Palouse
Seniors NOVEMBER 2016
Great gifts
for seniors
An advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News
| November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Palouse SENIORS
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November 2016 | 3
Great gifts for seniors MetroCreative
E
very holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want. Many seniors tend to fall into the latter category. Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult if shoppers don’t know what seniors want. But the following are a handful of gift ideas that might make this holiday season that much more special for seniors.
Books A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-and-over loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.
Gym membership According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which age-related tissue loss contributes to brittle, fragile bones. Physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis. Family
Palouse
Seniors NOVEMBER 2016
Enjoy Palouse Seniors IN PRINT: Palouse Seniors is published quarterly, with 12,500 copies distributed in the Daily News, Lewiston Tribune and at key drop spots and advertisers across the Palouse. ONLINE: Check out the latest edition in digital format online at DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.
Great gifts
for seniors
To advertise your business or service in the next edition, contact advertising coordinator: Angela Kay: akay@dnews.com An advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News
members stuck on what to get aging loved ones may want to consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.
Travel gifts Many retirees love to travel, but not every senior has the means to take off for parts unknown. A 2013 survey from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® found that 25 percent of retirees admitted they wished they would have saved more for retirement travel. Holiday shoppers can light up seniors’ smiles by gifting travel gifts this holiday season. One idea is to transfer airline miles to an elderly loved one so he or she can get a free or discounted flight. If that’s not a possibility, some new luggage or a Global Hotel CardTM sponsored by Orbitz®, a gift card that can be redeemed at 70,000 hotels across the globe, is sure to please.
Family time Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you.
| November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Palouse SENIORS
National Home Care & Hospice Month
Sponsored by Jay Ostvig, Home Health and Hospice Specialist - Kindred at Home
N
ovember is National Home Care & Hospice Month, a time to recognize the nurses, therapists, social workers and other professionals who not only deliver outstanding care to patients and family members, but also provide comfort, inspire hope and ensure dignity is preserved. National Home Care & Hospice Month is equally important because it brings awareness to services so many in this nation take on themselves, often without knowing there are alternatives. Today over 57 percent of Americans are providing unpaid care to a friend or loved one, per AARP. This is extremely stressful work and one of the more difficult things most of us will ever undertake in life. And yet there is almost no preparation – and often little knowledge of the resources available to help – when you find yourself in the role of caregiver. National Home Care & Hospice Month was created to
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help bridge this information gap. The awareness effort seeks to get the word out that if you are caring for someone, you are not alone. There are resources that can help your loved one and you as a caregiver. Home health, for instance, is one of the fastest growing segments in healthcare, and one of the most cost effective. It is also a Medicare benefit, and using that benefit can make a huge impact in helping an individual transition successfully from a hospital stay and recover in his or her home. Â Hospice care might still be better known than home health, but it is commonly underutilized and misunderstood. Yet, it too, is a benefit available to caregivers that can provide enormous physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual help when it matters most. National Home Care & Hospice Month is a great reminder about the importance of caregiving. Please take the time to learn more about the benefits and resources that are out there.
Palouse SENIORS
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November 2016 |
12 tips for safe driving
Newspaper Toolbox
Being able to drive is a way for people of all ages to affirm their independence. That being said, certain consequences of aging, such as weakened eyesight, can affect your driving abilities. As you grow older, it’s important to be aware of these changes in order to deal with them appropriately. With that in mind, here are 12 tips to help you stay safe on the road while avoiding putting others in danger. 1. Make sure that your medications don’t have any side effects that might affect your ability to drive. 2. Always make sure that your car’s windshield and back window are clean. 3. Maintain a safety distance well above the two-second minimum that is generally recommended, and slow down whenever it rains, snows, and when the road is slippery.
you’re upset, tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication. 6. Plan your routes and choose roads that you know well, taking care to avoid rush-hour traffic and fast lanes. 7. Drive during the day, and avoid driving during periods of reduced visibility such as dawn or dusk. 8. Always wear your hearing aid if you have one, and minimize any background noise (turn down the radio, for instance). 9. Pay attention to your surroundings so as to have a general idea of the traffic conditions around you, and keep an eye out for cyclists, pedestrians and parked cars. 10. Check your blind spot more than once before you turn or change lanes.
4. Avoid driving long distances when possible.
11. Never assume that you have the right of way.
5. Remain concentrated at all times, and don’t drive when
12. Consider taking a refresher driving course.
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| November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Palouse SENIORS
Power of attorney protects loved ones
MetroCreative
P
ower of attorney is a key document to have in an estate plan.
Life is full of the unexpected. But just because the future is unpredictable does not mean adults cannot prepare for what lies ahead. Estate planning is important, and establishing power of attorney can be essential for men and women looking to protect their financial resources and other assets.
What is power of attorney? A power of attorney, or POA, is a document that enables an individual to appoint a person or organization to manage his or her affairs should this individual become unable to do so. According to the National Caregivers Library, POA is granted to an “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to give a person the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated “principal.” The laws for creating a power of attorney vary depending on where a person lives, but there are some general similarities regardless of geography.
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Why is power of attorney needed? Many people believe their families will be able to step in if an event occurs that leaves them incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, this is not always true. If a person is not named as an agent or granted legal access to financial, medical and other pertinent information, family members’ hands may be tied. In addition, the government may appoint someone to make certain decisions for an individual if no POA is named. Just about everyone can benefit from establishing an attorney-in-fact. Doing so does not mean men and women cannot live independently, but it will remove the legal barriers involved should a person no longer be physically or mentally capable of managing certain tasks.
Power of attorney varies Power of attorney is a broad term that covers various aspects of decision-making. According to the legal resource, Lectric Law Library, the main types of POA include general power of attorney, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and special power of attorney. Many of the responsibilities overlap, but there are some subtle legal differences. Durable power of attorney, for example, relates to all the appointments involved in general, special and health care powers of attorney being made “durable.” This means the document will remain in effect or take effect if a person becomes mentally incompetent. Certain powers of
Palouse SENIORS
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November 2016 |
attorney may fall within a certain time period.
What is covered? An agent appointed through POA may be able to handle the following, or more, depending on the verbiage of the document: · banking transactions · buying/selling property · settling claims · filing tax returns · managing government-supplied benefits · maintaining business interests · making estate-planning decisions · deciding on medical treatments · selling personal property · fulfilling advanced health care directives
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Although a power of attorney document can be filled out and an agent appointed on one’s own, working with an estate planning attorney to better understand the intricacies of this vital document is advised.
Palouse SENIORS
| November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
How to help socially isolated seniors
MetroCreative
T
he elderly population is on the rise in many countries. Advancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on healthy lifestyles means people are living longer than ever before. Age is often accompanied by wisdom, but men and women may also find that feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression may also settle in as they grow older. The Journal of Primary Prevention published “A Review of Social Isolation,” which observed how social isolation has been linked to numerous detrimental health effects in older adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk for mortality, rehospitalization, falls, and dementia. Individuals looking to give back to their communities may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Although it can be difficult to see seniors with diminished physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of interacting and helping seniors can be immeasurable. There are plenty of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live fulfilling lives. · Provide transportation. A Place for Mom, a senior housing placement resource, notes that lack of adequate transportation is a main cause of social isolation among seniors. Voluntary or necessary cessation of driving makes getting to and from appointments or even recreational outings more difficult. Where public transportation is
unavailable or challenging to come by, volunteers can help shuttle seniors to and from grocery stores, doctor’s offices and any other places they need to go. Getting out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors overcome feelings of loneliness. · Participate in hobbies together. Give seniors a sense of purpose by encouraging them to participate in hobbies or activities. Book clubs are one activity that can interest people of different age groups. · Encourage exercise. Physical exercise keeps the body fit and improves mental health. Seniors can benefit from physical activity because it promotes strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded adults, helping them overcome their feelings of isolation even further. · Provide meals and companionship. Older adults may not be getting all they need to maintain healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and shopping for healthy foods may be difficult. Provide seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take the time to share those meals. This can foster conversations that keep seniors’ minds sharp and also may help prevent social isolation. Seniors can benefit from many different forms of support, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer initiative.
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Palouse SENIORS
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November 2016 |
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10 | November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Palouse SENIORS
Options when paying for long-term care
MetroCreative
A
ging has its side effects, as it’s inevitable that individuals’ bodies and minds will change as they approach their golden years. Illnesses, disabilities and other conditions may speed up the changes in certain individuals. While many seniors continue to live independently well into their golden years, some require long-term care. The decision to move an elderly relative into a long-term care facility can be difficult. In addition to the emotional effects of such a decision, families must deal with the financial repercussions. Long-term care services can be costly, and many general healthcare insurance plans do not cover long-term care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers that an assisted living facility may cost roughly $3,300 per month for a onebedroom unit, while a nursing home may cost between $6,200 and $6,900. Seniors or families who have enough income and savings may be able to pay for long-term care services without assistance. But those who cannot afford to do so may need to utilize different programs or resources to pay for long-term care.
· Long-term care insurance According to WebMD, commercial insurers offer private policies referred to as long-term care insurance. These policies may cover services such as care at home, adult day care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. However, plans vary widely. In addition, the cost for care and eligibility requirements may change as a person ages, so it’s
best to purchase this insurance while young and relatively healthy.
· Government assistance Government health programs may pay for a portion of certain care but not all of the services offered by long-term care facilities. For example, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says government health care programs may cover only a small percentage of the costs for nursing homes or other specialized residential care facilities, or perhaps none at all depending on the circumstances. In the United States, Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and for some people younger than 65 who are disabled. Medicare generally does not pay for long-term help with daily activities. Medicare pays for very limited skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay, but not for many assisted living facilities. Medicaid is another option that pays for health services and longterm care for low-income people of any age. First, applicants must determine their eligibility for Medicaid. Medicaid is typically only available after most personal assets have been depleted. Even with Medicaid, a resident of a long-term care facility may need to pay a portion of the care out of pocket. What’s more, as part of the application for Medicaid, a “look back” at assets is required to deter gifting assets in order to qualify. Paying for long-term care requires planning well in advance of when such services may be needed.
Palouse SENIORS
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November 2016 | 11
New test allows for better prostate cancer detection
Sponsored by Gritman Medical Center
I
f you had the choice between a blood test or a prostate biopsy, which would you choose?
For Cottonwood-area resident Roger Wemhoff, the choice was simple. “Just drawing some blood is a whole lot nicer than a biopsy,” Wemhoff said. “The doctor explained what all the biopsy entails and I didn’t want to do that at all.” Wemhoff, who works at the Clearwater Paper Mill in Lewiston, was one of the first men in the Pacific Northwest to receive the new Prostate Health Index (PHI) test at Gritman Medical Center. Done through a simple blood draw, the PHI test detects prostate cancer three times more accurately than current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. Wemhoff had a routine physical after getting a reminder in the mail from his insurance company. While there, his physician recommended he get some blood work done. “The blood test said my PSA levels were high and my prostate was enlarged, so I went to see a urologist,” Wemhoff said. During that exam, the urologist confirmed the concerns brought up from PSA test and told Wemhoff his chances of having prostate cancer were around 60 percent. Since standard PSA tests are not precise enough to diagnose cancer, the urologist advised Wemhoff do some
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follow-up testing. “The doc said I probably should get a biopsy, but then he said there is this new test I could do,” Wemhoff said. Choosing to do the new PHI blood test rather than a prostate biopsy, Wemhoff drove to Gritman Medical Center that same day. “A week or so later, the doc called me and said with the new test, my chance of having cancer was down to 6 percent,” said Wemhoff. “They advise to wait another six months to take another PHI blood test.” Increased PHI scores predict a greater risk of cancer. If PHI scores are increasing over time, the patient has a higher risk of an aggressive cancer, as well as a higher risk of developing cancer after the prostate is removed. In the past, when a standard PSA screen test result was elevated, the urologist would likely recommend a prostate biopsy since the results of the testing was inconclusive said Greg Nordin, director of the Gritman Laboratory. Thanks to the PHI’s enhanced sensitivity for prostate cancer detection, one in three men with an inconclusive PSA test can avoid a prostate biopsy and complete a simple PHI blood test instead,” said Nordin. Ask your primary care provider how a simple blood test could prevent a prostate biopsy.
Have you received a non-renewal notice on your Medicare Insurance Plan? We are in the Annual Enrollment Period until December 7th. Contact our Medicare Insurance Specialist Rob Beal.
Rob Beal
Jon Kimberling Insurance Agency 205 S Main, Moscow • (208) 882-4414 rob@kimberlinginsurance.com
12 | November 2016 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Palouse SENIORS
Elevated PSA blood test? If your prostate-speciďŹ c antigen (PSA) blood test comes back higher than normal, Gritman Medical Center has an alternative to a prostate biopsy. At Gritman, we can help one in three men avoid a prostate biopsy with an innovative Prostate Health Index (PHI) test. Requiring only a blood draw, the PHI blood test is nearly three times more accurate than the current PSA test, meaning there is a reduced chance of needing a prostate biopsy.
To ďŹ nd out more about PHI testing, ask your primary care provider how a simple blood test could prevent a prostate biopsy. For additional information, call the Gritman Laboratory at 208-883-6402.
Building Strong Communities.
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