Senior living 2016 tabloid

Senior Living 2016

Catherine Miles continues to serve community Page 6B

Page 2B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

SENIOR COMMUNIT Y MEMBER

Welcome to the January edition of Senior Living. In addition to local features on community contributors, we focus on options for elderly care.

Pet parenting for seniors....................................................

10 essential health tips for seniors.......................................

FEATURE — Miles continues to serve community.............................

Competitive games at the senior center..........................................

Keeping cost down ................................................................

Publisher: Randy List Editor: Sarah Reed

Cover Design: Bretta Gerlt Advertising: Susan Duvall

Joaquin Cubero

Wanda Whitthar 660-886-2233

Senior Living is published twice a year by

3B 4B 6-7B 12B 10B

... FOCUS ON HELPING OTHERS

...

Senior Living 2016

The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016- Page 3B

Senior Living 2016

Pet parenting could provide additional benefits to seniors

By Arron Hustead Staff Writer

Ask any dog or cat owner and they'll most likely be more than happy to share stories and insights into the numerous benefits that taking responsibility for a four-legged friend can provide.

However, those benefits could be even greater for a senior pet parent.

For seniors who live alone, having a furry companion can help to reduce stress, depression and feelings of loneliness, and according to agingcare.com can also potentially result in lower blood pressure and provide an incentive to read and learn about the animal or breed they have selected as a pet.

Having a pet can provide the structure of a daily routine for seniors as they see to the animal's daily needs. Having a regular routine such as the one taking care of a pet would provide can help with a senior's memory. Carefect Home Health Services states on its website that many seniors forget to take their medicine, but having a regular routine can help them remember to take medicine after or

during a specific activity during the day. For example, if a senior dog owner feeds and walks the dog at the same time every morning, then takes their

experience, adopting a pet can provide a comforting routine.

If the senior adopts an active pet, such as a dog, walking their pooch can

pressure and cholesterol levels and a reduced risk for heart disease. A 1990 study performed by Judith Siegel at the University of California-Los

munity that they might not otherwise, such as veterinarians, pet groomers and other individuals with pets. These interactions can lead to

medications once they are finished, they become less likely to forget it.

Carefect also states that a routine can provide security for seniors who might feel insecure about trying new things. For this reason, it might be best for a senior considering a pet to have cared for a pet of their own in the past. However, for those with previous pet

provide the senior with a regular exercise routine.

Needing to walk the dog or satisfy its need for playtime might lead a senior to get outside and exercise at a time where they otherwise might not. Along with the benefits of regular exercise, other health benefits can be the result of a senior's relationship with their pet such as lower blood

Angeles found that seniors who owned a pet required fewer doctor's visits.

Additionally, taking care of a pet can add to a senior's self-esteem and feelings of independence as they take responsibility for another. Pets can also provide an icebreaker that allows seniors to meet and interact new people in their com-

new friendships, and according to the AARP, close relationships with others are vital to a senior's health. However, If the senior already leads a healthy social life, adding the extra responsibility of a pet may be superfluous and create more stress than it alleviates.

A pet can also provide a senior with an extra sense of security if the

pet can be relied upon to alert them to the presence of others. For example, a barking dog can alert the senior when somebody is approaching the house and can potentially ward off intruders.

Potential thieves might be more likely to steer clear of a home with a barking dog to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Despite the benefits, there are multiple factors for seniors to consider before making the decision to adopt a pet and determine which pet if any would be a good match for them. Seniors with disabilities or physical limitations may be better suited to adopting a less active pet, such as a bird or a fish. The pet's health would be another important factor to consider in order to prevent potentially compromising the senior's immune system by exposing them to a pet carrying an illness. Also, a young adult pet may be a better choice than a puppy or kitten due to the extra care and training that infant pets require. Additional factors may include financial viability of the pet, its temperament and the risk for damage that could result if the pet or its toys cause the senior to fall.

Page 4B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Senior Living 2016

We can take care of you.

10 essential health tips for seniors

fit

From baby boomers to senior boomers: 10 tips to keep you healthy and

The first wave of baby boomers are turning 65 years old this year and becoming "senior boomers" and Medicare-eligible. In fact, more than 10,000 baby boomers a day are now turning 65—that’s one every eight seconds, a pattern expected to continue for the next 19 years.

Happily, aging is different now than it was for our parents and grandparents. Today, there are more people living longer than at any other time in history. In fact, boomers will number 78 million by 2030. How to do it? Dr. Hayward recommends these 10 easy health tips for seniors to help baby boomers live longer and thrive: •Quit smoking. Take this critical step to improve your health and combat aging. Smoking kills by causing cancer, strokes and heart failure.

•Keep active. Do something to keep fit each day—something you enjoy that maintains strength, balance and flexibility and promotes cardiovascular health. Physical activity helps you stay at a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress, avoid falls and look and feel better, too.

•Eat well. Combined with physical activity, eating nutritious foods in the right amounts can help keep you healthy. Many illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, can be prevented or controlled with dietary changes and exercise.

•Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Replace sugary drinks with water—water is calorie free!

•Prevent falls. We become vulnerable to falls as we age. Prevent falls and injury by removing loose carpet or throw rugs. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter, and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms.

•Stay up-to-date on immunizations and other health screenings. By age 50, women should begin mammography screening for breast cancer. Men can be checked for prostate cancer. Many preventive screenings are available. Those who are new to Medicare are entitled to a “Welcome to Medicare” visit and all Medicare members to an annual wellness visit. Use these visits to discuss which preventative screenings and vaccinations are due.

•Prevent skin cancer. As we age, our skin grows thinner; it becomes drier and less elastic. Wrinkles appear, and cuts and bruises take longer to heal.

Be sure to protect your skin from the sun.

•Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups. Your teeth and gums will last a lifetime if you care for them properly—that means daily brushing and flossing and getting regular dental checkups.

•Manage stress. Try exercise or relaxation techniques—perhaps meditation or yoga—as a means of coping. Make time for friends and social contacts and fun. Successful coping can affect our health and how we feel. Learn the role of positive thinking.

•Fan the flame. When it comes to sexual intimacy and aging, age is no reason to limit your sexual enjoyment. Learn about physical changes that come with aging and get suggestions to help you adjust to them, if necessary.

Katy Trail Community Health offers a wide range of services to help you stay healthy during your adult and senior years—from diabetes management to Medicare wellness checks.

We are accepting new patients in Marshall.

Katy Trail Community Health wants to be your healthcare home.

Your Healthcare Home For more information please call

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The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 - Page 5B

Senior Living 2016

Seniors battle scammers in 2016

Scammers beware.

2016 is the year seniors resolve to fight back and stop becoming easy targets.

Financial scams aimed at seniors are considered “crimes of the 21st century.”

From email and phone calls to mail, criminals use all sorts of methods to steal from unsuspecting seniors.

According to recent reports on elder financial abuse, seniors lose

$36.48 billion each year to scams and elderly victims reported losing an average of $30,000, while some suffered losses of more than $100,000.

SYNERGY HomeCare wants to help stop this crime spree targeting the elderly by arming seniors and their families with valuable information on how to spot a scam.

A SYNERGY HomeCare Senior Scam Alert

guide is available that lists the top eight most common scams that target seniors, along with the warning signs of each scam and information on how to avoid becoming a victim.

The illicit eight scams includes: • Contractor fraud • Romance scams • Phishing • Grandparent scams • Overpayment scams • Medicare scams • Bogus charities

• Prize award calls and mail “Scammers recruit their victims in various ways, but the goal is the same — to fool their victims into giving away either their hard-earned money or to steal their identity,” says Peter Tourian, Founder and CEO of SYNERGY HomeCare, a leading in-home senior care company with offices in our area.

“We’re tired of con artists taking advantage

of seniors, so we decided to help seniors fight back by creating a guide outlining the latest scams and giving them the tips and tools to help them avoid becoming victims.”

Easy targets Why are seniors easy prey? Seniors tend to be more trusting, plus they are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.

Crime but no

punishment Seniors typically don’t report the crime either because they’re afraid or embarrassed. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that for every one case that gets recognized, dozens more go unreported. Financial crimes are also hard to prosecute, and it’s even tougher to recoup any losses. The key is spotting a scam before becoming a victim!

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Page 6B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Senior Living 2016

Miles continues to serve community at age 105

by Arron Hustead Staff Writer

Arron Hustead/Democrat-News

Catherine Miles has dutifully volunteered at the same job for the past 35 years.

That might not seem like such a big deal at first. However, it's a job she didn't start until she was 70-years-old.

For the past three and 1/2 decades, Miles has served as a foster grandparent at the Marshall Habilitation Center. She said she plans to continue to do so for as long as she can.

"I've got to have something to do," Miles said. "I don't want to be sitting at home. I don't like to do that — I like to get up and go."

Miles, who celebrated her 105th birthday on Dec. 9, will resume working 20hour weeks Feb. 2 when she is paired with a second foster grandchild two days a week. She currently spends three four-hour sessions a week with her current foster grandchild, John Corf.

She said a large portion of her duties as a foster grandparent mostly involve sitting and talking. Many times, she said, her fos-

ter grandchildren have been unable to talk and just enjoy listening to her.

"Sometimes they just want company," Miles said. "They need somebody that'll pay attention to them. ‌If nothing else, just sit and look at them, or say something now and then, and that's what they like. It's what they want."

She said physical limitations impede her ability to take on most other activities, but many times just sitting and talking, or sometimes watching television and providing her foster grandchildren with companionship is enough to make them happy.

Miles keeps several keepsakes and photographs from her foster grandchildren in her home. She said one keepsake in particular, which she received from one of her foster granddaughters who was both blind and mute, serves as a symbol of what the foster grandparent program is about.

"Grandma Miles respects me as I am, acknowledges my needs, nurtures my soul, deals

with me patiently, makes contact on my terms, adapts to my mood," it states.

In 2013, Miles was rewarded for her efforts with the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service award, which Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder presented to her personally.

"Catherine Miles has demonstrated she possesses the heart of a true servant, as she has dedicated the past 33 years of her life to bettering the lives of people with special needs," the award states along with many other words of praise for her work.

Prior to joining the foster grandparent program, Miles owned and operated a small-town country store in Shackleford for 18 years and grew up working on a farm. She said she and her late husband always wanted to have kids of their own, but it just never happened.

"I guess I'm left here for some reason," she said. "I guess that must have been what it was —take care of kids that couldn't do theirselves.

I didn't have any of my own, so I've made up for it."

The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, June 20, 2014 - Page 7B

Senior Living 2016

Arron Hustead/Democrat-News

Catherine Miles and her foster grandchild, John Corf, watch television during one of their three days a week together Friday, Jan. 22.

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Page 8B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

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The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 - Page 9B

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Page 10B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Senior Living 2016

Senior Living: Keeping costs down

by Lucas Johnson Staff Writer

Winter can be a bleak time for all. The short days, seemingly constant overcast along with frigid temperatures take a toll on moods and attitudes. It can also take a toll on the pocketbook if allowed to accumulate, which can easily become overwhelming for those with little to no means of income, such as seniors.

Many ways to cut costs can be done by reducing certain at-home energy use, such as turning down your thermostat to 68 degrees. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you'll save up to five percent on heating costs, according to the California Energy Commission.

Also reducing hot water temperature can save 7 to 11 percent on water heating costs. Setting your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120-degrees fahrenheit, is recommended unless certain home appliances that use hot water require a hotter temperature.

Sometimes, however, circumstances lead to situations where assistance is needed. Many seniors are simply not able to handle the numerous costs that occur.

And with no income, outside funding must be sought.

There are steps that seniors can take that begin with a simple phone call. At the Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, in Marshall, many programs could potentially aid

those during colder months and help alleviate financial stress.

Community Development Manager Cheryl Zimny noted the energy assistance program saves seniors on monthly heating bills.

“It saves them on probably at least a one month heating bill. For some it’s more, for some it’s less,” Zimny said. “...

It’s based on your income, your heating source — and the state just pays so much to the utility company in the customer’s name.”

Another service is known as the crisis intervention program, which is set up to serve anyone that has an outstanding bill.

Making one’s home as energy efficient as possible is another area that can rack up the cost, and

over time be even more costly when it comes time to pay the utility bills. Caulking, weather stripping and insulation are among the recurring problems Zimny said are reported. Due to the fact that some seniors’ homes have some age on them, modernization may have not been completed in many decades, leaving original insulation and sealing to degrade and allow cold air in.

“And so those costs often will create a situation where the senior has to choose between getting all of her prescriptions filled or paying her rent or paying her utilities,” Zimny said.

“Often it’s the utilities, and we have went into homes that unfortunately the heat is off, and they’re just trying to use

a little space heater because they can’t afford to heat the whole home.”

As maintaining an efficient home is necessary to keep heating and energy costs low, a program to help facilitate this effort known as the home weatherization program aids those in need of such home maintenance.

“When someone has applied and completed the process to be eligible for that program, we have people that do an energy audit where they go to that person’s home and they determine up to a maximum cost, what is going to save them the most energy, and then they go purchase the materials and go in and do the repairs,” Zimny said.

Section 8 rental assistance is also available for those with the qualifica-

tions. Zimney used the example of a 70-year-old senior with less than $900 a month having to pay rent, utility cost, food and potentially three or four prescriptions. Zimny said for the elderly and disabled, the cost of medical expenses is calculated, as well.

“It is for eligible individuals and families.

They apply when they get on the program,” she said. “It pays so much on their rent based on what their income is ... we know that families should not be paying more than 30, 35 percent of their income in energy cost and housing.”

For more information, contact the family resource center on Odell Avenue at 660-831-0494 and speak with Community Outreach Specialist Alex Trelow.

The Marshall Democrat-News,Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 - Page 11B

Senior Living 2016

To grandmother's house we go: The hazards of a grandparent's home BPT — It is no secret that grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren.

From giving encouragement and life advice, to helping out as a caretaker, many turn to their grandparents for support. In fact, 72 percent of grandparents take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis, and 70 percent of them see their grandchildren at least once a week, according to the American Grandparents Association.

With an abundance of grandparents overseeing their grandchildren on an ongoing basis, it is particularly important they are aware of the dangers that lie within their household that may be harmful to children. One of the most common dangers includes leaving out medication that is easy to access. In fact, in three out of four emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, the child got into medicine belonging to a parent or grandparent, according to Safe Kids World Wide, a global organization dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries in children.

Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, a family physician in Lexington, Kentucky and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to the Toddler Years, encourages conversation, awareness and education-surrounding

children's home safety.

McAllister says that each year in the U.S., thousands of children are seen in emergency departments for accidental medication exposures, which can be fatal. The typical scenario involves a curious child finding and ingesting unsecured medication.

"In almost 40 percent of cases, the medication belonged to a grandparent, and the medication was left in a purse or bag, a pillbox, or on a counter or nightstand," says McAllister. "It only takes a moment for children to find and swallow medication that can put their lives in danger.

Parents and grandparents can protect the lives of the children they love by ensuring that all prescription and over-the-counter medicines in their homes are stored safely and securely."

Families, and grandparents specifically, should consider the following steps to ensure their medications are not available to their grandchildren: • Keep medication up high and out of sight of children. The orange bottle medications usually come in is bright and appealing to children. To them it may look like a toy that makes noise when shaken, or a fun game with pieces that

can easily go straight into their mouth.

• Be absolutely sure the bottle is closed and secure with the safety lock. With a regular schedule of taking meds, it may be tempting for seniors to leave bottle tops loose for easy access each time the medicine

needs to be taken.

• Lock up your medication in a designated spot.

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RFID lock, to maximize security. In addition to being a locking storage unit, once opened, options include a pill-sorting tray for organization, a magnifying glass with LED light for easy label reading, as well as a magnetic dry erase kit for important reminders.

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Page 12B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Senior Living 2016

Camaraderie ramps up over competitive games at senior center Story and photos by Sarah Reed Editor

Friends huddled over Bingo boards listening as Senior Center Director Kathy Tyre called out numbers Thursday, Jan. 14.

“N-36!” she called, players scanning their columns discussing what numbers they needed for a full Bingo board.

Some tables were quiet as players focused on the game. Others talked over cups of coffee.

The senior center hosts Bingo every Thursday morning at 10, and community members play cards nearly every day. Albert Markes sat across from his wife, Alice, each with a Bingo board in hand.

The couple tries to make it to the center each Thursday for a game. It’s “something to do” that doesn’t cost money, Markes said.

It also gives participants an opportunity to win prizes.

“Bingo!” one player yelled, followed by an echo of

several other winners who made their way over to the prize table. Tyre said the center always welcomes prize sponsors and volunteers.

“We have volunteer opportunities for all ages,” she said. “Even if it’s an hour a week or a limited amount of time.”

A volunteer could pull the numbers and call a Bingo game, work the front desk, help prepare home-bound meals or lead a program, for example.

Volunteers encompass what the senior center is focused on — not only service, but also community.

For Joan Murphy, having a central place to socialize has become a significant aspect of her life.

“I’m very happy to be here, and I like to socialize and play cards and games,” she said. “It’s helped me a lot the last year and a half.”

After Murphy’s husband passed away, she said she suffered from depression. Meeting with friends at the senior center has given her a new opportunity.

“We always played cards, every week, and I missed all that,” she said of spending time with her

late husband. “So now, I do that and I have really felt a lot better. And I’ve met a lot of nice people — that’s the main thing.”

Murphy played cards with a group of women Thursday afternoon, her fellow player Jo Wilhite echoing the same ideas.

Hazel Desmarais looked over her hand. She said she hadn’t played lately and missed participating.

“I’ve been coming up here for quite a while,” she said. “I’ve not been able to get up here lately due to (personal) things. I’m so happy to be back. My dear friends have been so good to me as always, and I appreciate it very much.”

For some, the Marshall Senior Center is a place to enjoy lunch. For others, it embodies the mantra of service. The center, for many, is a place that offers nutritional and health programs, free services, but mostly a place where friends can be made.

The Marshall Senior Center is located at 14 E. Morgan St. Contact Tyre at 660-886-9888 for volunteer or sponsorship information.

The Marshall Democrat-News,Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 - Page 13B

Senior Living 2016

Surgery and anesthesia: Making it safer at any age

(BPT) - Anesthesia today is safer than ever.

But try telling that to a nervous parent of a 5year-old about to have surgery, or to a patient in his 70s in poor health.

Talking to your surgeon and physician anesthesiologist before surgery is an important step in making sure your experience is as safe and comfortable as

possible - regardless of your age. But for children and older adults, that conversation is especially important.

Dr. Daniel J. Cole, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, has tips for patients of all ages during Physician Anesthesiologists Week, which runs Jan. 31 - Feb. 6.

• Most people don't know that before their

surgery they can and should talk with their physician anesthesiologist about their concerns and about their health and health habits," Dr. Cole says.

"This is especially true for parents of young children who may be worried about how anesthesia could affect the child, and for older adults who might be taking medications

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that can increase the risk of complications."

Dr. Cole offers these tips.

For adults: Whatever your age, make sure the physician anesthesiologist knows everything about your health and lifestyle. Talk about: • Chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma, sleep apnea or diabetes.* Medications

you take, including over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements.* Your smoking history and alcohol consumption.* Your options for controlling pain during recovery.

All these factors could influence how anesthesia affects you and how well you recover from your surgery.

For older adults: People who are older are more likely to have medical conditions or take medications that could make surgery and recovery more difficult. Older adults also are more at risk for developing post-operative delirium, a type of confusion that can be unpleasant for the patient and alarming for the family.

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Page 14B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Senior Living 2016

Caring for elderly relatives: Making it easier on your family StatePoint — It can be difficult for families when an elderly loved one starts to weaken physically and mentally. While nursing homes are an option, most are extremely expensive, and most seniors would prefer to remain in familiar surroundings. Fortunately, there are now more choices available that can provide seniors the freedom to continue living safely in their own home.

The average cost of an assisted living facility is $43,200 annually, and the cost of a nursing home with private room can cost over $90,000 a year, according to the 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Such a huge, ongoing expense can have an enormous impact on the average family, whether they have prepared financially or not.

“Even for families where such costs are not prohibitive, parents are often reluctant to leave homes filled with years of memories, and be placed into an unfamiliar environment, living with strangers,” says health care systems expert Jack Zhang, President and CEO of the fast-

growing health technology company, Vitall Inc. Caring for older par-

the seniors in your life easier and more affordable. For example, HeyMomDad, the

tify them that help is needed, or to just say hello. Likewise, with one tap, users can in-

viewing in dark rooms.

Beyond monitoring “Most seniors are reluctant to call 911 in

ents and relatives doesn’t necessarily need to involve relocation or spending tens of thousands of dollars annually. Zhang says there are a few important things to consider.

Communication updates New technologies make looking after and staying connected to

world’s first two-way communication and wellness monitoring system, allows loved ones to see and hear in real-time that elderly relatives are safe -simply by opening an app on their smartphones.

Seniors need only press one button to talk to loved ones, no-

stantly see, hear and talk back to parents through the high-quality HD video and twoway audio component.

The camera can be controlled through the smartphone and directed to any location in the room, permitting a 270-degree view. It also includes night vision optics for clear

an emergency because they’re embarrassed or don’t want to cause a fuss or incur an expense -- which can be as high as $1,200, even for false alarms where paramedics were dispatched,” says Zhang.

HeyMomDad gives seniors two different alert options. They can choose to alert only

family and friends, or alert family, friends and 911. In addition, the HeyMomDad Bed Monitor tracks heart rate, breathing rate and movement at night.

Maintaining independence For many seniors, one of the most difficult parts of aging is the loss of independence.

When possible, families should consider making homes senior friendly, adding safety bars in the shower and bath, eliminating tripping hazards, improving lighting in hallways and outdoor walkways, and making kitchens more accessible with countertops and cabinets that can rise or lower with the push of a button.

And new two-way communication and monitoring systems can add further peace of mind.

Before making big decisions about your parents and aging relatives’ housing and care, take new innovations into consideration.

These alternatives can save your family thousands of dollars, give you peace of mind and improve your family’s quality of life.

The Marshall Democrat-News,Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 - Page 15B

Senior Living 2016

Signs assisted living is the right option SENIOR CITIZEN BUREAU — Have you noticed any of these warning signs with your elderly parent?

Physical changes such as the way he or she walks, extreme weight loss and weight gain or a decline in personal hygiene may be one of the first indications of a problem. Is the cupboard bare or are there lots of containers of old food in the refrigerator? Have you noticed unexplained scratches and dents on the car?

These household changes, too, can signal a change in the aging parent’s condition. Is your loved one showing signs of depression or abnormally forgetful? For example, can

dad remember when and what dose medication is to be taken? Is he or she having difficulty dealing with financial issues or not paying bills? The answers to these questions can assist in determining if your parent is facing a medical problem or these symptoms are merely the normal course of aging.

Once that determination is made, then the decision becomes What is the best thing to do for my parent and for my family and me?

Your elderly mom may not need daily medical support, but she has begun to require more assistance than you can give her. Has she had a close call with a

fall or threatened her safety by leaving a stove burner on?

Before you reach the limit of your endurance, it may be time to consider assisted living. If you’re the sole or main caregiver, you can simply burn out.

For reasons of guilt, many people wait too long to make this difficult decision. After the fact, most state that they should have made the move a couple of years earlier.

If your parent is having increasing difficulty managing the activities of daily life, this is a large indicator.

There are other signs to consider: Changes in appearance If Dad has always

been clean-shaven and of late is sporting a scraggly beard, this might signal he is forgetting to shave or has forgotten how to shave.

Is Mom’s hair and makeup still up to her usual standard? Do you notice a strange body odor, indicating a lack of proper hygiene?

Friends and acquaintances Does your loved one keep up with his or her friends and still participate in social activities. Often, depression is caused by loneliness, and assisted living facilities offer an array of diversions for the senior—card games and other games, communal dining, and frequent outings.

Days Spent without

Leaving the House – Sometimes, the elderly person can no longer drive, is afraid to drive or take public transportation without a companion.

Does someone regularly check in on him or her?

Stacks of mail strewn over the house This potential tripping hazard is also a warning that maybe important details like house payments, insurance, credit card bills, etc. are not being taken care of, and your loved one is having difficulty managing these monetary concerns.

Kitchen clues No one needs four boxes of instant mashed potatoes or a freezer filled with TV dinners. Are there bro-

ken appliances or signs of a kitchen fire like a scorched range hood?

Around the house An increased amount of clutter, slackened housecleaning, dirty bathrooms are all signs that your loved one might not be capable of performing such activities. Are there dead plants sitting around everywhere? Perhaps, Mom can no longer remember to water them, has lost interest or simply doesn’t notice them at all anymore. Also, look for signs of neglecting the house itself.

Assisted living can help your loved one thrive again, enabling you to give your attention to being a son or daughter.

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City Pharmacy

AUCTIONEERS

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After Hours Emergency 660-529-3437

227 N. Main, Slater 660-529-2255 800-834-4011

Specializing exclusively in real estate auctions

Sam Dyer 660-886-7393

Monte Fenner 660-886-7049 www.dyerandfenner.net

Page 16B - The Marshall Democrat-News, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Healthcare

made Personal

Kelly Ross, DO Orthopedic Surgeon

Richard A. White, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

L. Miles Romney, II Physician Assistant

Carrie A. Lucas, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Coming soon, Clinton F. Pickett, DO. An orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and microsurgery!

OUR Team caring for YOUR Team

Diane Schlesselman

Certified Athletic Trainer

Offering a full range of services, including:   

 

Surgical and non-surgical treatment for sports-related injuries and arthritis Arthroscopic repair and assessment of damaged joints New technologies and knee replacement Pediatric orthopedic services Treatment for broken bones

Ask your physician to refer you to our local team!

660.886.8414 www.fitzgibbon.org

Conveniently located inside

a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community hospital

2305 S. Highway 65 Marshall, MO 65340