Vibrant Senior Options 2021 Spring

V i b r a n t

SENIOR OPTIONS RESOURCE GUIDE ~ Health, Housing, and Happenings

Spring - Summer 2021

New Option to Subscribe!

See Center - Page 26

Return to Travel - Inspiration Awaits! Laurie Robinson | Page 6 Eyelid Surgery: A Brighter View Ingrid A. Carlson | Page 18 Safety is No Accident, Susie Landsem | Page 32 Lookin’ at Life: It’s All in How You See It! Vicki McCarty | Page 43 Hospital Health Articles: See Table of Contents | Page 3

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Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, N. Snohomish

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Social & Care Calendar | Glossary of Terms | Active Lifestyles Health & Wellness | Home Support | Senior Housing

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Hospice care you can count on PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice supports patients and their loved ones facing the overwhelming realities of death and dying. We ease the burden by delivering skilled, compassionate care wherever you call home in Whatcom County, including in our beautiful Hospice House for short-term needs. Regardless of location, our goal is to help you live each remaining day with comfort and dignity.

n Access to nursing support 24/7 n Team-based approach including emotional, spiritual, and grief support n Quality end-of-life care for every patient in need, regardless of ability to pay For information or to schedule an appointment, call 360-594-5105. peacehealth.org/st-joseph/ whatcom-hospice

Home Health: l 24/7 On-Call Nurse l Physical Therapy l Occupational Therapy l Speech Terapy l Medical Social Services l Home Health Aide l Specialty Programs

Home Care:

l Caring Companionship l Day-to-Day Errands l Meal Planning and Prep l Light Housekeeping l Medication Reminders l Bathing, Grooming, Dressing l Overnight Care Services

Bringing Connected Care Home Dementia Care Certified

www.eden-health.com l (360) 734-5410

Call for a FREE consultation

“We measure our success by the lives we touch.”

• • • •

On Call 24/7 • Personalized case-by-case care You choose your care giver All levels of care • 1 to 24 hours of care Comprehensive Caregiver Screening & Testing

Bellingham Office

4213 Rural Ave. (360) 671-8388 Toll Free 866-522-6435

Mount Vernon Office

Everett Office

1222 Riverside Dr. (360) 424-6777 Toll Free 888-264-3528

3311 Wetmore Ave. (425) 348-9914 Toll Free 866-348-9914

We serve Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island & Snohomish Counties

Visit us at www.VisitingAngels.com V i b r a n t PTION NS SENIOR OPTIO RESOURCE GUIDE ~ Health, Housing, and Happenings

Spring - Summer 2021

New Option to Subscribe!

See Center - Page 26

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 Return to Travel - Inspiration Awaits! Laurie Robinson | Page 6 Eyelid Surgery: A Brighter View! Ingrid A. Carlson | Page 18 Safety is No Accident, Susie Landsem | Page 32 Lookin’ at Life: It’s All in How You See It! Vicki McCarty | Page 43 Hospital Health Articles: See Table of Contents | Page 3

articles to help the Boomer Generation, Silent Generation, and ne

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Social & Care Calendar | Glossary of Terms | Active Lifestyles Health & Wellness | Home Support | Senior Housing

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, N. Snohomish

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Greatest Generation live a more vibrant life!

Vibrant Senior Options is a FREE magazine, published semi-annually, that can be picked up at over 375 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 and event listings. 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.

Kirk Blankenship Publisher, Sales Director

Christine Blankenship Publisher, Designer, Editor

For Advertising Opportunities, call 360-856-9023 or email kirk@vibrantsenioroptions.com Published by Vibrant Senior Options, LLC • © 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved PO Box 208, Burlington, WA 98233 • 360-856-9023 • kirk@vibrantsenioroptions.com

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Spring-Summer, 2021

Table of Contents Senior Service Professionals

The Senior Café: Articles Acknowledging our Advertisers Letter from the Publisher Return to Travel - Inspiration Awaits!

Laurie Robinson

Prevent Heart Disease - Strength Training | Anthony Hamilton Eyelid Surgery: A Brighter View

Ingrid A. Carlson

Safety is No Accident|

Susie Landsem

Six Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s or Dementia | Carrie McBride Lookin’ at Life: It’s All in How You See It! | Vicki McCarty

4 Aging & Disabilities Resources 5 Elder Law 6

Whatcom Hospice

Help - My Memory is Aging!

Libby Lewis | Island Hospital

Insurance - Medicare, Prescription Drug, Life Insurance

22

Reverse Mortgage Loan & Planner

21 24 25

7 Real Estate - SRES

18 Transportation (Non-Emergency)

32 Glossary: Home Support 40

Glossary: Home Care, Home Health, Home Safety & Accessibility

Home Support Agencies 43 Home Care & Home Health Home Modifications - Safety & Accessibility

Hospital Health Articles PeaceHealth Offers Comfort and Dignity for End-of-Life Care PeaceHealth/

Geriatric Care Manager

10 12

Glossary: Housing - Independent Glossary: Housing & Care Affordable Housing

Exceptional Care|

Housing & Care 16 Adult Family Homes

Active Lifestyles

Assisted Living Communities Memory Care Communities

Adventure Vacations - Travels, Cruises & More

5

Physical Fitness & Brain Health

5 Continuing Care Retirement

Picnic with a Purpose - Events Health & Wellness Retail Organic Food: Grocery & Café Pharmacy & Gift Shop

Health & Wellness Providers Audiology/Hearing Hospice & Palliative Care Hospitals Joint Replacement Opthalmology/Eye Surgeons Prosthetics & Orthotics

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

30 33 34 36

Housing - Independent

14 Independent/Retirement Living

WhidbeyHealth

28

Glossary - Housing & Care

Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 Vaccine, Mary Bavaro| Skagit Regional

Health

20 20 20

Skilled Nursing & Short Term Rehab

52 Name Directories: Housing & Care

34 36 43 38 40 44-49 37 50

Memory Care & Support 41 8 Adult Day Programs 41-42 8 Memory Care Education & Support Active Lifestyles/Senior Centers 51 9 Senior Centers & Lunch Schedules 10 Information & Assistance 11 Information & Assistance 16 18 9

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Thank You to our Advertisers who serve Seniors in our local region!

Premium & Full Page Advertisers Avamere Bellingham Healthcare & Rehab CARE-E-ME Transportation Eden Health Home Instead Josephine Caring Community Life Care Center of Mt. Vernon

PeaceHealth Right At Home Signature Healthcare At Home St. Frances of Bellingham Visiting Angels Warm Beach Senior Community WhidbeyHealth

Advertisers Ageless Fitness Aging In Place by Design Alderwood Park Health & Rehabilitation All About Hearing Alzheimer’s Association Arlington Health & Rehabilitation Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics Circle of Life Caregiver Coop.

Elder Law Offices of Meyers, Neubeck & Hulford, P.S. Expedia Cruises Gracious Living Adult Family Home Highgate Senior Living Highland Health & Rehabilitation Hometown Pharmacy Island Hospital Lee Manor Adult Family Home Lithtex NW Logan Creek Retirment Lynden Manor Mount Vernon Manor Neighborhood Mortgage

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North Cascades Health & Rehabilitation Northwest Regional Council Northwest/Whatcom Eye Surgeons Orchard Park PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice Realty One Group Clarity Rice Insurance Rosewood Villa Salem Village Communities Silverado Memory Care Skagit Adult Day Program Skagit Regional Health Skagit Transit (SKAT) Skagit Valley Food Co-op Solstice Senior Living Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) TakeCare Medicare/Homage Take My Hand At Home Care Whatcom Council on Aging Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Where The Heart Is

Vibrant Senior Options, LLCSpring-Summer, 2021

Letter From The Publisher Thank you for checking out our Spring/Summer edition. See Page 3 for Articles and Directories. But before you do so, read our VIBRANT Acrostic below. Be inspired to live an active and vibrant life!

Visitors: Although COVID-19 has presented some challenges here, there are ways to visit with safety in mind: Physical Distancing, Masks, etc. We were not meant to live in isolation, but to be in relation to others.

Inspiration: Creativity beckons for you. Ideas for letting your creative juices flow…Painting, Drawing, Scrapbooking, Woodworking, Photography, Musical Instruments, Journaling, Writing…

Board Games: Studies show that games improve your brain health by helping you reason – tracking, math, vocabulary, and strategy are a few ways to engage your brain.

Recreation: Hobbies can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. Ideas: Gardening, Baking, Birdwatching, Musical Instruments, or Travel. For travel ideas, check out Expedia Cruises below and on Page 6.

Activity: We are designed for movement. Find ways to get in motion - move around in your house, stroll through your yard, etc. For structure and motivation, check out Ageless Fitness below and on Page 7.

Nature: Spending time in nature is a de-stressor and can boost your mind into a place of joy! Fresh air invigorates the body and mind. Walking Trails, Parks, Scenic Drives. The sky’s the limit!

Turning Pages: Spend time reading both fiction and non-fiction books, listening to audio books, visiting your local library, and reading/perusing a magazine like ours.

Would you like to receive our semi-annual publication in your mailbox? For our Subscribe option, see Page 26 at center.

Kirk & Christine Blankenship Vibrant Senior Options, Publisher Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Physical Fitness & Brain Health Ageless Fitness Powered by Anytime Fitness

7

Bellingham Barkley Bellingham Cordata

360-986-5600

Ageless Fitness Powered by Anytime Fitness

7

Mount Vernon Sedro-Woolley

360-873-8377

Area of Service

Phone

Name

Ad Page

Adventure Vacations - Travels, Cruises, and More Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

6

Local Region and Worldwide

360-303-3037

Expedia Cruises Beachfront Maui Resort: May 29, 2021; 6 nights in a Beach front Maui Resort. From $1236 per person including flights.

Cabo San Lucas Cruise: June 19, 2021; 7 nights in four star All-Inclusive resort in beautiful Cabo San Lucas from $1046 per person including air.

Discovery Princess - Alaska Cruise: June 19, 2022; 7 Nights RT from Seattle; Alaska cruise on board the brand new Discovery Princess. Special Group Pricing.

To inquire about a cruise, contact Larobinson@ExpediaCruises.com or call 360-303-3037 VibrantSeniorOptions.com

5

Active Lifestyles

Return to Travel - Inspiration Awaits!

Laurie Robinson, Expedia Cruises, CLIA Master Cruise Counselor

T

ravel? Can we do that? The short answer is “Yes!” Not to everywhere, yet, and precautions should still be taken. Did you know that planning a vacation can be just as inspirational as the actual vacation? Many of us are ready to burst out of our homes and travel to exotic places. Well, we may not be going to “exotic” places right now, but there is still plenty to discover in Mexico, the Caribbean, and in our own country. Did you know you do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico or St. Thomas? And our beautiful state of Hawaii is welcoming visitors. Did I mention Alaska?

What a beautiful state! Take an adventurous train ride to Denali and Fairbanks. How about riding the Dalton Highway up to the Arctic Circle? All this is possible, right now. Let us work with you to plan your return to travel

for 2021 or 2022. We offer trips near and far, long and short and within your budget. We are respectful of all travel restrictions and can advise on pre-travel testing. And Yes, I am traveling as well. I practice all safety measures and have been fully vaccinated. I would not recommend going anywhere I did not feel was safe for my own family. Travel advisors work for you with no added expense to the trip or planning. Meet in our office, virtually, or over the phone. E-mail me at larobinson@expediacruises.com for more information.

Give me a call today to get started: 360-303-3037 Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Laurie Robinson, Expedia Cruises CLIA Master Cruise Counselor

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Cruises All Inclusive Planes, Trains & Automobiles, + Ships too!

We do it all, and we are here for you !

During these uncertain times, the value of using a Travel Advisor is unmeasurable. We are keeping up with the everchanging rules and r e g u l a t i on s a n d w e r e p r e s e n t Y O U . W e w o r k o n y o u r b e h a l f t o a s s u r e y o u a r e s a f e i n y ou r t r a v e l s .

Laurie & Pat Robinson, your local

independent Travel Advisors with Expedia Cruises, offer a wide range of t r a v e l o p t i on s a n d e x p e r t g u i d a n c e . W e l i s t e n t o p l a n t h e p e r f e c t vacation for you.

T h e r e i s n e v e r a c h a r g e f o r ou r s e r v i c e s .

C on t a c t u s t o s e t u p a n a p p o i n t m e n t t o b e g i n y o u r d r e a m v a c a t i o n .

START DREAMING YOUR PLAN BY PLANNING YOUR DREAM START DREAMMING YOUR PLAN

6

360-303-3037 A Name You Recognize.

Experience You Can Trust larobinson@expediacruises.com www.robinsoncruiseso.com Follow us on Facebook @robinsoncruiseso WA Seller of Travel Reg. No.: 603327238

Spring-Summer, 2021

Active Lifestyles

Prevent Heart Disease Through Strength Training Anthony Hamilton, Ageless Fitness

P

‌eople say they want to stay “young at heart.” But are they willing to lift weights to do it?

Research shows they should be.

In one survey of 4,000 people, scientists concluded that weightlifting has a greater effect of lowering the risk of heart disease than cardio exercise. The study also supports earlier views that weightlifting is better for the circulatory system because the “oxygen expenditure” is more intense.

How much is enough? Surprisingly, as little as one hour per week. “Getting in the right amount of weight training is easier than you think,” says Eric L’Italien, a physical therapist with the Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. “And devoting just an hour per week may improve multiple markers related to heart health.”

Heart disease is the country’s No. 1 killer and is preventable.

Exercise and eating right are the top tools to improve our heart health and lower our risk for heart disease and heart attacks, according to the American Heart Association.

Check out www.Agelesswa.com for more strategies on improving strength and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Anthony Hamilton Ageless Fitness VibrantSeniorOptions.com

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360-986-5600

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360-873-8377 www.agelesswa.com

7

Health & Wellness Retail

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Mount Vernon

360-336-9777

Sedro-Woolley

360-503-1676

Organic Food: Grocery & Café Skagit

Skagit Valley Food Co-op

Ad Below

Pharmacy & Gift Shop Skagit

Hwy 20 Hometown Pharmacy Ad Below

Open Monday - Saturday

640 Hwy. 20 Sedro-Woolley

360-503-1676

hwy20pharmacy.com

Quality Care with a Personal Feel.

Everything a Local Pharmacy Should Be.

Providing heart-healthy food since 1973 seniors receive co-op sale prices every day!

8

OWNED BY THOUSANDS OPEN TO ALL downtown mount vernon

360•336•9777

skagitfoodcoop . com

Spring-Summer, 2021

Health & Wellness Providers

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Ad Below

Burlington

360-707-5500 1-866-711-5500

Audiology/Hearing Skagit

All About Hearing

Hear better...

Live better Serving the Skagit Valley for Over 25 years

Schedule a consultation today!

Free Hearing Screenings 360-707-5500 ~ 1-866-711-5500 218 E. Rio Vista Ave, Burlington, WA 98233 allabouthearingWA.com County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Prosthetics & Orthotics Whatcom

Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics

Ad Below

Ferndale

360-384-1858

Skagit

Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics

Ad Below

Mount Vernon

360-428-4003

VibrantSenior-Spring2021.indd 2

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

2/23/2021 2:54:27 PM

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Health & Wellness Providers

Hospice & Palliative Care PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice Ad Below

Whatcom County

360-733-5877

Hospice of the Northwest

Skagit, Snohomish, Island, & San Juan

360-814-5550

Helping Hearts & Hands (Palliative)

Whatcom, Skagit, & Island Counties

360-982-9256

WhidbeyHealth Hospice Care

Whidbey Island

360-914-5635

Providing Comfort, Ensuring Dignity.

Our In-Home Services & 12-Bed Hospice House include: Registered Nurses Medical Social Workers Hospice Chaplains

Certified Nursing Assistants Acupuncture Therapy Grief Support

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PeaceHealth Offers Comfort and Dignity for End-of-Life Care Authored by and republished with permission from WhatcomTalk (whatcomtalk.com)

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‌ hen a serious illness becomes

terminal, it can be difficult to know when and how to consider end-of-life care, also known as hospice.

These challenges are exacerbated by the fact that relatively few local organizations are solely dedicated to hospice care for a community of Bellingham’s size. Recognizing this need, a partnership of generous donors, PeaceHealth and not-for-profit came together to fill the void, giving life to Whatcom Hospice.

Hospice care is reserved for any seriously-ill patient determined to have six months or less to live. Despite the fact that hospice care is a Medicare-covered benefit for six months or longer, the national average use of hospice is only 18 days.

Term “Hospice” Does Not Mean Stopped Care Dr. Shelley Rice, a palliative and hospice care physician who joined PeaceHealth from Duke University Hospital last fall, says Whatcom County’s average for hospice care duration is 23 days. While the term “hospice” can evoke the idea that care is being stopped, Rice says the truth is far different. Care is provided not just medically, but emotionally, the latter of which extends to a patient’s family.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for people to really benefit more, to be able to live well,” she says. “We can be there for people.”

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Spring-Summer, 2021

Health & Wellness Providers

County

Name

Address

City

Phone

Whatcom

PeaceHealth St Joseph, Ad - Inside Front Cover

2901 Squalicum Parkway

Bellingham 360-734-5400

Skagit

Island Hospital Ad - Page 13

1211 24th Street

Anacortes

Skagit

Skagit Valley Hospital Ad - Page 15

1415 E. Kincaid Street

Mt. Vernon 360-424-4111

Skagit

PeaceHealth at United Ad - Inside Front Cover

2000 Hospital Drive

SedroWoolley

360-856-6021

Island

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center Ad - Page 17

101 N Main Street

Coupeville

360-678-5151

San Juan

PeaceHealth Peace Island Ad - Inside Front Cover

1117 Spring Street

Friday Harbor

360-378-2141

Snohomish

Cascade Valley Hospital Ad - Page 15

330 S. Stillaguamish Ave

Arlington

360-435-2133

Snohomish

Swedish Edmonds

21601 76th Avenue W Edmonds

425-640-4000

Snohomish

Providence Regional Medical Center

1700 13th Street

Everett

425-261-2000

Snohomish

EvergreenHealth

14701 179th Ave S.E. Monroe

360-794-7497

Hospitals

360-299-1300

PeaceHealth Offers Comfort, Dignity (Continued from Previous Page)

extending aims of Whatcom Hospice’s care can be provided locally in three different ways and is available to begin the same day or next day that care is recommended.

The first hospice option is in-home, which is how many of PeaceHealth’s roughly 200 local hospice patients receive care. This includes patients in assisted living, adult family homes, or nursing facilities. With home hospice, a registered nurse is assigned to a patient as a case manager. The nurse visits several times a week, and is on-call 24/7.

A nurse’s aide also visits each patient several times a week to assist in personal care, such as bathing. In addition to providing all necessary equipment and medicines to each patient, hospice care also includes access to a social worker and chaplain, as well as nutritional and VibrantSeniorOptions.com

physical therapy consultations.

Hospice care can also be administered at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, for those Gurpreet Dhillon, MBA, with specialized Director of Cancer, Palliative, and medical needs Hospice Care for PeaceHealth in or who have Whatcom County a particularly short time left to live. The third option is a short-term stay at Whatcom Hospice House, a 12-bed hospice care facility just a few miles from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for those unable to manage their care elsewhere. For family (Continued on Page 21) 11

Health & Wellness Providers

Help – My Memory Is Aging!

Libby Lewis, MA, CCC-SLP Island Hospital

‌ recently saw a meme: “Why can I

I

remember the lyrics to my favorite song from high school 30 years later, but I can’t remember why I came into the kitchen?” Many of us over 50 can relate! And, although this experience is frustrating, it’s not abnormal.

We anticipate muscles to change over time, but it can be alarming when the brain slows, particularly when memory weakens. Let’s consider changes in the brain that impact memory, which ones are normal and which should raise red flags, and what can be done to strengthen memory in a typical aging brain.

Short-Term vs. Long Term Memory To start, let’s discuss short-term vs. longterm memory. Short-term memory tends to weaken over time, while long-term memory remains strong. This is because you stored those long-ago memories when you (and your brain) were younger, operating more optimally, and your body’s chemistry was different. On the other hand, the memories you created more recently (even the thought you had just three minutes ago) are being stored by a brain that has changed. Neural growth has declined, while hormones and proteins that protect brain cells are less available. The hippocampus, the part of the brain most responsible for memory, has declined; and, often less blood flow is reaching the brain to support memory and other cognitive skills.

of new people or those you see infrequently • Problems tracking appointments and daily events • Forgetting why you came into a room or where you placed things • Needing to write things down and keep lists Abnormal Changes Abnormal changes, on the other hand, tend toward forgetfulness around very familiar things. These things can include names of close family and friends, confusion about routine tasks and events, and disorientation in familiar places or around time. Difficulty learning new, relatively simple things, like a simple card game or how to make a call on your new cell phone, are challenges as well. These types of changes should prompt a conversation with your doctor for cognitive assessment.

Tips to Improve Memory Just because we may experience normal memory changes, however, doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do about it! Speech-Language

As a result, experiences such as these become more common with age: • Word finding difficulties • Trouble recalling names and faces, especially 12

Spring-Summer, 2021

Health & Wellness Providers

Wellness Classes & Health Screenings Make 2021 your healthiest year yet!

Join Island Hospital for free* health screenings and wellness classes.

Island Hospital classes are FREE

*unless otherwise noted.

For full schedule visit: www.islandhospital.org/classes

Help – My Memory Is Aging!

(Continued from Previous Page)

Pathologists frequently work with folks to improve memory. Here are some tips to get you started: • Keep a memory notebook of important information.

• Have someone accompany you to important appointments—four ears are better than two!

• Ask for information in writing.

• Actively engage in conversations, and call others by name.

• Say aloud why you are heading into a room and where you set objects down.

• Get your hearing checked. If you heard it wrong, you’re going to remember it wrong!

(Same goes for vision and other senses) • Eliminate clutter and establish routines.

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

Island Hospital speech therapists discuss these topics and more at https://www.islandhospital. org/physicaloccupationalspeechtherapy/ and offer individual memory screenings every quarter. If you’d like to work with a speech therapist around your specific needs, ask your doctor for a referral or call the Island Hospital Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy department at 360.299.1328. We’re here to help.

Libby Lewis, MA, CCC-SLP has a Master of Arts in speech and hearing sciences from Western Washington University. She is certified in LSVT LOUD, MBSlmP, PESL Accent Modification and VitalStim. Lewis specializes in cognitive rehabilitation, language disorders, swallowing disorders, and dysarthria treatment.

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Health & Wellness Providers

Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 Vaccine Mary Bavaro, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist Skagit Regional Health

E

xcellent News: With the late February 2021 approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, there are now three vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19. All three vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death.

1. Pfizer: mRNA vaccine: Two doses separated by three weeks. Vaccine efficacy 95 percent (preventing symptomatic disease) after two doses.

2. Moderna: mRNA vaccine: Two doses separated by four weeks. Vaccine efficacy 95 percent (preventing symptomatic disease) after two doses.

3. Johnson and Johnson: Adenovirus vector vaccine: One dose. Vaccine efficacy for the prevention of COVID-19–associated hospitalization: 93.1 percent. Prevention of symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was 66.3 percent.

What does approval of this new vaccine mean for you?

More people can be vaccinated as there is more vaccine available.

I have heard that the new Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not as effective as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine. Will I get to choose?

All three vaccines are effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalizations and death.

This is one of the main goals of vaccinating as many people as possible to reduce admissions 14

and deaths. We will also be reducing numbers of people who are ill. Each facility approved to administer COVID-19 vaccines will get supplies of vaccines as available by the state.

This means that patients need to get the vaccine that is available to them in the immunization clinic that day.

What is a COVID-19 Variant?

Variants are strains of viruses with mutations to help them to survive. Mutations occur the longer a virus is circulating in the community.

This is one of the many reasons we need to get as many people immunized as quickly as possible. As of early March 2021, there are three main circulating variants worldwide. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19, more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. This is why vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and quarantine are so important to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

I have heard that some of the vaccines are less effective against the variants. Why should I still get vaccinated?

While the vaccines currently available may be less effective against some of the variants, they are still effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Even when our flu vaccine is not effective some years, patients who are vaccinated are less (Continued on Next Page) Spring-Summer, 2021

Health & Wellness Providers

Safe & Expert Care Every Day Keep your health on track and connect with your provider by scheduling your MyChart Video Visit or in-person appointment today.

SkagitRegionalHealth.org

COVID-19 Vaccine (Continued from Previous Page)

likely to have severe disease and die. The more people get immunized, the fewer numbers of new variants will emerge as less people will be infected.

If I get vaccinated, do I still need to mask and practice social distancing?

Yes! These vaccines are effective but are not 100 percent. We need at least 70 percent of the population to be immune before there is enough herd immunity to hopefully put this pandemic to rest. As of March 5, 2021, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are decreasing.

This is excellent news, but we need to keep going strong and keep up on masking, social distancing, and washing our hands to prevent spread of this virus and stop this pandemic. We can do this together!

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

What can I tell others?

1.

Get immunized

2.

Practice the three W’s: • Wear a mask • Watch distance • Wash hands

Dr. Mary Bavaro is an Infectious Disease specialist at Skagit Regional Health. She earned her Medical Degree at State University of New York at Brooklyn. She went on to complete an Internship at Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA followed by Internal Medicine residency training at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base in California. Dr. Bavaro completed an Infectious Disease Fellowship at Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. She remained there, serving as the Division Head for six years, before acting as the Program Director for Infectious Disease Fellowship Program for seven years.

V 15

Health & Wellness Providers

County

Name

Ad Page City

Phone

Joint Replacement Island

O

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center

17

‌ ur rural community is fortunate to

have our own hospital and network of primary care and specialty care clinics located conveniently, close to home.

WhidbeyHealth is a public hospital district which means that it is owned by island residents with oversight by an elected Board of Commissioners. Constant innovation has brought new services and designations to meet the needs of our growing and diverse population.

Coupeville

North Island: 360-678-7624 South Island: 360-321-5173

Total Joint Replacement Program Living with hip or knee pain can limit our favorite activities – even simple things like climbing stairs can become impossible. To improve your overall quality of life, your doctor

What’s New at WhidbeyHealth Walk-in clinics are now open daily. Minor illnesses and injuries are never convenient, and often aren’t serious enough to warrant visiting the Emergency Department. Two new WalkIn Clinics opened in 2020; one in Clinton and one in Oak Harbor, located to serve people on both ends of Whidbey Island. No appointment is required to see a provider. Find the clinic nearest you at: https://whidbeyhealth.org/ services/walk-in-clinics/

may recommend replacement of a damaged joint. In our highly personalized program, a plan is developed to meet each patient’s needs with the patient in the center of their dedicated care team. From pre-surgery to planning for a safe recovery at home, patients return to their favorite activities pain-free.

Do you have questions? We are happy to arrange an informal phone conversation to answer any questions you may have.

(Continued on Page 33)

16

Spring-Summer, 2021

EXCEPTIONAL CARE, RIGHT HERE - RIGHT NOW. Your good health is the reason we are here.

Walk-In Clinics: Close to home.

No appointment needed.

When life’s minor illness and injuries need medical attention, our Walk-in Clinics in Clinton and Oak Harbor are open daily.

Diagnostic and Lab services also available.

Don’t put your health on hold

11245 State Route 525, Clinton, WA 98236 360-341-8727 1300 NE Goldie Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-679-5590

YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE:

Is it time for a hip or knee replacement?

Living with hip or knee pain often makes daily activities difficult or even impossible.

Joint replacement surgery at WhidbeyHealth uses groundbreaking methods which accelerate your return to a pain free and active lifestyle right here on Whidbey.

Call 360-679-5590 and arrange an informal conversation with the Total Joint Replacement team.

Learn more at: whidbeyhealth.org/jointreplacement

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center whidbeyhealth.org

101 North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 North Island: 360.678.7624 | South Island: 360.321.5173

Health & Wellness Providers

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Ophthalmology/Eye Surgeons Whatcom

Whatcom Eye Surgeons

19

Bellingham

360-676-6233

Skagit

Northwest Eye Surgeons

19

Mount Vernon

360-428-2020

Snohomish

Northwest Eye Surgeons

19

Smokey Point

360-658-6224

Eyelid Surgery: A Brighter View Ingrid A. Carlson, MD, Northwest/Whatcom Eye Surgeons Heavy Eyelids?

D

‌ o your eyes feel heavy and tired? Do

you give up reading the books you love?

Do you feel like a shadow blocks your ability to see? A simple surgery to lift your eyelids could not only restore youthful appearance, but could also bring more light into your world. Like all skin, our eyelids stretch with age. This causes them to sag and block our view. Constantly working to hold up the eyelids can cause chronic tension. You don’t have to keep living with tired eyes. Many people are surprised when told their eyelids are blocking their vision.

A simple surgery to restore functional, natural eyelids is often covered by medical insurance and can revitalize your eyes. Karen, a recent patient, had reconstructive eyelid surgery at Northwest Eye Surgeons - Mount Vernon

Clinic and said, “Before surgery, my eyelids were so low that I couldn’t really see … and since the surgery, it’s nice to look in the mirror and see these nice eyes that I have. I didn’t have any pain and didn’t need any pain meds.”

Eyelid Surgery by LASER Fast, easy, and skin-friendly, laser eyelid surgery at Northwest Eye Surgeons allows for less bruising and faster healing time. Each patient collaborates with our surgeon to custom design and achieve their desired outcome.

The surgery is same day and performed in the comfort of our private surgical facility in Mount Vernon. The laser gives a natural, appealing

Pictured here are two patients before their procedure and post-procedure.

(Female age 60 years)

(Male age 82 years)

18

Spring-Summer, 2021

Health & Wellness Providers

Premier Medical and Surgical Eye Care

Cataracts • Vision Correction • Glaucoma • Medical Retina • Eyelid Surgery • Strabismus Northwest Eyes Surgeons and Whatcom Eye surgeons work with your family eye care provider to determine the best treatment for your vision needs.

Improving the quality of people’s lives Visit nweyes.com for more information • info@nweyes.com Whatcom Eye Surgeons Bellingham tel. 360.676.6233

Northwest Eye Surgeons Mount Vernon tel. 360.428.2020

Northwest Eye Surgeons Smokey Point tel. 360.658.6224

Eyelid Surgery (Continued from Page 18)

result, both restoring youthful appearance and improving eyelid function.

Most patients need only one postoperative visit at about 10 days after surgery. Another patient, Eric had eyelid surgery last fall and said, “I find my vision is quite good all the way around now. I don’t get dry eyes like I did before. It’s really improved my peripheral vision quite a bit. I think I was in and out of surgery in about 45 minutes. I’d recommend it 100 percent.”

To learn more about improving your quality of life and restoring vibrant eyes, call us, (800) 826-4631 or visit our website www.nweyes.com.

Experience Matters Ingrid A. Carlson, MD is a board certified Ophthalmologist practicing with Whatcom VibrantSeniorOptions.com

Eye Surgeons in Bellingham and Northwest Eye Surgeons in Mount Vernon. She received her training at Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Carlson has performed a wide variety of eye surgeries for over 20 years. Dr. Carlson is a member of the IAPAM, International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. An avid supporter of international medicine, she has held the post of chief at the Yangon Eye Hospital Meeting in Myanmar, and the Imperial City Eye Meeting in Vietnam. She regularly volunteers her surgical and teaching skills as an adjunct professor in the Department of Surgery at Saint George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. In her spare time, Dr. Carlson enjoys hiking, gardening, and crafting wheel-thrown pottery.

V 19

Senior Service Professionals

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Whatcom, San Juan Skagit, Island

360-738-2500 360-428-1301

Aging & Disability Resources Northwest Regional Council

Ad Below

Your Connection to Community Resources Information and Assistance Confidential and Free of Charge Caregiver Support ● In-Home Care ● Medical/Dental ● Prescription Assistance NWRC Legal Options ● Long-Term Care ● Medicare/Medicaid ● Housing

Supporting the independence, dignity, Aging & Disability Resources and health of community members of Skagit County (360) 428-1301 northwestern Washington Whatcom County (360) 738-2500 Name

Ad Page Area of Service

Phone

Elder Law Adaptive Law Firm PS Hollie Del Vecchio Elder Law Offices of Meyers, Neubeck & Hulford, P.S.

Ad Below

Skagit County and Beyond Located in Sedro-Woolley

360-855-7021

Bellingham Mount Vernon

360-647-8846

Bellingham

360-647-8846

Geriatric Care Manager Kaaran Anderson, RN - Elder Law Offices of Meyers, Neubeck & Hulford, P.S.

David M. Neubeck*

Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation

Sara LC Hulford

Selected as a 2020 Rising Stars attorney by Super Lawyers® *The 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.

Bellingham & Mount Vernon | 360-647-8846 | www.elderlaw-nw.com 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: 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 longterm care plan and find the services you need. (National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov) 20

Spring-Summer, 2021

Senior Service Professionals

Name

Ad Page Area of Service

Phone

Real Estate - Senior Real Estate Specialist Realty One Group Clarity Whatcom, Skagit, Brooke Knight, REALTOR Ad Below Island, Snohomish

Office: 360-631-4257 Cell: 360-919-6996

Glossary: Senior Real Estate Specialist

Senior 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)

PeaceHealth Offers Comfort, Dignity (Continued from Page 11)

members, Whatcom Hospice House offers the chance to relinquish the burdens of athome caregiving and focus on treasuring the moments of their loved one’s final days. The center is commemorating its 10th year of operation in 2021.

To help ensure access to high-quality hospice care in the community, a collaboration of PeaceHealth and Whatcom Hospice Foundation provides funding to assist those VibrantSeniorOptions.com

with financial hardships in affording their care and supporting services above and beyond typical hospice programs, such as acupuncture, massage, palliative treatments and more.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss care options for you or a loved one, call Whatcom Hospice at 360-733-5877. Article provided by WhatcomTalk (www.whatcomtalk.com) V

21

Senior Service Professionals

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Insurance - Medicare, Prescription Drug, Life Insurance Ad Below

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish

360-734-1161

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA)

23

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish

1-800-562-6900

TakeCare Medicare/ Homage

23

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish

1-866-937-6565

Rice Insurance, LLC

Keith Wallace is interested in helping you!

With a great passion for helping people, Keith is dedicated to providing you a positive and personal experience when helping clients navigate the confusion of enrolling on Medicare and the additional plans available!

There is no additional charge to work with an independent agent.

Do you qualify for Medicare parts A & B?

Let us take the confusion out of your coverage options. Our experts will answer your questions!

360.734.1161

Prescription Drug, Medicare Advantage, and Supplement

Keith@riceinsurance.com | 1400 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225

Glossary - Medicare and Medicaid/COPES Medicare: A federal program that provides health insurance coverage for seniors in the U.S. who have paid into the benefit for a certain number of periods. There are different parts of Medicare that individuals can purchase and individuals must choose which plan type they would like. Typically, individuals become eligible at the age of 65, but individuals under the age of 65 with certain disabilities may be eligible.

Medicaid/COPES: A state program that provides comprehensive care management and helps pay for personal care, home delivered meals, home health care, adult day services, respite, transportation and other services for older adults in their homes. COPES may also help pay for care in senior housing and care options such as assisted living, memory care, adult family homes, and skilled nursing homes. However, not all care homes are licensed for Medicaid/ COPES. The ones that do accept Medicaid/COPES usually require a minimum of two years private pay before allowing Medicaid/COPES funding.

22

Spring-Summer, 2021

Senior Service Professionals

Help with Medicare is just a phone call away!

SHIBA can help you with your Medicare questions, and review plans & compare your options.

Call SHIBA for FREE, UNBIASED help:

1-800-562-6900

We’re your local Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

23

Senior Service Professionals

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Reverse Mortgage Loan & Planner Neighborhood Mortgage Brandi Braley

Whatcom, Skagit, Ad Below Snohomish, Island, San Juan

Office: 360-594-4033 Cell: 360-389-6361

Questions about Reverse Mortgages?

This is a quality of life decision and one to be taken with the greatest care.

Let’s weigh the options. Call now for more information!

Reverse ∙ FHA ∙ USDA ∙ VA ∙ Conventional

Office: (360) 594-4033 | Cell: (360) 389-6361 email: brandi@neighborhoodmortgage.net

Brandi Braley NMLS #1562958

Learn to Ride the Fixed Route Bus! WTA’s friendly Travel Trainer works with people who are new to riding the bus and new to the area. We work with people of all ages and abilities.

Travel Training is free, one-on-one, and tailored just for you.

Learn more at (360) 676-7433.

24

Spring-Summer, 2021

Senior Service Professionals

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Transportation (Non-Emergency) CARE-E-ME

Outside Back Western Washington 360-755-3239

Skagit Transit

Ad Below

Whatcom Transportation Authority & WTA Travel Training

24

Skagit County

360-757-4433

Whatcom County

360-676-7433

Mobility Issues preventing you from shopping?

Trouble getting to medical appointments?

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. *Paratransite 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

Need Transportation? CARE-E-ME can help!

Monday - Saturday, 6 am - 6 pm

www.careeme.com VibrantSeniorOptions.com

360-755-3239 25

E FR E

ke O N. Island, San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit,

| Page 6 Laurie Robinson - Inspiration Awaits! | Page 18 Return to Travel Ingrid A. Carlson A Brighter View!

Eyelid Surgery: Page 32 Susie Landsem | | Page 43 Safety is No Accident, See It! Vicki McCarty It’s All in How You 3 Lookin’ at Life: of Contents | Page Articles: See Table Hospital Health

Ta

| Active Lifestyles | Glossary of Terms Social & Care Calendar | Home Support | Senior Housing Health & Wellness Snohomish

26

2021

New

See Center - Page

s and Happening ~ Health, Housing, RESOURCE GUIDE Option to Subscribe!

SENIOR OPTIO

t V i b r a nNS

Spring - Summer

ne

Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide in your mail!

Subscribe!

Vibrant Senior Options Guide/Magazine is published twice per year and comes out in April and October. Subscriptions start when the next edition is published. The next edition can be mailed to you after we have received your subscription information and payment.

1-Year subscription is $8 | 2-Year Subscription is $13 You may suscribe online at www.vibrantsenioroptions.com, or Mail your address to us with a check to Vibrant Senior Options PO Box 208 Burlington, WA 98233 What to include in your mailed subscription: A check written to Vibrant Senior Options A note indicating 1-year or 2-year subscription Name and address where you would like to receive your next Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide Vibrant Senior Options is published twice per year. Subscription offer is valid in the United States only.

WE DELIVER

SAFETY. CONVENIENCE. EXCELLENCE. EXCELLENCE. SAFETY. CONVENIENCE. SAFETY. EXCELLENCE. at home at athome home HOME HEALTH HOMEHEALTH HEALTH SERVICES HOME SERVICES Skilled Nursing Skilled Nursing Nursing Skilled Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Therapy Physical

Occupational Therapy Occupational Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Therapy Speech Speech Therapy Medical Social Social Work Medical Medical Social Work Home Health Health Aide Home Home Health Aide

Serving Whatcom Whatcom County County Serving Serving Whatcom County

360-671-5872 360-671-5872 360-671-5872

Also Serving Serving Skagit, Skagit, Island, Island, King, King, Also Serving Skagit, Island, King, Snohomish, Pierce, Pierce, & & Kitsap Kitsap Counties Counties Snohomish, Pierce, & Kitsap Counties

f f

425-747-7747 425-747-7747 425-747-7747 SignatureHCH.com SignatureHCH.com SignatureHCH.com

Glossary - Home Support

THEIR LIFE, THEIR WAY... WITH TMH CAREGIVERS

Remain independent and stay connected with family, even during a pandemic. pandemic.

(360) 543-5777

Personal care Pe Perso and

• In Home License • In • In • Post-Hospitaliza • Ho Po • Post • Companionship • Co • Com

TA K E M Y H A N D AT H O M E .C O M

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.

The

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See Home Care Directory on Page 30

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Senior Living

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

• and Inde • Independent

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Apartments• Ap

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.

The Jos T For over 100Fo ye

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See Home Modifications - Safety & Accessibility Ad and Directory on Page 33

Vibrant Senior Options Magazine in your Mailbox!

Subscribe! 1-Year subscription is $8 | 2-Year Subscription is $13

Subscribe at www.VibrantSeniorOptions.com or see Center Page 26 28

Spring-Summer, 2021 99 27N 9901 272nd9901 Place

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9901 272nd Place NW • Stanwood, WA98292 98292 901 272nd Place NW • Stanwood, WA 98292• www.josephinecc.com 72nd Place NW • Stanwood, WA • www.josephinecc.com www.josephinecc.com

NW • Stanwood, WA 98292 • www.josephinecc.com

Home Support

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Whatcom County

360-594-4216

Home Care Cascade Connections Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative Eden Health - Home Care Home Instead

Ad below Whatcom County 1 31

Homewatch Caregivers Josephine At Home Right at Home Northwest

29 Outside Back

360-647-1537

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish

360-734-5410

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San 360-982-2461 Juan King, Snohomish, Island, Skagit

360-982-2743

Skagit, North Snohomish, Camano Island

360-386-3284

Northwest Washington

360-982-2743

Whatcom County

360-543-5777

Take My Hand At Home Care

28

Visiting Angels

2

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San 1-888-264-3528 Juan, Snohomish

1

Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish

360-734-5410

Center R. Whatcom, Skagit, Island, 27 Snohomish

360-671-5872 425-747-7747

Home Health Eden Health - Home Health Signature Healthcare At Home WhidbeyHealth Home Health

17

Whidbey Island

360-914-5634

(360)647-1537 Licensed by the WA Dept. of Health

A worker-owned cooperative providing in-home care in Whatcom County

30

1155 N. State Street - Suite #525 Bellingham, WA www.circleoflife.coop

Services • Personal Care • Companionship • Household Chores • 24 Hour Services • Individualized Care Plans • Hospice Care • Transporation

Spring-Summer, 2021

We’re by your side so you can stay at home.

Whether you are looking for someone to help you or a loved one a few hours a week, or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help.

Home Instead CAREGivers can provide a variety of services.

Some include:

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

360.982.2461

• Companionship Care • Personal Care • Meals & Nutrition • Transportation • Household Duties • Respite Care • Hospice Care Support Services

HomeInstead.com/717 Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2016 Home Instead, Inc.

Home Support

Safety is No Accident Susie Landsem, Certified Aging in Place Specialist Aging in Place by Design

H

ooray! Warm weather is right around the corner, and we’re ready to get outside. Take time now to prepare your home for a safe and enjoyable summer. Here are some of my favorite tips for outdoor safety.

Remove old tools that are no longer useful.

Check the keepers for rust, dirt, and dull blades.

After cleaning and sharpening, provide each tool with a designated space to keep it clean, sharp, and easy to find. Sharp blades make cutting easier for you and will reduce the impact of pruning the plants.

Barbecues can be hazardous. Leftover food and grease may cause fires. Reduce the chances of smoke and flash flames with a thorough scouring. A clean grill improves the flavor of food and reduces the risk of food contamination.

Leg and core strength and good balance are essential for outdoor chores like bending over and lifting heavy objects. Think about how you can improve your balance with exercises. There are lots of videos on YouTube to get ideas and directions for improving strength and agility. Listen to your body. When you get tired, take a break.

Slippery decks, stairs and pathways are dangerous. Falling is the number one reason for ER visits for people over 65. Get your deck ready for the season by thoroughly washing surfaces to remove mold and slippery material that might have grown over the winter. Check railings and stair treads for boards that might have warped or gotten loose in the wet weather.

Improve stair safety by adding slip-proof tape on the treads. Consider adding stability bars to railings for additional security.

Remember, safety is no accident. Clear clutter, organize space, and maintain tools for efficiency.

Scrub the decks, stairs, and patios to minimize falls. Scour the barbecue at the beginning of the season and after each use. Work smart by being strong, lifting carefully, and staying hydrated.

32

Stay hydrated. It’s easy to lose track of time when working in the yard. Drinking water regularly keeps your body’s temperature regulated and joints flexible. Make sure you’re drinking enough; a suggested amount is 6 - 8 ounces every hour. Water is the best; an occasional sugary drink like lemonade and iced tea is okay too.

Enjoy your summer!

Susie Landsem Certified Aging in Place Specialist V

Spring-Summer, 2021

Home Support

Name

Ad Page

Area of Service

Phone

Home Modifications - Safety & Accessibility Aging In Place by Design

Ad Below

Whatcom, Skagit

360-220-4980

Be Safe in Your Forever Home Kitchen - Bath - Remodel New Construction

Susie Landsem

Certified Aging in Place Specialist Design Consultant

Call for a Free Consultation (360) 220-4980

www.AginginPlacebyDesign.com

Exceptional Care - WhidbeyHealth (Continued from Page 16)

Call 360-240-4013 to arrange an appointment to chat with a member of the surgical team. More information is available online at whidbeyhealth. org/jointreplacement Trauma and Cardiac Care Designations WhidbeyHealth is a participating hospital in the Washington State Trauma System. Our Emergency Department has once again been designated as a Level III trauma center, with 24-hour immediate coverage by board-certified emergency physicians, surgeons, and other providers.

WhidbeyHealth is also designated as a Level III Stroke Center and Level II Cardiac Center, meeting stringent criteria that demonstrates our ability to rapidly treat heart attack and stroke patients who need immediate life-saving intervention.

April 2021 COVID-19 Update As supplies of vaccine become more reliable, we will be able to open more vaccination clinic appointment times. Open appointments are VibrantSeniorOptions.com

announced on our website: whidbeyhealth.org/ covid-19/ and our Facebook. Start the process at findyourphasewa.org where you will be led through the qualifying steps and then guided to options for appointments.

We strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated.

Testing remains an important part of containing the spread of the virus. Anyone can get tested whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. All testing is by appointment, which can be arranged by calling 360-240-4055 and selecting option 6.

Results are typically available within 72 hours.

Patients who have a positive test result will be called by phone. Those with negative tests can get their results via the MyWhidbeyHealth portal.

PLEASE NOTE: Information about COVID-19 and vaccination programs is rapidly changing. Please refer to our website for the most current updates at: https://whidbeyhealth.org/covid-19/ V 33

Housing - Independent

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Affordable Housing Skagit

Highland Greens Apartments

Skagit

Mount Vernon Manor

Skagit

Salem Village Apartments

Ad Below Mount Vernon

V S C

35

Mount Vernon

360-424-5810

Ad Below Mount Vernon

360-428-5662

alem illage

Providing Senior Adults Quality Housing in a Caring Community

ommunities

a non-profit corporation

Affordable Senior Apts

Carefree Senior Cottages

City Living & Country Atmosphere Highland Greens Apts 3100 N 30th Street 360-848-8422 Salem Village Apts 2619 N LaVenture Rd 360-428-5662

360-848-8422

Your Home, Our Responsibility Convenient Mt Vernon Locations!

www.salemvillage.org

Highland Greens II Village Ct @ 3200 N 30th St 360-540-1438 Salem Village II 2601-2617 N LaVenture Rd 360-540-1438

Glossary: Housing - Independent

Active 55 Plus: These communities offer features geared towards the 55+ crowd. Features vary, but may include a clubhouse, swimming pools, exercise facilities, walking trails, golfing, security, and maintenance. Housing types differ and may include luxury apartments for rent, or homeownership types such as condos or homes in gated communities.

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.

34

Spring-Summer, 2021

Housing - Independent

Mount Vernon Manor

360-424-5810 Low Income Housing for Seniors 62+ Income Limits and Assets Apply

2405 Austin Lane Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Full Service Printing now providing

blueprint services!

2226 Market St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

360-424-5945

2000 Kentucky St, Bellingham, WA 98229

360-676-1977 360-676-1977 VibrantSeniorOptions.com

• Mailing Services • Business Cards • Catalogs • Brochures • Large Format Banners and much more!

www.lithtexnw.com

35

Housing - Independent

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Bellingham

360-647-3708

Bellingham

360-647-1095

37

Bellingham

360-671-6060

39

Lynden

360-354-5985

Anacortes

360-293-8088

Independent/Retirement Living Whatcom Whatcom Whatcom Whatcom

Orchard Park Sapphire at Woodway Independent & Assisted Living Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham Lynden Manor Assisted Living

38

Skagit

Cap Sante Court

Skagit

Highland Greens II

34

Mount Vernon 360-540-1438

Skagit

Logan Creek

37

Mount Vernon 360-428-0222

Skagit

Salem Village II

34

Mount Vernon 360-540-1438

Skagit

Country Meadow Village

North Snohomish North Snohomish

Warm Beach Homes/ Cottages Warm Beach - Beachwood Independent Living

Sedro-Woolley Inside Back Stanwood Cover Inside Back Stanwood Cover

360-856-0404 360-652-2645 360-652-2645

Glossary: Housing & Care

Housing with Care Assistance 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) 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) 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 & Rehab: A qualified facility that has the staff and equipment to provide roundthe-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 and Medical Director oversight, as well as 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 & Rehab.

36

Spring-Summer, 2021

  

 

  

served in our dining room Weekly housekeeping and linen service Housing - Independent Social, recreational, craft and exercise programs Scheduled transportation to appointments and shopping 24-hour on-site staff Emergency features include pull cords and intercoms in each apartment Logan Creek - A home where ingredients Complimentary laundry room for aparking fulfilling life are fostered daily!

Complimentary Month to month rental

Imagine The Possibilities . . .

Intimate Retirement Living in the Other Charges: beautiful Skagit Valley Second Occupant L Chef prepared meals$500 L

Pet Fee - Non-Refundable

$600

L

Active Lifestyle opportunities

L

Spacious apartment floor plans For your personal

Logan Creek Retirement Community 2311 E. Division Street (360) 428-0222 Rev 5/2020 www.LoganCreek.com

tour, call:

360-428-0222

Live. Life. Vibranty.

Housekeeping • Activities • Three meals per day Utilities Included – Transportation Provided – Pet Friendly Lively™ Mobile Plus – Medical Alert System

Call us today to learn more.

Solstice at Bellingham | (360) 671-6060 www.solsticeseniorlivingbellingham.com

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) North Snohomish

Warm Beach Senior Community

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

Inside Back Cover

Stanwood 360-652-7585

37

Housing & Care

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

39

Bellingham

360-671-1459

Ad Below

Bellingham

360-647-3708

39

Bellingham

360-676-9193

Bellingham

360-647-1095

Lynden

360-354-5985

Burlington

360-755-8007

Sedro-Woolley

360-856-0404

Stanwood

360-629-2126

Inside Stanwood Back Cover

360-652-2616

Assisted Living Communities Whatcom

Highgate Senior Living

Whatcom

Orchard Park

Whatcom

Rosewood Villa

Whatcom

Sapphire at Woodway Independent & Assisted Living

Whatcom

Lynden Manor Assisted Living

Skagit

Where The Heart Is Assisted Living & Memory Care

Skagit

Country Meadow Village

39 Ad Below

North The Suites at Josephine Snohomish North Warm Beach - Cedar Court Snohomish Assisted Living

29

Life Lives Better at Where The Heart Is

In our small, intimate environment, purposeful activities empower residents to create a community that speaks to them. Focus is placed on inclusion, resident ideas, choices, and independence. Our goal is to focus on what is possible.

We believe those are keys to a life well-lived.

“Once we have lived, the spark of vision does the rest.”

- Maria Montessori Visit anytime and learn about our compassionate care.

360-755-8007

whereheartis.com | 410 Norris Street, Burlington

Experience The Difference in Senior Housing in Beautiful Bellingham!

• Centrally located near PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s, Health Clinics, and shopping • Age in Place—Independent Living and Assisted Living transitions • Restaurant-Style Dining To get a flavor for Orchard Park’s unique senior housing and care options, give us a call!

360-647-3708

Orchard Park Independent & Assisted Living | 844 W. Orchard Drive | Bellingham, WA 38

Spring-Summer, 2021

Housing & Care

Every life has meaning.

Every day has joy.

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.

HighgateSeniorLiving.com Call (360) 671-1459

A little Extra Care with a lot more Peace of Mind.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS VibrantSeniorOptions.com

Call 360-354-5985

905 Aaron Dr. • Lynden, WA • www.lyndenmanor.com 39

Housing & Care

County

Name

Ad Page City

Phone

Memory Care Communities Whatcom

Highgate Senior Living

39

Bellingham

360-671-1459

Whatcom

Silverado Memory Care

41

Bellingham

360-746-6675

Whatcom

Lynden Manor Assisted Living

39

Lynden

360-354-5985

Skagit

Where The Heart Is Assisted Living & Memory Care

38

Burlington

360-755-8007

Skagit

Lighthouse Memory Care

Anacortes

360-399-7263

North Snohomish

The Meadows at Josephine

Stanwood

360-629-2126

29

Six Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s or Dementia Carrie McBride, Alzheimer’s Association

I

f you notice signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Early detection makes a world of difference, and so does the way you approach the conversation with a family member or friend. Talking about your concerns may be challenging, so the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips: 1. Have the conversation as early as possible.

Ideally, it’s best to talk about Alzheimer’s or dementia before symptoms occur, so you can understand how someone would want to be approached. However, if you’re noticing

warning signs, start a conversation as soon as possible before a crisis occurs.

2. Think about who’s best suited to initiate the conversation. There might be a certain family member, friend or trusted advisor who holds sway. Consider asking this person to help. Make plans for how to have the most supportive and productive conversation.

3. Practice conversation starters. The following phrases can help: • How have you been feeling lately? You haven’t seemed like yourself.

• I’ve noticed some changes in you and I’m concerned. Have you noticed anything? Are you worried about it?

• Would you want me to say something if I ever notice changes in your memory or behavior that worry me?

(Continued on Page 42)

40

Spring-Summer, 2021

Memory Care & Support

Can Exercise Help with Brain Health?

Scientific evidence is showing that getting regular exercise not only helps keep your brain stay healthier as you age, but can possibly slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias!

Physical activity is an important part of the daily activities at Silverado, particularly in the exercise pillar of our Nexus® brain health program.

To learn more about Nexus and brain health,

call (360) 746-6675 Silverado Bellingham 4400 Columbine Drive Bellingham, WA 98226

bellingham memory care | community

silverado.com/bellingham

County

Name

Ad Page

#2517

City

Phone

Burlington

360-755-1235

Adult Day Programs Skagit

The Bradford House

Ad Below

Memory Care Support Groups Skagit

Be watching online at www.Skagitadultdayprogram.org/and the online calendar at www.facebook.com/skagitadultdayprogram for the return of no-cost “Lunch and Learn” meetings and support groups.

The

Bradford House Leigh Ann Benson Executive Director Gavin Ellis Site Manager

(360) 755-1235

A supervised daytime program where adults with cognitive impairment can participate in a supportive group setting with friends.

www.skagitadultdayprogram.org | 116 North Skagit Street | Burlington, WA 98233 VibrantSeniorOptions.com

41

Memory Care & Support

Memory Care Education & Support Organizations Whatcom

Dementia Support Northwest

Skagit

Skagit Adult Day Program

WA State

Alzheimer’s Association

41 Ad Below

Bellingham

360-671-3316

Anacortes Burlington

360-293-4466 360-755-1235

Washington State

800-272-3900

You’re not alone. We’re here to help.

Care consultation • Support groups Education • Advocacy • Research

24/7 Helpline 1.800.272.3900 Visit us online at alzwa.org

6 Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s (Continued from Page 40)

4. Offer your support and companionship.

Seeing a doctor to discuss memory loss concerns may create anxiety. Let your loved one know you’re willing to accompany them to the appointment and any follow-up assessments. Offer your continuous support throughout the process.

5. Anticipate gaps in self-awareness. Sometimes people showing warning signs of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia are unable to recognize those signs in themselves. Be prepared to navigate confusion, denial, and withdrawal, as they may not want to accept that their memory and cognition are changing.

6. Recognize the conversation may not go as planned. Despite your best intentions, your loved one may not be open to discussing memory or cognitive concerns. They may get angry, upset and defensive or simply refuse 42

to talk about it. Unless it’s a crisis situation, don’t force the conversation. Take a step back, regroup and revisit the subject in a week or two. If they still refuse to get help, consult their physician or the Alzheimer’s Association for strategies to help.

Carrie McBride Director, Marketing & Communications Carrie joined the Alzheimer’s Association in 2017, shortly after her sister was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the age of 54. She also lost her father to dementia in 2013 and her mother is currently living with Alzheimer’s.

Helping families like hers who are facing dementia is her passion and purpose. She lives in Coupeville with her husband and their two cats. _______________________________ The Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 at 1.800.272.3900 for information, guidance, and support. Visit www.alzwa.org to learn more V about local programs and services.

Spring-Summer, 2021

Housing & Care

County

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Adult Family Homes Whatcom

Gracious Living Adult Family Home

Ad Below

Bellingham

360-752-2273

Whatcom

Lee Manor Adult Family Home

Ad Below

Ferndale

360-303-6444

Gracious Living Adult Family Home 5 Features of Compassionate Care 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Contact Us Living 360-752-2273

Gracious Adult Family Home 1511 Edwards Street

RN Owner = RN Oversight Up to 6 Residents = Tailored Care Plan High Caregiver Ratio = Quality Care Private Rooms & Views = Home Environment Memory Care Certified = Compassion

Bellingham, WA 98229

www.graciouslivingafh.com

Lee Manor

Adult Family Home We are here to love, honor, and cherish your loved one.

Contact Annetta at 360-303-6444 leemanorwa@gmail.com 2233 Main Street, Ferndale ~ www.leemanorwa.com

Lookin’ at Life: It’s All in How You See It! Vicki McCarty, Care Tender Ministries

M

‌aybe it’s because I was born in a place

in the badlands of North Dakota called Sunny Slope, the last place in North America where the dinosaurs roamed. Being born during the dust storms of the early 1930’s, described by Timothy Egan in his bestseller as “The Worst of the Bad Times,” certainly didn’t VibrantSeniorOptions.com

seem to be a cheery and happy beginning time.

Having face muscles that gave a sad look to my countenance didn’t help. It took me a long time to figure out why people always asked “what’s wrong?” I don’t smile a lot – but I’m happy inside. My high school chums must have seen that, because they used my initials to coin the (Continued on Page 46) 43

Housing & Care

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Skilled Nursing & Short Term Rehabilitation - Whatcom County Alderwood Park Health & Rehabilitation

Ad Below Bellingham 360-733-2322

Avamere Bellingham Healthcare & Rehab

47

Bellingham 360-734-9295

Highland Health & Rehabilitation

45

Bellingham 360-734-4800

North Cascades Health & Rehabilitation

45

Bellingham 360-398-1966

St. Frances of Bellingham

47

Bellingham 360-734-6760

• 24 Hour Nursing and Rehabilitation Services, Respite, and Hospice Care • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Large Home-Like Private Suites available • Single Level Center with capability for window visits during Covid-19 restrictions • Warm and Friendly Atmosphere • Highly dedicated and caring staff

AlderwoodPark.com

(360) 733-2322

UR PATH TO2726 HOME HERE. AlderwoodSTARTS Avenue, Bellingham

YOUR PATH TO HOME S A V A M E R E BELLINGHAM HEALTHCARE and

A V AYOUR M EPATH R ETO HOME STARTS HERE. BELLINGHAM HEALTHCARE and

R E H A B S E R V IA C EV S

A M E R E

BELLINGHAM HEALTHCARE REHAB SERVICES

rchwood1200 Avenue Birchwood Avenue Bellingham, ham, WA 98225 WA 98225 and

(360) 734-9295

734-9295

From hospital to home, From hospital to home, we’re here for you. Work we’re here for you. Work toward yourgoals therapy goals toward your therapy with help from Avamere! with help from Avamere!

1200 Birchwood Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 734-9295

S T. F R A NC I S of

BELLINGHAM

3121 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 734-6760

From we’r towa with

՝ R t ՝ L ՝ O p ՝ O ՝ P

՝ Rehabilitation and and cared for as an therapy services stood, indiv nder idu BELLINGHAM n, u ՝ Long-term care w o n k g n i ՝ On-site nurse “Be 3121 Squalicum Pkwy practitioner See PagesWA 48-49 & Rehabilitation in Skagit and N. Snohomish Counties.

Bellingham, 98225 for Skilled Nursing ՝ On-site x-rays B E L L I N G(360) H A M 734-6760 ՝ Pet visits S T. F R A NC I S

of

S T. F R A NC I S of

REHAB SERVICES

44

ualicum Pkwy

ood, and cared for as an ind derst iv

՝ Rehabilitation and therapy services ՝ Long-term care ՝ On-site nurse

Spring-Summer, 2021

Housing & Care

We specialize in post acute rehabilitation and focus on successful transition.

• • • •

Short Stay Recovery Programs Long Term Care Residential Care Safe Transitions Program Near beautiful Lake Padden 2015

BRONZE

2400 Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 734-4800 /www.highlandcare.com

24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care

short term rehab & long term care services

• Providing Post-acute Care, Rehab, Respite, & Hospice Care • Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies - Available 7-days a week • Large Private Rooms, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and Phones •Highly Dedicated and Caring Staff

4680 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham (360)398-1966 • ncascadeshealthandrehab.com VibrantSeniorOptions.com

45

The Senior Café

Lookin’ at Life: It’s All in How You See It! (Continued from Page 43)

name “Very Merry” for me in our yearbook. I was rather like Pollyanna – I liked trying to find the good in life. But, sometimes you have to look for it.

Every day I ask my husband “what brought you joy today?” It’s easy to miss the joys when the trials of illness and caring come into our lives. Sometimes I have to look harder. Often revelation comes when I’m not expecting it.

About two years ago I got up in the night for the usual trip to the bathroom. As I stood in the faint glow of the nightlight to wash my hands, I was overwhelmed with how blessed I was when I felt the hot water. Running water - hot at that – might not seem like joy to most. But for someone who grew up without running water, let alone hot water, it still is a profound blessing.

We were poor in a time when there was no aid to anyone, let alone children. Yet when I recently looked at photos of the little flock of siblings, we were all happy smiles, not even realizing our clothes were all worn and about two sizes too big or small for us. It didn’t matter that they were hand-me-downs. We got every drop of fun out of life we could, in spite of poverty.

Life brought me many reasons to think life was not good: a tumble into an open cesspool at age 3; being bucked off a horse when I was 5 – no money for doctors. Thankfully, Shriner’s had built a hospital for kids like me, so my badly broken arm would not remain crippled. I made the most of the hospital stay. Families didn’t always get to visit, so I was there alone. But I found a partner who, like me, liked to pull pranks on the nurses in charge. A bad experience made better by finding the fun. All of life is going to be a test, but it’s better to look on the sunny side than allow ourselves to be mired in the cesspool (so to speak).

I’ve found that the people I’ve come to admire 46

most are the ones who are always bright and happy and upbeat – eager to absorb all of life that they can. The surprising thing is that almost all of them have experienced some of life’s greatest ordeals – but they are still happy, optimistic and exude joy. It is impossible not to absorb their joy.

Doctors know that those who are optimistic and upbeat are more likely to overcome health problems. Their research studies have shown that singing can lower your blood pressure and improve your immune system. And, you cannot be angry and sing at the same time. I cannot imagine life without singing!

This idea of finding the good in life is not just my thought. There are many cliches that tell me others have thought of this. “Is your glass half full or half empty?” is one. We should not only stop and smell the flowers, we need to stop and watch the hummingbirds do that too. Even now with the change in all our lives from the COVID virus, like everyone I dislike wearing a face mask.

But, I noticed myself in the mirror recently. I seem to look better with a mask, as it covers up my crooked smile AND my double chin.

There’s an old song that says it pretty good.

“Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life.

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way, if we keep on the sunny side of life.”

Vicki McCarty, wrote and published Care Tender, a newsletter for caregivers for 15 years.

Along with her husband Ron, she hosted “Tea at 2” for caregivers and the ones they cared for, in addition to providing music and worship programs at local care homes and adult day V programs for nearly 20 years.

Spring-Summer, 2021

Housing & Care

YOUR PATH TO HOME STARTS HERE. A V A M E R E BELLINGHAM HEALTHCARE and

REHAB SERVICES

1200 Birchwood Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 734-9295

S T. F R A NC I S of

BELLINGHAM

3121 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 734-6760

ing “Be

From hospital to home, we’re here for you. Work toward your therapy goals with help from Avamere! ՝ Rehabilitation and therapy services ՝ Long-term care ՝ On-site nurse practitioner ՝ On-site x-rays ՝ Pet visits

ood, and cared for as an ind derst ividu n u al. Th n, w at ’ s kno

Avam e

re to

m e. ” -

C arol

Call today to start your recovery journey!

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

47

Housing & Care

Name

Ad Page

City

Phone

Skilled Nursing & Short Term Rehabilitation - Skagit & N. Snohomish Life Care Center of Mount Vernon

49

Mount Vernon

360-424-4258

Arlington Health & Rehabilitation

Ad Below

Arlington

360-403-8247

29

Stanwood

360-629-2126

Inside Stanwood Back Cover

360-652-4591

Saratoga Transitional Rehab at Josephine Warm Beach Post-Acute Care & Rehabilitation Center

Want to get back on your feet?

We can help you return home! ➢ Family owned and operated ➢ 24 hour Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation ➢ Short-term and Long-term Care ➢ Near Cascade Valley Hospital and Downtown Arlington ➢ Respite Care and Hospice Services 620 South Hazel Street, Arlington | arlingtonhealthandrehab.com

Give us a call!

(360) 403-8247

See Pages 44-47 for Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Whatcom County.

48

Spring-Summer, 2021

Your First Step... on the road back home! ⊲ Personalized Rehabilitation Services ⊲ Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies ⊲ 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Services ⊲ Comfortable Family Atmosphere ⊲ Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually we serve you and yours

“Our Family... Caring for Yours” Call Today to Schedule a Personalized Tour!

(360) 424 - 4258 2120 VibrantSeniorOptions.com

E. Division, Mount Vernon | LifeCareCenterofMountVernon.com 49

Directories - Housing & Care Independent/Retirement (IL) and/or Assisted Living (AL) Whatcom County

Bellingham

Brookdale Fairhaven IL/AL Cordata Court Sr. 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 AL

Lynden

Lynden Manor IL/ AL Meadow Greens IL/AL Skagit County

Anacortes

Mount Vernon

The Bridge IL/AL Heather Village IL Highland Greens IL Logan Creek IL Mountain Glen IL/AL Salem Village IL

Cap Sante Court IL Chandler’s Square IL/ AL Rosario AL San Juan Assisted Living AL

Sedro-Woolley

Creekside IL/AL Where The Heart Is AL

Maple Ridge IL/AL

Burlington

La Conner

La Conner Retirement IL/AL

Country Meadow Village IL/AL Island County

Freeland

Oak Harbor

Harbor Tower Village IL/AL Regency on Whidbey IL/AL Summer Hill AL Welcome Home Oak

Harbor AL North Snohomish County

Arlington

Cascade Valley Senior Living AL Olympic Place by Bonaventure IL/AL

Marysville

The Gardens at Marysville IL/AL Grandview Village IL/ AL

Stanwood

Brookdale Stanwood IL/AL The Suites at Josephine AL Warm Beach Senior Community IL/AL

Memory Care Communities Whatcom County

Bellingham

Bellingham at Orchard Cordata Court Senior Living Highgate Sr. Living Silverado Memory Care Spring Creek

Lynden

Christian Health Care Lynden Manor MC

Skagit County

Sedro-Woolley

Anacortes

Birchview Memory Care

Lighthouse Memory Support Rosario Assisted Living

Island County

Burlington

Oak Harbor

Creekside HomePlace Memory Care Where The Heart Is

Regency on Whidbey HomePlace Memory Care Welcome Home Oak Harbor

Mount Vernon

Ashley Gardens

North Snohomish County

Arlington

Cascade Valley Senior Living

Marysville

Fieldstone Memory Care The Cottages at Marysville

Stanwood

Brookdale Stanwood The Meadows at Josephine

Skilled Nursing and Short Term Rehabilitation Whatcom County

Bellingham

Alderwood Health & Rehabilitation Avamere Bellingham Health Care Highland Health & Rehabilitation Mt. Baker Care Center North Cascades Health & Rehabilitation Shuksan Health Care St. Frances of Bellingham

50

Blaine

Mount Vernon

Arlington

Lynden

Mira Vista Care Center

Marysville

Stafholt Good Samaritan Care Christian Health Care Skagit County

Life Care Center of Mount Vernon

Sedro-Woolley Life Care of Skagit

Anacortes

Island County

Fidalgo Care Center

Coupeville

Burlington

Prestige Care & Rehabilitation

Careage of Whidbey North Snohomish County

Arlington Health & Rehabilitation Marysville Care Center Mountain View Skilled Nursing

Stanwood

Saratoga Transitional Rehab - Josephine Warm Beach PostAcute Care & Rehabilitation

Spring-Summer, 2021

Active Lifestyles

Senior Activity Centers & Lunch Schedules Name

City

Address

Phone

Lunch

Bellingham Senior Act. Cntr. Bellingham

315 Halleck Street

360-733-4030

Mon-Fri

Blaine Senior Center

Blaine

763 G Street

360-332-8040

Mon-Fri

Welcome Senior Center

Deming

5103 Mosquito Lake Rd

360-592-5403

Thursday

Everson Senior Center

Everson

111 W. Main Street

360-966-3144

Mon & Fri

Ferndale Senior Center

Ferndale

1999 Cherry Street

360-384-6244

Mon - Fri

Lynden Senior Center

Lynden

410 Grover Street

360-354-4501

Mon - Fri

Point Roberts Senior Center Point Roberts

1487 Gulf Road

360-945-5424

Wed & Fri

Sumas Community Center

Sumas

461 2nd Street

360-988-2714

Mon & Fri

Anacortes Senior Act. Cntr.

Anacortes

1701 22nd Street

360-293-7473

Mon - Fri

Burlington Senior Center

Burlington

1011 Greenleaf Ave.

360-755-0102

Mon - Fri

Clear Lake Senior Center

Clear Lake

12605 Highway 9

360-856-1023

Wednesday

Concrete Senior Center

Concrete

45821 Railroad Ave.

360-853-8400

Tues - Fri

La Conner Senior Center

La Conner

104 Commercial St.

360-855-5440

Tuesday

Mt. Vernon Senior Center

Mount Vernon

1401 Cleveland

360-416-1585

Mon - Fri

Sedro-Woolley Senior Ctr.

Sedro-Woolley 715 Pacific Street

360-855-1531

Mon - Fri

Camano Center

Camano Island

606 Arrowhead Road

360-387-0222

Mon/Wed/Fri

Island Senior Resources

Langley

14594 SR 525

360-321-1600

M/Tues/W/F

Oak Harbor Senior Center

Oak Harbor

51 SE Jerome Street

360-279-4580

Mon/Wed/Fri

Orcas Island Senior Center

Eastsound

62 Henry Road

360-376-2677

Tues & Fri

Mullis Senior Center

Friday Harbor

589 Nash Street

360-378-2677

Mon & Thur

Lopez Island Senior Center

Lopez

4102 Fisherman Bay Rd 360-468-2421

Wed & Fri

Stillaguamish Senior Center Arlington

18308 Smokey Pt. Blvd

360-653-4551

Mon - Fri

Ken Baxter Community Cntr. Marysville

514 Delta Avenue

360-363-8450

Mon. Coffee

Stanwood Senior Center

7430 276th St. NW

360-629-7403

Mon - Fri

Whatcom County

Skagit County

Island County

San Juan County

North Snohomish County

Stanwood

Nutrition Program: Meals on Wheels Whatcom & San Juan

Skagit County

Camano Island

Whidbey Island

360-746-6480

360-419-3420

360-387-0222

360-321-1600, ext 23

VibrantSeniorOptions.com

51

Information & Assistance

Whatcom Council on Aging presents...

Picnic with a Purpose A week of drive-through cook outs and resource bag distributions for Whatcom County Seniors throughout the week of August 23-Aug 27, 2021 For Information: See Website: www.whatcomcoa.org | Email: jmeyers@whatcomcoa.org | Call: 360-733-4030 x 1025

County

Name

Phone

Information & Assistance Whatcom

Northwest Regional Council (Aging & Disability Resources) Ad on Page 20

360-738-2500

Whatcom

Bellingham Housing Authority

360-676-6887

Whatcom

Catholic Community Services

1-877-870-1582

Whatcom

DSHS/Home & Community Services (Medicaid to help pay for care)

1-800-239-8292

Whatcom

Love INC -- Budget counseling, voucher assistance

360-671-4055

Whatcom

Opportunity Council

360-734-5121

Whatcom

Veterans Assistance Office

1-800-827-1000

Whatcom

Whatcom County Council on Aging

360-733-4030

Skagit

Northwest Regional Council (Aging & Disability Resources) Ad on Page 20

360-428-1301

Skagit

Community Action of Skagit County

360-416-7585

Skagit

DSHS/Home & Community Services (For seniors needing Medicaid to help pay for care)

360-429-2961 or 1-866-608-0836

Skagit

Housing Authority of Skagit County

360-428-1959

Island

Aging & Disability Resources - Camano

360-387-6201

Island

Aging & Disability Resources - North Whidbey

360-675-0311

Island

Aging & Disability Resources - South Whidbey

360-321-1600

N. Snohomish

Homage Senior Services (Aging & Disability Resources)

425-355-1112

Vibrant Senior Options Magazine in your Mailbox!

Subscribe! 1-Year subscription is $8 | 2-Year Subscription is $13

Subscribe at www.VibrantSeniorOptions.com or see Center Page 26 52

Spring-Summer, 2021

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

20

Independent Living - The common thread that connects our residents is the overwhelming joy they experience by living and thriving in a vibrant purposeful Christ-centered 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 and sharing of skills 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.

Skilled Rehab and Nursing - Whether our residents come for a few days or for the rest of their lives, they receive excellent care from a dedicated, compassionate and professional staff who all strive toward a common goal: nurturing body, soul and spirit. In the course of their day, friendly smiles and heartfelt hugs

2020

Contact us today to learn more: (360) 652-7585 • www.warmbeach.org

A holistic approach to the RightCare Right at Home Northwest

Get the help you need right at home

360-392-3934 Bellingham 360-982-2743 Mt Vernon 360-682-2186 Oak Harbor www.rahnorthwest.com

Services Offered: • Homemaking • Companionship • Physical Assistance • Advocacy • Respite Care • Special Needs Care Locally Owned and Operated

Need Transportation? CARE-E-ME can help!

Professional ~ Reliable ~ Caring

* Medical Appointments * Hospital Discharges * Home Visits

* Social Events * Airport Transfers * Long Distance Transfers

Quality Equipment For Your Safety Clean Vehicles For Your Comfort New Service Option!

Non-emergent Stretcher Transfers For those who need to lay flat during a transfer.

Monday - Saturday 6 am - 6 pm

www.careeme.com Kari Anderson, Owner

360-755-3239