1111 4011 S. Monroe Medical Park Blvd.

Bloomington, IN 47403 www.monroehospital.com Member Prime Healthcare

30 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

senior population. The service line includes the senior emergency room, senior care inpatient program, and a preferred postacute facility network.

“Monroe Hospital’s Senior Care Services help our seniors feel more comfortable and confident while they receive treatment at Monroe Hospital” says Nancy Bakewell, RN, Administrator. Dr. Amandeep Singh, a Board Certified Internist, will oversee the care Dr. Amandeep Singh of our senior inpatients.

Board Certified Internist

Please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department if you need serious medical attention including chest pain, severe bleeding, or have stroke symptoms.

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owned and operated by: Paul Johnson, MD / Larry McBride, MD / J.R. Sarpa, MD / Joanna Watkins, MD

Our passion is healthy hearing, and improving your quality of life.

A meta-analysis of 27 studies determined that individuals with sleep problems had a 1.68 times higher risk for developing cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. It also found that 15% of Alzheimer’s prevalence may be directly attributable to sleep dysfunction.

At Southern Indiana Hearing Solutions we provide personalized, compassionate hearing care services focused on your best outcome. We offer advanced diagnostics, effective treatment, and the best hearing aid technology available, rising above the standard for hearing healthcare in the area.

According to Market Watch, because sleep quality may affect multiple aspects of your health, researchers recommend not looking at screens in bed and closing your shades if your window faces east.

Courtesy of More Content Now

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In addition to negative cognitive effects, poor sleep can result in blood pressure spikes at night and the following day. This can be dangerous for people with heart problems. A study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine and led by scientists at the University of Arizona, says this is one explanation for why sleep problems have been shown to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.

Kelly Munn, AuD, CCC-A 2920 S. McIntire Drive, Suite 310 Bloomington, IN 47403 812-822-2666 sihshearing.com

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 31

Improve your

SOCIAL HEALTH Studies show loneliness as harmful as smoking, obesity

Courtesy of Melissa Erickson, More Content Now

L

oneliness is an epidemic, and it’s affecting our health. Over a quarter of the U.S. population and 28% of older adults now live by themselves, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Social isolation, the absence of relationships with family and friends, and loneliness, a subjective feeling, are hot topics right now,” said Joan Michelle Moccia, immediate past president of the Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association and program director of the Senior ER at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

Social isolation and loneliness have serious health consequences, equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, Moccia said. “Isolated individuals who report feelings of loneliness suffer higher rates of morbidity, depression and cognitive decline,” she said.

Feeling lonely or socially isolated can have life-threatening consequences, said Chris Segrin, department head of communications at the University of Arizona and a behavioral scientist whose specialty is interpersonal relationships and mental health. It causes blood pressure to increase. Cardiovascular health is at risk. It’s as serious of a risk as smoking, obesity or eating a high-fat diet with lack of exercise, he said.

Segrin likens acute loneliness to a person who feels the need to go somewhere but can’t find their car keys, except a lonely person carries that stress long-term, which takes a toll on their health.

“Age-related changes such as loss of memory; impairment in mobility, hearing and vision; chronic medical conditions; along with life events may predispose an older adult to experience a loss of significant others and the inability to maintain the desired level of activities, interests and social network,” Moccia said.

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Technology can harm Loneliness and social isolation are not the same.

“Social isolation is an objective condition when an individual has minimal contact with other individuals or community. Loneliness is a feeling one experiences if support or companionship they desire is not available.

Maintaining social relationships, volunteering, engaging in community has proven to negate the negative effects of social isolation,” Moccia said.

The role technology plays in loneliness is complicated, Segrin said. It has not proven to be the bridge to escape isolation people thought it would be.

Know that social media users are curating their content and presenting themselves in a positive light.

“Consuming social media can do as much harm as good,” Segrin said.

Be wise with your social media use, Segrin said. Ask yourself, are you getting anything positive out of it?

“Set limits and keep it minimal,” Segrin said.

Finding fellowship Replace time spent online with live face-toface activities.

“Find opportunities to connect with people who share similar interests. Similar interests are the basis of almost all friendships,” Segrin said.

This is where technology can be helpful. Google “knitting,” “bowling,” “book clubs,” “woodworking” or any other interest and find a local outing.

“The second you walk in the door you will immediately have something in common (with others). The opportunities for interactions flow. As human beings we enjoy hanging around with others who have similar interests,” Segrin said.

If family is not nearby, look for opportunities for intergenerational engagement, said Sheri Steinig, special projects director at Generations United, a nonprofit that brings older adults and children together through a variety of programs.

“For grandparents, it is good to remember that there are many families and children in your community that could benefit from your time.

Grandparents can volunteer at places where children and families gather such as schools, community centers, libraries, hospitals, child care or after school programs. You could volunteer at a community kitchen, food pantry or shelter. Look at places of worship, who often have volunteer opportunities.

Many of these opportunities take time to arrange, so be sure to start connecting with these organizations early,” Steinig said.

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 33

What is

PHASED RETIREMENT?

Courtesy of Melissa Erickson, More Content Now

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he trend of people working past retirement age continues to increase, but age-friendly employers are helping workers financially prepare by offering flexible phased retirement programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 25% of Americans of retirement age choose to keep working.

Adults 65 and older are twice as likely to be working today compared with 1985, according to a report from United Income, a financial planning and investment management company.

Older Americans tend to make more than their younger counterparts, but needing the money is not the only reason people work past retirement age, said Abby Eisenkraft, CEO of Choice Tax Solutions in New York City.

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“Many people have raided their retirement accounts to put children in school or used it like a piggy bank, and they realize they haven’t saved sufficiently — or they have nothing at all,” she said. “The statistics for Americans who have not saved are frightening for most people. If they stopped working, they couldn’t pay their bills, afford insurance, pay a mortgage they still might have, etc. And those who leave school with staggering student loans carry them decades later.

“For many people, a job is an identity. Many people feel lost when they lose their job, either by being forced out via termination or retirement. They lose the feeling of importance, the feeling of being needed, the feeling of being part of a group. Suddenly they have no place to go.

It can be very dangerous for mental and physical health,” Eisenkraft said.

The social aspect of working is also a benefit.

“They see the same people day after day, and the interaction is important and enjoyable. They become a family,” she said.

Flexible retirement is appealing to workers, but only 18% of employers have a formal phased retirement program, according to a new research report by the nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

“Flexible or phased retirement would be keeping your current position but cutting back on hours/days of work, or phasing out from a full time employee to a consultant,” Eisenkraft said. “You are still involved with the job, but not at the same pace.”

Phased retirement is good for companies, too.

“Having former full time employees reduce their hours or become consultants helps a company’s headcount without losing the valuable skills of those employees,” she said.

Is phased retirement right for you?

“Phased retirement is perfect for the person who needs to cut back but not totally leave the job,” Eisenkraft said.

“Being self-employed is great, but there are a lot of skills required for this. You need to get your own business and medical insurance, handle your own bookkeeping/ accounting for your taxes and pay estimated taxes. Your former employer did a lot of this for you, and now that you are a consultant and off the payroll, it falls to you. You need to be prepared.”

Phased retirement can affect your Social Security and your tax bracket. Consult a tax professional with experience in this area to see how your income affects your Social Security and when is the best time to start drawing payments.

“Of course, putting off drawing Social Security gives many people a higher benefit up to a particular age, but it might not be possible to wait. Crunch the numbers with someone else and get a reality check,” Eisenkraft said.

Pros and cons to early retirement

A lifetime of working compels many people to look forward to their retirement. Some people even work to retire early. But what are the advantages of early retirement beyond starting a life of leisure? And are there any detriments to this plan?

A 2014 survey by the financial services provider TIAA-CREF found that 37 percent of Americans plan to retire before age 65. However, many of them will not have control over the matter. Those who do may want to consider the pros and cons of early retirement.

ADVANTAGES Many people seek early retirement so that they can live a life free of the constraints of schedules. In retirement, time becomes, more or less, a retiree's own.

Leaving a job can be a boon to a person's health as well. Relieving oneself of the pressures and

stresses of professional life can free up the mind and body.

Stress can affect mental and physical health, taxing the heart and contributing to conditions such as depression or anxiety.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can cause headache, muscle and chest pain and contribute to trouble sleeping.

The earlier the retirement, the more opportunity to travel before health issues begin to limit mobility. Early retirement also can be a way to volunteer more or even start a new job opportunity - one where workers have greater control over their schedules and careers.

DISADVANTAGES One of the disadvantages of early retirement is a loss of income. Contributions to retirement accounts also ceases at retirement. This can lead to financial setbacks if adequate savings were not allocated for

retirement. According to the resource Wealth How, some people who retire early fear outliving their savings.

While retiring early may be good for health, it also can have negative consequences.

An analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that retirement can lead to declines in mental health and mobility as well as feelings of isolation. Retiring early may jump start these health implications.

Another consideration is that health insurance provided by an employer typically ends at retirement. That means having to pay out of pocket until a person ages into governmentsubsidized healthcare, such as Medicare in the United States, at age 65.

Retiring early is a complex issue that requires weighing the pros and cons.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 35

Senior Services R ES OUR C E G U I DE

The organizations, programs and services in this guide change continually during the year.

The purpose of this directory is to provide a starting point in your search for information.

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING

Indiana Area Agencies on Aging offer advocacy, planning, services and funding that make a difference in the lives of older adults—from the frail older person who is able to remain at home if they receive the right services to those who are healthy and can benefit from activities and socialization provided by community-based programs.

Contact the Area agency in your county for more information.

AREA 8-CICOA AGING & INHOME SOLUTIONS Morgan County 800-432-2422 cicoa.org AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING Monroe & Owen Counties 800-844-1010 | 812-876-1079 area10agency.org

AREA 11-THRIVE ALLIANCE Brown County 812-372-6918 thrive-alliance.org AREA 13-GENERATIONS Greene County 800-742-9002 generationsnetwork.org AREA 15-HOOSIER UPLANDS Crawford, Lawrence, Orange & Washington Counties 812-849-4457 | 800-333-2451 hoosieruplands.org

BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING

These organizations or agencies offer group education, counseling or support group meetings for persons who have experienced the death of a loved one. Services are usually provided at no cost.

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Always refer to your local Area Agency on Aging for a complete listing of services for your area.

CENTERSTONE BEDFORD 1315 Hillcrest Rd. Bedford, IN 47421 812-279-3591 BLOOMINGTON 645 S. Rogers St. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-355-6310 MARTINSVILLE 1175 W. Southview Dr. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-343-6950 MOORESVILLE 11370 North SR 67 Mooresville, IN 46158 765-342-6616 NASHVILLE 91 West Mound St. Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-2258

SPENCER 35 Bob Babbs Dr. Spencer, IN 47460 812-585-3775

ABILITY SERVICES ADA-INDIANA 1905 N Range Rd. Bloomington, IN 47408 812-855-6508 INDIANA INSTITUTE ON DISABILITIES 1905 N. Range Rd. Bloomington, IN 47408 812-855-6508 SOUTHERN INDIANA CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (SICIL) 1490 W. Main St. Mitchell, IN 47446 812-277-9626

LIBRARY SERVICES

Some libraries have programs that deliver reading and audio-visual materials to the homebound.

Classes and personal enrichment programs may be available as well as volunteer opportunities.

BROWN COUNTY BROWN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 205 Locust Ln. Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-2850 LAWRENCE COUNTY BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 1323 K St. Bedford, IN 47421 812-275-4471 MITCHELL COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY 804 Main St. Mitchell, IN 47446 812-849-2412 MONROE COUNTY ELLETTSVILLE BRANCH 600 W. Temperance St. Ellettsville, IN 47429 812-876-1272 MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington, IN 47408 812-349-3050MORGAN COUNTY MORGAN COUNTY BROOKLYN BRANCH 6 East Mill St. Brooklyn, IN 46111 317-834-2003 EMINENCE BRANCH Eminence Lions Club 11604 Walters Rd. Eminence, IN 46125 765-528-2117 MAIN BRANCHMARTINSVILLE 110 S. Jefferson St. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-342-3451

MONROVIA BRANCH 145 S. Chestnut St. Monrovia, IN 46157 317-996-4307 MORGANTOWN BRANCH 79 W. Washington St. Morgantown, IN 46160 812-597-0889 WAVERLY BRANCH 9410 State Rd. 144 Waverly, IN 46151 317-422-9915 OWEN COUNTY OWEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 10 S. Montgomery St. Spencer, IN 47460 812-829-3392

MEALS ON WHEELS LAWRENCE COUNTY HOOSIER UPLANDS/ AREA 15 AGENCY ON AGING 521 W. Main St. Mitchell, IN 47446 812-849-4457 MONROE COUNTY AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING 631 W. Edgewood Dr. Ellettsville, IN 47429 812-876-3383 BLOOMINGTON MEALS ON WHEELS 727 W. First St. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-355-8224 MORGAN COUNTY COORDINATED AGING SERVICES 1369 N. Blue Bluff Rd. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-342-3007 (Martinsville only) OWEN COUNTY AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING 631 W. Edgewood Dr. Ellettsville, IN 47429 812-876-3383

SENIOR CENTERS

Senior centers are a place for seniors to gather to socialize, share a meal and get involved in a wide variety of activities. Many centers offer card games, music, bingo, exercise, church services, day trips, etc. Be sure to call the site nearest you for details about programs and hours.

LAWRENCE COUNTY BEDFORD SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER 2205 Washington Ave. Bedford, IN 47421 812-279-5473 MITCHELL SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER 101 Tom Green Dr. Mitchell, IN 47446 812-849-2024 MONROE COUNTY AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING 631 W. Edgewood Dr. Ellettsville, IN 47429 812-876-3383 UNIONVILLE SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER 7616 E. St. Rd. 45 Unionville, IN 47468 812-339-2008 BLOOMINGTON PARKS & RECREATION TWIN LAKES RECREATION CENTER 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-349-3720 MORGAN COUNTY MARTINSVILLE AREA SENIOR CENTER 1369 N. Blue Bluff Rd. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-342-5525 MOORESVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4305 E. St. Rd. 144, PO Box 343 Mooresville, IN 46158 317-831-7510

TRANSPORTATION LAWRENCE COUNTY LAWRENCE COUNTY CANCER PATIENT SERVICES 219 Sycamore Drive Bedford, IN 47421 812-275-1441 MITCHELL CITY BUS 812-849-2151 OLDER AMERICAN SERVICES CORP 1901 S. Orleans Way Orleans, IN 812-865-3352 ORANGE COUNTY TRANSIT SERVICES 986 W. Hospital Rd. Paoli, IN 47454 812-723-4043 RURAL TRANSIT SERVICES LAWRENCE COUNTY 812-277-9615 | 812-876-1079 TASC-BEDFORD CITY BUS Call from 8am-4pm 812-275-1633 MONROE COUNTY IU HEALTH BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL Assisted Medical Transport Station 630 S. Patterson Dr. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-353-9232 BLOOMINGTON TRANSIT 130 W. Grimes Ln. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-336-7433 AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING RT Dispatch: Lawrence County 812-277-9615 RT Dispatch: Monroe County 812-876-1079 RT Dispatch: Owen County 812-829-6066 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, SOUTHWEST INDIANA AREA SERVICE CENTER Road to Recovery Program 812-475-9486

Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019 | 37

TRANSPORTATION (Continued)

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST #604 Call for transportation to Indianapolis VA Hospital 812-332-4684MORGAN Y AMERICAN RED CROSS OF MORGAN COUNTY 1789 E. Morgan St. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-342-2705

VETERAN/MILITARY INFORMATION The Veterans’ Affairs Regional Office provides a variety of services and benefits to honorably discharged veterans of the US military and their dependents.

LAWRENCE COUNTY VETERANS’ AFFAIRS OFFICE 916 15th St., Room 8 Bedford, IN 47421 812-275-6411 MONROE COUNTY VETERANS’ AFFAIRS OFFICE 214 W. 7th St., Room 100 Bloomington, IN 47404 812-349-2568

COORDINATED AGING SERVICES FOR MORGAN COUNTY MORGAN COUNTY-CONNECT Provide transportation for Seniors MORGAN COUNTY in Morgan County only. Age VETERANS’ SERVICE OFFICE 60+ No charge. Provide public 180 S. Main St., Ste. 006 transportation for anyone for a fee. Call for rates. 765-352-2182 Martinsville, IN 46151 or 765-342-3007 765-349-5505

OWEN COUNTY VETERANS’ AFFAIRS OFFICE 157 W. Washington St. Armory Building Spencer, IN 47460 812-829-5027

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT Many organizations welcome older volunteers. Seniors who volunteer find purpose in their day to day and a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering promotes better health both mentally and physically. Check out these opportunities in your area.

LAWRENCE COUNTY HOOSIER UPLANDS/AREA 15 AGENCY ON AGING 521 W. Main St. Mitchell, IN 47446 812-849-4457 | 800-333-2451

MONROE COUNTY AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING Caring Companions 812-876-3383 x554 AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING/ RSVP 55+ 812-876-3383 x523 CITY OF BLOOMINGTON VOLUNTEER NETWORK 812-349-3483 MORGAN COUNTY CICOA AGING & IN-HOME SOLUTIONS VOLUNTEER SERVICES 317-803-6003 OWEN COUNTY AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING Caring Companions 812-876-3383 x554 AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING/RSVP 55+ 812-876-3383 x523

GIVING BACK WHEN TIME IS NOT ON YOUR SIDE Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection haritable work is a great way to give back and build strong communities. Commitments to work and family can make it hard to find time to give back, but even the most time-pressed individuals can take steps to make the world a better place.

• Become a more eco-conscious shopper. When shopping for clothing, groceries and other items, consumers who want to give back to their communities can do so by looking for locally produced products.

Such products support local businesses, and a successful local economy serves as a great foundation for community. In addition, purchasing locally produced goods such as groceries greatly reduces your carbon footprint, which benefits both your local community and the planet as a whole.

C

screening process to ensure they are committed to the principles of fair trade. More information about fair trade is available at www.fairtradefederation.org.

• Give back when you buy something. Consumers can give back simply by making purchases. For example, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5 percent of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of the buyer's choice. Many of the products available on Amazon.com, which operates AmazonSmile, are eligible for such donations. Users simply type smile.amazon.com into their web browser and choose a charity they wish to support. When making purchases, do so via smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com. Bstow.com is another charitable endeavor that enables users to automatically donate the spare change from everyday purchases.

• Look for fair trade products. The Fair Trade Federation is a trade association that looks to build • Become a financial donor. If you don't have the time equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and to volunteer, then offer your financial support. Many create opportunities to alleviate poverty. Fair trade aims charitable organizations would cease to exist without to provide safe working conditions and fair pay for all donations from private citizens. Such donations workers. While coffee and chocolate might be the goods help charities fund their programs and cover their most often associated with fair trade, the FTF notes that operational costs. fair trade encompasses a wide variety of agricultural Time constraints make it difficult for many people to and handcrafted goods, including clothing, rice, soap, volunteer. But there are many ways to support worthy toys, and wine. Products that are sold with the Fair Trade Federation logo have undergone a rigorous causes even if you don't have the time to volunteer.

38 | Senior Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2019

Give the Gift of Bloomington From the food to the arts to the people, and, of course, Indiana University— BTown is a place like no other. Celebrate and share all the epic things that are true Bloomington with this unique gift that’s (almost) as good as being here.

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Lawrence & Monroe County Seniors!!

You may qualify for the:

Commodity Supplemental Food Program BEDFORD DISTRIBUTION:

• •

Third Tuesday of every month 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM @ Sherwood Oaks Christian Church (508 Fellowship Dr.)

MITCHELL DISTRIBUTION:

• •

Fourth Thursday of every month 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM @ First Church of God (corner of 12th St. and Oak St.)

BLOOMINGTON DISTRIBUTION:

• •

Third Friday of every month 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM @ Hoosier Hills Food Bank (2333 W. Industrial Park Dr.)

About CSFP:

CSFP is a commodity feeding program through the United States Department of Agriculture that targets senior citizens age 60+ with income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.

In Indiana, CSFP is administered by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), which contracts with Hoosier Hills Food Bank (HHFB) to run the Requirements to Qualify: program in this area.The program is available in • Age 60 or older; living in Monroe or Lawrence County Monroe, Lawrence, and other surrounding Counties.

• Combined monthly household income cannot exceed: • 1 person in household: $1,354/month Monthly box of food • 2-person household: $1,832/month (combined) • 3-person household: $2,311/month includes: • 4-person household: $2,790/month • 4 cans of vegetables • 5-person household: $3,269/month • 2 cans of fruit • 6-person household: $3,748/month • 2 cartons of shelf-stable milk • For each additional household member, add $479 • 2 bottles of juice • Proof of address required • 2 boxes of cereal • PHOTO ID REQUIRED

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If you have any questions, please call HHFB at: (812) 334-8374.

• • • •

1 can of beef stew or chili 1 jar of peanut butter 2 bags of pasta 1 two lb. block of cheese

In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Rm 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Indepedence Ave SW, Washington DC 20250-9410. HHFB is an equal opportunity employer and appromately 13% of our funding comes from federal government sources and approximately 83% of total funding comes from non-governmental sources.