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Shopping for assisted living facilities
Medicaid pay for nursing home care. Those who would be best serviced by assisted living may find they may not qualify for government support, nor may the facilities accept anything other than private payment or longterm care insurance to cover room and board. Other considerations in assisted living facilities are size, specialties, atmosphere, location, and the ability to transition to higher forms of care. Assisted living may fill a void currently, but it’s often not a permanent situation for all, and eventually certain residents may have to move on to skilled care facilities. Potential residents and their families should visit various assisted living facilities to get a feel for what they are like. Speak with the staff and residents, request a meal and get a sense of the environment. Apart from cost, how the home feels is one of the most important factors in shopping around for this type of residence.
Home Health (805) 543-2244 Hospice (805) 540-6020 centralcoasthomehealth.com Your Choice for Local Home Health and Hospice Services • Medical Staff Available 24/7 • Prompt Start of Care • 100% Covered through qualified Medicare benefits • Locally owned & operated Please visit our website to find out more about our specialty programs
Servicing San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, Central Coast Home Health and Hospice provides Physician-directed nursing, rehabilitation, and hospice skilled care in the comfort of your own home.
Central Coast Senior Living | October/November 2020 | 3
As people age, oftentimes their living arrangements need to be adjusted. Needs evolve as children move out or other situations arise. One of the scenarios that may come to pass as a person ages is the need for more specialized help that just isn’t possible at home. When failing physical or mental health affects one’s ability to be independent and live safety at home, moving into an assisted living facility may be the next step. The National Center for Assisted Living indicates assisted living offers the little bit of help some people need when they can no longer manage living alone. Typically these facilities provide assistance with bathing or dressing, medication management and other care, while also catering to people who may not require the aroundthe-clock medical care most often associated with nursing homes. Vetting is an important component of finding assisted living facilities. Family caregivers need to educate themselves about services, costs and other resources provided by assisted living facilities. AARP says assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of services that can include supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. Residents usually have their own apartments or private rooms. Because they are mostly regulated at state level in the United States, there is a lot of variety among these facilities. That means family caregivers need to assess their needs and desires in a facility to find the right one that fits. Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment, and the amenities available vary based on cost. Paying for assisted living differs from paying for nursing homes. Largely government-subsidized health programs like Medicare and
We take the Headache Out of Investment Property Ownership To our valued Owners and Tenants, As the world changes on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis, our commitment to you remains the same. For the safety of our staff and the community, we have set up remote working situations so that we are still able to provide unprecedented levels of service during this time. We are fully staffed during our normal business hours and are here to answer any questions and assuage any fears you may have regarding your property, or your rental agreement, etc. Please dont hesitate to reach out. We will keep in regular communication throughout these uncertain times and rest assured you are in good hands. We are in this together, and will pull through together! Thank you for your continued faith in us, we will not let you down.
Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50
For Your Security and Comfort ...
We are licensed, bonded and insured. All Owner Operatingg and Tenant Security Deposit funds are kept in secure Client Trust ccounts. Our service areas range from San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara County.
We Manage ...
• Single Family Homes; and provide complete, tailored, worry free property management services. • Multi-Family Properties (Apartments / Condos); and fully understand and provide all levels of property management services specifically geared to the nuances of multi-family dwellings. • Commercial, Vacation and Industrial Properties Leasing and Management; implementing and
Here’s What We Do For You... • • • • • • • • • • • •
Offer competitive rates. Carefully screen all prospective tenants based on credit, tenant history and employment. Collect and account for all fees and rents and pay out exactly according to owners’ instructions. Operate a full-time bookkeeping and accounting department. Handle ALL tenant relations. Manage all necessary maintenance and repairs. Pass on all volume cost savings to owners. Provide owners with monthly and year-end statements. Send all required 1099’s to vendors. Deal only with reputable, licensed (Where applicable), bonded and insured maintenance and repair vendors. Perform regular property inspections and provide condition reports to owners. We are licensed, bonded, and insured.
4 | October/November 2020 | Central Coast Senior Living
Why Tenants Love Us
Our state-of-the-art website and accounting program allow us to offer online payment services to our tenants. Tenants have the option to pay with a checking account debit, credit card, or cash at any Seven Eleven store throughout the U.S. Tenants also have access to an online portal to submit maintenance requests at any time, helping us to keep accurate records and follow up on needed work efficiently; which, of course, will maintain the value of your property in the long run
Getting Started with PLUS...
Simply email or call one of our property managers and find out more about how we can create a management program tailored to meet your needs.
Plus Property Management Arroyo Grande/5 Cities
940 Ramona Avenue Suite J Grover Beach, CA 93433 Peggy King, Manager Email: AGoffice@plusmanagement.net 805-473-6565
Santa Maria
421 East Betteravia Street Suite 102 Santa Maria, CA 93454 Linda Kirchhof, Manager Email: SMoffice@plusmanagement.net 805-928-4320
Santa Ynez Valley
1623 Mission Drive #16 Solvang, CA 93463 Chris Obers, Manager Email: cobers@plusmanagement.net 805-688-7747
Lompoc / Santa Barbara
511 N. H Street Suite A Lompoc, CA 93436 Sara Grossini, Manager Email: sgrossini@plusmanagement.net 805-735-2492
Corporate Office
421 E. Betteravia Road, Suite 102 Santa Maria, CA 93454 Lawnae Hunter CRB, Broker/Owner Email: lhunter@plusmanagement.net
In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. • Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. • Begin with low-intensity exercises.
Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. • Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. • Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.
Hearing aids have a long, rich history Today’s hearing aids are remarkable devices that help people who are hard of hearing in myriad ways. These devices are part of a rich history of hearing assistance items that dates back several centuries. According to BeltoneTM, a developer of high-quality hearing solutions that has been in business since 1940, hearing aids can be traced all the way back to 1588, when the author Giovanni Battista first mentioned hearing assistance devices in the book, “Natural Magick.” The devices Battista described were wooden and were carved into the shapes of ears belonging to animals with superior hearing. Whether they worked or not, these rudimentary devices serve as ancestors to the devices people use today. Many people might recognize
the hearing aids used in the 1600s and 1700s. Often referred to as “ear trumpets,” these devices were wide at one end to gather sound and narrow at the other end so amplified sound could be directed into the ear. Perhaps the most notable user of ear trumpets was the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose hearing began to deteriorate by the time he reached his late 20s. By the time of his death in 1827, Beethoven was almost completely deaf. According to the House Providence Hearing Health Centers, the first person to commercially produce ear trumpets was London-based Frederick C. Rein, who began producing the devices in 1800. In 1819, Rein was commissioned to design a special acoustic chair for John VI, the King of Portugal. By the early 1900s, electricity would
change hearing aids forever. Instead of ear trumpets, which shrunk in size over the course of the 1800s, people who were hard of hearing in the early 1900s could now use devices that employed carbon microphones and batteries to electronically amplify sound. These devices, which were worn around the neck, might have been an improvement over ear trumpets, but they were large boxes that contained visible wires. In addition, their batteries typically lasted just a few hours. Miniaturized batteries made these devices considerably less cumbersome. Hearing aids changed again in the 1950s, when the invention of the transistor, a switch with both on and off settings, increased the functionality of hearing aids. Beltone even notes that transistors, perhaps most widely
associated with radios, were used in hearing aids before they were used in radios. Ultimately, transistors were made of silicon, which allowed manufacturers to shrink them even further, allowing users to wear them behind the ear, in the ear shell and then even within the ear canal. Digital technology changed hearing aids once again in the late 20th century, making it possible to amplify, reduce, filter, and direct sound as needed. This customization made it possible for users to alter their hearing aids depending on where they were at a given time. Modern hearing aids are often so small that they go unnoticed. But these devices are part of a rich history dating back several centuries.
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Central Coast Senior Living | October/November 2020 | 5
Trust Your Hearing to a Doctor of Audiology
How to confront the potential onset of memory loss No two individuals are the same, but many men and women encounter
According to the National Institute
or any changes in the way they’re
ones express such concerns, but they
thinking or behaving. Doctors can
should not be ignored.
similar changes as they approach
on Aging, many older adults worry
be invaluable resources for aging
2. Have a conversation.
their golden years. As adults get
about memory loss as they age. The
men and women, offering tips on
The Alzheimer’s Association notes
closer to retirement, their eyeglass
Alzheimer’s Association notes that
how to confront memory loss and
that many people find it helpful to
prescriptions may need to get a little
voicing concerns about memory loss
recommending strategies that can
discuss their concerns with a loved
stronger and their workouts may
can make those worries seem more
improve cognitive function.
one rather than going it alone. Don’t
need to be a little less intense as
real. That fear may compel some
their bodies adjust to the physical
aging men and women to write off
recommends aging adults take a
to figure out how you will approach
challenges of aging.
memory loss as a minor side effect of
three-pronged approach to memory
them in advance.
getting older. And in many instances,
loss the moment they notice
aging don’t affect seniors’ ability
memory loss is not severe and not
any changes in their memory or
with a trusted loved one, ask this
to live independently. However,
indicative of the onset of dementia
behaviors.
person to accompany you when
one common concern for older
or Alzheimer’s disease. However,
1. Assess the situation.
you discuss these concerns with
adults is the potential decline of
the Alzheimer’s Association notes
Start making a list of any changes
your doctor. Having a loved one
their cognitive health, which can
how important it is for aging men
you notice each day. Changes could
accompany you when visiting the
compromise their ability to get
and women to seek support if they
be related to memory, thought
doctor can calm your nerves, and this
through their daily lives without
are concerned about their memory
patterns or behaviors. Note anything
person can serve as a backup who
A reverse mortgage loan could help bring your favorite home improvement project to life.
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can ask the doctor any questions or
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share any concerns you may forget to
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6 | October/November 2020 | Central Coast Senior Living
some form of assistance.
A good assessment also will
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ask or bring up.
and all potential factors that may be
sound like normal aging but you still
behind your concerns. Is something
want to seek more support, don’t
other than aging going on? Family
hesitate to contact another friend or
stress or a recently diagnosed
family member.
medical condition can lead to the
3. Reach out for help.
same issues many people associate
The Alzheimer’s Association is a reliable source of information that can be accessed online at
10 warning signs for Alzheimer’s at
www.alz.org and over the phone at
www.alz.org/10signs. Familiarize
800.272.3900. Individuals also can
yourself with these signs to see how
find local resources by visiting www.
they line up with how you’re feeling.
alz.org/CRF.
Take note of anyone who has NMLS #1688022
After discussing your concerns
If a loved one says your concerns
The Alzheimer’s Association lists
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
delay such conversations, but try
involve careful consideration of any
with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Bob Gayle
805/748-7046
The Alzheimer’s Association
Many individuals are scared to
shared concerns about your memory
confront the potential onset of
loss, thought patterns or behaviors.
memory loss. But no one has to make
It’s not always easy to hear loved
such a journey alone.
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Central Coast Senior Living | October/November 2020 | 7
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Smart ways to embrace retirement
Retirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people.
8 | October/November 2020 | Central Coast Senior Living
Around 10,000 people retire each
retirees change fields and do part-
by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and
time work. Others may volunteer
Medicare (16 percent). Residents
their time without getting paid. Still,
of other countries may be covered
day in the United States, according
some choose to use retirement as
by government standardized health
to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age
an opportunity to spearhead a new
programs. It pays to know the rules
Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something to look forward to even more. How retired are you? Retirement may no longer mean
business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly. Don’t neglect health care Retiring may involve finding health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later
of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into retirement
ministry, and much more. Choose your living space Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one — especially as it pertains to housing. There are options to
dollars. For those Americans who
downsize for empty-nesters or even
will be relying solely on Medicare,
to secure resources to “age in place.”
find a counselor who can spell out
According to United Income, a
the intricacies of the plan, or use the
money management service, retirees
free tool on Medicare.gov.
should try out particular scenarios
See retirement as a beginning,
and locations prior to jumping in.
not an end Quite often soon-to-be retirees
what it once did. Some retirees
in life. The U.S. Census Bureau
focus on the end of a career or the
remove themselves entirely from the
says that employment-based
end of a stage in life without putting
active employment market, while
insurance covered 55.4 percent of the
enough focus on the possibilities
others prefer to keep at least one
population in 2015, the most recent
ahead. This is a prime time to find
toe in the professional water. Some
years for figures, followed
a new social network, travel, join a
Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy. A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.
Natural solutions for going gray with style Gray hair is a natural side effect of aging. The rate at which hair will turn to gray differs based on genetics and other factors. Some people may go gray seemingly overnight, while others may gray at the temples first before the rest of their hair gradually changes color. Aging women often wonder if they should cover up their gray hair or embrace the silver. Going gray is no longer something that has women running to their stylists at the sight of the first gray strand. Some actually opt for silver even before their own gray sets in. According to a 2017 survey of hair trends by L’Or?al Professional, 28 percent of women embraced or considered opting for silver hair. The trend has continued to gain steam. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Helen Mirren were some of the first to embrace their grays. Younger celebrities like Kendall
Jenner, Pink and Lady Gaga have opted for silver tresses to make a statement. But there are still many women who prefer to transition gradually
or avoid the harsh chemicals in some hair products. The National Cancer Institute states that more than 5,000 different chemicals are used in hair dye products, some of
which are reported to be carcinogenic in animals. There are many natural ingredients that can add tint to hair to make gray less visible. Coffee, for example, can cover grays and add dimension to dark tresses. Chamomile tea is recommended for blonds to add natural highlights and perhaps camouflage their grays. Calendula, marigold, rosehips, and hibiscus can deepen red shades or add some subtle red highlights. Henna also is a popular natural method to add a red-orange color to hair. Creating highlights to offset gray hair can work as well. Spraying lemon juice on hair and sitting in the sun can produce lightening effects. Many women are seeking natural options to look their best. Embracing grays or creating subtle tints with natural ingredients can help women feel confident and beautiful.
What makes you happy? Wish you had more time and energy to do the things you enjoy? At Atterdag Village of Solvang we take care of the cooking, cleaning and maintenance so you can do what’s really important....enjoying your retirement!
A Non-profit, Continuing Care Retirement Community Lic# RCFE421700369 COA #152. An equal opportunity provider and employer.
Central Coast Senior Living | October/November 2020 | 9
Atterdag Village offers a Wellness Program designed to help seniors achieve their tness goals and remain independent longer. Our on-site tness expert can get you started in our state-of-the-art tness center or introduce you to our classes for Strength and Balance, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Water Aerobics. Other life enriching activities at Atterdag Village include writing classes, lecture series, painting and craft classes, along with a wide variety of social gatherings and outings just for fun!
10 | October/November 2020 | Central Coast Senior Living
Ways to cut costs during retirement
The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests. Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition
to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction. Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible. • Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month. • Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help
reduce out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. • Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on
specific days or verifying their age when checking out. • Purchase less expensive life insurance. According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs. • Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please. As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.
Modifications can make driving safer for seniors This feature can adjust speed automatically to maintain a consistent space between vehicles. • Adaptive headlights: These headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel. • Pedal extenders: Extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and potential airbag deployment. • Hand controls: Whether one has sensory changes in the feet from surgery or a medical condition, adaptive hand controls can move the “pedals” up to the steering column. • Blind spot warning and other sensors: Today’s cars can be equipped with any number of sensors that can detect oncoming traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items or cars behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle has drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, but may be especially helpful to seniors. • Parking assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space with little input from the driver. • Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control. • Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable, which can prolong their years behind the wheel.
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Jaime Flores
AUTO
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As your local Farmers® agent in Santa Maria, CA, I help customers like you identify the insurance coverage that best fits your needs. This process is straightforward and personalized to help make you smarter about insurance. I have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that’s auto, home, renters, business insurance and more.
Give me a call at (805) 928-4525 and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Jaime Flores - Agency Owner CA Producer LIC 0F75530
Flores Insurance Agency
Office: 805.347.1080
Hablamos Español
Fax 805.928.8602
310 W Main St., Santa Maria
jflores3@farmersagent.com
Central Coast Senior Living | October/November 2020 | 11
Driving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. The ability to travel beyond a neighborhood or even one’s hometown without a chaperone is probably what excites new drivers so much and makes them eager to get their licenses and cars. Senior drivers also may define their independence by their ability to drive. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s the risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devices, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and education association, says roughly 90 percent of seniors don’t take advantage of simple, often inexpensive features that can greatly improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Here are some considerations. • Cushions and seat pads: Cushions do more than just alleviate hip and back pain while sitting. Cushions and pads can raise drivers up and improve their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car as well. • Adaptive cruise control:
Rates available starting at
$3,015* p/month *Terms and Conditions Apply
12 | October/November 2020 | Central Coast Senior Living
Inspired Living Independent & Assisted Living
Memory Care
We want to be a resource for you, no matter what your needs are. Allow us to be the first step in finding a solution that works.
Westmont The Oaks at Nipomo www.theoaksatnipomo.com
Virtual Tours Available! Call (805) 723-9779 for more information. 177 Mary Avenue, Nipomo, CA 93444 RCFE #405809547