The Wise Guide - Fall 2015/Winter 2016

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BONNER GENERAL HEALTH COMMUNITY HOSPICE BONNER GENERAL HOME HEALTH Our Hospice and Home Health Services programs partner with your physician to bring you the skilled health care you need at home.

We offer a wide range of services, including: • Disease and pain management

• Skilled nursing

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Assistance and management of medications

• Palliative care

• Plus many more services

Our services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance providers.

Call Bonner General Home Health Services at 208-265-1007 or Hospice at 208-265-1179 for more information on how we can help.

It’s just another way Bonner General Health nurtures quality of life.

520 N. Third Avenue • Sandpoint, ID 83864 • 208-263-1441 • www.BonnerGeneral.org

FALL 2015 / WINTER 2016

Features

12 Accessibility is Everything

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Bluepath welcomes new Pathfinders!

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

It’s free for everyone!

Everyone Knows the Duck!

Aflac

Don’t Wait for Open Enrollment!................................ 6 About the Cover Artist................................................. 9 Accessibility is Everything.............................................. 12 What is a Special Needs Trust?.................................. 14 AARP Foundation Tax Aide........................................ 18 Get the Most from Your Medicare............................. 20 Scrambler Therapy for Neuropathic Pain................ 22 Retirement Resources................................................ 24 Caregivers Should Ask: “Am I Depressed?”.............. 26 Everyone Knows the Duck!........................................ 28 10 Signs a Loved One Should Stop Driving.............. 30 The New Normal........................................................ 32 Improving Communication...................................... 34 Emergency Planning Assistance............................... 36 VA Expands Disability Benefits for Agent Orange... 38 Veterans Benefits and Long-Term Planning............ 40 Veterans Pages.......................................................42-45 They’re Taking My Guns!!!.......................................... 46 Crossword & Sudoku.............................................50-51 What’s in a Word......................................................... 52 Regional Community & Active Senior Centers........ 54 Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups................. 55 Emergency Caregiver Respite (ECR)......................... 56 Wyatt Earp in Murray................................................. 58 A Sunken Treasure...................................................... 59 Grandma Mona.......................................................... 68 Helpful Links.............................................................. 70 Run It By Tamara........................................................ 72 Choosing the Right Skilled Nursing Facility............. 74 Understanding Hospice House................................. 76

Directory

Agencies, Free Referral Services & Volunteer Opportunities....................................... 60 Care Communities; Independent &

Assisted Living, Adult Day Care........................... 60 Counseling.................................................................. 62 Dental.......................................................................... 62 Financial & Asset Management................................ 62 Gifts & Shopping........................................................ 63 Health & Wellness....................................................... 63 Hearing & Vision ........................................................ 63 Hospice ...................................................................... 63 Hospitals & Medical Care.......................................... 64 In-Home Services....................................................... 65 Insurance.................................................................... 66 Legal............................................................................ 66 Personal Emergency Systems.................................... 67 Pharmacies, Med. Equip., Safety & Supplies............ 67 Veterinary & Pets........................................................ 67

Wise Wise Guide Guide || www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

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Skilled Nursing • 74 Beds • 24-hour Staffing by RNs, LPNs & CNAs • 17 Bed Special Care Wing

Therapy • Occupational, Physical, Speech • Aquatic • In/Out Patient • Home Visits

Assisted Living • 19 Apartments • Barrier-free Bathrooms • Studio & 1 Bedrooms Available • Cottage – 20 Room Complex • Private & Semi-Private Rooms • Meal Plans Available • 24-hour Staffing ...and Much More!

Medicaid - Medicare - VA - Private Insurance

Valley Vista Care 820 Elm Street • St.Maries, ID 83861 Skilled Nursing: 208-245-4576 Assisted Living: 208-245-5909

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ValleyVista.org

Don’t Wait For Open Enrollment!

Talk to a Medicine Man Pharmacist About iMedicare

M

edicare open enrollment is October 15 to December 7. Millions of Americans are eligible to swap their current Medicare Part D Plan out for a new one that will cover all their prescriptions and allow them to continue filling their prescriptions at their preferred neighborhood independent pharmacy.

Since choosing a Part D plan can be confusing, many seniors opt to stay with their current plan. If their plan worked out last year, why wouldn’t this year be the same? The problem is, out-of-pocket costs for a patient can vary substantially on the same plan year to year. Each year there are changes in Medicare plans, including changes in drugs and formularies, changes in costs, and more. This means last year’s perfect plan may be this year’s worst.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, from 2006 to 2010 only approximately 12% of all eligible patients actually switched their Medicare Part D plan.

A study recently released by the American Journal of Managed Care (AMJC) concluded only 20% of Medicare enrollees would be on the cheapest available option if they remained on their current plan. This means, come the 2015 enrollment period, over 32 million patients would benefit from switching their Medicare Part D plan. Yet, if the current trend continues, only about 5 million will actually make the switch.

The Medicine Man Pharmacies are in a powerful position to help change the status quo. By using their

new iMedicare software, they can quickly compare monthly costs, the Medicare Part D coverage gap (the Medicare donut hole), and other enrollment options to find plans best suited to each individual’s needs. iMedicare checks a patient’s prescriptions for restrictions and coverage. If some drugs are not covered, a Medicine Man pharmacist can check for therapeutic alternatives which may save the patient money as well. According to the AMJC study, the average patient would save over $700 a year by swapping their plans.

It is clear the role of a pharmacist has been expanding beyond its traditions. The iMedicare program is another opportunity for The Medicine Man Pharmacies to provide better patient care. The Medicine Man has been serving North Idaho since 1978. It is locally owned and operated with convenient locations in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry. Currently, the following Medicine Man pharmacies are using the iMedicare software: • 8093 N. Cornerstone Dr, Hayden, 208-762-9355 • 802 E. Medical Ct., Post Falls, 208-773-3566 • inside Super 1 Foods, Hayden, 208-772-3311 • inside Super 1 Foods, Coeur d’Alene, 208-765-2268 Consultations with a pharmacist are free. Don’t let Medicare Part D pick your pockets. Talk to a pharmacist at The Medicine Man Pharmacy today.

www.medmanpharmacy.com

Confused which Medicare Plan is best for you?

With our new iMedicare program, Medicine Man Pharmacy can help you find the right plans. Don’t wait for open enrollment...

Stop in or call to schedule a private consultation today!

...

Find the best Medicare plans for you in minutes Benefit from a pharmacist’s knowledge of Alternative Drugs and the Donut Hole

Save as much as $1,000/year on your copays

PHARMAC Y 6

8093 N Cornerstone Dr, Hayden | 208.762.9355 Inside Super 1 Foods, Hayden | 208.772.3311 802 E Medical Ct, Post Falls | 208.773.3566 Inside Super 1 Foods, Coeur d’Alene | 208.765.2268 Continued on page 8

Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

We offer full-time, on-site physician care because convenience and quality matter!

Dr. Harry Downs with resident Lee Carlisle

HHHHH 5-Star Rated by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services

• State-of-the-Art rehabilitative facility with the latest technology.

• Therapy 7 days a week so you can stay on the fast rack to recovery.

• We have the best clinical outcomes and lowest rates for re-hospitalization.

Simply put - We have the recipe for your successful return back home!

Stop in for a tour and see why we were voted

Best Senior Care Facilities in Kootenai County!

500 W. Aqua Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 • 208-762-1122 Wise Guide | www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com www.LCCA.com

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•Home Health Care

Ordered by your doctor, provided by Omnia professional RNs, LPNs, Licensed Therapists and Medical Social Workers.

Call Today: 208-907-1790 OmniaHealthServices.com 305 N. Lincoln St., Ste .B Post Falls, Idaho 83854 Most insurances accepted

Occupational •Physical, and Speech Therapy Social Work •Medical •Home Health Aides Locally Owned!

“ ‘Loving care from our family to yours’ is our company motto, our mission statement, and it’s how we work every day here at Omnia. We are a locally-owned small agency dedicated to treating our patients, clients, and employees like family.”

–Aaron Nicholes, Owner and CEO

Senior Living at its Finest!

Hayden Crossing • Heartland Crossing • Coeur d ’Alene Senior • Prairie Run

1 bedroom/1 bath (c.650 sq.ft.)

2 bedroom/1 bath w/walk-in closet (c.850 sq.ft.)

• Affordable & Energy Efficient • Air Conditioned • Non-Smoking, Single Story Apartments • Pantry, Coat and Linen Closets • Pet Friendly • Emergency Maintenance 24/7, 365 Days

• Friendly and Professional Staff • On-site Service Coordinator • Personal Garden Spaces • Fun Community Activities • Conveniently Located Near Restaurants & Shopping,

208-762-9809 8

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Senior Centers, Parks, Lakes & Riding Trails & Library Four Senior Living Communities: 88 W. Sargent, Hayden 7712, 7745 & 7760 N. Heartland, Coeur d’Alene

About the Cover Cover Artwork: “Hawk” by Teresa Fisher

About the Artist

“I had been a craft person for most of my life, but wanted to see if I could learn to draw. Then in 1990, while living in the Virgin Islands on a sailboat with my husband, I decided it was time to see if I could do it. An artist friend gave me the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards and that was the beginning of my art career.

Starting with just pencil drawing then with pen & ink I learned how

Spring Wolf to ‘see’ shapes and shadows, and how to draw negative space. Yes, much fun with that! Then I was ready for Color! I saw an ad for pastels, pure pigment and vivid colors and I was hooked. Now that I’m living in Northern Idaho, up in the mountains, I’m drawing what I love — animals. I specialize in both wild and domestic animals; big cats,

Tree Frogs

Chicken Faces elephants, frogs, birds and many more. I love close-up faces so you can see the character in the real animals. I also do custom portraits upon request. You can see my work at the Sandpoint Farmers Market and in July at the Ponderay Garden Center Garden of Artistry art show. Check out my website at fisherart43.etsy.com or contact me by email at fisherart43@yahoo.com.”

All works are available as giclee reproductions from an original pastel painting utilizing archival inks and paper.

Prints are 8” x 11” and double matted to 11” x 14” packaged with foam board in a plastic sleeve.

Mountain Lion

Owl Eyes II

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SPRING / SUMMER 2013

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Teaching Independence Do You Qualify Now? Expert Pediatric Orthopaedic Care Dementia: Early Detection & Prevention

Are you a healthcare professional?

Do you want to reach the residents of our area with your services? The Wise Guide is the only educationally-focused healthcare resource widely read and distributed throughout the entire region. Articles are written by professionals who desire to help people understand the nature of their services.

Office: 208-263-5654 Email: info@thewiseguideonline.com www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

Jonnie Bradley Editor

The Wise Guide

Who reads The Wise Guide ?

Everyone interested in learning about mental, physical and financial services who are seeking assistance with their own needs and often, those of their aging parents. (65% of our population is over 45 years old!)

Seventy-five percent (75%) of our entire population in North Idaho and our neighbors in Washington & Montana are considered “rural.” For many, that means limited TV, and Wi-Fi access via satellite (the only option in the sticks!) is often challenging, especially for those living on fixed income. Even those who are online, still like to have a tangible source to keep for future reference.

This is why we PRINT a magazine and DISTRIBUTE it deeply into our rural areas. It’s those residents who come to town for your services - IF they know what you offer, and IF you will serve them.

And, our rates are extremely reasonable!

It’s never been about the money, we work to help connect those in need with those who can provide.

Questions? www.TheWiseguideOnline.com

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Patty Jo Carter Marketing Director

208-512-0912 pjcartwiseguide@wildblue.net

Donna Brosh Designer

The Wise Guide

Copyright ©2015, All Rights Reserved.

Although every precaution has been taken in the publication of this guide, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.

This guide is not intended to be legal or medical advice or to endorse any product or service. It is meant to serve as an information resource guide and not as a substitute for professional assistance. The Wise Guide, LLC is not responsible for the contents of any websites referenced within this directory, nor does it endorse any specific products or services referenced.

No part of this directory may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without the express written permission of the publisher, The Wise Guide, LLC.

We’re in your neighborhood.  Rockwood Heart & Vascular Center | 208.765.2610 980 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 205, Coeur d’Alene, ID  Rockwood Kidney & Hypertension Center | 208.666.9541 700 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 375, Coeur d’Alene, ID  Rockwood Post Falls Specialty Center | 208.457.1850 Sleep Neurology | Cardiology | Nephrology Northwest Medical Office Building 750 N. Syringa St., Ste. 204, Post Falls, ID  Rockwood Liberty Lake Clinic & Urgent Care Center | 509.755.6760 1326 N. Stanford Ln., Liberty Lake, WA  Rockwood Deer Park Clinic | 509.755.5424 20 E. J St., Deer Park, WA

Working together. For you.

At Rockwood, our focus is on providing our patients with the best healthcare experience possible.

From an annual check-up to a visit with a specialist at one of our many locations, we strive to show patients and their families compassion, respect and dignity. Dedicated physicians and staff working together to deliver exceptional care every time.

Visit RockwoodClinic.com for more information about our specialties, providers and locations.

Wise Guide | www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

11

Accessibility is Everything

By Sharon Fuller, Disability Action Center NW

T

raveling with a disability is far from easy. But it is exactly what I have been doing for the past 36 years. I’ve had my disability since 1978 after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car wreck. At that time I was 20 years old and still believed I had the world at my feet and after rehabilitation, I would continue to live my life as I wanted to; working, shopping, going out to dinner, having adventures with friends and family and traveling.

In 1978, rehabilitation meant learning to dress yourself, transfer in and out of your chair, safely cook in a kitchen that was not designed for a wheelchair – basically doing everything just a little bit lower than face level.

The first step in continuing a normal life was to purchase a van, equipped with a wheelchair lift and hand controls. Now I would have my independence back! It didn’t take long to realize that I was living in a world that was approximately 90% inaccessible to me without the assistance of at least one person

Sharon Fuller holding a baby leopard to help me with curbs, stairs, heavy doors and other barricades that were not taken into consideration when design was done.

Fortunately, due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and accommodation for all types of disability are being considered in the beginning phases of architectural design, city planning and other forms of daily living. But inevitably, some form of in-access will need to be addressed before venturing into unfamiliar territory.

Here are just a few of the things that I do before going to an area or building that is new to me.

• I go online (hopefully the business website is available) and see details about their accessibility.

For example, thick carpet can be exhausting when using a manual wheelchair.

• I Google the “street view” to look for barriers to the entrance of a building. I may even go so far as to drive by ahead of time to see if it’s accessible.

• I call the business and speak with the manager.

I ask if there is accessible parking that is well lit near the entrance? Are there automatic doors, assistance to help with my bags?

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•

If it’s a hotel is there a lip around the roll-in shower or is it flush with the floor? (I dislike doing wheelies.)

• Is there a mirror at counter level? If it’s even a few inches higher it makes it impossible to see anything but the top of my head!

• By asking questions like these in advance I can avoid a lot of difficulties and not end up trying to find another business that is accessible. Most businesses are more than happy and willing to accommodate me. I have even had the staff take photos and measurements of doorways, and decks/balconies and email them to me in case some aspect of the accessibility looks questionable. Blue-Path.org removes this laborious task and makes access to a community much easier. A simple search and I can find hotels, restaurants, stores and more that I will be confident are accessible to me.

The website, www.Blue-Path.org invites everyone to become a Pathfinder, and asks accessible businesses to add their information to Blue-Path.org Pathfinders help find what’s accessible in their neighborhoods and report back to help other Pathfinders. Businesses gain by promoting their business to a market with twice the spending power of the teen market. It’s a win-win for everyone!

BluePath welcomes new Pathfinders!

In closing, I’d like to suggest that, if possible, always carry your cell phone. You never know when you might need to call the front desk from your beautiful ocean view balcony and ask if there might be a staff person available to come help you get back into your room because you inadvertently managed to get your wheelchair lodged between two deck chairs and are unable to untangle yourself…yes that would be me! ________________________________________________ Sharon Fuller has over thirty years personal experience using a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury. Sharon is the Social Media & Web Coordinator at Disability Action Center NW. Adept in technology and providing peer support, she advocates for Independent Living by providing content for DAC’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blog and Website. She enjoys educating the general public on all things disability related and currently works from her home in Idaho.

WE CHANGE LIVES. Get the home care you need, with no out-of-pocket cost to you.

We have 12 years experience helping wartime veterans and spouses receive VA benefits to pay for home care

Call Us Today to Learn More About Our VetAssist® Program

For more information call: 888-314-6075

Stay At Home, Stay Independent At Addus, we understand the importance of remaining at home and independent. We provide quality in-home care services including, but not limited to: • Medication reminders • Personal care • Shopping and errands • Companionship • Light housekeeping

We service all of Northern Idaho.

Our trusted aides are trained and certified.

Call today to learn about in-home services for you or your loved one.

208-667-2309 Serving Families at Home Since 1979

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What is a Special Needs Trust?

By Robert Green, Esq., Kootenai Law Group, PLLC

M

ost clients have some familiarity with the concept of estate plans, probate, guardianships and many other things an elder law and estate-planning attorney does. However, one of our practice areas regularly befuddles people: a “special needs” trust.

A Special Needs Trust serves a very specific purpose: it helps recipients of certain public benefit programs remain eligible for those programs. There are some “means tested” public benefit programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other programs that vary from one state to

Areas of Practice:

• Elder Law • Probate • Wills & Trusts • Guardianships • Medicaid Eligibility • Estate Planning

Call to schedule a FREE consultation

350 E. Kathleen Ave., Ste. 300 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 208.765.6555

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another. For program eligibility purposes, a person can only qualify if his or her total available resources fall below a certain limit; “available resources” typically include both money and personal or real property.

Most often, the beneficiaries of Special Needs Trusts are persons with disabilities. How do Special Needs Trusts help people with disabilities? Because programs like Medicaid and SSI require that the participants maintain a very low level of available resources, it is quite problematic when a participant suddenly receives additional available resources, causing them to become ineligible for the programs.

This typically happens in two types of scenarios; inheritance and lawsuits.

First Scenario: Suzie has a disability and therefore receives public benefits as long as her available assets remain below a total value of $2,000. Suzie’s loving grandfather plans to leave his most prized possession to her, a small collection of fine paintings (valued at $25,000) that he and Suzie admired together as she was growing up. Upon her grandfather’s death, Suzie will receive this thoughtful and generous gift, but it will almost certainly make her ineligible to continue receiving her typical program benefits. Suzie relies on public benefits for her housing, medical care, food, utilities, etc., and those things cannot be paid with beautiful artwork, and converting assets like fine paintings into cash (and she may not want to sell them) takes time and skills that Suzie does not likely have.

While Suzie may become eligible to receive benefits again in the future, during the period of ineligibility her life can be turned upside down because of the loss of the public benefit programs.

This was certainly not the intent of her grandfather

when the inheritance was given to Suzie.

A Special Needs Trust can be established that would allow this inheritance without inadvertently causing Suzie to become ineligible for the public benefit programs upon which she relies.

Second Scenario: Simon has an automobile accident when a drunk driver crashes into him. His injuries from the accident cause Simon to become disabled and he has to use certain public benefit programs to obtain housing, medical care, food, etc., from that point on. Simon receives $50,000.00 as a settlement from the driver’s insurance to keep the matter from going to trial. Receipt of those funds will make Simon ineligible for the public benefit programs he needs. Just like Suzie in the prior example, Simon will lose those benefits at no fault of his own.

However, just like Suzie, Simon can utilize a Special Needs Trust to remain eligible for his benefit programs and the settlement funds he receives can be placed in that trust for things he may need that are not provided by the public benefit programs.

Special Needs Trusts are very useful, but they are

also very complex. Both state and federal laws and administrative rules govern the specific requirements that these trusts must meet to be effective, and those laws can change without you knowing. Do-ityourself legal work has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, creating and using Special Needs Trusts should not be attempted without knowledgeable legal counsel. Getting something wrong on a Special Needs Trust can have serious and long lasting consequences for the disabled beneficiary.

If you have questions about Special Needs Trusts, please call Kootenai Law Group at 208-765-6555, or email: Robert@KootenaiLaw.com. We are happy to provide you a free consultation to see if you or someone special to you could benefit from one of these very special types of trusts. _________________________________________________ Robert Green founded Kootenai Law Group, PLLC to offer individuals and families a trusted source for their elder law, estate planning and business planning needs. Robert is an Idaho native and is a member of the American, Idaho and Kootenai County Bar Associations, as well as the Coeur d’Alene Estate Planning Council and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

Compassionate Care …Right at Home • Skilled Nursing Services: Post-Operative Care, Diabetic Care, Pain Management, Injections & Blood Draws • Rehabilitation Services: Physical, Occupational, Speech & Respiratory Therapy • Home Health Aides Services

Visit our website to view all services: www.ReliantHealthCDA.com Call 208-665-3514 Today! Serving North Idaho Wise Guide | www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

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What our patients are saying…

“Stay at Whispering Pines because you get wonderful care!”

—Aimee Vindasius “My stay at Whispering Pines at Ivy Court made me very happy because of the sincere personal care from the employees.” —Florence Herby

“When you need a facility for yourself or a loved one, Whispering Pines at Ivy Court is a most pleasant stay. The staff are genuinely caring and kind, attentive to your every need. While there’s no place like home, it’s nice to know there is a great place like Whispering Pines at Ivy Court when a need arises. Thank you. My family and I wish you all the best!” —Beulah Reese

Our rooms… Warmly decorated private and semi-private rooms & private bath, in-room free cable service with 40” flat screen TV, private phones.

On site… Salon services, religious services, pet therapy, WiFi accessibility, enhanced dining with gourmet chef & menu, inviting family & resident lounge areas, outdoor courtyard, Bistro Café with espresso services.

How do you know who provides quality care?

Awards tell you...Whispering Pines at Ivy Court is the proud recipient of the 2014 Silver Achievement in

Quality Award from the American Health Care Association (HCA) and National Centers for Assisted Living (NCAL).

This award recognizes our achievement in demonstrating enhanced customer satisfaction and well-being, as well as high quality care and clinical outcomes. We were also recognized by US News & World Report magazine as one of the nation’s best nursing homes for 2014!

Whispering Pines at Ivy Court is a unique kind of rehabilitation retreat providing services for high acuity patients of all ages with all the comforts of home and those little “extras” to enhance your experience.

Customizing your service plan and your amenities is what makes your stay at Whispering Pines so memorable.

Wise Guide | Falld’Alene, 2015 / Spring 2016- 208.667.6486 - www.ivycourtskillednursing.com 2200 Place - Coeur ID 83814 16 Ironwood

Our customized nursing & restorative care services...

We understand that finding a center that meets your personal needs is extremely important and feeling comfortable and safe in a healing environment is the best way to recover. At our center, we believe in helping people live better by providing quality care with dignity and respect while enhancing the lives of each individual.

Our dedicated team offers a continuum of care from the time each individual is admitted, through the day they are discharged. We provide training during the patients’ stay for continuing the rehabilitation and strengthening processes at home. Specially trained nurses give instruction on how to manage ongoing medical needs and our staff educates patients on community resources available to them as well as safety considerations after returning home. The staff of our Extend to Home Program follow up regularly to see if additional assistance is needed or if there are further treatment needs after discharge.

Ivy Court is pleased to be ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Homes of 2014. We are a leading provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation solutions.

• Palliative Care Services • Cancer Recovery Services • Digestive Disease Support • Comprehensive Rehabilitative Therapies Program

• Short-Term Care • Traditional/Long-Term Care • Post-operative care • Respiratory Services • Infusion Therapies • Comprehensive Wound Care Therapies

And, we offer a variety of social and cultural activities as well as clinical & financial resource assistance.

VA contracted facility for both long-term and short-term care needs.

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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide — It’s free for everyone!

A

By Randy Simon, Director of Communications, AARP Idaho

ARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. And we want you to join us (or use us)!

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers at one site preparing 100 tax returns. It now involves more than 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.6 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. In fact, it is one of the most effective volunteer programs in America.

That could not be more true right here in Idaho.

More than 300 volunteers across the Gem State prepared more than 19,000 returns bringing back over $19M in refunds. You will find volunteers in nearly every community, including North Idaho, where we prepare returns in Athol, Bonners Ferry, Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, Post Falls, Priest River, Rathdrum and Sandpoint. That also includes parts of eastern Washington in the cities of Newport, Pullman and Clarkston. In fact, per capita, Idaho has one of the most robust Tax-Aide programs in the country.

Even though we have grown a lot, we are still all about the grassroots. You will be helping people in your own community with a much-needed service that is free, individualized and has no strings attached.

Who will you help as a volunteer?

Almost four out of five people who turn to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide are 60 or older. Household incomes are not high. For many of them, a tax refund could mean they will not have to choose between paying for groceries or medication and keeping the lights on. And just to be clear, our services are FREE and available to anyone - young or old, AARP member or not.

And just to be clear, our services are FREE and available to anyone - young or old, AARP member or not.

Who volunteers?

People like you. There is a role for everyone and believe it or not, this is a fun group of folks. People that enjoy preparing taxes must maintain a good sense of humor. How could you not?

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Good with numbers? Be a tax volunteer.

You will work with taxpayers directly; filling out tax returns and helping them seek a refund. Experience is not necessary — we will train you on the latest tax preparation forms and software.

Skilled in all things digital? Be a technology coordinator.

You will manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data security and provide technical assistance to volunteers at multiple sites.

Love working with people? Be a greeter.

You will welcome taxpayers, help organize their paperwork and manage the overall flow of service.

Want to help us get the word out? Be a communications coordinator.

You will promote AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and recruit volunteers in your community.

Have a knack for running things? Be a leadership or administrative volunteer.

Manage volunteers, make sure program operations run smoothly, track volunteer assignments and site activities, and maintain quality control.

Tax volunteers are some of the best people you will ever meet. Many have been doing this for years and years, and have built relationships with the people and communities they serve. Many come from professional backgrounds and spend their weekends or evenings doing this work. For most, it is a labor of love.

For people of any age, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the perfect volunteer opportunity that works your mind while warming your heart.

See aarp.org/taxvolunteer to sign up to be a TaxAide volunteer in your community or call me at 208855-4004 and I will put in you in touch with local volunteers in your community.

Get the joy and satisfaction of helping others by applying to join the AARP Foundation TaxAide volunteer team today! Your expertise will be appreciated more than you can imagine.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. ________________________________________________ Randy Simon is the Director of Communications for AARP Idaho. Prior to joining AARP Randy worked as a consultant for Gallatin Public Affairs and as a journalist in New Mexico. He can be reached at rsimon@aarp.org or 208-855-4004.

AARP TAX AI DE FREE for EVERYONE! You do NOT need to be any age NOR an AARP member.

From February 1st until April 15th, 2016 All facilities open at 9:00 am Locations: • The Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’Alene is a walk-in site - open Mon-Sat. Appointments are required at the following locations (Call 1-888-227-7669): • Athol Community Center - Mondays • Rathdrum Senior Center - Tues/Thurs • Post Falls Senior Center - Tues/Thurs • Lake City Center, Coeur d’Alene - Monday/Wednesday/Friday

FREE Publications

Assisted Living in Idaho Alzheimer’s Resource Directory for Idaho

Just call - 800 584-9916 during normal business hours

or view/download from our Website retirementpublishing.com > Idaho Publications

Wise Guide | www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

19

Get the Most from Your Medicare:

Using Preventive and Wellness Benefits

By Noreen Brisson, Idaho SHIBA Staff

I

t’s easier to stay well than to get well. You know this, and so does Medicare, so they cover 17 types of preventive and wellness services - most for no deductible or copay - to help you maintain and manage your health.

But Medicare is complicated, and coverage has changed over the past several years, so while these are some of the most helpful services they are also some of the most underused benefits available.

How it Works

Effective health management starts with a clear understanding of one’s current health, and a plan to maintain or improve it. Medicare offers two types of visits, at no charge to you, so you and your doctor have the information needed to develop and maintain a personal health and wellness plan. Descriptions of the visits follow:

. Save Money on Medicare Expenses . Review Health and Drug Plan Options . Get the most from your Medicare benefits . Learn what you need to know when starting Medicare

Assistance available in many Northern Idaho communities and by phone

Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 7 Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling, Workshops and Resources

For appointments and information call the SHIBA Medicare Helpline at 800-247-4422

On Facebook: Idaho SHIBA

800-247-4422

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

1. Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit – a one-time visit with your primary care provider designed to map out your health needs and create a preventive services plan to keep you healthy. It includes a physical examination, a review of your medical and social history related to your health, and education and counseling about preventive services, including certain screenings, shots and referrals for other care, if needed. To be covered by Medicare, it must be completed during the first 12 months you have Part B. When you make your appointment, tell the provider you are scheduling your “Welcome to Medicare” visit.

2. Annual Wellness Visit – a yearly visit in which your primary care provider creates or updates your personal wellness and prevention schedule based on your risk factors and health. This service is available once you’ve had Part B for more than 12 months. You will be asked to complete a “Health Risk Assessment” questionnaire that can help you and your healthcare provider develop a personalized plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. It does not include a physical examination. To be covered by Medicare, this visit cannot occur in the same 12 month period as the Welcome to Medicare or preceding Annual Wellness visits. When you make your appointment, tell the provider you are scheduling your “Annual Wellness” visit.

The results of the Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visits are used to create and update a personal five-to-ten year prevention schedule based on your risk factors and health. Your healthcare provider then refers you for tests, screenings and treatment programs based on needs identified during the visit and your preventive schedule.

Look for the Blue Apples Medicare covers 25 preventive screenings, tests and wellness programs. You pay nothing for 21 of them when your doctor refers you and they are provided in the required setting. Explanations and a tracking chart for preventive and wellness benefits are in Section 3 in

your Medicare & You handbook. To find them, look for the blue apples.

Important Notes As with all Medicare-related treatment, your doctor and other health care providers must accept assignment for these guidelines to apply.

If your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during a preventive care visit that are not covered by the benefit, you may have to pay a co-pay, and the Part B deductible may apply.

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Still Have Questions? SHIBA has Answers!

If you have questions about preventive services or other benefits, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) has trained counselors offering free, unbiased Medicare information in communities across Idaho and by phone. Information is available through its Medicare Helpline at 800-247-4422.

SHIBA, the State of Idaho’s program for the federal State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) network is a service of the Idaho Department of Insurance.

About the Department of Insurance The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to equitably, effectively and efficiently administer the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, visit www.doi.idaho.gov.

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21

Scrambler Therapy for Neuropathic Pain

by Dr. Scott Magnuson, North Idaho Pain Management

P

eripheral neuropathy affects over 20 million people in the United States. Nearly 60% of diabetics suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It is common, but what is it?

Peripheral neuropathy is a general term referring to a group of conditions that cause nerve pain.

“Peripheral” points out the fact that the condition affects the arms and/or legs. “Neuropathy” means an abnormal condition of the nerves. In this case, the abnormal condition is pain from the nerves. We all know that the nerves are essentially the highways that pain signals travel on. If we twist our ankle, it is the peripheral nerves that carry the “pain information” from our ankle to our brain. However, in the case of peripheral neuropathy it is the nerves themselves that become the source of the pain.

How does this happen? There are a number of reasons nerves become damaged or injured. Direct trauma to a nerve through an injury is one source.

Examples are when a nerve is damaged by a bone fracture, a herniated disc in the low back, or from pinching by scar tissue after a surgery. Other causes of neuropathy include certain diseases such as diabetes,

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medications (certain cancer treating drugs), alcohol abuse, and nutritional deficiencies. However, in most cases of painful peripheral neuropathy, the cause is unknown.

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed mainly by history and physical examination. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling and pain are commonly present. A physician can perform some simple tests to help confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests for vitamin B-12 levels, thyroid levels, complete blood count (CBC), and a metabolic panel should be done. Sometimes electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are needed. Most cases of peripheral neuropathy are permanent and there are no options to “cure” the cause of the neuropathy.

Treatment of pain from peripheral neuropathy can be challenging. If there is a correctable cause like a vitamin B-12 deficiency, this can be treated. In most cases, treating the symptoms of pain is all that can be done. Various medications are used to treat the pain. Anticonvulsant medications like gapabentin (Neurontin, Gralise) or pregabalin (Lyrica) are first line treatments. These medications help decrease the activity of pain nerves and often decrease the severity of the pain, but do not eliminate it. Antidepressant medications increase certain chemicals in the brain and spinal cord that help to regulate pain signals, producing pain relief. Opioid (morphine like) medications are minimally effective for nerve pain and are often associated with limiting side effects.

Topical medications like capsacin can be effective but may be hard to tolerate. Cannabinoids, one of

postherpetic neuralgia (such as shingles) and a number of other neuropathies that have not responded to the usual medication treatment.

Scrambler therapy uses different types of nerve waveforms similar to ones from our own nerves and

Initial studies have shown dramatic improvement in symptoms, as much as 90% improvement, that can last for a few months to greater than a year.

the active ingredients in THC, have shown some promise, but clinical studies are showing only mild relief and near 100% chance of side effects.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) has been shown to be helpful for neuropathy pain in some patients, but the treatment effect is very short lived.

A new therapy called “Scrambler” therapy has shown promise in helping those with severe neuropathic pain from diabetes, chemotherapy, “We honor our veterans.”

delivers them in an unique algorithm to help block pain signals. Initial studies have shown dramatic improvement in symptoms, as much as 90% improvement, that can last for a few months to greater than a year. Most often people are able to reduce or eliminate the medications they are taking for their pain. This is a non-invasive treatment with no known side effects.

Neuropathic pain can be devastating and difficult to treat for many people. Current medication treatments are often minimally helpful or are not well tolerated because of side effects. New therapies are emerging that can deliver very good pain control without those side effects and for a prolonged time.

Someone suffering from severe neuropathic pain should discuss these options with their primary care provider. _________________________________________________ Dr. Magnuson is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist with Added Qualifications in Pain Management. He is a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City Anesthesiology Residency and completed his fellowship in Pain Management at the University of California San Diego.

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23

Retirement Resources

by Cheryl Seifert, Financial Planner and Patricia Geesaman, Client Services Manager Capital Financial Consultants Group

Q

I’m nearing retirement and don’t have much savings, but I do own my home. I had hoped to stay in my home, but I’m going to need some way to generate more income than my Social Security benefits and small pension will provide. My health is decent so I can probably find some part-time work for the short term. Is selling my home the best way to support myself?

The equity in your home can be a great source of cash flow. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to sell your home to take advantage of it! If your mortgage is paid off (or close to it), a reverse mortgage might be a good option for you. Before you jump to conclusions, you should know that reverse mortgages have changed significantly since they were first introduced…and for the better. They are highly regulated to ensure they are appropriate for the prospective mortgagee. Choosing a reverse mortgage provides cash flow from your home equity and you can rest assured that no one you love will be responsible for that debt when you pass. When you sell the home or when it is sold after your death, the proceeds from the sale will pay off the mortgage and if there is equity left, it will be yours or pass on to your heirs, however designated in your estate plan. Make sure you work with a certified reverse mortgage lender if you want to go in this direction.

A

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Q

When is the best time to claim my Social Security benefits? I’m almost 62 and my husband and I are still working. We just want to make sure we don’t leave any money on the table.

Great question! Lots of variables go into strategizing when and who files first if you are married. If you’re still working, filing for your benefits before you reach “full retirement age” can subject you to having monies withheld by Social Security until you no longer have an income from employment. More important, filing at age 62 instead of waiting, means that your benefit will forever be the lower amount.

Even so, you are probably not going to be leaving money on the table because you’ll be drawing the benefit for a longer time if you file for it at a younger age. It’s a good idea to look at all the options before you make a decision, taking into account your cash flow needs and any other retirement income you may have. Understanding the best options for your situation should be part of your overall financial planning process.

A

Q

I started saving for retirement early, but lost a good portion of my portfolio when the economy crashed in 2008. It’s slowly been rebuilding, but I haven’t made any adjustments in quite a while. How

often should I change the mix of investments in my retirement account and how do I plan in order to make it last as long as I need it?

We recommend an annual financial checkup just as you would have an annual physical! As you get older, certain preventative measures are suggested by your physician. The same goes for your fiscal health.

At certain age milestones, it’s good to stop, reassess where you are in terms of career, earning power, when you plan to retire, and how much savings you will need to make that possible. Revisiting this every year helps you stay on track…even when it’s necessary to adjust your tack for unexpected opportunities or obstacles. Investments that were appropriate in your 40’s, may not be the best as you near retirement age. Work with your financial advisor to clarify your goals and quantify your resources. We take our clients through the step-by-step creation of their personalized Retirement Income Strategy that utilizes different components of their income resources to provide steady, reliable cash flow for expenses while still growing for future income needs.

A

Coeur d’Alene’s Only Comprehensive Pain Management Center.

Our patients have access to two fellowship-trained interventional pain physicians and a multidisciplinary team.

Want to know more about these topics or have other questions on your mind? Give us a call! _________________________________________________ * Cheryl Seifert, CFP® Financial Planner With a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a Master’s from the University of Santa Monica, Cheryl has lived in Southern California, Northern California and Northern Idaho. She brings 23 years’ experience to the Capital Financial Consultants Group team, helping her clients create investment strategies that are aligned with their goals. * Patricia Geesaman, Client Services Manager Patricia Geesaman joined the firm in June, 2013 and brings over 20 years’ experience in operations and administrative management, marketing, executive coaching and client services to her position at Capital Financial Consultants Group. She works side-byside with the advisory team serving clients in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and California from the Sandpoint, Idaho office.

Advisory services offered through Capital Financial Consultants Group, a registered investment advisor. Registered principal offering securities through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG). Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Financial Consultants Group and IFG are unaffiliated entities. OSJ Branch Office: 12671 High Bluff Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92130.

Capital Financial Consultants Group, Inc. is based in Poway, California with offices in Sandpoint, Idaho and San Juan Capistrano, California. The firm specializes in comprehensive financial planning, personal investment management, retirement income strategies and company retirement plans. We are an independent firm and custom-tailor our advice to the unique needs and circumstances of each and every client we are privileged to serve.

Scott Magnuson, M.D.

Jessica Jameson, M.D.

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• Arthritis • Botox for Migraines • Cancer-related Pain • Neck and Back Pain • Compression Fractures • Peripheral Neuropathy • Spinal Stenosis

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25

Caregivers Should Ask: “AM I DEPRESSED?”

By P.J. Christo RN, MS – Outreach Coordinator Alzheimer’s Association, Inland Northwest Chapter

S

tudies show us that depression in caregivers is quite common. Typically, caregivers in general have a higher incidence of depression than the general population and not surprisingly, caregivers for people with dementia have the highest rates of depression overall. Depression often coincides with increased stress levels. And unfortunately, for some reason, stress doesn’t motivate us to take better care of ourselves but rather it tends to do the opposite.

During stressful times, people’s health habits change. Rather than exercising, consuming

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nutritionally rich foods, and reaching out for support from friends and family, stressed caregivers tend to become more sedentary, eat poorly, and often become isolated. Interestingly, men either drink more alcohol or watch more television while women exercise less and eat more junk food. These resultant behaviors more often than not, make one feel worse rather than better! The short term ‘relief’ obtained by neglecting self care and increasing the frequency of poor selfindulgent health habits is tragically outweighed by the long-term consequences. If your health, as a caregiver becomes compromised, who will care for the one you’re caring for?

It is only human to be tempted to indulge when stressed, whether indulging means more frequent servings of ice cream, laying on the couch rather than going for a walk, or watching more TV. And certainly, caregivers do not need to be scolded into eating only nutritious food, consume no alcohol or caffeine, and begin a rigorous exercise regimen! Yet, it is important to begin to think of your own needs while simultaneously thinking of your care receiver’s needs.

Items on your own list of needs might include: • Time to exercise because your body deserves it • Obtaining quality rest • Consuming nutritious healthy food • Helping your own emotional well-being by having a little fun

about you, please take them seriously! When your emotional pain overshadows all pleasure and you cannot enjoy activities you previously enjoyed, it is time to seek treatment. Depression is a change in YOU. Depression is treatable. And whether treatment is with antidepressants, talk therapy, or a combination – treated depression often has good results! ________________________________________________ A Chicago native, PJ Christo received a BA Education and BS Nursing from Southern Illinois University, and a MS in Physiology from the University of Arizona. PJ worked many years as an RN in hospitals, a Charge Nurse in Neurology at Letterman Army Medical Center, and ICU at the VA San Francisco. In 1997 she became employed by the Alzheimer’s Association and coordinates support groups, answers the helpline, presents educational programs, does care consultations and assists with fundraising for Alzheimer’s disease - a National epidemic and defining disease of the Baby Boomers. Her duties encompass the greater Spokane region, all of northern Idaho from Lewiston/Clarkston Valley to Montana and to the Canadian border and the Palouse. The satisfaction of helping families in her community is what keeps her uplifted, determined, and encouraged.

Following through with your specific needs diligently is not only good for you, but also for your care receiver. You will have more energy, feel better, and ultimately be able to better care for them.

If you are already doing these things but cannot muster the energy to take care of yourself in these ways and still feel “down in the dumps,” seriously consider getting professional help. Although it is relatively normal to feel ‘down’ at times, if any of the following behaviors or feelings are pervasive for two weeks or longer, please seek outside help: • Sleep difficulties • Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities • Fatigue/loss of energy – even after a good night’s sleep • Pervasive sadness • Appetite changes • Abnormal restlessness (nervous energy) • Low self-esteem • Decreased concentration and/or difficulty with decision making • Preoccupation with thoughts of suicide

There is no one sign but rather a cluster of symptoms that requires treatment in depression.

Seeking help for depression is really a sign of strength rather than weakness. Often we cannot recognize these signs in ourselves. If friends or family are concerned

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27

Everyone Knows the Duck!

by Kathleen Bradley, Bradley Insurance

A

s Independent Representatives of AFLAC, it is our responsibility to help people understand the most mis-understood product on the market.

Everyone recognizes the AFLAC duck, but few actually understand what AFLAC does for you as an individual, as an employer, and as a healthcare provider.

In today’s Health Care Reform environment, it is more crucial than ever to know how this product works and why you need it as an individual, why employers are finding it as a necessity to offer it to their employees, why retirees keep their plans even after they have left the job market and why healthcare providers are glad to see individuals have another source that may assist with those high deductibles the majority of people are having to contend with.

I started Bradley Insurance to represent the AFLAC product line because I was a single mother most of my life, struggling from paycheck to paycheck. I survived the loss of my fiancé in a tragic accident when I was 34, and he was the major bread winner for our family.

Single and two-parent families struggle today with this same financial burden. My daughter, Quinnette, joined me shortly after I educated her as to what the AFLAC products do because she knew from her childhood, and more recently the death of her father (from Pancreatic Cancer), the financial struggles her step-mother went through. She saw how these products could have made a difference for her and her step-sister, and more importantly her father while he was still alive.

That’s why the team at Bradley Insurance is trained to be educators and not sales people; because we don’t have to sell you, we just have to help you understand what the products do, what the minimal costs are, and then you can make an educated decision as to whether the products are right for you.

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In a world where most families have less than $1,000 in a savings account for medical emergencies, it’s no wonder there are so many bankruptcies attributed to medical debt. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pay your bills and not have to worry about where you are going to come up with the money to help pay those co-payments or high deductibles?

As an employer, offering these products reduces the stress for employees allowing them to be more focused during health crisis events, which equates to more productivity at work when their financial burdens are reduced.

My mother, who is 79, continually asks, “Why didn’t you sell me AFLAC while I was still working?”

There have been several times she could have used our accident product that would have helped meet the financial burdens of her limited income. And these policies are portable, which means you can take them with you after you leave the workforce.

As a health care provider, knowing there is another source of financial support when a patient is going to be out of work, offers the security that the services provided have a higher chance of getting paid quickly rather than on an installment basis.

Bradley Insurance offers products to individuals, groups through employers, associations, unions, as well as to state and federal employees.

The best part of our day is to hear how AFLAC and Bradley Insurance has made a difference and how those who have AFLAC, will never give up their policies because of the difference it has made to them. In the two years since I opened the doors of Bradley Insurance, it has been these testimonials that continue to motivate us to do what we do. _________________________________________________ Kathleen Bradley, an Idaho native, spent 20+ years in the mortgage industry in Pennsylvania while caring for her father in-law and raising her family. She returned to Idaho to be close to her mother in 2011 opening Bradley Insurance in 2013, serving residents of North Idaho, Eastern Washington, Western Montana.

Kathleen is Area Director for the Spokane, Spokane Valley, Northern Idaho BNI (Business Networking International), Board Member of Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue, and Committee Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

You can’t predict it. But you can help protect it.

Aflac is insurance that helps cover expenses major medical doesn’t. It pays cash benefits directly to you.* It provides predetermined benefits that are paid regardless of any other insurance you have. And it fits most budgets—rates don’t go up when you file a claim. Learn how we’ve got you covered under our wing.

The Bradley Insurance Team Independent Representatives of AFLAC

kathleen_bradley@us.aflac.com quinnette_tarbert@us.aflac.com shawn_mcglothen@us.aflac.com

208-265-1888 476653 Highway 95, Suite 3, Ponderay, ID 83852 Serving, Idaho, Washington and Montana

* Benefits are paid directly to you, unless assigned otherwise.

Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Group coverage is underwritten by Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated. CAIC is not licensed to solicit business in New York, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. For groups situated in California, group coverage is underwritten by Continental American Life Insurance Company. For individual coverage in New York or coverage for groups situated in New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Wise Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Georgia 31999Guide

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29

10 Signs a Loved One Should Stop Driving

By Connie Matthiessen, Caring.com Senior Editor

I

f your aging parent or other family member is like most people, the decision to stop driving is likely to be a wrenching one. It raises daunting practical problems (How am I going to get to the doctor? What about my weekly outings for dinner and a movie?).

It also represents another loss at a time of life already buffeted by major losses -- of independence, health, and lifelong friends and loved ones.

For practical and emotional reasons, then, giving up driving is a transition that everyone involved wishes to put off as long as possible. It’s no wonder that many adult children and spouses say that taking away the car keys was among the hardest things they ever had to do.

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Older drivers: increased risk

Still, if you have concerns about a family member’s driving ability, it’s vital not to ignore them. Many seniors are able to drive safely well into their 80s and even early 90s, but it’s also common for elderly people to have vision and hearing problems, slowed reaction times, and illnesses that can jeopardize their ability to drive safely.

According to a report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the rate of accidents per mile of driving increases steadily for drivers 65 and older. More worrisome still, drivers 80 and older have higher crash death rates than any other group except teenage drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. (One reason: Older drivers are physically more frail than other drivers and thus more likely to die in a crash.)

But it’s important not to urge a

Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

family member to stop driving until you’re convinced he’s dangerous behind the wheel. Experts agree that age alone is not a predictor for poor driving skills. And older drivers actually cause fewer motorist and pedestrian deaths than drivers of any other age group, according to John Eberhard, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Older Driver Research Program. Eberhard also gives seniors high marks for driving safety: They’re more likely than other drivers to wear seat belts, for example, and less likely to drink and drive. In addition, seniors drive much less than younger drivers, so the total number of accidents is lower.

How can you tell when the time has come for someone to stop driving? Caring.com has developed guidelines that will help you avoid being an alarmist, while also

realizing when the time has arrived that driving is no longer a safe activity for the person in your care.

The following factors should not rule out driving, but they can elevate risk and warrant monitoring: • Health conditions. Physical and mental impairments that accompany aging, from Parkinson’s disease to dementia, can compromise driving agility and judgment. If you have questions about someone’s ability to drive given his health problems, consult with his physicians, if possible, and raise the issue of driving safety. (Keep in mind that his physician can’t talk to you without his permission, unless you have power of attorney.)

• Vision impairment. Vision is obviously a key component of driving ability. In fact, according to Elizabeth Dugan, author of The Driving Dilemma, “90 percent of the information needed to drive safely relates to the ability to see clearly.” From accurately reading the speedometer to detecting pedestrians on the side of the road, good driving requires good eyesight. But deterioration in vision is an inevitable effect of aging; in people 75 and older, vision impairment rates increase significantly, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As the eye ages, far less light reaches the retina, for one thing. Older eyes are also more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems that impair vision. Encourage your family member to have regular eye exams, and check in with his eye doctor if you have concerns.

• Hearing impairment. Few people age without some deterioration in their hearing. In fact, onethird of those over 65 have hearing problems.

Hearing loss can happen gradually, without realizing it, and undermine his ability to hear horns, screeching tires, sirens, and other sounds that would normally put someone on high alert.

Make sure the person in your care has regular hearing tests.

• Prescription drug use and drug interactions.

Many drugs can compromise driving ability by causing drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, tremors, or other side effects. Certain drugs taken in combination can also interact and cause serious problems. If your family member takes a lot of pills each day, as many elderly people do, educate yourself about the drugs and possible side effects.

Even herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications can affect driving ability. Talk to your family member’s physicians and pharmacist, and be sure to ask about possible drug interactions.

• Alcohol abuse. Drinking and driving is always a dangerous combination; add old age to the mix and you have a disaster waiting to happen. As people age, alcohol remains in the system longer and tolerance declines. Also, elderly folks are likely to be on medication, which can exacerbate the effects of alcohol. Given these risks, and the difficulty of gauging exactly how much alcohol will impair an individual’s driving, Elizabeth Dugan’s advice is simple: “If you drink, don’t drive. Period.”

If you suspect that your family member is drinking and driving, don’t wait to take action.

Watch for these signs of a dangerous driver: •

• •

• •

• • • • • •

Find out if his auto insurance rates have increased recently or if he’s received traffic tickets or warnings.

Check to see if his car has new dents or nicks.

Pay attention if he’s reluctant to drive at night, seems tense or exhausted after driving, or complains of getting lost.

Discreetly check in with his friends and neighbors and ask if they’ve noticed any driving problems.

When you accompany your family member on an errand or an outing, encourage him to take the wheel and look for these signs of driving problems: Does he fasten his seat belt?

Does he sit comfortably at the wheel, or does he crane forward or show signs of discomfort?

Does he seem tense and preoccupied, or easily distracted?

Is he aware of traffic lights, road signs, pedestrians, and the reactions of other motorists?

Does he often tailgate or drift toward the oncoming lane or into other lanes?

Does he react slowly or with confusion in unexpected situations?

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31

The New Normal... Understanding & Navigating Mental Health & Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options

By Lynn Russell, LCSW, ACSW, QP, Rathdrum Counseling Center, LLC

It’s time to take steps to a better life…

DRUG, ALCOHOL & DUI EVALUATIONS COURT ACCEPTED TREATMENT GROUP OUTPATIENT SERVICES • Full Outpatient Psychiatric and Mental Health Services • Outpatient Treatment & Medication for Opioid Addiction • Comprehensive Employer Assistance Services also available • Medicaid, Most Insurances, BPA, Private Pay w/Sliding Scale Fees

Rathdrum Counseling Center, LLC 208-687-0538 14954 Coeur d’Alene St. Rathdrum, ID

www.rathdrumcounseling.com

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

T

he ACA, OPTUM, Medicaid, BPA, True Blue…… arghhhh! What do I do? How do we access the services that we need, and use? Will my counselor still be able to see me? My family? My child? Help!

As many are aware, the vast and at times confusing changes in our health care system can inhibit folks from seeking help. Since the adoption of the Affordable Health Care Act, Idaho has made many changes in how our health care system works, and how it impacts the people who are in need of accessible Mental Health treatment options and services. The impact has been very trying, and even tragic to some, as many programs were reduced or cut from the system of care we have been historically provided prior to this new age health care delivery system.

We are here for you, for your family, and for your child. Know that you can continue to seek and secure Mental Health services, but the process may

be different to get there. For example, you can call your mental health provider and ask them, “Can I still qualify for CBR services for myself and/or child?”

The answer is most likely, “Yes!” If you have received these services in the past, you will probably qualify for them again. However, the process to get there is a bit more complex. First, you must attend a confidential intake screening. At that time your intake specialist will determine the program and level of care you may need. For basic counseling services, OPTUM has not cut access to that program. In fact, they encourage individual, family, and/or couples counseling as a first option for treatment. Depending on the current problem you or your family is facing determines the level of care you qualify for. CBR services are still

You may wonder if you can still use your Medicaid insurance (OPTUM) for your outpatient substance use treatment services. The answer again is, “Yes!” available, but they require a ‘prior authorization’ from OPTUM, and depend on several factors to be approved for them. This may include your current mental health diagnosis, if and how long you have been receiving CBR in the past (and did it help?), and other factors. That does not mean you won’t be approved for them, it just means we both have to work a bit harder to achieve that level of care based on medical necessity at the time.

You may wonder if you can still use your Medicaid insurance (OPTUM) for your outpatient substance use treatment services. The answer again is, “Yes!” This level of care (outpatient) is approved

by OPTUM without a prior authorization for most of

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the outpatient services under this program. The same process occurs for you – call for your confidential intake screening, determine the level of need, and be approved for services. You must be sure you are receiving this treatment from a Qualified Professional in the field of Substance Use Disorder Treatment, so asking questions of the provider to ensure they have the credentials for this treatment level is a must.

At Rathdrum Counseling Center, LLC, we are committed to providing updated and accessible outpatient services to all who seek our support, and we will assist you in navigating the changes to ensure accessibility to our services when eligible.

We remain as committed as ever to continue to provide professional outpatient treatment options, including individual, family, and couples counseling, Community-Based Rehabilitative Services, Target Case Management, Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Group treatment services, MAT – Medication Assisted Treatment, Anger Evaluations, and Court approved evaluations, treatment, and services.

Fearing the new policies and procedures will only foster barriers to accessing the help and treatment you deserve, so feel free to visit our clinic, inquire about our services, and meet our professional staff to discuss your treatment options. We welcome you! Visit our website to learn more at www.rathdrumcounseling. com or contact us at 208-687-0538 to schedule your confidential intake screening. _________________________________________________ Rathdrum Counseling Center, LLC, was founded in January 2007. The mission and vision of RCC was to be a ‘one-stop clinic’ that meets the needs of those who seek Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment services under one roof. Staff at RCC are licensed Social Workers, SUD Qualified Professionals, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Physicians, and bachelor level practitioners.

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Improving Communication

By J. Bradley, Editor

O

ften, one of the most frustrating challenges we face as our parents age is communicating our concerns about their health, whether it be physical, mental or financial. The dynamics of the parent/child relationship (you being the child) do not change. They still see you as their child and it’s their job to see to your needs. They don’t particularly like to hear what you think they should do when they have needs. Nor do they like the fact that you might notice they are having problems. Hence a bigger problem - they don’t tell you they are having any issues, and often, you are literally the last to know because they “didn’t want to worry you.”

The first hurdle is to establish a basis of trust from which to communicate. Love is a good place to start.

A heart to heart conversation about aging (yours and theirs), how much you care about them and their well being, and your need to talk about these things.

(Remember, they see you as the child whose needs are to be met, so let’s use that knowledge - it’s about your needs, not theirs.”

Many people think they are good listeners.

Are you? Do you listen to the entire story, hear everything they say without thinking about what you want to say and interrupting them to express your thoughts? Being a good listener means

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waiting until they say whatever they are trying to say without interruption of any kind. No help, no interjecting your thoughts along the way, simply giving them the time with your full attention to enable them to feel like they have actually been heard, completely, the whole story.

Listen openly and digest what they have said, when they have finished, perhaps rephrase it in your own words so it’s clear to them (and you) that you truly have heard what they said and do understand their concerns. You will get your chance to explain

Four words to take out of your vocabulary: Always, Never, But & Why. your thoughts, however, this is not intended to be advice on effective arguing. If you learn of their concerns, with courteous and respectful listening, don’t be in a big hurry to reply. Maybe you should think about it a while. This is not the time to disagree or you will defeat the trust you’ve built. Depending on how sensitive the subject is, you could even say, “I’ve heard what you say, and I understand this to be your

meaning (state what you understand) and I need some time to think about all this. Can we talk about it a bit more later? When can we talk more about this?” This last question is a commitment to respond in a specific amount of time. It also gives you time to think about their thoughts, your thoughts, and perhaps do some research into the topic. Being prepared with more information is always good and leads to much more positive outcomes. Sometimes, talking about a sensitive subject is easier when utilizing a third person as an example. This removes the word “you” from the discussion, which is like jabbing a finger at them. Let’s just say you’re concerned about them living alone. Do you know of anyone or any circumstance where an older person is living alone? What are the issues that person deals with? What were their outcomes? What does your parent/loved one think about that person living alone; what works, what doesn’t? This gives you insight into their own fears and allows you to ask, “What would you do then?” or, “What do you think they should do/have done?” Then, on another day, pick a different topic and learn what they think about it. You will glean a great deal of useful information.

Four words to take out of your vocabulary: Always, Never, But & Why. Remove these words from most sentences and you will receive a much better response from people.

You always … nobody always does or always thinks anything.

You never … nobody never does or never thinks something.

(Besides, how does anyone ever really know what someone thinks or doesn’t think?)

But … negates or contradicts the first part of the sentence: “It’s a nice day, but I wish it would stop raining.” This means you are complaining about the rain. “I like it, but…..” means you don’t really like it, you prefer something else. “I agree with you, but I think….” really means you disagree!

Why … Asking why someone did or thought something is considered a challenge; you are essentially asking them to justify their thoughts or actions. If you want to understand why they did or said something, say these phrases instead: “What brings you to that conclusion? What was your reasoning when you said or did that? How did you come to that point?

What are your reasons?”

Lastly, people hate silence. Do not fill the void. Ask a question and WAIT for an answer. Silence will wear on them and they will reply — IF you give them time.

And, if you put words in their mouth, i.e., help them with their answer like, “Do you mean X or do you think Y?” their answer won’t be in their words, it will be in yours. If they originate the answer, it’s in their words, from their heart and their mind, not yours and you will get their perspective. Isn’t that what you want?

Your guesses are not helpful and they will not be their words. It will be something YOU said, not them!

This takes practice and making a serious effort to take time to think before talking. The results will prove it’s worth the effort.

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Main Clinic: 208-772-7760 • 8836 N. Hess, Ste C, Hayden Newport Newport Community Hospital 714 Pine Street W., Newport

Silver Valley 858 Commerce Dr., Ste 100 Smelterville

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Sandpoint 1210 Washington Street Sandpoint

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Emergency Planning Assistance (For IDAHO residents only)

By Krista Kramer, DAC Northwest

T

his is emergency planning and alerting system information for Idaho folks with disabilities, especially those in outlying areas. Please help people put some thought into being ready if an emergency occurs.

While the wildfires have had people’s attention, we want to encourage everyone, and especially people who have disabilities, to make an emergency plan that takes your unique circumstances into account. We know several people who have had to evacuate already and know some who have been near fires that they didn’t know were happening.

One step in emergency preparedness is signing up for the Idaho State Alert and Warning System. This alert system will send weather, fire, and other emergency information directly to your cell phone, land line, e-mail, pager, or even specialty communication device.

It allows you to register your contact information (especially important for those who do not have land lines) as a person with special needs, where it will be available to first-responders. Caregiver information can be included, as well as information about your condition, such as evacuation assistance needed. www.isaws.org.

A good resource for more information on emergency preparedness is: www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/897 www.disability.gov/resource/disability-govs-guideemergency-preparedness-disaster-recovery/

Fire information maps can be found at: www.geomac.gov/viewer/viewer.shtml

If you have questions concerning developing

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your emergency backup plan, what/how to pack a preparedness bag, how to create a buddy system, creating a map of escape routes through your home or neighborhood, or technology to improve your safety, give us a call at Disability Action Center - 208-883-0523 (Moscow) and 208-664-9896 (Dalton Gardens). We will be more than happy to assist you wherever we can.

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VA Expands Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure

T

he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a new regulation on June 18, 2015 that expands eligibility for some benefits for a select group of Air Force Veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand (ORH).

This regulation allows VA to begin providing benefits to eligible Air Force veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who submit a disability compensation claim for any of the 14 medical conditions determined by VA to be related to exposure to Agent Orange.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald made the decision to expand benefits following receipt of a 2015 report by

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the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) on Post-Vietnam Dioxin Exposure in Agent Orange-Contaminated C-123 Aircraft. This VA-requested report found evidence that as many as 1,500 to 2,100 Air Force and Air Force Reserve personnel who served as flight, medical and ground maintenance crew members on ORH C-123 aircraft previously used to spray Agent Orange in Vietnam were exposed to the herbicide.

“Opening up eligibility for this deserving group of Air Force veterans and reservists is the right thing to do,” said Secretary McDonald. “We thank the IOM for its thorough review that provided the supporting evidence needed to ensure we can now fully compensate any former crew member who develops an Agent Orange-related disability.”

Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Under this new rule, Air Force and Air Force Reserve flight, medical and ground maintenance crew members who served on the contaminated ORH C-123s are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides during their service, thus making it easier for them to establish entitlement for some VA benefits if they develop an Agent Orange-related presumptive condition. In addition, for affected Air Force Reserve crew members, VA will presume that their Agent Orange-related condition had its onset during their Reserve training. This change ensures that these reservists are eligible for VA disability compensation and medical care for any Agent Orangerelated presumptive condition, and that their surviving dependents are eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation and burial benefits.

The interim final rule can be found on the Federal Register: www.federalregister.gov/public- inspection. VA will immediately begin processing claims and issuing benefits to eligible Air Force crew members.

VA encourages reservists who were assigned to flight, ground or medical crew duties at Lockbourne/ Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Ohio (906th and 907th Tactical Air Groups or 355th and 356th Tactical Airlift Squadron), Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts (731st Tactical Air Squadron and 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron) or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, International Airport ( 758th Airlift Squadron) during the period 1969 to 1986, and developed an Agent Orange-related disability to file a disability compensation claim online through the joint VA Department of Defense web portal, eBenefits (https:// www.ebenefits.va.gov/).

VA also has identified several active duty locations where ORH C-123 aircraft may have been used following their service in Vietnam. Active duty personnel who served in a regular USAF unit location where a contaminated C-123 was assigned and who had regular and repeated contact with the aircraft through flight, ground or medical duties

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during the period 1969 to 1986, and who develop an Agent Orange-related disability, also are encouraged to apply for benefits. For more information on applying for these benefits, including the affected units, Air Force Specialty Codes and dates of service for affected crew members, and a listing of Agent Orange-related conditions, visit www.benefits.va.gov/ COMPENSATION/claims-postservice-agent_orange.asp.

Contact your Local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to learn more and for assistance in filing a claim - it will be MUCH easier.

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Veterans Benefits and Long-Term Care Planning

by Jeffery J. Crandall, Attorney at Law, Crandall Law Group

T

here are currently over 25 million veterans and over 9 million surviving spouses of veterans living in the United States. Many of these individuals are receiving long-term care or will need some type of long-term care in the near future, and funds are available from the Veterans Administration (“VA”) to help pay for that care. Unfortunately, many

SKIP THE SEMINAR! Schedule a complimentary consultation.

income and assets. The amount of the benefit varies, and additional amounts are available if the veteran or surviving spouse requires the assistance of another person to perform activities of daily living, is VA Pension blind or nearly blind, or is a patient

The Pension benefit is a in a nursing home. This enhanced monthly cash payment to wartime veterans (or their surviving spouses) benefit, often referred to as “Aid who meet active duty and discharge and Attendance” offers the highest possible monthly payment. Current requirements, are either 65 or Pension amounts with an Aid and older or disabled, and have limited Attendance allowance are: up to $1,788 per month for an unmarried veteran, up to $2,120 a month for a married veteran, and up to $1,149 a month for a surviving spouse (with additional payments available if dependent children are present in the home). of those who are eligible have no idea that any such benefits exist for them or that an attorney could help them become eligible.

We offer complimentary consultations for Estate Planning and most other matters. So don’t sit through a seminar with a bunch of strangers ... get personalized information from an experienced estate planning attorney in your own, private consultation. To learn about protecting your wealth and loved ones with a Will or Trust, call today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

• Estate Planning (Wills and Trusts) • Asset Protection • Medicaid and VA Benefits Planning • Probate and Estate Administration • Gun Trusts • Business Entities (Corporations, LLCs)

• Purchase, Merger, or Sale of a Business • Business Succession Planning • General Business Counsel • Real Estate and Business Transactions

Call us today!

Jeff Crandall

Ryan Crandall

8596 Wayne Drive, Suite B, Hayden, ID | 208.772.7111 crandalllawgroup.com

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Eligibility

To qualify for Pension, the veteran must meet the following general requirements: • At least 90 days of active military service, 1 day of which was during a wartime period; and if the veteran entered active duty after September 7, 1980, service of at least 24 months or the full period for which called to active duty (there are exceptions to this rule); AND • Discharge from service under conditions other than dishonorable; AND

• Age 65 or older OR permanently and totally disabled

Asset and Income Requirements

In addition, the veteran must meet financial eligibility requirements regarding net worth and income. Generally, a married veteran and spouse should have no more than $80,000 in assets (less for a single veteran or surviving spouse), which includes retirement assets but excludes a home and vehicle.

However, the $80,000 limit is a guideline only, not a hard rule. The VA looks at a claimant’s total net worth, life expectancy, income, and medical expenses to determine eligibility and the amount of the monthly benefit. A veteran’s income can be offset by reoccurring medical expenses (such as in-home care or nursing home expenses) to maximize the benefit.

Qualification Strategies

Veterans who are over the income or asset limits may still be able to qualify by divesting interests from their estates. Unlike Medicaid, the VA does not currently impose a look-back or penalty period for gifts. Accordingly, Irrevocable Trusts may be used to establish eligibility and can even be set up in a way that preserves tax exemptions and capital gains

exclusions on a home. However, one must use caution when considering a gifting strategy for VA qualification since it may cause a period of ineligibility for Medicaid. The client’s advisors should work together to determine the best combination of strategies that will allow the veteran to qualify for the Pension without being disqualified from Medicaid down the road.

What to do?

Time is of the essence for veterans or surviving spouses who may be eligible for Pension benefits.

Currently, there are proposed changes to VA regulations that would implement a 3-year look back period for gifts, making now the best time to plan for VA benefits. If you or someone you know may be eligible for VA benefits, contact the Crandall Law Group today for a complimentary consultation. _________________________________________________ Jeff Crandall is a business and estate planning attorney with over 29 years of experience in business, tax, estate planning, elder law and business succession planning.

He is licensed in Idaho, Washington and California and has been practicing in the Coeur d’Alene area for over 20 years. Jeff loves helping people solve problems and, whenever possible, helping them to avoid problems in the first place.

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This page brought to you by:

We Salute Our Veterans . . .

VA Resources Medical Center (VA Hospital) - 800-325-7940 4815 N. Assembly St., Spokane, WA Transportation to Spokane VA Veterans needing transportation to appointments at the VA Hospital in Spokane, call 509-434-7019 — 72 hours in advance to get on the manifest. Must be ambulatory. If not, they will make other arrangements for you.

Routes and Schedules: Noxon Van: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Noxon, Bull River Junction, Clark Fork, Hope, Sandpoint, LaClede, Priest River, Newport, Diamond Lake, Chattaroy, Spokane VA. Libby Van: Tuesdays and Thursdays Libby, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, LaClede, Priest River, Newport, Diamond Lake, Chattaroy, Spokane VA.

Outreach Centers VA Outreach Center 509-444-VETS(8387) 13109 East Mirabeau Pkwy, Spokane Valley, WA www.vetcenter.va.gov M-Th 7 am - 6:30 pm, Friday 7 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday by Appointment only.

Mobile Vet Center - “Leave No Vet Behind!”

We come to you! FREE benefits services and counseling. Serving N. Idaho, Washington, Northeast Oregon and Northwest Montana with our Mobile Vet Center.

Schedule: Sandpoint VFW 2nd & 4th Thursdays, Colville, WA VFW every other Friday, North Idaho College, Coeur D’Alene 1st & 3rd Wednesdays.

‘If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him.’

—Infantry Journal

“If you are a Veteran....Thank you!

If you are not a Veteran...Thank one!

Mobile Medical Clinic & Homeless Outreach Program Every Monday: St. Vincent de Paul HELP Center, 201 E. Harrison, CdA, 1-3 pm 1st & 3rd Monday: The Altar Church, 901 E. Best Ave., CdA, 3-6 pm Every Tuesday: Fresh Start, 1524 E. Sherman, CdA, 8 am-12 noon & 2nd Street Commons, 405 N. 2nd St., CdA, 1-3 pm Kalispell Vet Center 690 N. Meridian Rd., Suite 101, Kalispell, MT 406-257-7308 or 877-927-8387 Missoula Vet Center 500 N. Higgins Ave., Suite 202, Missoula, MT 406-721-4918 Need to talk to someone NOW? Combat Call Center: 1-877-927-8987 (WAR-VETS) Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 Confidential Online Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

CBOC’s and Rural Health Clinics Sandpoint Veterans’ Clinic 208-263-0450 Hwy 200, Ponderay (inside Kaniksu Health Services) Coeur d’Alene CBOC 208-665-1700 915 W. Emma Ave., Coeur d’Alene Libby Veterans Clinic 406-293-8711 211 E. 2nd Street, Libby, MT Kalispell CBOC 406-758-2700 Three Mile Professional Bldg.

31 Three Mile Dr., Ste. 102, Kalispell, MT Missoula CBOC 406-493-3700 2687 Palmer St., Ste. C, Missoula, MT Colville Rural Health Clinic 509-684-3701 1200 E. Columbia, Colville, WA

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

This page brought to you by:

“For their valiant courage in defending the cause of freedom, we honor our Veterans.”

‘Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword, obviously never encountered automatic weapons.’

—General MacArthur

Online Resources www.va.gov/homeless Each VA medical center has a homeless coordinator and programs that help veterans establish or maintain safe, stable housing. Call VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 1-877-424-3838, 24 hours, 7 days a week. www.oefoif.va.gov Toll-free line and website that provide information about health care, dental care, education and other benefits for OEF/OIF/OND veterans. 1-877-222-8387 www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace A toolkit that supports veterans seeking work and also helps employers support their employees who are veterans and members of the Reserve and National Guard. www.ptsd.va.gov VA’s center of excellence for research and education on the prevention, understanding and treatment of PTSD. 1-802-296-6300 www.caregiver.va.gov Provides support for caregivers of veterans and information about services that may be available to them. 1-855-260-3274

PAGE 9

wednesday, september 18, 2013

You helped your country.

Now it’s time to help yourself.

The Veterans Health Council wants you and your family to know that your military service may be the cause of health problems you are experiencing today—and may entitle you to medical care and compensation.

Visit www.veteranshealth.org to learn more about the health risks and issues associated with military duty as well as the medical and financial support available to you.

StoryCorps StoryCorps’ mission is to provide people of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, preserve, and share their stories. Each week, millions of Americans listen to StoryCorps’ awardwinning broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition.

For more information StoryCorps Military Voices: storycorps.org/military-voices StoryCorps Outloud: storycorps.org/outloud

The Veterans Health Council is a program of Vietnam Veterans of America

Creative assistance provided by The Segal Company, a national benefits, HR, and compensation consulting firm.

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This page brought to you by:

With respect, dignity, pride, integrity and compassion, we honor Veterans.

Are You Listening to Me? Local Hearing The Hearing Center offers FREE hearing test, hearing aid cleaning and adjusting to veterans regardless where you got your hearing aids. Call today: Deer Park 509-276-8859.

Toll Free 1-844-Eargeek (844-327-4335) eargeek.com Not Local? Hearing Benefits Mutual, VFW and Veteran’s Care Plus offer discounted hearing aids and free services to veterans and their families without access to hearing care through the VA. FREE professional hearing exams and savings up to 60% off leading brand hearing aids. Call 888-802-3141 to set up free appointment. www.hearingbenefitsmutual.com Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides resources, referrals and essential personal and household items to veterans, active military and Gold Star families. Clothing, furniture, housewares and other essentials items donated by the community and offered FREE to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. No income eligibility requirements or proof of need necessary. Please contact us: 147 E. Aqua Circle, Dalton Gardens, ID - 208-610-6996 www.newby-ginnings.org Veterans’ Caregivers Support Group Helps CAREGIVERS of veterans with dementia, PTSD, Alzheimer’s & any related conditions.

Held the 1st Thursday of each month from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the American Legion Post 143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls Contact: Connie Clark 769-9560, Mary Thomas 208-964-9357, Alzheimer’s Association: 208-666-2996

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

What is a Quilt of Valor®?

A Quilt of Valor® is a “Thank You” from all of us for your service and sacrifice. Each QOV Awarded comes with the words “On behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation we serve honor and comfort upon you. Though we may never know the depth of your sacrifice, as a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation, we award you this Quilt of Valor. Welcome home.”

A Quilt of Valor® is not a charity quilt; it is an award given to honor those who have served.

It is PRICELESS. It can never be bought - it can never be sold - it is never a birthday gift or a Christmas gift! Recipients often state it means more to them than any of the military medals they received - BECAUSE it comes from the heart and hands of the makers, their community and their nation.

Founder Catherine Roberts, a Blue Star Mom, delivered the first QOV to Walter Reed Hospital in 2003. Since that date the Foundation and our volunteers have grown, making and awarding in excess of 120,000 Quilts of Valor nationwide. We cover veterans from all conflicts including, but not limited to, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Quilters have full discretion of pattern choices. Our Standards of Excellence found on our website www.QOVF.org guide our quilters.

Quality fabric and quality workmanship honor, comfort and heal those who have stood in harm’s way. We follow our Core Values of: Service over Self; Promoting Excellence; Treating people with respect; Being Accountable.

Want to be a volunteer quilter? Or, if you know of a veteran or active military potential recipient of a Quilt of Valor, contact Sheri “Samy” Owen, Idaho Central State Coordinator, Quilts Of Valor Foundation 501(c)(3). 509-758-0627 samy.owen@qovf.org

This page brought to you by:

READ THIS!

Contact your County or State Veterans Service Officer (VSO) BEFORE you submit anything to the VA! VSO’s are trained, certified and accredited ADVOCATES FOR YOU! They are employed by your County or State and are NOT employees of the VA. Their assistance is FREE of CHARGE to any veteran and/or family member. Contact your VSO FIRST! It will save you a lot of grief.

“Heroes never die. They live in our hearts forever. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

These VSO’s are here for you: IDAHO

Idaho State VSO

Darryl Heisey 208-446-1092/1094 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM email: Darryl.Heisey@veterans.idaho.gov

Benewah County

Linda Law 208-245-3212 701 College Ave., Suite 101, St. Maries Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM email: llaw@benewahcounty.org

Bonner County

Bryan Hult 208-255-5291 1500 Hwy 2, Sandpoint M-TH 8-5 (call/email for appointment) bhult@bonnercountyid.gov

Boundary County Jim Wilson 208-267-8611 6635 Lincoln St., Bonners Ferry Thursdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Kootenai County

Scott Thorsness 208-446-1090/1092 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM email: sthorsness@kcgov.us

Shoshone County

Susan Hendrixson 208-752-3331 700 Bank St., Suite 120, Wallace M-Thurs. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM email: commsec@co.shoshone.id.us

MONTANA Montana State VSO

Carolyn Collins, 406-755-3795 National Guard Armory 2989 Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell Appts. M & F, walk-ins welcome Wed., Tues. is outreach, Thurs. closed.

email: carolcollins@mt.gov

Montana State VSO

RyanKeeler, 406-755-3795 National Guard Armory 2989 Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell Appts. M & F, walk-ins welcome Wed., Tues. is outreach, Thurs. closed. email: rkeeler@mt.gov

Volunteer VSO

Steve Combs 406-756-7304 1349 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell Tues. & Thurs., 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM steve@veteransfoodpantry.org

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THEY’RE TAKING MY GUNS!!!

by Darryl Heisey State Veterans Service Officer Idaho Division of Veteran Services

H

ave you ever filed for your earned VA benefits?

I strongly suggest you request the assistance of a State, County or Post Service Officer. We are trained, accredited and can help the veteran and his or her dependents apply for the benefits they have earned because of their service to our Country. I am prompted by issues of late that brought a community together to rally around one of our veterans.

The issue was a finding by the Veteran Affairs of incompetency.

Let’s review the process. The Veteran Affairs (VA) has a myriad of benefits that a veteran can be eligible to receive based upon their service to our country. The Veteran Benefits Administration covers the Service Connected claims process as well as the Veteran Pension program. The application process for both of these benefits require medical evidence.

When a veteran is seeking a higher portion of benefit under the Veteran Pension Program there are three levels where the VA can pay the veteran: Perfectly healthy, Housebound, or Need for regular Aid and Attendance.

If a veteran who has applied for benefits is found by a medical evaluation to be unable to handle his or her finances, it will prompt the VA to respond with a proposal of incompetency. What does this mean for the veteran? The veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond to the VA with evidence that would over-turn this proposal.

If you are really wanting to get into the nuts ’n bolts of the regulations governing incompetency it can be found by searching the internet (38 CFR 3.353 Determinations of incompetency and competency) this is a rather lengthy read, but well worth your time.

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Keeping the 38CFR in mind, be extremely careful what type of medical evidence is forwarded to the VA as it relates to claims for Housebound or Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. One particular form is the VA Form 21-2680 Examination for Housebound and Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. It is this particular form that can “prompt” the VA to act on incompetency. Block number 27 simply asks can the individual handle their finances? Seems like a pretty simple question. But if it is marked NO, this will automatically prompt the VA to inform the claimant (veteran) that they propose to deem the individual incompetent. Again, solely based upon the medical evidence provided by the veteran’s medical provider; it is important that a Veteran Service Officer review ALL paperwork prior to submission.

The following is an excerpt of what the VA uses to inform the veteran after they have received the appropriate paperwork for a VA claim for compensation or pension benefits: What We Propose to DO: We propose to rate you incompetent for VA purposes. This means a fiduciary may be appointed to help you manage your VA benefits. Payment of any money due you will be made directly to your fiduciary. This person or institution must use your payments for your benefit and is responsible to the VA for their use….

In the same proposal documentation the VA sends the following information as well: How This Decision Could Affect You: A determination of incompetency will prohibit you from purchasing, possessing, receiving, or transporting a firearm or ammunition. If you knowingly violate any prohibition, pursuant to section 924(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code, as implemented by Public Law 103-159 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, you may be fined, imprisoned, or both. It further states: If we decide that you are unable to handle your VA funds, you may apply to this regional office for the relief of prohibitions imposed by the Brady Act with regards to the possession, purchase, receipt, or transportation of a firearm. Submit your request to

the address at the top of this letter on the enclosed VA form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. VA will determine whether such relief is warranted.

The veteran will be given an opportunity to provide evidence by mail, or to go to the VA Regional Office for an oral presentation as to WHY he/she IS competent to handle his/her firearms or even

It is important that a Veteran Service Officer review ALL paperwork prior to submission. manage their own finances. The VA Fiduciary Service will review the evidence and make a competency finding. IF the veteran does nothing when he/she receives a proposal for incompetency the VA will issue a final Decision letter stating that the Veteran Affairs has found the individual incompetent for VA purposes to handle his/her own finances.

The VA is obligated to inform the veteran of this action; but does not directly enforce the Brady Bill Act law. At this point, if the veteran still wishes to prove they are competent, they can submit an appeal and provide evidence to the Fiduciary Services of the VA and IF the evidence submitted is substantial and has merit the VA Fiduciary service can withdraw the incompetency decision.

We love our gun rights in America. I want to emphasis that PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in and by itself IS NOT a condition that warrants incompetency. The assessments made by medical

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606 E. Best Ave. • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho professionals, reviewed by the VA showing the individual can’t handle his/her own finances in and by itself will trigger a proposal for incompetency.

Please keep in mind that when mental incapacity is in question of the individual seeking benefits from the VA, they have an obligation to protect the individual and others. In the eleven years that I have been serving Northern Idaho Veterans I have never seen a case where fiduciary services has inspected the house for weapons. Remember, these are folks who are doing a job and they are not the Brady Bill enforcement police. In a lot of the cases if the veteran is married, his/her spouse is identified by the VA as the fiduciary when an issue of incompetency is shown by medical evaluation.

The issue that prompted this writing was quickly corrected by the outstanding work of the County Veteran Service Officer of Bonner County; he worked diligently with the veteran and fiduciary services in Utah and the issue of incompetency was overturned.

Good Job, Bryan Hult!

Continued on page 52

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47

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any claim can be a daunting task.

The State and County Veteran Services Officers are ready to assist

Veteran Service Officers “FREE of CHARGE” any veteran are the BEST resource that our and/or his or her family with the veterans have in the community claims process. IF you have a to help them understand VA veteran and they are seeking VA documentation. If you have a benefits please utilize a County or question concerning paperwork State Veteran Service Officer before received by the Department of you submit anything to the VA for Veteran Affairs please contact decision. Careful review by a CVSO your local State or County Veteran or SVSO can save you a lot of grief.

Service Officer so they can assist ______________________________ you in answering any such Darryl Heisey is the State Veterans proposal or decision. The Veteran Service Officer, Idaho Division of Affairs can only base decision on Veteran Services, Post Falls. Darryl the current evidence that has been served in the U.S. Army as 56M40H submitted. Contact your certified Chaplain Assistant Supervisor from accredited Veteran Services Officers 1982-2002. Army Duty Assignments: to understand the law and to Fort Polk, LA, 588th Engineer work within those procedures to Battalion, 5th Infantry Division best facilitate care to our veteran (Mechanized); Fort Richardson, AK, population. The process of filing 1st Brigade, 6th Infantry Division Continued from page 51

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

(LIGHT); Fort Carson, CO, 4th Infantry Division, Mechanized; Fort Monmouth, NJ, United States Army Chaplain Center and School; Fort Jackson, SC & Schofield Barracks, HI, 25th Infantry Division (LIGHT); Fort Huachuca, AZ, United States Signal Command. Darryl holds a B.S. degree in Human Resource Management from Madison University.

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49

Crossword Birds of Prey Across

1 Young ladies 5 Aberdeen native 9 Swallow-tailed bird of prey 13 Go with the flow 15 Mediocre 16 Dig like a pig 17 Rival of Paris 18 Catch sight of 19 Resting places 20 Gym pads 22 Difficult journeys 24 Sound systems 27 Dutch city 28 Elevation, in brief 31 Makes a boo-boo 32 Comrade in arms 34 Cacophony 36 Two-year-old sheep 37 Compete 38 Raptor’s home 39 Long-legged African bird of prey

that feeds on reptiles 44 Fence feature 45 Witness 46 Infamous Amin 48 Native Alaskan 49 Exploit 50 Snaky swimmers 51 Pricing word 52 Swedish shag rug 54 Slender tower with balconies 56 Christmas songs 58 Sound of resignation 59 Chinese dynasty 62 Scored on serve 64 Architect’s drawings 67 Touch on 68 Bullfight bull 69 Waste conduit 70 Pixels 71 Fly in the ointment 72 Bout enders, in brief

Down

1 Needlefish 2 Commotion

50

3 Eurasian bearded vulture 4 Tridents 5 Compass dir.

6 Price 7 Fish predator 8 Trifled (with) 9 Malayan dagger 10 Charged particle 11 Heavy weight 12 U.F.O. crew 14 Kind of bag 21 Italian wine 23 Shish follower 24 Collector’s goal 25 Railroad support 26 Skirt feature 28 Bird that hunts over meadows

and marshes 29 Cooking utensil 30 Golfer’s gadget 33 Charter

Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

35 Waikiki wear 40 Actor Gulager 41 Hardly modern 42 Paper purchase 43 Himalayan creatures 44 Easy mark 47 Follower’s suffix 49 Fastest bird of prey 50 Young raptor 53 “The Second Coming� poet 55 Beats by a hair 56 Filberts, e.g.

57 “Buona ___� (Italian greeting) 59 Scoundrel 60 Cable movie channel inits.

61 Ump’s call 63 Follow 65 “The Matrix� role 66 AARP members

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51

What’s in a Word?

By Staff Writer

W

hat’s in a word? Evidently a great deal when that word is “senior!” Who is a senior anyway? Nobody I know! Time and technology have changed the definition so dramatically that we don’t want to “own it” any longer.

My parents are seniors at 80+ years old. Well then, am I an elder? Or worse, elderly? Yikes! Might as well call me older than the hills or old and decrepit, often implying ancient wisdom and the tired body and wrinkles to go with it. I don’t feel old at 60, but I often qualify for a “senior discount!”

When Grandma fell and broke her hip in 1964, we all, including

Grandma, thought that was “the end” for her. Almost everyone who suffered a broken hip died due to the complications that followed.

New hips were not available.

Miraculously, Grandma healed up just fine. She lived to be 86 years old and died of “old age,” whatever that

Thank you Bonner County for voting us the Best Senior Living Community of 2015!

It’s an honor serving this community.

Join us for lunch, tour our community, meet our staff and see for yourself why Luther Park at Sandpoint was voted One of the Best in Bonner County for over five years in a row!

510 South Olive Avenue • 208-265-3557 • www.lutherparksandpoint.org

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

meant back then.

Today, we have replaceable parts of all kinds, by-pass surgeries, stroke treatments, all sorts of mechanical “inserts” and lots of drugs, not to mention the fact that there’s no laying around for us! The hospitals bounce us so fast it’s not funny and then our insurances, if we have them, expect us to be on our feet within days, sometimes hours or minutes, after a ”procedure” of any kind.

We are living longer and able to be mobile far into our later years than ever conceived of even when we were young-er. It’s no wonder we don’t identify ourselves as “seniors” especially since our parents, the real seniors, are still with us, living way into their 90’s and beyond! The only time we embrace it is when we see “senior discount” on a menu and whisper to the waitress, “How old do you have to be to be considered a senior?”

It’s also no wonder “senior centers” are not a popular idea for the young at heart (those of us in denial). “Nobody wants to go where there are a bunch of old people who talk about all their ailments!”

That’s what Mom said at 82! Really?

Have you ever BEEN to a senior center? There is a trend (no surprise) in changing the names of these various venues to “activity centers” or the “Whatever Center,” anything but senior in hopes of keeping the doors open to “mature adults” who desire good food, friendship, fun and laughter. I consider myself to be a mature adult, don’t you?

Let’s consider music; it’s a generational thing.

What did your parents dance to, listen to, swoon to, identify as their favorite song? We all have those

We are living longer and able to be mobile far into our later years than ever conceived of even when we were young-er.

the music of our generation, do you think anybody would come? I would! As long as I didn’t have to tell someone I was going to the “senior center!” I’m not that old. I’m one of those seniors in denial who’s “not ready for that yet!”

I think we’re missing out on a lot of fun. If we don’t take the bull by the horns to change the image with people our own age who want to have fun, who will? Certainly not our kids or grandkids! Let’s kick up our heels, get involved and shape the local center’s activities into our generation’s ideas for having a good time. (No, strip Poker is probably not going to fly!)

generational memories. Where do you GO to listen to The Moody Blues, Elvis, Bee Bop, Jimi Hendrix, Country Music? On the car radio? What about dancing to “our music”? That’s even harder to find.Remember dancing to Gloria, G L O R I A, Glorrrriaaah! If you were to get involved in one of your local senior or community centers and maybe organize a dance with

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53

Regional Community & Active Senior Centers Bayview Community Center 20298 E. Perimeter Rd. 208-683-3552

Noxon Senior Center 207 2nd Street, 406-847-6000

Blanchard Area Seniors, Inc. 685 Rusho Rd., 208-437-2788

Osburn Senior Meal Site VFW Hall 4th & Mullan, 208-752-1194

Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center 6635 Lincoln 208-267-5553

Pinehurst Community Bible Church 310 Main Ave., 208-752-1194

Clark Fork/Hope Area Seniors 10th & Cedar Sts., Clark Fork, 208-266-1653

Plummer Senior Center 888 C St., 208-686-1863

Coeur d’Alene Tribe Senior Center 125 10th St., Hwy 95, Plummer 208-686-3013

Post Falls Senior Center 1215 E. Third Ave., 208-773-9582

East Benewah Council for Aging 711 Jefferson, St. Maries, 208-245-3546 Fernwood Senior Center Highway 3, 208-245-3392 Frank Chapin Senior Center 339 W. Jackson, Priest River 208-448-2352 Harrison Senior Citizens Center 103 W. Pine, 208-689-3557 Hayden Senior Gems 9428 N. Government Way, 208-762-7052 Heron Community/Senior Center 155/170 Railroad Ave., 406-847-2520 Kellogg Senior Center 107 McKinley Ave., 208-783-4581 Kellogg Senior Meal Site Shoshone Apts. 411 Bunker, 208-752-1194 Kootenai Senior Center 304 N. 3rd St., Troy, MT, 406-295-4140 Lake City Center 1916 Lakewood Dr., Coeur d’Alene 208-667-4628 Mullan Senior Meal Site The Morning Club 117 Hunter Ave. 208-752-1194 Newport Senior Hospitality Center 218 S. Washington, 509-447-2119

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Priest Lake Senior Center 26506 Hwy 57, 208-443-0153 Rathdrum Senior Citizens, Inc. 8037 Montana St., 208-687-2028 Rose Lake Senior Meal Site Old Rose Lake School House, Hwy 3208-752-1194 Sagle Seniors, Inc. 70 Walker Way, 208-255-7409 Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. 820 Main St., 208-263-6860 Silver Valley Seniors, Inc. 726 E. Mullan Ave., Osburn, 208-752-1194 Spirit Lake Seniors 218 N. 4th Ave., 208-623-6125 St. Maries Senior Center 605 Main St., 208-245-3032 Tensed Community Center 250 Third. 208-247-2851 Thompson Falls Senior Center 1191 Mt. Silcox Rd.. 406-827-3457 Trout Creek Senior Center 10 Larch St., 406-827-4461 Wallace Senior Center 621 Cedar St., 208-752-1194 Worley Senior & Community Center 9936 W. E St., 208-686-1258

Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups for Caregivers of Those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s & any Related Disorder are held throughout the entire North Idaho & Inland Northwest region! They are facilitated by professionals and volunteers. Don’t see one near you? Call: 208-666-2996 to find one.

YOUNGER ONSET (Younger than 65 yrs. old)

Sandpoint Senior Center 820 Main St. 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 1 - 2 pm Facilitator: Jan Griffiths 208-290-1973 Free respite care available at DayBreak Center next door during group session with advanced reservation. Please call Stephanie Little Brave 208-265-8127

Coeur d’Alene - Bakery By The Lake conference room, N.W. Corner of 7th & Front Sts. (across from public library) 3rd Tuesday @ 3:30 - 5 pm Facilitator: Ene Gaines 415-0366

VETERANS’ CAREGIVERS

Benewah Community Hospital, St. Maries 229 S. 7th Street (Tamarack Room, near the ER) 3rd Friday @ 3 p.m.

Facilitators: Aline Rohde, MSW 208-659-6719 & Dawn Cook, LPN 208-651-2165

Post Falls American Legion Post 143 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls 1st Thursday @ 2 – 3:30 pm Facilitators: Connie Clark, CSA 208-769-9560 & Mary Thomas 208-964-9357

Brookdale at Coeur d’ Alene 205 E. Anton Ave. (off of Government Way near Les Schwab) 1st Wednesday @12 Noon (lunch free & provided by Brookdale) Facilitators: Ann Thomas, MEd. 503-490-1143 & Rena Bradymire, MEd. 208-704-5045

TELEPHONE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Kootenai Health Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene Main Building – Main Floor Classrooms 3rd Saturday @ 1:30 – 3:30 pm Facilitators: Arlene Sleigh 772-2542 & Connie Clark, CSA 769-9560

Group sessions by phone, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for schedules.

ONLINE: ALZConnected (www.alzconnected.org) an online social networking community for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and others affected by the disease.

The Inn at Guardian Angel Homes 1136 E. Mullan Avenue, Post Falls 2nd Thursday @ 5:30–7 pm (dinner free & provided by Guardian Angels) Facilitators: Anita Grimm, RN 208-777-7797

Kootenai County Area: EARLY STAGE SUPPORT GROUP for people with dementia & their family EARLY STAGE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM for people with dementia & their family Please contact the Alzheimer’s Association branch office in Coeur d’Alene to register for these groups or for further information: 208-666-2996

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55

Emergency Caregiver Respite (ECR) When no other resource can help

Available to all 24/7 Idaho Caregivers.

ECR

is a respite care program designed to assist 24/7 family caregivers. Through ECR any caregiver providing 24/7 care to any person of any age (child, adult or elder) is eligible to apply for funding.

Facts •

Respite care is an intermittent period of relief for primary caregivers so that s/he may take a break from the continual responsibilities of caregiving. ECR is a short-term period of relief when there is an unforeseen emergency or crisis or there is trauma or increased family stress.

•

An emergency is an urgent or unforeseen event such as a funeral, need for medical attention, or severe emotional distress, which results in the immediate or unavoidable absence of the primary caregiver or back up caregivers from the home where care is provided.

•

To obtain ECR funds, caregivers in an emergency situation, and/or agency staff assisting a caregiver, may apply for emergency respite care funds at www.idahofederation.org. Click on “Respite Care” and then “Emergency Caregiver Respite” to complete an on-line application form, or print a form to email or fax.

Caregivers or agency staff can also call the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (Federation of Families) at 208-433-8845 or 1-800-905-3436 to initiate the application process.

•

Caregivers are responsible for identifying their choice of respite care provider. The respite provider can be a family member, trusted friend or an agency providing in-home or temporary residential care. If the caregiver needs assistance locating a respite provider the 211 CareLine may be of assistance.

•

ECR is a collaborative project of the Idaho Commission on Aging, the Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, and the Idaho Caregivers Alliance. More detailed information regarding eligibility, emergency criteria, additional resources and the application can be found at: www.idahofederation.org or by contacting the Idaho Federation of Families at: 208-433-8845 or 1-800-905-3436.

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Discover more than just a place to live.

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57

Wyatt Earp in Murray

By Rick Just

H

ave you ever heard of a little Idaho town called Murray? Maybe not, but I bet you’ve heard of a couple of Western characters called Wyatt Earp and Calamity Jane. They knew all about Murray, Idaho.

Murray, Idaho, is located in the mountains just north of Wallace, has about 100 residents nowadays, but in the mid-1800s it was a thriving boomtown. A gold rush came to Murray in 1883. Gold meant miners, and miners meant saloons, supply stores, and a red light district. The latter attracted some colorful ladies like Terrible Edith, Molly B. Dam, and Calamity Jane.

Virgil and Wyatt Earp had some mining claims in the area, and they ran a saloon in nearby Eagle City.

An 1884 newspaper ad for their saloon called it the

“finest appointed saloon in the Coeur d’Alenes… with the finest brand of foreign and domestic liquors to be found in the United States.” The ad also suggested that customers of the Earp brothers’ White Elephant Saloon should come “and see the Elephant.”

Virgil and Wyatt Earp didn’t stick around long, though. Murray boomed for about a year and a half, and then just hung on for another 25 or 30 years.

During its life as a mining center, about 1 million worth of gold came out of Murray, though. The little town is still worth visiting. The Sprag Pole Museum has a fascination collection of mining tools, whiskey decanters, and guns. It also claims to have the world’s longest wooden chain. It’s 130 feet in length. Can your wooden chain beat that?

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

A Sunken Treasure

These stories are from Idaho Snapshots by Rick Just. Rick’s books are available on Amazon or at www.rickjust.com

A

tale about a sunken treasure, but no pirates were involved.

In the late 1880’s many thousands of tons of ore were floated across Lake Coeur d’Alene from the Silver Valley mines in the Wallace and Kellogg area. The ore was loaded onto barges at Mission Landing near the Cataldo Mission, and towed by steamer down the Coeur d’Alene River and across the lake. In the winter the icebreaker Kootenai assisted with the job of transporting the ore.

Late in the fall of 1889, the captain of the Kootenai received orders to bring two barges, each loaded with 150 tons of ore, down from Mission Landing. The Kootenai pushed one barge and towed the other for a while, but the captain had trouble breaking through the ice, that way. He decided to tie up the front barge, leaving it behind, and tow the second barge on down to the ice-free lake.

The icebreaker and its barge slipped quietly into the lake about midnight. Most of the crew was asleep, thinking they had left potential problems behind them in the icy river.

Near McDonald’s Point, on Lake Coeur d’Alene, something happened that caused the loose ore on the barge to shift. The barge tipped first one way, then the other, and 135 tons of high grade silver ore poured into the lake. That was about $15,000 worth in 1889.

Over the years at least two efforts to recover the ore have failed. It would be expensive to bring up 135 tons of rock from a depth of 100 feet. Perhaps if the price of silver goes up enough, someone will try again.

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59

Directory Listings

Agencies, Free Referral Services & Volunteer Opportunities AARP Idaho..............................................208-855-4004 3080 E. Gentry Way, Ste. 100, Meridian facebook.com/AARPIdaho AARP Idaho is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 175,000 in Idaho that serves as a voice and an advocate to protect consumers and improve the lives of Idahoans age 50 and over.

Alzheimer’s Association Inland NW Chapter N. Idaho Office..........................................208-666-2996 24-Hour Help line....................................800-272-3900 alz.org/inlandnorthwest P.J.Christo, RN; email: pj.christo@alz.org We connect families to needed programs, products and services, provide Dementia Information, Local Support Groups, State and Federal Advocacy, educational programs, workshops and lectures for caregivers, families and the general public.

Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho.....208-667-3179 Toll Free....................................................800-786-5536 2120 Lakewood Dr., Ste. B, CdA • aaani.org Do you have questions about senior services and resources available in your community? Are you eligible for extra help paying for prescription drugs or help paying the monthly Medicare Part B premium? For free information and to discuss your options. Call us!

Bonner County Board of Community Guardian guardianboard@co.bonner.id.us • 208-255-3098 We are a last resort for anyone (often with dementia or debilitation) without family of friends to care for them.

If you know of anyone like this, or would care to serve as a guardian or conservator, please call us.

Compassionate Care Referral Service.....208-660-9982 compassionatecarereferral.com I can refer you to the best fit for your Assisted Living, Senior, and Disabled Care Services needed. Through mutual discussion and needs assessment, I will create for you a customized short list of possible solutions.

Disability Action Center NW....................208-664-9896 Toll Free....................................................800-854-9500 7560 N Government Way Suite 1, Dalton Gardens dacnw.org DAC NW is a local Center for Independent Living which offers a variety of services from peer-to-peer independent living support, medical equipment exchange, help with self-advocacy, and access to assistive technology.

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

Idaho Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired.....................................208-769-1419 229 E. Locust Ave., Coeur d’Alene icbvi.idaho.gov ICBVI is a state agency that provides free independent living training and offers adaptive aids, such as magnifiers and talking devices, to help individuals who are struggling with vision loss to be more independent in their homes and the community.

Medical Reserve Corp. of North Idaho....208-415-5185 8500 N. Atlas Rd., Hayden • volunteeridaho.org The Medical Reserve Corps is a community-based, trained group of volunteers (medical and non-medical) that supplements existing community medical and emergency response systems. Free preparedness training is offered to volunteers and there are no regular meetings to attend.

SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) ..................................................................800-247-4422 2005 Ironwood Pkwy, Ste. 143, Coeur d’Alene SHIBA.idaho.gov SHIBA is a division of the Department of Insurance.

SHIBA counselors offer free education and assistance about Medicare benefits, plan choices and billing.

SHIBA counseling is done by phone, email, or at community partner locations throughout Idaho.

Care Communities; Independent & Assisted Living, Adult Day Care Bestland Senior Living Community........208-665-1600 606 E. Best Ave., Coeur d’Alene • bestlandcda.com Bestland Senior Living offers 3 home-cooked meals per day, weekly housekeeping with linens, transportation, all utilities, wi-fi, and cable TV at one low rate. We are a smaller community offering residents a warm and loving atmosphere where they truly feel at home!

Boundary Community Restorium..........208-267-2453 6619 Kaniksu St., Bonners Ferry boundarycountyid.org/restorium.htm Our facility accommodates 52 residents with 24hour care, home-cooked meals, help with shopping, medications, and bathing, rides to appointments. All inclusive rates. Medicaid accepted. We offer an array of activities for our residents and adult daycare is available.

Brookdale at Coeur d’Alene.....................208-667-6490 205 E. Anton Ave., Coeur d’Alene • brookdale.com We offer newly remodeled, all inclusive, independent and assisted living; studios, deluxe studios, one and two bedroom apartment and stand-alone cottages.

We pride ourselves on a full, active, life enrichment program, delicious meals presented restaurant style, housekeeping, transportation to appointments, shopping and other excursions.

DayBreak Center......................................208-265-8127 820 Main Street, Sandpoint • daybreakhouse.org DayBreak provides quality daytime care for individuals with memory impairments allowing caregivers a much needed break. In addition to offering a safe, responsive, and homey environment for your loved ones, the professionals at DayBreak provide activities that stimulate memory, health and socialization.

Garden Plaza of Post Falls........................208-773-3701 545 N. Garden Plaza Ct., Post Falls gardenplazapostfalls.com The finest in Independent and Assisted Living with stunning surroundings, unparalleled service and lavish amenities, our residents are proud to call Garden Plaza home. We are committed to our residents enjoying a carefree lifestyle. You will love it here, and we welcome the opportunity to meet you!

Kindred Mountain Valley Care & Rehabilitation..........................................208-784-1283 601 W. Cameron, Kellogg • mountainvalleycare.com Our staff of medical specialists, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, dietitians and social workers establish a comprehensive treatment plan from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care. Patients and residents receive the care they need, the restorative therapy they require, and the support they and their families deserve.

Kootenai Health Senior Care Program...208-625-5353 2003 Kootenai Health Way, Coeur d’Alene kh.org/seniorcare We are a community based program designed to meet the social needs of seniors and the respite needs of their caregivers. Activities address the special interests of participants and are provided in a safe, loving environment by caring professionals.

LaCrosse Health & Rehabilitation...........208-664-2185 210 W. LaCrosse Ave, Coeur d’Alene lacrosseskillednursing.com A leading provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation solutions. Our 109 bed center offers a full continuum of services and care focused around each individual in today’s everchanging health care environment. Medicare and Medicaid certified.

Life Care Centers of North Idaho 500 W. Aqua Ave., Coeur d’Alene..............208-762-1122 460 N. Garden Plaza Ct., Post Falls..........208-777-0318 1125 N. Division St., Sandpoint...............208-265-9299 LCCA.com Life Care Centers of North Idaho specialize in long term care, special needs and dementia care, post-operative and acute illness restorative nursing and therapy, 24/7 admissions. Respite stay is also available. Semi-private and private rooms. Schedule your tour today!

The Lodge Assisted Living........................208-457-3403 52 N. Cedar St., Post Falls 58 N. Cedar St., Post Falls 3989 N. Player Dr., Coeur d’Alene • lodgeliving.net We provide the most dignified environment for aging members of our community. Our highly trained staff and loving environment is perfect for you or your loved one with additional care needs. Our communities are custom built and locally owned offering comfort, security, convenience to our family of residents.

Luther Park at Sandpoint........................208-265-3557 Assisted Living and Memory Care 510 S. Olive Ave., Sandpoint • lutherparksandpoint.org We are proud to provide exceptional senior living with a North Idaho lodge fee. We offer great value with a diverse mix of amenities, personal services and accessible healthcare. A nonprofit organization owned

by First Lutheran Church and managed by Ecumen.

National Church Residences Senior Housing.........................................208-762-9809 Hayden Crossing 88 W. Sargent, Hayden Coeur d’Alene Senior Apartments 7712 N. Heartland Dr., Coeur d’Alene Heartland Crossing 7745 N. Heartland Dr., Coeur d’Alene Prairie Run 7760 N. Heartland Dr., Coeur d’Alene nationalchurchresidences.org National Church Residences offers affordability, and a commitment to excellence and offers our residents the quality of life they desire and deserve. Thoughtfully designed and well built in an affordable caring community. Our residents include seniors of all income levels.

Newport Hospital Long Term Care & Skilled Nursing......................................509-447-2464 714 W. Pine St., Newport, WA • phd1.org Our Long Term Care offers both long and short term skilled nursing and restorative care. We provide Skilled Nursing 24 hours a day, coordinating care with local physicians.

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Directory Listings

River Mountain Village Assisted Living...509-447-2903 608 W. Second Ave., Newport, WA • phd1.org A beautiful 42 unit studio & one-bedroom apartment community for an active, independent lifestyle. Enjoy the cozy fireplace, a stroll along a lovely landscaped walking path, and a variety of daily activities to meet the individual needs of our residents.

Rose Terrace Country Homes..................208-623-6154 5672 W. Rhode Island, Spirit Lake Rose Terrace Cottages..............................208-665-0580 632 N. 21st St., Coeur d’Alene • roseterrace.org Our quaint, home-style facilities offer a compassionate, caring environment with well trained staff 24/7. Nurses available 7 days a week, wonderful meals and fun activities. Private and semi-private rooms. Medicaid accepted.

Sandpoint Assisted Living.......................208-265-2354 624 S. Division St., Sandpoint sandpointassistedliving.com Our community is unique because we are small and affordable, providing residents close and easy access to staff 24 hours a day. Rents are the lowest in the area and we also accept Medicaid.

Valley Vista Care Skilled Centers: 820 Elm St., St. Maries..............................208-245-4576 220 S. Division, Sandpoint.......................208-265-4514 Assisted Living: 820 Elm St., St. Maries..............................208-245-5908 valleyvista.org Enjoy a comfortable, homelike setting in either our assisted living or skilled care centers. We offer physical, speech, occupational and aquatic therapy for in-patient and out-patient rehab. Specializing in an innovative activity program and two unique behavior care units.

Whispering Pines at Ivy Court.................208-667-6486 2200 Ironwood Pl., Coeur d’Alene ivycourtskillednursing.com A leading provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation solutions. Our 80 bed facility offers a full continuum of services and care focused around each individual in today’s everchanging healthcare environment.

Counseling Alcohol & Drug Counseling and Recovery Services.....................................................208-255-9333 1009 Hwy 2 West, Ste. E, Sandpoint When concerned about alcohol or drug problems, the prospect of change may appear challenging. We work together to explore options and find solutions that strengthen your quality and enjoyment of life. You are welcome to call for a complimentary consultation.

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Rathdrum Counseling Center, LLC.........208-687-0538 14954 Coeur d’Alene St., Rathdrum rathdrumcounseling.com Rathdrum Counseling Center is a full outpatient substance use disorder and mental health treatment clinic. We focus on client strengths, needs, abilities, and strive to encourage least restrictive interventions that are culturally sensitive, cost effective and within your own community.

Rawlings Community Counseling..........208-267-0900 6807 Cody St., Bonners Ferry rawlingscommunitycounseling.com Mental health counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Offering addiction treatment, case management, and EMDR Therapy for trauma treatment. We accept most insurance, Medicaid and a sliding fee scale is available.

Dental Benjamin D. Hull, DDS............................208-263-1412 Michael G. Durnin, DDS 1323 Hwy 2, Ste. 301, Sandpoint • ivorydds.com We are committed to creating a positive dental experience for you and your family. The comprehensive services we offer include implants, extractions, dentures, root canals, crowns, cleanings, and more. Your comfort and dental care are paramount at our office!

Marshall A. Arbo, DDS..............................208-267-5187 5246 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry Dr. Arbo, a General Dentist for over 40 years, provides complete denture service including full and partial dentures, denture repairs, adjustments and relines.

Full dentures are fabricated in-office. The office is open by scheduled appointment only. Please call for an appointment.

Financial & Asset Management AARP Idaho..............................................208-855-4004 3080 E. Gentry Way, Ste. 100, Meridian facebook.com/AARPIdaho AARP Idaho is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 175,000 in Idaho that serves as a voice and an advocate to protect consumers and improve the lives of Idahoans age 50 and over.

Capital Financial Consultants Group.....208-255-2766 123 S. Third Ave., Ste. 7, Sandpoint capitalfin.com Providing custom-tailored financial planning, investment management and retirement income strategies for individuals, and retirement plan management for businesses. Advisory services offered through Capital Financial Consultants Group, a registered investment advisor. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG). Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Financial Consultants Group, and IFG are unaffiliated entities.

Northwest Professional Bookkeeping.....208-265-5950 1217 Baldy Mtn. Rd., Ste. 101A, Sandpoint nwpbookkeeping@gmail.com Northwest Professional Bookkeeping helps individuals of all ages, as well as small business owners by offering Monthly Bill Paying Help, Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Tax Services, Budget Planning & Bill Paying. Call or come and see us. We’re here to help!

Gifts & Shopping Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Stores 1823 N. 4th St, Coeur d’Alene...................208-667-5128 503 E. Seltice Way #5, Post Falls...............208-773-5076 honi.org Shop our huge selection of high quality, gently used items from furniture, books, electronics, craft supplies, kitchenware, linens, clothing, shoes, accessories, and much more. All proceeds go to Hospice of North Idaho, the community’s non-profit hospice.

“The Adventures of a Helicopter Pilot Flying the H-34 Helicopter in Vietnam for the United States Marine Corps” by Bill Collier, USMCR The true, spellbinding account of Sandpoint resident Bill Collier’s experiences piloting a Marine Corps H-34 helicopter in combat during the Vietnam War. Available at local bookstores or online at: Amazon.com - or keokeebooks.com Treasures A to Z........................................509-447-0418 Store: 317 S. Union Ave., Newport, WA Estate Sales ..............................................208-946-0334 facebook.com/Treasures/AtoZ Featuring consignment antiques & vintage collectibles, handmade goods, local artists’ work. We have something for everyone! We also consult, provide pricing assistance, plan and hold Estate Sales at homes throughout the region. Open 10-6 Every Day!

Health & Wellness KC Kreations Magnetic Jewelry...............208-610-4117 579 W. Hayden Ave., Hayden • www.KC_Kreations.com Old-fashioned kustomer service, kustom-designed kreations, re-purposing your old non-magnetic jewelry into new magnetic wares and magnetic jewelry repairs are just some of my specialties.

The Wellness Center.................................208-262-4044 1810 E. Schneidmiller Avenue, Ste. 350 Post Falls, ID 83854 • magneticleaders.com You can take charge of your own bone health with a technology that is: Accurate, Inexpensive, Safe, Quick, and Comfortable! We use Ultrasound Bone Density Testing to promote and support healthy bone function.

Hearing & Vision Audiology Research Associates 700 Ironwood Dr., Ste. 220, Cd’A..............208-765-4961 123 S. 3rd Ave., Ste. 9, Sandpoint.............208-255-4389 hearingtricities.com Serving North Idaho for over 20 years. We help you hear better! Hearing evaluations for adults and children. We sell the most advanced digital hearing aids available and each hearing aid comes with 3 to 5 years free batteries.

Hearing Center 23 E. Crawford, Deer Park........................ 509 276-8859 Toll Free.................................................... 844 327-4335 eargeek.com The HEARING CENTER is committed to providing outstanding customer service and superior products.

We offer complete audiometric hearing evaluations, consultations, full service repair & custom hearing protection. We specialize in Workman’s Comp and WA Labor & Industry claims.

Vision Matters, Inland Empire................888-281-1492 Vision matters is in business to help people living with low vision, providing quality service, a gentle touch and no obligation, in-home and hands-on demonstrations of video magnifiers.

Hospice Auburn Crest Hospice 1221 W. Ironwood Dr. Coeur d’Alene......208-665-8111 6371 Kootenai St.,Bonners Ferry............208-267-0579 auburncrest.com We admit quickly upon doctor’s orders, equipment delivered within 4 hours.

We listen to our patients, loved ones and caregivers to develop a care plan with the wishes of the patient first, allowing patients to live out their lives with trust, dignity, comfort and compassion.

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Directory Listings

Bonner Community Hospice...................208-265-1179 A service of Bonner General Health 520 N. 3rd. Ave., Sandpoint • bonnergeneral.org Caring for terminally ill patients and their families in Bonner and Boundary counties. Services include pain management, specialized nursing care, bathing and personal care, chaplaincy, supportive counseling, medical supplies and equipment. Covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.

Crest Home Health and Hospice.............208-765-4343 700 Ironwood Dr., Ste. 210, Coeur d’Alene rmcare.com/crest-home-health As members of our communities, our mission is to provide accurate information on services available, deliver compassionate health care and to improve the quality of life to all those entrusted in our care.

Hospice of North Idaho............................208-772-7994 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden hospiceofnorthidaho.org We provide end-of-life care to anyone in our community regardless of their ability to pay. We are a non-profit hospice serving the seriously ill and those touched by loss since 1981.

Hospitals & Medical Care Bonner General Health............................208-263-1441 520 N. 3rd Ave., Sandpoint Bonner General Immediate Care............208-265-3751 400 Schweitzer Plaza Rd., Ponderay bonnergeneral.org Your community hospital providing quality, compassionate care in a comfortable, healing environment. We provide a full range of healthcare services, including home health, hospice, physical, occupational and speech therapy, radiology, laboratory, surgery, and emergency services.

Camas Center Clinic................................509-447-7111 1821 W. LeClerc Rd. #1, Cusick, WA kalispeltribe.com/camas-center-clinic The Camas Center Clinic offers comprehensive healthcare including: medical, dental, chiropractic, physical therapy and massage therapy. The clinic is open to the general public and accepts most major commercial and public insurance carriers.

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Fresenius Medical Care............................888-864-4203 7600 N. Mineral Dr., Ste.850, Hayden Lake ..................................................................208-762-4411 2100 Ironwood Ct., Ste. A, Coeur d’Alene ..................................................................208-664-3064 723 S. Main St., Moscow...........................208-882-1817 1300 E. Mullan, Ste. 1200, Post Falls........208-777-6054 Liberty Dialysis........................................208-643-4488 1210 Washington, Sandpoint ultracare-dialysis.com The nation’s largest network of dialysis clinics. Our expertise, experience and commitment all combine to provide you with comprehensive services and technologically-advanced care. We’re proud to have helped improve the health of thousands of people living with kidney disease.

Idaho Pain Clinic......................................208-263-9757 1327 Superior St., Ste. 101 Sandpoint, ID 11 E. H St., Ste. F, Deer Park, WA 714 W. Pine Street, Newport ,WA idahopainclinic.com Idaho Pain Clinic is a leader in non-operative orthopedics, pain management research, diagnostic procedures and techniques, and effective treatment.

Our physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in pain management and offer the most advanced treatment options available in the U.S. Kaniksu Health Services 6615 Comanche St., Bonners Ferry.........208-267-1718 30410 Hwy 200, Ponderay........................208-263-7101 6509 Hwy 2, Ste. 101, Priest River...........208-448-2321 kaniksuhealthservices.org Kaniksu Health Services is a nonprofit community health center which plays a vital role in Idaho’s safety net by providing medical, dental, behavioral health and VA services to the residents of Bonner & Boundary Counties.

Newport Hospital & Health Services.......509-447-2441 714 W. Pine St., Newport, WA • phd1.org We provide 24-hour care when you need it! Two primary care clinics offer same day/walk-in appointments.

Other services: Emergency; General Surgery; Obstetrics; Anesthesia; Diagnostic Imaging; Laboratory; Physical, Speech, & Occupational Therapy; Acute Care; Swing Bed; Long Term Care; Assisted Living.

North Idaho Nephrology Associates Main Clinic...............................................208-762-7790 8826 N. Hess, Ste C, Hayden Outreach Clinics: Newport - 714 W. Pine St. W, Newport Hospital Smelterville - 858 Commerce Dr., Ste 100 Sandpoint - 1210 Washington St. St. Maries - 229 S. 8th St., Benewah Hospital ninephrology.com We are dedicated to the care and treatment of acute and chronic kidney disease offering the latest treatment advances and local convenience to patients.

Our nephrologists and staff coordinate all aspects of patient testing and care, with continuity of care being a primary goal.

Pain Management of North Idaho...........208-765-4807 1686 W. Riverstone Dr., Coeur d’Alene • cdapain.com Pain Management of North Idaho is Coeur d’Alene’s only comprehensive Pain Management Center where patients have access to two fellowshiptrained interventional pain physicians and a multidisciplinary team.

Pend Oreille Surgery Center....................208-265-8194 30544 Hwy. 200, Ste. 201, Ponderay • poscllc.com Pend Oreille Surgery Center provides quality, cost effective outpatient surgical care. Our professional team and comfortable environment help make your surgical experience a positive one. Ask your healthcare provider if your procedure may be scheduled at Pend Oreille Surgery Center.

Rockwood Clinics (5 nearest of 75+ locations) Heart & Vascular Center..........................208-765-2610 980 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 205 Coeur d’Alene Kidney & Hypertension Center...............208-666-9541 700 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 375 Coeur d’Alene Post Falls Specialty Center.......................208-457-1850 Northwest Medical Office Bldg 750 N. Syringa St., Ste. 204 Post Falls Liberty Lake Clinic & Urgent Care...........509-755-6760 1326 N. Stanford Ln., Liberty Lake, WA Deer Park Clinic.......................................508-755-5424 20 E. J St., Deer Park, WA rockwoodclinic.com Rockwood offers patients primary care, urgent care and multi-specialty care from over 75 locations throughout the Greater Spokane and North Idaho region. Rockwood is the largest freestanding outpatient diagnostic and treatment center between Central Washington and Minneapolis with the most comprehensive and skilled medical and health care experts.

In-Home Services Addus Health Care...................................208-667-2309 850 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 101, Coeur d’Alene addus.com Since 1979 we have been providing quality in-home care; companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation; transportation to appointments, bathing assistance, medication reminders. Our cost-effective services are designed to improve health and well-being and make your choice easier to remain independent at home.

Advanced Care Northwest, LLC ..............208-263-3225 advancedcarenorthwest.com Serving All of North Idaho Promoting safe and independent living, we are committed to providing compassionate and enjoyable personal care services to Seniors, Children, and Individuals with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES. Accepting BlueCross/TrueBlue, Medicaid/Medicare, Veteran, and most Private Insurance carriers. Call today for a FREE in-home consultation!

Alliance Family Services - Home Health 515 Pine St., Ste. G, Sandpoint.................208-255-1640 Coeur d’Alene Contact.............................208-665-6410 alliancefamilyservices.com We are committed to providing quality home health services such as Skilled Nursing, CNA’s, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists. We are dedicated to promoting independence and quality of life to all those we serve throughout North Idaho.

August Home Health, Inc ........................208-664-0858 Toll free................................................. 1-800-664-0838 2005 Ironwood Pkwy #227, Coeur d’Alene augusthh.com New clients call Lynn our Supervising Nurse to schedule a visit! A Medicaid and Veteran approved Agency we hire and screen local caregivers (even family members) to provide assistance for Seniors struggling with tasks or the disabled of any age. If you are selecting an Agency to provide care, or know someone who needs help give us a ring. There is no obligation.

We simply love what we do!

Bonner General Health Home Health Services .............................208-265-1007 520 N. 3rd Ave., Sandpoint • bonnergeneral.org Providing skilled, intermittent care in the homesetting.

Services include skilled nursing care; physical, occupational and speech-language therapies; medical social services and certified home health aid services.

Covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.

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Directory Listings

Boundary Personal Care..........................208-267-5070 6821 Main Street, Bonners Ferry Dawn Pownall is all about her hometown. A Medicaid and Veteran approved Agency we hire and screen local caregivers (even family members) to provide assistance for Seniors struggling with tasks or the disabled of any age. If you are selecting an Agency to provide care, or know someone who needs help give us a ring. There is no obligation. We simply love what we do!

Insurance

Crest Home Health and Hospice.............208-765-4343 700 Ironwood Dr., Ste. 210, Coeur d’Alene rmcare.com/crest-home-health As members of our communities, our mission is to provide accurate information on services available, deliver compassionate health care and to improve the quality of life to all those entrusted in our care.

Bradley Insurance....................................208-265-1888 476653 Hwy 95, Ste 3, Ponderay kathleen_bradley@us.aflac.com We provide the product that assists people with every day expenses that major medical does not. As an independent agent, I set myself apart with customer service, the lost art in the insurance world.

1st Choice Personal Assistant Services...208-664-9896 Toll Free....................................................800-854-9500 7560 N. Government Way Ste. 1, Dalton Gardens dacnw.org/PAS With 1st Choice you continue to make your own decisions and live the way you choose. Select personal assistants you enjoy having in your home, assisting you the way you want. We take care of payroll, workers comp, insurance, taxes and ongoing training. 1st Choice is a program of Disability Action Center NW.

Spears Insurance, Inc...............................208-265-2026 102 S. Euclid Ave., Ste. 103, Sandpoint cspears4insurance.com There are many types of benefit plans. Which one is right for you? Let’s first understand the basics of Medicare in plain simple language, and then discuss other factors to finding the right coverage for you. Call me today to schedule your appointment.

Idaho Partners In Care, LLC................... 800-576-1825 ....................................................................... Ext. 1 or 2 820 Elm Dr., St. Maries.............................208-245-5920 Providing services that reduce the difficult and stressful aspects of living at home. With a list of caregivers or if you have a relative or friend you would prefer, it is possible they could become a member of IPIC and provide you with your services.

Crandall Law Group.................................208-772-7111 8596 Wayne Dr., Ste. B, Hayden crandalllawgroup.com The Crandall Law Group is a boutique law firm offering highly specialized, top quality legal services to clients in the Inland Northwest region in the areas of estate planning, business, elder law, probates, guardianships, tax and business succession planning. We offer free initial consultations during which we will review your estate, discuss your needs, and explain your planning options.

Omnia Health Services............................208-907-1790 305 N. Lincoln. St. Ste. B, Post Falls omniahs.com “Loving care from our family to yours” is our company motto, our mission statement and it’s how we work every day here at Omnia. We are a locally-owned small agency dedicated to treating our patients, clients and employees like family.

Reliant Healthcare...................................208-665-3514 1103 E Best Ave., Cd’A • relianthealthcda.com A locally owned and operated business. Our experienced team delivers compassionate, quality care during or after changes in health conditions. Our team is committed to fostering positive changes and promoting independence for your loved ones within the comfort of their own home.

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VetAssist....................................................888-314-6075 veteranshomecare.com We help qualifying wartime veterans or widows apply for the VA’s Aid & Attendance benefit. We promptly provide home care with no out-of-pocket cost, help navigate the VA approval process and help clients meet VA criteria to keep their pension - and home care.

Legal

Kootenai Law Group, PLLC......................208-765-6555 350 E. Kathleen, Ste. 300, Coeur d’Alene kootenailaw.com We guide people through the complexities of elder law issues, estate planning, Medicaid eligibility, wills and trusts, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships and probate. We offer flat fee billing for most services. Call to schedule a FREE consultation or review of your estate plan.

Wytychak Elder Law.................................208-765-3595 314 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene wytychakelderlaw.com Since 1987, Wytychak Elder Law, PLLC has provided the senior and disabled population of North Idaho and their families with individualized service to help them through difficult issues related to Estate Planning, Probates, Trusts, Guardianship, and planning for Long Term Care and public benefits.

Personal Emergency Systems Kootenai Health Lifeline .........................208-625-5020 2003 Kootenai Health Way, Coeur d’Alene pfairfield@kh.org Leader of personal emergency response services the only non-profit provider in North Idaho. Lifeline provides peace of mind and access to emergency help at the touch of a button.

Newport Alarm & Medical.......................509-447-4903 Toll free.....................................................800-938-4184 320 S .Washington Ave., Newport, WA 8160 N Cornerstone Dr., Ste. D, Hayden (inside Exbabylon) newportalarm.net Offering monitored wireless personal emergency response systems with free personalized setup, training and easy to wear pendants— help you need when you need it. GPS, Fall Sensors and Medication Dispensers available! Serving North Idaho and Eastern Washington. Washington Medicaid approved.

Pharmacies, Medical Equipment & Supplies Medicine Man Pharmacy Bonners Ferry 6452 Main St. (in Super-1) ..................................................................208-267-4021 Sandpoint 624 Larch St. (in Super-1)......208-597-7466 Rathdrum 15837 Westwood Dr. (in Super-1) ..................................................................208-687-5717 Hayden 8093 N. Cornerstone Drive.........208-762-9355 Hayden 240 W. Hayden Ave (in Super-1).208-772-3311 Coeur d’Alene 305 W. Kathleen (in Super-1) ..................................................................208-765-2268 Coeur d’Alene 1114 Ironwood Drive.......208-666-2502 Post Falls 802 E. Medical Court................208-773-3566 Post Falls 805 E. Polston Ave. (in Super-1) ..................................................................208-777-7732 medmanpharmacy.com At Medicine Man Pharmacy we work to improve your health and the health of our community. You’ll find more than a place to fill your prescriptions: You’ll receive personalized care, answers to your questions and exceptional customer service. Visit our website to find a Medicine Man near you.

Sandcreek Medical...................................208-263-3713 306 1/2 N. 1st Ave., Sandpoint (behind Panida Theater) sandcreekmedical.com We are your local hometown medical equipment and respiratory company. Customer care and honest service are the mainstay of our business. Owned and operated by Gary and Tammi Rench, our family has been local business owners since 1967.

Sandpoint Super Drug.............................208-263-1408 604 N. 5th Ave., Sandpoint superdrugsandpoint.com We strive to provide the highest quality home health care equipment, supplies and services, while being competitive on product and pricing. We offer goods and services unique to our community, with the comfort and independence of our customers in mind.

Medicare approved!

White Cross Pharmacy 5453 Hwy 2, Priest River..........................208-448-1633 1319 Hwy 2, Ste. A, Sandpoint..................208-263-9080 31964 N. Fifth Ave., Spirit Lake................208-623-8485 whitecrossrx.com Ask us about the special packaging options available to help you manage your medications and supplements.

Free in-town delivery, drive-up window, vaccinations, two convenient locations on Highway 2 in West Sandpoint and Priest River. Proudly serving Bonner County since 1922.

Veterinary Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic..............208-267-7502 Emergency Phone....................................208-444-1024 6657 Main St., Bonners Ferry Let us help you care for your favorite four-legged friends! Our clinic provides complete veterinary services for healthy pets and for sick or injured animals, including horses and livestock. We provide an on-call emergency service in addition to our regular hours.

Complete Veterinary Services for Small & Large Animals

24-HOUR EMERGENCY 208-444-1024

Roland H. Hall, DVM Dan Dombroski, DVM 8:30 - 5:00 M-F 8:30 - 1:00 Sat.

6657 MAIN BONNERS FERRY 208-267-7502

Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic Wise Guide | www.TheWiseGuideOnline.com

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Grandma Mona

By Amy Baldwin Owner/Administrator Advanced Care Northwest LLC

I

will never forget the phone call I received one evening from my aunt, “Amy, Grandma is not doing so good. She needs someone with her all the time. Can you move in to help her?” And so the roles had changed; my grandmother was no longer my caregiver, instead I was hers.

My grandmother raised me from infancy well into my teens. She put me through a portion of my college. She was my mom. She was my primary caregiver. She was the love of my life.

Grandma was a determined women who did not believe in asking others for help but instead believed in working harder to help herself. She still managed her small farm of chickens, peacocks, a horse, dogs, cats, and an entire garden the size of a small state. She still split her own firewood and packed it in, fixed her own meals, and on occasion drove up the road to visit family.

She worked as a CNA in a local nursing facility for 30 years, becoming that facility’s longest term employee and receiving recognition for her employment and excellence in providing services.

She did not retire from the nursing home until she

was 84 years old. She was an amazing woman.

Some of my very first memories are of being with my grandma in the nursing facility, known as “The Manor” at the time, serving drinks to the elderly residents. I fell in love with the residents just as quickly as they fell in love with me.

I begged to go to work with Grandma and when I was old enough to do so, I received my CNA and started working in the same nursing facility my grandmother had worked in as well as picking up

...I realized caring for Grandma in her home was going to be much more difficult than I had anticipated....Instead of doing things for her, I had to learn to do things with her. in-home care jobs.

Once back on the farm with my grandmother, I quickly realized her cognitive and physical abilities had rapidly declined in what seemed like a very short period. She could vaguely remember who I was.

She was thin and frail but her personality was still

Advanced Care Northwest LLC In-Home Care at its Finest - Available 24/7

All clients & caregivers supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN) Special focus on matching personnel with each client to bring compassion, comfort and enjoyment to your in-home care experience. Familiar with use of assistive devices.

Serving all ages in Bonner, Boundary & Kootenai counties

Call for a Free In-home Consultation

208-263-3225

advancedcarenorthwest.com

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as strong as it had ever been. She insisted that not only could she do it all, she would do it all “come Hell or high water.” She was walking down that icy hill in the winter to the barn to feed the animals, she was going to split her kindling and pack in her firewood, she was going to cook all her meals. It was then that I realized caring for Grandma in her home was going to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. I was going to have to get creative!

Instead of doing things for her, I had to learn to do things with her. She would wake me up every morning at 6 am saying,“Well, are you going to sleep all day?” and my thought, “No Grandma, I just had not heard the rooster yet” and we would start our day. Coffee, dressing, coffee, breakfast, coffee then the arm in arm walk down to the barn to complete the chores, then back to the house for coffee, then lunch, more coffee, baking, coffee, sewing, coffee, news w/ coffee, dinner, coffee, bath, coffee, and in bed by 5 pm with a cup a coffee. Did I mention, I don’t even like coffee?… but I did learn to drink it!

I learned I could not make meals for my grandmother, but instead I had to make them with her. I could not do the chores for her, I had to do them with her. I could not do her laundry, I had to assign her specific tasks. “If you want to iron those blouses Grandma, I can hang them for you.” I found myself caring for her in exactly the way she had cared for me as a small child.

All tasks were delegated out and a partnership was formed to complete everything. And even

though I tried my best to let her do as much as possible for herself, there were some decisions that required me to use my personal judgment to maintain her health and safety which she did not always appreciate, earning me the nickname “That Woman.”

I became “that woman who had her take baths” and “that woman who rewashed some of the dishes right after she had just washed them” and “that women who threw out that perfectly good expired jar of salad dressing in the fridge” and “that woman who washed her clothes when she had only worn them a few times.”

Yes, I was “That Woman.” It was the day when we were standing in the kitchen pouring another cup of coffee and she looked at me, with her head cocked to the side, standing tall both arms on

her hips, and said, “Now what happened to that Amy? She would take care of me.” I said, “Grandma, I am Amy.” And her response was priceless, “Well, boy haven’t you grown up!” She did not believe that I was in fact Amy, the last child she raised. In her mind, Amy was still a little girl and she no longer recognized me. Although this was one of the most painful experiences of my life, it did not change my love or willingness to care for her and keep her in her home as she had request since I was a little girl.

One a Saturday morning in January, I woke up at 6:45 am. I knew instantly something was wrong and ran to her room where I found her on the floor. She had rolled out of bed and broken a Continued on page 70

Koot ai He th offers a positive part-time

care environment for seniors who are receiving care at home. Open weekdays, the program provides a safe, caring environment where seniors can spend their day while their usual caregiver is away. Staff are specially trained in caring for the mental and medical needs of seniors while providing activities that engage their interest and help reduce social isolation.

For more information, call (208) 625-5354 or visit KH.org/SeniorCare

(208) 625-5354 or visit KH.org/SeniorCare

SeniorCare_WiseGuideAd.indd 1

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Grandma Mona Continued from page 69 hip. I had to call additional family for back up and Grandma was then transported to the hospital.

She was put in traction for a few days prior to her surgery, a very painful process to watch her go through. After surgery, she was transported for rehab to that same nursing facility she had once worked for so many years before. It was clear at that point that Grandma would not be with us much longer and my family was faced with a very difficult decision: Do we let her pass in the nursing facility or in her home?

Grandma’s words, in the back of my mind, that I had heard so many times throughout the course of my childhood echoed loudly. She was terrified to be admitted to a facility and wanted to be in her home when she passed, just like her parents. So we fought to have her moved home and about caused WWIII within my family, but Grandma did get moved home! Within a few weeks my grandmother passed away in her home with family surrounding her.

My grandmother instilled in me the passion of caring for elderly at a very young age. It is because of her that I have opened my in-home care agency and continue to provide care to persons wishing to remain in their home for as long as possible. ______________________________________________ Amy Baldwin is the founder, owner and administrator of Advanced Care Northwest LLC; an in-home care agency providing multiple home care services to an array of persons wanting to remain safe and independent in their homes. She has 13 years of experience working with seniors and persons with intellectual disabilities. Amy has a passion for caring for others and is grateful to have the opportunity to do so.

Helpful Links National Institute of Health - Senior Health www.nihseniorhealth.gov/talkingwithyourdoctor/ planningyourdoctorvisit/01.html Health for Seniors www.usa.gov/health 22 Senior Health Risk Calculators for Healthy Aging www.calculators.org/health/aging.php Cats and Seniors www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/ cat-behavior/cats-and-seniors.html Canine Caregivers for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients www.rover.com/canine-caregivers-dementia-alzheimers/ Pets for the Elderly Foundation www.petsfortheelderly.org/ Older Adults & Anxiety www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/older-adults Heart Attack Quiz www.acls.net/heart-attack.htm Seniors & Drugs - NCADD ncadd.org/learn-about-drugs/seniors-vets-andwomen/241-older-adults Ultimate Guide to Rehab & Medicare www.discoveryplace.info/rehab-medicare-ultimate-guide Assisted Living Regulation and Laws www.alfa.org/alfa/ALFA_in_Your_State.asp Aging in Place www.ageinplace.com/ Senior-Friendly Home Remodeling www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Senior-FriendlyRemodeling.8317.html Stop Fraud www.stopfraud.gov/protect-yourself.html National Center on Elder Abuse www.ncea.aoa.gov/ Putting the Public Back in Public Health http://publichealthcorps.org/ patricia@publichealthcorps.org

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Run It By Tamara

by Tamara Jacobson, Compassionate Care Referral Services, Inc.

I receive some unique requests for amenities available at Assisted Living Facilities, such as “They must carry Western TV channels.” And other popular TV requests are: Lawrence Welk, Wheel of Fortune, Sports channel to watch the ZAGS!

Q

and some offer two adjoining rooms allowing the clients to decide if they want two bedrooms, or to use one room as a living area when assisted living is needed.

A Q A

Lately, I have received many calls from spouses with a loved one suffering from a severe dementia.

I’d like to give you some hope and thoughts to consider:

These are readily available at most places.

“Any facilities with farm animals?”

Thankfully yes, some with miniature goats, and some Certified Family Homes have chickens and horses.

Q

A

“Are there any places to accommodate a husband and wife?”

More options have become available recently. Some are remodeling or adding rooms big enough by State standards,

The key is to know when to release some care control in order to better serve your spouse and yourself.

Remember, this is a disease of the brain that can change a personality and it truly isn’t their fault (or yours).

Their words or actions are resulting from a disease pro-cess, not an intentional choice they can control.

It is tragic that nearly 45% of the caregivers of a spouse with Alzheimer’s pass before the loved Your Only Locally Owned Referral Service

A personal approach to evaluating senior care choices to fit your needs and budget.

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Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

one they are caring for. Stress plays a major role. I strongly encourage you to call for support resources, education and options for care services.

If you would like to submit a question and ‘Run It By Tamara’ regarding senior day-to-day care issues, please email to: RunItByTamara@outlook.com or call 208-660-9982.

There is something so encouraging and comforting just sharing our concerns with one another. I look forward to hearing from you! _______________________________ Tamara Jacobson, a Senior Care Consultant and founder of Compassionate Care Referral Services, Inc., www. CompassionateCareReferral.com Tamara formed the company as a way to connect area seniors and services in a personal but professional manner. Straight forward comparisons are discussed to fit the individuality of her client.

Crossword and Sudoku Answers * $ / 6 $ ' $ 3 5 2 0 ( 0 $ 6 7 ( 5 ( 5 5 6 7 ( * 6 ( & 6 7 , / $ / ( 8 3 ( 5 1 & + 2 8 $ % 8 7 ' 2 7 6

7 2 7 6 ( 2 $ 9 5 ( ( 7 5 < 2 ( $ 7 6

6 & 2 7 6 2 6 2 ( 6 3 < 7 5 ( 6 ( ' / / < , ( 7 $ 5 < 6 ( ( ) ( $ 7 $ 0 , / 6 6 & ( ' 2 5 2 1 $ *

. , 7 ( 5 2 2 7 , 1 1 6 . 6 ( + * 7 % / $ 5 ( $ ( 5 , ( % , 5 ' , ' , ( ( / 6 1 $ 5 ( 7 , * + 3 / $ 1 6 6 ( : ( 5 7 . 2 6

Puzzles on pages 38-39

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A Skilled Nursing Facility: Choosing the Right One!

By Maryruth Butler, M.B.A, N.H.A, R.C.A. Executive Director, Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – Mountain Valley

M

ost individuals hope they can go directly home from the hospital after an illness or surgery.

Even if you and your physician had planned for you to return home, recovery may be slower than expected, or there may have been unexpected complications and you may need post acute care (after hospital care) at a skilled nursing rehabilitation facility.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF’s) provide short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and in some cases, the most extensive care available including wound care and/or IV therapy.

If your hospital stay for surgery is planned, you have the opportunity to prepare ahead with your doctor and family members. If your hospital stay is unexpected, you and your family should discuss discharge planning with your doctor and the hospital’s social service staff, who help coordinate discharge planning, ensuring the next level of care is the right choice for your health care needs.

Some things to consider in choosing a skilled nursing facility (SNF): • Is there a skilled nursing rehabilitation center near your home so family and friends can visit you often?

This may also make it possible for your primary care physician to be involved in your care along with other specialty physicians.

• Ask if transportation is provided for follow up physician appointments to help minimize the burden on your family. Most SNF’s provide transportation to physician visits while also allowing families to be very involved.

• Tour the center to make certain they can provide the level of care you require through therapy and nursing staff.

Finances must be considered prior to being discharged from the hospital to a SNF. Medicare Part A covers skilled care provided in a SNF under certain conditions for a limited time. Skilled care is nursing and therapy care that can only be safely and

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effectively performed by, or under the supervision of, professionals or technical personnel. Medicare covers certain daily skilled care on a short-term basis (up to 100 days in a benefit period the first 21 days paid at 100%). Be sure to ask about your level of medical coverage prior to admission, the hospital discharge planner and the skilled nursing center’s staff should be able to answer your questions.

When researching facilities learn all you can about them to enable you to make an informed decision before communicating to the hospital staff where you would like to receive post acute care.

Narrow your choices to one or two SNF’s; this will provide you with options in the event that your first choice is not available. The quality of care you receive at the facility you choose plays the biggest role in getting you back home.

Use the tools available to help you navigate through the selection process for a SNF. Visit Medicare. gov to review “Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing

The quality of care you receive at the facility you choose plays the biggest role in getting you back home.

Home or Other Long-Term Care.” This document and checklist is prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS and individual states oversee the quality of skilled nursing centers. Another document to review on Medicare.gov is “Nursing Home Compare” which allows consumers to compare information about individual skilled nursing centers.

SNF’s often refer to their “star rating” from health inspections (last 3 years), nursing staffing, and quality measures. These three ratings are combined to calculate an overall rating – 5 STAR being the highest. SNFs vary in the quality and scope of care they provide. Reviewing health inspection results, level of staffing, and quality measures data are three important ways to measure a skilled nursing facility’s quality and give you a “snap shot” of the care they are able to provide.

The goal of a skilled nursing facility is to help you recover and return home as quickly and safely as possible. If you take time to research your options

and make an informed decision, you will reduce the amount of stress and anxiety associated with entering the post acute care environment. You will also be assured that you are receiving the highest quality of care in a facility of your choice - the first step to a successful recovery. ________________________________ Maryruth Butler has been the Executive Director at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mountain Valley in Kellogg, Idaho,

since 2001. She oversees the 68-bed facility, which provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation.

Through her dedication and administration, Mountain Valley has won numerous awards and honors including the 2011 Gold Excellence in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association (AHCA). She holds a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration, a State of Idaho Residential Care Administrator License, and a Nursing Home Administrator License.

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Understanding Hospice House

By Amanda Miller

I

started working for, Hospice of North Idaho, the community’s non-profit hospice, in May of 2010, only a few weeks before the groundbreaking of Hospice House.

During my first year of employment, I watched a great deal of dirt on Prairie Avenue being transformed into a magnificent building that would come to have a greater impact on our community than anyone could have imagined. While the building took about 15 months to complete from first shovel of dirt to first patient, Henry Thompson, a large group of dedicated volunteers had many more years invested in dreaming, planning, and fundraising for the project.

One could argue it started 34 years prior, when Hospice of North Idaho was created by volunteers who saw the need for coordinated care of the terminally ill in our community; I’ll save that story for another day.

Who could have envisioned what would happen when you take a beautiful building and fill it with loving staff and volunteers providing the best hospice care possible? Thousands of patients have come to Hospice House, each bringing their own stories, families (including pets), and unique situations with them.

They stayed hours, days, and in some rare situations, weeks before returning home, or in many cases, dying there. Many were surrounded by family members and friends as they transitioned. Some waited to pass until their spouse or family had gone off to get a cup of coffee or bowl of soup or went out to run an errand. Each situation is different and that is part of what makes the Hospice House so special and dynamic, yet so hard to explain. In just four years, nearly 50,000 visitors have come to Hospice House to share their love, support the patients and each other, and say their goodbyes.

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Hospice House, on any given day, is bustling in one sense, and in another quiet, sturdy and grounding. If you haven’t been inside Hospice House, you should; I’m inviting you to go. It’s breathtaking. The building is open and full of light with windows that reveal beautiful gardens. The rooms are welcoming, with many common areas that are comfortably furnished. In the fall and winter, the fireplace begs you to sit down and take a load off. The dining room smells of freshly baked cookies or the pot of soup that Chef Leanne just prepared. The patient rooms are private and large enough to accommodate

Even with all of its beauty, Hospice House would be nothing but a beautiful space were it not for the loving staff and volunteers who show up each day and night to provide around the clock care and support for patients and families. family and friends, with furniture that is comfortable enough to sit and stay, even overnight. In fact, large families and groups can be accommodated by one of the two family suites. Children can play in the youth activity room, and prayers and goodbyes can be said in the prayer and meditation space. The designers of the Hospice House tried to anticipate the complex needs of individuals who were nearing the end of lives,

and did not leave out those of their families too.

Even with all of its beauty, Hospice House would be nothing but a beautiful space were it not for the loving staff and volunteers who show up each day and night to provide around the clock care and support for patients and families. These are the people who make Hospice House a home. Hospice House Director Cindy Reed, RN, has been a hospice nurse with Hospice of North Idaho for almost 30 years.

Her devotion to the field of hospice care and to her patients is unparalleled and apparent the minute you speak to her. Hospice care provided at the Hospice House, like that provided in all aspects of Hospice of North Idaho’s care, is a blend of services provided by experts and designed to keep the patient comfortable and in control of their care. Whether it’s providing pain management, wound care, spiritual support, family counseling, or any of the services offered, the nurses, hospice aides, physicians, social workers, volunteers, and all those involved with the plan of care work together to provide a peaceful experience that is directed by the patient and their family.

These are my personal observations as a nonclinician, who has watched Hospice House evolve, thrive, and fill a need in our community. Looking back on that warm May morning in 2005 when I watched the first shovels of dirt being dug from the ground, I could not have imagined that the building would come to have such an impact on so many. While most of the hospice care our staff provides is in a patient’s home, should the need for inpatient care arise, Hospice House allows patients an option that can greatly enhance their end of life experience.

For more information on Hospice House, Hospice of North Idaho, or to schedule a tour, call (208)772-7994 or visit our website at www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

Hospice House Q & A

What exactly is Hospice House and why do patients go there? Here are some frequently asked questions about Hospice House. If your question wasn’t addressed, please feel free to call our office at 208-772-7994.

What is Hospice House?

Hospice House provides a comfortable and peaceful environment to allow a person and their loved ones to spend their time in the most meaningful way possible when their care cannot be managed at home. Hospice house provides 24-hour care to patients and support to their loved ones.

Who uses Hospice House?

Hospice House is for Hospice of North Idaho’s patients who are enrolled in hospice services. Hospice House is an option when there is an unmanageable crisis due to pain and other symptoms, when a patient Continued on page 78

The help you need, when and where you need it.

Medicare/Medicaid Certified • Licensed PT, OT, Speech Therapists 24-hour Licensed Nurses • Cardiac Rehab / Wound Care Certified Recreational Therapist • Semi-private and Private Rooms

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

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Understanding Hospice House Continued from page 77

has significant needs beyond the caregiver’s capacity upon discharge from the hospital, and for respite care because of caregiver fatigue.

Is Hospice House available to all patients?

Hospice House is available to all Hospice of North Idaho patients should they need inpatient-level care or respite care. Hospice of North Idaho has admission criteria that are used to determine if Hospice House is an appropriate option.

Can Hospice House be used when a caregiver becomes burned out or fatigued?

Absolutely! Hospice House can be used to give caregivers a break if they become too fatigued to care for their loved one. This is called a “respite stay”, which can last up to five days per visit.

How long will patients stay at Hospice House?

While this is specific to a patient’s needs, most stays typically do not last beyond six days. If a patient’s symptoms become well managed, they can then return to their home.

Do patients have to go the Hospice House?

No. Our patients always have a choice when it comes to their health care. If inpatient care is needed, patients and their loved ones can choose the best option for

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them; Hospice House is one option.

Is Hospice House a long-term care facility? No. Hospice House is not a residential facility. It is a short stay facility meant to manage symptoms or provide respite. It is not a longterm solution for residential care.

How will I pay for Hospice House?

Stays at the Hospice House are covered as part of the Hospice Medicare Benefit. Because Hospice of North Idaho is a nonprofit hospice, no one is ever denied services, including stays at the Hospice House due to the inability to pay or lack of insurance.

Everyone in our community receives the same high-quality hospice care no matter their financial situation.

Wise Guide | Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

______________________________ Amanda has eight years of experience working in the nonprofit sector doing public relations, communication, and fundraising.

She has been with Hospice of North Idaho for five years as the Director of Community Development and now serves as the Director of Communication. Her education and background is in biological science; she has also worked for the US Department of Agriculture.

“I wonder if my first breath was as soul-stirring to my mother as her last breath was to me.”

– “From 14 Days: A Mother, A Daughter, A Two-Week Goodbye”

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YOUR LIFE, YOUR CHOICES

Hospice of North Idaho believes in caring for the whole person. When we meet with our patients, we get to know the story behind each person; who they are, what they love, and how they want to live their life. We tailor our care to help individuals live fully and focus on what’s most important to them.

WE’RE A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOSPICE NON PROFIT EXPERTS IN OUR FIELD SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR 34 YEARS It’s never too soon to ask questions. Call us today!

Hospice of North Idaho 208.772.7994 9493 North Government Way Hayden, Idaho 83835 www.HospiceOfNorthIdaho.org