How To Choose

Friday, September 21, 2018 | A1

your local guide

How To Choose...

Article Index Funeral Home ................................................ 2 Final Resting Place........................................ 3 Hospice Care................................................. 4 Heating and Cooling...................................... 5 Optometrist ................................................... 6 Financial Institution ....................................... 7

Audiologist..................................................... 8 Media Solutions Company ............................ 9 Tire Store ..................................................... 10 Skilled Nursing Facility ................................ 11 Furniture and Mattress ................................ 12

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A2 | Friday, September 21, 2018

How to Choose... a Funeral Home

How to your local Choose guide

Of all of life’s decision that are worthy of serious thought, one of the most important is selecting a funeral home that can provide the care and support that will best benefit your family. Choosing that funeral home may be as simple as following a family tradition or staying within the local neighborhood: But there are other considerations.

Reputation and experience; integrity and community trust; cost of services and goods provided; general appearance and care of facilities: These are all aspects of funeral service that will affect your families shared experience.

Questions often asked are: Aren’t all funeral home about the same? No. Although, the State of Missouri requires licensing for various positions within a funeral home, not everyone has the same level of experience. The funeral profession is a 24-hour day, 7 day a week commitment.

Entrusting your loved one into a compassionate and caring environment will provide peace of mind.

Who can help me with this decision? First of all, planning funeral arrangements in advance is desirable. It allows family members to understand your wishes and spares them from the difficult task that has fallen on them. Your funeral director will be able to answer all of your questions regarding funeral arrangements and preplanning. Local clergy,

social workers, beauticians and barbers often will have a relationship with the funeral home and may offer knowledge or share an opinion that may help you choose a funeral home and director.

What about cost? The Federal Trade Commission mandates that funeral homes must provide you with a General Price List, which includes an itemization of services and a Casket Price List. Be specific in what type of services you are desiring and always look at the complete picture. Never assume that an advertised price will meet all your expectations. Most do not. If you have a prepaid funeral plan, be sure that what you have paid for is provided to your family at the time of need.

Keep in mind that most prepaid funeral plans are transferable.

How important is it to prepay for the funeral services that I have planned? When someone ask me about preplanning, I tell them “It makes sense”. “You are giving your family vital information that is truly a gift --and a gift that arrives on one of the most difficult days of their lives.” Then if I am asked about pre-paying for their funeral expense, I can repeat the same thing. “It makes sense, It is a gift to your family”.

Here is why. In essence pre-funding freezes the cost.

What is paid for today covers the future cost of that service, something a savings account

can’t guarantee. Some funeral homes will allow you to assign insurance proceeds as a method of prepaying future funeral expense. When these funds are specifically set aside for funeral expense, they are by law, protected assets that allow you to gain access to medical assistance if you are required to live in a nursing home or receive long term care.

Choose a Funeral Home” We are fortunate that in this area we have mostly family owned funeral homes to choose from. You will likely find that family name on the building or read & hear advertising that proudly states family owned. Hopefully the information offered above will be helpful to you and your family.

Thank you for caring and taking the time to read, “How to

C.Z. Boyer & Son, INC is a Family owned, 5th generation Funeral service provider in St.Francois County. Hillview Memorial Cemetery and crematory owned & operated by the Boyer family.

By combining these services, we are better able to serve individual needs, & meet the expectations of the families we serve.

Funeral Planning Quick Reference Guide Legal information needed when arranging a funeral:

Symbolizing Trust & Caring Service since 1906

Full Legal Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Education & Occupation Social Security Number Parents Names Military Discharge Papers

Information needed to help complete obituary: Nicknames Immediate Family Members Names Hobbies & Areas of Interest Church Membership Awards Lodges & Organizations Military History

Personal attention is given to each family.

Our experienced and caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Newly remodeled and expanded lounge facilities!

Bonne Terre

Desloge

(573) 358-2277

(573) 431-2686

Park Hills

Leadwood

(573) 431-3143

(573) 562-7411

Farmington

(573) 756-4533 “Our family serving your family for over 100 years”

www.czboyer.com

Items to consider when preparing for a funeral: Type of Service Music Selection for Service Minister Conducting Service Floral Choices Pictures to be Displayed Cemetery Information

The lists above contain information and items that will in most cases be needed when preparing to arrange a funeral service for a loved one. Whenever possible this information should be gathered ahead of time and kept safe until needed. If you would like a Free Funeral Planning Guide please contact C.Z. Boyer & Son, Inc. at one of our four convenient locations or online at www.czboyer.com 00 1

Friday, September 21, 2018 | A3

How to your local Choose guide

How to Choose... a Final Resting Place

Have the talk of a lifetime. There are many options available in choosing a final resting place.

Whether pre-planning for yourself or a family member, this end-of- life choice has a lasting impact. The decisions made will leave a legacy for the deceased and help the living go beyond the grieving process. Here are some thoughts to consider when choosing your final resting place.

When starting the conversation about a final resting place there are several selections available. Most cemeteries offer a variety of spaces: in ground, above ground, spaces for caskets as well as spaces for cremains. When purchasing a grave space, mausoleum or niche, you are purchasing cemetery property. In much the same way as conventional real estate, the location is essential. Also, as we age so does our ability to climb hills, so flat ground should be a preference. Also ensure the

area is well maintained and conveniently located.

A few questions as well as observations of a cemetery will help you make a solid decision. Is it mowed often? Are roads kept in good condition?

Are downed limbs and other debris taken care of promptly?

In many cases even a wellkept cemetery may not have

long term plans in place for the care and maintenance of the property. Long term planning for upkeep and improvements are important. One way to ensure that plans are in place is to choose a perpetual care cemetery. A cemetery that maintains a perpetual care fund, also known as an endowed care fund, ensures the future of the property. In the State of Missouri 10% of all Mausoleum spaces as well as 15% of all ground spaces must be placed in the Perpetual Care Fund.

History tends to repeat itself.

Look into the history of the person or company that owns the cemetery you have an interest in and ask questions.

You can also get to know the manager and or caretaker of the cemetery. Remember this

will be your final resting place, so choose carefully.

When making these decisions for yourself in advance it not only relieves the burden for your family, it also assures them that they are honoring your final wishes.

Hillview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum owned and operated by the Boyer family offers your family all of this and more...

• Peacefully situated 1/2 mile off “OO” Hwy on Westmeyer Road in Farmington, MO • Perpetual Care Fund well maintained.

• Backed by 5 generations of knowledge and funeral experience.

An Endowed Care Cemetery

Located just south of Farmington on Westmeyer Road

573-756-5257

Prepayment Plans available for both Mausoleum Crypts and Grave spaces.

Ask about monthly installment plans

Mausoleum space now available for those families who prefer that option.

Hillview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum “Family owned & operated since 1906”

Caring Experienced Professional 00 1

www.czboyer.com

A4 | Friday, September 21, 2018

How to your local Choose guide

How to Choose... a Hospice

When people talk about end-of-life care, there’s a common desire – to be at peace with their decisions.

It’s no surprise, because the end of life can be one of the most vulnerable and challenging times you or your loved one will face. Concerns for the comfort of a loved one with a lifelimiting illness, worries about the impact on family members, and anxiety about the grieving process all weigh heavily on your soul. That’s why choosing a hospice – the right hospice – can make all the difference!

It’s important to know the differences in hospice care, because there is a difference. When you’re looking for a hospice, what you’re really looking for is a partner – a partner who’s going to be there for you and your loved one – every step of the way. You need a partner you can trust – someone who’ll provide your loved one with the same type of tender care you give them.

But, what makes a hospice “good” or “bad’? And how do you make such an important decision in the midst of your family’s pain and sorrow? The reality is that unless you’ve used the services of a hospice before, you probably feel very overwhelmed and lost when it comes to the choice.

While every hospice is different, there are some characteristics you can look for that will give you the best chance of finding a great hospice. For example:

The right hospice partner will have decades of experience in end-of-life care, including pain symptom management. You’ll want a hospice with a proven track record of expertise; one that’s immersed in and dedicated to the community they serve. The best hospice is the one whose staff is able to spend quality time with patients and provide critical personal care.

Their staff should each have the heart of a servant, dedicated to giving your loved ones whatever they need – whenever they need it, 24/7 365 days a year. THAT’S TRADITION YOU CAN TRUST! The right hospice partner understands the emotional ordeal the family is facing and, as a result, responds to their needs in a gentle and respectful manner.

Their goal will be to take away as many burdens as possible, so you can spend quality time with your loved one. Even though this is an overwhelming time in your

lives, the right hospice should always strive to instill a sense of calmness whenever possible. THAT’S COMPASSION YOU CAN COUNT ON! The right hospice partner is one whose focus is always on human beings – not dollars and cents.

They will not refuse services to anyone who qualifies, regardless of their ability to pay. For their staff, hospice work is so much more than just a job. They believe in their heart they were divinely led to provide this special kind of care, and doing anything else just doesn’t feel right. THAT’S DEDICATION YOU CAN DEPEND ON!

ing for life’s final chapter, helping them find peace – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tradition you can trust.

Compassion you can count on.

Dedication you can depend on.

THAT’s Serenity HospiceCare!

What DO you look for when it’s time to call hospice? A trusted reputation. Spiritually-based devotion.

A “mission over money” attitude.

Choosing a hospice is one of the most important decisions you and your loved ones will ever make, so trust your family to the area’s resource for expert care and counsel-

“Peace Of Mind When It Matters Most” How is Serenity HospiceCare Different?

It is important to know the particulars of hospice care, because there is a difference.

Established in 1989, Serenity HospiceCare is the most experienced local hospice, providing the best possible care for the whole person: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Decisions about your care are made right here, with you, not by an out-of-state corporation. Our board of directors is made up of people who live, work and worship in the counties we serve.

Non-Profit (Serving All, Regardless of Ability to Pay) • Free-Standing • We see our patients as many as five times each week • Spiritually-Based • 24-Hour Crisis Response “Hospice isn’t really the end of life. For my dad, it was the

“When my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer, a co-worker told me Serenity HospiceCare were the ones I needed to call. There’s so much more they can do and can offer. Without Serenity HospiceCare, my dad would not have been able to live as good a life as he did.

Just knowing Serenity HospiceCare is in our community helping families just like mine brings joy and comfort to me. In my eyes, Serenity HospiceCare is the only hospice care.”

(573) 431.0162 (800) 876.0162 • SerenityHC.org and jackie

“Serving all, regardless of ability to pay.”

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Friday, September 21, 2018 | A5

How to Choose... an HVAC Company

How to your local Choose guide

TRUST US TO KEEP YOU COZY

Whether you need a fall tune-up or a mid-winter emergency repair call, we go the extra mile to earn your trust. Call us for dependable heating products and expert service that will keep you cozy all winter long.

We will BEAT any competitor’s price up to $500* 573-756-3599

nicholsonheatingandac.com

*Certain restrictions apply. Call for details.

Prolong the life of your HVAC system and prevent equipment failure by hiring a qualified professional to service and maintain it.

When your heating or air conditioning system fails, it can be a nightmare. Whether it is a cold winter day or sweltering hot outside, the HVAC system in your home is important to your comfort and safety.

Most people cannot tolerate extreme temperatures.

The elderly and people with chronic health problems need to have the temperature stabilized in their homes.

The best HVAC contractors are helpful and reliable, but a poor contractor can cost you extra money and heartache.

When researching an HVAC company, for service or a new furnace or Air Conditioning unit, check with the Better Business Bureau, your state’s board of contractors, or builders’ association to check on their reputation.

Avoid companies who have many complaints on their record.

Once you have your list of companies, be sure to contact them to ask about pricing, guarantees and warranties.Also inquire about how long it would take to complete a job and the manufactures’ brands they use.

If you are purchasing new equipment, find out if you need a separate service contractor or if routine maintenance and repairs are included in the price of installation. Does the company provide around-the-clock emergency service?

High quality HVAC companies are fully licensed, bonded and insured. If a worker is injured or causes damage to your property, that insurance should cover it. Otherwise, you could be liable for the damages. Your insurance premiums would likely increase as a result.

Before any work begins, verify that all the required building permits are in place. Most companies will file permits on your behalf at the local building codes office. But don’t assume that it has happened. Check with the permitting office first. Work done without proper permits could result in a fine and time delay.

Have a load calculation done before installing a new system in any building. The best

companies perform a thorough calculation rather than estimate. Buildings change over time due to foundations cracking or settling. It will affect the efficiency of any equipment.

The HVAC company shouldn’t use the old unit to determine the proper size of a new one. If your old unit was inadequate, you will want to install a unit that is a different size. Speak with your HVAC installer to determine the right size and model for you.

Ask your HVAC contractor to perform annual checkups to verify that the unit is running at peak efficiency. With these tips, you can choose a reliable HVAC business that will help you for years to come.

Nicholson Heating and Cooling is a local family owned and operated company. With over 50 years of combined experience we take pride in providing the best indoor comfort for both commercial and residential properties. Our many patrons have trusted us to make their homes more comfortable and give them the peace of mind that they deserve.

At Nicholson Heating and Cooling we guarantee our work on every repair, service or install we do. We are a quality contractor that you can trust!

We strive to provide our customers with the best heating and air conditioning products on the market. As a Trane Comfort Specialist your comfort is our guarantee!

We service all brands of equipment for Air Conditioner and furnace service and repair.

Our iPad dispatched technicians have fully stocked trucks in order to get your system back up and running quickly and efficiently.

When you are in need of a repair to your air conditioner or furnace, you can trust that our experienced technicians will have you back up and running in no time flat.

Ask about our Convenient Financing Options!*

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*Subject to credit approval Ask for details.

A6 | Friday, September 21, 2018

How to Choose... an Optometrist

How to your local Choose guide

Selecting an optometrist for your family shouldn’t be a daunting task!

When picking a provider ask several questions to find the best fit for your needs: 1. Is the practice local and available when I need them?

Doctors who understand your lifestyle are better partners in your care. Practices with local doctors are able to provide better hours and on-call services for your afterhours emergencies.

Drs. Clint Wolk, Courtney Kwan, and Kaitlyn Lukefahr are from your area! With late evening hours and on-call availability, someone at Farmington Vision Care is always available for your needs!

2. Is the doctor(s) experienced with my condition or demands?

You see a surgeon when you need surgery, a pediatrician for your child, and a dentist for your oral care; you understand that different practitioners have different comfort and skill levels. The multiple doctors at Farmington Vision Care have everything covered! From basic, every day contact lenses to specialty lenses for corneal disorders; exams for babies aged 6 months to exams for grandparents; glasses correction to LASIK co-management--the staff can pair you with a doctor who is best for your needs!

3. Do they provide up-to-date care, knowledge, technology, and products?

You want a selection when it comes to your eye wear and you want to know your eye is healthy!

New advanced technologies help you doctor thoroughly screen for most eye conditions without the discomfort of yearly dilation and hours spent in the office!

Farmington Vision Care provides the most up-to-date diagnostic technologies including Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging to screen your eyes for many eye conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic damage.

4. Do they have a large referral network?

Optometrists are primary providers for your eye health and vision and can manage many eye disorders including nearsightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, ocular allergies, and foreign body removal. Occasionally, however, your eye health may dictate that you need more advanced care. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that have specialized in the eye and can provide surgeries, injections,

or other enhanced treatments if demanded. Farmington Vision Care has a large network of ophthalmologists that we know and trust allowing us to seamlessly transfer your care and protect your health and vision in the rare event that your condition requires it.

5. Are they recommended by my friends, family, primary doctor, professional organizations, etc?

6. Can they work with my insurance?

Picking an optometrist who accepts your vision and/or medical insurance will save you money on your co-pay and out of pocket expenses! Farmington Vision Care accepts many different medical and vision insurance carriers and the staff is trained to help you coordinate your benefits so that cost is never an obstacle.

Ask around! Friends and family can provide helpful advice and prior patients are always eager to share their wonderful experiences with the doctors at Farmington Vision Care. Drs. Clint Wolk, Courtney Kwan, and Kaitlyn Lukefahr are all proud members of the American Optometric Association and the Southeast Missouri Optometric Association.

Comprehensive Care for Your Whole Family!

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Friday, September 21, 2018 | A7

How to Choose...

Selecting the Right Bank

How to your local Choose guide

Your work hard for your money. But do you work as hard at selecting the individual or financial institution that watches your money?

How your money is handled can make the difference in whether your life is easy or hard.

Choosing the right bank can give your finances a much needed boost.

Not all banks are the same, and not all of them offer the same kind of returns and programs for your financial needs. Choosing a bank just because of its location could mean you are missing out on some important benefits.

While convenience is important, it shouldn’t be your only criteria.

Consider these aspects when selecting a bank.

Interest Rates and Fees Charged

Like many other businesses, banks want to be competitive.

Interest rates are one way they entice new customers. It is not uncommon for the savings account interest rates to vary widely, but the majority of institutions make adjustments according to changes in the federal funds rate.

You might think interest rates are inconsequential. But when substantial deposit amounts are involved the difference can be significant.

Banks are also famous for charging fees for particular transactions. For example, a checking account may only allow a certain number of checks to be written

each month before a fee is assessed. Sometimes, a minimum balance is required to keep the account active.

There are also banks that offer free checking and other options.

Make sure, however, that the free checking is really free. There may be stipulations such as being required to keep a minimum balance in the account at all times.

Look at a fee schedule to determine if it is acceptable to you.

has a different policy about these matters.

Some banks might offer overdraft coverage in the form of a highinterest credit line. Other banks charge fees each time an overdraft occurs.

Personal Convenience

Sometimes, banks provide no coverage. Be sure to research overdraft policies before making a final decision.

If you travel frequently, make sure your local or regional financial institution is a member of a national network.

Institutional Stability

Banks with multiple locations in convenient areas are important.

Also, ask about their online banking policies. Is their website easy to navigate and secure? Online banking can be a great way to pay bills and transfer money between accounts.

Overdraft Safeguards

Everyone makes mistakes. Accidental overdrafts happen occasionally. Each financial institution

These days, it is important to consider a bank’s stability. Before you entrust your money to an institution, check its history and financial condition.

Typically, banks invest deposited funds under a fractional reserve banking system. Any bank with a strong balance sheet should be able to weather any turbulence caused by market corrections.

Insurance Corporation for up to $250,000 per depositor. This value can vary depending on the type and number of accounts held by a customer.

Provided you understand and act within these safeguards, your money will likely be safe in a bank. That is not to say that failures are impossible. A solid bank will limit exposure to toxic assets that put its balance sheet at risk.

Services You Need

Most banks offer a variety of services. Whether you need to get a loan or open a checking account, choose a bank that fulfills your needs with the fewest fees. It should offer the maximum conveniences possible.

Careful and vigilant shoppers will have positive experiences by making an effort to choose a trustworthy commercial bank.

The majority of banks are insured by the Federal Deposit

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A8 | Friday, September 21, 2018

It’s your brain that hears.

Not your ears.

Although hearing loss is most commonly considered an inner-ear problem, it is actually the brain that performs several functions simultaneously to process sound. It uses the ears to help orient body position, focuses attention on sounds you want to hear, recognizes sounds, and separates relevant information from competing noise.

The brain plays a central role in understanding and distinguishing sounds, which means better communication and a better way of life.

Call today to schedule an appointment.

Working Together To Make Our Community Better 620 Walton Dr, Farmington

573-747-4719 1185 Scenic Dr, Herculaneum

Karen Melton, Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

David Shepard BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

636-642-0129 990 Park Dr, Ste. Genevieve

636-642-0129

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Friday, September 21, 2018 | A9

How to Choose... a Media Solutions Company

How to your local Choose guide

your media solutions company

The

media plaTform 1 in the market.

#

2018

your media solutions company delivering a large affluent audience of potential customers to your business.

Put the most Powerful Platform in the market to work for you. #1 LocaL Website daiLyjournaLonLine.com

Featuring the latest in news, sports, weather, liFestyles, events, homes and more - 24/7 coverage in the area

#1 reach print medium in the parkLand - daiLy journaL

award winning coverage From around town and the world

#1 reach print medium in madison county - democrat neWs

more localized coverage in Fredericktown and marquand - over 4,500 readers per week

#1 reach print medium in Farmington - Farmington press

more localized coverage in Farmington - over 3,800 readers per week

#1 tmc program - advantage

weekly powerFul total market coverage opportunity - 14,400 copies delivered

ampLiFied digitaL - googLe certiFied team members For aLL oF your digitaL marketing needs From search engine marketing to Website creation

Over 122,000 adults read us in print & online each week. digital

Digital

Search Engine gine Marketing

we create and manage robust, fully integrated search engine marketing campaigns to help drive traffic and awareness to your business.

Website Development

our google certified website development team develops websites on industry standard platforms and languages, and ensures that your website will have the ability to grow alongside your company. our website build team will work with you after the creation and launch of your site using our website management program. they will offer ideas and tips to help increase traffic to your site along with monthly updates you request, fix any needed repairs and other updates to keep your site current.

Social Media Management

our social team at amplified digital can develop, manage, and execute comprehensive social media strategies utilizing a variety of social media platforms.

Programmatic

programmatic display - including Facebook advertising programmatic advertising offers state of the art technology to help businesses target and reach their best potential prospects. simply put.. tell us “who” you feel are your best consumers and we will find them for you online!

Custom Digital Solutions

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custom digital solutions- using state of the art technology we offer a state of the art digital platform for business owners and leaders to help grow their business. we help find their best potential consumers where and when they are in the market to Buy! our custom solutions are created with our media planning team upon completion of a detailed analysis of your business and marketing plans.

DJ Online desktop, mobile and tablet #1 local website with an astounding 1.8 million page views and 200,000 users per month. this engaged audience can be geographically targeted to reach the area of potential customers you need for your business.

e-newsletters and eblasts

send your message to our extensive list of subscribers that have opted into our scheduled e-newsletters and eblasts.

democraT News (democratnewsonline.com) with pageviews over 40,000 per month, viewers turn to us each week for the latest news in madison county.

farmiNgToN press (farmingtonpressonline.com) with pageviews over 30,000 per month, viewers turn to us each week for the latest news in the city of Farmington.

A10 | Friday, September 21, 2018

How to Choose... a Tire Store

How to your local Choose guide

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a tire store. After all, tires are a significant investment, and considering the longer treadlife of most tires on the market today, they are also a long-term decision. Here are some tips you should consider.

1. Selection

Tire size is only one factor in the selection process. Think of it like buying a pair of shoes. If you go to the store to buy work boots, and they only have dress shoes in your size, does that solve your problem?

By having a good selection, a tire store can help you get the tires that meet your needs, whether that’s wet traction, quiet ride, long treadlife, etc.

2. Service

You want a store with knowledgeable employees who listen to what is important to you. If you tell them the most important factors to you are good wet traction and a quiet ride, they should direct you to tires that fit those criteria. And since tires are a long-term investment, service after the sale is especially

important.

Do they offer road hazard protection? Do they have a program for regular rotations and balancing? In short, if you have some sort of problem with the tires, will they be there to help resolve it?

3. Technology

Installing the tires is only one part of the equation. Proper balancing and alignment are critical to getting the most out of your tires. Balancing technology has improved greatly over the years. Is the tire store using modern equipment?

Improper alignment can ruin a set of tires, not to mention having a negative impact on the way your vehicle handles. Not all tire stores offer alignment services.

By selecting a store that offers alignment, you can have your vehicle’s alignment checked and, if needed, get it corrected at the same time your tires are installed.

4. Price

Everyone wants a good deal.

Some tire stores are large enough to buy direct from the manufacturers. This allows them to price their tires more aggressively.

Additionally, some stores offer financing options that make the purchase a little easier on your budget. If you find a lower price elsewhere but the store is lacking in these other categories, ask if the store offers price matching.

Where Plaza Tire Service really shines is customer service. We have friendly associates and a clean comfortable waiting area.

We know your time is valuable, so we offer a ‘4 Tires 1 Hour’ guarantee.

When it comes to Plaza Tire Service, we have the right tire, right now, at the right price. Plus we’ll get you back on the road with four new tires in just one hour.

Plaza Tire Service leads the way in selection, service, technology and price. We stock more than 100,000 tires from top brands.

Our goal is to have a customer’s tire in stock and ready to install.

Relationships with the leading manufacturers allow us to provide an outstanding value to our customers.

If your vehicle needs an alignment, our stores are equipped with state-of-the-art systems to provide you the best results.

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Friday, September 21, 2018 | A11

How to Choose... a Skilled Nursing Facility

How to your local Choose guide

Family members deserve the best care, particularly as they grow older.

A good nursing home facility can help parents, grandparents, siblings or other elderly loved ones live a happy, healthy life.

Placing them in a comfortable environment ensures that you have peace of mind knowing that they are receiving good attention and care.

There are several factors to consider when picking a care center. Making the right choice means your loved ones will enjoy happiness and longevity. It will also mean less stress for family members.

Visit the Facility

Take a tour of the potential facility. You should intuitively feel warmth and safety in this environment. Your visit will also provide clues about the general atmosphere and morale of the residents. There should be lots of natural light, cheerful colors, bright wall art and hints of laughter from the staff and patients.

Focus on the cleanliness, staffing levels and the appearance of other residents. Is the air fresh and free from unpleasant odors such as urine, feces and stale food? Are there enough nurses and attendants on duty? Are residents appropriately dressed?

Do they seem clean and freshly bathed?

Bring the prospective resident along for the tour. This facility may become home. Your loved one deserves to have a voice in selecting the facility. Feeling welcomed are cues that this could be a positive living experience.

Socializing is important. Are there opportunities for residents to meet each other? Regular activities such as music and crafts or an outdoor area for enjoying the sunshine will enhance quality of life.

Most nursing home facilities are happy to provide a tour of the building. Once you see the environment, ask for a consultation with a staff member.

This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and address special needs of the prospective patient.

Important questions to ask should include availability of on site laboratory, radiology, physical, speech & occupational therapy; and on site physicians and other specialists. Other questions may be about the accommodation of patients’ appointments outside the facility and access to barbers and

beauticians.

talk with Others

You might have a chance to talk with a relative of a patient who is currently living in the nursing home. Don’t be afraid of asking them for honest opinions about the facility.

Query them about the staff and quality of care received by the residents. Solicit their input on whether you should place your own loved one in this facility.

These relatives are usually eager to share their experiences with you. Hearing their impressions will help ease your own anxieties about this important decision.

ask the DOctOr

If you are still unsure about your decision, or if you have reservations about the facility, discuss the matter with your loved one’s primary care

physician. This professional should also be able to recommend good nursing facilities in your area.

The doctor may suggest additional facilities not on your original list. When your loved one has special needs, the doctor will know which facility or center can best meet these requirements.

Deciding to put a family member or loved one in a nursing facility is never easy. Carefully weigh the expectations of your family member with your impressions and the recommendations of others.

This is one of life’s most difficult decisions. Taking the time and doing the research will result in a better quality of life for your loved one and peace of mind for yourself.

Stockhoff Memorial Lobby

NursiNg Home Dining

Activities Center Living Room

Stop in to see the many reasons why our home is a top rated ‘5 Star’ home.

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611 West Main • Fredericktown

573-783-3341 00 1

www.madisonmedicalcenter.net

A12 | Friday, September 21, 2018

How to Choose...

“Good” Furniture

How to your local Choose guide

4938 Hwy D, Farmington, MO

stonehausfurniture.com

573-327-9702

f real wood to your h o y t u a e b m r a w ome.

Add the Visit Our fully stOCked shOwrOOM!

No Predetermined Sets!

Choose Your Pieces.

Choose Your Color Stain.

Oak • Maple • Cherry “Good” of course means different things to different people. One may be interested in style more than comfort. Another may be interested in upfront cost more than longevity. Still others want something for the moment, that fills an immediate need, and are not concerned with outstanding quality. Since a lot of these choices are personal, it is impossible to have this article answer everyone’s furniture questions.

However, we will attempt to make some statements and give advice to those seeking quality furniture, specifically the type that is designed to last and be functional for a long time. Along with the idea of durability is the idea of aesthetics, looking beautiful and pleasing, along with long life.

As such, we will talk about hardwood furniture, meaning those varieties of woods rated as hardwoods, Oak, Maple, Cherry, etc. In general, the harder the wood, the more resistant to use.

Let’s define some terms.

Solid Wood: Real wood that was cut out of the log as is. This wood is then edge glued to make larger panels such as table tops, etc.

Veneer: Real wood that is shaved so thin that it can be glued to the surface of a wood product of a different nature.

Veneered Plywood: A panel that is made up of sheets of wood glued perpendicular to each other in multiple layers creating a stable panel to which a layer of veneer is applied for the final surface.

OSB, Particle board, or MDF: These are made up of wood particles, dust or flakes that are glued and pressed together with

a final covering of veneer or some other surface. These are commonly called, Engineered wood, Manufactured wood, or Furniture board.

Due to its sturdiness and beauty, Stone Haus Furniture has only tables and chairs that are made of real wood. It can be joined together in various ways to last many years. In the event there is surface damage, it has the possibility for repair. Solid wood chairs that are many years old can be reglued and rescrewed to extend their useful life.

In all our case goods, (china cabinets, bedroom pieces, or desks) we like to have only solid, dovetail jointed drawer sides.

This makes a sturdy drawer that lasts a very long time. Also look for quality slides on all drawers.

In some applications ¾ inch veneered plywood is used where a sturdy stable piece is required that would not have the expansion characteristics of solid wood. For example in the top of a china hutch where any expansion would be death to a mirror back that would crack under stress. Veneered plywood is also used in some side panels on some case goods.

No particle board is welcome in our store due its inferior ability to hold a screw and its tendency to swell with moisture.

Some slight expansion and contraction of solid wood is inevitable throughout the seasons as humidity levels vary. The humidity content in your home should be between 30 and 50 percent at all times. It is not advised to place a piece of wood furniture directly in sunlight or where a register blows directly on it. Solid wood furniture is quality, but it

is not bullet proof. Treat it with care and respect and it should last for many years, and still have value when your children (or grandchildren) inherit it.

We also have Campbell Sleep mattresses available. They are a Missouri company located in Cape Girardeau. They have been supplying mattresses for 70 plus Here at Stone Haus Furniture we try years and have lots to offer, into have a wide range of styles and cluding adjustable beds to meet types of furniture available to meet your sleep needs. different tastes and needs. All the furniture can be ordered in a differWe invite you to come visit our ent wood species or different stain store. We want to show and tell to let you customize it to your tastes. you a bit more about the opMost table styles we offer are avail- tions available when it comes to able in different sizes as well as with a quality furniture purchase. Oh solid tops or with leaves. yes, there is something you won’t find here - high pressure sales Because of the variety we offer, tactics from us. We would rather your furniture is not sitting in a let the products convince you. warehouse waiting for you. After you Beware, they do a good job! choose your style, wood species available, and stain, craftsmen build it for you. Most of our bedroom and dining room is made here in Missouri and can arrive 3 to 5 weeks after you place your order. Quality and customization are worth the wait!

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