Living Longer, Living Well

LIVING Longer, Living Well

A resource guide for 55+ March 2018

OMG, I’m Over 55 and Haven’t Planned for Retirement

The Medicaid Mystery

Aging in Place In Your Home

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Page 9

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 9, 2018

Spring Has Sprung Leigh-Anne Lees, Co-Chair, Aging Well Consortium

“Spring has sprung, the grass is ris.

I wonder where the flowers is.”

That was a phrase my great-grandmother, whom we lovingly referred to as “Big Nana,” used to say around this time of year. She’d be in her rocking chair knitting or twiddling her thumbs as she said it. Then, as if on cue, my mom would open up the door to the screen porch, look out into the backyard and talk about where she wanted to plant the hostas. After that, she’d pick sprigs of mint to swirl into our freshly-brewed tea and call us to the table for dinner.

Food and gardens and family have always been a special part of springtime at home. In this issue, we hope you’ll find new ways to enjoy the season.

Whether it’s shopping for fresh produce, planting your own vegetables in raised gardens, or creating a new blueberry recipe with your grandkids, opportunities abound for improving your quality of life this spring.

We’ve also included ways to help you stay in the home you love, including financial tips and aging in place strategies, and ideas to make mealtime more convenient when days are busy and stressful.

When you’re ready to stop hibernating and head out to try something new, check out our articles on family caregiver workshops and the calendar of events on page 11. If you enjoy a good craft beer, we’d love to see you at Cask for a Cause on March 16. We’ll be unveiling an exclusive, one-time only brew we’re calling “Old Fogey,” which we had the pleasure of making with the experts at Brothers Craft Brewing. (I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!)

We’re already working on our next issue, which will feature some travel articles. Please reach out to let us know about the places you’ve visited, travel challenges you’ve overcome, and any new tips you’d like to share.

We’ll pass your wisdom onto our readers.

Grass and flowers are among the many gifts of spring, but Big Nana knew there was more to this season of renewal than that. All of us at Living Longer Living Well wish you new things to learn, new opportunities to enhance relationships with loved ones, and new ways to help our community grow stronger. We’re grateful for you!

COVER PHOTO: Students in James Madison University’s Lifelong Learning Institute work together on their botanical creations in the Woodland Design Class.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Patterson

Harrisonburg, Va.

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record and the Aging Well Consortium

Editorial Committee: Beth Bland, Co-Chair Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS Leigh-Anne Lees, Co-Chair Community Relations Manager, VPAS Lavenia “Lev” Norford Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community Nancy Owens Director, Lifelong Learning Institute, James Madison University Glennette Poland Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage Annie Shaffer Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community Cristin Sprenger Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension Jeannette Suter Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care MISSION: The Aging Well Consortium mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

Aging Well Consortium – Living Longer, Living Well P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803 No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The Aging Well Consortium welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, nor this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The Aging Well Consortium is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have. Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at leighanne@vpas.info, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Friday, March 9, 2018

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Grand Idea: Kids in the Kitchen Leigh-Anne Lees, Community Relations Manager, VPAS

If an overnight with the grandkids turns into a morning of video games in your family room, turn off the tech and tell them they can score points in the kitchen by helping you cook blueberry breakfast quinoa or blueberry pankcakes.

The ideal of a new recipe may elicit a scrunched-up nose and an overzealous reply of “Gross!,” but never fear. There is as much or more value in the act of cooking together than the finished product, anyway.

Measuring ingredients teaches math skills. Pouring liquids and leveling off dry ingredients improves motor skills and eye-hand coordination.

Making mistakes brings opportunities for problem solving and creativity.

But, perhaps most importantly, simply being together will build lasting memories they’ll call upon throughout their lives. They will remember, as you cooked together, the way you turned a certain phrase, hummed a tune, or laughed when the blueberries spilled all over the counter.

Speaking of blueberries, toss one or two into the air and see how many they can catch in their mouths. Award points for each successful “catch.”

Tell them there are blueberry farms nearby you could visit together to pick your own as soon as they’re in season. (See sidebar for suggestions.) Then they can see where their food comes from and help you make a cobbler afterward to send home to mom and dad.

Finally, consider making slowing down the main ingredient in this joint activity. Even very young children often have busy schedules which may offer great fulfillment but very little time to relax with a family member.

Count the number of times you stir the ingredients in another language, talk about recipes you made when you were growing up, or put on some music and dance around the kitchen. With no deadlines and no demands to worry about, you might just cook up some new traditions.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms

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Friday, March 9, 2018

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Inspiration For Caregivers Caregivers can feel a sense of deep fulfillment, fatigue, and frustration often simultaneously. Providing around the clock care for a loved one can be a demanding “job.” But there is help.

On April 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Sunnyside Retirement Community, Loretta Woodward Veney will share her experiences taking care of her mother and provide resources and inspiration for caregivers in our area.

After receiving the news in 2006 that her mother was suffering from dementia, Veney began documenting the details of doctor visits, and recording people, places, and things as a substitute for her mom’s lost memory. She has written two books on the subject: Being My Mom’s Mom, and Refreshment for the Caregiver’s Spirit. Now she shares her wisdom as a motivational speaker. Veney and her mom have also been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and a PBS special featuring Alzheimer’s Caregivers.

“When you hear Loretta’s story and learn from her experiences, you are encouraged, enlightened and equipped with new techniques and perspectives,” said Nancy Wayland, marketing director at Sunnyside Retirement Community.

Tours of Generations Crossing, a Harrisonburg intergenerational care facility across the street from Sunnyside, will be held after the presentation.

Generations Crossing provides caregiver respite through their adult care program.

To register for the free event, call 568-8411 or email mtomasi@ sunnyside.cc

Harrisonburg, Va.

“Cool Tools” and Assistive Technology Sonja K. Schaible Assistive Technology Acquisition and Aging Coordinator, Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)

Did you know that Virginia has assistive technology for you to try?

I’ll bet you’re saying, “That’s great, but what in the world is assistive technology?” Good question! Assistive technology (AT) is any product or service that enables individuals with disabilities or age-related health conditions to enjoy their optimal level of independence and to live in the least restrictive environment. The staff at VATS (Virginia Assistive Technology System) simplify that definition by describing AT as, “Cool Tools that make life easier!”

We all use AT and don’t even realize it. An electric can opener is AT and so are those automatic doors that you effortlessly walk through at your local grocery store. There are numerous gadgets and gizmos to help older adults with many daily tasks. These include medication reminders, adaptive utensils and gardening tools, reading and hearing devices, various magnifiers, environmental controls that respond to voice command, and countless helpful apps on your smartphone.

VATS has a variety of such devices for you to try, and knowledgeable staff to work with you to decide what is the best device for you.

VATS’ mission is to ensure that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens.

Keeping this mission in the forefront, VATS offers a few different services to Virginians: Information and Assistance; Demonstration and Loaning of AT and Reuse and Exchange of AT. Please note that all services provided by VATS are free.

Information and Assistance: Through VATS’ “I & A” system Virginians have access to a considerable amount of information on AT products, funding options, and resources that range from therapists to service providers to AT vendors.

Device Demonstration and Loan: Demonstrations of AT devices and equipment are offered by VATS’ staff giving you the opportunity to try before you buy. VATS staff show you how the devices work and assist you in your decision making process. You also have the option to take the device home and try it in your own environment. The average timeframe to “borrow” devices is 2 to 3 weeks.

Equipment Reuse and Exchange: VATS has two possible avenues for you to acquire or dispose of gently used AT equipment.

The reuse program is primarily for Virginians who are uninsured or underinsured, or lack resources to purchase needed durable medical equipment such as mobility devices and bathroom transfer aids. The equipment exchange program allows a means for Virginians to post AT devices and services they wish to donate or sell to other Virginians in need at a reduced price.

Please visit our website at www.vats.org to learn more about each of these services that VATS has to offer to Virginians at no cost. You can also contact VATS at: (800) 435-8490.

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 9, 2018

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KEEPING IT CLEAN AND FRESH

DINNER? A LOCAL OPTION – MEALS 4 HOME

Lev Norford, Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community

Susan Ribelin, Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

“Clean, locally grown, all natural, organic” are terms that have been trending in the local markets and defining our approach to food for some time. It isn’t unusual to see 55 plus shoppers, clad in exercise-garb and homeward bound from exercise classes, standing in the grocery aisles studying the color of avocados or picking through a variety of the latest shipment of greens. Nationally, around we are more and more appreciative of Shopping for breads from the world “fresh food” access.

Motivating shoppers toward the convenience aspect, ads for online or mail food sources are prevalent, and the quest to find the freshest, healthful choices for food has become routine for many. Truck farm markets, roadside stands, food co-ops, even green grocer auctions thrive in many areas, especially in the warmer months when local produce is more abundant.

As our world has become smaller and more blended in cultures, exports of our products and imports of international foods have permeated the market. So, what does all this mean? These foods are no longer just found in specialty shops or regional pockets; opportunities for new choices line the shelves in larger stores for the everyday consumer. The abundance of ethnic ingredients, a broader scope of understanding international cuisines, an increasing interest in cooking and the variety of choice are all good news for the consumer.

For instance, until a few years ago, cheddar, American and the occasional blue cheese dominated the cheese aisle. That is no longer true. DOP, DOP-G, AOC, Extra Virgin are labels which indicate protected designated origin products. Protected by the market in which they are produced, and synonymous with high quality, these gourmet cheeses, wines and olive oils originate in specific geographic areas with specific characteristics depending on their geographical environment. They are exclusively produced in those defined areas but exported world-wide. The Mediterranean peninsula is the leading producer of DOP cheeses. A few years ago we would have had no chance to enjoy them without traveling; now we can purchase products made in countries all over the world.

Many retired couples are also discovering the satisfaction of sharing the responsibilities of meal preparation and appreciating the enjoyment of new foods together. A little planning ahead goes a long way. Whether you are choosing your meals for convenience, economy, health reasons, or just the thrill of fixing something new, mealtime can be a lot more rewarding than the “get it over with and dash out the door” days of raising kids and fulltime work.

It’s another Wednesday, and a box is arriving at our door with food for the next three days. It’s not a surprise. Our family carefully selected what was to come according to health requirements, allergies and freshness. Along with satisfying food preferences for those who will eat these meals, supper time at our house has become much more convenient. The shopping is done online. There is no obligation as to how often or how much we order. The quality ingredients and price are guaranteed. All we have to do is cook it on our own schedule. Explore the many options out there, for making those choices that work best for your needs. Enjoy the abundance!

“What’s for dinner?” has become the dreaded question in our house.

Although my husband and I appreciate good food, we’ve grown weary of grocery shopping, preparing meals and definitely cleaning up the kitchen.

Apparently we aren’t alone because there are numerous options available to make mealtime easier.

A local option is Meals 4 Home located in Harrisonburg. Jamie Eanes, general manager, is committed to providing this service as a way to bridge the gap between family traditions of gathering around the dinner table with the daily demands of life. His customers run the spectrum from working professionals who find themselves juggling a variety of activities to retirees who want to spend their time doing the things they enjoy.

Open a little over two years, Meals 4 Home specializes in preparing handmade, refrigerated, eat-at-home meals with entrees including: soups, stews, chowders, chili, sauces, casseroles, meatloaf, lasagna and more. Each portion is designed to provide 2 servings. Meals include an entrée and two sides. The cost is affordably around $15 per meal. Menus are available two weeks in advance and customers can choose from four meals per week.

Three options are available for ordering meals: online ordering, placing your order by phone or at weekly pick-up. Orders must be placed by Thursday the week prior to pick-up. Curbside pick-up is available for prepaid orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. There is no subscription or commitment to purchase.

A wide variety of fresh, frozen foods are conveniently available anytime at the business location. These range in price but all are under $10. For more information, call 540-564-6181 or meals4home.com.

Acid Reflux, You’ve Met Your Match.

Introducing LINX® at Sentara RMH Medical Center LINX is a small, flexible magnetic ring placed around the esophagus above the entrance to the stomach. The ring flexes to allow food to pass into your stomach, but keeps the burning stomach acid from coming back up. LINX is proven to help patients remain free of daily gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medications, significantly reduce heartburn and regurgitation, and improve quality of life. Patients who have the LINX procedure have also experienced reduced gas and bloating.

This procedure is minimally invasive. Most patients go home the same day.

Learn more about the LINX procedure at Sentara.com.

www.sentara.com

Your community, not-for-profit health partner

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

RAISED BED AND CONTAINER VEGETABLE GARDENING Jason Cooper, Extension Agent, Horticulture, Virginia Cooperative Extension

As these cold, winter days are ending, we can start to look forward to spring and summer and bringing fresh vegetables into our homes. We are now in a time where having fresh, home grown vegetables is important to many of us.

There are some, though, who aren’t able to have a conventional garden due to space restrictions or simply because they are unable to maintain and care for the garden. The good news is there are ways to plant a simple, practical garden in order to have the fresh vegetables that you crave.

Raised gardens have many benefits. When you are working with raised beds, it allows you to have a great soil medium to grow in. Many of our soils are very clay-based and not ideal for growing vegetables. If you are using raised beds, you will be filling them with a very good soil mixture. The mixture will usually be a combination of soil and compost. This mixture will allow vegetables to thrive. These raised gardens can be constructed using lumber, retaining wall blocks, or other methods. You can also use containers as raised gardens to grow your vegetables.

No matter which method you use in raised gardening, the one critical step is to ensure the raised bed or container is well drained. It is critical if you are using containers to make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom. Not only do you need drainage holes, but you also need media in the bottom that will drain well. This could be gravel, sand, or even the packaging peanuts that are used for shipping. Remember that the gravel will make the container heavier and harder to move around. Using the packaging peanuts or sand will make the container lighter and allow you to move it more easily.

Another great advantage of using raised gardens or containers is that they are easier to work and maintain. If you aren’t able to bend over as easily as you once were, these will really help. Most constructed raised gardens should be around 18” tall. This height is ideal because you are able to sit comfortably and work on your vegetables, which increases overall satisfaction with gardening. You will look forward to gardening instead of dreading the pain your body will go through.

Not only are raised gardens easier to maintain, but they allow you to limit the amount vegetables that you Raised bed under construction. will produce. You will grow only the vegetables that you need and you will grow them easier.

So, don’t let space or physical limitations affect your desire to grow fresh vegetables at home. There are always other options. If your space is limited, your soil is not very productive, or your body will not allow you to work a conventional garden, choose a raised garden or container method as an alternative to get the vegetables that you desire.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Out with the Old and In with the New: New Medicare Cards Coming Soon

Friday, March 9, 2018

Lifting the Spirit of the Caregiver Loretta Woodward Veney, Speaker and Author

Jeri Schaff, Executive Director, VPAS

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sunnyside – Bethesda Theatre 3935 Sunnyside Dr.

New Medicare Card sample

In an effort to reduce fraud and identity theft, all people with Medicare will be receiving new Medicare cards in the months to come. Arriving in mailboxes between April 2018 and April 2019, the cards will feature a new, unique number used only for Medicare coverage. Social Security numbers will be removed for safety purposes, but all Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

Virginia residents will be among the first to receive new cards. If you have changed your address in the last two years, you can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to be sure your address is correct.

Be aware that mailing takes time; your friend, neighbor or spouse might receive their new card before you receive yours. If you have not received a new Medicare card by July, call Social Security to report this.

When you receive your new Medicare card, destroy the old one and start using the new card right away. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know it’s coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you.

The new Medicare cards will be paper, not cardboard. Since paper cards will more easily get frayed and torn, you might want to make a few copies of your card. Harrisonburg, East Rockingham, and Broadway-Timberville senior centers will be laminating new Medicare cards free of charge.

It’s important to guard your card and your new Medicare number to help prevent Medicare fraud. Only give your new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.

Beware of phone scams! Medicare will never call you to “verify your new Medicare number” or “fix” your Medicare unless you have called them first. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report the abuse.

If you have any questions about your new Medicare card, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) Medicare Insurance counselors are ready to help with any questions or concerns. In the Harrisonburg area, call 6155341, or for help in any of the five counties VPAS serves, call 800-868VPAS (8727). You can also visit our resource page online at www.vpas. info/medicare-counseling for more information.

Learn from motivational speaker, trainer and author Loretta Veney techniques for finding joy in the challenges of caregiving. Author of two books, Veney has been featured in articles with her mother in the Washington Post, The New York Times, and PBS. Join us to hear her story and learn from her experiences.

Generations Crossing and Sunnyside Retirement Community have partnered to host this free event. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP by calling the Sunnyside Marketing Office at (540) 568-8411 or email at mtomasi@sunnyside.cc

Following the seminar, tours will be available at both Generations Crossing and Sunnyside.

3935 Sunnyside Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801

540.568.8411 800.237.2257 www.sunnysidecommunities.com

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

OMG, I’m over 55 and I haven’t planned for Retirement

Yes, You Can Grow Mushrooms!

Stephen Hess, CFP of Hess Financial

Growing mushrooms is not hard but it does take plenty of patience.

Here is how you do it.

You need to use hardwood (Oak, Hickory, Maple). Logs should be 4-6 inches in diameter and about 3-4 feet long (or the size that you can manage). Use green wood from a live tree. Dead wood will give competing composters a head start.

Cut between October and March, when the sap is down. Drill holes 1 inch deep around the entire log; alternate the holes so they are evenly spaced out and 3 or 4 inches apart.

Fill the holes with mushroom spores Prepping a log to grow which can be purchased online or mushrooms from a mushroom farm. Inculcator tools can be purchased online and make the process very easy. Once all the holes have been inoculated with spores, “paint” the holes with

If this describes you, just know that you are not alone. A survey by GOBankrates.com found that 28% of people over 55 have no retirement savings at all and another 26% have less than $50,000 saved. If this is you, then it’s probably time to stop what you’re doing and take a hard look at your finances. You may not like what you see initially, but don’t give up hope and be open to some alternative planning options.

We recommend that you start by taking inventory of what you do have.

What income streams will you receive (including Social Security, pension, or annuity benefits)? One easy option available to you is to consider delaying some of these. For example, with Social Security you can delay your benefits to age 70 and get as much as 32% more in monthly income. That can make a huge difference for many people.

Take a close look at your current investments and make sure you have a practical plan in place for the time you have left. Review performance, fees and risk. It’s ok to take risk, but just be sure that it’s age appropriate. Too little risk and you might not accomplish much, too much risk and it could backfire terribly.

Complete a thorough insurance policy review. Are there policies that are no longer needed or productive? It’s better to find out today if any adjustments could be made to reduce costs and increase savings.

Look at your budget. The window of time may no longer be large, but any extra saving helps. Budgeting is often a reflection of how you prioritize your resources, so there may be room to make some adjustments and free up some additional funds. If you have access to tax beneficial options like 401k’s, 403b’s, IRAs or Roth IRAs those can be wonderful places to save.

Those over 50 even get additional “Catch Up” savings options with larger maximums.

Ask yourself if there is any chance you might work longer or part-time after retirement. Lots of people work as consultants or find something they enjoy doing like working at their favorite golf course. Any additional income will reduce the need to pull funds from other places.

Obviously, everyone will have a different financial situation, so you will need to look carefully at yours to determine the best plan.

Beth Bland, VPAS Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg-Rockingham County

Mushrooms continued on page 10 The Spitzer Art Center

6x6 x 30 March 2-March 30, Park Gables Gallery, VMRC 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. weekdays, 1-4 p.m. Sat/Sun

MATTHEW C. SUNDERLIN Certified Elder Law Attorney* For 20 years, Mr. Sunderlin has represented the elderly, the disabled, their families and their advocates in the area of elder law including Wills, trusts & estate planning, estate & trust administration, probate, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, living wills, long term care planning with regard to Medicaid, Medicare & Social Security, & fiduciary services. He handles litigation such as Will contests, guardianships & conservatorships, & estate administration disputes.

92 North Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 Telephone: (540) 433-2601 Email: sunderlin@clark-bradshaw.com • www.clark-bradshaw.com *Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (There is no procedure in Virginia for approving certifying organizations.)

An Exhibition of 6x6 art created daily over a 30-day period The Park Gables Gallery is located at 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg 540-564-3400

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

The Medicaid Mystery Matthew C. Sunderlin, Esquire, Clark & Bradshaw, P.C.

Medicare only pays for approximately 13% of long term nursing care in the U.S. because the benefit is very limited. Private long term care insurance pays for even less. Most families exhaust their life savings and then become eligible for Medicaid. There is another way.

For a spouse to be eligible for Medicaid, the couple must be legally impoverished – not actually impoverished. Planning can be done that is neither unethical nor fraudulent, to protect family assets for the spouse who remains at home. The Medicaid rules can be, to paraphrase Churchill, a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” I tell clients that a Medicaid application is like a tax audit and a root canal -- all in one day!

When a spouse is institutionalized, a “snap shot” of the family’s assets is taken – yes, kiddos, that’s what we used to call a “picture” -- the spouse keeps ½ of the family’s assets up to $123,600. Additionally, certain assets are exempt, including personal possessions, $20,000 per person in U.S. Savings bonds, a car, the home when occupied by a spouse, a child under 21, or a disabled child, life insurance with a cash value of $1,500 or less, and certain funeral expenses – some dollar limits apply. Real and personal property of a “business” or “trade” such as a family farm is excluded.

Once the excluded assets are determined and the above sum for the community spouse is calculated, any assets remaining are considered “excess resources.” The excess must be fully expended paying for care or be protected by the family or spouse.

There are options to protect assets. First, pay off debts including the mortgage on the family home and make home improvements. If not completed already, purchase funerals for the couple. The purchase of US saving bonds or an upgrade of the car is possible too.

If the institutionalized spouse has a disabled adult child, assets can be placed in a special needs trust for benefit of that person. Funds can be likewise given directly to the disabled individual if those additional assets will not cause a loss of benefits for the disabled person.

Lastly, to create additional income for the spouse at home, a Medicaid compliant promissory note can be structured to benefit the community spouse or the community spouse can purchase a Medicaid compliant annuity. The income derived from these financial instruments will not be counted against the Medicaid eligibility of the institutionalized spouse.

CAVEAT DONOR! Medicaid will deny eligibility if an individual or spouse makes impermissible gifts instead of retaining the assets to pay privately for care. There is a 60 month look back period in which Medicaid investigates for gifts to determine a period of ineligibility. The divisor of $5,933 is used to calculate a penalty period. To calculate an ineligibility period, divide the total gifts in the 60 months immediately prior to a Medicaid application by the divisor. Gifts totaling $125,000 divided by $5,933 equal a penalty period of 21 months. The true monthly cost of care is approximately $7,500; therefore, 21 months will cost $157,500. The penalty is greater than the benefit.

Medicaid is a mystery. Your family needs expert assistance to maneuver the maze and trod the morass together. Don’t go it alone.

Friday, March 9, 2018

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Cask for a Cause: How a Mason and a Grandma with a Jeep Fed a Desire to Help Others Leigh-Anne Lees, Community Relations Manager, VPAS

Greg Williams, bartender at Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg, is one of 14 grandchildren. He didn’t get to spend as much one-on-one time with his grandparents as he would have liked, but knew this one really important thing about them: they loved helping others.

Bill and Dorothy Holden were residents of Charleston, WV and parents of seven children. Both were active in the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston. Bill was a Mason and Dorothy was a worthy matron of the Eastern Star. After retirement they found even more time for helping others. Greg’s Greg Williams will welcome Meals on Wheels supporters at grandmother bought a Jeep Brothers Craft Brewing March 16.

Cherokee so she could help deliver meals for local Meals on Wheels recipients, regardless of weather.

Greg’s grandfather passed away in 2006 and his grandmother died last spring, but their spirit of giving lives on in Greg, who is part of the Brothers Craft Brewing team that reached out to VPAS to support Meals on Wheels through their “Cask for a Cause” event.

“After my grandmother got dementia, I got to see how valuable these services really are,” said Greg. “It really is more than delivering food to someone’s house. It’s great to know there are people who can check up on you, look around to make sure all is well.”

Through Cask for a Cause, Greg hopes to build awareness of VPAS and generate new support for Meals on Wheels. “Many of our customers may know Meals on Wheels exists, but just think some other people are taking care of it. This puts a face on it.”

About the March Cask for a Cause Event What is it? A charity event featuring an exclusive brew created by Brothers Craft Brewing and VPAS When? Friday, March 16, 2018, 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Where? 800 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 All proceeds of the brew, plus an original poster auctioned off to event attendees, will benefit VPAS’ Meals on Wheels Learn more at www.vpas.info or by calling 540-615-5341.

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Friday, March 9, 2018

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Family Caregiver Workshops Presented by the Caregiver Coalition Jeannette Suter, Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care

Are you a family caregiver that would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your caregiving role, talk with other family caregivers, and be introduced to community resources that may support your caregiving journey? If so, the workshops offered through the Caregiver Coalition are for you!

The Caregiver Coalition is made up of representatives from VMRC, Sunnyside and Bridgewater Retirement Communities, Alzheimer’s Association, Generations Crossing, Home Instead Senior Care, Sentara RMH Senior Advantage and Lifeline, JMU’s IIHHS and VPAS. The mission is a simple one: “to empower family caregivers in our community through effective development, promotion, and coordination of resources and services.”

The Coalition is hosting a series of Family Caregiver Workshops in 2018.

The first workshop, “Medication Management: Potential risks vs. potential benefits,” will be presented by Dr. Jonathan Shenk of Valley Family & Elder Care, PLC on Tuesday, March 13, 1-2:30 at the Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building (1st Floor conference room). There is no charge and light refreshments will be provided. The second workshop will be held on June 12, focusing on a discussion of how a caregiver may feel isolated at times in his/her caregiving role.

To all family caregivers that would enjoy learning new information and joining others in the caregiving journey, please join us! To register (as space is limited), please call Kathy at 540-830-8445 or kathy@VPAS.info. Or, if you are simply interested in being included on the Caregiver Coalition’s e-mail distribution list, please reach out to Kathy today!

Mushrooms continued from page 8 melted cheese wax. If the log has any scuffs you want to cover those with wax as well.

There are several important things to remember.

Don’t let the log dry out; don’t put it in direct sun. Soak it at least twice a year, spring and fall, for a day or two. If it is a dry summer, soak it monthly.You can stick the whole log in the creek or tub. Sticking the end in a bucket also works. You will need to watch smaller diameter logs more closely than larger diameter logs so they don’t dry out.

Keep out competing fungus. Don’t set the log right on dirt - set it on plastic, bricks, rocks or other logs.

Put the logs where you can see them every day. Mushrooms appear quickly and you want to harvest them when they are fresh. Patience, it may take a year before you see mushrooms. When they do produce, cut the mushroom rather than pull it off the log. This will help them to continue to produce for 3-5 years. TThe final step is to enjoy your harvest.

Harrisonburg, Va.

Aging in Place in Your Home – Future Proofing Your Home Charles Hendricks, Gaines Group Architects

If you are like most people, you do not want to move from your house. It is a comfortable place, in a familiar neighborhood with known shortcuts, and it feels safe and secure. According to the AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to stay in their current home, which means living in a home safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of your abilities.

The design of the home is very important. If you are in the process of designing a new home, there are good additions you can make that will not add to the budget. There are also many things you can do to your current home to make it more flexible as your life situation changes.

The concept of aging-in-place design is not about designing for inabilities.

These are things that can make your home easy to use, maintain, and navigate for everyone - no matter their ability.

A no-step entry solution makes daily life easier. In an existing home, this usually means a ramp to the door. The ramp, if possible, should not be on the front of the house, should have direct no-step access to the driveway, and should not exceed a 1” to 12” slope. It should have a 5’ turning radius level platform outside the entry door and a handrail on at least one side of the ramp. The ramp should have a minimum of 36” clear space from the inside of rail to the opposing side of the ramp rail.

Technology solutions are flooding the market that will make aging-inplace easier and safer. There are apps available for your smart phone that can detect a potential fall and send an alert. There are cameras that detect motion and even water cut-off valves that detect leaks.

The most important thing in a kitchen is space to maneuver. If possible, a roll under sink, lowered counter, pot filler at the stove, and a flexible faucet add to the functionality of the space. However, in older homes the kitchens are often small, making some of these impossible. Keeping the floor clear of rugs, dog dishes, and furniture will be key to making a small space safe and usable.

A bathroom can be a dangerous place. Some changes that might make it an easier space to use include a comfort height toilet, roll under sink, and a roll in shower. If you have the time and money, a larger bathroom with a 5’ turning radius would be very nice. However, in an existing older home that is a difficult request. A couple of less permanent changes would include a bathtub transfer bench and raised toilet seat. You might also consider installation of grab bars around the toilet and in the shower for added safety.

They don’t have to look institutional anymore as many companies have developed grab bars that look like soap dishes and towel bars.

Some other considerations that can change your home’s safety and flexibility are under-counter lights, lever door hardware (instead of knobs), pull out cutting boards integrated into your kitchen cabinets, touchless faucets, and there are even residential scale elevators available.

One important thing you might not think about with aging-in-place is making your home energy-efficient and durable. Schedule an energy audit to find out how your home is performing, which often leads to air sealing the leaks and adding insulation to reduce your monthly energy bills. This will help keep your home comfortable and usually offers a quick payback.

If you have some of these features incorporated into your home, it will be safer for a lifetime.

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, March 9, 2018

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Community Calendar of Events $15 per couple (includes a lifetime Senior Advantage membership).

Any reader interested in attending an event is asked to call the contact Registration is required. person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable.

Call 1-800-SENTARA(736-8272) for information or registration.

To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please e-mail Jeannette Suter at jsuter@homeinstead.com or call Sunnyside’s 17th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day Health Fair 540-213-7800.

Family Caregiver Workshop Topic: Medication Management: Potential Risks vs. Potential Benefits to consider about common medications as we age.

Presented by: Dr. Jonathan Shenk, Valley Family & Elder Care, PLC Sponsored by the Caregiver Coalition Tuesday, March 13, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 1st Floor Conference Room. Please register by calling Kathy at 540-830-8445 or kathy@VPAS.info Live Well Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: VMRC Wellness Center Thursdays March 15 - April 19, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

No Charge. • To register call the VMRC Wellness Center 540-574-3850 Aging Mastery Program Sponsored by: VMRC and VPAS Location: VMRC Detwiler Auditorium, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg Tuesdays March 20-May 22, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Cost: $99 Register at the VMRC Wellness Center, 540-574-3850.

Your Health Now Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 2010 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg Wednesday, April 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) for information or registration Lifting the Spirit of the Caregiver Sponsored by: Generations Crossing & Sunnyside Location: Sunnyside Campus / Bethesda Theatre Tuesday, April 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Free event • Contact information for event details and registration: RSVP by April 12 to Sunnyside Marketing at 568-8411 or mtomasi@sunnyside.cc In the Loop Sentara RMH Medical Center, Park in Lot B Begins for the season on Thursday, May 3, 8:30 a.m.

Call 564-7001 for details AARP Driver Safety Course Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Atrium, 2000 Beery Rd, Harrisonburg.

Tues, May 8, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members Registration required, with the same information printed on your drivers’ license. Please bring a packed lunch. 1-800-SENTARA(736-8272) Aging Gracefully Conference Location: Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene, 1871 Boyers Rd, Harrisonburg Wednesday, May 9, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Health Education Lectures, Free Screenings, Local Resources who Support Older Adults FREE for Senior Advantage Members. All others $10 per person or

Wednesday, May 30, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Sunnyside Retirement Community, 1130 Highlands Place, Harrisonburg Questions? Call 568-8289 Alzheimer›s Annual Education Conference Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: JMU Festival Conference and Student Center June 7, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Contact information for event details and registration: ephipps@alz.org Support Groups for Care Partners of Individuals with Dementia in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, Monteray, and Woodstock

Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Please visit alz.org/crf or call 1-800-272-3900 for all details Memory Cafe Social

Individuals with Memory Loss, Friends, and Family Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Mr. J’s Bagels, 1731 South High Street, Harrisonburg 2nd Monday 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Contact Lauren Blackshaw for more information at: lblackshaw@alz.org or 434-270-0692

Hear What You’ve Been Missing

Robert R. Hinkle, Ph.D.

Audiologist Hearing Aid Specialist

36 339 L Lucy D Drive, i H Harrisonburg, VA • 540-434-3977 • www.harrisonburghearing.com

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Friday, March 9, 2018

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

YO U R

Harrisonburg, Va.

N EW HOM E

under the sun

Bridgewater Retirement Community presents the next generation of independent living lifestyles for our community. When we cut the ribbon in 2019, The Grove will offer our most spacious, DPOUFNQPSBSZ BQBSUNFOU IPNFT 8JUI PVS PQFO DPODFQU nPPS QMBOT JO CVJMEJOH HBSBHF QBSLJOH and access to new dining, activity and recreational venues, it’s hard to beat. And because it’s all maintenance free, you can spend your summers relaxing and enjoying all of the fresh air and outdoor activities that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer.

We are now taking our final reservations. Visit brcliving.org/thegrove for more information. at

1.800.419.9129 | 540.828.2540 302 North Second Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 www.brcliving.org/thegrove