Vol. 27, No. 3 | Summer 2019
The Fraud Squad Advice from local and state officials to avoid becoming a victim PAGE 12 HEALTH & WELLNESS
CAREGIVING
Special Report: Parkinson's Disease
How Employers Can Help Caregivers for a Win-Win
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.
A Harvard report finds employers need to become 'corporate care leaders'
There are an estimated 1 million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease. One clear risk factor for Parkinson's is age. Although most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease at about age 60, about 5 to 10 percent of people have "early-onset" disease, which begins before the age of 50. What is Delay the Disease?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Exercise and Parkinson's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Diet and Parkinson's: What's Best? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
If American employers embraced the recommendations of a recent Harvard Business School report, life could be a lot easier for workers who are also unpaid caregivers. And the companies’ bottom lines would benefit, as well. That’s according to the report’s authors, Joseph Fuller and Manjari Raman of the Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work. Titled “The Caring Company,” the report finds that for American businesses to stay competitive, they need to face the fact that a large portion of their employees—including some in high-level positions—are challenged with growing caregiving responsibilities.
See EMPLOYERS page 18. Find us at MySourcePoint.org and follow us on
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CONTENT
Summer 2019
01 How Employers Can Help Caregivers Caregiving
03 Good Night, and Good Luck SourcePoint
04 Lifelong Learning at OWU a Reality
Lifelong Learning
05 What is Delay the Disease?
Health & Wellness
07 Exercise and Parkinson's
Health & Wellness
08 Diet and Parkinson's: What's Best?
Health & Wellness
10 The Age-Friendly Buzz Begins Age-Friendly
12 The Fraud Squad Feature
16 From the Source
News, Program Updates & Special Events
20 Get to the Point!
Summer Activities
21 SourcePoint Provides Free Access to Center News
21 Throwback Fitness at SourcePoint
Health & Wellness
22 A Minute Vacation, Words of Wisdom, and Unexpectedly
Creative Writing
23 How to Stop Worrying
Health & Wellness
24 Aging Populations: A Blessing for Business Age-Friendly
26 Free Programs throughout Delaware County
In Our Community
SourcePoint 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org
SourcePoint is the primary resource and starting point for professional expertise, services, and programs for Delaware County adults who want to thrive after 55. SourcePoint is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Services and programs are supported in part by the local senior services levy, corporate and private donations, sponsorships, grants, and by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. SourcePoint is a United Way agency. 2019 Board of Directors President: Roger Lossing, CPA, JD, CFP, Lewis Center Vice President: Frank Pinciotti, Lewis Center Secretary: Gretchen Roberts, MSN, Powell Treasurer: Richard Roell, ChFC, FFSI, RIA, MBA, Galena David Black, Westerville Gerald Borin, Powell Denise Cambier, MD, Delaware Becky Cornett, PhD, Delaware Kristina Crites, Powell Carlos Crawford, MS, JD, Delaware Karen Crosman, Powell Anne Farley, LSW, MS, Powell Jack Fette, Lewis Center John McDavid, Centerburg Jane Nance, RN, Westerville Trudy Poole, Lewis Center Carolyn Slone, Delaware Jane Taylor, Dublin Roger Van Sickle, Delaware The board typically meets the last Wednesday of each month at noon. Members of the public wishing to attend may call the executive director at 740-363-6677. My Communicator is published quarterly and is made possible through advertisers, donors, and volunteers. Nearly 50,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout Delaware County. My Communicator is available at SourcePoint and more than 60 locations, such as libraries, senior living communities, health care facilities, and nonprofit organizations. To find a nearby pickup site, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677. Read My Communicator online at MySourcePoint.org/publications.
28 For Caregivers, Relief is on the Way
To advertise or submit content, contact Alison Yeager, director of communications and development, at alison@MySourcePoint.org.
30 Getting to Know the County Prosecutor
The appearance of advertising does not represent an endorsement by SourcePoint. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.
Caregiving News
31 The No. 1 Question Asked About Retirement
Retirement Ready
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Summer 2019
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SOURCEPOINT
Good Night, and Good Luck Since announcing my plans to retire this year, I’ve been overwhelmed with emails, phone calls, handshakes, and even mail—it turns out people still write letters—from wellwishers thanking me for my work at SourcePoint. All the kind words have been both appreciated and, at the same time, embarrassing. I’m the one who should be doing the thanking. Since my first day on the job— May 4, 1992—I’ve received nothing but encouragement and support. If I were to use this essay simply to list the names of everyone who played a significant role in SourcePoint’s success story, you would grow weary of turning pages. In our complicated world, where there are big problems to solve, it takes more than one person, one organization, one community to successfully address a need. It takes teamwork, collaboration, and sometimes compromise to get the job done. Compromise has become a dirty word these days, but I think taking into account multiple perspectives and seeking respectful accommodation is the only path to lasting progress. We’ve had that here and having a united team working toward the same goal is what led to our success. One thing I’ve repeatedly heard from our volunteers is that they get more out of volunteering than they give. That same sentiment certainly applies to me as I envision retiring from a place I love. Working here taught me so much, made me humble, and helped me become a better person. I’ve been reminded on a daily basis just how lucky I have been to lead SourcePoint, and to work in Delaware County alongside so many truly awesome people. I will not miss the few naysayers. I will not miss the problems that seem to fall out of the sky. I will not miss endless meetings. I will not miss having to say, “No,” when I would prefer to say, “Yes.” At the end of the day, I will miss the people. I’ll miss working together to find creative solutions to challenging issues. I’ll miss my stunningly productive and passionate staff. I’ll miss our incredibly dedicated volunteers. I’ll miss the insight and support of my knowledgeable board of directors. I’ll miss our generous donors and supportive community members. I’ll miss our partners on the front line of service throughout the
MySourcePoint.org
county. I'll miss hearing first-hand from in-home care clients and enrichment center members about how we've helped. I’ll even miss those of our hardworking elected officials who have supported me and SourcePoint over the years. When I hear thanks from others, I think of these people, because they are who have made SourcePoint possible. Together, over the past 27 years, we’ve made a difference in the lives of literally tens of thousands of people. The great news is that, as I step aside, all of those awesome people will still be here, passionate, involved, and lifting our community to even greater heights. The new executive director will inherit a great team. She will need the same support and encouragement I received and benefited from as she leads this unique organization. Thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of a big effort to create something special, and thank you for your continued support of SourcePoint as it meets new challenges in the future. I’m about to begin the next adventure in my life’s journey. I hope to see you along the way. Robert Horrocks is SourcePoint's founding executive director.
Bob's Legacy Fund Robert Horrocks' vision of a community where every person 55 and over is empowered to live life to the fullest has led SourcePoint to its current success. Our community has benefited greatly from Bob’s hard work and dedication, making Delaware County the premier place to thrive after 55. Please consider donating to SourcePoint in honor of Bob’s 27 years of service. Your gift to the Legacy Fund supports a future of continued growth and service to our community. Give today at MySourcePoint.org/give.
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Summer 2019
LIFELONG LEARNING
Lifelong Learning at OWU a Reality In May, more than 250 community members gathered to learn about and help shape plans for a Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan University. University President Rock Jones welcomed attendees to the first-of-its-kind event and spoke about the importance of continuing to learn and grow throughout one’s life. Guests were treated to a sneak peek at some of the classes to be offered in the fall and given the opportunity to suggest future classes. A volunteer committee of community leaders, chaired by Bob and Mary Holm, led the development of the institute. “The purpose of the May sampler was to introduce the lifelong learning concept to our community, and to share plans for the launch of the Lifelong Learning Institute at
OWU,” said Mary Holm. “The event surpassed all expectations, and there is real excitement building for the first term of classes this fall.”
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The fall term will begin the week of Sept. 23, with registration beginning in July. Fall classes include: • Rutherford B. Hayes—Things You Didn’t Know presented by Bill Rietz, former social studies teacher at Delaware Hayes High School and chair of the Rutherford B. Hayes Heritage Fund Committee. • Academy Award-Winning Films and the Backstories They Tell presented by Tracey Peyton, managing director of the Strand Theatre. • Lifespan Maintenance of Knowledge presented by Lynda Hall, Ph.D., professor of
FLU immunization CLINIC At SourcePoint
Wednesday September 25, 2019 | 9:30 - 11:30am
Open to the public!
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psychology and associate dean for academic performance at Ohio Wesleyan University. Veg Centric—Trending Now: Cooking with Seasonal Vegetables presented by John Lindeboom, corporate director of culinary services at Willow Brook Christian Communities. The Universe and Your Place In It presented by Tom Burns, Ph.D., emeritus director of the Perkins Observatory and parttime professor of English at Ohio Wesleyan University. A Matter of Balance presented by Clare Edwards, community education and initiatives manager at SourcePoint, and Leslie Menges, volunteer at SourcePoint. My Favorite Lecture presented by six different OWU faculty members.
Other classes will explore a range of topics, including comparative religion, DNA profiles, and the world through our eyes. Based on input from the May event attendees, courses will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. at various locations in Delaware. The cost of the fall semester is $75 per person. Those who register can seek admission to the entire portfolio of 10 classes; however, seating will be limited, so early registration is encouraged. Registration begins July 15 at owu.edu/lli. For more information, email LLI@owu.edu or call 740-368-3328.
Most insurance plans accepted For clinic information call (740) 203-2040 or visit DelawareHealth.org
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Summer 2019
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
What is Delay the Disease? The fight against Parkinson’s disease is not an easy one. Physicians have long encouraged patients with Parkinson's to stay active, commit to exercise, and to not sit and let this neurological disease that impacts millions around the globe take over. With that in mind, hundreds right here in central Ohio—and dozens in Delaware County—have found their way to OhioHealth Delay the Disease™, an exercise program for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The program is designed to empower those living with Parkinson’s disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. The program was developed locally by David Zid, BA, ACE, APG, and Jackie Russell, RN, BSN, CNOR, pictured above.
“As a certified personal trainer, one of my clients came to me who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Zid said. “I helped design a Parkinson’s-specific exercise program, saw that it was really helping, and thought, 'If it works here, could we be doing more?'” David then linked up with Jackie Russell, a registered nurse for more than 30 years. They collaborated on a program that became Delay the Disease. “To see how this program has grown to 23 states all over the country, to see patients feeling better, moving better, and taking a more positive approach to this debilitating disease, that’s what it’s all about,” Russell said. “You might have Parkinson’s, but we are trying as hard as we can to teach that with the right kind of exercise, Parkinson’s doesn’t have to have all of you.” The two have collaborated on translating the exercise program to educational instruction books and DVDs. There are many options for families to attend a Delay the Disease class in Delaware County. A class meets at OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Medical Office Building. This is a mixed level class and costs $24 for a 10-class “punch card” that can be used anytime. (You don’t have to attend 10 classes in a row.) Call 740-615-2660 to register. There is also a DTD boot camp at the Delaware Community Center YMCA. That class is held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 to 2 p.m. Classes run for 9 weeks and cost $99 for members and $133 for nonmembers. You can call the YMCA at 740-203-3051 to register.
Come and experience it in our showroom today! 884 Stratford Rd. Delaware, Ohio 43015 MySourcePoint.org
Read more about the benefits of exercise on Parkinson's on page 7.
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Summer 2019
Happier, Healthier Assisted Living living life again. I’m happier “hereI’mthan I’ve been in 10 years! ”
Donna H., Willow Brook at Delaware Run
Donna H. and her daughter Kathryn are excited about the assisted living program at Willow Brook at Delaware Run. A retired teacher, Donna moved in with her daughter after a fall, but her health declined. After visiting many assisted living centers, the two found everything Donna wanted at Willow Brook at Delaware Run. “I’m living life again,” says Donna. “It’s a warm, cozy feeling. I’m happier here than I’ve been in 10 years.”
Call About Our Move-In Special at Delaware Run! Call 740-201-3324
www.willow-brook.org
Ranked #1 in Delaware County in Resident Satisfaction* *Resident Satisfaction Surveys,
Ohio Department of Aging
WE BELIEVE I N N EUROSCI ENCE CARE THAT GOES BEYON D MEDICAL TREATMENT
Grady Memorial Hospital At OhioHealth, our collaborative approach helps patients participate in the healing of their minds, bodies and spirits. Whether you are managing a long-term condition like multiple sclerosis or recovering from a stroke, we’re here for you. Our patients get access to advanced clinical expertise from neurosurgeons, neurologists, nutritionists and therapists, and we offer unique wellness programs like neuro yoga and OhioHealth Delay the Disease™, an exercise program especially for those with Parkinson’s disease. Discover neuroscience care that puts you at the center of your treatment at OhioHealth.com/Neuroscience. © OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-205317-NeuroWeBelieve. 11/18.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Exercise and Parkinson’s – Hope and Healing through Movement Visit a pDNextSteps exercise class and you will see a group of adults pushing themselves physically and mentally while executing functional movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. These are not weekend warriors or athletes training for their next big race. The people in this class are people with Parkinson’s disease who are using exercise to slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disease that is affecting their bodies. Each day, approximately 165 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. PD is a chronic disorder that affects a part of the brain that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is important in regulating our bodies’ movement. The cause of PD is unknown, and while there is no cure, there are multiple approaches to treating it. Medications mainly work to replace or mimic dopamine. Many clinical trials continue to explore treatments, as well as a cure. Research shows exercise is a vital component of treating the symptoms of PD. According to outcomes measured by the Parkinson Foundation, exercise can improve motor coordination, gait, balance, tremor, and grip strength. According to the foundation, when it comes to exercise and Parkinson’s, greater intensity may have greater benefits. Experts recommend that people with PD, particularly youngonset or those in the early stages, exercise with intensity for as long as possible as often as possible. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Southern California found exercise may impact the brain. On a day-to-day basis, people with PD who exercised moved more normally than those who did not. Based on these findings, researchers believe exercise may help the brain maintain old connections, form new ones, and restore lost ones. At pDNextSteps, people with Parkinson’s
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disease experience the powerful effects of exercise on Parkinson’s every day. According to a class member who drives 400 miles weekly to attend classes, “pDNextSteps has given me hope for the future. It’s given me a future I wasn’t sure I would have.” pDNextSteps is owned and operated by Melissa Carlson, a certified Delay the Disease™ trainer, pictured above, center. According to Carlson, pDNextStep’s purpose is “to provide hope for people with Parkinson’s disease. It is an exercise and wellness program that provides not only specialized, vigorous exercise, but also addresses relevant issues like depression, balance, gait, posture, and fine motor skills.” Carlson notes the community that forms in pDNextSteps classes is one of the most positive aspects of the program. “Clients talk and share ideas about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease,” she said. pDNextSteps is a full-function exercise and mentoring program for people with Parkinson’s disease. It provides self-paced, vigorous workouts at a specialized training facility with an excellent Parkinson’s disease support group. pDNextSteps classes are offered Monday through Sunday, and include basic-level chair classes, intermediate boot-camp classes, strength training, and yoga. One-on-one sessions are also available. For more information visit pdnextsteps.com. More information regarding the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s can be found at parkinson.org. Naomi Hoyt is a certified Delay the Disease trainer.
What's the best diet for people with Parkinson's? Page 8.
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Summer 2019
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Diet and Parkinson's: What's Best? While there is no prescription for a PD-specific diet, to maintain overall good health, most people living with Parkinson’s disease should eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, and protein-rich foods, such as meat and beans. Also consider including nuts, olive oil, fish, and eggs to your diet, for their beneficial fats. MAINTAIN HEALTH • Avoid “fad” diets. Eat food from all food groups, following guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture MyPlate program. Eating a variety of foods will help you get the energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need for good health. • Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables, and fruits, which provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, and can help you lower your intake of fat. • Limit sugar intake. A diet with lots of sugar can have too many calories and too few nutrients. It can also contribute to tooth decay. • Reduce salt and sodium intake to help decrease your risk of high blood pressure. • Incorporate foods high in antioxidants, which are important for overall brain health, into your diet. These include brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables. • Balance the food you eat with physical activity. • Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol to reduce your risk of heart attack and certain types of
cancer and to help you maintain a healthy weight. • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and common types of diabetes. Your doctor can help you determine what a healthy weight means for you. • Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, as they have empty calories and few or no nutrients. Drinking alcohol can cause many health problems and accidents. It may not be advisable to mix certain medications with alcohol. Check with your doctor. EASE PD SYMPTOMS The right foods also will optimize your medications, keep your bones strong, fight constipation and weight loss, and maintain general health and fitness. • Drink enough water—six glasses a day—and eat fiberrich foods, including brown rice, whole grains (breads with three grams or more of dietary fiber per slice), fruits, and beans to ease digestive difficulties and constipation. • Take your medications with a full glass of water. It may help your body break down the medication more efficiently. • Limit sugar intake, alcohol, and caffeine, particularly before bed, as they may interrupt sleep. • Talk to your doctor about whether you should increase your vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is found in fortified milk
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and milk products, egg yolks, and fatty fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, and helps maintain bone health. • Snack on small quantities of walnuts, cashews, and other nuts to promote brain health. Also try to incorporate berries, which contain beneficial antioxidants, and foods that may have anti-inflammatory effects 0n the brain, such as salmon, tuna, and dark green, leafy vegetables. CHALLENGES Diet and Parkinson’s medications can impact each other. Levodopa medications work best on an empty stomach.
However, some people experience nausea as a side effect of these medications, and taking them on an empty stomach may not be their best option. For others, taking PD medications close to a protein-rich meal, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and beans, may interfere with the absorption of the drug in the blood, causing it to work more slowly or less effectively. Talk to your doctor about the right option for you, such as taking the drug on an empty stomach or with a small snack like crackers or applesauce. • People with PD may eat less and lose weight because of difficulty swallowing, nausea from medications, or movement symptoms that make it difficult to eat. Address these issues, and also consider adding foods with healthy fats—nuts, nut butters, and avocado—to your diet. Try bitter greens or spicy foods to stimulate your appetite. Exercise to increase hunger. • PD symptoms, such as tremor, stiffness, or difficulties swallowing, may make eating certain foods challenging. Try eating foods that are easy to swallow. Put dishes on rubber mats to prevent them from slipping. Try weighted utensils and cups or using cups with lids or straws. • Staying hydrated is important, but if drinking water leads to urinary urgency, try eating foods with a high water content in place of beverages, such as celery, butternut squash, grapefruit, strawberries, and watermelon.
Quality Care at Your Fingertips Whether you’re recovering from illness, injury or surgery, the Rehabilitation Center at Ohio Living Sarah Moore provides the perfect setting from a convenient location in downtown Delaware, Ohio. Private and semi-private rooms offer personal space for recovery, and our experienced therapy team provides one-on-one care to help you establish and meet your goals. You can feel confident knowing that you’ll receive the highest quality care and services in a beautiful environment, with the goal of helping you get home as quickly as possible.
Call 740.362.9641 to schedule your visit today!
26 North Union Street Delaware, Ohio 43015 ohioliving.org
Assisted Living | Short-Term Rehabilitation Long-Term Nursing Care | Home Health & Hospice
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TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED • Changing your diet can be difficult. Try making one change at a time, such as eating a handful of nuts a few times a week or avoiding white bread. Small changes can add up to big benefits. • Consult with a registered dietitian, who can help you plan menus and make shopping lists for preparing nutritious meals that you like and that account for your individual needs and the timing of your medications. • Consult with an occupational therapist about assistive devices, including some mentioned above, to make eating and drinking easier. • If you experience anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor. These symptoms can suppress appetite. • If swallowing issues are causing problems eating , a speech-language pathologist may be able to help. INVOLVE YOUR TEAM Seek reliable information about diet and nutrition from your medical team and local resources. Please contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or helpline@parkinson.org to request a nutrition fact sheet. Source: Parkinson's Foundation. Read more articles like this at parkinson.org.
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Summer 2019
AGE-FRIENDLY
The Age-Friendly Buzz Begins The Age-Friendly initiative is an international effort led by the World Health Organization and is part of a national network facilitated by AARP. Age-Friendly encourages cities, counties, and even states to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by applying focused innovation to the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Each Age-Friendly community must observe WHO’s 8 Domains of an AgeFriendly Community. These eight domains guide the steps of the AgeFriendly process and help determine which partners should be engaged in the planning and facilitation of an assessment and strategic plan. In collaboration with SourcePoint and other partners, the Delaware General Health District conducted a community survey in 2018 of Delaware County’s strengths and weaknesses. The assessments covered all eight domains of a livable community. The findings report, which can be found at MySourcePoint.org/age-friendly, includes results from a direct-mail survey, for which the health district received a 51-percent response rate. In May, SourcePoint hosted the AgeFriendly Delaware County Findings Presentation. The report provided an overview of the 2018 survey methodology and results. From these results, six domains of livability were established for Age-Friendly Delaware County. These domains include: • Community Support/Health and Safety Services. • Housing.
• Transportation. • Outdoor Spaces and Buildings. • Communication and Information. • Community Engagement and Participation. Community support and health and safety services ensure older adults are able to access and afford the community-based support, health, and safety services they require. It also focuses on emergency planning that includes older adults, taking into account their needs and capacities in preparing for and responding to emergencies. The housing domain aims to ensure older adults have access to affordable, accessible, and safe housing options with the ability to age in place if they so desire. It also includes appropriately qualified, reliable, and affordable service providers to undertake maintenance and modification work to attain accessibility. Transportation that is age-friendly ensures older adults have access to affordable and safe transportation that will get them where they need to go. Communities are serviced with adequate, well-connected transport routes, with reliable and frequent public transportation. This includes other forms of transportation too, such as safer bike lanes, more connected bike trails, and paved paths. Outdoor spaces and buildings provide safe and accessible indoor and outdoor places for people of all ages to gather and engage as a community. The outside environment and public
buildings have a major impact on the mobility, independence, and quality of life for older adults, as well as their ability to age in place. The communication and information domain recognizes older adults prefer to communicate and receive information in various ways, which may be different than other age groups. This means regular and reliable information is available through different sources, such as mail, email, newspaper, and radio, as well as through public meetings, community centers, and clubs. Community engagement and participation includes ways older adults can continue to work if they choose, volunteer, and be actively engaged in community life. An age-friendly community provides a range of events and activities that are accessible, affordable, and person-centered. It encourages community integration and fosters intergenerational activities and relationships for people of all ages. If you're interested in getting involved with Age-Friendly Delaware County by joining one of the six domain committees, or the older-adult advisory board, contact Age-Friendly Coordinator Jackie Haight at jhaight@ MySourcePoint.org or 740-203-2435. Jackie Haight is the age-friendly coordinator at SourcePoint.
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There Are Many Types of
Medicaid Fraud Medicaid fraud is the intentional providing of false information to get Medicaid to pay for medical care or services. Medical identity theft is one type of fraud. It involves using another person’s medical card or information to get health care goods, services, or funds. Below are other types of fraud, and provider and beneficiary examples. Type of Fraud
Provider Examples
Billing for Unnecessary Services or Items Billing for Services or Items Not Provided Unbundling
Upcoding
Card Sharing
Collusion
Drug Diversion
Kickbacks
Multiple Cards
Program Eligibility
Intentionally billing for unnecessary medical services or items. Intentionally billing for services or items not provided. Billing for multiple codes for a group of procedures that are covered in a single global billing code. Billing for services at a higher level of complexity than provided.
Beneficiary Examples
Knowingly treating and claiming reimbursement for someone other than the eligible benef iciary.
Sharing your Medicaid identif ication (ID) card with someone else so they can obtain medical services.
Knowingly collaborating with benef iciaries to f ile false claims for reimbursement.
Helping your doctor f ile false claims by having tests you do not need.
Writing unnecessary prescriptions, or altering prescriptions, to obtain drugs for personal use or to sell them.
Altering a doctor’s prescription, going to multiple doctors to get more of the same drug, or selling your drugs to others.
Of fering, soliciting, or paying for benef iciary referrals for medical services or items.
Accepting payment from your doctor for referring other benef iciaries for medical services.
Knowingly accepting multiple Medicaid ID cards from a benef iciary to claim reimbursement.
Altering or duplicating a Medicaid ID card and using it or selling it for someone else to use.
Knowingly billing for an ineligible benef iciary.
Providing incorrect information to qualify for Medicaid.
Follow us on Twitter
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#MedicaidIntegrity
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Summer 2019
FEATURE
The Fraud Squad It seemed like a perfectly legitimate call. One of SourcePoint's in-home care clients received a phone call from someone who claimed to be representing SourcePoint. The caller requested a donation and said a donation envelope would be sent through the mail. Upon receiving it, the client noticed that not only was the return address not SourcePoint's at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, but it also was from a completely different state. This difference was enough to arouse suspicion, and no money was sent. In this case, the in-home client avoided what turned out to be a scam. But it's just one example of many that take place daily across the country, around the state, and even in Delaware County, and older adults are frequent targets of these fraud attempts. "Phone scams are the ones we hear about most frequently from the older-adult sector," said Tracy Whited, community and media relations manager for the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. "There are mean, cruel individuals out there who perpetrate these kinds of scams."
A favorite target
likely to report a fraud attempt because they don't know they have been scammed or are too embarrassed to admit being scammed. In some cases, admitting to being scammed—particularly to other family members—may imply that the older relative no longer has the mental capacity to handle their affairs or finances. • Older adults who do report a crime may make poor witnesses due to lapses in memory, particularly if a case stretches out over weeks or months. Because financial scams often go unreported and are difficult to prosecute, they are considered a "low-risk" crime, according to the National Council on Aging. However, these crimes can have a devastating effect on older adults, leaving victims in a vulnerable situation with little time to recoup any losses. And the NCOA reports it isn't just strangers who target older adults. An older adult's own family members—most often his or her adult children, then grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—have been known to perpetrate these crimes.
What to watch for
Whited said a big reason phone scams are so popular is that it's extremely difficult to follow the trail of a phone call. "Scammers often call from out of town or out of the country, and use phones that cannot be traced," she said. "A lot of time and energy goes into these scams, and they must be successful to some extent or the scammers wouldn't go to this trouble."
Though scams and fraud attempts aren't limited to older adults, they are a desired target for a number of 50% off a Balance, Posture & Fitness Assessment. reasons. The Federal Bureau Call: 740-971-1966 of Investigation cites the following as reasons why “Working older adults are a popular with Dave target with scammers: has increased • Older adults are most likely to have money saved, to own their own home, and to have excellent credit. • People who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s were generally raised to be polite and trusting, making them less likely to question scammers. • Older adults are less
my strength & balance & thus my confidence to live a life that is more full. I now find my
Whited said a common local scam has scammers claiming they are a deputy sheriff. "They even provide a name, and the supposed deputy tells the potential victim there is an arrest warrant for them because they failed to serve on a jury," she said. From there, a request for money ensues. "Law enforcement will never call you to say you owe money," Whited said.
desire to pursue new interests returning. “ –Deb Krissek
Dave & Lindsay Lewis, Certified Personal Trainers
FIT FAM PERSONAL TRAINING, LLC Dave@FitFamPT.com • www.FitFamPT.com • facebook.com/FitFamPT
Another common phone scam targeting older adults—though Whited said it hasn't been seen as frequently in Delaware
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County—is the "grandparent scam," where a scammer poses as a relative in some type of distress or, in some cases, the scammer claims to be a lawyer or law enforcement agent representing the relative. The caller says the relative is in trouble and needs to have the older adult wire funds that will be used for bail, lawyer fees, hospital bills, or some other nonexistent expense. "Whatever the story is, hang up and if you're unsure, call us at 740-833-2800," Whited said.
or phony website. Attorney General Yost's office states that when family members, friends, and caregivers are involved in scamming older adults, they might use their credit cards without permission, pressure them to sign over their power of attorney, or forge their signature. Signs of a family or caregiver scam, according to Yost's office, include bills going unpaid, isolation from other family members or friends, unusual banking activities, or missing belongings.
Whatever the story is, hang up and if you're unsure, call the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 740-833-2800.
Older adults should also be wary of a magazinesubscription scam that can happen over the phone or in person. The scammer will often say he or she is raising money for charity or a school trip by selling magazine subscriptions. Customers will fall for the scam, pay for one or more subscriptions, and then never receive anything.
Another popular scam involves callers saying the potential victim's computer has a virus. In order to fix it, scammers request access to the computer, which also gives them access to personal information. Additional attempts at fraud will have scammers posing as someone from the Fraternal Order of Police or a veterans organization, among others. The office of Ohio Attorney General and former Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost deals frequently with scams. In addition to the money wiring associated with the grandparent scam, Yost's office advises older adults to keep an eye out for the following signs of a scam: • You're asked to send a prepaid gift card or money card to a stranger. • You've won a contest you've never heard of or don't recall entering. • You're pressured to "act now." • You have to pay a fee in order to receive your "prize." • Your personal information is requested. • A large down payment is requested. • Whomever you're dealing with refuses to provide information in writing. • You're asked to keep conversations a secret. • You're "guaranteed" to make money. Requests often come over the phone, but they may also come via email, U.S. mail, door-to-door solicitation, flyer,
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"Scammers are tricky and they want your money and your private information," Attorney General Yost said. "The best way to beat them is to outsmart them, and we're here to help you get smarter about their tricks."
More information about scams can be found at ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
Outsmarting the scammers
Knowing what to watch for to avoid a potential scam is half the battle. The other half is being proactive when a scam is recognized and taking the appropriate steps to beat the scammers at their own game. If the attempted scam comes via a phone call, the easiest thing to do if you don't know who it is, is just hang up. Delaware County residents can contact the City of Delaware Police Department or the Delaware County Sheriff to report suspicious calls, and Whited said you can also contact the Better Business Bureau if the questionable caller claims to represent a business or organization. See FRAUD page 14.
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14
Fraud
From page 13 "You can always tell them to call back later and then call the Better Business Bureau. If it's a legitimate organization, then they will call back. If not, they won't," Whited said. Whited said you can also ask for something to be mailed to you that better describes the caller's request. She said the key is to take these steps to stop the scammers before any money is given. "Once they give that money, it is extremely difficult to ever get it back," she said. Attorney General Yost's office uses the five R's to describe ways older adults can outsmart potential scammers: • Research businesses and charities with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or, as Whited said, the Better Business Bureau. Ask family and friends for recommendations. • Remember that scammers’ preferred payment methods are wire transfers, gift cards, and prepaid money cards. • Relax! Don’t feel pressured to act immediately, even if someone threatens that you'll lose money or be arrested. • Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515. • Realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Other tips are available at ohioattorneygeneral.gov, and include the following: • If you think you're a target of the grandparent scam, with the caller posing as your grandchild or another
Summer 2019 family member, ask the caller a question that only your grandchild or that family member would know. • Closely monitor your financial accounts, and report any suspicious charges or balances immediately to your bank. • Know that scammers can alter a caller ID to make it look like their call is coming from a local area. • Know that it's against the law in Ohio to charge a fee for a prize. If you've won something, you won't need to send any money in order to get it. The Attorney General also offers resources to help ensure you stay safe, including: Free credit check: Go to annualcreditreport.com to obtain a free annual credit report from three reporting companies Legal assistance: Pro Seniors is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal assistance to Ohio residents ages 60 and older. Go to proseniors.org to learn more. Online safety: Staying safe online is critical to avoid being scammed. Go to staysafeonline.org or stopthinkconnect.org to get additional information about navigating the internet safely. Suspected scams can be reported to the Attorney General's office at 800-282-0515 or by visiting OhioProtects.org. The abundance of tips and resources available have led many older adults in Delaware County to take advantage of the ways to avoid becoming taken advantage of. "Fortunately, the number of calls we've received where people have been scammed and given money are low," Whited said. "We are seeing an increase in the scamming attempts, but not the number of people falling victim. Older adults are becoming more savvy." Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.
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Do Our Aging Brains Make Us More Susceptible to Scams? When we're in our 30s, 40s, and even 50s, and we read about older adults who've lost a chunk of savings through some type of attempted fraud or scam, our first thought may be, "That won't happen to me when I get older." But what if we can't completely control whether or not we fall victim to those trying to take advantage of us? Studies have shown changes in the aging brain may put older adults more at risk of being scammed. Researchers at the University of Southern California say the problem lies in changes that may occur in two parts of the brain. According to an article by USC, older adults are susceptible to changes in the medial temporal lobe and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The medial temporal lobe is the part of the brain associated with memory, while the prefrontal cortex "processes value, decision making, and fear." Researchers at USC theorize that changes to these parts of the brain could be what make older adults more vulnerable to scams. So a potential victim of the "grandparent scam" could be less likely than someone younger to imagine being scammed, and changes to the brain may prevent a potential victim from seeing a scam for what it truly is. Older adults in early stages of dementia are even more vulnerable to being victimized. A study at the University of California–Los Angeles looks at how changes in the brain can relate to higher levels of trust, another reason why older adults can be more susceptible to scams. In the UCLA study, participants were shown faces that had cues as to their trustworthiness or untrustworthiness. Older participants perceived the untrustworthy faces as
"significantly more trustworthy and approachable" than younger participants. According to UCLA, older adults who viewed the untrustworthy faces showed less activation of the anterior insula, which is the part of the brain that triggers what we commonly refer to as a "gut feeling." These are the feelings that can often warn of any danger that might be associated with an untrustworthy person. The study indicates that "decreased activity in the anterior insula portion of the brain in older adults may suggest that their awareness or assessment of risk is not as strong as that of their younger counterparts, which may contribute to a greater vulnerability to fraud and scams." Another UCLA researcher states that older adults generally tend to devote more attention and memory to positive information, which may prevent them from readily recognizing scamming attempts or focusing only on the potential rewards associated with them. Yet another study conducted by UCLA focused on financial decision making and found that financial literacy scores "decrease by 1 percent each year after age 60." A lack of awareness of changing financial decision-making abilities may also put older adults at greater risk of fraud. With this in mind, it is important for older adults to remain vigilant, working with adult children or other trusted family members and financial advisers to keep on top of their financial situation and how to best remain safe. Jeff Robinson is a feature writer for My Communicator.
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Our vision is of a community where every person 55 and older is empowered to live life to the fullest.
You can help secure this vision for our future with a legacy gift to SourcePoint. Learn more at MySourcePoint.org/give.
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Summer 2019
FROM THE SOURCE News, program updates, and upcoming special events at SourcePoint.
Summer Crisis Program
Set the Table for Seniors
Do you need help with cooling costs?
SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program served more than a quarter-million meals last year, a 15-percent growth over 2017.
You may be eligible for the Summer Crisis Program, which begins July 1. This program helps low-income elderly households, as well as those with qualifying medical conditions, such as lung disease, COPD, or asthma. Eligible households can receive up to $300 if a customer of a regulated utility, or $500 if unregulated, such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. Assistance is applied to the bill or to central air-conditioning repair costs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify. Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP-Plus) are not eligible for bill payment assistance, but are encouraged to work with Bridges Community Action Partnership to identify other opportunities for assistance. For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, or to submit an application, call Bridges Community Action Partnership at 740-369-3184. Additional information also can be found at energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880. Customers should bring copies of the following documents to their appointment: • Case number from the Department of Job and Family Services. • Copies of their most recent energy bills. • A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days and 12 months for each member. • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members. • Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60. • Disconnect notice for gas and/or electric. • Renters should bring the name, address, and phone number of the landlord. For more information about energy-assistance programs, call 800-282-0880, Monday through Friday.
To ensure our madefrom-scratch meals and nine daily options continue as our older population increases in coming years, we rely on donations to bolster funding. Meals on Wheels recipients are invited to make a voluntary contribution to defray their meal cost, which increases each year. We suggest a donation of $4 per meal, but recognize some clients may not be able to afford that amount. The support of our community ensures no senior in need is turned away due to an inability to contribute. When you contribute to SourcePoint’s Meals on Wheels program, you’re investing in a better life for the seniors in our community. You become our partner not only in providing nutritious meals, but also in enabling local seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life. We are grateful for every donation, regardless of the amount. Moreover, we are grateful for you. You are part of our mission to help our community set a course to live well after 55. Thank you for your support. SourcePoint is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all of Delaware County. We receive funding from a variety of sources, including a local property tax levy, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and private donations.
Donations may be made at MySourcePoint.org/give or by calling the development office at 740-363-6677.
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Caregiver Support Groups Being a caregiver for a partner, parent, or loved one takes a great deal of time, effort, and hard work. But you don’t have to do it alone! SourcePoint offers monthly support groups led by trained staff, available at six times in five locations throughout Delaware County: • DELAWARE Morning & Evening: SourcePoint, 800 Cheshire Road, second Tuesday, 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. • DELAWARE Morning: Willow Brook Christian Village, 100 Willow Brook Way S., fourth Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Offers free on-site respite care. • POLARIS Evening: SourcePoint South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus, fourth Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. • POWELL Mid-day: Powell Assisted Living and Memory Care, 3872 Attucks Drive, fourth Thursday, 11 a.m. • SUNBURY Evening: Community Library, 44 Burrer Drive, third Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
2020 Grant Applications SourcePoint makes grant funding available to organizations serving Delaware County adults ages 55 and older. 2020 grant applications are available at MySourcePoint.org/grant-applications and are due electronically by Wednesday, Aug. 14. Organizations interested in applying for funding should contact Nancy Gernstetter at 740-203-2438 or by email at ngernstetter@MySourcePoint.org as soon as possible.
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Employers From page 1
This includes workers in the “sandwich generation,” who are simultaneously caring for their children and older parents or other relatives.
Summer 2019 help (44 percent); and the inability to meet work responsibilities due to increased caregiving responsibilities (40 percent). Employers Unaware of Cost Impacts For Fuller, the biggest takeaway is that employers don’t realize just how substantial the costs are to them by not providing meaningful benefits that would support caregivers.
are burdened by $6.6 billion to replace employees and nearly $6.3 billion in workday interruptions. Highest-Titled Most Likely to Quit The Harvard report finds that the employees most likely to quit jobs due to caregiving reasons are the highestpaid workers with the highest titles.
“American companies are facing a “Similarly, the people most likely to caregiving crisis—they just refuse to report that they are substantially acknowledge it,” Fuller and Raman distracted at work because of things say in the report. “Rising health care “The costs associated with care, in going on in their lives related to care and professional caregiving costs, terms of voluntary turnover, people are the highest-quartile and changing demographics workers,” Fuller says. “So, the over the past few decades, group where the numbers have put great pressure on are the richest, and the American employees as they economics are the biggest, is try to balance work and care SourcePoint's family caregiver program offers monthly support the one most likely affected.” responsibilities. Yet many groups, an online forum, and classes on caregiving strategies, employers remain oblivious such as Caregiver Concepts, a one-hour crash course, and Fuller says if businesses to the growing costs of this Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a proven six-week series that surveyed their employees and helps caregivers develop self-care strategies. hidden ‘care economy’—costs determined the costs versus that hurt employers and Programs are held throughout the year at SourcePoint and payoffs of offering meaningful other locations. To learn more, or to inquire about hosting employees alike.” benefits to their caregiving a program at your place of business, contact Clare Edwards, Community Education & Initiatives Manager, at 740-203-2439 workers, the decision to offer The report is based on or cedwards@MySourcePoint.org. those benefits would be a national surveys of two slam dunk. groups: 301 human resource professionals and business leaving your employment by their “If I went to a typical business owner or owners who perform HR duties; and own choice, and in terms of lost senior executive at a big company and 1,547 employees who identified as productivity, are very substantial,” said, ‘I could make 73 percent of your caregivers or anticipated becoming Fuller says. workers 2 percent more efficient every caregivers in their personal lives. year,’ there isn’t a CEO in America who In this case, lost productivity refers to wouldn’t scramble across the table to Among some of the most salient points employees being distracted at work say, ‘Where do I sign?’” Fuller says. made in the report are: or curbing their career growth due to • A third of the employee caregiving responsibilities. And when Yet, he says, if he then suggested respondents who had left a job people leave, companies incur the that CEO provide, for example, some said they did so to take care of an costs of recruiting and training new amount of financial support for a older adult with daily living needs. employees. In the meantime, they care referral and vetting service to • Almost three-quarters of have lost talented workers who had employees, “they would say, ‘I am not respondents in the employee company and industry knowledge that made of money, where do I find that survey said they currently helped them compete and innovate. money?’ because they don’t connect have some kind of caregiving the dots,” Fuller says. American businesses can lose as responsibility. much as $34 billion each year due to Companies Should Try to Become • The most significant factors employees’ need to care for loved ‘Corporate Care Leaders’ contributing to workers quitting ones age 50 and older, according to The report says that companies striving their jobs for caregiving reasons: the Harvard report. And, in terms of to become “corporate care leaders” the unaffordable costs of paid help hidden older-adult care costs alone, will be the ones to attract and keep the (53 percent); the inability to find AARP estimates that U.S. employers best workers in the future. trustworthy and qualified paid
CAREGIVER SUPPORT FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
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Sarita Gupta agrees. She is co-director of Caring Across Generations, a national campaign to transform the long-term care system in America, and a 2016 Next Avenue Influencer in Aging. “Employers need to step up to make themselves more aware of what’s going on in their employees’ lives and take action to help them,” Gupta says. “The cost of inaction is just too great, not only for employees’ well-being, but for employers’ bottom line and the greater economy.” Gupta also emphasized that employees need to be part of the conversation. “We know those closest to the problems are also closest to the solutions. So, those in power must pay attention, create opportunities for employees to speak up, really listen to what they have to say and cocreate some of the solutions together,” she says.
Women in the Workforce and as Caregivers The Harvard study spotlights the demographic and workforce trends business owners face in finding quality employees in the future. One of these trends is that the U.S. economy has become dependent on women. And women take on a significantly higher portion of caregiving—of both children and older adults—than men. As the report points out, women’s participation in the American workforce peaked at 60 percent in 1999; it has fallen slightly since then. Also, women represent a clear majority of enrollees in higher education, and “almost all the growth in jobs since the recovery, since 2010, have been for people with postsecondary degrees, specifically college degrees or higher,” Fuller says. This information is more evidence that employers will need to seriously
consider how caregiving responsibilities impact the ability for their employees to work and achieve their career ambitions. Yet, employers cannot fix America’s care system alone; it will also require public policy, Gupta says. “At the end of the day, we also do need public investment and strong public policies to complement employer practices to ensure that we achieve widespread equity on these issues,” she says. Edie Grossfield has been a journalist for more than 20 years, reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. She also worked in communications for a large health care organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and media and a master’s degree in journalism, both from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. This piece originally was published on nextavenue.org.
VOLUNTEER! Are you looking for opportunities to support local seniors or help out at a community center? Come learn about the many volunteer openings available at SourcePoint!
Beautifully
WA L K-I N S ! W E LC O M E
RSVP to Jill Smith, volunteer recruiter, at 740-203-2368 or jill.smith@MySourcePoint.org.
New Volunteer Orientation July 8 or Aug. 5, 10:45 a.m. 614-276-1439
modlich-monument.com
Columbus | Delaware | Grove City | Westerville
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Volunteer Open House Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4‒5:30 p.m.
20 SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Get to the Point! SourcePoint’s enrichment center provides opportunities for social connection, intellectual stimulation, physical wellbeing, and adjustment through the transitions of aging for Delaware County residents ages 55 and better. The 44,000-square-foot center offers a fitness center, warmwater exercise pool, and spaces for activities, such as dance, art, billiards, music, and more. The center also is home to Cafe 55, one of SourcePoint’s community-based cafes. Activities are scheduled quarterly, with more than 200 programs each quarter in six major categories. Some activities are fee-based, while others are offered for free. A few new highlights from summer session are below and full program details can be found at MySourcePoint.org/EC.
Engage Fitness & Wellness
Reflexology—Fridays, 1–4 p.m. Rebecca Wallace, certified reflexologist, applies pressure to areas on the feet, hands, and ears to promote relaxation and healing to corresponding organs and systems of the body. Fee: $40 for 25- or $80 for 50-minute single session; $175 for five 25-minute sessions; or $350 for five 50-minute sessions. Indoor Cycling and Weights: 20/20 Mashup—Mondays, 11–11:45 a.m. Combine 20 minutes of aerobic cycling with 20 minutes of strength training for a comprehensive, effective workout, adjustable for all levels. Fee: $40 for the series. STEP—Mondays and Fridays, 10‒10:45 a.m.; Mondays and Wednesdays, 3‒3:45 p.m.; Fridays, noon‒12:45 p.m. Step aerobics offers a fun, effective workout for all fitness levels. It provides a cardio workout to improve heart and lung health and burns calories for weight loss. Fee: $80 for a series. ZUMBA with Anajaye!—Tuesdays, 5:15–6 p.m. Zumba is a fitness program inspired by various rhythms and dancing styles. Routines feature aerobic/ interval training with a combination of fast and slow dance moves that tone and sculpt the body. Genres in this class include reggaeton, pop, hip-hop, cumbia, merengue, and more! Fee: $40 for the series.
Summer 2019
Empower Aging Transitions
AAA Senior Safety Day—Wednesday, July 24, 1–4 p.m. Guest speaker Dr. Marian Schuda, geriatric medical specialist, is followed by a panel discussion with AAA, Chesrown, DATA Bus, Delaware General Health District, Delaware Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, and SourcePoint. Stay for a free CarFit assessment to see what improvements can be made to keep you safe on the road. Financial Health Talks—Third Tuesday of each month, 1–2 p.m. July 16: Advanced Social Security Planning. Aug. 20: ABCs of Elder Law. Sept. 24: Retirement Planning. Mental Health Help by Appointment—Contact Anita Gearhart at 740-428-0428 to schedule.
Enhance Learning
Healthcare Expert Talk: Womens’ Talk—Thursday, July 25, 10–11:30 a.m. Dr. Julianne Brackin hosts a frank discussion, answering questions about aging as a woman from preventative care to sex. Medical Identification Card By Appointment— Wednesday, Aug. 14 or Sept. 11, 12:30–2:30 p.m. Robert Hatcher from the Delaware Police Department makes your personalized medical ID card, including your name, photo, emergency contacts, health condition(s), and medication list. The ID can provide first responders and bystanders necessary information in an emergency. Schedule a 10-minute appointment during registration.
Express Yourself with Art
Card Making: Beginning—Wednesday, July 31, 1–3 p.m. Pat Kubat leads you through basic card making, assembling precut items to make everyday cards. Fee: $10. Guitar Lessons Package—Purchase a $30 quarterly package and register for a variety of individual and smallgroup lessons. Contact Bob Claymier at bobclaymier@ gmail.com or 740-816-9627 for more information. Painting: Acrylic Old Masters—Fridays, Sept. 6 through Sept. 27, 10 a.m.–noon. John Gillam leads an acrylic study of old masters. Recreate works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, and others. Fee: $50 for four-class series.
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NEWS
SourcePoint Provides Free Access to Center In May, SourcePoint’s board of directors voted unanimously to waive annual membership fees to its enrichment center. The free-membership model fits with the Age-Friendly Delaware County initiative, as well as SourcePoint’s strategic plan to improve access to community programs. “SourcePoint is dedicated to supporting healthy aging in our community,” said Robert Horrocks, executive director. “The board is investing in the health of older adults through access to our enrichment center and programs that enhance both physical and social well-being.” Beginning May 30, Delaware County residents who are 55 or older can sign up for a free community pass at SourcePoint’s
enrichment center at 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware. Current members will not be charged a fee upon renewal. SourcePoint’s community pass provides access to the 44,000-square-foot center, as well as numerous free activities. Other programs are available for an additional fee, and financial assistance is available to qualifying members. “Membership cost should not be a barrier to accessing activities that help our community live well as we age,” said Amy Schossler, director of community programs. “SourcePoint is a place for all Delaware County adults ages 55 and better, and this is one additional step we can take to make that a reality.”
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Throwback Fitness at SourcePoint Remember the 80s and 90s, when step aerobics was the exercise routine and you could sweat alongside Jane Fonda or Richard Simmons? SourcePoint is bringing those days back—minus the spandex. Starting this summer, the enrichment center offers step as a new addition to our physical fitness opportunities. Step aerobics is a unique activity that combines choreography with selfdefined intensity levels, meaning you set the pace. There is no doubt that step can improve your cardiovascular capability, but did you know that step also is considered a component of a comprehensive balance and falls-prevention program? Step requires the utilization
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of visual and auditory balance cues, balance control, and constant feedback communication among the neuromuscular receptors, the peripheral nervous system, and the central nervous system. The ability to execute step successfully requires acute mental processing by remembering the choreography, anticipating the next motion, and transmitting commands for the fine-motor control, needed for stability. SourcePoint offers activities that can be added to a full curriculum designed to address falls prevention. From a Matter of Balance to Brains and Balance, from chair exercises to aquatic classes, SourcePoint has a class that meets your needs and abilities. Laura Smith is the enrichment center assistant administrator at SourcePoint.
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CREATIVE WRITING
A Minute Vacation
Unexpectedly
If you're having a hard time with something, just close your eyes and take a minute vacation. Imagine you're anywhere you want to be—like a beach—with someone who makes you very comfortable. You hear birds in the distance... They're not too loud. The waves are coming in and going back, nice and easy. The weather is perfect. You have all the time you want. And when you open your eyes... You can handle anything!
Unexpectedly, I decided I was old.
George Adamson is a SourcePoint member and volunteer.
That's not the most glorious thought you can have first thing in the morning. However, that was my first thought on my birthday. There have been a few birthdays that have got my attention throughout the years, but not many. I sailed through most of them without a second thought. This one caught my attention. I turned 85. All birthdays after a certain age are cause for reflection. We ask ourselves, "Where did the time go?"
Words of Wisdom
This past birthday I asked myself that question and went on to contemplate the passing of years and the changes in my body and habits.
The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been. —Madeleine L'Engle
I don't walk as well as I used to. Recently, I've had pain in my left hip and down my leg. From my self-diagnosis, which I have a habit of doing, I believe I have a pinched sciatic nerve.
Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born. —Albert Einstein
If you get me near running water, I've got to pee.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. —Maya Angelou
My brain works slower than it used to. If you speak rapidly, I can't understand what you're saying. My hearing is good, but my brain can't process it fast enough. So when you talk fast, it sounds to me like Chinese. I may need to ask you to slow down, but that is only an option. I will first try to determine if I think it's important and if I decide it's not I'll start thinking about what I'm going to have for supper.
MySourcePoint.org
Summer 2019 Another thing is it takes me two or three times longer to do everything. That is, if I can remember to do it in the first place. My kitchen countertop has turned into a two tone yellow Post-it note and off-white color. I get excited when I see them on sale. That's just one of the ways I try to remember. The other is the large calendar I buy every year at the end of December at Meijer for the coming year. Ones that have the big blocks where the dates are, so I can mark down my appointments, all the upcoming birthdays, and other notations of interest. All in small print, of course, which I have a hard time reading at times. And then returned to thinking of how much time it takes me to do anything and I reflected back to when I was about five or six years old. I pictured myself lying in bed on a summer morning. My eyes would pop open after a dreamless, uninterrupted sleep with everything working well and purring along like a well-oiled, well-adjusted motor. My bare feet would hit the floor and I'd pull on a pair of summer shorts, run downstairs and out the back door with the screen door slamming shut behind me. If Mom wasn't quick enough to catch me, I'd be two doors down the street, standing in front of my little buddy's house, hollering at the top of my lungs for him to come out and play. How long did that take? I'd estimate three or four minutes. Now it takes me an hour to sit down to breakfast. Unexpectedly, I decided I was old. Did I panic? No! I decided I was not only an octogenarian, which sounds like a collection of dinosaur bones, but that I was an octogenarian and a half. I had been an octogenarian for five years already, so it was way too late to panic. Anyway, I think I've got this growing-old thing figured out. I read that there are three stages of being old: From 80 to 90, you're young-old; from 90 to 100, you're middle-aged old; and over 100, you're old. So I have unexpectedly decided I am young-old. Jack Townsend is a SourcePoint member.
23 HEALTH & WELLNESS
How to Stop Worrying For most of us, worry is at least an occasional visitor. It's manageable in smaller amounts, but in larger doses it can become crippling. Worry probably has spoiled many a night’s sleep. Here, our experts provide strategies that can help you to stop worrying and get on with life. Take Action. Let’s say your worries are realistic, and they're eating you up. Perhaps you fear not having enough money to retire on. Money worries sometimes turn into an avoidance problem. Your fears should ideally lead you to estimate your future needs, learn as much as you can about investments, and seek advice. Accept and Plan. Are you worried about your health or a loved one’s? Waiting for test results can seem worse, emotionally, than actually having a disorder. Try to use your worries constructively. It may help to look for more information or talk with someone who has been through it. Keep Perspective. Remember, simply running over the problem in your head is counter-productive. Worry actually can keep you from thinking clearly. Ask yourself what purpose your worrying serves. You may have good reasons to worry, but simply brooding about the future is not enough. Taking action to solve a problem is an antidote for worry. Have Worry Time. Odd as it sounds, scheduling a worry time may help. Give your worries a full 10 minutes every morning, try to come up with at least one constructive solution, and then move on. Distract Yourself. Go out for a meal and a movie. Exercise can be particularly helpful. Get away for the weekend, if possible. Meditate. Listen to music, if that helps you. Take up some activity that calms you, whether it’s knitting, cycling, or deep breathing. Get Help. If you or someone in your family is disabled by worry, or is always depressed and anxious about the future, it’s wise to seek professional help. Worry can make you sick. A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research noted that such symptoms as headaches, fatigue, and nausea might arise from worries about health. Persistent, uncontrollable worrying can spill over into mental and possibly physical illness. Counseling and, in some cases, medication can be useful. © Copyright 2019 Remedy Health Media. To read more articles like this, go to BerkeleyWellness.com.
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Summer 2019
AGE-FRIENDLY
Aging Populations: A Blessing for Business The global population age 60-and-over will encompass more than one in five human beings by mid-century, rising from 900 million in 2015 to 2.1 billion in 2050, according to the World Health Organization.
markets, and opening pathways for diverse stakeholders. Aging is their next frontier. With consumption habits and service needs distinct from those of younger adults, Americans over 50 already
Those 60 and older will soon outnumber children younger than five; in developed markets, the 65-and-over cohort already surpasses those under 15. In the U.S., adults 60 and older will account for 25 percent of the population by 2030. As demography shifts, spiraling health costs and questions about the adequacy of public and private pension programs and retirement funds rightly stir concerns. Those issues must be addressed, of course, but there is a silver lining. Increasing longevity has spurred unprecedented economic growth and new opportunities for personal fulfillment. Older individuals are generally healthier than their counterparts in generations past, and they seek to remain engaged and relevant as long as possible. Advances in bioscience offer the prospect of even longer, healthier, and more active lives. With growing numbers, older adults represent a dynamic emerging market and human capital resource. As markets evolve to meet their needs and aspirations, opportunities abound. Charles Darwin recognized that survival is about adaptation to changing environments, a quality that is as imperative for businesses as it is for species. The private sector has been at the forefront of industrialization and scientific innovation, developing new
account for $7.6 trillion in direct spending and related economic activity annually and control more than 80 percent of household wealth, according to Oxford Economics. “The Longevity Economy is redrawing economic lines, changing the face of the workforce, advancing technology and innovations, and busting perceptions of what it means to age,” states an AARP publication. And this market crosses borders. Bank of America Merrill Lynch projects that the global spending power of those age 60-plus will reach $15 trillion annually by 2020. The opportunities are only beginning. In the health sector alone, “gray is the new black,” a Reuters piece observed. A stream of new offerings in biotechnology, devices, pharmaceuticals, and care services target older consumers. In Japan, robot caregivers, or “carebots,” have made a splash. When it comes to housing, transportation, entertainment, food, and alcohol, older people already have their checkbooks out. Americans 60-plus are expected to account for at least 40 percent of consumption
growth in those areas between 2015 and 2030. A golden age for financial services is ahead, driven by an enormous increase in household financial assets predominantly controlled by older investors. From smart homes to innovative services, from lifelong learning to new offerings in food, transit, and travel, a vast and lucrative market for new products, services, and innovations awaits. But there’s more. Aging adults are not only consumers, they are our only increasing natural resource—a talent pool that can power the businesses and enhance the communities of the future. And they are ready, willing, and able to be deployed. Today’s older adults seek meaning and purpose, disrupting retirement norms and expressing increasing interest in lifelong work and volunteering. This profile defies outmoded stereotypes of geriatric citizens weighing down the economy. In fact, when older people actively participate, the benefits flow in all directions. They contribute experience and stability to their workplaces and civic endeavors; financial security helps them bolster the economy as taxpayers and consumers; engagement enhances their own health and wellness. Older employees provide emotional stability, complex problem-solving skills, nuanced thinking, and institutional know-how. Their talents complement those of younger counterparts. As a widely recognized BMW experiment showed, productivity improves when
MySourcePoint.org
Summer 2019 work teams are intergenerational. Older workers can be mentors and serve as role models to younger colleagues. Age-diverse teams do better at problem-solving and generating ideas than same-age groups.
For aging individuals, the benefits of work are well documented. Research tells us that purpose in life enhances well-being and helps to stave off cognitive decline. A remarkable study found that people who held positive views of their own aging process, such as might be fostered if their contributions were sought and valued in the workplace, lived on average 7.5 years longer than those with less positive outlooks.
Unfortunately, ageism continues to devalue older workers and older adults across society. They too often find themselves shut out of hiring, promotions, and even volunteer opportunities due to bias. In the same way that other movements have changed hearts, minds, and the culture itself, there’s a spreading sense that it’s time for age diversity to take its place on center stage. Businesses can take the lead, setting examples and making positive impacts even as they focus on improving productivity and performance. Businesses are uniquely positioned to advance smart policies and change attitudes—to champion the needs and wants, as well as the potential, of older adults. The aging megatrend will test the leadership of every CEO in the 21st century. Each corporate board should prioritize a “longevity strategy” to address the growing impact of the demographic shift. Awareness of the issues should spread to every corner of their companies. The issues are too big—the numbers too compelling—to ignore. The aging population can be a blessing for business. With awareness and a new approach, businesses across the U.S. and the world can enjoy a brighter future offering benefits both to the bottom-line and the broader society. Paul Irving is the chairman of Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging and a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the University of Southern California Davis School of Gerontology. This piece originally was published on milkeninstitute.org.
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Summer 2019
IN OUR COMMUNITY
DELAWARE
GALENA & SUNBURY
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS WORKSHOP—Wednesday, July 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Delaware County District Library Main Branch, 84 E. Winter St., Delaware. In this free 90-minute workshop, Delaware County residents learn more about Medicare Supplement Plans, which can help pay health care costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover. The workshop reviews terms, how to obtain rate information, and basic rules.
CAREGIVER CONCEPTS—Thursday, July 11, 9 to 10 a.m., at Berkshire Township Hall, 1454 Rome Corners Road, Galena. Are you caring for a loved one? Do you have resources available to help? This free “crash course” is packed with information for new, current, and future caregivers. Topics include safety, falls, getting organized, basic legal information, local resources, and self care.
HEALTHY U: CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT— Mondays, July 22 through Aug. 26, 2 to 4:30 p.m., at Grace Clinic, 40 S. Franklin St., Delaware. Healthy U has been proven to help you better manage symptoms and improve your health, one step at a time. You’ll learn to improve diet and physical activity levels, communicate effectively with doctors, make good decisions, and solve problems related to your health. NEW TO MEDICARE—Monday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at Old Stone Presbyterian Church, 41 Hodges Road, Delaware. In this free two-hour class, you’ll learn the basics—the ABCs and D of Medicare—including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplements. Take the mystery out of Medicare and be empowered to make sound insurance decisions.
NEW TO MEDICARE—Monday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, at Harlem Township Hall, 3883 S. State Route 605, Galena. In this free two-hour class, you’ll learn the basics—the ABCs and D of Medicare—including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplements. Take the mystery out of Medicare and be empowered to make sound insurance decisions. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP—Third Thursday of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Sunbury Community Library, 44 Burrer Drive, Sunbury. SourcePoint offers free caregiver support groups led by trained staff. Local family caregivers are invited to share experiences, meet other caregivers, discover new resources, and ask questions. Monthly support groups allow caregivers to engage with those on a similar journey caring for a loved one.
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Summer 2019
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POWELL
WESTERVILLE
HEALTHY U: CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT— Thursdays, July 11 through Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus. Healthy U has been proven to help you better manage symptoms and improve your health, one step at a time. You’ll learn to improve diet and activity levels, make good decisions, and solve problems related to your health.
HEALTHY U: CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT— Thursdays, July 11 through Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus. Healthy U has been proven to help you better manage symptoms and improve your health, one step at a time. You’ll learn to improve diet and activity levels, make good decisions, and solve problems related to your health.
VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR—Tuesday, July 16, 1 to 3 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Columbus. In a specially equipped RV, you can experience a re-creation of altered sensory response systems as dementia sets in, and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by your loved one.
VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR—Tuesday, July 16, 1 to 3 p.m., at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Columbus. In a specially equipped RV, you can experience a re-creation of altered sensory response systems as dementia sets in, and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by your loved one.
NEW TO MEDICARE—Monday, July 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at Liberty Township Hall, 7761 Liberty Road, Powell. Learn the basics—the ABCs and D—including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplements. Take the mystery out of Medicare and be empowered to make sound decisions.
A MATTER OF BALANCE—Mondays, July 8 through Aug. 26, 1 to 3 p.m., at Heritage Christian Church, 7413 Maxtown Road, Westerville. An award-winning program that teaches strategies to reduce your fear of falling. Learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals for yourself, reduce risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP—Fourth Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. to noon, at Powell Assisted Living and Memory Care, 3872 Attucks Drive, Powell. Monthly support groups allow family caregivers to engage with those on a similar journey caring for a loved one.
NEW TO MEDICARE—Wednesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at SourcePoint’s South Office, 1070 Polaris Parkway, Suite 200, Columbus. Learn the basics—the ABCs and D— including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplements.
DACC Grand Opening August 15th, 2019 | 5:00 - 8:00pm
Please plan to join us for the official Grand Opening of the DACC Campus 4565 Columbus Pike | Delaware, OH 43015
Find out how we are designing flexible and collaborative learning spaces with a focus on student engagement. All ages are welcome! Visit us online for more great information about this event: www.DelawareAreaCC.org/Events/Grand-Opening MySourcePoint.org
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Summer 2019
CAREGIVING
For Caregivers, Relief is on the Way Leslie Menges puts in a 156-hour work week, every week, without pay, sick leave, holidays, or vacation time. She is on top of her game every waking hour and on call during the 42 hours a week that she sleeps. She thought she could do this job on her own—she is a retired nurse, after all. It has turned out to be the hardest job she's ever held. “There are so many dynamics to caregiving," said Leslie. “I thought I could do this. But I need help. I need a support group and I need breaks. I do the job that my husband, Dallas, and I used to do as a couple, along with the stress of having the person I love suffering from Alzheimer’s. It takes its toll.” Fortunately, help is available to caregivers like Leslie, pictured at right with Dallas. She joined one of SourcePoint’s family caregiver support groups and turned to another program, Senior Companions, which dispatches volunteers over 55 to visit with fellow seniors. These weekly visits provide lonely seniors with companionship and caregivers with short bursts of respite. Dallas’ senior companion visits with him once a week for two hours. He has a knack for drawing Dallas out and engaging him in conversation. Though this relationship has been successful, it can be tough to leave a loved one in another person’s hands. “We have to trust who comes into our home," said Leslie. "It takes time to build a relationship and no time to destroy it.”
Senior Companions is a federal program that recruits volunteers over age 55 who meet the income bracket of 200 percent of the poverty level or less. These volunteers are given extensive training and a modest stipend for their service of at least 15 hours a week. They visit weekly with a minimum of three clients and receive mileage and meal reimbursement. It’s a win-
win situation for both the client and the companion, but the demand for companions is higher than the number of available volunteers who meet the program’s criteria. To help offset the demand for shortterm respite care, SourcePoint supports the Senior Companion program through grant funding, and recruits its own volunteers, Caregiver Relief Companions. SourcePoint volunteer Don Brooker has a full-time career, but finds the flexibility of this volunteer position works around his schedule. He visits with his senior client, a man in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease,
two or three times a month, mostly on the weekends. The gentlemen particularly enjoy playing cards together or watching sports like NASCAR and baseball. Don’s client tends to retell the same stories, but Don doesn't mind. “My father spent a lot of time in a nursing home before he passed," said Don. "It gave me a chance to meet other residents and I found it fascinating to hear their stories. When he passed away, I missed it.” Caregiver relief companion volunteers are offered mileage reimbursement, but are not paid a stipend and do not have to meet income guidelines. Both the caregiver and the volunteer companion must apply for the program. They are provided with similar applications that inquire about their interests. This tool helps Jessica Adams, SourcePoint's caregiver program coordinator, find a good match between the caregiving family and the prospective companion. “The volunteer is given basic information about the client and where the family lives,” said Jessica. “If the assignment sounds good, the volunteer and I go to the home and have a meet-and-greet with the client and the caregiver. When everyone feels comfortable, we move forward.” Like the Senior Companion program, the need outstrips the number of volunteers available to match with caregiving families.
MySourcePoint.org
Summer 2019 Nearly one in five older adults are themselves caring for an older adult. Leslie considers herself lucky: “I’m healthy, but a lot of caregivers are in their 80s. Some are not as healthy.”
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There are so many dynamics to caregiving. I thought I could do this. But I need help. I need a support group and I need breaks.
Her experience has led her to start a caregiver ministry at her church, Heritage Christian Church in Westerville. The inaugural program will launch in the fall and has so far attracted 14 volunteers who will provide caregivers the luxury of attending church services, stressfree. “We just want an hour to worship or pray without worrying about someone else," said Leslie. Comfort Keepers, a home care company, offers free two- to three-hour training sessions for ministry volunteers.
Don started volunteering with SourcePoint’s home chores program before adding caregiver relief companion to his volunteer duties. He relishes having slow-paced, oneon-one interactions with a senior. “I just enjoy that generation," he said. "They’ve seen so much and done so much. It’s satisfying to give them the opportunities to tell their stories.” His heart is with the caregiving families, as well. “I know what it takes to take
care of someone with Alzheimer’s. It a great thing that caregivers do," said Don. For information on becoming a Senior Companion, contact Connections Volunteer Center at 740-3635000 or email spingry@ helplinedelmor.org.
For information on becoming a Caregiver Relief Companion, contact SourcePoint at 740-363-6677 or email jill.smith@MySourcePoint.org. Jill Smith is the volunteer recruiter for SourcePoint.
WE BELIEVE YOUR CANCER FIGHT DESERVES EVERY EXPERT ON YOU R SI DE
Grady Memorial Hospital At OhioHealth, our affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network® allows our physicians to review your diagnosis and treatment with their peers at the nation’s top cancer hospital. That means you’ll benefit from the latest research and expertise from leading physicians in the area. Because we believe exceptional cancer care should be close to home and the ones you love. Make a personal connection at CancerCall at 1 (800) 752.9119 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit OhioHealth.com/CancerCare. MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center © OhioHealth Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. FY19-166697-CancerWeBelieve. 11/18.
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Summer 2019
NEWS
Getting To Know the County Prosecutor Allow me introduce myself—My name is Melissa Schiffel, and, in April, I was appointed to be your Delaware County Prosecutor. I am beyond excited and truly grateful to be trusted with this important role, and I am looking forward to a fulfilling life of service in Delaware County. It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was just a kid. It’s true what they say, time really does fly. Some days it feels like only yesterday when I was complaining about homework—Mom and Dad always encouraged me to take advanced classes, saying my dedication and hard work would pay off someday. Looking back, I know my parents were right. What’s that other saying, something about hindsight? At any rate, “someday” has arrived and my hard work paid off. I was ecstatic that both my parents, Powell residents, were present the night of my appointment as county prosecutor. That night, incidentally, was also my birthday, one I’ll never forget! It was a huge accomplishment for me, but it was also a tribute to my parents. Their years of believing in me and encouraging me all led here, as they watched their “little girl” achieve her life-long dream. Getting here wasn’t easy. I became a prosecutor in 2008 and immediately started prosecuting felony crimes. Fast forward to present day, and I have more than a decade of experience prosecuting serious offenses. I also served as the Delaware City Prosecutor just prior to my appointment. As your new Delaware County Prosecutor, my goal is simple—to do the best job I can, serving a community I love. It’s been a whirlwind of transition, and an adjustment to achieve a
work/life balance, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My role outside of work is always evolving, whether it be as a daughter, a wife, or my favorite role—a mom. My daughter, Perri, is four, and as a parent, I love raising her in our Delaware County community. Taking care of her and seeing her experience new things is not only fulfilling, but fun. It’s in life’s little moments that I find joy. Quick trips to the zoo, ice cream at Sticky Fingers, walking on the beach at Alum Creek, exploring Stratford Ecological Center, and, of course, visiting with Nana and Pop-Pop are all favorite activities. As the circle of life continues to swirl, I anticipate being a caregiver of another kind—one for my aging parents. There is yet another saying I’m reminded of here: life is short. Just two years ago, we received the life-altering news that Mom had early stage Alzheimer’s. My mother is valiantly battling the disease, and my father has become a warrior. As their daughter, I’m in awe seeing this side of their marriage and their love for one another. We have so many wonderful resources in Delaware County, and SourcePoint has been of particular help as our family navigates this new aspect of life.
Delaware Court - Where Caring Comes First
Skilled Nursing & Therapy Services Provided with the comforts of home! Schedule a tour and learn about our Return to Home services by calling (740) 369-6400.
Regardless of the changes life brings, I know the best is yet to come. Thank you for welcoming me as your Delaware County Prosecutor. My husband, Nate, and I look forward to raising Perri here, and getting to know all the wonderful people who make Delaware County the best place in Ohio to call home. Melissa Schiffel is the Delaware County Prosecutor.
4 New Market Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015 • (740) 369-6400 www.delawarecourt.com
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Summer 2019
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RETIREMENT READY
The No. 1 Question Asked About Retirement Google recently unveiled the 10 questions Americans ask most about retirement. Not surprisingly, the question asked the most: “How much do I need to retire?”
some people agree with that number, while others think that figure is far too high. Another oft-cited formula for how much to save is Fidelity’s, which notes that by age 50, you should have six times your starting salary saved and by 67, 10 times. Financial author and planner David Bach says this philosophy is a good starting point, but adds that “you might need to be saving more than that” and “you definitely don’t need to be saving less.” Your Mileage May Vary Of course, how much you will need to retire depends on a number of things—some of which you can control and some of which you can’t. These include asset allocation and location, saving and spending, market returns, longevity, and more.
Here’s the full list: 1. How much do I need to retire? 2. How do I retire early? 3. When can I retire? 4. What is the retirement age? 5. How much to save for retirement? 6. How do I save for retirement? 7. How do I retire at 50? 8. How do I retire? 9. What is full retirement age for Social Security? 10. Where should I retire? How Much Money for Retirement? It’s Complicated Answering the question of how much you need to retire is complicated. For years, many experts threw out $1 million as a figure we should all aim for. And according to a survey by personal finance site Nerdwallet, half of Americans think that $1 million will be enough to live on in retirement. But as I recently reported for MarketWatch, most people won’t be able to retire the way they want with just $1 million: “With people living longer with the advances of medical care and the higher costs of living, a million dollars just doesn’t go as far as it used to,” Mitchell C. Hockenbury, a certified financial planner at 1440 Financial Partners, told MarketWatch. For her part, finance guru Suze Orman says the magic number is $5 million or more—and MarketWatch reported
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And while much of the advice on how much to save for retirement is debatable, there are a few rules that nearly everyone agrees on: start early and make regular contributions, set up automatic enrollment and autoescalation of your retirement plan, cut expenses, and bump up your contributions when you get a raise. If you want to retire early—which was the second-mostasked retirement question—you’ll likely need to turbo-charge some of those retirement to-dos, like dramatically cutting spending and upping your savings rate. The FIRE movement—financial independence, retire early— in which people reach financial independence and leave the workforce much earlier than traditional retirement age, has gained traction in the past few years. One couple that’s on track to retire early told Marketwatch that they do it by saving 70 percent of their income and slashing spending from $110,000 a year to $44,000 a year. Retirement Hopes vs. Reality All of this interest in retiring—and how to pay for it— comes as a staggering number of Americans are financially unprepared for retirement. Almost 60 percent of working-age people don’t have any retirement assets from an employer-sponsored 401(k) or similar plan, an IRA, or defined-benefit plan, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. Catey Hill is MarketWatch's senior content strategist. She writes about how to upgrade your life, and helps readers find great deals on products and services. This piece originally was published on nextavenue.org.
FRIDAY SEPT. 13 6 to 10 p.m. at SourcePoint 800 Cheshire Road Delaware
PLAY POPULAR GAMES Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Horse Racing, and Let it Ride!
WIN PRIZES
No Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament, 50/50, and Pick-a-Card Mystery Box Game!
BID ON AUCTION ITEMS ENJOY FOOD & DRINK SUPPORT SENIOR SERVICES Net proceeds benefit programs that help Delaware County adults thrive after 55.
Game night fun presented by With support from Jill Patricia King, Aetna Medicare, Creative Financial Insurance, and Treplus Communities.
Learn more and buy your tickets beginning July 15 at
MySourcePoint.org/roll
