Vibrant Senior Options Resoure Guide Magazine 2023 Fall/Winter Edition

V ibr a nt SENIOROPTIONS

THE RESOURCE GUIDE MAGAZINE

Fall-Winter

2023-2024

Six Domains of Functional Aging

Anthony Hamilton | Page 6

Stubborn Drivers

Humor by Linda Jinkens | Page 24

Comparative Market Analysis:

A Powerful Tool

Jenn Eddleman | Page 22

Help With 100's of Tasks

Linked Lives | Page 32

Getting A Grip on Entryways

Grant Johnson | Page 38

Celebrating 10 Years!

See Page 3

V Our Vision is to provide a Magazine with articles to inspire and a Resource Guide to inform.

V Our mission is to help seniors, families, and care professionals navigate the many options available and to provide inspirational articles to help the Boomer

Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide is published semi-annually and can be picked up at approximately 400 locations throughout the region. The publishers of Vibrant Senior Options magazine and website make no claims as to the warranty, safety, availability or reliability of advertiser information and websites, nor do we necessarily endorse the contributing writers' articles. The Publishers also reserve the right to edit content. Vibrant Senior Options magazine and website remain as 3rd party non-interested entities with their only responsibility being the maintainers of information supplied in this magazine and on the website. Readers and Advertisers of this publication will not hold Vibrant Senior Options liable for any injury, damage or loss incurred from the use of advertiser information or services. It is the responsibility of readers to complete their own research and review of services offered. No reproduction of any part of this magazine may take place without prior consent of the publisher. Any inaccuracies or typographical errors within this magazine or web contents are unintentional.

We’vebeen "empty nesters" for a year now…and it’s been a sweet, but nostalgic transition. We raised two beautiful girls and a strapping handsome boy. The picture below, on the left, was taken 10 years ago for our first edition. Yes, we’re celebrating our 10th Anniversary of Vibrant Senior Options! It was on September 11th 2013 that we made an inspirational decision to start our own business. Kirk wrote the following on a piece of paper (still tacked to our home office wall), “I am going to be an entrepreneur and run a small business with my family. We will produce an exceptional guidebook and magazine for seniors.”

Over the next five months we combined our individual talents to form a business plan and action steps. Now you, as a reader, hold one of 12,000 copies in your hand. Welcome to our 20th Edition!

It is good to reflect on the past decade and give hearty “Thank-you's” to the Economic Development Association of Skagit County for their initial guidance in business planning, to the advertisers who serve seniors in the local region, and to our article authors who help keep the content fresh. And we are thankful to you, the reader!

This is not just about our work in the publication world – it’s also about the way Vibrant Senior Options has been accepted by local communities in the Northwest corner of Washington State. We are thankful for the hundreds of locations that display this publication in their public spaces for readers to pick up.

As we complete this 10th year, our new tagline is “The Resource Guide Magazine,” to reflect more of what this publication holds. With each edition, we plan to continue being a resource for our local communities, with a variety of directories and articles to inform and to inspire.

At our start in January of 2014, we had a 17, 16, and 10-year-old in the home. They were all integral in helping us launch by brainstorming with us and humoring us too. As young adults, they continue to mature and fill up their place in the world. A new title we wear with joy is “Grandparents” to a spunky, two-year-old girl, who, as of this writing, is waiting to meet her baby brother around October 1st. She doesn’t understand what is coming, but, for a two-year-old, it will be life-changing.

With Gratitude, Kirk and Christine Blankenship Vibrant Senior Options Publishers

The Senior Café - Menu of

Six Domains of Functional Aging

Anthony Hamilton, Owner Ageless Fitness

Don’t stop moving! Move...a lot. The most basic key to achieving functional longevity is human movement. We were created to move and we should be moving naturally every day. Natural movements are those things we do in order to accomplish a task or to provide enjoyment. Lifting, bending, stooping, walking, running, carrying, pushing, pulling, jumping, skipping, hopping, squatting, throwing, catching, crawling, climbing, rolling, somersaulting...these are all natural movements that we have been doing since childhood.

Functional Exercise

Exercise is just a specific type of physical activity, but it is one that yields many additional benefits beyond just being physically active. Unfortunately, exercise is poorly understood by the typical adult, especially in the context of aging.

Exercises Are Not All Created Equal

Not all exercises are created equal. An exercise program designed for functional longevity looks VERY different than the kind of program the vast majority of people engage in. Most people follow programs

that increase muscle size and strength which, on the surface, sounds good to combat aging since the aging process tends to reduce both. However, research has made it pretty clear that although these types of programs unequivocally improve muscle size and strength (even in 90 or 100-year-olds), they do NOT necessarily improve physical function. Latham and colleagues (2004) reviewed the best training studies available. They concluded that strength gains are not equal to similar functional improvements in older adults who exercise regularly. And those who became the strongest did not necessarily become the most functional.

Physical Function

The reason that strength gains and functional improvements are not equal is because physical function is much more complicated than we realize. There are many other factors which contribute to physical function other than just how big and strong the muscles are. These factors include: motor control, coordination, muscle power, proprioception, sensory integration, balance, stability, mobility, agility and more. An exercise program designed to improve physical function should challenge most or all of these factors, whereas the typical exercise program that includes basic strength and cardio machines does not address.

Six Domains of Functional Aging:

1. Neuro-Muscular: Focuses on coordination, moving faster and improved reaction time. Pickle Ball is a great activity to stimulate the Neuro-Muscular system.

2. Cognitive-Emotional: Focuses on memory and problem solving. Keep an active social environment. Play card games and interact with friends and family as much as possible.

3. Mobility: Move in ALL planes of motion! Do chair squats, wood chops with a light weight, shuffle side to side. These are the movements that maintain full range of motion in the joints and allow us to move on command without restriction.

4. Balance: Focuses on postural control and breathing. Challenge your balance daily to maintain stability and stimulate the nervous system. Maintaining physical balance helps prevent falls.

5. Cardio Respiratory: Heart health. Walking is great for maintenance. Try adding hills, stairs, or adventure hiking to improve cardio health.

6. Strength: If you don’t use it, you lose it! Stimulate muscles with strength training that includes speed and power. For instance, focus on standing up FASTER! (Take into consideration your stability and balance and go slower if needed.)

By integrating these six domains into your lifestyle, you can stay active longer and slow down the aging process. If you need help, contact your local Functional Aging Specialist at Ageless Fitness.

Anthony Hamilton, Owner Ageless Fitness

Whatcom: 360-986-5600

Skagit: 360-873-8377

www.agelesswa.com

Diabetes and the Health of Your Feet

Kevin Clarke, President Priority Footwear

Did you know that according to the American Diabetes Association, 29.2% of Americans age 65 and over have diabetes? Additionally, up to 10% of diabetics develop foot ulcers and up to 25% of foot ulcers lead to limb amputation within 6 to 18 months of initial evaluation. These numbers only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to diabetics deferring their health care, with many primary care physicians and podiatrists reporting their case load of toe amputations increasing by as much as 50% in 2020 and 2021. A study conducted at the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Seattle a few years ago found that 30 percent of amputations started as improperly fitting footwear, which can lead to ulcers and amputations.

The Therapeutic Shoe Bill

We don’t have a cure for diabetes. But fortunately, we know how to properly take care of diabetic feet which are subject to complications caused by diabetes. In 1993,

the US Congress passed the Therapeutic Shoe Bill, mandating Medicare to pay for therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying diabetics with foot conditions such as poor circulation, neuropathy, and callousing. Most private insurers have followed Medicare’s lead and cover therapeutic shoes and inserts with little or no coinsurance.

Even with this benefit, fewer than 20 percent of eligible beneficiaries use the Medicare benefit provided in the Therapeutic Shoe Bill to receive therapeutic shoes and inserts. There are two primary reasons for this: 1) lack of patient and doctor awareness, and 2) lack of providers with the expertise to properly fit the shoes, manufacture the accommodative inserts, and carry the patient through the necessary doctor and insurance paperwork.

Saving Diabetic Toes and Feet

Raising awareness of this benefit is the purpose of articles such as this. There are a number of providers who are able to fit and provide therapeutic footwear, including most podiatrists and companies like Priority Footwear, the only company in the Pacific Northwest that is exclusively dedicated to the mission of saving diabetic toes and feet.

If you are diabetic and think you may qualify for therapeutic footwear, talk to your doctor or call a company like Priority Footwear.

For qualifying diabetics, Medicare and most insurance plans cover one pair of therapeutic shoes and three sets of custom-fitted inserts annually at little or no cost to you!

Priority Footwear’s certified specialists work with you to help prevent diabetes-related foot complications, including amputation. We fit you and work with your doctor and insurance provider to handle the paperwork.

Diabetes and the Health of Your Feet

Bring a copy of this article to your appointment and recognize that the health of your feet begins with you. Lastly, follow some simple foot care tips:

• Wash and check your feet every day

• Rub a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes

• Keep the blood flowing to your feet by being active every day

• Trim your toenails each week or when needed

• Protect your feet from hot and cold

• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet

• Check in with your primary care physician regularly as part of taking care of your diabetes

Chemo Bell for Celebrating Chemotherapy Completions

multiple cycles,” said Bryce. “We get to know these patients, their families and friends. The addition of this celebration will be exciting for all involved.”

On June 24, Emily Conklin celebrated the completion of her chemotherapy at the Orthopedics and Surgical Care (OSC) unit at Skagit Valley Hospital. To commemorate this huge milestone, Emily had the honor of ringing the chemo bell – and was the first OSC chemo patient to do so.

New Chemo Bell Installed

This is because the OSC unit recently installed a brand new chemo bell to their unit. Ringing of a bell to mark the end of cancer treatment is a cancer facility tradition that has been around since 1996.

When first hearing about this tradition from a staff member, the OSC team realized they were missing out on a great opportunity. They agreed to establish an end-of-cancer-treatment process to celebrate each patient as they reach this milestone.

Bryce Dickie, (RN, MN, BSN, CMSRN) is the Orthopedic Surgical Care Unit and Inpatient Wound/Ostomy Manager. He discussed with team members of Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care to learn about their celebration, bell, and how to get started.

“Most patients who come to OSC for chemo spend 3-5 days with us and then return monthly for

To Celebrate Each and Every One!

After securing a bell, a plaque was ordered to be hung next to it. The plaque was made by an outpatient oncology nurse’s husband and reads, “When your last chemo has come and gone, ring the bell to tell everyone!” The team also created certificates to be handed to patients during the celebration. Staff members have the opportunity to write heart-felt messages on the certificate before given to the patient.

The OSC unit staff are thrilled to have the bell in place to celebrate their patients’ successes.

“Seeing the patients laugh, cry and celebrate their chemo success made an impact on me,” shared Mary Ann Sains, staff nurse at the OSC unit. “Their commitment to the regimen, enduring the side effects, and the fear that they endure is enough to want to celebrate each and every one!”

Ringing the Chemo Bell

With a committed, caring team and the desire to celebrate their patients’ treatment wins, the OSC unit now has a bell and plaque in place for patients to ring out their treatment. Emily Conklin was the first to celebrate the end of her treatment with the new OSC bell and had her support group surrounding her to share in the moment. “I’m so excited for Emily to be the first chemo patient to ring the bell!” exclaimed Mary Ann. “I know she really wanted to do it.”

Skagit Valley Hospital

Orthopedics and Surgical Care

Don’t Go It Alone: Access To Exceptional Care

Webelieve everyone on Whidbey Island deserves local access to progressive, innovative and exceptional healthcare. That’s why WhidbeyHealth is continually expanding our services with state-of-the-art equipment, cutting edge procedures and highly skilled providers to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Hospice

WhidbeyHealth Hospice provides exceptional, compassionate, end-of-life care for people with terminal illness. We are committed to providing highly skilled symptom management and support for the terminally ill, while living their final months to the fullest. Our 5-Star CMS rated hospice program has been recognized as one of the few top programs in the state for outstanding quality of patient care and family-caregiver experience. WhidbeyHealth has been at the pinnacle of hospice care for over a year now –showing that rural healthcare can provide firstclass care. WhidbeyHealth Hospice includes:

• Pain management

• Symptom management

• Speech, physical, and occupational therapy

• Music therapy

• Providing necessary medications, medical supplies and equipment

• Home deliveries of patient medications

• Assistance with emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of end-of-life

• Guiding family members on how best to care for the patient

• Short-term inpatient care when appropriate

• Respite for caregivers as needed

• Bereavement services and support for family members and loved ones

Our team supports patients and families with comprehensive expertise in the management of physical, emotional and spiritual needs. For most hospice patients, “comfort care” means spending the last months of their lives within familiar surroundings with family, friends, pets and relaxed routines.

Surgery & Joint Replacements

When expertise matters most our expert surgical teams bring the knowledge, skills, experience and state of the art equipment needed to ensure exceptional care and highquality outcomes. Both essential and elective services, including pre- and post-surgical consultations are available.

Total joint replacement has become one of the most popular surgeries available because of their high success rate and the huge impact on a patient’s overall quality of life. From early decision making through ‘boot camp,' to your procedure, post-surgical recovery and rehab, the WhidbeyHealth Joint team is focused on making sure you have the best possible experience and outcome.

To learn more about improving your quality of life with hip or knee replacement, call our Total Joint Replacement team at 360-240-4013 or visit our website for more information.

www.whidbeyhealth.org/jointreplacement

Walk-In Clinics: Close to Home

When life’s minor illness and injuries need medical attention, our Walk-In Clinics in Clinton and Oak Harbor are open daily with diagnostic imaging and laboratory care available. No appointment needed.

Don’t put your health on hold. Providing exceptional health care is the reason we are here.

www.whidbeyhealth.org/services/walk-in-clinics

- Jerald Sanders, MD Hospice-Certified Medical Director

Glossary: Legal and Care Specialists

Elder Law: A specialized area of legal practice, covering estate planning, wills, trusts, arrangements for care, social security and retirement benefits, protection against elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial), and other issues that involve older people. (www.uslegal.com)

Geriatric Care Manager/Elder Care Consultant: This professional is usually a licensed nurse or social worker who specializes in geriatrics. They are sort of “professional relative” who can help you and your family to identify needs and find ways to meet your needs. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the services you need. (National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov)

State Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification of specialists in the practice of law and that the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in the State of Washington.

Comparative Market Analysis: A Powerful Tool

Jenn Eddleman, Broker/Seniors Real Estate Specialist Windermere Real Estate

If you are considering selling your home, you likely have questions: What’s my home worth? How much buying power will I have to purchase my next property? Conversely, maybe you’re making an offer on a home and want your agent to help determine if the listed price seems appropriate for that property. A CMA will help you answer your questions.

What is a Comparative Market Study?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a tool real estate agents use to help both our sellers and our buyers, usually offered as a complimentary service to aid the buying and selling process.

To create a CMA, we begin with a subject property, usually the one you’re listing or the one you’re purchasing. From there we look for comparable properties, or comps. When looking for comps, we consider many variables. In addition to the standard features - number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, lot size, for example, we’ll look for more individual characteristics. Does the property have a view? Outbuildings? How old is the home? Has it been recently updated?

Current Market Value

Because a CMA is meant to be a snapshot of a property’s current market value, the goal is to get the most recent data that’s available. Ideally, we’ll find comparable properties that have recently closed sales. Since the real

estate market is constantly fluctuating, the closer the sale is to the current date, the better. If not enough recently sold comparable properties are available, we’ll include homes in “Pending” status, i.e. homes that are under contract but not yet closed - if we can find out what price has been offered and accepted.

Determine Your Price Range

Once we’ve found comparable properties to put into the report, we can generate a price range based on their sold or contracted price. From there we can narrow it down by comparing more details. Are there granite counter tops? A large deck? New fixtures? Luxury features in the primary bath? This information can help you and your agent determine where in the range you will price your home – or what kind of offer you’ll be making.

A CMA can also be useful when you’re determining your buying power after the sale of your home. A “Seller’s Net Proceeds” estimate can be produced as part of the CMA process once a list price is determined, by factoring in your remaining mortgage balance and selling costs. This is a general estimate of course, until you see what price your home actually brings under contract.

If you have questions about the real estate market, your home’s value, and how it affects your next steps, talk to an agent about a CMA.

Jennifer Eddleman, Realtor, SRES Full Time Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist

jenneddleman@windermere.com

Glossary: Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES): A REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS® who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. They also draw upon the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as estate planners, CPAs, and eldercare lawyers, and are familiar with local community resources and services. Their mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal, and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home. (www.sres.org)

Stubborn Drivers

Humor by Linda Jinkens, Freelance Writer Arlington, Washington

Now that my husband, Ron, and I are in our 70s, we know each other so well that we can finish each other’s thoughts and sentences. It can be downright amusing. But when it comes to driving, for some reason, we can each transform from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde. (Remember that classic book by Robert Louis Stevenson?)

Directionally Challenged

He said, “Well, where is the sun? Are you heading east, west, north, or south?”

“I don’t see the sun. There are clouds here.”

Sounding exasperated, he said, “This is what happens when you don’t have GPS!”

“Well, I don’t have one, so now what?”

“Keep going, and you will eventually run into something—either the mountains or Puget Sound!” He hung up. He was no help at all. I finally got home.

What's the Rush?

Some years ago, I drove out of Redmond and got lost. Due to lots of traffic, I shot off in the wrong lane on 405 and ended up in nowhere. (I had resisted smart phones with GPS up to that time.) I found myself in a rural area and drove for miles. Finally, discouraged, I called Ron.

He said, “Well, where are you?”

“I have no idea. That’s why I called you.”

“Well, what do you see? Any signs?”

“No, no signs out here. Barns. Cows.”

“Cows? Well, which direction are you going?”

“I have no idea.”

On the other hand, Ron can be very annoying when he is driving. He leaves large gaps between our car and the car ahead. That drives me insane. “Pull up, Ron! Pull up! Get closer. We have a long line of people behind us!”

“I’m going the speed limit! It says 40 here.”

“I can see that! But you are letting all these other drivers in ahead of us. It will take forever to get there.”

He says, “So what’s the rush?”

A Scenic Tour

Another point of contention is that I like routine. Ron, however, is more spontaneous. We might head home, but end up out in the woods somewhere. I get annoyed and say, “This isn’t the route home. Where are we going?”

“I’m taking a scenic tour. Look at all the beautiful trees out here.”

“We have looked at trees out here for years, Ron. When you’ve seen one evergreen, you’ve seen them all. Let’s just head home, OK? I’m starved!” It will still take a long time to get home. I fume.

(Continued on Page 44)

I am the first to admit I am directionally challenged, but it’s aggravating when Ron points it out.

Need Transportation? CARE-E-ME can help!

Monday - Friday: 6 am - 6 pm Saturday: 8 am - 4 pm

www.careeme.com

360-755-3239

Mobility Issues preventing you from traveling?

Skagit Transit’s Paratransit Service can help!

» For residents with Mobility Issues*

» Wheelchair or walker welcome

» Make reservations from point to point

» In-person Travel Training for riding the Skagit Transit system

*You must apply to qualify for this system.

*Rides can be booked online

*Paratransit fare is $2 per ride.

Weekday service hours - 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Weekend service hours - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Paratransit Service

360-757-4433

www.skagittransit.org

Glossary: Home Support Agencies

Home Care: Supportive care provided in the home by a professional agency. Certified Caregivers provide assistance with daily care needs and companionship. Services: Home Care agencies provide non-medical services to people with functional limitations, enabling them to maintain their highest level of independence and to age in place in their own homes. Care may include assistance with dressing, bathing, medication administration, meal preparation, household chores, errands, and more. Hours/Days: Scheduled help 2 to 24 hours per day, up to 7 days per week, or as respite care. See Home Care Directory on Page 30.

Home Health: In-home services provided include Skilled Nursing Care and various therapies prescribed by a physician. This includes physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapies, often used for seniors who are recovering after a hospital and/or nursing home stay. See Home Health Directory on Page 34.

Experience a higher standard of care every step of the way.

1. Receive a plan of care tailored to your loved one’s needs.

2. Meet the caregiver we recommend based on personalities and compatibility.

3. Rest assured knowing that a BrightStar Care Registered Nurse conducts regular supervisory visits and that someone is always here for you 24/7.

We follow the nation’s highest standards for patient safety as outlined by The Joint Commission — a widely recognized organization that evaluates the quality of hospitals and other health care systems.

Discover a higher standard of care.

With BrightStar Care®, your loved one’s care from day one is supervised by a Registered Nurse. He or she can explain what’s normal and what isn’t, answer your questions and ensure that your loved one of any age gets the care that’s right for them.

We offer services to meet a range of needs.

From round-the-clock care to just a few hours a week, we create a plan of care that works for you and your budget. Our services include long-term care for special needs children, temporary help after surgery and much more.

Examples of skilled nursing care:

• Medication administration

• Intravenous drug therapies

• Catheter and wound care

Examples of personal care:

• Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting

• Medication reminders

• Help with mobility in and outside the home

Examples of companion care:

• Light housekeeping, laundry, grocery and meal prep

• Transportation to and from appointments or activities

• Time off for family caregiver

Call to schedule a free in-home assessment with a BrightStar Care nurse today.

BrightStar Care of Bellingham/Mount Vernon 360-922-0975

IHS.FS.61231235

brightstarcare.com/bellingham-mount-vernon

Experience

Experience

1. Receive a plan of care tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Discover a higher standard of care.

Discover a higher standard of care.

With BrightStar Care®, your loved one’s care from day one is supervised by a Registered Nurse. He or she can explain what’s normal and what isn’t, answer your questions and ensure that your loved one of any age gets the care that’s right for them.

With BrightStar Care®, your loved one’s care from day one is supervised by a Registered Nurse. He or she can explain what’s normal and what isn’t, answer your questions and ensure that your loved one of any age gets the care that’s right for them.

We offer services to meet a range of needs. From round-the-clock care to just a few hours a week, we create a plan of care that works for you and your budget. Our services include long-term care for special needs children, temporary help after surgery and much more.

We offer services to meet a range of needs.

From round-the-clock care to just a few hours a week, we create a plan of care that works for you and your budget. Our services include long-term care for special needs children, temporary help after surgery and much more.

Examples of skilled nursing care: Medication administration

Examples of skilled nursing care:

• Medication administration

Intravenous drug therapies

• Intravenous drug therapies

Catheter and wound care

• Catheter and wound care

Examples of personal care:

Examples of personal care:

• Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting

• Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting

• Medication reminders

• Medication reminders

• Help with mobility in and outside the home

• Help with mobility in and outside the home

Examples of companion care:

Examples of companion care:

• Light housekeeping, laundry, grocery and meal prep

• Light housekeeping, laundry, grocery and meal prep

• Transportation to and from appointments or activities

• Transportation to and from appointments or activities

• Time off for family caregiver

1. Receive a plan of care tailored to your loved one’s needs.

2. Meet the caregiver we recommend based on personalities and compatibility.

2. Meet the caregiver we recommend based on personalities and compatibility.

3. Rest assured knowing that a BrightStar Care Registered Nurse conducts regular supervisory visits and that someone is always here for you 24/7.

• Time off for family caregiver

Call to schedule a free in-home assessment with a BrightStar Care nurse today.

Call to schedule a free in-home assessment with a BrightStar Care nurse today.

3. Rest assured knowing that a BrightStar Care Registered Nurse conducts regular supervisory visits and that someone is always here for you 24/7.

We follow the nation’s highest standards for patient safety as outlined by The Joint Commission — a widely recognized organization that evaluates the quality of hospitals and other health care systems.

BrightStar Care of Bellingham/Mount Vernon 360-922-0975

BrightStar Care of Bellingham/Mount Vernon 360-922-0975

IHS.FS.61231235

IHS.FS.61231235

brightstarcare.com/bellingham-mount-vernon

We follow the nation’s highest standards for patient safety as outlined by The Joint Commission — a widely recognized organization that evaluates the quality of hospitals and other health care systems. Your

brightstarcare.com/bellingham-mount-vernon

See full page ad on Center Page 28

With BrightStar Care®, your loved one’s care from day one is supervised by a Registered Nurse. He or she can explain what’s normal and what isn’t, answer your questions and ensure that your loved one of any age gets the care that’s right for them.

We offer services to meet a range of needs.

From round-the-clock care to just a few hours a week, we create a plan of care that works for you and your budget. Our services include long-term care for special needs children, temporary help after surgery and much more.

Examples of skilled nursing care:

• Medication administration

• Intravenous drug therapies

• Catheter and wound care

Examples of personal care:

• Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting

• Medication reminders

• Help with mobility in and outside the home

Local caregivers owned and operated. Over 100 years of combined experience!

ʿ Respite 3-24 hour visits

Help With 100's of Tasks

David Rodriguez, Co-Owner Linked Lives

A

lex, David, and Evan Rodriguez are three brothers who were born and raised in the Skagit Valley. They shared each other’s dreams and graduated from WSU with engineering degrees. However, after spending some time working engineering jobs in the valley, they sensed the call to do something different…to make a difference for older adults.peace of mind with their list of things to do. In this endeavor, these brothers discovered there was a need to help older adults in the community. Could this possibly be a need larger than their neighborhood? Yes!

Help With Tasks

Previous Experiences in Helping

They had some talks with their grandparents about their business dream. These brothers reflected on previous experiences of helping older neighbors with more strenuous tasks around their homes. This gave senior neighbors

At this point the brothers decided to start their own company together, called Linked Lives. The service isn’t about specialized labor such as landscaping or construction. It's more about helping with the types of things that can become more difficult as people age. What are the things you did 10 or 20 years ago, but you simply can’t get to now? Your list may include all or a few of these things: lifting objects, moving boxes, organizing spaces, assembling

OLDER ADULT HOUSE HELP

Help With 100's of Tasks

items, hanging pictures, working with technology, or even light household chores or gardening. Any of these “to-do” items can be easily put off, but they remain a drain on your mind and your space.

Examples of Services

• Balance & Lifting – hanging pictures, changing smoke detector batteries, and other tasks that require a ladder

• Organization – Garage Spaces, Closet Spaces, boxing and shelving, etc.

• Garden Projects – weeding, planting, and general maintenance

• Technology Help – Set-up help for tech gadgets, such as smart watches, printers, computers, apps, etc.

• And Hundreds More Tasks!

Personal, Helpful, and Dependable

These guys can help! As the business continues to grow into other communities, Linked Lives members share how impactive the service has been. What are some comments they are saying about Linked Lives? “Personal, helpful, and dependable.” Another member says that with her husband gone, Linked Lives has been “a real savior,” giving her peace of mind.

If you’re interested in seeing how they can help you, visit their website at www.ourlinkedlives.com to learn about the 100’s of odd-jobs, tasks, chores, and more that benefit the members of Linked Lives. Email: Info@ourlinkedlives.com, or call them at 360-336-6351.

Glossary: Home Support - Home Modifications

Home Modifications - Safety & Accessibility: Regular attention to Home Safety and Accessibility is known to decrease fall risks and increase the chances of aging in your own home. Home Analysis for potential improvements should be done by a Home Contractor who is a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS Certified). This person will look at many factors, including: rugs, electrical cords, placement of furniture, and functional supports around the home. See Home Modifications Directory on Page 39.

Caring for Others, Caring for Yourself

Ellen Liu Kellor, MSW/ Owner Age-Well LLC

Thank you. Thank you for caring for your mother, your father, your husband, your wife, your sister, your brother, your child, your friend, your neighbor and each other. Finally, thank you for caring for Yourself. Too often, self-care is not prioritized by informal “family caregivers,” who may put themselves last in line and struggle to find the time for much else outside of care responsibilities. Even basic needs such as sleep may feel like a luxury. Caregiving can be a demanding, often thankless role that may take its toll on health & wellness, finances, social lives, relationships, personal time and freedom.

A Healthy Balance

As an Elder Care Consultant, Social Worker and Support Group Facilitator, I often meet people when they are hitting a wall of burnout and exhaustion from the unrelenting responsibilities of caring for their aging family members, sometimes alongside parenting and work roles. As the caregiver reaches burnout or suffers their own healthcare crisis, they may be driven by a sense of desperation and basic survival instinct. It may be comforting to know that with the proper planning and support, a healthy balance can exist. The addition of good self-care routines can offer a refreshed perspective on caregiving roles and abilities. What once felt insurmountable may be faced with new energy, perspective and possibilities.

Existing Resources and Support

One of the first things that I do with my clients is to assess their existing resources and support systems and to make sure that the informal caregivers/family members have backup support.

Network for Caring

We all need time to rest and rejuvenate. Setting healthy boundaries and realistic expectations while including time for self-care is critical for survival. Consider “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs,” which includes sleep and nutrition at the foundational level, before other needs can be met. This is true for the care recipient and the caregiver as well. The best "long term care policy" to invest in is to build upon a trusted network of mutual support, both formal and informal. Self-care resources may include:

• Accessing reliable respite via friends, neighbors or caregivers, adult day centers, senior centers or care facilities

• Attending a support group (virtual or in person)

• Consulting with a counselor, therapist, life coach, pastor, social worker or care manager

• Journaling, art, mindfulness meditation, prayer, sleep, nutrition, exercise & recreation

• Pausing for restorative moments throughout the day: a cup of tea, a calming breath, favorite music, friendship, pets or nature & the outdoors

Additional information and resources for support include your local Aging and Disability Resources office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Senior Centers, Healthcare Networks & Organizations, Churches, Social Workers and Care Managers. Feel free to contact me directly and I’d be happy to help guide you to the appropriate self-care and respite resources & programs for your situation.

Ellen Liu Kellor, MSW Age-Well LLC

Elder Care & Lifestyles Consultant, Social Worker, Care Manager & Gerontologist 360-734-3064

360-255-3237

Grant Johnson, Owner Mindsight Metal

360-255-3237

Your entryways are essential to your home's daily function. Having a secure way to navigate your home's entry points in any season or weather is crucial to any residence. Many modern and aged homes lack the safety needed when a slip, trip, or fall occurs. Oftentimes people don’t realize they have an entrance that's unsafe until someone experiences a slip, trip, or fall. If going down your front or back stairs has become a challenge, it’s a good time to consider adding to or evaluating your home's accessibility.

Railing Requirements and Why it Matters

Washington has many railing requirements. One requirement often overlooked is stairs with

three or more steps require at least one handrail. Heights are typically between 33-36” for grab rails and need to be able to hold 200 pounds in any direction. A guard rail in height of 36” minimum is required at points 30” or higher that present a fall hazard. It’s important to consider these and other buildng codes for your entryways.

Assessing Your Entryway

Whether you're getting into a new home or realizing the need for a railing installation, it’s important to note the details of your entrances. Uneven stair heights, unsecure railings, and landscape all factor into navigating your home. It's important to factor in all seasons as well as the user comfort of that space for daily use.

Talking with a contractor about a railing update or installing a railing yourself might be something that makes your space more accommodating.

Learn How To Stay Living In Your Own Home

Maintenance and Security

To maintain any existing railings and guardrails, check securing points and look for wood, metal, or cement decay. Washington's wide range of weather can significantly affect the crucial components of your home. In some cases, if a current railing is beyond repair or does not pass multiple codes, it’s important to take steps to mitigate those problems.

Value and Safety

Adding a new railing or maintaining a current entryway can significantly add both value and safety to your home. By considering an update or maintaining your current entrances, you can

add equity to one of your biggest investments. When in need of a railing update for your home, it’s important to talk with a licensed contractor or handyman to provide you with options. A fabricator will be the best bet for a custom railing, but there are many made in the USA options on Etsy and online for handrails. Consulting with a Fabricator will give you a better idea of the necessary problems to fix and a higher quality finished product.

Grant Johnson, Owner Mindsight Metal Custom

360-255-3237

Glossary: Housing - Independent

Affordable Housing: A subsidized apartment rental program for people who are disabled or elderly, including Section 8, HUD, public housing, and tax credit buildings.

Independent/Retirement: Private apartments rented to seniors. Some offer three meals per day. Activity programs and housekeeping may be provided, but residents are capable of independent living. Private pay only. Retirement Communities are maintenance free to seniors.

Glossary: Housing & Care

Assisted Living: Community apartments for seniors with physical and/or cognitive impairments who may need assistance from trained caregivers. Meals, housecleaning, and activities to help seniors stay physically active and socially engaged are provided. Trained caregivers 24 hrs/day and Licensed Nursing up to 24 hrs/day. (Non-secured memory care may be available)

Adult Family Home (Adult Care Home): A residence owned or rented by a licensed provider. Room and board, trained caregivers 24 hours a day, and assisted care services for 2 to 6 adults are provided in a home environment. Licensed Nurses on staff are not required, but may be available. (Non-secured memory care may be available)

Memory Care Community: This is special care in a secured community for people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Some are stand-alone Memory Care communities, while others are located within Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing facilities. Trained Caregivers 24 hrs/day and Licensed Nursing up to 24 hrs/day.

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation: A qualified facility that has the staff and equipment to provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care (RN’s and LPN’s) and rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapies. Also included are Social Work services, Medical Director oversight, and care giving staff to assist with personal care needs.

Continuing Care Communities: These offer three or more types of senior housing in one community location, reducing the need for a senior to move as they age. Senior housing options may include: Retirement, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation.

(Continued from Page 24)

Driving a Stick Shift

Another conversation that we repeat a lot is about driving a stick shift.

Ron keeps telling me I need to learn to drive a stick, but I resist big time. We have old cars. One has a stick shift. “What’s going to happen if I’m driving and have a heart attack, and you need to drive?” he asks.

“I will use my phone to call for help.”

He will snort. “I will be deader than dead by the time someone gets there. I need to teach you to drive a stick.”

“No way Jose. I am just not interested.”

“Why are you so stubborn?” he barks.

“Look,” I reply reasonably, “when your car wears out, we can buy an automatic. Problem solved.”

He shakes his head. End of conversation.

Stubborn as Me

Ron can be stubborn as me. He hates to ask for directions. Back when we were in the pre-smart phone era, we were supposed to meet friends at a new restaurant. We drove and drove.

Finally, I said, “Ron, I think we’re lost.”

“We are not lost! I know where I am going!”

More time went by. He kept looking out the windows.

I said again, “I think we’re lost. How about

Stubborn Drivers

Your Loved One in Great Hands

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702 32nd Street Bellingham, WA 98225

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Our mission at Highgate is to help every resident live a life of purpose. We really get to know our residents – their stories, their families, their interests, and their passions – so that no matter what age or what ailment, we can support each person in living a happy and fulfilling life. Call (360) 671-1459 HighgateSeniorLiving.com

stopping and asking someone for directions?”

He turned beet red. “No! I know where I’m going!” We kept driving. Now we were late for our get-together.

“See,” I said. “We’re lost! There’s a man over there. Ask him.”

Ron reluctantly pulled over. He talked to the man, who said we were close. Ron screeched out of the lot, upset.

We found the restaurant. As we entered, he turned to me and said, “I was not lost!”

“Right,” I said. “We were just taking a scenic tour.”

Linda Jinkens is a freelance writer who enjoys bicycling, baking, and her five grandchildren. She has been freelancing for the last six years and has been published in many publications. She is also a former high school teacher.

Every life has meaning. Every day has joy.

Directories - Housing & Care

Whatcom County

Bellingham

Brookdale Fairhaven IL/AL

Cordata Court Senior Living AL

Highgate Senior Living AL

Orchard Park IL/AL

Solstice Senior Living IL

Rosewood Villa AL

Spring Creek IL/AL

Summit Place AL

The Willows IL

Sapphire at Woodway IL/AL

Ferndale

Louisa Place IL/AL

Lynden

Lynden Manor IL/AL

Meadow Greens IL/AL

Skagit County

Anacortes

Cap Sante Court IL

Chandler’s Square IL/ AL

Rosario AL

San Juan Assisted Living AL

Burlington

Creekside IL/AL

Where The Heart Is AL

La Conner

La Conner Retirement IL/AL

Mount Vernon

The Bridge IL/AL

Heather Village IL

Highland Greens IL

Mountain Glen IL/AL

Salem Village IL

Memory Care Communities

Whatcom County

Bellingham

Bellingham at Orchard

Cordata Court MC

Highgate Sr. Living

Silverado Memory Care

Spring Creek MC

Lynden

Christian Health Care

Lynden Manor Memory Care

Skagit County

Anacortes

Lighthouse Memory Care

Rosario Assisted Living

Burlington

Creekside

HomePlace Memory Care

Where The Heart Is

Sedro-Woolley

Country Meadow Village IL/AL

Island County

Freeland

Maple Ridge IL/AL

Oak Harbor Harbor Tower Village IL/AL

Regency on Whidbey IL/AL

Summer Hill AL

Welcome Home Oak Harbor AL

San Juan County

Friday Harbor Village at the Harbor IL/AL

North Snohomish

Mount Vernon

Ashley Gardens

Sedro-Woolley

Birchview MC

Island County

Oak Harbor

Regency on Whidbey

HomePlace Memory Care

Welcome Home Oak Harbor

Arlington Cascade Valley Senior Living AL

Olympic Place by Bonaventure IL/AL

Marysville

Cascade Village at Smokey Point IL

The Gardens at Marysville IL/AL

Grandview Village IL/ AL

Smokey Point

Fields Senior Living IL/ AL

Stanwood

Brookdale Stanwood IL/AL

The Suites at Josephine AL

Warm Beach Senior Community IL/AL

North Snohomish

Arlington

Cascade Valley Senior Living

Marysville

Fieldstone MC

The Cottages at Marysville

Smokey Point Fields Senior Living

Stanwood

Brookdale Stanwood

The Meadows at Josephine

Skilled Nursing & Short Term Rehabilitation

Whatcom County

Bellingham

Alderwood Health & Rehabilitation

Highland Health & Rehabilitation

Mt. Baker Care Center

North Cascades Health & Rehabilitation

Shuksan Health Care

St. Francis of Bellingham

Blaine

Stafholt Good Samaritan Care

Lynden

Christian Health Care Skagit County

Anacortes

Soundview Rehabilitation

Mount Vernon

Life Care Center of Mount Vernon

Mira Vista Care Center

Sedro-Woolley

Life Care Center of

Skagit Valley

Island County

Coupeville

Regency Coupeville

Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

North Snohomish

Arlington

Arlington Health & Rehabilitation

Marysville

Marysville Care Center

Mountain View Skilled Nursing

Stanwood

Saratoga

Transitional Rehab - Josephine

Independent/Retirement (IL) and/or Assisted Living (AL)

Senior Activity Centers & Lunch Schedules

Providing Seniors with a Vibrant, Missional and Purposeful Lifestyle Through Every Phase of their Golden Years.

Independent Living - The common thread that connects our residents is the overwhelming joy they experience by living and thriving in a vibrant purposeful Christcentered community. Our residents have found the freedom to actively engage and pursue the things in life that matter most. Spending quality time with family, getting out and traveling the world and giving back to the community through volunteering are just a few of the many things enjoyed by our Warm Beach Senior Community residents.

Assisted Living - Designed for seniors who may not need the full array of services provided by a skilled nursing center, but do need help and support with the activities of daily living, our caring and dedicated staff members provide round-the-clock assistance while encouraging residents to maintain a high level of independence.

Now Providing Medically Complex Assisted Living

A brand new approach to resident care, these services provide a higher level of health care than available in a traditional assisted living environment. Residents living in our Medically Complex neighborhood have the security of receiving an increased level of care while not suffering the burdens of moving into an institutional skilled nursing facility.