S
ome places have a policy of providing excellence in retirement living. Others have a history of it. At the Good Samaritan Society, the promise of providing exceptional senior care options isn’t just something found in a mission statement. It’s at the core of who we are. For over 47 years, the Good Samaritan Society-Loveland Village has offered housing and supportive services to seniors of all faith and beliefs.
Proud to be celebrating over 47 years in Loveland. To learn more, visit www ww ww.good-sam.com. w The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2016 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. XXXXXX
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NorthernColorado55Better.com
June 20, 2021
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Upright and in Motion
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Realtor Profile: Janee Walker
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55 & Better At A Glance
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Planning for a Continuum of Care
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Visit NorthernColorado55Better.com
Quick Fix: Fresh Salmon Ceviche
Aging with Your Pet
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Start Planning Now for Future Living Options
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Mayo Clinic Minute: Help with hot flashes Due to Menopause Better Together: Resources That Make a Difference
Talking All Things Medicare at 55 and Better
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Page 17
Realtor Profile: Rob Proctor
Editorial: Misty Kaiser, Marketing & Publications Editor Editorial 303-473-1425, kaiserm@reporterherald.com
Advertising: Christine Labozan, Advvertising Director 970-635-3614, clabozan@reporte erherald.com
is a great place to be
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Become a school district volunteer: » Read to children » Tutor children » Protect children as a crossing guard » Assist teachers with projects » Organize library materials » Help office staff with administrative tasks » Serve on a district committee » Work with local partners like KidsPak » and much more! To sign up: www.thompsonschools.org/volunteer and click “Prospective Volunteers.”
A Lonely Retirement Could Shorten Your Life — So Make Friends
SCHEDULE A TOUR Call Today: T da 970-2 299-8 86 89 4430 24th Street Road Greeley, CO 80634 thelodgeatgreeley.com
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | WellAge Managed Community
Banner Hospice provides the caring, dignified, individualized support you and your family may need for end-of-life care. We serve northern Colorado, and surrounding communities.
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To learn more call (970) 400-9728 or visit bannerhealth.com/nocohospice
Banner Health is committed to providing safe places for care. Learn more at bannerhealth.com
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Northern Colorado 55 & Better
NorthernColorado55Better.com
June 20, 2021
Assisted Living Locators®
Assisted Living Locators® is a nationwide network of highly trained senior care advisors who work together to help families and their seniors provide the healthy and safe environment.
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Accessible Systems
Accessible Systems sells, installs and services accessibility and mobility equipment, as well as home modification solutions.
Alliance Medical Supply
Providers of exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced staff to assist you with your medical and equipment supply needs.
Ameri Quote Insurance
The agents at Ameri Quote are independent brokerage professionals specializing in Senior Insurance solutions. They offer the best coverage with the top rated companies in Colorado with the most competitive premiums.
American Vein & Vascular Institute
American Vein & Vascular Institute is a world-class network of vein and arterial diagnosis and treatment centers. Staff is expertly trained in vascular care, vein disease diagnosis and the latest treatments, dedicated to serving you. June 20, 2021
Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado
Provides high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate end-of-life care throughout northern Colorado.
Columbine Health Systems
Proudly providing senior care services and facilities for older adults in Northern Colorado since 1971.
Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists
Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists offers many specialized services, as well as 24-hour emergency and urgent care.
Frontier Access & Mobility
A one-stop shop for accredited home medical equipment, complex rehab equipment, home access, and auto access.
Good Samaritan Society Loveland Village
Providing a full range of housing and healthcare services for those 55 and older, in a setting with breathtaking views of mountains from our beautifully landscaped 50acre campus.
Humana
Humana healthcare plans help you do more than simply pay your bills. Their focus is on supporting not only your physical health but your emotional and social health as well.
Janee Walker C3 Real Estate
Janee Walker’s ultimate goal is a client, who has a positive, seamless experience with any of their real estate needs.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser works hard to keep you healthy. But if you do get sick, their care teams work even harder to help you get well. Collaborating across specialties enables quicker diagnoses, more efficient treatment, and faster recoveries with better outcomes.
Senior Living Advisors of Colorado
Providing free assistance to find the right respite care, independent living, memory care, in-home care, or assisted living. Meeting your unique needs, desires and budget
The Bridge at Greeley The Bridge at Greeley offers the finest in assisted living for seniors looking to thoroughly enjoy their retirement.
The Lodge at Greeley
The Lodge offers personalized independent living, assisted living, and memory care services designed for serene Colorado living.
Thompson Schools
Providing the best education possible for Loveland children
Larimer County Office on Aging
Vitality Medical Center
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serving adults 60 and older, people with disabilities over 18, and their caregivers throughout Larimer County.
Using cutting edge, noninvasive, non-surgical treatment for male and female sexual health and dysfunction, incontinence, hair loss, and more
The Medical Hypnosis & Counseling Center
Volunteers of America
Using psychotherapy and hypnoanalysis to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally.
Robert Proctor
Robert Proctor offers real estate services through At Home Real Estate Company, providing professional assistance.
NorthernColorado55Better.com
Dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential
Windsong at NorthRidge
Providing comfort, care and safety using the unique Montessori Method for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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LIVESTREAM EVENTS
June 21 through July 2 from 12-1 p.m. each day, industry experts will present online livestream sessions discussing their chosen topic. Sessions are designed to be 30-40 minutes long and concluded in a question and answer period. Each session will then remain available for on-demand viewing until Aug. 31. Visit NorthernColorado55Better.com to view the sessions as well as browse through the virtual expo.
JUNE 21
JUNE 28
Danita Nixon, Senior Living Advisors Understanding Senior Living Options
Sandi Squicquero The Medical Hypnosis & Counseling Center, Licensed professional counselor, Executive Director Dealing with a Medical Diagnosis: Coping Strategies through Medical Psychotherapy and Hypnoanalysis
JUNE 22 PANEL: Medicare: What You Need to Know Carmen Cisneros Kaiser Permanente, NOCO Medicare Executive Medicare 101 Travis Fenner Humana, Sales Representative
JUNE 29 PANEL: Mobility
Lyndsey Burmeister Accessible Systems, Community Education
Construction-based Home Modifications
Medicare Education
Michelle McMahon Frontier Access & Mobility, President and CEO
Ameri Quote
Medicare: What you need to know
JUNE 30
Evan Schones Good Samaritan Society Practical Tips for Preventing Falls
JUNE 23
Yvonne Myers Columbine Health Systems Health Systems Director Long Term Care and New COVID Guidance for Residents and Their Families
JUNE 24
JULY 1
Ayla Preston Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists, DVM MS DACVECC
Angela Cole American Vein and Vascular Institute, PA-C Vascular Health: Leg Veins and How to Treat Them
JUNE 25
Joyce Bolan and Dr. Cara Johnson Banner Hospice, Sr. Direct Hospice and Palliative Care Banner Health Hospice 101: When Is It Time? Debunking Myths and Misconceptions 6
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
Aging Better With Your Pet: Positive effects of having a pet in your golden years
JULY 2
Dr. Cameron Camp, PhD and Stacey Flint Windsong at NorthRidge Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Approach to Dementia Care
NorthernColorado55Better.com
June 20, 2021
AGING WITH YOUR PET By Jessica Benes for 55 & Better
Pets are food for our soul. They bring unconditional love, happiness and a sense of purpose, says Ayla Preston, doctor of veterinary medicine and ER/ICU director. As pets age, there are key things to look out for just like when humans age. Pets will age a little faster than their human companion. “A geriatric pet is technically eight years and older,” Preston said. Although some signs of aging may start sooner. The pet may tire easily, may not have the stamina they used to have. The animal may be slower to rise, especially in the morning or after a long rest in one position. They can develop diseases like arthritis just like adults can. Just like puppies (and babies!) sleep a lot, so do older animals. Common medical conditions in older animals are weight gain, kidney disease, arthritis and dental disease. Other diseases might depend on the pet, like heart disease in small breed dogs. Preston recommends doing wellness checks every six months instead of annually once the pet is older. “Your veterinarian may still recommend yearly bloodwork, but having someone put their hands on them every six months is great for preventative health,” she said. The owner can also watch out for their movement. Are they having a hard time getting around and maybe need a joint supplement? Does their diet need to be adjusted because they are overweight? Does the bedding need to be changed to give them a softer sleeping surface? June 20, 2021
“I made sure my dog had a good bed for sleeping at night since she’s getting more aches and pains,” Preston said. She also said that keeping them mentally and physically fit is also important. Exercise is great, and might mean a walk around the block, rather than a threemile hike if the pet can’t handle that anymore. Old dogs also still like new toys and other things to keep them excited about life. “As you start to notice changes in your own body (as you get older), be aware that your pet is likely going through the same thing,” Preston said. A routine might be good for both pet and owner, to maintain a schedule that keeps you active along with your pet. Pets are creatures of habit, and like a good routine. She said that as you go in for your own annual physical, keep in mind that your pet should be getting one too. You don’t need to make an emergency visit to the vet if your pet is drinking too much water, moving slower, has a loss of appetite, has developed anxiety or has NorthernColorado55Better.com
changes to their hearing or vision. These are topics to discuss at the next visit, but are not emergent. Other symptoms that are emergent would include vomiting, diarrhea, persistent decreases in appetite, uncontrolled pain, seizures, lacerations, persistent coughing or difficulty breathing. However, Preston added, “It’s never wrong to seek veterinary attention right away if you’re worried, especially depending on the underlying health conditions.” Animals are an amazing comfort and source of companionship as we age, Preston said. They help to give people who are empty nesters something to love, to take care of and be responsible for. “Studies have proven that animals are beneficial in helping with mental and physical health,” she said. The companionship they bring is unlike anything else, she added. It is a unique and special bond that people share with animals, and the benefits are endless. Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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START PLANNING NOW for future living options
By Shelley Widhalm for 55 & Better
When seniors hit their late 60s, that’s the best time to start planning their future living options even if they feel comfortable in their own homes. “We are all aging, and we want to make informed decisions, and it starts with education and understanding what our options are,” said Danita Nixon, certified senior living advisor and owner of Senior Living Advisors of Colorado, a Loveland-based business that helps older adults safely age in place or transition into senior living communities. Nixon will give a 45-minute workshop, “Senior Living Options,” during the 55 & Better virtual expo hosted by the Reporter-Herald and Greeley Tribune. Her presentation, geared toward older adults and caregivers, will cover the signs that it might be time for a change, barriers to making a change, options for senior living, and ways to take control of 8
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
the process. An estimated 70% of adults currently turning 65 will require some type of long-term care during their lifetime, according to the National Center for Assisted Living, Nixon said. Approximately 1 million Americans are currently living in some type of senior community, a number that is expected to double by 2030 from the aging Baby Boomer population, Nixon said, citing another statistic from the NCAL. “That means almost everybody is going to need help, so it’s good to be thinking about these things,” Nixon said. “I encourage people to do some planning and talk to their families to let them know what their wishes are.” Some of the signs that seniors may want to change their housing situation include increased health issues, the need for more assistance in the home, and feelings of loneliness or isolation, Nixon said. Barriers to making those changes NorthernColorado55Better.com
include being unsure of what the options are and if making a transition is financially feasible. Before making a decision, seniors need to consider their current needs and desires, any health challenges they have and how those challenges may affect their future, and their financial resources, Nixon said. “A lot of folks fall in love with a community, with a building,” Nixon said. “In reality they need to make sure the community can care for their needs as they change and that they can afford it on a long-term basis.” The first senior living option doesn’t involve any type of specialty senior housing but a concept called right sizing, or moving to a different type of home, Nixon said. One way to do this is to move out of a multi-bedroom home ideal for raising a family into something smaller to reduce maintenance and cleaning needs. To cut out yardwork, options include zero-lot homes, which do not have yards, and condominiums, a form of communal living with shared outdoor spaces. Seniors also will want to make sure the layout of the home is conducive to aging in place, such as one level, few stairs and a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub, she said. Another option is moving into an independent living community geared toward seniors who are independent but like being able to socialize and connect with neighbors their own age. Typically, June 20, 2021
independent living consists of individual apartments with various options, such as access to communal dining, transportation services and on- and off-site activities. The residents can choose to hire caregivers on an as-needed basis. The final option is assisted living, often consisting of a smaller apartment than those in an independent living community and 24-hour care, ideal for those who have a health condition or know that their needs are increasing. “Now you are trading space for care,” Nixon said. The units typically consist of a bathroom, living space and kitchenette with a small refrigerator. Residents have access to three daily meals in a common dining area and can receive help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. “The benefit is care is right outside the door,” Nixon said. “That’s important as you age. Someone is there as you need help.” Another level of assisted living is memory care—it’s a higher level of care for those diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Nixon said. A diagnosis doesn’t automatically require this level of care unless the resident wanders or is exit seeking, she said. The care is more hands-on and programming is more structured with planned activities, Nixon said, adding that trained caregivers know how to interact with and redirect residents who are dealing with loss of memory. The highest level of care is a skilled nursing facility, requiring a medical diagnosis—Nixon doesn’t help place seniors into nursing homes, she said. “Taking care of the process is planning for the future, including getting legal documents in place and powers of attorney in place … the idea of what you want to do as you have more needs,” Nixon said. Nixon recommends seniors and their caregivers connect with a senior living advisor or other local professional instead of shopping online or making multiple phone calls to gather the needed information. The local advisor will be knowledgeable about local resources and will streamline the process. “It will save them time, money and headaches,” Nixon said. “Those of us who do this know firsthand what’s available.” June 20, 2021
EXCELLENCE IN CARE. WITH LOVE.
“We are all aging, and we want to make informed decisions, and it starts with education and understanding what our options are,”
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NorthernColorado55Better.com
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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Upright and IN MOTION
Experts share solutions for keeping elders happily and safely at home for years to come By John Lehndorff for 55 & Better
There is no gentle way to put it: When you are elderly, falling can be an absolute disaster. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than one out of
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Northern Colorado 55 & Better
four older people falls each year, and falling once doubles your chances of falling again. One out of five falls causes a serious injury and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. “If you fall your chances of breaking a hip – especially if you are a woman, are pretty strong. hen you break a hip everything else goes downhill fast,” says Evon Schones, wellness director at the Good Samaritan Society at Loveland Village. “Everything we do here is about keeping people upright and, if they fall,
NorthernColorado55Better.com
that their bones and muscles are strong enough to help them get through it,” Schones says. The risk of falling can also be compounded by the fear of falling. “Being overly cautious can make you more likely to fall,” she says. To avoid falls and improve balance and flexibility, Schones recommends approaching the challenge on a number of different levels. The first is to actively fight becoming sedentary. “The more physically active you are and the healthier you brain is, the less likely you are to fall,” she says. That mental sharpness is important because being upright and walking safely requires more as you age. “When you are young you can be texting, chewing gum and having a conversation while you are walking. When you get older you need to eliminate distractions to avoid tripping,” Schones says.
Finding Expert Accessibility Resources
Elders don’t have to face the mobility challenges alone. Diverse companies serving Northern Colorado provide a wide range of devices, supplies and services with one focus in mind: Keeping elders comfortable, mobile and safe at home.
June 20, 2021
“The key to keeping elders safe is to evaluate, in person, their home and where the dangers are,” says Lyndsey Burmeister, community educator at Accessible Systems of Northern Colorado. Burmeister meets with individuals, families and caregivers to evaluate exactly what they need. “This can range from providing and installing equipment like stair lifts and ramps to doing complete bathroom remodeling to make it wheelchair accessible,” she says. The No. 1 challenge when making homes more accessible is that they are seldom on one floor. “It’s rare to find a house in Colorado that is on one level. Often the place that clients like to spend their time is in the basement. Even ranch-style homes usually have some steps,” Burmeister says. There can also be challenging transitions between carpeting and hardwood floors and thresholds into rooms. Before making major changes, Accessible Systems’ Greeley showroom allows clients to come in and test out ramps, lifts and other assistive devices. “The interesting thing is that the women are most concerned about aesthetics when we’re installing a stair lift. Even when you are ninety you don’t want your house to look ‘old.’ Men typically care more about functionality and whether it will work well with how they live,” Burmeister says.
Local Matters! The largest locally owned and operated health care organization in Northern Colorado. ASSISTED LIVING
INDEPENDENT LIVING
(Windsor)
(Windsor)
Columbine Commons Lakeview Commons
The Wexford
HEALTH & REHAB
PATIO HOMES
(Loveland)
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Many devices and pieces of accessibility equipment are available off the shelf, but they don’t necessarily fit individuals or their varying sizes. “What we do is evaluate each individual and fit the mobility assistance to their personal needs,” says Polly Anderson, Marketing Manager for Frontier Access & Mobility in Fort Collins and Cheyenne. The one-stop shop offers everything from scooters, walkers and wheelchairs to ramps, lifts and shower benches with a team of technicians. “We work to keep people safe at home with the best solutions given their budget including used equipment,” Anderson says. Frontier Access & Mobility offers equipment rentals so that customers can try them out for a week or a month or use them temporarily because of an injury.
June 20, 2021
(Loveland)
Columbine Commons Westwood Patio Homes (Windsor) Health & Rehab Facility (Windsor)
North Shore Health & Rehab Facility (Loveland)
HEALTH SERVICES
Columbine Poudre Home Care/Bloom at Home Columbine Medical Equipment Poudre Infusion Therapy
Windsor, CO Loveland, CO
Keeping the Bathroom a No-Fall Zone
Falls that take place in bathrooms are a special concern for the elderly who live alone,” says C.J. Shovlin, owner of Alliance Medical Supply. The Greeley company that focuses on durable medical goods installs grab bars as well as shower seats and transfer benches that make getting in and out safer. Alliance Medical Supply also offers all sizes of walkers, canes and crutches as well as shoes for diabetics. “We have a certified fitter who schedules a visit with the client to get the right fit,” Shovlin says.
The Windsor
1971-2021 www.columbinehealth.com
Serving the Loveland and Windsor Community with a complete campus!
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Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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JANEÉ WALKER, BROKER ASSOCIATE WITH C3 REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS With a background in homebuilding, Janeé Walker brings unique expertise to her senior clients as she guides them through the buying and selling process.
seniors it would be the relationships we develop. We share stories, laughter, and tears. Trust is built and the challenges that may come are easier and we become partners and friends.
Give us a brief background on you. How long have you lived in Colorado? How did you get into real estate?
The Colorado market is unique for Seniors because we have the best and most diverse environment! From the season changes, to the culture, to our healthy lifestyles, renowned medical facilities, and military presence. There is a place for everyone in Colorado.
I am a Colorado native, born and raised. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Denver and have lived in Northern Colorado since 1990. I’ve been a Realtor since 2005. I chose this career because we were already in the housing industry by way of owning a construction business. It was a good fit to help people in the buy and sell process as well.
What is your favorite part of working with seniors? If I had to choose a favorite thing about working with
Considering a change of living environment for your loved one with memory deficits? Now is the perfect time.
What makes the Colorado market unique for seniors?
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
How I spend my free time goes something like this: family. I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mom and nana. I am an avid reader and I love kayaking and being outdoors. I especially love riding my road bike! If you see me riding around town somewhere be sure to say hi!
Our Montessori Memory Care Community will provide your loved one with an engaging and purposeful lifestyle. For all new residents moving in June 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, community fee will be reduced to $500 and the monthly ALL INCLUSIVE rate of $5200 will be locked in for 6 months.
We would love to talk with you today about your needs! Contact Lynn Hayden-Ugarte 970.449.7199 or l.h.ugarte@windsongmemorycare.com 7010 West 8th Street | Greeley, CO 80634 12
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
NorthernColorado55Better.com
June 20, 2021
QUICK FIX: Fresh salmon makes this ceviche a winner SALMON CEVICHE WITH FRESH AVOCADO Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer
Linda Gassenheimer Tribune News Service (TNS)
Fresh salmon, lime juice and spices make up this easy ceviche dinner. It’s best to partially freeze the salmon for about 15 minutes before cutting it up for the ceviche. Also, rinse your knife in cold water between each cut of the salmon. These help you cut the salmon into neat cubes. Be sure your salmon is fresh. Tell your fish server you need it to make ceviche so they can show you the best salmon on display.
Helpful Hints:
• Partially freeze salmon for 15 minutes. • Check the salmon for any bones. • You can serve any type of pita chips or other crackers with the ceviche.
Countdown:
• Freeze salmon 15 minutes. • Cut salmon and marinate in the lime juice. • Prepare remaining ingredients. • Finish ceviche and serve. June 20, 2021
• 3/4 pound wild caught, very fresh salmon • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Pinch red pepper flakes • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro • 1/2 cup avocado cubes • 2 cups tortilla chips Remove any bones from the salmon. Remove any skin or dark meat. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Rinse a sharp knife in cold water between each cut and cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. Add lime juice and salmon to a bowl. Mix well to make sure the salmon is coated with the lime juice. Let salmon marinate while preparing remaining ingredients, about 15 minutes. Mix ginger, cherry tomatoes, onion, olive oil and red pepper flakes together in another bowl. Remove about 1/4 cup lime juice from the bowl with salmon and discard. Add salmon and remaining lime juice to the tomato mixture. Add salt and pepper and cilantro. Add avocado in cubes and mix well. Serve the salmon in 2 bowls with tortilla chips on the side. Yield 2 servings. Per serving: 493 calories (45% from fat), 24.4 g fat (3.7 g saturated, 10.8 g monounsaturated), 96 mg cholesterol, 38.3 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 5.6 g fiber, 194 mg sodium.
Call Today! 970-223-8267 www.frontieraccess.com
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MOBILITY
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819 E.Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 80524
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Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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TALKING ALL THINGS MEDICARE at 55 and Better
By John Teehan for 55 & Better
S
tarting June 20 seniors will be able to attend the 55 & Better Expo—an online webinar series featuring a wealth of tips, advice, and news on topics of interest to Coloradans of all ages, but with a particular focus on the 55-and-older crowd. There will be a lot to choose from over the coming months, but one of the more important topics to many individuals as they get older is health and health coverage. You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about Medicare but haven’t fully understood what it’s all about, who it’s for, how much it costs, and what it covers. That’s why Medicare coverage will be getting a lot of attention. The 55 & Better Expo will have expert speakers presenting everything from the basics of Medicare, various coverage options, and news of recent changes that could affect existing Medicare participants. 14
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
If you don’t think you know if Medicare is important to you or not, here is a brief outline of what it is and how it can help you.
What Is Medicare?
Before getting started on a journey with Medicare, it’s a good idea to know what it is. In short, Medicare is a government-funded insurance program in which those eligible are Social Security recipients who are permanently disabled or over the age of 65. It can also include those receiving railroad retirement benefits or experiencing end-stage renal disease. Medicare should not be confused with Medicaid. For one, Medicare is not a welfare program as the financial situation of a Medicare beneficiary has no bearing on an individual’s eligibility or benefits payment. As you’d experience with a private insurance company, Medicare coverage NorthernColorado55Better.com
pays a portion of medical costs with deductibles and copayments still required from the beneficiary. At its most basic, Medicare has two major coverage components—Part A and Part B. Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital or nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care services. This is mainly funded through the payroll tax. Part B helps with medical care and services provided by doctors and other medical practitioners, durable medical equipment, and some outpatient care and health services. This is paid for through monthly premiums and some revenue from the government. Some things that Medicare Part B will cover include: • Diabetic testing supplies, Immunosuppressive drugs for transplant patients • Arm, leg, back, and neck braces June 20, 2021
• • • •
One pair of eyeglasses following cataract surgery Oral anti-cancer drugs Medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen Necessary medical supplies such as surgical dressings, splints, casts, and ostomy bags. Medicare Part C—sometimes referred to as Medicare Advantage—provides all the benefits of Medicare parts A and B and often offers additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. With Part C, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracts with public or private organizations to offer various health plan options. Anyone eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B can sign up for a plan under Part C. Medicare Part D helps cover many prescription costs. However, the monthly costs for this can vary depending on several factors, and timely enrollment is essential for keeping costs down.
Medicare At 55 & Better Medicare can be a complicated topic at times—even when it doesn’t need to be. Many people can become overwhelmed with the number of options in Medicare Advantage plans, or are unsure of eligibility requirements, payments, or even how to apply. It’s with those issues in mind that Medicare will be a featured topic at 55 & Better. Among the presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors of the event will be: Carissa Plumery of Humana, a provider of Medicare supplement insurance plans, will be speaking on the basics of Medicare—what it covers, what it costs, and how to apply. Jack Krier of Ameri Quote, a local Medicare agency offering expert guidance and consulting, will be speaking on Medicare supplemental insurance, what your options are, what additional coverage is available, costs, and how to access it. Carmen Cisneros from Kaiser Permanente Medicare in Loveland, offering health plans and support for achieving your business goals, will be speaking on potential issues regarding Medicare and how to get past them. For information on how you can access these timely and informative presentations, visit the 55 & Better Expo website at NorthernColorado55Better.com. From there, you can find a schedule of web presentations and a list of exhibitors with contact information. Once you’ve learned all there is to know about Medicare, you can go on to learn more about issues important to seniors and those close to them, such as healthy living, finances, leisure, and more. We’ll see you there! June 20, 2021
Are you turning 65 or new to Medicare?
I can help you get Medicare ready. .
Call a licensed Humana sales agent.
NorthernColorado55Better.com
TRAVIS FENNER 720-464-5337 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. tfenner@humana.com
Y0040_GHHHXDDEN21_C Northern Colorado 55 & Better
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ROB PROCTOR BROKER/OWNER, GRI, EPRO, REALTOR, SRES® Rob Proctor, named 2014 Realtor of the Year by the LovelandBerthoud Association of Realtors, is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) who can empathize with and support his clients throughout the buying and selling process.
Give us a brief background on you. How long have you lived in Colorado? How did you get into real estate? I’m a native of Loveland Colorado. After high school graduation, I started working at Hewlett Packard, then went
back to school and got my degree from Colorado State University. In 1987, I received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After over 30 years at HP, I was laid off in 2002 (hightech bubble) and then got my real estate license. I always have liked homes and architecture. I have built three homes through out the years. In 2005, I started my own real estate firm.
What is your favorite part of working with seniors?
Well, I’m a senior and I feel that I can relate to all their needs and required services. It’s important to have the ability to share experiences to help them feel comfortable and have all the information they need to make that big decision.
What makes the Colorado market unique for seniors?
Most seniors are looking at their next phase in life – maybe down sizing, moving out of state to be closer to family, or they may want to do something different in real estate housing. The Colorado market can be a little intimidating when seniors look at how fast homes are selling, which can be a good thing... or not, depending on their situation.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? When I’m not working, I like to cook, play golf, go on church mission trips helping others with their housing needs, and sample craft beer.
ROB KNOWS
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MAYO CLINIC MINUTE: Help with hot flashes due to menopause
Acupuncture is an alternative to medication that may help women who experience hot flashes. (Dreamstime/TNS) From Mayo Clinic News Network Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)
Vasomotor symptoms — the medical term for hot flashes — are among the most common menopause symptoms women experience. Hot flashes, along with night sweats, can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Dr. Suneela Vegunta, a Mayo Clinic women’s health physician, explains what happens to the body and offers ways to find relief. “During a hot flash, a woman’s body temperature goes up by 1 to 3 degrees, and the heart rate also goes up by five to 10 beats.” That means the body’s temperature regulating system is not working. “Once the body perceives that the temperature has gone up, it tries to cool it down. And that’s how the sweats actually happen. Once the sweats happen, the body cools down, the temperature comes down.” That process can last up June 20, 2021
to 30 minutes, and it can be uncomfortable. Hormone therapy can be helpful. “It is really effective in making the hot flashes, sweats and sleep problems get much better,” says Dr. Vegunta. “There are some women, especially women with breast cancer or prior blood clots, that cannot use hormone therapy.” Acupuncture is one alternative to medication and may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Other nonhormonal approaches include mindfulness meditation, yoga and supplements. Dr. Vegunta says the approaches can offer a “significant quality of life improvement with a significant reduction in the intensity, the frequency, the duration of these hot flashes and sweats.”
At a certain stage of life, many people are ready to make a change. To downsize their home or simply choose a community that better suites their current lifestyle and needs. My personal experiences with life stage changes has given me a special insight into the unique circumstances that those changes present. I have made it my personal mission to help others navigate those milestones. I’d be honored to help you and your family.
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(Seniors Real Estate Specialist)
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BETTER TOGETHER: Resources that Make a Difference By Linda Thorsen Bond for 55 & Better
There are many resources for seniors and caregivers—if you can figure out what they are. At the 55 and Better Expo, you’ll find services, sources and signposts to help you navigate the maze of senior care. Resources throughout northern Colorado include the Larimer County Office on Aging, Thompson School District, Assisted Living Locators, Volunteers of America and the Weld County Area Agency on Aging. After a year of almost entirely virtual help, the organizations are hoping they’ll soon be able to get back to face-to-face.
LARIMER COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING
Katie Stieber is the program manager for the Larimer County Office on Aging which
Koala Bear sewn by seniors from the senior citizens property tax work-off program
There are no limits to what you can accomplish with the power of the mind. As we learn more about the power of subconscious mind, we can see just how medical hypnosis and counseling can improve the quality of our lives both physically and emotionally. Some of the areas that can be successfully treated by Medical Hypnosis and subconscious analysis include:
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Northern Colorado 55 & Better
provides information and referral services to older adults, adults living with disabilities, caregivers, family members, community members and professionals in Fort Collins, Berthed, Loveland, and Estes Park. It is one of the most collaborative offices in the state, standing just behind the northern Denver area in the number of formal partnerships with agencies that offer services to seniors. Stieber said they are finalizing their resource guide now, verifying names and information to make sure each person or agency is up to date. The Senior Housing List includes senior affordable housing, independent living, assisted living and nursing facilities. “We provide support for agencies that deal with nutrition and those who provide transportation to medical and dental or
THE
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even grocery stores. We help fund free rides so that people can go to covid vaccine sites. We work closely with long term care and help people figure out Medicaid-specific programs,” Stieber said. Some of the options are the chore voucher program, family caregiver support, in-home services voucher program, options counseling and transition coordination services. There is no income cutoff and none of the partner agencies can ask income questions because of the Older Americans Act. “Anyone in need can call and we will serve them,” she said. “We don’t have a caseload. When we get even just one phone call, we can touch people’s life, refer them to a partner agency we fund, give them a warm hand-off to make sure they get assistance.”
For more information: larimer.org/humanservices/aging/ooa
THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL & TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
It’s not just county agencies that can help. One of the best examples is the Thompson School District, which offers The Volunteers in Thompson Assisting Learners program (VITAL) and tax assistance programs. VITAL encourages parents and community members to share their time with Thompson students by becoming authorized volunteers. Volunteers help in classrooms, on field trips and school activities, coach a sports team, serve as tutors, present at career fairs, assist in science and computer labs, serve on a district committee and even help fundraise. Lisa Wegener is the volunteer and events specialist for the Thompson School District, which includes 16,000 students in Berthed, Loveland, Fort Collins and Drake. She said, “We see this program as bringing in people who have experience others may not have. The breadth and level of experience in the senior population means that they have a lot to offer.” There are volunteers in early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school. In fact, Wegener said, there are as many as 4,000 active volunteers helping the school district. Each school has a volunteer coordinator who is also a volunteer and assists Wegener. The Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program has about 25 new openings this year. Sixty people work at volunteer-type jobs but receive minimum wage pay that is applied to defray the property taxes they would have to pay. Applicants are generally chosen based on experience, interests, and availability and can fill out a form until Aug. 22. Marsha Detter has done everything from reading and listening to children, setting up preschool snacks and sewing. She explained: “I work 30 hours a week at minimum wage and I turn in the hours I work. Lisa (Wegener) looks my hours and sends me a check. I sign on the back and give it to the Larimer County Treasurer who applies it to my school taxes. It is a win-win situation. I’m learning as I work with little June 20, 2021
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Gina Bell telling stories in as part of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off program. (Courtesy Thompson Schools)
Assisted Living Locator, Maureen Walker (Courtesy Assisted Living Locators)
kids about their different types of personalities, how they grow emotionally and how they interact. I smile and love on them, I praise them, and that goes a long ways.” Ginny Thompson has worked in the program for four or five years. “I love working in the schools because my children are all out on their own and I like working with kids. During this last
year Lisa wanted to do something so we could get our hours. I have a sewing machine so I made about 20 little koala bears— although my sewing machine and I kept having arguments! Then she had me write valentines to each of the employees. This has been a great opportunity.”
For more information: thompsonschools.org/volunteer
ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS
Maureen Walker is the owner and senior advisor for Assisted Living Locators in Weld, Larimer, Boulder, Broomfield, and north of Denver. She explained that she started over 3 years ago at the no-cost senior placement service, helping seniors navigate through the system of in-home companion care, independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. “We help people find and understand the information they need,” Walker said. “The system is hard to navigate, and people need to know about costs, what coverage they have, what their long-term care insurance might cover. Some people are not ready to go into assisted living; they just need help at home so we work with an organization that can help them. We get paid by referrals to communities and facilities, like realtors.” Walker said her favorite thing is meeting clients and learning their story. “We focus on their needs,” she said. “Some want a place with chandeliers, some want a place that absolutely doesn’t have those. When we find the right thing for each person it is heartwarming. I just want people to know there’s help out there. We can come over and help take the load off of making such important decisions.”
For more information: assistedlivinglocators.com/noco
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June 20, 2021
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America Colorado (VOAC) is celebrating 125 years of helping people in need. The mission to serve basic needs for food, shelter and support has never been more relevant or needed than it is today. Vanessa Clark, Director of PR and Marketing, said, “The goal of our senior programs is to support seniors in aging with dignity and love, avoid isolation, and help seniors remain safely in-home for as long as possible.” Clark said VOAC offers affordable housing for seniors in Sanctuary Apartments in Fort Collins and they just broke ground on a new property called Cadence. Programs that are designed to help people remain in-home for as long as possible include Meals on Wheels, Handyperson Program, Caring Companions, and the Grocery Shopping Program. There are congregate meals at a handful of senior centers in Belleview, Berthoud, Loveland and Fort Collins. Those sites have been doing mostly grab and go meals during COVID but they are working on what reopening the sites might look like. Programs that are adjusting to the end of the pandemic include Caring Companions that is now allowing in-home visits; Handyperson is back to doing grab bar installations in-home; Meals on Wheels and Grocery Deliveries are continuing to deliver to the doorstep; and RSVP partners are back to accepting volunteers. Clark said they currently need volunteers in the Handyman program which does small maintenance jobs for seniors like grab bars, light electrical and plumbing and the Caring Companion program which provides caregiver respite for 2 hours a week.
For more information: voacolorado.org
WELD COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Susan Collins, PhD, is an advisory board member for the Weld County Area Agency on Aging. She has personal experience with one of the County’s organizations, Grandparents raising Grandchildren. She is featured on the Weld website explaining that the work Weld’s AAA does is collaborative for the growing population of older adults who need housing and help figuring out how to navigate the system. She discussed Elder Rights ombudsmen who go into nursing homes and assisted living centers, health and wellness programs, nutrition, peer counseling, shelf-stable foods drives, family caregiver support groups and Adult Protective Services options for long-term care. Collins said, “Every person is respected and supported, and no client is expected to pay for their help.”
For more information: weldgov.com/Government/ Departments/Human-Services/Area-Agency-onAging-AAA June 20, 2021
The Office on Aging provides funding to agencies that provide services for seniors in Larimer County, including congregate meals, transportation, legal assistance, caregiver support and many more. These agencies are referred to as our funded community partners. In addition, the Office on Aging staff provides direct services and programs to older adults. Services available through the Office on Aging include: • Application Assistance • Chore, In-Home Services and Family Caregiver Support Voucher Programs • Long Term Care Ombudsman Program • Options Counseling • Transition Coordination Services • Information and Resources and more!
Contact us today!
larimer.org/humanservices/aging/ooa • adrc@larimer.org
NorthernColorado55Better.com
970.498-7750
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Planning for a CONTINUUM OF CARE
By Adam Goldstein for 55 & Better
Serious illnesses are never one-dimensional. Those patients who face debilitating or intense health problems are subject to profound challenges on myriad fronts; the toll of a serious disease can be physical, mental and emotional all at once, and such an impact demands care that’s equally multifaceted and wide-ranging. Just as serious health issues confront a patient on different levels, the proper care for such maladies must offer solutions from separate angles. A patient who’s facing a cancer diagnosis, for example, has needs that go far beyond chemotherapy. The immediate and longterm fallout from such a disease necessitates treatment that takes the patient’s more obvious and the more nuanced needs into account. A patient facing a 22
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life-changing health issues needs help and attention outside the treatment room; their needs may very well run the gamut from mobility assistance to home care, general wellness and housing. The concept of a full-range approach to medical services, or a continuum of care, isn’t exactly a new concept. As long as human beings have faced mortal illness, they’ve sought relief on different levels. In a modern society where advertisers tout a distinct, standalone cure for every separate malady, however, the concept of a complex, broad approach to treatment may seem overwhelming for some. But according to Yvonne Myers, director for Columbine Health Systems, care is as complex, unique and varied as the human beings who require it. The Columbine network comprises two patio NorthernColorado55Better.com
home communities, four independent living facilities, three assisted living facilities and five skilled nursing facilities in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor. Myers, who serves as health systems director for the network, said that the system’s approach to care is all about providing a continuum that serves a menu of needs that’s as vast as the patient base. “I think the key point is that we all age differently. Some of us may have dementia, some us may be very healthy and can live independently for a very long time. Others may develop chronic diseases that are slow and progressive,” said Myers, who’s worked at Columbine for more than 30 years. “In our system, we approach a continuum of care in the sense that we provide all the levels of care our patients need through end of life.” In technical terms, a continuum of June 20, 2021
care includes seven basic categories: extended care, acute hospital care, ambulatory care, home care, outreach, wellness and housing. In other words, older patients face a variety of needs that touch on every dimension of everyday life. Some need medical attention that spans for months after a procedure, operation or treatment. Others may need assistance getting around, or taking care of the everyday tasks of living in a home. Still others may face health challenges that necessitate a renewed focus on basic wellness regiments, from diet to daily physical exercise to mental focus. According to Myers, the key to a largescale health network like Columbine is ensuring that facilities and services exist for every level in the continuum. “That continuum is helpful to keep people active and engaged at whatever level they’re at,” she said, adding that part of that continuum is helping patients maintain a sense of community with those with similar health needs.
“I think the key point is that we all age differently. Some of us may have dementia, some us may be very healthy and can live independently for a very long time.” “We’re social people, as COVID showed us. Socially distancing was one of the hardest things we had to do. “If you’re living with people who are more like you, you have great connections,” she added. “We look at the question, ‘What is your best social place? What are the activities that are going to support you?’” In other words, a proper continuum of care for a patient facing memory issues may be finding a community of residents who require similar needs. At Windsong Memory Care, for example, the facility focuses specifically on patients who
are facing long-term cognitive memory issues, and they approach patients via a proven method that’s worked for subjects of all ages. The Montessori Method, which has been used to great effect for grade school students of all ages for more than a century, is a tool at Windsong for maintaining a continuum of care for their patients. According to the Windsong website, the facility’s approach “is all about defining that opportunity – the chance to be just a wee bit independent. From there, muscle memory kicks in. We like to think the day is full of opportunities. We en-
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deavor to identify and define the opportunities, then engage and activate.” For those facing the mental, emotional and physical fallout of a difficult diagnosis, on the other hand, the power of the subconscious can become part of the continuum of care for dealing with a profound life transition and finding healthy ways to approach the future. At the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center in Windsor, for example, the same subconscious therapy that can help a patient wean themselves off tobacco or deal with migraines can help those facing a difficult diagnosis find ways to cope, heal and move forward. And while a full continuum of care can be an important array of tools to help find relief, comfort and eventual healing, it can also point for healthy ways to deal with the full circle of life. According to Julie Miller, bereavement coordinator for Banner Hospice in Greeley, end-of-life care is a critical part of the continuum. In addition to providing all of the ob-
vious care for those patients who are terminally ill, the end-of-life portion of the continuum can also apply to family and loved ones. Having an open and clear channel of communication about death may be difficult, but it’s an essential part of preparing and dealing with the end. “Endings are just as important as
beginnings. Certainly, not only for the patient but for the family,” Miller said. “The thing to remember about death is that it’s very unsettling for people. Even though you have people who feel they are very strong – grief is one of those things that equalizes the playing field.” After a year that’s shown so many just how fragile and tenuous life can be, approaching the end of life with the proper tools can be a critical step for both the patient and their loved ones. “Be honest and don’t be afraid to feel. Don’t be afraid to feel those raw emotions of anxiety of tears of sadness,” Miller said. “Sometimes, that’s the last chance we have to have that conversation. To me, the metaphor is a story – all of us have paragraphs, pages that we don’t always share with everyone. This is an opportunity for you to be a part of someone’s story.”
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A lonely retirement could shorten your life — so make friends the Aging Mastery Program and Senior Corps, place retirees. Taproot matches people with specific skills, and nonprofits that need them. Volunteer Match has a large selection and a good geographic filter. Idealist.org includes events that need one-time volunteers. Mark A. Stein, Rate.com (TNS)
Building up a robust social network should be as much of a retirement-planning goal as building up a robust 401(k), say psychologists who specialize in treating retirees. “Social networks are incredibly important and become meaningfully more important as we age,” says Jacob Brown, a therapist in San Francisco. Deborah Heiser, an applied developmental psychologist in New York, says research shows that people who have even one or two close pals live longer and have more emotionally stable lives, so people should not worry about building a phalanx of friends. “It’s not the quantity that matters,” she says. “It’s the quality.” Quality friends have shared values and experiences as well as shared interests. “Playing a round of golf with someone isn’t the same (as socializing with a good friend) unless that person means something to you,” Brown says. Knowing what you want or need in friends can inform where you look for a quality match. If public service is important to you, for example, a charity like Habitat for Humanity would be a good place to start. Following are nine popular options for people approaching or in retirement.
Help a charity.
Several websites help people find volunteer opportunities. Some, such as 26
Northern Colorado 55 & Better
Share a hobby.
Whether you are a canasta fanatic, hiking enthusiast, wine lover, swing dancer, karaoke singer or soccer fan, you can find like-minded people near you via Meetup. com.
Take a class.
Adult education offered by local school districts can help you find people who share your desire to learn about fine art, technology, languages, cooking, literature or even comedy. Many universities permit older adults to monitor courses at little or no cost. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute directory and state departments of aging have details.
Move around.
Following doctors’ orders to exercise three days a week can help you meet people. Whether you prefer bowling, cycling, golf or tai chi, invite a neighbor or acquaintance to join you. Alternatively, see if the local parks and recreation department offers recreational team sports such as softball, basketball or pickleball.
Walk the dog.
Walking with purpose is a good way to exercise; walking with your dog is a good way to socialize. While pets are not props, your pooch can be a cute icebreaker. Several studies have shown that people are much more likely to approach a stranger NorthernColorado55Better.com
who is walking or playing with a dog than a stranger alone. The American Kennel Club offers advice on finding — or starting — a dog-walking group in your neighborhood.
Keep the faith.
Houses of worship often host regular activities for their congregants. Many schedule events specifically for older members.
Leverage media.
Social media sites such as Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook make it easier to find old friends and renew relationships.
Get a job.
Whether or not you need a paycheck to supplement your retirement savings, getting a job outside your home for a few hours a day or week makes it easier to meet people, customers as well as coworkers.
Turn a new page.
Ask the public library or neighborhood bookstores if they can recommend book clubs focused on particular genres, authors, topics or time periods you like. If clubs don’t exist or are full up, start one yourself. It helps to pursue an activity you like, whether that is cycling, birdwatching, swimming or being a docent at a local museum or historical society. You may at first say, “I don’t know what I like. I worked all the time,” Heiser says. In that case, try several activities. If you give it time, something will come to you. “Once that clicks,” she adds, “things fall into place.” (Rate.com/research/news covers the worlds of personal finance and residential real estate.) June 20, 2021
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