Senior Lifestyles Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Hammer Medical in Newton offers fitting consultations for women who have had a mastectomy ........ p. 4
Inside... Aging Matters
Columnist and editor Carol Marak expresses her views on important issues people face as they age ..... p. 3
Lending a hand
Giving back to the seniors of your community helps strengthen the community for years to come ... p. 8
Fall 2015
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 2
You CAN Affo rd McCa n n! McCann Village Apartments are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing assistance is available. Those who qualify do not pay more than 30% of their annual adjusted income for rent and utilities (except for telephone, cable services and internet). You may apply if you are 62 years of age or above, mobility impaired and age 18 or older, and within HUD established income limits.
Call 641-792-3018 for information and current income guidelines. Come home to McCann!
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Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 3
Aging matters for seniors In less than four decades, the senior population in the U.S. will double. At the last count, the total was 41 million, and it will magnify to more than twice that by 2050. Globally, the number of people 65 and older expands from 531 million to 1.5 billion. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Germany will find their majority population to be more than the age of 50. This July, the once in a decade White House Conference on Aging gathered. Senior care experts, members of the legislature and President Obama joined in the discussions. They ad-
dressed the challenges that seniors and family caregivers face and want to tackle By Carol Marak the isSeniorCare.com sues with Editor proposed p r o grams to empower all Americans. So, while the experts and government work on the major concerns, let’s talk the real world, right now, one issue at a time. The fact is, most people don’t know what services are available when caring
for seniors, how much it costs, or who will pay for them. For example, did you know that Medicare does not pay for longterm custodial care? Most retired people want to live an ordinary life and the private sector and the government hope to help with that. But if you haven’t experienced challenges that come with aging, there are several things you must know, and I hope to touch on these with each Aging Matters column. First, let’s talk about one of the biggest issues as we age – How will we pay for the costs of health care? Here are
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the common ways that seniors pay for care: Medicare: It is a medical insurance program that pays for acute medical care, doctor visits, drugs, and hospital stays. It does not pay for long-term personal attention, the kind that seniors need with everyday activities like bathing, toileting, mobility, and dressing. Medicaid: It pays for some medical expenses and tight regulations stipulate who qualifies. It is a joint program by the federal and state governments and helps low-income folks pay for health care and medical needs and long term custodial care. Before an individual can get help through the government agency, one
must meet the very strict income limitations. Private Health Insurance: It covers most health care expenses but pays limited long-term care costs. Disability Insurance: It replaces income only. It does not pay for any medical or care expenses. Long-term care insurance: It pays for care at home and in a facility. If you have an LTC policy, check with your agent to learn what it covers. If you do not before you buy one, understand what services are covered and when it will pick up the expenses. Make sure it pays for in-home and residential care. The fact is, caring for an older person is expensive, and most ser-
vices pay out of pocket. Consumers are not prepared because they are ill-informed about the coverage offered by Medicare and Medicaid. Individuals operate under false hopes that both pays for elder care. The Aging Conference helped bring senior issues to the general public. We all need to get involved and to help support the proposed programs. America’s population is changing, and we need to recognize how it will forever alter the health care landscape. Carol Marak, Aging Advocate, and Editor of SeniorCare.com and creator of the Aging Matters column. She offers anyone an open invitation to dialog with her at Carol@SeniorCare.com.
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 4
Mastectomy fitting consultation available at Hammer Medical By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News During a trying time, Jessica Thornburg, assistant manager at Hammer Medical Supply in Newton, can offer a helpful smile and open mind during a mastectomy fitting consultation. Available for before and after surgery, the consultations help answer questions and prepare women for their life ahead. “With the mastectomy fittings, for women following breast cancer surgeries, there are many different needs depending on their situation. I just kind of sit Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News down and talk with them A variety of forms and bras are available for those who are looking for assistance following a mastectomy surgery. about what their current
needs are, what they are looking for whether it is different forms or bras and see what fits them best,” Thornburg said. The consultations are available for anyone, before or after surgery or for those who had surgery years ago and need something new. Thornburg said people can walk in, but it is best to call ahead and make an appointment to start the paperwork with insurance prior to the consultation. “It can be for somebody who has just had surgery or they’ve had some reconstruction as well as some that have had surgery many years ago and are needing to get something different
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Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 5
to fit their new body or the changes that have happened in their body,” Thornburg said. At the appointment, Thornburg will sit down and talk about what the women are looking for, what their needs are and formulate a plan from there. “Prothesis can come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a partial that comes in a smaller piece to help fit for a person who maybe have had reconstruction and only needs a partial to get balanced. That’s what the goal is, to make sure they feel comfortable and feel balanced and fit in their clothes,” Thornburg said. Along with prothesis, pocketed bras are available that fit the prothesis. As a part of the consultation, she will find what best fits the client from the many varieties available. “Primarily, you are just trying to help find the right style and fit for them so they are comfortable. I just want to make sure they are taken
care of,” Thornburg said. “It can be unnerving and that is understandable, so I just want to make sure they are comfortable and confident, feel good about themselves.” Thornburg has worked as a mastectomy fitting consultant for about five years. Hammer Medical Supply wanted the service at its facilities and sent Thornburg to training to become certified. Since her original certification, she has taken several additional classes to stay updated on current practices. Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com
Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News Mastectomy fitting consultant Jessica Thornburg assistant manager of Hammer Medical Supply in Newton can help answer questions for those who have recently undergone surgery, or might be having surgery, about options following the procedure.
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Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 6
HEARING TESTING • HEARING AID SELECTION HEARING AID FITTING • HEARING AID REPAIR HEARING AID CONSULTING • EAR CLEANING
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and a few years ago we had to relocate our Aunt from one of the Progress Homes in Newton to a Nursing Home because of her age and her inability to walk on her own. We checked into several different places, a couple of them out of town, which we didn’t want to do. Because she had her own room at the Progress Home, we wanted her to have her own room at the facility we chose. I work directly with Newton Health Care Center for my job so I inquired about a private room with them and if they had one available. I’m glad I did because she moved in and has been very happy there. When I tell the staff that I am Ruthie’s niece they say “oh I just love Ruthie”. That makes our family happy and let’s us know that she’s well taken care of. Recently they told us about a program they have called “New Chapter”. This program is designed to help make the wishes of their residents become a reality. Ruthie’s wish was to go to the Zoo. She loves animals and of course loves the zoo. They let us know they wanted to take her and of course it was fine with us. So off to the zoo they went, Ruthie, Kelly and Ruthie’s favorite aide Lindsay. They took pictures of her before they left and while they were at the zoo. Needless to say, Ruthie had a blast and I think Kelly & Lindsay did too. The decision to move Ruthie to Newton Health Care Center, and make that her home, was the best decision our family has made. We can call anytime we want and they will let us know how she’s doing. If we want to come down to celebrate her birthday as a family they make every accommodation for us. The staff is friendly and very attentive to Ruthie’s needs. Newton Health Care Center is an asset to Newton and I’m glad we have them in our community.
Call Kelly at 515.745.2411 for a tour today! (641) 792-7440 • 200 S. 8th Ave E., Newton, IA
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 7
Alzheimer’s Friendly Business Program addresses isolation among family caregivers Newton Daily News The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Central Iowa is launching a new campaign designed to make the community more Alzheimer’s friendly. Through the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, the Home Instead Senior Care office will provide free training to local businesses to help equip employees with information and resources needed to welcome families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent survey of Alzheimer’s caregivers, 74 percent reported they and their loved ones have become more isolated from the community as a result of the disease. Furthermore, 85 percent reported they feel a reduced quality of life due to isolation.
“For many caregivers, the unpredictable nature of the disease can make going out in public with their loved one intimidating,” Jonna Wisnieski, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Marshall, Jasper, Poweshiek, Marion and Mahaska counties said. “Our research shows that family caregivers might be reluctant to frequent public places because of the behaviors that could be associated with the disease.” According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to grow to a staggering 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050. “Given the statistics, most businesses that deal with the public will be serving people with Al-
zheimer’s and their families,” Wisnieski said. “It’s critical that local businesses start working now to build Alzheimer’s friendly communities to better serve their customers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.” To complete the training, employees are asked to work through an interactive, online module available at AlzheimersFr iend l yBusiness. com. Once the training is successfully completed, businesses will receive a window cling with the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business designation. For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program and to access additional resources, visit AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com or call 641792-1800.
AP Photo In this file photo, Kathy Ridl, left, a Princeton, N.J., whose mother and grandmother died from Alzheimer’s disease, Dotty Westgate, center, and a woman whose husband died from Alzheimer’s disease, Peggy KempHenry, right, listen to a rock ‘n’ roll group perform before the walk begins during the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” fundraiser at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Warminster, Pa. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to grow.
Alzheimer’s disease researchers hopeful Metro Creative Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, and its progression cannot be radically slowed. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s, and around 5 million people in the country currently have the disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are continuing to work on both drug and nondrug treatments to combat both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. According to information from the 2015 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, there is reason for optimism regarding Alzheimer’s treatments. Researchers now have a better understanding of how the brain changes with Alzheimer’s and can fine tune medications to react with certain ar-
eas of the brain responsible for certain symptoms. For example, drug companies Eli Lilly and Biogen have been testing drugs that block beta amyloid, a protein that can cause toxic brain plaques in people, which are often associated with progressive brain disease. Another abnormality associated with Alzheimer’s is caused when a protein called tau twists into microscopic tangles, says the Mayo Clinic. Tangles collapse vital brain cell transport systems. Researchers are looking into medicines that may prevent tau from forming tangles. In addition, researchers continue to look at anti-inflammatory drugs to help delay the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as how other conditions and diseases, including high blood pressure or diabetes, may impact the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 8
Ways to lend a helping hand to seniors Metro Creative
Metro Photo Inviting elderly relatives or neighbors over to dinner and social gatherings is a great way to make them feel like valued members of your community.
Men and women looking to give back to their communities can do so in various ways. Some might coach youth sports teams, while others might organize food and clothing drives for the less fortunate. Giving back to seniors in your town or city is another way to strengthen your community. Many seniors maintain their independence long past retirement age, but some may need a helping hand as they get older. The following are a handful of ways you can improve the quality of life of seniors in your community. • Deliver meals. Seniors who
are confined to their homes typically need to have their meals delivered to them. Men and women looking to help seniors can volunteer to work with their local Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels boasts a national network of more than 5,000 independently run programs, and these programs rely on more than two million volunteers to deliver nutritious meals to seniors with limited mobility. The need for volunteers to help seniors figures to grow in the coming decades, as Meals on Wheels America notes that the percentage of the population that qualifies as seniors will HELPING | 11
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Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 9
Customized knee implants offer advantages to patients Brandpoint
Shopping for an assisted living facility Metro Creative The decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult. When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities. Millions of people in North America reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living
are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient. Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to find facilities their loved ones will enjoy. • Consider the arrangements and services offered. Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living fa-
cilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the offerings at each home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs. • Inquire about staff and their schedules. It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are SHOPPING | 11
By 2030, the number of people turning to knee replacement surgery to end pain and regain mobility will likely increase to 3.5 million annually, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. For many patients, recovery from knee replacement surgery is painful and slow, and the results are often not what people expect. Multiple clinical studies have found that on average one in five patients who have a knee replacement are dissatisfied with the result because of pain after surgery or because their new knee feels unnatural. Ohio resident Tedd Boomershine, 72, went from running daily to having trouble walking and completing day to day tasks. When the pain became so severe it was debilitating, he decided to look into replacement surgery for both of his knees. His doctor told him about his options, including a customized implant from ConforMIS, Inc. called iTotal that is now available for total knee replacements. He liked the idea that the implant would be specifically designed to fit his anatomy based on a CT scan of his knees. “I had no second thoughts about Every Thursday *Senior Admission is $1 a day for non-members
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surgery at all. I wanted to get back to my active lifestyle and enjoy my evening walks with my dog, Stella, again,” Boomershine said. “Two weeks after my bilateral surgery with the ConforMIS customized knees, I was walking without the assistance of a cane or a walker and I was able to drive. Now after eight months, my knees are pain free and have total flexibility, my legs are straighter, my stride is better and I no longer have lower back pain. The best part is that I have been able to resume my evening walks with Stella.” Seven weeks after surgery Boomershine was able to walk to his fitness center, ride the bike and do weight machines and then walk back home, a total of three miles daily. Dr. Dan Dunaway, of Far Oaks Orthopedists in Dayton, Ohio reports that Boomershine’s recovery is similar to other iTotal recoveries he has seen. “Tedd has had an outstanding recovery, which is something we are now regularly seeing for patients who have both total and partial knee replacements with ConforMIS customized implants. Patients are able to get back to their normal routines KNEES | 11
DO SOMETHING EVERY DAY THAT CHALLENGES YOU! Let the staff at the Newton YMCA help you reach your fitness challenges. Call us today to discuss our many membership options! 641-792-4006
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 10
Five ways to honor your grandparents Metro Creative Grandparents hold a special place in the hearts of people all over the world. In many cultures, elders are revered and celebrated, and many people know their grandparents as fun-loving folks who sneak their grandchildren candy and let them get away with things when their parents aren’t looking. The American Grandparents Association says there are 70 million grandparents in the United States, and more than a million people become first-time grandparents every year. Many grandparents even serve
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Create a customized brag book. Grandparents often enjoy sharing photos and stories of their family members with others. Thanks to user-friendly software, it is now easier than ever to design a brag book, photo album or even a photo calendar that grandparents can cherish. Rely on a photo-sharing site to get started. Remember to include special moments, such as family trips or milestone occasions, that highlight what your grandparents mean to you.
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as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. The roles grandparents
play in the lives of their children and grandchildren are significant, and
We’re not satisfied until your questions are answered. Medications are powerful, and because of their potential to interact with each other, it is important that we learn to manage them properly. Don’t hesitate to call one of our professional pharmacists. They are here to help you with your questions and concerns.
Develop a family history project. Forays into genealogy don’t need to be limited to class assignments. Examining the family tree can be a unique way to spend more time with grandparents or other seniors in your life. Chronicle moments in your family history and compile a catalog of genealogical data. the following are some You never know which details of hisways to honor the grand- torical significance you may uncover parents in your life. when exploring your family history.
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Organize a special outing. Take an interest in a grandparent’s hobby or occupation. Schedule a date when you spend time together exploring this interest, whether it be fishing, scrapbooking or taking in a sporting event. This will reinforce bonding time. On another day, reverse roles, inviting a grandparent or elderly relative to participate in an activity you enjoy.
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Travel together. Planning a vacation with a grandparent is an ideal way to see some sites and make great memories together. If traveling internationally, investigate how people of different generations live in the country you are visiting.
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Catalog family recipes. Before hosting your next family meal, invite a grandparent over to help with the cooking and to share family recipes. Arrange a day to write all the family recipes down in a single book or file so they can be shared with future generations.
Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 11
Helping
Knees
Continued from Page 8
Continued from Page 9
grow from 18 percent in 2010 to 26 percent by 2050. • Help around the house. The work required to maintain a home is considerable no matter a person’s age, but that task is even more difficult for seniors. Even the healthiest seniors may not have the mobility or physical strength required to keep up with household chores. Offering to help a senior maintain his or her home is a great way to improve their quality of life. Visit an elderly relative or neighbor and offer to mow their lawn, take out their garbage or perform another task they might find challenging. Performing a few chores around a senior’s house won’t take long, but such gestures can have a big impact on seniors’ lives. • Invite seniors over for dinner. Many seniors suffer from feelings of isolation, which can contribute to depression. Families are now more geographically diverse, and a senior’s children and grandchildren may not live nearby. In such cases, it’s easy for seniors to grow lonely and feel isolated from their communities. Inviting seniors over for a weekly dinner or to backyard social gatherings can help them maintain a connection to their communities and reduce their feelings of isolation. Extending such invitations also provides a great way for parents to instill in their children a respect for and appreciation of the elderly. • Arrange transportation for seniors who no longer drive. Many seniors stop driving when they realize their skills behind the wheel have diminished. But even though they may relinquish their drivers’ licenses, seniors still need to keep their doctor’s appointments and get out of the house. Speak with your neighbors who also want to help seniors to arrange transportation for those who can no longer get themselves around town. Explain to seniors’ physicians when you or your neighbors are most available to get seniors to their appointments. In addition, offer to drive seniors to the grocery store when making your own shopping trips. Many seniors made valuable contributions to the communities they call home. And those communities can give back by helping seniors overcome the demands of aging.
much faster and with less pain. With an implant that is designed to fit that patient, the surgery often involves less blood loss and we can retain more of the patient’s natural knee. This is a major advance in knee replacement surgery,” Dunaway said. Dunaway suggests that all patients ask their surgeon some important questions before making a decision about knee surgery: • Is a customized knee implant that is designed based on my own anatomy an option for me? • Could a customized knee mean less pain and a faster recovery? • Will I be able to enjoy an active lifestyle again? For more information about ConforMIS customized implants please visit: www.conformis.com.
Shopping Continued from Page 9 working at any given time. Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women. • Learn about individual service plans. Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders. • Consider the security in place.
A good assisted living facility has a 24hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests. • Check on licensing. In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facili-
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ties. Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home. Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the around-the-clock care of a nursing home.
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Senior Lifestyles • Fall 2015 – Page 12
From Knee Replacement
to Line Dancing!
Linda Pierce
Thank-you to the physical & occupational therapy department at Newton Village, (Shelly, Kim & Laura) for helping to make my recovery such a success! During my follow up appointment with my doctor, he was very impressed with my progress. Now, I am back to my regular activities including dancing! Newton Village staff is very helpful and caring. I couldn’t have asked for better care! After my first surgery and experience with Newton Village Health Care Center, I knew I would be back after my second knee replacement. Newton Village staff welcomed all of my visitors, including my card playing friends; they went above and beyond to accommodate everyone. My recovery process went well but more than that, I had a great time in the process.
To find our more about rehabilitation at Newton Village HCC , give our caring staff a call at
641-792-0115
110 N. 5th Ave. W. Newton, Iowa