Look Inside For • • • • • • •
Senior Housing Guide Home Care & Home Health Aging in Place Medicare Help Caregiver Support Elder Law & Estate Planning Resource Directory and More
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SUCCESSFUL AGING
SENIOR LIVING
6 Tips for Successful Aging
4
Age in Place with Universal Design
44
Lifelong Learning
8
Downsizing
46
Pets and Aging
10
How SRES REALTORS® Can Help
50
Embracing Technology
12
Understanding Different Types of Senior Housing
52
Senior Housing Options
60
Senior Housing Checklist
62
HEALTHY AGING AND WELLNESS
Maximizing Your Time with Your Doctor
14
Fall Prevention
16
Hearing Well
18
Living with Dementia
20
CAREGIVING AND COMMUNITY HELP
When to Seek Help
24
Transitioning from Driving
26
Community Resources
28
Geriatric Care Managers
30
Home Care and Home Health Care
34
Home Care, Home Health and Hospice Providers
38
Caring for the Caregiver
40
INSURANCE AND FINANCES
How to Pay for the Care You Need
68
Avoid Being Scammed
70
Understanding Medicare
73
Medicare Help
75
END-OF-LIFE PLANNING
Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind (Legal Advance Directives)
76
End-of-life Planning
80
Palliative and Hospice Care
83
AGING RESOURCES DIRECTORY
86
FEATURES
Preserve Your Legacy
5
Enjoy Assisted Living in Your Own Home
35
AgingResourcesWNC.com
A Retirement Community that is Called to Serve
41
Elder Law with Comprehensive Support 77
1
President & Publisher
Brett Hulsey
ON THE COVER
Writer
Kathleen O’Nan
Bob and Jane Ragan split their time in their retirement years between Carolina Village in Hendersonville, boating the Intracoastal Waterway, and, their next adventure, traveling through Europe. Even at home they stay very active. Jane and their lovable rescue dog, Jackson, work in the garden daily and relish hearing cheers of encouragement from fellow Village residents. “My passion is being out here and sharing the blooms with everybody,” Jane said. “Bob had a boat before he even had a bike, so adventure is in his blood like gardening’s in mine and we see no reason to slow down!”
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We would like to thank the fine businesses and organizations who have purchased advertising in our magazine, thereby helping us to bring you an attractive and informative publication. If you have a business or provide a service that would benefit from exposure in Aging Resources, call to reserve a space in the next edition.
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Find More Resources Online Visit AgingResourcesWNC.com to view a digital version of Aging Resources with direct links to all provider websites for easy access to more information. You’ll also find a searchable resource directory and helpful articles.
info@hulseymedia.com AgingResourcesWNC.com @AgingResourcesMagazine Aging Resources is published annually by:
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
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St. Luke’s Hospital Infusion Center Chemo and Infusion Services 828.894.0111 St. Luke’s Surgical Associates Dr. Gerhardt Winkel 828.894.3300 Community Alternatives Program (CAP) Home Assistance for the Disabled or Elderly 828.894.0564
Saluda Family Medicine Primary Care Providers in Saluda, NC 828.749.0149 St. Luke’s Hospital Pain Center Pain Management 828.894.0978
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6 Tips for Successful Aging
Proactive Strategies can Help with Healthy Aging in the Prime Time of Life With people living longer – and healthier – than ever before, our latter years afford us the opportunity for more fulfillment and fun. To focus on healthy aging, consider these lifeenhancing strategies:
1.
Engage your mind and spirit. Stay sharp and mentally enriched by reading and writing, doing puzzles and playing games, taking classes at a community college or online, engaging in arts and crafts, playing and listening to music, and traveling — even if just taking short day trips. Seeing and experiencing new things can make you feel youthful. Immersing yourself in a hobby and engaging in lifelong learning not only can help you stay young at heart, but can help you remain mentally and physically healthy, too.
2.
Focus on good nutrition. Make sure your diet includes lots of fresh, nutritionally rich foods and go easy on junk food and fast food. With the advice of your healthcare provider, take supplements to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and other healthy drinks.
3.
Keep moving. In the spirit of the old adage “move it or lose it,” staying physically active can do wonders for your overall health. In addition to building strong bones and muscles to help prevent falls, exercise helps your cardiovascular health and staves off depression. Find types of physical activity that keep you interested and motivate continued on page 6
4
Aging Resources 2019–2020
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They beat out the rhythm of life. They teach us who we were, who we are, who we can be. Our stories teach us what it means to be human. Families, businesses, communities, and organizations all have important stories to tell—stories that preserve values, hopes, traditions, and life lessons. But there is a problem: Storytelling is delegated to the Someday List. Then, before the someday calendar page turns, it is too late. Dr. Judith Kolva is a seasoned professional personal historian. Judith says, “Legacies In Ink follows a time-tested, proven process that eliminates common storytelling barriers. Your experience is easy, efficient, and enjoyable. We deliver what we promise, when we promise. Guaranteed!”
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you to make movement, stretching and strengthening a daily habit. Consider joining a health club or find a buddy to enjoy walks or other exercise with indoors and outside in the fresh air.
4.
Make check-ups a priority. Key to keeping illness and physical problems at bay is having regular screenings and checkups from healthcare providers. If and when a physical or mental health change occurs, don’t assume it’s “just part of aging” – go get checked out. Symptoms can be signs of treatable illnesses especially when addressed early. Changes with vision and hearing are a common part of growing older but can often be helped easily with the right prescription of glasses or the appropriate hearing aid. Because vision and hearing problems can be
signs of other health issues and can also affect your balance, make these check-ups a priority. Dental care becomes more important especially as we age because it can impact our eating and can also affect our heart health. Be sure to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly. If you find yourself dealing with depression, substance abuse or other mental health challenges, don’t delay seeking professional help.
5.
Stay socially connected. Make a concerted effort to keep up with friends and loved ones through regular phone calls, emails, social media platforms like Facebook and in-person visits inside and outside your home. Join recreational clubs where you can make new acquaintances as well as get involved with new activities and
LIVE HEALTHY AGE GRACEFULLY
The Y is a great place for active older adults, with water fitness classes, unlimited group exercise, and programs for falls prevention, Parkinson’s and diabetes management, and cancer survivorship, all to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are a contracted Medicare Advantage fitness provider with a variety of plans. Ask your broker for details.
FIND TOP LOCAL HEALTH & WELLNESS PROVIDERS! Looking for healthcare resources? Search the online directory at HealthcareResourcesWNC.com or pick up a FREE copy at one of our 300 locations throughout Asheville & Hendersonville!
» ymcawnc.org « YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
6
Aging Resources 2019–2020
interests. Volunteer your time – by doing so, you’ll not only experience the joy of giving back and having a purpose but you’ll also have opportunities to interact with others.
6.
Combine healthy activities for even more impact. Simultaneously participating in healthy practices gives you even more benefit than just doing them individually. For example, playing an intellectually challenging game with a friend is better than simply doing so alone because you get the perks that come from socializing in addition to flexing your brain muscles. By combining a mentally challenging game with others with physical exercise, too, you reap a positive powerhouse of benefits for your mind, body and spirit.
VOLUNTEERING RESOURCES
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County HandsOnAsheville.org United Way of Henderson County VolunteerHendo.org United Way of Transylvania County VolunteerTransylvania.org United Way of Rutherford County UnitedWayofRutherford.org United Way of Haywood County UWHaywood.org United Way of Madison County UnitedWayMadisonCo.org VolunteerMatch VolunteerMatch.org
Everyone Can Shop, Anyone Can Join! Come see us to discover all the wonderful, healthy items you can find in our store, from local produce to helpful vitamins and supplements. You don't have to be a member/owner to shop, but you might want to find out about the benefits.
AgingResourcesWNC.com
7
Lifelong Learning Enriches Mind, Body and Soul Local Entities Offer a Variety of Programming
As people now are living longer, growing older means we often can continue to thrive and enjoy life for many more decades than previous generations experienced. In the United States, the average life expectancy is 76 years for men and 81 years for women. More people are living to be 85 years old and older and the number of Americans living to be 100 or older continues to climb. With more good years – and even decades – ahead, we have the opportunity to continue to learn new things, stay physically active and be socially engaged. And such life enrichment helps us remain healthy and productive in our elder years. Lifelong learning and life enrichment feeds and nurtures our physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. Here in Western North Carolina, several institutions offer high-quality, life-enhancing programs 8
for older adults. By their very nature, all of these programs offer opportunities for socialization, volunteering, community building, life planning and networking. They can broaden your world, open your mind to new possibilities for your life and ensure your upcoming years are rich and meaningful.
BLUE RIDGE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING (BRCLL) (828) 694-1740 | BRCLL.COM Located on Blue Ridge Community College’s Flat Rock campus, BRCLL offers a full slate of enrichment and educational programming. Participants can select from courses on a wide variety of topics including U.S., international and Appalachian history, current affairs, technology, literature and more. The program also hosts occasional brown bag lunches on various topics and has launched a new series called “For Your Health” which brings in various medical professionals to discuss topics related to healthy aging. BRCLL’s EdVentures (Educational Adventures)
Aging Resources 2019–2020
program sponsors motor coach trips to local and regional places of interest and self-drive trips to tour local industries. LIFE@WESTERN CAROLINA (828) 227-7397 | LIFE.WCU.EDU A program of Western Carolina University (WCU), LIFE@ offers noncredit classes for adults 50 years old and older. Courses range in topics from history and culture to health and science to geopolitical and legal issues. Current and retired WCU faculty, as well as other experts in their fields, teach classes. Membership in the program includes 24 weekly sessions from September through April. Lectures are from 10 am to noon on Tuesdays at the Cullowhee campus and on Thursdays at the Biltmore Park instructional site.
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER (OLLI) (828) 251-6140 | OLLIASHEVILLE.COM A nationally acclaimed learning community for older adults, the Osher Lifelong Learning Center at UNC-Asheville offers opportunities for lifelong learning, leadership, community service and continued growth in a variety of settings. Founded in 1988 as the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, OLLI’s programming includes intellectual and cultural pursuits as well as social, physical and practical life courses such as life transition and retirement relocation planning, including its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend (CREW). OLLI’s College for Seniors (CFS) program offers more than 350 courses in four terms every year.
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FourSeasons Seasons Foundation Foundation Four 211 N. 221 N. Main Main Street Street Hendersonville, NC Hendersonville, NC28792 28792 828.513.2440 828.513.2440
9
Pets & Aging
What to Consider as an Older Adult when it Comes to Animal Care Adding a pet to your household can be a wonderful way to combat the loneliness and isolation that sometimes comes with aging. Pets can fill voids in our lives, giving us joy, companionship and purpose. And while there are many benefits to having a pet, adopting an animal is an important decision with different factors to consider at any age but especially as you get older. How Pets are Good for Your Health As we age, our level of interaction with friends and families can dwindle with the relocation or death of loved ones. Bringing a pet into your 10
life can help counter the sadness, anxiety and depression that can come with being alone. Studies have shown that having a pet can help reduce your blood pressure and ease stress. Pets also help fulfill the basic human need for touch and give people happiness through their playfulness and mere presence. Having an animal gives you a purpose in life beyond just yourself and can help you get your mind off your own issues. The care of a pet that comes, for instance, with taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat, also can help you stay more physically active. Pet owners – particularly those with dogs they take on walks – often have more social interaction with others, another part of animal companionship that helps counter loneliness.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Considerations for Older Pet Parents Many pets – particularly dogs and cats – have average lifespans of a decade or more. Adopting pets is for life – both theirs and yours. As you yourself age, it’s important to think about the impact that potential changes in your health situation and living arrangement may have on an animal companion. If you are adopting as an older adult, make a plan for who will take your animal friend should you no longer be able to give your pet the care he or she needs. Prior to adoption, assess whether or not you are currently able to take care of a pet’s needs, such as its feeding, grooming, litter box care and other clean-up, daily walks and visits to the veterinarian. Consider enlisting the help of a friend, loved one or someone you can hire to help at times with the care of your animal. Think, too, about the financial cost of having a pet. As pets themselves become elderly, there is the potential that they will have increased healthcare needs which may come with higher costs. When choosing a pet, give consideration to the size and age of the animal. For example, a large, high-energy puppy has the potential to tug hard on a leash and possibly pull you down. A small kitten can easily get underfoot and could cause you to trip. Younger animals are typically more energetic and require more training and attention. Consider adopting an older, senior pet who may have a calmer demeanor and be more settled into a routine. And while dogs and cats are popular pets, consider other animals such as birds, fish, rabbits and reptiles which can offer companionship, too.
AgingResourcesWNC.com
Keep in mind that just because friends and family members may think you need a pet in your life, the decision – and responsibilities that come with having a pet – are yours alone. Prior to considering animal adoption, take time to carefully evaluate if having an animal to care for fits with your lifestyle, your physical abilities and your living arrangement.
REGIONAL OPTIONS FOR PET ADOPTION
Throughout Western North Carolina, there are many animal shelters and rescue and advocacy groups that provide education and information about animals, help with spay/neuter services and vaccinations, offer training and have a large number of adoptable animals. Local Resources Include: Asheville Humane Society: AshevilleHumane.org 828-761-2001 Blue Ridge Humane Society: BlueRidgeHumane.org 828-692-2639 Foothills Humane Society FoothillsHumaneSociety.org 828-863-4444 Transylvania Animal Alliance Group TAAGWags.org 828-966-3166
11
Embracing Technology Helps You Stay Independent
How Different Devices Promote Health and Happiness In our 21st-century world, technology is woven into every part of our lives. For older adults or those caregiving for loved ones, the realm of devices and technological tools that can help with maintaining independence and a good quality of life is growing every day. Here’s a sampling of just some of the many gadgets that can make life easier and more enriching:
WhatsApp, Skype or Google Hangouts, helping ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation. E-readers like Kindles, Kobos and NOOKs are lightweight, have the ability to make words appear larger and can provide a virtual libraries of books, magazines and other reading materials at the touch of a fingertip.
Tablets and E-readers
Like having a virtual assistant who does what you say, smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home devices also use a Wi-Fi connection to respond to requests for information and more. Users give voice commands to make the devices play music and games, set timers, make lists, get the weather, control connected devices such as thermostats and lights, order products from select retailers, turn televisions on and off and much more.
With screens that are larger than smartphones and portability that desktop computers lack, tablets – when connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi – can help provide easy access to bank accounts, investments, financial information and health records. They also provide a handy way to surf the Web and stay connected with friends and family through social networking sites like Facebook and through video chatting platforms like 12
Smart Speakers
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Video Gaming Consoles
By playing video games, you can have fun while flexing your mental muscles, helping your memory, improving your dexterity and stimulating your mind. And in addition to the action, adventure, role-playing, simulation and puzzle genres, there are games that virtually mimic playing sports and doing exercises that can help with maintaining physical activity, balance and strength. Games are also available that allow the player to connect with others online, offering a virtual avenue for additional social interaction. Healthcare-Related Devices
Medication-dispensing systems can remind users to take their medicine and can send alerts if a dose is missed. Battery-powered devices called personal emergency response
systems (PERS) – or medical emergency response systems – typically can be carried in a pocket or worn around the neck or wrist and allow the user to call for emergency help with the press of a button. Vital health data such as someone’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure, blood glucose and more can be measured and collected through wearable health monitoring sensors. Wireless-enabled wearable activity trackers like those made by Fitbit and Garmin can help measure daily physical fitness, such as steps walked or climbed, sleep quality and heart rate. Through an ever-growing number of assistive devices, technology can offer life enhancement, peace of mind and help with remaining independent at home with less worry and more fulfillment.
Visit the New Aging Resources Website! • Calendar of Events for the WNC Aging Community • Enhanced, Searchable Online Resource Directory • Website Links to Local Providers & Services • Additional Articles & Tips on Successful Aging, Health & Wellness • Sign Up for the Aging Resources Newsletter • Accessible from Your Computer, Phone or Tablet
AgingResourcesWNC.com AgingResourcesWNC.com
13
Maximizing Your Time with Your Doctor How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointments with Healthcare Providers
provider is not taken up with these other tasks. Even if you arrive early, you may still have to wait to see your doctor, so allot yourself plenty of time for the appointment.
Time with your doctor can be limited these days. Most primary care physicians see more than a dozen patients a day and spend on average 25 minutes or less with a patient during a typical office visit. But with some preparation and planning, you can maximize time with your healthcare provider and get more out of your appointment.
Don’t Go Alone. Having a friend, loved one or hired advocate with you during an office visit gives you another set of eyes and ears. Ask your companion to take notes or consider asking your health care provider if he or she is OK with you making an audio recording of the visit for your future reference. Your appointment buddy can be a good sounding board and also may be able to offer insight to the doctor about any health issues you are having.
Share Medical Records and Test Results Before Your Visit. By making sure your doctor has your previous diagnostic work prior to your visit, your healthcare provider has the opportunity to gain important background information about your medical situation before seeing you in person. Get to Your Appointment Early, but Be Prepared to Wait. Arriving about 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment will give you adequate time to fill out paperwork, go to the bathroom and take care of other check-in items. By getting to the appointment early, you ensure your actual appointment time with your healthcare
14
Take a List of Your Medicines and Supplements. Rather than relying on memory, take a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs, nutraceuticals and their dosages. Include how frequently you take them. Bring them in their prescription bottles or store packaging if that’s easier for you. By accurately sharing with your medical provider what medications and supplements you are taking, how much and how frequently you are taking them, you lessen the chances of negative drug interactions. Aging Resources 2019–2020
Summarize Your Medical History. Have in hand a summary of your allergies, surgeries, vaccinations, family medical history and diagnosed conditions. Be Specific and Bring a Written List of Your Medical Concerns. Before your visit, list your health concerns, questions and symptoms and prioritize them in order of their importance to you. Invite input from your loved ones. Take three copies to your appointment – one for you, one for your physician and one for your health advocate. Clarify Your Doctor’s Recommendations. Ask questions, repeat back what your doctor says and ask for written details about your treatment plan. Find out if there are warning signs you need to watch for with your
condition and possible medication side effects and interactions. Clarify next steps about your treatment and find out the best way to reach your physician before, during and after regular office hours in case you have questions or concerns. Stay Positive, Follow Your Healthcare Plan and Pay Attention to Your Body. Having a good attitude about your well-being, your healthcare providers and your doctor’s visits helps support your health and wellness. Follow your treatment plan to maximize results. Don’t wait to report changes in your condition with your provider. Instead of seeing medical appointments as burdensome, embrace the attitude that you are part of a healthcare team that is helping you age well and stay healthy.
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15
Reduce the Risk of Falls and Their Consequences
Tips for Preventing Falls by Improving Your Health and Home Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal traumarelated hospital admissions among older adults. But even when no physical injury occurs, experiencing a fall can cause older adults to become worried and then depressed, to suffer decreased confidence and selfesteem and to begin to limit their activities and socialization out of fear – all of which can lead to more falls. Falling is not a normal part of aging. And fortunately, falls can be prevented with awareness and simple changes around the home. Prepping Yourself for Fall Prevention As we age, we cannot regain our balance from a stumble as quickly as we once did but we can ensure we stay as alert, strong and flexible as possible to prevent that stumble in the first place.
yoga or tai chi to build physical strength and improve balance. • Schedule a doctor’s appointment specifically to discuss fall prevention. • Have your physician review your medications to ensure interactions do not increase your risk of a fall. For example, tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants and over-thecounter medicines can affect your balance. • Be careful when drinking alcohol since it can impair perception. • Discuss with your doctor any numbness, aches, foot pain or shortness of breath you experience as you go about your daily routine. • Get tested for balance, strength and gait. • Be treated for low blood pressure and vitamin D and calcium deficiencies as all are risk factors for falls. • Ensure that any eyesight or hearing issues are noted and corrected if possible. Get an eye exam at least once a year and update your glasses as needed. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, consider getting a pair with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking, because these types of lenses can impact how you judge distances. • Impaired hearing can put you at risk for balance issues in addition to isolation and reduced activity. Have your hearing checked and use a hearing aid if one is prescribed.
• Wear sturdy, nonslip shoes every day and all the time and clothing that is well-fitted and doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.
• Bring up any other issues you think may put you at risk for a fall. For instance, if you’ve already suffered a fall, let your doctor know.
• Take your time rather than hurrying, particularly when walking up and down stairs.
• Ask for your overall risk level for falling and for recommendations on how to prevent a fall.
• Be particularly mindful when visiting places outside your home since you may not be as familiar with their layouts.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about whether mobility assistance devices such as canes or walkers might help if you have impairments.
• Stay active and walk every day. Consider taking exercise classes, balance classes,
16
• If your physician does not offer such assessments, ask to be referred to a physical Aging Resources 2019–2020
therapist to evaluate your balance, strength and gait; see your eye doctor to evaluate your sight; have your hearing checked; and ask your pharmacist to review your medications for any potential interactions. Prepping Your Home for Fall Prevention Reducing major risk factors for falling inside your home is easy and inexpensive. Eliminate Clutter: Take a good look around the house and remove anything from the floor that could cause you to trip, such as piles of reading material, electric cords, heaters or fans. Secure Rugs: Remove any loose rugs. If you must keep them, secure them to the floor with double-sided tape. Improve Stairs: Stairways should be clear of clutter, and have sturdy handrails on both sides and be well lit. Make Your Bathrooms Safer: Be sure floors stay dry. Put non-slip mats in tubs and showers and in front of toilets. Install grab bars in showers and anywhere else they could be helpful. Place a seat in the shower or use a transfer bench in the tub. Improve Lighting: Be sure every room in the house – especially high traffic areas and bedrooms – are well lit. Ensure light switches are easily accessible from doorways and not behind furniture or across a room. Install good nightlights from the bedroom to the bathroom. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries in each room of your home, including in your bedroom by your bed. Evaluate Pet Behavior: If pets are constantly underfoot or are strong enough to pull you over during a walk, you may want to create strategies – such as gates to keep pets off steps or having someone walk your dog – to keep both you and your pet safe. AgingResourcesWNC.com
FALL PREVENTION RESOURCES Organizations throughout Western North Carolina can help you assess your fall risk and assist you in eliminating as much of that risk as possible through classes and training programs.
Resources Include: WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Sites.Google.com/View/ WNCFallPreventionCoalition/Home YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Moving for Better Balance Classes YMCAWNC.org/Moving-Better-Balance YMCA and Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging’s A Matter of Balance Classes YMCAWNC.org/Matter-of-Balance Other Land of Sky Regional Council Programs and Classes LandofSky.org/FallPrevention Take Precautions Right Outside Your Home: Make sure pathways and entrances are well lit. Install handrails where there are steps. Have sidewalks regularly pressure washed to eliminate slick spots that build up. Be careful with curbs. Keep your porch, deck, walkways and driveway in good repair and free of leaves, snow, trash, gardening and yard equipment and clutter. Consider nonslip paint on outdoor steps and walkways. Live on One Level: Consider moving to a home with one floor. If you can’t, take extra care on stairs and try to arrange your life so that climbing steps is kept to a minimum if stairs are challenging for you.
17
Hearing Well Means Staying Well Regular Medical Check-ups are Key to Dealing with Age-Related Hearing Loss and its Effects Hearing loss can have serious consequences to your health beyond the frustration of not being able to hear well or at all. It can result in mental health issues, physical health issues and major safety concerns including: •D epression due to isolation; •F aster cognitive decline resulting in dementia due to isolation; •S ignificant increase in risk of falling due to balance issues;
and the earlier it is discovered, the easier it is to adapt to management techniques, hearing aids or other assistive listening devices. Hearing aids and other listening devices also have improved greatly over the last decade in function as well as fashion. Signs of agerelated hearing loss include: • Having trouble following a group conversation; • Often thinking people are mumbling;
•D riving impairment due to the inability to hear sirens, horns and other vehicles accelerating;
• Asking people to repeat things;
•P aranoia due to inability to hear environmental sounds and cues; and
• Having trouble understanding conversations on the phone;
• I ncreased stress from struggling to understand.
• Becoming stressed at or avoiding large gatherings because of difficulty hearing in crowds;
Keeping tabs on the ability to hear is an important part of healthy aging. Age-related hearing loss happens gradually, typically over a decade or more, and often goes unnoticed until it becomes significant. Among people 75 and older in the United States, nearly half have difficulty hearing and about one in three between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss. Although most hearing loss cannot be reversed, it can often be successfully treated
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• Having trouble understanding higher voices like those of women and children;
• Ringing in the ears; • Dizziness, loss of balance or vertigo; • Comments from others that your or your loved one’s TV, radio or stereo is loud; and • Ears that itch, hurt or leak fluid. Other factors that can contribute to hearing loss include a family history of hearing loss, diabetes, heart disease, or circulation or thyroid issues. Aging Resources 2019–2020
If any of these warning signs describe your or your loved one’s experience, seek medical attention from a physician who will be able to evaluate symptoms and determine whether one or more of the following specialists should be seen:
Taking care of hearing issues makes a huge difference in the quality of life, health and the ability to remain independent. Regular hearing check-ups are an important part of aging well.
• An otolaryngologist, a physician specializing in the ears, nose and throat (ENT); • An audiologist, a healthcare professional who specializes in identifying auditory disorders, treating them with hearing aids or other devices and monitoring hearing issues; or • A hearing instrument specialist, a licensed professional who can test hearing and select and fit hearing aids.
LEARN MORE National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders NIDCD.NIH.gov/Health/AgeRelated-Hearing-Loss American Speech-LanguageHearing Association ASHA.org/Public/Hearing/ Hearing-Loss-in-Adults To View Local Hearing Resources, Turn to Page 90.
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Living with Dementia mixed pathologies, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Parkinson’s disease are some of the more common causes of dementia.
Identifying and Managing Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Dementia is difficult for everyone – for the person diagnosed with it, for the family members who become caregivers and even for healthcare providers who do not always have solutions to the many challenging situations this disease can create for patients and their families. When confronted with dementia – as a patient or caregiver – the best defense is a good offense. Begin by educating yourself about the disease, treatments and lifestyle practices that can work to slow the disease, behaviors and challenges you can expect as the disease progresses and ways to manage life after a dementia diagnosis with as much joy and dignity as possible. What is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a multitude of disorders that impair memory to the point that daily functions become difficult or impossible. Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular disease, Lewy body disease, 20
Although dementia is not a normal part of aging, the biggest risk factor for the disease is age. For example, the majority of people with Alzheimer’s dementia are age 65 or older and about a third of people age 85 or older have Alzheimer’s dementia. Breakthroughs on causes and treatments continues but currently, dementia is progressive and has no cure. Dementia Versus Forgetfulness It is easy to confuse the very early signs of dementia with typical memory issues we all experience as we age, but they are different. For instance, it is normal to misplace your keys or your glasses. It is not normal – and may be an indicator of dementia – to put your keys or glasses in an unusual place, such as the freezer or in the back of a drawer, and then have no recollection of where you put them. It is normal to walk into a room in your home and forget your purpose for going there. It is not normal – and may be an indicator of dementia – to walk into a room in your home and for a moment not know where you are. Difficulty performing once routine mathematical tasks such as balancing your checkbook or adding a column of numbers, or feeling excessively challenged when learning new things such as how to work a new appliance, may also indicate a serious memory disorder. Get Diagnosed – The Sooner, The Better If you suspect dementia, get a diagnosis from a neurologist who specializes in memory loss Aging Resources 2019–2020
and do so as soon as possible. Insist that both the patient and close family members or loved ones are part of the evaluation and are given the opportunity to discuss with the physician what has caused them to suspect dementia. While most patients are well aware that their ability to process information has changed, a loved one is usually in a better position to recall and give details of specific incidents and behavior changes, giving physicians a more complete picture.
With a diagnosis in hand, a physician is better able to guide the patient and the family as to how to manage symptoms now to maintain the greatest independence and to give all concerned an idea of what to expect for the future. Make a Plan Although only one member of the family may have dementia, everyone in the family is affected. It makes sense to come together as a family in these early stages and put together a plan of action to care for the patient and manage life as the disease progresses.
While there currently is no cure for dementia, there are medications and lifestyle practices that can slow the progression of the disease especially when a diagnosis is made early. Also, other conditions, such as depression, stress, poor sleep, hearing loss, vision problems, an underlying infection or other illness can worsen symptoms. Simply treating these disorders often can return some memory function.
As a family, you should decide on roles and responsibilities for everyone who wishes to be part of the care management. Be realistic in your commitments. Dementia is for the long haul. Commit to what you can do and then find resources in the community to help where you and others cannot. continued on next page
We’re here to help.
A resource for patients and caregivers • • • • • •
24/7 Helpline Expert consultation and referrals Content-rich website Diagnostic and treatment options Updates of research advancements Online community - alzconnected.org
• • • •
Customized action plan alz.org/alzheimersnavigator Support Groups Clinical study matching - alz.org/TrialMatch Education programs
24/7 Helpline Assistance in 140 languages 1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/northcarolina AgingResourcesWNC.com
Western Carolina Chapter
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Tips for Helping Someone with Dementia Being there for someone with dementia can pose challenges but there are approaches that can help, many of which involve being supportive, compassionate and understanding of changes caused by the disease. Simplify: Talk about one thing at a time, use fewer words and speak slowly. Sharing too much information – and multitasking – can be confusing and overwhelming. Realize that logic does not apply to an illogical disease. Let your loved one carry out tasks: Offer to help but also be willing to not help so your loved one has the chance to feel good about accomplishing something on his or her own. Use memory aids: Lists, signs, dry-erase boards, alarm clocks and calendars can help as can having designated spots for commonly misplaced items. Be attuned to eyesight and hearing issues: Vision and hearing problems can worsen – and in some cases can mimic – dementia symptoms. Peripheral vision can be lost and perception can change, too, as the disease progresses. Make sure your loved one has his or her eyesight and hearing checked regularly, especially if he or she is having trouble with avoiding obstacles, seeing well even when wearing glasses, struggling to follow a conversation or having problems with balance. Show and tell: Visually communicating with your loved one is as important as talking with him or her so be sure to show and say what you mean. To assist with his or her comprehension, make your loved one’s living space as free as possible of distractions such as visual clutter and noises. Use hand gestures, visual cues and prompts to help convey what you mean. Go down memory lane: Reminisce about the past by looking at old photographs and mementos and telling stories from days gone by. Practice patience and kindness: Reassure your loved one and focus on his or her feelings rather than the facts. Apologize and say “I’m sorry” regularly when he or she is frustrated, sad or angry. Respond with affection through smiles and hugs. 22
Securing the help of a professional at this point such as a geriatric care manager, a social worker or someone from your local council on aging may be a good idea. These professionals are trained to help you know what to plan for. They can inform you of support services and various resources in your area, help you weigh your housing options and help you navigate the system overall. With dementia, moving to assisted living, using adult day care or needing roundthe-clock care — can become necessary as the disease progresses. With a plan, these transitions become easier financially and emotionally for everyone. Housing Considerations Someone with memory impairment functions better in familiar surroundings. To that end, it is to everyone’s advantage to move the person with dementia into the care situation chosen before rather than after the full force of that care is needed. By making a move before dementia progresses, individuals can make friends, get used to routines and form relationships with staff while they still have the ability to do so. As you look at living situations, focus on the goal of only moving your loved one only once if possible. Consider places that offer both assisted and skilled care in the same building, or at least on the same campus. If symptoms worsen and skilled nursing becomes necessary, it is healthier for your loved one to be in familiar surroundings with people he or she trusts. Staying put also increases opportunities for independence, reduces your loved one’s fear and makes it easier for friends who live on-site to visit.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Prioritize Support for the Caregivers Part of every plan for dementia care must be to care for the caregivers. This means ensuring caregivers don’t overcommit themselves and that their needs and desires also are considered. They should take time to join a support group online or in person for emotional support as well as to gain insight and strategies for managing the disease. Respite care should be built into the schedule to ensure caregivers have time for rest and for living their own lives. Remember that the care plan is not written in stone. The person with dementia and the caregivers should feel free to change it as circumstances and abilities change. For instance, a caregiver may commit at first to keeping a loved one at home. As the disease progresses or life circumstances change, this may prove to be too stressful for the caregiver. At that time, the caregiver should feel free to change the plan and find a solution that works better for him or her and the patient. Advances in Treatment With increased scientific research now being devoted to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, advances in diagnosis and treatment are occurring more rapidly. Medications for memory, treatments for sleep changes, strategies for addressing changing behaviors and a host of alternative therapies are improving the quality of life for dementia patients and their loved ones. You and Your Family are Not Alone Millions of people in the United States have dementia and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. There is nothing easy about the often long course of dementia. But
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with early diagnosis and a proactive approach to management, both people with dementia and their caregivers can maintain the highest quality of life possible for as long as possible.
LEARN MORE Alzheimer's Association Resources For a list of 10 early signs of dementia, visit ALZ.org/ Alzheimers_Disease_Know_ the_10_Signs.asp. For updates about advances in treatment and promising clinical research breakthroughs, visit ALZ.org/Alzheimers-Dementia/ Treatments and ALZ.org/Research. Geriatric Care Managers Find a certified geriatric care manager or Aging Life Care professional at the Aging Life Care Association at AgingLifeCare.org. Read more about what geriatric care managers do on page 30. Caring for the Caregiver Find resources and tips for caregivers on page 40. Local Help Learn about local Community Resources including Councils on Aging on pages 28. Find local help in the Alzheimer’s/ Dementia and Caregiving Support sections of the Aging Resources Directory on pages 86 & 87.
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Figuring Out When Help Is Needed
How to Evaluate if a Loved One Could Use Assistance Determining exactly when loved ones need help at home can be challenging but answers often can be determined by observing personal appearance, home upkeep and driving abilities. Asking these questions can shed light on how loved ones are feeling and managing daily activities: Personal Appearance and Demeanor •D o they stand up straight or are they bent over? Are they leaning to one side or having trouble with balance? •A re they maintaining their normal weight? •D o they appear to be having trouble seeing or hearing?
• Is the kitchen sink clean? Are beds made and floors swept or vacuumed? Are plants alive? • Is the garbage taken care of correctly? • Does the pet have food and water? • Are things that used to be put away now left out? • If they take medications, are they stored neatly in a sensible place? Using dates on the bottles, can you tell if they are being taken as prescribed? • Is mail in an unorganized pile? Are unpaid bills left around? Are checks to pay bills written but never sent? • Does the refrigerator have old, spoiled food or not enough food? • Are the dishes, glasses, and flatware properly put away and clean? • Is their bedroom, bathroom and closet dirty or unorganized? Outside the Home
•W hen walking, is their gait strong? Or are they shuffling more than stepping?
• Has regular maintenance been carried out on the outside of the house and on other structures?
•A re they clean and shaved? Are their nails clean? Is their hair combed?
• Are the gutters clean? Porches swept? Windows washed?
•A re their clothes clean? Are they dressed appropriately for the weather?
• Has the grass been mowed, the shrubs trimmed and the flowerbeds weeded?
•A re their buttons buttoned properly? Are zippers zipped?
The Car and Driving
•D o they seem fatigued, sad, frustrated, upset or confused? •A re there any signs of substance abuse? Inside the Home • I s the home kept the way it always has been or do you see a change?
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• Are there signs the car has been in minor accidents? Any new dents from running into the garage or another bumper? • Is the car well maintained? What does the change-oil sticker say versus the mileage? Are the fluids full? Is the registration current? • When you drive with them, can they get in and out of the car with ease? Aging Resources 2019–2020
•D o they drive too slowly? How is their reaction time? Do they tailgate? •W hen they drive, do you observe other drivers on the road being annoyed? • Do you feel afraid when riding with them? • Do they know where they are going? • Do they have trouble parking? •C an they drive safely and confidently at highway speed? Answers to these questions can serve as indicators of emerging concerns including waning eyesight, hearing problems, issues with movement and walking, depression or other mental health issues, the onset of dementia and more. If you see a pattern of decline, the cause should be determined by a physician to see if any treatments can improve or slow the condition.
As with many issues of aging, there are no hard and fast rules as to when to step in to help. However, if what you have observed leaves you feeling uncomfortable, then trust you have the evidence you need to look into finding necessary support services.
HELPFUL RESOURCES Home Care and Home Health Care Options on Page 38. Tips About Transitioning From Driving on Page 26. Area Councils on Aging, Geriatric Care Managers and Other Professionals on Pages 28 & 30. Aging Resources Directory Beginning on Page 86.
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Transitioning From Driving When to Consider Using Alternate Transportation
Driving a vehicle is an integral part of American life. But aging can bring changes in vision and response times on the road and health conditions and medications can impact the ability to drive. When it appears that driving is becoming more challenging, it may be time to explore next steps and other transportation options to protect the safety and wellbeing of the driver and others on the road.
if someone is having challenges with driving. According to the AARP, signs to look for include:
Talk About Driving Abilities and Transportation Options
• Misjudging distance.
Start by having a candid conversation about your concerns about you or your loved one’s driving abilities as well as about alternative transportation options. If someone stops driving, it’s important to figure out ahead of time transportation needs for errands, appointments and recreational activities. Being kind, calm and empathetic during these discussions is beneficial to everyone involved.
• Getting lost in familiar places.
Observe and Evaluate Driving Skills
Broaching the Subject of Ceasing to Drive
A passenger riding along with a driver can assess driving abilities. While such a ridealong is not a test, it is a way to help figure out 26
• Being easily distracted. • Having a delayed response to unexpected situations. • Running lights or stop signs. • Clipping the curb. • Exhibiting lane drifting or having trouble changing lanes. • Showing a loss of driving confidence • Driving too fast or too slow. • Having trouble moving the foot from the gas to the brake or confusing the two. • Being pulled over by the police, having dents and scrapes on the vehicle and being involved with accidents – including fender-benders – also indicate that it may be appropriate to evaluate whether or not to drive.
Because driving is often equated with independence, having a conversation about no Aging Resources 2019–2020
longer driving can be a sensitive one. Approach such a conversation with respect, directness and a focus on safety, including those of passengers, pedestrians and other drivers. Participating in a formal driving assessment performed by a professional who is not a family member can be useful, as can meeting with a family physician who may be able to evaluate how health conditions and medications may be impacting driving ability. Arrange Alternative Transportation In the event that you or a loved one stops driving, discuss transportation needs and set up alternatives. Family members and friends can create driving schedules and take turns providing regular transportation. Private ride services such as cab companies, Uber and Lyft may be useful as may be public transportation options. By having alternate transportation plans in place, you or your loved one can continue to live independently without the worry that can come with driving challenges. And while giving up driving is a transition, ceasing to drive does not have to mean disengaging from socializing, running errands or being active in the community.
N.C. DMV and Public Transportation Information In North Carolina, motorists are required to renew their driver’s licenses every eight years. If done in person at a DMV office, a vision test must be passed. People age 66 and older are required to renew their driver’s licenses every five years. The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle’s Medical Review Unit Program also evaluates a driver when there are concerns that certain medical conditions – not age alone – might have an impact on the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. For more information, visit NCDOT.gov/DMV/LicenseID/License -Suspension/Medical-ReviewProgram. Throughout Western North Carolina, there are county public transportation options. For details on area public transportation services, turn to the Transportation, Appointments and Errands section of the Aging Resources Directory on page 96.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES AAA’s SeniorDriving.AAA.com American Occupational Therapy Association’s Driving and Community Mobility AOTA.org/Practice/ Productive-Aging/Driving
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Call and Arrange Your Personal Tour.
828-692-6000
290 Clear Creek Road | Hendersonville laurelsofhendersonville.com
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Find the Help You Need in Your Community Council on Aging of Buncombe County The Council on Aging of Buncombe County is an advocate for older adults, providing personal support, assistance and resource coordination to people 60 years old and older to help them stay independent and healthy. To help older adults receive the services they need, COABC answers questions by phone, makes home visits and helps people complete applications for community-wide services.
Local Professionals Offer Range of Assistance with Aging Issues If you’re facing issues related to aging or caregiving and need advice or assistance, help is available through a variety of regional professional resources. Councils on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, veterans affairs agencies, the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services, geriatric care managers and other resources can all provide helpful information and services. Councils on Aging and County Resources Depending on where you live in Western North Carolina, the Council on Aging serving the county you live in may offer different services from those in other parts of the region, but they all share the common mission of acting as advocates for elders and providing connections for the assistance you need. 28
COABC offers informational assistance about Medicare and health insurance. Medicare counseling and education is held in both Buncombe and Henderson counties through community classes and one-on-one counseling. COABC also assists older adults with the Affordable Care Act. Through its Seniors Safe at Home program, COABC helps with minor home repair, volunteer transportation, dining and socialization, elder justice counseling and some homebound food delivery. Minor home repair services focus on reducing fall risks in the home through the installation of grab bars, hand railings and threshold fixes. COABC partners with a variety of local agencies and connects clients with other assistance in the community, such as help with ramp installations. continued on page 30
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Ensure No One Else Has to Age Alone...
Join Hands With Your Local Council on Aging Caregiver Services • Community Resource Coordination • Liquid Nutrition Lunch at the Sammy-Congregate Nutrition • Meals on Wheels • Volunteer Opportunities
Support our Mission by Donating and Shopping at our Etowah & Hendersonville Thrift Stores! COAHC.org @hcountycoa | @coahc
105 King Creek Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | 828-692-4203
Geriatric Care Managers Possessing backgrounds typically in nursing, social work, elder care, psychology or counseling, geriatric care managers are qualified health and human services workers who can be hired to offer personalized, holistic assistance and planning for older adults and people with disabilities. These professionals act as advocates and focus on helping you or your loved one stay independent, healthy and safe. Geriatric care managers can be especially helpful for caregivers who don’t live near their loved ones. Working with families and caregivers, they use their expertise to assess, problem-solve, plan and monitor older adults’ living and healthcare situations. Examples of the help they can provide include: • Assessing a loved one’s social, emotional and medical status including problems with memory loss and related dementia. • Interacting with and facilitating communication with a healthcare team.
• Evaluating, recommending and helping coordinate moves to appropriate long-term care housing. • Supporting and helping loved ones and families cope with care options and concerns and helping them reach a consensus about long-term care planning. • Connecting with community available for older adults.
resources
• Intervening when a crisis occurs such and an emergency room visit and overseeing a hospitalization or rehabilitation stay. • Reviewing and overseeing bill paying, assisting with insurance companies and working with financial advisors and attorneys. The Aging Life Care Association offers more information about geriatric care management as well an online searchable database for finding a professional in your area at aginglifecare.org.
For people who can’t drive or use public transportation, COABC has volunteers who take people to medical appointments, grocery shopping and occasional social trips. At four locations in Buncombe County, COABC offers congregate senior dining. In addition to providing meals and socialization, COABC partners with other community organizations to provide activities at their congregate dining sites such as exercise classes. Monthly food boxes are delivered by volunteers with COABC to at-risk, homebound elders.
individuals living in Buncombe County who are on Medicare due to disability or age. COABC provides these individuals with assistance with applications for the Medicare Savings Program, which can help with paying for Part B; Medicare Part D Extra Help, the low income subsidy for prescription drug plans; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which formerly was called the food stamps program; the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP; and Medicaid.
COABC’s help for caregivers includes respite resources, adult day services and the Caring for Aging People Education and Support, or CAPES, group.
The COABC also has an Elder Justice Navigator who provides information and support for seniors experiencing abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Through its Benefits Enrollment Center, COABC provides application assistance for
Additionally, the COABC helps educate the community about aging issues by providing
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
speakers who share information at group meetings. A separate organization – Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County – delivers Meals on Wheels in Buncombe County. Council on Aging for Henderson County For more than 50 years, the Council on Aging for Henderson County has worked to ensure that no one in the community has to age alone. COAHC provides and coordinates services to engage, connect and support adults in the community as they age. This core mission of the agency is practiced and achieved through a variety of programs and services. Meals on Wheels leverages volunteer drivers to deliver a warm lunchtime meal on weekdays to homebound seniors 60 years old and older throughout Henderson County. This nutritious meal and daily check-in is vital to the wellbeing, independence and socialization of older adults. This program is available to qualifying Henderson County residents at no cost for long-term, short-term and post medical procedure recovery times. The Sammy Williams Center provides congregate nutrition and is a place for active seniors 60 years old and older to enjoy a lunchtime meal on weekdays among their peers. Additional opportunities include art, exercise, education and socialization. A Caregiver Support Specialist is available at COAHC to assist those caring for a loved one with long-term physical or cognitive conditions. The caregiver specialist can assist
with accessing available resources and provide ongoing support. Those qualifying for respite care services may be able to receive a grant to assist with covering costs of in-home services. The new Liquid Nutrition program aims to serve adults dealing with digestive issues, mouth or teeth problems or the inability to tolerate solid foods. The Liquid Nutrition program offers an opportunity to qualify for Ensure or Glucerna products to help maintain a proper diet. A physician’s authorization is required to be eligible for this service. COAHC also has a Resource Coordination Specialist available for support, advice or guidance related to aging, housing assistance, medical appointments, assisted living options and more. The nonprofit also offers seasonal services such as free fans during warmer months through a heat-relief assistance program for Henderson County residents. In addition, inclement weather emergency food kits/shelfstable meals are available to current clients. Polk County Senior Services As part of Polk County’s consolidated human services department, Polk County Senior Services offers congregate dining, Meals on Wheels, educational opportunities and recreational activities at its three senior center Meeting Place sites in Columbus, Green Creek and Saluda. Transylvania County Council on Aging Transylvania County has a Council on Aging as part of its Social Services department. Its adult services programs offer support to continued on next page
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elderly and disabled adults, provide protective services to vulnerable adults and regulate certain residential services. In Transylvania County, Meals on Wheels of Brevard provides delivered meals to people who are at least 60 years old, homebound and unable to shop or cook. Services are available temporarily for those recovering from illness or injury. Area Agencies on Aging The Land of Sky Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging covers Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties. The Isothermal Planning and Development Commission serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Cleveland, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford Counties. Both are part of a national network of aging agencies established by the federal Older Americans Act. While local Councils on Aging provide direct services, Area Agencies on Aging support older adults living independently through planning, resource development and partnering with Councils on Aging and other organizations. In addition to being resources for older adults and their caregivers to contact when seeking information about age-related issues, offerings from Area Agencies on Aging can include family caregiver support services, foster grandparent programs, health promotion and disease prevention, longterm care ombudsmen, regional and county aging planning, senior community services employment programs, senior companion programs, information about North Carolina legislation and Project CARE – or Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty – which helps people caring for people with dementia. 32
Veteran-Specific Resources Based in Asheville, the Charles George VA Medical Center provides healthcare and wellness services to U.S. military veterans and their families. In addition to serving veterans’ overall health, the VA Medical Center offers assistance related to geriatrics and extended care including adult day health care, homebased primary care, long-term care and respite care. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides a system to assist veterans and their families with a variety of issues. The state agency also oversees four skilled care homes for veterans, including one in Black Mountain in Buncombe County. Through this state agency, Veterans Service Offices also have been established throughout the state for veterans and their families to receive assistance with benefits, claims questions and other issues. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Through its Division of Aging and Adult Services, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services works to promote the independence and enhance the dignity of North Carolina’s older adults. This state agency includes an Adult Protective Services Division, the work of which is carried out by county Department of Social Services (DSS) offices. If you are concerned that an older adult is suffering from abuse, neglect or exploitation, contact your local DSS office. DSS workers can evaluate and help determine if an elderly individual is in need of assistance or protective services.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Council on Aging of Buncombe County COABC.org | 828-277-8288 Council on Aging for Henderson County COAHC.org or 828-692-4203 Haywood County Meals on Wheels HaywoodCountyNC.gov/433/Meals-onWheels and MOW.HaywoodNC.net 828-356-2442
Polk County Senior Services polknc.org/the_meeting_place_senior_ center.php | 828-894-0001 Rutherford County Senior Center rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/ senior_center/index.php | 828-287-6409 Transylvania County Council on Aging transylvaniacounty.org/departments/ social-services | 828-884-3174
Haywood County Senior Resource Center HaywoodSeniors.org | 828-356-2800
Yancey County Senior Center 828-682-6011
High Country Council on Aging
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Each county’s contact can be found at NCDHHS.gov/Divisions/DSS/LocalCounty-Social-Services-Offices. For more about the Aging and Adult Services division, visit NCDHHS.gov/Divisions/ DAAS or call 919-855-3400.
Mitchell, Yancey, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes Counties
HighCountryAging.org 828-265-5434 | Toll-Free 866-219-3643 Isothermal Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging
Polk, Rutherford, Cleveland and McDowell Counties
RegioNC.org/Area-Agency-on-Aging 828-287-2281 Madison County Community Services MadisonCountyNC.gov/CommunityServices.html | 828-649-2722
Project CARE Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty helps people caring for people with dementia. Learn more at LandofSky.org/ProjectCARE.
Marshall Senior Center
(Madison County Meals on Wheels and More)
MadisonCountyNC.gov/NutritionSites.html | 828-649-2722 Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County MOWABC.org | 828-253-5286 Meals on Wheels of Brevard MealsonWheelsBrevard.org 828-883-3743
AgingResourcesWNC.com
VETERAN-SPECIFIC RESOURCES Visit AgingResourcesWNC.com to find out what resources are available your community. AGING RESOURCES DIRECTORY Turn to page 86 for more helpful resources in our Aging Resources directory.
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Exploring Home Care and Home Health Care
Determining the Care You Need for Various Life Situations You or a loved one may need assistance with daily living tasks such as bathing, getting dressed or running errands. Or perhaps you or your family member needs medical care such as skilled nursing, physical therapy or prescription management. Home care and home health care services are available to address all of these needs and to help you maintain your independence and quality of life in your own home. By understanding the differences between these two options, you can craft a care plan that best suits you or your loved one both in terms of the help you need and how you will pay for the care you receive. Home Care Home care services require no doctor’s orders, can be contracted for 24 hours a day and can continue as long as someone wishes. Home care involves custodial care and is sometimes also referred to as personal care, attendant care, non-medical care or companion care.
Home care services can include meal preparation, personal care, light housekeeping, shopping and other errands, and companionship. Some home care agencies offer geriatric care management, a service that oversees and coordinates all the outside services in a client’s home — from hiring a lawn service to coordinating medical-related home health care visits and more. Although often crucial to being able to stay independent at home, home care typically is not covered by health insurance, but it may be covered by a long-term care policy if you or your loved one happens to have one. When looking for a home care agency, ask if the home care agency: • Can provide services within 24 hours of a request; • Offers services any hour of the day and every day of the week; • Sends a substitute home care aide if the assigned aide is unable to come; continued on page 36
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
Enjoy ‘Assisted Living’ in Your Own Home with Always Best Care
By providing a full spectrum of home care services, Always Best Care can help seniors enjoy personalized “assisted living” – and peace of mind – all in the comfort of your own home. Since 2010, Always Best Care has helped more than 500 clients and their families in Western North Carolina by providing affordable, compassionate non-medical home care. Based in Fletcher, Always Best Care serves individuals in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Transylvania and Polk Counties. Always Best Care’s Long List of Available Home Care Services Includes: • Personal Care • Transportation Assistance • Alzheimer’s & • Household Assistance • Companionship & Socialization
Other Dementia Care
• Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Always Best Care conducts ongoing training of its team of professional caregivers to make sure that their skills effectively address clients’ individual needs. All employees are fully screened, bonded and insured and must pass comprehensive background checks, as well as drug & alcohol tests. Home care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days of the year with caregiving sessions lasting anywhere between 4 to 24 hours a day.
Contact Always Best Care today for a free consultation to explore having compassionate “assisted living” in your own home.
Always Best Care nurses craft a customized home care plan to meet your individual needs. Through regular check-ins with the client, Always Best Care’s dedicated Client Care Coordinator ensures that those needs are continually met by updating and adjusting home care services as necessary. For those coming home after a medical event, Always Best Care works closely with hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, direct care providers and home health agencies to create and implement an effective transition and care plan.
(828) 676-2939 AlwaysBestCareWNC.com
“We provide a support system for seniors and their families which allows seniors to age in place and remain independent, safe and happy in their homes as they age or are dealing with medical issues,” Always Best Care Owner Jim Smeaton says. “The Always Best Care team CARES by focusing on being Compassionate, Accountable, Responsive, Empathetic and Supportive.”
• I s bonded and insured for up to $1 million; and •C onducts criminal background checks and does other pre-employment screening of their employees. Because the cost of home care is typically out of pocket, some people consider hiring an individual themselves instead of using an agency. If you are exploring that option, consider running criminal and other background checks on the caregiver and get client references. If you go the non-agency route, you also will need to make a plan for: •W hat happens when the individual caregiver is ill or unavailable; •W ithholding taxes, Social Security and Workers’ Compensation Insurance; •H omeowner’s insurance that would cover if a caregiver is hurt on the job; •H iring an individual caregiver with flexibility to change with your needs; and •W hat actions to take should the caregiver harm your family member. Home Health Care Home health care is in-home medical care ordered by a doctor. The cost is often covered by private health insurance or Medicare. Home health care procedures are performed by medical professionals and include services such as skilled nursing care, medication management, wound care, physical therapy and disease management training. Home health care professionals are in a patient’s home only long enough to carry out treatment. Home health care is typically prescribed after a hospital stay. A home health care prescription can be taken to any licensed agency covered by your insurance. To be proactive with 36
your planning, research agencies before a hospitalization occurs. When choosing a provider, be sure the agency: • Is licensed; • Accepts your loved one’s insurance; • Can begin providing services within 48 hours; • Is on call 24 hours a day; • Has a policy for you or your loved one to be able to reject particular care providers if you or your loved one don’t like them or feel they are not a good fit; and • Gives you references from a current patient, a patient’s family member and a business that refers to them. As we and our loved ones age, there may be times when home care and home health care will be needed. By understanding what these different services offer, the most appropriate in-home help can be found.
HOME CARE RESOURCES North Carolina home care agency licenses can be checked at the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation at NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/ Reports.htm. A comparison of home health care agencies, a checklist for interviewing and more tips for finding the right agency can be found at Medicare’s page at Medicare.gov/ HomeHealthCompare. More about local home care and home health care providers and services they provide can be found on our chart on page 38.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Home “Carefree ” & Pro Temps Medical Staffing “It Really Is Possible!”
Our Care Includes: • Meal planning, preparation and set-up assistance • Ambulation, transfers, exercise, range of motion • Transportation, medical appointments, social activities • Oral care, dressing, grooming, bathing • Toileting, incontinence care • Dementia and Alzheimer’s care • Light housekeeping, organization • Medication reminders and assistance • Care Management Coordination • In Home Aides and Certified Nursing Assistants supervised by BSN, RNs
Call us today to schedule a consultation.
828-277-1580
www.homecarefree.org 900 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 204 A Asheville, NC 28803
HOME CARE, HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE PROVIDERS Enjoy the Advantages of Staying at Home
Private/Insurance Accepted
Medicare Accepted
Medicaid Accepted
Hospice Services
Therapy Services
Medication Reminders
Transportation Available
Cooking/Meal Preparation
Cleaning/Housekeeping
24/7 Care Availability
Home Care (Non-Medical)
Home Health Care (Medical)
Minimum hours per shift
PAGE
35 Always Best Care Senior Services
Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk & Transylvania Counties
2
CarePartners Hospice
43 Serving Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties
CarePartners Home Health
43 Serving Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Transylvania & Yancey Counties
85 Compassionate Care Western North Carolina Serving North Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell & Yancey Counties
84 Four Seasons Home Care
Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk & Transylvania Counties
1
Four Seasons
84 Serving Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk & Transylvania Counties
Griswold Home Care
25 Serving Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison & Transylvania Counties
37 Home Carefree
Serving Buncombe, Henderson & Transylvania Counties
3
39 Kindred at Home
Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk & Transylvania Counties
Pardee Home Health
15 Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford &Transylvania Counties
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
AgingResourcesWNC.com
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Caring for Yourself When You’re a Caregiver Strategies for Taking Care of Your Needs while Caring for a Loved One
By making self-care a priority, you are not only helping yourself as an individual, but also as a family member and caregiver. Here are some strategies for taking care of yourself in the midst of caregiving: Focus on Healthy Habits • Do what you can to get enough rest and quality sleep, including taking naps when you can. If you are a caregiver for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly family member, you are not alone – nearly a third of the U.S. population provides such care during any given year, spending an average of 20 hours a week on caregiving, according to the Caregiver Action Network. As a caregiver, you know first-hand the challenges of finding balance in your life while caring for someone else. Juggling your own personal and family obligations as well as those of the person whom you’re caring for can be difficult and sometimes feel impossible. As a result, it’s not uncommon to neglect your own needs and become depressed, frustrated, exhausted and physically ill. Sadly, caregiver burnout also can result in resentment of and anger towards the person you’re caring for and – in the worst-case scenario – unintentional abuse or neglect of that elderly or disabled loved one.
• Incorporate exercise into your regular routine, even if it’s just in short stints. • Avoid junk food and fast food and eat nutritious meals and snacks. • Drink plenty of water and don’t overdo caffeinated beverages. • Don’t postpone your own regular medical check-ups. • Avoid abusing tobacco, alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications. Ask for Hands-on Help From Others • Adopt an attitude of being willing to accept help from others. Avoid the mindset that you are the only one qualified to take care of your loved one.Create a plan for respite care so you can have breaks from caregiving. • Enlist friends and family members of all ages to help with tasks such as grocery shopping, housework, yard work and taking your loved one to appointments and out recreationally. continued on page 42
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
Brooks-Howell Offers Compassionate Care through Age-in-Place Services, Respite and Dementia Care Skilled Care
Established more than 60 years ago, Brooks-Howell is a nonprofit, charitable age-in-place continuing care retirement community in the center of Asheville that is owned and supported by the United Methodist Women of the United Methodist Church. Located on 10 acres less than a mile from downtown Asheville, Brooks-Howell offers skilled care through its Health Center and Intermediate Care to anyone in the community age 62 and older whether or not they are affiliated with the United Methodist Church. In addition to accepting long-term care insurance, Brooks-Howell offers a sliding scale payment program for long-term care residents. Brooks-Howell takes pride in offering more individualized care for residents by having a very low ratio of CNAs to residents. All of Brooks-Howell's rooms are private with a view of Brooks-Howell's 10 acres of landscaped grounds. Brooks-Howell is also known for the quality cuisine which meets each individuals' particular nutritional needs. Brooks-Howell also provides short and long-term rehab with on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy. Aqua-therapy also can be provided in Brooks-Howell’s indoor pool. An interdisciplinary team develops a clinical care plan which also ensures a high quality of life outside the clinical arena. Medication is only administered by Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. Medical Director Dr. Hiren Patel is board certified in geriatric medicine. As part of Brooks-Howell’s commitment to providing exceptional care to individuals with dementia, the majority of Brooks-Howell’s 100 plus staff receives training through Dementia Friendly WNC. The Brooks-Howell team also includes 60 certified dementia practitioners. Amenities for all residents include a heated pool for recreation and therapy, full service beauty salon, medical equipment loan closet, chapel for worship and activities, resident dining, comprehensive library and transportation services.
Respite Care at Brooks-Howell
Respite care is an opportunity for a caregiver of a loved one to be able to rest and rejuvenate their spirits while their loved one is cared for at Brooks-Howell for three to 30 days. A Registered Nurse will provide a free in-home consultation to answer any questions the caregiver and the loved one has. The respite care resident may participate in all of Brooks-Howell’s activities and medications can be brought from home. Brooks-Howell’s robust respite care program includes activities that support intellectual, emotional, physical and mental health. Because Brooks-Howell understands the importance of respite care, rates are competitive.
Independent Living
Brooks-Howell’s Independent Living for individuals affiliated with the United Methodist Church has a variety of affordable accommodations. Additional services for Independent Residents include an on-site medical clinic, transportation for shopping and medical appointments, outpatient therapy services, walking trails, and access to gym equipment. Guest rooms are available. As an integrated community, Brooks-Howell residents enjoy dining and activities together which also promotes the inclusive nature of Brooks-Howell. Learn more about all Brooks-Howell has to offer by calling (828) 253-6712 or visiting brooks-howell.org.
" Respite care at Brooks-Howell turned out to be the best thing I could have possibly done! I had the break I needed to refresh my own spirit."
266 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC | (828) 253-6712 | Brooks-Howell.org
•E xplore the possibility of contracting home care or home health care for your loved one.
• Realize that a range of emotions come with caregiving.
•C onsider investing in healthcare-related devices like personal emergency response systems, or PERS, which can give you more peace of mind.
• Participate in caregiving support groups. Communities of caregivers can be found both online and throughout our region.
Get Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Support •A t least once a day – preferably for at least 30 minutes – engage in an activity that gives you joy, such as reading, watching television, listening to or playing music or participating in a hobby like gardening or crafting. •C arve out some time every day to sit quietly by yourself. Include meditation, prayer or inspirational readings if those activities are enjoyable and fulfilling to you.
By taking care of yourself while you are taking care of someone else, you can reduce your stress and lessen the chances for negative impacts, allowing you to feel more joy and satisfaction with the labor of love that is caregiving.
CAREGIVING RESOURCES Caregiver Action Network CaregiverAction.org Family Caregiving Alliance Caregiver.org National Alliance for Caregiving Caregiving.org Respite Care Advice AARP.org/Caregiving/Life-Balance/ Info-2017/Respite-Care-Plan.html
LEARN MORE ABOUT Home Care and Home Health Care on Pages 34. Area Home Care and Home Health Care Providers and Their Services on Page 38. How Technology Can Help on Page 12. Katherine C Morosani
IRT-4395D-A
Financial Advisor
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1185 Charlotte Highway Suite I Fairview, NC 28730 828-628-1546
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Caregiving Support Resources in the Aging Resources Directory on Page 87.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
MISSION: TO DELIVER THE BEST CARE WITH THE MOST CARE For 134 years, Mission Health has been there for you — building new hospitals for each generation. Now Mission is investing in cuttingedge technology and design — to maximize your comfort and create an environment where you and your family can relax and focus on what really matters. The new Mission Hospital North Tower. Built for you.
missionhealth.org
MISSION: You
Start the conversation. 828-255-0231 | missionhealth.org/hospice
Age in Place with Universal Design How Universal Design can Help You Maintain Independence Longer As we grow older and our physical abilities change, our living spaces sometimes need modifications to help us function, prevent falls and stay independent so we can “age in place” in our homes. Through a design approach called Universal Design, or UD, we can make our homes more accessible, operational and safe. UD often involves simple, small changes that can make huge differences. For example, retrofitting a home using UD can be as easy as changing lighting to reduce glare, installing wall-to-wall carpet, putting up two handrails on staircases or making thresholds smooth. Such changes actually benefit everyone, make living easier and more secure for people of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors. Universal Design sometimes can call for more involved remodeling, like making a barrierfree bathroom with a walk-in tub or roll-in shower. Creating a more accessible kitchen may include appliances at lower heights and cabinets with roll-out shelves and handles rather than knobs. These UD elements are a bigger investment investment but are still less expensive and less disruptive than having to 44
move from home to an assisted living or care facility. Retrofitting a home using UD also can be done gradually as your budget allows and on an “as needed” basis. If you are building a home, you are in a great position to incorporate UD options into your new space such as wider hallways for wheelchairs or walkers, lower light switches, higher electrical outlets and blocks behind walls to accommodate grab bars if they are needed later. The cost of incorporating UD into the design of a new home is minimal, while having UD throughout the house can add great value for resale. Interior designers and homebuilders who are Certified Aging in Place (CAP) specialists can help you decide which Universal Design elements to bring into your current home or to add to your new home’s blueprints.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN RESOURCES The National Aging In Place Council AgeinPlace.org AARP HomeFit Guide AARP.org USC Leonard Davis’ School of Gerontology’s Interactive Website LifetimeHome.org University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access Idea.AP.Buffalo.edu/Home Certified Aging in Place (CAP) Specialist Directory in the National Association of Home Builders NAHB.org
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Universal Design Options That Can Make Life Easier • Lights that turn on when you approach your home • No-glare lights for general lighting and task lighting • Rails on both sides of stairs • Raised electric outlets • Lowered rocker light switches • Programmable thermostats • Remote-controlled lighting, window blinds and other home systems • Drawers instead of cabinets in kitchen • D -shaped cabinet and drawer pulls • Wall-to-wall carpet rather than throw rugs • Wires neatly managed, off floors • Grab bars by toilets and in showers • Elevated toilets • Roll-in showers • Hand-held shower heads on glides
• Non-slip, low-maintenance floors in bathrooms • Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and laundry on one floor • Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer • Raised or lowered dishwasher • Counter-height microwave • Flat cooktop with front controls • Stoves and sinks with open space underneath for someone seated • Separate, comfort-height wall oven • Varied counter heights so cooks can sit or stand • Beveled corners on counters, furniture and walls • Raised, front-load, front-control washer and dryer • 36-inch-wide doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs
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Simplify Possessions for a Manageable Life Downsizing Household Items can Help Prepare You for Your Next Transition Maybe your children are grown and living on their own and you find yourself with more house – and more possessions – than you need or want. Perhaps you want to trade your life in a multi-story house with a basement for one in a retirement community with one level and less upkeep. Or maybe you are thinking of moving to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Reducing the number of household items you own may better suit your needs at this stage in your life and there are many professionals and resources that can help with this transition. Consider Hiring a Professional Sorting through and getting rid of possessions – especially in a home where you’ve lived for many years – can feel daunting particularly if you have a lot of household items of yours and your loved ones. You may benefit from employing the services of professionals who specialize in sorting and organizing, managing paperwork and documentation, selling items through estate sales, coordinating the donation of possessions to charity and arranging packing and moving.
Professional organizers include Senior Move Managers who are members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. The organization has a searchable database of Senior Move Managers at nasmm.org. Tips for Tackling Downsizing Tasks To do some downsizing yourself, start by honestly evaluating what items you need and currently use in your life and think about what you really will need – or won’t – in your next living arrangement. When considering what to do with items, categorize items as those to “keep,” “sell or donate,” “see if a family member wants” or “throw out.” Using color-coded stickers to indicate which category an item falls into or putting items into different designate piles also can help during the sorting process. Because it’s easy to become overwhelmed, pace yourself, enlist the help of friends and loved ones if possible and limit your sorting and purging sessions to no more than two hours at a time. If you have possessions that you think friends and loved ones would like, invite them over to take items for themselves, perhaps at a “downsizing party.” Consider contacting local nonprofit thrift stores and other charities about your donations which may be taxdeductible. Many organizations will come to your home to pick up furniture and other continued on page 48
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
Senior Focused Real Estate Sales
Is Your Home Too Much to Manage? I Help Clients Sell and Downsize
Request a Free Copy!
Downsizing with Heart Written by Jill Hart, SRES
®
, CSA
An introduction to the logistical and emotional considerations of senior moves.
Jill Hart, Realtor®
828.989.7049 | JillHartRealtor.com | HartAndSold@gmail.com
household items that you want to give away as long as they are in good condition. Areas to Start With Your Downsizing Include: •G etting rid of clothing and accessories you haven’t worn in years •P urging collections of books, magazines, CDs, albums, DVDs and VHS tapes •C learing out multiple pieces of furniture, especially ones that are large and bulky •D isposing of unused exercise equipment, tools, kitchen appliances and other devices •W eeding out holiday and other decorations •P assing on keepsakes, old photos and mementos to family members •E mptying off-site storage facilities
• Going through paperwork, digitizing important documents and shredding files that are outdated or no longer needed While the prospect of downsizing may be daunting at first, be encouraged that as an increasing number of older adults adopt a “less is more” lifestyle, there is more help available than ever with transitioning to your next home.
SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST (SRES)
REALTORS® with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation specialize in helping clients 50 and older with relocating, refinancing or selling their home. Learn more by turning to page 50.
Get Help for Your Journey Through Downsizing and Moving If you’re thinking about selling your home and are looking for an agent who’s well-versed in the areas of retirement and downsizing, contact The Steve Cooper Real Estate Team. They have the knowledge needed to better serve mature clients and will find the right buyer at the right price. Creative downsizing answers the questions about what to do first. Freda is an expert guide on handling the excess and will help you move from overwhelmed to excited. A Feeling of Security and Camaraderie Comes When You Work With The Steve Cooper Real Estate Team!
Call Them Today to Get Started. STEVE COOPER, SRES® Your New Favorite REALTOR®
(828) 254-7253
Steve.Cooper@kw.com
FREDA COOPER Creative Downsizing
Overwhelmed? Let Us Take It Off Your Hands! Providing stress-free packing and shipping for all seasons - and transitions - in life. Downsizing or handling a loved one's estate? Let us safely pack and ship your items wherever they need to go.
(828) 712-9722
@FredasTreasureChest CreativeDownsizingbyFreda@gmail.com
224 Thompson St. | Hendersonville Located in the Epic Theaters Shopping Center
Each office owned and operated separately.
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828.693.1700 | MailboxAndPack.com
Aging Resources 2019–2020
HOSPICE HOME STORE Furniture, Art, Books, Antiques, Household, Collectibles, Linens, Clothing and More!
Your purchases and donations help provide trusted care to patients and families.
215 North Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792 Call for More Information or to Schedule a Pickup
828.696.0625
@HospiceHomeStore
AN UPSCALE RESALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Seniors Real Estate Specialists Trust an Expert as You Prepare for Your Next Move To better address the unique needs of home buyers and sellers who are 50 years old and older, some REALTORS® earn the SRES – or Seniors Real Estate Specialist – designation. The SRES designation indicates that a REALTOR® has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50 and older through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved with relocating, refinancing or selling their home. SRES designees recognize that a home is often the largest and most precious asset that older adults have and these certified senior specialists can help with navigating the financial and emotional aspects of selling a long-held family home. REALTORS® with the SRES designation have knowledge about a range of seniorrelated aspects of home ownership including things like managing capital gains and tax implications, how Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security affect real estate decisions for senior citizens, how Universal Design can help seniors stay independent in their homes and how to avoid loan schemes and scams that target older adults.
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SRES designees have specific training and experience related to assisting older adults with real estate transactions, including: • Creating a customized plan to market and sell your property; • Understanding your unique needs and creating a personalized plan to ensure your home meets those needs now and in the future; • Utilizing specialized knowledge in reverse mortgages, 401(k) accounts and IRAs for your real estate transaction; and • Connecting you with a network of movers, attorneys, CPAs, home inspectors and other experts to help you through the process.
MORE ABOUT SRES For more about REALTORS® with the SRES designation visit SRES.org. To find Seniors Real Estate Specialists in your area, visit our resource directory on page 96.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Providing A Superior Level Of Service And Expertise For Sellers And Home Buyers Ages 50+
TS
erri Eisenhauer ignature Properties
By Partnering With A Senior Real Estate Specialist Like Me You’ll Gain The Help And Expertise Of A Realtor® Specialized In Meeting The Needs Of Home Buyers And Sellers Ages 50+
Terri Eisenhauer 828.674.1508 REALTOR®, e-PRO, CNHS, CLHMS, SRES
www.TerriEisenhauer.com AgingResourcesWNC.com
Keller Williams Realty Mountain Partners 404 South Main Street · Hendersonville, NC 28792 EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
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Understanding Different Types of Senior Housing
Residential Options for Elders Vary Based on Individual Needs family homes where residents – typically restricted to people 55 years old or older – live on their own without assistance. Some allow you to buy your unit, some are rent only and some offer a choice of either option.
If you are in the process of searching for senior housing for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand the differences in types of housing available for older adults with varying needs. Choices include independent and assisted living facilities, continuing care communities which are also known as life plan communities, family care homes, and nursing homes which are also known as skilled nursing facilities. You aren’t just looking for a roof over your or your loved one’s head – you are searching for a place that has the facilities, staff and services to meet your needs now and in the future. Understanding the types of housing available, the industry lingo and pertinent state regulations – which vary from service level to service level and state to state – can help ensure you make the right move. Independent Living As the name states, independent living refers to a community of apartments and/or single52
Along with apartments and homes, many of these communities provide amenities such as scheduled social activities, recreational facilities, transportation to and from appointments, housekeeping and laundry services, and full-service dining. Some of these amenities may be included in the facility’s regular monthly fee while others may cost extra. Independent living facilities are not licensed to provide medical care, home care or home health care, but they can invite a licensed provider to offer on-site care and contract individually with residents. As a resident, you can choose to use the on-site provider or a provider of your choice. Independent living facilities also may be called congregate living or retirement communities. Assisted Living Assisted living in North Carolina can refer to state-licensed adult care homes, statelicensed family care homes and non-licensed multi-unit assisted housing with services. Adult care homes, which are defined as having more than seven beds, offer 24-hour continued on page 54 Aging Resources 2019–2020
Change Your View Not Your Lifestyle
www.ArdenwoodsRetire.com (828) 684-7330
Ardenwoods offers an incredible variety of on-site amenities and activities. Our residents enjoy chef-prepared dining, a fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, gardening and woodland nature trails. Other conveniences include a library, salon, spa, and art studio. Additionally, residents have easy access to all the cultural, educational, and social opportunities in the area.
Independent and Assisted Living. Your Choices, Our Priorities.
Keeping Care in Carefree
www.HeatherGlenRetire.com (828) 687-7321
Heather Glen is an active 48-residence community available should your health care needs change. Services are provided in a cozy, non-clinical atmosphere and include round-the-clock assistance with bathing, grooming and dressing, and medication maintenance. Registered nurses partner with physicians, residents, and families for a truly customized approach to short or long-term care.
supervision and assistance to residents. Licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation, they provide meals, housekeeping, personal care services, medication supervision and management and nursing services as needed. Family care homes are also licensed by the state. They have from two to seven beds and offer 24-hour supervision, meals and personal care to residents. They operate as any regular family home does and are not required to have nursing staff. Caregivers live on-site, adding to the family atmosphere and providing residents with a consistency of care not usually achievable in more traditional assisted living facilities. Multi-unit assisted housing with services sites are registered with the state but are not licensed. These facilities are only required to provide housekeeping and one meal a day. All other services — like personal care, extra meals, transportation, activities and medication management — can be charged for individually. These facilities must maintain an agreement with one licensed home-care or hospice-care agency to provide personal care and nursing services to residents on-site. However, residents are always free to choose their own providers. Most of these establishments offer a full schedule of activities on-site and opportunities for off-site events. A few also have special wings for dementia care. Be aware, however, that just because an assisted living facility says it has a memory care unit does not guarantee that the staff is well trained in managing dementia or that state-of-the-art activities are offered. Be sure to ask for staff
training and program specifics and spend some time observing the unit. Assisted living facilities also may be called rest homes or homes for the aged. Whatever name they go by, it is important to know if they are licensed or registered and exactly which services come as part of their standard care and fee and which are charged at an extra cost. Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing Facilities Nursing homes – also known as skilled nursing facilities – also are licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. They offer the highest level of residential care and are the right choice for short-term inpatient rehabilitation for people recuperating from an accident or illness or for those who are chronically ill and need longterm care. In addition to a bed and meals, these homes provide round-the-clock monitoring, personal care, nursing care, rehabilitation, medication management and social-work services. Most also offer a schedule of activities and opportunities for socialization. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or Life Plan Communities Continuing care retirement communities, which are also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, offer all three levels of care – independent living, assisted living and nursing home or skilled nursing – all on one campus. Typically, these communities require a buy-in or entrance fee. For this investment, residents are guaranteed the level of care they need at a regulated rate for life. Most continued on page 56
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
I was sure I’d hate it. Then I met the people at Arbor Terrace of Asheville. At Arbor Terrace of Asheville, we believe that people make a place what it is. Our exceptional staff facilitates a maintenance-free lifestyle, while our friendly residents offer a fun and welcoming environment. Set up a tour of this remarkable community today. (828) 656-0076 | www.at-asheville.com 3199 Sweeten Creek Road | Asheville, NC 28803 AgingResourcesWNC.com
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CCRCs require that residents be able to live independently at the time of buy-in. Buying into a CCRC can simplify financial planning and allows residents to establish peace of mind for everyone in the family. Each community must issue and provide potential residents with a disclosure statement on their financial health. If you or your loved ones are considering a CCRC, it is imperative that you not only understand the terms of your contract but that you also understand the community’s disclosure statement. These contracts usually fall into one of the following categories: • Extensive contracts are full-service contracts that provide for residents to transfer from on-site independent living to on-site assisted living or skilled nursing when needed for an unlimited time and at little to no additional cost. The CCRC bears the majority of the burden of the residents’ long-term care. • Modified contracts obligate the CCRC to provide health-related services for a specified number of days at no additional cost or at a subsidized fee. Thereafter, the financial responsibility for long-term care shifts to the resident. • Fee-for-service contracts give residents guaranteed admission to on-site assisted living or a skilled nursing facility when needed but residents must pay extra for these additional services when used. With this type of contract, the resident bears the full financial burden of additional long-term care needs. • Equity contracts involve a true real estate purchase. Be aware that the health-related services with these contracts differ. 56
• Rental contracts provide for housing, services and guaranteed access to health-related services in exchange for monthly rent and service fee. Typically, as part of these fees, residents are guaranteed healthcare services at a discounted fee for a certain number of days. After that, full rates are charged. Regardless of how well you understand these documents, it may be prudent to take them to an elder law attorney or a CPA who can explain them to you. Careful Evaluation is Key Making a move to senior housing involves research and planning. Do not be shy about asking questions, requesting to dine with a current resident or asking to spend a weekend or up to a week at any community you or your loved ones are considering. The more information you gather about different properties and their services, their policies and rights as a resident, the better choice you or your loved one will make.
ASSISTED LIVING AND SKILLED CARE RATINGS AND REGULATION Check on the licensing, inspections, ratings, penalties and more for assisted living and skilled care facilities at the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation at NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/Index.html. Visit Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare at Medicare.gov/ NursingHomeCompare/Search.html.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
AgingResourcesWNC.com HendersonvilleMagazine.com
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N.C. Senior Housing Regulation For a list of licensed assisted living facilities by county, to check on any violations and penalties and to see their star ratings from the N.C. Division of Health Services Regulation, visit NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/ACLS. To see licensed family care homes listed by county, visit NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/Reports.htm. A list of licensed nursing homes in North Carolina by county can be found at NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/Reports.htm. A Medicare star rating and facility comparison of nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities including those that are part of continuing care retirement communities or life plan communities can be found at Medicare.gov/ NursingHomeCompare.
CCRCs in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Dept. of Insurance, entrance fees for North Carolina CCRCs can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $1 million with a typical entrance
fee ranging from $68,000 to $370,000. NCDOI says monthly fees for CCRCs in North Carolina can range from $1,000 to more than $8,000 but typically fall within the $2,000 to $4,000 per month range. Because CCRCs require a long-term financial investment from residents, they are regulated by the North Carolina Dept. of Insurance. Their skilled-nursing units are licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulations. The N.C. Dept. of Insurance publishes a CCRC reference guide that can be accessed at NCDOI.com/SE/Documents/CCRC/CCRC_ Guide_2019.pdf. In it, you’ll find general information about CCRCs, as well as listings for all licensed CCRCs in North Carolina, complete with their amenities, fees, types of contracts offered and contact information. Other information including a list of licensed facilities in North Carolina and their related disclosure statements can be found at NCDOI. com/SE/Continuing _Care_ Retirement _ Communities.aspx.
NC State Veterans Home of Black Mountain Caring for Those Who Served
Licensed by the State of North Carolina and Approved for Medicare, Medicaid and Third-party Insurance. •P hysical, Occupational, Speech and Aquatic Therapies •M emory Care, 24/7 Nursing Care, Wound Care, Pain Management, Medication Management and Hospice
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• Full-Time Dietician and Nutritious Meals •A ctivity Programs, Meditation Room, Chaplain, Social Work and Volunteer Programs •H ousekeeping, Laundry, Private Rooms, Cable TV, Internet Access and Activities
Call Today to Schedule Your Pre-admission Tour.
(828) 257-6800
62 Lake Eden Road Black Mountain, NC 28711 Governed by the Department of Military & Veteran Affairs
Aging Resources 2019–2020
The Best-Kept Retirement Secret in Henderson County A Christian Independent Retirement Community
Convenient and MOST affordable ... Fletcher Park Inn offers amenities and conveniences you won't find anywhere else. Our 450-acre campus is located in a rural/ residential area of northern Henderson County but it is only ten minutes from the Asheville Airport and extensive shopping and restaurants. Our alcohol/tobacco free campus is right across the street from AdventHealth-Hendersonville, a 103-bed hospital and physicians' office complex. • Daily vegetarian lunch buffet with vegan and meat options; complimentary light soup and bread supper available Monday through Friday
Call to Schedule Your Personal Tour and Lunch
828-209-6930 or 800-249-2882
• Planned activities and excursions; scheduled transportation to shopping, errands and medical appointments • Wireless emergency call system • Aquatics/fitness center across the street • Spacious apartments or villa homes with garages • Ability to stay and age-in-place
AgingResourcesWNC.com
A Christian Independent Retirement Community
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OF YOUR OWN DESIGN.
Medicaid Accepted
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Rehabilitation Care
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Medicare Accepted
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Respite Care
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Life Plan (CCRC)
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On-Site Home Care
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY Arbor Terrace Ardenwoods Brooks-Howell Home Deerfield Retirement Community Givens Highland Farms NC State Veterans Home Pisgah Valley Retirement Trinity View HENDERSON COUNTY Carolina Village Fletcher Park Inn Heritage Hills The Laurels of Hendersonville Legacy at Mills River (Opening 2022) Life Care of Hendersonville MADISON COUNTY Mars Hill Retirement Community POLK COUNTY Tryon Estates
Nursing Care
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Memory Care
Enjoy the Peace of Mind Offered by These Housing Providers
Assisted Living
Independent Living
SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS
Asheville Asheville Asheville Asheville Black Mountain Black Mountain Candler Arden Hendersonville Hendersonville Hendersonville Hendersonville Mills River Hendersonville Mars Hill Columbus
Here, in this sustainably-designed Continuing Care Retirement Community, you’ll be the architect of your own retirement. Our equity model allows every Legacy member to own their home outright. It’s yours to design. Yours to live in. And yours to keep, sell, or pass along to the next generation. With a lifestyle of luxury set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the care you need for a rich, full life, and no waiting list, don’t just plan your life in retirement — own it. TO ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION OR SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR, PLEASE CALL 828.348.7065.
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS LegacyAtMillsRiver.com
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
Trinity View offers amenities and services without the commitment of an entrance fee. AMENITIES INCLUDE: • No Entrance Fee • Pet Friendly • Fine Dining • Transportation • Housekeeping • On-site Clinic
• On & Off Site Activities • Exercise Center with Fitness Instructor • Priority Access to our Assisted Living • 24-Hour Security/Maintenance
828.687.0068 • www.TrinityView.net
2533 Hendersonville Road • Arden, NC 28704 Trinity View is a not-for-profit affiliate of Lutheran Services Carolinas. Trinity View does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, or national origin.
Senior Housing Checklist
What to Look for and Ask when Considering a Move to Senior Housing Thinking about moving to senior housing? Here is a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask and things to consider when evaluating the options for you or a loved one: The Property re the grounds attractive? Is the building A well kept? Are the common areas inviting? I s it handicap accessible? Are hallways and doors wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs?
re your phone calls and emails responded A to promptly?
re handrails in the hallways? Are there A elevators as well as stairs?
I s it easy to reach someone by phone and to leave a message?
Is it well lit?
o staff members know residents and D address them appropriately?
Does it have a pleasant smell? Do you like its layout? Is it easy to find your way around? ow close are amenities like the dining H room and recreational areas to living quarters? I s security on the grounds 24 hours a day, seven days a week? How far is it from where loved ones live? The Staff Are staff present throughout the property? re the front-desk staff friendly on the A phone and in person? 62
I s every staff member at every post – front desk, maintenance, housekeeping, healthcare, dining room – appropriately dressed, pleasant and attentive?
The Residents Are the common areas active? o residents look well and happy and are D they socializing? hen you ask them, what do residents W have to say about life in their community and their satisfaction with food, healthcare and other services? oes the property have a newsletter D or monthly calendar of events in print and/ or by email or online? If so, check out several months’ worth to see if the frequency of and types of activities offered are appealing to you. Aging Resources 2019–2020
The Food hat dining options are available? Is W there more than one dining room? Are complimentary coffee, tea, water and other beverages available throughout the day? Can you carry out meals to go or have them delivered, and if so, is there an extra charge? hat meals does the dining room serve and W how many are included in the monthly fee? Is the dining room full at dinner? hat foods are available every day? Get W sample monthly menus to review. re meals for people with special dietary A requirements available?
Think small small and and Think Think small and
LIVE BIG LIVE BIG
oes the food taste good? Is it presented D with pride? Are portions to your liking? Dine in the dining room at least once. I s there a private dining room if you wish to host a special event? Are special meals offered on holidays? Services and Amenities hat services are available? Laundry? W Housekeeping? Transportation to and from shopping, medical and other appointments, and special events? Wi-Fi? I f transportation is available, how often does it run, how far will they take you and is there an extra charge? re there on-site recreational facilities for A exercise, games and other activities? hat activities are available daily? What W special events are offered? Check out several months of events calendars. Is there an on-site hair salon or barber? continued on next page AgingResourcesWNC.com
Big Advantages to a Small Community Big Advantages to a Small Community Big Advantages to a the Smallvastness Community There’s something about of the
There’s something about the vastness of the mountains that creates a longingthe for something smaller There’s that something vastness smaller of the mountains creates aabout longing for something and more intimate. Nestled in a serene setting just mountains that creates a longing for something smaller and more intimate. Nestled in a serene setting just outside of the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina, and more Nestled in a serene just outside of theintimate. vibrant city of Asheville, Northsetting Carolina, Pisgah Valley is a vibrant right-sized with outside of the city retirement of Asheville,community North Carolina, Pisgah Valley is a right-sized retirement community with bigPisgah advantages. Valley is a right-sized retirement community with big advantages. big advantages. Here the staff and fellow residents not only know each Here the staff and fellow residents not only know each other’s names, getnottoonlyknow and Here the staff andthey fellowreally residents know each other’s names, they really get to know and appreciate one another individuals. greater other’s names, they as really get to This know and appreciate one another asas individuals. This greater appreciate one another individuals. This greater sense of community leads to more frequent and sense leads and senseofofcommunity community leads toincluding to more more frequent frequent in and meaningful social interactions, engaging a meaningful social interactions, including engaging in aa meaningful social interactions, including engaging in range of social and enrichment activities. range ofof social and range social andenrichment enrichmentactivities. activities.
Schedule your personal tour today. Schedule Scheduleyour yourpersonal personaltour tourtoday. today.
828.418.2333 828.418.2333 828.418.2333
PisgahValleyRetirement.com PisgahValleyRetirement.com PisgahValleyRetirement.com
6 Rhododendron Way, Candler, NC 28715 6 RhododendronWay, Way,Candler, Candler,NC NC28715 28715 6 Rhododendron Retirement Living Choices from the Liberty Senior Living family. Retirement Living Choices from Liberty SeniorLiving Livingfamily. family. Retirement Living Choices from thethe Liberty Senior
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I s there newspaper delivery, telephone, TV, cable and Internet availability? re there accommodations for overnight A guests? I s there assistance with WhatsApp, Skype or other video messaging platforms so relatives and friends can visit virtually? Are any religious services offered? Costs and Contracts What exactly is included in the monthly fee? Which utilities and services are extra? When can fees be raised and by how much? What happens if your funds run out? Do you need renters insurance?
hat can result in termination of your W lease or contract? Read your lease or contract and make sure you understand everything in it. If you don’t, consult an attorney. If buying into a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, or life plan community, be sure to receive a contract and financial disclosure. hat are your rights as a resident? Is there W a resident council? What is the grievance procedure? Your Living Space
In Independent Living
What floor plans are available? re pull cords throughout the residence in A case of accident or emergency? Is 24-hour emergency response available?
The Best Kept Secret in Western North Carolina Nestled on 75 beautiful acres, Givens Highland Farms is just minutes from downtown Black Mountain. Our walkable, pet-friendly, Life Plan Community encourages an active and natural lifestyle. Freedom from responsibilities, such as yard work and home maintenance, gives our residents more time to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind restaurants, local breweries, specialty shops and abundance of outdoor activities. We offer a full spectrum of care if ever needed, which adds to a carefree lifestyle.
For more information, and to schedule a visit, call 828-357-3611 givenshighlandfarms.org
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Aging Resources 2019–2020
an you control your own heat and C air conditioning? I s the bathroom walker and wheelchair accessible? Can you open your windows? an you have a washer and dryer in the C apartment and/or is there a common laundry room or on-site laundry service? ho has access to your apartment or home W and under what conditions? I f the campus has assisted living and skilled nursing, how does the transition to a different living arrangement work? an you stay in an apartment overnight or C longer to see how you like it? re pets allowed? If so, are there A restrictions? Is there a place to walk dogs? Is a dog walker available? In Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing
an you lock your windows and doors? C Who else has access to your room and under what conditions? an couples live together in assisted living C and skilled nursing rooms? re rooms private or doubles? If doubles, A can you request a private room and if so, what is the charge?
COME FOR A TOUR Meet dedicated staff members who treat our assisted living residents like family!
MarsHillRetire.com (828) 689-7900
In need of temporary relief from caregiving? We also offer respite care! It’s a great way to try out community living and give your loved one a change of pace in a nicely furnished apartment. Short and long stays are available. (2 week minimum)
re pets allowed? If so, what are the A restrictions? Healthcare Services For Independent Living
I s medical staff on site? If so, what are their hours? continued on next page
AgingResourcesWNC.com
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hat healthcare services – such as W medication management, care during illness and physical therapy – are offered onsite? What is the cost? an you hire home care or home health care C if needed and remain in independent living?
Call to schedule a visit and discover a holistic approach to a joy-filled retirement.
t what point does a resident need to move A from independent living to assisted living and who makes that decision? What are your rights should you disagree? For Assisted Living
I s it a licensed assisted living facility or multi-unit assisted housing with services? hat healthcare and daily-living support W services are available?
Asheville, NC
800-284-1531
deer fieldwnc.org
re services all-inclusive or offered as A levels of care? hat is the staff-to-resident ratio and staff W turnover rate? t what point of care does a resident need A to move from assisted living to skilled nursing and who makes that decision? What are your rights should you disagree?
Mind the light. At Life Care Center of Hendersonville, we believe in instilling hope in the lives of those we interact with. Just as a lighthouse keeper guides and watches over weary ships in the night, we too provide a beacon of hope. And every day that we work - be it morning, afternoon or evening - our marching order is, mind the light. There are people to be saved.
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I s there a dementia care unit? If so, how is staff trained and what special services are offered? What are the daily scheduled activities? For Skilled Care
I s the facility licensed by the state? Does it have any violations? Can you choose your own doctor?
As you progress in your healing journey, our caring team of associates is there every step of the way.
hat healthcare and daily-living support W services are included in the fee? What is extra?
400 Thompson St. | Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 697-4348 LifeCareCenterofHendersonville.com
hat is the staff-to-resident ratio and staff W turnover rate?
Aging Resources 2019–2020
R OU SEE ENTS E M M CO ROVE IMP
Picture yourself at Tryon Estates.
A premier North Carolina retirement community, Tryon Estates offers an active lifestyle and the peace of mind that your nest egg is protected. As an Acts Retirement-Life Community, we provide a continuum of care at prearranged costs. Come discover how you can reimagine your future in the foothills!
(888) 523-8961 AboutActs.com/AgingResources
(888) 523-8961 visitacts.com/AgingResources
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR AND DISCOVER THE EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS WE’VE JUST COMPLETED!
How to Pay for the Care You Need Resources for Figuring Out How to Cover Elder Care Costs Challenged with how to pay for elder care services for you or a loved one? The following online resources can help you figure out how you may be able to cover these costs. LongtermCare.gov Managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this website can help you answer questions about: •T he costs of long-term care. •D isability and health insurance and how they may or may not pay for long-term care. • Long-term care insurance and what it covers, when coverage begins, how to shop for it, where to look for it and what the costs are. • How you may be able to use life insurance to pay for long-term care through Combination (Life/Long-Term Care) Products, Accelerated Death Benefits or ADBs, life settlements or viatical settlements. •H ow to pay privately for services through reverse mortgages, annuities and trusts. Benefits.gov Run by the federal government, this website is a single source of benefit information set up to help citizens understand which federal benefit programs they may be eligible for and how to apply. Based on the answers you provide, the website’s Benefit Finder can generate benefits you may be eligible for, including health and medical cost assistance.
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BenefitsCheckup.org The National Council on Aging online BenefitsCheckUp can help you find federal and state benefit programs that may help your family pay for health care, medications, family caregiver support, respite care and more. NIA.NIH.gov/Health/Paying-Care Through this website, the National Institute on Aging offers options to consider when facing paying for long-term care including: • Personal funds such as personal savings, pensions or other retirement funds, income from investments in stocks and bonds and proceeds from the sale of a home. • Government programs and assistance offered through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare, Medicaid, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACEs), State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Social Security. • Private funding options such as long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, life insurance, annuities and trusts.
More About Medicare Learn more on pages 73 & 75.
Community Resources
Read on page 28 about local councils on aging, area agencies on aging, Veterans Affairs contacts and other resources that might be able to assist with care costs.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Take Precautions to Prevent Being Scammed Tips to Prevent Being the Victim of Scams Targeting Older Adults Access to major funds or credit, the fact that sometimes seniors are isolated and lonely and the perception that elders have reduced cognition are all reasons scam artists view older adults as easy prey. Each year, older Americans lose approximately $3 billion to an ever-growing number of financial scams, according to the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging. But just because you or a loved one may be a target doesn’t mean you or someone you care about has to be a victim. With awareness of the most common scams and having strategies in place, you and your loved one can avoid getting ripped off and help law enforcement agencies shut down these sordid operations. Common Scams Targeting Seniors Senior scams play on our biggest fears and concerns – our health, our finances, our home and the well-being of our families. Scammers enter people’s lives by mail, phone and email, and in person with an unsolicited knock on the door. They often look official and seem trustworthy. Their offers may seem like good ideas – often too good to be true. Some of the most common senior scams include: IRS Scams: People pretend to be Internal Revenue Service employees and ask for payment for back taxes that are supposedly owed. Sweepstake Scams: Fraudsters call or send a flyer saying you have won something. To retrieve 70
your “prize,” they ask you to send a check or give your credit card or bank account number. Medicare/Health Insurance Scams: Someone calls saying they are from Medicare or a health insurance company and asks for confidential, personal information, such as your Social Security number. Social Security Scams: A caller pretends to be with Social Security and attempts to get your Social Security number and other personal information by threatening legal action. Romance or Sweetheart Scams: Through online dating sites and apps, scammers build fake relationships with targets. Once a sense of trust is established, the scammer creates stories to elicit the transfer of funds to pay for made-up expenses such as medical emergencies, airplane or hotel expenses, and other major purchases. Update-Your-Account Scam: An email or text that looks like it is from a company you actually do business with pops into your inbox or comes across your phone and asks you to update your account information, including a credit card or bank account number. Home Repair Scams: Unsolicited, someone knocks on your door saying they can fix an issue with your home or on your grounds at a good price. Utility Imposter Scams: Scammers pretend to be with the electric, water, gas or other utility provider, say there’s an overdue bill Aging Resources 2019–2020
and threaten that services will be turned off if payment isn’t made by providing a bank account number or credit card information. Charity Scams: Someone calls and asks you to donate to a fake charity with a very real sounding name or someone calls and says you previously made a pledge and they are now collecting on it — again, asking for cash, a check or your credit card number. Grandparent Scam: Someone calls and says something like, “Hi, Grandma, it’s me” – not giving a name. The senior then responds with the grandchild’s name and the caller assumes the grandchild’s identity and asks for money. There also are funeral and cemetery scams, discount drug scams, computer tech support fraud, fraudulent anti-aging scams, investment scams, reverse mortgage scams and debt collection scams. The list is long and new scams are created every day. What they all have in common is asking for money directly or asking for personal information they can use to steal your identity and get your money. How to Avoid Being Scammed Be aware that everyone is susceptible and no one is immune. Have your guard up no matter how sharp you think you are and no matter how legitimate something seems. To stay safe, follow these recommendations: •D on’t give credit card numbers, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone or by email. •D on’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the caller.
• Should you find yourself on the phone with a stranger, have a strategy for getting off the phone. Some people feel just hanging up is rude. If that’s the case for you or a loved one, have a strategy that works for you and use it – perhaps by saying that you have something to tend to and need to get off the phone. • Shred your mail and documents before throwing them away. • Lock up your checkbook, account statements and other sensitive personal information when people are going to be in your home. • Check references and credentials of people you are hiring to do work for you. • Consider using direct deposit to prevent benefit checks from being stolen from your mailbox. continued on next page
Financial Crimes Against The Elderly Are Costing Seniors $3 Billion Annually Dyer CPA is experienced in matters including:
• Abuse of Trust
• Falsified Documents
• Asset Conversion
• Misappropriation of Assets
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty •C ourt-Appointed Expert Analysis • Embezzlement
• Missing Funds • Unauthorized Gifting • Unethical Trustee Activities
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been victimized by elder financial abuse, contact Tracy A. Dyer, CPA, CFE at 828-400-2888 or email tracy@dyercpapllc.com.
•N ever answer the door for a person you don’t know. AgingResourcesWNC.com
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• G et an unlisted phone number. Your phone service provider will be glad to help you with this.
TO PREVENT AND REPORT SCAMS
• Make it your strict policy to talk over any financial, charity or spending decisions with a trusted family member or friend before giving out information or money.
Sign up for the free National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
• Never click a link in an email to access or set up an account with a business. Always enter your account through the business’ main website via your own browser and if anything seems questionable, call or visit the business. • Trust your instinct. If your gut feeling is that something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Steps to Take if You Are Scammed If you or your loved one receive what you believe to be a scam phone call, email or mailing, or if you believe a scam artist has knocked on your door, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency. Call your bank and/or credit card company to report what’s happened and cancel any debit or credit cards linked to the compromised accounts. Be sure to reset passwords and personal identification numbers associated with access to those accounts.
Check your credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. Consider putting a “security freeze” on your credit report to restrict access to your credit file, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Find out more by visiting NCDOJ.gov and then clicking “Consumer,” then “Credit & Debt” and then “Freeze Your Credit.” Visit the North Carolina Dept. of Justice at NCDOJ.gov for more tips about avoiding being defrauded under the “Consumer” tab. Contact the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office at 877-5-NO-SCAM. Report a scam and stay up-to-date with what others are seeing in your area by visiting the Better Business Bureau website at BBB.org/ScamTracker/Charlotte.
If you realize you have been a victim of a scam, do not be embarrassed. These scammers are professionals and are very good at what they do. Turn your misfortune into a positive for your community and report the scam so you can help protect others.
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Understanding Medicare Need-to-Know Information for Navigating Your Federal Healthcare Options
The federal health insurance program Medicare is complicated but not impossible to understand. The program does have numerous parts and add-ons, and the details of your selected policy can change from year to year, as can the premium. Medicare offers comprehensive information at Medicare.gov; clear, concise publications you can download or have mailed to you; tollfree numbers for your questions; and Medicare counselors in a town near you who can walk you through the entire process in-person or by phone. But before you make contact, here’s a quick overview of Medicare – what it is, its parts and how those parts work together or not – so you know what specific questions to ask. The Basics Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old or
older. Some people with certain disabilities or diseases qualify for Medicare before they reach 65 years of age. Medicare Parts Medicare is available in four parts – A, B, C, and D – each with its own level of services. Additionally there is Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, which is not Medicare but a private policy that works with your Medicare policy to supplement your healthcare costs. Medicare Part A, in general, covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home-health services. This part is offered through the federal government with no premiums for most American citizens if they or their spouses paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. continued on next page
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Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary services, physician’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, ambulance services and some preventative screenings and services. This part is offered through the federal government and is combined with Part A. Part B does have premiums. Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are offered through private insurance companies and premiums are charged. These companies contract with Medicare to provide Medicare A and B benefits plus benefits and services not covered under A and B. They may offer extra coverage, like vision, hearing, dental or health and wellness programs. Also, many Part C plans offer prescription drug coverage (so if you have your Medicare through Part C, you won’t need Medicare Part D). With Medicare Part C, you typically are part of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), a private fee-for-service plan, a special needs plan, or a Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. It is an add-on to Parts A and B. As with Part C, Part D is offered through private companies approved by Medicare and there is a premium. Be aware that there is a penalty for late enrollment. Supplemental Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap policies, are sold by private insurance companies and are meant to supplement Original Medicare, also known as Parts A 74
and B. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like medical care when you travel outside of the United States. Newer supplemental policies do not include prescription drug coverage. To obtain such coverage, you need to sign up for Medicare Part D or a supplemental plan with drug coverage. Note that if you have Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), it is illegal for a company to sell you a Medigap policy. You will need to choose whether Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a supplemental policy best suits your needs. The Medicare parts you choose are highly specific to your unique situation. One starting point for figuring out what type of Medicare coverage is right for you is the questionnaire at medicare.gov/medicarecoverageoptions. Our Medicare Help section also has resources that can help you make informed choices so you can get the healthcare coverage that best fits your individual needs.
SUPPLEMENTAL MEDIGAP POLICIES IN N.C. There are 11 types of supplemental policies offered in North Carolina – A, B, C, D, F, F Prime, G, K, L , M and N. To find out what is covered by each policy type, visit the N.C. Dept. of Insurance’s Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Database at NCDOI.com/MediSupp.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
MEDICARE HELP Medicare.gov
In Henderson County 828-277-8288 (ask for SHIIP help)
This website offers thorough explanations about the Medicare program, updates on changes and answers to frequently asked questions. It also offers Medicare & You for download to your computer, as an e-book reader or as an audio podcast. You also can request that information be mailed to you on an audio CD or in print form, which is also available in large print and braille formats. Within this reference is everything you need to know about Medicare and supplemental policies, along with easy-to-read charts that allow you to compare and contrast parts, policies and benefits.
Blue Ridge Health 709 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 828-692-4203
800-MEDICARE
Mitchell County Cooperative Extension 10 South Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville
Call this toll-free helpline to speak with someone trained to help you with any Medicare question or issue.
Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) NCDOI.com/SHIIP 855-408-1212 (toll-free) Each county in North Carolina has its own SHIIP counselors specially trained to help you with your Medicare questions. You may speak with them by phone or set an appointment to meet in person. Here is contact information for some of the SHIIP programs in our area:
Council on Aging for Henderson County 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville In Madison County 828-398-7700 (ask for SHIIP help) Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 4646 US 25-70, Marshall In Mitchell County 828-688-4811 (ask for SHIIP help)
In Polk County 828-749-9245 (ask for SHIIP help) Saluda Senior Center 64 Greenville St, Saluda 828-894-0001 The Meeting Place 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus In Rutherford County 828-287-6409 (ask for SHIIP help) Rutherford County Senior Center 193 Callahan Koon Rd. # 132, Spindale
In Buncombe County 828-277-8288 (ask for SHIIP help)
In Transylvania County
Council on Aging of Buncombe County 46 Sheffield Cir., Asheville
Transylvania County Cooperative Extension 106 E. Morgan St., Brevard
In Haywood County 828-356-2800 (ask for SHIIP help) Mountain Projects, Inc./ Senior Resource Center 81 Elmwood Way, Waynseville
AgingResourcesWNC.com
828-884-3109 (ask for SHIIP help)
In Yancey County 828-682-6011 (ask for SHIIP help) Yancey County Committee on Aging 503 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville
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Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind
Create Legal Advance Directives to Help Carry Out Your Medical and Financial Wishes Peace of mind comes with making a plan, especially when it comes to expressing your wishes for your medical care, your finances and your desires about the end of your life and after you die. Legal advance directives are documents that give others the authority and directions to carry out your wishes when you are unable to or when it’s more convenient for someone you trust to do so for you. Four Essential Legal Documents Advance directives are legal tools that ensure a person’s wishes concerning their healthcare and finances are carried out should they become unable to express them. Everyone should have these documents on file no matter what their age. If you are helping your loved one create their advance directives, consider using this as an opportunity to write down your own desires and file your own advance directives. Documents you and your loved one should have include: •A living will; • A healthcare power of attorney; • A will; and • A durable power of attorney. Living wills address end-of-life issues, such as requesting or withholding medical treatments. A healthcare power of attorney is broader and allows the person you appoint, who is also known as a proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable. For instance, if you are in a stable coma, your 76
healthcare proxy could make decisions about your everyday care. Both the living will and the healthcare power of attorney are activated only when a physician declares the patient unable to give consent. A will deals with the division of property and assets after death. The durable power of attorney allows for the appointment of someone you choose to manage financial affairs should you become incapacitated. You decide on the scope of the durable power of attorney and under what conditions it is activated. Durable power of attorney ends at death. The executor of a will, who can be the same person who has durable power of attorney, then takes charge of the estate and financial affairs. Consider Professional Help You don’t have to use an attorney to create advance directives but you may feel more confident doing so. State bar associations and government agencies can often be resources for instructions and forms for living wills and healthcare powers of attorney. In addition, most area hospitals and hospice organizations have forms and are glad to assist you with completing them. Be aware, though, that these directives must be properly executed and witnessed to be valid. continued on page 78 Aging Resources 2019–2020
KNOX LAW HAS A UNIQUE APPROACH TO ELDER LAW WITH COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES For Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Caroline Knox and her team at Knox Law in Hendersonville, the practice of elder law is much more than just finalizing legal documents. Caroline has spent the last two decades practicing elder law in Western North Carolina, and was in the first class (of nine attorneys) of Board Certified Elder Law Specialists in 2009. She specializes in counseling clients about long-term care planning, asset preservation, Medicaid, estate planning, estate and trust administration, special needs trusts, guardianships and more. Knox Law is the only firm in North Carolina offering a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for clients and their families.
HELPING WITH LEGAL MATTERS AND CLIENTS’ DAILY LIVES Since she founded Knox Law in 2018, Caroline’s goal has been to help clients with not only their legal matters but also with issues relating to their well-being and daily lives. She recognized a significant need in the community for a comprehensive approach to assisting aging adults, especially those with no family members nearby.
CARING PROFESSIONALS WITH ‘A FEELING OF FAMILY’ At the request of clients or of the court, Caroline serves as power of attorney or guardian. In this capacity, Knox Law provides a range of services that can include arranging medical appointments, managing health care and household services, paying bills, setting up an emergency contact network, making funeral arrangements and organizing an estate sale. “We’ve built a strong relationship with all kinds of people who work with older folks, and through these connections, we’re able to provide services to our clients that contribute to their peace of mind,” Caroline says. “Everyone here at Knox Law cares, and there’s a feeling of family that carries into the work we do for our clients.”
Her team includes a social worker, geriatric case managers and account specialists. Services include in-home care referrals and management, placement at care facilities, insurance filing, Medicaid applications, asset preservation, bill paying and geriatric case management.
16 Towne Place Drive, Suite 100 | Hendersonville | (828) 513-1600 | cknoxelderlaw.com Based in Henderson County, Knox Law serves clients in all counties west of Charlotte. Caroline coordinates house calls, phone conferences and other meetings with clients. She also can make appointments to meet clients at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville and at the Regus Office Biltmore Park, Building 2B, 28 Schenck Parkway, Suite 200 in Asheville.
Medical or Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) or Physician Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment (POLST) are other types of medical directives. Issued through your healthcare provider as you approach the end of your life, a MOST or a POLST is more detailed than a do not resuscitate or DNR order or a living will. The terminology for these kinds of orders varies from state to state. These types of advance medical orders allow you or your proxy to decide what specific treatments or interventions you wish to have and which you don’t pertaining to your particular condition.
Will and durable power of attorney forms can be downloaded from various sources online as well. However, unless your life is very simple, think twice about executing these documents without the assistance of a lawyer. An attorney can be especially helpful if you have had multiple marriages or have stepchildren, grandchildren, a large estate, a business or other complex life situations. With all advance directives, there is a lot to consider that is unique to you or your loved one and much is riding on the paperwork being properly done. While you can “do it yourself,” talking with a professional is prudent. What Your Directives Should Say The wishes expressed in advance directives are up to the person drafting the document. The downloadable forms contain good prompts to ensure you ask and answer important questions and cover many bases. However, these documents cannot address every situation so in addition to getting your wishes down on paper, make sure that all involved understand the underlying spirit of those wishes as well. A family meeting is a great way to accomplish this. Frank discussions face to face with 78
Typically, they work with your DNR and living will and also can temporarily suspend any conflicting orders. For example, you may have such a directive that instructs your provider to perform a surgery or offer a treatment that your living will might prohibit. You and your physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner fill out these medical orders together and they must be signed by both of you. For more information, ask your physician and visit the North Carolina Medical Society at NCMEDSOC. org/AdvocacyPublic-Health/End-of-Life Resources and the National POLST Paradigm at POLST.org.
all concerned parties allow people to ask questions, sort out possible misunderstandings and come to terms with what their loved one wants. Such a meeting – strengthened by legal documents that reflect the content of the meeting – provides the proxy and other family members with direction and peace of mind when tough decisions may need to be made. Who Should Have the Power? The toughest decision for many when putting these documents together is deciding who should receive their healthcare and durable powers of attorney. The proxy needs to be someone who knows the person and sees his or her life in context. The proxy also should understand the responsibilities and agree to the job. Although a spouse or partner may seem like a natural choice, he or she might not be the best proxy. Typically, spouses and partners are about the same age so issues of aging can present problems. Appointing all children equally is another popular option. However, before making such a decree, consider, based on past experience, if this sibling group can reach consensus on sometimes complicated and tension-filled Aging Resources 2019–2020
decisions. On the other hand, realize that appointing one child as the sole proxy can lead to its own set of problems. If the family dynamic won’t fare well with a group or individual being appointed, consider asking a close family friend or choosing a professional to do the job. Whomever you select, think about that person’s natural strengths and weaknesses. One child or close friend might be great for financial matters while another might be better with healthcare issues. Keep Directives Up-to-Date Situations change over time so you should update all of your directives every five years or more frequently as needed to be sure they still reflect the your circumstances and desires. Once completed, keep a file at home with several copies of all of your advance directives. Share
copies with your agent, alternate agent and health care providers. Do not store them in a safe deposit box because people who need them may not be able to access them. Scan these documents onto your computer for quick reference and so you can send them electronically to any appropriate entity that needs them. Keep an electronic set on your phone, too, and register your advance directives online.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
Instructions and forms for North Carolina living wills and healthcare powers of attorney are available at SOSNC.gov/AHCDR. This site also is home to the N.C. Advance Health Care Directive Registry where you can file up to four different advance directive documents for easy access.
Plant the seed. Grow a Legacy that Inspires.
Contact CFHC today to create your charitable legacy for your lifetime and generations to come. (828) 697-6224 www.CFHCforever.org
AgingResourcesWNC.com
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End-of-Life Planning Benefits Everyone
Outlining Your Final Wishes Helps Both You and Your Loved Ones Most people avoid talking about death and dying and don’t want to think about a time when they’ll be gone. But being clear about your final wishes and making plans for what happens after you pass away can give you and your loved ones great peace of mind. A good time to think about, write down and share what you would like to have happen upon your death is when you are crafting your advance directives. Talking with friends and family members about your final wishes will give you and those who care about you confidence that when you die, your wishes will be carried out. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you start thinking about your end-of-life planning: Healthcare at the End of Your Life • If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, what kind of medical care do you want? Do you want hospice or palliative care providers? If so, what are your goals for such care? • Is there a particular family member or friend you would like involved with your care at the end of your life? • If you are able to choose where you will pass away, do you want to die at home or in a healthcare facility? Are there certain people you would like to visit you before you die? Who would you like to be present with you when you pass away?
Personal Business • Even if you have a will outlining who will inherit your possessions, are there certain items such as photographs, family mementos and other keepsakes that you want particular people to have? • If you have pets, who do you want to take care of them after you die? • How do you want your email, social media and other digital accounts handled after you die? Who do you want to take care of these matters? • Are there certain memories, stories and photos from your life and of your family history that you want to make a written, audio or video record of to preserve prior to your death? Philanthropy and Financial Donations • In addition to your family, is there a particular charity that you desire to donate to? Have you contacted a legal or financial advisor to inquire the best method of planning for your donation? Does your family know of your desired donation? Are you aware of the tax regulations which will be applied to your donation? In addition to listing it in your will, there are many different ways to prepare a philanthropic donation. For example, taking out a life insurance policy with the charity as the beneficiary, setting up a private foundation or beginning to give annually right now might be effective ways for you to plan for your donation. continued on page 82
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peace of mind for
your future.
People are living longer than any time in human history. With longevity come concerns about independent living, decision making, incapacity, quality of life, long term care, and asset preservation. Van Winkle’s Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys are equipped to address these concerns in all aspects of planning, counseling, educating, and advocating for our clients.
ELDER & SPECIAL N EED S L AW
Heather Whitaker Goldstein
Pr actice Areas
• long term care and special needs planning • incapacity and estate planning • trust and estate administration • incompetency and guardianships • trust and estate disputes and controversies
Brian T. Lawler
v w l a w f i r m . c o m 8 2 8 - 2 5 8 - 2 9 9 1 asheville
|
hendersonville
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charlotte
• After you pass, is there an organization you would like to direct friends and family to donate to in lieu of sending flowers? If you have experienced a battle with a specific sickness or disease, would you like to request donations be sent to an association or foundation aiding in relevant research? Or perhaps if a longterm health issue has caused a financial burden on your family, would you like to set up a trust to help your family members in the time following your death? Funeral and Memorial Planning • What do you want done with your body after you die? What are your preferences with regards to cremation, burial, organ donation and donation to science? If you are buried, do you want a grave marker? If you are
cremated, do you have a particular place where you’d like your ashes spread? • Do you want a funeral, memorial service, visitation or celebration of life? If so, where would you prefer these be held? Are there particular readings and music you would like to be shared? Is there a certain person you would like to deliver a eulogy? Are there any religious, military or other special considerations you want taken into account? If you have a casket, do you want it open? • Do you want an obituary and if so, what do you want it to say? Is there a particular photograph you would like used with it? These questions can serve as a starting point for making your end-of-life plans and having conversations about your final wishes with the people who care about you. Through end-of-life planning, you gain peace of mind today and at the time of your death your grieving loved ones are relieved of the additional burden of second-guessing what you may have wanted.
PLANNING RESOURCES
Planning ahead is important.
Wills • Trusts • Estates Real Estate Matters Edward Harrelson Romeo, Harrelson & Coiner, P.A. (828) 698-2345 EdwardHarrelson.com
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Online tools, guides and checklists can be found at TheConversationProject.org and EverPlans.com. Aging Resources has more information about creating your living will, healthcare power of attorney, will and durable power of attorney on page 76.
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Enhancing Life with Palliative and Hospice Care The Comforting Benefits of Both when Navigating Illness When facing a serious illness or life-limiting condition, palliative care and hospice care can provide you or a loved one with relief, a sense of control and enhancement of life in the midst of difficult circumstances. Both palliative care and hospice care focus on the needs of the whole patient, not just someone’s illness. Both have the goal of decreasing symptoms and increasing quality of life, and both help patients and their families live as fully as possible and with dignity in spite of their illness. Palliative Care Palliative care is for patients managing a serious illness. With palliative care, curative treatments continue but with a more holistic approach that takes you and your whole life into account. With palliative care, you get a team of specially trained professionals to help you navigate your life, as well as your illness. A palliative care team typically consists of a medical social worker, some combination of healthcare providers – such as a physician, nurse practitioner and nurses – and perhaps a pharmacist, nutritionist, spiritual counselor and volunteers. Working closely with you and your family, the team helps you or your loved one: • Have a conversation with family members about and document wishes for future health care;
• Develop treatment goals and a lifemanagement plan that reflect your or your loved one’s values, life goals, lifestyle and desires; • Ensure proper pain management and symptom relief is in place; • See that financial issues are addressed and help is found if needed; and • Ensure that family members receive information, support, respite and other needed resources. With palliative care, the patient is always in control. You or your loved one can ask the doctor for a referral to palliative care at any time during a serious illness and palliative care services can be stopped at any time during an illness or when there’s recovery. Hospice Care Hospice care is for an individual with any lifelimiting condition and typically a prognosis of six months or less to live. As with palliative care, hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare and human services professionals. A hospice team works closely with the individual who is ill to achieve many of the same goals as with palliative care. The difference is that hospice patients are no longer seeking curative treatments, but rather are seeking comfort and quality of life. continued on next page
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Hospice care does nothing to hasten death. In fact, people receiving hospice care often live longer than people actively being treated for the same disease. With hospice care: • Services can be received at home, at a care facility, at a hospital or at a hospice house. For those in a hospital or nursing facility, hospice care can often make a move home possible if so desired. • Hospice recipients can continue to see their regular physicians and use prescribed medications. • People under hospice care can go out, have visitors in and do whatever they feel up to doing. • Individuals under hospice care can stop receiving it and resume curative treatment at any time.
A physician’s referral is required for palliative or hospice care. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance may offer benefits for both types of care. Care teams can help look into specifics of an individual’s health care policy to determine what is covered.
MORE ABOUT PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE Visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at NHPCO.org/Patients-and-Caregivers. Find local palliative and hospice care providers on page 38 and in the Aging Resources Directory on page 91.
Every Moment Matters. When a serious illness challenges you, Four Seasons will help you live well and make the most of every moment. (866) 466.9734 FourSeasonsCFL.org
Care Navigation Home Care Palliative Care Hospice Care Grief Services Research Foundation
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The Care You Trust
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Palliative • Hospice • Counseling 828.682.9675 | CompassionateCareWNC.org 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714
AGING RESOUCES DIRECTORY
There is plenty of help for seniors and their caregivers in our area. Below is a list of commonly needed services. For a direct link to all websites for listings in this directory, view the magazine online at AgingResourcesWNC.com. GENERAL INFORMATION Aging Resources Magazine A print and online resource for managing the financial, legal, social, residential, health and medical issues of aging and caregiving. 828-513-3888 | AgingResourcesWNC.com Council on Aging of Buncombe County Local nonprofit advocacy agency that also provides a wide range of services and resources for older adults. 828-277-8288 | COABC.org Council on Aging for Henderson County Provides and coordinates services to keep older adults living independently. Support their mission by donating and shopping at their Etowah and Hendersonville Thrift Stores. 105 King Creek Boulevard, Hendersonville 828-692-4203 COAHC.org SEE PAGE 29 Isothermal Planning & Development Commission Area Agency on Aging Facilitating a comprehensive long-term care system for older adults in the region. Serves Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, and Cleveland Counties. 828-287-2281 | RegioNC.org Land of Sky Regional Council A multi-county, planning and development organization offering volunteer opportunities, aging resources, workforce development, community development services and more. 339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140 Asheville 828-251-6353 | LandofSky.org AGING IN PLACE Aging Projects, Inc. This online resource directory is specially designed to help seniors find screened resources to age in place. 828-776-1390 | AgingProjectsInc.org
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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA Alzheimer’s Association Comprehensive information, care consultations, and online resources—24/7 Helpline. For information call. 800-272-3900 | ALZ.org Western Carolina Chapter 828-398-5780 ALZ.org/NorthCarolina SEE PAGE 21 Dementia Friendly WNC A grassroots organization dedicated to the well-being of people living with dementia and their families through a welcoming and knowledgeable community. 828-348-7261 DementiaFriendlyCommunities@gmail.com DementiaFriendlyWNC.org Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) This state-funded program offers care consultation, information, assistance and referrals to other resources to family caregivers/care partners who care for a loved one with dementia. Services are free to consumers. 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville 828-251-6622 | LandofSky.org/ProjectCare Memory Support Groups Caregiver Support Group The second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 1:30-3:00 pm. This program is for caregivers with loved ones with early stages of dementia. Two groups are run: the caregiver support group and also a discussion group for those with memory loss. Pre-registration is required. Mud Creek Baptist Church 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville Contact Patty at 828-692-1262 ext. 135 or patty@mudcreekchurch.org
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Dementia Alliance of NC Support Groups Committed to offering local support groups throughout the state of North Carolina so that location is never a factor that hinders a caregiver from attending a group session. Visit their website to find a support group in your area. DementiaNC.org/family-services-support/ support-groups Family Caregiver Support Group Third Tuesday each month, 12:00-1:15 pm. First United Methodist Church 204 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville Contact Lisa Kaufman at 828-696-9799 Highland Farms Retirement Community Support Group 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain 2nd* and 4th Tuesday 9:30-11:30 am Contact Mel Kelly at 828-301-0529 or Avant_garden@msn.com. Memory Lane Café Support Group Meets the second Monday of each month, 1:30-3:30 pm. Social gathering with food and fellowship for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families and friends. Mud Creek Baptist Church 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville Contact Patty at 828-692-1262 ext. 135 or patty@mudcreekchurch.org New Hope Presbyterian Church Support Group A support group for caregivers meets every 3rd Tuesday 1:00–2:30 pm concurrently with “Memory Loss Navigators”, a support group for those in the early states of memory loss. Pre-screening required. 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville Contact Nancy Hogan at 828-251-7432 or Mel Kelly, co-facilitator, at 828-301-0529.
AgingResourcesWNC.com
Spouse Support Group Third Tuesday each month, 1:30-3:00 pm. A care receiver program is provided for loved ones. First United Methodist Church 204 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville Contact Lisa Kaufman at 828-696-9799 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Fresh Start Behavioral Health Individualized medication management and group therapy treatment for those 55+ with mental health needs. Positive solution focused. Transylvania Regional Hospital 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard 828-862-6393 TRHospital.org/Support-Services St. Luke’s Hospital Senior Life Solutions (outpatient) and the Center for Behavioral Health (inpatient) offer a multidisciplinary approach to mental health for seniors. 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus 828-894-3311 SaintLukesHospital.com SEE PAGE 3 CAREGIVER SUPPORT Family Caregiver Support Program Land of Sky Regional Council The Family Caregiver Support Program works on a regional level to establish partnerships with caregiver service providers, caregivers, and those who interact with caregivers to leverage resources and improve and expand the available resources / services for caregivers. This program is funded by the Older Americans Act, Title III-E. 828-251-7441 Ruth Price, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Pat Hilgendorf, Caregiver Program Associate LandofSky.org/fcsp.html Mountain Care Adult Day Services – Caregivers Support Groups Third Wednesday each month, 3:00–5:00 pm. No pre-registration required. 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville Contact Donna Nawrocki at 828-277-3399. Mountain Care Adult Day Care Last Thursday each month, 5:30-7:00 pm, 23 Medical Park Drive, Brevard 828-435-2850 | MountainCareServices.org 87
AGING RESOUCES DIRECTORY
Caregivers and Care Receivers Support Group The first group meets every Thursday, 1:30-3:30 pm and is a closed session. A second group accepting new applicants meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 1:30-3:30 pm. Pre-registration is required. Mud Creek Baptist Church 403 Rutledge Road, Hendersonville Contact Patty at 828-692-1262 ext. 135 or patty@mudcreekchurch.org
AGING RESOUCES DIRECTORY
CHARITABLE GIVING
Henderson County
Community Foundation of Henderson County A non-profit providing donors a variety of powerful and personal ways to make a philanthropic impact on their community, now and forever. 401 North Main Street, 3rd Floor, Hendersonville 828-697-6224 CFHCForever.org SEE PAGE 79
Mills River Life Enrichment Center (MRLEC) Senior fellowship with a program and lunch every Thursday. Programs begin at 10:00 am and are held in the Mills River United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Lunch Reservations are required. Please call by 12:00 pm the Tuesday before each program. Mills River United Methodist Church 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River 828-808-5581 | MillsRiverUMC.org
Four Seasons Foundation Use philanthropy as an estate planning tool to make award winning levels of hospice and palliative care possible into the future. 211 North Main Street, Hendersonville 828-513-2440 FourSeasonsFDN.org SEE PAGE 9
Sammy Williams Center Lunch at the Sammy 11:45 am Mon-Fri, activities 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Donation-based lunch, activities and fellowship. 301 North Justice Street, Hendersonville 828-692-3320 COAHC.org/sammy-williams-center
Hospice Home Store When you donate to or purchase an item from the Hospice Home Store, you are supporting the efforts of Four Seasons and providing invaluable support to families facing serious illness. 215 North Main Street, Hendersonville 828-696-0625 HospiceHomeStore.org SEE PAGE 49
Polk County
MemoryCare A non-profit community-based program offering specialized medical care and support for patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. A referral is necessary. 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville 828-771-2219 | MemoryCare.org COMPANIONS Senior Companion Program Senior volunteers provide assistance with daily tasks to other seniors. Land of Sky Regional Council Ann Whisenhunt, Senior Companion Manager 828-251-6622, ext. 1126 Buncombe, Transylvania, Henderson and Madison LandofSky.org CONGREGATE MEALS & MEALS ON WHEELS Buncombe County
Senior Opportunity Center Congregate lunch, Monday-Friday Members have to be 60 years old or more and need to register for meals a week in advance, donations accepted for the meal. 36 Grove Street, Asheville | 828-350-2062 88
The Meeting Place Congregate lunch 11:30, Monday-Friday, activities 10:00-1:00pm. 25 Shield Drive, Green Creek 828-863-2795 | PolkNC.org The Meeting Place Congregate lunch 11:30 am, Monday-Friday, activities 8:30 am-4:00 pm 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001 | PolkNC.org Saluda Senior Center Monday-Friday, home-delivered meals, recreation and education programs 64 Greenville St., Saluda 828-749-9245 | PolkNC.org Transylvania County
Quebec Congregate Meal Site Congregate lunch, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm Quebec Community Center 11846 Rosman Hwy/Hwy 64, Lake Toxaway 828-862-4466 call to register WCCA.net Silvermont “Lunch Plus” Program (WCCA)— Congregate lunch, Mon-Fri 9:30 am-12:00 pm A socialization/nutrition program for Transylvania County residents 60 years old and better that includes daily activities and lunch. Transportation may be available depending on where you live. Preenrollment is required. Silvermont Opportunity Center 364 East Main Street, Brevard 828-884-3166 | WCCA.net
Aging Resources 2019–2020
Mobile Meals Provides free meals to the elderly community (60 years or older) who are homebound in locations where Meals on Wheels doesn’t go in Transylvania County. Donations are accepted. 828-884-2255 | WCCA.net EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTERS Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning Classes, “EdVentures,” brown bag lunches and other learning opportunities for those 50 years of age and better. Blue Ridge Community College 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock 828-694-1740 | BRCLL.com Life@Western Carolina Noncredit Lifelong Learning courses for adults 50+. Topics include history, culture, health, science, geopolitical and legal issues. Biltmore Park, Asheville 828-227-7397 | Life.WCU.edu Osher Lifelong Learning Institute A learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service and research. University of North Carolina-Asheville One University Heights, Asheville 828-251-6140 | OLLIAsheville.com ELDER FRAUD FORENSICS Dyer CPA PLLC Tracy Dyer, CPA, CFE, is a forensic accountant and fraud investigator with Dyer CPA PLLC, and is experienced in matters including abuse of trust, asset conversion, embezzlement, unauthorized gifting and more. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been victimized by elder financial abuse, contact Tracy today. 212 S Grove St., Suite A, Hendersonville 828-400-2888 DyerCPApllc.com SEE PAGE 71
AgingResourcesWNC.com
HEALTH INSURANCE NC SHIIP/SMP A consumer information division of the N.C. Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, and long-term care insurance questions. They also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through NCSMP Program. 1-855-408-1212 NCSHIIP.com SEE PAGE 69 United Healthcare Providing a Dual Special Needs product at no cost to the member if they qualify based on their Medicare and Medicaid status. 1-855-277-4716 UHCCommunityPlan.com/NC SEE INSIDE FRONT COVER
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Mission Health Recognized as one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems, Mission is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of WNC. 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville 828-213-1111 Mission-Health.org SEE PAGE 43 CarePartners PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) PACE promotes the independence of seniors 55+ who want to live at home. A team of professionals coordinate an array of services for each participant. 286 Overlook Road, Asheville 828-213-8442 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43 St. Luke’s Hospital Senior-focused services for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, state-of-the-art orthopedics and rehabilitation and 24/7 ER. 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus 828-894-3311 SaintLukesHospital.com SEE PAGE 3
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Meals on Wheels Hot meals delivered Monday-Friday to homebound adults who are unable to prepare meals. Buncombe County—828-253-5286 Henderson County—828-692-6693 Polk County Columbus—828-894-0001 Green Creek—828-693-2795 Transylvania County Brevard—828-883-3743 Quebec Communities—828-884-2255 MOW@COAHC.org
AGING RESOUCES DIRECTORY
YMCA of Western North Carolina The Y’s Healthy Aging programs help older adults stay active, improve health, and maintain community connections. Build your spirit, mind, and body at the Y. Multiple locations in Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, and Marion 828-251-5909 YMCAWNC.org SEE PAGE 6
CarePartners Home Health For patients who are aging, ill, or recovering from an illness or an injury, we offer the care you need, from nursing to therapy to social work, right in the comfort of your own home. Home Health: 800-627-1533 Private Duty: 828-277-4777 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43
WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Heather Bauer, Fall Prevention Programs Manager 828-450-6698 FallPreventionCoalitionWNC@gmail.com Sites.Google.com/View WNCFallPreventionCoalition/Home
Four Seasons Home Care In-home assistance with personal care, meals, housekeeping, shopping, transportation and more. Available 24/7. 513 North Justice Street, Suite B Hendersonville FourSeasonsHomeCare.org SEE PAGE 84
HEALTH FOOD/GROCERY STORES Hendersonville Community Co-op As an owner operated cooperative, our mission is to provide organic and wholesome, natural foods, supplements and health care products, and to encourage informed choice through education and exceptional service to our customers and community. 60 South Charleston Lane, Hendersonville 828-693-0505 Hendersonville.Coop SEE PAGE 7 HEARING SERVICES Biggert’s Hearing Instruments Established in 2000, Biggert’s licensed audiologists provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and work with you to choose customized hearing aid solutions, including rechargeability and bluetooth wireless connectivity. 303 South Church Street, Hendersonville 828-692-0353 BiggertsHearing.com SEE PAGE 19
Griswold Home Care Dedicated to referring compassionate caregivers who help people stay at home and stay independent. Providing in-home assistance with personal care, medication reminders, shopping, transportation, and more. Hourly or live-in rates. 828-348-0988 GriswoldHomeCare.com/Asheville SEE PAGE 25 Home Carefree Home Carefree comes to your “home” no matter where home is: private residence, independent living, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility. 828-277-1580 HomeCarefree.org SEE PAGE 37
HOME CARE/HOME HEALTH
Kindred at Home (formerly Gentiva) At Kindred at Home, care is defined by clinical expertise and the compassion delivered every day— one patient at a time. 9 Olde Eastwood Village Boulevard, Asheville 828-298-1370 KindredatHome.com SEE PAGE 39
Always Best Care Senior Services Providing in-home personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, household assistance, light housekeeping, companionship, shopping, transportation, recovery care and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Care is available 24/7. 828-676-2939 AlwaysBestCareWNC.com SEE PAGE 35
Pardee Home Health Providing the quality medical care you need in the comfort of your own home. Offering a full range of in-home services. 800 North Justice Street, Hendersonville 828-692-1846 PardeeHospital.org SEE PAGE 15
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Medicare Compare for Home Health Information on and patient survey results for home health agencies by location and ability to compare services offered. Medicare.gov/HomeHealthCompare National Association for Home Care & Hospice Licensing and accreditation information on and a locator for home care and hospice agencies. AgencyLocator.NAHC.org North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation Office: 919-855-3750 Adult Care Licensure: 919-855-3765 For information about inspections, penalty and star rating on Adult Care facilities visit NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/ACLS/Index.html. S HOME/ESTATE & MOVE MANAGEMENT Key Associates Serving trustees, families and individuals to reduce stress through home/estate care and/or divestment, stay at home support or move management for organized and cost-effective transitions. Bonded and insured. Call for free consultation. 828-696-2441 | KeyAssociates.biz Mail, Box & Pack When it comes to downsizing or handling a loved one's estate, you can trust Mail, Box & Pack to safely pack and ship your items wherever they need to go. Call to schedule a free estimate. 224 Thompson Street, Hendersonville 828-693-1700 MailBoxandPack.com SEE PAGE 48 OME MODIFICATION & H ASSISTIVE DEVICES Acorn Stairlifts Every day people regain their independence with an Acorn stairlift. Call for a free, no obligation quote and have your stairlift installed within days. Providing straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts to meet all of your needs. 1-866-873-6574 AcornStairLifts.com SEE PAGE 45 AgingResourcesWNC.com
MobileLife Providing home medical equipment and adaptive mobility access solutions. Visit their showroom to "test ride" a mobility scooter and discuss your mobility and accessibility needs. 73 Airport Road, Arden 828-676-2760 WNCMobileLife.com SEE PAGE 45 HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE Hospice and Palliative Care services are provided in area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or in the home by the organizations listed below. Each also has their own Hospice Care facility when care can’t be provided at home. And each can also assist you with end-of-life planning and advanced directives. For more information about hospice and palliative care, please see the article on page 83 or contact the hospice provider convenient to you. CarePartners Hospice We offer physical, emotional and spiritual support to patients with terminal illnesses. We are dedicated to treating our patients and their loved ones with respect and compassion, and to providing the highest level of comfort and quality of life possible. 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville 828-255-0231 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43 Compassionate Care Western North Carolina Our name is our mission – Compassionate Care for the seriously ill. We are the right choice for patients and families in Western North Carolina who want to experience the best quality of life possible for as long as possible. 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville 828.682.9675 CompassionateCareWNC.org SEE PAGE 85 Four Seasons Independent, non-profit providing national award-winning levels of care to families living with serious illness. 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock 828-692-6178 or 866-466-9734 FourSeasonsCFL.org SEE PAGE 84
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Licensed Home Health/Home Health Providers List of licensed home-health and home-care providers. NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/Data/HHList.pdf
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HOUSING Arbor Terrace Gracious apartments in a lovely setting with many amenities and services for assisted living and memory care. 3199 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 828-681-5533 AT-Asheville.com SEE PAGE 55 Ardenwoods Independent and assisted living in an intimate, close-knit atmosphere. Offering HealthyLife Services program and extraordinary dining. 2400 Appalachian Boulevard, Arden 828-684-7330 ArdenwoodsRetire.com SEE PAGE 53 Brooks-Howell Home Near downtown Asheville, Brooks-Howell offers Independent Living for members of the United Methodist Church. Skilled care, respite care and intermediate care are open to all. It has a stellar clinical staff to resident ratio and a sliding payment scale based on income. 266 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 828-253-6712 Brooks-Howell.org SEE PAGE 41 Carolina Village Henderson County’s only Life Plan Community with a focus on an active, healthy, purpose-driven life and higher levels of care if needed. 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6275 CarolinaVillage.com SEE BACK COVER Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community Life at Deerfield: connecting with your passions, embracing fun, fitness, friendships and being well cared for in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing. 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 828-274-1531 DeerfieldWNC.org SEE PAGE 66 Fletcher Park Inn Independent Retirement living on an alcohol/ tobacco-free campus across from AdventHealth. Daily vegetarian buffet lunch with vegan and meat options. Caring Christian atmosphere. 150 Tulip Trail, Hendersonville 828-209-6930 or 800-249-2882 FletcherParkInn.com SEE PAGE 59 92
Givens Highland Farms Nestled on 75 beautiful acres, just minutes from downtown Black Mountain and a short drive to Asheville, our walkable and pet-friendly Life Plan Community encourages an active and natural lifestyle. 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain 828-357-3611 GivensHighlandFarms.org SEE PAGE 64 Heritage Hills An independent living facility with a dedicated, professional team supporting each resident with dignity and respect through compassionate, personalized care services. 828-698-3866 PacificaSeniorLiving.com SEE PAGE 57 Legacy at Mills River A sustainably-designed Continuing Care Retirement Community in development that will offer an equity ownership model. Members of Legacy at Mills River will hold the deed to their own property, customize their residence, and live in it as they please. 582 Jeffress Road, Mills River 828-696-1554 LegacyAtMillsRiver.com SEE PAGE 60 Mars Hill Retirement Community Offering assisted living and short term respite care, our staff provides a family atmosphere with all the comforts of home. Studio, 1 & 2 bedrooms available. 170 South Main St., Mars Hill 828-689-7900 | Info@MarsHillRetire.com MarsHillRetire.com SEE PAGE 65 NC State Veterans Home Providing around the clock skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services and memory support to North Carolina Veterans. A state of the art facility offering private rooms. 62 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-257-6800 SEE PAGE 58 Pisgah Valley Retirement Licensed continuing care retirement community, independent and assisted living and skilled care. 6 Rhododendron Way, Candler 828-418-2333 PisgahValleyRetirement.com SEE PAGE 63 Aging Resources 2019–2020
LEGAL/ELDER LAW/ESTATE PLANNING. Edward L. Harrelson, Attorney Romeo, Harrelson & Coiner, P.A.
Providing experienced financial and healthcare planning, wills, trusts, estate administration and real property transactions. 136 South King Street, Hendersonville 828-698-2345 EdwardHarrelson.com SEE PAGE 82
Tryon Estates A 215-acre senior community providing the most desirable aspects of retirement living in North Knox Law Approaching elder law holistically by offering Carolina. CCRC offering Acts' Type A Life Contract to residents ages 62 and up in Polk County. help with estate planning, asset preservation, guardianships, fiduciary services, and a wide 617 Laurel Lake Drive, Columbus variety of personal support services. 828-351-7544 16 Towne Place Drive, Suite 100, Hendersonville ACTSRetirement.org SEE PAGE 67 828-513-1600 CKnoxElderLaw.com SEE PAGE 77 Continuing Care Retirement Community Guide Information to assist in the search of a CCRC in Van Winkle Law Firm North Carolina. Developing plans to address the unpredictability NCDOI.com/SE/Documents/CCRC/ of living longer. Powers of attorney, long-term CCRC_Guide_2019.pdf care, Medicaid & VA benefits planning, asset preservation, & estate planning. Medicare Compare for Nursing Homes Asheville & Hendersonville: 828-258-2991 Ratings and services comparison for Nursing Homes. VWLawFirm.com SEE PAGE 81 Medicare.gov/NursingHomeCompare/ Search.html North Carolina Living Will and Healthcare Advance care directives and health-care power of attorney forms and registry. North Carolina Dept. of Health & Human Services SOSNC.gov Inspection results, licensing, ratings, violations, and penalties for adult-care facilities in North Carolina. 919-855-3765 Pisgah Legal Services—Protect Seniors NCDHHS.gov/DHSR/ACLS/Index.html End-of-life planning, advanced directives and other legal services for low-income seniors and LEGACY PRESERVATION their families. Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Madison & Rutherford Counties. Legacies In Ink, LLC 828-253-0406 or 800-489-6144 It is easy to safeguard stories in limited edition, PisgahLegal.org SEE PAGE XX heirloom books custom crafted by Legacies In Ink. Headquartered in Western North Carolina, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSETS Legacies In Ink works with clients throughout the Durable medical equipment available for loan at no cost. United States and around the world. Asheville Buncombe Community 954.856.6646 Christian Ministries (ABCCM) Judith@LegaciesInk.com 117 Coxe Avenue, Asheville (At thrift store) LegaciesInk.com SEE PAGE 5 828-259-5300 | ABCCM.org Medical Loan Closet 1225 Seventh Avenue East, Hendersonville 828-692-9005 | MedicalLoanCloset.org SEE AgingResourcesWNC.com
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Trinity View Amenities and services including housekeeping, fine dining, recreational activities, transportation, and on site physician & clinic without the commitment of an entrance fee. 2533 Hendersonville Road, Arden 828-687-0068 TrinityView.net SEE PAGE 61
AGING RESOUCES DIRECTORY
MEDICARE HELP Medicare For assistance understanding and navigating the Medicare system visit: Medicare.gov S SEE PAGE 73 ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS CarePartners Orthotics & Prosthetics A region leader in providing the finest comprehensive care and assistive devices for people living with amputation, deformity or disability, from infants to the elderly. 1 Doctors Drive, Asheville 828-254-3392 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43 PRIVATE CARE MANAGEMENT Aging Life Care Association Information on selecting and a locator for finding aging life-care experts. CareManager.org REHAB/SKILLED NURSING CarePartners Outpatient Clinics With 8 convenient locations, we see patients with conditions ranging from dizziness to tennis elbow to recovery from a stroke, traumatic injuries to the brain or spine, or amputation. 828-274-6100 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43 CarePartners Rehab Hospital An 80-bed inpatient facility for acute rehabilitation, we offer rehabilitation programs for a multitude of illnesses, injuries and conditions, from stroke to traumatic brain injury to amputation. 68 Sweeten Creek Road, #A, Asheville 828-274-6151 CarePartners.org SEE PAGE 43 Carolina Village Rehabilitation Located within the campus of Carolina Village, the Medical Center is available to the community for short term rehab when space is available. 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6275 ext. 214 CarolinaVillage.com SEE BACK COVER
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The Laurels of Hendersonville Offering therapy 7 days a week by the dedicated in-house therapy staff, their goal is to get you home sooner, safer and stronger. 290 Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-692-6000 LaurelsofHendersonville.com SEE PAGE 27 Life Care Center of Hendersonville Inpatient and outpatient short-term rehabilitation. All insurance accepted. Located on campus of Lake Pointe Landing. 400 Thompson Street, Hendersonville 828-697-4348 LCCA.com/Hendersonville SEE PAGE 66 RESPITE CARE Brooks-Howell Respite Care for 3 to 30 days in a holistic caring environment. Your loved one will receive a personcentered approach to care while benefiting from a private room with views of their landscaped grounds and gardens. Brooks-Howell offers a resident-centric culinary and recreational experience with medical and therapy services available. 266 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 828-253-6712 Brooks-Howell.org SEE PAGE 41 Local Councils on Aging (COA) receive limited funding to provide family caregivers with grants for respite care. Funding can be used for home care, day programs, and overnight respite programs. Contact the COA nearest you for more information and to apply for a grant. Council on Aging for Henderson County Provides and coordinates services to keep older adults living independently. Support their mission by donating and shopping at their Etowah and Hendersonville Thrift Stores. 105 King Creek Boulevard, Hendersonville 828-692-4203 COAHC.org SEE PAGE 29 Council on Aging of Buncombe County 46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville 828-277-8288 | COABC.org
Aging Resources 2019–2020
RN Patient Advocacy NC, PLLC Karen Sanders, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC 40+ years of nursing experience in multiple leader-ship and clinical positions in multiple healthcare settings. Karen helps patients and families negotiate complex healthcare settings and find the holistic care and support they need. 828-778-8882 kcsanderella@gmail.com RNPatientAdvocacyNC.com SAFETY General Safety
NC Silver Alert Program NC Department Public Safety disseminates information and issues alerts about missing seniors. 3320 Garner Road, Building 17, Garner 800-522-5437 | NCDPS.org Smart 9-1-1 - Henderson County Sheriff Online sign up to provide first responders with medical and other important information in advance of an emergency. To sign up, you must register online. The sheriff’s office provides a computer in the lobby for those that want to sign up, but do not have access to a computer at home. 828-697-4596 | Smart911.com Home Management, Errands & Repairs
Seniors Safe at Home Program Council on Aging of Buncombe County Programs include Minor Home Repair, Heat Relief, Call A Ride, and food delivery and food assistance. 46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville 828-277-8288 | COABC.org Telephone Check-In
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Nixle Emergency Alerts Updates residents in real-time for localized emergencies and relevant community advisories. Nixle alerts allow the Sheriff’s Office to send important and valuable public safety and community information directly to residents who subscribe to the free service. Residents can customize their account and decide if the information is delivered via text message, email or over the web. Text the word HENDERSON to 888777 from your mobile phone to sign up or visit Nixle.com
AgingResourcesWNC.com
Henderson County Sheriff Reassurance Program Senior Check-In Program Enrolled seniors call Sheriff’s Office each day to verify their well-being. If call is not received, Sheriff’s Office checks on senior. To see if you are located in an area that is covered by the program or to sign up, call 828-697-4912. HendersonCountyNC.org/Sheriff Transylvania County Sheriff Reassurance Program Sheriff’s office calls enrolled seniors daily to check welfare. Call for application. 828-884-3168 TCSONC.org/Community/Senior-Programs SENIOR CENTERS Buncombe County
Harvest House Community Center – Asheville Parks and Recreation Physical and social activities for adults and seniors. Woodshop, weaving studio, clay studio, mosaic glass, dance and exercise classes, social games, billiard tables, day trips and luncheons. 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 828-350-2051 Senior Opportunity Center A full schedule of activities and senior dining program. Lunch reservations required a week in advance. 36 Grove Street, Asheville 828-350-2062 AshevilleNC.gov/Parks Henderson County
Mills River Life Enrichment Center (MRLEC) Senior fellowship with a program and lunch every Thursday. Mills River United Methodist Church 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River 828-808-5581 | MillsRiverUMC.org Sammy Williams Center A full schedule of activities and classes for seniors, weekdays 9:00 am–1:00 pm. Lunch available for seniors who qualify. 301 North Justice Street, Hendersonville 828-692-3320 COAHC.org/Sammy-Williams-Center
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Polk County
The Meeting Place A safe, comfortable place to meet friends and enjoy activities. 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus 828-894-0001 | PolkNC.org 25 Shield Drive, Green Creek 828-863-2795 PolkCountyMeetingPlace.com | PolkNC.org Saluda Senior Center Open weekdays with classes and activities for seniors. 64 Greenville Street, Saluda 828-749-9245 | PolkNC.org Transylvania County
Jill Hart, REALTOR® Senior focused real estate sales. Uniquely qualified and experienced with helping seniors navigate the home sale process. 1507 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville 828-989-7049 JillHartRealtor.com SEE PAGE 47 Ellen McGuire, Ivestor Jackson Blackstream Asheville Native. Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Would love to help you with your real estate needs. 18 South Pack Square, Asheville 828-551-7027 Ellen@IvestorJacksonBlackstream.com
Silvermont Opportunity Center We Sell WNC Team of Providing services and activities to invigorate and Keller Williams Mountain Partners, SRES enhance the quality of life for adults greater than Whether buying or selling call the professionals at the age of 60 in Transylvania County. Silvermont We Sell WNC. We are here to help you make the Opportunity Center provides a range of services, right decision for you. activities, programs, and opportunities to encourage 404 S. Main Street, Hendersonville active aging and improve the health and well-being 828-772-6437 of our older adults. Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00 pm. WeSellWNC.RealEstate 364 East Main Street, Brevard 828-884-3166 TRANSPORTATION, APPOINTMENTS TCPR.RecDesk.com/Community/ AND ERRANDS Page?PageId=19058 Call-A-Ride Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS Volunteer transportation for eligible Buncombe The Steve Cooper Real Estate Team County seniors who lack access to other forms of Steve Cooper, SRES®, has the knowledge needed to transportation. Transportation is limited to within better serve mature clients with selling their homes. Buncombe County. Freda Cooper is experienced in creative downsizing 828-277-8288 | COABC.org and knows what to do first when preparing to move. Henderson County—Apple Country Transit Contact The Steve Cooper Real Estate Team today Transportation Assistance for any Henderson County to get help for your journey through downsizing resident based on ability. Regularly scheduled and moving. shopping/grocery trips for people 60 and over. Steve Cooper | 828.254.7253 828-698-8571 Steve.Cooper@kw.com WCCA.net/WCCA-Services/ Freda Cooper | 828.712.9722 Apple-County-Transit.html CreativeDownsizingbyFreda@gmail.com SEE PAGE 48
Terri Eisenhauer, Signature Properties, SRES Keller Williams Realty Providing a superior level of service and expertise for sellers and home buyers ages 50+. 828-515-1588 TerriEisenhauer.com SEE PAGE 51
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Polk County—Anyone Can Ride Rides by appointment, as well as regularly scheduled shopping trips. 828-894-8203 PolkNC.org/Departments/Transportation Transylvania County Senior Adult Transportation & Med-Drive Rides to nutrition sites, shopping, recreational centers, and medical appointments. 828-884-3203 TransylvaniaCounty.org/Departments/ Transportation
Aging Resources 2019–2020
feel the compassion of whole-person care.
It’s time to feel your best. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. To be centered. And supported. To feel the power of a world-class health care network coming together to help you take control of your health. It’s time to feel whole. 855-330-9466 AdventHealth.com/PCP
Formerly Park Ridge Health
Formerly Florida Hospital
Village residents choose to remain active in countless activities and programs, including local hikes. These hikers adventured to Pearson’s Falls in Saluda, NC. There, they enjoyed the falls, nature, and – most importantly – each other’s company.
A retirement community that’s all about community. Schedule a tour today.
You’ll feel right at home.
carolinavillage.com
600 Carolina Village Road | Hendersonville | (828) 692-6275