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2 | July 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Health savings tips and tricks Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta In the increasingly complex world of healthcare, it can be very difficult to keep costs down. When I was in medical school, financial counseling of patients was presented as “not the doctor’s job,” and education provided to medical students about types of insurance, copays, deductibles, coinsurance, the different types of Medicare, etc., was simply not a part of the curriculum. However, helping patients navigate this maze is a vital function of any practice, and respecting physical and financial health need to go hand in hand. The following are a few tips that can really help when navigating the world of insurance and healthcare cost. 1. GoodRx® is an invaluable service that I literally bring up at least ten times per day with my patients. How do you know that you are getting the best price for a prescription medication? Until a few years ago, I was like everyone else – I assumed pharmacies were all about the same price, and I simply had my prescription sent to the most convenient pharmacy location and paid the price that I was told to pay with my insurance card at checkout. That model should be a relic of the past. Now, for almost every prescription, patients should check the price at goodrx.com or a comparable site before deciding where to have their prescriptions sent. Try it! Visit GoodRx.com or download the app on your phone and enter in a medication – for example, “fluorouracil” – a common medication in dermatology. You will see the medication’s prices at local pharmacies which, for some medications, will vary greatly as the pharmacies try to compete for your business. Many times, the medication cost is a fraction of what you would pay if you went through insurance. My family often pays cash using goodrx. com coupons instead of going through insurance because of how great the cost savings are. Also, we often choose to pay for one medication through insurance and another medication through goodrx.com at the same time. The cost saving can be tremendous. 2. Manufacturer Coupons and Patient Assistance: The main downside of GoodRx® is that it is an alternative to going through insurance, so purchases do not generally count towards your deductible or rx deductible unless your insurance allows you to submit claims on your own and you take the
time to submit qualifying health care expenses. In most cases, the savings from GoodRx® are so great and the headaches of filing with insurance so extreme that most of us will just pay the cash price from GoodRx® and not further submit it to insurance. Unfortunately, some medications are so expensive that even with GoodRx cash prices, medications can be unaffordable paying cash. Furthermore, the Tier status of the medication through insurance can make the medication unaffordable through insurance. In that case, many companies offer coupons directly on their websites to help insured patients afford their medications. These coupons can offer tremendous savings. And in the era of Covid-19, there are a lot of companies that are truly going above and beyond to help patients. Reps from several companies that make expensive dermatology medications have told me that currently patients who have lost employment or hit hard financial times may be eligible to receive their medication for free or for a reduced cost for a period of time. Patient assistance programs are often available when the above measures are not enough. Research the manufacturers of medications online and call their patient assistance numbers. For medications such as biologics, the savings can be in the thousands per month and definitely worth a (most likely lengthy) phone call. 3. Rewards Programs: It seems like everyone has a rewards program now, and healthcare is no different. Loyalty programs such as Brilliant Distinctions® and Aspire® reward patients for repeat treatments. If you ever receive Botox® or Dysport® treatments or any other cosmetic injectable treatment, then you should sign up in advance at brilliantdistinctionsprogram. com or aspirerewards.com and bring your member number with you to clinic for discounts on products and services. Any reputable dermatology office will likely participate in these programs and help you receive these valuable discounts the next time your kids (or spouses!) are making those glabellar scowl and forehead lines appear. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we always strive to treat you like family. Renowned providers Brent Taylor and Kathryn Fililpek are genuinely delighted to go above and beyond to find ways to assist you. If you or a loved one has a skin or vein care or aesthetic need, make an appointment today, 678-345-1899. premierdermatologyatlanta.com
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NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | July 2020 | 3
VOTE NOW! An undeniable lifestyle at Celebration Village Forsyth Brought to you by — Celebration Village When your living space fits your lifestyle, you can thrive at any age. That is the philosophy behind Celebration Village Forsyth, a 52-acre master-planned senior living community in Forsyth County with houses for sale and all-inclusive-priced apartments for rent. After only nine months of operation, we are thrilled to be named the Best Senior Living Community North Atlanta, 1st Runner Up Memory Care in North Atlanta and Best in Forsyth. Celebration Village Forsyth is a firstin-class senior living community providing independent living, concierge living, assisted living and memory care in an ideal location where Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Cumming all come together. We offer opportunities for residents and team members to improve their vitality, engagement, and sense of overall meaning and purpose. Our goal is to provide aging-friendly environments that foster strong social connections, healthy lifestyles, all while reducing stress and increasing joy. That message comes from our owner and management team at AgeWell Living LLC and is the core of what we do at Celebration Village. Celebration Village Forsyth is crafted according to the Masterpiece Living philosophy, which supports aging as a precious part of life that should be embraced and used as a positive force. Every staff member – regardless of role – is trained to offer lifestyle support and coaching. Its dining options and amenities resemble resort-style store fronts, and programing
2020
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We offer opportunities for residents and team members to improve their vitality, engagement, and sense of overall meaning and purpose. is designed to support mental, physical, spiritual and intellectual acuity with a sense of purpose and meaning. Designed to nurture an independent yet carefree lifestyle, Celebration Village is a full agein-place community with support services available to all our residents. Atlanta-area residents are clearly craving this approach as we filled our independent-living neighborhood very quickly and recently added 58 more beautiful contemporary apartment homes that keep luxury in mind. If a carefree, peace-of-mind, retirement lifestyle is what you or your loved ones have been looking for, give us a call at 770-886-6565 to set up a personal appointment and tour.
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Welcome to luxury living in Downtown Roswell! Welcome to Vickers Roswell, a boutique residential community featuring two and three bedroom apartments, nestled on Canton Street in downtown Roswell. Vickers Roswell is one of the only golf cart permissible towns in the state! Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options on Canton Street. The living spaces at Vickers Roswell are thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind, and are stylishly appointed with the kind of premium materials and finishes you won’t find in any other apartments for rent in Roswell. Granite Countertops, Stainless Appliances, Hardwood Floors, Washer & Dryer included, Spacious Outdoor Entertaining area, Subway Tile Backsplash and Designer, Neutral Color Schemes are just a few of the luxurious amenities that are included at Vickers Roswell. Vickers Roswell Apartments in Downtown Roswell is ideally situated to give you easy access to the best of what the area has to offer. Walk to all of your favorite restaurants and shops in downtown Roswell! One Month FREE on 13+ Month Leases! Our community is now open for in-person tours! We still offer the option of a virtual tour or a self-guided tour. Please feel free to contact us with questions on any of these options. We look forward to hearing from you! Vickers Roswell 1180 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 vickersroswell.com (762) 239-0416
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Enrolling into Medicare after leaving your company’s group insurance Brought to you by – Jay Looft Medicare Insurance Broker, SeniorSource Medicare Solutions During the summer months, most Medicare beneficiaries are in a “lock-in period” LOOFT with their Medicare insurance plan until the fall Annual Enrollment Period. However, moving to a new city or state, or turning 65 are two exceptions that will allow for midyear changes. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic, another reason has risen to the top. There is an increasing number of Medicare beneficiaries either leaving or losing their company’s group health insurance and transitioning into individual Medicare insurance coverage. If you or someone you know are in this scenario, note that there are a few steps to take to make this transition smooth. Before the group insurance coverage ends, the first action to take is to enroll into Medicare Part B (assuming you are age 65+ and already enrolled in Part A). A company’s HR or Benefits Department
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Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs Specializing in Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans Serving North Atlanta Seniors for More Than 10 Years Representing Most Medicare Insurance Companies • Experienced Medicare Insurance Broker • Provides Personalized Plan Analysis
may be able to provide guidance with this task. Enrollment into Medicare Part B can also be completed online at www.Medicare.gov. Once Part B is set up, the next step is to choose an individual Medicare plan option that best fits your needs. SeniorSource Medicare Solutions specializes in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans and works to find the right fit for your specific health needs. Medicare grants a Special Enrollment Period of 2 months after group coverage ends...so don’t delay. Call me at 770.913.6464 or visit our website www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming Trends • No Cost to Use Our Services
770.913.6464
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Is it dementia? Belmont Village Senior Living Answers FAQs of Memory Loss Brought to you by — Belmont Village Senior Living Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many older adults have been in selfisolation or spending extended periods of time with family. Under these unique circumstances, some families are noticing unusual or changed behaviors in elderly loved ones. The question is, how concerned should we be by these changes? Most of us have moments when we struggle with memory, and these issues may be compounded by the added stress of quarantine and a quickly changing world. However, if problems are significant and have begun suddenly, it could be a sign of something more serious. As a guide, Belmont Village Senior Living answers frequently asked questions from seniors and their families. Q: They misplace and forget routine things — should I be worried? A: Multi-tasking can prevent you from storing and retaining memories, so try to ig-
nore distractions when performing a task. Indicators of a more serious issue include finding things in unusual places or trouble recognizing familiar surroundings. Q: Why has my loved one started r epeating statements and questions? A: This is a more profound level of memory loss. Likely this person is also forgetting appointments and bills and daily activities like cooking, laundry and grooming. An assessment by a medical professional is necessary. Q: I think we have a problem. What should we do? A: First, don’t give up hope. Start by discussing concerns with your physician through a virtual visit. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, diet, exercise, regular mental fitness and social interaction can help maintain brain function. Belmont Village is a nationally recognized provider of leading edge senior living and award-winning memory care. To speak with a Belmont Village team member or schedule a virtual tour, please visit www.belmontvillage.com/ johnscreek or call 770-813-9505.
BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS
Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidencebased research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem. Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/JOHNSCREEK Call 901-624-8820 to schedule a virtual tour today.
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Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/covid19 ©2020 Belmont Village, L.P. | PCH 8034
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Roswell’s newest senior living community opening August! Brought to you by – Addington Place of Roswell This August, Addington Place at The Mills is reopening as Addington Place of Roswell! It’s being completely remodeled, and our new community is fresh, bright and new. From the layout of the lobby, common areas and apartments to the entire décor - everything’s been updated to create a gracious new community. And as always, you can rest assured, what’s not changing is our focus on taking the time to know each resident as an individual and support them with care that’s as unique as they are. At Addington Place, our approach to both Personal Care and Memory Care is shaped by respect and understanding of the unique lives of our residents. Together, we work with you, your family, and your physicians to determine what aspects of your life you want or need additional assistance with, including care of memory. We then create customtailored programming that encourages independence, dignity, and individuality. Attention Early Birds! Reserve your new apartment NOW and receive our specially discounted Early Bird package!
August is just weeks away and the apartments in our completely renovated community are going fast. Early Birds can take advantage of substantial discounts and benefits by reserving today: • A portion of the community fee will be applied to your rent ($1,500 value) • One year of free monthly visits to our beauty salon/barber shop ($600 value) • One year of free personal laundry • A total value of $3,000 With exceptional staff, amenities, comfort and care, you can rest assured that the brand-new Addington Place of Roswell will provide all life’s necessities, and more. If you have questions, we’re here to help. Just call for more information or to schedule a virtual tour!
Addington Place of Roswell Personal Care & Memory Care 550 Barrington Drive, Roswell, GA 30075 770-407-8853 AddingtonPlaceTheMills.com
Re-opening in August!
WWelcome to Addington Place of Roswell
A Brand New Senior Living Community
This August, Addington Place at The Mills is reopening as Addington Place of Roswell! We’ve completely remodeled and our community is fresh, bright and new. From the lobby and all apartments to the furniture, wall coverings, artwork and more – we’ve created a gracious new living space you won’t want to miss. Our person-directed approach to both Personal Care and Memory Care is shaped by respect and understanding of the unique lives of our residents. Our caring, compassionate staff, first-rate amenities and welcoming atmosphere make Addington Place a secure, enriching place to live.
Reserve your new apartment NOW and receive our specially discounted Early Bird package:
• • • •
A portion of the community fee will be applied to your rent ($1,500 value) One year of free monthly visits to our beauty salon/barber shop ($600 value) One year of free personal laundry A total value of $3,000
Call for more information or to schedule a virtual tour.
Addington Place of Roswell • 550 Barrington Drive • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770-407-8853 • AddingtonPlaceTheMills.com
8 | July 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Helping your loved one maintain a meaningful lifestyle Brought to you by – The Memory Center Atlanta The Memory Center Atlanta is the most unique and comprehensive community for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Devoted specifically to memory care, our expertly designed program meets the challenging conditions of an aging brain with a caring, interactive community. We understand a diagnosis of dementia does not mean you or your loved one stops living, rather it means finding new ways to live by helping them maintain an active and meaningful lifestyle. Our residents enjoy music, dancing, live entertainment, art, gardening, - even outings, pet therapy and religious services. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the
Fox Theater or ice cream at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socialization and activities accessible across all levels of dementia. Even those who need 24/7 care benefit from life at The Memory Center. Overseen by our medical director, who specializes in the field of geriatric healthcare, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide the best 24/7 care. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one receives care. If you are considering memory care, we encourage you to explore options as early as possible. Take the time to ask questions, tour and include your loved one in the decision-making process. Transitioning to memory care early ensures the best quality of life with daily socialization and engaging activities designed to meet the
needs of you or your loved one. Get in touch - ask us a question or schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta to learn more about how our team provides a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home.
Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile from Medlock Bridge Rd. directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call today 770-476-3678. www.thememorycenter. com/communities/atlanta
NORTH ATLANTA’S HOT TOPICS ON PODCAST
Go to NorthFulton.com, click on Podcasts and select Inside The Box
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Shoppers save big on groceries with healthy savings NAPSI — Good nutrition is important at any age. But for older adults on a tight budget, regular access to nutritious foods can be limited—and expensive. A new program aims to change that by making it easier to get healthy foods at the local grocery store for an affordable price. With Healthy Savings¬Æ powered by AARP Foundation, shoppers pay a small fee of $4.99 per calendar year for a card that can save them up to $200 a month on groceries. The program is part of AARP Foundation’s work to help people over 50 with limited income eat more nutritious foods, ultimately improving their well-being. Research shows that more than 10 million older adults don’t get enough nutritious food on a daily basis, most often because they can’t afford it. Eating healthy is about more than affordability, however. Not only does Healthy Savings reduce costs, it also identifies healthy options in the store. All products available through Healthy Savings are scored against the USDA’s Healthy Eating Index to make sure they qualify as nutritious. The index makes it convenient to choose the healthiest foods, which include lean meats, eggs, yogurt, whole grains, and a wide range of
other options. The typical over-50 diet scores low in key food groups like whole grains and dairy. By encouraging the purchase of more of these nutrients through coupon discounts, Healthy Savings can help older adults: • Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. • Reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. • More easily manage a chronic disease. • Increase or maintain energy levels. Shoppers who sign up for Healthy Savings receive a card in the mail and can download a mobile app, both of which can be used at 22,000 grocery stores across the U.S. for instant savings at checkout. The savings come on top of any from store loyalty cards and manufacturers’ coupons (so long as coupons don’t add up to more than the price of the item). Each week, new coupons are automatically loaded onto the card and app—no coupon clipping required. Over the course of a year, Healthy Savings can save shoppers as much as $2,400. More information, including recipes and tips for shopping smart, is at aarpfoundation.org/ save.
JT Eggensperger JT Eggensperger
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Financial Financial Advisor Advisor
12540 Broadwell Broadwell Rd Ste Rd Ste 21012101 JT 12540 Eggensperger Milton, Milton, GA 30004-6400 GA 30004-6400 Financial Advisor 470-246-5901 470-246-5901 12540 Broadwell Rd Ste 2101 Milton, GA 30004-6400 470-246-5901
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Village Park resident librarians share the joys of reading Brought to you by — Village Park Staying active is essential for a well-balanced life; however, finding ways to stay engaged can be challenging during COVID-19. Village Park residents Ms. Lou Jones and Ms. Gail Evans have found a way to explore the world from the comfort of their home. Acting as Village Park’s resident librarians, Lou and Gail have taken it upon themselves to manage the library at Village Park Alpharetta. The pair says reading is relaxing, educational, and it brings people together. “It is amazing the number of people who take full advantage of this library,” Lou said. She explained that the library is a place residents frequently utilize. “You would never see open shelves here at all because so many people would take some [books] out and bring some back.” Gail agrees with her friend Lou adding, “You don’t have to go somewhere. It’s right here. You just take the elevator down or walk the path and you’ve got a world of books to choose from.” She calls the room a “growing library”, explaining that people bring books and leave them in the library. Gail and Lou then organize the novels based on genre, author, and so on. From sports to mysteries, there’s a novel for everybody to enjoy. The two friends say it’s relaxing and vital to always continue reading. “I think it’s really important and not only does it bring you pleasure, but it’s something you can do alone anytime. You just need a good book,” Gail says. “It certainly is good for your mind to read and it’s good for learning.” Gail is right. According to Seniors Lifestyle Magazine, reading can reduce stress and loosen muscle
tension. Reading also helps improve analytical and reasoning skills which can be beneficial to decision making. One of Lou’s favorite takeaways from reading is the ability to continue to increase her knowledge. “You are exposed to information that is new to you,” She points out. “You are blessed with all kinds of information that you probably didn’t know before and it’s amazing to me, that we sit at the dinner table
and we start to talk about a book every once in a while and it’s fun.” The stories within the library create a sense of camaraderie among the residents. The books become a favorite topic of discussion and the library acts as space for residents to meet each other. “It’s a pleasant place to be, people just enjoy coming in and browsing,” Gail says. When asked why they volunteered to manage the library, Lou conveyed her passion and motivation. “I sort of feel like it’s my project. I just walk in and see if there’s anything in the return boxes or if there’s anything here I notice could be touched up,” She says. “I don’t think we’ve had any time that the staff, as well as the people that live here, have been anything other than very, very supportive and it really is like a family here.” The library is just one of the many amenities enjoyed by Ms. Lou Jones and Ms. Gail Evans. To watch their full story, visit Village Park Alpharetta’s Facebook page. To discover more about amenities, residences, and care services offered at Village Park Senior Living, give us a call at any of our properties. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and subscribe to our YouTube page.
Bungalows Cottages Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care VillageParkSeniorLiving.com 5701 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Senior Living Designed By You. 770.416.0502
Bungalows | Cottages | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care 555 Wills Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | Next to Wills Park | 470.509.4557
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Longleaf Communities – Welcome to your ideal neighborhood Brought to you by — Kathy Rice Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Final opportunities are available at Longleaf Communities Woodstock. Longleaf is RICE a luxury homebuilder for active 55+ adults in metro Atlanta. Their spectacular, English Cottage style homes are designed to meet the lifestyle needs and wishes of active seniors while providing low maintenance living. Longleaf Woodstock provides things other Active Adult communities provide proximity to area attractions and life necessities, low maintenance and ease of living, a lock and go lifestyle and neighborhood amenities. With a Longleaf home, you can have all that plus, the distinguished architecture, attention to detail and superb craftsmanship you’re accustomed to. Our elegant homes feature airy floor plans with lofty 10-foot ceilings and solid 8-foot doors outfitted with generous millwork throughout. Choose from a variety of custom cabinetry for your designer kitchen and select your preferred finishes for your designer bath. All our homes feature two main floor bedrooms,
each with a full bath and laundry on the main. The upstairs includes a finished loft, additional full bath and the option to add another bedroom for more livable space to welcome guests.
Longleaf Woodstock in Cherokee County has a Clubhouse and Pool, bocce court, community gardens and a dog park. Our thoughtful floor plans and Longleaf’s reputation for superior
craftsmanship, are what make Longleaf the luxury builder of active adult communities. www.longleafsouth.com (678) 697-4984
Timeless Design. Superior Quality. Carefree Community Living. A LUXURY 55+ COMMUNITY IN WOODSTOCK
Call today for a private tour.
d. 678.697.4984 o. 770.442.7300
Marketing and Sales by Atlanta FIne Homes Sotheby’s International Realty - 770.442.7300. © All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to change without notice.
12 | July 2020 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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