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2 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
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GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 3
Smart tips for senior investors Cashing in when the market is up
By STEVE HORRELL Of the Intelligencer
H
ow can seniors get a reasonable return on their investments without taking undue risks?
One way, according to Larry Lexow, a retirement plans specialist in Edwardsville, is to invest in fixed annuity products. Lexow has been with the Lexow Financial Group for two decades, advising seniors about how best to handle their money. Several fixed annuities on the market today are paying in the 2 to 5 percent interest range, Lexow said. ”The disadvantage is that your money is generally tied up for several years, so it doesn’t offer flexibility for somebody who may need the money in the short term,” Lexow said from his office on Route 157. There are also variable rate annuities, long-term investments designed to create guaranteed income in retirement. The money is allocated to professionally managed investment portfolios that you select, where it accumulates tax-deferred. When you retire, your savings can be used to generate a stream of regular income payments that are guaranteed for as long as you live. Lexow says he would never recommend that seniors invest all their money in variable rate annuities. “But if you want to establish a baseline of income, invest a specific amount of money and you’ll have a guaranteed payment without giving up the asset,” Lexow said. “Worst case scenario, though, even if it goes to zero, you get a fixed rate of return,” Lexow said. Heading into July, that rate is around 5 percent. When choosing a variable rate annuity, consider several things. Is it rated “A” or “A-plus” by the AMS? Are their payouts consistent? And Lexow says he looks at the underlying investment to make sure the annuities aren’t overpriced. “I think the real key is to have an overall portfolio where you’ve established an income stream that isn’t going to be affected by the market or go away,”
Lexow said. That revenue stream is your base. From there, look for other choices. While a few of Lexow’s clients invest in stocks that higher dividends, most seniors prefer to fill up only about 10 percent of their portfolios with dividend-paying stocks and perhaps 25 percent with stocks that develop a guaranteed revenue stream. Then, depending on your time frame or your need for cash availability, look at fixed annuities or real estate investments. Many of the latter are actually paying from 6.5 to 7 percent interest. “I wouldn’t recommend that more than 10 percent of the portfolio be in there, but many of them have been around 20 or 30 years and never defaulted, and they have a good track record,” he said. “And that’s a nice dividend.” Lexow also suggests looking at Exchange Traded Funds, which are investment funds that are traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. They can produce growth without much risk. “They are able to avoid a lot of the volatility to capture most of the upside when a market’s going up, but to get very little of the downside.” According to the AARP, most ETFs duplicate a stock or bond market index, such as large and small U.S. company stocks, industry, and country sectors and bond indexes. How much of your portfolios consist of ETFs depends on several factors, such as the investor’s risk tolerance, temperament, and the time horizon. “It should really serve as that piece that helps grow the portfolio during good times but doesn’t lose money during bad times,” Lexow said. Even with their current low return rates, CDs are fairly popular, Lexow said. Unfortunately, some retirees continue to rely on CDs for their income. Lexow says they should look for alternate investments or be prepared to downsize their lifestyle. “In many cases, that’s difficult because that’s what they’ve been using to buy food and medicine and transportation, and those are costing more while their income’s going down,” he said.
4 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
Craig Thomas/Intelligencer
Participants in the Edwardsville YMCA’s senior swim class listens to an instructor.
Swimming offers unique advantages Options abound from basic instruction to competitive teams By CRAIG THOMAS For the Intelligencer
M
ary Pohlmann has always loved swimming. She knows not everyone has a long-term swimming background like she does, but she says that shouldn’t stop anyone from getting in the pool. Pohlmann is one of the founders of the Saluki Masters swim team in Carbondale. The Masters program, which is nationwide, takes swimmers as young as 18 years of age. Approximately half of the team members are at least 50.
There is also a Masters swim team in Alton called Metro Sports Masters. Pohlmann helped found Carbondale’s Masters program in the late 1980s. That program is just one example of a place for seniors to swim and gain health benefits. People involved in the sport are quick to point out the advantages of swimming for seniors that can’t be replicated by other physical activities. Of course, you don’t have to swim competitively to reap the benefits of physical activity in the water. The Edwardsville YMCA offers swim classes specifically for seniors. See “SWIM” on Page 14
GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 5
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6 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
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Lifestyles
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GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 7
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8 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
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GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 9
A group of Madison County residents tours a Spanish mission in San Antonio, Texas, while on a trip sponsored by Senior Services Plus.
Fulfilling those travel plans in retirement By SARA HALL For the Intelligencer
T
hink you’re too old to enjoy the the gorgeous Caribbean waters or the marvels of Europe? How about even places within the U.S., like the scenic landscape of Alaska or historical hotspots such as Mt. Rushmore or Washington, D.C.?
Think again. Whether you’re looking to take a relaxing cruise or have a guided tour of the U.S. and Europe’s most popular destionations, travel is
more popular than ever today with senior citizens.
An intimate travel experience
For those seniors interested in a taking a trip either with their significant other or alone, a travel agency can often be of great planning assitance. Seniors are given more freedom when choosing their activities and specific travel plans. Travel agents can also be helpful by answering questions and ironing out both the small and large details that come with planning vacations.
Beverly Moehlmann, owner and manager of Edwardsville’s Travel Express, said the types of trips seniors take depend on their personality and preferences. Moehlmann said for the senior looking for a relaxed, worry-free trip, all-inclusive cruises are their best bet. Moehlmann said seniors enjoy cruises because the ease of going on a cruise leaves them worry-free. “They like them because you unpack once, you get off and on, and your meals are included,” she said. “It’s an easy trip. It´s convenient for them.” See “TRAVEL” on Page 15
10 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
Bill Tucker/Intelligencer
The entrance to Meridian Village in Glen Carbon.
It’s a city within a city Meridian Village offers numerous options in retirement living By BILL TUCKER Of the Intelligencer
W
ith a swimming pool, beauty shop, movie theater and its own transportation system, Meridian Village isn’t missing much to truly qualify as a village.
Located in Glen Carbon just off Illinois 157 and operated by Lutheran Senior Services, the retirement community offers a number of living options for those in their golden years.
From independent living apartments to memory care assisted living — and everything in between — it sits on the cutting edge of senior care. “When you think of nursing homes 10 years ago and what people’s expectations were then, it’s a lot different than today,” said Colleen Bottens, executive director. “We have residents who want to know if we have Wi-Fi.” Meridian Village offers a number of levels of care: • Independent Living — Patio homes and one- and two-bedroom apartments are available. Both offer
access to Meridian Village’s many amenities while also offering freedom and choice. • Assisted Living Apartments — Residents choose from a variety of floor plans and enjoy a wide variety of opportunities, from companionship to a full schedule of activities. • Memory Care Assisted Living — Specially designed for older adults experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments, these household models are developed around daily life engagements that foster familiarity, comfort and compassion. See “VILLAGE” on Page 21
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GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 13 Hospice Care is for anyone approaching the end of life... Hospice is a CHOICE for anyone who has been diagnosed to be in the last six months of life’s journey.
The MYTHS and FACTS of HOSPICE CARE FACT MYTH Hospice care is only for patients with a Cancer Hospice care is for patients with a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less. Such as but not diagnosis limited to: Alzheimer’s disease, Cardiac disease, Diabetes, ALS, Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Adult failure to Thrive, End Stage Liver disease, End Stage Renal disease, End Stage lung disease (COPD), End Stage Heart diseases (CHF, CAD), Cerebrovascular disease (CVA, Stroke), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) End Stage. MYTH The patient physician.
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14 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
Swim
Continued from Page 4
There are also various times during the day where swimmers can get some laps in on their own. There are three different swim classes for seniors at the Y. Esic Center branch director Karen Lintz said members are there to get healthier, and swimming participation helps them accomplish that. “Really the best thing I can think of is the ease on their joints,” Lintz said. She said all the classes can be particularly helpful for people with arthritis. One of the Y classes is designed specifically to make arthritis patients feel better physically. Lintz mentioned other secondary health benefits that come from being in the pool. It also serves as a good cardio workout and helps swimmers build muscle endurance. “They’re able to function better with their day-to-day lifestyles,” she said. The energy level is high in the classes. On a recent Friday morning, the swim instructor was cheerful and enthusiastic as she led the group in exercises. A boombox placed at the edge of the pool projected music throughout the room. Even in a more competitive venue like the Masters program, Pohlmann explains, the majority of the swimmers participate primarily for the fitness benefits. Over time, she says, being on a team helps you stay motivated to keep working on your activity and get better at it. “Many of our members do not have a competitive swimming background,” she said. Pohlmann, a physician, calls swimming “ideal” for recovering from injuries and staying healthy, whether or not it’s in a team environment. One of the youngest adults in the group is a triathlete who recently suffered a broken hip. “Her swimming has helped her rehabilitate from that injury,” Pohlmann said. She pointed out that her husband, John, also took advantage of the swim team as he recovered from cancer. He’s succeeded beyond recovery, taking third place at the National Senior Games in Houston earlier this summer in the 200-yard breaststroke. “There’s nothing like a little competition to put out a little more adrenaline,” she said laughing. Many of the senior swimmers are fighting what she calls the “Battle of the Bulge” to lose weight, and are doing a good job at it because they swim frequently. Pohlmann said she would not recommend that most patients run two miles every day, because most aren’t going to keep that up.
Craig Thomas/Intelligencer
Participants in the Edwardsville YMCA’s senior swim class enjoys the Esic Center pool. However, swimming does not cause knee trouble like running can. “Pick what you enjoy doing and do it on a regular basis,” she said. “They need to do something they will do.” Lintz agreed. “Getting in the pool is less stress than starting a land exercise program,” she said. To join a Y class, Lintz said it’s no problem if people have limited swimming experience. If they happen to be uncomfortable getting accustomed to the pool in front of others, they can set up one-on-one lessons first to get comfortable with being in the water. “We have a lot of people who are in that same boat,” she said. Pohlmann said a nice thing about being coached is having someone there to make sure you are swimming properly and not setting yourself up for shoulder pain. Another benefit to swimming can be found in social opportunities. On Saturdays, for example, the Saluki Masters swimmers will get a late breakfast at a restaurant in town after practice. They spend time together after the meets, like the one they’re hosting Sunday. “We’ll probably go to one of the pizzerias and load up on carbs again,” she said with a laugh. The Y recognizes the social aspect as well. They have set up a coffee area where many of the siwmming participants hang out after a class. Getting to know each other helps people want to come back. “That has been a big draw for our seniors,” Lintz said. Since it was put in, the class attendance has nearly doubled. “We always love to see our programs continue to grow.”
GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 15
Travel Continued from Page 9
Popular cruises today include Caribbean cruises, which provide travelers with dazzling scenery while they relax aboard the ship. Moehlmann said that while the cruises are often laid back, travelers can still partake in a variety of activities. “You can do a lot,” she said. “Each trip has excursions wherever you go. Every port you stop at is different.” Another type of cruise that has taken off recently is the Alaskan cruise. Usually a week in duration and only offered during the summer months of May through September, Moehlmann said these cruises are easily becoming the most frequently booked cruise with senior citizens, in part because their low cost. European river cruises are also becoming very popular with seniors. Moehlmann said these cruises take vacationers along different spots on many of Europe’s most famous rivers, such as the Danube and Ryne river. During these cruises, seniors will usually get to experience Europe’s most popular destination places, such as Rome, London and Paris. Although Moehlmann said these cruises are propular, they also may cost a considerable amount more than other vacation options. However, she said this is often not a concern for those traveling to these destinations. “They can be expensive, but (seniors) have expendable cash,” she said. Moehlmann said Hawaii is also a popular destination for seniors. She said they can either relax on the sandy white beaches or explore the island’s history. “Pearl Harbor is a huge destination spot because many of the people are veterans,” she said. Moehlmann said booking these trips with a travel agent can often be a senior’s best bet. From the attractions right down to the meals, Moehlmann said the trips planned with the agency are generally all-inclusive, so seniors don’t need to worry about bringing extra money or having to convert U.S. dollars into foreign currency. The trips also often come with a guide who will advise them throughout the trip. “The trips are set up for them,” she said. “They have an escort from the minute they start to the minute they end. It’s somebody basically telling you where to be, and they like that, just having to be somewhere and not trying to figure out what to do.” While seniors may expect these perks to come at a high cost, Moehlmann said the trips are often a better value than originally expected. “Most of the cruiselines offer senior rates,” she said. “European companies also offer senior rates. Senior rates sometimes start at 55, so you don´t even have to be so old to get the deal,” she said.
Moehlmann said planning a vacation during the less traveled months also helps cut trip costs. While seniors can go to Alaska only during the summer months, if they plan to deal in Europe, Moehlmann said they should look at traveling during the off-season, also known as the “cold shoulder season.” “Spring and fall are the bargain times to go to Europe,” she said. “ It’s also not as hot, and there aren’t as many people, which (seniors) like.” Moehlmann said specials come and go, but some deals turn up for those seniors who decide to travel at the spur-of-the moment. “There are always deals for last-minute trips if they´re available,” she said. Still, Moehlmann said she suggests booking in advance. She generally advises clients to plan six months ahead so they can assure that last-minute details don’t fall through the cracks. By booking early, customers can also guarantee they get the conditions and specifications they want for their trip. Mohlemann said this is especially important for those taking an Alaskan cruise. “Most people want balcony cabin. They are the most expensive, but they sell out first,” she said. “And who wants to go on an Alaskan cruise with an interior cabin?” Moehlmann said despite all the trip planning, some seniors still like to add a little variety to their trip. “Every once in a while, seniors will want to go to Las Vegas” she said. “It’s an easy trip that they’re familiar with, and it’s always a bargain.” For more information on Travel Express, visit their website at travelexpress.cc, or call 618-656-8100.
Fun for everyone: A more social travel expedition
If you are a senior that likes to have trips planned out, yet like social interaction and would enjoy traveling with a large group rather than a small group or solo, check out the trip options that over 600 seniors have already participated in with Senior Services Plus, a full service community for seniors located in Alton. Margaret Lanier, community services director for Senior Services Plus, said the organization has hosted trips to Florida, Washington D.C., Mt. Rushmore, Niagra Falls and Nashville. She said the groups have also done international traveling to places such as Italy, and next year, Switzerland. Lanier said for the national trips, the groups will travel by motor coach, but the center is looking into finding other modes of transportation. “We are getting ready to start to do flying to places in the U.S.,” she said. See “TRAVEL” on Page 16
16 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
Travel
Continued from Page 15
In addition to traveling to distant locations, the center offers day trips to closer locations, such as Missouri Botanical Gardens, Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville, and Stage A Theatre in Kirkwood. Lanier said the groups travel monthly, excluding the month of June. “We travel about ten trips and ten months out of the year, and every other year we do 11 ,” she said. Lanier said the trips vary in length from three to 10 days, depending on the destination. Lanier said attendance for the extended trip will vary from 45 to 100 participants, and the day trips will usually bring out around 30 to 40 people. Lanier said because the trips are so large, the particpants have an opportunity to connect with people they may not have otherwise. “It’s a group trip, so there’s that interaction,” she said. “With a lot of older adults, their friends have passed on, so this gives them full connection with others,” Lanier said another benefit of the trips being so large is the sense of security they provide the seniors. “There’s safety in a group, so they don’t have to be worrying,” she said. Lanier said that to schedule the trips, the center gets the input from the participants. “We take surveys of where they would like to travel, compile a top ten list and then start arranging them,” she said. “Basically, if a group wants to go, we schedule a trip for them.” Like trips planned with a travel agency, Lanier said the trips provided by Senior Services Plus are scheduled out for the seniors to minimize potential snags in plans. “We follow an itinerary for the
For the Intelligencer
Cruises are a popular travel choice for many seniors. entire trip, from when we leave until the time we return,” she said. “ All they really have to do is bring their luggage. We take care of everything else.” Lanier said the trips always fit within the seniors’ budgets. “For us, it is very price-friendly and reasonable,” she said. “Most of the seniors are living on fixed incomes, so we try to cut our costs,. Lanier said the trips range in price from $489 to $800. While Lanier said the average age for an attendee of a Senior Services Plus sponsored trip is between 60 to 65, the ages can vary greatly. “A lot of folks have daughters and granddaughters in their 30s and 40s travel with their parents,” she said. “We actually had 9-year-olds travel with us last year.” Lanier said people from outside areas can also travel with the group, noting participants
from Madison and St. Clair Counties, as well as more distant locations such as Ohio and Oklahoma. Lanier said while travel agencies have their perks, the Senior Services Plus’s trips provide an additional benefit for seniors. “i think the difference for us is we go on the trip with them. There’s always an employee traveling that’s very familiar with the group,” she said. “We’re experts on seniors because our focus is total senior programming. I think that makes a huge difference.” For more information on Senior Services Plus, go to their website at seniorservicesplus.org or call 618465-3298. Sara Hall is an Eastern Illinois University journalism student from Staunton working in a summer internship for the Intelligencer.
GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 17
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18 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
New, Non-Surgical Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee May Provide Same as or Better Relief Than Knee Replacement Surgery Are you one of the many knee pain sufferers who wants to avoid knee replacement surgery? If so, this is for you. Most people with Osteoarthritis (OA) in their knee joints have tried many different types of treatment. The most common include: �� medication (OTC and prescription) �� exercise �� physical therapy �� cortisone injections �� arthroscopic surgery �� hyaluronan injections such as Synvisc®, Supartz®, Orthovisc®, ���������������������� Once you no longer get relief from these treatments, you can either live with the pain or go under the knife. But, before doing that, consider the risks.
Complications Due to Knee Replacement Surgery Death Re-Admission Pulmonary Embolus Wound Infection Heart Attack Hospital Pneumonia Manipulation
# of Patients Affected out of 135,986 patients 997 1667 1051 707 1109 1900 2136
The risks/side effects for Associated Physicians’ program: Little to None.
*side effects may include tenderness at the injection site, typical with any injection.
The knee joint has two levels of protection: cartilage ���������������������� arthritis, both wear out. The top photo shows a normal, healthy knee. The cartilage on the ends of the bone is nice and smooth, ������������������� (the blue substance in the middle of the joint) is thick and viscous. On the contrary, the bottom photo shows severe or bone-onbone arthritis. The cartilage is almost gone and the joint ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� and viscous, providing excellent ���������������������������������������� breaks down, becomes less viscous, and stops lubricating/cushioning the moving parts of the knee joint. It’s similar to your car’s engine oil. Over time, the oil breaks down and doesn’t lubricate, so you change the oil. Essentially, that’s what we’re doing: changing the “oil” in the joint. The Treatment Plan: Associated Physicians Group offers a one-of-a-kind, combination approach to treating OA of the knee. Their treatment plan includes The BioniCare® Knee System, Physical Therapy including Theracisertm ����������������������������� Injections performed under a real-time, visual guidance system to ensure accuracy.
BioniCare® Knee System: The BioniCare® Knee System consists of the OActivetm unloading brace and a new, patented electrical joint stimulator. The stimulator is FDA approved to improve the overall health of the knee cartilage. The ������������������������� and designed to take the pressure off the painful side of the knee. This can provide almost immediate relief while walking and standing. The newly patented joint stimulator easily ����������������������������������������� doesn’t even feel it while it’s working. Patients can also receive a night wrap to comfortably use the stimulator while sleeping. ������������������������������������ that patients who wore the BioniCare® Knee System for an average of 11 months were 8 times less likely to have a knee replacement even after 4 years. In another study done at Indiana University, of the patients who wore the system for 11 months, ����������������������������������� medication usage by 50% and 19% eliminated them altogether. Theracisertm Rehabilitation: In a typical physical therapy clinic, the therapists will use resistance bands and have the patient move their leg in a nice, slow motion. Theracisertm is different. It is a unique form of painfree physical therapy that combines slow and high speed movement with the resistance bands. Slow speed serves a great purpose of strengthening and stabilizing the knee ����������������������������������������
GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 19 hand, contributes to the rejuvenation ����������������������������������������� leg in a high-speed, yet pain-free manner increases the lubricating effect ��������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������� key component that has proven to be a major catalyst for success. Hyalgan® Injections: ������������������� natural substance that comes from rooster combs. The chemical make��������������������������������������� allows our bodies to accept it with no side effects* or drug interactions. The ������������������������������������ with the Theracisertm Rehabilitation, stimulate the production of brand new ��������������������������������� lubrication and cushioning in the knee joint. How The BioniCare® Knee System, Theracisertm Rehab and Hyalgan® Injections Work Together BioniCare® Knee System �� OActivetm unloading brace provides immediate pain relief while walking and/or standing �� joint stimulator provides long-term pain relief by improving the health of the cartilage Theracisertm Rehabilitation �� pain-free physical therapy �� increases lubricating ability of the ���������� �� increases effectiveness of ������������������������� �� provides mid and long-term pain ������������������������������������ injections ������������������� �� ���������������������������� �� protects any remaining cartilage �� provides mid and long-term pain relief by replenishing the joint ������������������������������������ The three components work together synergistically to maximize both the short and longterm pain relief. *no side effects as long as the patient is not allergic to chickens or eggs
Don’t Take Our Word For It, See What Our Patients Have To Say “Thank you, thank you, thank you! The knee pain program helped more than I could ever imagine. I love you all so much. Never stop doing what you’re doing, you’re changing lives every day.” Debra “I wanted relief without surgery and I got relief without surgery. The pain is no longer there.” Danny “After my injections and therapy, I’m pain-free for at least 1 & 1/2 to 2 years. I’m so happy that I found you.” Judy “I had excruciating pain in my knees before coming to you. Now, the pain has decreased a lot. I can move and stand for longer periods and I walk better.” Joyce “After just one month, my knee pain began to lessen and my mobility slowly returned to a manageable level. I was able to resume walking for short distances and slowly, my distance has increased remarkedly. I am now able to walk without assistance and have been able to resume shopping and outings.” Karen “In the summer of 2005, my physician told me I had no cartilage left and that as my arthritis progressed, I would go from using a cane to a walker unless I had a total knee replacement. I wanted another option. As of October 2006, I’ve stayed off the operating table and I was able to completely stop taking pain meds. Before this, I could barely walk, but now at 68 years old, I can enjoy life without knee pain. I can go on vacations, for long walks, and perform simple daily tasks like getting in and out of the car.” Dale What Else Can Associated Physicians Group Treat? Associated Physicians Group is a multidisciplinary clinic. They combine the ���������������������������������������� Management Specialist, Physical Therapists, and Chiropractic Physicians. They specialize in the treatment of injuries and pain, including chronic/severe pain. That includes conditions such as: �� Arthritis �� Degenerative Disk Disease �� Spinal Stenosis �� Sciatica �� Tendonitis, Bursitis �� Carpal Tunnel �� ����������������������� �� And much, much more They utilize minimally invasive, less painful techniques to help their patients reduce or eliminate their pain.
To Contact Associated Physicians Group Call 1-888-363-8333 to schedule your appointment O’Fallon Swansea Edwardsville Most insurances accepted, including Medicare and Essence. www.AssociatedPhysicians.com AL 4/11
20 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
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GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 21
Village Continued from Page 10 • Respite Care — As the needs of older adults become more demanding, respite care can be an alternative, providing short-term scheduled stays so families and caregivers can take a break. • Skilled Nursing — Two skillednursing households create a home for small groups of 12 to 14. Each household features a home-style kitchen and screened-in porch. A neighborhood setting for up to 26 residents is also available for those needing 24-hour professional nursing care. • REACH (Rehabilitation Through Achievement) — This short-stay program features a stateof-the-art therapy room and household for those who need 24-hour professional nursing care. In all, there are 34 patio homes, 132 independent living apartments, 54 assisted living apartments, 14 assisted-living memory care facilities and 70 beds licensed for 70 skilled nursing. “This is a continuing care retirement community. You can come in needing one thing and stay throughout the course of your life and get the other services you need,” Bottens said. The evolution of senior care has all but eliminated the term nursing home from the industry. That’s true at Meridian Village, where the emphasis is on living.
New chapters wait to be written in each person’s story “Our mission statement here is, ‘Helping older adults live their lives to the fullest.’ When someone moves to our community, it’s not where their story ends. It keeps going,” Bottens said. ”We try to get to know each person
— especially in the care center and independent living — to learn about their daily routines, what they did in their life and we try to incorporate that into what we do here every day.” Continuing a person’s story is a central theme that runs through Meridian Village, continuing it as well as enhancing it. “It used to be, when you moved to a nursing home or a senior community, that was it. You went there and went with the program,” Bottens said. “It’s a lot different now. It’s all centered around the resident; it’s based on what they want. It’s not home, but it’s as close as we’re going to get.” But there is a reality at Meridian, as at any retirement community, and that’s where the association with Lutheran Senior Services comes in. “Meridian Village is a faithdriven, faith-inspired community,” Bottens said. “We do have a full-time chaplain here who’s available to tend to the spiritual needs of the residents. That’s a wonderful thing to have for residents who are facing tough decisions about end of life and need that guidance.” But a walk around the massive Meridian Village complex makes it obvious that living is the focus. In the dining room, there’s a group of gentlemen enjoying a deep conversation. In a meeting room, there’s an activities assistant hosting a game of Hangman. In the lobby, resideents meet with family members for an afternoon out. Outside, others find shaded areas to drink in the fresh air and sunshine. “We also have a lot of rooms that the residents can use if they want to have their card group come in or their Bible group come in,” said Health Services Counselor Erin Kochan. “We’ve had birthday parties, anniversary parties, clubs. It’s a constant.
That’s nice because they don’t have to give up what they had at home.” Like any village, there’s a beautician to take care of the women. “We have a beautician that comes here, and we have several beauty shops throughout the community,” said Administrator of the Care Center Jacque Bogner. “Our residents do like the fact that she’s in all levels of care, so that if someone is in independent living and has to go to rehab for a while, they have the same lady doing their hair and if you’re a woman, you understand how important that is.”
Sitting in a rocking chair is an option, but most keep moving There are activities, too. Plenty of activities. With its own shuttle bus service, Meridian Village can offer outings on a spur-of-the-moment bases. “Americans don’t like to wait,” Bigner said. “If we can help them expedite things when they want them, it translates into happier residents. They don’t have to wait three days to go to Bobby’s and get ice cream. They call transportation, if the bus is available, then get on the bus, let’s go. “That is something we try to do in all levels of care, including our skilled and assisted living and memory care , which is probably different from other communities where you have to plan things way ahead. We’ve already put the groundwork in so the planning’s been done; we know what to do to have those things available for residents.” Bottens, Bogner and Kochan highlighted some of the benefits of each level of care. Those who choose independent living can truly be independent. But to save the hassle of cooking and cleanup, Meridian Village has updated its meal plan. See “VILLAGE” on Page 22
22 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
Village Continued from Page 21
“We’ve changed our dining program. We’ve switched from your traditional, you-have-to-show-up-atthis-time-for-breakfast or this-timefor-lunch, to a restaurant-style meal plan. They choose a meal plan when they move in. It’s restaurant style. You can show up anytime you want and they have a menu and they can order what they like,” Bottens said. A certain dollar amount is included with each individual’s rent. Residents give their account number when ordering, so there is no cash used. “We offer beautiful accommodations in independent living and we have lots of great amenities like the pool and the fitness center, we have a movie theater, transportation,” Bottens said.” We offer a great value to the customer for the amount of money they pay here and and what they get.” When a health issue pops up, assisted living become an alternative. “We have out-patient therapy in assisted living. They can go to therapy and not have to leave the community. We want our residents to age in place. That means, as long as they can stay functional at any level, we want them to for as long as possible,” Bogner said. “In the assisted living area, it’s really important because at any point, that resident is already having some health concerns or some physical issues and the longer we can maintain their health and wellness, the longer they’re going to be able to stay in assisted living.” Memory Care Assisted Living keeps everything as familiar as possible, helping residents make the best adjustment possible. “Our memory care is very special as well. It’s based on the household model as well. There’s only 14 assisted-living memory residents
Bill Tucker/Intelligencer
Meridian Village residents enjoy a game of Hang Man. living in one household. It is very much their house,” Bogner said. “They have their own living room, dining room, kitchen. They run everything — from the meals they have to the outings they go on.” Kochan said giving the residents in memory care choices and keeping things familiar are keys to the program’s success. “The residents out there really like it. If they want to bake a pie today, they’ll bake a pie. They’ve had a garden out there. If you have somebody moving in — this is obviously a big change for them — and they’ve been a farmer, we can say, ‘Yes, we have a garden’ and ‘Yes, you can help,’” she said. Skilled nursing also uses the household model with three units — each able to accommodate up to 14 residents — offering inhome chefs and easy-to-access surroundings. “Last October, we opened three households, which is a new concept in skilled nursing where we no longer have this large dining room with 60 some people, we have smaller households of 12
to 14 residents. We have a fullyfunctioning kitchen, All meals are made there. It’s a home setting. We try to keep the same staff all the time so they almost become family to those residents,” Bogner said. “It’s not just about being healthy, it’s also about the quality of life. A lot of times in skilled care, the focus has been nursing, nursing, nursing. But there’s also a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed. It’s not uncommon to see families with their children, grandchildren, playing in the living room, the Wii on TV, with residents sitting around and staff.” Rehabilitation is also a key component to the Meridian Village method, and services are open to anyone in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. “We have one specific household centered around that. I think that’s a nice thing that they are only coming in for seven days,” Bottens said. “They know they’re here just for seven days and not with people who are going to live out the rest of their lives.”
GoEdwardsville.com - July 21, 2011 - Mature Lifestyles - 23
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24 - Mature Lifestyles - July 21, 2011 - GoEdwardsville.com
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