SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
SENIOR LIVING
Cutting through the Medicare maze: SHIIP counselors clear the path for Dare County seniors
JUDY STILES PHOTO
Shown, from left, are Jodie Futch, leisure activity specialist and SHIIP volunteer coordinator; Mike Eubank, SHIIP volunteer; and Jenna Wienert, manager of the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center.
By Judy Stiles
Seniors pack sneakers, fitness mats and gym bags for Dare County’s senior/ community centers—but the savviest work out their health insurance and often walk out with more cash. For many older adults, selecting the right health insurance plan can be overwhelming. Deciphering competing claims, prescription options, and strict deadlines can make finding the right coverage a daunting task. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, 29.3 percent of Dare County residents are 65 or older, meaning thousands of people face these decisions every year. To help clear the confusion, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP, offers free, objective guidance across Dare County, as well as in other areas across the
state. Counselors provide up‑to‑date information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, supplement plans, prescription coverage, and long‑term care insurance. Because counselors are not licensed insurance agents, they offer unbiased support without pushing specific products or providers. SHIIP’s value is especially clear in a region where geography and limited medical networks can complicate healthcare choices. “Any insurance is pretty confusing,” said Jenna Wienert, manager of the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center (Baum Center) in Kill Devil Hills. “They don’t really make it easy sometimes. It’s important that we try and educate people and answer questions that they may have a hard time getting
answered. We’re kind of a local spot to be able to do that.” SHIIP counseling is available at three Dare County locations: • Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, 300 Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills (contact Jodie Futch, 252‑475‑5638) • Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo (contact Lara Lewis, 252-475-9270) • The Fessenden Center, 46830 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton (contact April Bodiford, 252‑475‑5647) Appointments for open enrollment counseling begin Sept. 1. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this timeframe, beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage
JUDY STILES PHOTO
Seniors participate in a Strength, Cardio & Core fitness class at the Thomas A. Baum Center.
plans, adjust Part D prescription coverage, or simply keep their current plan if it still meets their needs. SHIIP volunteer coordinator Jodie Futch stresses the importance of reviewing coverage annually. Changes in pharmacy networks or drug formularies can alter out‑of‑pocket costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. “I always say it’s like handing out winning lottery tickets,” Futch said. “Some people have saved over $3,000 for the year.” Counselors also help low‑income seniors apply for Extra Help, a federal program assisting with prescription costs. Single individuals earning less than $23,472 annually (with under $17,600 in assets) and married couples earning less than $31,728 annually (with under $35,130 in assets) may
qualify. Open enrollment is a peak period for Medicare scams. The North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol warns beneficiaries never to give personal information to unsolicited callers. Medicare will not call to sell plans or request updated numbers. Suspected fraud can be reported to 855‑408‑1212 or NCSMP@ ncdoi.gov. North Carolina’s SHIIP program began in 1986 and has earned national awards for exemplary service. Counselors complete 15 hours of initial training and ongoing education through the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Michael Eubank has volunteered at the Baum Center for more than 15 years. His motivation came from personal experience of being signed up for an
unnecessary program: “I was signed up for Medicare and I had still continued to work past my retirement age,” Eubank said. “I came to a SHIIP presentation and they told me what I needed to do.” He told the counselors, “When I retire, I want to work for you guys so this doesn’t happen to other people.” Eubank said the process was simpler when he started. Today, multi‑step online verification and increased security measures make in‑person help even more valuable. “When I’m explaining it, I want to see their face,” he said. “I don’t want them nodding yes when they have no clue what I’m talking about … It’s very rewarding, and it keeps me young.” Residents preparing for a SHIIP appointment should See SHIIP, 2B
Senior Living
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026
2B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Downsizing: When is it time for a change?
By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
For many people, the idea of downsizing can bring mixed emotions. A longtime home may hold decades of memories, family traditions and milestones. At the same time, maintaining a larger home can become increasingly difficult as household sizes change, mobility needs evolve or priorities shift. Downsizing does not necessarily mean giving up independence. In many cases, choosing a smaller or more manageable home can actually provide more freedom, less stress and more time to enjoy the things that matter most. So how does someone know when it may be time to consider a change? One of the simplest signs may be the amount of work required to maintain the home. A house that once felt comfortable may become more difficult to clean, maintain and keep up with. Yard work, stairs, repairs and routine household tasks can become increasingly burdensome, particularly for someone living alone or with a smaller household. Homeowners may want to ask themselves how much time and energy they spend maintaining their property, and whether those responsibilities are taking away from the activities they actually enjoy. For some, the answer may be to move into a smaller single-family home. Others may prefer a condominium, townhome
or apartment that offers fewer maintenance responsibilities. A home designed for a family may feel unnecessarily large once children have moved out or a spouse has passed away. Empty nesters and widows or widowers may suddenly find themselves responsible for an entire home that was designed for two, three, four or more people. That doesn't automatically
mean moving is the right decision. Some people love their homes and have no desire to leave. Others may find that a smaller space better suits their current lifestyle. The important question is not simply, "Is my house too big?" but rather, "Is this home still working for me?" Health and mobility considerations can also be an important part of the
conversation. Stairs, narrow hallways, high-maintenance outdoor spaces, bathrooms without adequate accessibility features or a long distance between bedrooms and living areas can become obstacles over time. Someone who is currently comfortable navigating their home may also want to consider whether it will remain practical if their mobility changes. That
doesn't necessarily mean moving. In some cases, modifications such as grab bars, ramps, improved lighting, stair lifts or bathroom renovations can make an existing home safer and more accessible. A qualified contractor, occupational therapist or other appropriate professional can help homeowners evaluate potential modifications. Downsizing is
sometimes viewed primarily as a financial decision, but the lifestyle benefits can be just as important. A smaller home may mean less cleaning and maintenance, lower utility costs, easier accessibility or more opportunities to travel. Moving closer to friends, family, medical providers, shopping, restaurants or recreational activities may also improve day-to-day See DOWNSIZING, 5B
Estate planning: Getting started and knowing what to consider By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Estate planning can be an uncomfortable subject to discuss, but having a plan in place can provide clarity for individuals and their families when it is needed most. Estate planning is not limited to wealthy individuals or families with complicated assets. It can be an important consideration for anyone who owns property, has financial accounts, wants to make decisions about future care or wishes to ensure that certain people receive their belongings. The process can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the basic pieces can make it easier to know where to begin. One of the first steps is identifying what you own and what you may need to plan for. This can include a home or other real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, insurance policies, business interests and personal belongings. It can also be helpful to make a list of important financial and personal information and determine where key documents are kept. Having everything organized can make matters significantly easier for family members or other trusted individuals if they eventually need to assist with financial or legal affairs. A will is one of the documents commonly
associated with estate planning. Generally, a will allows an individual to state how certain assets should be distributed after death and can address other matters, such as naming an executor. Depending on an individual's circumstances, an attorney may also discuss whether a trust or other estate-planning tool is appropriate. Estate planning needs vary considerably from person to person, which is why general information found online should not replace advice from a qualified professional familiar with an individual's circumstances and applicable state law. Estate planning is not only about what happens after someone dies. Individuals should also consider who can help manage financial matters if they become unable to do so themselves. Documents such as powers of attorney can address financial or legal decision-making during a person's lifetime. The appropriate documents and their scope can vary, making this another area where professional guidance can be valuable. It is also important to understand how assets are titled and who is listed as a beneficiary on accounts and insurance policies. Beneficiary designations can play an important role in how certain assets are transferred and may operate separately from
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instructions contained in a will. Another important component of planning involves healthcare decisions. Advance directives and healthcare-related documents can allow individuals to communicate their wishes regarding medical care and identify someone who may make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to communicate. The terminology and requirements for these documents vary by state, so individuals should consult an appropriate professional when establishing or updating them. An estate plan is more than a collection of legal documents. Families may also benefit from knowing where important information is located, including insurance policies, financial accounts, property records, passwords or other information necessary to manage day-to-day affairs. Some people create an organized fi le or binder containing important documents and contact information. Others use secure digital storage. Whatever system is chosen, trusted family members or representatives should know how to locate the information when necessary. An estate plan created years ago may not reflect someone's current circumstances. Marriage, divorce, the birth or death of a family member, the purchase or sale of property,
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changes in fi nancial circumstances or a move to another state can all be reasons to review an existing plan. Even when nothing major has changed, periodic reviews can help ensure that documents and beneficiary designations still reflect an individual's
wishes. Estate planning often involves several types of professionals. An estate-planning attorney can help explain legal documents and options. Financial advisers can assist with fi nancial and investment considerations, while insurance professionals can review
applicable policies and coverage. Tax professionals may also be involved when tax considerations are relevant. The appropriate professionals will depend on an individual's circumstances. For those who have never created an estate See ESTATE PLANNING, 5B
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Senior Living
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Choosing the right care: Exploring local assisted living and home care options
3B
By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
When an older adult begins to need additional assistance with everyday activities, families often face a difficult question: What type of care is the right fit? There is no single answer. For some seniors, remaining at home with additional support may provide the independence and familiarity they value. Others may benefit from a residential community where assistance, meals, activities and other services are available in one location. The right choice depends on an individual’s needs, preferences, budget, health considerations and desired quality of life. “Assisted living” is a broad term that can encompass a variety of services. Generally, assisted-living communities are designed for people who can maintain some level of independence but need assistance with certain daily activities. Depending on the community, services may include help with bathing and dressing, medication reminders or management, meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities and other personal-care needs. Some communities also offer specialized memory-care programs for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Home care, meanwhile, allows an individual to remain in their own home while receiving assistance. Services can vary
significantly among providers and may range from companionship and help with household tasks to personal care and other non-medical services. Families should ask providers exactly what services are offered, what hours of care are available and whether the agency can accommodate changing needs. For families on and around the Outer Banks, several communities offer assisted-living services and different approaches
to senior care:
PEAK RESOURCES OUTER BANKS
Located at 430 Health Center Drive in Nags Head, Peak Resources Outer Banks offers several levels of care, including shortterm rehabilitation, longterm care, skilled nursing and supportive residential care. Its rehabilitation programs include physical, occupational and speech therapy, while daily support can include assistance
with activities of daily living, clinical monitoring and complex medical case management. The organization’s mission centers on creating an environment “where caring comes to life,” with an emphasis on empowering both residents and staff to achieve their personal best. Peak Resources identifies “Initiative, Teamwork, Empathy, Courtesy and Communication” as core values guiding its approach to care.
For families considering rehabilitation or skilled nursing services, understanding what clinical and therapy services are available can be an important part of determining whether a facility is equipped to meet a loved one’s needs.
SPRING ARBOR OF KILL DEVIL HILLS
At 803 Bermuda Bay Blvd. in Kill Devil Hills, Spring Arbor provides assisted living, memory care and respite care.
Assisted-living services are designed to help residents with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and taking medications, while memory care provides specialized programs for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The community also offers respite care, providing short-term stays for situations in which a primary caregiver needs time away or a family needs temporary support. See HEALTH CARE, 4B
Is your Medicare plan still right for you?
An annual Medicare review may help you save.
SHIIP can help. The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free individual counseling to assist you in selecting the best Medicare options for you. Schedule an appointment today to see if you can save! Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. During that time, seniors who have Medicare coverage can make plan changes that may lower their costs. You can save by: *Evaluating eligibility for low- income subsidies *Choosing the best Part D Drug Plan based on current medications & preferred pharmacy. *Exploring available Medicare Advantage Plans
OBX SHIIP office locations: Thomas A. Baum Senior Center Call: 252-475-5635 (Northern Beaches) Virginia S. Tillett Community Center Call: 252-475-9270 (Roanoke Island) Fessenden Center Call: 252-475-5650 (Southern Beaches)
Senior Living
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026
4B
HEALTH CARE (continued from Page 3B)
Spring Arbor describes its approach as individualized, with care designed around each resident while allowing them to maintain as much independence as possible. The goal is to make assistance feel like a natural part of daily life while creating a supportive community suited to its coastal setting.
TYRRELL HOUSE
THE COASTLAND TIMES evaluating potential care options and payment sources. The philosophy behind assisted living is to provide personalized support while allowing older adults to maintain as much independence as possible. Residents can receive help with everyday tasks while living in a setting designed to encourage social interaction, engagement and quality of life. For families considering assisted living, questions about staffing, services, accommodations, activities, medication management and payment options can help provide a clearer picture of whether a community is a good fit.
Located at 950 U.S. Highway 64 East in Columbia, Tyrrell House provides assisted living and respite care. The facility offers assistance with daily activities such as bathing, medication management CURRITUCK HOUSE and housekeeping. TyrCurrituck House, locatrell House also accepts ed at 141 Moyock Landing Medicaid, an important Drive in Moyock, offers asconsideration for families sisted living, memory care
and respite care. Assisted-living services include support with bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation. Its memory-care program provides specialized, secure programming for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Respite stays are also available, with a seven-day minimum, providing an option for caregiver relief or for individuals who need temporary support following a hospital stay. Currituck House also provides medical services including diabetic care, non-ambulatory care and routine clinical oversight. The community emphasizes individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s specific needs. Assistance may range from hands-on help with
daily activities to the simple companionship and personal connection that can make a difference in a resident’s day.
HOME CARE OPTIONS
Moving into a residential community is not the only way to receive additional assistance. For seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes, in-home care can provide support while allowing them to remain in a familiar environment. Services vary by provider and may range from companionship and household assistance to personal care and skilled services.
FAMILY FIRST IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE
Family First In-Home Personal Care focuses on providing what it describes as high-quality, affordable at-home concierge services to seniors in Currituck County and surrounding communities. The company offers companion services, escorts for shopping and errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation and medication reminders. Skilled care services are also available for individuals recovering from temporary medical emergencies. The company’s philosophy is centered on helping seniors delay or avoid a move to a retirement community when appropriate by allowing them to remain independent in the homes they have worked to build and maintain. “Your Home, Your Choice” is the company’s guiding philosophy. Family First serves Currituck, Camden, Dare, Edenton, Gates and Pasquotank counties.
ADORATION HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE
Adoration Home Health and Hospice provides home health services for patients in the comfort of their own homes, while
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also supporting fami- option is appropriate. Families may want to lies and caregivers during ask: times of need. The organization de- • What level of care is provided? scribes its mission as providing high-quality, com- • What services are included in the standard passionate care while helpcost, and what services ing patients maintain digcost extra? nity, find fulfi llment and celebrate life with their • Is care available around the clock? families. Adoration was estab- • How are medications handled? lished with a community-focused approach to • What happens if a resident’s needs increase? care, emphasizing the immemor y care portance of compassionate • Is available? caregivers and support for both patients and the peo- • What activities and social opportunities are ple caring for them. offered? For families considering home health services, dis- • How are emergencies handled? cussing the level of medical or personal assistance • What are the community or agency’s staffing needed with a qualified practices? provider can help determine what services may be • Are there minimum hours or other requireappropriate. ments for home-care services? VISITING ANGELS Visiting Angels takes a • What are the admission or eligibility personalized approach to requirements? in-home care, beginning with a free, no-obligation • What payment options are accepted? consultation. During that It can also be helpful to process, families can discuss their concerns, ask tour residential commuquestions and determine nities in person and meet what types of services may with representatives from home-care agencies before be needed. A care coordinator then making a decision. Choosing care is ultidevelops a personalized home-care plan based on mately about more than the family’s schedule and services and amenities. It preferences before help- is about finding an enviing match the client with a ronment where an older adult feels safe, respectcaregiver. The company’s approach ed and comfortable while emphasizes building a maintaining as much intrusted relationship be- dependence and quality of tween caregivers and cli- life as possible. For families beginning ents while helping seniors remain independent and the process, starting the maintain their dignity at conversation early can make the transition less home. Caregivers work with se- stressful. It gives everyone niors and their families to more time to understand provide support while al- available options, compare lowing older adults to con- services and determine tinue participating in the what type of support may activities and routines that be appropriate. And as needs change, the make their homes feel like right solution may change, home. Regardless of which type too. The goal is not necesof care a family is consid- sarily to find the most care, ering, asking questions be- or the least care, but to find fore making a decision can the level of support that help clarify whether an best fits the individual.
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Senior Living
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026
5B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
DOWNSIZING (continued from Page 2B)
Most importantly, estate ESTATE PLANNING planning is not a one-time (continued from Page 2B)
plan, the fi rst step does not have to be complicated. Begin by gathering important documents, making a list of assets and questions, and scheduling a conversation with a qualified estate-planning professional.
conversation. It is an ongoing process that can evolve as life changes. Taking the time to put a plan in place can help individuals communicate their wishes clearly and give loved ones greater direction when difficult decisions eventually arise.
quality of life. For some seniors, the ideal next home may be one that allows them to spend less time worrying about the house and more time enjoying their community. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is timing. Families sometimes begin discussing a move only after a fall, medical emergency, death of a spouse or another major life event makes the current home difficult to manage. Planning before a crisis occurs can provide more choices. If a move is being considered, homeowners can take time to explore different housing options, determine what features are important and decide what to do with belongings accumulated over the years.
Real estate professionals who specialize in working with older adults can also help homeowners understand the local housing market and evaluate potential options. Financial professionals, family members and other trusted advisers may also be
part of the conversation. Ultimately, there is no universal age or circumstance that means it is "time" to downsize. For some people, staying in the family home for many more years may be exactly the right choice. For others, moving into a smaller,
more accessible or lower-maintenance home may provide a welcome new chapter. The goal is not simply to have less house, it's to have a home that fits the life you're living now, and the life you hope to enjoy in the years ahead.
JUDY STILES PHOTO
Ted Cowan, of Kitty Hawk, lines up his shot in shuffleboard as Susan Ferretti considers her next move. Shuffleboard is offered Thursday mornings at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center.
SHIIP
(continued from Page 1B)
bring their Medicare card, Medicare.gov login information, a driver’s license or state ID, and a complete list of current prescription medications. Dare County SHIIP continues to seek patient, computer-literate volunteers. Interested individuals can contact Jodie Futch at 252-475-5638. Upcoming Medicare 101 classes include Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Fessenden Center and sessions at the Baum Center on Sept. 8 and Nov. 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Beyond SHIIP: What’s Happening at the Centers Today’s senior centers emphasize healthy, vibrant aging through physical activity, social connection, reduced isolation, and meaningful engagement. SHIIP is just one of many programs aimed at improving seniors’ quality of life. Dare County’s three facilities—Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, and The Fessenden
Center—offer structured and drop-in programming. The Baum Center, the county’s only dedicated 55-and-older senior center, hosts fitness classes, clubs, music groups, computer access, a new acoustic jam group and more. With only six staff members and a strong volunteer team, Wienert said they stay busy. “It is hard work but it is rewarding work,” she said. The center also provides medical equipment sharing, legal information, support groups, workshops, board and card games, and numerous fitness programs for beginners and advanced levels. A monthly outing and an overnight travel program give older adults the chance to travel with a group rather than alone. Thirty volunteers deliver lunch to homebound residents. At the Fessenden Center, April Bodiford coordinates dozens of free fitness programs for adults 55 and older. Classes range from low-intensity tai chi to multiple levels of strength training. The facility also serves toddlers, youth, adults and older adults
with programs including soccer, dance, T-ball, JUDY STILES PHOTO cheerleading, swimming, Dancers in the Jazz Dance class at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center practice their shopping trips, movie out- toe-touching steps. ings, luncheons and guest speakers. The Virginia S. Tillett Community Center offers youth and adult programming, multi-level fitness classes, instructor-led exercise sessions, and a fitness room with updated equipment. The center also provides workshops on health, wellness and estate planning. Monthly newsletters provide information on all of the monthly activities and a resource guide is published to help residents stay informed about available services available in the Outer Banks. In a county where nearly one-third of residents are over 65, SHIIP’s free counseling offers more than insurance guidance— it provides real savings, protection from scams, and peace of mind. Paired with the wide range of programs at Dare County’s senior centers, older adults have trusted places to learn, connect and make informed decisions about their health and their future.