Boone County Shopper Senior Living December 2023

Page 7

December 7, 2023

ARE YOU DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS?

CHRISTINA CAN HELP! I provide natural, beautiful, customized products that help you regain a great sense of confidence & well-being.

I am able to create a hair prosthesis & deliver it as quickly as overnight.

Call to schedule your private, in-person or virtual consultation.

815-544-6629

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Age-Based Guidelines For Buying Toys & Gifts

Ida Public Library Offers Pre-Loaded Audiobooks The Ida Public Library has Playaways & transmitters available to check out. Playaways are pre-loaded audiobooks that do not need internet or Wi-Fi to listen to! They also have a universal headphone jack. If you don’t have ear buds the library offers some at checkout. The library also has transmitters for check out which allow you to listen to the Playaway through your hearing aids if you have them. Stop by the adult circulation desk on the 2nd floor or the Bookmobile to check one out today. The library is located at 320 N. State Street, Belvidere and the Bookmobile locations vary throughout the week.

YMCA

815-547-5307

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted

220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org

First in

Caring

You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.

Call us at 815.398.0500 to

discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.

northernillinoishospice.org

BELVIDERE COLLECTIBLE COINS

We want to buy your unwanted gold & silver, jewelry, coins & silverware FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Bring in your antique and/or used jewelry, gold, silverware & estate jewelry for an offer.

WE PAY 10% MORE For Your Gold & SilverJewelry With This Ad.

815-547-7111 880 Belvidere Rd., Belvidere bcoins60@yahoo.com • goldsilverjewelrycoin.com Mon.-Fri. 10 AM - 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM

We Can Help You Say It

DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications

Better!

GORGEOUS FRESH ARRANGEMENTS GREEN & BLOOMING PLANTS UNIQUE SEASONAL GIFTWARE FUNERALS • WEDDING QUINCEAÑERAS FANNIE MAY • GNOMES DAILY DELIVERIES

The UPS Store® HOME HEALTHCARE DEPT Walkers, Wheelchairs, Bath Benches & More NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN W HO WE D vailable 6 Days A W Delivery A eek M ELIVE on.Sat R! .

227 Logan Ave., Belvidere theflowerbinetc.com

O’Brien’s Pharmacy

MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM - 5 PM • SAT. 8 AM - 2 PM

216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433

(815) 544-2800 Etc.

GIVE SOMEONE A GIFT T H AT W I L L L A S T A L I F E T I M E :

donate blood

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT 815-965-8751 OR RRVBC.ORG

© Northern Illinois Hospice 2023

The holiday season involves making holiday gift lists & checking them twice, or even more frequently to ensure that gift-givers find the best fit for recipients. While age may only be a number in certain instances, when it comes to gifting, age should be a consideration - particularly when kids are involved.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an estimated 86,000 children treated for toy-related injuries each year are younger than five. Toy-related injuries are preventable, & prevention often comes down to choosing age-appropriate toys for kids.

Toys can be choking hazards when small toys or those with small pieces are given to children who are too young to use them safely. Kids are curious & often put items in their mouths. Choking is the fourth-leading cause of unintentional death in children under age five, indicates The Emergency Center. Falls, eye injuries, drowning, & motor accidents are leading causes of gift-related injuries. Grandparents should keep these tips in mind when purchasing gifts for their grandkids. Here’s how to select age-appropriate gifts.

• Read the packaging carefully. Most toys & other children’s products will come with an age range recommendation. While some kids may be mature beyond their years, it’s best to choose gifts that fall within the recommended range. This is particularly the case for infants, toddlers & any child under the age of five.

• Avoid fad gifts. Children often want the latest & greatest gadgets & toys for gifts even if they are not the smartest choices for their ages. Resist the urge to buy something just to be the “cool grandparent,” especially if it isn’t age-appropriate. Mermaid tails became popular in recent years, & likely will see increased presence thanks to the home-viewing release of a popular live-action mermaid movie. However, they limit movement & can make swimming more difficult, potentially increasing risk of drowning.

• Provide safety gear. As children age, they may be more interested in gifts that appeal to hobbies & abilities.

Scooters, bicycles, skates, & other items are popular among older children. These gifts should only be purchased for those with proven ability, & even then, accompanied with the appropriate safety gear. This can include helmets, knee pads & eye protection.

• Consider waiting before gifting certain electronics. Although children may be able to use devices safely, there are many who advocate for waiting to give young children smartphones & tablets due to the consequences of excessive screen time. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says children ages two to five should limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per weekday & three hours on weekend days.

Children should beTHURSDAY, encouraged to pursue healthy habits that limit use of screens, so gift-givers can look for gifts APRIL 20TH that help to this end.

Age-appropriate gifts ensure safety for the youngest people on holiday gift lists.

Belvidere • For Youth Development • For Healthy Living Family • For Social Responsibility

Page 8

December 7, 2023

Worried You Don’t Have Health Insurance?

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

I help people of

How To Tell If It’s A Cold, The Flu, COVID-19 Or RSV

There’s much to look forward to at the start of winter. The holiday season starts winter off with a bang, while outdoor enthusiasts know their chances to hit the slopes are just beginning. Sports fans know January marks the return of the National Football League playoffs, while travelers who need a little winter warmth often designate February as a month to soak up some sun in a faraway locale.

With so much to do each winter, it’s especially problematic when you come down with a cold. However, winter tends to be cold & flu season in many areas, as viruses tend to spread more easily when people spend more time indoors.

This winter, people may wonder if their sniffles indicate they have a cold, the flu or a sign of something more serious, such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Anyone unsure of what’s behind a cold-like illness is urged to speak with their physician. In addition, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases notes that the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV present some similar symptoms, but also some unique ones.

Though each illness is complex, the frequency with which some symptoms present may indicate which issue a person is dealing with. Knowledge of those symptoms & their frequency can help people determine if the culprit behind their winter illness is a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Cold Flu • Aches: Sometimes • Aches: Often • Difficulty breathing: Rarely • Difficulty breathing: Rarely • Fatigue: Sometimes • Fatigue: Often • Fever: Rarely • Fever: Often • Loss of taste or smell: Rarely • Loss of taste or smell: Rarely • Sore throat: Often • Sore throat: Sometimes • Wheezing: Rarely • Wheezing: Rarely COVID-19 RSV • Aches: Sometimes • Aches: Rarely • Difficulty breathing: Often • Difficulty breathing: Sometimes • Fatigue: Often • Fatigue: Rarely • Fever: Sometimes • Fever: Sometimes • Loss of taste or smell: Sometimes • Loss of taste or smell: Rarely • Sore throat: Often • Sore throat: Rarely • Wheezing: Rarely • Wheezing: Often Individuals who are concerned by the presence of cold-like or flu-like symptoms are urged to speak with their physicians. Though many instances of cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV will go away without medical intervention, each condition can pose a significant health risk in certain situations.

A Guide to Conservatorship Conservatorship is a legal arrangement that has been around for some time. But conservatorship gained greater attention among the general public when instances of this unique legal arrangement involving some high-profile celebrities started to make headlines.

Conservatorship is a legal status in which a court appoints a person to manage personal & financial affairs of a minor or incapacitated person. The conservator also may serve as a guardian who helps the individual manage physical needs & daily living. While age may be a variable when considering a conservatorship, concern over mental capacity & decision-making can lead to conservatorships being issued. Here’s a look at conservatorships & how legal professionals help navigate them.

Job of a conservator - MetLife says conservators are court-appointed individuals who manage another person’s financial & personal affairs. Conservators may manage housing, education, health care, transportation, food, housekeeping, & other needs. The term “guardian of the estate” also may be used to describe a conservator.

Differences between a guardian & conservator - While a guardian also may be court-appointed, this person manages health care & mostly other non-monetary decisions for a person who cannot make these decisions due to a disability, illness or injury. A conservator primarily oversees a person’s finances.

Who may need a conservator? There are instances when a guardian or conservator could be legally warranted. Someone who is in a coma, mentally challenged, suffered a brain injury, has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, or is under psychiatric care may be appointed a guardian or conservator. While these two individuals may be different, one person can serve as both guardian & conservator if the court sees fit.

Hiring a lawyer - Becoming a conservator or ending a conservatorship is a multi-step process that can be emotional. All it can take is one error to deny a conservatorship & then the process will have to start over.

Therefore, hiring an attorney to guide the process is beneficial.

When a durable power of attorney may not be possible, conservatorship can protect the interests and assets of incapacitated people.

ALL AGES with their health insurance needs.

DEADLINES FOR 2024: Medicare: December 7th Affordable Care: December 15th

Call Me, My Services Are FREE!

815-414-9044 YVONNE

“Chevy” Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson yvonne@medicare411co.com yvonnepeterson.medicare411co.com

SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •

SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests.

Please contact Colisha Williams (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.

cwilliams@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568

$

999.00

BEFORE & AFTER $

Xeomin 20 Units In Forehead

ST

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REET PUB

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6660 Newburg Rd., Rockford • treatyourselfas.com

tara@treatyourselfas.com

Page 9

December 7, 2023

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

7 Ways To Organize & Store Holiday Decorations

Our goal is to maximize quality of life, so you can enjoy time with those who mean the most to you.

BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”

Decorating a home for holidays is quite popular. A survey from the National Retail Federation found that 53% of respondents said they were planning to decorate their home or yard for Halloween in 2023. Lombardo Homes polled 1,000 Americans in 2021 & 94% said they celebrate Christmas in at least some way, & 84% said they decorate. With so many avid holiday decorators, individuals will need to find ways to organize & store their seasonal items. Holiday decor comes in many different sizes - from the smallest tree ornaments to illuminated statues for the yard or inflatable items. Figuring out a storage plan can take a little effort. These tips can help.

1. Purchase clear, similarly sized storage bins & shelving racks, hanging them where you plan to keep the decorations. Most people prefer an out-of-the-way spot, such as in the garage, attic or basement. Label each bin by holiday & put the bins in chronological order to make finding items more convenient. Uniform bin sizes make it easier to stack & store.

2. Store smaller items inside larger decor items. Decorative baskets or wrapped boxes brought out for Christmas or Chanukah are ideal places to keep smaller decorations like ceramics, dreidels, candlestick holders, or mantel hooks. Delicate items can be tucked into Christmas stockings or wrapped & stored in a fluffy tree skirt. Egg cartons can be used to keep small items safe as well.

3. Label everything so you will not need to dig through boxes or bins to know what is inside. This might be a good year to ask for a label maker for the holidays!

4. Use overhead or wall storage for holiday decor. Overhead spaces in the garage or basement walls can be good spaces to keep holiday decorations. Always keep bins & boxes off the floor so they are not vulnerable to damage related to leaks or floods.

5. Garment bags can protect larger decorations, such as wreaths, artificial trees or signs. If you have a large number of mechanical, illuminated or inflatable lawn ornaments, consider investing in a small shed where these items can be safely kept. Wrap the extension cords & any bracing stakes or strings used with the decorations so it’s easy to find.

6. Utilize pieces of cardboard as well as toilet paper or paper towel tubes to keep lights & wires tidy. Tuck cords into the toilet paper tubes, & wrap lights around the cardboard to avoid tangles.

7. Each year, take inventory of your decoration collection & toss out anything that is damaged.

Storing holiday decorations will take some time, but once you establish a system, things will be simple year after year.

This Month’s Healthy Recipe

Pumpkin Chili • Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches

• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

Ingredients 16 oz (1 lb) lean ground beef 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can (15 oz) 100% pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

1 cup water 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed 1 T. chili powder 1/2 T. cumin 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (optional) 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream (optional)

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 320 Total Fat 12 g Sodium 440 mg Carbohydrates 24 g Fiber 4 g Protein 28 g

Directions 1. Add ground beef, chopped onion, & minced garlic to a large saucepan. Cook until meat is brown & onion is soft. Drain excess fat.

2. Add pumpkin, crushed tomatoes, water, kidney beans, chili powder, & cumin to pan, stir.

3. Bring to boil. Reduce heat & cover. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Top with cheese & sour cream, if desired, and serve.

Lace Up Those Skates - Riverside Ice Arena Is Open

We Carry

See Our “Pros” For

• Brakes & Suspension • New Tires • Wheel Alignment • Roadside Tire Service • Shocks & Struts • Small Engine Sales & • Air Conditioning Service

R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon

Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Real Estate John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

The Riverside Ice Arena opened in 2015. The facility is located within Doty Park near downtown Belvidere & sits along the Kishwaukee River. It includes one NHL regulation-sized ice rink, the AJ Johnson Warming House & Ozzie’s Skate Shop. The Ice Rink offers public skate times, open shooting, 2 warming cabins for rent, ice skating lessons for all ages. Ozzie’s Skate Shop offers skate rentals & skate aids.

Public skate times are Monday-Thursday, 4-6 PM; Friday 4-9 PM; Saturday & Sunday 12-7 PM. Daily admission: Adults $5; Children 4-17 $3; Children 3 years & under are free. Open Shoot Times are Monday & Wednesday 8:30-9:30 PM. Open Shoot admission $6; skate rental $5; bobby rentals $3 with ID. All times are subject to change due to weather, special events & rentals. Season passes are available for individuals $40, Family of Two $60, $15 each additional family member.

Plan to attend a LIVE Ice Hogs Practice Night on Tuesday, December 12th at 6 PM (rainout date: January 16th).

For more information call 815-547-9557 or visit belviderepark.org

The Power Of Endowment & Leaving A Legacy When you create or donate to an existing fund through the Boone County Community Foundation, you help to provide a steady & reliable source of annual support for not only our community but a cause you love.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING YOUR LIFETIME & BEYOND.

For information: Melissa Erickson, Executive Director 600 S. State St., Ste. 302, Belvidere merickson@boonecountycf.org

815-544-7231 l boonecountycf.org

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December 7, 2023

Live Your Best Life

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Consider A Holiday Donation To The Keen Age Center Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

Seasons Greetings!

People who share time, talents, and money with Boone County Council on Aging are thankful for the opportunities we provide. For the last 50 years, we have provided a vital connection for Boone County seniors.

• The beautiful Keen Age Center builds minds, bodies, & human connections.

• Skillful Information & Assistance connects people with benefits.

• Loving In-Home Care connects people with the supports to live at home.

• A generous Lending Closet connects people with needed mobility equipment.

Residents are at the heart of all we do.

We operate with integrity and are passionate about the services we provide as we live our core values of Love, Compassion and Dignity every day.

Schedule your visit to our community today!

Please take a moment to send a holiday donation to the Keen Age Center.

It is people like you who keep the Keen Age Center open & our programs accessible to all. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Thank you, Kelly Hillan, Executive Director

Smile, you’re at The Keen Age Center!

Beverly Eicksteadt

Donations can be made by mailing your check made payable to “BCCA” to 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, IL 61008. For more information about The Keen Age Center or making a donation please call 815-544-9893.

Reverse Mortgages Explained As long as there have been homes for sale, there have been financial vehicles designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with owning a home. A reverse mortgage is another way homeowners can borrow money based on the value of their homes, but it doesn’t need to be repaid as long as those individuals are still living in their residences.

Preserving Boone County’s Past For Our Future.

We Are Always Looking For Donations Of Historical Artifacts For The Museum.

Santa From Lear’s Jewelry Store

Contact Us At 815-544-8391 or Director@bcmuseumofhistory.org The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More

314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org

Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?

WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS!

Eligibility & basics - The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says a reverse mortgage is an option for those age 62 or older who can borrow money based on their equity, or how much money one could get for the home if sold after what is owed on the mortgage is paid off. At least one owner must live in the house most of the year. Reverse mortgages may be paid as a cash lump sum, as a monthly income or as a line of credit that enables the homeowner to decide how much is desired & when.

Determining eligibility - There is a misconception that a loan that requires no monthly repayment of principal or interest will not come with any eligibility considerations. Premier Reverse Mortgage says there are some things to know before doing reverse mortgages. To prevent homeowners using reverse mortgages to avoid downsizing due to financial shortcomings, certain eligibility parameters must be met, including a credit history analysis, income requirements, age requirement, & property stipulations. These criteria may differ from lender to lender.

Differences between traditional mortgages and reverse mortgages - Unlike a traditional mortgage where payments are made to principal & interest & the balance goes down over time, with a reverse mortgage, borrowers do not make any payments right away. The loan balance goes up over time & the loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan, usually by selling the home. However, as the loan balance increases, the home equity decreases with a reverse mortgage. This can affect a surviving spouse or other family members. The FTC advises homeowners to confirm the reverse mortgage has a “non-recourse” clause, which means that the borrower or the borrower’s estate cannot owe more than the value of the home when the loan becomes due & the home is sold.

Additional considerations - Due to fees & other requirements, a reverse mortgage may be a more expensive way to borrow money. Other ways to borrow against equity may be a better fit, such as a home equity line of credit. Furthermore, since reverse mortgages are for older adults, scams are prevalent. Some include contractors who approach seniors about getting a reverse mortgage to pay for repairs, or scams targeting veterans.

315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9:30-5; Fri. 9:30-6; Sat. 9:30-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE

Borrowers considering reverse mortgages should first speak with a qualified financial planner. Homeowners in the United States can access information through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. All options, costs & interest rate information should be confirmed before signing on the dotted line.

2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations • All-On-4 Implants • Sleep Dentistry • Dental Implants • General Dentistry • Dentures/Partials We are officially moved into our new state-of-the-art facility

530 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-5144

CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM

Holiday Greetings from the

Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere 815-544-9893 l www.keenage.org