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Why NOW is the right time to do your Estate Planning
Estate Planning to ease anxiety? Make sure you do it the right way. By Bluegrass ElderLaw LLC
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f we have learned anything during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, it is that we do not know what the future holds. Uncertainty may create anxiety in your life. Instead of avoiding the unsure future, plan for it. We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we can prepare by having proper estate planning, including last will and testaments, living wills, trusts and powers-of-attorney.
Planning will help ease your anxiety.
Planning for the future and feeling you are taking control of an uncontrollable situation can help ease anxiety. The current worldwide crisis has caused anxiety and panic all over the world. One thing that is giving people peace of mind is finally doing their estate planning. After clients sign their documents, they generally feel a burden has been lifted.
You may not even have to leave your house.
Whether it is through a phone call, Skype, Zoom or FaceTime, attorneys are still meeting with clients to address any estate planning needs and concerns. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has authorized virtual notarization while we are under a state of emergency, so document signings are possible without any in-person contact.
Documents will be there if needed.
If you fall ill during the pandemic or at another time, you will have documents in place so loved ones can assist with your finances and health care. That’s why our law firm really stresses the importance of powers-ofattorney. Powers-of-attorney allow you to appoint another person to be your agent for certain purposes. (You can read more about powers-of-attorney on our Website, www.bgelderlaw.com.)
Do your planning, but do it the right way.
While we are all being #healthyathome, some of us may be looking into online estate planning. Many think this is cheaper. This is a buyer-beware and a you-get-what-youpay-for option. While the idea of doing a fill-in-the-blank form is appealing, it will not only fail to address your specific doubts and concerns, it may provide a false sense of security when it turns out it does not address your actual needs. Estate planning should be done by an attorney who knows how to draft documents and help you determine what documents you need to meet your needs and achieve your goals. It is not uncommon for DIY online wills to need extra attention, time, money and court costs when someone passes away. Talk to an estate planning or elder law attorney and make sure your needs are truly met.
859.281.0048 bgelderlaw.com 120 N. Mill Street, Ste. 201 Mary Ellis Patton Attorney
Amy E. Dougherty Attorney
Katie E. Finnell Attorney
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Se n io r Livin g Le xin g to n Gu id e Vo lu me 1 | Se n io rLivin g Le x.co m
IN THIS ISSUE 6
Welcome from the Editor
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Welcome from the Publishers
12 ON THE COVER Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton photographed with Gale Reece at the i know expo — an annual one day symposium for senior living in Lexington. Cover photography by Megan McCardwell DESIGN Megan McCardwell Austin Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Joshua Caudill, Michael Jansen Miller, Brian Powers, Claire Ramsay, Kristina Rosen, Kim Thomas, John Whitlock, Tom Yates
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Martin Alan Rideout
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Senior Centers
A sampling of central Kentucky Senior Centers
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ITN Bluegrass
Older adults join ITNBluegrass and become dues-paying members of an organization committed to their mobility.
ADVERTISING Vicki Evans AVP of Multimedia 859.361.4169 ads@firstmedialex.com
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Lexington Fire Department
Smoke Detectors and fire safety inspections
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Safety and Security
Protective services and law enforcement
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Fraud prevention tips
First Media publishes a diverse array of magazines and guides in Lexington Kentucky, including Beaumont Guide, Summit Guide, Downtown Guide, Hamburg Guide, Lexington Dining Guide, and Senior Living Lexington Guide. First Media Lex also offers clients a boutique in-house custom content agency. Contact 859.361.4169 or staff@firstmedialex.com for advertising, sponsorships, and partnerships.
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PHOTO BY ALAN RIDEOUT
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Silver Lexington
How to locate the right senior living housing options for your family
Palliative Care
Learn
Profiling Dr. Nick Kouns
Continuing education options for the senior community
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Volunteer
With almost one in every five Americans projected to be age 60 or older by 2030 – there is a great opportunity to engage older Americans in volunteering as a way to contribute to longer, healthier, more engaged lives.
ENT.
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Gourmet to Go
Profiling La Bonne Vie, a personal chef option
Lexington Senior Living Guide is an annual print publication, with an active news website and social presence year round. Topics include: retirement living, financial and estate planning, area resources, healthcare, longterm care, caregiving, aging in place, and area worship communities.
Follow us on
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A Message from the Editor
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elcome to Lexington’s Annual Senior Living Guide! Senior Living Lexington is designed for community members throughout the bluegrass region who are striving to age gracefully — and the friends and family decision makers who love them. This annual directory serves seniors and family members who are considering options in retirement living, aging in place, financial and estate planning, healthcare, longterm care, worship communities, and so much more. Lexington’s Senior Living Annual Guide is only published once a year, but we invite you to join us online at www.seniorlivinglex.com, and on our facebook page for regular ongoing discussion about important issues facing Lexington’s senior population.
Sincerely,
John Whitlock
We’ve had the honor of shooting photos and videos for so many senior programming activities in Central Kentucky over the past year. Just scan with your smart phone to view a sampling!
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A Message from the Publishers of Lexington’s Senior Living Guide
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exington is a university town blessed with many rich amenities that make it a sought after destination for retirement. Seniors and the friends and family who love them are faced with dozens of questions and decisions throughout the aging process: • Where should I live? • Can my house be adapted for aging in place? • Maybe I’d prefer a condo? • What can I afford? • Would I like a new community where I could meet new friends my age? • What happens if I become less fit and active? • Is there access to medical care if I need it? • Should I keep my car? • Town or country? • Is my estate plan set up appropriately? • Do I have enough funds to last my entire retirement?
Lexington offers dozens of senior living lifestyle options to fit every income, budget, and care level needed. Making these decisions and answering these questions doesn’t happen overnight. Our hope here at the Senior Living Lexington Guide is that we open a dialogue: within families, with friends, within the community — about all the ways we can age gracefully in the bluegrass. Thank you to all of the advertisers, sponsors, and partners who enable us to publish this beautiful annual resource at no charge to readers. We encourage you to support their amazing businesses and organizations and the strong work they do in this community. Please continue the conversation with our community on facebook, and be sure to call to schedule your space in Lexington’s next Senior Living Guide: on stands 2021.
859.361.4169 ads@firstmedialex.com
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Stop worrying about the uncertainties of nursing home care. BY MCCLELLAND & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
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t ElderLawLexington we know that you want to be financially secure. In order to do that, you need help protecting your home and life savings when paying for nursing home care. The problem is you don’t know who you can trust which can be confusing. You deserve to know the truth about your Medicaid benefits. Let us show you how we’ve helped thousands of people sort through the Medicaid maze and qualify for what they deserve. Here’s how we do it: 1. We sit down together. 2. We listen, to find out from you what matters most. 3. We get to work. We can help you stop worrying about losing your home and life savings and instead enjoy financial security. Elder Law is an area of legal practice typically concentrating on legal counseling for aging and special needs clients. Often it involves
counseling clients and their families about nursing homes and long-term care financing, guardianship and special needs trust planning. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. Sadly, few have adequately planned for long term care with legal documents such as durable powers of attorney for financial and health care matters and living wills. Medicaid qualifying trusts can prevent the unnecessary loss of savings or the family home to Medicaid recovery. Specially designed wills can legally help protect family savings while accessing Medicaid to pay for the nursing home. With the aging population expanding, it is important to discuss
these matters with a qualified attorney. Elder law attorneys have concentrated their area of practice to keep current with the ever-changing needs of aging clients. At ElderLawLexington, McClelland & Associates, PLLC, we concentrate only on elder law, special needs trusts and estate planning. Contact us today and stop worrying about the uncertainties of nursing home care. McClelland& Associates, PLLC 859-543-0061 ElderLawLexington.com 1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 2102 Lexington, KY 40509
Meet a few members of the ElderLawLexington Team:
Matthew Smith Attorney
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Mark Maddox Attorney
Betsy Browning Office Manager
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Dawna Alford
Administrative Assistant
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Jane Cullen Accountant
Frankie Stivers
Elder Care Coordinator
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Central Kentucky Senior Centers
Lexington’s Bell House Senior Center
Lexington Senior Center
The Bell House is located in one of Lexington’s loveliest historic neighborhoods, Bell Court, and provides recreation and activities for Fayette County senior adults ages 60 and up. Senior classes at the Bell House are free and open to all Fayette County residents ages 60+, and a schedule of activities can be found in the monthly newsletter. Activities and programming include art, fitness (chair yoga, walking clubs, line dancing, water classes), music, and even an AARP drivers’ course.
When the Lexington Senior Center is open, activities are available to all independent Fayette County residents age 60 and over. New participants are always welcome! When the Center is open, simply stop by the reception desk to complete a registration form. A participant’s handbook is available to you with more detailed information regarding the center activities and policies. Although the Center has been closed throughout much of the COVID crisis, staff have maintained an active online presence and relationship with members.
859.233.0986 545 Sayre Avenue Lexington KY 40508
859.278.6072 195 Life Lane Lexington KY 40502
Benefits of leisure activities for seniors • Socialization through classes, activities and travel
• Improved physical well-being through exercise and walking
• Creative expression opportunities through classes and activities
• Develop sportsmanship with cards and other games
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• Travel experiences offered for individuals and groups. Enjoy sights and unique locations with fellow travelers.
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entral Kentucky is home to dozens of Senior Centers. Senior Centers typically vary greatly in location and programming, but many offer access to social services, meal program info, activities, field trips, ongoing learning opportunities, transportation options and assistance for Seniors, and so much more! Below is a Sampling of Senior Centers in our Beautiful Bluegrass Region
Boyle County Senior Center 859.236.2070 569 Jean Drive Danville KY 40422
Anderson County Senior Center 502.839.7520 160 Township Square Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Estill County Senior Center 606.723.4787 100 Golden Court Irvine KY 40336
Berea Senior Center 859.986.8350 214 West Jefferson Street Berea KY 40403
Fayette County/ Lexington Senior Center 859.278.6072 195 Life Lane Lexington KY 40502
Bourbon County Senior Center 859.987.7453 11 Legion Drive Paris KY 40361
Garrard County Senior Center 859.792.3147 153 Farra Drive Lancaster KY 40444
Harrison County Cmsn. on Aging 859.234.5801 216 Old Lair Road Cynthiana KY 41031 Jessamine County Senior Center 859.885.9102 111 Hoover Drive Nicholasville KY 40356 Lincoln County Senior Center 606.365.9016 100 Senior Way Stanford KY 40484
Powell County Senior Center 606.663.5981 127 Pirate Drive Stanton KY 40380 Richmond Senior Citizens Center 859.623.0474 1215 W. Main St Richmond KY 40475 Scott County Senior Center 502.863.4041 800 Cincinnati Pk. Suite 10 Georgetown KY 40324
Mercer County Senior Center 859.734.5185 1475 Louisville Road Harrodsburg KY 40330
Woodford County Senior Center 859.873.8384 285 Beasley Drive Versailles KY 40383
Nicholas County Senior Center 859.289.3729 2323 Concrete Road Suite B Carlisle KY 40311
Please call to verify any scheduled activities as Senior Center programming has been substantially impacted by COVID-19
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Take the Ride Meet ITN Bluegrass’s Gale Reece
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providing dignified transportation. Older adults join ITNBluegrass and become dues-paying members of an organization committed to their mobility. When they pick up the telephone to schedule a ride, they are not asking a favor. ITNBluegrass is a nonprofit built to ease the transition from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat. Lexington’s popular senior conference, the i know expo, held annually every spring, is also Reece’s brainchild. The conference evolved from her work with ITN Bluegrass. She says, “During those early years with ITNBluegrass, we noticed other needs in our membership. Adult children and members themselves called to
ask about other elder services and we had no idea how to direct them. So, in 2012, we launched the i know expo to bring together caregivers, elders, and those with disabilities with services in Kentucky.” Recalling success stories from the early years, she remembers, “Our very first expo in 2012, we had a pair of sisters caring for their father who was an ITN member. They cried as they thanked us for putting all these resources together in one place.” She recalls, “an attorney, who is one of the most brilliant people I know, did not have a clue how to navigate the care of his mother in the first signs of dementia, living in her own home, and one of ITN’s first clients.”
Photo by Scott Walz courtesy I Know Expo
ifteen years ago, Gale Reece left a small family business after 20 years, and says she asked herself, “‘What do I want to do when I grow up?’” She explains, “My grandparents were a tremendous influence on me when I was young. I went to the city Director of Aging Services and she helped me to identify a need and find a program to start in Lexington – ITNBluegrass (senior transportation). It took a couple of years to launch (legislative change, raising funds and hiring a team). In July of 2008, we gave our first ride. Today, after almost 11 years and over 70,000 rides, ITNBluegrass is going strong.” The Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) is dedicated to
Gale Reece at i know expo with photo of her late mother JoAnn Griffin, who helped found the expo
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Going Places
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Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Gale Reece at the 2019 I Know Expo
And she can’t forget “an event coordinator who was struggling with her father and his growing dementia. He had been lost on the interstate driving to Tennessee during our planning. Now she was able to discuss her issues and concerns in one place, one time with professionals.”
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eece says, “What we are seeing as of a month ago, was older adults staying in the workforce much longer than in the past, many for financial reasons. In today’s world, there are not many people retiring with good solid pensions as past generations have had.” One of the challenges we have had staying in the workforce is the speed at which technology is moving. When I was building our family storage business, we designed our own software with a local developer and did not dare touch anything on the screen other than as directed. Today, I do not think to play around with the software to discover what it can do. So it is a harder learning curve for us.” But seniors bring unique assets in the workplace as well. She says,
“What we bring to the workforce is the ability to apply past experience to solve issues, especially involving relationships with customers and fellow team members. This ‘wisdom’ comes with age and experience.” She says, “Our challenge when this crisis is waning is restoring and rebuilding the workforce. I do not know how that is going to affect older adults. One thing I do know is that older adults are essential to our non-profit organizations and volunteer communities.” The 2020 i know expo has been postponed to spring 2021.
hink of it as a little like Uber for Great Aunt Betty. The Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) is dedicated to providing dignified transportation. Older adults join ITNBluegrass and become dues-paying members of an organization committed to their mobility. When they pick up the telephone to schedule a ride, they are not asking a favor. ITNBluegrass is a nonprofit built to ease the transition from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat. But it’s so much more than an uber or lyft, or even a taxi. ITN Bluegrass provides arm-through-arm, door-todoor service. And like using your own automobile, ITN is available 24/7, offering the flexibility to schedule rides in advance or as needed, as well as the option to ride alone or with others. Feeling a little isolated in your social distance? That’s how many older people who don’t drive anymore feel all the time. Why not reach out and give an older person a ride? Volunteer to drive once a week for ITN. All volunteers are provided training and ITN has adopted safety guidelines in line with CDC guidance to protect both drivers and riders. Call 859.252-8665 today to learn more and to sign up to drive. Driving record and background check required.
Gale Reece speaking at the 2019 I Know Expo
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Smoke alarm installation
The Lexington Fire Department Community Services Division, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will install 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms in all homes in Fayette County. The smoke alarms are free and will be installed by the Lexington Fire Department at no cost to the occupant. As part of the installation, the LFD will also conduct a fire safety inspection.
To schedule a smoke alarm installation Contact the Lexington Fire Department via email at LFD-communityservices@lexingtonky.gov or call (859) 231-5662. Please include the following information: • Name • Address • Contact info (phone or email) • Number of floors • Number of bedrooms Do you already have alarms in your home and if so, are they currently working and are they equipped with a battery or hard-wired into the home?
Lexington Fire Department Phone Directory For emergencies, call 911. Fire Chief
Fire Chief Kristin Chilton Phone: 859.231-5660
Administrative Division Chaplain Cecil Tatum 859. 258-3898
Human Resources | Internal Affairs Asst. Chief Chief Jason Wells 859.231-5602 Police & Fire Pension Office 859.258-3539 Administrative Officer | Grants 859.231-5651 859.231-5606
Administrative Officer | Open records requests 859.231-5640 Communications and Information Technology Major Edward Crews 859.231-5674
Fire Suppression 859.231-5676 Emergency Medical Services Battalion Chief Marc Bramlage 859.231-5644
Health and Safety Battalion Chief Chris Sweat 859.231-5648
Special Operations Battalion Chief Rob Larkin 859.280-8922 or 859.2808923
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus: Firefighter Roger Hibbitts 859.231-5630
Prevention and Preparedness Division
Operations Division Asst. Chief Todd Reece 859.231-5679
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Asst. Chief Chad Traylor 859.231.5643
Community Services | Public Education Battalion Chief Jordan Saas 859.231-5662
Fire Prevention Schedule inspections: Fire Marshal | Major Jeffrey Johnson 859.231-5681 or 859.2315668 Water Control Captain Greg Lengal 859.258-3963 Fire Training Academy Major Chris Harrod 859.231-5612 Investigations 859.231-5698 859.231-5672 For non-emergencies or phone numbers not listed, call 859. 231.5600
SAFETY AND SECURITY Adult Protective Services/Elder Abuse Reporting 24 HOUR HOTLINE 877.597.2331
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lder abuse and neglect happens far too often in Kentucky. Sadly, it is not always evident. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has initiated a public awareness campaign to help seniors protect themselves and to teach the rest of us the warning signs of abuse and neglect. If you believe that an elderly person is in imminent danger immediately call toll free (800) 752-6200 or (800) 752-6200 or 911. If the person is not in imminent danger but you are suspicious, watch the way the caregiver acts toward the elderly or disabled person. Look for a pattern of threatening, harassing, blaming or making demeaning remarks to the person — or isolating the person from family members and friends. Watch for an obvious lack of helpfulness or indifference, aggression or anger toward the person. Listen for conflicting stories about the elderly or disabled person’s illnesses or injuries. Learn to recognize the signs of selfneglect, caregiver neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and financial abuse. Currently in Kentucky, there are Local Coordinating Councils on Elder Abuse established in every Area Development District. The councils’ goals are to: • develop and build an effective communitywide system of prevention and intervention that is responsive to the need of victims, perpetrators, family members and formal or informal caretakers. • identify and coordinate the roles and services of local agencies that work with elder abused, neglected or exploited victims and to
24 HOUR HOTLINE 877.597.2331
investigate or prosecute elder abuse cases. • monitor, evaluate, and promote the quality and effectiveness of services and protection in the community. • promote a clear understanding of elder abuse, current laws, elder rights and resources available in the community. • serve as a clearinghouse for information on elder issues. Organized along regional or county lines, depending on the needs of each location, the local coordinating councils were formed under the joint leadership of the Area Agencies on Aging and local Adult Protective Services (APS) staff of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Membership of each coordinating council includes APS staff, local law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, state police, bankers, care providers, long-term care ombudsmen and other advocates for the elderly.
Lexington Police Department 859.258.3600 (non emergency number) With 633 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian personnel, the Lexington Police Department is the largest division within the LexingtonFayette Urban County Government. The agency’s mission is to serve and protect all citizens and visitors in the city with a high level of integrity, transparency and dedication to community policing. The department consists of four bureaus: administration, investigation, patrol, and special operations. Each bureau is home to several units, with responsibilities ranging from traffic control, patrolling neighborhoods, criminal investigations, assisting crime victims, officer training and more. Fayette County Sheriff 859-252-1771 The goal of the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff is to assist all victims of crime efficiently and diligently, and to help prevent further acts of violence and abuse.
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4 Tips for Spotting Misinformation Online BY: PETE ALBERTI - KENTUCKY HEALTH SOLUTIONS
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he internet gives us access to a nearly limitless amount of articles, videos and images. If you have a question about your health and take a moment to Google it, you can find a ton of answers within seconds. But, not all of the resources that pop up in your search results provide helpful, or even correct, information. How do you separate what’s true from what’s not? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Check Your Sources It’s easy for incorrect health information to be presented as trustworthy, especially if it confirms something people may want to believe. Before you decide whether or not a piece of health information is legitimate, ask yourself: • Do you recognize the publication’s name? • Is the source considered reputable in the health care space? • Is the author of the piece a confirmed expert on the topic or a seasoned journalist who covers the health space?
Fact Check Just because you found a single source doesn’t guarantee that the health information you read is 100% true. Take a few minutes to fact check and verify what you’ve read. Look for more than one reputable source on the same topic.
Just scan with your smart phone to receive this newsletter
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Be Careful on Social Media Social media can be a wonderful tool that connects people to one another, but it’s also the perfect way to spread inaccurate information very quickly. Misinformation proliferates on sites like Facebook, and anyone can easily share an eye-catching article or video. If you see a post containing health information, look at it with a critical eye.
Ask a Professional Often, telling the difference between real and fake health content is surprisingly tricky. Before you make any decisions that could impact your health, talk to a health care professional. Do you have questions about your coverage or anything else we can assist with? Reach out anytime.
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SPONSORED FEATURE
Welcome to Sayre Christian Village
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e recognize that most everyone has become accustomed to more space. Our Friendship Towers apartments were built with that in mind and boast some of the largest square footage in the area. Each apartment will have a full size kitchen with dishwasher, washer and dryer, and be designed to meet the needs of the changing adult population. “Residents choose us because they don’t want to compromise. They want the large space of a cottage, but they also want the ease and accessibility of enclosed walkways with just steps to large lounges, activity spaces and dining in the restaurant-style dining room or café. We offer them that convenience and safety from the elements,” says Elise Hinchman, VP Marketing & Development.
Some benefits aside from the space, etc. are the ‘all day dining’, chef-driven delicious meals. You don’t have to choose between nutrition and tasty – all our meals are both – with accommodations for a variety of diets. Our sense of community is very strong here – the residents and staff are like family. We have built a reputation as a versatile, thriving retirement community that cares about their residents and staff. We are a hub for families, for the community. We also are rare in the fact that we have a full-time chaplain on staff, offer a multitude of church services across campus, three chapels and two large spaces for larger services,
Bible studies, and more. Friendship Towers offers both independent living and certified assisted living services for those who need a ‘little extra help’ with activities of daily living from time-totime or on a permanent basis. If you’re searching for a community, chances are you or your loved one are looking for peace-ofmind in addition to all the bells and whistles. Families love the Friendship Towers Apartments at SCV because they know that there is less likely to be a disruptive move in the future if another level of care is needed. Most other communities do not offer nearly as many levels of care, nor the level of advanced on-site physical therapy. Karen Venis, CEO says, “While we have the state-of-the-art amenities now with the new Expansion, it still feels like home. That’s unique. Families don’t feel like they’re ‘visiting’ when they drop by Friendship Towers, they really feel like they’re going ‘to Mom’s’ or ‘going to Grandma’s for Sunday lunch.’”
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Learn, Learn, Learn
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e are never too old to learn and central Kentucky offers a wide variety of educational and training opportunities guaranteed to keep us all intellectually challenged and stimulated for many years to come. Below is a sampling of offerings in the central Kentucky area. Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning carnegiecenterlex.org 859.254-4175 The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and community center devoted to helping all citizens improve their quality of life through education and expression. An opendoor policy invites people young and old to learn something new. They offer seasonal classes in writing, publishing, and languages; readings from established authors and local literary icons; and other arts-related events designed to encourage among Central Kentuckians an appreciation for learning and the arts.
Donavan Scholars uky.edu/olli/donavan-fellowship 859.257.2656 The Donovan Scholarship pays tuition and mandatory course fees for adults 65 years and older, taking academic courses at the University of Kentucky. The scholarship is available for courses held on campus and limited availability for UK online classes. Donovan Scholars may audit classes for the joy of learning (exams, papers or other assignments are typically not required), take classes for credit without working toward a degree, or take classes for credit as a degreeseeking candidate. There is no previous educational requirement for Donovan Scholars auditing an undergraduate class (not seeking a degree). When working toward a degree, UK Admissions criteria must be met. Registration in a class is based upon available space, may require the consent of the instructor, and/or have prerequisites. Donovan Scholarship
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Applications are available at the Donovan Office and accepted yearround. Lexington Public Library 859.231.5500 The Lexington Public Library serves a merged city-county jurisdiction of 300,000+ people through a central library, 5 neighborhood branches, an active Outreach department, and rapidly expanding virtual services. In addition to traditional library services, the library supports a digital studio with a full array of video and audio editing equipment for customer use; an art gallery; state of the art theater for live performances, movies, and presentations; a job lab where customers can get personalized help with resumes and job applications; a bilingual homework help program; a library YouTube channel; and a “Book a Librarian” program for customers who need in-depth research assistance, reader’s advisory, or help with their digital devices. Whatever
your age or interest, you can expand your horizons and exercise your brain by visiting the “people’s university” – your local public library. Here you will find resources, programs, and experts to help you explore any topic you desire. OLLI uky.edu/olli 859.257-2656 The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kentucky offers programming for a diverse community of learners 50+. OLLI at UK offers educational and enrichment courses, forums, shared interest groups, trips, events and more for adults 50 years and older. More than 1,300 adult learners participate annually. The University of Kentucky has been at the forefront nationally in lifelong learning since 1964. The OLLI at UK has sites in Lexington and Morehead. OLLI is a membership program with an annual fee. OLLI Scholars
are eligible to register for courses and SIGs; take advantage of early bird registration windows; sign up for socials, trips, special events, and projects; access UK Wellness Centers; and more. Membership begins in August and includes Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Membership may be purchased throughout the year. Summer-only membership is prorated. OLLI at UK is a volunteer, memberled institute with Advisory Boards in Lexington and Morehead. Members, also known as OLLI Scholars, serve on committees and task forces, teach courses, facilitate SIGs, and volunteer for events. Committees develop curriculum, plan and implement presentation series, social events, trips, projects, recruit volunteers and promote the program as OLLI Ambassadors.
YMCA ymcacky.org 859.254.9622 Today’s seniors are more health conscious than ever before. The YMCA makes the health and fitness of seniors a top priority by providing programs for the spirit, mind and body. Through group exercise classes and aquatic programs that concentrate on mobility and flexibility, dance classes, social events, and volunteer activities, the YMCA is bringing Seniors / Active Older Adults (AOA) together for camaraderie, fellowship and fun. Seniors/AOA programs are free for Y members. Senior fitness classes include Silver Sneakers® Yoga, Pickleball, SilverSneakers® Classic, SilverSneakers® – Cardio Fit, Silver Sneakers® Circuit, Silver Sneakers® Zumba® Gold, water fitness, Fit for Life and more!
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Managing Illness The importance of palliative care
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rief changes us. It is sneaky, cruelly disappearing for half a second when you wake up and reality is jumbled, before you remember that EVERY SINGLE THING has changed. That grief is the price and privilege of loving hard. Dr. Nick Kouns loves hard and has lived grief. His love for his mother in her final days was its own language, memorialized in stories he shared over the years, in the way he cared for her during her illness, and, characteristically, in the way he has honored her with his life choices.
She taught me to value life and love above all things and she taught me to give until it hurts a little bit. —Nick Kouns, remembering his mother, Anna Rose Kouns
“When I found out my mother was dying,” he says, “I had been a doctor for 22 years. I was working as a hospice medical director at that time, in addition to taking care of patients admitted into the hospital. I was working the day my sister called me to share the news, and it still haunts me to this day.” The summer she died, he recalls, “I remember a robin had made a nest in one of the beautiful ferns she used to hang on her front porch. We used to sit out on the swing and quietly watch her build her nest as the hours, days, and weeks slipped by. Four eggs
turned into four baby robins and I think momma and I were both lifted-up by watching life go on around us even as her life spilled out before us.” “When my mother died, I felt something I had honestly never felt before—I felt alone. And then something happened. I found myself with the opportunity to open a Palliative Care program in my hometown hospital. I found a way to sublimate my grief. I moved forward with a singular purpose—help create something as a personal legacy to my mother, who had taught me everything good in the world. She taught me about kindness. She taught me about unconditional love. She cultivated in me a sense of humanity and tenderness. She taught me to value life and love above all things and she taught me to give until it hurts a little bit.” The palliative care service line opened (A.I.M.S., Advanced Illness Management Services) and went on to be published in a leading national medical journal as a best practice in how to take care of the sickest and most vulnerable patients in our communities. Kouns adds, “I went on to become a Professor of Palliative Care and, to this day, have the great fortune of teaching medical students from across the state of Kentucky. In addition to the science, I also teach them about kindness. I try to teach them about tenderness and mindfulness—to remind them that medicine is not just about lab values and clinical data.”
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PHOTO BY ALAN RIDEOUT
BY TRISH ROBERTS HATLER
What is Palliative Care? The World Health Organization defines palliative care as “the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems, is paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.” WebMD explains, “It doesn’t serve only the dying. Instead, it focuses more broadly on improving life and providing comfort to people of all ages with serious, chronic, and life-threatening illnesses.” Patients with serious illness who are having a difficult time managing symptoms can ask their medical provider for a palliative care consult.
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Dishing it Up
Staying healthy begins in the kitchen BY CLAIRE RAMSAY
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s many seniors enjoy their empty nests, spending their day in the kitchen cooking for one or two might no longer be a daily goal. The need for reliable — and delicious — nutrition for seniors who might be experiencing reduced mobility, or convalescing after an illness, injury, or surgery is prevalent in a major healthcare hub like Lexington.
While options like meals-on-wheels are available in Lexington, central Kentucky also offers dozens of personal chef options and gourmet carry-away. (Delivery is also available for many services.) These services can also be a lifesaver for busy families who want to make sure the nutritional needs — and the joy of food — are still being preserved for elderly parents, relatives, and friends. Staying healthy, for many, begins in the kitchen. uthie Oesterman, owner of La Bonne Vie off Winchester Road, was motivated to found her business by the onset of health issues in her family. When her husband, Jon, was diagnosed with cancer for the second time and she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, she began to research Paleo and Primal and was guided to diets that reduce inflammation in the body. While the family was going through her husband’s cancer treatments, a caring friend helped out by making them a delicious and healthy meal. The
R
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Ask about these programs. Oestermans were inspired by this generosity and she realized she wanted to be in the business of providing a service like that for others. She wanted a model that would support clients going through rough times, or those who simply don’t have the time to properly eat healthy. Oesterman took on her first client in 2015 and has not looked back since. She relishes helping as many clients as she can and prides herself on being able to deliver without bulk batch cooking. “Everything is 100 percent customized. We take care of our families and offer them support and save them time — honestly, the food is a bonus!” She says there is no “one size fits all” in the world of cooking. She recommends to keep trying new things so you’re able to find what works for you and your body. “Just because one thing worked for a friend or family member, doesn’t mean you have to stick with it if it’s not working.” She recommends asking for help because when it comes to cooking, there are no failures, just data being collected.” La Bonne Vie has been the best part of Ruthie’s cooking career. Her favorite part of the job is to enrich others’ lives.
CONGREGATE MEALS provide nutritious and balanced meals, nutrition education, and nutrition risk screening for Kentuckians 60 years and older and their spouses. You can find Congregate Meal sites in your local senior citizen centers, nutrition sites, and churches. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-925-0037 for more information. HOME-DELIVERED MEALS, also known as Meals on Wheels, provide nutritious and balanced meals that are delivered to the door of a homebound Kentuckian 60 years and older and their spouses. Priority is given to frail and isolated individuals. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-925-0037 for more information. SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and provides vouchers to qualified Kentuckians age 60 years and older for purchase fresh produce form a certified local farmer. This program is offered in the spring/ summer. Contact 1-502-564-9358 for more information, or visit: kyagr.com/ consumer/seniorfarmer-market.html FOOD PANTRIES AND FOOD BANKS are places where basic essentials and non-perishable food items are supplied free of charge to people in need. Some food banks have a separate program for seniors. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-925-0037 for more information. Provided by: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Aging and Independent Living 275 East Main Street 3E-E Frankfort Kentucky 40621 Phone: 502-564-6930
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Volunteer Here! A SAMPLING OF LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AARP www.aarp.org 1.888.687.2277 Find ways to be of help directly in your community, whether you have 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days to give Bluegrass SHIP Program www.lablaw.org/ship 1.866.516.3051 SHIP provides assistance to Medicare beneficiaries or anyone aged 60 years old or older in 35 Central, Northern and Northeastern counties. The mission is to help individuals make informed decisions about the programs that affect their quality of life, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Medigap insurance and other benefit programs. SHIP staff and volunteers receive extensive training in the various public benefit programs. Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) www.commaction.org 859.233.4600 x1284 The Foster Grandparent Program offers seniors age 55 and older opportunities to serve as mentors, tutors, and loving caregivers for children and youth with
Liberty Ridge Valentine’s Benefit Dinner
special and exceptional needs. If you are interested in serving as a Foster Grandparent, you must meet income eligibility guidelines, and you will receive a modest, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering. Foster Grandparents serve 15 40 hours a week, usually 4 hours a day Monday through Friday, serving children directly with one-on-one, hands-on service. Other benefits include reimbursement for transportation, some meals during service, an annual physical, and accident and liability insurance while
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on duty. Pre-Service and monthly training sessions provided. Independent Transportation Network — ITN Bluegrass www.itnbluegrass.org 859.252.8665 All of us have a stake in helping to ensure that older adults and people with visual impairments can remain active once they stop driving. Volunteers help older people stay connected to families, friends, and activities that bring meaning to their lives — and to yours.
Kentucky Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) 502.574.6164 Outreach Volunteers set up SMP display tables at community events such as health expos, information fairs, etc to increase awareness about Medicare and Medicaid errors, fraud and abuse. Volunteers distribute Personal Healthcare Journals, brochures and other materials, answer basic questions, refer seniors to other resources. Liberty Ridge 859.543-9449 Located on 30 rolling acres in the heart of
UK pep rally at Sayre Christian Village
Kentucky bluegrass country, Liberty Ridge Senior Living, Inc. is a nonprofit entity established in 1999 as a ministry of Eastland Church to help meet the growing need for quality affordable housing and services for area retirees. Liberty Ridge’s senior living apartments are open people of all faiths. Volunteer opportunities are provided via the life enrichment office which carefully plans and selects daily activities to engage and entertain the residents, as well as encourage lasting bonds between neighbors.
Sayre Christian Village (859)-303-9974 Sayre Christian Village is a nonprofit senior living community dedicated to providing quality housing, rehabilitation services and long-term nursing care reflecting Christian compassion for everyone. Sayre Christian Village is actively recruiting volunteers who can offer friendship to residents and their families. Join more than 75 volunteers at SCV who combine to form an award-winning activities program. This may be the opportunity you are looking for to help
you express your faith by making a significant and positive impact in the lives of others through Christian service. SCORE 859.231.9902 Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small business and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to a new generation of
entrepreneurs in your community. The Lexington Kentucky Chapter of SCORE is part of a national nonprofit association and a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is volunteerbased and provides free professional guidance and education through one-on-one face-toface, telephone or email counseling to existing and emerging small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups. The Lexington Chapter was founded in 1972 Chapter Number 276. The counselors of the Lexington Kentucky Chapter are experienced business owners and managers who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and potential small business owners achieve success. SCORE works with small (500 employees or less) businesses and start-ups. SCORE provides counseling to all small businesses regardless of race, creed or color, excluding no one. United Way of the Bluegrass/ RSVP Trailblazers 859.233.4460 Looking for ways to give back to your community? Do you love helping kids learn and grow? The RSVP Trailblazers Program may
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be for you. The RSVP Trailblazers Program is part of a national initiative that provides volunteer opportunities to persons aged 55 and over who want to remain actively involved in their community. RSVP Trailblazers’ specific goal is to focus volunteer talents on greater academic success by tutoring, mentoring and sharing life experiences. RSVP Trailblazers Volunteers have the opportunity to work with children ages 4-18 years performing the following activities: Reading to younger students • Assist younger students with the following:
multiplication tables, fractions and division • Review the following with Head Start students: colors, shapes, numbers and letters • Tutor reading and mathematics • Assist in a computer lab • Serve in an English as a Second Language classroom • Mentor students at mealtimes; share stories, life experiences and polite manners • Assist in a specific subject you know best (Science, Music, Art, Family & Consumer Science, etc.) • Help coach a sports team
AARP at the 2019 i Know Expo
• Work with youth on their instruction and assignments in their vocational fields
• Mentor students in their chosen profession
• Volunteer with homework prep
Why Volunteer? PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS FOR OLDER AMERICANS
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he Corporation for National and Community Service is committed to sharing the health and mental benefits of volunteering for older americans. According to CNCS, “Overall, the elderly make up almost 25 percent of the volunteer population, and if you include the 55-64 demographic, it’s more than 35 percent.” With almost one in every five Americans projected to be age 60 or older by 2030 – there is a great opportunity to engage older Americans in volunteering as a way to contribute to longer, healthier, more engaged lives.
The organization, A Place for Mom, suggests a handful of reasons that volunteering can revitalize our aging population: • It helps bridge the generation gap. • It helps change the way people think about older adults. • It is good for mental health and can help prevent Alzheimer’s. The National Institute on Aging has reported that participating in social leisure activities and meaningful, productive activities such as volunteering may lower the risk of health problems in seniors, including dementia,
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Sayre Christian Village residents bake cookies to say thank you to Monticello Bank.
as well as improving longevity. Being a volunteer can help keep the brain and the body active, which contributes to continuing cognitive health, according to numerous studies. • It helps prevent senior isolation and depression.
• It promotes healthy physical activity. The AARP estimates that up to 17 percent of Americans 55 and older may experience social isolation, and volunteering is a meaningful way to address that.
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