CareGuide The Becker County
2014
Providing services to Seniors and those with special needs
Here when you need us Essentia Health-Oak Crossing 1040 Lincoln Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218.844.0789 Essentia Heath-Lincoln Park Assisted Living 208 Oak Street, Detroit Lakes 218.847.0894 Essentia Heath-Lincoln Park Senior Apartments 207 Park Street, Detroit Lakes 218.847.0894 Essentia Health-Winchester Senior Apartments 1051 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218.847.0894 Essentia Health Home Care West 114 Frazee Street East, Detroit Lakes 218.847.0806
W1018 02-14
EssentiaHealth.org
PAGE 2 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Hearing test with Easy Hearing Clinic – IMPORTANT FREE Hearingyour testGrandkids with Easy Hearing – FREE ...Hearing sayClinic “I Love You” - PRICELESS ...Hearing your Grandkids say “I Love You” - PRICELESS
EASY HEARING CLINIC EASY HEARING CLINIC
Trust your hearing to qualified professionals Trust your Call for an appointment
218-829-2162
Toll Free 1-866-653-4327 Minnesota Licensed Audiologist
119 Washington Ave. S i e m e n s(inside Bender Chiropractic) Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Siemens
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 3
table of contents Emergency Numbers....................................... 6 Advocacy Services............................................ 8 Becker County Veterans Service Officer.................................. 8 Consumer Protection....................................... 8 County Coordinator on Aging......................... 8 Landlord/Tenant Rights.................................. 8 Ombudsman..................................................... 8 White Earth Tribal Council.............................. 8 Daily Support Services..................................... 8 Adult Day Care.................................................. 8 Chore Services................................................10 Counseling/Support Groups..........................10 Driving Evaluation and Safety.......................16 Foot Care.........................................................16 Nutrition.........................................................16 Senior Centers (Dining & Meals on Wheels)........................16 Transportation...............................................18 Financial & Legal Services............................. 18 Becker County Human Services.....................18 Mahube Community Council.........................18 Social Security Administration......................18 USDA Rural Development.............................18 White Earth Reservation Tribal Council...............................................18 Housing Services........................................... 18 Adult Foster Care...........................................18 Housing With Services...................................18 Emergency Housing.......................................20 General Housing Information.......................20 Home Modification and Accessibility...........................................20 Nursing Homes...............................................20 Senior Independent Living............................22
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In-Home Services.......................................... 22 Home Health Care..........................................22 Hospice...........................................................22 Becker County Long Term Care Consultation . ...................24 Life Line Services............................................24 Life Enrichment/Employment Opportunities................................................ 24 Community Education...................................24 Employment...................................................24 Volunteer/Community Service Programs..........................................24 Medical Services............................................ 24 Clinics/Medical Centers.................................24 Medical Supplies.............................................26 Pharmacies......................................................26 ARTICLES How to make a home handicap accessible....... 7 Preparing for the afterlife............................. 14 Amazing facts about the human heart.......... 28 Natural ways to ease arthritis pain............... 29 Preparing for hospice care............................. 30
If you are unsure of exactly what you need, refer to: Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line 1-800-333-2433 or www.MinnesotaHelp.info They can assist you in locating resources and securing services. For Local Assistance call: Becker County Senior Coordinator - Karen Lenius (218) 847-1385 or 1-888-458-1385
welcome Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Becker County Care Guide. Inside you will find a list of programs, businesses, organizations and agencies in Becker County, Minnesota. The listings provide a resource and referral guide for seniors, disabled individuals and residents. Every effort has been made to provide current information. We apologize for any errors or omissions made in this edition. The Becker County Care Guide is brought to you by the Becker County Senior Network. Our organization is made up of businesses, agencies and individuals who are interested in promoting the well-being of the senior population of Becker County. The Becker County Senior Network would like to thank Detroit Lakes Newspapers for their generous contribution towards the printing and distribution of this directory. Services listed in this directory are subject to change at any time.
Schedule your Life, not your Oxygen deliveries! Give your patients Freedom and Independence • HomeFill Oxygen System ~ unlimited refillable supply No more waiting for deliveries! • NIV (Non-Invasive Vent) • CPAP/BiLevel ~ including Supplies & Disease Management • Nebulizers & Oximetry
601 Hwy 10 East • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218-844-CARE (2273) • 855-778-2727
ON CALL 24/7
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 5
emergency numbers Emergency 911 Lakes Crisis & Resource Center 218.847.7446 Provides direct services to victims of violence. Minnesota Poison Control 1.800.222.1222 Essentia St. Mary’s Health EMS EMERGENCY 911 218.847.0817 (Ambulance) Lakeland Mental Health Center 1.800.223.4512 Assessments for mental health needs. Licensed staff on call after 5:00 p.m. to help with emergency assessments.
North Memorial Ambulance Service EMERGENCY 911 218.732.5255 Serves Hubbard and Eastern Becker Counties White Earth Ambulance Service EMERGENCY 911 218.983.3281 or 218.983.3201 Vulnerable Adult Reporting Contact Becker County Human Services at 218.847.5628 ext. 5382 (Adult Protection Worker) or ask for the Adult Services Intake Worker 8:00 – 4:30 Monday – Friday After hours call First Link 701.235.3620
Diamond Willow Assisted Living
MeMory, Medical & Physical care
Diamond Willow Assisted Living specializes in caring for seniors with advancing medical, physical, memory care and Alzheimer needs. With industry-leading staffing ratios, we have led the way in creating a smaller setting, with the ambiance of home. Truly, a fabulous alternative to a nursing home.
1558 Randolph Road, detRoit lakes, Mn 218-847-6900 www.diamondwillow.com PAGE 6 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
How to make a home handicap accessible the floors of showers and tubs, can be installed. Add a hand-held shower head to the shower stall to make it easier for those with a disability to shower. Portable transfer seats, which enable wheelchair-bound men and women to transition from their chairs to showers and bathtubs, can be purchased and kept in or near the bathroom.
Many homeowners have found themselves scrambling to make their homes handicap accessible after a sudden injury or illness. In addition, some homeowners have found themselves looking to make adjustments to their homes in anticipation of welcoming elderly, less mobile relatives into their homes. Converting a home into a handicap-accessible space can seem like a daunting task that requires adjustments to nearly every part of the house. While the extent of those adjustments depends on the individual who needs to be accommodated, some of the areas homeowners must address when making their homes handicap accessible are universal regardless of the individual’s condition. Entryways A home’s entryways often must be addressed when making the home more handicap accessible. Portable ramps can be an affordable option and are often an ideal for those who only need to make temporary adjustments, such as when a resident suffers an injury that requires he or she spend some time in a wheelchair. When the adjustments will just be temporary, a folding wheelchair might be necessary, as the doorways might not be able to fit a standard wheelchair that doesn’t fold. When adjustments figure to be permanent, homeowners might need to expand the doorways in their homes. Contractors typically recommend expanding doorways to at least 32 inches, which provides some maneuverability when wheelchairs, which are typically between 24 and 27 inches wide, are entering the home. Doorways at the most commonly used entryways, including front doors and doors to the bathrooms as well as
Water fixtures An often overlooked adjustment homeowners must make when transforming their homes into handicapaccessible spaces concerns the sinks throughout the home. Disabled persons may find it difficult to access faucets on sinks throughout the home, especially when there are vanity cabinets beneath the sinks. Replacing such sinks with pedestal sinks can improve maneuverability, but make sure such sinks are lower to the ground than standard pedestal sinks. A sink that’s just a few inches lower than a standard sink is considerably more accessible to people in wheelchairs.
the individual’s bedroom, will likely need to be widened. Bathroom The bathroom might be the area of the home that needs the most attention. Slippery conditions common to bathrooms can make things especially difficult for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities. Grab bars should be installed in bath tubs and shower stalls and next to toilets. But grab bars aren’t the only adjustment homeowners should make in the bathroom as they attempt to make a home more handicap accessible. Safety treads, which can provide a secure, slip-free surface on
Closets Closets are rarely handicap accessible. Homeowners can address this issue by creating multi-level closet spaces so individuals can place their clothes at accessible heights. Closet shelves can be lowered and doors can be widened so disabled persons can easily manage their wardrobes. In addition, consider installing a light inside the closet and make sure the light switch can be easily reached from a wheelchair. Making a home more handicap accessible can be a significant undertaking, but many of the adjustments homeowners must make are small in scale and won’t take long to complete.
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 7
Advocacy Services - Daily Support Services Advocacy Services
American Cancer Society (National) 1.800.227.2345 Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. American Diabetes Association Northern Minnesota & North Dakota Office 1323 23rd Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 National Office: 1.888.342.2383 Arthritis Foundation – MN Chapter 1.800.333.1380 Becker County Veterans Service Officer 218.846.7312 Assists veterans and their dependents in securing all benefits provided to them by law. Better Business Bureau of ND and MN 651.695.2424 • www.BBB.org Cardiac Rehab Education Network Essentia Health St. Mary’s 218.847.8908 Consumer Protection Minnesota Attorney General’s Office 1.800.657.3787 St. Paul 651.296.3353 Provides information and mediation services in connection with consumer complaints about business products and services. County Coordinator on Aging Karen Lenius 218.847.1385 or 1.888.458.1385 Provides assistance in accessing programs and services for older adults in Becker County. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services 1.800.456.7589 Services include long term loan of TTY’s, amplifiers, signalers, assistance and advocacy. Family Resource Center 218.844.5217 Mediation service/Family Group Counseling
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Freedom Resource Center Support for Independent Living for Disabled Individuals 1.800.450.0459 Lakes Crisis and Resource Center 218.847.7446 or 1.877.754.9683 Landlord/Tenant Hot Line Tenant Advocacy Organization 1.866.866.3546 or 612.728.5767 Landlord/Tenant Rights Legal Services 1.800.450.8585 or Moorhead 218.233.8585 Lawhelpmn.org Becker County 1.800.450.2252 Alexandria 320-762-0663 Ombudsman Jane Brink 1.800.657.3591 - Long Term Care Will investigate concerns, mediate disputes, advocate for seniors, and provide information and education to consumers. State Services for the Blind Moorhead Office 1.800.657.3755 White Earth Tribal Council 1.800.950.3248 or 218.983.3285 Serves senior citizens of White Earth Reservation.
Daily Support Services ADULT DAY SERVICES
Includes a daily program of activities, meals, personal and health services, along with transportation to and from the Adult Day Center. Ecumen Detroit Lakes Adult Day Services Detroit Lakes 218.847.4486 Sunnyside Care Center Lake Park 218.238.5944
Every 3 seconds someone’s identity is stolen. We’re fighting back with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. It provides resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family. Sign up to get watchdog alerts and stay up to date on con artists’ latest tricks. It’s free of charge for everyone– members, non-members and people of all ages. Because for more than 50 years AARP has been committed to safeguarding Americans’ financial futures.
aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
Watchdog Alerts Tips & Resources Free for Everyone 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 9
CHORE SERVICES
Frazee Neighbor to Neighbor/Living at Home Block Nurse Program for Frazee and Vergas area Elders 218.334.3559
Glenmore Recovery Center Crookston/Thief River Falls, MN Inpatient & outpatient chemical dependency counseling 1.800.584.9226 or 218.281.9511
Helping Hands Volunteer led program that provides minor repairs for the frail elderly/disabled 218.844.8340
Grief Support Groups Hospice of the Red River Valley Groups for adults, widows, widowers, and youth journeys 218.847.9493
Home Instead Senior Care 866.521.8093 218.844.4010 Providing assisted living in the comfort of your home
Lakeland Mental Health Center Assessments for mental health needs 1.800.223.4512 or 218.847.1676
Mahube Community Council: Homemaking and Chore Program 218.847.1385
COUNSELING SERVICES/ SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous/Alanon 218.844.9970 Detroit Lakes
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group 218.847.4486 Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.847.5611 Essentia Health St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Association of West Central MN 1.800.232.0851 Information, support, health care, and health care planning.
Lakes Counseling Center Outpatient drug and alcohol counseling 218.847.0696 Lakes Crisis & Resource Center Provides direct services to victims of violence 218.847.7446 Lakewood Health Systems Lakewood Reflections Acute Care Behavioral Unit 218.894.1515 Long Term Care Consultations Becker County Human Services 218.847.5628 Lutheran Social Services of MN 1.800.488.4146 - Caregiver support. 218.847.0629 - Counseling services.
Caregiver Support Group 1.800.488.4146
Multiple Sclerosis Society 1.800.582.5296 or 612.335.7900
Coffee Club Holy Rosary Church, Tuesdays, 2:00 – 4:00 218.847.4570
Parkinson’s Support Group — Alzheimer’s at Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.847.4486
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Services include long term loan of TTY’s, amplifiers, signalers, assistance and advocacy. 1.800.456.7589
Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professional Assessments for mental health needs. 218.844.6853
Diabetic Support Group Essentia Health St. Mary’s, Cindy Bailey 218.847.5611
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State Services for the Blind Moorhead Office 1.800.657.3755
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 11
Preparing for the afterlife How do you prepare to die well? As death approaches, we naturally feel a desire to clarify our life. This includes the desire not to leave our loved ones with onerous financial difficulties, to have our estate in order, to leave any business or association in good hands, and also to resolve any differences with family members and friends. When we think seriously about our death, there are many things we must address and much to be clarified-far too much to wait until we find ourselves incapacitated in a hospital bed. We should use the time while we are still healthy and clearheaded to put our estate in order. Our will, any donations we wish to make, in-
PRE-PLANNING to page 14
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Pre-Planning Most of the time, we plan ahead in life. We plan for our weddings, our children’s educations, family vacations and other significant expected events in our lives. We also plan for the unexpected events of life by purchasing insurance – home, job, medical, etc. Understanding the benefits of pre-planning your funeral service can be important to you and your family. Planning ahead insures that your wishes are understood by your loved ones, and that your funeral service will reflect those wishes. We would welcome the opportunity to talk to you and answer any questions that you may have regarding preplanning. We are available to meet with you at our facility or in the comfort of your home.
Chuck Standal
Funeral Director/Owner
Mitch Baumgartner Funeral Director
Sean Petermeier
Preplanning Consultant
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have. Marjorie Berg
w w w. w e s t k j o s . c o m
Administrative Assistant
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 13
PRE-PLANNING from page 12 surance contracts, the healthcare services we will require, funeral arrangements, an inventory of our valuables, etc. are all details to consider now. The better you’ve anticipated and prepared, the less room there will be for misunderstandings, and the greater peace you will have if you should suddenly find yourself incapacitated. It’s not always easy or pleasant to think about these eventualities, but far too many families have been torn apart by conflicts following the death of a loved one. You have the means at your disposal to help you make the right decisions: notaries, financial planners, funeral directors, etc. Take the time to consult the people who can offer you helpful advice. Finally, after you’ve planned for your death, maybe you’ll find the courage to resolve that long outstanding conflict in your life.
A prearranged funeral offers you the protection of a contract Prearranged funeral plans are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a simple way to decrease the burden on your loved ones by sparing them both the need to make difficult decisions and the expense of the funeral. They also assure that things will be done as per your wishes. And, finally, it’s a way to offset the continuing increase in funeral service costs. Nonetheless, you need to make sure you are fully informed regarding the arrangements, so as to assure that everything will unfold as you wish and that there will be no unpleasant surprises. If you’ve decided to go ahead with a prearranged funeral, consider what you really want and take the time to shop around. Be particularly sure that you: • choose a reputable and fully certified funeral home;
• receive a detailed and itemized list of the expenses so you can effectively compare different funeral homes; • verify the flexibility of the contract regarding modifications, transferring to another site or cancellation; • are not pressured into making a decision and that you receive a copy of the contract to examine and discuss with your loved ones at your leisure; • are fully informed regarding the methods of payment and the consequences of a late payment; • have the opportunity to ask all the questions on your mind and to add clauses to the contract that are important to you. To better know your rights under the Prearranged Funeral Services Act, don’t hesitate to contact the Better Business Bureau. That way you’ll know how to protect your interests and assure that you get a contract that will reflect your wishes.
Larson Funeral Home 304 3rd St SE – PO Box 327 Pelican Rapids MN 56572 218-863-2441 www.larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com
Assisting families with traditional and cremation services. Also helping families with their pre-planning needs.
Jade Petznick Funeral Director
You deserve comfort. You deserve dignity. You deserve respect. You deserve Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Every Day is a News Day www.dl-online.com
Contact us to learn more about our high-quality care.
(800) 237-4629 • www.hrrv.org PAGE 14 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Did you know? Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Though often mistaken as the same thing as a heart attack, cardiac arrest is not the same. Heart attacks can cause cardiac arrest and even lead to death, but the cause of heart attack and cardiac arrest are different. According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks are caused by a blockage that stops blood from flowing to the heart. Though heart muscle tissue dies because of this lack of blood supply, heart attacks do not always result in death. Cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart, which suddenly stops working properly. This can be arrhythmia, a condition that occurs when the heart beats irregularly or abnormally. Once the heart has stopped during cardiac arrest, death can occur within minutes. However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can reverse cardiac arrest. A defibrillator will be used to shock the heart, which can restore the it to a normal rhythm in just a few minutes. Because cardiac arrest is so sudden and strikes without warning, it’s imperative that men and women who are with someone they believe is in cardiac arrest take action immediately.
Seniors! Are you concerned about? • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans • Energy Costs
• Housing Issues • Caregiver Support • Nutrition • Legal Services • Home Modifications ™ • Health Care Directives • Medicare Supplements 1-800-333-2433 www.MinnesotaHelp.Info • Long Term Care Insurance and More! A One Stop Shop for Minnesota Seniors ™
North Star Nursing • Home Care Services • Personal Care Assistants • Private Duty Nursing • Homemaking
1-800-535-5895 Heidi & Helen Drewes, Owners
Small Town Caring… u u u u u u u
u u
Affordable Rates 24 Hour Staff Housekeeping Laundry Activities 3 Meals Assisted Living Services with RN Supervisor Adult Day Care Respite Care
Hawley Senior Living Assisted living offering a broad spectrum of services…We offer friendly, personalized care. Now offering services in our home and in yours — For Information Call...
Hawley Senior Living • 923 5th St. Hawley, MN 56549 • (218) 483-3337 www.hawleyseniorliving.com
Come See What Small Town Caring Is All About 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 15
Stroke Support Group – Ecumen Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes 218.847.4486
MOM’S MEALS Home delivered meals / elderly waiver 1.866.921-6667 • www.momsmeals.com
White Earth Services • Alcoholics Anonymous/Substance Abuse 218.983.3285 ext 1297 or 1.800.950.3248 ext 1297 Support group – 218.983.3006 • Geriatric Social Services 218.935.5554 ext 3261 or 1.800.763.8629 ext 3261 • Tribal Mental Health 218.983.3286 ext 1284
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) Supplemental USDA food packages to income eligible seniors. 218.847.1385
DRIVING EVALUATION/SAFETY
Sanford 701.280.4070 Driver evaluation program offered by occupational therapist. Also car adaptation/services.
FOOT CARE
Ecumen Detroit Lakes Monthly foot care clinics held at the Madison, the Cottages and Lamplighter 218.847.4486 or 844-9432 Healthy Alternatives Essentia Health St. Mary’s 218.847.5611 Services include monthly foot care clinics, wellness screenings, educational opportunities, and provider discounts. Frazee Neighbor to Neighbor Monthly foot care clinics held at Frazee Care Center, Neighbor to Neighbor and Vergas Assisted Living 218.334.3559
NUTRITION/SENIOR CENTERS
Becker County Food Pantry 218.846.0142 Referral required through Becker County Human Services, Mahube or area churches. Becker County Food Support 218.847.5628 Becker County Senior Nutrition Program (NSI) Serve congregate dining and Meals on Wheels at specific senior sites. 1.877.677.3319
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The Refuge 218.847.1982 Christian Outreach & Resource Center. Call for free meal schedule White Earth Health Program 218.983.3286 ext 1266 White Earth Food Distribution 218.935.2233 White Earth Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 218.983.3286 ext 1395
CONGREGATE DINING AND MEALS ON WHEELS SITES
Audubon: Meals on Wheels ONLY
Detroit Lakes Senior Nutrition Center and Meals on Wheels 218.847.5823 Elbow Lake Community Center Senior Dining 218.734.2315 Lake Park City Center Senior Dining 218.238.5336 Naytahwaush 218.935.5554 ext 3237 Osage Senior Dining: Dining Club at Osage Bait and Tackle Restaurant (OBT) 218.573.3990 Pine Point Elder Center 218.573.2210 White Earth Senior Dining 218.983.3286 ext 1266 Free Dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Caring for Our Communities
Blue Sky Inc. provides quality, responsive support services for children and adults with a disability.
Services for low income, elderly and disabled residents. • Host Site for the Becker County Senior Coordinator • Retired and Senior Volunteer Program - RSVP • Health Insurance/Medicare Counseling • Homemaking/Chore Services • Bone Builder/Tai Chi Senior Exercise Program • Tax Aide Program • Weatherization and Energy Assistance •Caregivers Support •Relative as Parents Program
Steven Schmit, LiSW
Owner
Services We Provide
Office: 801 Roosevelt Ave. (Lower Floor) Mail: PO Box 1491 Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
• Independent Living Skills (ILS)
stevens@blueskyi.us www.blueskyinc.info
• In-Home Respite Care
• Semi-Independent Living Skill (SILS) • Residential Support • In-Home Family Support • Family Counseling and Training
Phone: 218.844.7591 • Waivered or DEED Authorized Fax: 218.844.7591 Employment Services Toll Free: 1-877-722-3013 - Supported Employment Services
BSI strives to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing community-based support services founded on integrity, dignity, and respect.
847-1385 or Toll Free 1-888-458-1385 1125 West River Road • Detroit Lakes www.mahube.org
- Customized Employment Services • Case Management Services - Consumer Directed Community Support Services; Support Planner Services - Care Coordination Services contracted with Medica
The Schuett Companies and CompassionCare Moorhead:
Park View Terrace
Detroit Lakes:
Park Manor Estates
100 3rd Street North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-233-8548
1035 Roosevelt Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-2636
deTroIT LaKeS Moorhead peLICan rapIdS
neW YorK MILLS
FerGUS FaLLS
New York Mills:
Kaleva Apartments
205 N Walker Ave New York Mills, MN 56567 218-385-3273 Pelican Rapids: Fergus Falls:
River Bend Apartments
222 North Whitford Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-736-2557
Mill Pond View Apartments 101 East Mill Street Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 218-863-5085
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Working together in our housing facilities to give you the care you deserve. • Affordable senior housing - 62 or better and disabled. • Customized care package based on your needs. Everything from housekeeping to medication administration. • Actively involved community gatherings. • Convenient locations to choose from. • Professionally managed by the Schuett Companies, Inc.
CompassionCare in the privacy of your home. 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 17
TRANSPORTATION
Becker County Transit System 218.847.1674 or 1.888.847.1674
DL Taxi Service 218.234.1192 or 218.234.6252 or 218.847.3456 Ghost Runner Taxi Service 218.346.2650 Taxi service, shopping, delivery, courier service, cleaning, painting, and more.
Legal Services for Senior Residents (Income based) 1.800.450.8585 or 218.233.8585 Services include civil legal services to persons 60 years of age or older. Mahube Community Council 218.847.1385; 1.888.458.1385 Services include: Fuel/Energy Assistance, Health Insurance Counseling, Home Weatherization, AARP/RSVP Tax Aide Program.
Essentia Health Clinic Van 218.844.2300 Limited to Essentia Health Clinic appointments
Social Security Administration, Fargo 1.800.772.1213 Regional SSA Office, Fergus Falls 1.877.402.0827 or 218.739.1025 To apply for a SSN, check earning’s record, apply for retirement, disability or survivor’s benefit payments, SSI, hospital/medical insurance under Medicare.
Medi-Van 1.800.422.0976 or 218.847.1729 Transports individuals to non-emergency medical appointments anywhere in and out of state.
USDA Rural Development 218.847.5694 Low income families may obtain low interest loans and grants for repairs and home improvements.
Neighbor to Neighbor Living At Home/Block Nurse Program Volunteer program for Frazee and Vergas elders 218.334.3559 White Earth Transportation 218.983.3283 or 1.888.845.6787
White Earth Reservation Tribal Council 218.983.3285 Provides special programs to low income people, including: energy saver program, emergency food services, transportation, social activities, information and referral, emergency energy assistance programs, nutrition programs and home delivered meals.
Financial & Legal Services
Housing Services
People’s Express 1.800.450.0123 or 218.631-2909 Non-emergency medical transportation.
Becker County Human Services 218.847.5628 Services include Food Stamps, General Assistance, Emergency, and Non-Emergency Assistance, Medical Assistance, MN Supplemental Aid, Nutrition Assistance. Becker County Veterans Service 218.846.7312 Assists veterans and their dependents in securing benefits provided to them by law.
ADULT FOSTER CARE
Becker County Human Services 218.847.5628 Referral source for Adult Foster Home placement in Becker County.
Housing With Services
Living arrangements in which health-related services are available to tenants; services vary. Diamond Willow Advanced Care Assisted Living Detroit Lakes 218.847.6900 Frazee/Vergas Assisted Living 218.334.4501
PAGE 18 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Discover…
Basic plan includes: • All utilities • Cable TV • Complementary laundry facilities • Weekly transportation for shopping and outings • Scheduled activities • Exercise Room • Full kitchen
307 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes
• Additional services available thru Emmanuel Home Care, including meals • Private bath with shower • Private patios (most apartments) • On site beauty salon • Ample storage and closet space • Pet Friendly
218-844-4711
www.unioncentraldl.com
115 Willow St. W. Suite 4C Detroit Lakes, MN Phone: 218-847-9678
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 19
Hawley Senior Living 218.483.3337 Lincoln Park Senior Apartments Detroit Lakes 218.847.0894 North Star Homes Detroit Lakes 1.800.535.5895 Pleasant View Detroit Lakes 218.847.7859 Park Manor Estates 218.847.2636 Golden Manor Detroit Lakes 218.847.3195 Lamplighter Manor – Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.847.7768 The Cottage – Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.844.8354 The Madison – Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.844.9420 Union Central-Detroit Lakes (Detroit Lakes) 218.844.4711 White Earth Reservation Housing Authority 1.800.726.4016 or 218.473.4663 Winchester on Washington 218.847.0894
Emergency Housing
Lakes Crisis and Resource Center 1339 Pelican Lane, Detroit Lakes • 847.7446 The Refuge/Compassion House: Housing Services for Homeless Men 921 8th Street SE, Detroit Lakes • 847.1982
GENERAL HOUSING INFORMATION
Becker County Economic Development Authority 218.846.7330 Rental Housing; Rent Assistance; Home Rehab Loan Program Mahube Community Council 218.847.1385 or 1.888.458.1385 Housing services, fuel/energy assistance, home weatherization and homeless placement. PAGE 20 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Detroit Lakes Housing & Redevelopment Authority 218.847.7316 Lake Park Senior Housing — Lake Park 218.238.5532 Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation — MMCDC 218.847.3191 White Earth Energy Assistance Program 218.473.2711 White Earth Reservation Housing/Authority 218.473.4663 or 1.800.726.4016
HOME MODIFICATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Listings below do NOT serve as endorsements. AARP (home modification resources) 1.888.687.2277 www.aarp.org Mahube Homemaking and Chore Program 218.847.1385 or 1.888.458.1385
NURSING HOMES
Emmanuel Nursing Home (Ecumen Detroit Lakes) Memory Care, Respite, Short Stay & Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Services 218.847.4486 Frazee Care Center 218.334.4501 or 218.850.0578 Trach & Ventilator Services, IV Therapy, Outpatient & Inpatient Rehabilitation, Respite, and Long Term Care Services. Essentia Health Oak Crossing formally St. Mary’s Nursing Center 218.847.5611 Sunnyside Care Center Lake Park 218.238.5944 or 218.439.3831 Memory Care, Respite, Short-Stay & Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Services
Easy Living EasyActive Active Living
We are helping your doctor put the pieces together! Our MR system is a powerful, dynamic way for doctors to see inside our bodies. n More accurate imaging from our registered MRI technologist means you will get treatment faster and feel better sooner. We are the only MRI facility in the area accredited by the American College of Radiology. n Insurance - we accept all major insurances including Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers Comp. n Referrals - we gladly accept all clinic and independent physician patient referrals. n Conveniently located on Washington Avenue with off-street parking and easy access.
Open Monday through Friday for Detroit Lakes and the surrounding area.
1252 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 n (218) 847-6300 phone n (218) 847-6303 fax
LAKE MEDI- S VAN ®
Brent Smith MRI Technologist B.S.R.T.(R)(MR) (ARRT)
American College of Radiology Accredited
LAKES MEDI-VAN
Special Long Distance Rates • MA Approved 24 Hour Service • 7 Days A Week State Certified • I.C.C. Authority
®
Assisted Living for Seniors
PH Ad.G series.2013.indd 4
FOR SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-422-0976 MN OR 847-1729 P.O. Box 1053 • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Assisted Living for Seniors a ministry of elim care
3540 University Dr S Fargo, ND 58104
3540 University Dr S 701.271.1862 . Fargo, ND 58104
1/4/13 10:19 AM
www.elimcare.org/pioneer
701.271.1862 .
Assisted Living • RehAbiLitAtion nuRsing CARe • ChiLd CARe CenteR a ministry of elim care • skiLLedwww.elimcare.org/pioneer Assisted Living • RehAbiLitAtion • skiLLed nuRsing CARe • ChiLd CARe CenteR
www.elimcare.org/pioneer ministry of elim care Assisted Livinga• RehAbiLitAtion • skiLLed nuRsing CARe • ChiLd CARe CenteR
PH Ad.G series.2013.indd 4
Assisted Living for Seniors
PH Ad.G series.2013.indd 4
701.271.18621/4/13 .
10:19 AM
Fargo, ND 58104 3540 University Dr 1/4/13 S
10:19 AM
Our Mission We create home for older adults wherever they choose to live.
Senior Living Short-Stay & Rehabilitation Center Home Care & Community Services
Easy Active Living Detroit Lakes
1415 Madison Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-4486 • www.ecumendetroitlakes.org
16561 US Hwy 10 • Lake Park, MN 56554 218-238-5944 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 21
SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
Biimaadiiziiwiin White Earth 218.983.3006
Lamplighter Manor – Ecumen Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes 218.847.7768 Lincoln Park Senior Apartments Detroit Lakes 218.847.0701
Emmanuel Medicare Home Health Care 218.844.7158 Ecumen Detroit Lakes Home Care and Respite 218.844-7179 Essentia St. Mary’s Home Health 218.847.0808
The Madison – Ecumen Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes 218.844.9420
Home Instead Senior Care 866.521.8093 or 218.844.4010 or 218.998.2248 Companionship, home helper, 24 hour Caregiver services.
Marigold Detroit Lakes 1.800.728.5401
Lakeland Hospice and Homecare 1.855.532.9300
Park Manor Estates Detroit Lakes 218.847.2636
Lutheran Social Services Caregiver Respite Program 1.800.488.4146
Park Village Lake Park 1.800.728-5401 Pleasant View Detroit Lakes 218.847.7859 Silver Birch Detroit Lakes 1.800.728.5401 Union Central Detroit Lakes 218.844.4711 White Earth Congregate Housing 218.983.3507 Winchester on Washington Detroit Lakes 218.847.0894
Minnesota Home Care 218.963.8899 New Dimensions Home Care 218.739.5856 or 1.800.395.9949 North Star Nursing PDN &ØPCAØ choice 1.800-535-5895 or 218.573.2238 Osage Sanford Home Health Care 701.234.4900 or 218.863.2273 Pelican Rapids or 218.847.2653 or 218.935.9432 Mahnomen White Earth Home Health 218.983.3286
HOSPICE
Caring Hands 218.837.5572 or 888.290.5572
Intensive comfort care that alleviates pain and suffering, enhancing quality of life for terminally ill patients and families by addressing their medical, emotional, spiritual, and grief needs. Services provided include grief support, resource libraries, counseling referrals and community education.
Accia Home Care 877.736.0246
Hospice of the Red River Valley 218.847.1282 or 1.800.237.4629
CK Home Care 218.998.3778
Lakeland Hospice and Home Care 1.855.532.9300 or 218.998.1400
Circle of Life Home Health 218.335.8868 or 1.877.335.8868
St. Joseph’s Hospice/Hospital Home Care Eastern Becker County 1.218.732.4552 or 1.800.566.3311
In-Home Services
HOME HEALTH CARE
PAGE 22 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Serving West Central Minnesota For Over 16 Years
FREE Batteries
for Life with Purchase of a Digital Hearing Aid! ASK ABOUT OUR RISK FREE 60 DAY TRIAL! CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
800-631-4946
223 N. Jefferson • Wadena
Local Service Centers in Detroit Lakes and Perham
Serving West Central Minnesota
for 30 years
Hospice
805 East Channing avE FErgus Falls, Mn 56537
Lakeland Hospice (219) 998-1400 or (855) 532-9300
Quality Healthcare for West Central Minnesota www.LBHomes.org
Providing Housing Assistance to Seniors and Families in Detroit Lakes Offering the following housing units, all furnished with range and refrigerators: • High rise apartments • Family Housing: family units are 3- to 4-bedroom duplexes and single family units; all units have full basements • Housing Choice Vouchers: these programs offer subsidies for low-income persons to live in privately owned units within the city of Detroit Lakes Features Building accessibility: Accessible main entrance (zero step approach); Accessible public restroom; Designated disability parking Building amenities: Community room; Elevator; Public park within one mile; Security system Housing unit amenities: Guest accommodations; Laundry facilities; Off street parking; Pets - Allows cats; Pets - Allows dogs under 20 pounds; Utility included in rent - Water Payment: 30% of income; Security deposit required eligiBility: Housing designed for occupancy by Senior Citizens (62 or older) or disabled near elderly handicapped persons, and families with dependant children. aPPlication instructions: Walk in Fees: Rent is established according to income, based on 30% of adjusted income. Security Deposits are required upon moving in. Deposit is equal to one month’s rent or a maximum of $400 or minimum of $300.
Detroit Lakes Housing autHority 1111 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218-847-7859
Focused Rehab Whether you are looking for someone to help an aging parent a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help.
Call for a free, no-obligation appointment: Serving Becker, Clay, Douglas, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Wilkin Counties in MN and Cass, Richland Counties in ND. 866.521.8093
Get Better, Get Home.
homeinstead.com/693 or homeinstead.com/519 Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2009 Home Instead, Inc.
218.334.4501 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 23
LIFE LINE SERVICES
Life Line Emergency Response System Essentia St. Mary’s Home Health 218.847.0808 Ecumen Detroit Lakes Voice Care Personal Response system 218.844.9432 Home Instead Senior Care 866.521.8093 or 218.844.4010 Detroit Lakes Northern Safety & Security 1.877.751.3902 or 218.844.7233 Detroit Lakes Philips Lifeline 1.866.674.9900 ext 4363 Sunnyside Voice Care Personal Response System 218.238.5944 or 218.439.3831
BECKER COUNTY LONG TERM CARE CONSULTATION
Becker County Community Health 218.847.5628 ext. 5397 Becker County Human Services 218.847.5628 ext. 5338 & 5339 Senior Linkage Line 1.800.333.2433
White Earth Long Term Care Consultation 218.983.3286 ext 1277
Life Enrichment/Employment Opportunities COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Audubon/Lake Park Community Education 218.439.3303 Frazee-Vergas Community Education 218.334.3181 Detroit Lakes Community Education 218.847.4418 Minnesota State Community & Technical College 218.846.3700 or 1.800.492.4836 White Earth Tribal & Community College 218.935.0417 PAGE 24 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
EMPLOYMENT
Experience Works 1.800.842.4982 or 218.631.3483 (Wadena) or 218.844.5380 (Detroit Lakes) Provides meaningful part-time community service employment for persons 55 and older, along with classroom training, job seeking assistance and placement into private sector jobs. Rural Minnesota CEP Concentrated Employment Program 218.846.7377 Services available include: senior programs, temporary work training, job search system.
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
Ecumen Detroit Lakes Volunteer Services 847.4486 Essentia St. Mary’s Volunteer Services 218.844.0709
RSVP — Mahube Community Council, Inc. 218.847.1385 or 1.888.458.1385 Matches volunteers age 55 or older to organizations which benefit from their experience and talent, focused on meeting diverse community needs Senior Companion Program & Community Caregivers — Ecumen Detroit Lakes 218.844.8340 Senior Companions provide seniors in their communities with needed assistance Neighbor to Neighbor LAH/BNP Frazee and Vergas elders 218.334.3559 Services include individual support, coordination of health care needs, information and referral, transportation, grocery shopping, meals on wheels, foot care clinics, caregiver respite, serving those aged 65 years and older.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Clinics/Medical Centers
Becker County Community Health — Human Services 218.847.5628
Please feel free to contact us with mobility related questions, general advice or highly specific mobility questions!
We are here to assist you!
lau r
ie B owe rs, tri sh
thompson, Dale ladwig, & Diane ladwi
Full selection of home health/bath aides for added personal safety.
g.
LOCATED across from Ben Franklin in the Washington Square Mall!
We have the Mobility Products for all your needs. • Manual Wheelchairs • Lightweight Wheelchairs • Power Wheelchairs • Scooters • Repairs • Walkers and Canes • Lift Chairs • Rentals of Wheelchairs • We Accept Insurances & Submit Claims
Where your mobility is our specialty!
Washington square Mall • Detroit lakes
218-847-2433
Mon. - thur. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 25
Essentia Health Clinic Fargo 1.800.437.4054 D etroit Lakes – 1.800.224.5888 or 218.847.5611 Frazee – 218.334.7255 Lake Park – 218.238.5901 Essentia Health Urgent Care: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 7 days /week 218.844.2300 Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital 218.847.5611 Kidney Dialysis Unit Essentia Health St. Mary’s 218.847.0825 Sanford Clinic, Detroit Lakes 218.846.2000 White Earth Community Health 218.983.3286 White Earth Health Center (IHS) 218.983.4300 or 1.800.477.0125 Veteran’s Administration Medical Center 701.232.3241 or 701.237.0942
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
ActivStyle, Inc. 612.520.9333 or 1.800.651.6223 Distributors of Tranquility incontinence products and medical supplies. ArrowHealth, Frazee 877.386.5757 or 218.847.2837 Respiratory services, oxygen, and Durable medical equipment Ecumen Pathstone Store Home Medical Equipment: Accredited Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider for elderly and disabled. Medicare certified. 507.385.8582 Lincare 218.847.5649 or 1.800.642.2240 Respiratory services, enteral nutrition and medical supplies
PAGE 26 | 2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE
Northwest Respiratory Services 1.800.232.0706 Respiratory services Perham Health Medical Accessories 1000 Coney Street West, Perham 56573 Phone: 218.347.1582 FAX: 218.347.1574 Hours are: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm ProvidaCare: Respiratory and Durable Medical Equipment Oxygen, CPAP, Nebulizers, Medical Supplies, Respiratory services 218.844.2273 Wheelchairs Unlimited 218.847.2433 Specializes in wheelchairs, canes, walkers and scooters
PHARMACIES
CVS Pharmacy Detroit Lakes 218.847.1484
D.L. Pharmacy Detroit Lakes 218.847.3537 Kmart Detroit Lakes 218.847.9755 Prescription Shoppe II – Sanford Clinic Detroit Lakes 218.846.2275 Thrifty White Drug Detroit Lakes – 218.847.9248 or 1.800.510.7497 Lake Park – 218.238.6642 or 1.888.640.5334 Seip Drug Frazee – 218.334.3070 Wal-Mart Detroit Lakes 218.847.7225
Did you know? According to Age in Place, nearly 60 percent of available senior income is being spent on housing and healthcare, and those expenditures do not include transportation or food. The rising costs of many necessities can make it difficult for seniors to make ends meet and, as a result, certain money-saving measures are often necessary. One idea to save money is to shop for food on a full stomach. It’s a fact that people buy less when they’re full, as they are not prone to impulse buys to squash hunger pangs.
Blinded as a toddler, Frenchman Louis Braille would go on to change the world, overcoming his disability and making it easier for millions of others to do the same. Though not initially blind in both eyes after an accident in his father’s workshop at the age of three, the infection that resulted eventually spread to his other eye, blinding young Louis in both eyes before his fifth birthday. In 1821, at the ripe old age of 12, Braille learned a complex communication system devised by the French Army. Though the system was difficult, Braille was inspired to develop his own system for reading and writing. Within three years, Braille’s system of six raised dots was largely complete. Sadly, his system was not officially adopted until two years after his death.
According to the American Red Cross, after a person has donated blood, his or her red cells need about four to six weeks before they are completely replaced. That is why organizations like the Red Cross require donors wait at least eight weeks between donations. That is not to be confused with apheresis, a process by which platelets and other blood components, such as red cells and plasma, are collected from a donor. During apheresis, a cell separator is used to collect platelets or other components from blood that is drawn from the donor. The remaining components are then returned to the donor during the donation process. As many as 24 apheresis donations can be made in a single year, though the apheresis donation process, which can last as long as two hours, takes longer than a typical blood donation.
LINCARE LINCARE
Active LINCARE responds LINCARE responds to your individual needs to your individual by providing the oxygen system most needs by providing the appropriate for your lifestyle. oxygen system most appropriate for your Oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen systems, and high lifestyle.
pressure cylinders are provided according to your physician’s
Oxygen concentrators, prescription andliquid with consideration for your unique activity level. oxygen systems, and high pressure cylinders are provided according expertprescription service representatives and clinical staff are toOur your physician’s and always available with consideration for your when unique you need them. activity level.
For more Our expert serviceinformation, representatives please call your local and clinicalLINCARE staff are alwayscenter available listed below. when you need them.
HELiOS™ Reprinted by permission from Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC, Boulder, Colorado, part of Covidien (formerly Tyco Healthcare).
For more information, please call 219 Front St. center Westlisted your local LINCARE Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 below. 218-847-5649
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 27
Center Location Address, State, Zip Phone
Amazing facts about the human heart Every Valentine’s Day homes and businesses dress up the decor with cupids and hearts to celebrate a day all about love and affection. The heart shape has been used to symbolically represent the human heart as the center of emotion and romantic love. Hearts symbolizing love can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Those familiar with human anatomy realize that an actual heart bares very little resemblance to the ideographic heart shape used in art and imagery. Similarly, the human heart really has nothing to do with human emotions. Despite this, there are many interesting components of the heart, and a man or woman truly cannot love or live without one. The heart as an organ is relatively small in size. It is roughly the size of a fist and weighs only 11 ounces on average. Although diminutive, the heart is responsible for pumping 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day. It accomplishes this by beating 72 times a minute in a healthy adult. All of the cells in the body receive blood except for the corneas in the eye. The heart works harder than any other muscle in the body. In a fetus, it begins beating at four weeks after conception and will not stop until a person’s time of death. Even then, sometimes the heart can be revived. A heart can also continue to beat outside of the body provided it has an adequate oxygen supply. Although many people refer to all of the blood vessels in their body as “veins,” they’re actually a combination of veins and arteries. Veins carry fresh, oxygenated
blood to the body through arteries. The main artery leaving the left heart ventricle is called the aorta, while the main artery leaving the right ventricle is known as the pulmonary artery. Blood traveling back to the heart flows through veins after it has passed the lungs to pick up oxygen. The thumping noise that is heard while the heart is beating is actually the chambers of the heart closing and opening as blood flows through. While the heart may not be the cornerstone of emotions, it can be affected by feelings. Studies have
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shown that a “broken heart” is a real occurrence, according to Live Science. Bad news or a breakup with a loved one can put a person at increased risk for heart attack. This type of trauma releases stress hormones into the body that can stun the heart. Chest pain and shortness of breath ensue but can be remedied after some rest. Conversely, laughter and positive feelings can be beneficial for the heart. Research has shown that a good laughing fit can cause the lining of the blood vessel walls -- called the endothelium -- to relax. This helps increase blood flow for up to 45 minutes afterward. Although having a big heart colloquially means that a person is loving and goes out of their way for others, physically speaking, a big heart is unhealthy. An enlarged heart can be a sign of heart disease and compromise the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. There is good reason to get amorous with a loved one on Valentine’s Day or other times during the month. Being intimate can provide a physical workout, in some instances doubling a person’s heart rate and burning up to 200 calories. That’s the equivalent of a brisk 15-minute run. Also, a study of 2,500 men aged 49 to 54 found having an orgasm at least three times a week can cut the likelihood of death from coronary disease in half, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. The heart is an amazing organ responsible for sustaining life. Although it is not directly tied to love and emotions, without the heart such feelings wouldn’t be possible.
Natural ways to ease arthritis pain A leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere, arthritis can be a debilitating disease. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation says one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. In a 2008 Canadian Community Health Study, 15.3 percent of Canadians aged 12 or older reported a diagnosis of arthritis. Even children can suffer from arthritis. A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain. Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but it also may be the result of an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet. Treating a complex condition like arthritis is not always easy. Treatment of arthritis, which has no cure, typically involves reducing pain and improving mobility. While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are other more natural ways to handle arthritis as well. • Eat foods that reduce inflammation. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and connective tissues, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation could ease symptoms. A number of foods, including tart
cherries, have been found to reduce inflammation. According to research from Oregon Health & Science University presented in 2012 at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, tart cherries have the highest antiinflammatory content of any food. The antioxidant compounds -- called anthocyanins -- in tart cherries have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications. Spinach, walnuts, garlic, and broccoli also can reduce inflammation. • Use hot and cold treatments. The University of Washington School of Medicine says hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources, in contrast, can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and
the skin to avoid injury. • Exercise a few times per week. Although it may hurt to move around, frequent exercise can actually be beneficial in the long run. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling three times a week can help to keep joint pain at bay. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually. If you are experiencing pain for more than an hour after a workout, your workout was too much for your body to handle and you need to lighten the load during your next workout. • Lose weight. Being overweight can put added pressure on joints and cause more pain. Shedding a few pounds may be all it takes to get substantial relief from pain associated with arthritis. Many natural therapies can effectively alleviate arthritis pain. Talk to a doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 29
Preparing for hospice care Sometimes patients succumb to a disease, in spite of the best treatments and support. When the time comes for a family to confront a loved one’s declining health, hospice care can be a dignified way to make that person’s final days as comforting as possible. Hospice is a type of care designed to make the final moments of a person’s life as pain-free and manageable as possible. It can take place in a medical facility, but very often hospice care occurs at home or wherever the ill person feels most comfortable. Hospice care is usually the last step when all other options have been exhausted. Making the decision to move a loved one to hospice care can be an emotionally wrenching time. Decisions such as these may be better made at a time in a person’s life when he or she is not sick. That is why living wills that spell out details for end-of-life care can be quite valuable. Decisions are made with a level head and not wrought with emotions. Such living wills also can take the pressure off of family members who may not feel comfortable making such decisions on their own or in concert with relatives. Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy that focuses on the palliative care of terminally ill patients. Rather than providing medication to try to treat the illness, medicine is offered to make a person more comfortable and remove any pain. Psychological therapy may also be offered to help the person come to terms with the end of life. Although hospice is a concept that has gradually evolved since the 11th century, the principles of modern hospice care can trace their roots to the 1950s and Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse and social worker who is known as the creator of the hospice
movement. If hospice care is outlined in a dying person’s living will or expressed wishes, there are some guidelines that can be followed by the sick individual. • Visit various medical care centers to see if away-from-home options provide the care and environment you desire. If Be sure to establish what type of hospice care you prefer. This may include care within a nursing home or hospital, or in the comfort of your own home. • Sign a medical durable power of attorney. This signed document gives authority to an adult age 18 or older, who then has the right to make necessary medical and healthcare decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated. • Clearly indicate your wishes regarding resuscitation. A signed document may alert emergency healthcare personnel or others of your wishes not to be resuscitated. This document must be signed by you and a doctor and witnessed by
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others. • Decide on the duration of care. Hospice care generally lasts six months. This enables a long stretch of palliative care. Should you live beyond the time period, hospice care can continue. Studies have shown that patients who receive hospice care for at least 30 to 60 days gain greater benefit than those who are placed in hospice only in their final days. • Investigate financial options for hospice. Medicare and Medicaid provide hospice coverage in 44 states. Many private insurance plans have a hospice benefit as well. Understand how payment is made to figure out if private funding will be necessary. Not all hospice programs are the same. Certain core models of care are followed by many hospice facilities, but options vary. Hospice can provide comfort in a person’s final days and help sufferers better enjoy life and time spent with loved ones in these last days.
2014 BECKER COUNTY CARE GUIDE | PAGE 31
Committed to You At Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Clinic & Same Day Surgery, our team provides you with health and healing where it’s convenient for you. Our services include: Behavioral Health, Cardiology, Dermatology, Diabetic Education, ENT, Family Medicine, Hand Surgery, Hematology, Internal Medicine, Mammography, Medical Home, Medical Oncology, Nutrition, OB/GYN, Occupational Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Ophthalmology, Optical, Optometry, Orthopedic Surgery, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Radiology, Surgery, Urology Clinic Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-Noon
Call (218) 846-2000 to schedule an appointment. sanfordhealth.org