Senior Spectrum Newspaper 2014 by Senior Spectrum Newspapers

Editorʼs Desk

Winners for Seniors: RTC Taxi Bucks, Baldini’s Sports Casino, Aging and Disability Services Starting this November 1, the Regional Transportation Commission is expanding a very popular locals program that was cutback during the recession. What took years to develop for seniors in need of taxi rides, was restructured to limit rides to low-income residents of Washoe County. But that has all changed! Thanks to the expansion of RTC’s Senior Ride Program more people will be able to take advantage of discounted taxi rides. Through this program, seniors may purchase coupons, called taxi bucks,

to help cover the cost of taxi rides. Under the expansion, the cost of a $20 booklet of taxi bucks is now being reduced from $15 to $10. Even better, the program is now open to people age 60 who earn less than $45thousand a year...and for the first time to veterans of all ages. This change is significant to vets who because of disabilities cannot reach the Veterans Services Office which falls a few blocks outside the fixed route system. This is a win-win for everyone including the RTC who wants to provide more transit for people with disabilities who may otherwise use the more expensive para-

transit service. Baldini’s Sports Casino has decided to give back to seniors, holding a free Christmas Party, December 2, 10 - 2 p.m. People 55 and older can expect health screenings, giveaways, entertainment, and lunch at no cost. Of course the goal is to get people into the casino, but for those who have never frequented the Sparks location, this is a good opportunity to have fun and find out what Baldini’s offers. Cheers! While I’m at it, kudos to the Eldorado, Atlantis, and Bonanza Casinos for their generosity with Senior Fest. These three family operated businesses are pretty terrific and dedicated to the community. Applause to the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division for increasing services for seniors in its 2016-2017 budget. In fact, the entire Health and Human Services Department’s proposed budget needs a large shout out. If the recommendations make the Governor’s Recommended Budget, Nevada seniors, adults, and children who are lowincome and disabled, and in need of assistance will begin receiving services the state has been stingy to provide. Devastating cuts dating to 2007 were harsh. If the Governor approves the recommendations, the next hurdle is the Legislature!

November 2014 CONTENTS

THIS ISSUE

Page 3 - Editor’s Desk Page 4 - Operation Sweaters for Our Veterans Page 26 - Nursing Home Report Card: Nevada Earns ‘C’

EVERY ISSUE

Page 6 - Opinion: Veterans Page 7 - Opinion: Medicare Page 29 - Biggest Little City Page 32 - Eclectic Observer Page 33 & 35 - Calendar Page 36 - this ‘n that Page 37 - Crossword Page 40 - Seniors4Travel Page 42 - Resources

HEALTH

Your Medicare Coverage Page 15 - Behavioral, Mental, and Cognitive Senior Health Page 17 - Important Information Regarding Cholesterol and Your Health Page 21 - Ophthalmology Page 22 - CMS to Improve Quality of Post-Acute Care

FINANCIAL

Page 8 - Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney - Bradly Anderson, Anderson & Dorn Page 10 - Community Giving: Make a Bright Future for the Next Generation Page 19 - AARP: Creative Housing Options

Page 13 - CMS: Time to Review

Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 775-348-0717 SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com SeniorSpectrumnv@aol.com Publishers: Chris & Connie McMullen Column opinions are writers, not publishers. Copyrighted publication.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 3

Operation Sweaters for Veterans

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 to December 7 Time to review your Medicare plan! Make sure your current plan meets your future needs.

Local Help for People with Medicare!

Call (877) 385-2345

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On November 11, Americans throughout the world will commemorate Veterans Day to thank our nation’s veterans for service given and sacrifices made to protect the freedoms of this nation. In conjunction with more than a thousand Veterans & Family Memorial Care (VFMC) Providers nationwide, Walton’s Funerals & Cremations is sponsoring the VFMC Operation Sweaters for Veterans initiative throughout Northern Nevada and Susanville. Now through Veterans Day, Walton’s is collecting new or gently used sweaters and gloves for men and women, which will be distributed to Lassen County Veterans Services in Susanville, as well as the Homeless Veterans Outreach Program in Reno, for distribution to local veterans.

“This is just one small way we can support our heroes, and we’re honored to do our part,” said Tammy Dermody, owner of Walton’s. New or gently used sweaters can be dropped off at any Walton’s location. In addition, Walton’s is the Official Cell Phones for Soldiers drop off center. People are invited to bring in their old cell phones to recycle and convert into One Hour of Free Talk time for our heroes overseas. Everyone in the community is invited to support our veterans and military heroes by donating sweaters, gloves and old cell phones at Walton’s. For more information about the initiative or to find a Walton’s location, please visit www.waltonsfuneralhomes.c om.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 5

Opinion

Working So Our Veterans Receive The Benefits They Deserve U.S. Senator Harry Reid

On Veterans Day, we honor the veterans from Nevada, and their families, who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms our counSen. Reid try holds dear. Nevada is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans, and we hope each day that the Nevadans currently serving overseas return home safely. When they return to Nevada, it is our duty to repay their service by ensuring they can transition smoothly back to civilian life. As troops return from duty, we must stand ready to give them every chance to thrive. I have worked to ensure Nevada’s veterans have access to higher education, quality healthcare, and opportunities to find jobs when they return home. For example, I advocated for the 21st Century G.I. Bill, which expanded education opportunities for veterans and their families. In July this year, my office cohosted a Veteran’s Job Fair to connect veterans and their dependents to employers seeking to hire them. And I recently announced nearly $10 million in grants from the Department of Labor to further expand education and employment opportunities for Nevada’s veterans. Unfortunately, current law prevents veterans classified as disabled by the VA from collecting both disability pay and retirement

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pay, known as “concurrent receipt,” regardless of the fact that they are eligible for both. As a result, Nevada’s veterans have faced the obstacle of forfeiting retirement pay dollar-for-dollar if they received disability compensation. However, under my leadership in the Senate, there has been much progress over the past decade to ensure that our disabled veterans receive both the disability and retired pay that they have earned. I am pleased that veterans with 50 percent or more disability rating are now receiving their full retirement and disability payments but there is still much progress to be made. I introduced the Retired Pay and Restoration Act to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability between 0 to 40 percent to receive both their military retired pay and full disability compensation from the VA. I pledge to continue my efforts to permit all retired members of the Armed Forces with a serviceconnected disability to collect the benefits they deserve. I have numerous veterans on my staff in Washington, and at home in Nevada, to help me serve my constituents. I thank all of those who have served our country in the past as well as those currently serving in any capacity in our armed services both home and abroad.

Opinion U.S. Senator Dean Heller

Medicare Open Enrollment Season

Across Nevada, seniors are an important contributing community, passing on Nevada pride to future generations. They are parents, grandparents and friends to many, which is why I think they need to be well cared for by those around them. However, Sen. Dean Heller this loving community also faces a unique set of health care needs, so we must ensure that our healthcare system can provide access to the affordable and high-quality care Nevadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors deserve. I believe Medicare offers an important opportunity for access to health care benefits for these individuals. Without help to pay for expensive medical bills, many of our seniors and their families could be responsible for large debt from just one accident or medical procedure. For this reason, I would like to pass along important upcoming dates regarding Medicare. The open enrollment period this year runs from October 15 to December 7. This is a great opportunity for seniors to enroll in the program, decide which plan best meets their needs, or continue with

their current coverage. This period is a time for each individual to think about what options are available to them and determine what will best benefit his or her own well-being. Medicare was introduced 49 years ago by Congress, when President Lyndon B. Johnson was in office, to provide health insurance for seniors ages 65 and up, regardless of medical history or income. As a member of Congress and a son with loving parents, I am a strong supporter of Medicare and will continue my work in Congress to protect and preserve this critical program. It is my goal that each of our seniors in need of financial and medical help takes the opportunity to enroll into this system. Medicare provides Nevadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors with stability and helps relieve the financial burden for both themselves and their families, so that they can focus on their health and wellbeing instead of unaffordable medical bills. I am honored to represent Nevada and urge all of our seniors to make the most of the Medicare open enrollment period. This is an opportunity for all of our seniors to live a healthy life with the help of Medicare.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 7

Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney Wisely

Brad Anderson

Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.

When former NFL quarterback, Steve McNair, died without a Will, his family members were left to fight over his expansive estate. Immediately after his death, although news reports indicated the NFLstar had provided instructions to his family and that his wife wasn’t trying to exclude his mother from inheriting, things quickly deteriorated. Two years later, on the anniversary of McNair’s death, his mother was sued by his widow, Mechelle, over property taken from a 45-acre ranch in Mississippi. His mother

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The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com

said the ranch had been a no-string attached gift from her son, but she was evicted from the ranch by Mechelle’s lawyers and asked to return $54,363 to McNair’s estate after she reportedly took items she had purchased from the home upon leaving. To avoid similar problems, many celebrities create a Will. A Will alone, however, is no guarantee that things will go smoother after death. The case of child-star Gary Coleman shows what can happen when estate planning is not done professionally.

Coleman signed a Will in 2005 naming his friend and the former head of his corporation as the executor and beneficiary of his estate. However, after getting married in 2007, he signed a handwritten amendment to the Will leaving his assets to his wife. The couple divorced in 2008 but continued to live together. When Coleman died in 2010, his ex-wife claimed she should inherit all of his assets. The dispute, like so many others that arise when a Will is unclear, ended up in court as Coleman’s ex-wife and his friend battled over his home, his (Estate Planning page 9)

Estate Planning / page 8

pension, and the intellectual rights to his works. Coleman made the mistake of failing to update his Will properly. However, there are lots of other mistakes that can be made when it comes to estate planning. For example: • A Will can be created without following legal requirements, including having the Will witnessed properly. • A new Will can be created without destroying or revoking the old one, leaving beneficiaries confused about which document should control. • A Will could be created that leaves property to a beneficiary despite the fact that the deceased doesn’t actually have the right to do that. For example, a property held in joint tenancy will pass automatically to a co-owner after death, despite what a Will may say.

• A Will could be created leaving assets to someone even though a beneficiary is designated elsewhere. For example, if you leave an IRA or a life insurance policy to someone in a Will, the Will won’t control. Instead, the money will be paid out to whomever was named as the beneficiary of the policy or account. These are just a few examples of the many pitfalls that can occur when you try to handle estate planning without advanced knowledge of the law. Don’t make this mistake – get help from a qualified and experienced estate planning attorney. Your beneficiaries will be grateful that you planned and spared them disputes and heartache that may occur after you are gone Please visit our website at www.probatebusters.com or call Anderson, Dorn & Rader at (775) 823-9455 if you’d like a free consultation about your estate planning. We have helped thousands of families prepare for life’s contingencies.

About Our Law Firm The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or visit us online at www.wealth-counselors.com. This article is written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. The Academy regularly publishes articles on various estate planning topics as a free resource to consumers. These articles are intended as an overview of basic estate planning topics and issues, and not legal advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to review your goals.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 9

Community Giving

Help Make a Bright Future for the Next Generation By Chris Askin, President and CEO Community Foundation of Western Nevada I am proud to share that both of my kids (if you can call young people in their twenties, kids) graduated from college this Chris Askin year. They are both working full-time and living independently. I have heard all of the stories about how difficult it is to find a job, but they seemed to find jobs fairly easily. That makes me optimistic for their future. Last year we vacationed in Key West and every morning at dawn we walked to the White Street Pier to watch the sunrise. One morning I was exclaiming about the incredible colors in the sun-

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rise when a co-traveler remarked that I must be watching the sunrise through rose colored glasses… and indeed I was! One look through my glasses and he also saw the most colorful and brilliant sunrise. It’s my good fortune to see the world through rose colored glasses, in part because I meet many caring people at the Community Foundation of Western Nevada. In our community people really care, and they show it by giving and volunteering. People care about this place, about our community’s youth, about our future, and about the future of the country. People just like you and me work with the Foundation to help lift up our youth because their turn is coming. I can’t help but be optimistic.

We have some great young people in our region. They take their education seriously. They are smart as evidenced by the increasing number of them graduating high school, going on to college, and graduating college in less time than just a few years ago. Northern Nevada’s young citizens give and volunteer and are relentless in their support of the revitalization of Reno, particularly of our downtown and midtown areas. They don’t want to move away; they would rather stay here, establish small businesses, buy homes, and have families. Their performance is helping draw companies to our region. These young people are Nevada’s talent and treasure. Optimism - they have it in abundance. (Next Generation page 12)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 11

Next Generation / page 10

It is up to mature citizens to make sure all our youth have support in the form of opportunity. The Community Foundation of Western Nevada contributes by managing scholarship programs supported by dozens of donors and families in the region. Creating a scholarship and directly lifting a person’s life is the most satisfying giving for Community Foundation donors. It is a great feeling to help a young person, to know their name, learn their story, and see the world through their eyes. Former foster youth in our community are looking for advice, an older friend, and help building a network of connections. The Community Foundation is learning about and supporting mentor programs in our region. These youth may legally be adults, but they still need help getting established. Our young people are our future. The Community Foundation is focusing on learning more about this population so we can share ways to help them.

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Recently we have been hearing lots of positive economic news about new companies and new technologies coming to northern Nevada. Reno is receiving increased focus as a university town. This type of growth brings opportunities and interest in strategic private giving; community conversations will help bring these helpful changes to fruition. We have organizations in Reno that are doing a fabulous job of developing regional opportunities, including the Young Professionals Network, the Economic Development Association of Western Nevada (EDAWN), the University of Nevada-Reno, and dozens of other small enthusiastic networks and associations. Wow, what exciting times! Despite my excitement over our rosier future, I am realistic about the persistent challenges in our community. Problems such as the struggles of homeless and unsupported youth, literacy, struggling low-income families, an aging infrastructure, and persistent

poverty keep us from being all we can be. The Community Foundation is focusing on improving the situation for the homeless and unsupported youth and we will be helping with other issues as well. There is opportunity here for you, and I hope you will pitch in. It’s a brave new world, and it’s not all doom and gloom. We can make this place we love better for us and future generations. Please join me and share the optimism. Nothing stays the same, and I feel a sense of hopefulness all around town. As a parent I’m very excited that my kids are now out in the world exploring and growing. They both want a lot out of life, and I am sure they can find what they’re seeking. I do pledge to do what I can to help them if needed, and that is exactly what I do every day at the Community Foundation of Western Nevada. If you would like to learn more about what we are doing, please give me a call, 775333-5499.

Time to Review Your Medicare Coverage David Sayen, Regional Administrator Medicare Region 9 Medicare’s annual open enrollment season is underway, and I want to encourage everyone with David Sayen Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage. Open enrollment began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, 2014. If you want to change your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan, this is the time of year to do it. Any new coverage you select will take effect Jan. 1, 2015. If you have Original (traditional) Medicare and you’re satisfied with it, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment.

My agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, announced recently that the average Medicare Advantage premium for 2015 is projected to be $33.90 monthly. CMS also estimated that the average basic Part D premium in 2015 would be $32 per month. Since passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, enrollment in Medicare Advantage has increased 42 percent to an all-time high of more than 16 million people. Medicare Advantage premiums, meanwhile, have decreased 6 percent. The law is also closing the Part D “donut hole,” with more than 8.3

million people saving more than $12 billion on prescription drugs through last July. Meanwhile, the quality of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans continues to improve. This year, people with Medicare who enroll in such plans (Medicare Coverage page 14)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.coms / November / 13

Coverage / page 13

will have access to more high-rated, four- and fivestar plans than ever before. About 60 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees are now in plans earning four or more stars in 2015, compared to an estimated 17 percent in 2009. Likewise, about 53 percent of Part D enrollees are currently in Part D plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to 16 percent in 2009. Medicare plans’ coverage options and costs can change each year, and Medicare beneficiaries should evaluate their current coverage and choices and select the plan that best meets their needs. If you think your current coverage will meet your needs for 2015, you don’t need to change anything. A variety of resources are available to help you compare your current coverage with new plan offerings for 2015. You can: • Visit www.medicare.gov to review plans available in your area, as well as their costs, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to. Open enrollment information is available in Spanish. • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for aroundthe-clock assistance to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Counseling is available in a wide variety of languages.

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• Review the 2015 Medicare & You handbook. This handbook has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare and it’s also online

at: www.medicare.gov/pubs/ pdf/10050.pdf. • Get free, unbiased, oneon-one counseling from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found: ❏ At www.medicare.gov/ contacts/organizationsearch-criteria.aspx or; ❏ On the back of the 2015 Medicare & You handbook or; ❏ By calling Medicare (at 1800 number). People with Medicare who have limited income and resources may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their Part D drug plans. There’s no cost or obligation to apply for Extra Help. Medicare beneficiaries, family members, or caregivers can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) to find out more. Better quality in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans isn’t the only good news for people with Medicare. For most seniors who have Original Medicare, the 2015 Part B premium will stay unchanged for a second consecutive year, at $104.90. This means more of your retirement income and any increase in Social Security benefits will stay in your pocket. The Part B deductible will stay the same as well. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).

“Adding Life to Years”

Behavioral, Mental, and Cognitive Health Among Elders: What Needs to be Done? Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging The Commission on Aging Legislative Subcommittee, which I am a member of, has proLarry Weiss duced the top eight “Elder Issues in Nevada” for our state and local officials. According to this issue brief, the state has very few services for people requiring assistance due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, mental health issues, or other behavioral issues. As a result, many elder persons who have a cognitive, mental, or other behavioral diagnosis are either not served or shipped off to another state for service. Neither is acceptable. Legislation and resources are needed to address these issues. The Alzheimer’s Association has reported that there will be 42,000 people in Nevada with Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, a 100 percent increase in incidence since 2000. The cost is estimated to be over $1 trillion to serve this popu-

lation. Clearly, our state needs to pay attention to this issue. In addition, there are many elders that have other forms of dementia as well as many mental and behavioral health issues that are not being treated. In January 2013, the Legislative Committee on Health Care’s task force developed a state plan to address Alzheimer’s disease (Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 10, File No. 42, Statutes of Nevada 2011) that produced 20 recommendations. A couple of those recommendations dealt with the review of current funding and funding streams to support the development of quality long-term care facilities in Nevada. They suggested providing funding or incentives to encourage long-term care organizations to develop inpatient facilities, and to encourage existing facilities to increase inpatient capacity for placement of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. In addition, they recommended reducing the need for out-of-

state placements in Nevada by reviewing regulatory measures that may serve as barriers to facilities that are willing to retain more behaviorally challenged patients. The recommendation’s were: Have a higher reimbursement rate as an incentive for facilities to provide specialized care; and develop plans for more adequate placement of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, and more behaviorally challenged patients. These were just a couple of the State Plan recommendations for Alzheimer’s disease that need to be adopted to create a decent service system. In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, many other mental and behavioral health problems exist with the older population. Depression and suicide are rampant. Older adults make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 18 percent of all suicide deaths. This is an alarming statistic, as the elders are the fastest growing segment of the pop(Senior Health page 16)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 15

Senior Health / page 15

ulation, making the issue of later-life suicide a major public health priority. In 2002, the annual suicide rate for persons over the age of 65 was over 15 per 100,000 individuals; this number increases for those aged 75 to 84, with over 17 suicide deaths per every 100,000. The number rises even higher for those over age 85. Further, elder suicide may be under-reported by 40 percent or more. Not counted are "silent suicides," like deaths from overdoses, self-starvation or dehydration, and "accidents." The elderly have a high rate of completing suicide because they use firearms, hanging, and drowning. An obstacle faced by mental health professionals and other caregivers in reaching this group is that older adults do not usually seek treatment for mental health problems. As such, family and friends can play an important role in prevention. Despite the availability of safe and effective treatments, late-life mood disorders remain a large problem. One reason for this may be that the public sees depression and suicide as normal aspects of aging. A sizeable portion of the population views youth suicide as a

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greater tragedy than late-life suicide. This way of thinking works against effective outreach to elders and efforts to understand and treat their conditions. The healthcare system is not meeting the needs of many elders, and discriminatory coverage and reimbursement policies for mental health care are significant barriers to treatment. This has to change, especially in Nevada since we have one of the highest rates of elder suicide. Seven million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from depression. Unlike many other groups, elder depression often goes unrecognized or is mistaken for another condition. While the rates of depression are fairly low for elders living on their own—between one and five percent—they rise dramatically with the loss of independence. Various studies have found that 50 percent of elders living in nursing homes suffer from depression. Up to 90 percent of people who suffer from depression later in life don’t receive adequate care, with 78 percent receiving no treatment at all. Elders diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) spend nearly twice as

much on health care as those without the disease. In addition, the suicide rate among people over 75 is higher than that of any other group—more than one and a half times the average. Neurotransmitters linked to well-being and happiness—such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine— become less abundant as people age. Many medications taken by the elders, including steroids, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers may cause depressive symptoms. So too can life changes such as loss of independence, social isolation, and bereavement. Ten to 20 percent of those who have lost a spouse will develop significant depression within the first year after the loss. Left untreated, depression increases the likelihood that a person will become disabled or placed in a nursing home. It also increases the risk of death from all causes. For instance, depressed patients are at five times the risk of dying from a heart attack than those who aren’t depressed. Don’t these statistics hit you over the head? It did me. Shouldn’t we develop educational and training programs for our health care professionals and the public about the importance of recognizing these diseases and treating them? We should also adopt the plans developed over the last couple of years and put more resources into services. It certainly will “add life to years” for many elders and their families and ultimately reduce costs for all of us. So ask your legislators for help in curbing these public health issues! Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to him at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.

Important Information Regarding Cholesterol and Your Health Dr. Sandra Saville, DC, CNI In last months issue I discussed some of the risks associated with taking certain pharmaceuticals and the exploitation of senDr. Saville iors. Many people have read the article and are asking if cholesterol is so important then why are so many being told that it is bad and must be lowered? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer available without speculation and taking into account, frankly, ignorance or lack of knowledge. Your body does require it. First, lets look at why we need cholesterol. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a steroid when viewed by Biochemist. No, we're not getting into the specific carbon

chains and its structure. Cholesterol is the 'parent' steroid from which other steroids are synthesized. That being said, there is only one kind of cholesterol, and it does far more good than harm. When the press refers to “good” and “bad” cholesterol, it is actually referring to droplets in the blood called lipoproteins, which are a complex of cholesterol, fat, phospholipids, and protein. So-called bad cholesterol refers to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which has a high ratio of lipid to protein and contributes to cardiovascular disease. So-called good cholesterol refers to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which has a lower ratio of lipid to protein and may help to prevent cardiovascular disease. HDL cholesterol functions in transport of cholesterol to the liver for metabolism to bile acids. Even when food

products are advertised as cholesterol-free, they may be high in saturated fat, which stimulates the body to produce more cholesterol. (As an aside—Palmitic acid seems to be the greatest culprit in stimulating elevated cholesterol levels, while linoleic acid has a cholesterol-lowering effect.) Cholesterol is a natural product of the body, meaning the body makes it. Only about 15 percent of our cholesterol comes from the diet; the other 85 percent is internally synthesized. So even if you ate a completely cholesterol-free diet, your body would make the approximately 1,000 mg it needs to function properly. Your body has the ability to regulate the amount of cholesterol in the blood, producing more when your diet doesn't provide adequate amounts. The regulation of cholesterol (Cholesterol page 18)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 17

Cholesterol / page 18

synthesis is an elegant process that is tightly controlled. In addition to being the precursor of other steroids, cholesterol is an important component of the outer coating of cell membranes and is required for proper nervous system function. What are those other steroids that are formed from cholesterol? Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and Vitamin D. Additionally, cholesterol makes up the bile acids that work to digest food in the intestines. So as you can see, cholesterol is an important and NECESSARY component of what the body requires for proper functioning. That being said, how much is necessary and how important are your numbers? Is cholesterol the true villain of your body? What about triglycerides? How do they come into play, and what is its role? Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. They are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals. If you

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regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly â&#x20AC;&#x153;easyâ&#x20AC;? calories like carbohydrates and fats, you may have high triglycerides. Bottom-line, the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides: triglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy, and cholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones. Neither dissolve in the blood, they circulate throughout your body with the help of proteins that transport the lipids (lipoproteins). So you ask again what should be considered good numbers? As a functional medicine practitioner, I look at the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides differently. In my opinion, optimal cholesterol levels should be between 150.0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 220.0 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels should be 40-60% of Total cholesterol. It is both bad to have too high levels AND too low levels. What disorders or factors can be attributed with your numbers not being optimal? Elevated cholesterol/triglycerides: ! Diabetes ! Hyperlipoproteinemia

! Thyroid Hypofunction ! Obesity ! Biliary stasis Decreased cholesterol/triglycerides: ! Poor hormone production ! Vegetarian diets ! Decreased immunity Another interesting note as a functional medicine practitioner to consider, cholesterol is generally increased with organ and endocrine hypofunction (especially thyroid and pituitary) and decreased with organ and endocrine hyperfunction. A true indicator to look for when worried of heart disease is increased level of LDL with increased levels of triglycerides, not total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL. If you are looking for alternatives or have questions don't hesitate to call Dr. Saville's office at (775) 410-4969. Dr. Sandra Saville DC, CNIM is a practicing Chiropractor and Neurophysiologist who specializes in functional medicine and nutrition at Integrated Wellness and Nutrition at 305 W. Moana Lane, Ste. B-3, Reno, NV 89509.

6 Creative Housing Options By Amy Levner

The choices for how and where to live as an older adult are growing. In her book With a Little Help From Our Friends: Creating Community As We Grow Older, author and journalist Beth Baker observes that, as roughly 10 thousand baby boomers a day are turning 65, “a significant cultural shift is underway.” The current and coming generation of older adults is realizing, says Baker, “that they can make other choices about where and how to live. With intention and planning, people around the nation are creating ways to live in community, alternatives that give them more control, more companionship, more dignity and choice than generations past.” Here, adapted from Baker’s book is a brief guide to what some of these creative options are called and how they work.

tional and don’t involve staffprovided services, but they can be age-specific. A few “senior cohousing communities” have been built, and some allow residents to hire household and care services as needed. 2. House Sharing In these arrangements a person who has a home may invite

a friend or family member, or even a tenant, to move in and help with expenses and chores. The setup might involve people of the same age or generation and the arrangement is one of peers residing together for companionship and cost efficiency. Sometimes two or more friends actually purchase or rent a residence together and

become housemates. Another house sharing scenario can revolve around the needs of an elderly property owner who doesn't want to relocate but can no longer care for herself or a large home entirely on her own. A younger (Creative Housing p. 20)

1. Cohousing In a cohousing situation each person or family purchases a residence — be it an apartment, townhouse or even a single-family house — which contains everything a typical home would have (i.e., a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room). However, the residences are linked to a shared space, such as a yard and gardens, and a large common room, dining area and kitchen that can accommodate group meals or gatherings. The point of cohousing is community and being able to live independently without living entirely alone. Cohousing setups are typically intergeneraSeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 19

Housing / page 19

person (and younger can even mean someone who's 60 or older) may be willing to provide some caregiving and transportation assistance in exchange for affordable or flexible housing. 3. Housing Cooperatives These types of memberowned, resident-governed non-

profit communities are common in certain cities (New York for one) and are generally not age-specific. A co-op can be made up of housing that ranges from apartments to single-family houses to mobile homes. The co-op board, typically consisting of elected residents, decides what shared services the co-op will provide (such as social activi-

ties and maintaining the grounds) and often has approval rights over potential home buyers. Mobile home cooperatives are spreading in rural areas, and senior housing cooperatives have taken root, particularly in the Midwest. 4. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (also referred to by the acronym NORC) Neighborhoods or locations that just happen to have a significant number of older people (hence, the community's commonality is naturally occurring or organic) create a network of shared support services, such as helping one another — or sharing hired help — for grocery store runs, transportation to medical appointments, or lawn-mowing. By working together, each person is enabled to safely and comfortably “age in place.”

5. Niche Retirement Communities (also called Affinity Retirement Communities) A traditional retirement community is an age-restricted, usually 55-plus community that enables older adults to live independently but with access to social activities and community amenities, such as yard maintenance services or fitness and recreation facilities. (Retirement destinations such as Florida and Arizona have many such places.) A “niche” or “affinity” retirement community is one where residents share a common interest, religion or identity. The link may revolve around, for example, shared ethnicity, sexual orientation, occupation or hobby. 6. Villages Founded in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 2002, the Village model of “neighbors-helping-neighbors” provides a way for older adults to stay in their homes and community. There are upwards of 125 Village communities throughout the nation today, with 100 more getting started, most operating via a mix of paid staff and volunteers who assist older residents with everything from transportation and technology training to home repairs and grocery shopping. Villages frequently provide social activities and classes as well. Members pay annual dues and are encouraged to volunteer themselves. You can read a longer version of this article at aarp.org/ livable-communities/info2014/creative-age-friendlyhousing-options. For more about Beth Baker’s book, “With a Little Help From Our Friends: Creating Community As We Grow Older” (Vanderbilt University Press, 2014), visit bethbaker.net.

20 / November / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Ophthalmology

Nutrients that lower AMD risk Dr. Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Nevada Eye Surgery Center

Age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness among older adults in the United States, occurs when an area near the center of the retina Michael J. Fischer (called the macula) deteriorates over time. As it progresses, those with AMD are likely to experience loss of central vision as well as the ability to discern fine detail. Because this eye disease is so prevalent and potentially debilitating, nearly everyone should be interested in taking steps to prevent it from occurring. One significant step in this direction, according to recent research, involves consuming plenty of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as tuna and salmon). Omega-3 fatty acids may help ensure proper blood vessel function in the retina and reduce inflammation. It should be noted that recent research also suggest that vitamin D lowers AMD risk by reducing inflammation and/or preventing the growth of new blood cells in the retina. If you would like further information on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topic, please call my office at (775) 882-1726. We are conveniently located at 3839 N. Carson Street, in Carson City, 89706.

Hours open are 8-5 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment. Master Card, Visa, and Medicare Assignment are accepted.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 21

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Administration to improve quality of post-acute care for Medicare beneficiaries

Two Medicare Quality Improvement Initiatives The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced two initiatives to improve the quality of post-acute care. First, the expansion and strengthening of the agency’s widely-used Five Star Quality Rating System for Nursing Homes will improve consumer information about individual nursing homes’ quality.

Second, proposed new conditions of participation for home health agencies will modernize Medicare’s Home Health Agency Conditions of Participation to ensure safe delivery of quality care to home health patients. “We are focused on using as many tools as are available to promote quality improvement and better outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries,” said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS administrator. “Whether it is the regulations that guide provider practices or the

22 / November / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

information we provide directly to consumers, our primary goal is improving outcomes.” Nursing Home Five-Star Rating System Beginning in 2015, CMS will implement the following improvements to the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System: • Nationwide Focused Survey Inspections: Effective January 2015, CMS and states will implement focused survey inspections nationwide for a sample of nursing homes to enable better verification of both the staffing and quality measure information that is part of the Five-Star Quality Rating System. In Fiscal Year (FY 2014), CMS piloted special surveys of nursing homes that focused on investigating the coding of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are based on resident assessments and are used in the quality measures. • Payroll-Based Staffing Reporting: CMS will implement a quarterly electronic reporting system that is auditable back to payrolls to verify staffing information. This new system will increase accuracy and timeliness of data, and allow for the calculation of quality measures for staff turnover, retention, types of staffing, and levels of different types of staffing. Implementation will be improved by funding

provided in the recently enacted, bipartisan Improving Medicare PostAcute Care Transformation Act (IMPACT) of 2014. • Additional Quality Measures: CMS will increase both the number and type of quality measures used in the Five-Star Quality Rating System. The first additional measure, starting January 2015, will be the extent to which antipsychotic medications are in use. Future additional measures will include claims-based data on re-hospitalization and community discharge rates. • Timely and Complete Inspection Data: CMS will also strengthen requirements to ensure that States maintain a user-friendly website and complete inspections of nursing homes in a timely and accurate manner for inclusion in the rating system. • Improved Scoring Methodology: In 2015, CMS will revise the scoring methodology by which we calculate each facility’s quality measure rating, which is used to calculate the overall Five Star rating. We also note that sources independent of self-reporting by nursing homes already are weighted higher than selfreported components in the scoring methodology. (Initiatives page 28)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 23

New Nursing Home Report Card Nevada earns a C on quality measures

Families for Better Care, a Floridabased nursing home resident advocacy group, has published its second annual state-by-state nursing home report card. Nevada, which earned an F on the first report card, was graded a C. The group scored, ranked, and graded states on eight different federal quality measures ranging from the number of hours professional and licensed nurses averaged to the percentage of facilities with deficiencies. “This year’s report card reinforces what we discovered last year, and that’s more staffing translates into better care for residents,” said Brian Lee, Families for Better Care’s executive director. “The difference between quality nursing home care and subpar care boils down

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to an average of 22 extra minutes of direct care per resident daily.” “The obvious solution to make nursing homes safer and more life enriching for residents is to hire more frontline staff,” Lee stated. But staffing numbers are widely considered to be inflated as the data are self-reported by facilities and are often unaudited by the states or by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The skewed data mean that consumers are given a fuzzy nursing home picture while residents have even fewer staff caring for them than is fully realized. Although there was little movement at the top and bottom of the overall rankings, all but seven states shifted position over the last year.

Key Findings • Nevada’s nursing home ranking surged to #26 overall, up from #43, making it 2014s biggest mover. • Nevada showed improvement in five of eight quality measures. • Nevada’s direct care staffing hours increased an extra 10 minutes per resident every day. • Despite the improvement, 1 in 5 Nevada nursing homes were cited a severe deficiency and nearly every nursing home was cited one or more deficiencies.

Report Card / page 26

Nevada is still rated the worst nursing home state in the Pacific region, scoring the region’s worst grades in 4 of 8 quality measures. Frequent violations—Nearly two-thirds of all states with 90 percent or more of their nursing homes were cited a deficiency for violating federal or state laws.

“Despite improvement in some states over the last year, nursing home grades and rankings again fell woefully short in many states, underscoring the fact that far too many nursing home residents are living in dangerous conditions.” Lee stated. “States with failing or below average grades must take immediate and decisive action to keep their elderly safe; they can start by enacting tough staffing standards or by enforcing current staffing standards, citing nursing homes for not having ‘sufficient’ staff.”

Highlights included:

Top nursing home states were Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine while Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana languished at the bottom. States with the biggest gains in overall ranking were Nevada (17), California (16), and the District of Columbia (16) while South Dakota (-19), Alaska (-15), and Oregon (-12) suffered the biggest losses. Four of last year’s best nursing home states slid out of the top ten, including Alaska—2013s highest ranked nursing home state—which plummeted to #16 overall. The remaining states were Idaho, South Dakota, and Oregon.

Other key findings:

More professional nursing staff are needed—Only three states provided more than two hours of professional nursing care per resident per day. An abundant lack of staffing—92 percent of states offered residents fewer than three hours of direct resident care per day. SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 27

CMS Initiatives / page 22

“Nursing homes are working to improve their quality, and we are improving how we measure that quality,” said Patrick Conway, M.D., deputy administrator for innovation and quality and CMS chief medical officer. “We believe the improvements we are making to the Five Star system will add confidence that the reported improvements are genuine, are sustained, and are benefiting residents.” Home Health Conditions of Participation The proposed Home Health Conditions of Participation would improve the quality of home health services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries by strengthening patient rights and improving communication that focuses on patient wellbeing. Currently there are more

than 5 million people with Medicare and Medicaid benefits that receive home health care services each year from approximately 12,500 Medicare-certified home health agencies. The proposed regulation, to be displayed as of Monday, October 6, at the Federal Register, would modernize the home health regulations for the first time since 1989 with a focus on patient-centered, well-coordinated care. Elements in the regulation include expansion of patient rights requirements; refocusing of the patient assessment on physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial conditions; improved communication systems and requirements for a data-driven quality assessment; and the performance improvement (QAPI) program. For more information, visit: http://www.cms.gov/Center/ Provider-Type/HomeHealth-Agency-HHACenter.html • Proposed Rulemaking on Conditions of Participation for Home Health Agencies: Revision of Requirements Fact Sheet: http://www.cms.gov/Newsro om/MediaReleaseDatabase/F act-sheets/2014-Fact-sheetsitems/2014-10-06-2.html • CMS’ Five Star Quality Rating System for Nursing Homes Homes Fact Sheet: http://www.cms.gov/Newsroo m/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact -sheets/2014-Fact-sheetsitems/2014-10-06.html

28 / November / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Biggest little CITY By Harry Spencer

Nevada Birthday Bash

Steven Saylor’s painting Nine Cheers for the Silver State is set in the Cobb Mansion and depicts (in no particular order) Governor Brian Sandoval, U.S. Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller, Mark Amodei, Governors Paul Laxalt, Bob List, Dick Bryan and Bob Miller, First Ladies Dawn Gibbons and Dema Guinn, John Winfield, Corrado de Gasparis and Ron James.

embers of the area’s iconic Good Old Days (GOD) Club were treated to a quartet of speakers at their October meeting. The four speakers included well-known Nevada Harry Spencer historian Ron James, president of Comstock Mining Corrado de Gasperis, artist Steve Saylor and Gold Hill Hotel manager Clay Mitchell. James started things off by giving a thumbnail version of how Nevada achieved early statehood. He noted that the Federal requirement for such status was that the territory to be designated a state should contain a minimum of 200,000 residents. But at that time, in 1864, as he put it, “Nevada probably had more jackrabbits than people.” It would have been impossible to meet the population threshold. The primary reason that statehood was pushed forward so rapidly was to give the uncertain Lincoln another vote for his reelection. Probably the gold and silver bullion that helped finance the Civil War might also have been another reason. James added that after Nevada achieved state(Biggest Little page 30)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 29

Biggest Little / page 29 hood status, it was later threatened with a removal of that standing because of the inadequate population.

Since retiring from his post as a historian for the State of Nevada, James has assumed the role of president of the Comstock Foundation. That Foundation is dedicated to preserving and refurbishing many of the Comstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical sites. While it is primarily funded by Comstock Mining, there have been many other contributors. James then introduced de Gasperis, who cited the names of projects already completed and those that were currently in the pipeline. He explained that the theory behind the project was to give people the opportunity to see how mining has progressed from its earliest days to the current high-tech industry that it is today. Since Virginia City and its environs depends mainly on tourism for its economic liability, he felt that those projects would increase visitor attendance. Comstock has also purchased the famous, previously operated Cabin in the Sky Restaurant once owned by Joe Conforte. It plans to make the structure

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a comprehensive Visitors Center. James then introduced artist Steve Saylor, who has painted an historical piece to commemorate the 150th birthday. Saylor himself is a former Reno commercial artist who now resides in the oldest house in Dayton, Nevada. He said that it took him seven months working seven days a week to complete the painting. Additionally, only 150 prints of the original will be offered to the public at a price of $1500. The original was to be unveiled at the Gold Hill Train Station of the V&T Railroad. Next at the podium was Clay Mitchell, who, in addition to his hotel duties, is also serving as the marketing director in the sale of the artistic prints and a special silver medallion commemorating the 150th anniversary. The metal in the commemorative coin came from Comstock Mining and is 99.999% pure silver. James wrapped up the meeting by saying that the prints and coins would be available for sale to the public through the offices of the Gold Hill Hotel.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 31

THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER By Janet Ross As the days grow shorter, November seems a good time to explore the increasing darkness with a selection of “dark” book titles. First up is I Can See in the Dark by Karin Fossum. The Norwegian author presents a one-off

from her regular police detective series with a psychological study of a socially disturbed individual. Riktor works in a convalescent home where he secretly tortures the residents; he’s accused of murdering one but that’s not his real crime. Author Deborah Crombie is an American who writes fascinating police detective novels about a pair of British DIs. In her latest novel, To Dwell in Darkness, her married couple face different cases in addition to problems in their personal life. What I find amazing is how well Crombie writes with such skill about London life (as does another American, Elizabeth George, who’s had great success with her Inspector Lynley series). If you like Crombie’s style, go back to the first book in this series to see how her characters develop over time. John Harvey is well known for his DI Charlie Resnick series and the latest is Darkness, Darkness. Resnick retires, almost, in this one that revolves around (Eclectic Observer page 34)

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CALENDAR November 2 - Christmas Senior Celebration, Baldiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Casino, 10 - 2 p.m.

table, all ages, Spanish Springs Library, 1 - 2 p.m., (775) 424-1800.

November 4 - Sanford

November 10 - Veterans Day Celebration, veterans and active military invited, 9 10 a.m., Fernley Intermediate School, 320 Hwy. 95A South, Fernley, (775) 575-3390.

November 5 - Arts & Flowers Luncheon, Atlantis Resort, 10:30 - 2 p.m., (775) 398-7218.

November 10 - Bowling Night, Incline Village General Improvement Dist., 4 - 6 p.m., (775) 832-1310.

Center for Aging Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Bill Thomas, 5:30 p.m., UNR, (775) 784-4774.

November 7 - Senior

Coalition, Nevada Health Link, AARP presentation on caregivers, 8 a.m., Renown Mack Auditorium.

November 9 - Thanksgiving Family Program, make a fun turkey theme crafts for the

November 11 - Veterans

Day Parade, 11 a.m., South Virginia St., downtown, Reno.

November 12 - Mystery Sleuths Book Group, 5:45 6:45 p.m., North Valleys Library, (775) 972-0281.

(Calendar cont. page 35)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 33

Eclectic Observer / page 32

an acrimonious cold case that dates to the Miners’ Strike thirty years ago. Harvey, another prolific author, is a bonafide Brit and a master of the genre. A Dark and Twisted Tale by Sharon Bolton (another Brit) is set along the Thames River with Lacey Flint, a marine police officer who lives on a houseboat and swims the river (a dangerous pursuit and illegal). Flint finds herself being stalked - in the water - by a serial killer who leaves his victims in the river. The unusual setting makes this an interesting read. David John Mark sets his Dark Winter in the gritty port of Hull, England. His Detective Sgt. Aector McAvoy finds himself confronted by a series of suspicious deaths, confirming that winter can be dark indeed. Kept in the Dark by Penny Hancock tells the frightening story of a seemingly “nice” woman who kidnaps a teenaged boy in this suspenseful, psychological thriller. Back in the good, old USA - in the Big Apple no less - we have Carol O’Connell’s It Happens in the Dark. With NYPD Detective Kathleen Mallory as the lead character, a woman with an unusual past and unique personality, this book is the latest in a series about Mallory’s exploits. To get acquainted, do consider reading book number one from O’Connell. All titles are available from Washoe County Libraries and, if you check the on-line catalog you’ll find complete lists of all the mentioned authors’ additional titles. (http://library.washoecounty.us) ______________________________

Friends of Washoe County Library Booksale

Thousands of books at 50 cents and $1. Date: Saturday, November 8 through Sunday, November 16 Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Location: Reno Town Mall, South Virginia and Peckham across from the Atlantis. 34 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

CALENDAR

- p.33

November 13 - HIPAA and

Dementia: Planning Strategies for Caregivers, 1 2 p.m., webinar, consultant Kammi Rencher, JD, Nevada Geriatric Education Consortium, call (775) 6828472 or nancyc@unr.edu.

November 13 - Tech Cafe,

trouble with mobile device? 10 - 11 a.m., Downtown Reno Library, (775) 327-8300.

November 27 -

Thanksgiving Day!

On Going

Reno Senior Center

• Medicare/SHIP Counseling 10 - 1 p.m., Tues. - Friday, except 3rd Tues., call (775) 328-2575, • Stretch & Tone - 9 - 10 a.m., M/P Room, Mon., Wed., Fri., (775) 328-2575. • Sit & Get Fit - M/P Room, Tues. and Thurs., 8:30 - 9:30

Sun Valley Senior Center

a.m., (775) 328-2575.

Sparks Senior Center

• Bingo - 9 - 11 a.m., M/P Room, Mon., Tues., Thurs., (775) 353-3110. • Bridge, Tues., 9 - 2 p.m., Game Room; Wed. 12:30 3:30 p.m., Game Room; Thurs. 9:30 - 1:30 p.m., Game Room, (775) 353-3110. Pulmonary Exercise, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Mon.; 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. Wed.; M/P Room, (775) 3533110.

• Bingo, 9:20 - 11:30 a.m., (775) 673-9417.

• Blood Pressure Check, 3rd Wed., 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., (775) 673-9417. • Food Truck, 3rd Wed., 9 10 a.m.

Neil Rd. Rec. Center

• Veterans Service Officer, 10 - 1:30 p.m., (775) 328-2575. • NV Legal Services, 9:30 11:30 a.m., Mon. & Fri.

November 13 - Digital

Photography Club, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Aspen Grove, 960 Lakeshore, Incline Village, (775) 832-1310.

November 13 - Lifescapes, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m., writing program for seniors, South Valleys Library, (775) 8515190. November 14 - Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, 11 a.m., The Grove, 95 Foothill Rd., Reno, RSVP (775) 784-1807. November 15 - Blue Jeans Ball, 5:30 p.m., Atlantis Resort, (775) 856-2000, ext. 332.

November 15 - Art

Reception for Mark Vollmer: Landscapes, Skyscapes & Great Escapes, 3 - 4 p.m., South Valleys Library, (775) 851-5190.

November 18 - 9th Annual

Caregiver Awards Luncheon, Atlantis Hotel, noon - 1:30 p.m., call (775) 829-4700.

November 20 - Senior Health Fair, 9 - 12 p.m., Basement Auditorium C, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, (775) 7703262. SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / November / 35

this ‘n that

By Anne Vargas annevargas3@gmail.com